Fantasy Football Guide 2021: NFC sleepers, targets, busts, strategies
By Zach Cohen
Philadelphia Eagles Fantasy Football Guide
Jalen Hurts is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward player. There is so much we don’t know about him. We don’t know if he’s a good quarterback. We don’t know if his receivers are good yet. We don’t know how this new offense will operate. So what do we know about Hurts? In the four games he started last season, his point totals were 19.3, 37.8, 18.6 and 16.3, respectively. We also know that made him QB9 in that span.
As QB11, I’ll probably pass on Hurts because I know I can get one of two high-upside passers later, like Trey Lance or Justin Fields. Hurts is a fine backup to have, and at a certain price, I’ll gladly roll the dice on him. An ideal pairing would be with Hurts and Matthew Stafford. I’d still rather draft Ryan Tannehill, though.
Like with Hurts, Miles Sanders brings a slew of questions. While he’s talented enough to be an every-down back, I’m not sure Philadelphia agrees. They drafted Kenneth Gainwell to pair with Boston Scott, all of whom can have very clear roles in the Eagles’ offense. At least Sanders can be the primary back in short-yardage situations.
If you’re drafting Sanders, you’re hoping he can play at least 75 percent of the team’s offensive snaps, which he did with Hurts as the starter last season. You’re also wishing Philadelphia’s offensive line returns to full form. In his range, D’Andre Swift and David Montgomery have higher ceilings, and Chris Carson and James Robinson have higher floors. You might as well pick your poison.
I was high on Jalen Reagor last year, and while I haven’t completely written him off following a disappointing rookie season, I don’t know if he can be a reliable WR2 in this offense. As the Colts’ offensive coordinator, Nick Sirianni orchestrated three seasons of moderate-to-high rushing rates. Yes, Indy’s personnel may have something to do with that. That encourages me to look a bit harder at Hurts and DeVonta Smith. Sirianni may very well build his gameplan around these two young, promising players. I just don’t know how often Hurts is going to throw the ball.
While Smith can be a true WR1, I don’t love him. I also don’t hate him. Like with Sanders, Smith has a ton of potential, yet he’s surrounded by other receivers who may be a bit more stable for your lineups, like Antonio Brown and Tyler Boyd. I’m fading Reagor at his ADP and eyeing a receiver in a better, clearer situation.
Unless Zach Ertz gets traded — which may not happen now — I find it tough to pick him and Dallas Goedert at their current ADPs. Keep an eye on both as buy-low candidates during the season if Ertz is moved, though. You can draft a good team, but the moves you make during the season determine your team’s success.