Fansided

32 breakout fantasy football players for the 2016-17 NFL season

By Andrew C. Lovell

May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell (19) brings in a reception setting up the game tying field goal in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell (19) brings in a reception setting up the game tying field goal in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Bengals – WR Brandon LaFell

LaFell burned a lot of fantasy owners last season. His totals — 37 receptions, 515 yards, zero touchdowns in 11 games — were paltry at best, but his season was particularly disappointing after such a strong debut campaign with New England in 2014.

In his first year with the Patriots, LaFell finished with 74 catches for 953 yards and seven scores. Ironically, many of the same owners who rode LaFell’s success in 2014 were likely burned by his lack of production in 2015.

After being released by the Patriots, LaFell landed in Cincinnati. He immediately steps into the No. 2 wide receiver slot after the departures of Marvin Jones and Sanu. For comparison’s sake, Jones finished with 65 catches for 816 yards and four touchdowns last season — good, but not elite production for a second wideout.

The offense still runs through Green and tight end Tyler Eifert, but if LaFell returns to his form from 2014, he should be productive. Brady passed for nearly 5,000 yards and 36 touchdowns last season, and yet LaFell didn’t find the end zone once. It’s actually quite baffling, but a change of scenery should benefit him.

Don’t reach for LaFell in drafts, but don’t avoid taking a late-round flyer on him, either.

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