Fantasy Football: Stay away from Kirk Cousins in 2016
When it comes to Fantasy Football, don’t let what quarterback Kirk Cousins did last season make you think he’ll replicate similar results in 2016.
Last year, quarterback Kirk Cousins of the Washington Redskins lit up the fantasy football scene. It was much to the surprise of owners everywhere as he literally came out of nowhere and delivered. In 2015, Cousins totaled a breakout year to the tune of 4,166 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His efforts led the Redskins to being NFC East champions and a ticket to the NFL Playoffs.
Related Story: Fantasy Football: Stock Up/Stock Down
As the ultimate fantasy sleeper last season, many believe Cousins could very well emerge as the next big quarterback of the NFL. He’s got the arm strength, accuracy and even mobility to warrant having a much higher fantasy status this time around. Considering he also totaled 48 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground, many predict he could have another consecutive big year with the Redskins.
Unfortunately, reality says otherwise. With the Redskins not having that many offensive weapons on their roster heading into the upcoming season, things won’t be as easy. Without any major weapons that can be relied upon to stay healthy all season long, Cousins will be faced with some major pressure to deliver again in 2016.
The sign of a great quarterback is having a potent rushing attack to help alleviate the load. Unfortunately for the Redskins, their running back corps isn’t anything to go crazy over.
Due to not having a decent ground game capable of keeping those chains moving, more likely than not, most of the production on offense will be all on Cousins.
For a player that had such great success last year to have to be depended upon to be the main catalyst on offense isn’t something many can deliver.
With a tougher slate of opponents, it won’t be easy for Cousins to rekindle that magic he endured all of last season.
If anything, he might regress in 2016 since the pressure will be too much for him to handle. He’s literally going to need to do everything to be put in a position to win. Frustration will build early and often for Cousins.
Even with household names like wide receiver DeSean Jackson and tight end Jordan Reed, their injury history proves they are unreliable. Aside from them, there is a lot of hope the Redskins’ offense can be a powerhouse like it was last season but again, reality says otherwise.
Cousins makes for a decent QB2 but many fantasy owners might jump the gun and reach to draft him higher due to everything he accomplished last year. It’ll be a mistake by the majority since he won’t be lighting up the scoreboard as frequently as he did.
must read: Fantasy bargain picks for Minnesota Vikings
Overall, it’s best to stay away from Cousins when it comes to considering drafting him into your fantasy football team. Don’t let last season fool you, he’s not going to have anything similar in 2016 and should only be drafted as a last resort. With plenty of other fantasy quarterbacks to consider, Cousins won’t be anywhere near QB1 status.