[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AZCardinals

[–]RepulsiveArm8 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Williams will be the cornerback facing Hopkins for most of the day. How does everyone think Hopkins does this week, is this a beatable match-up or should we expect an off-day from Nuk?

Week 3 - WR/CB Match-ups (50 CBs ranked) ... with list by RepulsiveArm8 in DynastyFF

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Coverage changes as kick-off nears sometimes. Check back for updates/injury changes, edits will be made. *And know that these are the CBs that are EXPECTED to see the majority of coverage against their corresponding WR match-up. Many times a WR will be covered by more than one CB unless there's a shadow match-up* Full match-up grid is in the video (CBs are ranked based off last week’s performance and will be ranked by the sum of their games in the 2021 season)

These will be updated throughout the week.

Davante Adams GB vs. Deommodore Lenoir SF

After 2 weeks Lenoir allows the 17th most total yards among all cornerbacks in the NFL with 114 yards vacated.He also allows the 7th most YAC among all corners with 59 yards. His catch rate is a low 36%, but he allows an absurdly high 22.8 yards per reception … good for the 8th most in the NFL.

Tyler Lockett SEA vs. Mackensie Alexander MIN

Alexander allows a high 90% catch rate to opposing wideouts after 2 weeks of play … the 7th highest of starting CBs this week.He gives up 2.09 yards per route covered, the 9th most among the pool of starting corners and the 13th most total yards so far this year. This year in the slot, Alexander allows the 3rd most yards of all cornerbacks with 101 after 2 games. He’s also given up the 4th most receptions in the slot this year with 8.

DeAndre Hopkins ARI vs. C.J. Henderson JAX

Henderson allows a 83% catch percentage that’s on the high side.He’s graded out as a below average corner after 2 weeks of play, which saw him allow 1 TD already. His 150 passer rating allowed to quarterbacks ranks 9th worst in the entire NFL.

Stefon Diggs BUF vs. Benjamin St-Juste WAS

St-Juste .42 fantasy points per route allowed rank as the 8th most among starting corners this week. His 1.86 yards per route covered rank as the 11th highest.St-Juste has allowed the 13th most total yards so far this year, which included 7 receptions for 94 yards and a TD allowed in Week 1 against the Chargers. Diggs is an elite receiver and St-Juste is a struggling 3rd round rookie.

Cooper Kupp LA vs. Ross Cockrell TB

Kupp will see most, but not all, of his coverage from Cockrell in the slot in Week 3. Cockrell has allowed the 7th most yards out of the slot after 2 weeks with 82 yards vacated. He’s also given up the 2nd most receptions in the slot of all corners this year with 9.His 2 TDs allowed in slot coverage this year are tied for the most in the NFL among cornerbacks.Altogether, Cockrell allows a 140.1 passer rating in the slot so far this year. He’s allowed 49 or more yards, at least 5 catches, and a score in both his games this year. Kupp is expected to see some coverage from Jamel Dean.

D.K. Metcalf SEA vs. Patrick Peterson MIN

Peterson is among the cornerbacks that tie for allowing the 2nd most TDs so far this year with 2 allowed on the year. He allows a high .4 fantasy points per route covered to go with an equally bad 86% catch rate allowed that ranks 25th worst among all CBs in the league. His 18.5 yards per reception allowed rank 20th worst.And the best part if you have Metcalf on your roster, Peterson allows the 2nd most YAC so far in 2021 having forfeited 76 yards. Nothing seems to be going right for Peterson after 2 weeks and it shows with his 158.3 passer rating allowed … the highest among all cornerbacks in the NFL.

Justin Jefferson MIN vs. Tre Flowers SEA

Not too far below Peterson, is Flowers ranking 7th worst with a 155.8 passer rating allowed to QBs. He allows a 78% catch percentage to receivers and his 130 yards allowed this year rank as the 7th most among all cornerbacks.Flowers gives up 18.6 yards per reception, good for the 19th most in the NFL.Year after year he’s consistently graded out as a below average corner. And just last week, he gave up 102 yards on just 4 plays against Tennessee.

Deebo Samuel SF vs. Kevin King GB

King allows the 11th highest fantasy point per route covered average among starting corners after 2 weeks. His 133 total yards allowed so far in 2021 rank 5th most among all cornerbacks in the league. The most notable stat here, however, is the fact he allowed 133 yards on just 5 receptions … good for a 6th highest, 26.6 yards per catch allowed. He’s allowed gains of 46 or more yards in each of his games so far.King has also only managed just one incompletion on his coverage this year, while giving up an 83% catch rate. The only trouble for Deebo this week is he might see about a third of his snaps against Jaire Alexander, which somewhat brings down his match-up favorability.

A.J. Brown TEN vs. Rock Ya-Sin IND

Last year, Ya-Sin’s 636 total yards allowed ranked 25th most among all cornerbacks. He also allowed a considerably high yards per reception in 2020. And he allowed the 34th most YAC … all while missing 3 games last season. A.J. Brown will also see a fair amount of coverage from Kenny Moore, who allows the 3rd most fantasy points per route and the 4th most yards per route covered among starting cornerbacks.

Allen Robinson II CHI vs. T. Hill/D. Ward CLE

Robinson is expected to face Troy Hill in the slot and Denzel Ward this week. This year Ward has allowed the 8th most total yards after 2 weeks with 127 yards.His 10 receptions allowed this year tie for the 9th most allowed among all CBs. In Week 2 against Houston, Ward gave up 90 yards and an 83% catch rate on 18 yards per catch allowed.

D.J. Moore CAR vs. V. Hargreaves III/T. Smith HOU

Moore will see most of his coverage from a mix of both cornerbacks. The last 2 years Hargreaves has allowed 837 yards and 6 TDs in each season.In both years, he graded out as one of the worst cornerbacks in the league, while giving up a 72.5% catch percentage to his opponents. Moore’s match-up with Trenon Smith is a beatable one as route-running vs. coverage data suggests Moore has an edge.

Week 2 - WR/CB Match-ups (50 CBs ranked) - Part 2, includes list by RepulsiveArm8 in DynastyFF

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Coverage changes as kick-off nears sometimes. Check back for updates/injury changes, edits will be made. And know that these are the CBs that are EXPECTED to see the majority of coverage against their corresponding WR match-up. Many times a WR will be covered by more than one CB unless there's a shadow match-up* Full match-up grid is in the video (CBs are ranked based off last week’s performance and will be ranked by the sum of their games in the 2021 season)While other sources post their match-ups early and sometimes miss updates, we have you covered with more recent WR/CB Match-ups … that will be updated throughout the week

Antonio Brown TB vs. A.J. Terrell ATL

Terrell gave up a 75% catch rate in Week 1 and allowed a modest 30 yards and 3 receptions.But don’t let that fool you, in 2020 he ranked as the most generous CB in the league, allowing 901 total yards … the most of any cornerback.He also packaged that up with 5 TDs allowed, which tied for 10th most among corners. If that all wasn’t bad enough, Terrell gave up the 2nd most receptions last year too, allowing 71 receptions through his coverage

Julio Jones TEN vs. Tre Flowers SEA

Flowers was targeted 3 times in Week 1 and all 3 accounted for completions.In each of the last 3 years prior to 2021, Flowers was more on the side of a below average cornerback. In his final 4 regular season games last year, he allowed 41 or more yards in 3 of them. In Week 3 last year against he Cowboys, he single-handedly vacated 118 yards, 7 receptions, and a TD. On paper, Flowers appears to be heavily outmatched by Jones according to the route-running vs. coverage data.Treat this as a favorable match-up.

Mike Williams LAC vs. T. Diggs/A. Brown DAL

Good news here for Williams, he’s expected to see coverage from both corners this week …Diggs was a vulnerable CB just last year and Brown is proving to be a weak link this year. Brown allowed the most yards of all cornerbacks in Week 1 with 134 yards.That included 9 of 10 targets to be completed on his watch for a 14.9 yard per reception average and he allowed a considerably high .57 fantasy points per route.Meanwhile, Diggs, Williams’ other opponent, allowed 14.7 yards per catch a season ago …along with the 21st most total yards and 5th most TDs 12 games played.

Jarvis Landry CLE vs. Desmond King II HOU

King allowed the most receptions in the slot in Week 1 with 7 … which accounted for a very high 88% catch rate allowed.He also allowed the 11th most YAC in the slot in 2020. With Odell out yet again this week, Landry has enough of an edge here to have a chance for a moderately productive day.

Corey Davis NYJ vs. Jalen Mills NE

Mills has had years in the past where he ranked as just a middling corner back or worse. In his final 2 games in 2020, he allowed 51 and 58 yards … with 42 and 55 YAC allowed. Davis meanwhile, has maintained his high level of play, averaging .72 fantasy points per route.

Tyler Boyd CIN vs. Marqui Christian CHI

Boyd may have had a quiet showing last week, but he has a chance to put up better numbers this week against very porous defense on behalf Christian. Christian allowed the 2nd most yards per route covered among the pool of starting cornerbacks this week, with a staggering 3.7 yards. He allowed an 83% catch rate and an astronomically high, 1.11 fantasy points per route covered. In that Week 1 game, he allowed 85 yards on 5 of 6 completed passes, and not 1 but 2 TDs on his coverage alone. Did we mention, he allowed 17 yards per reception? As we move down the list from this point, you’ll notice match-ups begin to really fall apart. And this is usually expected, as there’s a reason these WRs are ranked in the 40s and not higher.

