Players have made their picks in the NFL’s Top 100 Players show and now we get to pick those apart. This episode didn’t have too many problems, as you’ll see. He’s Nos. 90-81.
90. Matt Forte, RB, New York Jets
Forte is a guy that only fantasy football players seem to really love. I don’t understand why that is. He’s been one of the best backs in the league for the last eight seasons and he can do it all. There was a while when everyone was looking for this kind of back, mainly when Marshall Faulk and the Greatest Show on Turf St. Louis Rams were tearing up the league. Now it doesn’t seem like a priority and teams are happy to go with a two down runner and third-down pass catcher. Forte is an every down player who can run, catch the ball like a wideout and block like a fullback. Last year: No. 48
89. Allen Hurns, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Hurns has been a Godsend for the Jagaurs, who should have been in receiver trouble once first-round pick Justin Blackmon lost his mind. Instead, Blackmon is completely forgotten as Hurns became the Jags ‘ go-to receiver and part of one of the best tandems, along with Allen Robinson, in the league. Last year: Not on the list
88. Cameron Heyward, DE, Pittsburgh Steelers
Heyward makes the list for the first time and this looks like the right spot. Heyward is one of the most disruptive defensive front players in the league, with a lightning-quick first step and a left arm, that he used in his bull rush, that looks like it’s secretly bionic. Last year: Not on the list
87. Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots
It’s hard to believe, but right as Edelman was coming into his prime the Patriots nearly let him walk as a free agent. He’s the best possession receiver in the game, which is everything the Patriots and Tom Brady need. The Pats finally signed him to a long-term deal, but he’s ridiculously underpaid, making less than $5 million in total this year. He’s the No. 32 ranked wideout in the NFL in salary. Harry Douglas, Andre Roberts and Kenny Britt all make more money than him. Ridiculous. Last year: No. 91
86. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
Stewart wasn’t getting enough touches when he had to share the backfield with DeAngelo Williams so the Panthers fixed that in the offseason. It just shows you the power of of getting the carries and being counted on as the guy. Stewart got a little banged up last year, but still delivered for the Panthers and helped them make a Super Bowl run. Last year: Not on the list
85. Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins
Cousins shook off a shaky start last season to make the Pro Bowl and have a career year. Can he do it again? That’s everybody’s question and no one knows the answer. The Redskins benefited from the complete collapse of every other team in their division. It won’t be so easy this season. This is a good spot for him. Let’s see if he can keep it. Last year: Not on the list
84. Tamba Hali, OLB, Kansas City Chiefs
Hali dropped 14 spots from last year’s list. It’s hard to say he should have. He’s a tremendous passrusher, but his production is definitely on the decline. He last had double-digit sacks in 2013. Last year: 70
83. Telvin Smith, OLB, Jacksonville Jaguars
As the Jaguars’ profile continues to rise, players like Smith. He’s played just two seasons but he’s recorded over 100 tackles in both of them. He might be the fastest linebacker in the league. Last year: Not on the list
82. Delanie Walker, TE, Tennessee Titans
Here’s another player that seemingly only fantasy football players knew about for the last few years. Since he’s been with the Titans he’s been an offensive weapon, no matter who they’ve had at quarterback. Now that the Titans have one in Marcus Mariota, he’s even better. Last year: Not on the list
81. Alex Smith, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Smith’s career resurgence has been fun to watch. He’s a good quarterback now, who shows up to play in the biggest stages. Not only does he get it done in the regular season, he’s good in the playoffs too. In 2013, in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the wildcard round, he still threw ofr 378 yards and four touchdowns with no picks. Smith is still kind of considered a bust. I think it’s the 49ers that are the bust. Since he’s played for real coaches he’s been fine. Last year: Not on the list
