Before I began to write this post, the Vikings experienced season altering news: Sidney Rice is having surgery and will be out for at least the first half of the season. With Percy Harvin having migraine problems, Brett Favre's arsenal has gotten inexperienced very quickly. This affects the NFC North in many ways.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers - 1st in division - 13-3
Sleeper - Jermichael Finley, TE - Labeling Finley as a sleeper may seem ridiculous, but before the Packers last preseason game, no one was touting Finley as the top 5 TE that he seems to be after that performance (I know, I know, it's preseason, but still). Finley is a huge red zone target for the team and was the top TE in all of fantasy land in the final 5 weeks last season (that means: in the fantasy playoffs). What's so awesome about Finley? You can generally get him as the 7th or 8th TE drafted (Gates, Witten, Gonzalez, Davis, Daniels, Celek generally get drafted before Finley).
Bust - I can't find a single bust on the Packers offense. All 5 of the players at the tops of the offensive depth charts (QB, RB, TE, WR1 & WR2) are draftable and will produce.
Rookie to watch - None - Tough for a rookie to crack an offensive rotation that is as good at the top and as stable as the Packers' is.
You already know - Aaron Rodgers, QB - Really, any of 4 names could be here, but I chose the best of the bunch. Rodgers is primed to be one of the 2 best fantasy QB's this season and is getting drafted like one. With Finley poised for a breakout, Grant pounding the rock and Jennings and Driver hauling in the catches, Rodgers has plenty options to air it out.
Chicago Bears - 2nd in division - 9-7
Sleeper - Matt Forte, RB - After suffering through a sophomore slump, Forte is poised to bounce back and put up numbers similar to his rookie season. Though the Bears added Chester Taylor as running back depth, Forte is their #1 RB and will be given plenty of opportunities to shine. With Jay Cutler airing the ball out this season, it will open up the offense and give Forte plenty of room to run.
Bust - Devin Hester, WR - As long as Hester is listed as a #1 or #2 WR, Hester will be considered a bust. Never a receiving threat, Hester is a pure return man, with exciting speed and moves, but terrible hands. IF you are drafting a Bears WR, Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu are the ones to get.
Rookie to watch - Juaquin Iglesias, WR - This is a reach, but if he is given the chance, he will excel in an offense that will throw the ball more than it is used.
You already know - Jay Cutler, QB - With Mike Martz at the helm of the offense, Cutler is going to throw, throw, throw this season. That means more yards, more touchdowns and, well, more interceptions. Though he only had 12 last season, he could near the 20 interception mark this season, with Martz propensity to air it out on offense. Definitely a top 10 QB, but you never know what Cutler will do from week to week.
Minnesota Vikings - 3rd in division - 8-8
Sleeper - Bernard Berrian, WR - With Sidney Rice out and Percy Harvin suffering from migraines, Berrian becomes the guaranteed #1 WR (barring injury) for Brett Favre to throw to. This means he should be looking at a 1,000 yard season and close to double digit touchdowns so long as, you know, he can catch the damn ball.
Bust - Brett Favre, QB - A man who was so high just two days ago can drop so low once he loses his best WR from last season and his 2nd best WR is still suffering from the migraines he had the previous season. With the loss at WR, the Vikings should give the ball to Adrian Peterson a lot more, meaning Favre will have less chances to air the ball out.
Rookie to watch - Toby Gerhart, RB - Not many rookies on the offensive side of the ball but, should anything happen to Peterson, Gerhart becomes the man in Minnesota. With a great offensive line to run behind, Gerhart should score a handful of touchdowns just by relieving Peterson a few times a game.
You already know - Adrian Peterson, RB - Top 2 RB, great hands, scores tons of touchdowns, just a player you don't need to explain much. If he has solved his fumblitis, he will have a bigger season than last.
Detroit Lions - 4th in division - 5-11
Sleeper - Nate Burleson, WR - You know, I thought about putting Brandon Pettigrew in this spot, but then I got to thinking. With all the defenses keying in on Calvin Johnson, Burleson is going to be put in a situation to succeed. Getting left one on one with smaller CB's, Burleson will be able to shine and put up solid numbers and make a push to be a viable #2 WR by the midway point of the season.
