Fantasy Football: Hot Take Predictions for Every NFC East Team

Hot Take (Noun)

'A piece of commentary, typically produced quickly in response to a recent event, whose primary purpose is to attract attention.’

It’s hot take season in the world of NFL journalism. Everyone has an opinion on each team. Some are good, some are bad, some are right, and some are wrong. Here, I take a look at each team and talk about a prediction I think may come to fruition. Many will disagree with me, some will agree. Have a read about these 4 teams and come to your own conclusion.

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#1 Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott will not be a top 15 QB this season.

Dak Prescott had a tough 2017-18 season. He started off well but really struggled when the team lost Ezekiel Elliott through suspension. He still managed to finish the season as the QB 11 though. This was partially down to his mobility, as he added 357 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground.

This season he does get Zeke back for a full 16 games, but the Cowboys front office has done nothing to help him out in the passing game. They released Dez Bryant and Jason Witten retired. To replace them they drafted Michael Gallup and signed Allen Hurns. Hurns is currently the defacto WR1 at the moment.

Hurns could be a decent addition for Dak, but he’s certainly not a WR1. Last season he caught 39 passes and was the WR3 for the Jaguars. Gallup is a good prospect, but asking him to come in and contribute from the get-go is a tough ask. At Tight End they are left with 3 inexperienced guys who will have to fill the huge void that Witten has left.

With no Dez or Witten, it leaves Prescott short of receiving options. The two combined for 132 receptions last season and I can't see Hurns getting more than 50-60 this year. I think that Prescott will struggle to get it going through the air this year, resulting in a poor season for the Cowboys.

#2 New York Giants

Saquon Barkley will finish as the RB1 on the season.

2018 NFL Draft

It’s a pretty bold statement, but its not completely crazy. Saquon Barkley is the most impressive prospect to be drafted in years. He’s a natural athlete who has an incredible combination of strength, speed, size and agility. If you also take into consideration his ability as a pass catcher, then we really are looking at an elite running back. At the moment though, it is just hype as Barkley is yet to play a down in the NFL.

He has a great chance to achieve big things after being drafted by the NY Giants with the 2nd overall pick. He comes into a team that struggled mightily on the ground last season. The offense was decimated by injuries, the offensive line was poor and Eli Manning showed more signs of decline.

This season, however, everyone is healthy and the offensive line has been improved with the additions of Nate Solder and Will Hernandez. Barkley will get a lot of volume in the running game with the ageing Jonathon Stewart serving as his back-up. He could easily see 325 touches in this offense because of his ability in the passing game.

That kind of volume is the same amount that Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon see. If he can find his way into the end zone 10-15 times then he could very well be the RB1 on the season.

#3 Philadelphia Eagles

Alshon Jeffery will be a top 15 WR.

Super Bowl LII - Philadelphia Eagles v New England Patriots

This is one that not many people will agree with. Jeffery had a decent first season in Philadelphia. He caught 57 passes for 789 yards and 9 TDs, which brought him in at WR21 on the season. I think that he will have a better understanding with Carson Wentz this season, resulting in more targets.

Jeffery proved himself as a TD machine. He scored a touchdown every 6.3 catches he made. I think that with an improved relationship with Wentz, he will be able to get the sort of targets he was receiving when he played for the Bears. In his two 16 games seasons for them, he recorded 89 and 85 catches as well as 1421 and 1133 yards.

If he could get the same sort of production in Philadelphia, then Jeffery might even exceed my top 15 prediction. He proved his health to the Eagles hierarchy, and they rewarded him with a 4-year deal. He will look to cement himself as the go-to option in this offense.

#4 Washington Redskins

Alex Smith will be a top 10 fantasy QB again.

Denver Broncos v Kansas City Chiefs

Alex Smith is one of the most underrated QBs in the league. Smith had a career year in 2017-18 whilst playing for the Chiefs. He completed a career-high 341 passes, as well as 4042 yards and 26 TDs which were both career highs too.

His QB rating was 104.7, with Smith only throwing 5 interceptions on the season. He was also the most accurate deep ball thrower in the league, something that isn’t usually associated with his game. That wasn’t enough to keep him in Kansas City though, as the KC hierarchy wanted to move forward with exciting prospect Pat Mahomes.

Smith was traded to the Washington Redskins, who immediately gave him a 4 year $94 million deal. So, can Smith continue with his incredible form? He is leaving an offense full of weapons behind in KC, and whilst the Redskins offense doesn’t quite match up, it isn’t devoid of talent.

The Wide Receiver corps consists of Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson and Jamison Crowder. There have already been glowing reports of the rapport between Smith and Crowder, who plays in the slot. Doctson and Richardson are decent weapons, but you wouldn’t call them standout WR1 potential.

Smith used Travis Kelce a lot for the Chiefs, and he will look to utilise Jordan Reed the same way if the latter can stay healthy. If he plays in 16 games, then he will be a top 4 TE in the league this year. Smith usually adds 300+ yards on the ground which is vital for fantasy points.

Smith finished as the QB 4 on the season last year, and whilst I don’t think he will reach those heights again, I expect him to get inside the top 10. His current ADP is in the 12th round and the 19th QB of the board. Sounds like a steal to me.