06-20-2022, 02:57 PM
(This post was last modified: 06-24-2022, 01:47 PM by dude_man. Edited 3 times in total.)
*****************There has been a scoring update for fantasy, nerfing OL down to 1 point per pancake from 2 and reducing the SA penalty from -5 to -3. This doesn't change the OL rankings, but would change how you value and draft OL compared to other positions.***********************
Hello and welcome to the second annual Simulation Football Writers Guild fantasy rankings! In this article we will be providing some insight, analysis, and honestly some guesswork as to who will be producing in fantasy in S36. We will try to update the rankings a little bit if there are any big moves or roster changes that happen after the rankings go live, but no guarantees there. This season the rankings are brought to you by Pvtpenne, TubaDeus, RussDrivesTheBuss, Slate, Michiganonymous, 124715, and Domffl but if you have any negative comments please direct them towards Russ. Without further ado, let’s get into the rankings.
QUARTERBACK
1. Malcolm Savage![NYS NYS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NYS_thumb.png)
Well he’s done it twice in a row now, so why not a third time? Malcolm Savage, rushing extraordinaire, gets it done both on the ground and in the air. I could very easily see Savage regressing a little bit in passing yards due to the NYS group of weapons weakening or his rushing TDs seeing a slight downtick because his rushing TD rate was off the charts. Even still, his rare combo of passing and rushing production puts him head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. - Penne
2. Wendell Sailor![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
Sporting the best S35 passer rating of 106, Wendell Sailor comes in as our consensus QB2. It’s easy to see why: 4336 passing yards with 68.6% completion percentage and a 36:8 TD:INT ratio is an elite statistical line. Sailor is one of the safest QBs to have in fantasy, though maybe not the sexiest. Sure, the man himself is handsome, but the fantasy output is exactly what you want out of a husband: big enough and consistent. He’s not going to WOW you with huge throws and crazy rushing plays, but he will be a constant 15-19 points every week, which is exactly what I’m looking for out of my QB. - domffl
3. Carter Knight![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
Fresh off finishing S35 as the QB4, it should be no surprise that Knight moves up a spot in our S36 rankings as he continues to ascend the ranks of elite TPE QBs. Knight’s year over year consistency has been absurd; he’s finished each of his three seasons in the ISFL with right around 600 attempts, 4500 yards, and 13 INTs. The one thing that hasn’t been consistent is his TD total…which instead has seen consistent growth, increasing from 25 to 33 to 37. And best of all, his supporting cast remains largely unchanged from last season. This unstoppable force shows no signs of slowing down, and should once again produce elite fantasy numbers. - Tuba
4. Live Laughlove![COL COL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/COL_thumb.png)
Live Laughlove has the great pleasure of commanding the Yeti offense, who historically has leaned very heavily on a high volume passing attack. They ventured away from that slightly last season, having just the 5th most passing attempts in the league, but that didn’t stop LLL from being a top 5 QB for fantasy. The Yeti are in line to be in negative game scripts a lot again in S36 so a high volume passing attack will be on the menu. All it takes is them reverting their game plan back to the S30-S34 style and LLL is a top 2 QB for fantasy purposes. - Penne
5. Kazimir Oles Jr.![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
The Butchers QB finished as the 6th best fantasy QB last season while leading the reigning championships to another NSFCCG appearance. The main question for whether Oles Jr. will beat that performance this season will be how frequently Chicago chooses to pass the ball. Chicago attempted the 6th fewest passes in the league last season, but Oles’s fantasy numbers were boosted by his 37 passing TDs, tied for 2nd in the league with Carter Knight. With Oles Jr. undergoing his first regression this season and young running back Lalu Zohri reaching his prime, it’s unclear what direction the offense will go in, but the upside is very high if Oles Jr. throws the ball more and can maintain his strong efficiency and TD numbers. - Slate
6. Dexter Zaylren![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
Zaylren, like many others on the Honolulu passing offense, was a somewhat disappointing fantasy option last season, with many excited about the prospects of a Manta Raid offense that didn’t quite manifest despite Honolulu’s excellent record and Ultimus winning season. However, he still finished as the 7th best fantasy QB, a perfectly adequate option to pick up at the tail end of the draft. Zaylren has undergone his 2nd regression this offseason and his supporting cast has changed a bit, but overall looks poised to put up another efficient season for a strong team, which makes him a solid fantasy option at the worst. If the Manta Raid can put it all together this season and pop off through the air, Zaylren definitely stands a fair shot at finishing as a top 3-4 fantasy QB. - Slate
7. Gimmy Jaroppolo Jr.![BAL BAL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BAL_thumb.png)
The gunslinger who has my heart, Gimmy Jaroppolo Junior comes in as our consensus QB7. Of all the fantasy analysts, though, I had him the highest in my personal ranks. After finishing the season as the QB2, I think he can absolutely do it again. 4648 passing yards, 103.3 QBR, 62.9% completion rate, and a 49:19 TD:INT ratio. Sure, the TDs will likely regress towards the mean, but so will the INTs. It won’t surprise me in the slightest to see Gimmy J end the season north of 4500 yards and a 40:10 TD ratio, which should put him in the QB 2-4 conversation. If you like high upside when you punt your QB in the fantasy draft, Gimmy J is the guy you want. - domffl
8. Dustin Parmelee![YKW YKW](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/YKWnew_thumb.png)
What do you get when you combine a quarterback who’s almost completely maxed, a pair of serviceable receiver options, and absolutely no viable running backs to speak of? Well, theoretically one of the top half of the QBs in this league, right? What if I told you said quarterback was also last season’s twelfth-ranked QB? Once again, I am higher on the Wraiths signal caller than my peers, because surely this has to be the year that Yellowknife will let loose and just bomb it out. Bernd D. Brot, whose name I believe I’m spelling correctly this time, is blossoming into a solid WR1, and Troy Abed is a big upgrade at WR2 from aging Mark Walker, who I guess is still in the picture, somehow. But there are big-time concerns with Parmelee as a fantasy option. The Wraiths have three bodies in the backfield - veteran Bradley Welch, young fullback Adebayo Akinfenwa, and future bellcow Kumquat Archipelago - and they’re not afraid to lean on them, even though none of those three players is particularly intimidating. Yellowknife has the personnel to bomb it out deep and the defense to support such an offense, but if they go for a more balanced strategy like in years past, Parmelee is toast as a fantasy option. Unless you love to take risks, I’d stay clear. - 124715
9. Tight End Eighty-Two![AUS AUS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/AUS_thumb.png)
TE82 is this year’s QB to watch. They struggled to a QB9 finish last season, but showed flashes of huge potential in the connection with Johnny Patey that made Patey the fantasy WR2. With another year of experience for TE82, Patey, and RB Ozamataz Buckshank, plus the continued presence of veteran pass-catching RB Jim the Vampire, this could be a breakout year for the Copperheads signal-caller. A few things have to fall into place, but the potential is real and TE82 could be a very popular early waiver acquisition. –Michiganonymous
10. Panda McKyle![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
San Jose QB Panda McKyle joins TE82 in the “ones to watch” tier of fantasy QBs. McKyle appears to be capped out at 1056 TPE, 10th out of the 14 ISFL starting QBs, and the SaberCats offense doesn’t have the same quality as some other squads, so the floor might be low. Last year he finished as QB8 in fantasy. But McKyle had the 3rd-most passing attempts and the 4th-highest completion percentage among ISFL QBs in S35; that efficiency just didn’t translate into touchdowns and fantasy points. McKyle is the type of player who’s a better asset for his actual team than he is for your fantasy team, but don’t sleep on him either. –Michiganonymous.
RUNNING BACK
1. Jay Cue Jr.![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
Don’t overthink it. Don’t get Cue-t. Just draft the overall fantasy points leader for the past two consecutive seasons. Although Cue isn’t the most efficient RB in the league, he’s certainly the most used. 414 rushing attempts and 47 receptions for 2,340 all-purpose yards and 20 total TDs. The man is an absolute scoring machine. Regression is just beginning to affect his TPE, but don’t count on him slowing down for at least another two seasons. If you have the first overall pick, don’t overthink it, just draft Jay. - domffl
2. John Huntsman![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
Yeah, Huntsman is starting to enter regression. So what? He’s still among the highest TPE RBs in the league, and is the sole owner of the Sarasota backfield, one of the more elite offenses in the ISFL. The guy hasn’t fallen below 1600 total yards since his rookie season, and has notched at least 1800 yards each of the last three seasons. His lowest TD total in that time was 17. Huntsman offers consistent, reliable, elite production at the all-important RB position. It doesn’t get much better. - Tuba
3. Lonnie Jackson
Following up Huntsman is another victim of regression. And once again, we have to ask the all important question; so what? Lonnie is getting hit pretty hard by the regression demon as a S28 running back, but he’s also basically the entire offense for Philly now that long time starting QB Ryan Negs retired. Who are the Liberty going to lean on; a rookie QB barely over 500 TPE with no weapons above 750 TPE, or a franchise legend running back who has the highest TPE of anyone on the offense? It won’t be efficient. It won’t be pretty. But Lonnie Jackson will put the Philadelphia offense on his back if it kills him. - Tuba
4. Buffalo Hunter![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
Riding off into the sunset goes longtime fantasy darling Cobra Kai, who made his name as a fixture in the fantasy first round largely by having very high TPE and no competition in the Honolulu backfield. In comes former tight end Buffalo Hunter, who - wait for it - has very high TPE and no competition in the Honolulu backfield. Honolulu’s offense is very strong on paper once again this year, with QB Dexter Zaylren fresh off a strong season and WRs Bayley Cowabunga and Sal Ami forming a dangerous duo. But two members of the Hahalua’s all-star receiving corps from last season have switched positions, and even then Honolulu ran a fairly balanced offense. Hunter should have plenty of opportunities in the offense, and his high TPE level should enable him to make the most of them. - 124715
5. Goat Tank Jr.![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
Goat Tank Jr. is a unique weapon in the ISFL. For the past 2 seasons he has essentially split his time between the backfield and out wide. He has come close to 1000 rushing and 1000 receiving yards each in each of the last 2 seasons and I don’t see any reason for that to change in S36. OCO’s WR corps is a little lacking as a group and with Zane Cold and Gus Bus sharing the backfield with GTJ, OCO splitting him out wide more often is a good allocation of their resources. Tank has an extremely high floor, but his ceiling will be determined by his TD opportunities so the sky's the limit if he gets the goal line work for the Otters. - Penne
6/7. Busch Goose/Dante King![BAL BAL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BAL_thumb.png)
It’s difficult to assess the Baltimore RBs separately; neither one is clearly better than the other, and if you combined them into a single player, they would’ve been the best player in fantasy by more than 150 points! Instead, they finished last season as RB6 and RB7, and that’s exactly where we have them ranked heading into S36. They’re Option 1a and 1b in the Hawks offense, and Baltimore does a good job of distributing opportunities equally between them. Check out how similar the S35 statlines were:
Goose: 192 carries, 1053 yards, 7 TDs / 60 catches, 723 yards, 8 TDs / 267.6 fantasy points
King: 223 carries, 1107 yards, 7 TDs / 63 catches, 703 yards, 5 TDs / 253 fantasy points
Goose was the slightly better fantasy RB last season thanks to those receiving TDs, but it could easily have gone the other way. King and Goose are 1st and 6th respectively in current TPE among fantasy RBs, so I favor King this season based on that fact, but fantasy drafters can feel very confident about either player. –Michiganonymous
8. Lalu Zohri![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Speaking of running backs by committee, it’s been a long time since the Chicago Butchers didn’t have multiple capable RBs ready to split carries and confuse fantasy drafters. But regression is undefeated, and Madison Hayes is its next victim. Last season was Hayes’ first ever under 1000 scrimmage yards, and Lalu Muhammad Zohri was the benefactor. Even though Zohri was just RB13 last season, he is poised to take an even more dominant role in Chicago’s backfield this upcoming season. The workload will be heavy for Zohri on the ground, and he’s got RB1 upside if the touchdowns or receiving looks are there. - 124715
9. The Stig![NOLA NOLA](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NOLA_thumb.png)
What do you get when you combine a single-back backfield with a run first team mentality? Well you would think the answer is a stud fantasy RB, but The Stig isn’t quite that just yet and the main reason is a rushing QB siphons away some of those opportunities from the RB group. The Stig was top 5 in rushing attempts and rushing yards last season, but he was amongst the worst in TD%. Just a little bit of positive regression in TDs and The Stig is in line for a career year. - Penne
10. Sam Squanch![COL COL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/COL_thumb.png)
Yeeti no more??? Last season saw Colorado’s lowest passing attempts in a loooong while, which also meant that they were not the team with the fewest rushing attempts in the league for the first time ever in the DDSPF21 era (they did tie with SJS at the bottom in S29). All of this newfound volume to go around meant that the Yeti RB1 was a viable fantasy asset, and Squanch finished as the 8th best RB. Despite all of these positives, Squanch underwent his first round of regression this offseason dropping him to just 581 TPE, and the Yeti roster still has some major issues that mean they will be playing from behind often. Still, as a clear backfield leader on a team that runs an adequate amount of the time, Squanch can be a solid RB2 this season. - Slate
11. Mason Malone![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
Good ol’ reliable Mason Malone finished last season as RB11 and lands at RB11 on this year’s rankings. Despite the addition of DeAndre King, Malone was able to break out as a lead back last season, cracking a thousand yards on the ground. In good news for Malone, the Sabercats may have to lean more heavily on the ground game this year with the departure of Sam the Onion Man, so opportunities for Malone should be plentiful. In bad news, he may have to share more of them with King, who already vultured several touchdowns last season and hurt Malone’s fantasy impact. Malone is a fairly reliable option at RB, but there is enough uncertainty that he falls short of the upper tier of lead backs on this ranking. - 124715
