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Yesterday we looked at the PPR Heroes, today we check out the Zeroes.
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For starters we all know that running backs like Michael Turner, LeGarrette Blount, and Brandon Jacobs take a hit in PPR leagues. Here are some Wide Receivers who get downgraded in PPR leagues.
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Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers:  I know he’s talking about a 2000 yard season and will likely receive more looks this year, but his bread and butter remain the deep ball. Wallace ranked second in the league with a 21.0 yards per catch average. He’ll likely catch fewer passes than those in his tier.
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DeSean Jackson, Philadelpia Eagles:  Ditto for DeSean. He can absolutely fly, but he only caught 47 passes last year to reach 1056 yards (league best 22.5 ypc). He’ll have his monster games, but he also is more likely to turn in a dud that those in his tier.
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Johnny Knox, Chicago Bears:  At least the Bears seem to be coming to their senses that Roy Williams isn’t elite. You can reunite him with Mike Martz, but that doesn’t mean a hill of beans if he’s overweight. Knox had nearly 1000 yards last year on 51 catches (fifth in the league with 18.8 ypc). With Earl Bennett locked in at the slot, Knox will likely remain the deep threat.
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Anthony Armstrong, Washington Redskins:  Not that I endorse any receiver other than Santana Moss on the Redskins, but if you’re in a PPR league, do not take a flier on Armstrong. He’s a deep threat and no more at this point. He finished third in the league with a 19.8 ypc.
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Malcom Floyd, San Diego Chargers:  Floyd has WR3/4 potential in standard leagues. Unfortunately his value takes a big time hit in PPR leagues. He ranked fourth in ypc at 19.4. He only hauled in 37 passes last year when Vincent Jackson barely played.
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Nate Washington, Tennessee Titans:  Like Armstrong I probably wouldn’t add him to my team in standard leagues, but I especially would avoid him in PPR leagues. Washington caught just 42 passes last year for an 11th best 16.4 ypc.

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Also check out:

• 2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings – PPR
• 2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football K Rankings

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I must admit that I’m not much of a fan of PPR leagues. To me you are rewarding players for doing what they are supposed to do. Catching 8 passes for 50 yards to me is not more valuable than three catches for 90 yards.
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That said, I am in a couple of PPR leagues this year so I must adjust. Here are some players that get extra PPR love.
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Danny Amendola, St. Louis Rams:  The Rams slot receiver not only has a firm grip on the Rams’ slot receiver gig, but he played a full season with Sam Bradford so he has a great rapport.
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Davone Bess, Miami Dolphins:  Bess not only had his second straight 75+ reception season, but he actually found his way into the end zone five times, which further boosted his value. He’s another solid slot receiver.
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Benjamin Watson, Cleveland Browns:  Colt McCoy isn’t known for his strong arm, but he is well-suited for the Browns’ West Coast Offense. Watson is a solid TE2 in PPR leagues because he is going to get a lot of looks.
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Lance Moore, New Orleans Saints:  Moore bounced back with 66 catches last year and should be in store for more with Reggie Bush gone and Marques Colston not at full strength.
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Darren Sproles, New Orleans Saints:  Sproles caught 59 passes last year with the Chargers and should see plenty of looks replacing Reggie Bush.
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Mike Williams, Seattle Seahawks:  It won’t be long before Seattle figures out what everybody in Minnesota already knows. T-Jack is terrible. It will be back to Check Down Charlie Whitehurst and Big Mike should see plenty of looks.
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Mario Manningham, New York Giants:  With Steve Smith moving on to Philadelphia Manningham figures to see a nice uptick in targets.
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Also check out:

• 2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings – PPR
• 2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football K Rankings

Yesterday I posted my first round mock for non-PPR leagues. Today I tackle the first round for PPR leagues.

1. Maurice Jones-Drew – I have him as my #2 in non-PPR leagues and his receiving ability is enough to put MoJo over the top. Not only is he a TD machine, he’s good for 40-60 receptions every year.

2.  Adrian Peterson – I’m just reversing the order moving All Day to #2. Not only did he catch a career high 43 passes last year, but Chester Taylor moved on to Chicago meaning that number could increase again.

3.  Chris Johnson – For the time being Johnson will stay at #3 in the ppr format as well. He has 93 catches in two seasons, not to mention the 2000 yard season, nearly 4000 total yards, and 26 total TDs. His biggest concern is the threat of a holdout.

4.  Frank Gore – Gore is an explosive back that is a nightmare both running and catching the ball out of the backfield. The Niners are committed to the offense, adding a tackle and a guard in the first round of this year’s draft.

5.  Steven Jackson – Jackson could lead all RBs in catches with rookie QB Sam Bradford using him as a safety net. He could approach 2000+ total yards. If he can find the end zone, he could climb even further up the list.

6.  Ray Rice – Rice is another good bet to lead RBs in receptions. He is very elusive. If it weren’t for Willis McGahee stealing looks at the goal line, he could be be a top three back.

7.  Andre Johnson – Johnson will likely catch 100 passes for 1500 yards and eight TDs. That’s a heck of a foundation for a team.

8.  Michael Turner – So he doesn’t catch the ball out of the backfield. What he does do, though, is score TDs. He has 27 TDs in 27 games for the Falcons.

9.  Larry Fitzgerald – It’s a little worrisome that Matt Leinart is replacing Kurt Warner, but Fitz is truly a special athlete. He has great hands, leaping ability, and body control. He may not reach the 1400 yards and 10 TDs you’ve come to expect over the years, but he’ll still be highly productive.

10.  Reggie Wayne – Even when players emerge around him, he still manages to catch 100 balls for 1264 yards and 10 TDs. With Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon and others  in the mix, it will be hard to double Wayne. He’ll chew up single-coverage.

11.   Brandon Marshall – Marshall has caught 100+ passes the last three years, and actually has an upgrade at QB (Henne) over last year (Orton). Hopefully his new home in Miami will keep him focused on football and away from the sideshow antics.

12.  Aaron Rodgers – Even in a PPR league, there is something to be said of a QB with Rodgers’ skill level, a ton of weapons, a good system, and the ability to provide bonus points with his feet.

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Yesterday, I did a Round One mock for non-PPR leagues.  Now it’s time for my first look at first round selections for fantasy football PPR 12-team drafts.

1.  Adrian Peterson -  AP’s hold on #1 isn’t as firm in PPR leagues, but I still believe he brings too much to the table to go with anybody else.  He’s capable of ripping off a 200o yard season, which would put him in some elite company.

2.  Maurice Jones-Drew - I can justify him as the #2 pick in non-PPR leagues, so sliding him to #2 in a PPR league makes complete sense.  Drew should catch 40+ passes to go along with double-digit TDs and 1500+ total yards. 

4.  LaDainian Tomlinson – LT remains a force in PPR leagues.  He may catch fewer passes with an increase role for Darren Sproles, but he still should grab at least 35.  Like I said before, LT’s “down year” was pretty solid.  He should bounce back nicely.

5.  Larry Fitzgerald – Fitz moves up into the top five in PPR leagues for me.  I like sure things in the first round, and Fitz is pretty much it.  He showed a burst in his second Super Bowl TD that I didn’t know he had.  Makes him even scarier.

10.  Randy Moss – I don’t think he’ll catch nearly as many passes as he caught in his record-breaking 2007 season, but Moss should grab 80+ passes with 12+ TDs with Brady back under Center.

12.  Steve Smith - As long as he doesn’t miss time for breaking a teammates nose, Smith should be a first round talent in PPR leagues, bumping Drew Brees out of the 12 slot.  His production with those two missed games and spotty QB play was remarkable.  He can score anytime he touches the football.