ACL MVCs (most valuable contracts)

In our league, it's not enough to just show up to the draft and select your squad—you've got to manage them, afford them, extend them, and somehow not cry when a single contract, which eats 29% of your cap (shoutout Wilson and his record-breaking deal for Chase Brown), could blow out his hamstring Week 3.

That’s why I’ve broken down the 10 most valuable contracts in the league at each position—QB, RB, WR, and TE (yes, we play IDP, and yes, that does mean we’re better than other leagues. But with these rankings I chose to focus only on offense). I looked at average annual value (AAV), years remaining, extension parameters, and—most importantly—how good the player actually is for fantasy.

To note, AAV was used rather than looking at salary per respective year. Example → while Anton is only paying George Kittle $1,000 (thanks to a frontloaded salary by Ike via trade from Tre), for this exercise his value is ranked based on the AAV he earns of $16,562.50. Because extension parameters are based on AAV and anyone can frontload a contract if they have the room.

So whether you’re hunting to trade for your next budget MVP or just here to validate your past savvy moves (or backdoored luck), these rankings hope to shine a light on ACL’s best contracts—and probably make you regret that four-year deal you gave to a running back who will be doing pay-per-view boxing matches against Adrian Peterson in a year.

Let the rankings begin!

Quarterbacks:

1. Jalen Hurts, SD Bighorns, $4,062

While clearly behind Allen, Lamar, Daniels, and, for many, Burrow in dynasty rankings; Hurts’ AAV is by far the best bargain of the five. His consistency is no joke, Hurts has been a mid to high tier QB1 four years in a row now, which makes him the most valuable QB contract in my opinion.

2. Bo Nix, WI Gamecocks, $2,000

WI hit on Bo as a second round rookie pick and gets to enjoy a discounted salary even after extensions for many years to come. Finishing as QB7 as a rookie, Nix could take another step forward as he progresses with a fun Broncos team.

3. Lamar Jackson, OK Outlaws, $16,250

Last year’s QB1, Lamar definitely fits the “shut up and take my money” tier, though he’s paid half that of the comparable Josh Allen. At 28 and eligible for the 1.25X extension in 2027 thanks to the expansion draft, PJ won’t need to worry about QB for a long time.

4. Jayden Daniels, CA Pansies, $13,309

While comped heavily to the player above, I’d need to see Lamar’s consistency from the rookie breakout to move him above Lamar and the bargains in spots 1-2. But barring a sophomore slump, the OROY does have insane upside.

5. Brock Purdy, SD Bighorns, $2,250

While getting paid in real life, Mr. Irrelevant still makes only $2,250 in the ACL. I expect a career year from Purdy as SF defense has both aged out and been priced out from the dominant force it was under Purdy’s rookie contract, meaning the offense will have to be more aggressive to stay in games. Ike finds himself with two top five QB contracts under my rankings.

6. Joe Burrow, WA Geoducks, $14,687.50

Caught between Lamar and Jayden in AAV, Burrow’s lack of a rushing baseline ranks him third of the bunch. When healthy, Burrow should compete to annually finish as a top 3-5 fantasy QB which earns his higher-end contract on this list.

7. Kyler Murray, IA Cyclones, $3,357.14

The rare free agency QB1 acquisition, Luke may have earned an absolute steal if Kyler stays healthy and Marvin Harrison Jr. progresses to be a top receiving option alongside McBride.

8. Drake Maye, VFT, $3,000

A second 2024 round two rookie draft pick, Maye is expected to be a year two breakout under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

9. Michael Penix, OH Good Sirs, $750

While in my opinion, the worst QB to make the list, Wilson’s upside of a $750 QB with top 10 real life NFL draft capital is no joke. If Penix can make the jump to a yearly fantasy QB1, he will only move up this list.

10. Jordan Love, AZ Albatross, $3,000

While potentially a biased Vikings fan, my eye test of Jordan Love doesn’t see him as a great NFL quarterback. 2024’s QB17, while missing two games, was a letdown following 2023’s breakout QB5 campaign. If Love can prove to be a franchise guy, Anton will have value at QB on an otherwise expensive team.

Runningbacks:

1. De’Von Achane, OH Good Sirs, $3000

I believe in Achane. The injury concerns and lack of size scare many away, but his speed and elusiveness rivals that of prime gamechangers Tyreek Hill and Alvin Kamara. Having the #1 RB value will help offset Wilson’s overpay for Chase Brown.

2. Bucky Irving, TX Two Fawns, $750

This past week's Bucky Irving trade could really go one of two ways. If Bucky can build on his five top 10 finishes over his last eight weeks, he will be an incredible value as the cheapest RB on this list. If Bucky instead reverts to his draft expectations as an undersized fourth round draft pick, Tre will regret giving up the two 2s and the RB who also makes the list below. Remember 12 months ago we were coming off a PPR RB4 campaign from Rachad White.

