Some fantasy football players rack up tons of fantasy points due to the amount of targets they receive. However, others manage to make the most from fewer targets. Additionally, some players can be targeted all day long, yet churn out unimpressive numbers.
Here are five players whose fantasy points did not necessarily match their targets in 2014.
1. Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
Cobb was a solid fantasy option in 201,4 reigning in the sixth-most fantasy points among wide receivers. Despite the stellar ranking, though, Cobb actually ranked 19th in targets compared to all other wideouts.
The spike in fantasy points comes from the fact that Cobb caught an impressive 72 percent of his passes. He ranked just four slots under fellow receiver Jordy Nelson, who caught 65 percent of his intended targets. Cobb should make for a reliable fantasy option in 2015 as he returns to his slot duties. And, fantasy football players thank him for sticking with Green Bay.
2. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Evans had a smashing debut as a rookie fantasy receiver in 2014 ranking 10th overall in fantasy points. Definitely making the most of his catches, Evans tallied 1,051 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
However, as far as targets were concerned for Evans, he ranked 24th overall among his fellow receivers. Coincidentally enough, Evans’ teammate Vincent Jackson received the 10th most targets while he tanked in fantasy value ranking 38th in overall points.
Perhaps an improvement in the Bucs’ signal calling in 2015 will have both of these receivers moving upwards in fantasy ranking this season.
3. Andre Johnson, Indianapolis Colts (formerly Houston Texans)
Poor Johnson, who managed to rank a miserable 41st in fantasy points last season will have a much better opportunity to increase his fantasy ranking as a new member of the Colts. Johnson was a victim of misfiring quarterbacks as he actually received the fifth-most targets in 2014 of all receivers.
Catching only 58 percent of his passes, is what resulted in his plummeting fantasy value. Johnson actually managed 936 yards last season, but the touchdowns were not there as he only totaled three.
Suiting up and catching passes from quarterback Andrew Luck in 2015 should certainly see Johnson being a much more viable fantasy option this season.
4. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
Bryant was a stud last year scoring the most touchdowns of all wide receivers with an amazing 16 of those bad boys. Overall, he ranked fourth in fantasy points totaling 1,320 yards. As far as his targets were concerned though, Bryant ranked 12th in that area. Continuing to prove that once Bryant got his hands on the ball, he was bound to score a touchdown.
On several occasions, Bryant fought and evaded double coverage to edge his way into the end zone. Look for a strong 2015 season once again from Bryant as he plays to prove he is worthy of the monster contract that should be coming his way next season.
5. Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants
Beckham was scary-good in his rookie fantasy season. Ranking 16th in targets due to missing the first four weeks of the 2014 season did not deter Beckham in his overall fantasy ranking. Finishing the season ranking fifth overall in fantasy points, we can only imagine where Beckham would have placed had he not missed those four games.
During the course of the 2014 fantasy season in the 12 games he played, Beckham caught 70 percent of 130 pass attempts and turned his catches into 1,305 total yards and 12 touchdowns.
The sky is the limit for Beckham in 2015 as he and quarterback Eli Manning build on their groove. OBJ even helped old Eli rank 10th in fantasy points among quarterbacks last year, as hysterical as that sounds.