Bust - Matthew Stafford, QB - Even if he does take a step forward this season, he still won't put up the numbers worthy of being a starting fantasy QB. He does make for a drool worthy keeper league QB, but he won't truly shine until next season. Once he has a full season at the helm, with Jahvid Best in the backfield and develops a stronger bond with the offense, he should see himself landing as a top 10 QB in 2011.
Rookie to watch - Jahvid Best, RB - Seemingly everyone's front running rookie of the year, Best has all the skills necessary to excel at the NFL level. Joining a young team, who's eyes are set on the future, Best will be under no pressure to be a top RB in the league right away, as the passing game should be the primary focus of the team. A solid flex play to start the season, I see Best ending the season as a #2 RB starter and a 2nd rd pick for 2011.
You already know - Calvin Johnson, WR - Johnson, or Megatron as he's known, is a legitimate top 5 WR who's star should shine much brighter this year. With the Lions having some semblance of a ground game this season and Burleson being probably the best WR mate he has had since he has been on the team, Johnson's numbers can only go up this season. He may fight for the top spot this season, meaning his draft spot makes him somewhat of a steal.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens - 1st in division - 11-5
Sleeper - Is there such a thing as a sleeper in an offense as hyped as the Ravens offense currently is?
Bust - Todd Heap, TE - Oh Todd, where did we go wrong? We trusted you to become Flacco's safety valve, his blankie, yet you disappointed us. We just wanted top ten status from you. It's been 4 years since you were a reliable target. I'd say you had one more good season left in you, but the Ravens have too many options to rely on you anymore.
Rookie to watch - Team depth will prevent a rookie from stepping into any kind of a fantasy friendly situation.
You already know - Anquan Boldin, WR - You know this guy. Perennial #2 to Larry Fitzgerald, absolute beast on the field. Scoffs at recovery time. Enjoys getting hit as much as he enjoys hitting others. Not a burner, by any means, but he still gets yards and touchdowns and is a viable #1 WR.
Pittsburgh Steelers - 2nd in division - 10-6
Sleeper - Ben Roethlisberger, QB - I know he is going to miss 5 fantasy weeks (including the bye), but even without Santonio Holmes, he comes back and will be a top 10 fantasy quarterback the rest of the season. And he can be had in the final third of he draft (or $2 in an auction). That's the kind of value you pine for in fantasy sports. Just make sure your starter has a bye week after week 5 and start Ben the rest of the season.
Bust - Byron Leftwich, QB - Steelers fans will no how valuable Ben is to them once Leftwich is done with their offense on his first drive. Inaccurate arm, poor decisions and losing his wheels, Leftwich plays like the quarterback he used to be, but produces like the quarterback he is. The Steelers offense won't be the same until week 6.
Rookie to watch - Not a rookie to be found looking up and down the Steelers depth chart. Well, at least not a rookie worth watching.
You already know - Hines Ward, WR - Mr. Dependable, will get his numbers regardless who's behind center. Almost a guarantee for 1,000 yards a season, the dirtiest WR in football continues to be a threat, age notwithstanding.
Cincinnati Bengals - 3rd in division - 8-8
Sleeper - Terrell Owens, WR - Probably the first time Owens has ever been considered a sleeper, but he is. People will look at what he did in Buffalo and think he is done, but he will be living life as the 3rd option on the offense and won't have to be the focal point. with Ochocinco getting the attention from the best DB's on the field, Owens will be able to prowl the field, snatching up everything thrown his way. A solid #3 WR or first WR off the bench.
Bust - Cedric Benson, RB - I just don't think his body holds up through another full season of punishment. Not to mention Bernard Scott is lurking and will surely still some carries this season, to keep Benson healthy and able to survive the entire season. Plus, the addition of Antonio Bryant, Terrell Owens and drafting of Jordan Shipley points to the Bengals airing it out a lot more this season.
Rookie to watch - Jordan Shipley, WR - Slowly making his way up the depth chart, Shipley is the ideal slot receiver for the Bengals. Sure handed, not afraid to go over the middle and a fantastic 3rd down receiver, Shipley should see plenty of time on the field.
