The 2015 Fantasy Football Guide: Professional Edition by The Fantasy Sports Guides

FFG14_COVER.indd 2

6/24/15 12:52 PM

ad template.indd 1

6/23/15 2:42 PM

FFG_15_030r1.p1.p1.pdf

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

15-06-25

11:26:48

6/23/15 3:41 PM

ad template.indd 4

4 2015 WRITERS POLL This year’s award winners, before they play.

THE WRITERS ROUNDELAY 8 Rookies, Breakouts and the Overhyped

the fantasy football guide2015

11 THE WRITERS PICKS

Conference and Super Bowl predictions

12 THE FIRST QUARTER:

Handicapping Daily Fantasy By Doug Anderson , SoCalledFantasyExperts.com

16 SCHOOL’S OUT! THE 2015 NFL DRAFT JD Bolick’s NFL Draft Report for Fantasy Football

26 BROKEDOWN PALACE: Injury and Rehab Report

Graham Briggs, SoCalledFantasyExperts.com

31 THE POSITION RANKINGS By JD Bolick, Andy Goldstein, David Gonos, Derek Jones, Marc Meltzer, Matt Wilson. Edited by Andy Goldstein 32. Quarterbacks 38. Running Backs 47. Wide Receivers 58. Tight Ends 62. Kickers 64. Defense/Special Teams 68. Individual Defense

72 STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE CHARTs

76 the MOCK DRAFT

DRAFT AT A GLANCE

THE TEAM PAGES

Dave Gawron, eXpertLeagues.com

Fantasy professionals expose themselves early and often in an NFFC style draft, hosted by MyFantasyLeague.com, curated by Lawr Michaels

Our annotated depth charts, with schedules, written by Rob Blackstien, Buck Davidson, Jack Delaney, Herija C. Green, Jason Hoffman, Eric McClung, Matt Wilson. Edited by Herija C. Green.

152 GLASCOE ON GAMBLING Jon Glascoe plays it straight, daily

FFG15_02-03_tocLetter_v3.indd 2

Photo: REUTERS/Katherine Taylor

Standard Scoring, NFFC Scoring, Auction $200

6/23/15 8:18 AM

Letter from the Editor the fantasy football guide2015 PRESIDENT Barry Rosenbloom PUBLISHER Jeremy Bucovetsky EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Peter Kreutzer Design/Production Mina Chen Dai Preston Ryan Straus SENIOR EDITORS Andy Goldstein Herija C. Green WRITERS Rob Blackstien JD Bolick Graham Briggs Buck Davidson Jack Delaney David Gonos Jason Hoffman Derek Jones Eric McClung Marc Meltzer Lori Rubinson Scott Swanay canada

Dear Readers, I’ve always played fantasy football as if it were a daily game.

Head to head, with crazy swings of individual performance from week to week because of the very nature of the underlying game, and crippling injuries possible (probable!) at any time, there is no reason to hold anything back for next week in the fantasy football dojo. Set your roster, cross your fingers, and go along for the ride.

Professional football may be played on Thursdays and Mondays, and sometimes Saturdays (in the weeks there aren’t college games), but the bulk of the sport, its powerful and entertaining momentum, is derived from the hum of the NFL machine on 16 Sundays. Starting with the pre-pregame, easing then into the network studio shows, and once the games begin our screens and airwaves, our tubes and coils, thrum with the accumulating and entertaining action, live and in replay, halftime after halftime, until the last bleary post-game interview is completed Sunday night. The NFL is a daily game, and that day is Sunday.

Daily fantasy football has a great virtue. Those injuries, which will come, only crush for one week. Shake it off, rub some dirt on it, when you reset your roster you’re venturing afresh with potentially as good a team as any other.

The daily game comes at a cost, too. A one-day contest in which many of the players are shared, and most (if not all) of the opponents are not only not friends, but they’re not even known by you, is not the great social occasion a fantasy league draft is. Think of The League as a mumbled monologue instead of an ensemble sitcom. The jokes could be just as funny, but the experience is palpably different. Which is why there’s room for both experiences.

Play full-year fantasy with your friends for the challenge of roster construction, and enjoy the camaraderie. Winning is the thing, but even when your team is breaking down you can have fun with your leaguemates.

Play one-day fantasy for the handicapping challenge, and the action, if you’re so inclined. It involves much more work than the season-long game, and you can probably never be sure if your hot streak was a result of your prognostications or dumb luck, but that fact also takes some of the sting out when things go south. I hope our 16th Fantasy Football Guide, this one for 2015, will help you whichever way you decide to play. In this year’s Guide, Doug Anderson presents his method for handling weekly Strength of Schedule for daily games, with tips for the season’s first four weeks. And Dave Gawron shows his usual detailed SOS charts. Both should help you tackle the issues of the week, whether you’re setting your lineup or choosing a team for that week alone.

Please let us know how we’re doing at askrotoman@gmail.com, and visit blog.askrotoman.com during the preseason camps for corrections, if we made any mistakes. And have a great season! Sincerely,

FFG15_02-03_tocLetter_v3.indd 3

6/23/15 8:23 AM

writers Poll

Most Valuable Player

NFL Rookie of the Year

Offensive Player of the Year

Andrew Luck joins the ranks of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, claims Buck Davidson, as he parlays another monstrous season into a Super Bowl championship. Andy Goldstein says that Luck was knocking on the door last year and should bust it down now. Scott Swanay says that Luck will throw for 5,000 yards, even with Frank Gore improving the running game. Luck took a big step last year, HC Green points out, and with all the talent around him he should put up huge numbers. This is the year Luck matures into the elite fantasy quarterback everyone thought he could be out of college, says Graham Briggs. Playing in a terrible division and with a better supporting cast should put Luck in line for his first MVP award, says Derek Jones. When the engine that powers the Colts offense duplicates his 2014 numbers and leads Indianapolis back to the postseason, Matt Wilson says Luck will finally get his due. Luck will push every player around him to new heights, says Jack Delaney, and he has incredible weapons at his disposal. JJ Watt will amaze again and will be the first defender to win since real LT, says Lori Rubinson. Aaron Rodgers is not only the best player in the league but already one of the greatest quarterbacks in league history, says JD Bolick. The Packers are poised to repeat as division champions and he will repeat as MVP.

Todd Gurley, says Graham Briggs, is Jeff Fisher’s new Eddie George. There’s a decent chance that Todd Gurley is a better player than Melvin Gordon, says Derek Jones, but Gurley might be a bit slow to start after suffering a serious knee injury last year. Jones will take Gordon instead. Lori Rubinson loves Gordon’s opportunity. With Todd Gurley injured, says Andy Goldstein, it’s Amari Cooper who will continue the wide receiver explosion. He’s the real deal, says Matt Wilson, and da’ Raiders will have to throw a lot because their defense won’t be able to stop anybody. Cooper is the guy, says Jack Delaney, for opportunities alone, while playing on an offense starting to build an identity. This should be one of the strongest rookie classes in some time, says JD Bolick, but Cooper has an outside chance to break Anquan Boldin’s record for rookie receptions. Scott Swanay says that Cooper and Derek Carr should form a dynamic duo for years to come. Jameis Winston will have two big, sure-handed wideouts in his arsenal at Tampa Bay, says Buck Davidson, and he’ll look to parlay those weapons into big-time aerial production. The Bucs have more talent on the outside than people realize (Evans, Jackson, ASJ), HC Green says, and Winston has an NFL-ready skill set. What about Defensive ROY asks Matt Wilson? Leonard Williams is the most pro-ready player in the 2014 draft, he says, and he will have plenty of veterans around him, which will allow Williams to show his stuff in regular one-on-one situations.

Adrian Peterson is 30, Matt Wilson confesses, but he’s coming off a rest year and has a huge chip on his shoulder. Jack Delaney says that Peterson will come back hungry and ready to show what he has left in the tank. If Antonio Brown’s teammate Le’Veon Bell weren’t suspended to open the season, HC Green would go with Bell, but Herija points out that Brown produced week in and week out last year, like no one else at the position. Odell Beckham Jr. will have four extra games to prove that last season’s debut was no fluke, says Scott Swanay. Eddie Lacy, says Derek Jones, if he can avoid injury. He is a dangerous and versatile performer, who has last year’s MVP handing him the rock. Aaron Rodgers is still the best quarterback in the NFL, says Andy Goldstein. Lori Rubinson says to pencil Rodgers’ name in every year. Rodgers has got one more Super Bowl win in him before handing the reins to Luck, says Graham Briggs. Andrew Luck again piles up the yardage and touchdowns, says Buck Davidson, but this year he adds the Vince Lombardi Trophy to his NFL résumé. Or, as JD Bolick says, Luck will lead the league in passing for the first time thanks to an improved supporting cast and the decline of his more aged peers.

Photo: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports, John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports, Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Writers Poll is 10 years old this year. We’ve been asking writers and writers have been telling their picks for the following football season since 2006. The lack of consensus, well, except about Andrew Luck and the Colts and Aaron Rodgers and the Pack this year, is a vivid reminder that the future only looks obvious in hindsight, and the opinions of others work best as a catalyst to help us create our own.

4 | thefantasyfootballguide2015 | writers Poll

FFG15_04-11_writers_v1.indd 4

6/20/15 12:59 PM

Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports, REUTERS/Mike Segar, Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports,

Photo: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports, John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports, Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With contributions from JD Bolick, Graham Briggs, Buck Davidson, Jack Delaney, Andy Goldstein, HC Green, Derek Jones, Lori Rubinson, Scott Swanay and Matt Wilson.

Defensive Player of the Year

Best Kicker

Overlooked QUARTERBACK

Luke Kuechly continues to rack up the tackles, says Buck Davidson, while leading the Carolina defense back to NFL prominence. J.J. Watt, answers Andy Goldstein. It’s always JJ Watt. Who else if not JJ Watt, asks Lori Rubinson. It feels like a copout to pick J.J. Watt to repeat, says Matt Wilson, but I really think he’ll do it. He has been the epitome of dominance. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where J.J. Watt doesn’t win this every season, says JD Bolick. Maybe if he quits to wrestle bears or he has to save the planet from an alien invasion. This guy, Watt, is on another level from everyone else right now, says HC Green, and just imagine he’s rushing alongside a healthy Jadeveon Clowney. The Texans will still struggle on offense in 2015, says Jack Delaney, which means J.J. Watt will have plenty of time on defense to earn his third title. It’s extremely difficult to pick against J.J. Watt, notes Derek Jones, but only Lawrence Taylor won the award in consecutive seasons. Bobby Wagner is the glue that holds the Legion of Boom together. Scott Swanay says the by the end of this season Von Miller will be known for a lot more than flatulence.

Scott Swanay says that the high-octane Eagles’ offense will give Cody Parkey plenty of scoring opportunities. Lori Rubinson likes how easy his name is to spell. Stephen Gostkowski has led the NFL in scoring three straight seasons, notes HC Green, and converted nearly 94 percent of his FGA in the last two. Having Jim Garopplo start some games will drag down New England’s scoring, says Matt Wilson, but he still doesn’t see another kicker stopping Gostkowski from winning his fourth straight kicker scoring title. Despite the Patriots missing Tom Brady for four games, in all likelihood, Derek Jones says Gostkowski will still get plenty of chances to post points. Gostkowski led all kickers in points over each of the last three seasons, said JD Bolick, and currently ranks third all-time in field goal percentage. An improved aerial attack in Seattle paves the way for Steven Hauschka to lead all kickers in scoring, says Buck Davidson. Andy Goldstein thinks Justin Turner seems like a real football player

Andy Dalton isn’t a great quarterback, says Andy Goldstein, but his numbers are better than his draft position. Last season was one of Eli Manning’s best, says Scott Swanay, and he’ll get Victor Cruz back to team with Odell Beckham Jr. Ryan Tannehill has quietly turned into a solid NFL quarterback, says Buck Davidson, and an improved supporting cast could help him to take another big step forward in 2015. Tannehill is a sneaky pick to finish as a top-five quarterback, says Jack Delaney, because of the overhaul to the Miami offense. Graham Briggs says that in addition to some new weapons, Tannehill has gotten better in each year as a pro. Not talked about a lot when elite fantasy QBs are mentioned is Matt Ryan, says Derek Jones. He threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 33 touchdowns last season, with one of football’s best receiving corps at his disposal. The 49ers disastrous offseason could be a blessing in disguise for Colin Kaepernick, says JD Bolick, whose full talents will finally be unleashed. After Rodgers and Luck are off the board, Big Ben Roethlisberger should be in play, says HC Green, with 9,213 passing yards and 60 touchdowns the last two years—but he’ll go after Manning, Brees, Wilson and maybe even guys like Romo and Newton. Big Ben should be drafted as a top-5 QB, says Lori Rubinson. If not, he’s a bargain. When injury-prone Sam Bradford gets hurt again (yes, “when”), Matt Wilson says Mark Sanchez will step in and starting cranking out low-end fantasy QB1 numbers again.

FFG15_04-11_writers_v1.indd 5

writers Poll | thefantasyfootballguide2015 | 5

6/20/15 1:00 PM

Even with a healthy Calvin Johnson and a rocksolid Golden Tate around, Matt Wilson is not convinced that Matthew Stafford will automatically rebound into the fantasy QB1s. The Lions seem to want to run more, and Stafford looked very uncomfortable in a new scheme late in 2014. Russell Wilson is unlikely to come anywhere close again to last year’s rushing yardage, Scott Swanay points out, and the passing yardage just isn’t there to justify his being one of the first QBs selected. HC Green says that the arrival of Jimmy Graham will give Wilson by far the best target he has ever had, but asks: Will the additional passing yards offset less running? The new offense is not going to turn Joe Flacco into an everyday top-tier quarterback, says Graham Briggs. More than a quarter of Ben Roethlisberger’s fantasy points in 2014 were accumulated in two weeks worth of action, Jack Delaney points out. He doesn’t expect a repeat performance in 2015. Drew Brees posted his worst season since 2010 in 2014, notes Buck Davidson, and the departure of Jimmy Graham means that he’ll be without his top target this season. The Saints have lost too much talent on offense for Brees to remain among the game’s elite fantasy quarterbacks, notes JD Bolick. Brees should be good, but it’s probably not wise to pay a premium price for him. Lori Rubinson says, let another owner draft Drew Brees as a top 4 QB based on reputation. Peyton Manning fell off significantly last year, notes Andy Goldstein, and that might be a harbinger of what’s to come. Yes, Ryan Tannehill produced last season, admits Derek Jones, but he’s not sure Miami’s surrounding cast is good enough to make him a week-in and week-out fantasy starter.

