The best players in the NFL competed in the Pro Bowl last week. After trailing by 17 points, the AFC mounted a late comeback to win their second straight Pro Bowl. Many of the best fantasy players were on the AFC Pro Bowl team, but if you made the roster out of the best fantasy players, it would look a little different. This is the AFC Fantasy Pro Bowl team.
Quarterbacks
Starter
Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Although Tom Brady narrowly edged out Alex Smith as the top scoring quarterback in the AFC, Smith would have easily lead the Conference had he not sat out the Chiefs Week 17 game against the Denver Broncos. Smith had his best statistical season, setting career highs in passing touchdowns and yards while continuing to use his legs to pick up extra fantasy points. Smith is likely to have a new home next season. However, Smith proved in 2017 he can be a dynamic fantasy player in the right offense.
Reserves
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Brady led the AFC in fantasy points this season, although his average per game was slightly lower than Alex Smith.
Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
Even though he would not be able to play, he deserves a spot on the AFC Fantasy Pro Bowl roster. No player averaged more points per game than Deshaun Watson’s 25.77.
Running Backs
Starter
Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
After a slow start to the season, Le’Veon eventually led all AFC running backs with 85 receptions (a career high) and 1946 yards from scrimmage in 15 games. Bell also matched his career high with 11 total touchdowns. Despite losing a career-worst two fumbles, Bell did everything fantasy owners wanted from him in 2017. Bell’s future in Pittsburgh is an enigmatic subject, entering the 2018 offseason. He is due for a new contract, but if the Steelers opt to use the franchise tag again, Bell states he will not play in 2018.
Reserves
Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs
Though Hunt cooled off a bit in the middle of the season, Hunt became the second straight rookie to lead the NFL in rushing yards.
Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers
Probably one of the more underappreciated players in fantasy, Melvin Gordon has an excellent season finishing the season 1581 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns.
Wide Receivers
Starters
Antonio Brown Pittsburgh Steelers and DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
Despite missing the last two and a half games of the NFL season, Brown was once again one of the best players in fantasy. Brown now has an unprecedented five straight seasons with over 100 receptions. His 1553 receiving yards led the NFL. With Ben Roethlisberger coming back in 2018, Antonio Brown should once again be the top-ranked wide receiver in fantasy.
DeAndre Hopkins rebounded from a subpar 2016 season to lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns. Hopkins managed to catch 96 passes for 1378 yards and 13 touchdowns, with a trio of different quarterbacks throwing him the ball. If Deshaun Watson is 100% healthy come training camp next season, Hopkins will challenge Antonio Brown as the best fantasy wide receiver entering the 2018 season.
Reserves
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers
A strong candidate for comeback player of the year, Keenan Allen was one of two players in the NFL this season with 100+ receptions and 1300+ receiving yards.
Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
Hill continued to improve in his sophomore season, posting 1183 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.
Tight Ends
Starter
Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
Based on standard fantasy scoring Rob Gronkowski was the top tight end in fantasy football this season (although Travis Kelce scored higher in PPR format). Gronkowski continues to be the toughest match-up in the NFL. Gronkowski caught 69 passes for 1084 yards and eight touchdowns this season, doubling his totals from his injury-plagued 2016 campaign. Health will always be a factor when drafting Gronkowski, but when he is on the field, there is no tight end better.
Reserves
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce would be the top tight end in PPR as he led all tight ends with 83 receptions and ranked second in receiving yards with 1039.
Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans
Walker was one of just four tight ends to top 800 yards receiving, while his 74 receptions were the second-highest total of his career.
Team Defense
Starter
Jacksonville Jaguar
After a few years of smart drafting and big name free agent signings, the Jacksonville Jaguars fielded the highest scoring defense in fantasy football. The group excelled at just about every aspect of fantasy defence. They ranked in the top five for points allowed, sacks, turnovers, yards allowed and scored a league-best eight defensive/special teams touchdowns. Overall, the group is young and very talented and has the potential to be the top defense in fantasy again next season.
Reserves
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens led the NFL with 34 takeaways, second in defensive/special teams touchdowns with seven and ranked sixth in points allowed.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers tied with the Jaguars for second in points allowed to go with four defensive/return scores, 43 sacks and 27 takeaways.
Kicker
Starter
Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots
As the Patriots offense continues to work like a well-oiled machine with Tom Brady at quarterback, Stephen Gostkowski continues to be one of the best kickers in fantasy. Gostkowski led all AFC kickers in points, making 37 fields (second highest of his career) and chipping in 45 extra points.
Reserves
Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens
Despite a slow first four games, Tucker finished second in the AFC in fantasy points and scored at least 9.00 points in his final 12 games of 2017.
Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs
Even though Butker was not on the Chiefs for the first three weeks of the season, Butker still ranked third in the AFC for points and led all AFC kickers in fantasy points per game. He was an impressive pickup by the Chiefs as they had to find a mid-season solution after losing Cairos Santos to a long-term injury. Many people criticized the cutting of Santos at the time but now Butker has proven to be a very clutch, reliable kicker for the Chiefs.
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