The Eagles are building a potent fantasy offense

Anytime a team lands what they deem a franchise quarterback, you can bet the next few offseasons will be filled with the team stockpiling difference makers on the offensive side of the ball. Just look at the Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both of whom are now as laden with weapons as Batman’s utility belt. I’m almost too hyped about Jameis Winston in fantasy and the Corey Davis/Marcus Mariota connection could be something we see for years to come.

It should come as no surprise that the Philadelphia Eagles have spent their offseason also building an offense around franchise-quarterback-hopeful Carson Wentz. So far Philly has gone out and gotten Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith at receiver and just Wednesday signed LeGarrette Blount to help solidify what was—and is—a rather shaky backfield.

On paper, I’m liking this offense.

Jeffery has battled injuries and suspensions in recent years but when healthy, he’s a beast at receiver. Jeffery was a top 10 fantasy receiver back in 2013 and top 15 receiver in 2014. Even in 2015, despite playing only nine games, he managed to accumulate 105 total fantasy points, good for 11.6 per game. And call me crazy, but Wentz might be a better quarterback than late-in-his-career-I-need-a-cigarette Jay Cutler. Just saying.

I feel like I should write a quick blurb about Smith just because he’s also a free agent signing, but I don’t think he’s going to have some sort of fantasy renaissance in Philly. However, his signing—along with of course Jeffery—helps Jordan Matthews, who has flashed real fantasy potential. Matthews has been sniffing top 20 fantasy receiver and might finally crack the list this year. He’s a strong receiver who’s done most of his damage out of the slot, which is where I’d guess he resides all 2017. His targets will likely take a hit given the addition of Jeffery but I still think there’s a lot to like about the fourth year receiver.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Zach Ertz who broke onto the fantasy stage last year, finishing eighth among tight ends in total fantasy points. He established himself as Wentz’s go-to-guy, leading the Eagles in catches and yards and finishing second in targets. I’d look for that kind of production to continue into 2017.

Now, take this passing attack and add the league leader in rushing touchdowns last year. I don’t pretend for a second that Blount will be able to match his 18 touchdown season, but what he will do is add a lot of punch to a punchless Eagles backfield. Sorry all you Ryan Mathews faithful but he was clearly not the answer in Philly.

Will Blount be a top 10 back in fantasy next year? I’d say “hard no”. He might not even be top 20. That being said, I could see him being used with regularity in the red zone as a touchdown battering ram. The Eagles were fifth in the league last year in rushing plays within the red zone with 77. I’ll take my fantasy points however I can get them.

All and all, the Eagles’ front office has done what it’s needed to do to put weapons around Wentz and to build an offense that could be pretty dang good next year. And an offense that could produce quite a few fantasy stars.