RotoWire 150 - NFL: Liss' Overall Cheat Sheet

RotoWire 150 - NFL: Liss' Overall Cheat Sheet

Here are our top-150 overall rankings for a standard league (1-QB, 2-RB, 3-WR, 1-TE, 1-K, 1-D; 3/6 TDs, 20/10 yardage) as of September 2.

Note: the RotoWire 150 is merely an feature article that is NOT updated regularly. Moreover, who you should draft will vary according to the composition of your roster and what positions are more heavily targeted by other teams. For a good draft list, use our by-position cheat sheets that are linked to our database and updated daily as well as our customizable rankings.

RankPlayerPosTeamComment
1Adrian PetersonRBMINDoes it every year and catches passes now, too
2Jamaal CharlesRBKCAveraged 6.4 YPC on 230 attempts; could be No. 1 overall if the Chiefs used him at the goal line
3Ray RiceRBBAL63 receptions, 307 carries, but only 4.0 YPC and six total TDs; McGahee gone, however
4Chris JohnsonRBTENSigned and ready to go for Week 1
5Arian FosterRBHOU2,220 yards from scrimmage, 18 TDs, 66 receptions last year; hamstring a concern
6Andre JohnsonWRHOUMost reliable receiver in the game, but lack of goal-line looks limits upside
7Calvin JohnsonWRDETStill don't know what he could do with above average quarterbacking
8LeSean McCoyRBPHI78 catches, but only 207 carries, and just seven at the goal-line. Upside if that changes
9Maurice Jones-DrewRBJACTDs were down, but otherwise very solid
Here are our top-150 overall rankings for a standard league (1-QB, 2-RB, 3-WR, 1-TE, 1-K, 1-D; 3/6 TDs, 20/10 yardage) as of September 2.

Note: the RotoWire 150 is merely an feature article that is NOT updated regularly. Moreover, who you should draft will vary according to the composition of your roster and what positions are more heavily targeted by other teams. For a good draft list, use our by-position cheat sheets that are linked to our database and updated daily as well as our customizable rankings.

