Fantasy Football: The Best Names in the Business

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On this week’s episode of “useless fantasy football knowledge”, we take a look at something no one else is brave enough to cover: what’s the best name in the NFL?

I’ve long been fascinated by teams that could be built using only players of the same name, inspired by a friend of mine that ran a surprisingly successful “Michael” team for a couple years. Since very few names could support a full roster, I will instead judge them by their average fantasy football outlook this upcoming season.

I’m not going to consider names that only show up once or twice; 100% of “Dalvin“s are great but that isn’t very helpful when there’s only one of them. I also won’t be including players that hold zero fantasy value so far in 2021, for brevity’s sake (sorry John Ross fans).

If you’re taking a particularly lazy approach to your fantasy football league, this guide might be for you. Don’t feel like memorizing a bunch of different players? Just remember a couple names that you like, and don’t blame me if you end up with Chris Herndon by accident. Let’s take a look at the names you should keep an eye out for in your upcoming drafts.

Chris

The Chris team is a strong one this year, largely in part to consensus first overall pick Christian McCaffrey. He should have another dominant year regardless of Sam Darnold‘s performance, and he’s not the only Chris poised for success. Chris Carson projects for a breakout season as the only viable RB on an offense that wants to run the ball, and Chris Godwin is an excellent receiving option in the admittedly crowded Buccaneers WR room.

On the less exciting side, Christian Kirk is a solid late-round option but likely won’t have consistent value with DeAndre Hopkins and A.J. Green on the roster. Chris Herndon looks like he could lose the starting job on an already shaky Jets offense, and Chris Boswell is nothing more than a week-to-week streamer. This group holds some great upside, but temper your expectations on any Chris you find after the 5th round.

Name rating: 4/5 Stars

Josh

One of the shorter teams on our list today, the Joshes are a mixed bag. Josh Jacobs might have to share snaps with Kenyan Drake this year but should still put up RB2 numbers, and would become a potential league winner if Drake misses time. Josh Allen really boosts this group’s rating as one of the best young QBs in the league, but the fun stops there.

Joshua Kelley is simply a handcuff to Austin Ekeler, and might not even be the 2nd man up. Josh Reynolds had huge upside before the Titans signed Julio Jones but has since dropped to unexciting flier status, and Josh Lambo is in the lower third of kicker rankings headed into the season. The Joshes have a ton of young talent, but later options drag them down to a mediocre score.

Name rating: 3/5 Stars

John

I’m sure some of you have high hopes for this team, but I don’t find myself optimistic about any of the Johns. I have a feeling that both Jonathan Taylor and Dionte Johnson could be held back by crowded offenses and definitely wouldn’t take the shot on either at their current ADPs. That hesitation also extends to David Johnson and Jonnu Smith, who have similar situational concerns but at least won’t cost you an early pick.

The rest of the group is even less appealing. John Brown will likely be the #3 option on a bad Raiders team, Kerryon Johnson only holds handcuff value, and Ty Johnson will likely lose his job to rookie Michael Carter. You heard it here first: stay away from the Johns in 2021.

Name rating: 2/5 Stars

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Rob

I honestly did not expect the Robs to be this powerful, but they got a fair amount of help from the Robinsons. Allen Robinson is a locked-and-loaded WR1 with any QB, and Robert Woods should flourish in the new Rams offense that just lost their best RB. James Robinson and Robby Anderson are both seriously talented but have drawn hesitation because of timeshare concerns, so I’d only take them if they fall to the 6th or 7th rounds.

As for the TEs, both Robert Tonyan and Rob Gronkowski are regression candidates in 2021. A lot of people are low on Tonyan, but I’d personally be happy with either late in my drafts. Robbie Gould is a solid but boring K option this year, and Demarcus Robinson probably won’t see legitimate action unless another Chiefs receiver misses time. Overall, a solid group worth your roster spots.

Name rating: 4/5 Stars

Zack

Now here’s a team I have absolutely no confidence in. There’s a chance Zack Moss takes over his backfield this year, but he’ll most likely lose opportunities and TDs to Josh Allen regardless. Zach Ertz hasn’t been good for a while, and it’s my gut feeling that Zach Wilson will not succeed in New York. Zach Pascal and Olamide Zaccheaus will both be #3 or #4 receivers on their teams, and won’t matter for fantasy football outside of injury situations. I’d definitely try to avoid all Zacks this season.

Name rating: 1/5 Stars

Jones

Our only team on this list with multiple potential starting QBs, the Jones are risky but offer some solid upside. Aaron Jones is the only top-tier player in my opinion, and should have another great year with Aaron Rodgers back in command. Julio, Ronald, and Marvin are all stuck in crowded situations, but could end up finding success if fortune swings their way. Donovan Peoples-Jones, however, will most likely hold no fantasy value as the Browns’ WR4.

I have a lot of trouble projecting both Daniel Jones and Mac Jones. Daniel could be an incredible fantasy football asset thanks to the Giants’ array of offensive weapons, but I lean more towards the crash-and-burn side because of his terrible offensive line. Mac hasn’t had the chance to prove himself at the NFL level yet, but I see real promise with the team Belichick has assembled around him. If you’re feeling risky, take a chance on a Jones this year.

Name rating: 3/5 Stars

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Tyler

The Tylers are a confusing bunch. Most of them are fine options at their ADP but I’m not really thrilled about them in any situation. Both Tyler Lockett and Tyler Boyd have good upside with great QBs, but I don’t trust either to put up consistent numbers as the WR2-3 on their teams. I haven’t been able to form a sturdy opinion on Tyler Higbee, who could thrive with Stafford this year but also won’t be more than the third target on a run-first offense.

Having a good kicker doesn’t do much for your name rating, but it should be said that Tyler Bass is one of the better options in 2021. He was the K4 last year and will most likely put up big numbers again with the Bills’ offense. Tyrell Williams, on the other hand, seems like the Lions’ lead WR but I expect him to be quickly supplanted by the younger guys on his team. And yes, I know Tyrell isn’t really a Tyler, but his name has all the same letters and I make the rules.

Name rating: 2/5 Stars

Michael

Glorious, isn’t it? If Mike Glennon somehow became a starting QB again, the Michaels could form a legitimately competitive fantasy football team all on their own. Mike Evans is a stud, Mike Davis has massive value in the 6th round, and if Michael Thomas regains his health he’ll likely dominate the Saints’ target share once more. It doesn’t stop there, as Michael Carter will probably end up leading the Jets’ RBs in 2021 and Mike Gesicki could be a steal in the 9th.

Even the less compelling Michaels have serious upside; Williams, Gallup, Pittman, and Hardman all project as #2 or #3 receiving options but still hold great mid-to-late-round value. The Michaels even have a good kicker on a great offense in Michael Badgley.

Sony Michel and La’Mical Perine headline the only real duds on this squad, and will most likely go undrafted in 2021 unless something shakes up their respective backfields. I hate to say it, but Michael is probably the best name in the NFL.

Name rating: 5/5 Stars

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