Fantasy football is more than just a game; it’s a battle of strategy, research, and quick decisions. As the 2021 season unfolded, fantasy managers were met with surprises, breakouts, and challenges. To help you navigate the highlights and nuances of the season, here’s a detailed exploration of the most impactful factors, trends, and insights that defined fantasy football in 2021.
Quarterback Insights
- Quarterback Dominance: Elite quarterbacks continued to dominate fantasy scoring. Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Kyler Murray were top-tier QBs who consistently delivered big performances.
- Rushing QBs Matter: Dual-threat quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts demonstrated the value of rushing yards, boosting their fantasy relevance despite mid-level passing stats.
- Breakout Candidate: Justin Herbert solidified his place as one of the most reliable fantasy quarterbacks after a stellar rookie season in 2020, continuing to impress in 2021.
- Disappointment Alert: Injuries to key quarterbacks, such as Russell Wilson, impacted fantasy managers relying on their consistent production.
- Rookie Watch: The arrival of Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones, and other rookie QBs generated excitement, though their fantasy output varied significantly.
Running Back Realities
- Jonathan Taylor’s Explosion: The Indianapolis Colts’ Jonathan Taylor emerged as the top fantasy RB in 2021, combining speed, power, and an incredible workload.
- Injury Fallout: Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry faced significant injuries, leaving managers scrambling to find replacements.
- Surprise Performer: Cordarrelle Patterson, initially seen as a gadget player, became a fantasy favorite due to his dual eligibility as an RB/WR.
- Committee Frustrations: Teams like the Patriots and 49ers continued to employ frustrating running back committees, making it challenging to rely on any single player.
- Rookie Stars: Najee Harris became an every-down back for the Steelers, proving his first-round fantasy ADP was justified.
Wide Receiver Waves
- Cooper Kupp’s Dominance: Cooper Kupp delivered a historic season with the Rams, finishing as the WR1 thanks to his connection with Matthew Stafford.
- Davante Adams’ Consistency: Despite off-season rumors surrounding Aaron Rodgers, Adams remained an elite fantasy WR in 2021.
- Rookie Phenom: Ja’Marr Chase shattered expectations, breaking records for a rookie WR and becoming a must-start player.
- Deep Threats: Players like Deebo Samuel and Tyler Lockett capitalized on big plays, offering massive upside in best-ball formats.
- Injury Comebacks: After being sidelined in 2020, Odell Beckham Jr. made a fantasy impact late in the season following his move to the Rams.
Tight End Tiers
- Travis Kelce Reigns: Kelce continued to dominate as the most reliable and high-ceiling fantasy TE.
- Darren Waller and George Kittle: Injuries affected their output, but when healthy, they delivered elite numbers.
- Mark Andrews Breakout: Andrews surpassed expectations, becoming one of the most valuable TEs of the season.
- Sleeper Success: Dawson Knox and Dalton Schultz emerged as surprise TE contributors, proving valuable for managers who waited on the position.
- Tight End Depth: The position remained top-heavy, with a significant gap between the elite tier and everyone else.
by Matthew Berry
