Jackson 5: Five Players to Target in Your Fantasy Football Drafts

Last week I gave you 5-players that will definitely NOT be on my fantasy team this upcoming season. This week I’m going to go the other direction and give you five players that I would love to have on my team.

1. Nick Chubb, Browns: Chubb is currently going middle to late third round depending on how many are in your league and how highly said people have him ranked. But for what it’s worth I think he’s going to return first round value. Cleveland's offense as a whole should be better, and that helps, but I just think this is a player ready for a breakout regardless of those around him. When he saw double digit carries last season he took advantage, averaging 96 yards per game in those contests while also going for between four and six yards a carry. He also found his way into the end zone eight times, impressive when you consider he never got more than three carries until week seven. Kareem Hunt coming back mid-season could put a slight damper on him, but I doubt it will make enough of an impact to matter.

2. Adam Thielen, Vikings: He’s currently going somewhere between the 4th and 5th round, way too low for a player of his caliber. This is assuming you’re in a points per reception league, but Thielen is a top 15-20 player in my book. He’s improved dramatically each of the last three years, from 69 catches to 91 catches to 113 last year. He’s also taking said catches for more yards and more touchdowns. It might be tough for him to improve on last year's numbers just because they were so good, but if he just repeats what he’s done one of the last two seasons you would received a great return on investment.

3. Chris Godwin, Buccaneers: It’s all about opportunity in this case. When Godwin was targeted last season he almost always made the most of it. His problem was simply being mired behind Adam Humphries, DeSean Jackson and Mike Evans. While he was targeted less than all three of them he was still second on the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, and now only Mike Evans is left in front of him on the depth chart. Look for Godwin to really step it up this year and return much more than 5th or 6th round value.

4. Devin Funchess, Colts: I’m going to give this one with a caveat. I LOVE Funchess if Andrew Luck is healthy and playing. Unfortunately right now that’s a question mark, as the team is uncertain just how ready he is for the season. He’s been dealing with a calf/ankle injury, and is said to be in quite a bit of pain. If that’s the case, and he can’t go for big chunks of the season, this is a bad play. So you’re taking a chance. But if Luck is healthy like he was last year Funchess is a steal. Currently he’s going in the 13th round, and I think he has the talent and ability to return 4th round value. He’s always shown flashes, but has been inconsistent, which I think is more the fault of his previous quarterback (Cam Newton) than his abilities. Keep an eye on Luck before you pull the trigger, but this could be a steal.

5. Chris Thompson, Redskins: Health is the big issue with Thompson. When healthy last year he was electric, looking like an in his prime LeSean McCoy. The problem of course was that he couldn’t stay on the field, with numerous nagging injuries derailing much of his season. He’s been in the league five years and only played a full season once, so it’s not like the injuries were a fluke. That said, he’s going to be in an offense with Colt McCoy or Case Keenum as his quarterback, and thrives at creating yards after little check down throws. That’s a good situation. Given that he’s going in the late 17th round he’s a risk you can take that could pay HUGE dividends.