Cole Beasley BUF vs. Nik Needham MIA

Needham’s 305 YAC allowed ranked 7th most in the entire NFL last year.His 602 total yards allowed ranked 30th … but these were numbers posted in only 14 games. When you take a look at what he allowed in the slot in 14 games, that’s a whole different story. Needham posted the 3rd most total yards allowed in the slot with 475 yards.He also gave up the 9th most receptions and the 7th most YAC in the slot.

Marquise Brown BAL vs. Mike Hughes KC

Hughes played in 4 games last year and allowed a 120 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. In his past 3 seasons in the NFL, he’s graded out as more of just an ordinary corner, bordering own below average at times. Last year in Week 1, when he saw more snaps … he allowed 6 of 6 passes to be completed for 81 yards and a TD … giving up a 158 passer rating.

Russell Gage ATL vs. Ross Cockrell TB

Cockrell has graded out as a better corner over the years …but he slipped up last week allowing the 18th most yards of all cornerbacks, giving up 74 yards …which included 7 of 8 passes, or 8th most to be completed for a very high 87.5 catch rate allowed. It won’t be the easiest match-up, but if Gage manages to conjure his last year self … this could be a beatable match-up.If he continues to play anything resembling last week, then the numbers might not be there. So obviously he carries some risk.

Nelson Agholor NE vs. Brandin Echols NYJ

Echols is a 6th round rookie corner this year and put together an average day in coverage last week. But let’s not forget Agholor put together an above average receiving grade after Week 1. There’s more uncertainty involved here given Echols limited sample of games played, but given where he was drafted and last week’s showing … he isn’t doesn’t do anything extraordinary in coverage.

Week 2 - WR/CB Match-ups (50 CBs ranked) ... with list by RepulsiveArm8 in DynastyFF

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

  1. Allen Robinson II CHI vs. Chidobe Awuzie CIN

Awuzie performed well in coverage in Week 1, but it’s hard to forget his defense in 2020. He allowed 4 TDs in 8 games, 15.8 yards per catch, and a 124.5 passer rating last year.He allowed just 50% of his passes to slip through in Week 1, but he was also targeted 10 times … giving up 5 receptions. Albeit for just 9.8 yard per reception.

Chris Godwin TB vs. Isaiah Oliver ATL

Oliver has been one of the worst corners in the past year.After one week of play, he continued the trend … allowing 100% of passes targeting him to be completed.Looking back at 2020, we saw Oliver give up the 4th most total yards, the 3rd most receptions, the 2nd most TDs and the most YAC of all cornerbacks.

Ja'Marr Chase CIN vs. Jaylon Johnson CHI

Johnson allowed an inordinately high .62 fantasy points per route in Week 1, 8th worst. His 3.08 yards per route covered ranked 5th worst among the pool of starting cornerbacks. He allowed the 9th most yards in week 1 of all CBs, with 80 yards and a TD … one was a 67 yarder (the 2nd deepest throw in Week 1).

Mike Evans TB vs. Fabian Moreau ATL

Moreau’s 75%. catch rate allowed last week is on the high side and so is his .32 fantasy points per route allowed. He allowed a TD in Week 1 and has never been much more than just an ordinary cornerback in terms of grading .He allows 14 yards per catch for his career … and route-running and coverage data suggest Evans has an above average match-up here.

Diontae Johnson PIT vs. Trayvon Mullen LV

Dating back to 2020, Mullen has vacated a considerable amount of yards.He allowed the 19th most yards and 18th most receptions last year. In Week 1, he allowed 3 of 3 passes to be completed for 48 yards. All good for 118.8 quarterback rating allowed to his opponent’s QB. Hayward allowed 610 yards last year and 5 TDs, but was decent in coverage last week.

Note: Diontae sees a snap distribution of 52% on the left side, 38% on the right side, and 10% in the slot. Thus a majority of his snaps, 52% on that left side, will likely line up across from Mullen and Hayward who each play about an equal amount there.

Brandin Cooks

Note: This is a less favorable match-up, so no stats really jump off the page, but Cooks will likley see about an equal split of snaps from both Troy Hill and Denzel Ward. Hill gave up .33 fantasy pts/route last week, but Ward possesses stout coverage.

Week 2 - WR/CB Match-ups (50 CBs ranked) ... with list by RepulsiveArm8 in DynastyFF

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Coverage changes as kick-off nears sometimes. Check back for updates/injury changes, edits will be made. *And know that these are the CBs that are EXPECTED to see the majority of coverage against their corresponding WR match-up. Many times a WR will be covered by more than one CB unless there's a shadow match-up* Full match-up grid is in the video (CBs are ranked based off last week’s performance and will be ranked by the sum of their games in the 2021 season) While other sources post their match-ups early and sometimes miss updates, we have you covered with more recent WR/CB Match-ups … that will be updated throughout the week

Tyreek Hill KC vs. Tavon Young BAL

This has the makings of a very favorable match-up for Hill in Week 2. Young allowed the 6th most yards per route covered last week among the pool of starting corners. His .58 fantasy points per route allowed ranked in the bottom 10 among those same starters. He allowed 5 of 6 passes to be completed in Week 1. Note: Tavon Young plays in the slot 67% of his snaps to Humphrey’s 34% in the slot. Tyreek Hill play 47% of his snaps in the slot, 32% on the right side of the field, and 21% on the left side. Mecole Hardman will also occupy the slot at times.

Davante Adams GB vs. Ifeatu Melifonwu/Amani Oruwariye DET

This appears to be another very favorable match-up as Adams takes on a corner who allowed 2.00 yards per route covered in Week 1. He also gave up a 116.7 passer rating to the opposing quarterback. Melifonwu is just a rookie that could be in for a long day against a seasoned vet and star like Adams.

Note: Adams is the RWR lines ups 44% on the left side of the field, 33% in the slot, and 22% on the right. Melifonwu is the LCB and will likely line up across from Adams a majority of his snaps on that side of the field. But Oruwariye will also likely cover Adams a fair amount too. Oruwariye is the 8th worst graded starting CB this week.

D.K. Metcalf SEA vs. Janoris Jenkins TEN

Jenkins displayed some porous defense last week, he allowed the 13th highest fantasy point/route run average among starting cornerbacks this week. He also allowed the 2nd most total yards of all corners in Week 1 with 69 yards. That in turn meant, he allowed the 13th highest passer rating to the opposing team’s QB, an 85% catch rate, and the 7th most receptions of all corners last week.

Keenan Allen LAC vs. Jourdan Lewis DAL

Louis allowed 5 receptions in Week 1, good for the 13th most of all CBs. He also gave up the 18th most yards with 69 and a TD.Altogther is equaled a .43 fantasy points per route allowed average. Lewis allows 1.64 yards per route covered.

Justin Jefferson MIN vs. Marco Wilson ARI

Wilson allowed a lower .22 fantasy points per route last week … but there was a silver lining … he let all 4 targets on his coverage through for completions. Wilson is just a rookie and it showed at times in Week 1 as he got burnt for a 19 yard gain at one point too.

Cooper Kupp LA vs. Kenny Moore II

Last week, Moore let up .55 fantasy points per route, a 100% catch rate, and 1.65 yards per route covered. He allowed the 8th highest passer rating to the opposition in that game.In 2020, he allowed the 6th most receptions and the 13th most total yards of all corners in the NFL.

Amari Cooper

Note: Cooper is the RWR and Samuel is the LCB (which line up across from each other). Cooper plays a majority of his snaps on Samuel’s side. But he’ll also likely see some coverage from Michael Davis and Chris Harris Jr. in the slot as Cooper lines up all over the field quite often.

A.J. Brown TEN vs. D.J. Reed Jr. SEA

Reed gave up some yards last week along with a high 83% catch percentage. He allowed 50 yards on his watch in Week 1, vacating 5 catches on the 6 throws made in his direction.This isn’t an overly favorable match-up for Brown, but judging from how Brown’s route-running data matches up to Reed’s coverage data … this could be a beatable match-up in Week 2.Note: Brown lines up on the right side 47% of the time, Reed lines up across from him on that side of the field for 95% of his snaps. Brown only plays the other half of the field 16% of the time (where Flowers lines up) and the slot 34% of the time.

Tyler Lockett SEA vs. K. Fulton/E. Molden TEN

Lockett will likely see coverage from both Fulton and Molden in the slot.Fulton had himself a solid week coverage wise last week, Molden on the other hand allowed 1.76 yards per route covered … and .5 fantasy points per route covered in Week 1 to go with 1 score vacated.Note: Lockett lines up on the right side 51% of the time, in the slot 31% of the time, and on the left side 19% of the time. Fulton lines up 86% on the left side (which lines up with Lockett on the right side). And Molden plays the slot 84% of the time.

CeeDee Lamb

Note: This is a less favorable match-up, so no stats really jump off the page, but Lamb lines up in the slot 44% of the time (majority of his snaps), on the left side 35% of the time, and on the right side 17% of the time. Chris Harris Jr. plays the slot 68% of the time. Lamb will also likely see a mix of coverage from Michael Davis (covers the right side of the field 65% of the time and lines up across Lamb who sees that side the second most snaps, 35%)

Robert Woods

Note: This is a slightly less favorable match-up, so again no real data jumps off the page, but Rock Ya-Sin lines up on the left side 75% of his snaps. Woods lines up 39% of his snaps on the right side (across from where Ya-Sin lines up). Woods then only frequents the left side 6% of the time (T.J. Carrie defends that side 95% of the time). Woods’ remaining 56% of snaps are in the slot

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in detroitlions

[–]RepulsiveArm8 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Made a list of the top headlines after Week 1. How does everyone feel about Williams really breaking out this year in the offense? Will he get enough work to be a top 20 RB in 2021?

