Fantasy Football Rankings: 20 Surprises To Hold on To in Your Keeper League
Fantasy football rankings for the 2011 season will be out before you know it.
Assuming there is NFL football next fall.
But it's never too early to start planning ahead.
If you're in a keeper league, we have some recommendations for players to keep on your roster.
Obviously, if you have Adrian Peterson or Peyton Manning, you're going to want to keep them on your roster. But what about some of the lesser-known players out there?
Inside, we'll offer you 20 names of players (players who were not no-brainer first round drafts in the summer of 2010 fantasy football drafts) you should hang onto no matter what.
No. 20: Louis Murphy, Oakland Raiders, WR
1 of 20
2010 Stats
28 catches, 435 yards, 1 touchdown
The Raiders are starting to show signs of turning into a respectable team.
They may have lost two straight. But they haven't been November-relevant in a long time.
Certainly, the running game is the main reason why their offense has been solid in 2010. But the passing attack hasn't been bad either, despite having a quarterback carousel between Bruce Gradkowski and Jason Campbell.
Tight end Zack Miller is the team's leader in receptions and yards. But Murphy isn't far behind.
And if the Raiders somehow upgrade at quarterback with his speed and good size, he should be a 65-plus, 1,000-yard-plus receiver in 2011
No. 19: LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, RB
2 of 20
2010 Stats
114 carries, 496 yards, 4 touchdowns
Blount has been a pretty solid runner the last seven weeks of the season.
He's averaged 67 yards per game during that stretch.
Now those aren't overwhelming numbers, but he is just a rookie. And the Bucs don't exactly have another long-term solution at running back.
How much longer can Cadillac Williams remain in Tampa?
Sure, the Bucs might go out and draft a player in the first round. But they probably won't be picking any higher than 20th.
And there are free agents to be had, like DeAngelo Williams.
But Blount does seem to have a nice future ahead of him.
No. 18: Ryan Torain, Washington Redskins, RB
3 of 20
2010 Stats
91 carries, 391 yards, 3 touchdowns
There's a pretty decent chance that Clinton Portis' career in the NFL is just about over.
Concussions almost did him in a year ago. Now it's his legs, which have kept him out of every game but one since Week 4.
Torain really stepped up in Portis' place. There was a four-week stretch in the middle of the season rushing for 100-yards in consecutive weeks against two pretty good defensive units—Chicago and Indianapolis.
Torain is also on the sidelines now, missing the last month with a hamstring. But he's only 24.
In Mike Shanahan's offense, he should break through next year, if given the job on day one.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
No. 17: Brandon Lloyd, Denver Broncos, WR
4 of 20
2010 Stats
58 catches, 1,122 yards, 9 touchdowns
Lloyd will probably end up leading the NFL in yards receiving.
The Broncos are behind each week and are forced to throw.
And although there may end up being wholesale changes to the Broncos in 2011, he should be a big part of their plans. Or maybe he'll be dealt away by Josh McDaniels, like Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall were.
Either way, he has finally started to live up to his massive potential.
The only reason why he isn't higher on the list: he does turn 30 next summer.
If you're in a keeper league, there are a few younger options.
No. 16: Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers, TE
5 of 20
2010 Stats
21 catches, 301 yards, 1 touchdowns
The Packers' injuries in 2010 have been well documented.
They seemed to be able to overcome them for a while, but it remains to be seen if they'll be able to earn a playoff spot.
And Aaron Rodgers hasn't exactly struggled in 2010 either. He'll probably throw for 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns again.
But they still miss tight end Jermichael Finley. He posted back-to-back 100-yard games at the start of the season.
Assuming he recovers from his knee injury, he is a good bet to be a 60-catch, 700-yard, 7-touchdown player in 2011.
No. 15: Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs, QB
6 of 20
2010 Stats
60.4 percent, 2,307, 22 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
The Chiefs' recent resurrection has been aided by Cassel.
But outstanding defense, an outstanding running game and the emergence of another player (much higher up on this list) have contributed to the team's shot at the AFC West title more.
But Cassel has a long way to go in proving that he is an elite quarterback.
Still, fantasy football isn't about great players. It's about players who can accumulate points for your team.
And Cassel has shown an ability to do that. The touchdown numbers and the low interception totals outweigh the fact that he's only thrown for 200-plus yards in five of 11 games.