You already know - Carson Palmer, QB - With more weapons than he has ever had, Palmer should have his best season this season. Two bonafide star WR's (even if they are both a little old), a solid slot receiver, a great running game and an ever improved offensive line makes Palmer a very underrated QB who could be a top 10 guy by the end of the season.
Cleveland Browns - 4th in division - 4-12
Sleeper - Mohamed Massaquoi, WR - The best hands on the team and the second most reliable weapon, Massaquoi will benefit from having Jake Delhomme behind center. The definite #1 WR from the team, he should see plenty of looks and have every chance possible to succeed.
Bust - Jerome Harrison, RB - I hate to put Harrison here, but all signs point to Montario Hardesty to be healthy for the season opened, making it tough for Harrison to get the guaranteed #1 RB load. HE was a fantastic producer down the stretch last season, but I just cannot see him reproducing those same numbers for an entire season.
Rookie to watch - Montario Hardesty, RB - All healed up and looking to make his first appearance in a Browns jersey in their upcoming pre-season game, Hardesty is a back in the bruiser mold. A smash mouth runner, he is a larger back than Harrison and should a boon to the offense. If the Browns offense has any success through the air, Hardesty should be able to make a fight for the OROY.
You already know - Jake Delhomme, QB - Not much to say, except he left an ideal situation in Carolina for a less than ideal situation in Cleveland. His numbers will see a decrease across the board with the lack of talent at the receiver spot and one can only hope that his interception numbers come down as well.
With an end to the North divisions, you can look forward to the South divisions tomorrow. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email or leave a comment.
25 August 2010
24 August 2010
West Side Story: An AFC & NFC West Preview
To kick start the blog in it's new direction, I plan on previewing all 4 divisions in both conferences over the next four days. I've got a list of sleepers, busts, rookies to watch for and, well, guys you already know about to explore.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers - 1st in Division - 10-6 (2010 Expected finish)
Sleeper - Alex Smith, QB - With a top flight TE in Vernon Davis and a full season of Michael Crabtree, Smith can only improve on his numbers from last season. Add to that a versatile weapon in Brian Westbrook and Smith has the chance to jump into the top 12 fantasy QB's, interceptions willing. This may be Frank Gore's team, but they will want to keep him healthy for the entire season if they want to make a spirited run for the division crown and a playoff push.
Bust -Ted Ginn, Jr., WR - Unless your league counts kick return and punt return yardage, Ginn is not worth a draft pick. Known for his propensity to drop passes in Miami, I see no reason this changes as the slot receiver in San Fransisco. Stay. Away.
Rookie to watch - Nate Davis, QB - Big, talented QB, with a booming arm. If Smith falters, do not be surprised to see Davis get a chance to show the brass what he can do with the first team offense. I can see him leap frogging perennial project David Carr and being the #2 QB a few weeks into the season.
You already know - Frank Gore, RB - First round pick, regardless of settings. When healthy, a top 5 back. Even in PPR, he tends to be useful (though he does drop a bit, at least behind Andre Johnson). Will get 1,200+ yards and 10+ touchdowns. No RB committee to worry about (Brian Westbrook should not scare you away).
Arizona Cardinals - 2nd in Division - 8-8
Sleeper - Early Doucet, WR - What, you expected Matt Leinart here? Though Doucet is primed to be the #3 WR, he should get plenty of short looks while Leinart builds his confidence to throw the ball down field. Being the slot receiver will make it easy for Doucet to be a solid backup WR in PPR leagues and a WR to keep an eye on in deeper, non-PPR leagues.
Bust - Matt Leinart, QB - Even with one of the 5 best WR's to throw to, I don't see Leinart proving himself to be anything else other than just an average NFL quarterback. He will be in charge of the offense for longer than I would leave him there, but could be replaced by Derek Anderson before the end of the season (who, in my eyes, is the more talented QB anyways).
Rookie to watch - Um, would it upset all the Cardinals fans out there if I said no one? The primary offensive parts are filled with veterans and I see no chance of a rookie making a splash on this team.
You already know - Larry Fitzgeral, WR - Top 5 WR, but may see his numbers drop so long as Leinart is behind center. Would probably shine a lot more with Anderson throwing him the ball, but you can expect another 90 catches, 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns, regardless.