Overlooked Running Back Someone has to pick up the slack for the departed DeMarco Murray, notes Derek Jones, who declares that Joseph Randle will run behind football’s best offensive line. Danny Woodhead was a top-20 fantasy running back in PPR formats in 2013, says Matt Wilson, and will have

plenty to do in the Chargers backfield despite the presence of rookie Melvin Gordon. Gordon doesn’t catch passes, Jack Delaney reminds us, so Woodhead will be much more involved with the Chargers’ offense than people realize. When you gain 672 fewer yards and score less than half as many touchdowns as the year before, HC Green says, fantasy owners tend to take it personally. But LeSean McCoy will be the focal point of Buffalo’s offense with a massive, ahem, Chip on his shoulder. Lamar Miller’s value should be in the top 10, Andy Goldstein says. Trent Richardson and Roy Helu replace Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew, notes Scott Swanay, but Latavius Murray should finally get his opportunity to be the undisputed lead back. Murray is an ultra-talented back, points out Graham Briggs, and Jack Del Rio is going to need to develop a running game. It’s understandable that people would view Justin Forsett with skepticism, says JD Bolick, yet he should come close to matching last season’s rushing totals while adding significantly more receptions. The Buccaneers’ Charles Sims has inspired comparisons to Matt Forte’, who piled up some big numbers during Lovie Smith’s best days in Chicago, writes Buck Davidson. The Bucs have said that they intend to put the rock in Sims’ hands early and often this year, but his lack of an NFL resume’ and injury concerns could make him available at a bargain price on draft day. Arian Foster was a No. 5 fantasy RB with the second best best average points/game, says Lori Rubinson. Will he get hurt? Yes. But when he plays, so valuable.

Overrated Running Back LeSean McCoy moves from one of the league’s best run-blocking offensive lines in Philly to one of the league’s worst in Buffalo, points out Buck Davidson. The Bills line may improve a bit this season, but Shady likely won’t see the kind of holes he saw with the Eagles in 2014. Oh, and by the way, Fred Jackson is still around for changeof-pace duty and receptions out of the backfield. McCoy’s best days may be behind him, says

Derek Jones, and Buffalo’s quarterback situation might put more pressure on him as well. Not only is Frank Gore 32 years old, JD Bolick notes, but he’s going from one of the top run blocking offensive lines in the league to one that is average at best. C.J. Anderson will lose work to Montee Ball, says Jack Delaney, who thinks Anderson will fail to meet lofty expectations. Age, mileage and a new coaching philosophy have HC Green concerned about Matt Forte’s production in 2015. Matt Wilson doesn’t see Carlos Hyde as a top-12 fantasy running back. Hyde is talented, but the 49ers will be throwing a ton in comeback mode. Touchdowns will be in short supply for him. Lori Rubinson wouldn’t take Jamaal Charles at No. 1, and she’s seen him ranked that high. Lamar Miller is better in the real game, says Graham Briggs, but workload cap limits his fantasy upside. Scott Swanay gets the “lack of wear and tear” argument for Justin Forsett, but says that doesn’t change the fact that he’s 30. Between being overworked last year and sharing time in the backfield this year, Andy Goldstein says there’s essentially zero chance that DeMarco Murray will come close to living up to his preseason value

Overlooked Receiver Charles Johnson has a shot at a 1,000 yard season in 2015, says Andy Goldstein. Norv Turner called Johnson Minnesota’s best receiver, says Derek Jones, who thinks he’ll have a chance to show it this season with an improved Teddy Bridgewater. Jeremy Maclin’s departure paves the way for Jordan Matthews to be the Eagles top receiver, says Scott Swanay. In Kelly’s first two seasons the Eagles primary receiver has averaged 83.5 receptions, 1,325 yards and 9.5 touchdowns, says HC Green. This year, that’s Matthews. Rod Streater will best the plodding Michael Crabtree for starting duties at some point, says Matt Wilson. DeSean Jackson posted 1,169 yards on only 56 receptions, says Jack Delaney. Michael Floyd regressed last season, says JD Bolick, but a healthy Carson Palmer will mean career highs across the

Photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports, Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports, Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Overrated Quarterback

6 | thefantasyfootballguide2015 | writers Poll

FFG15_04-11_writers_v1.indd 6

6/20/15 1:00 PM

writers poll board, and the Raiders need a proven possession wingman for Amari Cooper. Steve Smith, says Lori Rubinson, is old but reliable. Vincent Jackson is getting up there in age, Buck Davidson points out, but he could be in for a nice bounce-back season with some improved quarterback play in Tampa Bay. Jackson had scored at least seven touchdowns in each of his last five full seasons prior to his 2014 collapse; he could very well approach that number again in 2015. Graham Briggs can’t believe he’s writing this about Calvin Johnson, but this year Megatron is going to be passed over for younger, less-proven receivers.

Overrated Receiver Odell Beckham Jr. may be the league’s next great receiver, but his injury history is concerning enough that more experienced receivers will get Graham Briggs’ early pick. Beckhan is a stud, says Jack Delaney, but there is no reason to draft him over Calvin Johnson. Between Brandon Marshall’s injuries and the Jets’ QB situation, Scott Swanay says Marshall’s days as a fantasy stud are over. Brandin Cooks might still be a year away from truly living up to his potential, Andy Goldstein thinks. Kelvin Benjamin faded down the stretch and presumably won’t rank sixth in the league for targets next season, says JD Bolick. Andre Johnson’s move to Indianapolis would seem to bode well for his fantasy value, Buck Davidson observes, but keep in mind that he has never tallied more than nine touchdown receptions in a season, and that he has not scored more than five times since 2010. Father Time is not on his side, as he will be 34 years old come Week 1. There are suddenly lots of options in Indy, says HC Green, like Andre Johnson, Donte Moncrief, Phillip Dorsett—so it wouldn’t be surprising to see TY Hilton’s usage dip too far to be a No. 1 fantasy receiver. Because the Colts upgraded their receiving corps during the offseason, Matt Wilson doesn’t think Hilton will finish as a Top-12 fantasy wideout again—simply because of fewer targets. Golden Tate caught nearly 100 passes last season due in large part to Calvin Johnson’s injury problems, says Derek Jones. Don’t reach for him in a draft.

Overlooked Tight End While he’s no Jimmy Graham, says HC Green, Josh Hill has good size and skills, and the tight end position has always been an important part of the Saints offense. Andy Goldstein says that Larry Donnell is worth a starting spot this year. Green Bay has an array of weapons, says Derek Jones, and you can add Richard Rodgers to a rather lengthy list. If Kyle Rudolph can stay healthy, says Scott Swanay, Teddy Bridgewater’s emergence will be a boon to his value. Rudolph will rebound from an injury-torpedoed 2014 in Norv Turner’s tight-end friendly offense, says Matt Wilson. Tyler Eifert dislocated his elbow in Week 1, says Buck Davidson, and the injury cost him the remainder of the 2014 season. He looks to be healthy now, and former starter Jermaine Gresham has departed. Eifert snagged 113 catches his final two years at Notre Dame. Jordan Reed is an annual feature on sleeper lists, says JD Bolick, but Niles Paul is the one who ranked first among

qualified tight ends in yards gained per target. Delanie Walker will be a huge security blanket for Marcus Mariota, says Jack Delaney.

Overrated Tight End Jeremy Maclin’s arrival is likely to lead to fewer red zone targets for Travis Kelce, says Scott Swanay. Sadly, says Andy Goldstein, Julius Thomas will experience pains going from Peyton Manning to Blake Bortles. Buck Davidson says that Thomas had 24 touchdown receptions over the past two seasons, and is going to miss having Manning throw him the football. People are going to devalue Thomas to a degree after the move to J-Ville, but HC Green is not sure they’re going to do it enough given his health woes and the drop in quality from Manning to Bortles. Chicago’s change in offensive schemes will make it very difficult for Martellus Bennett to remain a top-10 tight end, predicts JD Bolick. Jimmy Graham will catch plenty of touchdown passes, claims Matt Wilson, but Seattle won’t throw enough for him to even come close to matching the yearly reception and receiving yardage numbers that he racked up in what was a high-flying Saints offense. The Saints will focus on a heavy running attack, says Jack Delaney, so Josh Hill will not be a replacement for Jimmy Graham. Jason Witten seemed to struggle to get open last year, says Derek Jones, and posted one of the worst statistical seasons of his career

Overlooked Kicker Justin Tucker just keeps splitting the uprights and racking up points year after year, says HC Green. Buck Davidson tends to overlook all of the kickers, but Caleb Sturgis should reap the benefits of what looks to be a markedly improved offense in Miami. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has the look of a budding star, and the ‘Phins brought in some intriguing playmakers this offseason. Dan Carpenter is not in the best of kicking situations in Buffalo, Derek Jones said, but he finished sixth in league scoring last year. Largely ignored because he plays for the Bills, Matt Wilson thinks Carpenter should finish as a top-10 kicker for the third year in a row, since teams that run a lot and play stout defense usually generate a lot of kicker points. A decline in Dallas’ red zone efficiency would see Dan Bailey exchange extra points for more field goal attempts, says JD Bolick. Bailey is one of the most accurate field goal kickers in the history of the NFL, notes Jack Delaney, and the new 33-yard extra point rule should not affect him. Matt Bryant is long in the tooth, says Scott Swanay, but still plays for a high-powered offense that should give him plenty of opportunities. Blair Walsh has the leg, says Andy Goldstein, he just needs the Vikings offense to continue improving.

Overrated Kicker Cody Parkey might struggle if the newlyassembled Eagles offense takes time to decoupage, says Andy Goldstein. Chip Kelly may try a few more two-point conversion attempts if Tim Tebow makes the roster, says Jack Delaney, which would limit Parkey’s value. Part of Steven Hauschka’s appeal was Seattle’s tendency to bog down offensively, says HC Green. With Lynch and Graham, they now have two great red-zone finishers. Shaun Suisham has

FFG15_04-11_writers_v1.indd 7

a phenomenal accuracy rate over the last three seasons, notes JD Bolick, but should he ever slip, his relatively low number of attempts would undermine his value. Nick Novak kicks for a good offense, says Matt Wilson, but he has scored more than 125 points in a season just once in the last four years. Sebastian Janikowski’s name recognition and strong leg can’t overcome the fact that he’s still playing in Oakland, says Scott Swanay. Justin Tucker has one of the best legs in the league, but was inconsistent beyond 50 yards in ’14, Derek Jones said.

Overlooked Team Defense A couple of key injuries and a fluky shortage of takeaways won’t hinder the Kansas City Chiefs again, says Matt Wilson. The Baltimore Ravens quietly finished as a top-10 fantasy defense, notes Jack Delaney, and can improve in 2015 with a few more turnovers. Scott Swanay thinks that the Johnny Manziel circus obscures the fact that the Cleveland Browns dee is actually quite good. The Miami Dolphins added Ndamukong Suh in the offseason, Buck Davidson says, and his formidable presence figures to help the ‘Phins regain their place as one of the NFL’s stingier defenses. The Minnesota Vikings have the best safety in the NFL, says Andy Goldstein, and they can build on last year’s improvements. The Vikings jumped from dead last in scoring defense to 11th in one season under Mike Zimmer. HC Green expects even more in Year 2. Graham Briggs says Mike Zimmer is transforming the Vikes defense into a fantasy point generator. After being one of the worst defenses in 2014, JD Bolick says the New Orleans Saints will bounce back after adding several veterans and a strong draft class.

Overrated Team Defense The Philadelphia Eagles had the most valuable defense last season, JD Bolick points out, due to sack and forced fumble figures far beyond anything they had achieved in recent seasons. That won’t repeat. The Arizona Cardinals offense really needs their running game to eat clock, Andy Goldstein thinks, and that might be an issue. Even if Carson Palmer is totally recovered, says Scott Swanay, the Cardinals defense will spend way too much time on the field. Watching the defense lay the wood to the weak Washington and Oakland offenses late in the season was a mirage, says Matt Wilson. St. Louis finished only slightly above average in sacks and takeaways. The New York Jets vastly improved the secondary, says Jack Delaney, but the defense will get gassed if the offense can’t stay on the field. The Denver Broncos have still got a lot of big name players, says HC Green, but age and a schematic shift offensively could zap some of their value. The Pittsburgh Steelers defense has been living off of its reputation for a few years now, says Graham Briggs. The Seattle Seahawks have a stout defense, but they have finished just 21st in turnovers each of the last two seasons, while placing 20th and tied for eighth in sacks in ’13 and ’14, respectively, says Buck Davidson. Know your scoring system: if your league heavily rewards sacks and turnovers, the ‘Hawks may not be one of the top fantasy defenses. writers Poll | thefantasyfootballguide2015 | 7

6/20/15 1:00 PM

writers wrondelay

IN WHICH the Guide’s writers go around and around, weighing in on this year’s best rookies, most likely breakouts, and most dangerously overhyped. ROOKIES

JJQuarterback Marcus Mariota Good for this year because of his running ability, says Lori Rubinson, but he’s more of a dynasty play than for 2015. JD Bolick says that, contrary to popular opinion, he is more pro-ready than Jameis Winston—in addition to having a more fantasy-friendly skill set. Jameis Winston Andy Goldstein says Winston flat out has the best tools, opportunity, and surrounding talent to be the best rookie QB, and rookie, this year. Scott Swanay gives him the nod over Mariota on the basis of a superior receiving corps. Buck Davidson says Winston is a polished pocket passer who should reap the benefits of having two outstanding wideouts and a promising tight end in his offensive arsenal in Tampa Bay. Winston’s maturity still concerns Matt Wilson, but Matt still thinks he should have a solid rookie campaign. The one-two punch of Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson gives Winston an edge over his rookie quarterback competition, says Derek Jones. He played a pro-style offense in college, says HC Green, and inherits three towering targets. There isn’t a ton of talent from this QB draft class, says Jack Delaney, so Winston will be the top-rookie quarterback in 2015.

JJRunning Back Tevin Coleman Devonta Freeman is all that stands in his way to being the Falcons’ lead back, says Scott Swanay. Coleman is the best homerun hitter in this draft, says Andy Goldstein, and he’ll break a number of long plays this year. Coleman is an underrated workhorse and home-run threat, says Matt Wilson. He should emerge as the lead dog in the Falcons committee backfield sooner

rather than later. Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan knows how to squeeze top performances out of his runners. Melvin Gordon He is healthier than Todd Gurley, more talented than T.J. Yeldon, and has less competition for snaps than Tevin Coleman, says JD Bolick. Should have every opportunity to be the feature back in San Diego, notes Buck Davidson. He needs to improve his ball security and pass-catching ability, but he could easily see 250-plus touches in 2015. San Diego has a huge need for him, says Lori Rubinson. Jack Delaney likes Gordon’s odds of success because he plays for a good team, and he also doesn’t have competition. In the long run, Todd Gurley might be more effective, says Derek Jones, but in their rookie campaigns Gordon enters a bit healthier. T.J. Yeldon He will have an immediate impact, says HC Green.

JJWide Receiver Amari Cooper Matt Wilson is all-in on Amari Cooper. He says he’ll be the first Raiders wideout to notch a 1,000-yard season since Randy Moss did it in 2005. Don’t get cute, says Andy Goldstein. It’s Cooper by a wide margin. Cooper is going to be Derek Carr’s favorite target, says Jack Delaney. Scott Swanay is picking him to be the ROY. As long as Derek Carr doesn’t have any lingering effects from his finger injury, says HC Green, Cooper should be his go-to guy right off the bat. Lori Rubinson is higher on Derek Carr than others, which will affect Cooper positively. Kevin White His explosive speed will be a big help for the Bears and help fill Brandon Marshall’s void, says Derek Jones. Is a big, speedy, polished receiver who should be a great complement to Alshon Jeffery in Chicago, says Buck Davidson. Points per reception leagues will heavily favor Amari Cooper, but JD Bolick says that White has a chance to score more touchdowns as a rookie.

JJTight End Clive Walford Oakland needs playmakers, says HC Green, and some scouts felt Walford, and not Maxx Williams, was the best tight end in the draft—and he’s stepping into a much better situation for immediate impact. Maxx Williams Dennis Pitta’s injury woes and Torrey Smith’s departure should lead to his being a vital cog in Ravens’ passing attack, notes Scott Swanay. Rookie tight ends usually do diddly-squat fantasy wise, says Matt Wilson, but Matt thinks Williams will see plenty of action in a shallow Ravens receiver corps— especially if Dennis Pitta can’t come back from his second major hip injury. Baltimore’s frequent use of the tight end makes Williams someone worth watching, says JD Bolick, despite his mediocre talent. Williams is an athletic downfield threat who can rack up yards after the catch, says Buck Davidson. Williams is drawing comparisons to former Ravens tight end Todd Heap, says Derek Jones. He could give Joe Flacco some much needed help at tight end. Andy Goldstein likes Williams because he likes anyone with multiple ‘x’s’ in their name. He’s the best of this group, says Lori Rubinson, but will not make a huge impact. Jack Delaney

says he’ll get a decent amount of opportunities if Dennis Pitta can’t perform.

JJKicker Andrew Franks If nothing else, says Andy Goldstein, he has a wide open door in Miami. Caleb Sturgis has been a disappointment in Miami, JD Bolick says, leaving the door open for undrafted rookie Franks. Travis Coons You know those Oscar categories that have only one nominee, asks Scott Swanay?

JJIndividual Defense Stephone Anthony The odds-on favorite to lead all rookies in tackles, JD Bolick says he is a three-down player likely to start at middle linebacker for New Orleans. He’ll be a key player from Day 1 on a team that needs a lot of defensive help, says Scott Swanay. Landon Collins Could step right in and make a ton of tackles for the G-Men, says HC Green. He should start immediately at strong safety, says Matt Wilson, and he has fantasy DB2/ DB3 potential. Bud Dupree Fittingly fell to the Steelers, notes Andy Goldstein, a factory of linebacker productivity. Eric Kendricks Probably won’t amass many sacks or interceptions, says Buck Davidson, but he should pile up plenty of tackles from the middle linebacker spot in Minnesota. Should feature prominently immediately, says HC Green.

BREAKOUTS

JJQuarterback Sam Bradford JD Bolick expected him to be a great NFL quarterback. So far JD has been laughably wrong, but Chip Kelly is providing one last chance to prove otherwise. Teddy Bridgewater Adrian Peterson’s return + a healthy Kyle Rudolph + Mike Wallace’s arrival = big improvement, figures Scott Swanay. Should continue to build on his rookie-year success, says Andy Goldstein. With Adrian Peterson back, says Derek Jones, Bridgewater is surrounded by some pretty capable weapons. Derek Carr He will make a nice second-year leap, says Matt Wilson, thanks to the additions of rookie Amari Cooper and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, who turned Mark Sanchez into a productive passer last season. Eli Manning Lori Rubinson thinks he could be a top-5 fantasy quarterback in year two of the new system. Ryan Tannehill Has made steady progress in his three years as a pro, Buck Davidson reports, and he’ll enter 2015 with the best array of receivers he has enjoyed to date. Miami paid Tannehill to be a star and surrounded him with talent. HC Green thinks it will pay off.

JJRunning Back Carlos Hyde Something good has to happen

8 | thefantasyfootballguide2015 | w riters wrondelay

FFG15_04-11_writers_v1.indd 8

6/20/15 1:00 PM

in San Francisco this year, right? Derek Jones says he has the burst and drive to become one of the most reliable offensive options in San Francisco. The departure of Frank Gore opens the door for Carlos Hyde to be the main rushing threat in San Francisco, says Buck Davidson, and the 235-pounder could be in for a huge season in 2015 if he can stay healthy. Unlike Isaiah Crowell, says Scott Swanay, Hyde doesn’t have an impressive rookie to contend with. Latavius Murray Needs two things, says Andy Goldstein: health and opportunity. He’s a size-speed specimen who will see a majority of the carries in a thin Raiders backfield, says Matt Wilson. If he stays healthy, look out. Joseph Randle Could be him, says Lori Rubinson, or whoever becomes the No. 1 RB behind that great Cowboys offensive line. C.J. Spiller The thought of him in Sean Payton’s offense is intoxicating, says JD Bolick. His talents have been underutilized so far, but that will change this season. Lorenzo Taliaferro What if Justin Forsett was just a flash in the pan, asks HC Green?

JJWide Receiver Martavis Bryant Big and fast, he flashed plenty of big-play potential by snagging eight touchdown receptions and averaging 21.1 yards per catch in just 10 games last season, Buck Davidson says. Brandin Cooks The Saints will throw less this year, notes Matt Wilson, but they’ll still feature Brandin Cooks and feed him as many targets as possible. He showed flashes of great potential before a thumb injury cut his rookie season short, says Scott Swanay. He’s a second-year guy with breakout potential, says HC Green. He was well on his way to a strong rookie season before the broken thumb ended his season, notes JD Bolick. The Saints have no choice but to force him the ball in 2015. Jordan Matthews Was overshadowed in the insane rookie class of 2014, declares Andy Goldstein, but he’s going to step out of the shadow this year. Another second-year guy with breakout potential, says HC Green. Matthews fell a bit short of the 1,000 mark last season, says Derek Jones, but without Jeremy Maclin he jumps ahead as a primary option in Philly’s passing attack. With other targets gone, says Lori Rubinson, he will break out.

Photo: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

JJTight End

Breakout: Brandin Cooks

Josh Hill Has every chance to step into Jimmy Graham’s large shoes this season, says Andy Goldstein. You have to like his potential, says HC Green. He is an athletic downfield threat with soft hands, says Buck Davidson, and he is poised to step into Jimmy Graham’s old role in New Orleans. Hill continues the running theme of breakout Saints, says JD Bolick. In his case it will be due to necessity rather than talent. Jason Kelce A poor man’s Rob Gronkowski, suggests Derek Jones. Kelce gives the Chiefs playmaking ability. He was one of the lone bright spots for K.C.’s woeful passing attack in 2014.

JJKicker Connor Barth Figures to open the season as Denver’s starting placekicker, says Buck Davidson, and he could shatter his previous career high of 123 points while kicking for the Broncos’ potent attack. It’s his turn to benefit from playing for a Peyton Manning-led offense, says Scott Swanay. Chandler Catanzaro Assuming the Cardinals don’t suffer through a slew of offensive injuries again, Matt Wilson thinks we should get more than 114 points out of Catanzaro. He was off to a hot start before the injuries set in. Cody Parkey Andy Goldstein says that the Eagles offense should afford him many chances.

Zach Ertz Unless Nelson Agholor is the Odell Beckham Jr. of 2015, Scott Swanay says Ertz should see a lot more targets. Ertz will come through with his overdue breakout season this year, says Matt Wilson. Ertz is one of the Eagles’ most seasoned pass-catchers, says Wilson. They’ll have to lean on him this year since Jeremy Maclin is gone.

Justin Tucker He has the highest field goal percentage in league history, says JD Bolick, including 70 percent from 50+ yards. He just needs more attempts to become elite.

Virgil Green If you want to dig a little deeper, says HC Green, he could emerge under the tutelage of Peyton Manning.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix The type of player who can fill up a box score, says HC Green.

JJIndividual Defense Anthony Barr Looks like the real deal, says HC Green.

Jadeveon Clowney He gets healthy and

reminds people why he was a decent prospect, says Andy Goldstein. Devon Kennard A full-time starter now, he should improve on the 4.5 sacks and 35 solo stops that he piled up in just six late-season 2014 starts, says Matt Wilson. Phillip Wheeler A productive outside linebacker throughout his career, JD Bolick says that Wheeler could be even more valuable in the middle for San Francisco. Paul Worrilow One of the few things to like about the Falcons’ defense, notes Scott Swanay.

OVERHYPED

JJQuarterback Sam Bradford Some are eyeing him as a late-round sleeper pick because he’s going to sling the rock in the Eagles’ high-flying offense. Matt Wilson is not convinced that Bradford will make it through the season healthy, and notes that he has tossed more than 20 touchdown passes in a season just once since 2010. Drew Brees This might be the year he falls out of the elite class, says HC Green, as the team has fewer proven options in the passing game than in any season in recent memory. He doesn’t have the weapons or youth to maintain his insane statistical dominance, says Andy Goldstein. After nearly throwing for 5,000 yards again in ’14, Brees lost Jimmy Graham and doesn’t have a great array of weapons, says Derek Jones Expect a dip. Peyton Manning Health and new offense are both concerns, says Scott Swanay. Manning is an icon, but Buck Davidson is concerned about Denver’s reworked offensive line and the fact that the new head coach, Gary Kubiak, favors a runfirst attack that typically relies on a fairly mobile quarterback. Factor in that Manning is 39 years

writers wrondelay | thefantasyfootballguide2015 | 9

FFG15_04-11_writers_v1.indd 9

6/20/15 1:01 PM

writers WRONDELAY old, and that he lost a top red-zone target in Julius Thomas, and it’s easy to envision a significant statistical fall-off in 2015.

Kenny Stills A deep threat who went from one of the best downfield passers to one of the worst, says JD Bolick.

Ryan Tannehill After making admirable progress in his third season, JD Bolick says that Tannehill is likely to give some of those gains back due to the drastic turnover among his receivers, as well as his continued struggles when throwing downfield.

JJTight End

JJRunning Back Matt Forte One of these years, says Andy Goldstein, he will drop off. Darren McFadden Sure, the Cowboys’ offense is much better than the one he left behind in Oakland, says Scott Swanay, but it’s more likely he was part of the problem in Oakland than that he’ll be part of the solution in Dallas. Lamar Miller He had a nice season in 2014, but the presence of Jay Ajayi concerns HC Green. DeMarco Murray Last season marked the first time that he had played in more than 14 games, says Buck Davidson, and he handled the rock 449 times during the regular season. Buck is concerned about the effects that massive workload might have on his 2015 performance. He’ll almost certainly lose touches (primarily receptions) to Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles, so bump him down a notch or three in PPR leagues. It’s not his fault Dallas overused him last season, says Derek Jones, but due to the change of scenery and last year’s heavy-duty workload, expect a decline. Matt Wilson points out that DeMarco carried the rock for the seventh-most times in a season ever. The injury bug usually bites running backs who are coming off 300-plus carry seasons. Joseph Randle He has a tremendous opportunity as the first in line to replace DeMarco Murray, says JD Bolick, but he’s not good enough to handle the job by himself.

JJWide Receiver Mike Evans Is supremely talented, Andy Goldstein admits, but rookie quarterbacks don’t often produce top-15 wide receivers. DeAndre Hopkins Matt Wilson doesn’t think Hopkins is good enough to outduel top cornerbacks, and the quarterback play in Houston’s run-first offense won’t exactly impress. Jeremy Maclin He will help the Chiefs receiving corps immensely, says Derek Jones, but his numbers will drop from last year’s in a slowerpaced and more methodical offense built around Jamaal Charles. It’s unlikely he’ll come close to matching last year’s production in Philadelphia, says Scott Swanay. Maybe Dwayne Bowe wasn’t the problem in Kansas City. K.C. was 29th in passing offense last season, notes Buck Davidson, and failed to connect with their wideouts for a single touchdown reception. That doesn’t bode well for Maclin, who thrived in the Eagles’ passhappy attack. Emmanuel Sanders He was a beast last year, says HC Green, but seems like a prime candidate for some serious regression.