3. Jahmyr Gibbs, AZ Albatross, $18,000

See below

4. Bijon Robinson, AZ Albatross, $18,000

Spots 3-4 are interchangeable as Gibbs and Robinson are largely considered the top two dynasty RBs by many experts, add insult to injury the same manager actually owns both of them. In a 14-man league. Through savvy cap management, like adding $15,000 in relief in offseason trades, Anton is sitting pretty with two RBs in the “shut up and take my money” tier on pretty reasonable contracts.

5. Josh Jacobs, TX Two Fawns, $11,000

Similar to Anton, Tre also finds two RBs in the top five. While 4-5 years older than the RBs above, Jacobs five top 15 finishes in his six year career, which includes two top 5s, makes him a baseline for consistency.

6. Christian McCaffrey, SD Bighorns, $23,428.57

Seeing as Chase Brown ended up going for $43,000 in the same offseason, Ike’s CMC acquisition proved to be a potentially huge value. While a four year deal coming off a lost season is risky, SF trading Jordan Mason to MN gives me confidence in SF’s confidence in McCaffrey and his health. When healthy, CMC is the RB1 and if Ike finds a way to frontload this contract, #6 on this ranking is justified.

7. Ashton Jeanty, VA Heifers, $19,253.59

I’m confident a year from now at least one more rookie RB will make this list but for now Jeanty stands solo. Jeanty has the potential to develop into the dynasty RB1 very quickly if he lives up to his hype, his expensive AAV even as a rookie is what drives him lower on this list until we see his talent in action.

8. Brian Robinson, AZ Albatross, $1,562.50

Recently sent to AZ in a trade, Brian Robinson is a safe RB2 which Anton has the luxury to call a bye week play for Gibbs and Bijon. One of the worst RBs to make the list, his incredibly low AAV and recent extension boosts him up to be in value.

9. James Conner, MI, $5,500

Continually underrated, Conner should give RB 10-20 production at his valuable RB36 price tag. While he may be aged out of Michigan’s future competition window, he could be a sleeper trade target for a competing team.

10. Isiah Pacheco, CA Pansies, $1,250

Health is Pacheco’s setback to moving his RB56 price tag further up the list. Fortunately for Reese, he has the luxury to have Pacheco be a bye week fill in thanks to his strongly built team.

Wide Receivers:

1. Travis Hunter, IA Cyclones, $11,348.66

Here he is, the IDP cheatcode. We’ve yet to see just how involved Hunter will actually be on each side of the ball at the NFL level, but the upside to having two positions in one (placed at the IDP spot as well) is no joke.

2. Amon-Ra St. Brown, MA Marines, $2,500

Amon-Ra can rival Jamarr, JJ, and Ceedee as the best proven-established dynasty WR. What separates him is how he can make 1/4 to 1/7 of what those guys make annually.  An incredible draft find by Josh.

3. Nico Collins, CA Pansies, $3,000

Reese called his shot in free agency before the breakout and it paid off. When healthy, Nico is one of the best fantasy WRs in the game and makes up part of a great WR corps for CA.

4. Jamarr Chase, AZ Albatross, $14,437.50

The WR1 for dynasty. Pay him whatever. That’s it.

5. CeeDee Lamb, AZ Albatross, $11,875

Lamb seems to be slightly underrated for fantasy if that’s possible. Maybe it's because he didn’t deliver on the top three redraft pick it cost to get him last year. Maybe it’s because he’s a Cowboy. Regardless of either, he has three top 10 finishes in a row including the WR1 in 2023, he helps build the league’s strongest WR corps for AZ.

6. Brian Thomas Jr., CA Pansies, $11,313.16

The lower drafted LSU rookie got the better of the former. BTJ finished the year WR4, while Nabers finished WR8. Reese finds two WRs in the top six of these rankings and he’s not done yet.

7. Malik Nabers, TX Two Fawns, $11,902.04

Nabers and BTJ are pretty interchangeable, the drawback to BTJ is the Jaguars acquisition of Travis Hunter. The drawback to Nabers is his path to a quality starting QB getting him the ball. I ranked BTJ higher because he’s slightly cheaper.

8. Justin Jefferson, MN Fighting Squirrels, $17,812.50

The best WR in the NFL will have to settle for being the 8th best contract value. Jefferson is definitely part of the “Shut up and take my money” tier. While the highest paid WR on the list, he could honestly move up if he quickly establishes as strong a connection with J.J. McCarthy as he did with Sam Darnold and Kirky boy.

9. Rashee Rice, WI Gamecocks, $1,500

Rice looked like a potential league winner early last season before lost to injury week 4. While incredibly valuable, paid like the WR70, several questions are what pull him lower on the list. How will he look post-recovery to his injury? Did Xavier Worthy’s performance in the Super Bowl steal Rice’s WR1 role? How will his 30 days of jail time affect his fantasy game? Is he doomed for a suspension?

