👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


2016 Fantasy Football MVPs - RotoBaller Writer Predictions

This piece kicks off a series of articles where RotoBaller's football writers will throw out their predictions for the upcoming season.

In this article, we will get the predictions on who will be the Fantasy Football MVP in 2016. What does that mean exactly? The Fantasy Football MVP is the player who gets described as a "League Winner" at seasons end and provides one of the best values in fantasy football.

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including Draft Kit + DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through October. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

2016 Fantasy Football MVP Predictions

Russell Wilson, Seahawks QB

Joey Christopoulos (Tudddyguy)

Russell Wilson will be one of the first quarterbacks taken in the draft and chances are he will be taken between rounds 2 or 3. However, Wilson has gone from surprising game manager, to Super Bowl winner to eventual 2016 superstar. He threw 34 touchdowns last season and is coming off rushing for 6 touchdowns in 2014. From Week 11 on last season, he put up a 24-1 TD-to-INT ratio. His passer rating was 110 and he was so-so at best the first half of the year. He could easily score 40+ total touchdowns and and accumulate 4,500+ all purpose yards. Wilson has the potential to be a top-5 player in all of fantasy this year.

 

David Johnson, Cardinals RB

Andrew Bua (@Andrew_Bua)

Not a completely bold choice here, but for a guy who hasn’t carried the load for a full season it certainly isn’t a safe one either. Starting only five games last season for the Cardinals, Johnson still managed to finish as the 7th fantasy RB in standard leagues. Now in a position to be the go-to running back on the team, Johnson will benefit from open lanes all year long considering opposing defenses have to account for Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, and Michael Floyd (not to mention Carson Palmer throwing to them). Johnson could edge out Le’Veon Bell as the top dual threat RB in the NFL; if you’re in a PPR league than his chances for fantasy MVP are even higher.

 

Derek Carr, Raiders QB

Pierre Camus (@Pfunk00)

Carr is being criminally undervalued with a 9th or 10th round ADP. 4,000+ yards and 35 TDs would only be a slight improvement over last year. This third-year QB could make a third-year leap akin to Andrew Luck in 2014. Armed with one of the best young receivers in the league in Amari Cooper, as well as sure-handed Michael Crabtree, there is a lot to like in Oakland. Waiting for a QB in drafts is more advisable than ever, but when it comes time to pull the trigger, Carr is the man you should aim for.

 

Aaron Rodgers, Packers QB

Tyger McGuiggan (@Tyger_McG)

If Aaron Rodgers can score more than 360 points this year, and I think he has the potential to scrape up against 400, he will have been worth a first round pick. While he has been going in the second or third rounds in most drafts, there are plenty of leagues where he drops as far as the fifth. Anytime a player who isn’t taken until the third, fourth, or even fifth round, yet returns top 5 overall production, then that player is going to be on a lot of championship teams.

 

Donte Moncrief, Colts WR

Nate Williams (@FFCatalyst)

Moncrief is a great value, and is built like a stud wide receiver. He's 6-foot-2, 220-pounds, runs a 4.4, and plays for a team that will throw the ball 600+ times. He averaged 14 points per game in PPR last season while recording eight touchdowns. This season he will be more than a position player and big-play maker. He will be Andrew Luck's go-to WR -- and you're getting him on average in the fifth round!

 

Lamar Miller, Texans RB

Bryan Levin

Lamar Miller has always been a talented back, but lacked opportunity while simultaneously being severely under-utilized. Leaving Miami for Houston was a great move for his fantasy stock, as he now will be relied upon to carry the offense and take some pressure off of still-unproven QB Brock Osweiler. The sky is the limit for Miller, who could very well end up being a top-three fantasy RB at the end of the year.

 

Golden Tate, Lions WR

Andrew C. Lovell (@Andrew_Lovell)

If we're measuring the best value in fantasy football this season, it's Lions wide receiver Golden Tate. He's ranked 44th overall in RotoBaller's rankings, but his RotoBaller average ADP is 55.7. He's a borderline WR2 that could produce 100-plus receptions and 1,200-plus yards, yet he's being drafted in the middle of the fifth round. Denver Broncos wideout Demaryius Thomas is also being similarly undervalued (No. 25 in rankings; 32.9 average ADP).

