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 Washington Football Team in 2021.
All stats are base on PPR scoring.
Be sure to check out all of Fanelli’s Fantasy Predictions.
Terry McLaurin Finishes as a Top-12 Wide Receiver
Even with the merry-go-round at quarterback last season, McLaurin finished as the WR20, averaging 14.9 fantasy points per game. More impressively, despite Washington finishing last season with the third-fewest passing touchdowns in the league (16), McLaurin was able to finish as a top-20 wide receiver. Moreover, McLaurin had a 25.5 percent target share and a 23.6 percent red zone target share last season. However, McLaurin is in a great position to have the third-year wide receiver breakout. With the signing of Ryan Fitzpatrick, McLaurin will play with the best quarterback of his career. Furthermore, defenses can no longer solely focus on stopping McLaurin with Curtis Samuel on the other side. With the upgrade at quarterback, expect a breakout season from McLaurin.
Curtis Samuel has Double-Digit Total Touchdowns
When the Carolina Panthers signed Robby Anderson last offseason, many thought Samuel could be on the trade block. Instead, Samuel had a career year, finishing with 118 touches, 1,051 scrimmage yards, and 14.1 fantasy points per game. However, despite touching the ball 45 more times than in 2019, Samuel’s touchdowns decreased by almost 30 percent. Over the final three years in Carolina, Samuel averaged 6.3 touchdowns per game. In Washington, Samuel should have a similar role as he did last season, getting work in the passing and running game. With Fitzpatrick under center, Samuel will have a quarterback not afraid to throw the ball downfield. The Washington offense projects to be high-scoring and explosive this season. Fantasy players should expect Samuel to be a critical factor in the offense.
Ryan Fitzpatrick leads the League in Air Yards
Last season, Fitzpatrick averaged 8.1 air yards per attempt, ranking 14th in the league. Furthermore, Fitzpatrick averaged 239.2 air yards and 143.4 completed air yards per game last season. More importantly, Fitzpatrick finished second in the NFL with a 56.5 percent deep ball completion rate. Fitzpatrick was that impressive throwing the ball downfield despite a limited set of downfield weapons. In Washington, Fitzpatrick will have plenty of downfield weapons. Despite playing with check-down quarterbacks in Alex Smith and Kyle Allen, McLaurin averaged almost 88 air yards per game last season. Meanwhile, third-round rookie Dyami Brown was a vertical threat at UNC, averaging 20.1 yards per catch over his final two seasons. With McLaurin, Samuel, and Brown at his disposal, expect Fitzpatrick to take plenty of shots downfield.
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