No. 14: Mike Williams, WR
7 of 20
2010 Stats
52 catches, 654 yards, 1 touchdown
The other Mike Williams—the one in Tampa Bay—is probably just as good a player to keep on your roster. He is younger.
But Pete Carroll's Mike Williams is a great player, nonetheless. He's been pretty inconsistent, four times posting two catches or fewer in a game this season.
The flip side to that inconsistency, however, is the fact that he's had three double-digit reception games and three times topped 100 yards receiving.
Maybe Matt Hasselbeck will back as the starter in 2011, maybe he won't. But because Williams is only 26 years old and has very little wear and tear on him, he should be a star in 2011.
No. 13: Davone Bess, Miami Dolphins, WR
8 of 20
2010 Stats
55 catches, 600 yards, 3 touchdowns
A small wide receiver from the University of Hawaii doesn't make the greatest prospect for your fantasy football team.
But Bess has defied the stereotype the last year.
Since having a breakout game against New England in Week 13 of 2009, Bess has become a fantastic second option for the Dolphins, behind Brandon Marshall.
Considering the recent quarterback problems (benching Chad Henne, injuries to both Henne and Chad Pennington, the presence of Tyler Thigpen), for Bess to be finish 2010 with something near 80 catches and near 1,000 yards makes him a nice third receiver for your roster.
No. 12: Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants, WR
9 of 20
2010 Stats
62 catches, 800 yards, 9 touchdowns
Nicks is struggling to get back on the field this year with his injured leg.
But what he did in the first 10 games of the season more than validated his first-round draft selection in 2009.
He's had four 100-yard games and three multi-touchdown games thus far.
Steve Smith will probably be the top pass catcher for the club next season. But Nicks should be right behind him.
No. 11: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills, QB
10 of 20
2010 Stats
2,226 yards, 19 touchdowns, 10 interceptions
The Bills will most likely draft a quarterback in April.
It very well might be a first rounder like Andrew Luck or Ryan Mallett.
But that doesn't mean Fitzpatrick will be on the bench in 2011. Even if they draft a future "franchise" quarterback, Fitzpatrick can certainly hold down the fort while they groom their rookie.
Or maybe they'll ship him to another team for a draft pick, much like the Patriots did in 2009 with Matt Cassel.
Either way, Fitzpatrick should be a good fantasy player for the next few years. In his last six starts, he's topped 250 yards four times and had five multi-touchdown games this year.
He won't be a Peyton Manning or Drew Brees. But he can have his moments.
No. 10: Mike Tolbert, San Diego Chargers, RB
11 of 20
2010 Stats
609 yards, 9 touchdowns
Because they spent a first-round pick on him last year, Ryan Mathews may be the future of the Chargers' running game.
But you can guarantee that they'll find a place for Tolbert. And since he's a fullback, Norv Turner should be able to put them both on the field at the same time.
Tolbert hasn't been THE back every week. But he's made the most of his carries: three 100-yard games.
Remarkably, he's scored a touchdown in eight different games this year. That's consistency for your squad.
No. 9: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, New England Patriots, RB
12 of 20
2010 Stats
145 carries, 627 yards, 9 touchdowns
The Patriots don't need a running back like Chris Johnson or Adrian Peterson in order to be the league's best team: they've proven that several times.
They don't even need Randy Moss, and are actually far better without him.
And Tom Brady will always be the cornerstone of that franchise. But Green-Ellis has proven to be a major contributor, nonetheless.
Danny Woodhead is a fine ball carrier for them as well, but Green-Ellis is now the feature back.
He's had double-digit carries in all but one game since Week 1 and scored a touchdown in seven games.
The Pats offense is still one of the best in the AFC. Which means, near the goal line, Green-Ellis will have many chances next season.
No. 8: Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, QB
13 of 20
2010 Stats
2,261 yards, 15 touchdowns, 5 interceptions
Freeman is off to a great start.
Considering how young he is, he should be a very big producer for several years to come.
The stats in 2010 aren't fantastic. But with all the comebacks and late-game drives he's delivered in a short career, he has proven he has the tools.
Furthermore, he does have some great options to throw to. Options that are fairly young, who should be at his disposal for a while: Kellen Winslow Jr. and (the rookie) Mike Williams.
No. 7: Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys, WR
14 of 20
2010 Stats
44 catches, 547, 6 touchdowns
How many teams of the 23 teams are wishing they had not passed on Bryant back in April's draft?