12. GOAT TANK![BER BER](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BER_thumb.png)
The Regression Demon remains undefeated, but do you want to bet against GOAT TANK? Not me thanks, I want to live. Even if he’s more like “Pretty Good” Tank at this point, GOAT will not go gently into that good night, I expect him to be fantasy relevant right up to the very last moment of his storied career. Berlin’s offense has a lot of question marks this season: How quickly can rookie QB Bageshwari Singh get going? Can he develop a connection with FA WR addition Sam the Onion Man? How many carries will Rab TheCrab start siphoning away from Tank Sr. as the season progresses? I know this much: a reliable running game can be any rookie QB’s best friend, and GOAT TANK is the very definition of reliable. He should be at the very least a reliable FLEX on any fantasy team. Death. Taxes. GOAT TANK. –Michiganonymous
13. Jim the Vampire![AUS AUS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/AUS_thumb.png)
Jim the Vampire (JTV) is in his 3rd season of regression so he won’t be the strongest TPE wise. On top of that Ozamataz Buckshank also looks to be threatening his workload. That said, JTV has some upside in the fact that the Copperheads have a history of using either JTV or the recently retired Zoe Watts as a full time WR to bolster their receiving corps. If that happens then JTV has some pretty high upside either as a full time WR or if Buckshank is the WR then JTV will have the backfield to himself. - Penne
14. Michaelangelo McTurtle![NYS NYS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NYS_thumb.png)
With a seemingly IA RB that hasn’t updated since 4/23 according to the Tracker at the time of this writing, the Silverbacks find themselves with a brand-new shiny toy. Michelangelo McTurtle already has a massive 550+ TPE in only 3 seasons of DSFL action. Now that this rookie finds himself with (hopefully) a backfield by himself, Mike McTurtle could see a large workload to start off the year. As a receiving back archetype, he also will be seeing the more valuable opportunities out of the backfield: targets. As the definition of a sleeper pick, I would absolutely keep a sharp eye on Mike McT through the first couple weeks of the season and throw in a waiver request for him if he sees the majority of the work in New York. -domffl
15. Kumquat Archipelago![YKW YKW](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/YKWnew_thumb.png)
The ascendant Archipelago looks poised to take over the Yellowknife backfield from the inactive Bradley Welch this season. K-Arch handled 174 carries last season compared to 217 for Welch, but the two had basically the same yards per carry. While at risk of being vultured by both his Power Back competitor and fullback Akinfenwa, I expect Archipelago should receive a clear majority of the carries in his second season due to his greater activity. How much that activity will translate into fantasy points is an open question on a team that has been much happier to air it out in past seasons, but there is definite upside here that could be worth taking a late round flier on, or keeping in mind as a potential waiver add early in the season. - Slate
16. Ozamataz Buckshank![AUS AUS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/AUS_thumb.png)
Buckshank might be my favorite late-round flex flier in the draft. Although he still has a long ways to go TPE wise, he still has managed to amass over 450 in just 3 seasons playing in the DSFL. But what strikes me as so intriguing about young Buckshank is the team he is playing for. Ozzy will be sharing a backfield with the aging Jim The Vampire who is already in his 3rd season of regression. Already last season, the Copperheads showed that they want to split the load to get some weight off of Jim’s shoulders. Enter a spritely young speed back with an already blazing fast 94 speed. You could do a lot worse than Buckshank at your flex for fantasy this season. - domffl
17. Brandon Prince
Brandon Prince will be on the borderline of FLEX-tier fantasy relevance this season, but his surprise RB10 fantasy finish last season shows he isn’t a player that drafters can afford to forget about either. The Silverbacks are that rare ISFL offense where the QB is actually the primary rushing threat, so Prince’s floor is low, especially after falling below 500 TPE in his latest regression. However, he still outclasses his backfield running mate Lot Smith VIII, who will probably line up as a fullback, and Malcolm Savage probably can’t do everything himself. Draft Prince with cautious optimism as a late FLEX. –Michiganonymous
18. Madison Hayes![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Another victim of the plague known as regression, Madison Hayes sees themself being phased out of the gameplan by a younger speed demon Lalu Zohri now taking the majority of work in the Chicago backfield. Hayes should still see some receiving work, but they won’t be the same powerhouse offensive weapon that they once were. If you’re looking for your RB2 in this range, you probably waited too long. But Hayes should still see the field a decent amount for sharing a backfield with a 1000+ TPE running back. -domffl
19. Rab Thecrab![BER BER](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BER_thumb.png)
Here’s a fact that will probably surprise many of you: Rab Thecrab leads the Berlin backfield in TPE. Having already speedrun his way to 100 Speed, he also outclasses the rest of the backfield in raw big play potential, although his lacking stats in other areas will probably hurt his consistency. If one player is going to take over the majority of Berlin’s carries, I think Mr. Thecrab stands the highest chance of becoming that dominant back, but I think the far more likely case is that it remains very split between all three of their options. There is deep sleeper breakout potential here but I don’t recommend banking your fantasy season on that potential. - Slate
20. Zane Cold![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
Yeah, the Otters already have Goat Tank Jr. and Gus Bus. Yes, both of them frequently step in as the starting running back. Yes, both of them have more TPE than the much younger (and less active) Zane Cold. Despite all this, you know who led Orange County in carries last season? That’s right, Zane Cold. Goat Tank Jr. plays plenty of running back, but he also frequently kicks out wide as a wide receiver in Orange County’s depleted receiving corps. And Gus Bus’ primary role is fullback, while also occasionally filling in as a tight end in various formations. With all the multi-role players, Cold managed to carve out a good chunk of the Otters’ running game for himself. His ceiling is capped pretty hard given the competition for touches (which is why he’s all the way down here), but Orange County runs enough to support respectable flex production for Cold. - Tuba
WIDE RECEIVER
1. Vincent Sharpei Jr.
Sharpei finished just 12 points off the top spot for WRs last season but this year, we think he can make the leap to number 1. The Butchers offense has many great weapons, but Sharpei leads the pack. Oles Jr. is now in regression, but has more than enough juice to be a great QB for a couple more seasons. The target share is always going to be a bit of a guessing game, but Sharpei topped he group in catches with right under 100, so there should be plenty of opportunity. This should be a very safe bet for your WR1, so don't overthink it. The only downside may be TD luck, but there should be plenty to go around. - Russ
2. Johnny Patey![AUS AUS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/AUS_thumb.png)
Patey has had massive improvements in his production each of the past 2 seasons and led the league in receiving yards in S35. He also has the holy trinity of WR fantasy production on his side in that he has a solid QB, he is the bonafide WR1 on his team, and his team should be in plenty of negative game scripts leading to a high volume passing offense. The only downside to Patey is his relatively low TPE compared to other WR1s across the league, but that didn’t stop him in this most previous season. - Penne
3. Nick Kaepercolin Jr.![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
The addition of NKJ to the Sailfish offense last season provided a massive boost to the team, putting up the 2nd most points of any team in the league. Kaep Jr. himself finished as the fantasy WR1 thanks to 14 TDs in addition to his 4th most catches and receiving yards. The reasons to pick NKJ are clear - he was the WR1 last season, remains on a very strong offense, continues to increase in TPE, and has a good QB who is also climbing in TPE. To be honest I think not ranking Kaepercolin Jr at WR1 is overthinking things, but I will be perfectly happy if people let me snap him up in the 2nd round of the draft. - Slate
4. Bern D. Brot![YKW YKW](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/YKWnew_thumb.png)
Yellowknife’s ascendant WR1 finished last season as the 5th best WR in the league, behind the 3 receivers we have listed ahead of him plus the aging Tugg Speedman. It’s therefore not a surprise to find him listed in basically the exact same position after accounting for Speedman’s 4th regression this offseason. There are a few concerns regarding Yellowknife’s decreasing focus on the passing game (did you know they attempted the 3rd fewest pass attempts in the league last season?) as well as the addition of Troy Abed creating a bit more competition for targets. But I think it’s very safe to pencil Brot in as a very high volume WR1 on a competent offense, which provides him a high floor if nothing else. While he might not finish quite this high in the end of season rankings, Brot figures to be a pillar of stability to anchor any fantasy team’s WR corps early. - Slate
T-5. Quinton Crash![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
There is a lot to like about Crash’s game and his situation on top of his top 6 fantasy finish in S35. Each of the past 2 seasons, the Arizona offense has been highly efficient and productive led by the best QB in the league. They aren’t the most voluminous passing attack in the league (mainly because their running game is so damn good too), but when they air it out, they air it out deep to Crash. Crash was top 5 in the league in yards per catch and yards per target while also putting up 12 TDs. I expect absolutely no downticks in the both AZ offense and in Crash’s production profile. You can easily pencil him in as a top 10 WR with plenty of upside to crack the top 5. - Penne
T-5. Luke Quick![BAL BAL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BAL_thumb.png)
It’s almost as if the entire Baltimore offense had a collective breakout season last year, and Quick was no exception. The former first overall pick put up a ridiculously efficient season, including 17.6 yards per catch en route to a WR7 finish. While Quick regresses for the second time this offseason, he’s still on a fairly talented offense, and the retirement of Preston Parker means there won’t be much competition for targets. Baltimore may still lean on the run game heavily as long as Busch Goose and Dante King are both there, but when they throw it’ll be the Luke Quick show. Don’t expect him to replicate the same efficiency from last season, but the total production should be enough to maintain his status as a strong fantasy starter. - 124715
T-5. Cole Maxwell![COL COL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/COL_thumb.png)
To say Cole Maxwell had a disappointing fantasy finish in S35 would be an understatement. Despite a unanimous WR1 ranking by us last season he only finished as the WR11. He was still the WR1 on his own team in terms of catches and yards, but his teammate Bud R. Fingers scored more TDs than him. So why am I back to believing in him? Well, like I mentioned in the LLL section I think the Yeti passing offense has very high upside for fantasy and the team has 1 fewer 1k yard receiver following the retirement of Raphael Delacour. I’m in on Maxwell to be closer to what we expected him to be rather than what he actually was last season. - Penne
8. Tugg Speedman![NYS NYS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NYS_thumb.png)
Does the sim know Tugg Speedman is deep into regression? Perhaps not, as he turned in a vintage performance last season good enough for WR4. Another year older, can he keep it up? Difficult to say. But as long as he can still hit ludicrous speed, he’s a threat to score any time he has the ball. His biggest threat in terms of fantasy production is actually his own run-happy QB. Still, as the WR1 in an offense that could be playing from behind frequently, he’ll have no shortage of opportunities. Just keep one eye on the waiver wire if this turns out to be the year that the wheels finally fall off. —Michiganonymous
9. Kotoni Staggs![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
You might be wondering how Staggs could be so high especially considering he has a teammate ranked even higher than him. It’s simple, Stags was a top 10 WR last season despite being the WR2 on his own team behind Crash. This season he and Crash will be even closer in TPE meaning Staggs has a chance to take over that WR1 mantle. If he does then he could very easily end up being a top 5 WR in the league. Even if he doesn’t, Arizona has an extremely efficient offense and Staggs will see plenty of opportunities to find the end zone. - Penne
10. Sam the Onion Man![BER BER](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BER_thumb.png)
Last season, journeyman Sam the Onion Man finished as the league’s WR14. This year, he’s two regressions in, switching teams this time to catch passes from a rookie quarterback, so obviously his ranking has… increased? Here at the SFWG, we certainly don’t expect Bageshwari Singh to be good. Sam is his WR1, and he’s fine, if not spectacular, at that slot, but other than Sam and TE Gronku Muerto, nobody else on the Berlin offense can make much of a difference on the game. In the backfield, there’s Goat Tank, who is about a season too old to be solid, and Rab Thecrab, who is about a season too young to be solid, and Zayne Dangle is a fine WR2 but not a noteworthy one. All that is to say that if Berlin wants something to happen on offense, it’ll have to be Sam the Onion Man who does it. Add in a holey defense that might put the Fire Salamanders in a lot of unfavorable game situations and it’s not hard to see Sam getting fed. - 124715
11. Jaycee Higgins![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
After a brief hiatus in S35, Higgins is back to being the WR1 in San Jose and while San Jose isn’t the most prolific offense and doesn’t have the best passing game, there will be plenty of opportunity coming Higgins’ way. Onion Man put up a top 15 fantasy finish as the SJS WR1 last season, but with him out of the way and no other WR joining the team, Higgins should have a pretty high target share and opportunity is gold in fantasy. - Penne
12. Saleem Spence![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
While Spence was a bit overdrafted last season as it wasn’t yet clear exactly how much the addition of Kaepercolin Jr. would shake up the Sailfish offense, he still delivered a quality fantasy performance and finished as the #12 WR in S35. While Spence’s target share dropped and he finished with only 86 catches compared to NKJ’s even 100, he was still able to record 12 TDs in the high scoring SAR Raid offense and put up his 4th straight 1,000 yard season. While he has undergone his 2nd regression, he should still be a key player in a high scoring offense and is likely to be a serviceable WR2/Flex option for many fantasy teams, though his upside is capped playing opposite emerging star NKJ. - Slate
13. Troy Abed![YKW YKW](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/YKWnew_thumb.png)