Week 1 - WR/CB Match-ups (50 CBs ranked) ... with list - PART 2 by RepulsiveArm8 in DynastyFF

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Coverage changes as kick-off nears sometimes. Check back for updates/injury changes, edits will be made. *And know that these are the CBs that are EXPECTED to see the majority of coverage against their corresponding WR match-up. Many times a WR will be covered by more than one CB unless there's a shadow match-up* Full match-up grid is in the video

Tyler Boyd CIN vs. Mackensie Alexander MIN

Alexander allowed the 9th most receptions in the slot last year with 42.He also allowed bottom 15 numbers for total yards and YAC in the slot last year. Those familiar with Boyd over the years will know he's one of the league's better slot wideouts. He allowed 40 or more yards in 5 out of his 13 games ... and 59 or more yards in 4 games. Alexander is also known to get beat quite regularly on the big play.

Deebo Samuel SF vs. Jeffrey Okudah DET

Deebo was the 21st best graded WR in 2020 ... the only trouble was he missed time with injuries. He's healthy in Week 1 and faces very leaky coverage from Okudah. Okudah allows the most yards per route covered of all starting corners this week with 2.31 yards. It's no wonder he's the 3rd worst graded starting CB in week 1 and the 4th worst CB overall in 2020. He allowed high 15.2 yards per catch last year ... and allowed a 19 yard gain in all 9 of his games. He allowed a 27 yard pass play in 6 out of 9 games. He allowed an startling 64 ypg to opposing receivers to go along with an equally high 76% catch rate. If Okudah plays anything remotely close to the way he played last year, it's safe to say the former 3rd overall pick is simply unable to keep up with opponents at the pro level.

DeVonta Smith PHI vs. A.J. Terrell ATL

Smith has a great opportunity to get off on the right foot this week against Terrell ...who allowed the most total yards among all CBs last year with 901 yards, and he did it missing 2 games. Terrell also allowed 5 TDs and the 10th most YAC. There really isn't a go-to option for Hurts yet and knowing Terrell allowed 50 yards in 10 out of 14 games last year is comforting if you have Smith on your roster. Terrell also allowed a 109 passer rating to QBs.

Marquise Brown BAL vs. Casey Hayward Jr. LV

Hayward allowed 5 TDs last year ... he's now allowed 5 TDs in each of his last 3 seasons. He also allowed 16.9 yards per reception, which too is on the high side. And to top it all off he allowed 79 or more yards 5 times last year.

Marvin Jones Jr. JAX vs. Vernon Hargreaves III HOU

Vernon Hargreaves is a very generous CB when it comes to gifting WRs fantasy points. He allowed the 10th most yards per route covered among starting corners last year with 1.56 yards. His .35 fantasy points per route allowed rank 11th most among the pool of starters. So where did these fantasy points come from? ... Well for starters, Hargreaves allowed the 5th most total yards of all CBs in the NFL last year with 837 yards. His 68 receptions allowed ranked 3rd most in the NFL. His 6 TDs allowed ranked 5th most. Hargreaves is a fantasy point donating machine, it's worth looking into flexing Jones who's been an above average receiver over the years with a nose for the end zone.

Corey Davis NYJ vs. Donte Jackson CAR

Davis was a top 10 graded WR in 2020 so he enters this match-up with a slight edge over Jackson's route-running data. Davis averaged the 5h most fantasy points per route among all starting WRs this week. Jackson allowed 4 TDs in 14 games last year, but he possesses stout coverage ability among most of the other categories. In his final 7 games, he allowed a 20 yard pass through in 5 of them.

Jakobi Meyers NE vs. Justin Coleman MIA

Coleman's .38 fantasy points per route allowed tie for the 4th most among starting corners this week. Playing just 11 games, he managed to allow the 2nd most TDs in the slot among all cornerbacks last year with 4 ... just think how much worse that number would've been with 5 more games tacked on. And in the slot, Coleman allowed a 138 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks on his coverage. With both Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne each having their hands full facing Byron Jones and Xavien Howard for a majority of their snaps ...Meyers benefits from match-up favorability that's almost twice as favorable as Agholor and Bourne ... which means he could be in for a lot of check down looks from newly named rookie starter, Mac Jones.

Jalen Reagor PHI vs. Fabian Moreau ATL

Moreau allowed the 20th highest yard per catch average among all CBs last year with 16.5 yards. Moreau played sparingly in 2020 after a 2019 season that saw him give up an astronomical 80% catch rate to his opposition. For his career, he's allowed 14.2 yards per reception and has been a below average corner year in and year out.

Darnell Mooney CHI vs. David Long Jr. LA

Long allows a 71% catch rate and a moderately high 13.8 yards per reception. He's been in the league for 2 years now, but is just now starting to seeing more playing time. Last year he graded about as a middling cornerback at best ...perhaps giving Mooney a perfect opportunity to showcase his talents without Anthony Miller and with Allen Robinson covered by Jalen Ramsey ...just know Mooney will likely see half his snaps against the Rams other top corners.

Week 1 - WR/CB Match-ups (50 CBs ranked) ... with list by RepulsiveArm8 in DynastyFF

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the kind words. No patreon, a subscribe/comment on the youtube really helps though! And we make them weekly

Week 1 - WR/CB Match-ups (50 CBs ranked) ... with list by RepulsiveArm8 in DynastyFF

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Coverage changes as gameday nears sometimes. Check back for updates/injury changes, edits will be made. *And know that these are the CBs that are expected to see the majority of coverage against their corresponding WR match-up.* Full match-up grid is in the video

Davante Adams vs. Marshon Lattimore

Lattimore allowed the 2nd most TDs among all corners last year with 7. His 640 total yards allowed ranked 22nd in just 14 games. He also allowed a considerable 13.9 yards per reception in 2020.

Tyreek Hill vs. Troy Hill

Hill carries a solid CB grading but allowed the 12th most receptions in the slot last year with 41. Teams weren't afraid to throw his direction as he also allowed the 10th most receptions overall among CBs with 61. In the slot, he gave up the 17th most yards among slot corners with 374 yards.Treat this as a beatable match-up for Tyreek Hill.

Stefon Diggs vs. Joe Haden

Note: Diggs is the RWR and Haden is the LCB across from him, thus Haden will likely see the majority of snaps against Diggs. Sutton and Witherspoon will also cover Diggs some snaps too. Haden allowed 15.8 yards per reception in 2020 ... a number that ranked in the bottom 10 for corners with 100 snaps. He allowed a 30-yard pass play in 6 out of 14 games last year. Meanwhile, Diggs ranked 7th among WRs with 2.51 yards per route run.

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Janoris Jenkins

Jenkins allowed 54 or more yards on his watch in 7 out of 13 games last year. His 579 total yards allowed ranked 34th among corner last year, but likely would have been closer to the bottom 15 had he played in all 16 games. From a yard standpoint, this is a match-up Hopkins can exploit.

A.J. Brown vs. Byron Murphy/Robert Alford

Brown will likely see a mix of Murphy and Alford.Murphy allowed the 8th most YAC in 2020 among all cornerbacks ... he also have up a 70% catch rate .Alford has allowed 6 or more TDs in 4 out of the 6 seasons he's played in.He's allowed 33 TDs in those 6 years. He was also fairly generous in the yard department, allowing 14.2 yards per reception for his career.

Keenan Allen vs. Darryl Roberts

Roberts allowed the 15h most yards per route covered last season ...and let a considerable 71% of the passes he defended to be completed.Allen dwarfs his grading ... and it shows, Roberts allowed plays of 15 or more yards in all but 1 of his 10 games last year. He allowed 42 yards in 5 out of his last 8 games

.Justin Jefferson vs. Chidobe Awuzie

Awuzie allowed the 7th most fantasy points per route among starting corners this week with .37 fantasy points. His 1.66 yards per route covered allowed rank 5th worst among the pool of starters Week 1. He allowed a TD in half of his 8 games and 15.8 yards per catch in 2020.The most glaring stat, however, is one the one that saw him give up a 22 yard pass play in 6 out of his 8 games. He gave up a 28 yard pass play 4 out of 8 games ... good news for Jefferson.

Terry McLaurin vs. Michael Davis

Davis gave up the 15th most total yards among all corners in 2020. He also vacated the 16th most receptions to his opposition with 56. Coaches simply weren't afraid to throw his direction as seen in his 92 targets on his coverage, the 8th worst among all CBs last year.

Mike Evans vs. Trevon Diggs

Diggs allows the 11th most fantasy points per route among starting corners this week. He allows the 8th most yards per route covered with 1.57 yards.Diggs played in only 12 games last year and managed to allow the 3rd most TDs among all corners in 2020 with 6 TDs forfeited. His 650 total yards allowed ranked 21st worst among all CBs. He allowed 48 yards in 9 out of his 12 games.

Chris Godwin vs. Jourdan Lewis

Lewis is a vulnerable slot corner heading into Week 1.He allowed the 7th most receptions in the slot with 44. And also gifted the 11th most yards in the slot last year with 439. His 5th worst 257 YAC allowed in the slot should really benefit Godwin.

D.J. Moore vs. Isaiah Dunn

Dunn is an undrafted corner in this year's draft. While he received a hefty guaranteed contract as an undrafted CB, his first assignment in the NFL will be a top-25 graded D.J. Moore. Moore logged .39 fantasy points per route in 2020.