Seattle Seahawks - 3rd in division - 6-10
Sleeper - Justin Forsett, RB - Based on where he is being drafted, Forsett qualifies as a sleeper to me. Extremely more valuable in a PPR league, Forsett caught 41 passes last season in a lot more limited duty then he will have this season. Leon Washington, Julius Jones and crew should not hold Forsett back from a 1,000 yard season.
Bust - Deion Branch, WR - Not that you were drafting him (unless you start 4 WR or are in a ridiculously deep league), but Branch could lose his starting job to rookie Golden Tate or former USC standout Mike Williams. He's never been a fantasy factor in Seattle and he's never had 1,000 yards or more than 78 receptions in a season. Stay far away from Deion.
Rookie to watch - Golden Tate, WR - An obvious no brainer for this team, Tate should be the #2 WR, opposite TJ Houshmanzadeh, sooner rather than later. A solid option as a #3 fantasy WR, Tate could develop into a reliable #2 guy by the end of the season.
You already know - TJ Houshmanzadeh, WR - Ironic that their are 3 WR listed for the 'Hawks, but Housh is as reliable as it gets in Seattle. With what should be a better offense, Housh should see 1,000 yards again this season and may even spike his TD totals back into the 6-8 range, making him a viable #2 in most formats.
St. Louis Rams - 4th in division - 4-12
Sleeper - Laurent Robinson, WR - Apparently Robinson is everyone's sleeper and for good reason. He is the most talented WR on the team and all but guaranteed to be the #1 WR come week 1. Regardless if Bradford or Feeley is throwing the ball, Robinson should see numbers good enough to draft him as your first WR off the bench.
Bust - Sam Bradford, QB - Yes, he was easily the best available QB in the draft, but he will be behind one of the worst offensive lines in all of football. With Feeley currently on the mend with multiple injuries, Bradford could be thrown into the fire week 1. Not worth draft this season, but definitely a QB to keep an eye on in the future.
Rookie to watch - Mardy Gilyard, WR - To say that the Rams have a poor offense is like saying the Rams had an ok season last year: it's quite an understatement. Knowing that, there will be blowouts in their future, which means the Rams will throw the ball, a lot. And if Gilyard happens to grab the slot receiver role for this team, he will have an opportunity to showcase his skills to be the #2 WR next season.
You already know - Steven Jackson, RB - Top 5 RB, PPR monster. On the worst team he's ever played for, has his second most rush attempts and rushing yards. Should see improved TD numbers if the passing game improves even just a little.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers - 1st in division - 11-5
Sleeper - Legedu Naanee, WR - With Vincent Jackson clearly out of the picture and everyone else in the world hyping Malcolm Floyd, Naanee can rest on his laurels knowing few people are expecting him to produce. What with Antonio Gates being option #1, a new rookie RB in town and Floyd taking over #1 duties, Naanee might as well be an afterthought. An afterthought to all but the most attentive fantasy players, that is. While defenses cue in on Gates and Floyd, he should find himself open more often than not and finding himself a clean 1,000 yards is not out of the question.
Bust - Philip Rivers, QB - Based on what you have to pay for Rivers' services, he will not live up to those lofty expectations. Without his #1 WR and missing his mammoth LT, Rivers' numbers should definitely see a downward spike. Not to mention the impact Mathews has on the running game may limit the numbers of passes Rivers throws, he will not be a top 6 fantasy quarterback this season.
Rookie to watch - Ryan Mathews, RB - The only rookie running back set in a situation where he should excel, Mathews is going to cost you a high pick or plenty of money to land on your team. With San Diego's ability to protect the RB and make any option look great in the back field, Mathews could be a top 15 RB this season. 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns are not out of the question, Darren Sproles involved or not.
You already know - Antonio Gates, TE - Antontio Gates and elite fantasy TE pretty much go hand in hand. Without Jackson in tow, Gates stands to gain more receptions and more fantasy points this season, as the only sure thing on the Chargers offense. 90 receptions and double digit TD's are not out of the question as Gates should finish the season as the #1 TE in all of fantasy football.
