Fantasy: Selecting Your 2019 “All-Pro” Fantasy Football Teams
Presenting the 12 players that will dominate the fantasy football universe this season.
Take a quick look at the calendar and you’ll realize that we’re just a few weeks away from the NFL Preseason kicking off! Fans have been waiting desperately for the return of football and now it’s kicking on the door. The new season is sure to bring a pool of breakout stars, but of course, it’ll also open the door for unwelcome busts. So let’s take a look at our predictions for the top potential point-getters at each position for the 2019 Fantasy Football season.
First Team
Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
With 417.0 fantasy points, Pat Mahomes had the great single-season performance for a quarterback in fantasy football history. While it’s rare to see a player be QB1 overall in back-to-back seasons, Mahomes is a special breed. His arm talent is one of the greatest we’ve ever seen, his creativity is off the wall and his playmaking ability is God-tier. And let’s not forget, he’s playing under Andy Reid, who’s one of best play-callers in the NFL. Mahomes is bookended by a stable of elite talent. Even with Tyreek Hill’s uncertain future looming, he has the best tight end in the league in Travis Kelce, veteran Sammy Watkins and rookie Mecole Hardman, who’s been touted as “the next Tyreek Hill.”
Running Back: Saquon Barkley, Giants
The Penn State product really lived up to the hype in 2018, proving to be the generational talent he was said to be. In just his rookie season, Barkley compiled 2,028 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns while averaging 5.0 yards per carry. And that was behind a porous offensive line that struggled to create holes for the Pro Bowler. Although he was stuffed at the line quite often, Barkley kept his fantasy value fluid with his big-play ability (a league-leading 16 20+ plays). An improved offensive line will make his 2019 numbers look even better. With the Odell Beckham Jr. trade, Saquon will improve on his 2018 mark of 352 total touches (91 receptions) as the primary weapon in this Giants offense.
Wide Receiver: Davante Adams, Packers
After treading the line between mediocrity and promise for years, Davante Adams finally broke out last season. The receiver from Fresno State established career highs across the board with 111 receptions, 1,386 yards, and 13 touchdowns. Adams is dangerous with the ball in his hands and an elite red-zone weapon. The scariest part is that the 26-year-old receiver has yet to enter his prime. With Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball, a revamped offense and very little depth behind him, Adams is ready to be the top-scoring receiver of 2019.
Tight End: Travis Kelce, Chiefs
“Baby Gronk” has flashed promise since he first stepped on a football field. Since then, he’s gotten better and better each season, but he truly dominated last year catching passes from Pat Mahomes. The duo wreaked havoc consistently as Kelce ended the year with a breathtaking 103–1,336–10 line. His YAC skills are off the chart, the route running is fantastic and his size in the red zone leaves nothing to be desired. Despite a loaded supporting cast around him, Kelce is in a class of his own amongst tight ends.
Kicker: Greg Zuerlein, Rams
Anyone who owned Greg Zuerlein the past two years would scoff at the statement, “kickers don’t matter.” When you own Zuerlein you’re getting a player that gives you a surefire 10–15 points with the upside to hit 20 on any given week.“Legatron” was on pace to outscore all kickers in 2018, but he missed five games due to injury. Playing in a Sean McVay offense, there’s a ton of chances for the vet to make his mark once again.
Defense/Special Teams: Chicago Bears
The Bears were the best defense in fantasy football leagues last season by a big margin. The losses of safety Adrian Amos and cornerback Bryce Callahan hurt, but safety Ha-Ha Clinton Dix and cornerback Buster Skrine should help shore up the gap. Even with two of their key players leaving, the Bears still have a ridiculous amount of talent on this roster. The Bears’ cornerback duo of Prince Amukamara and Kyle Fuller, Khalil Mack, Eddie Jackson, and Akiem Hicks highlight a loaded unit, but unsung heroes like Eddie Goldman and Roquan Smith round out a complete defense. The Bears also lost an integral part of their defense with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, but Chuck Pagano should fill the void nicely.
Second Team
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Aaron Rodgers had a “down” year with 4,442 yards, 25 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Yeah… go figure. The standard this guy has set with this elite play over the years is really something. For years fans knew head coach Mike McCarthy was holding Rodgers back with his expired, stale play calling, but it was on full display last season. Now in 2019, we get to see the always exciting Rodgers paired up with Matt LaFleur, an unproven, but promising head coach. LaFleur comes from the coaching tree of Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, two of the brightest minds in coaching. Rodgers has enough weapons, but a “real” offensive scheme should be truly beneficial for the former MVP.
Running Back: David Johnson, Cardinals
David Johnson recovered from a season-ending injury the year before only to return to Steve Wilks’ “anti-offense” in 2018. 2019 will be different, however. With the electric Kyler Murray set to take over at quarterback and promising head coach Kliff Kingsbury in the fold, this Cardinals offense will be an exciting ride. Murray’s legs should open up running lanes for the Johnson while Kingsbury will do a much better job of utilizing the Cards’ best weapon in the passing game. Just a few years removed from his 2,000 yard/20 touchdown campaign, DJ will prove why he’s still one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Wide Receiver: Mike Evans, Buccaneers
Very quietly, Mike Evans went off for a career-high 1,524 yards in 2018. Even with the constant quarterback carousel in Tampa, Evans continued to dominate. At 6’5”, 231 pounds, Evans is one of the premier deep threats in the NFL. His skill set meshes perfectly with new head coach Bruce Arians. Arians is one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL, he has a reputation for getting the best out of his talent. It was Arians who coaxed that career season out of the aforementioned David Johnson. Arians has been known to do creative things. Evans may even find himself in the slot with easy matchups against weaker corners. It’s going to be great.
Tight End: George Kittle, 49ers
George Kittle set the record for most yards by a tight end in NFL history last season with 1,377. And that was as a sophomore in the league. The 6’4”, 250-pound Kittle has the wheels of a wide receiver, with unbelievable YAC skills. Kittle seems to be able to outrun even the fastest of defenders. Playing in a Kyle Shanahan scheme is always tight end friendly. Even with the improved supporting cast around him, Jimmy Garoppolo has shown a propensity to lean on his tight ends.
Kicker: Justin Tucker, Ravens
Justin Tucker remains one of the best kickers in the game. Tucker had another great season last year hitting 89.7% of his kicks last year. This Baltimore team figures to struggle in the red zone once again with Lamar Jackson acting like he doesn’t know how to throw a football. But still, there will be a ton of opportunities for Tucker to come in and hit the mark.
Defense/Special Teams: Broncos
The aforementioned Vic Fangio fled from Chicago to take the head coaching job in Denver. Fangio will implement his attacking 3–4 scheme on a talented Denver defense that underperformed last year. While they’re not quite the Bears, the Broncos have a ton of studs on this roster like sack artist Von Miller. The Broncos signed free agents Bryce Callahan (from Chicago) and Kareem Jackson. With shutdown corner, Chris Harris, the three of them will be the basis of a scary secondary. The Broncos have a bunch of solid talent like Bradley Chubb, Shelby Harris, and Todd Davis that will feel the effect of Fangio’s scheme and should elevate this unit into fantasy gold this season.
All statistics courtesy of Pro Football Reference.
