Fantasy Football: 5 Bold predictions for the 2021 season
By Matt Gruber
2. Sony Michel emerges as the running back to roster in LA
The Los Angeles Rams recently acquired running back Sony Michel. In what many believe to be a much-needed depth piece in their backfield once Cam Akers went down, I beg to differ. I think Michel will emerge as the best back on this team and will produce the best fantasy numbers.
The oft-injured Darrell Henderson is a solid player, but we have never seen him handle the load before. However, Michel, a former first-round pick, has shown he can handle the bulk of the carries. In his rookie year on the New England Patriots, he carried the ball 209 times. The following year, he logged 247 carries. I think this move by the Rams says a lot more about what they think of Henderson, rather than what they think of their depth.
Michel has looked good in the preseason, showing that he can also be used out of the backfield to catch the ball. With an ADP much later than Henderson, Michel will be a great value pick, ultimately usurping the majority of the touches from the other backs on this team.
1. Laviska Shenault is a solid WR2
After an encouraging rookie campaign from Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Laviska Shenault, there is a lot of potential for this young wideout. The second-round pick is a breakout candidate this year and I fully expect him to be a weekly fantasy starter. I see Shenault finishing the year as a wide receiver two.
In 14 games last season, Shenault recorded 58 receptions for 600 yards and five touchdowns. He also added 18 rushes for 91 yards. Prorated for a 16-game season, and Shenault would have tallied 66 catches, 686 yards, and six touchdowns while adding 104 rushing yards. This would have been good for 181 fantasy points, or, the WR38.
Next. NFL picks, score predictions for Week 1. dark
The 24th ranked wide receiver finished last season with 212.1 fantasy points. With a year of experience and a major upgrade at quarterback with the first overall pick in Trevor Lawrence, Shenault is poised to take a major leap. I expect all his numbers to increase, propelling him into that next group of receivers.