With the popularity of the NFL at an all-time high, businesses and activities that thrive off of football are also seeing high levels of popularity. One such activity is fantasy football. This gives fans the opportunity to pick a team and follow them throughout the year, while competing against the teams chosen by their friends and colleagues.
In addition to the growing popularity of fantasy football, the money made off of it is also growing. Recently, betting websites have begun to offer one-week fantasy leagues that offer higher and more frequent payouts, instead of just picking one team at the beginning of the season.
For those that participate in fantasy football, this can be one of the most exciting times of the year. With the NFL draft just around the corner, teams have been wheeling and dealing during the free agency period. While this is a chance for your favorite team to improve their chances of winning, it also offers an opportunity to uncover next season’s best fantasy pick-ups. Furthermore, the Bills, Cowboys, Eagles, and Rams have all made trades and free agency pick-ups that could affect the up-coming fantasy slate.
Due to the popularity of fantasy football there is a seemingly never ending collection of resources to help you out before your draft. Fantasy football shows and other media sources all give breakdowns on the best picks. In addition, these resources can give help as to what leagues you should follow. In order to make the best decisions, look at articles like a draftkings review, or the reviews of other sites.
Players Swapped
One way for teams to improve and for player production to be altered is through trades. This offers a way for teams to switch up personnel, while staying away from spending more money than necessary in free agency.
One of the biggest trades to come down this off season was the trading of LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills, by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Bills gave up linebacker Kiko Alonso, a promising young player, in return for help in the backfield. This should especially help the Bills who were 25th in rushing last year.
Another big trade that also involved the Eagles, was the swapping of quarterbacks between themselves and the St. Louis Rams. Former #1 overall pick, Sam Bradford, had struggled to stay healthy during his time in St. Louis, while Nick Foles of the Eagles has also experienced injuries in recent years. While ability is not the question with either player, fans are hoping a change of scenery will help both players, and their new teams.
Free Agent Pick-Ups
While many times free agents get paid more than they are worth; the addition of the right free agent can bolster the strength of an offensive, defensive, or special teams unit.
The Buffalo Bills also made a splash in free agency, landing Percy Harvin. Harvin, who has experienced injuries of his own, possesses blazing speed and a big target to throw the ball at. He adds another talented receiver while helping draw attention away from rookie stand-out, Sammy Watkins Jr.
Free agency can be a catch 22 for many teams, however. For example, the Dallas Cowboys saw free agency claim last year’s leading rusher from their roster. On the Flip side, the Cowboys were able to land an all-pro defensive end in Greg Hardy. Although Hardy will likely be suspended to start the year, he will significantly strengthen the Cowboys defense upon his return.
Fantasy Implications
So what does this mean for your fantasy team? Well, given the nature of this off-season, some of these players could be your top producers.
The unification of LeSean McCoy and Percy Harvin with Sammy Watkins could have benefits for all three players. McCoy goes to a team that badly needs a running attack, and is willing to give him carries. Sammy Watkins was a top fantasy player last year; the addition of Harvin will open up more opportunities for both of them.
The addition of DeMarco Murray by the Eagles allowed them to strengthen an already talented offense, and bolster the middle of their defense. Demarco is always a strong fantasy pick, but the Eagles Defense could be just as good a pick.
Nick Foles or Sam Bradford could end up being solid #2 quarterbacks on your fantasy team. At the very least, they are good for a spot start on an unfortunate bye-week. Both seem to have the ability; if they can stay healthy, they could be major contributors to your fantasy team.