Kansas City Chiefs - 2nd in division - 9-7
Sleeper - Matt Cassel, QB - Being drafted primarily as a back up QB in all but the deepest of formats, Cassel should finally get a chance to air it out this season. With Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones taking the pressure off of him on the ground, Cassel to Bowe should become fantasy gold. Add in Chris Chambers and the fascinating Dexter McCluster to Cassel's arsenal and he has a chance to sneak into the top 10-12 fantasy quarterback territory.
Bust - Any TE - Once Tony Gonzalez left KC, the TE spot on the KC roster has been a black hole of non-fantasy entities. The 2010 season is no different. Leonard Pope is nothing more than an extra lineman and Tony Moeaki cannot stay healthy. Avoid at all costs.
Rookie to watch - Dexter McCluster, WR/RB - The swiss army knife that is this versatile rookie should help the Chiefs offense tremendously. As the slot WR, change of pace back or even being in the backfield in the wild cat formation, McCluster has the opportunity to shine in a variety of ways. The team wants to get McCluster involved in the offense as often as possible to watch his star value climb and shine.
You already know - Dwayne Bowe, WR - I could have put Jamaal Charles or Thomas Jones here, but with the uncertainty surrounding the two as to how much they will share the rock and who is the #1 back, I went with the consistently disappointing Bowe. In what will be his 4th season in the league, Bowe has had a drastic attitude change and physical change. Though he is listed as the #2 WR, look for Bowe to bounce back from a disappointing season and produce another 80 reception, 1,000 yard season as a viable #2 fantasy WR.
Denver Broncos - 3rd in division - 7-9
Sleeper - Brandon Lloyd, WR - As the most accomplished WR on the team, Lloyd should be able to sidestep Jabar Gaffney and become the #2 WR for the team. Eddie Royal has done little to prove he will be a solid #1, meaning there will be plenty to go around for the other WR on the team.
Bust - Knowshon Moreno, RB - Starting or backing up Correll Buckhalter, Moreno will not have the opportunity to shine in this offense. With a passing game that scares no one, teams will be able to put more men in the box, meaning less chance of Moreno breaking through for any big runs. He is being drafted too high for what little guarantees he can provide.
Rookie to watch - Demaryius Thomas, WR - With a lack of talent at WR, the Broncos were smart to grab this tall, good handed WR at the tail end of the first round. He provides youth to an ever aging position on the team and should be fighting for receptions with the rest of the team. Don't be surprised if he ends up as the #2 guy by the end of the season, if not because he is outproducing the other WR, but because they want to see what the future of their offense looks like.
You already know - Kyle Orton, QB - In no way is this an endorsement of any kind, but you know you will get 3,500+ yards and 20+ touchdowns out of the guy, to go along with his double digit interception totals. Not an elite QB, by any means, but a reliable bye week back up and a possible match up play against teams with weaker secondaries.
Oakland Raiders - 4th in division - 4-12
Sleeper - Michael Bush, RB - Darren McFadden was supposed to be the present and the future of the position, but poor health and lack of production has all but pushed him aside for the much more talented Bush. A bruising RB, Bush should stand out more this season with a better QB behind center, in Jason Campbell. He has poor hands, but averages more than 4 yards per carry, even in a poor offense. If Campbell can take some pressure off of the running game, Bush could outperform everyone's expectations.
Bust - Darrious Heyward-Bey, WR - Lazy. Overpaid. Overrated. Take your pick of negative connotations, Heyward-Bey will most likely live up to them. A reach when he was drafted, at no time does it look like he will live up to his top 10 pick billing. Currently taking days off from practice for "fatigue", Heyward-Bey should only get drafted in leagues where you are rewarded for crappy play.
Rookie to watch - None - No rookies have a chance to shine for this team. Only one rookie would really be involved in the offense from a fantasy perspective, but he is currently the #5 WR.
You already know - Jason Campbell, QB - A huge upgrade over the departed JaMarcus Russell, Campbell will instantly upgrade the passing offense. A career 61% passer, Campbell should still be able to attain 3,000 yards and 20 paTD's with the Raiders and will help open up the running game for Bush and DMC.
