New Orleans Saints – Drew Brees, quarterback
There are solid offensive options all over the Saints roster, but how could you pick against Drew Brees? He has not passed for fewer than 4,800 yards and 32 touchdowns since 2010, and on three separate occasions over that span he’s eclipsed 5,000 yards and twice eclipsed 40 touchdowns. From a fantasy standpoint, he’s a points machine and provides an opportunity to win on a weekly basis.
New York Giants – Odell Beckham Jr., wide receiver
Odell Beckham Jr. has delivered over 1,300 yards and at least 10 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons. Those numbers are all the more impressive when faced with the reality that defenses focused specifically on stopping him. Now with the additions of wide receiver Brandon Marshall and tight end Evan Engram, Beckham will see more one-on-one opportunities. As a result, his fantasy production has the potential to skyrocket.
New York Jets – Bilal Powell, running back
The Jets may have invested a good chunk of change in veteran Matt Forte, but Bilal Powell was more effective a season ago and will lead the way in 2017. Couple that will a massive rebuild that’s seen a major offensive depletion, and Powell is set up to have a career year in his seventh NFL season. He gained 1,110 yards from scrimmage and scored five touchdowns a last season and that may be just the tip of the iceberg.
Oakland Raiders – Amari Cooper, wide receiver
Derek Carr or Marshawn Lynch could have potentially gone here, but Amari Cooper is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. Over his first two seasons, Cooper has hauled in 155 receptions for 2,223 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2017, he could realistically approach 90 receptions for 1,300-plus yards and double-digit touchdowns.
Philadelphia Eagles – Alshon Jeffery, wide receiver
After two down years with the Chicago Bears, Alshon Jeffery joined the NFC East, where there are plenty of top wide receivers. Immediately, he became the Eagles’ No. 1 receiver and a legitimate big-bodied target for Carson Wentz, who has shown flashes of brilliance at times. With Philadelphia, fantasy owners can expect Jeffery to produce numbers like he did in 2013-2014 as opposed to 2015-2016.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Le’Veon Bell, running back
Le’Veon Bell missed the entire offseason workout program, mini-camp and training camp as he seeks $17 million annually. Despite that, he’s expected to return for Week 1 and the fantasy value will come with him. A versatile multi-purpose back, Bell had nearly 1,900 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns in 12 games last season. On a game-by-game basis, few fantasy players put up more points.
San Francisco 49ers – Carlos Hyde, running back
Carlos Hyde has seen his numbers improve each of the last three seasons and so long as 49ers management has him pegged as the long-term answer at running back, fantasy owners can expect break-out numbers in 2017. He’s a back who can rip off nearly five yards per carry. And although Hyde doesn’t put up big numbers through the air, he is improving with an 81.8% catch rate.
Seattle Seahawks – Russell Wilson, quarterback
Russell Wilson struggled a bit at times in 2016, but still finished the season with over 4,200 yards passing and 23 total touchdowns. He’s capable of better and that should be expected in 2017. He’s a high-completion, low-turnover kind of player who can put up numbers with both his arm and his legs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mike Evans, wide receiver
The Buccaneers have several potential options for this spot, but it’s hard to choose anyone other than Mike Evans. One of the most talented young receivers in the league, Evans has improved his numbers in each of his first three seasons. A year ago, he finished with over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he’s a near lock to at least duplicate that in 2017.
Tennessee Titans – DeMarco Murray, running back
DeMarco Murray was arguably the best running back in football during his final season with the Cowboys, and then he all but vanished during a down year with the Eagles. But in his first season with the Titans, Murray declared loudly: “I’m back.” He gained over 1,600 yards from scrimmage and scored 12 total touchdowns. He also passed for one for good measure. In his second season with the Titans, he looks poised to improve.
Washington Redskins – Kirk Cousins, quarterback
Kirk Cousins passed for nearly 5,000 yards with 25 touchdowns a season ago and is now in the position to earn himself ridiculous amounts of money. That’s good news for fantasy owners who can expect his very best in 2017. The question is, where is his ceiling? If 2016 is any indication, Cousins will put up major numbers.