Hasn’t Troy Abed just had the most wacky, up-and-down career? DSFL position switches, ISFL MVPs to veteran castoffs, WR3 to WR1 to on the block. In fact, last year’s WR15 coming in at WR13 this year might be the most normal thing to happen to Abed his entire career, so of course it won’t be that easy. It’s easy to see Abed either vastly exceeding or underperforming expectations, depending on which lens you look at it from. On one hand, if the Wraiths decide to unleash their passing attack, just about all that volume will be split between Abed and Bernd D. Brot (see above) with no true tight end on the roster, no other pass-catchers from the backfield or anything. In this case, Abed may be force fed to a spot well above 13. On the other hand, if Yellowknife continues to trust their young backfield and strong defense to get the ball back, Abed might not get the looks to be a viable fantasy starter. Which Abed will we get? Impossible to say for sure - take your bets! - 124715
14. Sal Ami![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
So maybe the vaunted Honolulu passing attack didn’t quite live up to expectations last season. Looking back, it made sense; the Hahalua boasted a strong running game and elite defense, taking pressure off the passing game, which resulted in much lower than expected volume. Mix in the fact that the Honolulu receiving corps consisted of very evenly matched receivers who frequently rotated roles, and you get disappointing numbers all around. So what makes S36 different? The significant thinning of the competition. Of the Hahalua’s three-headed receiving monster, Bayley Cowabunga suffered from regression and Eleven Kendrick-Watts position swapped to defense. Only Ami remains with untouched TPE in the wide receiver group. This provides the converted tight end with an excellent opportunity to seize an uncontested WR1 role. Even if the offense continues to operate with low volume, the consolidation of wideout talent should benefit Ami’s fantasy production. - Tuba
15. Bud R. Fingers![COL COL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/COL_thumb.png)
Colorado slot receiver Bud R. Fingers finished as the 8th highest scoring fantasy WR last season despite clocking in at just 437 TPE. Despite Colorado lessening their Yeeti ways, the offense they used appeared to focus a ton of targets onto the slot position, and Fingers ran away with the opportunity to the score of 1200 yards and 11 TDs. It seems extremely unsustainable, and Fingers’ role could change as well thanks to Eeeeeeee phenssta replacing Raphael Delacour and shaking up the receiving corps. But if the Yeti offense looks similar to last season, even despite the slightly reduced passing volume it seems like Fingers would be set up well to repeat the unlikely showing. I expect Fingers to be extremely high variance and he could be taken anywhere from the 3rd or 4th round to going undrafted in different groups, but if you’re the type to go for biscuits then he has the potential be a steal later in the draft. - Slate
16. Rejoignez LordreSombre![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Vincent Sharpei Jr. gets the accolades and attention, but Chicago’s WR2 is quietly very, very good. Even after their first battle with regression, RLS remains one of the fastest players in the league, faster in fact than their more-celebrated compatriot. With WR3 Mike Hunt fading fast, RLS could get more opportunities this season, and it certainly helps to have a QB with the quality of Kaz Oles Jr. under center. RLS won’t be a fantasy WR1 playing in the same offense as Sharpei, but they should be rostered in every league as at least a high-end FLEX. –Michiganonymous
17. Rodka Raskolnikov![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
What do you do with Rodka Raskolnikov? Nominally he’s the WR1 in an offense that runs through one of the league’s up-and-coming young QBs, Tron Carter. But somehow that just hasn’t translated into fantasy production, as Rodka finished WR25 last season, barely ahead of the Otters’ WR2 Ken Oath (WR27) despite significantly more TPE. A couple of possible explanations: as a Possession Receiver archetype, Rodka isn’t a rocket-powered YAC monster like most of the top fantasy WRs. In the second place, Orange County loves to put RB Goat Tank Jr. out wide as the WR1, relegating Rodka to being a WR1 doing a WR2’s job half the time. The things that Rodka does well just don’t translate into fantasy points; practically speaking he does great things for the Otters’ offense, but for fantasy purposes he’s a low-end FLEX at best. If Goat Tank Jr. should struggle however, Rodka could rise to fantasy relevance quickly. –Michiganonymous
18. Squidward Tentacles![NOLA NOLA](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NOLA_thumb.png)
Despite New Orleans’ anemic passing offense last season, Squidward Tentacles was still able to finish as the WR15 buoyed by his 2nd best 17.5 average yards per catch, allowing him to convert just 61 catches into over 1000 yards receiving and 8 TDs. With Elessar Jones taking over for the extremely run-focused IsHe… ReallyInvisible, the Second Line passing attack stands a fair shot at improving a bit and although the rookie QB likely won’t turn Squidward into a league winner, he has demonstrated his capacity to produce even in a low-volume offense. - Slate
19. Bayley Cowabunga
Much like Sal Ami above, Cowabunga is poised for a bump in production by virtue of dealing with reduced competition. Instead of having the passing game spread out evenly between three pretty equal receivers, it will now be focused on Ami and Cowabunga, each with established roles. There are several 1-2 punches at receiver throughout the league who are both productive. Honolulu likely will come in a little below the others by virtue of lower passing volume, but the consolidation of wideout talent is sure to focus targets more on the pair of 1200+ TPE receivers. To the benefit of their fantasy owners, of course. - Tuba
20. Escanor Sama![PHI PHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/PHI_thumb.png)
The Liberty enter S36 staring down a likely lost season. Veteran QB Ryan Negs has retired, replaced by a particularly low TPE rookie in Kaguya Shinomiya (who happens to be a capable scrambling QB). Couple this with the fact that the highest TPE player on the entire offense is running back Lonnie Jackson, and it certainly seems as though Philadelphia will post one of the lowest passing rates in the league. Obviously, none of this is great news for Sama, who himself isn’t exactly an elite earning receiver. However, Sama is the clear WR1 for this offense, so on the rare occasion the Liberty attempt a pass, it’s likely going Sama’s way. The upside here is limited, but it does exist. Which at this point is about all you can ask for. - Tuba
TIGHT END
1. Lenard Graf
Well, it would appear the age of “tight ends playing wide receiver” has come to an end. That means no more cheat codes that greatly outperform the rest of the options at tight end. So, we’re forced to go back to the old method; find a team with a high TPE TE and no WR depth. Baltimore runs the ball far more than you’d like to see for a fantasy tight end, but they also currently only have one wideout on the roster. Graf has an excellent opportunity to capitalize on the lack of depth, and represents our best chance of having the elite production of a tight end playing wideout. - Tuba
2. Deshawn Penne![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
Penne is in line for another productive season for the Sabercats after finishing top 3 at the position in each of the last 2 seasons. Penne should command more targets after another full season of TPE gains and SJS losing their top weapon from last season in Sam the Onion Man to Berlin. TE looks to be pretty thin so Penne should be valuable in fantasy in S36. - Penne
3. Lucius Salem![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
It was a strong rookie campaign for Salem last season in the dynamic Sarasota offense, netting the former WR a TE4 finish. But now last seasons’ TE1 has switched out and Salem’s fantasy value should remain roughly constant. There’s still the killer duo of Saleem Spence and Nick Kaepercolin Jr. to fight for targets with, but Spence and superstar RB John Huntsman both regressed while Salem packed on another year of TPE. Despite putting up more than 800 yards last season, Salem only caught 4 TDs. A little bit more luck in the endzone, and Salem owners could be in for a pleasant surprise. - 124715
4. Rex Crenshaw![NOLA NOLA](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NOLA_thumb.png)
While Crenshaw szn didn’t quite manifest in S35 thanks to NOLA’s league-worst passing game, the Second Line TE was still able to finish a not absolutely disappointing 7th in fantasy points among TEs. As Elessar Jones takes over as New Orleans’ rookie QB, there are some promising signs to look at for Crenshaw truthers. He was only 3 catches behind New Orleans’s WR1 Squidward Tentacles, meaning he could capitalize on an increase in passing volume. He also recorded 6 TDs, tied for 3rd best among TEs. If Elessar Jones allows New Orleans to throw the ball a lot more, Crenshaw definitely stands to benefit among the most, but his season performance depends a lot on that unknown. - Slate
5. Herc Kirkby![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
Last season Kirkby had no problem producing in the pass game, coming up 1 yard shy of 700. What held him back was a lack of touchdowns, only grabbing 2. This season, the AZ pass attack should be pretty similar, if not a little better and Kikby could possibly grab a couple more TDs. However, what holds him back from being higher in our rankings is the fact that the AZ offense does flow through Cue Jr. Regardless, he should be a safe option if the top 2-3 options aren't available. - Russ
6. Molki Koivu![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
ISFL tight end is an absolutely cursed fantasy position, with 6 TEs needing to be drafted in each league and only 3 or 4 having a clear path to fantasy relevance in any given year. It makes draft strategy challenging; do you go for one of the good TEs early and take a hit at, say, RB2? The bold might try to use their FLEX spot to hoard two top 2 TEs, although from personal experience I don’t recommend this. The upshot is, if you wait on TE, you’ll have to draft for opportunity, and from that perspective Koivu is as good an option as any. The Otters offense is light on weapons, but they have a QB in Tron Carter who’s hitting his peak, and Koivu is in an ideal spot to seize the #3 role in that offense behind Goat Tank Jr. and Rodka Raskolnikov. He lacks the Vertical Threat archetype that tends to do better in fantasy leagues, but Possession TEs make good red zone targets, so he should catch some TD passes. Don’t be afraid to cut bait and hit the waiver wire early if the Otters don’t utilize him to his full potential in the passing game. Then again, the fantasy wasteland that is the TE waiver wire isn’t likely to have anything better for you, so… good luck? –Michiganonymous
7. Nacho Macho Man![NYS NYS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NYS_thumb.png)
Simply looking at the NYS depth chart might scare you away from Nacho Macho Man because they have another TE with similar TPE on the roster. Wilkinson is inactive and New York proved in S35 that they were willing to hand over the TE1 spot to Nacho. Even though he only finished as the TE9 last season, I expect Nacho to improve on that finish since Malcolm Savage is improving and some of the top 8 TEs from last season either are regressing, have retired, or have changed position. - Penne
8. Deffo not Leroy Leroy![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
Leroy is an unknown quantity, having just recently switched to TE and slotting in behind Buffalo Hunter as Honolulu’s TE2 last season, light years away from fantasy relevance. Honolulu also seems to be moving their offense away from the “TE-as-WR1” model that served Sal Ami so well in seasons past, so it’s unclear what the opportunities will be like even with him now taking over as TE1. Probably not a player who should be drafted initially, but Buffalo Hunter did score 12 TDs at TE last year in a season split between PHI and HON. Recall that Hunter has almost 3x the TPE that Leroy does, but in this high-powered offense, Leroy could still be a breakout candidate. —Michiganonymous
9. Nick L. Back![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Back put in a solid amount of TDs last year which drove his numbers up a little. CHI doesn't typically target him too much because they have many mouths to feed in the passing game, and that hasn't changed this season. Because TDs are mostly luck driven, I believe Back will most likely regress a little bit in that area and stay around the same as far as yardage. Not a great option, but if you believe in the Butchers or have some insider info, you can take a shot on him in the last rounds. - Russ
10. Gronku Muerto
If you look up the definition of “crapshoot” in the dictionary, you will see a picture of the Fire Salamanders’ S36 offense. The unit features a legendary running back who is barely hanging on to relevance, a fresh face running back who has yet to cross the 500 TPE threshold, several mid-low tier receivers and tight ends who utterly fail to establish dominance, and a rookie QB to spread the ball between them. So why pick Muerto? Well, the defense is hardly any better, and the offense does have a bit more talent in the passing game than running game. With talent pointing toward a pass-heavy approach along with a defense that will likely cede early leads frequently, Berlin will likely find itself passing more often than we’re used to seeing. All it takes is a little bit of luck for the tight end with decent TPE to start seeing targets. - Tuba
11. American Boot![PHI PHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/PHI_thumb.png)
American Boot is a complete unknown, a S35 create who’ll be joining the league as a rookie with under 450 TPE to start the season. He’ll also have a rookie QB, following the retirement of Ryan Negs. Still, TE is a position desperate for more fantasy-relevant players, and the recent examples of Borgo San Lorenzo and Buffalo Hunter enjoying fantasy success in Philadelphia make Boot a player worth at least keeping an eye on. A name to know for the future, perhaps. –Michiganonymous
OFFENSIVE LINE
1. Stumpy Jones
I got all the metaphorical side-eye when I took Stumpy Jones in the 3rd round of my fantasy draft last season, but after winning my group and finishing in the Top 10 Overall, I can now say it was a decision that I had complete confidence in and never second-guessed even once. (I’d be lying, but I could say that.) It’s impossible to say if doing something similar will pay off as well this season, but it’s worth considering, because the Stump is just plain unique among OL. Even after regression, he leads all OL in TPE with almost 1100, and then there’s the stats. He averages 114 pancakes for his career, 120 if his outlier rookie season is discarded. Apart from that rookie year his lowest season total has been 106. He’s been a top 5 OL in 5 out of his 8 seasons in the league, and he’s coming off back-to-back years leading the league in pancakes with 135+. Incredibly, he’s allowed just 1 sack in six years.
Important caveat: fantasy leadership has decided to revert to a scoring system last used in S27, where pancakes generate fantasy points for all positions, and this could be a serious hit to the relative value of a top fantasy OL. If anyone can overcome that, though, it’s Stumpy Jones. The question with him is less “will he be the top OL,” and more, “what is the aggregate value of the top fantasy OL.” That question, fantasy drafters will have to decide for themselves. –Michiganonymous
T-2. Theo Awardssystemisbad![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Theo had a bit of a breakout last season, as his switch from interior OL to tackle led him to post a career high 106 pancakes while allowing only 1 sack, helping him finish as the 4th highest scoring OL in fantasy. His situation changes yet again this offseason as he moves within the NSFC from Baltimore to Chicago, but if he claims a lot of his unclaimed TPE this offseason he should jump up the human OL TPE leaderboards. While he might be a bit riskier of a pick than the higher TPE T’Chawama, he has high upside as he continues to develop and might have found a good OL situation in the Butchers.
