As the fantasy football season approaches, managers are faced with the challenge of drafting players from teams that may not perform well on the field. In this week's fantasy football cheat sheet, we delve into the dynamics of selecting players from struggling teams and highlight which ones could exceed expectations.
Every fantasy football manager has experienced the dilemma of choosing a talented player from a team projected to perform poorly. The fear of investing in a player who may not deliver due to their team's struggles can be daunting. This concern is not unfounded, as history has shown that players from underperforming teams often fail to meet the high expectations set during drafts.
A recent example is Ashton Jeanty, a running back for the Las Vegas Raiders, who was highly touted before his rookie season. Despite the excitement surrounding him, Jeanty fell short of the 1,000 rushing yards mark and averaged only 3.7 yards per carry, largely due to the Raiders' weak offensive line. While he managed to be a solid RB2, the team's overall performance hindered his ability to shine.
However, not all players on struggling teams should be avoided. In fact, some can thrive during garbage time, where they accumulate points even when their teams are trailing. For instance, Michael Wilson of the Arizona Cardinals found success in such situations last season, proving that there can be hidden gems among the league's bottom-tier teams.
Now, let's examine a few NFL teams that, despite their poor projections, may provide valuable fantasy options this season:
Cleveland Browns: The Browns have faced ongoing quarterback issues, and this year is no exception. With first-year coach Todd Monken opting to start Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders, questions linger about Watson's performance after a disappointing preseason. While the passing game may struggle, running back Quinshon Judkins stands out as a potential RB2, especially with a revamped offensive line that could improve his efficiency.
New York Jets: The Jets have not generated much buzz, but their offense has potential. Geno Smith, despite a rough year with the Raiders, now has a better supporting cast in New York. With a solid offensive line and talented receivers like Garrett Wilson, Smith could elevate the Jets' offensive performance, making players like Breece Hall and Wilson more appealing in fantasy drafts.
Tennessee Titans: The Titans have made some intriguing additions from both the Jets and Giants, but their offensive line remains a concern. While players like Wan'Dale Robinson could emerge as valuable options, the team's overall offensive struggles may limit their fantasy potential. Tony Pollard's performance could also be affected by the line's inability to create running lanes.
Miami Dolphins: Despite being projected as one of the worst teams, the Dolphins' offense could be surprisingly productive for fantasy managers. With Malik Willis at quarterback, the team may find itself in high-volume passing situations, allowing players like De'Von Achane and Caleb Douglas to shine, especially in garbage time.
Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders entered the offseason needing significant upgrades but made only marginal improvements. While they drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza and signed center Tyler Linderbaum, the lack of a true No. 1 receiver and ongoing offensive line issues could hinder their offensive output, making players like Jeanty risky picks.
Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have the potential to be a fantasy goldmine despite their struggles. With Jacoby Brissett at quarterback and a promising group of skill position players, including Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride, they could provide valuable fantasy contributions, especially if rookie Carson Beck takes over and performs well.
As the fantasy football season unfolds, understanding the potential of players on struggling teams can provide a strategic advantage. By identifying which players may thrive despite their team's challenges, fantasy managers can make informed decisions that could lead to success in their leagues.
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