10. Drake London, VFT, $9,025

London busted out last year as the WR6 after two years of major letdowns. Aidan weathered the storm and reaped the benefits from this past year's harvest. I had him below #11 initially but swapped them due to London’s availability.

*There were so many WRs to look at I thought I’d give a bonus. Here’s WRs 11-15:

11. Tee Higgins, MI, $7,000

Nothing to add here that you haven’t heard already. Health concerns keep pulling Tee Higgins down from his potential. Tee gets paid like the WR39 and will put up WR15-20ish numbers when you can play him.

12. Jameson Williams, SD Bighorns, $3,750

Similar to Aidan, Ike weathered the storm to a breakout WR13 campaign for Williams this past year. While cheaper, the competition for targets in Detroit opposed to Atlanta, slot him two spots below London.

13. Ladd McConkey, CA Pansies, $11,313.16

WR3 on the list for Reese. Similar to Nabers and BTJ in contract and top 12 rookie campaigns, I don’t think Ladd necessarily has the top five potential of the other two. Ladd does have that undeniable grit and work ethic, though, the type of guy you’d let date your daughter.

14. Jayden Reed, IA Cyclones, $625

At times last year, Reed looked like a solid WR2. Unfortunately his snap count is too low, and he’s in a crowded WR room that he may boil down to merely a boom-or-bust flex play. Regardless, his AAV is a bargain.

15. Jauan Jennings, WA Geoducks, $3,500

I said earlier I expect the Niners offense to take a big step forward this year. With Aiyuk and Pearsall both landing on the PUP this week, Jennings could be Zach’s MVP this year. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Jennings has the biggest move up this list next year.

Tight Ends:

1. Trey McBride, CA Pansies, $1,500

McBride squeezes ahead of Bowers thanks to his cheaper round 2 contract. Similar to Nico Collins, Reese once again called his shot and acquired McBride cheaply with a trade prior to his breakout. That doesn't factor into the rankings but it was pretty cool to discover researching his profile.

2. Brock Bowers, SD Bighorns, $4,968.42

The TE1 for dynasty on a round 1 rookie contract with an extra year option? Somehow doesn’t garner the #1 spot thanks to McBride’s cheaper contract. Ike doesn’t need to even look at the TE position for years to come.

3. Sam LaPorta, VFT, $3,000

Bit of a letdown year, Laporta is still a consensus top five dynasty TE, pair that with a cheap contract and he slots in at a very respectable #3 on the ranking.

4. Colston Loveland, WI Gamecocks, $4,523.50

See below.

5. Tyler Warren, WA Geoducks, $5,504.63

Straight projection on these kids as the TEs below either get really expensive or fall off hard in youth and fantasy production. I believe in Loveland’s QB more than Warren’s and the fact he gets a $1k discount. Both have upside to be elite given their prospect hype and round 1 draft capital.

6. George Kittle, AZ Albatross, $16,562.50

Kittle is one of the clearest rankings on this list that will only go down. He’s 31, needs an ACL extension following this year, and is already expensive as is. That being said he’s coming off the TE1 finish and should be a top 3 TE for the next handful of years. In a win-now window, Anton justified those concerns and made a move for him.

7. TJ Hockenson, WI Gamecocks, $11,562.50

If J.J. McCarthy connects with Hockenson the way he connected with Loveland at Michigan, Hock could move ahead of Kittle pretty quickly. Due to the high AAV his ranking is pretty much capped at 6.

8. Jonnu Smith, TX Two Fawns, $1,214.29

An age 29 TE4 breakout?? Crazily enough, if Jonnu wasn’t traded from Miami to Pittsburgh, I might slot him ahead of Loveland and Warren thanks to his dirt cheap contract. We’ll see if Jonnu can establish a connection with Aaron Rodgers or if he resumes his split time role with Pat Freiermuth like he did in Atlanta with Pitts and New England with Henry. Either way a nice flier to throw into the Kittle/BRob/two 2s for Irving/Pitts deal.

9. Taysom Hill, OK Outlaws, $2,875

Yes he’s 35. Yes he’s coming off an ACL tear. Yes he’s TE2 on the Saints depth chart. But Taysom Hill’s potential to step into QB numbers at the TE slot rivals Travis Hunter for the best hack in fantasy football. When his QBs are Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Hill get some QB1 nods.

10. David Njoku, VA Heifers, $6,000

If the Browns start Joe Flacco at QB, I’m confident Njoku will be a top 5 TE. If he has to play with a developing/why-are-you-in-the-league Kenny Picket, Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel, I’m confident Njoku will be a top 50 TE.

Thanks for reading, it was pretty cool to see each team get at least one guy on here. I may rank the worst contract values next.