RankPlayerPosTeamComment
1Adrian PetersonRBMINDoes it every year and catches passes now, too
2Jamaal CharlesRBKCAveraged 6.4 YPC on 230 attempts; could be No. 1 overall if the Chiefs used him at the goal line
3Ray RiceRBBAL63 receptions, 307 carries, but only 4.0 YPC and six total TDs; McGahee gone, however
4Chris JohnsonRBTENSigned and ready to go for Week 1
5Arian FosterRBHOU2,220 yards from scrimmage, 18 TDs, 66 receptions last year; hamstring a concern
6Andre JohnsonWRHOUMost reliable receiver in the game, but lack of goal-line looks limits upside
7Calvin JohnsonWRDETStill don't know what he could do with above average quarterbacking
8LeSean McCoyRBPHI78 catches, but only 207 carries, and just seven at the goal-line. Upside if that changes
9Maurice Jones-DrewRBJACTDs were down, but otherwise very solid as usual; recovery from knee surgery expected, but a concern
10Michael TurnerRBATLOne-dimensional power back, but 26 goal-line carries led NFL
11Darren McFaddenRBOAKHome run threat and dangerous receiver out of the backfield; Bush will steal goal-line touches, though
12Rashard MendenhallRBPIT23 goal-line carries, but only 3.9 YPC and 167 receiving yards
13Larry FitzgeraldWRARZPut up serviceable fantasy numbers despite abysmal quarterbacking. Should be better in 2011
14Miles AustinWRDALShould bounce back with Tony Romo healthy again
15Hakeem NicksWRNYGBig-play and red-zone threat simply needs to stay healthy
16Ahmad BradshawRBNYGIf ankles hold up, can do it all, but shares carries with Brandon Jacobs
17Frank GoreRBSFInjury history knocks him down seven spots; one of the top receiving backs in the league
18Roddy WhiteWRATLHeavily targeted receiver with solid all-around skills
19Matt ForteRBCHIGot the spring back in his step; 4.5 YPC, 547 receiving yards
20Peyton HillisRBCLETremendous season, but the punishment caught up to him late; Hardesty should share carries
21Greg JenningsWRGBAaron Rodgers' big-play receiver
22LeGarrette BlountRBTBBruising back with athleticism, struggled at the goal-line for some reason
23Ryan MathewsRBSDWeek 17 showed what might have been had he stayed healthy
24Aaron RodgersQBGBElite pocket passer who stands alone because of his rushing ability
25Brandon LloydWRDENCame out of nowhere last year to be league's No. 1 WR; good news that Orton remains QB
26Vincent JacksonWRSDClear No. 1 in San Diego should see more targets than ever
27Mike WilliamsWRTBJosh Freeman's favorite target - has good athleticism and red-zone size
28Dwayne BoweWRKCMonstrous seven-game midseason run, but disappeared unpredictably; still great TD source
29Mike WallaceWRPIT12.7 YPT was the best mark in the last 10 years; explosive big play receiver
30Antonio GatesTESDOn pace for a year for the ages before he got hurt; healthy at press time
31Michael VickQBPHIArguably No. 1 overall pick if guaranteed 16-game season; worth a gamble at this spot
32Drew BreesQBNOVolume and offensive scheme guarantee a high floor
33Philip RiversQBSDAnother elite season (8.7 YPA, 30 TD, 13 INT, 4710 yards), despite decimated receiving corps
34DeSean JacksonWRPHIExplosive deep threat, averaged 22.5 YPC
35Brandon MarshallWRMIAPhysical talent never in doubt, but personal issues and poor environment add risk
36DeAngelo WilliamsRBCARGreat talent, but splitting the work again
37Mark IngramRBNOHard to know what his role will be, but huge upside in that offense if it's prominent
38Steven JacksonRBSTLOld warhorse keeps trudging along; environment should improve, but what's left in the tank?
39Shonn GreeneRBNYJSet to be the lead back this year with Tomlinson taking on a third-down role
40Dez BryantWRDALDespite injury-riddled rookie season, showed superb physical skills. Must fight for targets
41Tony RomoQBDALHealthy and with top shelf weapons. Upside: Top-3 QB
42Chris WellsRBARZThe job is his; needs to stay healthy
43Tom BradyQBNE36:4 TD:INT ratio is otherworldy; bump up five spots if NE gets him a big-time WR
44Jahvid BestRBDETLook good early on when healthy; 250 carries seems like his ceiling
45Percy HarvinWRMINRushing and return stats a bonus; migraines only risk
46Fred JacksonRBBUFEstablished as the team's go-to back; Spiller could see a bigger role, however
47Anquan BoldinWRBALExpect a bounce back in Year 2 in Baltimore if Boldin can stay healthy again
48Jeremy MaclinWRPHISeems to be improving from illness, but need to see him on the field
