Young quarterbacks, speedy running backs and rookies headline the list of the biggest surprises for September in fantasy football. Many of the players on this list entered the season on the waiver wire, but in just four weeks they have likely moved into the starting lineups of many teams. The obvious question ahead is whether they can maintain their success over a full year, but through the first quarter of the 2017 NFL season, these players were some of the biggest fantasy surprises.
Deshaun Watson, QB, Houston Texans
In just three and a half NFL games, Deshaun Watson is being hailed as the greatest quarterback in the history of the Houston Texans. He is looking like the best rookie quarterback in fantasy this season, and once he cuts down on his turnovers, Watson could become one of the best fantasy quarterbacks. Period. Watson still has games against the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers and two against the Indianapolis Colts, meaning he should continue to have success through the season.
Jared Goff, QB, Los Angeles Rams
Leading the top scoring offense in the NFL, Jared Goff has taken considerable strides this season. Goff is on pace to be the first Rams quarterback since Marc Bulger in 2006 to throw for over 4000 yards. He has already through more touchdowns this season than he did as a rookie and could pass for at least 25 touchdowns this season. The biggest difference may be in his ability to limit turnovers. Goff has turned the ball over just once in four games this season, compared to nine times in seven games last season. He is still young and will likely make a few mistakes, but overall Goff is one of the biggest early surprises of this NFL season.
Tarik Cohen, RB, Chicago Bears
After an electrifying Week 1, Tarik Cohen has turned into a fantasy star and a great option to start in your flex spot every week. Cohen has caught at least four passes in every game this season and has topped 100 yards from scrimmage twice. What may be the most impressive is the fact Cohen can coexist with Jordan Howard. Both backs have been excellent this season and seem to have found different roles to complement each other. As bad as the Chicago Bears quarterbacking has been this season, with Cohen and Howard, their running game can keep the team afloat while they bring in and develop Mitchell Trubisky.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
After Spencer Ware was lost to injury in the preseason, Kareem Hunt climbed up pre-draft rankings, and while he was likely drafted in the majority of leagues, few could have predicted him to dominate the NFL as he has to start his career. Hunt is averaging 162.3 yards from scrimmage per game, tops in the NFL and with six touchdowns, he is challenging Todd Gurley for 2017 fantasy MVP. The Chiefs offense overall has been surprisingly good, but Hunt is undoubtedly the player having the most impressive season.
Evan Engram, TE, New York Giants
In a season of underwhelming tight ends, Evan Engram of the New York Giants has emerged as a consistent option to start the season. Engram ranks as the seventh highest scoring tight end in standard scoring leagues and is an even better option in PPR format. Engram is on pace for 75 catches for 800 yards and four touchdowns or more than what Tyler Eifert, Greg Olsen and Jordan Reed are on pace for combined. In all actuality, Engram should see his touchdown potential increase as he develops a better report with Eli Manning.
Chris Thompson
Coming into the season, the Washington Redskins backfield was a mess, and through four weeks, it still remains in a state of confusion, which is why it is shocking to see one of their running backs having such a great fantasy season. Chris Thompson had shown earlier in his career the ability to be a big play back, averaging 5.2 and 6.2 yards per carry the previous two seasons. However, seeing him rank as a top-12 running back on just 34 touches through four games is almost mind-boggling. Thompson level of productivity is likely unsustainable unless he sees an uptick in his touches per game. Still, for the month of September, Thompson was one of the best fantasy running backs.
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