Thursday, May 16, 2024

Fantasy Football

Casanova’s NFL Value Fantasy Picks

The lack of sports has been a difficult thing to deal with I must say. I have always known that I had a love for sports but ever, since they all shut down I’ve realized just how much love there was. The has NFL come in and given us all a little to be grateful for – the hope of sports. This has sparked me to look at five of the players I believe will have bigger NFL fantasy impacts this year as they get a fresh start or just an opportunity to shine. Call them Value Picks if you will, as they will give you much more for the price.

Paul Andrew Lock, QB DB

DENVER, CO – (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Drew Lock is going into his second season with the Denver Broncos. The difference is he was only in five games last year. Even though he started all five, it is like a new start. Lock will be the full-time starter for the Broncos this season and has the whole team behind him. If we take the stats from the five games we have to compare to, the fantasy upside is there. Lock threw for 1020 yards and 7 touchdowns on a 64 percent completion rate.

He has a really good receiver in Courtland Sutton and a guy that can be a great TE in Noah Fant. Elway has expressed that he is still looking to upgrade with another WR. All this and a new running back will make Lock a great pickup.

Melvin Gordon, RB DB

Dec 22, 2019; Carson, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (25) celebrates after scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of the new running game in Denver, the Broncos picked up Melvin Gordon from the L.A Chargers. Last season was a bit rough for Gordon. After a holdout he played in only 12 games and never really looked like the same guy. But a year later and a new team to run for and Gordon may find that 2017 form that made him one of the most dynamic runners in the NFL.

The Broncos have upgraded the offensive line and have a new QB. With Phillip Lindsay in the backfield with Gordon, it gives them a great one-two punch. Lindsay and Gordon will compliment each other and will make Gordon’s fantasy numbers this year greatly improve.

A.J. Brown, WR TT

Dec 22, 2019; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrates after a touchdown during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

This will be his second year with the Tennessee Titans and he will be looking to make a big jump. Brown saw just 84 targets last season but still posted a 52-1051-8 line. He has a great upside and although the QB situation could be more solid, he will be a big target and will get a heck of a lot more than 84 this season.

I have seen him rated about the same all over but I feel he will produce much more than the value he has been given. And in NFL Fantasy daily leagues, he will give you the value for his price no doubt. A.J. Brown is one you have to love.

Kenyan Drake, RB Arz

AJ Brown of the ARZ Cardinals

He is one of the most interesting of the RB’s to me. He spent the first half of the year last season with Miami and with no hope. By Week 9 he was in Arizona starting and on his way to a decent end to a season. he accounted for roughly 61 percent of the rushing after the trade to Arizona. Even though the Cardinals have a QB that gets his share of the rushing, Drake got his yards toward the end of the season.

His back to back 30-point fantasy performances in Weeks 15 and 16 of last season had a major impact on NFL Fantasy championships. I expect him to produce those type numbers all season this year.

D.K. Metcalf, WR SS

The second-year guy in Seattle had a great first season. He had 900 yards and 7 touchdowns proving to everyone that he has what it takes. This year should be no exception as Russell Wilson is still throwing that ball all over and that means Metcalf will get his targets and his chance at a 1,000-yard season. For his cost in daily leagues, he can give you maximum value for the price all day.

Metcalf and the rest of those players I have highlighted are just a few of what I call NFL fantasy value players. Those that will give you a bang for your buck. Even if you have a keeper league these are guys that can give you great value now and grow with your team the next few years.

Follow me @Gourmetcasanova and get more great content at Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports.