With the 2013 NFL draft now complete, fantasy football fanatics can truly begin thinking about who will be this year’s fantasy football must have. While there is still a lot of time before the 2013 season officially begins, it is never too early to start the road to the fantasy championship. As any good fantasy owner knows, the draft is about not only grabbing the top names early but about finding value with the mid-to-late round selections. With value in mind, below is a list of players looking to bounce back from a tough 2012 fantasy season, and prove that they belong among the fantasy football elite.
10. David Wilson, Running Back, New York Giants
With the absence of Ahmad Bradshaw it looks like it will be Wilson’s job to lose. Wilson finished as the 46th-ranked running back in fantasy last season, while Bradshaw finished in the top 20. The only thing that will hold Wilson back this year will be if his fumbling issues continue, but if they do not, the sky is the limit for Wilson.
9. Jermichael Finley, Tight End, Green Bay Packers
Finley really left much to be desired last year with his fantasy numbers. He finished the season as the 19th-ranked tight end, which is hard to believe considering his quarterback is Aaron Rodgers. Expect Finley, who is in the final year of his contract, to put up big numbers this season, and make a strong case for a big free agent contract.
8. Philip Rivers, Quarterback, San Diego Chargers
It is hard to find a player who disappointed as much as Rivers last season. It is also hard to expect he will have a repeat performance of the 2012 season. Rivers may not finish in the top-five quarterbacks this year, but he should prove to be a solid mid-to-late round selection in this year’s draft.
7. Emmanuel Sanders, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers
Sanders was projected by many to be last year’s breakout performer in fantasy. While Sanders finished as the 69th ranked wide receiver, it is hard to say he lived up to expectations. With the departure of Mike Wallace to Miami, expect Sanders to step up and show off his playmaking abilities. If Ben Roethlisberger can stay healthy, Sanders should be a top fantasy option for the coming season.
6. Chris Johnson, Running Back, Tennessee Titans
While Johnson came on strong, and finished as the 13th ranked fantasy running back, he still has not lived up to his massive contract. With the Titans revamped offensive line, his speed and athleticism, expect Johnson to provide more consistent numbers for fantasy owners. The only question is will the Titans be able to stay in games long enough to keep the running game a priority.
5. Brandon Pettigrew, Tight End, Detroit Lions
In a pass happy Detroit offense, it is hard to believe Pettigrew finished as the No. 22 ranked tight end. With the addition of Reggie Bush expect Pettigrew to take over the middle of the field for Detroit in the passing game. If the offensive line can give Matthew Stafford time in the pocket, the Lions should bounce back from a tough 2012 season, and Pettigrew’s numbers should do the same.
4. Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Miami Dolphins
Overshadowed by outstanding rookie quarterback play in 2012, Tannehill was able to quietly progress within the Dolphins system. Tannehill proved he can throw one of the best deep balls in the league, and despite a lack in playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, he was still able to put together some impressive games. With the additions of Mike Wallace, Brandon Gibson and Dustin Keller, expect Tannehill’s numbers to improve. If the offense can click in Miami, Tannehill could be a mid-to-late round fantasy gem.
3. Darren McFadden, Running Back, Oakland Raiders
It is no secret McFadden struggled in Oakland’s zone-blocking scheme. With a return of the power-blocking scheme, expect McFadden to put up numbers comparable to those of 2010 and 2011. If McFadden can stay healthy, expect to see the football in No. 20’s hands a lot this season.
2. Pierre Garcon, Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins
Garcon struggled to stay healthy and see playing time, but when he did he made his presence felt. If Garcon can establish himself as the top receiving target in Washington this year, expect him to have a great fantasy season, and be a true number one receiver in all fantasy leagues.
1. Michael Vick, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
Vick has always been a tough fantasy player to rank. He has all the talent in the world, but he cannot seem to put together a full season. If Vick can solidify the starting quarterback job, expect him to thrive in Chip Kelly’s offense. The weapons are there in LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek and Jeremy Maclin, and with Vick’s speed expect to see one of the NFL’s fastest offenses. The only concern will be if the Eagles line can hold up well enough against the likes of Jason Pierre-Paul, Brian Orakpo and Demarcus Ware.