The number one pick is both the best and the worst pick in fantasy football. You have the opportunity to pick the best of the bunch but pick carefully because it could end poorly for you. Take last year for example. If you took someone like Todd Gurley with the first overall pick, your season probably didn’t end up great. This year it’s a fairly easy decision, you either choose David Johnson or Le’Veon Bell. There’s a case to make for both of them.
David Johnson-Â The Arizona Cardinals running back had a breakout season in 2016. With a total 20 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards from scrimmage, Johnson ended the season as the number one fantasy running back.
But should he be your number one pick? The Cardinals don’t have the hardest schedule in the league. In the first eight weeks they face the 49ers, Colts, Buccaneers and Eagles. All of which have sub par defenses in the NFL today especially in terms of defensive line.
Schedule isn’t much of a factor for David Johnson however, as he is the lead rusher on the team and is arguably the main receiver. Larry Fitzgerald is getting older and older and can’t keep up the production he’s had in the last couple of years.
Not only is David Johnson productive, but he’s also efficient. He was second in the NFL last year in terms of yards after contact with 486 and fifth in the league for running backs with only four drops.
David Johnson is coming off of a pretty big knee injury but the Cardinals have high hopes for their offensive line and Johnson should benefit from that immediately.
Le’Veon Bell-Â Le’Veon Bell is a frustrating player to own in fantasy football. He has off the field issues and a long injury history that has kept him off the field for long periods of time.
Last year Bell missed three games due to suspension and one due to rest by the team. Even with four missed games, Bell ended the season as the number five fantasy running back.
However, 42 out of his 231 points came in one week. Bell may be the best dual-threat running back in the game today and that goes a long way in the NFL. One cause for concern that comes with drafting Bell is his current contract situation.
According to media reports, Le’Veon Bell will report to the team before the first regular season game so there’s not too much concern that comes with that. The Steelers have the fourth easiest schedule in the NFL in 2017 and if the Steelers offense can remain healthy for an entire season then Bell is the clear cut number one overall pick.
At the end of the day you won’t go wrong taking either of these guys, but I believe that Le’Veon Bell is the right person to take at number one. Being the centerpiece of a high-powered offense and arguably the best dual threat back in the game, he’s in line for a huge year in Pittsburgh.
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