Quarterback
1. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
The reigning NFL MVP, Newton is dangerous with both his arm and legs, throwing for over 3,800 yards last season with just above 700 yards rushing. Still only 27 years old, his ability to rack up both solid passing and rushing stats makes him that much more valuable in fantasy football. Newton may not have even hit his peak yet, he’ll be one of the best if not the best fantasy football quarterback for years to come.
2. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Like Newton, Wilson can pass like one of the best quarterbacks in the league while doing plenty of damage with his legs as well. While he didn’t have 4,500 yards from scrimmage in 2015 like Newton, he still had 30 total touchdowns and over 3,600 yards. Wilson is also 27 years old and has continued to get better every season. As the team starts to invest more in their pass-catchers by giving Jermaine Kearse and Doug Baldwin long-term contracts and drafting Tyler Lockett last season, Wilson can only get better.
3. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
In 2014, Luck looked like the clear top dynasty fantasy football quarterback. But after an off 2015 that included bad play and multiple injuries, he’s lost a little of his luster. About to turn 27 as well, he can still have a terrific 2016 and beyond because of his prototypical talents as an ideal passer. He also has 12 rushing touchdowns in four seasons, so he also garners points that way as well. The Colts will continue to operate their offense through their franchise quarterback for years to come. Don’t be surprised if Luck bounces back in a big way in 2016.
4. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
One of the best quarterbacks of this generation (and perhaps all-time), Rodgers is still a top five fantasy quarterback every year in both re-draft and dynasty leagues. Without Jordy Nelson last year, Rodgers’ “off year” consisted of over 3,800 yards passing and 31 touchdowns as opposed to only eight interceptions. Still in his prime even though he’ll turn 33 in December, Rodgers still has plenty of good seasons left in him.
5. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
One of the oldest players in the NFL (let alone at the quarterback position), Brady is still an elite quarterback. Despite injuries to his offensive line, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski in 2016, Brady still had almost 4,800 passing yards with 36 touchdowns to only seven interceptions. With playmakers such as Gronkowski, Edelman, Chris Hogan and even Malcolm Mitchell (for years to come), Brady has the ability and supporting cast to keep playing at a high level for a few more seasons.
Running Back
1. Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams
Drafted in the early first round in 2015, Gurley proved to be just as much of a superstar as predicted. Despite only playing in 13 games, he finished with over 1,100 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. He will be the focal point for the Rams for the long-term and will be a top running back in the league for many, many years to come as he continues to only get better with his playing career.
2. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
Despite not playing a single down in the NFL regular season yet, Elliott is so appealing as a fantasy football running back. Behind the best offensive line and the fact that the team drafted him with the fourth overall pick, the Cowboys are heavily invested in Elliott. He has the talent to be a top running back in this league and has extremely high expectations for even his rookie season, like Gurley did.
3. Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite only being 24, Bell has multiple seasons that he has proven to be a top running back in the NFL. In 2014, Bell had over 2,200 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns overall. That is the type of season he is capable of if he can stay healthy. Combined with his off-the-field issues (now dealing with his second suspension), Bell’s health is what keeps him from being the top running back in fantasy football. Still young and extremely talented, Bell is worth the risk.
4. David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals
Like Gurley, Johnson is a young and very talented running back who is poised to be a workhorse for years to come. When Johnson came on late in the season, he was dynamic in every aspect of the game. He has been nothing but hyped so far this off-season and pre-season by the Cardinals coaching staff. Highly effective in both the run and receiving game, Johnson will rack up plenty of fantasy football points for years to come.
5. Lamar Miller, Houston Texans
A personal favorite of mine, Miller is coming into his first season with the Texans after they signed him a four year, $26-million-dollar contract. For a running back, that is a lot of money. Miller dealt with workload issues in Miami as he was never fully trusted as the lead back but won’t have that issue in Houston. Versatile in the run and receiving game, Miller will get the workhorse treatment and be a force for years to come in a much better offense.