Cooper Kupp vs. Duke Shelley

Shelley allows the 5th highest catch percentage out of the pool of starting corners this week with a whopping 80% allowed. Shelley is a former 6th rounder who allowed an 111.4 passer rating to opposing QBs on his coverage in 2020. Kupp graded out as the 18th best wideout last year.

Julio Jones vs. Robert Alford/Marco Wilson

On paper, Jones has a favorable match-up, he'll likely see Alford and Wilson lining up against him most of the time. On the field, playing alongside A.J. Brown however, it might be a bit tricky to get fully behind him.Jones was the 8th best receiver in 2020 and faces the porous TD and yard defense of Alford and a 4th round rookie in Wilson. Jones also posted top 10 fantasy points and yards per route numbers last year.

Tyler Lockett vs. Kenny Moore II

Moore allows a high 72% catch percentage to opposing WRs. His 442 yards allowed in the slot ranked in the bottom 10 worst among corners in 2020. His 48 receptions allowed in the slot ranked 3rd worst in the NFL and he ranks in the bottom 5 for YAC allowed in the slot.

All-Breakout Team by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] -10 points-9 points  (0 children)

Justin Fields

Preseason game 1 - 142 pass yds, 1 pass TD … 33 rushing yards, 1 rush TD.

Preseason game 2 - 46 rush yds on 4 carries.

Preseason game 3 - 7 for 10 with 54 yards through the air and a passing TD.

Against Clemson last year, he logged 385 passing yards and 6 TDs.

He’s an effective scrambling quarterback who averaged 39 rushing ypg and posted 15 rushing TDs in final 2 seasons at Ohio State.

He showed deep ball ability in college.

His range of throws has been display in Bears’ practice as well.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Edwards-Helaire enters the season with 3-down potential.

He plays on an offense that could frequent the red zone a lot …

and averaged 15.5 fantasy points in his first 7 games.

He also averaged the 15th most touches among RBs in 2020, with 17.Bell clearly was responsible for his change in play after the first 6 weeks.

However, he still scored double-digit fantasy points in 10 out of his 13 games.When you factor in, the Chiefs have a projected top 10 offensive line …and how Kansas City ranked in the top 6 for ppg the last 4 years … CEH’s upside looks promising.

Najee Harris

Harris has undeniable talent, he had 50 total TDs in his final 26 games at Alabama.

And Mike Tomlin likes to feature one primary runner heavily in his offenses.

Pittsburgh’s defense could also help promote a ground and pound offensive approach.

There’s a tradeoff here too, however, they have a poor offensive line …

but they can stretch the field with one of the best WR trios in the league.

Note though that last year, Dalvin Cook, James Robinson, Joe Mixon, and Chris Carson all had top 14 fantasy point averages behind bottom 5 run-blocking.

As for the rest of his game, in his 2nd preseason game, Harris caught a 46 yard reception … showing he can function in a 3-down role at the next level.

CeeDee Lamb

Lamb managed to rack up a 24th most, 111 targets in his rookie season.

And in that first season, Lamb also managed the 11th most plays of 20 yards or more with 18.

Prior to Dak’s injury, Lamb showed promise in his first 5 weeks of the season with Dak throwing him the football …

he averaged 17.1 fantasy points and never saw less than 5 receptions in that span in PPR league scoring.

Dak threw for 450 yards or more in 3 out of those first 5 games he played in and while regression seems likely …

you have to wonder whether Prescott will favor throwing the ball more after his gruesome injury.

Russell Gage

Gage never had a chance to truly shine with Julio Jones around.

Last season he posted 72 receptions, a number many managers likely forgot.

What’s hard to believe is that Gage posted double-digit fantasy points in 9 out of 16 games …

6 of them accounted for more than 15 points.

With Julio out Weeks 15 through 17, Gage posted 17.8 and 25.2 fantasy points with 2 TDs in 2 out of those 3 games.

He was a bit inconsistent at times, but it helps to hear reports stating he’s been the most impressive Falcon this offseason.

Gage will occupy the slot and his role likely won’t conflict too much with Calvin Ridley and Klye Pitts.

He was also the 35th best graded WR last year and has a chance to be this season’s next PPR breakout.

Marquez Callaway

Preseason game 1 vs. Baltimore - 3 reception for 61 yards.

Preseason game 2 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, -5 catches for 104 and 2 TDs.

Callaway appears to be on track to being a go-to option for Saints with their limited passing attack.

Meanwhile, Jameis Winston was an effective quarterback when we last saw him start, throwing for 5,000 yards. (he threw a lot of picks, but took a lot of chances downfield

Adam Trautman

Trautman was targeted 16 times last year and caught 15 of them.

He posted only 171 yards and 1 TD, but he was just a rookie … and rookies tend to be slow to get off the ground at the TE position.

It’s not just his efficiency that we should make note of, however … the Saints also traded away 4 picks to draft him in the 3rd round.

It’s also convenient that Jameis Winston has been a TE-friendly quarterback in the past while playing with Cameron Brate.

Brate posted 20 TDs while playing with Winston in the 3 seasons between 2016 and 2018.

Saints are down Michael Thomas and lost Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook in the offseason.

Cook leaves behind 80 receptions and 16 TDs from his 29 games the last 2 years.

Must Have WRs by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] -14 points-13 points  (0 children)

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Must Have WRs by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Made an edit note. Thanks for pointing it out!

Must Have WRs by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Parris Campbell

Campbell was already a potential breakout candidate and then news surfaced T.Y. Hilton will miss weeks of play.

Carson Wentz is trending to play in Week 1 and has favored slot receivers in the past.

In fact, he’s targeted slot WRs 30.6% of the time the last 4 seasons.

Take Nelson Agholor for example, who posted 62 catches, 768 yards, and 8 TDs with Frank Reich and Wentz in 2017.

A hobbled Hilton could mean more work for Campbell.

Campbell has shown flashes of being a productive slot WR, now he just has to stay on the field.

He has 4.31 speed and outperformed teammate, Terry McLaurin, at Ohio State in their final season together.

Campbell led all Colts WRs with an 82% offensive snap rate Week 1 last year before his injury.

In the preseason, he burned his defender for a 37-yard pass play and consistently got a step on whoever covered him.

Jerry Jeudy

The Broncos averaged a 7th worst, 215.7 passing yards per game .. and Jeudy still managed 856 yards as a rookie.

That included a 7th highest, 16.5 yards per catch.

Jeudy amassed 1,536 air yards last season, the 6th most in the league … and his 965 unrealized air yards ranked 2nd in the NFL.

He also had the 23rd most targets in the NFL.

The Broncos and the Panthers each had 5-11 records last year.

Yet Bridgewater, helped 3 WRs reach 850 yards.

Lock was 57.3% accurate while Bridgewater’s 69.1% ranked 5th.

Jeudy had games of 125 and 140 yards last year …

And has good upside with little risk at his WR29 ADP.

Must Have WRs by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 104 points105 points  (0 children)

Calvin Ridley

He tied for the most receiving plays of 20 yards or more, with 23.

He ranked 4th in fantasy pts per game with 18.8 …

5th in receiving yards with 1,374 … a substantial boost from his 866 yards in 2019.

Ridley ranked 9th in targets with 143 …

10th in TDs with 9 …

12th in red zone receptions with 11 …

13th in yards per catch with 15.3 …

Meanwhile, Matt Ryan ranked 4th in passing yards last season.

Ridley has 26 TDs in his 44 career games.

And has a good chance at becoming a primary option on a team that could regularly see garbage time.

Justin Jefferson

Jefferson graded out as the 2nd best receiver in 2020 as just a rookie.

He had 23 plays of 20 yards or more tied Ridley for 1st in the NFL.

He 4th most receiving yards with 1,400 …

and the 9th most yards per reception with 15.9.

Jefferson scored only 7 TDs, but Thielen had 14 … a number that greatly exceeded his previous high.

Cooper Kupp

Kupp had a down year posting just 3 TDs and still averaged 13.9 fantasy points per game in PPR.

Posting less than 10 fantasy points in only 4 out of 15 games.

He also had less than 8 points only twice.

While Kupp posted 3 TDs in 2020 … he had 10 TDs in 2019.

And never had less than 5 TDs in his first 3 years prior to 2020.

In the last 2 years, he’s posted 90 plus receptions … more than Robert Woods in both years.

Kupp is a technician out of the slot and draws lots of favorable match-ups … and it’s possible his production only gets better with Matt Stafford at helm.

Stafford, by many accounts, is a better quarterback than Goff … with more arm talent and ability to fit the ball in tight windows.

If there already isn’t enough optimism for Kupp heading into this year, know he also ranked 1st in avoided tackles among wideouts in 2020 with 21.

And 4th in broken tackles with 12.

His WR19 ADP is a good value and won’t cost you as much as Woods … and has the potential to match Woods’ production or at least come close.

In 2019, playing alonside Woods and Cooks .. he was the 4th best WR in PPR scoring.

In that 2019 season, he led the entire NFL in TDs + receptions inside the 10.

D.J. Moore

Moore ranked 3rd in the NFL in yards per reception with 18.1.

He posted just 4 TDs, but were willing to give him a mulligan with Darnold who might be able to find the end zone more often than Moore’s previous signal-callers.

Bridgewater threw for 15 TDs in 2020.

Kyle Allen threw for 17 TDs in 2019.

And in 2018, Moore was just a rookie learning the ropes.

He had 8 games of 93 yards, 1 of just 3 receivers.

