Top Five NFL Fantasy Options: NFC North
By Erik Lambert
Jun 17, 2014; Eden Prairie, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs with the ball at practice at Winter Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The NFC North division is loaded with offensive talent. Which marquee names should NFL fantasy owners focus on?
#5 – Brandon Marshall
Did anyone ever expect to call the Chicago Bears a team with offensive firepower? Suddenly that is the case. On a roster littered with talent, veteran receiver Brandon Marshall remains one of consistent excellence. He hasn’t finished lower than 1,200 yards since 2010 and has posted double digit touchdowns the past two seasons. If NFL fantasy owners are looking for a go-to guy they can rely on, B-Marsh is as good a place to start as any.
#4 – Matt Forte
However, it will be Marshall’s teammate Matt Forte that should get the love when fantasy drafts begin. The Bears running back reached his second Pro Bowl last season, mustering over 1,900 yards and 12 total touchdowns. He is 28-years old and locked into an offense that is tailor made for his skill set. Don’t expect Chicago to move away from what he can do anytime soon.
#3 – Calvin Johnson
Yes, Golden Tate and Eric Ebron were added in the off-season to take pressure off Calvin Johnson. That doesn’t change the fact that Megatron is still the best receiver breathing. He has double digit touchdowns in four of his past six season and has averaged over 1,400 yards the past three years. Unless Matthew Stafford loses his mind, he is going to keep throwing Johnson the football.
#2 – Aaron Rodgers
The injury last year must leave a sliver of caution in the minds of NFL fantasy owners. While he remains one of the three best quarterbacks in the game, Aaron Rodgers has a habit of taking a lot of hits. That was fine a few years ago but as his body enters his 30s, those hits could start to catch up to him. Still, if he’s able to breath and is on the field, he is going to post elite numbers.
#1 – Adrian Peterson
One thing fans have learned over the years is to never doubt Adrian Peterson. The Minnesota Vikings running back thrives when the odds are against him or in this case the fact that he’s approaching 30. After so many years of pounding, one would think he’s due for a letdown. Never mind the fact he’s never played fewer than 12 games in a season, only finished below 1,000 yards once and has posted at least 10 touchdowns every year he’s been a pro. That is the epitome of a fantasy honey hole.