Wide Receiver
1. Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants
Only two seasons in, Beckham has 187 receptions, 2,755 yards and 25 touchdowns. That averages out to 93.5 receptions, 1,377.5 yards and 12.5 touchdowns per season. Needless to say, he is a force to be reckoned with and is getting better with every season under his belt. Not even 24 years old yet, Beckham will continue to be one of the best wide receivers in the league for many more years to come.
2. Allen Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars:
A true breakout player in 2015, Robinson had 80 receptions, 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. There is an argument to be made that Robinson can continue to get better as fellow third year player Blake Bortles and him continue to build a strong chemistry. Just turning 23 years old, Robinson may not have even hit his ceiling yet. He is going to be a top wide receiver in this league before long, if he hasn’t become one already.
3. DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
Hopkins exploded in 2015, finishing with 111 receptions, 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns. And this was with multiple quarterbacks (not very good ones) throwing to him as well. With perhaps a more stable quarterback situation now that the team signed Brock Osweiler, Hopkins could potentially do even better not only in 2016 but for years to come. Still only 24 years old, Hopkins will be a terror for defenses for a long time and be one of the best wide receivers in fantasy football too.
4. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
If we want to talk about ridiculous seasons, look no further than Julio Jones in 2015. With 136 receptions, 1,871 yards and eight touchdowns, Julio had nothing short of a megastar season. Jones is still young at 27 and shows no signs of slowing down whatsoever. With Matt Ryan, Jones has developed a very good chemistry with him and that’ll show for a long time. Jones will continue to be a top wide receiver in fantasy for many more years before any signs of slowing down.
5. Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
Arguably the best wide receiver in football, Brown has continually shown that there is nothing he can do at the wide receiver position. Like Jones, Brown had a ridiculous 2015. With 136 receptions, 1,834 yards and 11 touchdowns, Brown is showing that he is the best there is. But, he is 28 years old and his current quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, is 34 years old and has issues with injuries. Still, Brown will be a fantasy football savant for many more years and should not be taken lightly.
Tight End
1. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
There is no doubt who claims this spot. Rob Gronkowski is not only the clear top fantasy football tight end, but also the clear top tight end in football as well. Going into his seventh season and at 27 years old, “Gronk” has shown no signs of slowing down. Even with missing two games over the past two seasons, he accumulated 154 receptions, 2,300 yards and 23 touchdowns. That averages out to 77 receptions, 1,150 yards and 11.5 touchdowns. He will continue to be the unquestioned top fantasy football tight end for many more years to come.
2. Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins
Never short on talent, Reed broke out in 2015 in large part due to his ability to stay on the field (for the most part). Playing in 14 games, he had 87 receptions, 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. His only downfall is that he has missed 14 games over the first three seasons of his career. Even still, Reed is a game-changer on the field and still young at only 26 years old.
3. Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals
Coming off a break out 2015, Eifert had 52 receptions, 615 yards and 13 touchdowns in only 13 games. After missing all but one game in 2014, Eifert took a big step forward this past season. Currently dealing with an ankle injury that’ll keep him out for a few games, it shouldn’t shy you away from targeting him in dynasty. One of the best red-zone threats in the game, Eifert is just about to turn only 26 and will continue to get better.
4. Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles
Unlike the other three players on this list, Ertz does not have an injury history to worry about. Only missing one game in his first three seasons, Ertz stays on the field and has gradually gotten better since coming into the league. Finishing with a career high in targets (112), receptions (75) and yards (853), Ertz is still getting better. The Eagles showed their faith in him with a five year, $42-million-dollar extension this past off-season. He’ll be a force for years to come.
5. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
After missing all of 2013 with micro fracture surgery on his knee, Kelce has been a very good fantasy football tight end. Accumulating 139 receptions, 1,737 yards and 10 touchdowns, that averages out to 69.5 receptions, 868.5 yards and five touchdowns so far. For a tight end, that would be a great season. As one of the only play-makers for the Chiefs, Kelce will be a featured playmaker for Kansas City for years to come as he only approaches his age 27 season.