NFC East teams combined for a 26-38 record on the field last season. Luckily, team success has no direct effect on individual players’ fantasy value. The All-NFC East fantasy football team has a good combination of skilled veterans, rising stars, and some unknowns. This article is based on standard scoring with one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, one flex, one kicker, and a defense/special teams. The All-NFC East fantasy football team is sure to have many ups and downs throughout the season.
All-NFC East Fantasy Football Team
QB: Eli Manning
Throwing for over 4,400 yards with 35 touchdowns to only 14 interceptions, 2015 was one of Eli Manning’s best fantasy football seasons ever. Eli’s newest and most explosive threat, Odell Beckham is one of the biggest reasons for his success. Besides making “The Catch,” Beckham has the ability to create separation on an every play basis, giving Eli a chance for a big week, each week. Head Coach Ben McAdoo has been able to use Eli’s best attributes; arm strength and fearlessness, to create an offense that attacks opposing defenses. The west coast offense does not emphasize running the ball, which may hurt them in terms of winning games. However this philosophy gives Manning, Beckham, and newcomer Sterling Shepard, great fantasy value. Depending on your draft strategy, Manning could be taken between rounds six and ten.
RB: Ezekiel Elliott
Rookie running backs are always hard to predict. However, Ezekiel Elliott is in a great situation to have success. First of all, “Zeke” was the number four overall pick in the NFL draft. Even if Darren McFadden was fully healthy, Elliott would have got an opportunity to take the starting role. Second, Elliott is running behind the best offensive line in football. Third, Elliott is the total package with attributes that most importantly include pass blocking proficiency. His rushing ability with speed and power are great, but his pass blocking will keep him on the field for all three downs. Apparently Elliott has the potential to see several hundred touches this coming season. Elliott is a guaranteed top 15 pick, likely being taken in the 1st round.
RB: Ryan Mathews
The three other running back starters in this division are of similar ability and situation. The difference among them is that Ryan Mathews has had a monster season in his career. Although health is always a concern for Mathews, he can be a steal in your fantasy draft. Getting only 106 attempts last season, Mathews managed six rushing touchdowns and 5.1 yards per carry. With a workload that is guaranteed to increase, it should not surprise anyone if he is able to get into the endzone between nine and 11 times this coming season. Having an undervalued average draft pick as high as number 62 overall, do not hesitate to pounce on Mathews as the 20th best running back somewhere around the 5th round.
WR: Odell Beckham Jr.
If he is available wherever you are drafting, take him immediately or you may regret it. Only Randy Moss had a better start to his fantasy career than Odell Beckham and Moss played in five more games. Beckham got passed his minor hamstring issue his rookie season and has not looked back since. In 2015, Beckham finished in the top five in touchdowns, yards, 20+ yard receptions, and 40+ yard receptions. You can be sure that a healthy OBJ will contend to be the best fantasy wide receiver for a long time. He is a 1st round pick, no matter what league you are in.
WR: Dez Bryant
A disappointing 2015 should not deter you from grabbing Dez Bryant as a top 20 pick. Between Bryant and Tony Romo’s injuries, statistics do not do his skill set any justice. For now he and his quarterback are both healthy and ready for the 2016 season. Combining those two talents with ageless veteran Jason Witten and the aforementioned Ezekiel Elliot, the Dallas offense will bring high quality fantasy play as they have in the past.
TE: Jordan Reed
Although there is not too much competition at this position for Jordan Reed, he would be atop most divisions in the NFL. With nearly 40% of his receiving yards in the last 4 games of the season, Reed and quarterback Kirk Cousins found a great rhythm late in the year. That rhythm took many fantasy owners to their championships last year. This year, look for the Cousins and Reed connection to continue. Having 54% of Reed’s receptions resulting in first downs a year ago, it would not be surprising for that number to stay consistent. If Cousins continues to trust Reed, Reed could make a run at Rob Gronkowski for best fantasy tight end this coming season. Currently being taken between 38-42 overall, you may feel obliged to reach on Reed between rounds 3 and 4.
FLEX: Matt Jones
With a disappointing rookie season, Matt Jones will have a great chance to get on track in 2016. The departure of Alfred Morris will give Jones an opportunity to be the starting running back for a division champion. With no real threat for touches, Jones could be a nice late round steal. Jones has big play ability, but needs to clean up his fumble issues before he can be trusted. Being taken at around 80th overall in most mock drafts, do not feel the need to wait that long if you are not satisfied with your first two running backs. An early 7th or late 6th round pick would not be a bad time to take Jones considering his potential touches.
*If you are in a PPR league, Jordan Matthews, DeSean Jackson, or Sterling Shepard could be very good options as well, respectively.
K: Josh Brown
Josh Brown and Dan Bailey were virtually even last season. Both kickers were 30/32, both were perfect from under 40 yards, and both were 11/13 from 40+ yards. The difference-maker here was that Bailey only attempted 25 extra points while Brown attempted 45. This shows that the Giants offense moved the ball more efficiently and which gives Brown more opportunity. Either way, you cannot go wrong with Bailey or Brown. I am a firm believer that taking a kicker in any round other than the last is a complete waste.
D/ST: Washington Redskins
In a division where most teams had a losing record, it is hard to pick a defense that will be good. The Giants made several big moves in the off-season, but we have yet to see what they can do together. The Eagles were a top five fantasy defense under Chip Kelly, but had no return touchdowns last season. The Cowboys are not getting better on defense, especially with the recent 10 game suspension of Rolando McClain. Therefore, for now, the defending champion Redskins are owners of the division’s best defense. The addition of Josh Norman helps secure the secondary whileRyan Kerrigan is still the leader of the front seven. If you can, avoid taking a defense from this division early on.
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