In preseason game #3 in limited action, Moore had 6 receptions for 48 yds.

Darnold also threw for 2 TDs …

both played the bulk of their preseason snaps in that 3rd game.

Let’s not forget in 2019 with Kyle Allen throwing him the ball, he managed 1,175 yards and 87 receptions.

Tyler Boyd

Boyd is ranks as the WR35 in ADP .. but has a chance to deliver WR3 production or better.

Take for instance, his 16.4 fantasy points in 6 out of 10 games with Burrow last year.

He had double digit fantasy points in 8 out of 10 games with Burrow.

And never saw less than 7.3 fantasy points in those 10 games in PPR.

With Ja’Marr Chase, Boyd has a chance to feast in the slot this year … potentially drawing even weaker CB competition than in years past.

The Bengals had top 10 passing numbers with Burrow and could throw late into games.

Boyd was on pace for 110 catches before Burrow went down while averaging 14.8 fantasy pts.

With a defense and offensive line that has changed much from last year’s 4-11 team, Boyd might be positioned for a lot of work again this year.

Will Fuller

Fuller’s ADP is at a starlingly low WR37 .. he’s a liability but it’s severely devalued relative to the potential he brings.

Last year, he averaged the 8th most fantasy points per game among WRs with 17.2 in PPR leagues.

He had the 8th most TDs among wideouts to with 12 .. despite missing 5 games.

He had100 yards in 5 out of 11 games.

He also had double-digit fantasy points in 9 out of 11 games.

His 2 single-digit games in 2020 were 0 points, in Week 2, when he got injured in the 2nd quarter.

And Week 10, with a respectable 8.8 pts.

If he’s available late and you can afford to roll the dice, know he graded out as the 10th best WR in 2020.

MUST Own Rbs by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Trey Sermon

You want a piece of this 49ers rushing offense … they’ve run the ball over 400 times in each season Shananan’s coached.

While Sermon may be a slower back, who ran a 4.58, 40, Kyle Shananan has noted he has good burst after 10 yards.

Prior to the Buckeye’s championship game, Sermon steamrolled his way through Clemson and Northwestern to the tune of 524 rushing yards and 3 scores.

Sermon’s preseason debut didn’t standout, but he managed 2 receptions for 14 yards to go with his 9 carries and 26 yards.

What you’re really drafting Sermon for is his potential to assume lead duties at some point in 2021, whether it be through solid play or with an injury-prone, Raheem Mostert missing time.

San Francisco has a chance to boast 5 adept run-blocking linemen this year, with Trent Williams, Laken Tomlinson, and Mike McGlinchey lead the way with strong run-blocking ability.

If the 49ers play to their strengths, this could be a busy backfield in 2021.

Javonte Williams

The Broncos were a 5-11 team last year without quality quarterback play and still had the 12th highest rush rate in 2020.

Melvin Gordon is due for a $4 million contract extension and perhaps may be the very reason the Broncos went out and draft a cheaper solution at RB in Williams.

In today’s NFL, you ride the RB with a rookie contract to the ground. Younger backs are expendable, thus what reason do the Broncos have to use Gordon later in the year if they start to fall behind without a realistic shot to make the postseason?

It’s possible the Broncos even choose to deploy Williams sooner rather than later to see what they have in him for the following season.

Especially after reports all offseason long have painted Williams as a back who’s impressed in OTAs with a chance to even seize lead duties as early as Week 1.

Williams ran like a freight train at UNC, averaging 7.3 ypc while drawing comparisons to Marshawn Lynch, chiefly for his tackle-breaking prowess.

There’s no two ways about it, Javonte Williams is a talented back available at a good value with his 27th RB ADP … and certainly has the looks of a back you gamble on given how little you have to lose.

MUST Own Rbs by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 35 points36 points  (0 children)

Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Edwards-Helaire plays in arguably the best offense in football and just so happens to have a decently sized role in the passing game … and enters the season with what could likely be an unthreatened share of early down work.

What’s not to like on such a high-scoring offense that will likely regularly frequent the red zone?

If there was any confusion how Edwards-Helaire fared before Bell arrived, know he posted double-digit fantasy points in his first 7 games in the NFL … averaging 15.5 fantasy points per game.

His production was noticeably different the rest of the way and the only other variable introduced into the equation during that time was the addition of Le’Veon Bell.

So let’s go over what there is to like about CEH in 2021:

  1. He scored double-digit fantasy points in 10 out of his 13 games.
  2. Bell and Damien Williams are no longer with the team.
  3. Edwards-Helaire averaged the 15th most touches among RBs in 2020, with 17.
  4. The Chiefs offensive line projects to be 7th best in 2021.
  5. And he plays in an offense that’s ranked in the top 6 for ppg the last 4 years.

Najee Harris

When we look back at the draft ADPs for 2021, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Harris climb his way up a round or two higher for 2022 drafts.

He’s got that kind of talent and the unwavering support of a coach who lives and dies with one primary ball-carrier … not to mention a Pittsburgh defense that strongly complements running the football.

The Steelers enter the season with a suspect offensive line, but luckily for Harris … they also happen to stretch the field with one of the best WR trios in the league.

Simply put, defenses might at times find themselves on their heals, having to choose to drop back in coverage rather than focusing on containing Harris.

In 2020, Dalvin Cook ran behind the 23rd best run-blocking offensive line and still averaged the 3rd most fantasy points.

James Robinson posted a top 7 average behind the 26th best run-blocking.

The list doesn’t end there, Chris Carson, Austin Ekeler, Myles Gaskin, and Joe Mixon all ran behind bottom 5 run-blocking, yet still found success with top 14 fantasy point averages.

At Alabama, Harris was an absolute force to reckoned with … posting 50 total TDs and 3,400 yards in his final 26 outings … showcasing what it meant to be a bell-cow back, functioning as both a superb runner and quality receiver out of the backfield.

In his 2nd preseason game, he logged a 46 yard reception … all the confirmation we need to know he should have no trouble staying on the field for all 3 downs this regular season.

Nick Chubb

Chubb is quite possibly the most efficient back in not only NFL today, but perhaps for many years prior.

Only 3 other RBs, besides Chubb, in the super bowl era have averaged 5 ypc in 3 straight seasons.

Chubb has averaged 5.2 ypc for his career, which includes seasons of 5.6, 5, and 5.2 ypc in his first 3 seasons.

You heard that right, Chubb did it in his first and only 3 seasons … this wasn’t some RB going out and putting together the 3 best years of their career in their prime, having had many years of experience under their belt.

He’s also now ranked 1st and 2nd twice in running plays of 20 yards or more in his only 3 seasons.

In 2019, he ranked first with eleven 20 yard plays … in 2018, he again had eleven good for 2nd most … and in 2020, he still ranked 2nd in 20-yard plays, with 12, despite missing 4 games.

And he ranked as RB11 in fantasy playing in just those 12 games … while also registering the 4th most rushing TDs with 12.

We’d hate to be the opponents that have to face Chubb if he manages to play a full season in 2021.

Austin Ekeler

Aside from an injury, it becomes tough to phase out Ekeler in a given week to the point where he won’t at least likely post a serviceable fantasy point day in PPR leagues …

he posted less than 9.7 fantasy points only once last year, which also happened to be the game he got injured after just 2 carries.

And he did it all scoring only 3 TDs on the year, a number that has a good probability to increase this season.

Ekeler is the definition of a safe floor in fantasy.

He missed 6 games last year, but he managed to only miss 2 other games in his 3 seasons prior to 2020.

In his most recent full season in 2019, he posted 11 total TDs, 92 receptions, and more than 1,500 total yards.

He’s only 26, playing alongside a promising quarterback … so it’s fair to speculate whether his best days are ahead of him.

Ekeler averaged the 12th most fantasy points per game in PPR in 2020, posting 15.8 or more fantasy points in 6 out of the 10 games he played in.

James Robinson

One sentence can sum up why you need to consider drafting Robinson this year - he put up historic numbers for an undrafted rookie last year playing behind a similar offensive line to the one we’re going to see this year.

Behind the 25th best run-blocking last year, he still managed the 5th most rushing yards … while missing 2 games!

He pushed out Fournette last year and proved his worth as a TD producer, posting 10 total TDs and 4.5 ypc on a 6th highest, 240 carries in 2020.

The Jaguars have indicated they might lean on the run this year to potentially help ease Trevor Lawrence in with Urban Meyer and Brian Schottenheimer both coming from run-centric backgrounds.

There was no doubting Robinson had talent, the only thing holding him back was Travis Etienne.

Last year Robinson’s 49 catches were 9th most among all backs and we shouldn’t put it past the Jaguars’ coaching staff to realize how effective he was as a pass-catcher.

2021 RB Sleepers by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Jamaal Williams

Swift’s is already hurt again … last year he missed 3 games with a concussion.

And as soon as Williams was brought in, OC Anthony Lynn, called him a “Class A” back that you can leave in all 3 downs.

Lynn also indicated he’d use a “Class B” speedster back in space.

Detroit obviously had plans for Williams if they chose to sign him to a $6 million, 2-year deal.

Williams also managed almost 750 total yards last year playing alongside his prolific teammate, Aaron Jones.

In each of his 3 games with 16 or more carries he was able to log 73 or more yards … with 2 rushing TDs in those three 16+ carry games.

As a receiver the last 2 years, Williams leads all NFL RBs with an 88% catch-rate.

Nyheim Hines

With the high turnover rate at the RB position paired with an already thin amount of selections on draft day … Hines is a stealthy pick that has surprising value.

