Looking at quarterbacks that have potential to have big seasons, but are not top of mind for most fantasy players. The low-hanging fruit if you will. All three of these guys will perform above the expert’s projections.
Ryan Tannehill
Losing A.J. Brown is never a plus, and his comments regarding his eventual replacement, Malik Willis did not make him any new friends, but with little to prove, and the majority of pressure on him coming from himself, Ryan has no excuse not to ball out. One could argue that Robert Woods is a better receiver than A.J. Brown. Excluding last season, he is generally more healthy. Derrick Henry returning opens up more passing lanes for Tannehill. I expect him to finish the season in the top 15, at #14. Early pre-season boards have him finishing somewhere between 18 – 24.
Matt Ryan
From one Ryan to another. Again, a situation with minimized pressure. As good as Carson Wentz was with avoiding turnovers and putting the Colts in a position to win each week, his last game with the team is a hard one to forget, removing some pressure from his replacement, Matt Ryan. Matt has a similar situation as Tannehill. He will make fast friends with stud wide receiver, Michael Pittman Jr; and Jonathan Taylor gaping defenses will make it easier for the veteran to find open receivers. I have Matt Ryan as my 12th ranked quarterback this season, cracking the top 15. On average he’s coming in around 20 on most preseason boards.
Jameis Winston
After missing out on Deshaun Watson, the New Orleans Saints locked in Winston on a two-year deal. It’s believed the Saints never expected to land Watson, so they shot their shot low in hopes of a miracle. It turns out the miracle may be Winston. Jameis possesses natural leadership skills, a lively personality and more importantly, a big arm. If the accuracy issues that have plagued him most of his career or resolved, he could have a massive season throwing to newly added, Jarvis Landry, the newly drafted Chris Olave and newly healthy, Michael Thomas. If Olave is what we think he is and Thomas is all the way back, the Saints are challenging the Cincinnati Bengals for the best wideout crew in the league. Adding in arguably the best receiving running back in the NFL in Alvin Kamara, and Winston is immediately in a position to win and post some big individual stats as well. I have Winston in my top 10, at #8.