Dwayne Allen Is rarely healthy, says Andy Goldstein, and derives a majority of his value from touchdowns. Martellus Bennett There’s bad karma surrounding Bennett, says Matt Wilson. He has been a no-show for offseason workouts, demanding a new deal. Bennett is missing reps in a new scheme. There are rumors that he could hold out during training camp. Bennett could show up late in the preseason, out of shape and suffer an injury. Pass-heavy head coach Marc Trestman is gone. Jay Cutler’s hold on the starting job isn’t ironclad. Bad karma. Zach Ertz He doesn’t have great hands and is below average after the catch, notes JD Bolick. He will be productive but far from elite. Colby Fleener With so many options on offense for the Colts, HC Green thinks that Fleener could get lost in the shuffle. Jimmy Graham He was a fantasy beast during his years in New Orleans, says Buck Davidson, but the move to Seattle figures to put a significant dent in his numbers. The Seahawks favor a run-first offense, and fewer footballs in the air means that fewer of them are likely to land in Graham’s hands this season. Julius Thomas Even if he becomes Blake Bortles’ favorite receiver, Scott Swanay says he won’t be catching anything near the 12 touchdown receptions he did the last two seasons in Denver. From Peyton Manning to Blake Bortles…no offense, Blake, says Derek Jones. Defenses will be keying on him even more, and without a strong supporting cast in Jacksonville.

JJKicker Any Kicker Don’t take any kicker before the last round, says Andy Goldstein. Stephen Gostkowski His value is likely to take a hit, says Scott Swanay, at least until Tom Brady returns from his suspension. Cody Parkey With all of the adjustments on Philly’s offense, Derek Jones thinks it might be difficult for them to generate offense at the start of the season. Parkey scored the secondmost points in the league last year, HC Green points out, but can’t you just see the longer PAT tempting Chip Kelly to go for two about 20 times as often as anyone else? He won’t crack the top 10 while kicking for Chip Kelly’s revamped LeSean McCoy-less and Jeremy Maclin-less offense, says Matt Wilson. He made only 73.6 percent of his collegiate field goal attempts, so he is very unlikely to repeat his 88.9 percent conversion rate as a rookie.

JJIndividual Defense Curtis Lofton Despite productive seasons for the Saints and Falcons, JD Bolick says that he is not particularly talented and loses considerable value in Oakland.

Darrelle Revis Even if his return is a triumphant one, Scott Swanay says his fantasy value will be limited as quarterbacks stay away from his side of the field. Aldon Smith He will be quadruple teamed on every passing play this year, says Andy Goldstein. Charles Woodson He’s a future Hall of Famer, says HC Green, but Woodson has to get old sometime, right?

Writers’ Bios DOUG ANDERSON Is a veteran of the Fantasy Sports industry and has been playing Fantasy Baseball for more than 20 years. His work has been seen on RotoExperts. com, SI.com, Yahoo, USAToday.com and also in the pages of various Fantasy magazines. Doug is the co-founder of SoCalledFantasyExperts.com and represents them in Tout Wars X and the LABR Mixed Experts League. GRAHAM BRIGGS Is a 20 year veteran of fantasy sports and currently writes on baseball and football for socalledfantasyexperts.com. He has drafted teams that won leagues and teams that didn’t, but contends that fate is responsible for any losses. It is rumored that he spends more time working on fantasy sports than he does actually working, but this cannot be independently verified. Dave Gawron Owns and operates eXpertLeagues. com, where industry leaders gather together to display their knowledge in football, baseball, and basketball leagues. Many different formats are covered, and most of the leagues are available for public viewing during the season, so you can see how the participants pick up free agents, make trades, etc. Dave lives in New England, not too far from Foxboro, and enjoys singing, playing guitar, acting in plays, and deflating footballs in his spare time. LORI RUBINSON Hosts her own sports talk radio show in New York City on WFAN, New York’s Sports Leader. She as been writing about fantasy sports since meeting Lawr Michaels at an MLB.com VIP draft in 2004. SCOTT SWANAY Iis the owner/operator of FantasyFootballSherpa.com, which provides customizable preseason player rankings based on his projections and your league’s scoring system. During the season he offers start/ sit advice on his blog and hosts the weekly Blog Talk Radio show “4th and Inches with Jana & The Sherpa

10 | thefantasyfootballguide2015 | w riters wrondelay

FFG15_04-11_writers_v1.indd 10

6/20/15 1:01 PM

The Writers Picks AFC Champ NFC Champ Super Bowl Champ Andy Goldstein. . . . . . . . . . Indianapolis (1). . . . . . . . . . . Dallas (2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indianapolis (3) Scott Swanay. . . . . . . . . . . . Indianapolis (4) . . . . . . . . . . Minnesota (5). . . . . . . . . . . Indianapolis (6) Buck Davidson. . . . . . . . . . . Indianapolis (7) . . . . . . . . . . Seattle (8). . . . . . . . . . . . . Indianapolis (9) HC Green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baltimore (10) . . . . . . . . . . . Green Bay (11) . . . . . . . . . . Green Bay (12) Graham Briggs . . . . . . . . . . Indianapolis . . . . . . . . . . . . . Green Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Green Bay Derek Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . Indianapolis (13). . . . . . . . . . Green Bay (14). . . . . . . . . . Green Bay (15) Matt Wilson. . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City (16). . . . . . . . . . Green Bay (17). . . . . . . . . . Green Bay (18) Lori Rubinson . . . . . . . . . . . Baltimore (19) . . . . . . . . . . . Green Bay (20) . . . . . . . . . Green Bay JD Bolick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NY Jets (21). . . . . . . . . . . . . Seattle (22). . . . . . . . . . . . Seattle (23) Jack Delaney . . . . . . . . . . . . Indianapolis (24). . . . . . . . . Green Bay (25) . . . . . . . . . Green Bay (26)

Footnotes (1) (2) (3) (4)

The Colts are in position to usurp the Patriots. This is the last hurrah for the Cowboys and Tony Romo. The Colts win the first of Andrew Luck’s multiple titles. The offense will continue to improve; the underrated defense will be good enough. (5) The return of Adrian Peterson, the emergence of Teddy Bridgewater, and a solid defense will add up to a surprisingly strong season. (6) The first, but probably not the last, Super Bowl in the Reign of Luck. (7) After three straight playoff failures, the Indianapolis Colts finally fulfill their championship aspirations, led by their talented young quarterback and a core of aging, but still very capable veteran players yearning for a taste of Super Bowl glory. (8) The Seattle Seahawks are undoubtedly still stinging from their goal-line misadventure in Super Bowl XLIX; I look for them to be a team on a mission in 2015. (9) I again deferred my pick to my 95-year-old Granny Lil, who put aside her crocheting and box scores long enough to don her Indianapolis Colts jersey and prognosticate Andrew Luck and company as this season’s Super Bowl champions. (10) They had the eventual champs on the ropes and came up short, but there’s something about this group once the calendar hits January. (11) It took an implausible number of bad breaks to keep them out of last year’s big game. They won’t be denied this time. (12) Rodgers gets the second Lombardi Trophy that Brett Favre never did. (13) This has been put on a tee for Indianapolis this year, right? They indirectly got Tom Brady suspended for four games; Peyton Manning is another year older; and Baltimore may not have the weapons on either side.

FFG15_04-11_writers_v1.indd 11

(14) I don’t know what else Green Bay would need for motiva-

tion after one of the worst losses in NFL history last January. (15) The untimely injury of Aaron Rodgers and meltdown in Seattle prevented the Packers from claiming a Super Bowl last season. This time around, they’ll catch a few more breaks and Rodgers will head back to the Bay Area to win Super Bowl 50. (16) A now-healthy and already balanced Chiefs team will get a boost from an improved Jeremy Maclin/Travis Kelce-led passing attack while the Patriots succumb to a Super Bowl hangover. (17) The Green Bay Packers learned some tough lessons during their choke-job loss to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game last season. The Pack won’t blow it again. (18) We all know the Packers have 2014 MVP Aaron Rodgers and plenty of offense. Their defense isn’t a world-beater, but it’s been improving and will be good enough to help bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown. (19) Think Broncos take a big step back and Patriots a little step with defensive losses. (20) I like what they’ve added on defense. (21) If the New York Jets will give Ryan Fitzpatrick a fair chance to start at quarterback, they have enough talent everywhere else for a dramatic turnaround. (22) By keeping their team roughly intact, the Seattle Seahawks are primed for another run at a championship. (23) Throwing to Jimmy Graham rather than Ricardo Lockette will make all the difference for the Seahawks. (24) The Colts have too many weapons to contain. (25) The Packers are filled with veteran and younger talent. It’s the right time for a Super Bowl run. (26) Rodgers has done it before, and I think Luck and company fall just short.

writers wrondelay | thefantasyfootballguide2014 | 11

6/20/15 1:01 PM

Exploiting NFL Defenses to Dominate DFS

Daily Fantasy Football Sets Us Free

2014 FPAbP for the FanDuel Scoring System

Then along comes Daily Fantasy Football and we are no longer chained to the handful of players we drafted. Each Fantasy owner can now choose from an entire league to build their roster. With this multitude of options, it’s now much easier to maximize point totals by targeting players with only the very best matchups.

In the tables on the next page you will find the 2014 Fantasy Points Allowed by Position for all of the skill positions. Obviously no team is exactly the same from year to year. Teams have made many changes in the hopes of addressing some of the weaknesses we’re trying to exploit. They’ve added and subtracted players and may have new coaches with a totally different scheme. Elsewhere in this magazine you can read about these changes and how they might affect each team, but in my experience it’s very dangerous to assume that a few additions will drastically change a defense.

So, Fantasy Points Allowed by Position (FPAbP), a metric that had seen some limited use in traditional Fantasy, suddenly becomes a Daily Fantasy player’s best friends. FPAbP simply measures how many points each NFL defenses allows to quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. It’s a very straightforward way to evaluate the matchups that each NFL player is faced with.

For the first three or four games of each season I find that the previous year’s numbers are still the best base to work from. Around NFL Week 4 or 5 we can start relying on data from the new season, and it gains validity with each passing week. FPAbP should be a huge weapon in every Daily Fantasy player’s arsenal. In order to stay on top of it, make sure you check in at SoCalledFantasyExperts. com. We’ll have the 2014 stats up to start the season and then transition to 2015 numbers in Week 4.

Photo: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Since the dawn of Fantasy Football smart players have tried to exploit the weaknesses of NFL defenses, basing many of their start/sit decisions on the matchups of their roster. The problem was that in traditional season-long leagues each owner’s options were limited to the three or four players at each position on their roster. Thus was born the timeless Fantasy Football cliché, “You never sit your studs.” And when your other options are backup running backs or questionable third receivers, that is sage advice. By Doug Anderson, SoCalledFantasyExperts.com

12 | thefantasyfootballguide2015 | Daily Strength

FFG15_16-25_StrengthDaily_v3.indd 12

6/20/15 12:55 PM

Defenses to Target The tables below show the 10 teams that allowed the most Fantasy Points to each of the skill positions. The first three columns show the team, their rank, and their average Fantasy points allowed for that position. The last four column show that teams opponents for the first four weeks of the season. It is from these teams that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to draw from to build the bulk of your Daily Fantasy Football lineups.

FPA to QBs Rk TEAM FPA/G

Week

FPA to RBs Rk TEAM FPA/G

Week

@CHI

STL

PHI

26.14 @ATL

DAL

25.84 @CHI

SEA

@SF

@IND

PHI

@MIA

@CAR

DAL

@DEN

ARI 20.82

20.43 @CHI

SEA

@SF

20.26

TEN

@NO @HOU CAR

NYJ 25.09

CHI

19.85

ARI

25.01 @ARI

@TB

MIN

24.51

@SF

DET

5. CAR 19.67 @JAX HOU

@SEA OAK NO

CLE

@NYJ @WSH

19.23

DET

@CIN @MIN

CLE

24.47

MIN

@PIT @ARI

19.05

MIN

@PIT @ARI

7. HOU 23.61

@CAR

@ATL

18.91

@TB

@CLE

IND

BYE

8. JAX 23.25 CAR

MIA

@NE

@IND

9. SEA 18.60 @STL

@GB

CHI

DET

9. OAK 23.06

BAL @CLE @CHI

18.18 @HOU DEN

@GB

@CIN

8. TEN 10.

FPA to WRs Rk TEAM FPA/G 1.

1 KC

3. WSH 32.40 MIA

2 DAL

@NYJ @WSH

Rk TEAM FPA/G

@STL

BAL

Week 1

ATL

@NO

DAL

13.73

NYG

@PHI

@CAR

@ATL

CHI

13.00

ARI

STL

@NYG

PHI

NYJ 12.66

CLE

@IND

PHI

@MIA

CIN

@PIT

4. WSH 12.53

MIA

STL

@NYG

PHI

@CAR DAL

ARI

12.44

@CHI

STL

@NO @HOU CAR

IND

12.31 @BUF

NYJ

7. DEN

12.16

BAL

@KC @DET

MIN

8. TEN

11.40

@TB

@CLE

IND

BYE

11.04

PIT

@BUF

JAX

BYE

4. BAL 32.16 @DEN @OAK 5.

30.99 @ARI

30.92 TEN

ATL 30.88

PHI

CHI 30.49

STL 30.36 SEA @WSH

10. PIT 30.03 @NE

22.77 @NE

FPA to TEs

Week

PHI 34.68 @ATL

2. HOU 33.31

10. PIT

CIN

@NYG @DAL HOU ARI SF

@SEA OAK PIT

@ARI

@STL

BAL

10. NYG

11.03 @DAL

ATL

@SEA OAK

@TEN JAX

WSH @BUF

Bolded teams involve players in Top 3 FPAbP Matchups for that week.

