Value Picks For Fantasy Football: First 5 Rounds

• Austin Ekeler’s ADP is 11.2, but could finish the year as a top-five running back, despite seeing 825.5 yards on his season prop.
• Darren Waller is going 14 spots lower than Travis Kelce, but might be equally as efficient with -115 odds to catch over 95.5 receptions.
• Miles Sanders is being selected as the RB18 in drafts but has RB1 upside as online sportsbooks have Sanders projected for 1000.5 yards.

LAS VEGAS – Drafting for fantasy football can often be the most stressful time of the year. Barring trades and waiver wire pickups, the team selected on draft night is there for the remainder of the season.

A two-hour draft can have four-month implications but knowing a couple of players that can help a team succeed is crucial. Using NFL season props is one of the ways to help a draft strategy.

Round 1: Austin Ekeler (11.2 ADP)

Austin Ekeler isn’t thought to be in the same tier as some of the top names, but has proven he’s capable of matching their output. He missed a good portion of the year with injuries, but is healthy and ready to go.

He averaged 93.3 scrimmage yards per appearance last season and brought in 5.4 receptions per game, making him extremely valuable in PPR formats. Plus, legal sports betting are predicting another big season.

Austin Ekeler Rushing Yards Total

• Over 825.5 -110
• Under 825.5 -120

Considering the biggest part of Ekeler’s game is being a legitimate receiving option, 800 yards on the ground would just be icing on the cake.

He could be a league-winner in 2021.

Round 2: Darren Waller (22.4 ADP)

Darren Waller is one of the few elite tight ends in the game right now. In 2020 he averaged 6.7 receptions and 74.75 yards per game. The nine touchdowns didn’t hurt either.

Waller has another good season ahead of him according to the sports betting sites.

Darren Waller Receiving Yards Total

• Over 1050.5 -115
• Under 1050.5 -115

Waller also has -115 odds to record Over 95.5 receptions, only five lower than Travis Kelce’s total and higher than solidified receiving threats such as Allen Robinson, DK Metcalf, Justin Jefferson and Tyreek Hill.

Considering the positional advantage he holds, fantasy football players should consider Waller in the latter half of the second round.

Round 3: Miles Sanders (34.0 ADP)

Miles Sanders’ ADP puts him behind David Montgomery and JK Dobbins which doesn’t make much sense. For running backs, a player without a true threat to vulture carries and touchdowns is valuable, and that’s what Miles Sanders has.

Miles Sanders Rushing Yards Total

• Over 1000.5 -110
• Under 1000.5 -120

As a comparison, Sanders’ rushing total is set higher than Najee Harris (16.4 ADP) and just 50 yards fewer than Aaron Jones (12.6 ADP). The Philadelphia Eagles might be trailing late in games which would limit Sanders’ usage, but he’s worth the risk as a late third-round pick.

Round 4: Amari Cooper (41.4 ADP)

Not many would doubt who’s the best receiver on the Dallas Cowboys and it’s Amari Cooper. However, CeeDee Lamb is being selected higher in fantasy drafts (37.6 ADP). Cooper has both a higher receiving yards total and receiving touchdowns total and with Dak Prescott back in the lineup could see his Over hit in both categories.

Amari Cooper Receiving Yards Total

• Over 1175.5 -105
• Under 1175.5 -125

Even with Lamb potentially taking a couple targets away from Cooper, his connection with Prescott is unlikely to change.

Round 5: James Robinson (62.8 ADP)

James Robinson was the steal of all steals for anybody who drafted him or picked him up from the waiver wire last season. Now, he’s getting looked over and is being drafted as the RB24.

Sure, the Jacksonville Jaguars took Travis Etienne in the first round, but don’t forget Urban Meyer had him taking reps at wide receiver.

Robinson’s season totals are extremely low for someone who just ran for over 1,000 yards, but the doubt may simply be too strong. If Robinson matches his output from last season, everybody will look back and talk about how they were overthinking his situation and how it was an obvious choice.

Don’t let that happen to you. Draft this guy in the late fifth to the early sixth round.

News tags: Austin Ekeler | Darren Waller | Fantasy Football | Miles Sanders | NFL