T-2. Beniri T’Chawama![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
They might call him Benchwarmer, but T’Chawama’s actual job is to be on the field keeping the heat off of HON QB Dexter Zaylren, and he’s pretty dang good at it. As an active S31 create, he’s over 1000 TPE with his best years still ahead of him; in fact, only Stumpy Jones has more TPE among OL. He’s oddly prone to allowing sacks, charged with at least one sack allowed in each of his four seasons, but with recent improvements this could be the season where that changes. No OL is a fantasy asset on the same level as Stumpy Jones yet, but T’chwama is next in line for the top spot. He’s a lock for 100+ pancakes as a draft-and-forget fantasy option. —Michiganonymous
4. Jaja Ding Dong![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
Ding Dong is one of the elder statesman of the position, and with that comes a hefty regression. He should however be able to remain a top option as hIs Experience and position skill will remain quite high. Last season he only allowed 2 sacks, and there shouldn't be much reason to expect him to do any worse than that. I suspect he's good for another 100+ pancake season as well, so should be a safe OL pick for your team. - Russ
5. Swantavius Payne
Swanty is on a mission for pancakes. His goal with this player is to set the career pancakes record, and he’s off to a promising start with 105 pancakes in his rookie season for the Liberty. He finished as the 5th highest ranking fantasy OL last season. With Philly not figuring to be major playoff contenders as they transition to post-Negs life this season, Swanty’s GMs have plenty of incentive to try and maximize his pancakes which converts directly into maximizing his fantasy points. I see a repeat of his OL5 performance last season as a floor, and could definitely see him improve upon that to finish as a top 3 fantasy OL in just his second season. - Slate
6. Bernie Sanders![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
While most of the big name offensive linemen are entering regression, Sanders is still young and chugging along. He is one of the higher TPE linemen in the league right now, and plays tackle for the elite Arizona offense. Offensive line production is difficult to project with any real accuracy, but those are the two things that seem to matter the most. Last year’s OL7 should continue to improve with experience. - Tuba
7. Dallas Fort-Worth
DFW is an interesting prospect because last season he ended with the 5th highest total pancakes. But he had a rough time keeping his QB upright, allowing 6 sacks. If he can rein those in, DFW could be a fine pick for your OL. Most likely someone you could draft late, or keep an eye on for waiver wire. If he pucks up a couple SA's early, you may need to abandon ship. - Russ
8. Manhattan Project![COL COL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/COL_thumb.png)
Project has to be one of the most consistent OL in the ISFL, especially for fantasy. He is the epitome of high floor low ceiling when it comes to fantasy production. You can book him for 85-100 pancakes and no more than a single sack allowed. Now while that isn’t the best, you can rest assured if you draft Project you won’t have to spend a waiver pickup on OL because he will pan out. - Penne
9. Michael Carimi![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
I appear to be much higher on Carimi’s prospects than my compatriots. Yes, he did just finish as the OL9 last season, which is very disappointing for a decent TPE tackle on a good offense like Chicago. However, OL production is highly variable year to year, and Carimi is still among the higher TPE tackles in the league. The arrival of Theo AwardsSystemIsBad shouldn’t affect Carimi as much as everyone seems to think, either. Why would the arrival of a less experienced, lower TPE lineman kill Carimi’s value? He may not be a set and forget option, but he has upside. - Tuba
10. Chevvy Bronko![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
Chevvy Bronko won’t be able to play LT for the Sabercats which is a big hindrance on his fantasy prospects, but he is amongst the top 10 TPE human OL and a couple higher than him on the TPE list might be stuck on guard duty which is even worse for fantasy than RT. - Penne
KICKER
1. Swantavius King![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
Fantasy kicking is all about opportunity and volume and the Sailfish provided King plenty of that in S35. Swantavius was T-2nd for the most extra point attempts and 2nd in field goal attempts as well. I see no reason for that volume to fall off substantially in S36 as the vast majority of their offensive pieces are at their peak right now. You might think King being only in his 2nd season could be a concern but he is already top 3 in TPE amongst kickers. - Penne
2. Freddy Bly![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
One of the league's best kickers last season in one of the best offenses, Bly should be in position to have another great year. The HON offense should still be very potent this year, even with the retirement of their long-time workhorse, Cobra Kai. They replaced him with Buffalo Hunter, who should be a more than adequate substitute, so the kicking opportunities should remain plentiful. Bly is a safe 1 or 2 at the position, so you should feel fine adding him. - Russ
3. Cade York![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
Arizona’s defense is aging, which means opponents are more likely to rack up points on the Outlaws. Arizona’s offense is absolutely elite, which means the Outlaws should be able to score just as much. Basically, Arizona is staring down the barrel at a shootout-filled season. And who almost universally benefits from high scoring games? The kicker. York may suffer from too many extra points rather than field goals, but at worst that means the veteran should have a solid floor. If Arizona finds itself struggling in the red zone, then York has the potential to be the top kicker of the season. - Tuba
4. Dallas Dole![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
Orange County’s offense was sneakily good last season, finishing 6th in points and giving Dole plenty of opportunities to score fantasy points. Dole finished as the 3rd best fantasy kicker by demonstrating great accuracy in converting his above average 33 field goal attempts into 31 makes, tied for 2nd best in the league with King. He undergoes his 2nd regression this season which is sure to hurt his accuracy numbers a bit, but the Otters offense doesn’t seem to have any reason to slow down and Dole should still serve as a top 6 kicker at minimum. - Slate
5. Levy Tate![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Levy Tate burst onto the scene a couple of seasons ago by winning Kicker of the Year as a rookie. Since then they’ve been a little quieter, but remain one of the league’s most accurate kickers, with just one career extra point miss (171 attempts), only one career missed FG from inside 40 yards, and an overall career FG% of 89.5. Kicker will suffer from more inherent randomness than some other fantasy positions, but draft Levy Tate with confidence. —Michiganonymous
6. Double Doink![YKW YKW](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/YKWnew_thumb.png)
DD was highly efficient last season, but didn't have a high volume of kicks due to a bit of a lackluster offense. Only 4 teams scored less than they did, and things don't look to have changed much. However, when called upon, DD rarely misses, going a perfect 22/22 on Field Goals. They did miss 3 XPs, which is a bit concerning, but all in all should be a kicker you could take in the last round and see decent results out of. - Russ
7. Daybe Downbad![BAL BAL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BAL_thumb.png)
Daybe Downbad is a risky kicker to draft, but they’re one you should be watching as a potential waiver pickup if one of the higher-ranked players should underperform. Baltimore’s offense is built to score points in bunches, and that’s usually a good thing for fantasy kickers. Downbad has one of the stronger legs out there, not intimidated by attempts from 50+. The big knock on them is accuracy, or rather, inaccuracy. Their career FG% is sub-80, and they missed 3 extra points last season. Big yikes on both accounts, but if those issues can be corrected and the Hawks continue to play well on offense, watch out. —Michiganonymous
8. Izuku Campbel![BER BER](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BER_thumb.png)
In one of the weirder fantasy football occurrences I’ve seen, Izuku Campbell finished as K1 despite kicking for one of the league’s worst offenses. Campbell and Berlin finished dead last in extra points attempted, but first by a huge margin in field goals attempted, narrowly giving Campbell the top kicker spot. It’s difficult to place exactly why the Berlin offense had such a penchant for stalling out in the red zone, but if the issue comes up again this season Campbell may finish higher than this. As is, though, Berlin may not be exactly lighting it up on offense, so drafting Campbell may be an undue risk for a kicker. - 124715
9. Jack Lewis![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
Lewis finished 7th in scoring amongst kickers last season despite being middle of the pack in FGA and towards the bottom in XPA. While I don’t exactly expect SJS to light up the scoreboards in S36, a similar season to S35 means Jack Lewis could be an asset to have in fantasy. - Penne
10. Lux Opal![COL COL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/COL_thumb.png)
The Yeti used to be one of the league's most reliable offenses. They were going to throw, throw, and - if that didn't work, which it usually did - throw some more. Last season, Colorado unveiled a new, balanced offense with mixed results, and as the team struggled to put up points on the scoreboard, so did Opal to put up fantasy points. This year might see improvement from Colorado offensively, so Opal gets a boost from last year's K12 position, but there's still uncertainty surrounding the Yeti O, and it seems unlikely there's enough talent to push Opal into the ranks of the top fantasy kickers. - 124715
TEAM DEFENSE
1. Honolulu Hahalua![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
Fantasy defense year over year is highly volatile and as a result notoriously difficult to predict. The Hahalua are an exception; our group of writers unanimously expects last year’s best fantasy defense to safely repeat that performance. Why, what about sim gonna sim? True, but TPE still matters, and Honolulu’s defensive TPE advantage over every other team in the league is enormous. The Hahalua will start the year with more than 10,000 TPE on defense; no other team has more than 8500. The TPE gap between HON and 2nd place is as large as the gap between 2nd and 13th. Of the top 15 defensive players by TPE, 3 play for Honolulu, and they’re the league’s only team with players above 900 TPE at all three levels of the defense (DL, LB, DB). They have multiple elite pass rushers and the best defensive backfield in the league, an ideal recipe for the turnovers that drive defensive fantasy scoring. Want certainty from your fantasy defense? Draft the Hahalua. Anyone else is a roll of the dice. –Michiganonymous
T-2. Orange County Otters![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
Solid fantasy success for defenses is generally led by a good pass rush as that leads to sacks and also has the potential to generate turnovers whether it be fumbles from strip sacks or picks. OCO looks to be set up to have a dominant pass rush this season. Between Pizzaman and Rodriguez headlining the LB corps and Stern and McTurtle bookending the D-Line, OCO could have the best pass rush in the ISFL. Top that off with a pretty good DT and some nice pieces in the secondary and they should be fantasy stars. - Penne
T-2. Yellowknife Wraiths![YKW YKW](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/YKWnew_thumb.png)
As someone with firsthand knowledge of what the Wraiths’ defense is capable of (and only a tinge of bias), the rest of the league needs to be on notice. Yellowknife may lack the high-TPE star power some other defenses boast, but I dare you to find a true weak spot. The unit is led by young studs at every level, and has the unusual boon of not suffering from many inactive players. This means that the Wraiths’ defense should start solid before improving to elite by the end of the season as the entire unit grows as one. Some might call last season’s production unsustainable. I call it just the beginning. - Tuba
4. Chicago Butchers![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
One of the secrets to great scoring defense in this league is a strong front seven. Chicago's pass Rushers have aged a little, but they reloaded with some young talent and should be ok, if not slightly less productive getting to the QB. Hall and Omni man are still solid options, but the DL leave a lot to be desired. Their secondary remains one of the highest groups of TPE in the league, so they, in theory, should be able to generate turnovers. Soulja, Walt, and Tessie are all over 1K TPE and Deco is coming up quickly behind them. Overall, should be a safe group to pick after the consensus top 2-3 are gone. - Russ
5. Sarasota Sailfish![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
I’m aware of my obvious bias, but as I told my fellow writers, I will rank the Sailfish as a top fantasy defense until I manifest it into reality by sheer force of will. Outside of Honolulu there might not be a more talented top-to-bottom defense in the league. David Moyes remains the scariest edge rusher in the league and will fight the Regression Demon as long as he possibly can. He’ll have a promising rookie running mate across from him this season as well, either Harley Andrews or Justin Cloud. DTs Lennay Kekua and Mistah Freddy are strong against the run, and speedy LBs ‘dont draft’ and Ernest Lover lurk behind them. For all the quality in the front 7, Sarasota’s secondary is actually their strongest unit by TPE, with CB Calvin Hobbes the star of the group. The Sailfish should be confidently drafted in most fantasy leagues, but among many frustrations in a down season for the Sailfish last year was the relative underachievement of the defense, both practically and in fantasy terms. Can they reward fantasy drafters with a rebound year? –Michiganonymous
6. New Orleans Secondline![NOLA NOLA](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NOLA_thumb.png)
Like we discussed under the Hahalua above, sim gonna sim, but TPE matters, and in TPE terms the Second Line defense is mighty indeed. They have at least one player above 800 TPE at every level of the defense, led by eccentric pass rusher Jason Garciaparra; one of the league’s best inside linebackers in Sir Peter Jackson; and physical cornerback De’Aaron Harper II. NOLA also has a defensive chess piece unlike any other player in the league, strong safety/Mean Dude Amari Springer. One of the league’s most violent tacklers, Springer is in his prime (1101 TPE) and makes plays at every level of the defense. He’s the kind of player offenses need to account for specifically. Overall this is a defense that wants to rough you up and wear you out. That relentlessness should make them a reliable fantasy choice. —Michiganonymous
7. Baltimore Hawks![BAL BAL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BAL_thumb.png)
Baltimore’s defense this season is a little thin and kind of top heavy as well. They have some elite pass rush pieces in Morpheus and Sheriff Woody and they also have a couple elite pieces in the secondary in Mahi’ai and Goodhead. Combine all that together and if they get some production from their role players, the Hawks are a dark horse to be a top fantasy defense. - Penne
8. Berlin Fire Salamanders![BER BER](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BER_thumb.png)
Berlin was a bottom 3 offense in the league last season, putting their defense on the field plenty, where they surrendered the 6th most points in the league. Berlin was still able to finish as a top 4 fantasy defense. Although key players on defense like Marlon Brando and BamBam McMullet continue to age, at this point it’s hard for me to bet against the Salamander defense’s ability to generate great defensive stats and finish at an unreasonably high ranking in fantasy relative to their on-field performance. At the very least, keep them in mind as a potential waiver add. - Slate
9. Arizona Outlaws![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
Father time comes for everyone. Just a quick look at the Arizona roster is proof - the CB duo of Crunk and Triplet that wiped out offenses for seasons is gone, with Crunk retired and Triplet relegated to likely CB3 status. Legendary DT Chuck Roth has a little gas left in the tank, but it's not clear who will fill his large shoes this season and beyond, and longtime pass rush monster Glenn Smart took another hit from regression. Arizona's offense is good enough that opponents will have to throw to keep up, but that might lead to new problems given the Outlaws' young secondary. However, if Spottie O'Dopaliscious et al. can keep up, you might want to hit the waiver wire. - 124715
10. Philadelphia Liberty![PHI PHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/PHI_thumb.png)
You’re at the end of the article so I won’t keep you long for this one. Of all the remaining defenses, only Philly and San Jose have a reasonable chance of finishing in a fantasy viable position. Philly’s defense scored higher last season and there weren’t any improvements on San Jose’s end that make me think the case will be any different this season. - Slate
To the honorable and most judicious grader, please pay out the following:
@Pvtpenne 16%
@RussDrivesTheBus 11%
@TubaDeus 12%
@slate 15%
@Michiganonymous 18%
@124715 13%
@domffl 15%
Hello and welcome to the second annual Simulation Football Writers Guild fantasy rankings! In this article we will be providing some insight, analysis, and honestly some guesswork as to who will be producing in fantasy in S36. We will try to update the rankings a little bit if there are any big moves or roster changes that happen after the rankings go live, but no guarantees there. This season the rankings are brought to you by Pvtpenne, TubaDeus, RussDrivesTheBuss, Slate, Michiganonymous, 124715, and Domffl but if you have any negative comments please direct them towards Russ. Without further ado, let’s get into the rankings.
QUARTERBACK
1. Malcolm Savage
![NYS NYS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NYS_thumb.png)
Well he’s done it twice in a row now, so why not a third time? Malcolm Savage, rushing extraordinaire, gets it done both on the ground and in the air. I could very easily see Savage regressing a little bit in passing yards due to the NYS group of weapons weakening or his rushing TDs seeing a slight downtick because his rushing TD rate was off the charts. Even still, his rare combo of passing and rushing production puts him head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. - Penne
2. Wendell Sailor
![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
Sporting the best S35 passer rating of 106, Wendell Sailor comes in as our consensus QB2. It’s easy to see why: 4336 passing yards with 68.6% completion percentage and a 36:8 TD:INT ratio is an elite statistical line. Sailor is one of the safest QBs to have in fantasy, though maybe not the sexiest. Sure, the man himself is handsome, but the fantasy output is exactly what you want out of a husband: big enough and consistent. He’s not going to WOW you with huge throws and crazy rushing plays, but he will be a constant 15-19 points every week, which is exactly what I’m looking for out of my QB. - domffl
3. Carter Knight
![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
Fresh off finishing S35 as the QB4, it should be no surprise that Knight moves up a spot in our S36 rankings as he continues to ascend the ranks of elite TPE QBs. Knight’s year over year consistency has been absurd; he’s finished each of his three seasons in the ISFL with right around 600 attempts, 4500 yards, and 13 INTs. The one thing that hasn’t been consistent is his TD total…which instead has seen consistent growth, increasing from 25 to 33 to 37. And best of all, his supporting cast remains largely unchanged from last season. This unstoppable force shows no signs of slowing down, and should once again produce elite fantasy numbers. - Tuba
4. Live Laughlove
![COL COL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/COL_thumb.png)
Live Laughlove has the great pleasure of commanding the Yeti offense, who historically has leaned very heavily on a high volume passing attack. They ventured away from that slightly last season, having just the 5th most passing attempts in the league, but that didn’t stop LLL from being a top 5 QB for fantasy. The Yeti are in line to be in negative game scripts a lot again in S36 so a high volume passing attack will be on the menu. All it takes is them reverting their game plan back to the S30-S34 style and LLL is a top 2 QB for fantasy purposes. - Penne
5. Kazimir Oles Jr.
![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
The Butchers QB finished as the 6th best fantasy QB last season while leading the reigning championships to another NSFCCG appearance. The main question for whether Oles Jr. will beat that performance this season will be how frequently Chicago chooses to pass the ball. Chicago attempted the 6th fewest passes in the league last season, but Oles’s fantasy numbers were boosted by his 37 passing TDs, tied for 2nd in the league with Carter Knight. With Oles Jr. undergoing his first regression this season and young running back Lalu Zohri reaching his prime, it’s unclear what direction the offense will go in, but the upside is very high if Oles Jr. throws the ball more and can maintain his strong efficiency and TD numbers. - Slate
6. Dexter Zaylren
![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
Zaylren, like many others on the Honolulu passing offense, was a somewhat disappointing fantasy option last season, with many excited about the prospects of a Manta Raid offense that didn’t quite manifest despite Honolulu’s excellent record and Ultimus winning season. However, he still finished as the 7th best fantasy QB, a perfectly adequate option to pick up at the tail end of the draft. Zaylren has undergone his 2nd regression this offseason and his supporting cast has changed a bit, but overall looks poised to put up another efficient season for a strong team, which makes him a solid fantasy option at the worst. If the Manta Raid can put it all together this season and pop off through the air, Zaylren definitely stands a fair shot at finishing as a top 3-4 fantasy QB. - Slate
7. Gimmy Jaroppolo Jr.
![BAL BAL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BAL_thumb.png)
The gunslinger who has my heart, Gimmy Jaroppolo Junior comes in as our consensus QB7. Of all the fantasy analysts, though, I had him the highest in my personal ranks. After finishing the season as the QB2, I think he can absolutely do it again. 4648 passing yards, 103.3 QBR, 62.9% completion rate, and a 49:19 TD:INT ratio. Sure, the TDs will likely regress towards the mean, but so will the INTs. It won’t surprise me in the slightest to see Gimmy J end the season north of 4500 yards and a 40:10 TD ratio, which should put him in the QB 2-4 conversation. If you like high upside when you punt your QB in the fantasy draft, Gimmy J is the guy you want. - domffl
8. Dustin Parmelee
![YKW YKW](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/YKWnew_thumb.png)
What do you get when you combine a quarterback who’s almost completely maxed, a pair of serviceable receiver options, and absolutely no viable running backs to speak of? Well, theoretically one of the top half of the QBs in this league, right? What if I told you said quarterback was also last season’s twelfth-ranked QB? Once again, I am higher on the Wraiths signal caller than my peers, because surely this has to be the year that Yellowknife will let loose and just bomb it out. Bernd D. Brot, whose name I believe I’m spelling correctly this time, is blossoming into a solid WR1, and Troy Abed is a big upgrade at WR2 from aging Mark Walker, who I guess is still in the picture, somehow. But there are big-time concerns with Parmelee as a fantasy option. The Wraiths have three bodies in the backfield - veteran Bradley Welch, young fullback Adebayo Akinfenwa, and future bellcow Kumquat Archipelago - and they’re not afraid to lean on them, even though none of those three players is particularly intimidating. Yellowknife has the personnel to bomb it out deep and the defense to support such an offense, but if they go for a more balanced strategy like in years past, Parmelee is toast as a fantasy option. Unless you love to take risks, I’d stay clear. - 124715
9. Tight End Eighty-Two
![AUS AUS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/AUS_thumb.png)
TE82 is this year’s QB to watch. They struggled to a QB9 finish last season, but showed flashes of huge potential in the connection with Johnny Patey that made Patey the fantasy WR2. With another year of experience for TE82, Patey, and RB Ozamataz Buckshank, plus the continued presence of veteran pass-catching RB Jim the Vampire, this could be a breakout year for the Copperheads signal-caller. A few things have to fall into place, but the potential is real and TE82 could be a very popular early waiver acquisition. –Michiganonymous
10. Panda McKyle
![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
San Jose QB Panda McKyle joins TE82 in the “ones to watch” tier of fantasy QBs. McKyle appears to be capped out at 1056 TPE, 10th out of the 14 ISFL starting QBs, and the SaberCats offense doesn’t have the same quality as some other squads, so the floor might be low. Last year he finished as QB8 in fantasy. But McKyle had the 3rd-most passing attempts and the 4th-highest completion percentage among ISFL QBs in S35; that efficiency just didn’t translate into touchdowns and fantasy points. McKyle is the type of player who’s a better asset for his actual team than he is for your fantasy team, but don’t sleep on him either. –Michiganonymous.
RUNNING BACK
1. Jay Cue Jr.
![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
Don’t overthink it. Don’t get Cue-t. Just draft the overall fantasy points leader for the past two consecutive seasons. Although Cue isn’t the most efficient RB in the league, he’s certainly the most used. 414 rushing attempts and 47 receptions for 2,340 all-purpose yards and 20 total TDs. The man is an absolute scoring machine. Regression is just beginning to affect his TPE, but don’t count on him slowing down for at least another two seasons. If you have the first overall pick, don’t overthink it, just draft Jay. - domffl
2. John Huntsman
![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
Yeah, Huntsman is starting to enter regression. So what? He’s still among the highest TPE RBs in the league, and is the sole owner of the Sarasota backfield, one of the more elite offenses in the ISFL. The guy hasn’t fallen below 1600 total yards since his rookie season, and has notched at least 1800 yards each of the last three seasons. His lowest TD total in that time was 17. Huntsman offers consistent, reliable, elite production at the all-important RB position. It doesn’t get much better. - Tuba
3. Lonnie Jackson
![PHI PHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/PHI_thumb.png)
Following up Huntsman is another victim of regression. And once again, we have to ask the all important question; so what? Lonnie is getting hit pretty hard by the regression demon as a S28 running back, but he’s also basically the entire offense for Philly now that long time starting QB Ryan Negs retired. Who are the Liberty going to lean on; a rookie QB barely over 500 TPE with no weapons above 750 TPE, or a franchise legend running back who has the highest TPE of anyone on the offense? It won’t be efficient. It won’t be pretty. But Lonnie Jackson will put the Philadelphia offense on his back if it kills him. - Tuba
4. Buffalo Hunter
![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
Riding off into the sunset goes longtime fantasy darling Cobra Kai, who made his name as a fixture in the fantasy first round largely by having very high TPE and no competition in the Honolulu backfield. In comes former tight end Buffalo Hunter, who - wait for it - has very high TPE and no competition in the Honolulu backfield. Honolulu’s offense is very strong on paper once again this year, with QB Dexter Zaylren fresh off a strong season and WRs Bayley Cowabunga and Sal Ami forming a dangerous duo. But two members of the Hahalua’s all-star receiving corps from last season have switched positions, and even then Honolulu ran a fairly balanced offense. Hunter should have plenty of opportunities in the offense, and his high TPE level should enable him to make the most of them. - 124715
5. Goat Tank Jr.
![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
Goat Tank Jr. is a unique weapon in the ISFL. For the past 2 seasons he has essentially split his time between the backfield and out wide. He has come close to 1000 rushing and 1000 receiving yards each in each of the last 2 seasons and I don’t see any reason for that to change in S36. OCO’s WR corps is a little lacking as a group and with Zane Cold and Gus Bus sharing the backfield with GTJ, OCO splitting him out wide more often is a good allocation of their resources. Tank has an extremely high floor, but his ceiling will be determined by his TD opportunities so the sky's the limit if he gets the goal line work for the Otters. - Penne
6/7. Busch Goose/Dante King
![BAL BAL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BAL_thumb.png)
It’s difficult to assess the Baltimore RBs separately; neither one is clearly better than the other, and if you combined them into a single player, they would’ve been the best player in fantasy by more than 150 points! Instead, they finished last season as RB6 and RB7, and that’s exactly where we have them ranked heading into S36. They’re Option 1a and 1b in the Hawks offense, and Baltimore does a good job of distributing opportunities equally between them. Check out how similar the S35 statlines were:
Goose: 192 carries, 1053 yards, 7 TDs / 60 catches, 723 yards, 8 TDs / 267.6 fantasy points
King: 223 carries, 1107 yards, 7 TDs / 63 catches, 703 yards, 5 TDs / 253 fantasy points
Goose was the slightly better fantasy RB last season thanks to those receiving TDs, but it could easily have gone the other way. King and Goose are 1st and 6th respectively in current TPE among fantasy RBs, so I favor King this season based on that fact, but fantasy drafters can feel very confident about either player. –Michiganonymous
8. Lalu Zohri
![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Speaking of running backs by committee, it’s been a long time since the Chicago Butchers didn’t have multiple capable RBs ready to split carries and confuse fantasy drafters. But regression is undefeated, and Madison Hayes is its next victim. Last season was Hayes’ first ever under 1000 scrimmage yards, and Lalu Muhammad Zohri was the benefactor. Even though Zohri was just RB13 last season, he is poised to take an even more dominant role in Chicago’s backfield this upcoming season. The workload will be heavy for Zohri on the ground, and he’s got RB1 upside if the touchdowns or receiving looks are there. - 124715
9. The Stig
![NOLA NOLA](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NOLA_thumb.png)
What do you get when you combine a single-back backfield with a run first team mentality? Well you would think the answer is a stud fantasy RB, but The Stig isn’t quite that just yet and the main reason is a rushing QB siphons away some of those opportunities from the RB group. The Stig was top 5 in rushing attempts and rushing yards last season, but he was amongst the worst in TD%. Just a little bit of positive regression in TDs and The Stig is in line for a career year. - Penne
10. Sam Squanch
![COL COL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/COL_thumb.png)
Yeeti no more??? Last season saw Colorado’s lowest passing attempts in a loooong while, which also meant that they were not the team with the fewest rushing attempts in the league for the first time ever in the DDSPF21 era (they did tie with SJS at the bottom in S29). All of this newfound volume to go around meant that the Yeti RB1 was a viable fantasy asset, and Squanch finished as the 8th best RB. Despite all of these positives, Squanch underwent his first round of regression this offseason dropping him to just 581 TPE, and the Yeti roster still has some major issues that mean they will be playing from behind often. Still, as a clear backfield leader on a team that runs an adequate amount of the time, Squanch can be a solid RB2 this season. - Slate
11. Mason Malone
![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
Good ol’ reliable Mason Malone finished last season as RB11 and lands at RB11 on this year’s rankings. Despite the addition of DeAndre King, Malone was able to break out as a lead back last season, cracking a thousand yards on the ground. In good news for Malone, the Sabercats may have to lean more heavily on the ground game this year with the departure of Sam the Onion Man, so opportunities for Malone should be plentiful. In bad news, he may have to share more of them with King, who already vultured several touchdowns last season and hurt Malone’s fantasy impact. Malone is a fairly reliable option at RB, but there is enough uncertainty that he falls short of the upper tier of lead backs on this ranking. - 124715
12. GOAT TANK
![BER BER](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BER_thumb.png)
The Regression Demon remains undefeated, but do you want to bet against GOAT TANK? Not me thanks, I want to live. Even if he’s more like “Pretty Good” Tank at this point, GOAT will not go gently into that good night, I expect him to be fantasy relevant right up to the very last moment of his storied career. Berlin’s offense has a lot of question marks this season: How quickly can rookie QB Bageshwari Singh get going? Can he develop a connection with FA WR addition Sam the Onion Man? How many carries will Rab TheCrab start siphoning away from Tank Sr. as the season progresses? I know this much: a reliable running game can be any rookie QB’s best friend, and GOAT TANK is the very definition of reliable. He should be at the very least a reliable FLEX on any fantasy team. Death. Taxes. GOAT TANK. –Michiganonymous
13. Jim the Vampire
![AUS AUS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/AUS_thumb.png)
Jim the Vampire (JTV) is in his 3rd season of regression so he won’t be the strongest TPE wise. On top of that Ozamataz Buckshank also looks to be threatening his workload. That said, JTV has some upside in the fact that the Copperheads have a history of using either JTV or the recently retired Zoe Watts as a full time WR to bolster their receiving corps. If that happens then JTV has some pretty high upside either as a full time WR or if Buckshank is the WR then JTV will have the backfield to himself. - Penne
14. Michaelangelo McTurtle
![NYS NYS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NYS_thumb.png)
With a seemingly IA RB that hasn’t updated since 4/23 according to the Tracker at the time of this writing, the Silverbacks find themselves with a brand-new shiny toy. Michelangelo McTurtle already has a massive 550+ TPE in only 3 seasons of DSFL action. Now that this rookie finds himself with (hopefully) a backfield by himself, Mike McTurtle could see a large workload to start off the year. As a receiving back archetype, he also will be seeing the more valuable opportunities out of the backfield: targets. As the definition of a sleeper pick, I would absolutely keep a sharp eye on Mike McT through the first couple weeks of the season and throw in a waiver request for him if he sees the majority of the work in New York. -domffl
15. Kumquat Archipelago
![YKW YKW](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/YKWnew_thumb.png)
The ascendant Archipelago looks poised to take over the Yellowknife backfield from the inactive Bradley Welch this season. K-Arch handled 174 carries last season compared to 217 for Welch, but the two had basically the same yards per carry. While at risk of being vultured by both his Power Back competitor and fullback Akinfenwa, I expect Archipelago should receive a clear majority of the carries in his second season due to his greater activity. How much that activity will translate into fantasy points is an open question on a team that has been much happier to air it out in past seasons, but there is definite upside here that could be worth taking a late round flier on, or keeping in mind as a potential waiver add early in the season. - Slate
16. Ozamataz Buckshank
![AUS AUS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/AUS_thumb.png)
Buckshank might be my favorite late-round flex flier in the draft. Although he still has a long ways to go TPE wise, he still has managed to amass over 450 in just 3 seasons playing in the DSFL. But what strikes me as so intriguing about young Buckshank is the team he is playing for. Ozzy will be sharing a backfield with the aging Jim The Vampire who is already in his 3rd season of regression. Already last season, the Copperheads showed that they want to split the load to get some weight off of Jim’s shoulders. Enter a spritely young speed back with an already blazing fast 94 speed. You could do a lot worse than Buckshank at your flex for fantasy this season. - domffl
17. Brandon Prince
![NYS NYS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NYS_thumb.png)
Brandon Prince will be on the borderline of FLEX-tier fantasy relevance this season, but his surprise RB10 fantasy finish last season shows he isn’t a player that drafters can afford to forget about either. The Silverbacks are that rare ISFL offense where the QB is actually the primary rushing threat, so Prince’s floor is low, especially after falling below 500 TPE in his latest regression. However, he still outclasses his backfield running mate Lot Smith VIII, who will probably line up as a fullback, and Malcolm Savage probably can’t do everything himself. Draft Prince with cautious optimism as a late FLEX. –Michiganonymous
18. Madison Hayes
![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Another victim of the plague known as regression, Madison Hayes sees themself being phased out of the gameplan by a younger speed demon Lalu Zohri now taking the majority of work in the Chicago backfield. Hayes should still see some receiving work, but they won’t be the same powerhouse offensive weapon that they once were. If you’re looking for your RB2 in this range, you probably waited too long. But Hayes should still see the field a decent amount for sharing a backfield with a 1000+ TPE running back. -domffl
19. Rab Thecrab
![BER BER](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BER_thumb.png)
Here’s a fact that will probably surprise many of you: Rab Thecrab leads the Berlin backfield in TPE. Having already speedrun his way to 100 Speed, he also outclasses the rest of the backfield in raw big play potential, although his lacking stats in other areas will probably hurt his consistency. If one player is going to take over the majority of Berlin’s carries, I think Mr. Thecrab stands the highest chance of becoming that dominant back, but I think the far more likely case is that it remains very split between all three of their options. There is deep sleeper breakout potential here but I don’t recommend banking your fantasy season on that potential. - Slate
20. Zane Cold
![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
Yeah, the Otters already have Goat Tank Jr. and Gus Bus. Yes, both of them frequently step in as the starting running back. Yes, both of them have more TPE than the much younger (and less active) Zane Cold. Despite all this, you know who led Orange County in carries last season? That’s right, Zane Cold. Goat Tank Jr. plays plenty of running back, but he also frequently kicks out wide as a wide receiver in Orange County’s depleted receiving corps. And Gus Bus’ primary role is fullback, while also occasionally filling in as a tight end in various formations. With all the multi-role players, Cold managed to carve out a good chunk of the Otters’ running game for himself. His ceiling is capped pretty hard given the competition for touches (which is why he’s all the way down here), but Orange County runs enough to support respectable flex production for Cold. - Tuba
WIDE RECEIVER
1. Vincent Sharpei Jr.
![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Sharpei finished just 12 points off the top spot for WRs last season but this year, we think he can make the leap to number 1. The Butchers offense has many great weapons, but Sharpei leads the pack. Oles Jr. is now in regression, but has more than enough juice to be a great QB for a couple more seasons. The target share is always going to be a bit of a guessing game, but Sharpei topped he group in catches with right under 100, so there should be plenty of opportunity. This should be a very safe bet for your WR1, so don't overthink it. The only downside may be TD luck, but there should be plenty to go around. - Russ
2. Johnny Patey
![AUS AUS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/AUS_thumb.png)
Patey has had massive improvements in his production each of the past 2 seasons and led the league in receiving yards in S35. He also has the holy trinity of WR fantasy production on his side in that he has a solid QB, he is the bonafide WR1 on his team, and his team should be in plenty of negative game scripts leading to a high volume passing offense. The only downside to Patey is his relatively low TPE compared to other WR1s across the league, but that didn’t stop him in this most previous season. - Penne
3. Nick Kaepercolin Jr.
![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
The addition of NKJ to the Sailfish offense last season provided a massive boost to the team, putting up the 2nd most points of any team in the league. Kaep Jr. himself finished as the fantasy WR1 thanks to 14 TDs in addition to his 4th most catches and receiving yards. The reasons to pick NKJ are clear - he was the WR1 last season, remains on a very strong offense, continues to increase in TPE, and has a good QB who is also climbing in TPE. To be honest I think not ranking Kaepercolin Jr at WR1 is overthinking things, but I will be perfectly happy if people let me snap him up in the 2nd round of the draft. - Slate
4. Bern D. Brot
![YKW YKW](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/YKWnew_thumb.png)
Yellowknife’s ascendant WR1 finished last season as the 5th best WR in the league, behind the 3 receivers we have listed ahead of him plus the aging Tugg Speedman. It’s therefore not a surprise to find him listed in basically the exact same position after accounting for Speedman’s 4th regression this offseason. There are a few concerns regarding Yellowknife’s decreasing focus on the passing game (did you know they attempted the 3rd fewest pass attempts in the league last season?) as well as the addition of Troy Abed creating a bit more competition for targets. But I think it’s very safe to pencil Brot in as a very high volume WR1 on a competent offense, which provides him a high floor if nothing else. While he might not finish quite this high in the end of season rankings, Brot figures to be a pillar of stability to anchor any fantasy team’s WR corps early. - Slate
T-5. Quinton Crash
![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
There is a lot to like about Crash’s game and his situation on top of his top 6 fantasy finish in S35. Each of the past 2 seasons, the Arizona offense has been highly efficient and productive led by the best QB in the league. They aren’t the most voluminous passing attack in the league (mainly because their running game is so damn good too), but when they air it out, they air it out deep to Crash. Crash was top 5 in the league in yards per catch and yards per target while also putting up 12 TDs. I expect absolutely no downticks in the both AZ offense and in Crash’s production profile. You can easily pencil him in as a top 10 WR with plenty of upside to crack the top 5. - Penne
T-5. Luke Quick
![BAL BAL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BAL_thumb.png)
It’s almost as if the entire Baltimore offense had a collective breakout season last year, and Quick was no exception. The former first overall pick put up a ridiculously efficient season, including 17.6 yards per catch en route to a WR7 finish. While Quick regresses for the second time this offseason, he’s still on a fairly talented offense, and the retirement of Preston Parker means there won’t be much competition for targets. Baltimore may still lean on the run game heavily as long as Busch Goose and Dante King are both there, but when they throw it’ll be the Luke Quick show. Don’t expect him to replicate the same efficiency from last season, but the total production should be enough to maintain his status as a strong fantasy starter. - 124715
T-5. Cole Maxwell
![COL COL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/COL_thumb.png)
To say Cole Maxwell had a disappointing fantasy finish in S35 would be an understatement. Despite a unanimous WR1 ranking by us last season he only finished as the WR11. He was still the WR1 on his own team in terms of catches and yards, but his teammate Bud R. Fingers scored more TDs than him. So why am I back to believing in him? Well, like I mentioned in the LLL section I think the Yeti passing offense has very high upside for fantasy and the team has 1 fewer 1k yard receiver following the retirement of Raphael Delacour. I’m in on Maxwell to be closer to what we expected him to be rather than what he actually was last season. - Penne
8. Tugg Speedman
![NYS NYS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NYS_thumb.png)
Does the sim know Tugg Speedman is deep into regression? Perhaps not, as he turned in a vintage performance last season good enough for WR4. Another year older, can he keep it up? Difficult to say. But as long as he can still hit ludicrous speed, he’s a threat to score any time he has the ball. His biggest threat in terms of fantasy production is actually his own run-happy QB. Still, as the WR1 in an offense that could be playing from behind frequently, he’ll have no shortage of opportunities. Just keep one eye on the waiver wire if this turns out to be the year that the wheels finally fall off. —Michiganonymous
9. Kotoni Staggs
![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
You might be wondering how Staggs could be so high especially considering he has a teammate ranked even higher than him. It’s simple, Stags was a top 10 WR last season despite being the WR2 on his own team behind Crash. This season he and Crash will be even closer in TPE meaning Staggs has a chance to take over that WR1 mantle. If he does then he could very easily end up being a top 5 WR in the league. Even if he doesn’t, Arizona has an extremely efficient offense and Staggs will see plenty of opportunities to find the end zone. - Penne
10. Sam the Onion Man
![BER BER](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BER_thumb.png)
Last season, journeyman Sam the Onion Man finished as the league’s WR14. This year, he’s two regressions in, switching teams this time to catch passes from a rookie quarterback, so obviously his ranking has… increased? Here at the SFWG, we certainly don’t expect Bageshwari Singh to be good. Sam is his WR1, and he’s fine, if not spectacular, at that slot, but other than Sam and TE Gronku Muerto, nobody else on the Berlin offense can make much of a difference on the game. In the backfield, there’s Goat Tank, who is about a season too old to be solid, and Rab Thecrab, who is about a season too young to be solid, and Zayne Dangle is a fine WR2 but not a noteworthy one. All that is to say that if Berlin wants something to happen on offense, it’ll have to be Sam the Onion Man who does it. Add in a holey defense that might put the Fire Salamanders in a lot of unfavorable game situations and it’s not hard to see Sam getting fed. - 124715
11. Jaycee Higgins
![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
After a brief hiatus in S35, Higgins is back to being the WR1 in San Jose and while San Jose isn’t the most prolific offense and doesn’t have the best passing game, there will be plenty of opportunity coming Higgins’ way. Onion Man put up a top 15 fantasy finish as the SJS WR1 last season, but with him out of the way and no other WR joining the team, Higgins should have a pretty high target share and opportunity is gold in fantasy. - Penne
12. Saleem Spence
![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
While Spence was a bit overdrafted last season as it wasn’t yet clear exactly how much the addition of Kaepercolin Jr. would shake up the Sailfish offense, he still delivered a quality fantasy performance and finished as the #12 WR in S35. While Spence’s target share dropped and he finished with only 86 catches compared to NKJ’s even 100, he was still able to record 12 TDs in the high scoring SAR Raid offense and put up his 4th straight 1,000 yard season. While he has undergone his 2nd regression, he should still be a key player in a high scoring offense and is likely to be a serviceable WR2/Flex option for many fantasy teams, though his upside is capped playing opposite emerging star NKJ. - Slate
13. Troy Abed
![YKW YKW](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/YKWnew_thumb.png)
Hasn’t Troy Abed just had the most wacky, up-and-down career? DSFL position switches, ISFL MVPs to veteran castoffs, WR3 to WR1 to on the block. In fact, last year’s WR15 coming in at WR13 this year might be the most normal thing to happen to Abed his entire career, so of course it won’t be that easy. It’s easy to see Abed either vastly exceeding or underperforming expectations, depending on which lens you look at it from. On one hand, if the Wraiths decide to unleash their passing attack, just about all that volume will be split between Abed and Bernd D. Brot (see above) with no true tight end on the roster, no other pass-catchers from the backfield or anything. In this case, Abed may be force fed to a spot well above 13. On the other hand, if Yellowknife continues to trust their young backfield and strong defense to get the ball back, Abed might not get the looks to be a viable fantasy starter. Which Abed will we get? Impossible to say for sure - take your bets! - 124715
