Today we look at players No. 62-60 on our fantasy football rankings of the top 101 PPR players of 2017. Which players recently had their rankings improve?
Almost a week ago we learned Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta re-injured his hip at OTAs. Two days ago, the Ravens officially released him with an injury settlement. In case you forgot, last season Pitta led all tight ends in receptions (86) and was third in targets (119).
With Pitta gone these extra targets from a season ago have to go somewhere right? Let's see which players on the list today had their situations go from good to possibly great.
To be clear, the top 101 PPR players are for re-draft leagues only. Here's a look at players ranked No. 62-60:
Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) celebrates after catching a pass in the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
62. Theo Riddick, RB – Detroit Lions
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In 2015 Theo Riddick was second in the NFL among running backs in targets (99), receiving yards (697) while tying for the most receptions (80). Riddick's work in the passing game helped him finish as the 18th PPR running back. Last year Riddick averaged slightly more receptions per game than 2015. Unfortunately, Riddick couldn't stay healthy for the entire season.
Riddick missed six games due to injuries to both his wrists and ankle. As a result, he only finished with 53 receptions and 371 yards on 67 targets. Right now, he is still recovering from offseason surgery on both of his wrists.
At this point, there's no reason to believe Riddick won't be full-go for Week 1 and he'll continue to work as the Lion's primary passing-down/third-down back. Over the last two seasons he has averaged over five receptions per game. He should see similar production in 2017 and should be a top-20 PPR running back as long as he can stay healthy.
Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) runs with the ball during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
61. Danny Woodhead, RB – Baltimore Ravens
Running back Danny Woodhead spent the last four seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers. In that time, he averaged 4.5 receptions per game. In two of those four seasons, he caught 76+ passes. However, in the other two seasons Woodhead only played a total of five games. A broken fibula in 2014 and a torn ACL in 2016 ended those seasons prematurely. Going into 2017, Woodhead is with a new team in the Baltimore Ravens, but will maintain his role as third-down/receiving running back.
Shortly after Woodhead signed with the Ravens, the public learned the Ravens starting running back, Kenneth Dixon, would be suspended for the first-four games of the season. As mentioned earlier, the Ravens already lost starting tight end Dennis Pitta to a hip injury. Between Dixon missing four games and Pitta the entire season, Woodhead should see significant playing time and targets in the short passing game.
Dec 18, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
60. Mike Wallace, WR – Baltimore Ravens
Last year was Mike Wallace's eighth season in the NFL but his first season with the Baltimore Ravens. In his first year he was first on the team in receiving yards (1,017) while finishing second in targets (117), receptions (72) and receiving touchdowns (4). His receiving yards was the most since 2011 while he finished two receptions shy of setting a new career high. He ended last season as the 22nd PPR wide receiver. Going into 2017, Wallace's situation has greatly improved.
This offseason the Ravens lost Steve Smith Sr. to retirement, Kamar Aiken to free agency and Dennis Pitta to injury. Between the three, they combined for 272 targets last year. With all of these targets available, it's hard to believe Wallace won't better last year's numbers.
