Top 50 NFL Fantasy Players for This Year

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New NFL season is less than a week away. So, there’s not enough time left for those who have to draft players for their fantasy team. 

As always, running backs will dominate the first round. But a group of talented and skilled wide receivers makes the drafting perspective more interesting.

So, it’s important to pick your first pick right and carefully if you want to compete for a fantasy championship. 

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Tyreek Hill.

Looking into experts rankings from USA Today, Insider, Bleacher Report, NFL Fantasy Football, we have come up with our own top 50 players to look out for in fantasy.

If you are confused and want information about the right players to build your fantasy team, this article is perfect for you. 

Top 50 NFL Fantasy Players 

Let’s begin with our top 50.

50. Dak Prescott

  • Position: Quarterback
  • Team: Dallas Cowboys
  • Bye: 7 

Dak Prescott’s on-field success has made him one of the important players in the Dallas Cowboys. Moreover, he is ranked seventh in NFL’s all-time passer rating with 97.3.

Likewise, he was one of the best quarterbacks before the injury averaging 322 passing yards since 2019. 

Thus, returning for the 2021 season, Prescott will definitely shine again under Mike McCarthy, who knows how to exploit great quarterbacks.

49. Miles Sanders

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Philadelphia Eagles
  • Bye: 14

Although Miles Sanders played 12 games last season, he still posted 1,604 scrimmage yards and 6 touchdowns.

Likewise, averaging 4.9 yards/carry, he has already shown his explosiveness in the league.

Although Sanders may not be top among his position, he will still be an excellent addition to your fantasy team.

48. Adam Thielen

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Minnesota Vikings
  • Bye: 7 

In the 2020 season, Adam Thielen recorded a career-best 13 receiving touchdowns.

Moreover, he ranked 3rd and 5th in receiving touchdowns and catch rate over expected last season. 

Although Thielen suffered an injury in the preseason, it’s not expected to be serious. Hence, it’s safe to pick him for the upcoming season fantasy. 

47. Mike Davis

  • Position: Running Backs
  • Team: Atlanta Falcons
  • Bye: 6

Last season after the injury of Christian McCaffrey, Mike Davis made full use of his opportunity. 

He recorded a total of 8 touchdowns and 1,000 all-purpose yards. Likewise, in receptions, he ranked 4th among running backs.

In 2021, Davis moved to Atlanta Falcons as their new starting running back. It’s the perfect fit for him as they run-heavy offense and has less competition for carries. 

46. DJ Moore

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Carolina Panthers
  • Bye: 13 

Although DJ Moore had some good games and some bad, he will shine with new quarterback Sam Darnold this season. 

Moreover, he is the first Panthers wide receiver since 2012 to have back-to-back 1000 receiving yards season. 

Likewise, since 2019 he ranks 5th among wide receivers in receiving yards.

45. Joshua Jacobs

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Las Vegas Raiders
  • Bye: 8 

Josh Jacobs has not shown signs of slowing down since making his debut in 2019 for Raiders.

To date, he has 2215 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns after entering the league. 

Although his NFL fantasy value has declined after Raider signed Kenyan Drake, he is one of the Raiders players you want to miss out on. 

44. Myles Gaskin

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Miami Dolphins
  • Bye: 14

Among many running back, Myles Gaskin is a top NFL fantasy player one shouldn’t sleep on.  

In the 2021 season, Gaskin recorded 4 receptions per game and 972 scrimmage yards. 

Moreover, his unavailability is the only reason he is ranked below, as he missed 6 games the previous season due to injury.

But now Gaskins is fit and ready to go for the new season.

43. Dionate Johnson

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Bye: 7

Although Dionate Johnson is criticized for league-leading 16 drops, he still led Steelers in receiving yards and targets with 924 yards and 144. 

He is a volume player and a fantastic pass catcher. So, in NFL fantasy, he is a reliable player to pick in your team. 

42. Cooper Kupp

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Los Angeles Rams
  • Bye: 11

Anytime you get a chance of signing players of Dallas offense in NFL fantasy, don’t hesitate to do it.

Cooper Kupp is one player who is likely to be highly benefited by a change in quarterback. 

Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp.

This season also he is again expected to get over 100 targets and around 1,000 receiving yards. 

But he had only 3 receiving touchdowns in the previous season. Hence, with the arrival of QB Matthew Stafford, his number will be better. 