FFG15_16-25_StrengthDaily_v3.indd 13

Daily Strength | thefantasyfootballguide2015 | 13

6/20/15 12:55 PM

Top 3 FPAbP Values for Each Week The table below highlights the top DFS values for Weeks 1 thru 4 of the NFL season. These picks do not necessarily represent the top matchup of each week, but the best value when taken in context with the opposing defense. For example, Rob Gronkowski may be the top rated tight end in many weeks, but FPAbP allows us to analyze the matchups and determine whether another tight end is in the right situation to approach Gronkowski’s production at a lower cost. Each week as you build your DFS lineups, you’ll have to balance the cost of each player against their projected performance. Fantasy Points Allowed by Position should be a huge help in that. WEEK 1

WEEK 2

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

Quarterbacks

1. Aaron Rodgers vs. CHI

1. Drew Brees vs. TB

1. Andrew Luck vs. TEN

1. Aaron Rodgers vs. SF

3. Matthew Stafford vs. SDC

3. Peyton Manning vs. KC

3. Drew Brees vs. CAR

3. Andy Dalton vs. KC

2. Russell Wilson vs. GBP

2. Russell Wilson vs. CHI

2. Cam Newton vs. TB

Running Backs

1. Jamaal Charles vs. HOU

1. Marshawn Lynch vs. GB

1. Jamaal Charles vs. GB

1. C.J. Anderson vs. MIN

3. Matt Forte vs. GBP

3. Carlos Hyde vs. PIT

3. Melvin Gordon vs. MIN

3. Matt Forte vs. OAK

2. Adrian Peterson vs. SF

2. Justin Forsett vs. OAK

2. DeMarco Murray vs. NYJ

2. Eddie Lacy vs. SFX

Wide Receivers

1. Julio Jones vs. PHI

1. Dez Bryant vs. PHI

1. Odell Beckham Jr. vs. WAS

1. Julio Jones vs. HOU

3. Alshon Jeffery vs. GBP

3. Mike Evans vs. NOS

3. Antonio Brown vs. STL

3. Dez Bryant vs. NO

2. Demaryius Thomas vs. BAL

2. Odell Beckham Jr. vs. ATL

2. Mike Evans vs. HOU

2. Antonio Brown vs. BAL

Tight Ends

1. Josh Hill vs. ARI

1. Travis Kelce vs. DEN

1. Jimmy Graham vs. CHI

1. Julius Thomas vs. IND

3. Jordan Cameron vs. WAS

3. Zach Ertz vs. DAL

3. Delanie Walker vs. IND

3. Jordan Cameron vs. NYJ

2. Jason Witten vs. NYG

2. Martellus Bennett vs. ARI

2. Zach Ertz vs. NYJ

2. Josh Hill vs. DAL

Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Drew Brees vs. ARI

14 | thefantasyfootballguide2015 | Daily Strength

FFG15_16-25_StrengthDaily_v3.indd 14

6/20/15 12:55 PM

Defenses to Avoid These tables represent the other side of FPAbP. These tables include the 10 teams that allow the fewest Fantasy points to each position. Since weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ranked each defense by Fantasy Points Allowed to that position, the lower the rank the better the defense is at limiting points to that position.

FPA to QBs Rk TEAM FPA/G

Week 1

23. PHI

16.50 @ATL

24. PIT

16.42

25. IND

16.10 @BUF

FPA to RBs 3

Rk TEAM FPA/G

CIN

@PIT NYJ

@NYJ @WSH

23. BAL 18.23 @DEN @OAK

@STL

BAL

24. MIA

17.78 @WSH @JAX BUF

NYJ

@TEN

JAX

25. DET

17.70

@SD

@MIN

@NYG @DAL HOU

26. DEN

17.61

BAL

@KC @DET

NYG

27. CHI

17.56

28. MIA 15.56 @WSH @JAX BUF

NYJ

28. CIN

17.56 @OAK

29. BAL 15.42 @DEN @OAK

CIN

@PIT

29. NE

17.54

PIT

30. HOU 15.28

@CAR

@ATL

30. BUF 17.44

IND

@MIA

NYG

31. NYJ 14.80

CLE

@IND

PHI

@MIA

31. ARI

17.26

@CHI

STL

32. DEN

BAL

@KC @DET

MIN

32. TB

15.43

TEN

@NO @HOU CAR

@NE

26. ATL 16.09

PHI

27. BUF 15.96

IND

14.01

DAL

Week

FPA to WRs Rk TEAM FPA/G

@MIA

Rk TEAM FPA/G

@SEA MIN

ARI

@SEA OAK

@BAL

@BUF JAX

FPA to TEs

Week

DEN

KC BYE

Week 3

8.06 @WSH @JAX

BUF

NYJ

24. CLE

8.05 @NYJ

TEN

OAK

@SD

@GB

@CIN

23. DET 26.88 @SD

@MIN

DEN

@SEA

23. MIA

24. NYG 26.64 @DAL

ATL

WSH @BUF

@CIN @MIN

CLE

25. KC

8.03 @HOU DEN

26. DAL 25.36 NYG

@PHI

@NO

26. ATL

7.93

PHI

@NYG @DAL HOU

27. OAK 25.19

BAL

@CLE @CHI

27.

7.84

DET

@CIN @MIN

25. SD

25.84 DET CIN

ATL

28. CIN 24.92 @OAK

@BAL

28. STL

7.31

SEA @WSH

29. IND

NYJ

@TEN

JAX

29. NO

7.29

@ARI

@KC @DET

MIN

30. PHI

7.23 @ATL

24.81 @BUF

30. DEN 24.79 BAL 31.

24.78

PIT

32. SEA 18.46 @STL

DAL

PIT

@ARI

@CAR

DAL

@NYJ @WSH

@BUF

JAX

BYE

31. HOU

7.19

@CAR

@ATL

@GB

CHI

DET

32. BUF

6.13

IND

@MIA

NYG

FFG15_16-25_StrengthDaily_v3.indd 15

CLE

Daily Strength | thefantasyfootballguide2015 | 15

6/20/15 12:55 PM

ROOKIE REPORT

SCHOOL’S OUT! THE T

HE 2015 NFL DRAFT HAS BEEN AN INTERESTING CHALLENGE TO EVALUATE. MOST recent NFL drafts have been characterized by a lack of elite talent at multiple offensive skill positions, along with a deep collection of players who might develop into contributors over time. This draft class is very different in that there are perceived to be multiple elite talents at each of the skill positions except tight end, while the overall depth in this group is severely lacking. With fewer players to choose from and high stakes for the ones that are selected, it is all the more important to evaluate the potentially elite players correctly, distinguishing between those who will succeed, those who will tantalize, and those who will disappoint. THE GOAL OF THIS PIECE IS TO NOT ONLY PROVIDE ANALYSIS OF EACH PLAYER’S strengths and weaknesses, but to assess how well they fit with the team that selected them, as the situation they enter is often as important if not more so than their personal talent. Depth charts, offensive schemes, and rapport with teammates all affect performance and the statistics necessary for fantasy value. For those who are participating in dynasty leagues, this article also differentiates between the potential for production in 2015 and how these players are likely to fare in future seasons. TO THAT END, EACH PLAYER’S PROFILE SECTION INCLUDES CITATIONS OF SPECIFIC PLAYS that illustrate the characteristics being described. Those citations reference the opponent, quarter, and time remaining at the beginning of the play that exemplifies what is being discussed. Over a decade of experience covering the draft has gone into the creation of this analysis, yet we feel it is important for our readers to be able to see for themselves the things we are writing about rather than simply taking our word for it. Considerable thanks go out yet again to DraftBreakdown.com, arguably the best public resource on the internet for evaluating college players. Their condensed videos make it possible to watch numerous games while easily identifying the player you are interested in. By JD Bolick

QUARTERBACKS JJJameis

Winston 6’4” 231lbs, 4.97/40, 1st overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ABILITY: Jameis Winston is a highly accurate passer who consistently delivers the football where he wants it. His touch and accuracy allow him to not only complete passes but to place the ball in the proper position to hit his receivers in stride and give them the best opportunity for yards after the catch. He also shows great anticipation, throwing to the spot where the receiver will be after a cut rather than his current position (vs ORE 1Q 5:31). That rare ball placement allows him to put the ball away from a defender in man coverage (vs UF 2Q 8:17), and he can fit the ball in tight windows when the defender has his back turned (vs ORE 2Q 7:10). Those traits may have developed as compensation for lackluster arm strength,

as Winston is below average in terms of his pass velocity. One of the reasons for that is his lower body. Too often Winston’s legs are merely a static platform for his throw (vs ORE 2Q 10:06) rather than planting and driving the pass with proper hip rotation. That leads to floating throws (vs ORE 4Q 12:49) that allow defenders to close on the receiver and either deflect the pass or be in position for an immediate tackle. When he misses it tends to be high (vs ORE 1Q 2:51, vs ORE 2Q 0:08, vs ORE 4Q 9:28), which is why he performed so much better with Kelvin Benjamin than after his departure.

Despite the media adulation regarding his pro style experience at Florida State, Jameis was heavily dependent upon the play design, throwing to his primary read an overwhelming majority of the time. Every so often he would show the ability to survey and find the open receiver (vs ORE 2Q 1:51), but usually he struggled to improvise if his intended

target didn’t get open. He doesn’t possess good field awareness and is late finding open receivers if they don’t cross the place where he is staring downfield (vs ORE 3Q 2:00). One thing from his college experience that will help is the frequent use of play action, as he is comfortable having his back to the defense initially before delivering to his receiver (vs ORE 3Q 8:15). Winston adjusts well to pressure from the edge, stepping up in the pocket and delivering the ball accurately despite a crumbling pocket (vs UF 2Q 4:22), and he has rare ability in shedding potential tacklers to escape the sack and either find a receiver or throw the ball away (vs UF 1Q 5:02). Sometimes he chooses to keep the ball and try to gain yards on the ground, which is a mistake because he vastly overestimates his own athleticism (vs UF 3Q 3:27, vs ORE 2Q 15:00). The biggest concerns by far, however, are the eighteen interceptions Winston threw in

16 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | ROOKIE REPORT

FFG15_16-25_rookies_v5.indd 16

6/19/15 5:08 PM

2015 NFL Draft Class Marcus Mariota 2017 #6

Photo: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

“the best quarterback in this class both now and in the future” his final season. Matt Ryan threw nineteen interceptions as a senior, so that isn’t necessarily a fatal flaw. The problem is that analyzing those eighteen interceptions revealed a litany of inexcusable decisions. Some were a function of mindlessly heaving the ball up under pressure (vs ND 2Q 12:48), while others resulted from staring down receivers (vs UF 1Q 11:55, @ LOU 2Q 7:45, @ LOU 2Q 5:06, @ MIA 2Q 0:38) and forcing the ball where there was not a window (vs UF 1Q 1:34, vs UF 3Q 2:44, @ LOU 3Q 15:00). Zone coverage consistently befuddles him, as he shows no awareness of underneath defenders and how they will affect pass windows (vs UF 3Q 2:45, vs OSU 2Q 14:49). Only two interceptions were forgivable instances where the receiver mishandled the catch, while there were quite a few more throws that should have been intercepted (vs ORE 2Q 10:06, vs ORE 2Q 6:43). It is difficult to coach up eye discipline and

1) Melvin Gordon 2) Amari Cooper 3) T.J. Yeldon 4) Kevin White 5) Todd Gurley 6) David Cobb 7) Nelson Agholor 8) Duke Johnson 9) Tevin Coleman 10) Breshad Perriman

decision-making even with receptive quarterbacks, while Winston’s arrogance casts doubt on his willingness to accept instruction. Additionally, while too much is made of obscure measurements, there may be something to the concern about Jameis’ unusually small hands. He fumbled seven times last season (vs ORE 3Q 1:53), usually due to mishandling a snap (vs UF 2Q 8:53, vs BC 2Q 12:13) or being unable to control the ball while being sacked (@ SYR 4Q 9:16, vs ORE 1Q 10:24). Small hands may also play a part in Winston’s lack of a consistent spiral (vs ORE 2Q 10:06), indicating insufficient grip on the football.

SITUATION: Mike Evans and Vincent

Jackson form one of the best receiving duos in the league, and their height will be particularly valuable given Winston’s penchant for high throws. Tampa Bay has also talked up tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins as a potential breakout player. What they don’t have is a reliable slot receiver to work underneath in the Rashad Greene role. The Buccaneers also have question marks along the offensive

FFG15_16-25_rookies_v5.indd 17

TOP 10 FOR 2015

line, as they failed to do anything in free agency and will be relying on two second round picks to improve on last season’s awful results. Fortunately, Jameis is used to dealing with a poor offensive line and inconsistent running game, so it should not prevent him from making use of his receivers.

