Football season is just around the corner and with it comes the excitement of fantasy football. As a fan, there’s nothing quite like managing your own team, picking your favorite players and competing against other fantasy managers. And when it comes to picking the top players for your fantasy team, we know that it can be a daunting task, with so many options to choose from. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide of the top fantasy football players to help you make the right decisions for your team.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into some of the best players to consider for your fantasy team. We’ll analyze their performance from previous seasons, their strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential value for the upcoming season. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy manager or just starting out, this guide is here to give you all the necessary information to build a winning team.
So, without further ado, let’s jump right in and take a look at the top fantasy football players for the upcoming season.
1. Quarterbacks:
Quarterback is arguably one of the most important positions in fantasy football, as they are responsible for scoring the most points for your team. However, with so many talented quarterbacks in the league, it can be difficult to determine which ones will perform the best in the upcoming season. Here are our top picks:
1.1 Aaron Rodgers:
Coming off an impressive season with the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers is undoubtedly one of the top quarterbacks to consider for your fantasy team. He threw for 4,299 yards and 48 touchdowns last season, leading the league in both categories. Not only does he have a strong arm, but he’s also known for his accuracy and ability to make big plays on the field. With a strong supporting cast including Davante Adams and Aaron Jones, Rodgers is poised to have another stellar season.
1.2 Patrick Mahomes:
Patrick Mahomes has been a fantasy favorite since his breakout season in 2018, and for good reason. He’s thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of his three seasons as a starter, with an impressive 114 touchdowns. He also has the added advantage of being able to run, which adds another dimension to his game. With Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill as his top targets, Mahomes is sure to put up big numbers again this season.
1.3 Lamar Jackson:
Lamar Jackson was the breakout star of the 2019 season, winning the MVP award and leading the Baltimore Ravens to a 14-2 record. He’s a dual-threat quarterback, meaning he can both throw and run the ball effectively. Last season, he threw for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,206 yards and 7 touchdowns. Jackson’s unique skill set makes him a valuable asset for any fantasy team.
1.4 Russell Wilson:
Russell Wilson has consistently been one of the top quarterbacks in the league, both in real life and in fantasy football. He’s thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of the last three seasons, with a career-high of 4,952 yards in 2020. He’s also known for his ability to extend plays with his legs, making him a dual-threat like Jackson. With a strong receiving corps consisting of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, Wilson is expected to continue his impressive performance in the upcoming season.
1.5 Josh Allen:
Josh Allen’s fantasy stock rose significantly after an impressive 2020 season with the Buffalo Bills. He threw for 4,544 yards and 37 touchdowns, while also rushing for 421 yards and 8 touchdowns. His dual-threat abilities and chemistry with top receiver Stefon Diggs make him an attractive option for any fantasy manager. With another year of experience under his belt, Allen is poised to have another outstanding season.
2. Running Backs:
Running backs are another crucial position in fantasy football, as they score points through both rushing yards and receiving yards. However, with a trend towards more pass-heavy offenses, the running back position has become increasingly unpredictable. Nonetheless, here are our top picks for running backs in the upcoming season:
2.1 Christian McCaffrey:
Christian McCaffrey was a fantasy beast in 2019, leading the league in total yards with 2,392 and scoring 19 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he missed most of the 2020 season due to injuries, but he’s expected to make a strong comeback this year. As a dual-threat back, he’s a valuable asset for any fantasy team and is likely to put up big numbers once again.
2.2 Dalvin Cook:
Dalvin Cook had a breakout season in 2020, rushing for 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns in just 14 games. He also added 361 receiving yards and another touchdown to his stat line. With an impressive offensive line and a strong supporting cast, Cook is expected to continue his dominance in the upcoming season.
2.3 Derrick Henry:
Derrick Henry has been a consistent performer for the Tennessee Titans, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of the last three seasons. In 2020, he led the league in rushing yards with 2,027 and scored 17 touchdowns. While he may not be as involved in the passing game, his ability to run through defenders and break tackles makes him a valuable fantasy asset.
