The world of fantasy football is always abuzz with excitement, and as we dive into the new season, understanding which players are poised for success can be the difference between a championship and a disappointing finish. ESPN’s fantasy football projections are highly regarded, and their analysts have crunched the numbers to bring us the top players to watch. Let’s dive into the top 5 ESPN fantasy football projections for success, examining what makes these players stand out and why they’re likely to deliver.
1. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is having a breakout year, and the numbers back it up. ESPN projects McCaffrey to be one of the top running backs in fantasy football, with a robust workload expected in the 49ers’ offense. With an average draft position (ADP) of around 1.05, McCaffrey is often the first player off the board in fantasy drafts.
McCaffrey's versatility is a key factor in his high projection. He's not just a runner; he's also a significant contributor in the passing game, with an average of 4.5 receptions per game last season.
To understand McCaffrey’s potential, let’s examine his past performance and how it translates to future success:
| Season | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs | Fantasy Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 746 | 6 | 52 | 400 | 2 | 241.6 |
| 2023 | 946 | 8 | 60 | 450 | 3 | 280.6 |
ESPN projects McCaffrey to continue this trend, with around 1,000 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, 65 receptions, 500 receiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns.
2. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase is another player on ESPN’s top projections list. The Bengals’ star wide receiver has been a dominant force in the NFL, and his numbers are expected to remain high. With an ADP of around 3.05, Chase is often one of the first wide receivers taken in fantasy drafts.
Chase's chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow is a significant factor in his high projection. Their connection on the field is undeniable, and they've developed a strong rapport.
Let’s take a look at Chase’s past performance:
- 87 receptions in 2022
- 1,046 receiving yards in 2022
- 9 receiving touchdowns in 2022
- 5 receptions per game in 2023
- 65 receiving yards per game in 2023
ESPN projects Chase to continue being a top-tier wide receiver, with around 90 receptions, 1,200 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns.
3. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
Tight end is often a challenging position to fill in fantasy football, but Travis Kelce is one of the exceptions. The Chiefs’ star tight end has been a consistent performer, and ESPN projects him to continue being a top fantasy tight end.
Pros:
- Consistent target share
- Strong chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes
- Red-zone threat
Cons:
- Age (34)
- Potential decline in production
Let’s examine Kelce’s past performance:
- 97 receptions in 2022
- 1,227 receiving yards in 2022
- 5 receiving touchdowns in 2022
ESPN projects Kelce to remain a top tight end, with around 80 receptions, 900 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns.
4. Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
Tyreek Hill is a speedster on the Miami Dolphins, and ESPN projects him to be one of the top wide receivers in fantasy football. With an ADP of around 5.05, Hill is often taken in the early rounds of fantasy drafts.
Why Hill is a Top Projection:
- Elite speed
- Strong quarterback play from Tua Tagovailoa
- Significant target share
Let’s take a look at Hill’s past performance:
- 119 receptions in 2022
- 1,710 receiving yards in 2022
- 7 receiving touchdowns in 2022
ESPN projects Hill to continue being a top-tier wide receiver, with around 100 receptions, 1,500 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns.
5. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb is a rising star in the NFL, and ESPN projects him to be one of the top wide receivers in fantasy football. With an ADP of around 6.05, Lamb is often taken in the early rounds of fantasy drafts.
Lamb's versatility is a key factor in his high projection. He's not just a possession receiver; he's also a deep threat with the ability to make big plays.
Let’s examine Lamb’s past performance:
| Season | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 74 | 802 | 3 |
| 2023 | 85 | 950 | 5 |
ESPN projects Lamb to continue his upward trend, with around 90 receptions, 1,100 receiving yards, and 7 receiving touchdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the top running backs to draft in fantasy football?
+Christian McCaffrey is projected to be one of the top running backs, with a robust workload expected in the 49ers’ offense. Other top running backs include Derrick Henry and Alvin Kamara.
Which wide receivers are projected to have the most receptions?
+Ja’Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, and CeeDee Lamb are projected to be among the top wide receivers in terms of receptions. They have a strong connection with their quarterbacks and are expected to have a significant target share.
Is Travis Kelce still a top tight end in fantasy football?
+Yes, Travis Kelce is still projected to be a top tight end in fantasy football. He has a consistent target share and strong chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
What is the average draft position (ADP) of the top projected players?
+The ADP of the top projected players varies, but Christian McCaffrey is often the first player off the board, followed by Ja’Marr Chase, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, and CeeDee Lamb.
