Early prediction on next year's top fantasy point scorers
Written by: Andrew Felton
One of the most exciting things about the NFL season is the return of fantasy football, which for 18 weeks has fans screaming at the TV, shouting at players, searching the waiver wires for hours and falling out with friends and family throughout the season. Players of fantasy football will research throughout the off season to try and find the perfect picks, so when draft day comes around, they can have an A+ grade. As a huge fan of fantasy football myself, I thought I would take an early look at who might be the fantasy leaders in each position.
Quarterback 1 - Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
My QB 1 would be Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, a standout season in his first injury free year in the league, seen Burrow take the Bengals all the way to the Superbowl, only to come up short against the LA Rams. With 328.1 fantasy points last season, Burrow had some incredible games last year and managed 4,611 passing yards, accompanied by 34 touchdowns. It certainly helps that Burrow has a core group of receivers around him, which include Ja'Marr Chase, Tee higgins, Tyler Boyd and even running back Joe Mixon.
Running Back 1 - Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts)
Jonathan Taylor had a breakout season last year with the Colts, Taylor rushed for 1,811 yards with an overall of 20 touchdowns and topped the fantasy charts with 333.1 points. A reliable player, who will once again get plenty of touches, Taylor is someone who will go early in fantasy drafts, so your hopes will rely on getting that 1st, 2nd or 3rd pick.
Running Back 2 - Derrick Henry (Carolina Panthers)
Derrick Henry is arguably one of the best running backs in the league and was the 2x rushing title champion in 2019 and 2020, heading for a third title, until injury hit in week 8 and had to miss the remaining nine games of the season. If Henry has an injury free season, he will be one to try and land in the first few picks of any fantasy draft.
Wide Receiver 1 - Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams)
The 2021 NFL triple crown winner, Super Bowl winner and MVP Cooper Kupp is a no brainer for the first wide receiver off the board. Scoring 294.5 fantasy points last season, the number one wide receiver will once again put up similar numbers and with uncertainty around Odell Beckham Jr re-signing, Kupp may have more work load next season, which can be turned into more fantasy points.
Wide Receiver 2 - Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals)
Offensive rookie of the year Ja'Marr Chase is another wide receiver fantasy players will be itching to draft, after a season which saw him have over 1,400+ receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, Chase was a key figure in the Bengals reaching the superbowl last season. With a year under his belt in the league, there will be no telling what he can produce this upcoming season and will be looking to top the 223.6 fantasy points he managed to score last season.
Tight End 1 - Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens)
With over 100 receptions, 1,361 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, Mark Andrews became a go to for the Ravens last season and produced the numbers needed in fantasy to top the charts. With his workload not looking to decrease next season, Andrews could have himself another impressive season, scoring more that the 194.1 fantasy points that he managed last season.
Flex - Davante Adams (Las Vegas raiders) / Christian McCaffrey (Carolina Panthers)
Picking both a wide receiver and a running back for the flex position, starting with the newest Las Vegas Raider Davante Adams. A true red zone threat for any team, Adams managed 1,553 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns with Green Bay last season and with the link up to Derek Carr, Adams could see more of the ball and beat his 221.3 points last year.
A running back for the flex position could be the Panthers main man, Christian McCaffrey. With his last two season being affected by injuries, McCaffrey will be back with a vengeance, looking to lead the league in rushing yards and is also handy as a receiver and therefore, can provide fantasy points on the ground and in the air.
Kicker - Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens)
The Kicker is always one of the last players off the board. However, can provide value points which may help you come away with that fantasy win. My pick for this position is Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens. Completing 6/6 from 50+ yards last season, Tucker is an experienced player in the league and someone the Ravens can rely on, Tucker is a safe pick, who can easily provide 150+ fantasy points.
Defense - Miami Dolphins
Finally, I am taking the Miami Dolphins for defense, they seem to love a interception and with improvements made to their offense, the Dolphins will want to keep their defense off the field and keep the opposing teams score low. The Dolphins were the third best defence in fantasy last season and can easily produce the fantasy points to finish in the top five.
*Fantasy positions picked from the official NFL Fantasy Football app.
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