DLF’s 2015 Predictions: Fantasy MVP
This is one of our favorite times of the year. After working hard to produce content all off-season, we can finally look forward to the 2015 Fantasy Football season in our beloved dynasty leagues – that means it’s time for our annual fantasy predictions. We gathered some opinions from the DLF Team and compiled eight different articles for the upcoming fantasy year. The categories were as follows:
Fantasy MVP
Fantasy Rookie of the Year
Most Overvalued Dynasty Player
Most Undervalued Dynasty Player
Fantasy Sleeper
Best Dynasty Buy
Best Dynasty Sell
Fantasy Comeback Player of the Year
We’ll cover Fantasy MVP today and bring you another category every day until the season starts. Trust me, it’s better this way. Otherwise, you’d have a 45-page, 17,500 word novella to go through this morning and that’s a lot, even for avid DLFers.
Let’s get to it!
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Austan Kas
C.J. Anderson, RB DEN
I feel like I’m missing something with C.J. Anderson. I can’t figure out why his startup ADP is so low, staying outside the top ten running backs until August. He averaged 23.6 points in PPR leagues over the final seven games of 2014. For at least another year, he’s going to be in a top-notch situation as the lead back in a Peyton Manning offense, and he’s just 24 years old. He’s perfect for Gary Kubiak’s scheme and he’ll remain an elite running back when Manning retires. – Austan Kas
Jacob Feldman
Julio Jones, WR ATL
Coming off a season where he had 104 catches for 1,593 yards, it is tough to imagine Julio having even better year, but I think that is exactly what is going to happen. Kyle Shanahan’s playbook combined with injured/unproven team teammates could give Julio another 30 targets and have him near 120 catches. At the very least, his six touchdowns should improve from last year. – Jacob Feldman
Eric Olinger
Julio Jones, WR ATL
Kyle Shannahan has a history of force feeding his WR1 an insane amount of targets and Julio is undoubtedly the most dynamic wide receiver he has had at his disposal. With Matt Ryan willing to throw anything, anytime to Julio, it wouldn’t shock me if he ends up with over 125 catches this year while besting his career high of ten touchdowns.
Chris Heil
Andrew Luck, QB IND
I really wanted to use Jones or Le’Veon Bell here, but their divisions are much more difficult. Luck will continue to have huge success. The running game will open up the passing game and increase his points.
Jarrett Behar
Rob Gronkowski, TE NE
He’s the only player that is in a tier by himself at his position. Gronk smash.
Benton McDonald
Julio Jones, WR ATL
Jones has already posted two WR1 seasons and a WR2 finish his rookie year while only playing in 76 percent of his games through four seasons. His 163 targets and 100 plus receptions in 2014 look to be his floor for this season. This season also brings a continually diminishing Roddy White as well as the loss of efficient WR3 Harry Douglas. Lock and load the 26-year-old (entering his prime) Jones.
Ryan Finley
Julio Jones, WR ATL
I gave a lot of consideration to Gronkowski in this spot, but one thing scared me away – Tom Brady and an unknown number of games with Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm. Jones, on the other hand, will be solid all 16 games with quarterback Matt Ryan slinging the pigskin and if he can avoid injury this season, he could put up monstrous numbers.
Matt Price
Rob Gronkowski, TE NE
No player offers a bigger advantage over the rest of their position than Gronkowski. Gronk is entering the 2015 season the healthiest he has ever been and is primed for another big year. It’s possible we have yet to see the best from Gronk and with all the health issues in the Patriots’ wide receiver group, we could see a truly historic season.
Nathan Miller
Adrian Peterson, RB MIN
How can we so easily dismiss the superhuman running back? After a year off, Peterson returns with a grudge and eager to put the focus back on the field instead of his personal life. Norv Turner has been behind some very impressive seasons for ball carriers and has made it know he wants to get the ball in space to their best weapon. I expect a banner year for Peterson as the Minnesota offense gels and takes some of the focus off him and stopping the run.
Dr. Scott Peak
Julio Jones, WR ATL
If Jones can stay healthy, he is set up for a huge year. He is the focal point of the Falcons offense, has a favorable schedule and an offensive coordinator who will send plenty of targets his way. Jones has never finished as a top 5 fantasy receiver yet, but this year I expect he will challenge for the top overall wide receiver spot.