Well, that's a wrap on the West divisions in the NFL. Feel free to leave comments, questions and complaints in the comments section and look forward to the North division tomorrow.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers - 1st in Division - 10-6 (2010 Expected finish)
Sleeper - Alex Smith, QB - With a top flight TE in Vernon Davis and a full season of Michael Crabtree, Smith can only improve on his numbers from last season. Add to that a versatile weapon in Brian Westbrook and Smith has the chance to jump into the top 12 fantasy QB's, interceptions willing. This may be Frank Gore's team, but they will want to keep him healthy for the entire season if they want to make a spirited run for the division crown and a playoff push.
Bust -Ted Ginn, Jr., WR - Unless your league counts kick return and punt return yardage, Ginn is not worth a draft pick. Known for his propensity to drop passes in Miami, I see no reason this changes as the slot receiver in San Fransisco. Stay. Away.
Rookie to watch - Nate Davis, QB - Big, talented QB, with a booming arm. If Smith falters, do not be surprised to see Davis get a chance to show the brass what he can do with the first team offense. I can see him leap frogging perennial project David Carr and being the #2 QB a few weeks into the season.
You already know - Frank Gore, RB - First round pick, regardless of settings. When healthy, a top 5 back. Even in PPR, he tends to be useful (though he does drop a bit, at least behind Andre Johnson). Will get 1,200+ yards and 10+ touchdowns. No RB committee to worry about (Brian Westbrook should not scare you away).
Arizona Cardinals - 2nd in Division - 8-8
Sleeper - Early Doucet, WR - What, you expected Matt Leinart here? Though Doucet is primed to be the #3 WR, he should get plenty of short looks while Leinart builds his confidence to throw the ball down field. Being the slot receiver will make it easy for Doucet to be a solid backup WR in PPR leagues and a WR to keep an eye on in deeper, non-PPR leagues.
Bust - Matt Leinart, QB - Even with one of the 5 best WR's to throw to, I don't see Leinart proving himself to be anything else other than just an average NFL quarterback. He will be in charge of the offense for longer than I would leave him there, but could be replaced by Derek Anderson before the end of the season (who, in my eyes, is the more talented QB anyways).
Rookie to watch - Um, would it upset all the Cardinals fans out there if I said no one? The primary offensive parts are filled with veterans and I see no chance of a rookie making a splash on this team.
You already know - Larry Fitzgeral, WR - Top 5 WR, but may see his numbers drop so long as Leinart is behind center. Would probably shine a lot more with Anderson throwing him the ball, but you can expect another 90 catches, 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns, regardless.
Seattle Seahawks - 3rd in division - 6-10
Sleeper - Justin Forsett, RB - Based on where he is being drafted, Forsett qualifies as a sleeper to me. Extremely more valuable in a PPR league, Forsett caught 41 passes last season in a lot more limited duty then he will have this season. Leon Washington, Julius Jones and crew should not hold Forsett back from a 1,000 yard season.
Bust - Deion Branch, WR - Not that you were drafting him (unless you start 4 WR or are in a ridiculously deep league), but Branch could lose his starting job to rookie Golden Tate or former USC standout Mike Williams. He's never been a fantasy factor in Seattle and he's never had 1,000 yards or more than 78 receptions in a season. Stay far away from Deion.
Rookie to watch - Golden Tate, WR - An obvious no brainer for this team, Tate should be the #2 WR, opposite TJ Houshmanzadeh, sooner rather than later. A solid option as a #3 fantasy WR, Tate could develop into a reliable #2 guy by the end of the season.
You already know - TJ Houshmanzadeh, WR - Ironic that their are 3 WR listed for the 'Hawks, but Housh is as reliable as it gets in Seattle. With what should be a better offense, Housh should see 1,000 yards again this season and may even spike his TD totals back into the 6-8 range, making him a viable #2 in most formats.
St. Louis Rams - 4th in division - 4-12
Sleeper - Laurent Robinson, WR - Apparently Robinson is everyone's sleeper and for good reason. He is the most talented WR on the team and all but guaranteed to be the #1 WR come week 1. Regardless if Bradford or Feeley is throwing the ball, Robinson should see numbers good enough to draft him as your first WR off the bench.
Bust - Sam Bradford, QB - Yes, he was easily the best available QB in the draft, but he will be behind one of the worst offensive lines in all of football. With Feeley currently on the mend with multiple injuries, Bradford could be thrown into the fire week 1. Not worth draft this season, but definitely a QB to keep an eye on in the future.
