Fantasy Football is more than a game; it’s a strategic dance that beckons the sharpest of minds, rewarding foresight, and planning. It bridges the gap between the fan in the stadium seat and the general manager in the team’s war room. The year 2017 saw its fair share of fantasy football titans who dominated the virtual gridiron. Let’s delve into the top 10 fantasy football players of 2017, analyzing their impact on the field and the fortunes of fantasy managers worldwide.
#10 Melvin Gordon – Los Angeles Chargers
Starting our countdown is Melvin Gordon of the Los Angeles Chargers. Following a rookie season hampered by injuries and unmet expectations, Gordon bounced back emphatically in 2017. He became a dual-threat out of the backfield, showcasing his talents as both a powerful runner and a reliable pass catcher. Gordon finished the season with over 1,100 rushing yards, added close to 500 receiving yards, and tallied a total of 12 touchdowns. His versatility made him an invaluable asset in PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues, cementing his status as a top-drawer fantasy option.
#9 DeAndre Hopkins – Houston Texans
At number nine, we have DeAndre Hopkins, a wide receiver who could make even the most off-target pass look catchable. Despite the Houston Texans’ quarterback woes, Hopkins remained a beacon of consistency. With his incredible catch radius and knack for making plays in tight coverage, Hopkins surpassed 1,300 receiving yards and reeled in an impressive 13 touchdown catches. His fantasy stock remained sky-high throughout the season, as he provided a steady stream of points for fantasy managers.
#8 Kareem Hunt – Kansas City Chiefs
Kareem Hunt, the rookie sensation for the Kansas City Chiefs, burst onto the scene in 2017, making an immediate impact. His debut was nothing short of spectacular, racking up 246 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. This electric start propelled him to finish the season as the league’s leading rusher with over 1,300 yards, adding 455 receiving yards to his tally along with 11 total touchdowns. Hunt’s blend of explosive running and pass-catching prowess made him a fantasy goldmine, especially for those who snagged him in the later rounds or off the waiver wire.
#7 Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks
Quarterbacks are often the lynchpins of fantasy teams, and Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks was no exception. In 2017, Wilson was a one-man highlight reel, often salvaging plays with his escapability and his strong, accurate arm. He led the league in touchdown passes with 34 and added nearly 600 yards on the ground, making him the top-scoring quarterback in many fantasy formats. Wilson’s ability to extend plays and his penchant for scoring made him a week-to-week starter in all fantasy leagues.
#6 Mark Ingram – New Orleans Saints
Mark Ingram forms one-half of the dynamic New Orleans Saints backfield that took the NFL and fantasy leagues by storm in 2017. The power back dominated between the tackles and was a force in the red zone, where he punched in 12 touchdowns on the ground. Ingram’s 1,124 rushing yards were complemented by his role in the passing game, accumulating 416 receiving yards. This all-purpose production made Ingram an integral piece in fantasy rosters during his breakout campaign.
#5 LeSean McCoy – Buffalo Bills
LeSean “Shady” McCoy, the versatile running back of the Buffalo Bills, took the number five spot. McCoy’s elusive running style and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield made him a dual-threat. With over 1,100 rushing yards and an additional 448 through the air, he accounted for eight total touchdowns. In both standard and PPR leagues, McCoy provided a consistent source of fantasy points, demonstrating his worth as a first-round pick for many fantasy managers.
#4 Alvin Kamara – New Orleans Saints
Joining his teammate in the top 10, Alvin Kamara turned heads as the other half of the Saints’ formidable backfield duo. The rookie outshined expectations, establishing himself as one of the most efficient players in the league. Kamara was an electrifying playmaker, amassing over 700 rushing yards, 826 receiving yards, and a total of 14 touchdowns. His dynamic abilities in space and his proficiency in the passing game made him a matchup nightmare and a fantasy darling.
#3 Antonio Brown – Pittsburgh Steelers
Conquering the third spot is Antonio Brown, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver known for his route running, hands, and after-the-catch abilities. Brown led the league with 1,533 receiving yards and was a beacon of reliability, doing so on 101 catches with nine touchdowns. Week in and week out, Brown delivered top-flight performances, affirming his status as one of the most dependable and explosive fantasy prospects.
#2 Todd Gurley – Los Angeles Rams
The runner-up of 2017’s fantasy season is none other than Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams. Gurley enjoyed a campaign for the ages, redefining the term ‘workhorse’ in a high-octane offense. He not only racked up 1,305 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground but also caught 64 passes for 788 yards and an additional six scores through the air. This tremendous output during the fantasy playoffs carried many of his owners to championships, leaving no doubt about his significance and fantasy firepower.
#1 Le’Veon Bell – Pittsburgh Steelers
Topping the list at number one is Le’Veon Bell, the versatile running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bell was a force of nature, known for his patience behind the line and his ability to turn small gains into big plays. His league-leading 321 carries for 1,291 yards, along with his 85 catches for 655 receiving yards, made him a fantasy manager’s dream. He found the end zone 11 times and, more importantly, touched the ball more than any other player in the league. This bell cow back provided unmatched volume and consistency, making him the crown jewel of fantasy rosters in 2017.
These top-tier players from 2017 left an indelible mark on the fantasy football landscape. Their performances weren’t just a matter of statistics; they captured the imagination and brought weekly excitement to the virtual gridiron. Whether they were draft-day steals or first-round fixtures, they each made their case in the annals of fantasy football history. As the new season gears up, fantasy managers will be on the lookout for the next wave of stars to lead their teams to glory. But for now, we salute these titans of 2017 for their memorable contributions to the fantasy football realm.