2.4 Alvin Kamara:
Alvin Kamara is a versatile running back with the ability to both rush and receive effectively. In 2020, he totaled 1,688 yards and scored 21 touchdowns, making him one of the top fantasy performers. With Drew Brees retired, Kamara’s role in the offense is expected to increase, making him an even more valuable asset for fantasy managers.
2.5 Saquon Barkley:
Saquon Barkley is a bit of a wildcard pick, as he missed most of the 2020 season due to an injury. However, when healthy, he’s proven to be an elite running back with an impressive combination of speed, power, and agility. In 2018 and 2019, he rushed for over 1,000 yards each season and scored a total of 15 touchdowns. If he can stay healthy, Barkley has the potential to be one of the top fantasy performers in the upcoming season.
3. Wide Receivers:
Wide receivers are responsible for catching passes from the quarterback and scoring points through receiving yards and touchdowns. While quarterbacks have a significant impact on a receiver’s performance, there are still some standout players who are expected to have a big year in the upcoming season:
3.1 Davante Adams:
Davante Adams was the top wide receiver in the league last season, with an impressive 1,374 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. He has great chemistry with Aaron Rodgers and is clearly his favorite target in the red zone. With another year of experience under his belt, Adams is expected to continue his dominance and put up big numbers once again.
3.2 Tyreek Hill:
Tyreek Hill is known for his blazing speed and ability to make big plays down the field. Last season, he had 1,276 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of the top receivers in the league. With Patrick Mahomes throwing him the ball, Hill is expected to have another outstanding season.
3.3 Stefon Diggs:
Stefon Diggs was a revelation for the Buffalo Bills in 2020, totaling 1,535 receiving yards and scoring 8 touchdowns. He quickly established himself as the go-to target for Josh Allen and played a crucial role in their playoff run. With another season of chemistry and experience, Diggs is expected to continue his impressive performance and be a top fantasy performer.
3.4 DeAndre Hopkins:
DeAndre Hopkins has consistently been one of the top wide receivers in the league, with over 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last seven seasons. In his first year with the Arizona Cardinals, he had 1,407 yards and scored 6 touchdowns. With Kyler Murray as his quarterback, Hopkins is expected to continue his impressive streak and be a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
3.5 Justin Jefferson:
Justin Jefferson was a breakout star in his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings, racking up 1,400 receiving yards and scoring 7 touchdowns. He developed an instant chemistry with Kirk Cousins and proved to be a reliable target throughout the season. With another year of experience under his belt, Jefferson is poised to have another standout season and establish himself as one of the top wide receivers in the league.
4. Tight Ends:
Tight ends are a bit of a wildcar
d in fantasy football, as there aren’t many elite options available. However, there are still some players who are expected to put up big numbers and could be valuable assets for your team:
4.1 Travis Kelce:
Travis Kelce is undoubtedly the top tight end in the league, having led the position in receiving yards and touchdowns in each of the last five seasons. In 2020, he had an incredible 1,416 receiving yards and scored 11 touchdowns. With Patrick Mahomes as his quarterback, Kelce is expected to continue his dominance and be a top performer in fantasy football.
4.2 George Kittle:
George Kittle has consistently been one of the top tight ends in the league, with over 1,000 receiving yards in two of the last three seasons. He’s also known for his blocking abilities and is a key part of the San Francisco 49ers offense. With a healthy Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback, Kittle is expected to have another standout season and be a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
4.3 Darren Waller:
Darren Waller was a surprise breakout star in 2020, totaling 1,196 receiving yards and scoring 9 touchdowns for the Las Vegas Raiders. He’s a big, athletic tight end who can make tough catches and break tackles. With Derek Carr as his quarterback, Waller is expected to continue his impressive performance and be a top fantasy performer once again.
4.4 Mark Andrews:
Mark Andrews has emerged as a top tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, with back-to-back 700+ receiving yard seasons and a total of 17 touchdowns. He has great chemistry with Lamar Jackson and is a reliable target in the red zone. With another year of experience under his belt, Andrews is poised to have another standout season and be a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
4.5 T.J. Hockenson:
T.J. Hockenson had an impressive sophomore season with the Detroit Lions, recording 723 receiving yards and scoring 6 touchdowns. He has good size and athleticism, making him a viable option for fantasy managers. With Jared Goff as his new quarterback, Hockenson is expected to have an even bigger role in the offense and could be a sleeper pick for your fantasy team.