He bolted out of the gate in 2010, catching eight passes in his debut.
He has really only had one low-production game: last week against New Orleans. Even when he was held to just a few catches against Detroit and Minnesota, he still reached the end zone.
There will probably be several changes to the Cowboys in 2011. Maybe Roy Williams won't be back, maybe Tony Romo will struggle to return to the field.
Maybe a whole new coaching staff will come in and shake things up.
But with the 22-year-old Bryant showing a tremendous set of skills, Jerry Jones will make sure he is a focal point of the team for the next five years, at least.
No. 6: Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs, RB
15 of 20
2010 Stats
161 carries, 1,021 yards, 3 touchdowns
Charles and Thomas Jones are a great duo, and that's one of the reasons why Charles' touchdown numbers are relatively low.
But assuming he re-signs this offseason, his role will only continue grow. He can expect more carries near the goal line.
And should he leave Kansas City, there will be many suitors who will expect him to carry the ball 300-plus times.
No. 5: Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns, RB
16 of 20
2010 Stats
199 carries, 905 yards, 11 touchdowns
The Browns are a very young offense with some major stars.
Joe Thomas should earn a third straight All-Pro nomination, Colt McCoy has looked great as a rookie and Mohamed Massaquoi has looked pretty good.
Of course, Hillis is the star of the offense. But with those around him blossoming, he shouldn't be a one-year flash in the pan.
Hillis has endured a few minor injuries this year, but nothing major. Nothing to indicate that 2011 won't be a second straight fantastic season.
He's also very productive in the pass game. He leads the Browns in receptions, is second on the team in yards and tied for the team lead in touchdown catches.
No. 4: Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams, QB
17 of 20
2010 Stats
2,466 yards, 17 touchdowns, 9 interceptions
If Bradford is this good as a rookie, imagine how well he will do with another year in the Rams offense.
He's played poorly a few times—against Detroit and in his debut against Arizona. But other than that, he's been fantastic.
Bradford's had six multi-touchdown games, only thrown multiple picks once since Week 1 (that's certainly better than Peyton Manning has been doing lately) and has four 250-yard-plus passing days.
You don't want to let him go.
No. 3: Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles, QB
18 of 20
2010 Stats
2,243 yards passing, 15 touchdowns, 2 interceptions; 467 yards rushing, 6 rushing touchdowns
Other than Kurt Warner in 1999, has a serious MVP candidate ever been selected so low in fantasy football preseason draft?
The answer, most likely, is no. Kurt Warner was probably selected in zero preseason drafts in the summer of 1999.
According to ESPN.com, Vick's average position in fantasy football drafts was 170th. That will probably go up a bit in the summer of 2011, regardless of whether or not he's wearing an Eagles uniform or some other team's.
Yes, there are concerns about his ability to stay healthy for 16 games. But no quarterback (except for maybe Peyton Manning and Brett Favre) is guaranteed to start all 16 games a season.
And he will be 31 next summer.
He may not be as dynamic in 2011; he may be, though. Even if he's not, he should be a high-touchdown and high-yardage producer.
No. 2: Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs, WR
19 of 20
2010 Stats: 58 catches, 885 yards, 14 touchdowns
After two pretty good seasons to start his career (just about 2,000 yards receiving total), Bowe had a disappointing 2009.
Even without the suspension, he would not have been a 1,000 yard receiver.
And after a somewhat slow start in 2010, he didn't seem to be likely to emerge as an All Pro. He caught nine passes in his first four games.
But since Week 6, there has not been a better wide receiver in the NFL.
In his last seven games, he has four 100-yard games and an incredible 13 touchdowns. And since he has spread them out very efficiently (one score each of the last seven games, five multi-touchdown games), Bowe is a great player to have on your 2011 roster.
No. 1: Arian Foster, Houston Texans, RB
20 of 20
2010 Stats
246 carries, 1,230 yards, 13 touchdowns
Of course, you won't cut Arian Foster this offseason.
He's having the best single season of any runner in 2010.
Still, he was a surprise this year. How many of you drafted him in the first four rounds?
Especially since was so good in 2008 as a rookie. And the team's leading rusher last season.
There's no guarantee that Foster will be a league-leading rusher or post a dozen touchdowns next year. Remember Barry Foster in 1992, Jamal Anderson in 1998 or even Hershel Walker back in 1988?
But that's not nearly enough to convince you not to keep Foster in 2011. Nothing is.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")