Emmanuel Sanders

Emmanuel Sanders (10) runs through the fog from the tunnel to the field of play. (Photo from 247Sports.com)

After three consecutive seasons with at least 136 targets, 1032 yards and five touchdowns (2014-2016), Sanders had just 92 targets and 47 catches, which he turned into 555 yards and two touchdowns in 2017. His struggles last season can be pinned on both the atrocious quarterback play in Denver, which ranked second to last in average team passer rating (73.0), as well as a lingering ankle injury, which caused him to miss four total games.

With Case Keenum under center, as well as a healthy start to 2018, a resurgence for Sanders is imminent. Over a 16-game sample size, one can expect Sanders to see upwards of 120 targets, which he will have no problem turning into a handful of touchdowns.

According to Fantasypros.com, on average, Sanders is currently being drafted as the WR36, behind fellow receivers Robert Woods, Devin Funchess and Pierre Garcon. None of the aforementioned receivers will see anywhere near 120 targets, making Sanders my choice as we head toward the middle rounds of he your fantasy football draft.

Cooper Kupp

Kupp had a very respectable rookie campaign, turning 94 targets into 62 catches for 869 yards and five touchdowns. The most interesting stat surrounding Kupp was his red-zone opportunity in 2017, as his 23 red-zone targets were tied for third most in the NFL behind only Jimmy Graham and Kennan Allen. With Sammy Watkins departure, there will be further red-zone and ten-zone targets available in Los Angeles.

The arrival of Brandin Cooks may limit Kupp’s fantasy ceiling, although his presence won’t stop Kupp from being the Rams leader in receptions and touchdowns in 2018. The 25-year-old is currently being drafted as the WR37, behind teammates Brandin Cooks (WR19) and Robert Woods (WR32). If you agree with the idea that Kupp will be the most productive receiver in Los Angeles, then he is a clear player to target in the mid-rounds of your fantasy football draft in 2018.

Jamison Crowder

Jamison Crowder (80) running with the ball in 2017. (Photo from Zimbio.com)

Jamison Crowder will be the most heavily targeted Washington Redskin in 2018, and if you have read any of this article, you’ll understand to value volume over any other factor in fantasy football. Aside from the volume, the addition of quarterback Alex Smith, will further benefit Crowder, as according to fantasypros.com, “Smith doesn’t like throwing into tight windows… [and] Crowder averaged 3.2 yards of separation, which ranked eighth among receivers in 2017”, whereas recently acquired Paul Richardson and Josh Doctson were mediocre at separating.

Crowder’s currently being selected as the WR40, behind Jordy Nelson (WR38) and Marquise Goodwin (WR34), although I would draft Crowder over the aforementioned names due to volume alone.

You can ‘Like’ The Game Haus on Facebook and ‘Follow’ us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from other great TGH writers along with Avery!
“From Our Haus to Yours”