PRESENT: In the past, even number one overall quarterbacks were occasionally afforded time to acclimate to the pro level before ascending to the starting job, but that hasn’t happened since JaMarcus Russell in 2007. Now there is an expectation to play immediately, and the constant chorus regarding Winston’s pro style experience undoubtedly means he will be lining up behind center against Tennessee barring an injury. Evans and Jackson have the ability to bail him out on many throws, but it’s still easy to see Jameis leading the league in turnovers while taking a large number of sacks. Because he doesn’t contribute as a rusher, it’s difficult to see him having fantasy appeal in his first season. FUTURE: In over ten years of writing about

the draft, no prospect has made it more difficult to remain objective than Jameis Winston. His pattern of behavior is acutely loathsome, showing no accountability or

ROOKIE REPORT | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 17

6/19/15 5:08 PM

ROOKIE REPORT

JJMarcus

Mariota 6’4” 222lbs, 4.52/40, 2nd overall by the Tennessee Titans ABILITY: Discounting Marcus Mariota because Oregon runs a spread offense is a colossal mistake, as the Ducks are not a Baylor type spread that relies heavily on screens and deep shots. Mariota actually attempted fewer screen passes than Winston, and a third of Marcus’ attempts were the type of intermediate, ten to twenty yard throws that NFL passing schemes are built around. Similarly, the notion that Mariota somehow lacks accuracy does not hold up on tape (vs OSU 4Q 14:54, vs OSU 4Q 4:17, vs MSU 2Q 10:26). It’s true that Oregon’s route combinations frequently resulted in open receivers, but he consistently hit them in stride, and when he needed to throw into tight windows for a conversion he was consistently able to do so (vs OSU 2Q 13:07, vs OSU 2Q 3:58). What might be causing the misconception regarding his accuracy is his consciousness of avoiding potential turnovers. He consistently errs on the side of caution, forcing his receivers to make a difficult catch if it means preventing a defender from having a play on the ball (vs OSU 3Q 6:50, vs MSU 1Q 3:50). His mistakes are so rare that when he does occasionally force a pass into coverage (vs FSU 2Q 11:49), it stands out. Mariota possesses an impressive ability to recognize what the defense is doing, particularly when they over-commit to stopping something that has been previously successful, then adjusting and taking advantage of an opportunity elsewhere (vs FSU 3Q 6:53, vs FSU 3Q 4:30). He quickly processes information, recognizing which of his options is open and getting them the football (vs OSU 2Q 12:38). The way you can tell that Marcus is reading defenses rather than

simply executing a pre-determined scheme is by watching his helmet. He turns his head and scans the field, assessing the best place to throw and then attacking (vs OSU 3Q 11:33). Carrying the ball high on his shoulder contributes to that quickness by allowing him to release the ball quickly once he has made a decision (vs FSU 1Q 9:00, vs FSU 3Q 6:53). His arm strength is solid, but he struggles when he can’t step into his throws, particularly when he has pressure in his face, which leads to underthrown balls downfield (vs STA 3Q 8:31, vs OSU 2Q 0:14). Without question, Mariota’s most glaring flaw is a lack of pocket presence (vs MSU 3Q 5:44). He needs to show more patience in the pocket, as he tends to get happy feet and look to scramble long before the pass rush has reached him (vs FSU 1Q 4:54, vs OSU 2Q 4:29, vs MSU 1Q 9:37). While he can obviously make things happen with his legs, Marcus should trust his protection and let his receivers get open as the play develops rather looking to bail out (vs MSU 2Q 6:13). When outside the pocket, Marcus does a good job of keeping his eyes downfield and finding open receivers, then delivering the ball away from any oncoming defenders (vs FSU 1Q 7:37, vs FSU 3Q 12:44). He has superb straight line speed but is not particularly elusive and might be better served using his rushing ability when the defense has abandoned containment rather than on designed runs. When executing the read-option, Marcus typically reads the outside defender quickly and makes good decisions as to whether he should give up the football or keep it himself (vs FSU 2Q 4:59, vs MSU 4Q 5:33). One thing he absolutely has to fix is his ball control, as he has a documented issue with fumbles not only as a rusher but also while scrambling behind the line (vs ARI 4Q 2:20). Holding the ball out in one hand away from his body is absolutely inexcusable (vs FSU 4Q 14:04, vs OSU 2Q 2:35).

SITUATION: Ken Whisenhunt loves the passing game, but his history thus far has been with big-armed, statuesque pocket passers. Someone with his extensive offensive background should be able to incorporate spread elements without too much trouble, but it is fair to worry about Mariota’s transition and if his talents will be best utilized by such a conventional play-caller. Tennessee has invested heavily

in their offensive line but haven’t had much to show for it thus far. The team has more talent at wide receiver than it would initially appear, although their youth and inconsistency aren’t ideal for a young quarterback.

PRESENT: Zach Mettenberger was a good story for the Titans last season, but he just isn’t in Mariota’s class as a quarterback and Tennessee made the right decision by not letting Zach’s acceptable rookie performance prevent them from selecting a superior talent. As documented above, Mariota is more ready to play than most analysts contend, so he should have no problems seizing and keeping the starting job. How well Whisenhunt adapts to Mariota’s talents will determine his early production, but his intermediate passing accuracy and his running ability should give him fringe fantasy relevance. FUTURE: The comparisons to Colin Kae-

pernick do have some merit, only Mariota is more accurate with a lesser arm while making quicker and better decisions with the football. There is no question that he is by far the best quarterback in this class both now and in the future. If he can make progress on his pocket presence, which is admittedly difficult and not altogether likely, then he could ascend to second tier fantasy status by his second or third season.

JJGarrett

Grayson 6’2” 213lbs, 4.75/40, 75th overall by the New Orleans Saints It’s likely that Garrett Grayson has baseball in his background based on a throwing motion that brings the ball down and away from his body rather than staying up by his shoulder. That causes his release to be slow and deliberate, making it easy for defensive backs to close on the receiver (vs UTA 4Q

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

remorse. I admit that I want him to fail, but I believe that the analysis above is sufficient evidence to think that he is likely to do so. Winston is not JaMarcus Russell, however. Jameis clearly loves playing football rather than cynically viewing it as an avenue to get rich, so it is possible that he will respond to being humbled in the NFL by working on his craft and addressing the flaws detailed here. The accuracy and anticipation are there for him to become an above average passer, but with so much evidence that Jameis doesn’t learn from his mistakes off the field, it’s hard to believe that he will be any different on it. The most likely scenario is that his poor field awareness and lack of pass velocity will result in too many turnovers and deflections for his admittedly impressive accuracy to overcome.

Melvin Gordon 2015 #1, 2017 #5 “will shred bad defenses”

18 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | ROOKIE REPORT

FFG15_16-25_rookies_v5.indd 18

6/19/15 5:08 PM

11:39) and for defensive linemen to get their hands up in the passing lanes (vs UTA 1Q 11:37). He does possess above average arm strength (vs UTA 1Q 4:43), yet it seems as if he takes something off on intermediate routes (vs UTA 1Q 7:39) when it would be better for him to deliver those passes on a line. His accuracy is adequate, but his ball placement to the outside is disappointing, consistently forcing his receivers to adjust back to the pass rather than leading them away from defenders (vs UTA 2Q 7:51, vs UTA 2Q 4:24, vs UTA 4Q 13:17). Like many college quarterbacks, he leans heavily on his primary read even if covered (vs UTA 1Q 6:00) rather than scanning the field to find a better target. Grayson is noteworthy because the Saints chose him over more pressing offensive needs and because Brees is 36, but he is a long-term backup at absolute best. JJSean

Mannion 6’6” 229lbs, 5.14/40, 89th overall by the St. Louis Rams Sean Mannion has sufficient arm strength for deep and intermediate throws but struggles with his accuracy in those areas, frequently putting the ball behind the receiver (@ STA 1Q 11:34, @ STA 3Q 11:13). He does go through progressions but is slowed by reacting when he sees open receivers rather than anticipating them breaking open (@ STA 2Q 2:13). He also doesn’t show awareness of down and distance, consistently throwing the ball short of the marker on third and fourth downs (@ STA 2Q 5:13).

JJBryce Petty 6’3” 230lbs, 4.87/40, 103rd overall by the New York Jets Bryce Petty has a very quick release (@ WVU 4Q 14:00) which looks similar to that of Philip Rivers, but his downfield accuracy is abysmal (@ WVU 1Q 11:23, @ WVU 2Q 13:46). He attempts to compensate by throwing with loft, which allows his receiver to adjust (@ WVU 2Q 8:38), but that will lead to interceptions against NFL defenders. The Baylor passing game consisted almost entirely of screens, curls, and streaks. If Petty’s initial read was not open he would either force passes into what should have been obvious coverage (@ WVU 4Q 10:57), or stand around waiting for the big play instead of taking what the defense gave him (@ WVU 1Q 4:54). Petty performed extremely well in agility drills at the combine, ranking near Mariota in everything except the 40 yard dash, but he doesn’t show it on the field (@ WVU 1Q 3:39). Bryce looks the part of an NFL quarterback with a solid frame,

quick release, and pretty passes but the complete lack of accuracy is insurmountable. JJBrett

Hundley 6’3” 226lbs, 4.63/40, 147th overall by the Green Bay Packers As far as quarterback projects go, Brett Hundley looks worthwhile. He isn’t as accurate as his completion percentage would suggest, as that was artificially inflated by the high number of screens and very short throws at UCLA, but he did do a good job with ball placement on those throws. He is willing to survey the field when his primary read is covered (@ UVA 3Q 12:31), but downfield accuracy is a significant issue. His actions as a passer are slow and deliberate, allowing the defense more time to react (@ UVA 1Q 8:15). He is adept at eluding pass rushers and then escaping the pocket, although he needs to keep his eyes downfield and look for receivers rather than immediately pulling the ball down to run with it (@ UVA 1Q 7:41, @ UVA 1Q 7:26). A successful pass rush gets into his head and prompts him to look for scrambling lanes rather than standing in the pocket, significantly diminishing his performance as a passer. With better pocket presence and the right offense, Hundley could develop into a competent starter.

RUNNING BACKS JJTodd

Gurley 6’1” 222lbs, no 40 time, 10th overall by the St. Louis Rams ABILITY: As the most talented running back to enter the draft since Adrian Peterson, it’s not a surprise that Todd Gurley went tenth overall despite the concern over his torn ACL. It isn’t so much Gurley’s top end speed that impresses, it’s how quickly he accelerates (@ SC 3Q 12:41, vs CLE 4Q 7:44) and then how easily he maintains that speed through small changes in direction (@ SC 1Q 1:14). Defenses don’t anticipate a back that big being that fast and take poor angles as a result, leading to big plays (vs CLE 1Q 6:43). While he does have an upright running style in open space, he gets his pads low when approaching the defense (vs CLE 3Q 13:07). He reacts decisively to defensive penetration, adjusting smoothly rather than letting the play design take him into the tackler (vs CLE 3Q 14:31, vs CLE 4Q 10:34), then gets north and south authoritatively rather than trying to bounce runs to the outside (@ SC 1Q 2:20, vs CLE 3Q 13:07). He isn’t phased by traffic or defenders on the ground, stepping over them smoothly without slowing down (@ SC 1Q 8:29).

FFG15_16-25_rookies_v5.indd 19

Some college running backs are a function of their blocking whereas Gurley gained over sixty percent of his yards last season after contact. His exceptional balance and lower body strength allow him to keep his feet through tackle attempts (@ SC 4Q 10:02, vs CLE 3Q 8:48). The one place where he is vulnerable to being brought down is when defenders wrap up an ankle, perhaps because he is conscious of injuring it as a sophomore, costing him three games. As entertaining as it is to watch him finish runs along the sideline (vs CLE 1Q 1:42), given his running style and injury history Todd would be better off avoiding unnecessary contact and stepping out of bounds. As a receiver he can adjust to errant throws and does a good job of securing the pass with his hands rather than his body (@ SC 2Q 12:27).

SITUATION: In Tennessee, Jeff Fisher

showed a strong preference for a run-oriented offense. The story has been very different in St. Louis, although it’s hard to tell if that’s a change in scheme preference or simply a lack of the appropriate personnel. Tre Mason performed admirably as a rookie, but is obviously not on Gurley’s level as a running back and wouldn’t force any type of committee beyond this season. The Rams do have major questions along the offensive line, and while Todd has shown the ability to gain yards on his own, he will be more effective if St. Louis can get those issues straightened out.

PRESENT: The Rams have no need to rush Gurley back quickly and risk any type of aggravation to his knee, so even if the recovery is ahead of schedule it would be a surprise if Todd didn’t start the season on the PUP list. That would give him adequate time to practice and learn the offense before facing game action, but it would also mean a cap on his fantasy value this season. The Rams facing top run defenses in Weeks 14 & 16 further decreases the incentive to roster Gurley during his rookie season.

FUTURE: With a few exceptions, the top of

the NFL’s rushing list last season featured running backs in their late 20s or even early 30s. It’s not just an emphasis on the pass that has devalued running backs in the NFL draft, there simply haven’t been many truly talented rushers to enter the league in recent years. Todd Gurley changes that. As soon as 2016 he will be near the top of that rushing list and remain there for many years to come. Not only is he an elite talent, he is versatile enough for use on all three downs and capable of handling a workhorse load. The only thing that would hold him back would be if he continues to miss time with injuries.

ROOKIE REPORT | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 19

6/19/15 5:08 PM

ROOKIE REPORT JJMelvin

Gordon 6’1” 215lbs, 4.52/40, 15th overall by the San Diego Chargers ABILITY: Melvin Gordon is the type of running back who depends on his blocking to be successful. When the interior linemen open up a hole, Melvin has the vision to find it and get skinny through it (vs LSU 1Q 12:10). He then picks his way through traffic and explodes to open space once he reaches the second level (vs LSU 3Q 15:00). He is also effective when the defense gives up edge containment, allowing him to bounce runs to the outside (vs OSU 1Q 9:19, vs LSU 1Q 9:43). Unfortunately he frequently tries to bounce out whenever he doesn’t have an obvious hole up the middle rather than only doing so when the defense loses containment. That desire to get outside led to a lot of unnecessary losses (vs OSU 2Q 6:23) when he should consistently take what the defense allows and hope for better results on the next carry (vs OSU 2Q 2:13).

Despite leading FBS in rushing by a huge margin, nearly a fifth of Gordon’s rushing attempts ended with no gain or a loss. The negative plays weren’t entirely his fault, as Wisconsin’s pulling scheme can lead to a lot of defensive penetration against an aggressive and talented opponent (vs OSU 1Q 11:53). Unlike Gurley, Gordon doesn’t consistently get his pads low when approaching contact, creating a soft target that makes for an easy tackle (vs OSU 1Q 8:54, vs LSU 1Q 7:14), and he showed issues with ball security (vs OSU 2Q 0:43). He can keep his feet through arm tackles but doesn’t have the strength to break more solid contact or to drive defenders for additional yards. When he can find open space, Melvin utilizes a stutter step to freeze the defender before accelerating by him (vs OSU 3Q 14:24). In the passing game he does an adequate job in pass protection but offers very little as a receiver. Not is he cursed with poor hands, but he lazily jogs through his routes rather than challenging his defender (vs OSU 1Q 12:18, vs LSU 2Q 13:45).

