By Sam Roberts, Contributing Writer
Many people around campus are about to embark on a journey known as the fantasy football season. Nothing feels as good as beating your friends and creating a super team that wins you the league. So, here are the best players at each position to make sure you win this season.
QB: Tom Brady-Patriots
Tom Brady is arguably the best quarterback to ever play the game. He has put up unreal numbers for 17 seasons and seems to have no end in sight. Despite missing four games due to suspension in 2016, the veteran threw 28 touchdowns and only two interceptions. The Patriots also added speedster Brandin Cooks this offseason, who averaged 15.4 fantasy points per game in 2016, a mark that was tenth best among wide receivers. Expect Brady, who’s coming off his fifth Super Bowl victory, to continue his dominance in 2017 with a reloaded offense.
RB: David Johnson-Cardinals
David Johnson came out of nowhere to rush for 1,500 yards and for 16 touchdowns in 2016, averaging a whopping 25.5 fantasy points per game. Arizona has now built their entire offense around him and wants to make sure he gets a lot of touches this season, according to Head Coach Bruce Arians. This should be an easy decision for fantasy football players. He’s a beast who will get fed more this season on the ground and through the air. Expect well over 1,000 yards, 75 catches and a lot of touchdowns from him.
WR: Julio Jones-Falcons
Julio Jones is a monster. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s tall and his athleticism is freakish. How many 6’3” guys can run a 4.39 40-yard dash? He averaged 16.2 points per game in 2016, despite battling through numerous injuries, proving that no defensive back can guard him. He’s going to continue to destroy defenses and will continue to be Quarterback Matt Ryan’s most dynamic target.
TE: Rob Gronkowski-Patriots
Gronk is unstoppable when healthy. It’s that simple. Although he missed the majority of the 2016 season with a back injury, expect him to be the first tight end off the board in all fantasy drafts. Perhaps no player is trusted by their quarterback more than Gronkowski. And since his quarterback is Tom Brady, his targets will be nearly limitless this season.
K: Justin Tucker-Ravens
According to ESPN, Tucker has been more accurate from 50 plus yards than any other kicker, which can be noted by his 97.4 field goal percentage in 2016. He is the most reliable part of Baltimore’s offense and ought to get more points than any kicker in football this season. He’s a perennial All-Pro and will most likely be the first player of his position picked in fantasy drafts.
Defense: Texans
Houston has J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, two of the absolute best pass rushers in the NFL. According to ESPN, even though Watt was injured all of 2016, the Texans’ defense allowed a league low 4,821 yards. One can only imagine how destructive this duo will be when both are on the field. They also have an excellent linebacker core in Whitney Mercilus and Benardrick McKinney. This group ought to get a lot of pressure and cause turnovers, which will equate into stellar fantasy points.