While the 2021 NFL season is still months away, it is never too early to prepare for the fantasy season. Whether it’s research, mock drafts, or going with your gut, everyone has a way to prepare for their fantasy drafts. However, this isn’t another article to help you prepare for the fantasy season. Today, I am going to give three bold fantasy predictions for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021.
All stats are base on PPR scoring.
Be sure to check out all of Fanelli’s Fantasy Predictions.
Jalen Hurts Finishes Outside the Top-12 Quarterback
When the Eagles traded Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts, Hurts’ fantasy value increased. However, there is plenty of uncertainly surrounding Hurts. In his four games as the starter last season, Hurts averaged 23 fantasy points per game. However, he scored under 20 in three of those games. Many were excited by Hurts’ performance against Arizona, where he scored 37.8 fantasy points. However, the Cardinals had one of the worse pass defenses last season. Furthermore, in the three games, he played start to finish, Hurts had two interceptions while completing only 55 percent of his passes. While Hurts’ rushing ability gives him a weekly floor, his inconsistent play in the passing game is a concern, especially for those in six-point per passing touchdown leagues.
DeVonta Smith Finishes leads All Rookies in Catches
Last season, the Eagles were the only team in the NFL not to have a single wide receiver average double-digit fantasy points per game. With their glaring hole at wide receiver, the Eagles traded up on draft night to secure Smith. In his final season at Alabama, Smith had 117 catches for 1,856 yards, 23 touchdowns and won the Heisman Trophy. Now, he won’t put up those numbers in the NFL, but his route running makes him ready to contribute early on as a rookie. While last year’s first-round pick Jalen Reagor should improve this season, Smith is the more talented receiver. As the Eagles’ No. 1 wide receiver, combined with the lack of talent around him, Smith should easily see enough targets to lead all rookies in catches.
Kenneth Gainwell Finishes as a Top-36 Running Back
In the offseason, the Eagles hired former Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni as their new head coach. Sirianni has a history of getting his running backs involved in the passing game. Last season, Nyheim Hines finished as the RB15, averaging 12.1 fantasy points per game. In 16 games, Hines caught 63 of 76 targets for 482 yards and four touchdowns. When the Eagles used a fifth-round pick on Gainwell, Sirianni compared him to Hines. Hurts won’t throw to his running backs as much as Philip Rivers did last season because of his rushing ability. However, Gainwell has experience playing wide receiver and running back during his time at Memphis. It shouldn’t come as a surprise if Gainwell finishes third on the team in catches this season.
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