SITUATION: The departure of Ryan Mathews left a gaping chasm at running back for San Diego. Danny Woodhead and Branden Oliver are both competent passing down options, but neither is suited for more than a handful of carries per game. That leaves Gordon a strong opportunity to step in and immediately gain a workhorse role. The Chargers chose to address their poor offensive line through free agency rather than in the draft, which should provide more immediate help but still leaves longterm questions.

PRESENT: Melvin is going to carry the ball early and often for a team that has stated a desire to become more balanced than the 60/40 pass/run split they had last season. The upgrades along the offensive line will give him a chance to succeed immediately, although it does hurt that he will probably come off the field for passing situations. His poor hands and route running make him much less attractive in PPR formats. FUTURE: Despite the lofty draft slot, Gor-

don is much closer in talent to the following names on this list than he is to Todd Gurley. Melvin is not a special talent as a rusher, and being so dependent upon his blocking is a risky proposition on a team without great linemen. His vision and burst will keep him relevant, but struggling through contact and offering nothing as a receiver unquestionably caps his potential. He’s the type of running back who will shred bad defenses and struggle mightily against the good ones.

JJT.J. Yeldon 6’1” 226lbs, 4.61/40, 36th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars ABILITY: T.J. Yeldon runs with short, choppy steps which help him change direction quickly (vs AUB 3Q 10:59) but limit his functional speed, making him dependent upon cutbacks when running outside because he cannot gain the edge against fast defenders (vs AUB 1Q 12:53). Frequently hesitant behind the line, he picks his way behind the blocking while looking for a hole (vs AUB 1Q 14:26, vs WVU 1Q 4:07). Patience is generally a good thing for a running back but against NFL defenders he will need to be more decisive. He uses a stiff arm and lateral quickness to elude potential tacklers (vs AUB 2Q 9:24, vs WVU 1Q 2:13), but he can’t disengage from more solid contact (vs AUB 3Q 9:52) and has to show more urgency in getting upfield rather than picking his way through traffic. Perhaps because he prefers to carry the ball in his right hand, T.J. is noticeably better running to the right side of the field than the left. In short yardage he does a better job of getting good lean and plunging into the hole (vs AUB 2Q 1:27). Although he doesn’t have the leg drive to push the pile (vs WVU 3Q 2:15), he will exploit what space is there. As a receiver he shows good hands and catches the ball away from his body (vs AUB 2Q 4:14).

SITUATION: Toby Gerhart failed as a lead

back and will now transition into an H-back role. Denard Robinson did better for the Jaguars, but his slight build prevents him from being a workhorse. Unfortunately the team didn’t do anything to improve their poor run blocking aside from spending a

third round pick on guard A.J. Cann. Perhaps because they fall behind so early and so often, Jacksonville has ranked near the very bottom of the league in rushing attempts each of the last two seasons.

PRESENT: T.J. should be the starting running back from day one and stay on the field most of the time. The Jaguars don’t run frequently enough or effectively enough for him to rank anywhere near the league leaders, but a workhorse running back has significant value even under less than ideal circumstances. One key to his fantasy value as a rookie is if the team utilizes him more as a blocker or as a receiver in passing situations. FUTURE: Yeldon’s versatility is his greatest

strength. He can run between the tackles, he can pass protect, and he can catch passes. Unfortunately he doesn’t do any of those things particularly well. On most teams he would be a rotational back, and it’s always possible that the Jaguars will end up adding someone with more talent in future seasons. For now, though, being the unquestioned lead back gives T.J. more value than his ability would otherwise warrant.

JJAmeer

Abdullah 5’9” 205lbs, 4.60/40, 54th overall by the Detroit Lions ABILITY: Topping all running backs in the vertical jump, broad jump, and twenty yard shuttle showed what kind of athleticism Ameer Abdullah possesses. He has the quickness to reach and the turn the edge, then shows a willingness to finish runs and go for extra yards rather than going out of bounds (vs USC 1Q 12:52). When running to the outside he shows patience against containment, then has good vision to find a hole and turn upfield (vs USC 1Q 10:50, vs USC 4Q 3:25), making defenses pay when they get out of position and give him a lane to accelerate (vs USC 3Q 9:47). Although he shows a willingness to run between the tackles, he can’t do anything once he gets there without an obvious hole (@ MSU 1Q 0:30, vs USC 2Q 10:55). He can’t break tackles, going down easily on first contact (@ MSU 3Q 11:44, vs USC 3Q 2:48), but once in open space he has the change of direction and balance to create big plays (vs USC 2Q 13:11). Perhaps because of his small frame, he does have an issue with fumbling (@ MSU 2Q 7:37), something that could cost him playing time as a professional. Abdullah is most dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield, plucking the ball and then turning upfield in space to challenge defenders with his speed and elusiveness (@ MSU 2Q 8:32, vs USC 2Q 3:12).

20 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | ROOKIE REPORT

FFG15_16-25_rookies_v5.indd 20

6/19/15 5:08 PM

where he’s asked to make one cut to get upfield decisively. The lack of vision and the lack of balance are two very large handicaps to overcome, however. Most likely, Freeman will have inconsistent production as he relies on breaking big plays to have an impact. JJDuke

T.J. Yeldon 2015 #3, 2017 #9

“versatility is his greatest strength” SITUATION: The Lions haven’t had a

running back carry the ball 250 times in a season since James Stewart in 2000. The last two seasons haven’t been an equal committee, as Reggie Bush and then Joique Bell took a predominant share, but the multiple running back approach is clearly favored by the organization. Bell, Theo Riddick, and Abdullah will be competing for those carries this season.

PRESENT: Despite lackluster performance,

Joique Bell is a trusted veteran who will presumably lead the team in carries. Abdullah will get his opportunities to contribute, but in order to have meaningful fantasy value he will need to mostly eliminate Riddick from passing situations, reducing the committee from three heads to two.

FUTURE: Ameer has the heart and the

skills to be a three down running back, he just doesn’t have the body for it. Lacking the functional strength necessary to be effective between the tackles will always limit him to a minority of carries. He is a weapon in the passing game, so if used often enough as a receiver then he could become fantasy relevant, but he will need to improve his pass protection technique and effort to be trusted with that role full-time.

Photo: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

JJTevin

Coleman 5’11” 206lbs, 4.39/40, 73rd overall by the Atlanta Falcons ABILITY: Tevin Coleman’s straight line speed is elite, capable of turning poor defensive spacing into a long touchdown (vs OSU 3Q 7:30, vs OSU 4Q 1:23). He is not a patient rusher and doesn’t show much in the way of vision, failing to adjust if the defense stymies the play design and running into tacklers rather than showing the ability to improvise (vs OSU 1Q 5:45). Sometimes

it even appears that he seeks out defenders to hit rather than flowing to open space (vs OSU 1Q 5:29). When he approaches traffic he not only lowers his pads but also his head, which is obviously dangerous and puts him at increased risk of injury (vs OSU 1Q 13:43). Perhaps because his upper body is so much more developed than his lower body, he struggles with balance and gets knocked off his feet with minimal contact from the side (vs OSU 2Q 11:07), while also lacking the ability to drive through tackle attempts for extra yards (vs OSU 4Q 12:01). Tevin doesn’t use his arms to keep defenders at bay and seems to have no tackle breaking ability despite how hard he runs. On a positive note, he shows good hands as a receiver out of the backfield (vs OSU 4Q 4:15), bringing in the ball and then turning decisively upfield (vs OSU 2Q 10:15).

SITUATION: Incumbent Atlanta running

backs Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith contributed enough last season to justify inclusion in a committee system, yet Kyle Shanahan has consistently stated his preference for riding one workhorse. While the Falcons’ weapons in the passing game should open up defenses for the run, the team’s run blocking last season was horrendous and the team did nothing to improve it.

PRESENT: It would be a surprise if Coleman were able to wrest the starting job away from his competition completely, although he is the most physical rusher of the three and should end up with the most carries of the three. Atlanta is a passing team, though, and not one that utilizes the running back very often as a receiver. FUTURE: Coleman’s straight line speed

and willingness to hurl himself forward open up the possibility of long-term success, especially in a zone system like Shanahan’s

FFG15_16-25_rookies_v5.indd 21

Johnson 5’9” 207lbs, 4.54/40, 77th overall by the Cleveland Browns ABILITY: Given the running backs who have attended the University of Miami, being the school’s all-time rushing leader is quite an achievement. Duke Johnson got there by showing an impressive feel for the position, knowing how to press the edge behind his blocking before recognizing an opening in the defense and cutting back (vs FSU 1Q 11:06). He has good balance and a low center of gravity that allows him to keep his feet through contact (vs FSU 3Q 4:19), then shows rare ability to make defenders miss with start and stop movement (vs FSU 1Q 9:42). When defenders get close he uses a stiff arm to keep them from getting into his body (@ NEB 1Q 14:30). His sudden changes of direction keep defenders off balance (vs FSU 3Q 11:22) and frequently leave them grasping at air (@ NEB 3Q 3:12), while his smaller stature helps him slip through gaps in the defense without needing to slow down (vs FSU 2Q 8:10). He is conscious of his size and will get down if hemmed in by multiple defenders instead of taking unnecessary hits (vs FSU 3Q 14:55). When anticipating contact, he likes to twist his body (@ NEB 1Q 7:35), which not only saves him from taking a direct hit from the defender but allows him to drive for additional yards (@ NEB 3Q 1:11). Too quick for linebackers to cover, he is particularly effective when used in routes over the middle (@ NEB 1Q 8:12), then employs his devastating elusiveness in open space to turn short passes into big gains (@ NEB 4Q 0:51). SITUATION: Cleveland had one of the best

offensive lines in the league even before using a first round pick on Cameron Erving. They also have a head coach with a stated preference for controlling the ball via the ground game. What they don’t have is an established workhorse, as Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West were both maddeningly inconsistent. As a result, you could make the argument that this is the best situation for any of the rookie running backs.

PRESENT: We did say in these pages last year that Isaiah Crowell would eventually beat out Terrance West in Cleveland, yet neither of those rushers comes anywhere close to Duke Johnson as a talent. Unfortunately that doesn’t necessarily mean he

ROOKIE REPORT | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 21

6/19/15 5:08 PM

ROOKIE REPORT will get his opportunity initially, particularly because there has been some discussion of using him on kickoffs, a role that typically precludes significant involvement in the offense. FUTURE: Before the draft I considered

Duke Johnson to be the second best running back prospect in this class behind Todd Gurley. Despite his smaller stature, Johnson is a better rusher than Melvin Gordon due to his vision and body control while also offering value in the passing game. The only remaining question is whether or not the Browns will recognize and utilize Duke’s talent by making him their primary ball carrier in future seasons. While I understand the concerns about someone with his frame handling an NFL workload, I would rather see a talented player get the chance to prove themselves than assume they can’t handle it.

JJDavid

Johnson 6’1” 224lbs, 4.50/40, 86th overall by the Arizona Cardinals David Johnson is a hulking running back who looks like he should be able to run over people, yet on the field he plays like someone much smaller and struggles to get through contact (@ IOW 3Q 14:55). It appears that most of his strength is concentrated in his upper body, leaving deficient leg drive and balance (@ IOW 1Q 7:20). He is a heavyfooted runner who lacks agility and loses most of his speed when changing directions (@ IOW 1Q 1:42). It is maddening to watch him approach a big hole and dance through it rather than accelerating and powering into the second level (@ IOW 2Q 14:46). On the plus side, Johnson is one of the best receiving backs in this draft class. He adjusts well to errant passes, fluidly turning his body and snagging the ball with his hands (@ IOW 1Q 13:08, @ IOW 2Q 5:03). That is how he should be used as a professional. If Arizona relies on him in short yardage simply because he’s big, they will be making a huge mistake. He is no threat whatsoever to Andre Ellington.

JJMatt

Jones 6’2” 231lbs, 4.61/40, 95th overall by Washington Matt Jones displays a violent running style that allows him to break arm tackles and run over defensive backs if he can reach the second level (vs KEN 2Q 9:41). Although he keeps his feet through contact (vs KEN 4Q 9:51), he is slow to accelerate and therefore struggles to exploit situations where he does break a tackle (vs KEN 4Q 13:48). Because he is so slow to get going, he was frequently brought down from

behind by backside defenders (vs KEN 4Q 12:26), something that could become a problem in Jay Gruden’s power-based running scheme where the back has to wait for pulling linemen. Matt’s usefulness as a pass protector will get him into the lineup on third downs (vs KEN 3Q 9:46). When catching the ball, he traps the ball against his body rather than securing it with his hands (vs KEN 4Q 0:22), a technique deficiency that won’t necessarily affect his playing time since Gruden doesn’t favor backs as receivers. Jones is not as effective a rusher as Alfred Morris, so it’s unlikely that he will take over workhorse duties even if Morris leaves Washington, but Matt could end up being the lead back in a rotation as well as the primary short yardage option. JJJeremy

Langford 6’0” 208lbs, 4.42/40, 106th overall by the Chicago Bears Posting the fastest forty time of any running back at the combine was a surprise from Jeremy Langford because he does not play to that speed on tape. More of a deliberate rusher who takes time to build speed, he seems to realize that he’s an ordinary back because he doesn’t try to break things to the outside, instead waiting on his blocking to open up a hole (@ PUR 1Q 6:54). He does do a good job of using his hands to shield off defenders (@ PUR 2Q 1:01), and shows the balance necessary to keep his feet through contact (@ PUR 3Q 10:28). He wasn’t utilized frequently as a receiving option in his final season with the Spartans. His hands are adequate but he has a tendency to double catch and his routes are not crisp (@ PUR 1Q 13:18). With Matt Forte in the final season of his contract and the Bears accumulating so many running backs, it appears that Chicago could be planning for a committee approach going forward. Langford would fit in that rotation thanks to his versatility.