 

Antonio Brown, Steelers WR

Ben Ruppert (@Ben_Ruppert_21)

Antonio Brown will find a way to best his insane fantasy season from 2015. Brown has an excellent opportunity in his age-28 season to break 2,000 yards in an offense that likes to pass the ball, as he's shown the ability to dominate and perform when it counts. Brown had Martavis Bryant on the other side of the field and still caught 136 passes for 1,834 yards and 10 scores. With Bryant gone and Bell out for three games, Brown is going to take over the entire league. Watch for the Ben Roethlisberger-to-Brown connection to happen early and often all season long.

 

Jarvis Landry, Dolphins WR

Cliff Clinton (@CliffClinton)

I’m looking at players who are drafted outside of the Top-20 here, guys whose success makes you go “I did not see that coming, and I will happily benefit from this all season!” And I have a (frankly, astounding) amount of faith that Jarvis Landry is your fantasy MVP for the 2016 fantasy football season! Landry is being drafted outside of the top-50 on average, despite having the fourth most catches in 2015. While guys like DeVante Parker are getting more buzz, Landry has proved himself to be a consistent fantasy option who should only improve. With an improved offensive line, a coaching staff that is more willing to task risks, and a quarterback who's trying to stretch the field, expect this to be one of the last years that Jarvis Landry is taken outside of the second round.

 

Devin Funchess, Panthers WR

Nathan Powell (@NPowellFF)

When I am searching for the Fantasy Football MVP, I'm looking for a double-digit round RB/WR who has the opportunity to finish top-15 at his position. Devin Funchess qualifies as that in 2016. Funchess showed flashes in his rookie season and has had a great training camp, putting him into a position where he could possibly supplant Kelvin Benjamin as Carolina's #1 wide receiver. Funchess has 10+ touchdown upside in one of the NFL's best offenses and is well worth his 11th round ADP.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kenley Jansen

Exits Relief Appearance on Wednesday With Groin Injury
Ty Johnson

Taking Part in OTAs
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Cutting Laterally at OTAs
Tre' Harris

has Been a Top-Three Receiver During Offseason Program
Makai Lemon

Already Working With Starters in OTAs
AJ Barner

Undergoes Offseason Procedures, Not Taking Part in OTAs
Zach Charbonnet

Might Not Return Until Midseason
Von Miller

"For Sure" Plans to Play in 2026
Alvin Kamara

Not at OTAs But Preparing for the 2026 Season
Lamar Jackson

"Absolutely" Wants to Stay With Ravens Long-Term
Mason Plumlee

NBA Upgrades Mason Plumlee's Foul to a Flagrant 1
Victor Wembanyama

Receives Warning From NBA
Atlanta Hawks

Hawks Promote Onsi Saleh to President of Basketball Operations
Jalen Williams

Listed as Questionable for Game 6
Ajay Mitchell

Ruled Out for Game 6
Michael Penix Jr.

Not Cleared for 11-on-11 Work
Jacoby Brissett

Still Absent From OTAs This Week
George Kittle

Still Hoping to be Ready for Week 1
Micah Parsons

Expected to Open Training Camp on the PUP List
Tucker Kraft

Packers Hopeful Tucker Kraft Will Participate in Training Camp
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Held Out of OTAs on Wednesday
Jayden Daniels

Participating in Commanders OTAs
Chris Bell

No Timetable for Chris Bell's Return from Knee Surgery
De'Von Achane

Limited in OTAs Due to Recovery From Shoulder Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

Participating in Packers OTAs
Josh Jacobs

No Criminal Charges Filed Against Josh Jacobs
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez Pulled Early on Wednesday With Hamstring Issue
Daniel Jones