14. Sal Ami
![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
So maybe the vaunted Honolulu passing attack didn’t quite live up to expectations last season. Looking back, it made sense; the Hahalua boasted a strong running game and elite defense, taking pressure off the passing game, which resulted in much lower than expected volume. Mix in the fact that the Honolulu receiving corps consisted of very evenly matched receivers who frequently rotated roles, and you get disappointing numbers all around. So what makes S36 different? The significant thinning of the competition. Of the Hahalua’s three-headed receiving monster, Bayley Cowabunga suffered from regression and Eleven Kendrick-Watts position swapped to defense. Only Ami remains with untouched TPE in the wide receiver group. This provides the converted tight end with an excellent opportunity to seize an uncontested WR1 role. Even if the offense continues to operate with low volume, the consolidation of wideout talent should benefit Ami’s fantasy production. - Tuba
15. Bud R. Fingers
![COL COL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/COL_thumb.png)
Colorado slot receiver Bud R. Fingers finished as the 8th highest scoring fantasy WR last season despite clocking in at just 437 TPE. Despite Colorado lessening their Yeeti ways, the offense they used appeared to focus a ton of targets onto the slot position, and Fingers ran away with the opportunity to the score of 1200 yards and 11 TDs. It seems extremely unsustainable, and Fingers’ role could change as well thanks to Eeeeeeee phenssta replacing Raphael Delacour and shaking up the receiving corps. But if the Yeti offense looks similar to last season, even despite the slightly reduced passing volume it seems like Fingers would be set up well to repeat the unlikely showing. I expect Fingers to be extremely high variance and he could be taken anywhere from the 3rd or 4th round to going undrafted in different groups, but if you’re the type to go for biscuits then he has the potential be a steal later in the draft. - Slate
16. Rejoignez LordreSombre
![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Vincent Sharpei Jr. gets the accolades and attention, but Chicago’s WR2 is quietly very, very good. Even after their first battle with regression, RLS remains one of the fastest players in the league, faster in fact than their more-celebrated compatriot. With WR3 Mike Hunt fading fast, RLS could get more opportunities this season, and it certainly helps to have a QB with the quality of Kaz Oles Jr. under center. RLS won’t be a fantasy WR1 playing in the same offense as Sharpei, but they should be rostered in every league as at least a high-end FLEX. –Michiganonymous
17. Rodka Raskolnikov
![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
What do you do with Rodka Raskolnikov? Nominally he’s the WR1 in an offense that runs through one of the league’s up-and-coming young QBs, Tron Carter. But somehow that just hasn’t translated into fantasy production, as Rodka finished WR25 last season, barely ahead of the Otters’ WR2 Ken Oath (WR27) despite significantly more TPE. A couple of possible explanations: as a Possession Receiver archetype, Rodka isn’t a rocket-powered YAC monster like most of the top fantasy WRs. In the second place, Orange County loves to put RB Goat Tank Jr. out wide as the WR1, relegating Rodka to being a WR1 doing a WR2’s job half the time. The things that Rodka does well just don’t translate into fantasy points; practically speaking he does great things for the Otters’ offense, but for fantasy purposes he’s a low-end FLEX at best. If Goat Tank Jr. should struggle however, Rodka could rise to fantasy relevance quickly. –Michiganonymous
18. Squidward Tentacles
![NOLA NOLA](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NOLA_thumb.png)
Despite New Orleans’ anemic passing offense last season, Squidward Tentacles was still able to finish as the WR15 buoyed by his 2nd best 17.5 average yards per catch, allowing him to convert just 61 catches into over 1000 yards receiving and 8 TDs. With Elessar Jones taking over for the extremely run-focused IsHe… ReallyInvisible, the Second Line passing attack stands a fair shot at improving a bit and although the rookie QB likely won’t turn Squidward into a league winner, he has demonstrated his capacity to produce even in a low-volume offense. - Slate
19. Bayley Cowabunga
![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
Much like Sal Ami above, Cowabunga is poised for a bump in production by virtue of dealing with reduced competition. Instead of having the passing game spread out evenly between three pretty equal receivers, it will now be focused on Ami and Cowabunga, each with established roles. There are several 1-2 punches at receiver throughout the league who are both productive. Honolulu likely will come in a little below the others by virtue of lower passing volume, but the consolidation of wideout talent is sure to focus targets more on the pair of 1200+ TPE receivers. To the benefit of their fantasy owners, of course. - Tuba
20. Escanor Sama
![PHI PHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/PHI_thumb.png)
The Liberty enter S36 staring down a likely lost season. Veteran QB Ryan Negs has retired, replaced by a particularly low TPE rookie in Kaguya Shinomiya (who happens to be a capable scrambling QB). Couple this with the fact that the highest TPE player on the entire offense is running back Lonnie Jackson, and it certainly seems as though Philadelphia will post one of the lowest passing rates in the league. Obviously, none of this is great news for Sama, who himself isn’t exactly an elite earning receiver. However, Sama is the clear WR1 for this offense, so on the rare occasion the Liberty attempt a pass, it’s likely going Sama’s way. The upside here is limited, but it does exist. Which at this point is about all you can ask for. - Tuba
TIGHT END
1. Lenard Graf
![BAL BAL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BAL_thumb.png)
Well, it would appear the age of “tight ends playing wide receiver” has come to an end. That means no more cheat codes that greatly outperform the rest of the options at tight end. So, we’re forced to go back to the old method; find a team with a high TPE TE and no WR depth. Baltimore runs the ball far more than you’d like to see for a fantasy tight end, but they also currently only have one wideout on the roster. Graf has an excellent opportunity to capitalize on the lack of depth, and represents our best chance of having the elite production of a tight end playing wideout. - Tuba
2. Deshawn Penne
![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
Penne is in line for another productive season for the Sabercats after finishing top 3 at the position in each of the last 2 seasons. Penne should command more targets after another full season of TPE gains and SJS losing their top weapon from last season in Sam the Onion Man to Berlin. TE looks to be pretty thin so Penne should be valuable in fantasy in S36. - Penne
3. Lucius Salem
![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
It was a strong rookie campaign for Salem last season in the dynamic Sarasota offense, netting the former WR a TE4 finish. But now last seasons’ TE1 has switched out and Salem’s fantasy value should remain roughly constant. There’s still the killer duo of Saleem Spence and Nick Kaepercolin Jr. to fight for targets with, but Spence and superstar RB John Huntsman both regressed while Salem packed on another year of TPE. Despite putting up more than 800 yards last season, Salem only caught 4 TDs. A little bit more luck in the endzone, and Salem owners could be in for a pleasant surprise. - 124715
4. Rex Crenshaw
![NOLA NOLA](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NOLA_thumb.png)
While Crenshaw szn didn’t quite manifest in S35 thanks to NOLA’s league-worst passing game, the Second Line TE was still able to finish a not absolutely disappointing 7th in fantasy points among TEs. As Elessar Jones takes over as New Orleans’ rookie QB, there are some promising signs to look at for Crenshaw truthers. He was only 3 catches behind New Orleans’s WR1 Squidward Tentacles, meaning he could capitalize on an increase in passing volume. He also recorded 6 TDs, tied for 3rd best among TEs. If Elessar Jones allows New Orleans to throw the ball a lot more, Crenshaw definitely stands to benefit among the most, but his season performance depends a lot on that unknown. - Slate
5. Herc Kirkby
![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
Last season Kirkby had no problem producing in the pass game, coming up 1 yard shy of 700. What held him back was a lack of touchdowns, only grabbing 2. This season, the AZ pass attack should be pretty similar, if not a little better and Kikby could possibly grab a couple more TDs. However, what holds him back from being higher in our rankings is the fact that the AZ offense does flow through Cue Jr. Regardless, he should be a safe option if the top 2-3 options aren't available. - Russ
6. Molki Koivu
![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
ISFL tight end is an absolutely cursed fantasy position, with 6 TEs needing to be drafted in each league and only 3 or 4 having a clear path to fantasy relevance in any given year. It makes draft strategy challenging; do you go for one of the good TEs early and take a hit at, say, RB2? The bold might try to use their FLEX spot to hoard two top 2 TEs, although from personal experience I don’t recommend this. The upshot is, if you wait on TE, you’ll have to draft for opportunity, and from that perspective Koivu is as good an option as any. The Otters offense is light on weapons, but they have a QB in Tron Carter who’s hitting his peak, and Koivu is in an ideal spot to seize the #3 role in that offense behind Goat Tank Jr. and Rodka Raskolnikov. He lacks the Vertical Threat archetype that tends to do better in fantasy leagues, but Possession TEs make good red zone targets, so he should catch some TD passes. Don’t be afraid to cut bait and hit the waiver wire early if the Otters don’t utilize him to his full potential in the passing game. Then again, the fantasy wasteland that is the TE waiver wire isn’t likely to have anything better for you, so… good luck? –Michiganonymous
7. Nacho Macho Man
![NYS NYS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NYS_thumb.png)
Simply looking at the NYS depth chart might scare you away from Nacho Macho Man because they have another TE with similar TPE on the roster. Wilkinson is inactive and New York proved in S35 that they were willing to hand over the TE1 spot to Nacho. Even though he only finished as the TE9 last season, I expect Nacho to improve on that finish since Malcolm Savage is improving and some of the top 8 TEs from last season either are regressing, have retired, or have changed position. - Penne
8. Deffo not Leroy Leroy
![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
Leroy is an unknown quantity, having just recently switched to TE and slotting in behind Buffalo Hunter as Honolulu’s TE2 last season, light years away from fantasy relevance. Honolulu also seems to be moving their offense away from the “TE-as-WR1” model that served Sal Ami so well in seasons past, so it’s unclear what the opportunities will be like even with him now taking over as TE1. Probably not a player who should be drafted initially, but Buffalo Hunter did score 12 TDs at TE last year in a season split between PHI and HON. Recall that Hunter has almost 3x the TPE that Leroy does, but in this high-powered offense, Leroy could still be a breakout candidate. —Michiganonymous
9. Nick L. Back
![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Back put in a solid amount of TDs last year which drove his numbers up a little. CHI doesn't typically target him too much because they have many mouths to feed in the passing game, and that hasn't changed this season. Because TDs are mostly luck driven, I believe Back will most likely regress a little bit in that area and stay around the same as far as yardage. Not a great option, but if you believe in the Butchers or have some insider info, you can take a shot on him in the last rounds. - Russ
10. Gronku Muerto
![BER BER](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BER_thumb.png)
If you look up the definition of “crapshoot” in the dictionary, you will see a picture of the Fire Salamanders’ S36 offense. The unit features a legendary running back who is barely hanging on to relevance, a fresh face running back who has yet to cross the 500 TPE threshold, several mid-low tier receivers and tight ends who utterly fail to establish dominance, and a rookie QB to spread the ball between them. So why pick Muerto? Well, the defense is hardly any better, and the offense does have a bit more talent in the passing game than running game. With talent pointing toward a pass-heavy approach along with a defense that will likely cede early leads frequently, Berlin will likely find itself passing more often than we’re used to seeing. All it takes is a little bit of luck for the tight end with decent TPE to start seeing targets. - Tuba
11. American Boot
![PHI PHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/PHI_thumb.png)
American Boot is a complete unknown, a S35 create who’ll be joining the league as a rookie with under 450 TPE to start the season. He’ll also have a rookie QB, following the retirement of Ryan Negs. Still, TE is a position desperate for more fantasy-relevant players, and the recent examples of Borgo San Lorenzo and Buffalo Hunter enjoying fantasy success in Philadelphia make Boot a player worth at least keeping an eye on. A name to know for the future, perhaps. –Michiganonymous
OFFENSIVE LINE
1. Stumpy Jones
![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
I got all the metaphorical side-eye when I took Stumpy Jones in the 3rd round of my fantasy draft last season, but after winning my group and finishing in the Top 10 Overall, I can now say it was a decision that I had complete confidence in and never second-guessed even once. (I’d be lying, but I could say that.) It’s impossible to say if doing something similar will pay off as well this season, but it’s worth considering, because the Stump is just plain unique among OL. Even after regression, he leads all OL in TPE with almost 1100, and then there’s the stats. He averages 114 pancakes for his career, 120 if his outlier rookie season is discarded. Apart from that rookie year his lowest season total has been 106. He’s been a top 5 OL in 5 out of his 8 seasons in the league, and he’s coming off back-to-back years leading the league in pancakes with 135+. Incredibly, he’s allowed just 1 sack in six years.
Important caveat: fantasy leadership has decided to revert to a scoring system last used in S27, where pancakes generate fantasy points for all positions, and this could be a serious hit to the relative value of a top fantasy OL. If anyone can overcome that, though, it’s Stumpy Jones. The question with him is less “will he be the top OL,” and more, “what is the aggregate value of the top fantasy OL.” That question, fantasy drafters will have to decide for themselves. –Michiganonymous
T-2. Theo Awardssystemisbad
![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Theo had a bit of a breakout last season, as his switch from interior OL to tackle led him to post a career high 106 pancakes while allowing only 1 sack, helping him finish as the 4th highest scoring OL in fantasy. His situation changes yet again this offseason as he moves within the NSFC from Baltimore to Chicago, but if he claims a lot of his unclaimed TPE this offseason he should jump up the human OL TPE leaderboards. While he might be a bit riskier of a pick than the higher TPE T’Chawama, he has high upside as he continues to develop and might have found a good OL situation in the Butchers.
