One Bold Prediction for Every Team in the NFL
Crazy things happen every year in fantasy football. Who would have expected that James White would be a top 10 running back, but Tom Brady wouldn't do the same at quarterback. Or that Rob Gronkowski would have stayed healthy for a full season (a miracle in its own right), but still finish outside the top 10 at tight end. That Josh Gordon would get suspended once again. Ok, that one's not too shocking. All that didn't just happen to the league last season, but it happened to one team. Almost anything is possible in the NFL, I mean, Adam Gase has a job. So, here is one predciction for each team that I am not betting will happen, but is more likely than people may be expecting. In such an opinionated article, let's go through the teams in ranking of who I think is the best.
1. New England Patriots
Ah sh*t here we go again. The Patriots are known for many things, from cheating to getting massages (Oh, Kraft). They also happen to be somewhat maybe kinda good at football. Nothing seems bold when you're talking about the Patriots, especially now that Tom Brady has his six infinity stones, who would be surprised if half of the league all of a sudden just disappeared? Anyways, my Bold Prediction is that Damien Harris leads the running backs in fantasy points. Bill Belicheck has a fetish for a lot of things, small unathletic receivers, the word "Gate", f*cking around with the media, and boring reliable running backs. And what do you know, Harris fits the bill on the last one! With James White's role in the offense set, the big question is Sony Michel, who has had major injury problems throughout his career, likely the reason Harris was drafted in the first place. Harris is a solid blocker, takes what is given on the ground, can catch what's thrown to him, and won't fumble, which Michel struggled with in college. Remember, LaGarette Blount had 18 touchdowns in this offense two years ago, and even if Michel is healthy, Harris may be the better goal line back.
2. Green Bay Packers
Ok, chill. Aaron Rodgers is still one of if not the best quarterback in the league. He was playing on one leg last season, and likely back problems given the team he was carrying. They have a new offensive coordinator, which can't be a downgrade, the league's most improved defense, a progressing receiving core, and leading into my bold prediction, Aaron f*cking Jones. That's right, my bold prediction is that Aaron Jones will be freed, and finish the season as a top 5 fantasy running back. The ridiculously efficient Jones (5.5 yards per carry in both NFL seasons) was on pace for over 2,000 rushing yards in games where he got 15 or more rushes. Though Green Bay is a pass first offense, Jones can also catch the ball, and the defense should be improved, allowing them to take some pressure off of Aaron Rodgers. Matt Lafleur learned in Tennessee that he had to play the most talented guy, at the time Derrick Henry, and Jones is clearly more talented than Jamaal Williams. Sign me up.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Yes, I am an Eagles fan, so yes, I am part of the GREATEST and most respectful fan base in the history of sports. Before you click off, please know that my hot take won't be that atrociously wrong. And that take is that Carson Wentz will throw for 50 plus touchdowns, and finish as the QB1 in fantasy points. Now you can click off. In all seriousness, in the most unbiased way possible, the Eagles have the best passing weapons in the NFL. We don't know if Wentz can stay on the field, but if he does, we do know he is a star, and was on pace to win league MVP two seasons ago. With additions of Desean Jackson, Miles Sanders, Dallas Goedert, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, along with the improvement of Zach Ertz and steady Alshon Jeffery, this offense cannot be stopped in the red zone. Yes, I am a homer, but at least I'm not a Cowboys fan, am I right?
4. New Orleans Saints
Sorry Saints fans, you would definitely have given us a better Super Bowl than the Rams did. However, the Saints still have one of if not the best offense in the NFL, as well as an incredible defense. Though they lost Mark Ingram, they replaced him with Latavius Murray, which leads to my prediction that Murray will have double digit rushing touchdowns. Ingram did it two seasons ago, and would have come close last season, if not for being suspended. Murray, though mediocre as a back, has been incredibly efficient at the goal line, and the Saints have shown hesitance to give Kamara all of the short yardage work. The Saints have led the league in rushing touchdowns over the past three years, and Murray will play a massive part in that.
