In this article, we discuss an All-AFC South Fantasy Football Team which will use standard scoring. This fantasy team will consist of one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, one flex, one kicker, and a defense/special teams. Although one of the weakest divisions in the NFL in terms of on-field play, the AFC South makes for a great combined fantasy team.
All-AFC South Fantasy Football Team
Quarterback: Andrew Luck
Although Blake Bortles is the pick everyone seems to want this coming fantasy season, Luck is the guy. After a down year, Luck got healthy this off-season and should be firing on all cylinders come September. An improved offensive line along with several weapons at wide receiver will help Luck achieve his very high expectations. Even with his poor season, Luck still averages a two to one touchdown to interception ratio. 38 attempts per game to go along with a 270 yards per game average gives Luck an every week opportunity to be a top five fantasy quarterback. Luck can be drafted between rounds three and five depending on your draft strategy and custom league rules.
Running Back: Lamar Miller
One of the most underrated talents at the running back position is Lamar Miller. Amassing 1,269 total yards and ten total touchdowns a season ago, Miller will have a chance to increase those totals in 2016. Miller has never averaged less than four yards per carry in any season but has never gotten more than 216 attempts. With the Houston Texans, Miller will surely accumulate between 250 and 280 rushes. If he is able to maintain his current yards per carry average, 1,000 yards rushing is in sight for Miller. Combine those rushing numbers to go along with his incredible pass catching ability, and Miller will be a monster in both standard and PPR formats. Miller has a chance to have a big week at any given time given his explosive play-making ability. Be sure to snag him up in your top 20, surely as a second-round pick.
Running Back: DeMarco Murray
Not as exciting as Miller is DeMarco Murray. Two seasons ago, Murray was a top three running back in the league in both real and fantasy football. Nowadays, he will be lucky if he cracks the top fifteen. The expectations of his success were down going into last season, but no one thought how far down the reality would be. After getting 390+ attempts in 2014, Murray got less than half of that amount in 2015. Adding that fact on top of Murray being in a system that did not suit his attributes, his struggles were not a surprise. However, maintaining good speed and great one-cut ability, Murray still has a chance for fantasy value as a Titan. It is tough to give up on a good player after one bad year, but I don’t recommend taking a chance on Murray in the top 50. Somewhere in the fifth round would be a good spot for Murray as your RB2.
Wide Receiver: DeAndre Hopkins
Each season in his short career has seen DeAndre Hopkins set personal records in every major receiving category. In 2015, Hopkins hauled in 111 receptions, over 1,500 yards, and 11 touchdowns. Those numbers are impressive, but even more impressive is that he has not had a legitimate quarterback to work with. Now, Hopkins is bound to have another monster year with Brock Osweiler at the helm. Although I am not quite as optimistic as some people are, Osweiler is undoubtedly an upgrade at quarterback. Houston will have a great balance of run and pass, so Hopkins’ reception numbers may take a hit. However, you can expect 90 receptions, 1,200 yards and ten touchdowns to be a consistent landmark for years to come. Hopkins should be a first-round pick and definitely should not fall anywhere out of the top 15.
Wide Receiver: Allen Robinson
Allen Robinson brings another great wide receiver to the AFC South fantasy team. Although projected to have a nice season, nobody saw last season’s statistics coming from A-Rob. The improvement of Blake Bortles and a poor defense gave Robinson a ton of opportunities, which he made the most of. With only 80 receptions, Robinson attained 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. An average of 17.5 yards per reception and huge play-making ability supercharged Robinson’s fantasy value. Do not expect Robinson to repeat his yardage or touchdown totals, but he will likely increase his receptions. The Jaguars will be in closer games this coming season and will certainly look to have a more balanced attack. As my number eight wide receiver and number 20 overall, Robinson can be safely taken in the second round.
Tight End: Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker had a breakout campaign in 2015. Having three straight seasons of increased receptions and yards, Walker is one talented tight end. The only reason people are not raving about him yet is because he only had six touchdowns last season. The additions of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry should take some focus off of Walker. The expectations are that there will be more end zone and goal-to-go looks for Walker this season. Expect eight to ten touchdowns for Walker, between 70 and 75 catches, and 800+ receiving yards. Other than Gronk, it is tough to take a tight end early on. Hold off early, but taking Walker in the seventh round at around 80th overall is a strategy you’ll be happy with.
FLEX: Frank Gore
Although not an exciting or sexy pick, Frank Gore is a solid fantasy running back. Four of the last five seasons, Gore has rushed for over 1,100 yards. At times, it did seem that Gore had lost a step or two midway through the season. At other times, Gore showed a combination of tenacity, power, speed, and balance. However, the offensive line issues in Indianapolis did not only affect Andrew Luck’s play, they affected the entire team. A healthy Andrew Luck and an improved offensive line will surely open up some lanes for Gore this coming season. As an at best RB2 and likely FLEX position player, taking Gore in the sixth round will prove worthwhile.
*Other weekly options include T.Y. Hilton and Allen Hurns. PPR league players should consider these two in the fourth and fifth rounds, respectively.
Kicker: Adam Vinatieri
Vinatieri will be a top ten kicker every season that he is in the league. With a 92 percent conversion rate, Vinatieri’s accuracy is still at an elite level. Making eight out of eight field goals attempted within the 40-49 yard range and going four out of five on kicks from 50+ yards out, Vinatieri is by far the best kicker in this division. In the dome the Colts play in, Vinatieri is a threat for a 50+ yard field goal each week, converting a season long 55 yarder last season. With all of that being said, please don’t take a kicker before the last round of your draft.
Defense/Special Teams: Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are by far the best defense in this division. With playmakers all over the field, the Texans created 26 turnovers last season. Although not truly playing to form until they beat the Bengals, the Texans still managed a solid season defensively. Four different players had at least two interceptions while nine different players recovered a fumble. Likely being put into much better situations this season due to an improved offense, the Texans will have a top five fantasy defense in 2016. Similar to kickers, I urge you to not waste a pick early on a defense. Using a pick higher than round twelve is not worth it.
