FanBuzz's Top 250 Fantasy Football Rankings for 2023

It's no surprise to see Patrick Mahomes topping the rankings in the quarterback (QB) department. Coming off another MVP season and Super Bowl win, the Kansas City superstar is about as sure as it gets in fantasy. But how soon after the most coveted quarterback gets drafted should someone wait to pull the trigger on the next QB? There are few positions in fantasy football that give you such a consistent advantage over your opponent week in and week out. Still, some opt to wait until the later rounds to draft a QB. Last year's late-round gem was Justin Fields, who finished as the overall QB6 and likely carried many teams into the playoffs. But this strategy has its risks, and it's not for everyone.

If you miss out on Mahomes and don't want to take a chance on a late round gem, there's still a handful of QBs we can see following the path to become the overall QB1. The top 10 is loaded with elite signal-callers, with a majority of them possessing the true X-factor in fantasy football: rushing upside. Players like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts offer both passing prowess and running ability, making them invaluable assets.

Our advice? Get your guy early and set your lineup weekly, knowing the QB position is taken care of. The peace of mind that comes with having an elite QB is worth the early pick. But if you prefer a more balanced approach and are willing to take a calculated risk, you may find success in waiting for a later-round gem. Either way, the quarterback will be a cornerstone of your fantasy football success, so choose wisely.

Remember the days when running backs (RBs) were the undisputed kings of the draft? Times are changing, and while the RB position continues to play an essential role in fantasy football, the way you approach it must be nuanced and adaptable to current NFL strategies.

We're starting to see a slight shift in average draft position (ADP) compared to previous years, where RBs typically dominated the first few selections. Top-tier players like Christian McCaffery, Austin Ekeler, and Saquon Barkley are undoubtedly going to be off the board quickly. But what if you're drafting in the back half of the round? It may be wise to pause on the position and adopt a more strategic approach. Once you get past the top 5, there's a diverse group of RBs that follows, all possessing great value in rounds 2 and 3.

Our advice? If you miss out on the top studs, don't panic. You can build your roster at other positions, focusing on wide receivers or quarterbacks, and look to find value in the later rounds with RBs who have pass-catching upside. The traditional workhorse RB is becoming rare, and committees or dual-threat backs are more prevalent. Understanding these trends will give you an edge in picking those sleeper RBs that can make a difference.

The beginning of fantasy drafts has shifted away from the once RB-heavy preference, and wide receivers are starting to become the most coveted position early on. This change in dynamic represents a new era in fantasy football, and it's one that can be exploited to your advantage.

If you're fortunate enough to own a top 3 pick in your fantasy draft, you're likely targeting either Justin Jefferson or Jamar Chase. Jefferson, who finished as the overall WR1 last year, and Chase, who ranked just outside the top 10 even after missing some games due to injury, are undisputed studs. These dynamic weapons are essential to their respective offenses and look set to continue their dominance for the foreseeable future.

If you miss out on these two, don't panic; the early rounds are absolutely loaded with high-quality pass catchers. Names like Tyreek Hill, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Stefon Diggs are sure to be on many managers' radars, and rightfully so. These players have consistently demonstrated their ability to rack up the fantasy points. Our advice? Make sure to lock in a stud early, but don't be afraid to take some swings in the middle rounds on emerging talents poised for a breakout. 

Much like the quarterback position, securing a top-tier tight end (TE) gives you a considerable advantage each week in fantasy football. The challenge? There are only a select few worth spending your premium draft capital on. Knowing who and when to pick can be a game-changer.

Travis Kelce stands out as the single most dominant TE in fantasy football. Last season, he produced nearly 100 more fantasy points in PPR scoring than the overall TE2. To put this into perspective, the difference between PPR TE2 and TE3 last season was just 15 points. Kelce's numbers aren't just good; they're transcendent. He's the equivalent of a fantasy cheat code, and any manager would be lucky to have him on their roster.

It's not all doom and gloom if you miss out on Kelce, as there are other commendable draft options at the TE position. Mark Andrews, who finished as TE1 just two years ago, is every bit worthy of an early-round investment. Other players like T.J. Hockenson, George Kittle, Darren Waller, and Kyle Pitts have all shown flashes of dominance and, while they may not exhibit the weekly consistency of the top 2, they can still be valuable assets to your team.

Our advice? If you're drafting towards the middle to end of the first round, seriously consider snagging the top pass catcher at the position. If you can't land Kelce, focus on finding value in the mid to later rounds. Tight ends might not be the flashiest position in fantasy football, but a well-chosen TE can make a major difference in your weekly matchups.