Scheme is important in fantasy football. And also spread the attack. Below are eight players with the perfect offensive systems to fuel a weekly fantasy production this season.
I’m focusing on midfielders in systems that maximize their mobility on determined rushing and using the game of play and movement. The appearance of running with the size of the reception and blocking of the scheme. and hunting games with road trees that create explosive play receptions and opportunities to hunt and run, which translates to an imaginative upward aspect.
So, let’s get into it. These are the players on my “All-Scheme” team.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
I’m on Lamar this year for his offensive deployment—both a runner and pitcher—in a new offensive system under coordinator Todd Monken. Further alignments are empty, spreading and flying. Much faster attack pace.
Exactly what does that mean? Building on Monken’s past playbooks, especially at the college level, the Ravens can create more space for Jackson in play and running back concepts, while also forcing defenses to expand their alignment against Baltimore’s QB run game.
Remember, Lamar averaged 19.7 fantasy points per game last season (12 games played). And the Ravens have added legitimate upgrades to their passing game with the trajectory of Odell Beckham Jr. and the explosive play style of rookie Zay Flowers. Jackson should be seen as a QB with the top three on the upside here.
Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants
Jones fits my philosophy of drafting quarterbacks with mobility. I must own it. And Brian Daboll’s New York system fulfills Jones’ dual threat traits.
Last season, Jones recorded 120 carries, with 67 designed rushes. Let’s also not forget the game of playing with the giants. At 22, Jones has completed 75.3% of his throws in play, which includes booting concepts that bring the quarterback to the edge of the formation.
Jones will get a bump in the passing game this season with the addition of tight end Darren Waller. Tighten the seams and run after the catch on the cross and bottom. Jones is currently my QB10 and has a plan to post mediocre QB1 numbers in his second season under Daboll.
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
The running game fit in with Robinson in Atlanta. Multiple workers in Telecom Egypt. Area charts. This plays on his vision, strength and ability to pace the ball quickly. Find daylight and go. There is volume here, too.
But I also see Robinson as an elite all-purpose playmaker because of his pass-catching skills. And it’s more than just catching the ball in the backfield. Yes, I’m speculating here, but given what I’ve seen on college tape, Robinson could be deployed as a flex receiver in a passing game. It is a three-level target with matching skills.
In our latest ESPN mock draft, Robinson landed fifth overall – with Ja’Marr Chase on the board. Perhaps this is a stretch, but I also see high level traits in the attack of the hawk who will use the crow as a double threat weapon.
Ramonder Stephenson, Right Midfielder, New England Patriots
My current RB9 in the ranks, Stephenson is getting a blueprint boost with offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien returning to New England. Last season, playing in a Patriots offense that lacked a true identity, Stephenson went on to score 69 of his 88 goals, while averaging a PPR of 14.7 points per game. Good numbers there.
With O’Brien holding the order sheet at 23, I’d bet Stephenson on both the running and passing game. Flat concepts about backfield releases, screen objectives, and burst size. With Stevenson being the clear No. 1 in New England based on depth in the backroom of the Patriots’ running back, he easily fits into how O’Brien has popularized his running backs. This prepares Stevenson to post consistent RB1 numbers.
Chris Olaf, WR, New Orleans Saints
Olaf is a vertical glider — with road attributes to be revealed — who’s been promoted in my rank since the Saints signed free agent quarterback Derek Carr. Yes, Olave will still see targets under him about pivot velocities, pivots, and more, but this is really about blending Olave’s Level 3 ability with Carr’s arm knack for downfield throws.
In 22, Olave posted nine receptions on vertical targets, 10 deep and six more on deep cutouts (drill knocks, overs). And I expect those numbers to jump right up as Carr pitches the ball. Isolation routes, as well as a planned shot run that tests the upper secondary. Think of an expanded road tree, one that gives him the size and great play juice to produce a WR2—with the WR1 up.
Brandon Ayuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
After watching the tape and studying the road structure on Kyle Shanahan’s offense, I think I may be a bit too low on an Awok in my rank (WR35). Last season, Aiyuk averaged 13.4 PPR points per game, recording 78 receptions and eight touchdowns. And it really comes down to how well he plans Shanahan’s pass, no matter who’s throwing the ball.
Aiyuk will be isolated to escape coverage, and we know Shanahan is the best in the league at creating open spaces. Clear and replace concepts that give Aiyuk opportunities to catch and play targets. Even with Ayuk likely to experience a downward spiral this season, the scheme and its sudden movement characteristics in the road course will generate an imaginary upward trend.
Kadarius Toney, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
I see Tony as a potential escape candidate on the 23rd. Volume is going to jump. We know that. A three-level road tree in the Chiefs’ explosive offense, with manufactured touches on screens, flying sweeps and backhands. Toney is an action/action player in the Andy Reid system with dynamic attributes, stop/start speed, and vision in the open field. He can shake you inside a phone booth.
Last season, we got a shot at Tony in Kansas City. From the point he got from the Giants in Week 9 through the Chiefs Super Bowl victory over Philly, Tony caught 21 of 28 targets, with six carries for 73 yards and a score. We saw that sudden movement with the ball in his hands. Now project Toney – if he’s healthy and on the field – into a consistent role with Patrick Mahomes and one of the most creative game plans in the league. Put it on your radar.
Evan Ingram, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ingram caught 73 passes in Jacksonville last season. And while that number could drop with the Jags adding wide receiver Calvin Ridley, Engram’s track structure under Doug Pederson is a steal in fantasy football.
Last season, Engram captured 16 screens in Jacksonville. High percentage targets with open space to attack. It’s the same with the shallow keels we see on bar, speedcuts, pivots and more. Pederson placed him as a fast-throwing target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, as well as what he can do as a second and third baseman when making seams or separating on deep balls and corners.
So if you’re someone (like me) who waits until the later rounds of fantasy drafts to target a tight end, keep Ingram on your radar. The chart works and should see enough volume to post low end TE1 numbers.