Most fantasy football owners wouldn't mind starting their drafts by picking a top running back. The only problem in 2019 is how messy the top of the RB rankings are. Ezekiel Elliott and Melvin Gordon look no closer to returning from their holdouts (and Gordon could get traded and throw a wrench into multiple teams' plans). Then in Kansas City, the relatively unknown Damien Williams has been missing time at camp because of injury, allowing newly signed handcuff Carlos Hyde to stand out. Everyone would like some clarity on their cheat sheets, but it doesn't seem to be coming yet.
Be sure to check out our top 200 rankings throughout the preseason, as we'll be frequently updating them as injuries, signings, and starter announcements occur.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2019 Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Melvin Gordon holdout update
After Gordon requested a trade last week, there's been much speculation as to where he might end up. Houston and Tampa Bay seem like the two most obvious destinations, but the Houston Chronicle reported Monday morning that the Texans won't be pursuing a trade for Gordon. There have been no reports on whether the Buccaneers are pursuing a specific Gordon trade. Adam Caplan has reported that while Gordon is out, Justin Jackson is ahead of Austin Ekeler for early-down work in L.A.
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If Gordon were to be traded, it would shake up the rankings entirely. He'd presumably be a surefire first-round pick no matter where he ended up, while it would also boost Jackson and Ekeler's value with the Chargers. A Gordon trade would also knock someone else out of a top backfield job with another team. The most fantasy-friendly outcome, in terms of least chaos, would be Gordon remaining with the Chargers and just playing football.
2019 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | D/ST | Kicker | Top 200
When will Ezekiel Elliott end holdout?
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones doesn't see a deadline on Elliott's holdout, he told USA Today. He went on to say that he won't "see a point" in months, either. Basically, Jones was saying that as the current collective bargaining agreement exists, he doesn't see a reason to give in and pay Elliott what he's requesting. Jones has already said it takes more than a RB to win a Super Bowl. If anything, this throws more doubt into 'Zeke's availability to start the season.
Dallas brought in veteran Alfred Morris last week to serve as Elliott insurance alongside youngsters Tony Pollard and Darius Jackson. Elliott is universally ranked as a top-four player in fantasy football for 2019, so he's as big (or bigger) a risk as Le'Veon Bell was in 2018. If you draft Elliott in the first round, it would behoove you to grab Morris late to provide insurance on your top pick.
2019 PPR RANKINGS:
Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Top 200
Damien Williams injury update
Andy Reid praised Carlos Hyde on Sunday for "taking advantage" of the reps he's gotten with Williams injured, according to NFL.com. Williams wasn't expected to be out this long with his hamstring injury, and his missed week of camp has allowed both free-agent signee Hyde and rookie Darwin Thompson to get more plays. Reid singled out Hyde, for whatever that's worth.
DRAFT STRATEGY AND RANKINGS TIERS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST
Williams is being selected as an RB2 in standard leagues. There's a month until the season starts, so his Week 1 status shouldn't be in doubt. The handcuff to Williams could be crucial, though, especially in an offense as high-powered as Kansas City's. It's worth keeping tabs on this situation. If Hyde has stuff left in the tank or if Thompson can wedge his way into the conversation, Williams's value would take a notable hit.