49Felix JonesRBDALShould get a chance in the feature role; needs to prove he can carry the load
50Jermichael FinleyTEGBSky's the limit with his skills in that environment if he can ever stay healthy
51Vernon DavisTESFBest speed/size combo among tight ends; environment needs to improve
52Marques ColstonWRNOReliable receiver in Saints offense, but upside limited by its diversity
53Reggie WayneWRINDBad per-play numbers, only produced due to volume. Manning's injury also an issue
54Knowshon MorenoRBDENShould start in Denver, but new coach and new management clouds role and environment
55Chad OchocincoWRNEHuge upgrade as Tom Brady's presumed top downfield target
56Santonio HolmesWRNYJQuick, explosive wideout with good hands; Jets' No. 1 this year
57Mario ManninghamWRNYGDownfield playmaker, will see more targets with Steve Smith gone
58Jason WittenTEDALReliable tight end, not used much by Tony Romo in the red zone
59Steve JohnsonWRBUFSurprise top target for Ryan Fitzpatrick; Bills should be forced to throw plenty in 2011
60Wes WelkerWRNEPlayed at less than 100 percent last year; healthy now.
61James StarksRBGBCame on strong in the playoffs - should push Ryan Grant for carries
62Peyton ManningQBINDWon't have 679 attempts again, but efficiency (6.9 YPA) should improve with receivers healthy
63Kenny BrittWRTENRising star needs to overcome off-field issues; QB situation unsettled, possible league suspension
64Daniel ThomasRBMIABig, physical back not having a great camp; will battle Reggie Bush for carries
65Braylon EdwardsWRSFStill a big-time downfield weapon; can Alex Smith get him the ball?
66Reggie BushRBMIAShould get first crack to start, much better in PPR
67Sidney RiceWRSEAAthletic playmaker with good size
68Jonathan StewartRBCARBruising back will split carries with DeAngelo Williams
69Austin CollieWRINDBut for concussions and hand injury, might have been a top-10 receiver; QB's health an issue
70Steve SmithWRCARDangerous downfield target; has he lost a step at age 32?
71Joseph AddaiRBINDThe job is presumably still his for now
72BenJarvus Green-Ellis RBNECompetent back scored 13 TDs, but NE brought in a lot of competition
73Cedric BensonRBCINIt's not pretty, but 300 carries will pay the bills
74Dallas ClarkTEINDHeavily-targeted tight end in elite offense
75Pierre ThomasRBNOCrowded backfield, injury history and fickle coach hurt his value, despite strong skills and offense
76Ryan GrantRBGBBattling for carries with James Starks
77C.J. SpillerRBBUFThe Bills have to use him more in Year 2, don't they?
78Marshawn LynchRBSEAEpic carry in playoff game possibly buys Lynch a few starts, but 3.6 YPC last year
79Mike ThomasWRJACClear No. 1 receiver, has great speed, but lacks size
80Santana MossWRWASStill productive at age 32, clear No. 1 in WAS
81A.J. GreenWRCINAll-world prospect will fight for targets in Cincinnati
82Earl BennettWRCHILikely to be Jay Cutler's go-to possession receiver this year
83Malcom FloydWRSDLooked like a legit No. 1 when Vincent Jackson was out; third option behind Jackson and Gates
84Tim HightowerRBWASAtop the depth chart for now, but that doesn't mean a whole lot
85Ben RoethlisbergerQBPITFull season with game-breaker Mike Wallace bodes well
86Matt SchaubQBHOUCompetent QB in good environment, but HOU usually runs near the goal line
87Brandon JacobsRBNYGLimited workload resulted in 5.6 YPC. Splits work at the goal line
88Eli ManningQBNYGCompetent QB with first-rate playmakers on the outside
89Julio JonesWRATLSecond-fiddle to Roddy White, but Falcons didn't mortgage the farm not to use him
90Mike TolbertRBSDBruising fullback could still be in the mix, especially near the goal line
91Jimmy GrahamTENO6-6 target should be a major weapon in the red zone
92Marcedes LewisTEJAC6-6 tight end is Jaguars primary red-zone threat
93Matt RyanQBATLStill getting better, and addition of Julio Jones will only help
94Josh FreemanQBTBHuge improvement in Year 2; rushing ability provides major upside
95Michael BushRBOAKCould be a top-25 property if McFadden went down; should see some goal-line work
96Roy Helu, Jr. RBWASCould easily replace Ryan Torain - more upside due to speed
97Michael CrabtreeWRSFTop prospect disappointed in Year 2; dealing with foot injury, presence of Braylon Edwards
98Lee EvansWRBUFDownfield playmaker, in a much better situation in Baltimore
