8 Big Winners Post Free Agency
Who’s ready to start playing fantasy football? I sure am! Those of us that don’t play dynasty have to wait an awful long time to draft, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start playing now. I’ve already made some strategic adjustments in areas that I fell short last season. My brother always says that the fantasy football season starts when free agency does and he’s not wrong. Player’s stock is constantly rising and falling and it’s important to keep track of it.
Let’s take a look at the biggest winners from the free agency shakeup.
David Johnson, Houston Texans
Johnson quickly became the odd man out in Arizona last season. A trade to a high powered Houston offense in desperate need of a workhorse was just what the doctor ordered to rejuvenate Johnson’s career. There’s always risk in drafting an often injured player but there is so much reward here. After all, even Carlos Hyde was successful in the Houston offense, finally breaking the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in his 6 season career. Imagine what a healthy DJ could do with that offense and Deshaun Watson looking for new targets after losing All Pro receiver Deandre Hopkins.
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
After being awarded a sizable long term contract, and with Melvin Gordon out of the picture, Ekeler will be a hot commodity in all formats. His numbers last year were incredible with 993 yards on 92 receptions to go along with 557 rushing yards on 132 carries with a total of 11 TDs. The Chargers will definitely add another RB but Ekeler will get plenty of work and is sure to be a security blanket for whomever is under center. I would still want Ekeler in my lineups even if Nathan Peterman was his QB.
Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
Now that Diggs is in Buffalo, Thielen will finally be the unrivaled receiver #1 for Minnesota. The former undrafted wideout can be that for your fantasy team too. He’ll get an even heavier workload than usual so it wouldn’t be out of the question for him to surpass his career highs from his ultra productive 2018 season that garnered 153 targets, 113 catches, 1,373 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals
Drake was given the keys to the kingdom when he was tagged and David Johnson was shipped off to Houston a few weeks ago. After being acquired via a midseason trade with Miami, Drake proved to be a perfect fit in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. Showing off his explosiveness while gaining 814 yards from scrimmage on 151 touches in only 8 games is extremely intriguing. I now view him as a legitimate RB #1.
Will Fuller, Houston Texans
Fuller has had a very up and down career so far. Injury plagued seasons are the norm for the talented speedster but his big play ability and chemistry with QB Deshaun Watson make him a high reward gamble. With Deandre Hopkins now in Arizona, the sky's the limit for Fuller.
Miles Sanders Philadelphia Eagles
The crowded Philly backfield is thinning out nicely for second year running back Miles Sanders. With the departure of Jordan Howard to Miami, the retirement of Darren Sproles and Philadelphia opting not to pick up Corey Clement’s restricted free agent tender. Sure Philly will need to add some depth at the position but Sanders will lead this team and could find himself leading fantasy teams too.
Jack Doyle, Indianapolis Colts
There are a handful of reasons why Doyle’s stock is on the rise, the departure of TE Eric Ebron and big bodied receiver Devin Funchess will surely make Doyle a prime red zone target. Phillip Rivers will bring a more pass friendly offense than what we saw last season and has always supplied his Tight Ends with plenty of work, look for Jack Doyle to be a big beneficiary of the changes in Indy.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Two words: DeAndre Hopkins. Murray has so many offensive weapons to work with now and should take a giant step forward towards being an elite quarterback.
Honorable mentions: