Last-minute fantasy football advice for all 32 NFL teams

Chicago Bears fantasy advice

I may still believe in Mitchell Trubisky a bit, but the only way you should take him is if you’re in a QB-only league. I’m not a fan of the running backs, either. David Montgomery is intriguing because he’s the lowest running back on draft boards to have a firm grip on the starting job. I’m unsure if he’s good enough to warrant anything higher than a borderline flex role. Tarik Cohen will rack up PPR points, though expectations should be tapered. As with Montgomery, he’s not a bad selection; just don’t rely on either for a weekly flow of manageable points.

Allen Robinson is not only a top-ten wide receiver in terms of talent — he may be a lock to be a top-ten fantasy receiver. He averaged nearly 16 PPR points last season en route to a WR8 finish. Even with poor quarterback play, Robinson can be a fantasy stud. Imagine if his passers improved just a little… He’s currently being the 11th receiver drafted.

Anthony Miller is also really talented, and he’s definitely worth a late-round pick. When he was healthy last season, he averaged 17.6 PPR points through weeks 11-15. I suspect a third-year breakout for the current WR53, though so much of his production could be impacted by a bad offense. Jimmy Graham has reportedly looked great at training camp, but until he turns practice into production, wait for the waivers if you want him.

Detroit Lions fantasy advice

This entire team is full of guys with tons of potential, yet they could reside in a bottom-ten offense. That’s not good for fantasy football. Matthew Stafford is always productive. Don’t forget he was on pace to being QB4 before his injury in Week Nine. He’s a pretty safe bet to finish as a top-12 quarterback this season.

Kerryon Johnson and D’Andre Swift are both talented players, but this role favors Swift. Don’t take either unless you have two, maybe three, reliable running backs already on your roster. Swift is the favorite to win this job because of the draft capital spent to take him, which could allow him to get 15+ carries a game. Make no mistake: The Lions’ starting running back could be in line for a nice season. I can also see Swift being a top-20 fantasy pick next year.

Kenny Golladay could easily finish top-ten at his position, too. He was WR9 last year, and that was without Stafford for half of the season. He’s an ideal candidate to be your first receiver if you don’t take one for the first two rounds, which is something I usually do. Marvin Jones’ fantasy relevance is literally tied to Stafford’s health.

Jones is a rare veteran receiver with upside in the seventh round. Due to Jones’ durability concerns, though, I’d prefer Jamison Crowder or Diontae Johnson in that range.

I was very high on T.J. Hockenson out of college and I still think he can overcome the slump that rookie tight ends commonly face. If you miss out on a top tight end, Hockenson is a solid fallback option.

Green Bay Packers fantasy advice

It’s tough to envision Aaron Rodgers breaking out this season. Suddenly, he’s the aging quarterback of a run-focused team with only one proven wide receiver. He finished as QB9 in 2019, yet only scored more than 20 fantasy points three times. I’m not saying he’s not good, I’m just saying there are better fantasy options out there.

Meanwhile, Aaron Jones continues to get disrespected. Not only is he a talented dual-threat runner, but let’s say rookie A.J. Dillon eats into Jones’ 16 rushing touchdowns, as expected. Jones can still finish as a top-ten running back. He may not have RB1 upside anymore, but Jones is still a good option. I’d be fine having him as my second running back. By the way, Dillon isn’t too inspiring yet, and Jamaal Williams’ role may have diminished to the point where you should fade him in fantasy.

Nothing has changed for Davante Adams, who should still be a top fantasy wide receiver. Why ESPN dropped Adams to 16 — one spot ahead of DeAndre Hopkins — is beyond me. He’ll be a reception vacuum again. If a WR2 emerges in Green Bay, snag him. While I’m dubious about the Packers’ options there, I’d throw my hat on Allen Lazard if given the choice. He’s not a bad sleeper, especially if he wins the starting job.

There are many players better than Jace Sternberger, though a starting tight end on this type of team could eventually provide some value. He’s not a terrible pick in super deep leagues. Keep an eye on this position if you’re desperate.

Minnesota Vikings fantasy advice

Kirk Cousins isn’t going to win you your league. If anything, he’s a mid-tier, matchup-based quarterback. FantasyPros lists him as QB22. At that ADP, shoot for guys with more upside.

Dalvin Cook is rightfully a first-round pick. If he can stay healthy, he will be a top-five fantasy running back. While he only missed two games last year, I’d rather take my chances on a player whose only concern is that he’s a rookie. (Yes, that’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire.) The real decision is Cook vs. Alvin Kamara, which I’ll discuss in the next slide. Don’t draft Cook and Alexander Mattison, by the way. If Mattison balls out, it’s only because Cook got hurt.

I really like Adam Thielen this year. Yes, he’s 30 and yes, he’s dealt with back injuries, so draft at your own risk. With Stefon Diggs gone, expect Thielen to get more than the 153 targets he saw in 2018. Since 2011, 23 of 27 wide receivers to finish WR3 or higher saw 150 or more targets. New offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak runs an offense that historically favors their WR1, which in this case is Thielen.

I also really like Justin Jefferson this year. As Minnesota’s first-round pick, Jefferson has a clear path to taking Diggs’ role. If Jalen Reagor is gone, Jefferson is a prime pick in the ninth or 10th rounds. You won’t see me buying any stock in a Vikings’ tight end, yet. Certainly consider adding Kyle Rudolph or Irv Smith Jr. if either start to produce, though.