Best Fantasy Football Player on Each NFL Team

By (Correspondent) on June 21, 2012

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Tom Brady. Matt Forte. Andre Johnson. Jimmy Graham.

These four players are fantasy football studs and can significantly help any fantasy team, right?

Though these guys may be some of the best fantasy players in the NFL, they are not even the best on their own NFL teams.

For the 2012 season, here are the best fantasy football players on each NFL team.

Cleveland Browns

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Trent Richardson, RB

With rookie Brandon Weeden likely to be the starting quarterback, expect Richardson to be the entire Cleveland Browns offense.

Not only will he get 20 carries a game, but he will also be a solid running back for PPR leagues with his ability to catch out of the backfield.

Cincinnati Bengals

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A.J. Green, WR

If there was anything people learned about the Cincinnati Bengals last season, it was that Green is an absolute beast. In his first season, Green had over 1,000 yards receiving and was named to the Pro Bowl.

Green will follow up his stellar rookie season with an even better one, solidifying himself as a top-10 fantasy wide receiver.

Baltimore Ravens

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Ray Rice, RB

Rice is the entire Baltimore Ravens offense. Arguably the best fantasy player this year, Rice is the deadliest running back in PPR leagues.

Not only is he guaranteed to rush over 1,200 yards, but you can count on him for at least 70 receptions.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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Mike Wallace, WR

The past two seasons, Wallace has put up consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Now that he is in a pass-happy offense, Wallace should be getting even more looks in 2012.

Unhappy about his contract, expect Wallace to continue to put up top-10 fantasy receiver numbers.

Buffalo Bills

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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Fred Jackson, RB

Through 10 games in 2011, Jackson was one of the best fantasy players in the entire league. He nearly ran for 1,000 yards and had six touchdowns.

Do not overlook Jackson in your fantasy drafts because of his injury-shortened season. He can easily be a top-five fantasy running back.

Miami Dolphins

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Reggie Bush, RB

In his first season as a starting running back, Bush showed everyone why he was one of the most hyped prospects coming out of college.

He recorded his first 1,000-yard rushing season in his NFL career. With a lack of depth at the receiver position, expect the Miami Dolphins to be calling Bush's number often in 2012.

New York Jets

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Tim Tebow, QB

There is no way Tebow is not going to be the starting quarterback for the New York Jets at some point next season.

Though his performance on the field can make you cringe, Tebow is actually a solid fantasy player with his ability to run. When the Jets are in the red zone, Tebow should be getting plenty of rushing touchdowns.

New England Patriots

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 14:  Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates by spiking the ball after he scored a 12-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette St
Al Bello/Getty Images

Rob Gronkowski, TE

The New England Patriots are stacked with great fantasy players, whether it is Gronkowski, Tom Brady or Wes Welker.

However, Gronkowski is the best fantasy player on the Patriots because of the numbers he puts up at the tight end position. He had one of the best seasons ever for a tight end in NFL history, and there is no reason why he should not continue this type of play.

Entering only his third season, Gronkowski should be drafted with in the first three rounds of your fantasy drafts.

Indianapolis Colts

INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19:  Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts is pictured during  warmups before the NFL game against the New York Giants  at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Reggie Wayne, WR

Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck has a horrible supporting cast, besides Reggie Wayne.

Luck cannot rely on their run game because they have no legit starting running back. He is going to have to throw to someone, and Wayne is his only experienced wide receiver.

Wayne could potentially have a Steve Smith comeback season if Luck is able to have a successful rookie season.

Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 01:  Running back Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars rushes upfield against the Indianapolis Colts January 1, 2012 at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB

Is there even anyone else worth mentioning on the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Houston Texans

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Arian Foster, RB

Despite missing three games, Foster still managed to rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored 12 total touchdowns.

His teammate, Andre Johnson, is not too far behind, but Foster is arguably the best running back in the NFL and will be a top-three fantasy draft pick.

Tennessee Titans

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Chris Johnson, RB

Johnson was one of the biggest busts in 2011, but he should have a bounce-back season in 2012. He held out of training camp last year because of his contract and missed valuable time.

