Fantasy Football Blog 1: Who to pick No. 1?

The NFL preseason is just days away from starting, and a bunch of important players still have not agreed to a long term contract yet. Players like Kahlil Mack, Aaron Donald, and Earl Thomas are still trying to work out long-term contracts with their teams. But Sam Darnold, who has not seen the field yet, is losing precious time while his agent is working with the Jets organization to get a rookie contract squared away. Sam Darnold's chances of getting the starting job in Week 1 is dwindling as his competitors Teddy Bridgewater and Josh McCown are taking reps with the offense already. Hopefully, these players can get on the field soon and not miss too much valuable time with their players and coaches. If that's not exciting enough, the fantasy football season is back! Die-hard players are knocking out mock drafts and gorging over magazines trying to get that much-needed edge on their opponents. Every pick is crucial in these drafts and without the right mindset, you could be the big loser in your league. I will be writing multiple blogs a week to keep you updated on everything you need to know before the NFL season starts. Here is my list of players to pick No. 1 in your draft...


Le'Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

https://www.steelcityunderground.com/2017/09/21/
matchup-of-the-week-leveon-bell-vs-bears-run-d/

Why pick him No. 1: Le'Veon Bell is one of the best players at his position right now. According to pro-football-reference.com, he ran for 1,291 yards in 2017 with 9 TDs. He is a reliable catcher to with 655 yards and 2 TDs. Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliot might provide more production than Bell, but don't pass on him if he's still on your board. Big Ben is going to retire any season now, so expect Bell to have a breakout season as more reps will probably go his way. Bell is in his late 20's and nearing his prime so he isn't holding anything back now. Bell has still not shown up for training camp barring his contract problem so this might add for some early season woes. Make sure to add a good RB to replace Bell if needed just as a precaution. Other than that, I like Bell as a 1st round choice and he should produce a great year for fantasy players alike.


Odell Beckham Jr, WR, New York Giants

http://www.stack.com/a/odell-beckham-jr-reveals-his-opinion-
of-the-best-cornerback-in-the-NFL-hint-its-not-richard-Sherman

Why pick him No. 1: After being injured in Week 5 of the 2017 regular season and having to miss the rest of the season, many fantasy players were horrified. Losing your star player so early in the season can be devastating to anyone's chances of winning their league. But, Odell Beckham Jr looks healthier than ever and could be the stud WR once again in 2018. The one problem is the person who will be throwing him the balls: Eli Manning. Eli had one of his worst seasons last year as a QB in the NFL. He is 37 and will retire any day now. If Eli Manning can't find his groove again. Odell might not get the same opportunities he once got 2 years ago. According to pro-football-reference.com, Odell put up at least 1300 yards in each of his first 3 seasons. He also scored at least 10 TDs in each of those first 3 seasons aswell. If Bell, Gurley, and Elliot are all gone, he is your next man up. Don't look past him just because he had an injury last year, as Odell is still the same one hand catch wonder everyone continues to talk about and love.

Todd Gurley, RB, Los Angeles Rams

https://www.inquisitr.com/opinion/4423438/los-angeles-
rams-why-todd-Gurley-will-turn-his-career-around/

Why pick him No. 1: Todd Gurley EXPLODED in his third year as an NFL running back. Per pro-football-reference.com, he had 1,305 yards in '17 with 13 TDs. His receiving numbers were extremely high also as he got 64 balls with 788 yards and 6 TDs. He is a very reliable player in PPR and Non-PPR leagues no matter where you draft him. With a stout defense that should get offenses off the field in a hurry, expect Todd Gurley's production to increase in 2018. Jared Goff is entering his third year in the NFL so he still has some struggles throwing the ball. His throws were on target about 60% of the time. Their best receiver might be Brandin Cooks; who just came from the New England Patriots. Todd Gurley will continue to be better as a player and could be the best RB in the NFL in 2018. If you are one of the first teams in your draft, the chances of getting him are extremely high and there is no doubt in my mind that he is your go-to-guy if available at your turn.

Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Dallas Cowboys 

http://www.t4mag.com/cowboys-rb-ezekiel-
elliot-fine-after-minor-car-accident-884.html

Why pick him No. 1: Ezekiel Elliot was one of the greatest RB's of all time at Ohio State. He is definitely showing off that accomplishment with the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. But he has had his off-the-field issues as well. In July 2016, Elliot was suspect ally getting into some domestic affairs with his former girlfriend. This cost him the 1st 6 weeks of the 2017 NFL regular season. His draft stock in fantasy plummeted mightly as many passed on him until rounds 4-6, as nobody wanted him being wasted on their team. For the fantasy players that were unlucky enough to forget to take him off their starting lineup, I have no words for you. According to pro-football-reference.com, Elliot ran for less than 1000 yards in 2016 compared to a monstrous 2017 campaign of 1631 yards. I would rank Elliot as the 3rd best RB in fantasy behind Gurley and Bell but possibly 4th if David Johnson has any juice left. The Cowboys receiving game is falling apart so expect Elliot to get more touches this year anyway as he tries to get back to form after a HUGE setback last year.