Predicting the 2012 Fantasy Football All-Star Team

How many people had heard of Victor Cruz before 2011?

Besides his one preseason game against the New York Jets in 2010, where Cruz caught three touchdown passes, he was a nobody to every fantasy football owner.

Well it is 2012 and everyone knows who Cruz is now. After his All-Star season, where he recorded over 1,500 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, fantasy football owners are searching for that next All-Star who will help them dominate their leagues.

The following players will have dominant seasons and find themselves on the 2012 All-Star Fantasy Football Team.

Quarterback

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Was there a bigger surprise in fantasy football last year than Newton?

In his rookie season, Newton threw for 21 touchdown passes, while running for an NFL single-season record for a quarterback, 14 touchdowns.

With his ability to score in multiple ways, Newton has solidified himself as a top-five fantasy quarterback. 

He is the Panthers' entire offense. Not only did Newton throw for over 4,000 yards, but he only had 29 less carries than their leading rusher, DeAngelo Williams.

When the Panthers are in the red zone, you know Newton is going to be involved in the scoring whether he is throwing or running for a touchdown.

In 2012, he should only get better and score at least 40 total touchdowns.

Running Backs

Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Despite missing three games, Foster still managed to score 12 touchdowns, while running and receiving for a combined 1,841 yards.

In 13 games, Foster had at least 100 total yards in 10 of those games.

Entering his fourth season, Foster is still very much in his prime and will continue to be one of the best fantasy running backs.

Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

Before his injury in Week 11, Jackson was arguably the best fantasy running back in every league. 

In 10 games, Jackson nearly ran for 1,000 yards, recording 934 rushing yards. In eight of those games, Jackson had at least 100 total yards.

Assuming he stays healthy, Jackson will become a top-five fantasy running back with his ability to run and catch passes out of the backfield.

Wide Receivers

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

Surprise, right?

Johnson is the best wide receiver in the NFL and has Matthew Stafford throwing to him. 

Megatron will go in the first round and will not disappoint. Another season of at least 1,200 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns is guaranteed.

A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals

In his first season, Green made a huge impact in the fantasy football world, recording over 1,000 yards receiving and seven touchdowns.

Going into his second year, look for Green to take his game to the next level and become a legit No. 1 fantasy receiver.

Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears

When Marshall was with the Denver Broncos with Jay Cutler, he was a top-five fantasy receiver. He had three straight seasons with at least 100 receptions.

Now that the two have been reunited in Chicago, Marshall will become a top fantasy receiver again.

Cutler has had no receivers to throw the ball to while with the Bears. Marshall is his first legit receiving target, and the two have great chemistry.

Think Marshall may not be the same receiver he was when he was with the Broncos?

In his last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Marshall had at least 81 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards. That's amazing considering he had Chad Henne and Matt Moore throwing him the ball.

In 2012, another 100-reception season for Marshall is very likely. 

Tight End

Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

Gronkowski's 2011 season revolutionized the tight end position in fantasy football.

After leading the NFL with 17 touchdown receptions, Gronkowski is one of the best players in all of fantasy football.

If you were to combine the wide receiver and tight end positions, Gronkowski is without a doubt in the top five of all those players.

Gronkowski will go within the first two rounds of your fantasy drafts. Entering only his third season and the fact that he has Tom Brady throwing to him, Gronkowski will have another year with at least 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.