Football is right around the corner. That’s right! And even though it’s crazy to think about, everyone knows that those words are music to any sports fan’s ears. But the competitive juices aren’t only flowing in the NFL players at training camp- they are flowing in every person that plays fantasy football. I’ve personally been playing for about eight or nine years, and I have so much fun each year. There are a few keys I’ve found and picked up on over the years and certain trends I’ve learned to give attention to. I’m pretty successful, and lists like these always fascinate me and definitely help me at this time of the year. So here are my 12 must-have players for the 2016 fantasy football year:
1. Ezekiel Elliot
“I would never take a rookie in the first round.” That is what everyone seems to be saying. That is just ridiculous. I could name tons of years in which a rookie had top-5 numbers. Rookie or not, top-5 is top-5. That’s exactly where I think this guy will end up. He reminds me of Marshall Faulk, he has the best o-line in the game, has an all-pro receiver to take some defensive players out of the box, and a pretty good offensive mind in Jason Garrett. Along with the fact that running backs are not really deep at all this year- this is the perfect storm for an amazing pick no matter how high.
2. Cam Newton
I’ve never been crazy about sacrificing a high pick on Cam Newton. To me he has always been too much risk. But not this year. He has put away the doubts about his maturity on the field, he has shown durability through all the running, and now he has a decent running game unlike previous years. He also gets his big target back in Travis Benjamin, and on top of it all- he has a chip on his shoulder after last year, and I believe we are going to see an angry/determined side of Cam that we have never quite seen before.
3. Lamar Miller
A very underrated talent. He was not only under-utilized in Miami, but he was misused. He will be a big play machine in the running and passing game. I also believe Bill O’Brien will find a way to get the best out of him finally. This guy is a round 1 value.
4. Drew Brees
He’s 37 years old. The Saints have had a horrible last few seasons overall. His contract is almost up and the team has not made a move. People are scared of Drew Brees. I have no idea why. The guy still led the league in passing last year and this year I believe he will be even better. Brandin Cooks continues to get better, they got a new tight end, an improving offensive line, and let’s face it- both Drew Brees and Sean Payton are ready to prove everyone wrong and they are determined to get back to the playoffs. HUGE year in store for this guy.
5. Amari Cooper
The Oakland Raiders are very quickly rising and this guy is looking to be the anchor of the offense. The one knock on him is the drops. First of all, that doesn’t mean anything in fantasy and also he will improve on that in his second season. His value goes up because of his relationship with Derek Carr who is also getting better and better.
6. Ryan Mathews
Demarco Murray is gone. Chip Kelly is gone. Enter Ryan Matthews and Doug Pederson. This guy could be one of the best RB’s in the game if it wouldn’t have been for all the injuries. Now the injuries could continue, but if this guy stays healthy- he could be an absolute steal. The Eagles have one of the best o-lines in the game as well.
7. Blake Bortles
This guy is on a lot of people’s radar, and I’m not excluded. Blake reminds me of Ben Roethlisberger and has a complete arsenal of weapons now with Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Julius Thomas, and even a solid running game now with the addition of Chris Ivory. Take this QB- you will wish you would have if you don’t.
8. Randall Cobb
I’m sure you can tell so far that I am all about value. Randall Cobb consistently puts up WR1 numbers and usually goes somewhere in the 20’s. This year he is going closer to the 50’s. And it is all because last year was very disappointing. Listen, I understand that he had the opportunity of a lifetime with Jordy Nelson going down, but the whole Packers offense was off last year. The trend will not continue and Randall Cobb will return to being his old self, if not better due to more maturity and getting Jordy back.
9. Keenan Allen
He was on pace for about 140 receptions with easily over 1,000 yards last year before he got injured. After many disappointing seasons, I believe that it is Philip Rivers and the Chargers’ time. This guy could break out into one of the best receivers in the NFL and put up big numbers.
10. Coby Fleener
What tight end has not succeeded in the Saints offense? I think the only reason he didn’t succeed with the Colts is because of Dwayne Allen getting in the way. Also since I believe Drew Brees will have an unbelievable year, Fleener will be the first to benefit statistically.
11. Sterling Shepard
This is a personal one since I am a Giants fan, but nonetheless, this guy is going to be money. And you can get him for very cheap. He is dynamic coming out of college. Odell Beckham is obviously a superstar. The entire Giants offense is becoming dynamic. Whoever is on the other side of Odell will put up big numbers, and as much as I love Victor Cruz, I do not believe that he will be himself this year after the injury. Another great value- get Sterling Shepard.
12. Josh Gordon
The last and 12th must-have fantasy player on my list will be #12. This guy was suspended all of last year due to more problems with weed. I understand the risk. But it is not like you have to sacrifice tremendously to get him. He is suspended again- this time for the first four games of this season, so he is ranked pretty low. But don’t wait too long to snag him, because I believe he will come back with a vengeance. He has the potential to be the top wideout in the game, and the Browns’ offense will not be as bad as usual because of Hugh Jackson becoming the head coach and also the addition of RGIII. He has a really low floor, I understand, but he has a really high ceiling- especially for the price. All about value.
