A lot of fantasy owners are guilty of recency bias, me included at times, but there are always those players who follow up poor years with bounce-back campaigns. This article will cover 6 players who The Couch GMs believe will turn their tough 2020's into great 2021's.
QB Matthew Stafford (LAR)
Photo Via Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
Stafford is entering his first season as a Los Angeles Ram and there is no doubt that his situation is much better this year than last year. Stafford has struggled the last 2 seasons in Detroit, but now surrounded by Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Tyler Higbee, and Sean McVay's offensive scheme, I see no way to go but up for the veteran QB. Stafford is currently going as the QB11 in fantasy drafts, but the former top 5 fantasy QB could way outperform that projection.
RB Austin Ekeler (LAC)
Photo Via Sporting News
Austin Ekeler's 2020 season was marred with injuries, but when he did play, he was a solid RB option. Ekeler averaged 13.8 fantasy PPG in the 10 games he played last season, and if he stays healthy this season, he should improve upon that number, especially in PPR and Half-PPR formats. Ekeler is currently the RB11 in fantasy drafts who, as Cody suggests, could be a top 3 RB when the season wraps up.
RB Joe Mixon (CIN)
Photo Via USA Today
Joe Mixon is looking to bounce back after a disappointing/ injury filed season. Reports out of camp are he is in the best shape in his life. We had Zac Taylor can stop praising him. Don't forget Mixon posted back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2018 and 2019. Also this year he doesn't have Gio Bernard stealing his 3rd down role. Look for a nice increase in passing game production.
"Joe’s ADP is a bit rocky, with some people saying to go around pick 12, but sometimes sliding all the way to 20. I’m not understanding why. People cite health, but last year is the first year Mixon has played less than 14 games. In addition to this, Mixon is in the best shape of his life- watching the preseason game last week, I couldn’t believe how much burst this guy had. Like he was shot out of a cannon on every handoff. Cincinnati wants Mixon to be a bell cow. Expect 300+ rushing attempts EASILY, primary goal-line work, and no fewer than 60 targets this year. There may be slight homerism in what I’m about to say- I think Mixon will be a top 3 producing RB in fantasy this year, especially among PPR formats. If he slides in the draft, nab him. My suggestion - take him no earlier than 10, no later than 16. HUGE fantasy steal." - Honorary Couch GM & huge Bengals fan, Chantz Andersen
RB Raheem Mostert (SF)
Photo Via CBS Sports
Normally we advise staying away from the overcrowded backfields, like the 49ers. However, when Mostert was healthy last season we saw Kyle Shannahan use him as a workhorse. (Or as much as one can be a workhorse in the 49ers offense). In his 8 games last year he averaged 13 carries a game and 2 receptions. 15 opportunities a game for a guy who thrives in making big plays is the perfect combination for a top running back. If he is there in 6th round like he has been in many drafts so far, we recommend you go ahead and take em.
WR Julio Jones (TEN)
Photo Via USA Today
Julio is a Titan. But if you listen to the show, you know that. Tyler won't let you forget it. Julio's big thing comes down to health, but historically, when he is hurt, he plays. Last year was the first time he missed more than 2 games since 2013. He doesn't have to be the #1 they have AJ Brown. He also has Derrick Henry to take the pressure off the passing game. Julio could see another averaging 15+ points per game. (It's happened 6 times in his career). AJ Brown is going in Round 2. Julio is going in Round 5. Take the better value and go Julio.
TE Evan Engram (NYG)
Photo Via Wikipedia
Our last guy on the list might not be a league winner, but a name to keep your eye on. If you miss out on the Big 3, you should basically punt the TE position until the last few rounds. Engram will be there... unless your playing fantasy with a die-hard Giants fan who can't help themselves (Don't be that guy). Last year Engram was disappointed, only caught 1 Touchdown and still finished as TE14. That just goes to show you how much of a dart throw the TE position currently is in fantasy. I look for him to bounce back with the offense around him to get better. I know there is a lot of mouths to feed between a healthy Barkley, a healthy Golladay, rookie Kardius Toney, and holdovers Slayton and Shepard, but they will only help the athletic Tight End get back to 2019 when he was averaging about 11 pts a game before getting injured.
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