Which 2019 offensive lines should matter in your fantasy draft

Fantasy Football – Offensive Line Impact

PFF just released their NFL preseason offensive line rankings this month and any fantasy team looking to get an early advantage preparing for the draft should take note of some of the bottom teams and how they will affect the playmakers that you will be drafting.

There is not a single more baffling undervalued unit in all of fantasy sports. Granted, you won’t be drafting an offensive line unit or player, but their impact on fantasy stock is undeniable. More importantly, having a grasp on good and bad o-line units can help lower your risk on the biggest season sinking factor in the game, injuries.

We are going to take a quick dive on some of the lowest offensive lines PFF has ranked, what their short takes were, and the impact to your potential everyday starters.

31. Texans

PFF Take: There weren’t any notable upgrades to the Houston unit. Having said that, it doesn’t look like a boost in rankings would be justifiable. Top two rounds of draft capital were spent on the o-line, but until those players actually get reps, it’s hard to put a value on them.

Impact: TONS. Two, maybe even three, bonafide every week starters are nestled on this team. Lamar Miller is still considered a workhorse back in a dying breed. Deshaun Watson, Lamar Miller, and DeAndre Hopkins are all draft assets that will be valued. With Lamar on the backside of prime running back age and Watson coming off an injury, be wary of the O-Line situation. Hopkins, however, did not seem to have major setbacks in stat production with last year’s line.

29. Chargers

PFF Take: With tons of young offensive weapons, the offensive line could be a major hindrance to what it can do. Hopefully, a former second-round pick, Forrest Lamp, can provide some boost to an otherwise dreadful pass blocking line.

Impact: The big impact here is the pass block. If Philip Rivers continues to get pressured over one-third of his dropbacks, then eventually something is going to break. Whether that be the scheme or Philip himself, that’s to be seen. I still like Rivers as a SUPER undervalued QB. Keenan Allen is still someone you should have on your crosshairs. However, if the passing game breaks down in any way, the running game may start to get bogged down. Melvin Gordon is still a top-two round guy, but if there are other RBs with very similar projections, tilt the other way.

28. Jets

PFF Take: Big addition left guard, Kelechi Osemele, may not be as sure-fire as the Jets hope, as he allowed the most sacks since his first year. However, his PFF rating is still high and he needs to maintain production to help the Jets offensive line.

Impact: Primarily this is a round one impact when trying to gauge what the hell to do with Le’Veon Bell. Additionally, Sam Darnold’s development has an interest in this. Mix this offensive line with new head coach Adam Gase’s struggles with running a bad offensive line in Miami and developing a young QB and there are red signs everywhere for Sam Darnold. Le’Veon accompanies that prediction and could see a sizable drop off from where he was in Pittsburg.

In the end, the big question marks lie in the workhorse running backs that will be behind these questionable offensive lines. Put an asterisk by Le’Veon Bell, Melvin Gordon, and Lamar Miller. They will be more prone to injuries and teams may stack the box if the passing games fall apart.

Stay tuned to FanSided Fantasy for all the latest NFL DFS and season long fantasy football news and analysis!