9 Early Bold Predictions from the Most Accurate Experts

Bold predictions are always exciting. Sure, it’s fun to throw caution to the wind. But more importantly, this is an opportunity to get a glimpse into how much or little the industry’s best analysts view a specific player. We get to see what type of performances they believe are within the realm of possibility and which athletes they are likely nabbing everywhere as a result.

Remember, unexpected outcomes happen all the time in our beautiful game, which is part of what makes the fantasy experience so enjoyable every autumn. As such, all of the following predictions have a path to becoming true. Read on below to see which players our most accurate experts think can blow their expectations out of the water in 2021.

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Q. Please give one bold fantasy prediction for the upcoming season and explain why it could happen.

“Jerry Jeudy finishes as a top-20 wide receiver. Last year was extremely disappointing for him, particularly in a year where so many rookie wide receivers thrived. Jeudy was targeted downfield often (13.5 aDOT, 1,536 air yards), but Drew Lock’s inaccuracy led to a high percentage of those targets being deemed uncatchable. He also didn’t help himself with an 8.8% drop rate. What was apparent, however, is that all the scouting on Jeudy’s route-running ability was spot on, and every fantasy manager watching him can attest that there were many times that he was wide open and Lock simply didn’t see him. If Lock starts again for the Broncos, that means he’s likely made improvements, and if Teddy Bridgewater does, that means Jeudy will see more accurate passes. Either way, even with Courtland Sutton healthy, Jeudy’s elite talent and a year of experience should lead to improved production and the potential for a true breakout season.”
– Dan Harris (FantasyPros)

“Myles Gaskin will finish 2021 as a top-10 fantasy back. When he was on the field, Gaskin averaged 18.3 touches and 97.2 scrimmage yards per game over 10 games in 2020. Receiving corps upgrades (Will Fuller V and Jaylen Waddle) will aid in Tua Tagovailoa’s development, but the perimeter speed will help open up running lanes for Gaskin as well. Highly efficient himself as a receiver (87.2% catch rate, 9.5 Y/R), Gaskin ranked 15th among RBs in receptions (41) despite missing six games last season and his all-around skill set raises his weekly floor. With limited competition as the team’s featured back, he should easily exceed 2021 expectations as long as his health cooperates.”
– Kevin Hanson (EDSFootball)

“Trevor Lawrence is, as heralded, the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck, and I’ll predict that Lawrence becomes the first rookie quarterback to finish as a top-five fantasy scorer since Robert Griffin III in 2012. A pro-ready stud, Lawrence steps right in as the Jacksonville starter and is positioned to be a valuable fantasy asset from the jump. He has a soft schedule that includes a division full of mediocre pass defenses, yet the rebuilding Jaguars will still present him with plenty of pass-heavy game scripts. Lawrence inherits a good group of pass catchers, and he’s a willing and able runner who had 17 TD runs in his final two years at Clemson. It’s an appealing setup if you believe in the talent, and I do.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (The Football Girl)

“Clyde Edwards-Helaire finishes as a top-five running back and reminds fantasy managers why they were drafting him in the first round last year. Remember the reasons you liked him last year? Nothing has changed. He’s still a three-down back. He’s still a first-round pick. He’s still playing in what might be the best offense in football and he might be behind a better offensive line. It’s funny that despite the perception that Edwards-Helaire was a bust last year, he totaled 1,100 total yards while playing in just 14 games and ceding a lot of work to Le’Veon Bell, who is now gone.”
– Mike Tagliere (FantasyPros)

“Austin Ekeler will be a top-five RB in PPR. After finishing at RB4 in 2019, he was the RB7 over the early part of the 2020 season when healthy and earned RB7 status during the late part of the season after returning from injury. Ekeler will benefit from the league’s most improved offensive line. His new offensive coordinator, Joe Lombardi, comes from the Saints, where Kamara became the league’s RB1 last year.”
– Nathan Jahnke (Pro Football Focus)

“Matt Stafford will lead the NFL in passing yards. The Rams have ranked top 10 in passing yards in three of the past four seasons thanks to HC Sean McVay’s fast-paced, pass-leaning offense. That, of course, has come with Jared Goff under center. Stafford is a clear upgrade — and already one of only eight QBs in NFL history to throw for 5,000 yards in a season.”
– Jared Smola (Draft Sharks)

“Damien Harris will be a top-10 back this year. Sony Michel will be traded away before the season starts and Mac Jones will be the Week 1 starter. Both factors would allow Harris to dominate the rushing work in the Pats’ backfield, especially in the red zone. James White will still dominate the passing-down work, but without Rex Burkhead in the mix, it allows Harris to chip in there as well. He will play in all 17 games and finish as a top-10 RB as a result.”
– Sean Koerner (The Action Network)

“Tom Brady should be a top-five quarterback for fantasy purposes. Year two with Bruce Arians and a return of his full ensemble of weapons will only aid the ageless Brady towards a 40+ touchdown season. I expect a masterful year from Brady as the Bucs attempt to run it back.”
– Andy Holloway (The Fantasy Footballers)

“Sam Darnold will finish as a top-10 QB. D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and some guy named McCaffrey will give Sammy all the weapons he needs to put up QB1 numbers. Draft picks WR Terrace Marshall and TE Tommy Tremble won’t hurt either. Upgrades to the offensive line through the draft and free agency makes the Panthers’ offense dangerous.”
– Ken Zalis (Pressbox)

Thank you to the experts for giving us their bold predictions. Be sure to give them a follow on Twitter and subscribe to our podcast below for advice all year round.