T-2. Beniri T’Chawama
![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
They might call him Benchwarmer, but T’Chawama’s actual job is to be on the field keeping the heat off of HON QB Dexter Zaylren, and he’s pretty dang good at it. As an active S31 create, he’s over 1000 TPE with his best years still ahead of him; in fact, only Stumpy Jones has more TPE among OL. He’s oddly prone to allowing sacks, charged with at least one sack allowed in each of his four seasons, but with recent improvements this could be the season where that changes. No OL is a fantasy asset on the same level as Stumpy Jones yet, but T’chwama is next in line for the top spot. He’s a lock for 100+ pancakes as a draft-and-forget fantasy option. —Michiganonymous
4. Jaja Ding Dong
![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
Ding Dong is one of the elder statesman of the position, and with that comes a hefty regression. He should however be able to remain a top option as hIs Experience and position skill will remain quite high. Last season he only allowed 2 sacks, and there shouldn't be much reason to expect him to do any worse than that. I suspect he's good for another 100+ pancake season as well, so should be a safe OL pick for your team. - Russ
5. Swantavius Payne
![PHI PHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/PHI_thumb.png)
Swanty is on a mission for pancakes. His goal with this player is to set the career pancakes record, and he’s off to a promising start with 105 pancakes in his rookie season for the Liberty. He finished as the 5th highest ranking fantasy OL last season. With Philly not figuring to be major playoff contenders as they transition to post-Negs life this season, Swanty’s GMs have plenty of incentive to try and maximize his pancakes which converts directly into maximizing his fantasy points. I see a repeat of his OL5 performance last season as a floor, and could definitely see him improve upon that to finish as a top 3 fantasy OL in just his second season. - Slate
6. Bernie Sanders
![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
While most of the big name offensive linemen are entering regression, Sanders is still young and chugging along. He is one of the higher TPE linemen in the league right now, and plays tackle for the elite Arizona offense. Offensive line production is difficult to project with any real accuracy, but those are the two things that seem to matter the most. Last year’s OL7 should continue to improve with experience. - Tuba
7. Dallas Fort-Worth
![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
DFW is an interesting prospect because last season he ended with the 5th highest total pancakes. But he had a rough time keeping his QB upright, allowing 6 sacks. If he can rein those in, DFW could be a fine pick for your OL. Most likely someone you could draft late, or keep an eye on for waiver wire. If he pucks up a couple SA's early, you may need to abandon ship. - Russ
8. Manhattan Project
![COL COL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/COL_thumb.png)
Project has to be one of the most consistent OL in the ISFL, especially for fantasy. He is the epitome of high floor low ceiling when it comes to fantasy production. You can book him for 85-100 pancakes and no more than a single sack allowed. Now while that isn’t the best, you can rest assured if you draft Project you won’t have to spend a waiver pickup on OL because he will pan out. - Penne
9. Michael Carimi
![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
I appear to be much higher on Carimi’s prospects than my compatriots. Yes, he did just finish as the OL9 last season, which is very disappointing for a decent TPE tackle on a good offense like Chicago. However, OL production is highly variable year to year, and Carimi is still among the higher TPE tackles in the league. The arrival of Theo AwardsSystemIsBad shouldn’t affect Carimi as much as everyone seems to think, either. Why would the arrival of a less experienced, lower TPE lineman kill Carimi’s value? He may not be a set and forget option, but he has upside. - Tuba
10. Chevvy Bronko
![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
Chevvy Bronko won’t be able to play LT for the Sabercats which is a big hindrance on his fantasy prospects, but he is amongst the top 10 TPE human OL and a couple higher than him on the TPE list might be stuck on guard duty which is even worse for fantasy than RT. - Penne
KICKER
1. Swantavius King
![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
Fantasy kicking is all about opportunity and volume and the Sailfish provided King plenty of that in S35. Swantavius was T-2nd for the most extra point attempts and 2nd in field goal attempts as well. I see no reason for that volume to fall off substantially in S36 as the vast majority of their offensive pieces are at their peak right now. You might think King being only in his 2nd season could be a concern but he is already top 3 in TPE amongst kickers. - Penne
2. Freddy Bly
![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
One of the league's best kickers last season in one of the best offenses, Bly should be in position to have another great year. The HON offense should still be very potent this year, even with the retirement of their long-time workhorse, Cobra Kai. They replaced him with Buffalo Hunter, who should be a more than adequate substitute, so the kicking opportunities should remain plentiful. Bly is a safe 1 or 2 at the position, so you should feel fine adding him. - Russ
3. Cade York
![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
Arizona’s defense is aging, which means opponents are more likely to rack up points on the Outlaws. Arizona’s offense is absolutely elite, which means the Outlaws should be able to score just as much. Basically, Arizona is staring down the barrel at a shootout-filled season. And who almost universally benefits from high scoring games? The kicker. York may suffer from too many extra points rather than field goals, but at worst that means the veteran should have a solid floor. If Arizona finds itself struggling in the red zone, then York has the potential to be the top kicker of the season. - Tuba
4. Dallas Dole
![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
Orange County’s offense was sneakily good last season, finishing 6th in points and giving Dole plenty of opportunities to score fantasy points. Dole finished as the 3rd best fantasy kicker by demonstrating great accuracy in converting his above average 33 field goal attempts into 31 makes, tied for 2nd best in the league with King. He undergoes his 2nd regression this season which is sure to hurt his accuracy numbers a bit, but the Otters offense doesn’t seem to have any reason to slow down and Dole should still serve as a top 6 kicker at minimum. - Slate
5. Levy Tate
![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
Levy Tate burst onto the scene a couple of seasons ago by winning Kicker of the Year as a rookie. Since then they’ve been a little quieter, but remain one of the league’s most accurate kickers, with just one career extra point miss (171 attempts), only one career missed FG from inside 40 yards, and an overall career FG% of 89.5. Kicker will suffer from more inherent randomness than some other fantasy positions, but draft Levy Tate with confidence. —Michiganonymous
6. Double Doink
![YKW YKW](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/YKWnew_thumb.png)
DD was highly efficient last season, but didn't have a high volume of kicks due to a bit of a lackluster offense. Only 4 teams scored less than they did, and things don't look to have changed much. However, when called upon, DD rarely misses, going a perfect 22/22 on Field Goals. They did miss 3 XPs, which is a bit concerning, but all in all should be a kicker you could take in the last round and see decent results out of. - Russ
7. Daybe Downbad
![BAL BAL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BAL_thumb.png)
Daybe Downbad is a risky kicker to draft, but they’re one you should be watching as a potential waiver pickup if one of the higher-ranked players should underperform. Baltimore’s offense is built to score points in bunches, and that’s usually a good thing for fantasy kickers. Downbad has one of the stronger legs out there, not intimidated by attempts from 50+. The big knock on them is accuracy, or rather, inaccuracy. Their career FG% is sub-80, and they missed 3 extra points last season. Big yikes on both accounts, but if those issues can be corrected and the Hawks continue to play well on offense, watch out. —Michiganonymous
8. Izuku Campbel
![BER BER](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BER_thumb.png)
In one of the weirder fantasy football occurrences I’ve seen, Izuku Campbell finished as K1 despite kicking for one of the league’s worst offenses. Campbell and Berlin finished dead last in extra points attempted, but first by a huge margin in field goals attempted, narrowly giving Campbell the top kicker spot. It’s difficult to place exactly why the Berlin offense had such a penchant for stalling out in the red zone, but if the issue comes up again this season Campbell may finish higher than this. As is, though, Berlin may not be exactly lighting it up on offense, so drafting Campbell may be an undue risk for a kicker. - 124715
9. Jack Lewis
![SJS SJS](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SJS_thumb.png)
Lewis finished 7th in scoring amongst kickers last season despite being middle of the pack in FGA and towards the bottom in XPA. While I don’t exactly expect SJS to light up the scoreboards in S36, a similar season to S35 means Jack Lewis could be an asset to have in fantasy. - Penne
10. Lux Opal
![COL COL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/COL_thumb.png)
The Yeti used to be one of the league's most reliable offenses. They were going to throw, throw, and - if that didn't work, which it usually did - throw some more. Last season, Colorado unveiled a new, balanced offense with mixed results, and as the team struggled to put up points on the scoreboard, so did Opal to put up fantasy points. This year might see improvement from Colorado offensively, so Opal gets a boost from last year's K12 position, but there's still uncertainty surrounding the Yeti O, and it seems unlikely there's enough talent to push Opal into the ranks of the top fantasy kickers. - 124715
TEAM DEFENSE
1. Honolulu Hahalua
![HON HON](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/HON_thumb.png)
Fantasy defense year over year is highly volatile and as a result notoriously difficult to predict. The Hahalua are an exception; our group of writers unanimously expects last year’s best fantasy defense to safely repeat that performance. Why, what about sim gonna sim? True, but TPE still matters, and Honolulu’s defensive TPE advantage over every other team in the league is enormous. The Hahalua will start the year with more than 10,000 TPE on defense; no other team has more than 8500. The TPE gap between HON and 2nd place is as large as the gap between 2nd and 13th. Of the top 15 defensive players by TPE, 3 play for Honolulu, and they’re the league’s only team with players above 900 TPE at all three levels of the defense (DL, LB, DB). They have multiple elite pass rushers and the best defensive backfield in the league, an ideal recipe for the turnovers that drive defensive fantasy scoring. Want certainty from your fantasy defense? Draft the Hahalua. Anyone else is a roll of the dice. –Michiganonymous
T-2. Orange County Otters
![OCO OCO](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/OCO_thumb.png)
Solid fantasy success for defenses is generally led by a good pass rush as that leads to sacks and also has the potential to generate turnovers whether it be fumbles from strip sacks or picks. OCO looks to be set up to have a dominant pass rush this season. Between Pizzaman and Rodriguez headlining the LB corps and Stern and McTurtle bookending the D-Line, OCO could have the best pass rush in the ISFL. Top that off with a pretty good DT and some nice pieces in the secondary and they should be fantasy stars. - Penne
T-2. Yellowknife Wraiths
![YKW YKW](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/YKWnew_thumb.png)
As someone with firsthand knowledge of what the Wraiths’ defense is capable of (and only a tinge of bias), the rest of the league needs to be on notice. Yellowknife may lack the high-TPE star power some other defenses boast, but I dare you to find a true weak spot. The unit is led by young studs at every level, and has the unusual boon of not suffering from many inactive players. This means that the Wraiths’ defense should start solid before improving to elite by the end of the season as the entire unit grows as one. Some might call last season’s production unsustainable. I call it just the beginning. - Tuba
4. Chicago Butchers
![CHI CHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/CHI_thumb.png)
One of the secrets to great scoring defense in this league is a strong front seven. Chicago's pass Rushers have aged a little, but they reloaded with some young talent and should be ok, if not slightly less productive getting to the QB. Hall and Omni man are still solid options, but the DL leave a lot to be desired. Their secondary remains one of the highest groups of TPE in the league, so they, in theory, should be able to generate turnovers. Soulja, Walt, and Tessie are all over 1K TPE and Deco is coming up quickly behind them. Overall, should be a safe group to pick after the consensus top 2-3 are gone. - Russ
5. Sarasota Sailfish
![SAR SAR](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/SAR_thumb.png)
I’m aware of my obvious bias, but as I told my fellow writers, I will rank the Sailfish as a top fantasy defense until I manifest it into reality by sheer force of will. Outside of Honolulu there might not be a more talented top-to-bottom defense in the league. David Moyes remains the scariest edge rusher in the league and will fight the Regression Demon as long as he possibly can. He’ll have a promising rookie running mate across from him this season as well, either Harley Andrews or Justin Cloud. DTs Lennay Kekua and Mistah Freddy are strong against the run, and speedy LBs ‘dont draft’ and Ernest Lover lurk behind them. For all the quality in the front 7, Sarasota’s secondary is actually their strongest unit by TPE, with CB Calvin Hobbes the star of the group. The Sailfish should be confidently drafted in most fantasy leagues, but among many frustrations in a down season for the Sailfish last year was the relative underachievement of the defense, both practically and in fantasy terms. Can they reward fantasy drafters with a rebound year? –Michiganonymous
6. New Orleans Secondline
![NOLA NOLA](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/NOLA_thumb.png)
Like we discussed under the Hahalua above, sim gonna sim, but TPE matters, and in TPE terms the Second Line defense is mighty indeed. They have at least one player above 800 TPE at every level of the defense, led by eccentric pass rusher Jason Garciaparra; one of the league’s best inside linebackers in Sir Peter Jackson; and physical cornerback De’Aaron Harper II. NOLA also has a defensive chess piece unlike any other player in the league, strong safety/Mean Dude Amari Springer. One of the league’s most violent tacklers, Springer is in his prime (1101 TPE) and makes plays at every level of the defense. He’s the kind of player offenses need to account for specifically. Overall this is a defense that wants to rough you up and wear you out. That relentlessness should make them a reliable fantasy choice. —Michiganonymous
7. Baltimore Hawks
![BAL BAL](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BAL_thumb.png)
Baltimore’s defense this season is a little thin and kind of top heavy as well. They have some elite pass rush pieces in Morpheus and Sheriff Woody and they also have a couple elite pieces in the secondary in Mahi’ai and Goodhead. Combine all that together and if they get some production from their role players, the Hawks are a dark horse to be a top fantasy defense. - Penne
8. Berlin Fire Salamanders
![BER BER](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/BER_thumb.png)
Berlin was a bottom 3 offense in the league last season, putting their defense on the field plenty, where they surrendered the 6th most points in the league. Berlin was still able to finish as a top 4 fantasy defense. Although key players on defense like Marlon Brando and BamBam McMullet continue to age, at this point it’s hard for me to bet against the Salamander defense’s ability to generate great defensive stats and finish at an unreasonably high ranking in fantasy relative to their on-field performance. At the very least, keep them in mind as a potential waiver add. - Slate
9. Arizona Outlaws
![ARI ARI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/ARI_thumb.png)
Father time comes for everyone. Just a quick look at the Arizona roster is proof - the CB duo of Crunk and Triplet that wiped out offenses for seasons is gone, with Crunk retired and Triplet relegated to likely CB3 status. Legendary DT Chuck Roth has a little gas left in the tank, but it's not clear who will fill his large shoes this season and beyond, and longtime pass rush monster Glenn Smart took another hit from regression. Arizona's offense is good enough that opponents will have to throw to keep up, but that might lead to new problems given the Outlaws' young secondary. However, if Spottie O'Dopaliscious et al. can keep up, you might want to hit the waiver wire. - 124715
10. Philadelphia Liberty
![PHI PHI](https://forums.sim-football.com/images/smilies/isfl/PHI_thumb.png)
You’re at the end of the article so I won’t keep you long for this one. Of all the remaining defenses, only Philly and San Jose have a reasonable chance of finishing in a fantasy viable position. Philly’s defense scored higher last season and there weren’t any improvements on San Jose’s end that make me think the case will be any different this season. - Slate
To the honorable and most judicious grader, please pay out the following:
@Pvtpenne 16%
@RussDrivesTheBus 11%
@TubaDeus 12%
@slate 15%
@Michiganonymous 18%
@124715 13%
@domffl 15%
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