2021 Fantasy Football: Old Faces, New Places
When creating fantasy football rankings, the veterans that have joined new teams in the offseason are often difficult to evaluate. While consistent talents such as Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen will satisfy fantasy owners, where does Matt Stafford rank after joining the Los Angeles Rams? Is Corey Davis now a viable option after signing with the New York Jets?
WR Kenny Golladay, New York Giants
Last year was a rough one for Golladay, as he was injured for a majority of the season. In five games, he totaled 20 receptions for 338 yards and two touchdowns. In PPR leagues, he finished with 65.8 fantasy points; averaging 13.16 fantasy points per game. Golladay is ranked in the WR20-25 range ahead of the 2021 season; which is the value of a low-end WR2.
I don’t see Golladay receiving consistent targets in New York like he was getting with the Detroit Lions. The Giants have a lot of mouths to feed, including Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, John Ross, Evan Engram, and Kyle Rudolph. That doesn’t include Saquon Barkley in the backfield, who is coming off a torn ACL. If either Rudolph or Ross don’t make the roster, the value of Golladay in fantasy will only increase.
TE Jonnu Smith, New England Patriots
The Patriots signed a talented tight end in Jonnu Smith, but the problem is that they also signed Hunter Henry. The addition of both Smith and Henry is going to create problems for fantasy owners this year. I have Smith ranked higher, but Henry will be the more productive player. Smith is ranked as TE15 this season, while Henry is right behind him at TE16. If you end up with either one of these players in fantasy, be sure to have another rostered option at the tight end position as insurance.
QB Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Although I think the trade between the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions benefited Stafford’s fantasy value, he is still likely going to be a low-end QB1. Last season, he finished with over 4,000 passing yards and 26 touchdowns en route to becoming QB15 on the season. The weapons are there for Stafford to succeed, but I’m always nervous of gambling on quarterbacks joining new teams. When valuing Stafford this year, I have him ranked as QB12 for the 2021 season.
QB Carson Wentz, Indianapolis Colts
I’m not as worried about the team switch for Wentz, as he reunites with Frank Reich. However, I am nervous about his confidence, as he was ultimately benched in favor of rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. In 12 games last season, Wentz totaled 2,620 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. I have him ranked as QB22 amongst QB’s this year, but there is some upside this year.
RB Mike Davis, Atlanta Falcons
This was a quality signing, not just for the Falcons, but for Davis as well. By looking at his stats alone, they don’t blow you away. However, Davis was productive in Christian McCaffrey’s absence. Davis is ranked as the RB27 in PPR leagues. Given the recent news about Julio Jones, the Falcons may rely on the running game more. One of the biggest pieces to help Davis is Head Coach Arthur Smith, who was previously the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. His numbers won’t resemble what Derrick Henry has accomplished, but Davis could be a suitable low-end RB2/FLEX option.
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