32 Fantasy Predictions for 32 NFL Teams

Perhaps more than any other sports league, the NFL is filled with countless twists and turns every season, all of which lead to difficult-to-explain statistics and outcomes. An injury to a star player or two, a late-night DUI arrest, or sudden breakout by a surprise player on the depth chart can yield results that we have a tough time predicting going into the year… But that doesn’t mean it’s completely unpredictable.

The NFL also tends to follows trends and we can see the development of players from season to season, or even game to game. That’s where I come in.

In this article, I’ll be making a fantasy-relevant prediction for each NFL team. I don’t prefer the term “bold predictions,” but a number of them may shock you.

You’ve been warned.

1. San Francisco 49ers

After missing the first six weeks of the season in 2009, Michael Crabtree establishes himself as a fantasy force, finishing in the top-12 among wide receivers.

2. Arizona Cardinals

Beanie Wells, not Larry Fitzgerald, is the Cardinals’ leading fantasy scorer.

3. Seattle Seahawks

Justin Forsett wins the starting running back job and compiles over 1,100 total yards, but fails to reach six touchdowns as he shares goal line duties with Julius Jones and Leon Washington.

4. St. Louis Rams

With no passing game to speak of to alleviate any pressure, Steven Jackson finishes outside the top-10 among fantasy running backs for the third time in the past four seasons.

5. Minnesota Vikings

Bernard Berrian leads the Vikings in receiving yardage, but does not crack 1,000 yards.

6. Green Bay Packers

Jermichael Finley jumps into the elite at tight end and leads the Packers in receiving touchdowns.

7. Detroit Lions

While defenses focus on Calvin Johnson and Jahvid Best, Nate Burleson quietly leads the team in receptions.

8. Chicago Bears

Chester Taylor is an afterthought as Matt Forte has a partial return-to-form and finishes in the top-12 scorers at running back.

9. Atlanta Falcons

Michael Turner stays healthy all season and leads the league in rushing touchdowns.

10. New Orleans Saints

Reggie Bush scores more total touchdowns than Pierre Thomas.

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Despite not being drafted as a starter in most leagues, Kellen Winslow leads the Buccaneers in receptions, yardage, and touchdowns; making him a top-8 fantasy tight end and an every-week starter on most teams.

12. Carolina Panthers

Jonathan Stewart outscores DeAngelo Williams in all scoring formats.

13. Philadelphia Eagles

Brent Celek leads the team in both receptions and touchdown receptions.

14. New York Giants

Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith both finish with over 1,000 yards and seven or more touchdown receptions.

15. Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo throws for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns for the first time in his career.

16. Washington Redskins

Clinton Portis, who caught just nine passes in 2009, will see a career resurgence in the new Redskins offense, catching over 40 passes in 2010.

17. Kansas City Chiefs

Dwayne Bowe has a career year with over 1,100 yards and eight or more touchdowns.

18. San Diego Chargers

Vincent Jackson does not play for the Chargers in 2010 and Malcom Floyd leads the Chargers (including Antonio Gates) in receiving yardage.

19. Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow comes off the bench often in the red zone and leads the Broncos in rushing touchdowns in 2010.

20. Oakland Raiders

With Jason Campbell at quarterback, Zach Miller elevates himself to an every-week fantasy football starter at tight end, finishing in the top-10 at the position.

21. Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco joins the 4,000-yard passing club while throwing over 25 touchdowns, despite not having a receiver who cracks 1,000 yards or ten touchdowns.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers

In just his second season, Mike Wallace surpasses Hines Ward as the Steelers’ top receiving option while leading the league in catches of 40+ yards.

23. Cleveland Browns

After a disappointing start to the season from Jerome Harrison, the Browns turn to a running back-by-committee approach featuring Harrison, Montario Hardesty, and James Davis – none of whom finish in the top-25 at their position.

24. Cincinnati Bengals

After struggling to find a team to play for, Terrell Owens, not Chad Ochocinco, is the Bengals’ leading fantasy receiver.

25. Tennessee Titans

Using his running ability to his advantage, Vince Young finishes as a top-12 fantasy quarterback.

26. Houston Texans

Jacoby Jones elevates himself over Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels as the Texans’ second-leading receiver behind Andre Johnson.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars

With defenses now prepared for Mike Sims-Walker, Mike Thomas slightly edges him out as the team’s leading fantasy receiver.

28. Indianapolis Colts

Donald Brown, who had less than 250 yards rushing in 2009, moves into a full workload carry with Joseph Addai. However, neither back finishes with over 1,000 total yards or seven touchdowns.

29. Miami Dolphins

With defenses focusing their attention on a true No. 1 receiver in Brandon Marshall, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams combine for over 2,400 total yards.

30. New England Patriots

Wes Welker’s knee concerns lead the Patriots to use him sparingly, giving way for Julian Edelman to catch 60+ passes for over 800 yards.

31. Buffalo Bills

While rookie C.J. Spiller leads the pack, none of the Bills’ trio of running backs go over 800 yards rushing.

32. New York Jets

Though he only gets about 150 carries on the year, LaDainian Tomlinson leads the team in touchdowns at the running back position, hitting double-digits in that category for an NFL record tenth straight season.