41. Amari Cooper

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Dallas Cowboys
  • Bye: 7

Now, with Prescott back, Amari Cooper is again going to bounce back this season. Moreover, with Prescott as starting QB, he ranks top 5 in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. 

The only question is his preseason ankle injury. But looking at reports, he seems to be healthy before a new season begins. 

40. Darrell Henderson

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Los Angeles Rams
  • Bye: 11

Last season, Darrell Henderson made the most out of Akers absence finishing second in Ram’s rushing yards with 624, including 5 rushing touchdowns. 

He retains his starting job role due to the preseason injury of Cam Akers.   

Running backs have always excelled in Sean McVay‘s offense. So he is among Rams offensive players in NFL fantasy to look out for. 

39. David Montgomery

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Chicago Bears
  • Bye: 10

Last season, David Montgomery posted an impressive number, recording 1,508 receiving yards, 54 receptions, and 10 touchdowns. 

Likewise, Bears coach Matt Nagy said that he wants Montgomery to average 20 carries per game. 

Hence, Montgomery will be looking to match his breakout season number definitely. Likewise, with the arrival of new quarterbacks, he will definitely improve.

38. Mike Evans

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Bye: 9

Mike Evans is like a Russian Roulette game. He doesn’t perform week to week but will have multiple mind-blowing games in the season. 

Last season, he finished with 70 receptions for 1,006 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. That’s a decent number. 

Bucs coach Arians like to throw a ball so, it’s good to pick to have these wide receivers in your fantasy.

Likewise, due to a stacked Buccaneers squad, Evans has a discounted value.

37. Tyler Lockett

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Seattle Seahawks
  • Bye: 9

Like Evans, Lockett also had a pretty inconsistent season last year. Moreover, out of his 10 receiving touchdowns, 8 came in just 3 games. 

So, he is unstoppable when he is on, but he is not suitable for your team on bad days. 

As Seattle has changed their OC, offensive passing volume is looking to be pointing up. Hence, it is a good chance we will see more consistency in his form. 

Also Read: Ranking 13 Biggest Tackles in NFL History

36. Robert Woods

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Los Angeles Rams
  • Bye: 11

Robert Woods is one player not to miss out on your fantasy due to his consistent performance week out. 

Robert Woods
Robert Woods.

Rams coach and Woods joined Rams in the same year. Since then, he has recorded 483 targets, 322 receptions, and 4070 receiving yards.

35. Josh Allen

  • Position: Quarterback
  • Team: Buffalo Bills
  • Bye: 7

In 2020-21, Josh Allen became the first quarterback to record 4,500 passing yards, 35 passing touchdowns, and 5 rushing touchdowns in a single season.

Last year, number 1 fantasy quarterback Josh Allen will definitely deliver this season, too, without any doubt. 

34. D’Andre Swift

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Detroit Lions
  • Bye: 9

D’Andre Swift is one of Detroit’s offensive line players you must try to get in your NFL fantasy team. 

On his debut season, only second-round pick D’Andre Swift impressed everyone. In 13 games, he recorded 878 total yards, 46 catches, and 10 touchdowns. 

Even though Jamal Williams is back, Swift, with his talent, will post impressive numbers like his rookie season. 

33. Julio Jones

  • Position: Wide receiver
  • Team: Tennessee Titans
  • Bye:13

Julio Jones recently joined the new team Tennessee Titans. But he will perform like he has been doing before. 

Jones averages close to 100 receiving yards per game which is the most in NFL history. 

Although Jones played 7 games only last season, please don’t make the mistake of thinking he is injury prone. Moreover, he has only missed 4 games since making his debut. 

32. Chris Godwin

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Bye: 9

The Buccaneers have stacked up wide receivers group, otherwise on the solo act, considering the talent of Chris Godwin, he is the top 5 wide receivers in the league.

Likewise, he is a free agent next season, so a great season means he will get serious money in the upcoming offseason. Thus, it’s safe to back him up for this season. 

31. Chris Carson

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Seattle Seahawks
  • Bye: 9

Despite missing 4 games the previous season, Chris Carson finished with 581 yards and career-best in receptions (27) and yards/carry (4.8). 

Likewise, he ranks 5th and 4th in rushing yards and missing tackles force since 2018. So, among many underrated players, he is one you want to have in your NFL fantasy. 

