Fantasy Football's top stars and breakout talents
Football is back and every NFL fan knows what that means, so is Fantasy Football. I know this article is probably a week late and most of us have our leagues set up and our teams drafted, myself included, but not to worry, I am still here to give any Fantasy Football fanatics the advice they need to be successful. In this article, I am going to discuss who the best players are and who could break out as a star this year at each position.
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At quarterback, Derek Carr, Matt Ryan, and Aaron Rodgers are likely to be amongst the top five quarterbacks in the league. Each of these men still have great offensive weapons at the receiver and tailback positions. Aaron Rodgers has consistently performed well in the past number of years; Derek Carr continues to develop well and fits his coach’s system perfectly; Matt Ryan still has a couple years in his prime, especially with top-tier weapons around him like Julio Jones. My top breakout quarterback for this season has to be Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the acquisition of Desean Jackson, the drafting of Alabama tight end OJ Howard, and the consistently stellar play of Mike Evans and Cameron Brate, the Bucs offense has not looked this strong in years.
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The top running backs this year will be Le’Veon Bell, Ezekiel Elliott, and Demarco Murray. Each of these backs are very versatile, have some of the best offensive lines in the league, and can accelerate at very high speeds. Elliott is essentially the next “Beast Mode”; Bell has been an MVP caliber back for a few years despite his many injuries and suspensions; Murray is behind a youthful QB in Marcus Mariota and is in a system where he can get 25 to 30 touches a game. My breakout picks at tailback are Dalvin Cook and Adrian Peterson. Cook’s style of play at Florida State will translate well to the NFL and Peterson has a few stellar years left. Behind Brees and the Saints’ offense, Peterson should be a viable red zone and play action option.
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There are numerous receivers worthy of drafting, but there are a few that stand out above the rest. Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham Jr., Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, and Jordy Nelson are the top receivers in this year’s fantasy draft. Each man has an MVP level quarterback throwing to them. Brown gets the most targets of any receiver in the league; OBJ and Julio are consistently making big plays; Cooper and Nelson are touchdown machines and great red zone receivers. Tyreek Hill, Dez Bryant, and Davante Adams are my breakout receivers for the 2017 season. Hill is a great multi-threat receiver, as he can line up at wideout, in the slot, or even in the backfield in the wildcat formation. Bryant is coming off of a few rough years, but this year things are looking good for the veteran, as he is healthy and has a stable offense behind him. Adams has become a touchdown machine, much like his fellow wideout Jordy Nelson.
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The likes of Greg Olson, Delanie Walker, and Travis Kelce should continue to be stellar options for their team's receiving corps at tight end. Olson is a solid veteran who has been very consistent throughout his career. Walker should continue to get more touches as Tennessee’s young quarterback continues to develop. Kelce is always a target in key situations for the Chiefs, and generally gets great yardage on his catches because of his ability to run after the catch. My breakout tight ends have to be Hunter Henry and Jesse James. Antonio Gates is on his way out and Henry looks to become the Chargers’ next great tight end. James, who had two touchdowns in Week 1, still has Big Ben throwing to him and looks to be a more than viable red zone target for the veteran quarterback.
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The Chiefs, Broncos, Seahawks, and Vikings continue to be among the best defenses in the NFL. But one defense that I think can step up and be a leading fantasy scorer is the Cowboys defense. Outside linebacker Sean Lee and corner Orlando Scandrick continue to be the leaders of that defensive unit. With the additions of inside linebacker Jaylon Smith in the draft and veteran corner Nolan Carroll in free agency, the Cowboys appear to have one of the most balanced and effective defensive units in the league.
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Just as much as any other year, this Fantasy Football season looks to be wild and unpredictable. Already a major talent has gone down in Cardinals’ tailback David Johnson, who appears to be out for most of the year due to a wrist injury (and he was my number 1 pick!). Piece of advice for all Fantasy Football owners this year: expect the unexpected because the unexpected always happens in a fantasy world.