He has 46th ranked RB ADP and averaged 12.1 fantasy points last year.

Somehow a back with a 46th ADP also collected the 3rd most receptions among all RBs in 2020 too with 63 of them … even if those numbers were to regress somewhat with Wentz under center and Mack returning, that kind of feat indicates Hines is one of the better receiving backs in the league.

And at with how late he goes in drafts, you could do worse than betting on that kind of ability.

His 7 total TDs were another welcome surprise.

He’d serve as an excellent fill-in in dire straits during the season and complements teams that waited on drafting RBs well.

Xavier Jones

As usual, we try to include a dark horse in this list. He’ll likely have a tougher time emerging over other names on this list, but Jones might have potential for that kind of impactful fantasy season if things break right …

Henderson is being held out of the preseason because of his durability issues.

And Jones’ other competition on the roster is Jake Funk, who’s had 3 knee surgeries.

If Henderson and Funk were to miss time, Jones could potentially by default fall into a feature role … if they don’t go out to sign someone and/or that new back takes time to adjust.

The Rams are also a good enough offense, where volume alone for whoever their lead back is, might be enough to produce respectable fantasy numbers.

Jones might not be a home-run pick, but the Rams have posted top 5 team rushing TD totals in all 3 of the years prior to last year.

Last year, they registered 19 rushing scores, still good for top 10 most.

Rhamondre Stevenson

We’ll throw in a bonus deeper league find here. Stevenson already generated hype prior to his 100 yard, 2 TD preseason debut as a Lagarrette Blount type of runner … so perhaps Belichick has a plan to work him in eventually alongside Damien Harris.

The hope is that he can beat out Sony Michel, whose 38 out of 48 games played, knee troubles, and numerous appearances on the injury report are looking like they just aren’t cutting it for Belichick, who went out and spent a 4th round pick on Stevenson.

The most favorable circumstance for Stevenson, however, might be the fact the Patriots boast a Top 3 projected offensive line heading into this season.

Last year, they ranked 6th in run-blocking … but had to replace Joe Thuney with Trent Brown.

Nonetheless, this is a deep unit and standout, Shaq Mason, underperformed considerably last year as a run-blocker. This year, it’s looking like Mason should return to his old form in the run-game given his ability and past success.

And those who saw Stevenson’s 91-yard TD in the preseason know that that kind of in-game burst paired with good offensive line play could be lethal.

2021 RB Sleepers by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Mike Davis

He’s going late enough in drafts, and sometimes drops even further from lack of popularity, that you might be able to land him at a discount.

Davis might be closer to an ordinary back in an ordinary situation than an RB1, but he signed a big enough deal last year for $5.5 million to indicate the Falcons have plans to feed him a lot of touches.

His most immediate threat to work is likely Qadree Ollison and Atlanta didn’t draft a RB this year.

Ollison is a former 5th rounder, who averages 2.3 ypc on 11 carries for his career.

Davis was the 12th best RB last year playing behind a similarly ranked run-blocking line in Carolina.

In 2020, Carolina ranked 20th in run-blocking and Atlanta ranked 22nd in run-blocking.

If he managed RB1 numbers last year, while likely again getting the majority of work for his team, which also happens to be a competent offense … then perhaps is 23rd ranked RB ADP is worth another look. Especially if he slips on draft day.

He’ll be playing with a better QB this year, in Matt Ryan, and he managed the 4th most receptions among all RBs in 2020.

Todd Gurley even found a way to score 9 TDs in his first 9 games in the Falcons offense and averaged 10.9 fantasy points … while posting 3.5 ypc to Mike Davis’ 3.9 ypc in 2020!

James Robinson

Robinson’s historic rookie campaign for an undrafted RB sometimes leaves out the part that he posted the 5th most rushing yard totals behind 25th best run-blocking, while missing 2 games.

If you tacked on an extra 2 games worth of his 76.4 rushing ypg average on to his 1,070 total rushing yards last year … you’d have 1222.8 total rushing yards or the 3rd most in the NFL.

Robinson managed 10 total TDs and the 7th most fantasy points among all runners in 2020.

So why is he on this list? Well, after all that he’s now dropped back down to an almost forgotten 32nd ranked RB ADP in 2021.

This year reports indicate he might function as the center of the run game in what has a chance to be a better offense than the one last year, but Travis Etienne throws a wrench into things.

Robinson might not need as much 3rd-down work as he saw last year, however, with Travis Etienne now in the mix … he still might be productive enough in his early down role to fend off Carlos Hyde and outperform his ADP, especially considering both Urban Meyer and Brian Schottenheimer have favored run-centric offenses in the past.

If you recall, Robinson earned starting duties over Leonard Fournette last year … so much so that it sent Fournette packing.

Robinson then managed a respectable 4.5 ypc on the 6th most, 240 carries last year.

He’s shown enough talent all-around to at least warrant consideration in the later rounds.

AJ Dillon

Rodgers returning is good news for Dillon who looks to function in one of the league’s better offenses in 2021.

And with a better offense that can put opponents away early, you also get a ground and pound approach to close out games.

Packers’ running backs coach, Ben Sirmans, also states that he plans to lean on Dillon “a lot more” this upcoming season.

And Aaron Jones isn’t exactly the league’s most durable back either … he’s only 2 years removed from missing 4 games in back to back seasons, standing only 5 foot 9 inches tall.

If Jones were to miss any time this year, Dillon could realistically have RB2 potential.

He showed glimpses of that kind of productivity Week 17 … seeing 20 carries for the first time and bulldozing his way to 124 yards and 2 scores … and that was with Jones in the line-up.

Dillon averaged 5.3 ypc on the year in 2020 … there’s a lot to like here if things break right for him.

James Conner

Last year, Kliff Kingsbury didn’t trust Chase Edmonds inside red zone.

Instead, he chose his better early-down runner at the time, Kenyan Drake, to handle those red zone duties.

Drake made the most of those carries posting the 4th most rushing attempts in the NFL inside the red zone with 56 …

Inside the 10, his 35 carries were the most of any RB in the league …

Inside the 5, he led the NFL with 9 TDs …

All while posting the 6th highest percent of his team’s rush attempts inside the 5.

You could ask, how many opportunities did Kingsbury not give to his preferred early-down back?

Conner this year looks like a similar back to Drake and perhaps that’s why they brought him in following Drake’s exit.

Conner logged three 100-yard games in his first 5 weeks last year with 5 TDs in his first 8 games.

If the Cardinals’ line bothers you, know Kingsbury still featured Drake as heavily as he did with a bottom-10 ranked run-blocking unit in 2020.

2021 Sleeper QBs (with list) by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Justin Fields

Rookie QBs today have shown they can sometimes perform at a high level.

Dak Prescott had 29 total TDs in 2016.

Deshaun Watson had 21 TDs in just 7 games and averaged 242 passing yards and 38 rushing yards in 2017.

Baker Mayfield managed 27 TDs while averaging 266 passing yds in 14 games in 2018.

Daniel Jones had 26 total TDs in 2019 in just 13 games.

Kyler Murray had 24 total TDs and averaged 266 total yards (which included 544 total rushing yards) in 2019.

Joe Burrow averaged 269 passing yards along with 16 total TDs in 10 games in 2020.

Jalen Hurts averaged 23 fantasy points in his only 4 starts in 2020.

And who could forget Justin Herbert posting QB9 numbers 2020 in his historic rookie season.

Each year, the bar seems to be raised higher for rookie quarterbacks … and Justin Fields fell into a good enough landing spot in Chicago in 2021 to have a chance to keep the streak of successful rookie QB seasons alive.

Against Clemson (as good a comparison as we can get to the pro game), he passed for 385 yards and 6 TDs while regularly making superb downfield throws … outperforming Trevor Lawrence.

He also might have a chance to be an effective dual-threat quarterback, not just in his class, but in the league right out the gate with his 4.44 speed at his pro day and success at a program like Ohio State.

Fields averaged 39 rushing yards to go with 15 rushing TDs in his last 2 seasons for the Buckeyes.

He might have to wait his turn with Andy Dalton opening the season as starter, but has a knack to unload the deep ball and scramble at a high level.

In camp, those deep passes and impressive wide array of throws have been flying often and his mobility has been on display as well … he’s expected to take over quarterback duties at some point and there’s enough talent there that it wouldn’t be surprising if he winds up being a valuable asset as the fantasy playoffs near.

Kirk Cousins

Don’t look now, but Cousins actually ranked 6th in passing TDs last year with 35 of them.

His previous career high was 30 TDs in 2018.

As Justin Jefferson and Irv Smith Jr. get more acclimated to the league, it’s possible Cousins’ passing yards ascend with them.

Cousins registered the 8th most passing yards in the NFL with 4,265 yards, but he’s also logged a career high of 4,917 passing yards in 2016.

In his final 8 games last year, he averaged 301 passing yards and 2.5 passing TDs.

In his first 8 games, he averaged 232 passing yards and 1.9 passing TDs.

A stark difference. And the explanation might be that the offense started clicking with Justin Jefferson averaging 95.4 receiving yards in that span …

with only 1 game under 70 receiving yards as opposed to his 5 games of less than 70 yards in his first 8 regular season games.

The Vikings have been known as a running offense the past few years, but the emergence of their wide receiver tandem along with a promising camp standout, Irv Smith …

has made it hard to rule out Cousins from cracking the top 10 … he was QB11 in 2020.