30. CeeDee Lamb

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Dallas Cowboys
  • Bye: 7

2020 NFL draft first-round pick CeeDee Lamb will be the leading receiver in Cowboy’s high-powered offense.

Now with Prescott back for an entire season, Lamb will improve on his number from previous years. 

Hence, he is one of Dallas’s players you won’t regret later if you draft him in your NFL fantasy team. 

29. Joe Mixon

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Cincinnati Bengals
  • Bye: 10

Last season Joe Mixon missed 10 games due to injury, but his talent is one thing no one can argue on. 

Likewise, the addition of new offensive forces will help Bengals operate a power running game.

So, if Mixon stays healthy throughout the season, he will have an elite fantasy season. 

Also Read: The 20 Richest NFL Players in the World

28. Terry Mc Laurin

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Washington Football Team
  • Bye: 9

Terry Mc Laurien finished the 2020 season with 87 receptions, 1,118 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns.

Terry Mc Laurien
Terry McLaurin.

Likewise, he accounts for 32% of Washington receiving touchdowns since his debut. Now, into the third season, he is improving his performance as the year progresses.

27. Allen Robinson

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Chicago Bears
  • Bye: 10 

Allen Robinson finished the 2020 season with 102 receptions, 1,250 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns. He put that numbers with Mitchell Trubisky as QBS.

Hence, one can imagine how great Allen will be if their new QBS, Justin Fields, is the real deal like he was in college. 

26. Najee Harris

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Pittsburgh Steelers 
  • Bye: 7 

2021 NFL draft 23rd pick and the rookie of the year contender Najee Harris is next on our list. 

Harris has already shown in pre-season that he is the next big thing in the NFL.  Harris will be one of the top choices in your fantasy league, looking at his potential. 

25. Patrick Mahomes

  • Position: Quarterback
  • Team: Kansas City Chiefs
  • Bye: 12 

The player who you can trust every week in and out is Patrick Mahomes. You don’t need a reason to draft him in your fantasy team. 

Mahomes is the cheat code and ranks #1 among safest players in NFL fantasy.

He is throwing passes and touchdowns at a record pace and rarely turns the ball over. So, there’s no chance Mahomes is going to disappoint you.

24. DK Metcalf

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Seattle Seahawks
  • Bye: 9

DK Metcalf is the first Seahawks to record more than 2200 receiving yards over in the first two seasons in the NFL.

With Russell Wilson staying with the team, Metcalf’s size and athleticism will definitely help produce numbers like other receivers in the league.

23. Keenan Allen

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Los Angeles Chargers
  • Bye: 7

In 2020, Keenan Allen led Chargers in receptions (100). Likewise, he recorded 992 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. 

His second season with Justin Herbert as Chargers QB only means he will be a far better player this season. 

Also Read: Top 10 Best Football Movies of All Time

22. Antonio Gibson

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Washington Football Team
  • Bye: 9 

Antonio Gibson entered the NFL as a wide receiver, but he was later switched into running back position.

Antonio Gibson
Antonio Gibson.

Despite switching his position, Gibson put up impressive numbers. He finished his rookie season with 4.7 yards/carry and 11 touchdowns. 

Moreover, last season he averaged 20 fantasy points in 7 games with at least 15 touches.

Hence, Gibson has already shown the sign why he is the player you should sign to your fantasy team. 

21. Darren Waller

  • Position: Tight End
  • Team: Las Vegas Raiders 
  • Bye: 8 

The first of many tight end to feature in our list is no other than Darren Waller. 

He is the 6th tight ends to have 100 receptions in one season. Likewise, he is the 7th tight end to have consecutive 1,100 receiving yards season. 

In the 2020 season, Waller led Ravens in targets (145), receptions (107), and receiving yards (1,196). 

Looking at his consistency, Waller will definitely produce a similar number this season too. 

20. George Kittle

  • Position: Tight End
  • Team: San Francisco 49ers
  • Bye: 6 

George Kittle only played half of the season in 2020. But he averaged 80 yards per game last season. 

Likewise, Kittle averaged 14.9 PPR and 8.9 non-PPR points per game. 

One of the top 49ers offensive producers Kittle is one of the reliable tight ends to pick in your team. 

