Every year, we receive several emails asking to explain the differences in Player Rankings vs. Player Projections.
The Rankings and Projections are different. Rankings are more subjective and Projections are more objective. The Rankings take into account factors such as weekly upside vs. a particular opponent, injuries, and most importantly, personal opinion. The Projections are algorithm-based and are affected by historical data and projected team stats. In addressing the differences between a player’s ranking and projection, do not expect them to mirror one another, as there would be no need for redundancy. However, you will likely notice that the variance between the two resources will become less distinguishable as we get 2-3 weeks into the season, as depth charts and team trends become clearer. In fact, the value in utilizing both resources are their differences and similarities. The closer the projection and ranking for a particular player, the more confidence you can have in the prediction.
We added the Weekly Projections in 2018 to give our followers another tool to help with their weekly game-planning. Think of the rankings vs projections as man vs. machine.
Good Luck in 2020.
theCFFsite