99Hines WardWRPITPer-play averages still solid - should see targets bounce back with full season of Big Ben
100Kellen WinslowTETBWhen healthy, one of the league's more reliable pass-catching tight ends
101Delone CarterRBINDJoseph Addai and Donald Brown are surmountable obstacles
102Alex GreenRBGBThird string for now, but whoever wins this battle has a ton of upside
103Lance MooreWRNOAthletic possession type re-signs with the Saints
104Ben TateRBHOUIf anything happens to Arian Foster, Tate's in a favorable spot
105Robert MeachemWRNOHas the physical tools to be a No. 1, but apparently viewed as a complementary part
106Stevan RidleyRBNELooked great in preseason; could be in the mix with BJGE
107Brandon PettigrewTEDETQuietly caught 71 passes for 722 yards. If Stafford stays healthy, plenty of upside here
108Willis McGaheeRBDENShould see goal-line work and could push unreliable Moreno for starting job
109Ryan TorainRBWASBattling for carries, dealing with wrist injury - played well when healthy
110Jerome HarrisonRBDETPossible backup to injury-prone Jahvid Best
111Rashad JenningsRBJACWas solid as Maurice Jones-Drew's backup last year
112DeMarco MurrayRBDALNeither Felix Jones nor Tashard Choice has set the world on fire; Murray could get a chance
113Mike WilliamsWRSEASidney Rice and Zach Miller signings hurt value
114Mike Sims-WalkerWRSTLCould emerge as Sam Bradford's No. 1
115Plaxico BurressWRNYJMichael Vick proved jail makes you better
116Johnny KnoxWRCHIChicago's big-play threat, but lack of size limits red-zone looks
117Greg LittleWRCLEBig, strong receiver could easily emerge as Colt McCoy's top target
118Javon RingerRBTENChris Johnson's backup
119Ronnie BrownRBPHIGoal-line role in top offense could be useful
120Pierre GarconWRINDBehind Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark and Austin Collie in the pecking order
121Jay CutlerQBCHIYear 2 with Mike Martz and an offensive line expected to improve
122Joe FlaccoQBBAL25 TDs on 489 attempts last year; hasn't peaked yet
123Roy WilliamsWRCHIPoor camp has him in danger of losing his job
124Davone BessWRMIAPossession receiver who relies on volume
125Deion BranchWRNEFilled in admirably when Randy Moss left, but Ochocinco steals targets
126Aaron HernandezTENEDynamic pass-catching TE, but will yield goal-line targets to Rob Gronkowski
127Rob GronkowskiTENETouchdown machine will share targets with Aaron Hernandez
128Zach MillerTESEAWith Carlson out, Miller should see more targets
129Montario HardestyRBCLEComing back from injury, spells Peyton Hillis behind first-rate offensive line
130Jordy NelsonWRGBSuper Bowl performance creates opportunity; James Jones' re-signing limits it
131Kyle OrtonQBDENBad defense could result in 4,000 yard season
132Steve BreastonWRKCNo. 2 option in Kansas City
133Jacoby FordWROAKVersatile playmaker adds rushing, receiving and return yards and scores
134Marion BarberRBCHICould see goal-line carries and some receptions
135Kevin KolbQBARZPlaying in a good climate with Larry Fitzgerald should ensure a good floor
136Jason SnellingRBATLTough runner, solid pass catcher, backup to Michael Turner
137Louis MurphyWROAKCould be Raiders top receiver this year
138Ricky WilliamsRBBALRay Rice's backup
139Chris CooleyTEWASCould be ready for the start of the season
140Tony GonzalezTEATLA down year was 70 catches and six TDs
141Justin ForsettRBSEAFor whatever reason, the Seahawks don't trust him to carry the load
142Owen DanielsTEHOUNeeds to stay healthy, and the Texans don't throw a lot in the red zone
143Kendall HunterRBSFLikely backup to an injury-prone Frank Gore
144Greg OlsenTECARCould be the team's top receiver
145Matthew StaffordQBDETIf he ever stays healthy, he has the physical tools and the weapons to break out
146Arrelious BennWRTBHealing well after ACL surgery - has the talent to make an impact in Year 2
147Nate BurlesonWRDETShould see a lot of single coverage
148Sam BradfordQBSTLScouts love him but 6.0 YPA last year
149Jared CookTETENGreat athlete, could be a frequent target
150Danny AmendolaWRSTLMuch better in PPR if the Rams stick with him.

Players Who Dropped Out since the last edition: Steve Smith (PHI)

Players Added: Zach Miller (SEA)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chris Liss
Chris Liss was RotoWire's Managing Editor and Host of RotoWIre Fantasy Sports Today on Sirius XM radio from 2001-2022.
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