2021 Fantasy Football Best Ball Targets
As we approach the upcoming season, this will be the first time in 26 years I will not be in a home league. Even though I am a stud in an Auction Draft, there is just too much money to be made in the Best Ball format. Those who struggle to set all their lineups and set waiver claims such as myself make this format ideal and lucrative. There is a real edge to drafting in the Best Ball format and I am here to provide that winning strategy so we can all cash in at the end of the season. The rankings below are from Fantasypros.com
QUARTERBACKS
Baker Mayfield 18th ranked
Three games of 28-31Fantasy points in 2020
Healthy weapons
Stud offensive line
Entering his second season with in the same offensive system, Baker will improve in all aspects of his game and outplay his ADP. A healthy Odell Beckham should be a huge boost to Mayfield’s production.
Daniel Jones 23rd ranked
Only 2 games over 20pts
Improved weapons
Should cut down on Turnovers
Daniel has a lot of talent and this is the year he will step up. Adding weapons such as Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney will give Jones his best group of weapons yet. I expect him to double his touchdown total from eleven last year and hold on to the ball more this year. Add in maybe 500 rushing yards, which makes Jones an ideal Best Ball target.
Zach Wilson 31st ranked
Major upgraded to Offensive line
Big time weapons added
Rushing ability
As a Jets fan, I will try and contain my emotions. This kid can be special and the front office has set him up to succeed. Adding top wideouts in Corey Davis and Elijah Moore provides Zach with plenty of targets. Emerging Running Back Michael Carter will also be a weapon out of the backfield. A bolstered line after drafting Tucker and signing Moses leads to an exciting year.
RUNNING BACKS
Miles Sanders 19th ranked
Three games over 20 fantasy points in 2020
18 fantasy points in three starts with Jalen Hurts
Finally healthy
With a young quarterback at the helm, the Eagles will look to Miles to help take the pressure away from Hurts. The offensive line isn’t great but they are all healthy coming into the year. Sanders has the chance to unleash some big performances that scream Best Ball.
Myles Gaskin 22nd ranked
Two games over 15 fantasy points and 12 points in 10 games
18 touches per game
Young QB to protect
This is an ideal spot to grab Gaskin. The Dolphins defense has the chance to be elite and shut down teams which lead to feeding Gaskin. A stout offensive line will only help the Dolphins move the ball. Sprinkle in close to five targets per game makes this an easy choice.
Phillip Lindsay 52nd ranked
10th in rushing yard among backs since 2018
Most talented player in the backfield
Late round steal
With older and oft-injured players competing for touches, I expect Lindsay to rise up and take the job. He won’t cost much more than a super late pick and his return should payout! Remember I was the one who told you this…. Lindsay could have a 2019 type season where he had over 1000 yards and 7 touchdowns. COME GET SOME!!!
WIDE RECEIVERS
Odell Beckham 29th ranked
Super value here, drafted as a wide receiver #3
Health should be improved
The improved quarterback play can lead to big games
This is a big year for Odell and if healthy he should be a real steal where he is being selected. An improved offense and a young QB who likes to pepper Beckham with targets smell of big-time games. Would I draft him in redraft formats?? HELL NO but in Best Ball, I am in.
Laviska Shenault Jr. 43rd ranked
Mid to late-round value
Improved quarterback play
Big-time playmaker with the ball in his hands
Playing out of the slot, Shenault will get a ton of looks from new rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence, leading to 80-100 targets. After OTAs and minicamp, he was declared the best offensive player on the field. Lawrence will provide elite passing ability which was not there last year. Adding in a horrible defense, they will need to throw the ball early and often.
A.J. Green 84th ranked
- Looks healthy so far
- Elite quarterback
- D-HOP
This is one of my favorite plays this year as I said on our podcast. Green is FREE basically and reports out of camp are he looks really good. The Cardinals provide an elite QB in Murray and a monster WR playing opposite Green. Here is one thing that blew me away. Since high school and with DHOP taking those look for Green to have some monster games. In regular redraft formats, it will be a headache trying to guess what week he explodes but this is my Best Ball darling.
TIGHT ENDS
Adam Trautman 14th ranked
Michael Thomas injury
Clear cut starter
Red zone target
After the Michael Thomas news broke, Trautman has been getting a bump in his ADP. If you decide to pass on a top tight end, Adam is your man. He had 14 touchdowns in 2019 at Dayton and will find the end zone when given the chance. Quarterback play makes him a Best Ball target as he will have some duds in there.
Tyler Higbee 13th ranked
Starting role
Major upgrade at quarterback
Return to 2019 form
This can be a great spot to grab your Best Ball tight end. Let’s start with Matthew Stafford coming to town and he loves to use his tight end. Losing Cam Akers for the year should lead to more passing attempts. The other weapons around him should mean mismatches on coverage for Tyler.
For more options or any questions, feel free to reach me on Twitter @amac22nj. Be sure to check us out every Wednesday night on the Stack Attack Fantasy Podcast.