Winning NFL picks, odds and power rankings all from our friends at Doc's Sports Service.
Everyone wants to own all the top tier players they can for their fantasy team, but that's just not going to happen. So, it's best to pick the right top tier guys and then fill your roster with underrated players who perform as well as the bigger named guys. Here's a couple candidates to target:
Pierre Garcon, IND: The top pick for the Colts is obviously Reggie Wayne, but a closer look at Garcon shows that you should pass on Wayne and snag Garcon. Wayne did not even have 1,000 yards last year and has smallest yards per catch average of his career. His numbers are tailing off. Garcon had almost 800 yards receiving in limited action last year. This year, he's expected to start opposited Wayne. Expect Garcon to get to the 1,000 yard plateau this season. Garcon has an average draft position of 58 while Wayne has an ADP of 12. There's a lot of talent between those two numbers, so pass on Wayne and wait for Garcon, in the middle rounds (5-8).
Derrick Mason, BAL: Mason is one of the most unheralded fantasy producers. All he does is produce consistent (not stellar) fantasy numbers every week. This year, he has less pressure as Anquan Boldin is not expected to be the top receiver for the Ravens. Boldin will go before Mason, but it's Mason who makes for a better value. Boldin will probably get 1,000 yards, if he stays healthy (something he's had trouble with). Plus, Boldin will have to form chemistry with Joe Flacco and learn the new system. Mason has the relationship with Flacco. Mason is going, on average, in the 10th round of leagues while Boldin is going in round 3-4. Mason has a 3-year average of 85 receptions and 1,000 yards. Boldin has a 3-year average of 81 receptions for 900+ yards.
Jonathan Stewart, CAR: The Carolina Panthers have a duel threat in the backfield. Deangelo Williams is the top fantasy choice amongst the duo, but it's Stewart who carries the better fantasy value. Stewart has never gone a season without 10 touchdowns. Analyzing Williams' 3-year average reveals similar production, but when you take into account his freakish 18-TD output from 2008 and suddenly the two Panthers have the same numbers. But Williams is going in the first or second round in all leagues and Stewart is not going until round 4, on average. So why pay for Williams, when you can snag the same stats, touches, etc. with Stewart a couple rounds later?
Chester Taylor, CHI: All the talk is on Mike Martz and his affect on the Bears offense this year, but the Bears invested in Chester Taylor this offseason, for a reason. As all fantasy owners know, Forte was disappointment last season. So Taylor's presence puts pressure on Forte to excel or move aside. Forte will still go much higher in drafts than Taylor, as Forte as had a nice preseason and is technically the starter, but Taylor is a better value. Taylor's ADP is 126 while Forte's is 40. That's a huge gap. Taylor, who's been a part-time player his entire career, doesn't have the 3-year numbers to impress, but he has averaged 40 catches over the last three years. So in PPR leagues those numbers are more important. If you really believe in Forte, take him, but make sure you handcuff him to Taylor.
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fantasy advice, fantasy bargains, chester taylor, derek mason, jonathan stewart, pierre garcon