Saquon Barkley (Creative Commons/Keith Allison)
I really enjoy fantasy football. And like every other fantasy football player, I think I’m good at it. The fact that for the last couple of years I’ve finished at or near the bottom of my league is an obvious fluke. Like the White Sox season. But this is the year I break through.
I play in a 12-team keeper league with a couple of quirks. First, we keep a minimum of five players. You can keep more but it costs you draft picks. Also, you have to keep a rookie. I see myself starting the season with these five players:
I’m optimistic about my core five. Here are some reasons why:
C. J, Stroud: Sometimes it’s hard to find an impactful rookie. I actually traded Patrick Mahomes for Stoud because I wanted a rookie to be more than just a placeholder. Mahomes is the greatest QB I’ve ever seen, but I’m not sure that will translate into fantasy football points. Stroud had an exceptional rookie season and should be able to build on it. I do worry if Stephon Diggs demands for the ball will be an issue.
Saquon Barkley: Barkley was generally healthy last season, but abysmal QB play, and a terrible offensive line made it difficult for Barkley to get much done. A move to Philadelphia should get him a much better chance to produce. I was offered Austin Eckler for Barkley, but I see Eckler as a candidate for a huge drop off since he won’t be catching dump offs from Justin Herbert this year.
D. J. Moore: Moore had some serious chemistry with Justin Fields, but I doubt working with Caleb Williams will hurt his production. DJ typifies some of the issues I’ve had in fantasy football. He’s good, but not quite elite like Tyreek Hill, Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson. I usually try for a deep team but need more top end production.
Drake London: London is another example of a WR who could benefit from playing with a better QB. Kirk Cousins may fit into that category. If Cousins doesn’t work out Michael Penix Jr. is next up. From my fantasy football prospective I don’t want to be counting on Michael Penix Jr. to feed one of my WRs.
Branson Aiyuk: One of the problems with rolling with 49ers on your fantasy team is that there are so many options. Having said that, I would think at some point Christiam McCaffrey would slow down. There has also been talk of the 49ers trading Deebo Samuel. If that happens there should be more targets for my guy.
So, what do I add?
In a keeper league, picking a hot rookie is vital. After all, at least the first 60 of the best players are unavailable for the draft. I’m drafting third. I suspect that Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabors will go go1-2. I’m basically thinking of two guys, WR Rome Odunze and TE Brock Bowers. As a Beras’ fan, I loved the pick of Odunze, but I don’t want my fantasy team to be too Bears-centric. That pick is still up in the air.
As time goes on, I will give you the benefit of my insight on fantasy football picks. Keep in mind, I don’t bet and have been glad of that. I’m sure you will find my insight as beneficial as Jerry Reinsdorf’s insight into building an MLB team.
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