Fantasy Football: 4 Quarterbacks Who Easily Outperformed Their 2016 Preseason Rankings

Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins

Kirk Cousins posted impressive numbers in his first full season as Washington's starting quarterback in 2015, finishing first in the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%) and 10th in passing yards (4,166). So it was a little surprising that he had an average preseason ranking of 124th, including 16th among quarterbacks.

Maybe it was because the Redskins still had some reservations about him. They didn't give him a long-term contract, opting instead to hand out a $19.9 million franchise tag.

We were convinced, though, and perhaps Washington will be convinced now after Cousins finished third in passing yards (4,917) -- setting a team record -- and seventh in quarterback rating (97.2) this past season. He added 25 touchdown passes to finish fifth overall in fantasy points and sixth in Passing NEP per drop back.

The emergence of Jamison Crowder alongside Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson gave Cousins a potent wide receiver corps. When you throw in one of the best tight ends in the league in Jordan Reed, it's easier to see why Cousins put up such big numbers.

The biggest negative with Cousins was his disappointing numbers in the red zone. He completed only 45.7% of his passes there, and it dropped to 31.5 percent inside the 10-yard line. Imagine what his numbers could be if he rectifies his red zone issues going forward.