Who would I draft #1 in fantasy football?
If you get a top 3 pick in fantasy football this year I believe you are starting in a great position. My top 3 players are Le’Veon Bell, David Johnson, and Ezekiel Elliot. These three are on a different level than the rest of the players. They will consistently get you 15-20 points a week and consistency is the key to success in fantasy football. Let’s begin with my top 3 player rankings.
3. Ezekiel Elliot
2016 Stats
- 322 carries
- 1,994 total yards
- 16 total touchdowns
- 32 receptions
In Elliot’s rookie year, he finished with the second-most fantasy points among all running backs. Running behind one of NFL’s best offensive lines he averaged 17.5 fantasy points per game. Now I don’t see Elliot slowing down but I do see his workload decreasing slightly. Last year Elliot led the league with 322 carries. The next highest was LeGarrette Blount with 299. Expect 20-25 carries per game next season. The Cowboys don’t want to overuse him early in his career. I also believe the Cowboys will be down more often next season. Teams learn from their mistakes so the rookie running back that took the NFL by storm may be seeing new defensive looks.
2. David Johnson
2016 Stats
- 293 carries
- 2,118 total yards
- 20 total touchdowns
- 80 receptions
In 2016, David Johnson led all fantasy running backs averaging 19.6 points per game. You would think the top fantasy back would lead the league in rushing but this isn’t the case. Johnson is such a great fantasy pick because he is a threat in both the running and passing game. Just over 40% of David Johnson’s total yards were receiving yards. Johnson has proved that he is a touchdown machine by recording 33 total touchdowns in his first two seasons in the league. I would draft Johnson over Elliot because of his threat in the passing game. You can count on Johnson getting 120+ yards a game, that’s an automatic 12 fantasy points.
1. Le’Veon Bell
2016 Stats
- 261 carries
- 1,883 total yards
- 9 total touchdowns
- 75 receptions
Call me biased, or call me a homer, but drafting Le’Veon Bell first overall is the right pick. Bell finished fourth among all fantasy running backs in points and he only played in 12 games. In games that he started, he averaged 19.0 fantasy points, that’s more than Ezekiel Elliot. Next season, Bell will be on the field for every game, cross your fingers. Like Johnson, Bell is also a threat in every aspect of his team’s offense making him a top fantasy player.
