NFL Players Guaranteed to Send You to Fantasy Playoffs Part 2
Posted On: 8/19/11
Written By: Nathan Brunet
*Click images below to view larger versions.
Andre Johnson
Antonio Gates
Calvin Johnson
Dallas Clark
It’s a beautiful feeling to write about the NFL for two straight weeks. Anticipation is higher than ever for fantasy football this year due to lockout, and the season is right around the corner! Last week, I gave you my analysis on quarterbacks and running backs for the 2011 fantasy football season. Now, here are my projections for the rest of your squad.
Wide Receiver
1. Andre Johnson - Huston Texans
Projection - 1,500 YDS/9 TD
Sure, Johnson got injured very late in the season last year, but he’s still a fantasy beast. Injuries aside, he’s still destined to put up amazing numbers. Having the most athletic receiver on one of the best offenses in the league certainly makes Johnson one of your best assets.
Wide Receiver
1. Andre Johnson - Huston Texans
Projection - 1,500 YDS/9 TD
Sure, Johnson got injured very late in the season last year, but he’s still a fantasy beast. Injuries aside, he’s still destined to put up amazing numbers. Having the most athletic receiver on one of the best offenses in the league certainly makes Johnson one of your best assets.
2. Larry Fitzgerald - Arizona Cardinals
Projection - 1,300 YDS/12 TD
So Larry Fitz didn’t have such a great season last year. But there is a solid reason for that. He had Derek freakin’ Anderson throwing passes to him. Now with a proved passer in Kevin Kolb under center, Fitz should be back in old form in no time.
3. Greg Jennings - Green Bay Packers
Projection - 1,200 YDS/12 TD
As of last year, Jennings is the dominant receiver in Green Bay. He’s Aaron Rodger’s favorite target and will probably see many long bombs down the field his way. If that doesn’t sound like one of the most appealing options for your team, you shouldn’t be playing fantasy football.
4. Roddy White - Atlanta Falcons
Projection - 1,300 YDS/10 TD
Although Atlanta hasn’t done much to improve their receiver core to help take some weight off of White’s shoulders, this could be the year. They drafted Julio Jones this year, who will surely see a lot of targets. Especially if Tony Gonzalez picks up his productivity, White will have a monster year.
5. Calvin Johnson - Detroit Lions
Projection - 1,100 YDS/12 TD
Holy crap, are the Lions actually going to be good this year? The Lion’s offense has been looking pretty good the last couple of years, and now their defense is even showing some promise. Those factors alone should allow enough balance for Johnson to see no more stress other than double team situations. And with a healthy Matthew Stafford, this could be something special.
Tight End
1. Dallas Clark - Indianapolis Colts
Projection - 1,000 YDS/10 TD
Owners of Clark were heartbroken last year after his season-ending injury in week six. No worries this year, as Clark is fully healed and is sure to go right back to being the safest pick with the most potential.
Projection - 1,000 YDS/10 TD
Owners of Clark were heartbroken last year after his season-ending injury in week six. No worries this year, as Clark is fully healed and is sure to go right back to being the safest pick with the most potential.
2. Jason Witten - Dallas Cowboys
Projection - 1,000 YDS/10 TD
Last year, Witten had a career high nine touchdowns and had a year comparable to the best ends in the league. His productivity skyrocketed last year; a factor that will improve as Tony Romo matures as a passer.
3. Jermichael Finley - Green Bay Packers
Projection - 900 YDS/ 8 TD
Like Clark, Finley saw an abrupt end to the season early last year, and is ready for a fantastic season now that he is healthy again. The Pack are one of the most pass-oriented offenses in the league, which helps tight ends dramatically.
4. Vernon Davis - San Francisco 49ers
Projection - 900 YDS/8 TD
Here’s the sad truth and the only reason you need to pick up Davis. He is the Niner’s best receiver, and will once again be one of their most important offensive players. Good enough reason for me.
5. Antonio Gates - San Diego Chargers
Projection - 800 YDS/8 TD
This is the year of injured tight ends looking for redemption. Though many leagues will see Gates go first in the draft this year, I have a concern. Yes, he was on pace for the best season of his career last year for both yards and touchdowns. But he’s been injury prone for years, and is still dealing with foot problems in training camp this year. Be very cautious.
Defense
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
Projection- 48 SCK/22 INT/230 PA
2. Green Bay Packers
Projection- 45 SCK/22 INT/240 PA
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Projection - 43 SCK/23 INT/320 PA
4. Baltimore Ravens
Projection - 35 SCK/21 INT/260 PA
5. New York Jets
Projection - 38 SCK/16 INT/310 PA
Kicker
1. Sebastian Janikowski - Oakland Raiders
Projection- 33 FG/44 XP
2. Adam Vinatieri - Indianapolis Colts
Projection - 28 FG/50 XP
3. Nate Kaeding - San Diego Chargers
Projection - 30 FG/43 XP
4. Neal Rackers - Huston Texans
Projection - 29 FG/48 XP
5. Josh Brown - St. Louis Rams
Projection - 30 FG/35 XP