5. Los Angeles Rams
With the world rooting for them (minus Boston, but who cares), the Rams made us go through the pain of Tom Brady doing nothing and getting another ring. My man Jeremy Lin was taking notes. Anyways, the Rams still have one of the best offensive minds in the NFL, and should be a top tier offense. There is not much bold to say about this offense, so I'm gonna go with a rather likely one. Though he is being drafted as the third guy in the receiving core, Cooper Kupp leads the team in receptions, touchdowns, and fantasy points. The reason I say this isn't very bold is because he was leading the team last year before tearing his ACL. Though the injury leaves reason for concern, Goff seems to trust Kupp the most, especially in the red zone.
6. Kansas City Chiefs
"Another one". These words were the league's reaction every time Patrick Mahomes through a touchdown pass. They were also the league's reaction every time a Chiefs player was in the news for off the field behavior. The Chiefs have the most dynamic offense in the NFL, and whether or not Tyreek Hill is on the field, Travis Kelce will be. My bold prediction is that Kelce will break the all time receptions and yards records for tight ends. Many think regression is coming for the offense, and that is definitely the case. However, Kelce's efficiency surprisingly did not take a major leap last season, even though Mahomes was crazy efficient. That means a lot to me, knowing that Kelce's numbers were not fluky, as the only numbers that up for him was the targets, and do we think the Chiefs aren't gonna pass the ball this season? Whether Hill is on or of the field, Kelce should maintain his target share and efficiency, with a potential for an increase if they go more pass-heavy, which their defense and lack of star running back could call for.
7. Chicago Bears
You guys were so close. I would have felt bad for you, if I wasn't SO DAMN HAPPY when that kick hit the post. With an improving offense, and elite defense, and maybe a competent kicker, the Bears could be a favorite to win the championship this season. I love David Montgomery, and I will go into that in more detail elsewhere, but since I rarely talk about fantasy defenses, my bold prediction is that the Bears D/ST will not be top 5 this season. They are going in the 8th freaking round. Every year, a defense breaks out. It was the Jags in 2017, and the Vikings in 2016. If we have learned anything, it is that these breakouts do not repeat. Defenses are so hard to predict, given the amount of injuries and different factors that play into fantasy defense success. Don't waste an early round pick on the position and stream throughout the season.
8. Los Angeles Chargers
Oh, the Chargers. So much talent, but we all know they are gonna find a way to f*ck it up. There isn't much to say about the Chargers, solid team, solid pieces, but one guy I am lower than consensus on is Mike Williams. My prediction is that Williams has similar targets and yards as last season, with a decrease in touchdowns. With 10 touchdowns on just 53 receptions last season, Williams was hyper-efficient. However, that touchdown rate is sure to decrease, especially with Hunter Henry returning from injury. Williams could see an increase in targets, but I don't see Rivers throwing the ball a ton this season, and he has plenty of weapons to spread it to. Keenan is still there, and will be in the 150 target range, making it difficult for Williams to have massive numbers.
9. Indianapolis Colts
With Andrew Luck back at the helm, along with an improved defense, offensive line, and running game, the Colts looked like an elite team last season. One of the breakout players was tight end Eric Ebron, who had 13 touchdowns on only 66 receptions, pretty much the Mike Williams of tight ends. My bold prediction is that Jack Doyle, Devin Funchess, and Paaris Campbell all score more fantasy points than Eric Ebron. Though Ebron broke out last season, when him and Doyle were both healthy, Doyle was on the field more, and ran more routes. Ebron only outproduced Doyle in touchdowns, which are extremely volatile. The Colts also brought in Devin Funchess, who has been an elite red zone threat. Will Paaris Campbell also taking work, Ebron could be a complete bust this season, with almost no volume upside. He is no more than a touchdown dependent tight end, and those touchdowns are likely to drop, a word that is very familiar to Ebron.
10. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons were disappointing last season largely due to week 1 injuries to practically their whole defense. However, one of the major stories of their season was the emergence of rookie receiver Calvin Ridley. My bold prediction is that Ridley, along with star Julio Jones, make the Falcons the only team in the NFL with two top 10 fantasy receivers. Ridley showed that he was polished last season, and emerged as a viable red zone threat, in the area Julio tends to disappear. I believe that he will take more work from Mohammed Sanu and Austin Hooper this season. The team also plays 13 games in a dome, which is fantastic for the passing game, and will help both the receivers, and quarterback Matt Ryan put up stats. Though an improved defense and running game could lead to decreased passing volume, new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is known for a high passing volume offense, and they have the pieces to make that work. A successful running game could help keep the defense honest.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Poor Kirk Cousins. Actually, he's goddamn filthy rich. But , the man was always underrated in Washington, and it was sad to see him become the most hated man in Minnesota for his failure to secure playoff birth with such a talented supporting cast. With new offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, the team became less dependent on Cousins, with decreased passing volume. This meant a lot for the two star fantasy receivers on that offense. My bold prediction is that Stefon Diggs is a top 8 receiver, while Adam Thielen finishes outside the top 20. The switch to Stefanski hurt Thielen massively, as he was outside of the top 25 in fantasy over the second half of the season. However, Diggs continued to produce, finishing the season as a top 10 fantasy receiver. The truth is, Diggs depends significantly less on volume than Thielen, given Diggs' higher touchdown rate and efficiency. With both down field and YAC ability, Diggs could progress into an elite receiver, while Thielen will struggle in this run-first offense.
12. Dallas Cowboys
I don't know who named them America's team, but they must have had something against America. The team that is "going to win the Super Bowl" every year, but hasn't gotten out of the divisional round since 1995. My prediction is that they go 0-16 because f*ck them.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars
After replacing the man who coined the phrase "Garbage Time" with former Super Bowl MVP on the greatest team in the history of sports, the Jaguars are in a great position to once again lose to the Patriots in the conference championship due to a couple bad calls. Then again, they might have a chance, I mean, Tom Brady hasn't fared well against his dad in the past. Though Nick Foles may not throw to opposing corner backs quite as often as Bortles, that doesn't mean he will increase the fantasy value of his receivers. My prediction is that the Jaguars will not have a top 40 fantasy receiver. As bad as Bortles is, and oh boy he is bad, he isn't that bad for his receivers in terms of fantasy. Bortles has thrown more yards per game than Foles over his career, and that includes Foles time in Philadelphia, where he has been at his best. The team is still run-first, and especially while Fournette is healthy (so like a week and a half), Foles will only be there not to throw interceptions, which isn't exactly a recipe for fantasy success for receivers. Though Dede Westbrook is the favorite to be the team's lead, that is not even a guarantee, with the return of Marqise Lee, growth of DJ Chark, and addition of Chris Conley. With low passing volume, and no clear leader, this is a receiving core I don't want a part of for fantasy.
Bonus Fun Fact: Blake Bortles and Tom Brady have combined for SIX super bowls and THIRTEEN pro bowls. However, over their careers, Brady has 96 more interceptions, and has been sacked over 200 times more. In their rookie years, Bortles threw for infinitely more touchdowns than Brady. #GOAT
14. Houston Texans
The Texans have adopted the Seahawks old strategy of making their young mobile quarterback show off their mobility by not granting them a competent offensive line. Unlike the Seahawks however, they don't have a 12th man, they don't have BEAST MODE, and they probably wouldn't pass the ball at the 2 yard line in the Super Bowl and gift Tom Brady another freaking ring but that's not the point. Watson uses his abilities to create fantasy points for not only himself, but his receivers. My prediction is that either Keke Coutee or Will Fuller will be top 15 wide receivers in fantasy, and the one who does it, will be whoever can stay healthy. So, pretty much neither, but the point is, both have been phenomenal when on the field. If one can stay healthy for a season, and that is a Nick Foles d*ck size "if", they will be a fantasy stud.