Present at OTA Practice on Wednesday
CFB

Drew Mestemaker a Top Big 12 Quarterback Right Away?
PGA

Sungjae Im Remains Boom-or-Bust at Colonial
PGA

Michael Thorbjornsen Trending in Wrong Direction Entering Colonial
De'Aaron Fox

Limited to Nine Points in Game 5 Loss
Russell Henley

a Top Option at Colonial
Harry Hall

Hoping Putter Carries Him at Colonial
Julian Champagnie

Notches 22 Points With Four Triples Tuesday
Stephon Castle

Leads Spurs in Scoring Tuesday Night
Rickie Fowler

Looks to Regain Momentum at Colonial
Victor Wembanyama

Struggles in Game 5 Loss to Thunder
Alex Caruso

a Difference-Maker Again in Game 5
Pierceson Coody

Looking to Stay Hot at Colonial
Jared McCain

Produces 20 Points in First Playoff Start
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores Game-High 32 Points in Game 5 Win
Martin Necas

Collects an Assist in Game 4 Loss to Golden Knights
Gabriel Landeskog

Scores Only Avalanche Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Carter Hart

Finishes Series-Clincher With 20 Saves
Dylan Coghlan

Continues Unlikely Success Story
Cole Smith

Scores Series-Clincher Tuesday Night
Mark Stone

Nets Another Goal as Golden Knights Finish Off Avalanche
Ludvig Aberg

Looking to Exchange Momentum for a Victory in Fort Worth
Stephan Jaeger

Trending Upward as PGA Heads to Fort Worth
Max Homa

Comes Off Awful Putting Performance at PGA Championship
Tony Finau

Faces Different Test at the Colonial
Robert MacIntyre

Seeks Better Beginning in Fort Worth
Tom Hoge

Ups and Downs Could Continue at Colonial
Brian Harman

Not Having the Best Golf Season in 2026
Austin Eckroat

Struggling Too Often Heading to Charles Schwab Challenge
Zach Bauchou

Tries to Keep Momentum Rolling at Colonial
Keegan Bradley

Looking to Rebound at Colonial
Jared McCain

Moves into Starting Five
Boston Celtics

Joe Mazzulla Wins Coach of the Year
Jalen Williams

is Ruled Out for Game 5 on Tuesday
Zion Williamson

to See More Versatile Role
Cleveland Cavaliers

Kenny Atkinson to Remain Cavaliers Head Coach Next Season
Claude Giroux

Planning to Return for 20th NHL Campaign
Carter Hart

Aiming for Sixth Consecutive Win Tuesday
Evgeni Malkin

Inks New One-Year Deal With Penguins
Mackenzie Blackwood

in Net for Game 4 Against Golden Knights
Valeri Nichushkin

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Nathan MacKinnon

Will Suit Up Tuesday
Ben Griffin

Looking to Repeat This Week at Colonial
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Player to Avoid at Charles Schwab Challenge
Hideki Matsuyama

Needs Solid Driving Week at Charles Schwab Challenge
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of Charles Schwab Challenge
Akshay Bhatia

Lacking Driving Prowess Needed at Colonial Country Club
CFB

DJ Lagway Looking to Rebound at Baylor
CFB

Josh Hoover Tasked With Leading Indiana Back to the Playoffs
CFB

Braylon Staley the Next 1,000-Yard Tennessee Receiver?
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Return Timeline Remains Unclear
Evan Mobley

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 15 Points
James Harden

Wants to Stay in Cleveland
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Committed to Cavaliers
Mikal Bridges

Cools Off in Game 4 Against Cavaliers
Ivan Demidov

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Lane Hutson

Records Power-Play Goal in Game 3 Loss
Frederik Andersen

Enjoys Another Easy Night at the Office in Game 3
Shayne Gostisbehere

Scores First Postseason Goal
Taylor Hall

Ends Four-Game Goal Drought
Andrei Svechnikov

Scores Game 3 Winner in Overtime
Gage Jump

Athletics to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Gage Jump to Major Leagues
Tatsuya Imai

Two Relievers Combine to No-Hit the Rangers on Monday
Valeri Nichushkin

Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin Uncertain for Game 4
Oliver Kapanen

Sitting as Healthy Scratch Monday
Max Domi

Out Indefinitely Due to Offseason Surgery Complications
Dylan Cease

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Daniel Suarez

Wins at Charlotte in Rain-Shortened Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Winning and Places Third at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

Places Fourth After Leading Laps at Charlotte
Kyle Larson

Strong and Consistent Day Ends in Fifth at Charlotte
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF