Fantasy Football: 4 Redskins that could become difference makers in FFLs

The Fantasy Football season is upon us and drafting the right players can be the difference between missing or making the playoffs. Many different factors go into who gets drafted and most importantly where they get drafted. 

Here are four Washington Redskins’ that could be difference makers in the 2018 Fantasy Football Season.

1. RB Adrian Peterson

It’s a tough call as far as where Peterson gets drafted, but there is no doubt that he should be on a roster. The 12-year pro in one preseason game had 11 carries for 56 yards averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. The 33-year-old who last season rushed for 529 yards in 10 games with the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals. 

Redskins coach Jay Gruden’s offense is very complementary to Peterson’s style and with studs along the offensive line, the future Hall of Famer should have a solid season.

2. QB Alex Smith

Many view Smith as a quarterback that doesn’t elevate a fantasy team. The Seattle native has always elevated the talents of the players around him enabling them to achieve elite status. Several media pundits have said that the Redskins do not possess the weapons that the Kansas City Chiefs had (Smith’s former team) and suggest he will not have as much success because of it.

Redskins vs. Cardinals: the statistical breakdown

Washington’s receiving corp although unproven has been severely undervalued. In the preseason Josh Doctson and free agent acquisition Paul Richardson when given the opportunity, have shown they will be reliable targets for Smith.  Jamison Crowder has always been a reliable slot receiver leading the team in reception yards in 2017.

Smith finished the 2017 season fourth overall among quarterbacks, averaging 19.7 points per game. The three-time Pro Bowler threw for 26 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He also threw for over 4,000 yards.

3. RB Chris Thompson

Despite the absence of the Redskins 2018 second-round draft pick in rookie Derrius Guice, Thompson’s numbers should still be favorable in 2018. With the Redskins adding another bruising back in Peterson, that should enable Thompson to put a considerable strain on opposing defenses.

His elusive abilities should allow him to create possibilities for substantial gains. The six-year pro could have a career year in 2018 and should be a guy that is high on fantasy guru’s draft boards. In a 10-game sample size, the Florida native set the league on fire. Despite missing six games due to a fractured fibula, he still finished ninth in the NFL among running backs on third down. The Florida State product averaged 11.2 points per game in 2017.

4. WR Jamison Crowder

Crowder was the Redskins leading receiver in 2017 and developed a chemistry with Alex Smith through training camp. His attention to detail and elite route running skills is what makes him a quarterbacks dream in the passing game.

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Last season the former Duke star battled injuries all season and didn’t have a great fantasy point per game average (6.3). With Alex Smith’s ability to find the open guy especially in broken play situations, Crowder should have plenty of opportunities to make plays. Crowder is a great second or third wide receiver with great potential to put a fantasy team over the top.