Do not expect another 2,000-yard rushing season, but after a full offseason, Johnson should return to his regular form.

Denver Broncos

ENGLEWOOD, CO - MAY 21:  Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos looks on during organized team activities at Dove Valley on May 21, 2012 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Peyton Manning, QB

Assuming Manning is healthy, he is arguably the best fantasy quarterback in the league.

If Tim Tebow could succeed in Denver, then there is no reason why Manning should not be able to do the same.

San Diego Chargers

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Philip Rivers, QB

Do not try to tell me that Ryan Mathews is the best fantasy player on the San Diego Chargers. In two seasons, he seems to always be dealing with injuries, and his career high in rushing yards is 1,091.

Rivers, on the other hand, has had four straight seasons of 4,000 passing yards and at least 27 touchdown passes. 

Although Rivers struggled this past season, throwing 20 interceptions, this is still his team and he should continue to play like a top-10 fantasy quarterback.

Kansas City Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 11:  Running back Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs catches a pass against pressure from defensive back Aaron Williams #23 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter on September 11, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in
Peter Aiken/Getty Images

Jamaal Charles, RB

Despite coming off of a knee injury, Charles will still be very effective in the Kansas City Chiefs offense.

Charles has never been a workhorse running back, so his injury will not affect him as much as it would other running backs. In 2010, he had fewer than 15 carries in each of his 10 games, but he still managed to rush for over 1,400 yards.

Oakland Raiders

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 16:  Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum on October 16, 2011 in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Darren McFadden, RB

When healthy, McFadden is one of the best fantasy running backs. With no more Michael Bush in Oakland, he should put up even better numbers.

The problem with McFadden though is that he can never stay healthy. Not once in his four-year career has he played an entire season.

I would not use a first-round pick on McFadden because of his health, but expect him to put up great numbers until he gets injured.

Dallas Cowboys

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Tony Romo, QB

Despite the Dallas Cowboys' struggles on the field, Romo has still managed to play at a high level. Last season was one of Romo's best seasons, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Romo will continue to be one of the better fantasy quarterbacks, especially with the improvement of young players like Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray.

Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 27:  LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball in the second quarter against Sterling Moore #29 of the New England Patriots at Lincoln Financial Field on November 27, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

LeSean McCoy, RB

After scoring 21 touchdowns in only his third season, McCoy has solidified himself as one of the best fantasy players in the entire NFL.

He may not score 20 touchdowns again in 2012, but he will still rack up a ton of fantasy points and be drafted within the first three picks.

New York Giants

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 05:  Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants gestures against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Giants won 21-20.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Ima
Al Bello/Getty Images

Eli Manning, QB

After winning his second Super Bowl, Manning will take his game to the next level in 2012.

The past three seasons, he has thrown for over 4,000 yards and at least 27 touchdowns. With receivers like Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, Manning will join the elite tier of fantasy quarterbacks.

Look to make Manning your starting fantasy quarterback if you cannot land Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees or Tom Brady.

Washington Redskins

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 04:  Fred Davis #83 of the Washington Redskins celebrates the Redskins first touchdown against the New York Jets during the first half at FedExField on December 4, 2011 in Landover, Maryland.  (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Rob Carr/Getty Images

Fred Davis, TE

Since the Washington Redskins backfield is crowded and there is no outright starter, Davis will be the team's most valuable fantasy player.

In Robert Griffin III's rookie season, Davis will be his go-to receiver. Last season, Davis had nearly 800 receiving yards, despite missing four games.

Look for Davis to become a top-10 fantasy tight end.

San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 20:  Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park on November 20, 2011 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Frank Gore, RB

The San Francisco 49ers love to run the ball, and that will continue to make Gore one of the better fantasy running backs in 2012.

Last season, he had at least 15 carries in 12 games. With Alex Smith under center, expect Gore to continue to be the 49ers' entire offense.

Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 04:  Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football after a reception against the Dallas Cowboys  during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 4, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona
Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Larry Fitzgerald, WR

If Fitzgerald had a legit quarterback, he would be the best fantasy wide receiver in the league.