15. Baltimore Ravens
Speaking of quarterback mobility, we move to a team led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, who, fun fact if you look up "Lamar Jackson can throw", it asks to correct you to "Lamar Jackson can't throw". And they say you need a brain to be smart. However, with a stellar defense, and Jackson's unique style, the Ravens went 6-1 with Jackson at the helm, sending former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco out the door before he even reached his prime, well, at least according to John Elway. Though Jackson wasn't known for throwing, and even less, throwing to his teammates, he did find tight end Mark Andrews quite often. My prediction is that Andrews leads the team in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns, and finishes as a top 5 tight end. Andrews had 552 yards and 3 touchdowns, more than George Kittle's rookie season. He had more yards with Jackson at quarterback, and this season, Jackson can't throw any less, right? Andrews established himself as the best tight end in Baltimore, and possibly even the best receiver last season, and nobody the team brought in should make an immediate impact, allowing Andrews to break out.
16. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers just missed out on the playoffs after quarterback Cam Newton's shoulder almost fell off in the second half of last season. However, this offseason, all eyes rightfully shifted from Newton's shoulder to running back Christian Mccaffrey's biceps because damn. Anyways, with Newton likely healthy at least for now, the team's young receiving core has the potential to breakout. My prediction is that Curtis Samuel leads the team in all meaningful receiving stats, ahead of DJ Moore. Moore is highly regarded as a breakout candidate this season, after the former first round pick impressed in his rookie season. However, many forget that Samuel, who was a 2nd round pick the year prior and missed his rookie season, was more productive from a fantasy perspective in fewer games. According to sources like reception perception, Samuel was actually the better receiver in terms of route running, while Moore excelled after the catch. There is definitely upside with Moore, but the same can be said for Samuel, who is much cheaper in drafts.
17. Cleveland Browns
2018 was a crazy year in football. The Raiders hired Jon Gruden for over 100 million dollars. Le'veon Bell held out the full season. And the Cleveland Browns drafted a franchise quarterback. At least we think. Look, I like Baker Mayfield, and Freddie Kitchens, and Odell Beckham Jr, and Nick Chubb, and, oh no not Kareem Hunt. However, I think the whole team is being overhyped in terms of fantasy. My bold prediction is that the main fantasy relevant Cleveland Browns offensive player (Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, David Njoku) finish below their current ADP. I think the team will be solid, and definitely better than previous years (starting off bold!), but some are expecting an elite offense. Let's start with Mayfield. Mayfield looked promising last season, but he is far from a polished NFL quarterback. He still threw an interception per game, and was not outrageously efficient. He was better with Kitchens calling plays, but he isn't guaranteed to be a top 5 fantasy quarterback. Though the team added Odell Beckham, OBJ has had trouble staying on the field in recent years. A move to Cleveland isn't gonna change that, and if he goes down, they are right back to where they were last season. Neither Landry or Njoku shined when Mayfield was solid towards the end of last season. When it comes to the backfield, we don't know what is gonna happen after 8 weeks. Chubb is going too high in drafts for someone who could be in a full committee by the fantasy playoffs, and Hunt is going too high for someone who is ineligible for eight weeks.
18. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers struggled after Jimmy Handsome went down early last season. Though a man, or more accurately a beast, named George Kittle emerged into stardom, the receiving core left a lot to be desire. My bold prediction is that Dante Pettis is a top 15 wide receiver this season. Despite not making much noise, the former second round pick was quite productive when on the field in his rookie year. He had six straight games with at least five targets, and double digit fantasy points in four of them. With Garoppolo back, the team should be able to sustain at least one fantasy relevant receiver, and Pettis is extremely dynamic, touted as one of if not the best special teams players in college history. With little competition for targets at the receiver position, he is in a prime spot for a year 2 breakout.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers
20. Seattle Seahawks
21. Cincinatti Bengals
22. Detroit Lions
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
24. Tennessee Titans
25. Denver Broncos
26. Arizona Cardinals
27. Washington Redskins
28. Oakland Raiders
29. New York Jets
30. New York Giants
31. Buffalo Bills
32. Miami Dolphins
Ah sh*t here we go again. The Patriots are known for many things, from cheating to getting massages (Oh, Kraft). They also happen to be somewhat maybe kinda good at football. Nothing seems bold when you're talking about the Patriots, especially now that Tom Brady has his six infinity stones, who would be surprised if half of the league all of a sudden just disappeared? Anyways, my Bold Prediction is that Damien Harris leads the running backs in fantasy points. Bill Belicheck has a fetish for a lot of things, small unathletic receivers, the word "Gate", f*cking around with the media, and boring reliable running backs. And what do you know, Harris fits the bill on the last one! With James White's role in the offense set, the big question is Sony Michel, who has had major injury problems throughout his career, likely the reason Harris was drafted in the first place. Harris is a solid blocker, takes what is given on the ground, can catch what's thrown to him, and won't fumble, which Michel struggled with in college. Remember, LaGarette Blount had 18 touchdowns in this offense two years ago, and even if Michel is healthy, Harris may be the better goal line back.
2. Green Bay Packers
Ok, chill. Aaron Rodgers is still one of if not the best quarterback in the league. He was playing on one leg last season, and likely back problems given the team he was carrying. They have a new offensive coordinator, which can't be a downgrade, the league's most improved defense, a progressing receiving core, and leading into my bold prediction, Aaron f*cking Jones. That's right, my bold prediction is that Aaron Jones will be freed, and finish the season as a top 5 fantasy running back. The ridiculously efficient Jones (5.5 yards per carry in both NFL seasons) was on pace for over 2,000 rushing yards in games where he got 15 or more rushes. Though Green Bay is a pass first offense, Jones can also catch the ball, and the defense should be improved, allowing them to take some pressure off of Aaron Rodgers. Matt Lafleur learned in Tennessee that he had to play the most talented guy, at the time Derrick Henry, and Jones is clearly more talented than Jamaal Williams. Sign me up.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Yes, I am an Eagles fan, so yes, I am part of the GREATEST and most respectful fan base in the history of sports. Before you click off, please know that my hot take won't be that atrociously wrong. And that take is that Carson Wentz will throw for 50 plus touchdowns, and finish as the QB1 in fantasy points. Now you can click off. In all seriousness, in the most unbiased way possible, the Eagles have the best passing weapons in the NFL. We don't know if Wentz can stay on the field, but if he does, we do know he is a star, and was on pace to win league MVP two seasons ago. With additions of Desean Jackson, Miles Sanders, Dallas Goedert, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, along with the improvement of Zach Ertz and steady Alshon Jeffery, this offense cannot be stopped in the red zone. Yes, I am a homer, but at least I'm not a Cowboys fan, am I right?
4. New Orleans Saints
Sorry Saints fans, you would definitely have given us a better Super Bowl than the Rams did. However, the Saints still have one of if not the best offense in the NFL, as well as an incredible defense. Though they lost Mark Ingram, they replaced him with Latavius Murray, which leads to my prediction that Murray will have double digit rushing touchdowns. Ingram did it two seasons ago, and would have come close last season, if not for being suspended. Murray, though mediocre as a back, has been incredibly efficient at the goal line, and the Saints have shown hesitance to give Kamara all of the short yardage work. The Saints have led the league in rushing touchdowns over the past three years, and Murray will play a massive part in that.
