With the preseason officially over and cut-down day having come and gone, the NFL’s regular season is arriving. That also means fantasy football season is upon us.
Various outlets have published their top 25, 50, 75 and 100 fantasy players lists, but what about players from each individual team? Who is the best fantasy option from each organization? Well, look no further.
Here are the best fantasy players from all 32 NFL teams.
Arizona Cardinals – David Johnson, running back
A versatile do-it-all running back, David Johnson may be not only the best fantasy player on the Arizona Cardinals, but arguably all of football. He had over 2,100 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns a season ago, and there’s little reason to believe his workload will decrease in 2017. His 80 catches as a running back make him an utter monster in PPR leagues.
Atlanta Falcons – Julio Jones, wide receiver
Was there a more obvious choice than Julio Jones for the Falcons? Arguably the best wide receiver in football, it’s a near lock that Jones will put up over 100 yards a game and have a few chances to score. Of course, he’s also entirely capable of putting together a season like 2015, when he had nearly 1,900 yards and eight touchdowns.
Baltimore Ravens – Terrance West, running back
The Ravens don’t have too many dominant fantasy options heading into 2017, but Terrance West could be one. It should be stressed that he’s a high-risk, high-reward kind of player, but that reward could be substantial if he receives a heavy workload for Baltimore. West looked good in 2016, gaining a career-high 1,010 yards from scrimmage and scoring six touchdowns, but his role is far from guaranteed. He’ll be sharing time with Danny Woodhead.
Buffalo Bills – LeSean McCoy, running back
When healthy, LeSean McCoy is a viable fantasy option for anyone, and arguably one of the best running backs available. On a Bills team lacking other explosive talent, he’s far and away the best fantasy option. Both on the ground and through the air, McCoy provides a versatile option capable of putting up 2,000-plus all-purpose yards.
Carolina Panthers – Greg Olsen, tight end
Usually this place would be reserved for quarterback Cam Newton, but a schematic overhaul in Carolina coupled with Newton’s rapidly decreasing rushing attempts has paved the way for someone else. So, who would benefit from these changes? Tight end Greg Olsen, of course. Already one of the best fantasy tight ends, Olsen appears poised to improve upon his 1,073 yards and three touchdowns from a season ago.
Chicago Bears – Jordan Howard, running back
Jordan Howard is arguably one of the league’s best zone runners, and with Chicago’s interior offensive line looking healthy, it could mean even bigger things in 2017. A year ago, Howard yielded over 1,600 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns. With a year under his belt and an emphasis being put on the ground game, the Bears’ sophomore could be poised for an ever bigger season.
Cincinnati Bengals – A.J. Green, wide receiver
The argument could be made for running back Joe Mixon here, but given his background and the presence of other contributing backs, A.J. Green seems like the smarter choice. Despite missing six games a year ago, Green, who is one of the league’s elite receivers, still carries tremendous value. He’s good for at least 1,200 yards and nearly 10 touchdowns per season.
Cleveland Browns – Isaiah Crowell, running back
There’s not much value for the Browns offensively, even after acquiring Sammie Coates from the Steelers, but Isaiah Crowell certainly carries with him some potential. He gained a career-high 1,271 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns a season ago, and did so by gaining nearly 5.0 yards per carry and 8.0 yards per reception. If he continues his ascension, Crowell could become a legitimately valuable fantasy asset.
Dallas Cowboys – Ezekiel Elliott, running back
Ezekiel Elliott is facing a six-game suspension (possibly reduced on appeal), but that doesn’t detract from his fantasy value on the field. Will it likely result in a damaged fantasy draft stock? Absolutely, but when he is on the field, there is no Cowboy better. The rookie had nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns a season ago. Suspension or not, his per-game averages are likely to increase in 2017.
Denver Broncos – Demaryius Thomas, wide receiver
If running back C.J. Anderson can find health and consistency, he’d arguably have a place in this spot. Of course, fantasy value relies on both of those things, and even with a down year in 2016, Demaryius Thomas fits the bills. He’s compiled five straight 1,000-plus yard seasons and has put up double-digit touchdowns three times. With a little consistency at quarterback, he will once again excel.
Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford, quarterback
Matthew Stafford is now the highest-paid player in NFL history, but that doesn’t necessarily make him the best quarterback in the league. That argument aside, one thing is for sure: he’s the best fantasy option on the Lions roster. Stafford is good for 4,200-plus yards and 25-plus touchdowns per season. He also carries with him the potential to put up even larger numbers.