Rookie to watch - Mardy Gilyard, WR - To say that the Rams have a poor offense is like saying the Rams had an ok season last year: it's quite an understatement. Knowing that, there will be blowouts in their future, which means the Rams will throw the ball, a lot. And if Gilyard happens to grab the slot receiver role for this team, he will have an opportunity to showcase his skills to be the #2 WR next season.
You already know - Steven Jackson, RB - Top 5 RB, PPR monster. On the worst team he's ever played for, has his second most rush attempts and rushing yards. Should see improved TD numbers if the passing game improves even just a little.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers - 1st in division - 11-5
Sleeper - Legedu Naanee, WR - With Vincent Jackson clearly out of the picture and everyone else in the world hyping Malcolm Floyd, Naanee can rest on his laurels knowing few people are expecting him to produce. What with Antonio Gates being option #1, a new rookie RB in town and Floyd taking over #1 duties, Naanee might as well be an afterthought. An afterthought to all but the most attentive fantasy players, that is. While defenses cue in on Gates and Floyd, he should find himself open more often than not and finding himself a clean 1,000 yards is not out of the question.
Bust - Philip Rivers, QB - Based on what you have to pay for Rivers' services, he will not live up to those lofty expectations. Without his #1 WR and missing his mammoth LT, Rivers' numbers should definitely see a downward spike. Not to mention the impact Mathews has on the running game may limit the numbers of passes Rivers throws, he will not be a top 6 fantasy quarterback this season.
Rookie to watch - Ryan Mathews, RB - The only rookie running back set in a situation where he should excel, Mathews is going to cost you a high pick or plenty of money to land on your team. With San Diego's ability to protect the RB and make any option look great in the back field, Mathews could be a top 15 RB this season. 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns are not out of the question, Darren Sproles involved or not.
You already know - Antonio Gates, TE - Antontio Gates and elite fantasy TE pretty much go hand in hand. Without Jackson in tow, Gates stands to gain more receptions and more fantasy points this season, as the only sure thing on the Chargers offense. 90 receptions and double digit TD's are not out of the question as Gates should finish the season as the #1 TE in all of fantasy football.
Kansas City Chiefs - 2nd in division - 9-7
Sleeper - Matt Cassel, QB - Being drafted primarily as a back up QB in all but the deepest of formats, Cassel should finally get a chance to air it out this season. With Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones taking the pressure off of him on the ground, Cassel to Bowe should become fantasy gold. Add in Chris Chambers and the fascinating Dexter McCluster to Cassel's arsenal and he has a chance to sneak into the top 10-12 fantasy quarterback territory.
Bust - Any TE - Once Tony Gonzalez left KC, the TE spot on the KC roster has been a black hole of non-fantasy entities. The 2010 season is no different. Leonard Pope is nothing more than an extra lineman and Tony Moeaki cannot stay healthy. Avoid at all costs.
Rookie to watch - Dexter McCluster, WR/RB - The swiss army knife that is this versatile rookie should help the Chiefs offense tremendously. As the slot WR, change of pace back or even being in the backfield in the wild cat formation, McCluster has the opportunity to shine in a variety of ways. The team wants to get McCluster involved in the offense as often as possible to watch his star value climb and shine.
You already know - Dwayne Bowe, WR - I could have put Jamaal Charles or Thomas Jones here, but with the uncertainty surrounding the two as to how much they will share the rock and who is the #1 back, I went with the consistently disappointing Bowe. In what will be his 4th season in the league, Bowe has had a drastic attitude change and physical change. Though he is listed as the #2 WR, look for Bowe to bounce back from a disappointing season and produce another 80 reception, 1,000 yard season as a viable #2 fantasy WR.
Denver Broncos - 3rd in division - 7-9
Sleeper - Brandon Lloyd, WR - As the most accomplished WR on the team, Lloyd should be able to sidestep Jabar Gaffney and become the #2 WR for the team. Eddie Royal has done little to prove he will be a solid #1, meaning there will be plenty to go around for the other WR on the team.