19. Clyde Edwards-Helaire

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Kansas City Chiefs
  • Bye: 12 

Although Clyde Edwards Helaire could not live up to the hype in the previous season, he still managed to record 1,100 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. 

But, he has already shown his potential by his second season in NFL. So, don’t be surprised if he explodes this year. 

In addition, having the running back of the NFL’s best offensive team is also a worthy investment. 

18. Aaron Jones

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Green Bay Packers
  • Bye: 13 

Aaron Jones‘s numbers are just impressive. Since 2019 he has had 30 scrimmage touchdowns. 

Likewise, he is the 3rd running back in NFL history to record more than 3,000 rushing yards, average at least 5 yards/carry, and have 40 touchdowns in the first four years. 

Thus, there is plenty of reason why Jones is a good investment. 

17. Deandre Hopkins

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Arizona Cardinals
  • Bye: 12 

One Cardinals player everyone must look to have in your NFL fantasy team is Deandre Hopkins. 

Last season, he ranked top 3 in targets (160), receptions (115), and receiving yards (1,404) in the league. 

Although there were rumors of him sitting out this season, it seems he is ready to do what he is best at doing. Hence, don’t worry and pick him up. 

16. Stefon Diggs

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Buffalo Bills
  • Bye: 7 

There is no doubt, Stefon Diggs is the lookout player in a team that averages nearly 30 points per game. 

Last season Diggs had a career-best 115 receptions. Likewise, he recorded 1,407 receiving yards and 166 targets. 

15. Justin Jefferson

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Minnesota Vikings
  • Bye: 7 

In 2020, Justin Jefferson registered his name in the NFL history book for most scrimmage yards (1400) by a rookie in the Superbowl era.

Likewise, he recorded at least 100 receiving yards in seven games last year.

So, it won’t be surprising if he again finishes within the top 5 among wide receivers in the fantasy. 

Also Read: NFL: Top 10 Best Quarterback Ever

14. Tyreek Hill

  • Position: Wide Reciever
  • Team: Kansas City Chiefs
  • Bye: 12 

Tyrek Hill is the number one receiver in NFL’s best offensive team. Moreover, that reason is only sufficient why he is among the top players not to miss out on NFL fantasy. 

Tyrek Hill
Tyrek Hill.

Moreover, he finished the season with 87 receptions, 1,276 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. 

So, you don’t need to worry because he is one of the players in the NFL that provides your fantasy team in a good position to win. 

13. A.J. Brown

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Tennessee Titans
  • Bye: 13

Even with the addition of Julio Jones, you should not sleep on AJ Brown. In his third season in the league, Brown is a wide receiver you don’t want to miss out on. 

In 2020, Brown finished averaging 7.6 targets, 5 receptions, 76.6 receiving yards. Likewise, he had 18 PPR points per game in the fantasy. 

12. Nick Chubb

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Cleveland Browns
  • Bye: 13 

In the 2020 season, Nick Chubb finished with 1,067 rushing yards despite missing 4 games.

Moreover, he has recorded 3,577 rushing yards, 28 touchdowns, and an average of 5.23 yards/carry since entering the league in 2018.  

Chubb is a reliable and consistent running back to have in your team as he is fit and ready to go. 

11. Jonathan Taylor

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Indianapolis Colts
  • Bye: 14 

Jonathan Taylor ranks 3rd in the NFL and 1st among rookies in rushing yards with 1,169 yards. 

Likewise, he is among 4 players who had a total of 1,400 scrimmage yards in the NFL. Taylor also recorded 12 scrimmage touchdowns the previous season. 

Even if Marlens Macks returns this season, he is an undisputed starter in his team. Hence, he is among NFL young players to look out for your fantasy team. 

10. Calvin Ridley

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Atlanta Falcons
  • Bye: 6

Calvin Ridley is going to take the 10th spot in our top 50 NFL fantasy. Ridley averaged 91 receiving yards last season, 3rd most in the NFL of his position. 

Moreover, he had his best season in terms of targets and receptions with 143 and 90. 

In addition, since entering the league in 2018, he has already completed 26 touchdowns. 

Although Julio Jones has moved to Titans, he will still put some good numbers in the field.

9. Austin Ekeler

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Los Angeles Chargers
  • Bye: 7

Despite playing 10 games last season, Austin Ekeler led Charges in rushing yards with 530 yards.