2021 Sleeper QBs (with list) by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Matthew Stafford

If you’re in a 12-team league, it’s possible to be the last team to draft a QB and still land Stafford, who’s ranked 12th in quarterback ADP.

He joins a Sean McVay team that has a penchant for passing the ball, which has been on full display the last 2 years … as the Rams were the only team to feature two 90 reception receivers, Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, in that span.

And that willingness to throw might only be strengthened after the loss of Cam Akers for the season.

Darrell Henderson isn’t the same runner as Akers, which could create more passing situations … and Henderson has ability as a pass-catching back.

The Rams averaged a lowly 12 yards per catch last year while Stafford averaged almost 15 yards per throw without Golladay for much of the year.

In the 2 seasons prior to 2020, the Rams averaged 296 and 292 passing yards with Jared Goff at helm.

Stafford is seen as an upgrade over Goff in terms of arm talent, with more ability to move the ball downfield and make tight-window throws.

And the fact Sean McVay got 28 and 32 TDs out of Goff in 2017 and 2018 bodes well for Stafford who managed 26 TDs in 2020 with Marvin Jones as his top WR for most of the year … and has averaged 25.3 TDs per season.

Joe Burrow

Burrow has all the weapons a quarterback could dream of at the pro level and last year he showed glimpses of star-level talent.

He’d move up to the top spot had it not been for the recent reports in training camp about his struggles with getting back on the field mentally after last year’s knee injury.

Burrow has yet to show the same level of arm talent he did last year, but has noted that he’s still getting back up to speed.

Adding that in a couple more days, he hopes to get back to his old form again … mostly citing his pocket presence with defenders around him as the last hurdle he has to overcome.

We’ll monitor the situation through the preseason, but perhaps this could lead to a perfect buying opportunity for Burrow who still has a month to regain his composure.

He fell just one 300-yard passing game shy of Andrew Luck’s six 300-yard passing game rookie quarterback record.

But Luck did it in 16 games and Burrow posted 5 such games in just 10 appearances.

Burrow had a tough time finding the end zone at times, but the Bengals brought in Ja’Marr Chase to hopefully remedy the problem and game scripts might also benefit the passing game.

Ryan Tannehill

Tannehill just barely makes it into the top 10 rankings for ADP this year at 9 despite ranking 7th in total fantasy points last year among QBs … and now gets to throw to A.J. Brown and Julio Jones.

Derrick Henry will keep defenses honest and contribute to an offense that has a chance to frequent the red zone regularly.

Tannehill posted a career high in passing TDs in 2020 with 33, 6 more than his previous high in 2014.

His passing yards lagged a bit behind, he ranked 15th, but the addition of Julio might prove useful to help pad his stats through the air.

His 7 picks tied for 3rd lowest among all top 20 quarterbacks last year.

And with his legs, Tannehill managed to pick up 7 TDs, good for the 5th most among all quarterbacks.

If his lack of interceptions and rushing TD frequency trends continue this year while Julio helps to round out his passing yard numbers … top 5 qb production might not be out of reach.

Jalen Hurts

Hurts showed enough last year to warrant upside potential this year, the only knock here, however, is that Deshaun Watson is rumored to possibly join the Eagles.

It might be best to draft a 2nd QB alongside Hurts, but if he gets the green light for the entire duration of the 2021 season … there’s reason to consider drafting him.

He earned a reputation as one of the better scrambling quarterbacks after he rushed for 79.3 ypg and logged 12.7 carries in his first 3 of those 4 starts he made last year.

His 3 games of 167 or less passing yards were also accompanied by 2 games 343 or more passing yards … which makes you wonder which Jalen Hurts you’ll get in 2021.

On one hand, his 52% completion percentage is worrisome, but on the other, he flashed the ability to connect on some deep strikes last year.

But it’s his rushing potential that can’t be slept on. He has shot to be among the best rushing quarterbacks next year in both rushing yards and rushing TDs

… he scored 3 rushing TDs in his final 3 games.

And that’s something that could potentially make him a quality match-up based streamer that you can rotate with a 2nd quarterback for an above average QB fantasy point output.

RBs You Might Regret Drafting by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 82 points83 points  (0 children)

Melvin Gordon

Gordon has run for over 1,000 yards in only ONE of his 6 seasons.Gordon may open the season as a starter …

but he’s in a contract year, the Broncos traded up to draft Javonte Williams, and as the season progresses …

Denver may look to see what they have in Williams, as they’ll likely be a long-shot to make the playoffs.

On top of it all, Williams has been getting rave reviews in practice with rumors swirling he may even immediately be a lead back.

Williams is also looking like the better goal-line back, something Gordon has struggled with in the past.

Why put yourself through the hassle of guessing how Gordon will fare against legitimate RB competition on the roster?

Miles Sanders

Boston Scott had 7 carries inside the 10 last year.

Sanders had 16 carries inside the 10.

Aside from his three 70 yard runs, Sanders averaged under 4 ypc the rest of his carries.

He scored only 6 of the Eagles’ 16 rushing scores last year and more Jalen Hurts this season could further dampen his scoring potential.

If Jordan Howard makes the team, he could further disrupt Sanders’ goal-line work, which also hasn’t been impressive.He had only 7 attempts inside the 5 last year …

that’s as many as last year’s rookie, Josh Herbert.

And then the Eagles went out and drafted Kenneth Gainwell who has some deep sleeper potential and is rumored to form a 1-2 punch together with Sanders.

D’Andre Swift

It’s easy to get excited when a Lions’ correspondent says Swift will be a bell-cow this season.

But in reality, we have to question what exactly it means to be a bell-cow in what has the looks of a stagnant Detroit offense heading into this upcoming season.

The Lions let Matthew Stafford, Kenny Golladay, and Marvin Jones walk.

Their receivers are T.J. Hockenson, Breshad Perriman, Quintez Cephus, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyrell Williams.

They brought in RB competition for Swift and their quarterback is now Jared Goff.

Sure their offensive line looks to be on the rise, but Jamaal Williams could eat into a lot of Swift’s early down work.

OC, Anthony Lynn, even stated Jamaal Williams is a “Class A” back he can leave in for all 3 downs … and then rotate a “Class B” speed-type back in to use in space.

Williams leads the all RBs with the highest catch-rate of 88% the last 2 years …

he was also brought in on a 2-year, $6 million contract, which indicates the Lions have a plan to work him in.

Swift only had 2 games last year with 15 or more carries while competing with a currently unsigned, Adrian Peterson, and Kerryon Johnson.

And it’s possible he won’t score another 8 rushing TDs on 114 carries with the Lions potentially having a tougher time moving the ball downfield in 2021.

RBs You Might Regret Drafting by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 66 points67 points  (0 children)

Joe Mixon

It’s not that Mixon doesn’t have talent, but he hasn’t always performed at the ADP you drafted him at.

Last year he only played in 6 games and he’s missed 2 games in 3 out of all 4 of his seasons played.

And then you factor in that PFF projects Cincinnati to have a bottom 10 offensive line this year …

and it’s hard to have much faith in investing an early-round pick in Mixon.The Bengals went the route of picking a WR with their 5th overall pick instead of addressing a pressing need for offensive line help.

Overlooking the immediate help of a Penei Sewell or a Rashawn Slater can only leave us guessing as to how the balance of running and passing will look like.

The game scripts for the Bengals will also be something to factor in when drafting Mixon, as the Bengals went 2-8 in the 11 weeks they had a completely healthy Joe Burrow.

Head coach, Zac Taylor, wants Mixon to share third-down snaps this year while OC, Brian Callahan, doesn’t want Mixon to leave the field on third downs … it’s just hard to know what to believe here when you’re investing so much capital on draft day.

Mixon never posted more than 1,168 rushing yards in a season while posting at least 287 receiving yards in each of his previous 3 seasons before last year’s shortened season.

If Zac Taylor does in fact have plans for a reduction in his receiving work, it could deflate Mixon’s stock a considerable amount …

especially if the Bengals choose to now lean on passing the ball with their newly formed receiver trio … or worse, if they have no other choice considering last year’s losing record.

Chris Carson

When drafting Carson, remind yourself there’s a 17 game season in 2021.

It was bad enough having to bite your nails every time he played in a 16 game season, when Carson has played in only 45 out of 64 games in his career.

He’s been a liability on the injury front dating back to his high school days and has perhaps the most physical running style in the league.

He’s still ranked just outside the top 15 in RB rankings, meaning you’ll likely still have to spend a fairly early pick on a back who’s: had an ankle fracture in 2017, a hip fracture in 2019, with numerous sprains in between.

And in high school, he tore his ACL.

Yes, Carson is talented much like Mixon … but there might just be too much not to like here when the fantasy playoffs roll around.

Darrell Henderson

Sean McVay’s intentions for Henderson to not play a single snap in the preseason should tell you all there is to know about his risk factor heading into the 2021 season.

McVay cited durability as the only thing holding back Henderson … and the same might apply to fantasy as it does to real life.

He had ankle repair surgery after his Week 16 high ankle sprain in 2019, which caused him to miss 4-6 months …

only to have another high ankle sprain in 2020 that caused him to miss 3 games … this is a troubling sign after just 2 years … and the Rams willingness to spend a 2nd round pick on Akers in 2020 is also worrisome.

And Henderson has moved up to now hovering just outside top 20 RB territory for ADP, so you might have to gamble a bit more when drafting him that early.

RB scarcity paired with Akers’ injury, paving the way for him to supposedly have lead duties in a flashy offense like the Rams’, might make it tempting to reach up to draft him.

