The Fantasy Footballers “My Guys” for 2016
On today’s episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast, the Footballers give you their annual “My Guys” list— the fantasy studs they’re planting their flags on and trusting for the 2016 fantasy football season! Here’s a recap of who Andy, Mike, and Jason love for 2016.
WR Willie Snead, New Orleans Saints
“A guy I find myself drafting every single time.”- Mike
The second year receiver out of Ball State burst onto the scene last year with 69 catches, almost 1,000 and just 3 touchdowns. Snead is an incredible value, currently going at the top of the 10th round. Even if he puts up similar numbers to last year, he’s still a WR3 at very little cost. Snead has had a stellar preseason and has one of the most consistent quarterbacks ever to play the game throwing him the ball in Drew Brees. Everyone should have the “Need for Snead.”
TE Coby Fleener, New Orleans Saints
“Whenever Coby Fleener is on the board in the 8th round, I’m going to take him.” -Jason
Here are the target numbers for tight ends on the Saints the last three seasons; 156, 182, and 148. Let’s say, Fleener gets 125 targets and catches maybe 60% (4 percent less than last year). That’s 75 catches. You know who else had that type of volume last year? Greg Olsen and Gary Barnidge, two guys that led people to championships last year. The Saints have a reliable offense and might have to play catch up a lot given their shaky defense. Fleener is a guy you can grab later in your draft and be the final piece to your starting lineup.
RB T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars
“All offseason, this has been my guy.” -Andy
Yeldon still finished at the 24th RB last season, despite missing three games. He took the most snaps of any rookie running back last season and didn’t just rely on touchdowns to score fantasy points. Many are worried about Chris Ivory taking work but Yeldon will be involved in the passing game and still get his share of carries. He could end up being an absolute steal in drafts. Going in the ninth round, Yeldon has some serious RB2 upside and should be on your radar.
WR Brandon Marshall, New York Jets
“He only had four games without a touchdown, he’s one of the best after the catch and he’s a red zone guy.” -Andy
Finishing as the third best wide receiver last year, it’s confounding that Mike Evans and Dez Bryant are being drafted over him. He’s in even better shape than last year and is the go-to receiver for Ryan Fitzpatrick. He finished with just over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first season with the Jets. Going as the sixth pick in the second round, he could very easily finish in the top 3 once again.
RB Lamar Miller, Houston Texans
“I believe he represents the best combination at running back this year for safety and upside.”- Jason
Over the last two seasons, the Houston Texans have had more rushing attempts than any other team in the league except for the Seattle Seahawks. There are very few guys who play all three downs and have the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and Miller is one of them. He’s going to run the ball, be the goal line back, be the third down pass catching back, and the team will get him involved in every way possible. In games where he has had more than 15 touches, he’s been a top 5 running back on average. His floor is very safe and his upside is through the roof.
RB Ryan Mathews, Philadelphia Eagles
“I’ve been beating this drum all offseason. I still believe in him.” -Mike
His talent isn’t the question as he’s had two seasons with over 1,000 rush yards, it’s been his health that’s the issue. There is no guarantee that he’ll stay healthy all season but his numbers look very promising. He was third in qualified running backs last season in yards before contact at 2.4 in over 100 carries. Mathews averaged 5.1 yards per carry last year compared to teammate DeMarco Murray’s 3.6. He’s still in his running back prime at 28 years old and is versatile out of the backfield. He will be the guy in Philadelphia and for someone going in the fifth round has low RB1 upside.
WR John Brown, Arizona Cardinals
“The truth is, this is my guy. I love him. I look for him in every draft.” -Jason
The third-year receiver was wide receiver #21 last season and has a great chance to be the best Arizona Cardinal pass catcher this year. From Weeks 12-17, he scored the most fantasy points per game out of the three receivers. John Brown also has some similarities with Antonio Brown when he became one of the best receivers in the league. They have the same build, same coach, and are/was 25 years old. His concussion is something to monitor very, very closely as he was just cleared to play. If he stays healthy, we could absolutely see a third-year receiver breakout.
QB Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
“He’s practically free in your drafts.” -Andy
Stafford is surrounded by weapons and will be on an offense that will not be able to run the ball very well. Despite a horrendous start, he still finished with 32 touchdowns, throwing 19 in the second half with new offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter last season. His schedule is also very friendly, the third best for any quarterback. He’s someone who very well could be sitting on your waivers. Stafford has a great chance to pick up right where he left off from the end of last year and be very consistent for your team.
WR Donte Moncrief, Indianapolis Colts
“If it’s the fifth round and he’s on the board, it’s an automatic selection.” -Mike
The breakout year for Moncrief was interrupted by the health of Andrew Luck last season as he started the year on fire. He was on pace for 123 targets and over 10 touchdowns. He became a go-to, possession guy for the Colts. Moncrief is extremely quick and talented. The Colts offensive line has been decimated and they won’t be able to run much or give Luck much time. Moncrief will become that safety blanket for Luck this season. Pass on T.Y. Hilton and take the upside of Moncrief.
Be sure to check out Episode #254: The “My Guys” Episode, Fantasy Favorites, Teddy in its entirety.