Similarly, he had close to 1,000 scrimmage yards and averaged 90 scrimmage yards. 

Ekeler’s 3 touchdowns are only concerns among fantasy owners, but if he plays the entire season with Justin Herbert, he will undoubtedly produce better numbers. 

8. Tarvis Kelce

  • Position: Tight End
  • Team: Kansas City Chiefs
  • Bye: 12

Travis Kelce led the receptions and receiving yards for the best offensive team in the NFL for two successive years. 

Moreover, he wrote his name in the NFL history book for most receiving yards in a single season with 1,416 yards last season. 

Kelce is consistent every week, and he should be your number one choice in his position if you want to give your team a shot to win. 

7. Ezekiel Elliott

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Dallas Cowboys
  • Bye: 7 

Since joining the league in 2016, Ezekiel Elliott has been NFL scrimmage yards and rushing yards per game leader. 

Elliott is a better player when Dak is playing now as their starting quarterback in the back. So don’t be surprised if he challenges the number 1 RB spot. 

Also, Read NFL: 15 Greatest football teams of all time.

6. Devante Adams

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Team: Green Bay Packers
  • Bye: 13

As Aaron Rodgers is set to stay at Packers for the 2021 season, it’s also safe to say Devante Adams will be their offensive security blanket.

Every season he proves why he is one of the best receivers in the league, and his numbers don’t lie.

Davante Adams
Davante Adams.

Over the last 3 seasons, Adams has been averaging 121 catches, 1,466 yards ad 14 touchdowns. 

Thus, Adams is worth among players who deserve a first-round pick in your NFL fantasy league. 

5. Saquon Barkley

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: New York Giants
  • Bye: 10

When Saquon Barkley is present in Giants’ offense, they average more points per game and big plays. 

Barkley is the first player in Giants history to complete more than 1,000 rushing yards in the first two seasons.

Since joining the league in 2019, he has averaged 115 scrimmage yards, ranking him 5th in NFL history. 

Although there has been concern regarding Barkley coming from an injury but considering his age and talent, he can still produce previous seasons’ numbers.

4. Alvin Kamara

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: New Orleans Saints
  • Bye: 6  

Last season, Alvin Kamara likely single-handedly won your team’s fantasy championship, scoring 6 touchdowns in week 16.  

In addition, he became the first player in NFL history to have at least 750 rushing yards and receiving yards and 20 scrimmage touchdowns.

Although people may concern Drew Brees’s retirement may affect his numbers, but he is a guy who will perform at a high level no matter who the quarterback is. 

3. Dalvin Cook

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Minnesota Vikings 
  • Bye: 13 

Dalvin Cook has only one concern: his durability, as he has played 14 games in the last two seasons in the NFL. 

But he had always dominated every season, averaging lead best 127 scrimmage yards in 2020. Likewise, since 2019 he has been ranked 2nd in scrimmage touchdowns with 30. 

2. Derrick Henry

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Tennessee Titans
  • Bye: 13

Derrick Henry has been leading NFL in attempts, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and missed tackles forces for the past 2 years.

He is unstoppable and a beast and should easily be one of the top priorities if they really want to win the fantasy championship. 

Also Read: 12 Best Last-minute Goals in Football

1. Christian Mccaffrey

  • Position: Running Back
  • Team: Carolina Panthers
  • Bye: 13 

Christain Mccaffrey played just 3 games last season. So, the injury might be his concern, but he is the go-to guy for every fantasy owner when healthy. 

Moreover, even after missing 13 games in 2020, he still produced 374 scrimmage yards, 17 catches, and 6 touchdowns. 

Christian Mccaffrey
Christian Mccaffrey.

Likewise, in the 2019 season, he became one of the third players in NFL history to post more than 1,000 rushing and receiving yards. 

Those who drafted him last year must be sad, but his numbers don’t lie. Hence, his credentials show why we can trust him in our fantasy team. 

Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah
Sanjib Sah is an engineer and content writer passionate about sports and athletics. With a background in engineering and a love for all things active, Sanjib brings a unique perspective to the world of sports writing. Whether he is covering the latest trends in sports technology or sharing tips on improving your game, Sanjib's words are always rooted in a deep appreciation for players' hard work and dedication everywhere. In his free time, you can find him hitting the courts or hitting the trails, always looking for new ways to challenge himself and improve his skills.

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