James Simpson
CJ Anderson, RB DEN
Anderson astounded me last year. I had been a huge supporter before he finally got the chance to be ‘the guy’ in Peyton Manning’s backfield, but he seized the opportunity like no other. I believe championships are won with running backs and the best way to succeed is to identify a group of potential number ones who aren’t valued as such. With an ADP of 27, Anderson is exactly that and I think he will be a league winner this year.
Brian Malone
Calvin Johnson, WR DET
From 2011 to 2014, Calvin Johnson’s 16-game pace was 101 receptions, 1,685 yards, and more than 11 touchdowns. I think he puts up one more “average” season at age 30, which makes him the best bet to be the Fantasy MVP. If Tom Brady’s suspension is eliminated or reduced to one game, I’d have a tough time not elevating Rob Gronkowski into this spot, though.
Eric Breeze
Le’Veon Bell, RB PIT
I’m about as anti-RB in dynasty PPR as you could be. I build my team around receivers and rarely invest in top running backs due to the punishment the position takes and the evolution of RBBCs. All that said, Bell is my MVP because he has an enormous weekly ceiling and floor due to his workhourse ability and how he exceeds in all facets of the game I didn’t think it was possible, but the Steelers defense may have gotten even worse this year, so expect heavy doses of Bell on the ground to control the clock and through the air while playing from behind.
Rob Leath
Le’Veon Bell, RB PIT
I’d have no ambition to get cute with this pick. Despite the suspension, Bell is locked and loaded as an offensive centerpiece on what could be the league’s best offense. He’s shown a commitment to both his body and his craft and seems to improve with each passing game. Even in a year without an obvious number one pick, I feel Bell is clearly ahead of the pack and will handsomely reward owners who have the patience to watch him sit for two games.
Adam Tzikas
Julio Jones, WR ATL
This one was a harder than I thought it would be as there are so many amazing players out there to pick from. Jones has everything – crazy size, speed, catch ability and a great quarterback. In most PPR leagues I can see him easily being the top scorer and he is my 1.01 for dynasty startups. Let’s all cross our fingers his foot surgery fixed his nagging issues and that he can be the top stud we all know he can.
Jeff Beran
Rob Gronkowski, TE NE
To me, the fantasy MVP is the player who will provide the greatest positional advantage and there isn’t a player head-and-shoulders above his peers quite like Gronkowski. There are a half dozen players who could finish number one in scoring at every other offensive skill position. At tight end, however, only Jimmy Graham and Travis Kelce might come close, but neither of them are the focal point of their offense quite like the Gronk is.
Izzy Elkeffas
Andrew Luck, QB IND
For Fantasy MVP, the main thing I look for is the differential in points scored at the position. The other real candidate is Rob Gronkowski, but when Jordy Nelson tore his ACL, I changed my mind and am going with Luck. With Aaron Rodgers losing his main weapon, Drew Brees fleeced of pass catchers, Peyton Manning waning in the Fantasy Playoffs and Russell Wilson having a tough time replicating his 850/6 rushing performance from last season, I have to go with Luck. Plus, he did just get three brand new upgraded weapons (Andre Johnson, Philip Dorsett and Frank Gore) in the passing game. Sign me up.
Kyle Pollock
Rob Gronkowski, TE NE
With Jimmy Graham being traded to the run heavy Seahawks, Gronk now holds even more of an advantage over the tight end position. The weekly edge he’ll give you at the position will most likely be the biggest at any position in all of fantasy.
Jeff Miller
C.J. Anderson, RB DEN
We’ve all heard Denver will pass less and run more. We know about Manning’s waning arm strength and the departure of Julius Thomas. I tend to think all that is somewhat overblown, but even if I’m right, I still I fully expect Anderson to finish in the top five among running backs in 2015. And if I am wrong (perish the thought!), he is a sneaky bet to exceed that. Especially when you consider his asking price, I think Anderson will be this year’s MVP.
Jeff Levy
Brandin Cooks, WR NO
Last year, Cooks was on pace for an almost 900-yard rookie season before his week ten injury. New Orleans may emphasize the run more this year, but with Graham’s 125 targets in Seattle and Kenny Stills’ 83 targets in Miami, there will be plenty for him to do. On top of that, he and Drew Brees have looked like they’re on the same page so far this pre season. He’ll finish this season as the cheapest WR1 available in August, thus making him an MVP in my eyes.
