Fantasy Football Low Risk, Great Reward

By Nick Kazandjian, Football Analyst 

As the reigning champion of my league last year and looking to add another one to my many titles, I wanted to help out those who struggled last year or are just getting into fantasy football or even people just looking for some advice.  I’m looking to help you all win this season and shit talk your friends after you win the league. I will give two players at each position. Here are my guys that are a low risk but can really pay off this season. *All players are viewed through a PPR perspective*

#1 – KC QB Patrick Mahomes II

Mahomes is looking to take over a dynamic Kansas City Offense with Tyreek Hill, Kareem Hunt, Sammy Watkins, and Travis Kelce.  He has looked extremely efficient this preseason going 31-of-43 for 367 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 INT in his first three games of the preseason.  The combination of Mahomes and Hill is going to be fun to watch this year. He keeps his INT’s low and will throw for 250-300 yards every game.

#2 SF QB Jimmy Garoppolo

Jimmy G is still undefeated in the NFL after 7 starts and revived the 49ers season late in the year getting them from 1-10 to finish 6-10.  He has been efficient in the NFL in 7 career starts and is looking to carry that into his first full season as a starter. Fresh off of his big contract extension with still plenty to prove, Jimmy will put up strong numbers.

#3 SEA RB Rashaad Penny

Penny is a rookie back who impressed me in college.  One of my rules is to not draft high on a rookie because you never really know what they will give you and that’s why Penny is a great pick.  He generally will fall later on in drafts as a bench RB to start the year but if he beats out Chris Carson, he could get tons of touches and be the running back Seattle has looked for.  He ran for 2248 yards last season and proved in college he can handle a big workload.

#4 CHI RB Tarik Cohen

Cohen flashed his unique skill set early on last season and the Bears have realized they need to see more of him.  Cohen is not only going to be a pass catching back and 3DRB but he is also expected to get some time playing in the slot this season.  He has great ability in open space, great hands, and as long as he gets some touches, the production will be there. Cohen should be a great pick up late in drafts.

#5 FA WR Dez Bryant

Bryant has not been signed to an NFL roster yet but can be drafted in the final round to fill out your roster.  He obviously still has plenty of upside and if he finds a home in Cleveland or San Francisco per say, he would get tons of usage.  Dez is a very low risk, high reward pick who, when he signs, could be strong trade bait for someone seeking a top wideout mid season.  

#6 JAX WR Dede Westbrook

The Jaguars lost both Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson this offseason and to top that off they also have lost Marquise Lee to a knee injury for the rest of the year.  Westbrook who played great behind Lee and Hurns last season, will look to battle with Keelan Cole and Donte Moncrief for the #1 WR spot for the Jags. Westbrook has a great opportunity with so much uncertainty in the wideout core. As long as he is available late in drafts or on waivers, scoop him up.

#7 CLE TE David Njoku

Njoku is expected to be a key part in a much improved Browns passing attack.  He has ability to be a top TE in the league. With breakaway speed and Tyrod Taylor or Baker Mayfield at QB, he is setup to have a strong sophomore campaign.  He can be picked up late in drafts and could be very easy to acquire via trade.

#8 WAS TE Vernon Davis

Vernon Davis is a #2 TE for Washington, but playing behind Jordan Reed can have its perks.  Reed has an extensive injury history and missed the majority of last season. With new QB, Alex Smith, at the helm Davis should up his totals from a year ago.  He won’t be a big impact in the first week or two but could burst onto the scene fairly early as Reed is already battling a toe injury. It will take time to tell, but Davis will be strong if Reed is out.