5. Defense/Special Teams:
While defense and special teams don’t often get a lot of attention in fantasy football, they can still be valuable assets for your team. Here are some of the top defenses/special teams to consider:
5.1 Los Angeles Rams:
The Los Angeles Rams have consistently been one of the top defenses in the league, with a strong defensive line and secondary. In 2020, they recorded 53 sacks and 14 interceptions, making them a valuable fantasy asset. With another year of experience under their belt, the Rams are expected to continue their dominance and be a top defense once again.
5.2 Pittsburgh Steelers:
The Pittsburgh Steelers had an impressive 2020 season, leading the league in sacks with 56 and recording 18 interceptions. They also scored 5 touchdowns on defense and special teams. With a strong pass rush and talented secondary, the Steelers are expected to have another standout season and be a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
5.3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the top-ranked defense in the league last season, allowing just 80.6 rushing yards per game. They also recorded 48 sacks and 15 interceptions, making them a top fantasy performer. With most of their key players returning, the Buccaneers are expected to continue their dominance and be a valuable asset for any fantasy team.
5.4 Washington Football Team:
The Washington Football Team had an impressive defense last season, ranking third in the league in total yards allowed and fourth in points allowed. They also recorded 47 sacks and 16 interceptions, making them a valuable fantasy asset. With a young and talented defense, Washington is expected to have another standout season and be a valuable addition to any fantasy team.
5.5 Indianapolis Colts:
The Indianapolis Colts had a solid defense in 2020, ranking eighth in the league in total yards allowed and seventh in points allowed. They also recorded 40 sacks and 15 interceptions, making them a valuable fantasy asset. With an improved offense led by new quarterback Carson Wentz, the Colts are expected to have a more balanced attack and could be a sleeper pick for your fantasy team.
6. Kickers:
Kickers may not score as many points as other positions, but they can still make a difference in fantasy football. Here are some of the top kickers to consider for your team:
6.1 Justin Tucker:
Justin Tucker has consistently been one of the top kickers in the league, with a career field goal percentage of 90.7%. In 2020, he made 28 out of 29 field goals and all 52 of his extra point attempts. With a strong leg and great accuracy, Tucker is a reliable option for any fantasy manager.
6.2 Harrison Butker:
Harrison Butker has been a top performer for the Kansas City Chiefs, converting 89.7% of his field goal attempts and all 93 of his extra point attempts in 2020. He also has the added advantage of playing on a high-scoring offense, which gives him plenty of opportunities to score points for his fantasy managers.
6.3 Jason Myers:
Jason Myers had a standout season for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020, making 24 out of 27 field goals and all 40 of his extra point attempts. He also has the added advantage of playing on an explosive offense, which should give him plenty of scoring opportunities in the upcoming season.
6.4 Rodrigo Blankenship:
Rodrigo Blankenship was a surprise rookie performer for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, making 32 out of 37 field goals and all 43 of his extra point attempts. He also has the added advantage of being part of a top-ten scoring offense, making him a valuable asset for any fantasy manager.
6.5 Greg Zuerlein:
Greg Zuerlein had a solid season for the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, making 34 out of 41 field goals and all 33 of his extra point attempts. He also has a strong leg, with 10 of his makes coming from 50+ yards. With an explosive offense, Zuerlein is expected to have another standout season and could be a valuable addition to your fantasy team.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the top fantasy football players for the upcoming season are a mix of established veterans and breakout stars. While it’s always important to do your own research and make decisions based on your own strategy, this guide can serve as a starting point for building a winning fantasy team. From quarterbacks to kickers, there are plenty of talented players to choose from, so make sure to do your due diligence and pick the right players for your team. And who knows, with the right combination of players, you could be sitting at the top of your fantasy league when the season comes to an end.