Mike Valverde
Adrian Peterson, RB MIN
Something just keeps sticking in my mind about Peterson. I have a strong feeling this season will be one of his best, if not the best season he’s had. For one, he has had a season off, so he is fresh, second, I feel he wants to put the past behind him – the way he can do that is to blow up the stat sheet.
Mo Brewington
Andrew Luck, QB IND
Chip Kelly said it best. While trailing in a game his rookie season with the Eagles, a player asked him, “What’s the plan?” Kelly’s reply…”Blanking score points! What’s your plan?” Well, he didn’t really say blanking. The word before “–ing” actually rhymed with luck, which is fitting, because my fantasy MVP is Andrew Luck. And he’s gonna ‘blanking’ score points! Bet on it. Aided by the best set of running backs he’s had as a pro, and one of the most dangerous and, diverse receiving corps in the league. Luck and the Colts are locked and loaded to light up score boards all year long. And the scary part is, he’s only in year four. This kid is still so far from reaching his potential. If you get the chance to acquire him in any format, especially dynasty, you do it. And you stop worrying about your quarterback position for the next decade and a half.
Tyler Huggins
Navorro Bowman, LB SF
Since everyone is going offense, I’ll focus on an IDP MVP. Perhaps I should have labeled this “Non J.J. Watt MVP” as Watt is the undisputed king of the IDP hill. Bowman is the only linebacker outside of Luke Kuechly and Lavonte David whom I could comfortably project as the potential LB1. After we roll in the cost of acquisition which is considerably lower than his elite counterparts and/or is already sunk having been spent many years ago or perhaps in a trade in the last 18 months or so, he is a league winning type of player. The risk of re-injury is certainly cause for concern, but a healthy Bowman is elite.
Eric Burtzlaff
Dez Bryant, WR DAL
Dez is only getting better and I agree with his overall ranking of 1.01 this year. He’s the safest player to be the MVP of your fantasy league and bring consistent touchdowns week in and week out.
Justin Huestis
Julio Jones, WR ATL
Antonio Brown was a close second for me, but Jones won out. Kyle Shanahan’s offense features a number one receiver and Julio may be Shanahan’s best receiver he’s been able to coach. If he’s healthy for the fantasy playoffs, Jones will be the difference maker.
Bruce Matson
Julio Jones, WR ATL
This is the season Jones will finish as a top five fantasy wide receiver. The Falcons have a favorable schedule, they play the NFC East and AFC South. Jones is going to have a favorable match up during most weeks. Injuries could be the only thing that can get in his way of a top five finish this season.
Doug Green
Dez Bryant, WR DAL
Bryant was a beast last season with a run-heavy attack. This season the Cowboys will look to pass more, and that means he will get the lion’s share of those targets. All that adds up to an MVP-caliber season for #88.
Carla Gruse
Aaron Rodgers, QB GB
Aaron has all the talent needed to carry his team deep into the playoffs. You will be convinced when he does this without his top receiver out with a torn ACL.
Eric Hardter
Rob Gronkowski, TE NE
Last season Gronkowski easily finished as the TE1, outpacing Jimmy Graham by 32.5 points in a PPR setting. In fact, his 266.4 points would’ve resulted in a finish as the PPR WR9, just ahead of the Bears’ Alshon Jeffery. All this was done despite the fact he was returning from a torn ACL, dealt with a sleepwalking Tom Brady for the first quarter of the season an, oh yeah, he didn’t even play in week 17! In other words, his bad-assery knows no bounds! Now fully healthy, and with a mysterious Brandon LaFell injury to boot, Gronk appears likely to improve upon his 2014 numbers. Add in the fact that tight end is easily the most barren position as it relates to elite output, and we have our definition of the word “valuable.” Yo soy fiesta!
Nick Whalen
Antonio Brown, WR PIT
In case you’re counting, that gives us the following votes:
Julio Jones (8 votes)
Rob Gronkowski (5 votes)
CJ Anderson (3 votes)
Andrew Luck (3 votes)
Adrian Peterson (2 votes)
Le’Veon Bell (2 votes)
Dez Bryant (2 votes)
Aaron Rodgers (1 vote)
Calvin Johnson (1 vote)
Brandin Cooks (1 vote)
Antonio Brown (1 vote)
…and a shout out to Navarro Bowman from Tyler, who went outside the box to take the IDP angle.
So, who do you predict will be this year’s fantasy MVP?
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Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
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