Here we are in August and fans across the country are gearing up for their fantasy football leagues. Fantasy football gives fans more options to cheer for, other than players on their favorite teams. Even though fantasy football gives fans the option to expand their love, there is also something special about having a player from your favorite team on your fantasy squad. Here is the best player from AFC conference teams to have on your fantasy team.
AFC North
http://gty.im/454860418
Le’Veon Bell, Runningback, Pittsburgh Steelers
You may have expected wide receiver Antonio Brown to be placed here. Which isn’t a far-fetched idea considering Brown has been fantasy’s top receiver for three consecutive years. However, bell cow runningbacks are hard to get this days, and Bell is at the top of the list. After serving a four game suspension last season, Bell still managed to finish as fantasy’s fifth highest scoring runningback.
http://gty.im/630522084
Justin Tucker, Kicker, Baltimore Ravens
Tucker hit 39 of his 40 field goals in 2016, his only miss came from a blocked kick. Tucker was also a perfect 10-10 in field goals from 50 yards or longer. Since enter the NFL in Tucker has never finished lower than fantasy’s 11th best kicker. He finished second last season. Tucker should have plenty of opportunities in 2017 as no other team has kicked as many field goals as the Ravens in the past decade.
http://gty.im/623236750
A.J Green, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Green has never missed a 1,000 yard season through-out his entire NFL career until last season. In 2016 Green only appeared in 10 games due to injury, where he was just shy of having 1,000 yards having 964. The Bengals drafted wide receiver John Ross with the 9th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft to start across from Green. Having Ross play opposite of him, Green should see less coverage and have bigger numbers.
http://gty.im/630499860
Duke Johnson, Runningback, Cleveland Browns
The Browns may not have a lot of contributors when it comes to fantasy football, but the one you want is Duke Johnson. Head coach Hue Jackson has raved about the young backs versatility. Many members of the Browns coaching staff believes Johnson can play the receiver role as well as any of the receivers on their roster. If you play in a PPR league, you want Johnson on your roster.
AFC South
http://gty.im/629154520
DeMarco Murray, Runningback, Tennessee Titans
Many are worried about Derrick Henry cutting into Murray’s workload when it comes to fantasy, but Murray is still the work-horse in Tennessee. With one of the league’s most dominate offensive lines and a coach who wants to pound the football, don’t be surprised when Murray finishes as a top 5 fantasy back.
http://gty.im/828672228
Defense, Houston Texans
The Houston Texans defense finished as fantasy’s 12th best defense in 2016. This season the Texans get star defender J.J Watt back from injury, who missed all of last season. With Watt returning the Texans defense should be a lock for another top 10 finish.
http://gty.im/637325904
Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
If you have Luck in your cross-hares for fantasy football, you need to monitor his health. At this point it’s unclear when Luck will make his season debut. The Colts have built their entire offense around Luck, and he has the athleticism, football IQ, and arm to score you a lot of points when he’s healthy.
http://gty.im/824100484
Leonard Fournette, Runningback, Jacksonville Jaguars
Over the off-season the Jacksonville Jaguars have taken steps to build a tough run first offense. Fournette will be the beneficiary of this football teams identity. Head coach Doug Marrone has stated he would love to run the football every play.
AFC West
http://gty.im/628681320
Defense, Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs defense has led the league in take aways over the last two seasons. in 2016 the Chiefs took the ball away from opposing offenses 16% of the time, which is the highest amount of any team since 2013, which the Chiefs also led the league that season. In 2017 the Chiefs will also have star pass rusher Justin Houston back and healthy again.
http://gty.im/637494124
Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver, Oakland Raiders
Cooper has always had problems catching those contested passes. Although its not a huge problem, because Cooper is hard to cover. Cooper has gained around 15lb over the off-season in an attempt to help him haul in those contested passed, which should help him in the red zone. Although he’s heavier his teammates say he hasn’t lost a step.
http://gty.im/829599940
Defense, Denver Broncos
The Broncos defense finished in the top 10 fantasy wise 9 times last season. That mark ties the Seattle Seahawks for most in the league last season. With very little turn-over in the off-season, the Denver Broncos should be in for another big year.
http://gty.im/626947086
Melvin Gordon, Runningback, LA Chargers
To the shock of fantasy owners everywhere, Melvin Gordon broke-out in 2016. Gordon had 12 rushing touchdowns in 2016 and 17 carries inside the opponents 5 yard line, which is 3rd most of any runningback in the league. Gordon is clearly the feature back with the Chargers and he will look to continue his success in 2017.
AFC East
http://gty.im/627647494
Rob Gronkowski, Tight End, New England Patriots
Tom Brady may have gotten a new target in Brandin Cooks, but Gronkowski will always be Brady’s security blanket. Gronkowski led all tight ends from week 6-10 last season. If Gronkowski could only stay healthy he would be a first round lock every season.
http://gty.im/636822126
LeSean McCoy, Runningback, Buffalo Bills
In 2016 McCoy finished as the 4th best runningback in fantasy football. At the age of 29 he will have every chance to do it again as the Bills offense will heavily lean on the veteran runningback.
http://gty.im/637330884
Jay Ajayi, Runningback, Miami Dolphins
In 2016 Ajayi had 6 top 20 finishes among runningbacks, 3 of which were top 3 finishes. Ajayi is the feature back in Miami, and should have plenty of chances to run the football in 2017.
http://gty.im/629727826
Robby Anderson, Wide Receiver, New York Jets
Anderson had a promising season in 2016 when he entered the league as an undrafted free agent. With Quincy Enunwa out for the season with a neck injury, Anderson is in line for being the Jets top target. The Jets will fall behind in a lot of games in 2017 and will have to throw the football early and often.
To see the best fantasy options for every NFC team, click here.
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