Greg Olsen Fantasy Football 2017: A Deep Dive into the Tight End's Stellar Season

Alright, fantasy football enthusiasts, let's talk about the man who was a sure-fire start at the tight end position in 2017 - Greg Olsen. This guy was a fantasy football staple, and for good reason. So, buckle up as we dive deep into Greg Olsen's fantasy football 2017 season. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and greg olsen fantasy 2017.

Greg Olsen: The Fantasy Football Darling

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of his 2017 performance, let's remind ourselves why Greg Olsen was a fantasy football darling. This guy was Cam Newton's favorite target, and that's saying something. Olsen's consistent production and high target volume made him a reliable fantasy asset.

The 2017 Fantasy Football Landscape

Heading into the 2017 season, tight ends were a bit of a crapshoot. Sure, there were the usual suspects like Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce, but they came with injury risks. Olsen, however, was a beacon of consistency. He had logged at least 1,000 yards in three of his previous four seasons, and fantasy managers were hoping he'd keep that trend going in 2017.

Olsen's 2017 Fantasy Football Campaign: A Statistical Deep Dive

Now, let's get down to business. Here's a breakdown of Olsen's 2017 fantasy football season:

- Games Played: 15 (Olsen missed two games due to injury) - Receptions: 73 - Targets: 107 - Yards: 1,077 - Touchdowns: 9 - Fantasy Points (PPR): 214.7 (12th among tight ends)

The Numbers Tell the Story

Olsen's 2017 campaign was a tale of two halves. In the first eight games, he was an absolute monster, posting a ridiculous 77.4 fantasy points (PPR). He was on pace for a 1,500-yard season and was a top-three fantasy tight end.

However, the Panthers' offense struggled mightily in the second half of the season, and Olsen's production took a nosedive. He managed just 137.3 fantasy points (PPR) in the final eight games, finishing as a top-12 tight end in only two of those contests.

Olsen's Injury: A Blip or a Sign of Things to Come?

Olsen missed two games in 2017 due to a foot injury. While it wasn't a season-ending ailment, it was a reminder that injuries can derail even the most reliable fantasy tight ends. It's also worth noting that Olsen was 32 years old in 2017, which is ancient by tight end standards.

The Aging Tight End Dilemma

Tight ends have a short shelf life in the NFL, and Olsen was no exception. His 2017 season was a stark reminder that even the most reliable fantasy tight ends can decline quickly. In the following seasons, Olsen's production would dip significantly, and he would retire after the 2020 season.

Lessons Learned from Olsen's 2017 Campaign

So, what can we learn from Greg Olsen's 2017 fantasy football season? Here are a few takeaways:

1. Consistency is Key: Olsen's first half of the season was spectacular, but his second half was a reminder that even the most reliable tight ends can struggle.
2. Injuries Happen: Olsen's foot injury was a reminder that tight ends, especially older ones, are prone to injuries. It's always a good idea to have a reliable backup.
3. Age Matters: Olsen's decline in production after 2017 was a stark reminder that tight ends don't age like fine wine. They tend to decline quickly, so it's important to draft and trade accordingly.

Final Thoughts on Greg Olsen's 2017 Fantasy Football Season

Greg Olsen's 2017 fantasy football season was a rollercoaster ride. He was unstoppable in the first half of the season but struggled mightily in the second half. Despite the decline, Olsen still finished as a top-12 fantasy tight end, a testament to his reliability and consistency.

As fantasy managers, we should strive to learn from players like Olsen. His 2017 season was a reminder that even the most reliable tight ends can struggle, and that injuries and age can derail a player's production quickly. So, the next time you're drafting a tight end, remember Greg Olsen's 2017 season and draft accordingly.

And there you have it, folks. A deep dive into Greg Olsen's 2017 fantasy football season. Until next time, happy drafting!