By: Michael Skillman, Team X Analyst
Here are a few players I feel like are going to bounce back in a big way!
Larry Fitzgerald WR Arizona Cardinals – Prior to last season, Fitz had 3 straight seasons of at least 100 receptions. In his career, he’s still never had less than 103 targets and that season he only played 14 games. Yes he’s 35 years old, but there’s a lot of young, raw receivers on this team and he’s still going to be a big part of this offense. Fitz is still their best red zone threat as well. With Kyler Murray coming in and Kingsbury’s offensive mind, I think they’ll use Fitz a lot around the goal line and to pick up first downs. I see another season of over 100 targets and around 7 TDs. I’d love to see him finish his career with a great season because he deserves for being such a great dude and sticking it out with Arizona and all their crap QBs.
Derek Carr QB Oakland Raiders – Somehow Derek Carr has become a laughing stock in the fantasy community. All this coming after a season in 2016 where he passed for 28 TDs and only 6 interceptions, and led the Raiders to the playoffs for the first time in forever. In that same season he supported two 1000 yard receivers in Cooper and Crabtree. Last season he exceeded his career high in yards and completed 69% of his passes with almost nothing at the receiving core. I’ve never understood the hate for him. I think he’s going to bounce back this season because of another year in his new system. It also helps they signed arguably the best receiver in the league and are committed to helping the run game.
Devonta Freeman RB Atlanta Falcons – Freeman was injured much of last season leaving Coleman and Ito Smith the reigns. Neither Coleman or Smith did much to show that Freeman is in any danger of losing his job. With the departure of Coleman, it should make the backfield in Atlanta a one man show for Freeman. I think they try and get Smith involved, but with such a disparity in talent, Freeman could be in store for even more touches than he’s had the past few years. Barring injury, Freeman could and should be in the conversation for a RB 8 or higher kind of season.
Team X Scouting 