As we take a look back at a year we really don't want to take a look back on, I want to talk about the players that had a down year. Not the guys that were hurt most or all year. But the underperformed. I expect these players to bounce back and have a better year and should offer good value in your draft. Your league may be too scared to take some of them.. Let's get to it!
Quarterbacks
Carson Wentz (IND)
Cam Newton (NE)
Daniel Jones (NYG)
Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliott (DAL)
Miles Sanders (PHI)
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC)
Wide Receivers
DJ Moore (CAR)
Michael Gallup (DAL)
Michael Pittman Jr (IND)
Tight Ends
Evan Engram (NYG)
Tyler Higbee (LAR)
Gerald Everett (SEA)
Honorable Mentions
N'Keal Harry WR (NE)
Dallas Goedert TE (PHI)
Mike Williams WR (LAC)
New England Patriots Def/ST
I know, you want explanations on why I listed these guys in particular. So I'll give the people what they want. Here are some quick reasons why:
Carson Wentz: The move to IND with a strong O-Line and running game will help him out alot. Should be more efficient and effective. (Once healthy)
Cam Newton: This man was tearing it up before Covid got to him. A full year under his belt and a rookie QB in Mac Jones should light a fire under him. Adding 2 great TEs and free agent WRs will help as well. I expect this team to be better as a whole. Less pressure on Cam to not make bad throws and maybe tuck and run instead of throwing INTs.
Daniel Jones: Danny Dimes got himself some new shiny weapons to throw to (K. Golladay/K.Toney) as well as Saquon Barkley coming back will help improve the offense and team. Hopefully he doesn't trip over himself again this year on a clear path to the endzone…..
Ezekiel Elliott: Really didn't expect to put his name down here. But injuries to your starting QB will hurt the offense. As well as it was Mike McCarthy's first year coaching. I expect Zeke to have a better year, and to be a steal in your draft as he falls.
Miles Sanders: Last year's hype train was full steam ahead for Sanders. Leading to a disappointing year for some. Yes, the QB play wasn't the best all year. Yes injuries hurt the team, including Sanders. Which is why I expect him to bounce back and have a good year. He is talented enough to keep the other RBs on the roster at bay.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire: Thanks LeVeon Bell...I know CEH was a rookie in a tough year for rookies but he was being taken so high in drafts that his price just didn't match the points you wanted. He had his games yes, but overall not what we wanted or hoped for. Patrick Mahomes makes every player better so I expect a good year 2 from CEH, especially with the O-Line upgrades.
DJ Moore: 4 games with 100 yards and a few very close to it. He had the most receiving yards in his career. Not bad….but what is bad is the TDs. He hasn't broken 4 TDs. And his catches were down from 87 to 66. He's a very talented WR that I expect to have a better year overall. CMC coming back healthy will help open up the field as well.
Michael Gallup: Sometime around this year the Cowboys were saying he can be their #1 WR. Well you already have one or two in Cooper and Lamb. But the way Dak was playing before he got hurt was amazing, when he was out it hurt the Cowboys in general. So I expect a better year for Gallup. He should fall enough to render good value.
Michael Pittman Jr: He won't have old man Rivers throwing him the ball anymore. An upgrade with Wentz and a full year under his belt I expect him to put up better numbers. And he only had to have 2 TDs to beat his 1 TD last year. Should offer some nice late value in your draft for depth.
Evan Engram: Catch. The. Ball. All those missed points from his drops….such a shame. I expect him to work hard on his hands this year and be able to catch more passes and TDs. He only had 1 receiving TD. Barkley coming back will definitely help open up the field.
Tyler Higbee: An upgrade at QB with Stafford and the departure of Everett will definitely boost Higbee's numbers this year. Sean Mcvay will find ways to get this man the ball while the defense is worried about Kupp/Woods/Akers. You remember the game Tyler had 3 TDs? Good times.
Gerald Everett: Don't know if you know this but Everett is in SEA. Where he will be having the one and only Russell Wilson cooking. Everett has speed for a TE. I expect the Seahawks to use him in combination with Metcalf/Lockett. Should be a good value pick in your draft, not having Higbee to split with will help too.
Honorable Mention N'Keal Harry: Rumor has it Harry may be on the move this year. Maybe a new team is what he needs. Or maybe a veteran to help him develop. Maybe Mac Jones comes in and saves the day? Who knows. That's why he's just a mention.
Dallas Goedert: I put him here based off of the fact that Ertz may or may not be on the Eagles roster this year. Which obviously will help Goedert have a better year. Thought this was a little too obvious to put up but worth the mention.
Mike Williams: Yall see Herbert play at all last year? He makes every player better. If Williams can just stay healthy he should put up great numbers….but we shall see. Also if he does get a full year healthy he has the potential to put up 10+ TDs, 1000k yards and hopefully break the low 50 catch mark. Should be a good value, I'm willing to risk it.
New England Patriots Def/ST: I know it's a defense and they aren't listed. But hear me out. They had the most opt outs last year. Hurt the most by Covid off the bat. With most returning and the free agent addition of Judon, drafting Barmore, and already solid players and coaching staff this team can be a great value pick to help you win that championship! The offense should be able to help the defense be in better positions as well.
I think we all will have a bounce back year to be honest. I'm ready to move past last year and look forward to what is to come. Fantasy football!! I hope you take at least something from this to help you win your championship this year! Good luck!
JB - The Real Football Fantasy