Bust - Knowshon Moreno, RB - Starting or backing up Correll Buckhalter, Moreno will not have the opportunity to shine in this offense. With a passing game that scares no one, teams will be able to put more men in the box, meaning less chance of Moreno breaking through for any big runs. He is being drafted too high for what little guarantees he can provide.
Rookie to watch - Demaryius Thomas, WR - With a lack of talent at WR, the Broncos were smart to grab this tall, good handed WR at the tail end of the first round. He provides youth to an ever aging position on the team and should be fighting for receptions with the rest of the team. Don't be surprised if he ends up as the #2 guy by the end of the season, if not because he is outproducing the other WR, but because they want to see what the future of their offense looks like.
You already know - Kyle Orton, QB - In no way is this an endorsement of any kind, but you know you will get 3,500+ yards and 20+ touchdowns out of the guy, to go along with his double digit interception totals. Not an elite QB, by any means, but a reliable bye week back up and a possible match up play against teams with weaker secondaries.
Oakland Raiders - 4th in division - 4-12
Sleeper - Michael Bush, RB - Darren McFadden was supposed to be the present and the future of the position, but poor health and lack of production has all but pushed him aside for the much more talented Bush. A bruising RB, Bush should stand out more this season with a better QB behind center, in Jason Campbell. He has poor hands, but averages more than 4 yards per carry, even in a poor offense. If Campbell can take some pressure off of the running game, Bush could outperform everyone's expectations.
Bust - Darrious Heyward-Bey, WR - Lazy. Overpaid. Overrated. Take your pick of negative connotations, Heyward-Bey will most likely live up to them. A reach when he was drafted, at no time does it look like he will live up to his top 10 pick billing. Currently taking days off from practice for "fatigue", Heyward-Bey should only get drafted in leagues where you are rewarded for crappy play.
Rookie to watch - None - No rookies have a chance to shine for this team. Only one rookie would really be involved in the offense from a fantasy perspective, but he is currently the #5 WR.
You already know - Jason Campbell, QB - A huge upgrade over the departed JaMarcus Russell, Campbell will instantly upgrade the passing offense. A career 61% passer, Campbell should still be able to attain 3,000 yards and 20 paTD's with the Raiders and will help open up the running game for Bush and DMC.
Well, that's a wrap on the West divisions in the NFL. Feel free to leave comments, questions and complaints in the comments section and look forward to the North division tomorrow.
20 August 2010
A New Life for the Blog takes it in a New Direction
So, life has been hectic lately. Well, not lately lately, but like, three weeks ago lately. As of the nearer lately, life has been mellow and slow.
How does that explain my lack of posts? Easy: lack of motivation, lack of desire and, for about a week plus, lack of internet. Not to mention, I am not all warm and gooey over baseball cards right now (but I am branching out into basketball now too).
So what is this new life and new direction mean and going to be? Instead of talking about baseball cards and baseball about oh, I don't know, 90% of the time, I am going to focus 100% of my attention on the 3 major sports and the fantasy games we play with them.
I thought I would be falling away from fantasy sports while deployed, but I have found myself being pulled CLOSER to fantasy sports as something that keeps me sane (and in touch with friends and family).
I find myself tweeting again and wanting to blog again too. I feel like if I write while I am out here and deployed, it might make the time easier to tolerate and move by more quickly.
Who knows. Anyways, I already have a couple of posts in mind, so look for some late season baseball advice and some pre-season football advice real soon.
How does that explain my lack of posts? Easy: lack of motivation, lack of desire and, for about a week plus, lack of internet. Not to mention, I am not all warm and gooey over baseball cards right now (but I am branching out into basketball now too).
So what is this new life and new direction mean and going to be? Instead of talking about baseball cards and baseball about oh, I don't know, 90% of the time, I am going to focus 100% of my attention on the 3 major sports and the fantasy games we play with them.
I thought I would be falling away from fantasy sports while deployed, but I have found myself being pulled CLOSER to fantasy sports as something that keeps me sane (and in touch with friends and family).
I find myself tweeting again and wanting to blog again too. I feel like if I write while I am out here and deployed, it might make the time easier to tolerate and move by more quickly.
Who knows. Anyways, I already have a couple of posts in mind, so look for some late season baseball advice and some pre-season football advice real soon.
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