5. Los Angeles Rams
With the world rooting for them (minus Boston, but who cares), the Rams made us go through the pain of Tom Brady doing nothing and getting another ring. My man Jeremy Lin was taking notes. Anyways, the Rams still have one of the best offensive minds in the NFL, and should be a top tier offense. There is not much bold to say about this offense, so I'm gonna go with a rather likely one. Though he is being drafted as the third guy in the receiving core, Cooper Kupp leads the team in receptions, touchdowns, and fantasy points. The reason I say this isn't very bold is because he was leading the team last year before tearing his ACL. Though the injury leaves reason for concern, Goff seems to trust Kupp the most, especially in the red zone.
6. Kansas City Chiefs
"Another one". These words were the league's reaction every time Patrick Mahomes through a touchdown pass. They were also the league's reaction every time a Chiefs player was in the news for off the field behavior. The Chiefs have the most dynamic offense in the NFL, and whether or not Tyreek Hill is on the field, Travis Kelce will be. My bold prediction is that Kelce will break the all time receptions and yards records for tight ends. Many think regression is coming for the offense, and that is definitely the case. However, Kelce's efficiency surprisingly did not take a major leap last season, even though Mahomes was crazy efficient. That means a lot to me, knowing that Kelce's numbers were not fluky, as the only numbers that up for him was the targets, and do we think the Chiefs aren't gonna pass the ball this season? Whether Hill is on or of the field, Kelce should maintain his target share and efficiency, with a potential for an increase if they go more pass-heavy, which their defense and lack of star running back could call for.
7. Chicago Bears
You guys were so close. I would have felt bad for you, if I wasn't SO DAMN HAPPY when that kick hit the post. With an improving offense, and elite defense, and maybe a competent kicker, the Bears could be a favorite to win the championship this season. I love David Montgomery, and I will go into that in more detail elsewhere, but since I rarely talk about fantasy defenses, my bold prediction is that the Bears D/ST will not be top 5 this season. They are going in the 8th freaking round. Every year, a defense breaks out. It was the Jags in 2017, and the Vikings in 2016. If we have learned anything, it is that these breakouts do not repeat. Defenses are so hard to predict, given the amount of injuries and different factors that play into fantasy defense success. Don't waste an early round pick on the position and stream throughout the season.
8. Los Angeles Chargers
Oh, the Chargers. So much talent, but we all know they are gonna find a way to f*ck it up. There isn't much to say about the Chargers, solid team, solid pieces, but one guy I am lower than consensus on is Mike Williams. My prediction is that Williams has similar targets and yards as last season, with a decrease in touchdowns. With 10 touchdowns on just 53 receptions last season, Williams was hyper-efficient. However, that touchdown rate is sure to decrease, especially with Hunter Henry returning from injury. Williams could see an increase in targets, but I don't see Rivers throwing the ball a ton this season, and he has plenty of weapons to spread it to. Keenan is still there, and will be in the 150 target range, making it difficult for Williams to have massive numbers.
9. Indianapolis Colts
With Andrew Luck back at the helm, along with an improved defense, offensive line, and running game, the Colts looked like an elite team last season. One of the breakout players was tight end Eric Ebron, who had 13 touchdowns on only 66 receptions, pretty much the Mike Williams of tight ends. My bold prediction is that Jack Doyle, Devin Funchess, and Paaris Campbell all score more fantasy points than Eric Ebron. Though Ebron broke out last season, when him and Doyle were both healthy, Doyle was on the field more, and ran more routes. Ebron only outproduced Doyle in touchdowns, which are extremely volatile. The Colts also brought in Devin Funchess, who has been an elite red zone threat. Will Paaris Campbell also taking work, Ebron could be a complete bust this season, with almost no volume upside. He is no more than a touchdown dependent tight end, and those touchdowns are likely to drop, a word that is very familiar to Ebron.
10. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons were disappointing last season largely due to week 1 injuries to practically their whole defense. However, one of the major stories of their season was the emergence of rookie receiver Calvin Ridley. My bold prediction is that Ridley, along with star Julio Jones, make the Falcons the only team in the NFL with two top 10 fantasy receivers. Ridley showed that he was polished last season, and emerged as a viable red zone threat, in the area Julio tends to disappear. I believe that he will take more work from Mohammed Sanu and Austin Hooper this season. The team also plays 13 games in a dome, which is fantastic for the passing game, and will help both the receivers, and quarterback Matt Ryan put up stats. Though an improved defense and running game could lead to decreased passing volume, new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is known for a high passing volume offense, and they have the pieces to make that work. A successful running game could help keep the defense honest.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Poor Kirk Cousins. Actually, he's goddamn filthy rich. But , the man was always underrated in Washington, and it was sad to see him become the most hated man in Minnesota for his failure to secure playoff birth with such a talented supporting cast. With new offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, the team became less dependent on Cousins, with decreased passing volume. This meant a lot for the two star fantasy receivers on that offense. My bold prediction is that Stefon Diggs is a top 8 receiver, while Adam Thielen finishes outside the top 20. The switch to Stefanski hurt Thielen massively, as he was outside of the top 25 in fantasy over the second half of the season. However, Diggs continued to produce, finishing the season as a top 10 fantasy receiver. The truth is, Diggs depends significantly less on volume than Thielen, given Diggs' higher touchdown rate and efficiency. With both down field and YAC ability, Diggs could progress into an elite receiver, while Thielen will struggle in this run-first offense.
12. Dallas Cowboys
I don't know who named them America's team, but they must have had something against America. The team that is "going to win the Super Bowl" every year, but hasn't gotten out of the divisional round since 1995. My prediction is that they go 0-16 because f*ck them.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars
After replacing the man who coined the phrase "Garbage Time" with former Super Bowl MVP on the greatest team in the history of sports, the Jaguars are in a great position to once again lose to the Patriots in the conference championship due to a couple bad calls. Then again, they might have a chance, I mean, Tom Brady hasn't fared well against his dad in the past. Though Nick Foles may not throw to opposing corner backs quite as often as Bortles, that doesn't mean he will increase the fantasy value of his receivers. My prediction is that the Jaguars will not have a top 40 fantasy receiver. As bad as Bortles is, and oh boy he is bad, he isn't that bad for his receivers in terms of fantasy. Bortles has thrown more yards per game than Foles over his career, and that includes Foles time in Philadelphia, where he has been at his best. The team is still run-first, and especially while Fournette is healthy (so like a week and a half), Foles will only be there not to throw interceptions, which isn't exactly a recipe for fantasy success for receivers. Though Dede Westbrook is the favorite to be the team's lead, that is not even a guarantee, with the return of Marqise Lee, growth of DJ Chark, and addition of Chris Conley. With low passing volume, and no clear leader, this is a receiving core I don't want a part of for fantasy.
Bonus Fun Fact: Blake Bortles and Tom Brady have combined for SIX super bowls and THIRTEEN pro bowls. However, over their careers, Brady has 96 more interceptions, and has been sacked over 200 times more. In their rookie years, Bortles threw for infinitely more touchdowns than Brady. #GOAT
14. Houston Texans
The Texans have adopted the Seahawks old strategy of making their young mobile quarterback show off their mobility by not granting them a competent offensive line. Unlike the Seahawks however, they don't have a 12th man, they don't have BEAST MODE, and they probably wouldn't pass the ball at the 2 yard line in the Super Bowl and gift Tom Brady another freaking ring but that's not the point. Watson uses his abilities to create fantasy points for not only himself, but his receivers. My prediction is that either Keke Coutee or Will Fuller will be top 15 wide receivers in fantasy, and the one who does it, will be whoever can stay healthy. So, pretty much neither, but the point is, both have been phenomenal when on the field. If one can stay healthy for a season, and that is a Nick Foles d*ck size "if", they will be a fantasy stud.
