Fantasy ADP Report: Njoku no longer a bargain, Freeman's stock soaring

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2018 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.

As fantasy football draft season starts to pick up and preseason games continue, average draft positions (ADPs) are beginning to stabilize. That means owners who haven't drafted yet can get a truer sense of how the public is valuing players.

Here's a look at six players whose ADPs have risen or fallen in recent weeks and now represent either a risk or a bargain in drafts.

(All ADPs based on standard scoring formats as of Aug. 22 and are courtesy of Fantasy Football Calculator.)

Trending too high

Royce Freeman, RB, Broncos

ADP: 3.11

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Broncos rookie running back Royce Freeman has scored a touchdown in both preseason games, and the third-rounder has seen his ADP rise from the middle of the fifth round to the end of the third.

Meanwhile, third-year rusher Devontae Booker is still listed atop Denver's depth chart. He's shown skill in the passing game with at least 30 receptions in each of his first two seasons, which should guarantee him a role in the offense this year.

Booker is currently available more than eight rounds later than Freeman, which makes him much better value, even if the rookie ends up leading the committee. And while Booker has played sparingly thus far in the preseason, Friday's matchup against the Redskins should provide a more accurate sample with starters around the league set to see more action.

Chris Carson, RB, Seahawks

ADP: 7.01

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Chris Carson has shot up draft boards since Seahawks rookie first-rounder Rashaad Penny broke his finger earlier in August. The sophomore was going in the 11th round just a month ago.

However, Seattle head coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday that Penny will be ready for the start of the season, and Carson fumbled at the goal line in Saturday's preseason game. Penny may even return for the Seahawks' preseason finale, giving him a chance to eat into Carson's workload before the regular season begins. Temper expectations for the second-year back.

David Njoku, TE, Browns

ADP: 9.11

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

The impact of HBO's "Hard Knocks" is real. Njoku's ADP has risen steadily from the 13th round ever since the show debuted on Aug. 7. The second episode certainly made an impact by highlighting the tight end's two-touchdown performance in Cleveland's preseason opener.

It's indeed promising that projected starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor and heir apparent Baker Mayfield both found Njoku for a score, but the big performance came in a game where Jarvis Landry caught just two passes and Josh Gordon remained away from the team. There won't be as many targets available with more mouths to feed in the regular season.

The 29th overall pick of last year's draft is a legitimate red-zone presence at 6-foot-4, 246 pounds, but he'll need to be a pass-catching option outside that area of the field to warrant his soaring draft position.

Looking like bargains

C.J. Anderson, RB, Panthers

ADP: 8.09

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

C.J. Anderson continues to fall down draft boards while sophomore teammate Christian McCaffrey receives universal praise, including from Anderson himself.

However, Anderson is still just 27 years old and is coming off a career-high 245 rushing attempts and his first 1,000-yard season in 2017. Meanwhile, McCaffrey received only 117 carries as a rookie, and just 15 in the red zone.

Despite the Panthers previously saying they hope to give McCaffrey 25-to-30 touches per game this year, Anderson should see plenty of work inside the opponent's 20-yard line. He had at least 20 red-zone carries in each of his four seasons in Denver, scoring a combined 18 touchdowns in that area of the field.

Allen Hurns, WR, Cowboys

ADP: 10.06

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Allen Hurns' ADP is the victim of his limited production so far this preseason. He has just two receptions for 26 yards despite starting both of the Cowboys' games.

Still, Hurns was listed with the first-team offense on Dallas' first official depth chart (Aug. 9), and seems likely to keep the spot heading into the regular season.

The 26-year-old is currently being drafted as the 44th wide receiver, with plenty of secondary and tertiary options for their respective teams going ahead of him. Don't let Hurns fall too far.

Sammy Watkins, WR, Chiefs

ADP: 7.03

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

By ADP, there are 29 receivers being selected ahead of Watkins. Sure, the injury risk is a concern, and Watkins remains without a reception in the preseason, but the 25-year-old should be heavily involved in Kansas City's offense after inking a three-year, $48-million contract in the offseason.

Watkins, a former fourth overall pick, will start alongside Tyreek Hill and have a clear path to plenty of playing time and targets this season. Meanwhile, few receivers below his current ADP can match his pedigree and potential upside.