With Kevin Kolb and John Skelton throwing him the ball, Fitzgerald still managed to have over 1,400 receiving yards.

After Calvin Johnson, Fitzgerald should be the next-best receiver on your draft board.

St. Louis Rams

ST. LOUIS, MO - JANUARY 1:  Running back Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half of the game on January 1, 2012 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers defeated the Rams 3
Whitney Curtis/Getty Images

Steven Jackson, RB

There may not be a player I feel worse for than Jackson. If he was on a better team, he would consistently be a top-five fantasy running back.

Instead, Jackson is stuck in St. Louis, where he has still managed to run for 1,000 yards in seven straight seasons.

I'm not buying Sam Bradford having a breakout season, because he has no receivers to throw to. Jackson is the only offensive weapon this team has.

Seattle Seahawks

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Marshawn Lynch, RB

Lynch had his best season of his career in 2011, running for over 1,200 yards and 13 total touchdowns. In his last nine games, Lynch ran for 100 yards six times and scored 10 touchdowns.

After finishing off last season on that hot streak, Lynch made a case for himself as a first-round draft pick for 2012 fantasy drafts.

Chicago Bears

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Brandon Marshall, WR

307 receptions. 3,710 receiving yards. 23 touchdowns.

These were Marshall's stats in his last three seasons in Denver when he was teamed up with Jay Cutler

Despite playing in Miami the past two seasons with no quarterback, Marshall has still managed to have at least 1,000 receiving yards in five straight seasons.

Now that the two are back together in Chicago, expect Marshall to pass Matt Forte as the Chicago Bears' best fantasy player. Forte is unhappy with his contract, and with the addition of Michael Bush, the Bears could be heading in a new direction.

Detroit Lions

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 24: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions warms up prior to the start of the game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on November 24, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan.  (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
Leon Halip/Getty Images

Calvin Johnson, WR

After posting one of the best seasons ever for a wide receiver in NFL history, Johnson has legitimized himself as the top fantasy receiver in the league.

Johnson will be the first receiver taken in every fantasy draft, so lets hope that the "Madden Curse" does not effect him.

Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 25: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers is chased out of the pocket while playing the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on December 25, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers, QB

Rodgers was an absolute beast in 2011, throwing for at least three touchdowns in 10 games.

He is the best fantasy quarterback and could potentially be the first pick in many fantasy drafts.

The Green Bay Packers are a passing team, so another 40-touchdown season for Rodgers is very likely.

Minnesota Vikings

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 02:  Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball as linebacer Justin Houston #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs defends during the game on October 2, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Jam
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Adrian Peterson, RB

Even though he is coming off a severe knee injury, the Minnesota Vikings have no one else to rely on besides Peterson.

Percy Harvin wants out, so Peterson will continue to be the Vikings' entire offense.

He may not be the Peterson we have become accustomed to, but he should still rush for at least 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Harry How/Getty Images

Vincent Jackson, WR

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not give $55 million to Jackson for no reason.

Jackson will come in there and immediately become Josh Freeman's go-to target. Look for Freeman to have a bounce-back season because of Jackson's productivity.

Atlanta Falcons

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Michael Turner, RB

If there is anything we know about Turner, it is that he is going to get his fair amount of carries. In the past two seasons, Turner has had at least 300 carries, 1,300 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

You can guarantee that Turner will have another season of at least 1,000 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns.

Carolina Panthers

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 18:  Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers at Reliant Stadium on December 18, 2011 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Cam Newton, QB

Newton was the biggest fantasy surprise last season, throwing for over 4000 yards and running for 14 touchdowns.

With his ability to throw and run, Newton is a top-five fantasy quarterback. If he continues this type of production, he could easily become the best fantasy player for years to come.

New Orleans Saints

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Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Drew Brees, QB

Brees was phenomenal in 2011, throwing for an NFL record 5,476 yards. In five games, he threw at least four touchdown passes.

The loss of Sean Payton may affect Brees a little, but he is still worth a first-round draft pick.

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