Fantasy Football: top players to watch
Photo by nfl.com
By Logan Carter// Staff Writer
Preparing for your fantasy draft? Need help finding value in every round and pick you make? As the 2016 NFL season begins, 32 teams will rush the field with new and familiar faces that have been training for months in the off-season. Many of the veterans, as well as rookies, could play a huge role for your fantasy team with being a sensational sleeper by out-performing their spot in the rankings.
Quarterbacks
Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets: After a long contract dispute in the off-season, Fitzpatrick will be returning to the New York Jets. Fitzpatrick started low in the average draft position rankings during the break due to the uncertainty of his job at the Jets. There is a huge concern around his difficult early schedule where he will face four of the top 10 defenses in the league (Bengals, Bills, Chiefs and Seahawks). Now that he is back in New York, you can expect big things from the 11-year veteran. Owners can hope his 2016 season will reflect the 2015 season, passing for 3,900 yards and 31 touchdowns. Fitzpatrick during the previous season threw the most touchdowns in his career, as well as the most touchdowns by any Jet’s quarterback in history. With two of the top 25 wide receivers in the league (Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker) and the addition of Matt Forte from the Chicago Bears at running back, you can only expect bigger fantasy numbers from Fitzpatrick this upcoming year.
Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Winston in his rookie season threw for the third most yards by any first-year quarterback. His rookie season numbers are behind elite quarterbacks Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers) and Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts). The rookie sensation last year had 4,042 yards passing and this year he will have a healthy Vincent Jackson and young Mike Evans to increase his numbers. Winston also had success on the ground last season with six rushing touchdowns, giving him upside against the blitz. Within his schedule, Winston will play two of the top 10 weakest defenses in the league twice (New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons). Winston gave a sneak peak of his talent in last week’s preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. Connecting with Mike Evans for a touchdown, Winston threw for 259 yards and two touchdowns in one half. Winston can put up quarterback one points and is a suitable back-up for your starter on their bye week.
Running Backs
Demarco Murray, Tennessee Titans: After being acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason, Murray faced another setback after having a rough 2015 outing. In the 2016 draft the Titans grabbed Alabama star running back Derrick Henry in the second round, leading to the questionable value of Murray. Once training camp began, Titan coaches started to speak about their concern with Henry’s footwork, allowing Murray to be named the feature back for the year. Where Murray is being drafted in leagues (running back No. 18 off the board) gives him huge value because he has the potential as a top-tier running back, which was reflected in his 2014 season with the Cowboys.
James White, New England Patriots: Recent injury news of New England’s running back Dion Lewis has allowed next man up, James White, to resurface through the cracks as a valuable draft pick. Lewis will unfortunately have to have another surgery on his knee and White will be filling in for his dual role at running back. During the 2015 season White provided himself as a key backup to Lewis in the Patriot’s back-field. The previous season, White caught 40 passes for 410 yards and four touchdowns. White may not give your team the rushing yards you need, but he has a lot of potential in the passing game. Specifically in point-per-reception fantasy leagues, White shows a lot of upside in being a pass-catching back and a running back two for your teams.