15. Baltimore Ravens
Speaking of quarterback mobility, we move to a team led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, who, fun fact if you look up "Lamar Jackson can throw", it asks to correct you to "Lamar Jackson can't throw". And they say you need a brain to be smart. However, with a stellar defense, and Jackson's unique style, the Ravens went 6-1 with Jackson at the helm, sending former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco out the door before he even reached his prime, well, at least according to John Elway. Though Jackson wasn't known for throwing, and even less, throwing to his teammates, he did find tight end Mark Andrews quite often. My prediction is that Andrews leads the team in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns, and finishes as a top 5 tight end. Andrews had 552 yards and 3 touchdowns, more than George Kittle's rookie season. He had more yards with Jackson at quarterback, and this season, Jackson can't throw any less, right? Andrews established himself as the best tight end in Baltimore, and possibly even the best receiver last season, and nobody the team brought in should make an immediate impact, allowing Andrews to break out.
16. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers just missed out on the playoffs after quarterback Cam Newton's shoulder almost fell off in the second half of last season. However, this offseason, all eyes rightfully shifted from Newton's shoulder to running back Christian Mccaffrey's biceps because damn. Anyways, with Newton likely healthy at least for now, the team's young receiving core has the potential to breakout. My prediction is that Curtis Samuel leads the team in all meaningful receiving stats, ahead of DJ Moore. Moore is highly regarded as a breakout candidate this season, after the former first round pick impressed in his rookie season. However, many forget that Samuel, who was a 2nd round pick the year prior and missed his rookie season, was more productive from a fantasy perspective in fewer games. According to sources like reception perception, Samuel was actually the better receiver in terms of route running, while Moore excelled after the catch. There is definitely upside with Moore, but the same can be said for Samuel, who is much cheaper in drafts.
17. Cleveland Browns
2018 was a crazy year in football. The Raiders hired Jon Gruden for over 100 million dollars. Le'veon Bell held out the full season. And the Cleveland Browns drafted a franchise quarterback. At least we think. Look, I like Baker Mayfield, and Freddie Kitchens, and Odell Beckham Jr, and Nick Chubb, and, oh no not Kareem Hunt. However, I think the whole team is being overhyped in terms of fantasy. My bold prediction is that the main fantasy relevant Cleveland Browns offensive player (Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, David Njoku) finish below their current ADP. I think the team will be solid, and definitely better than previous years (starting off bold!), but some are expecting an elite offense. Let's start with Mayfield. Mayfield looked promising last season, but he is far from a polished NFL quarterback. He still threw an interception per game, and was not outrageously efficient. He was better with Kitchens calling plays, but he isn't guaranteed to be a top 5 fantasy quarterback. Though the team added Odell Beckham, OBJ has had trouble staying on the field in recent years. A move to Cleveland isn't gonna change that, and if he goes down, they are right back to where they were last season. Neither Landry or Njoku shined when Mayfield was solid towards the end of last season. When it comes to the backfield, we don't know what is gonna happen after 8 weeks. Chubb is going too high in drafts for someone who could be in a full committee by the fantasy playoffs, and Hunt is going too high for someone who is ineligible for eight weeks.
18. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers struggled after Jimmy Handsome went down early last season. Though a man, or more accurately a beast, named George Kittle emerged into stardom, the receiving core left a lot to be desire. My bold prediction is that Dante Pettis is a top 15 wide receiver this season. Despite not making much noise, the former second round pick was quite productive when on the field in his rookie year. He had six straight games with at least five targets, and double digit fantasy points in four of them. With Garoppolo back, the team should be able to sustain at least one fantasy relevant receiver, and Pettis is extremely dynamic, touted as one of if not the best special teams players in college history. With little competition for targets at the receiver position, he is in a prime spot for a year 2 breakout.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers
20. Seattle Seahawks
21. Cincinatti Bengals
22. Detroit Lions
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
24. Tennessee Titans
25. Denver Broncos
26. Arizona Cardinals
27. Washington Redskins
28. Oakland Raiders
29. New York Jets
30. New York Giants
31. Buffalo Bills
32. Miami Dolphins