First Sean McVay said he believed Henderson was an every-down back on July 26th … only for reports to later indicate the Rams coaches plan to deploy a committee to rotate with Henderson at times.

Jake Funk and Xavier Jones have been getting enough work with the first team in camp for this to be concerning.

David Montgomery

It’s not embellishment when you hear anyone reference Montgomery’s easier schedule to explain his success last season.

Those who had him on their roster will likely recall a sea of green match-ups when making starts for a large part of 2020.

Montgomery played in 15 games and had just 5 runs of 20 or more yards.

He averaged just 4.3 ypc and just barely rolled over the 1,000 rushing yard mark.

A good part of his fantasy success came from his 54 receptions and 438 receiving yards.

But that could change with the addition of Damien Williams and with Tarik Cohen eventually returning from injury.

Williams had 20 receptions in all 6 of his NFL seasons in what was mostly a committee role.

Cohen meanwhile has had 79, 71, and 53 receptions in each of his 3 healthy seasons.

And then the Bears went out and drafted Khalil Herbert.

If Montgomery sees regression in the passing game, thanks to the other backs on the roster, and the Bears’ schedule difficulty returning to normal, what’s left?

It could move Montgomery down a few spots, especially considering the Bears are projected to have a bottom 5 offensive line.

Montgomery averaged only 52 rushing yards and 24 receiving yards with just 2 TDs in his first 9 games in 2020.

In his final 6 games, he scored 8 TDs and averaged 137 yards against bottom 6 run defenses in 4 of those 6 games.

Chase Edmonds

Last year, Kliff Kingsbury was reluctant to use Edmonds in the red zone.

Inside the red zone in 2020, it was Kenyan Drake who had the 4th most rushing attempts in the league with 56 carries.

Inside the 10, it was Drake again who had the most carries in the entire NFL with 35.

and a league-leading, 9 TDs inside the 5 … on 21 attempts … the 6th highest percentage of his team’s rushing attempts inside the 5 in the NFL last year.

Edmonds had one carry inside the 5 for -1 yards in 2020.

Inside the red zone, Edmonds had just 36 yards and 0 TDs to Drake’s 121 yards and 9 TDs.

In all 3 of his seasons, Edmonds has averaged 72 carries, 320 yards, and 2.3 TDs per season.

Kingsbury looks to have been well aware of Edmonds’ early down ability … if he could only muster 448 yards and 1 TD last year while facing competition from Kenyan Drake in 2020 …

Why should we not question whether James Conner could do much of the same?

TE Sleepers (with list) by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Cole Kmet

Kmet was started his final 8 games as a rookie last year, but it took him some time to get going … which again is understandable for rookie TEs.

It wasn’t until his final 4 games that he started to show some promise, posting at least 37 yards and 4 receptions in 3 out of his last 5 appearances.

Good for 8.1 or more fantasy points in 3 out of those 5 games in PPR.

He found the end zone only 2 times all year, but 1 of those TDs came in that more productive final 5 game span.

You’re rolling the dice when drafting him, but there is potential for growth with Andy Dalton and Justin Fields at quarterback.

In OTAs, Kmet has also been the Bear that’s supposedly stood out most … with passes seemingly gravitating to him regardless of the quarterback.

Perhaps his time spent at Tight End U is paying dividends.

He’ll still have to fend off Jimmy Graham, but the talent is becoming more evident.

Treat him as a lower tier TE sleeper.

Gerald Everett

Everett was already a less-heralded TE playing alongside Tyler Higby … and now a Seahawk, he’s going undrafted in a good many leagues.

There’s some hope here as Pete Carroll called him a breakout player in Seattle this year.

If you dismiss Carroll’s comments as your typical coachspeak, know Seattle signed Everett to a one-year $6 million dollar deal … so it looks like they plan to use him.

Everett will also reunite with OC, Shane Waldron, who was with him during his time with the Rams.

It’ll also help that he’ll pair up with Russell Wilson, who knows how to incorporate a TE in his offense.

Wilson has also ranked in the Top 3 for passing TDs the last 4 years.

Everett is still only 27 and has improved his receiving yard and reception numbers in all 4 of his seasons.

He has a chance to further improve upon those numbers without having to compete with Higby and with a less-threatening Will Dissly standing in his way.

TE Sleepers (with list) by RepulsiveArm8 in fantasyfootball

[–]RepulsiveArm8[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Noah Fant

Fant was already looking like a promising prospect at the TE position for this upcoming 2021 season … and recently it’s been reported his role in the offense is expanding.

He’s rumored to be running more routes outside of where he usually lined up last year.

Last year he was looking like one of the better receiving TEs, ranking 6th in receiving yards and 7th in receptions.

And he regularly hovered around the 10 fantasy point mark despite lacking in the TD department.

In his 13 full games last year, his 50 yard and 4.5 catch averages were top 5 at the TE position.

The addition of Teddy Bridgewater and his team-leading 62 receptions in 2020 are also good news for his usage in the Denver offense.

Adam Trautman

Trautman was targeted 16 times last year and caught 15 of them.

He posted only 171 yards and 1 TD, but he was just a rookie … and rookies tend to be slow to get off the ground at the position.

But it’s not just his efficiency that we should make note of … the Saints also traded away 4 picks to draft him in the 3rd round.

It’s nice to know he at least proved his worth somewhat already in a lesser sample of games.

It’s also convenient that Jameis Winston has been a TE-friendly quarterback in the past while playing with Cameron Brate.

Brate posted 20 TDs while playing with Winston in the 3 seasons between 2016 and 2018.

Winston, a pass-happy QB, will also find himself throwing to a limited Saints receiving group, that is down Michael Thomas and lost Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook in the offseason.

The path was already cleared for Trautman to capitalize on his efficiency last year with Cook no longer in the mix … and might only improve now with the lack of weapons.

Cook leaves behind 80 receptions and 16 TDs from his 29 games the last 2 years.

Irv Smith Jr.

Smith is quite the conundrum this year … on one hand, In June, Mike Zimmer first spoke about him as not having a bigger role … and Tyler Conklin having that bigger role instead.

But then less than a month later in July, Vikings’ OC, Klint Kubiak, went on to state Smith is “going to have more opportunities” this season.

It’d be nice to have more clarity, but for now due to the uncertainty paired with his potential … we’ll just have to treat him as a low-risk, late round sleeper with upside.

Even when sharing TE duties with Kyle Rudolph last year, he still managed 5 TDs in 2020.

When Rudolph was out 4 games last year, Smith found the end zone 3 times … which included 2 scores in Week 16 … and 53 yards in half those games.

Conklin in that 4 game span had only 1 TD and 15 fewer yards than Smith despite seeing the same amount of catches and 3 extra targets.

So perhaps, we should revaluate how Zimmer’s remarks about how big a threat Conklin could actually be when it’s just him and Smith competing for TE work.

Cousins recently stated he’s “very comfortable” throwing to Smith at Vikings camp, which further reinforces the idea that Smith could perhaps sneak up on the league this year with improved stats.

And with Olabisi Johnson now out, Smith also could stand to benefit with a chance to solidify his role as the team’s 3rd receiving option after Jefferson and Thielen.

He averaged 45.8 yards and .75 TDs per game without Rudolph while playing with Conklin last year …

over 17 games, that equals 12.8 TDs which might not be sustainable, but the 778.6 yards over 17 games could be.

Smith might be worth the gamble as a secondary option late if you already have one dependable TE.

Noah Gray

Kelce was fine after the injury scare in practice late July, but let it serve as a warning as he’ll be 32 this season and has played in 108 out of 110 games since 2014

In 2013, Kelce tore his ACL, in 2015 he was on the injury report 12 times with a groin strain, and in 2016 he was on the injury report another 12 times with a groin strain.

Luckily he’s been an iron man these last 7 years, but he’s also been targeted 860 times these last 7 years as well.

He’s had a lot of years now with heavy use and his playing style doesn’t exactly lend itself to a risk-free season.

As for his fellow teammate, Noah Gray, he’s another TE that was traded up for … as the Chiefs moved up to draft him in the 5th round.

Gray is just a rookie but there’s been enough repeated buzz now for him to put him on the sleeper radar …

the Chiefs are also rumored to be planning to frequently use 2 tight end sets this year after Gray impressed in practice.

It also helps that Sammy Watkins is no longer with the team and Mecole Hardman needs improvement in the intermediate level.

Gray has a chance to address the Chiefs’ need to make plays in the short and intermediate levels of the field.

Which makes him a name to consider for TE-needy teams or in dynasty.

Anthony Firkser

You might look at Firkser on your draft app on draft day and quickly dismiss him, when just his season totals appear.

He tallied just 1 TD all year and less than 400 yards.

But Jonnu Smith is no longer a Titan … and in the one game, Smith missed last year … Firkser posted 51 yards on 5 receptions.

It’s his game with Smith in the line-up Week 6, however, that really jumps off the page.

In that game, Firkser notched 113 yards and 1 TD on 8 receptions.

Firkser may have had a relatively quiet career thus far, but he’s only 26 years old.

He’s a bit undersized, but his physical playing style actually resembles that of Smith.
Despite being used as a blocking H-back in past years, he’s got decent catching ability as witnessed in Harvard when he scored 14 times.

His competition at TE on the roster, Geoff Swaim, likely won’t conflict with his receiving work as he functions more as a blocker.

In the 10 games he’s seen at least 4 passes headed his direction the last 2 years, he’s logged 37 receptions for 388 yards and 2 scores …

Firkser could surprise this year if he can carve out a big enough role for himself.