JJJavorious

“Buck” Allen 6’0” 221lbs, 4.53/40, 125th overall by the Baltimore Ravens An upright rusher who provides defenders with an easy target, Buck Allen goes down easily on first contact (@ BC 1Q 10:23, @ BC 2Q 14:47) and is completely useless in short yardage situations (@ BC 2Q 5:34). He isn’t strong enough to push the pile and he isn’t elusive enough to juke defenders, but what he can do is catch passes. Allen is a smooth route runner with very good hands who is comfortable turning and finding the ball (@ BC

1Q 10:52), although he will need to do a much better job in pass protection before he will be trusted with third down work (@ BC 1Q 13:49, @ BC 1Q 10:28). Assuming he improves in that area, his only future in the NFL is as a receiving option in passing situations. JJMike

Davis 5’9” 217lbs, 4.61/40, 126th overall by the San Francisco 49ers The statistics for Mike Davis weren’t all that impressive on paper, but he looks surprisingly good on tape. He has a jittery running style which keeps defenders confused as to his intended direction (vs UGA 2Q 7:51), and utilizes a nice jump step to elude initial penetration (vs UGA 1Q 11:18). When entering traffic he gets good lean and keeps his feet moving to churn out extra yards (vs UGA 1Q 11:48). As a receiver he shows solid hands and does a good job of looking the pass in before turning his focus upfield (vs UGA 1Q 15:00, VS UGA 1Q 6:22). San Francisco will initially employ him in passing situations but he could legitimately challenge Carlos Hyde for carries down the line.

JJDavid

Cobb 5’11” 229lbs, 4.81/40, 138th overall by the Tennessee Titans David Cobb is a strong if somewhat plodding rusher who can shrug off most contact to gain extra yardage, but he needs to do a better job of playing to his strengths and get decisively upfield rather than dancing to find a bigger hole (vs MIZZ 1Q 11:38). He also has got to stop being so careless with the football by holding it away from his body (vs MIZZ 1Q 14:02). As a receiver, he has unusually good hands for a big back (vs MIZZ 1Q 13:34, vs MIZZ 1Q 7:29). There is a golden opportunity in Tennessee for playing time if Cobb will fix his ball security. At minimum he should end up as the primary goal line back.

JJJay

Ajayi 6’0” 221lbs, 4.57/40, 149th overall by the Miami Dolphins Despite his size, Jay Ajayi runs with more elusiveness (vs MISS 3Q 9:17, vs MISS 4Q 10:00) than power. He is too anxious to break runs outside rather than taking what the defense gives him (vs MISS 1Q 8:53). He doesn’t have a feel for moderating contact and takes a lot of big hits (vs MISS 1Q 10:45). Despite being Boise’s third leading receiver, he is so abysmal in pass protection (vs MISS 3Q 4:12, vs MISS 4Q 8:47) that he cannot be trusted in passing situations.

22 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | ROOKIE REPORT

FFG15_16-25_rookies_v5.indd 22

6/19/15 5:08 PM

WIDE RECEIVERS JJAmari

Cooper 6’1” 211lbs, 4.42/40, 4th overall by the Oakland Raiders ABILITY: Despite widely being considered the top wideout in this draft class, Amari Cooper pales in comparison to the top of last year’s group, as he doesn’t possess Sammy Watkins’ explosiveness or Mike Evans’ physicality. While combine results can be misleading, in this case they confirm what stands out on tape. Cooper did poorly in the vertical jump and had mediocre results in the broad jump, indicating lackluster athleticism. Meanwhile he ranked near the top of the 3 cone drill and dominated the 20 yard shuttle, showcasing his elite ability to change directions. That shows up on pass routes with multiple components, where he moves fluidly and creates separation on his cuts (vs OSU 1Q 2:12). Downfield he tracks the ball in the air and can adjust to errant passes (vs FLA 2Q 11:15), but he isn’t much of a leaper and has to rely on his strong hands to pull passes away from defenders (vs FLA 3Q 0:25). On routes along the sideline, he stays inside enough to give him room for the quarterback to lead him away from the defender (vs FLA 3Q 15:00), but he needs to be more subtle in using his hands to put defenders off balance, as his blatant push-offs will draw penalties (vs FLA 3Q 6:15).

Photo: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Amari consistently lacks urgency in getting off on the snap, making him slow to get into his route (vs OSU 4Q 7:06). NFL defenders will exploit that by getting physical with him on the line. While his hands are above average, they play down due to lapses in concentration that lead to inexplicable drops, including eight last season, often on

short and uncontested passes. He regularly shows poor effort on the field, particularly when he isn’t expecting the ball (vs OSU 4Q 12:12, vs OSU 4Q 2:33), as a run blocker (vs FLA 2Q 11:58), and after turnovers (vs OSU 3Q 3:32). Jogging through routes either means that you don’t care about football or that you only care when you’re benefiting, neither of which are acceptable for a high first round pick.

SITUATION: The Oakland Raiders attempted the fourth most passes of any team last season, with over seventy percent of those traveling ten yards or less downfield. Michael Crabtree replaced James Jones, while Rod Streater is returning from a foot injury, but none of the team’s receiving options are good. It’s a similar situation to the Panthers last season with Kelvin Benjamin, only Cooper is much better and should accomplish more while being force-fed targets. PRESENT: Amari’s experience in the X, Y, and Z receiver spots running a wide variety of routes does make him the most pro-ready receiver in some time. For that reason, the three year gestation period for most wideout prospects does not apply. He will be able to step in and become immediately productive for the Raiders, possibly even ranking among the league leaders in targets and catches. His yards per completion won’t be great and he won’t score that many touchdowns, but he has plenty of value in points per reception leagues. FUTURE: Cooper’s fluid route running and

exceptional ability to change directions has all the makings of a high volume possession receiver. That’s a good fit with Derek Carr, whose 5.5 yards per attempt last season was one of the worst figures of the last decade.

JJKevin

White 6’3” 215lbs, 4.35/40, 7th overall by the Chicago Bears ABILITY: Kevin White is much stronger and better conditioned than Amari Cooper, plus he plays with an element of controlled aggression on the field that is nice to see. He utilizes nice fakes to elude press coverage (vs ALA 2Q 12:06), which he can do either to the inside or outside depending upon the route (vs OKL 1Q 0:48). He is skilled at going up over defenders to high point the pass, then securing it with his extremely strong hands (vs ALA 3Q 10:31). After securing the pass he is quick to accelerate, making him a threat for additional yards if the defender is out of position (vs ALA 1Q 12:59, vs OKL 2Q 12:06). Even when they are in position, his strength and tenacity make him a difficult man for defensive backs to bring down (vs ALA 4Q 1:41, VS OKL 4Q 2:34, @ TEX 1Q 13:57). Kevin does need to work on his route running, particularly in routes where he currently rounds to the middle instead of planting and driving (vs OKL 3Q 10:35, @ TEX 1Q 14:54), as rounding allows the defender to undercut the route for an interception (@ TEX 2Q 2:18). He also takes too many steps when slowing down on the deep curl (vs ALA 1Q 12:51), a delay that will allow defensive backs to break on the pass. Most of his routes in college were screens and streaks along with a smattering of drags, ins, and deep curls.

SITUATION: 84% of the Bears’ total

Amari Cooper 2015 #2, 2017 #4

“a high volume possession receiver”

FFG15_16-25_rookies_v5.indd 23

Amari isn’t an explosive playmaker who will ascend to the league’s elite, but as the primary option on a bad team that figures to trail in most games, he has an open path to numerical accumulation.

pass attempts last season were divvied up between Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte, Martellus Bennett, and Brandon Marshall. White fills Marshall’s spot, but Chicago also added slot receiver Eddie Royal to the mix while John Fox and Adam Gase favor a less extreme pass-run split than the departed Marc Trestman. That means fewer targets to go around.

PRESENT: At West Virginia, White almost always lined up on the right side of the formation, so it will be interesting to see where the Bears’ receiver are stationed during training camp and the preseason. If he can handle the transition then his ability to elude press coverage would fit well in the Demaryius Thomas role on the left side at split end. A less pass-heavy offense means that Kevin can’t be penciled in for Marshall’s

ROOKIE REPORT | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 23

6/19/15 5:08 PM

ROOKIE REPORT numbers. Expect modest success as a rookie with the potential for more.

ing Parker, Greg Jennings, and Kenny Stills while returning Jarvis Landry in the slot.

that it should earn him playing time (@ WSU 1Q 10:51).

development as a receiver, particularly on his route running, yet the elements are there for a play-making force in years to come. Historically, betting on receivers with only one year of high level collegiate production has not gone well, but Kevin has the right attitude for the position along with the strength and elusiveness to be very effective in the NFL.

tions combined with Parker’s slight frame likely means that the Dolphins will take it slowly and ease him into the offense as a rookie. His height and strong hands give him a chance to be the primary red zone option, which would be his only path to early fantasy value.

departure and Riley Cooper’s return to irrelevance, Philadelphia is desperate for receiving talent. Chip Kelly’s offense is typically thought of as a rushing attack, yet the Eagles ranked higher in passing yardage than rushing yardage last season, although bringing in DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews will probably change that.

FUTURE: White still needs considerable

JJDeVante

Parker 6’3” 209lbs, 4.45/40, 14th overall by the Miami Dolphins ABILITY: DeVante Parker has arguably the best hands in this draft class and adjusts well to the ball in the air (vs UGA 2Q 2:02, vs UGA 3Q 3:27). There are subtleties to his game, such as using his hands to put the defender slightly off balance and create separation as the pass is coming in (vs FSU 3Q 12:48). He isn’t a great route runner, as he needs to be more precise and sudden in his cuts rather than throttling down and giving away the upcoming movement (vs FSU 1Q 3:56, vs FSU 3Q 11:38). That’s even more of a problem due to lacking the short area quickness or acceleration to consistently create separation from defenders in man coverage (vs FSU 4Q 13:53). When he does make the catch he is not a threat for extra yards, as

PRESENT: The plethora of receiving op-

FUTURE: Limited functional strength

along with the lack of sharp cuts in his routes make for a worrying combination. Parker has the height and hands to be a weapon, but the odds are against it. More likely, he will remain an inconsistent option who shows all too sporadic signs of greatness.

JJNelson

Agholor 6’0” 198lbs, 4.42/40, 20th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles ABILITY: A jack of all trades and master of none, Nelson Agholor lacks any superlative talent or skill to get noticed and yet ends most games with a productive performance. His hands are above average (@ WSU 3Q 12:23), but he has a tendency to catch the ball against his chest when running over the middle (@ WSU 3Q 1:55). He has experience running a wide variety of routes and is comfortable coming in motion (vs ASU 3Q 11:50), along with being willing to go

2017

TOP 10 FOR 1) Todd Gurley 2) Duke Johnson 3) Kevin White 4) Amari Cooper 5) Melvin Gordon

he lacks the strength to get free from even minimal contact (vs UGA 1Q 7:12). His lack of strength also shows up in the run game, where he is virtually useless as a blocker (vs UGA 2Q 2:47), something that could affect his playing time. Because of his slight frame he is vulnerable to press coverage, against which he is too reliant on breaking down and shuffling his feet at the snap rather than making a quick movement (vs UGA 2Q 10:02). NFL cornerbacks will use that time to get into his chest and redirect him.

SITUATION: The Miami Dolphins have

gone from being shallow at wideout to having fierce competition for targets after add-

6) Marcus Mariota 7) Phillip Dorsett 8) DeVante Parker 9) T.J. Yeldon 10) Tevin Coleman over the middle and make catches in traffic (@ WSU 1Q 11:14). Despite a reputation as a great route runner, he often shuffles his feet into a cut rather than planting and driving (vs ASU 2Q 7:46, @ WSU 2Q 10:47). He isn’t sudden off the snap, rocking back slightly onto his back leg rather than being ready to explode out of his stance immediately (vs ASU 1Q 0:35). According to ESPN, Agholor’s 596 yards gained after the catch last season ranked second in his conference, in part because he does a good job of turning upfield immediately after the catch and gaining what yards are available (vs ASU 2Q 10:14). Although he isn’t a good run blocker, he shows enough effort

SITUATION: Following Jeremy Maclin’s

PRESENT: Nelson has a clear path to a

starting job in Philadelphia, where his versatility and willingness as a run blocker should help him keep it.

FUTURE: Agholor’s lack of any elite char-

acteristics makes it hard to imagine him ever being a team’s top receiving option. Average height and a limited ability to challenge for the ball in the air also make it unlikely that he will score many touchdowns, leaving him as a run of the mill possession receiver.

JJBreshad

Perriman 6’2” 212lbs, 4.25/40, 26th overall by the Baltimore Ravens With 40 times under 4.3 at his pro day, Breshad Perriman showed that he is capable of blistering speed, yet it isn’t always evident on the field. He frequently likes to use a stutter step on the snap to try and flat-foot the defender before racing by him (vs NCSU 3Q 10:39), which can be an effective strategy but is one he uses too often, especially given how much of a weapon his speed becomes when he fires off the ball (vs NCSU 4Q 10:00). For a receiver who will be running a lot of 9 routes along the sideline, Perriman has to learn to do a better job on his spacing. Allowing the coverage to move him closer to the sideline leaves no room for the quarterback to exploit (vs BYU 2Q 11:28, vs BYU 4Q 7:46). He is more effective on slant routes where he can plant and then accelerate past the defender (vs NCSU 1Q 11:42). His hands are better than advertised (vs BYU 4Q 4:44), so he should be able to step in immediately as Torrey Smith’s replacement in the Ravens’ offense and approximate that level of production.

JJPhillip

Dorsett 5’10” 185lbs, 4.33/40, 29th overall by the Indianapolis Colts One of the fastest players in this draft class, Phillip Dorsett’s instant acceleration makes him a threat to turn short throws into long gains (vs FSU 1Q 3:04, vs CIN 1Q 6:34). His deep speed is such that he cannot be defended without safety help

24 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | ROOKIE REPORT

FFG15_16-25_rookies_v5.indd 24

6/19/15 5:08 PM

over the top (vs CIN 2Q 8:04), and despite his diminutive size he is willing to go over the middle (vs FSU 1Q 9:04). On intermediate and deep routes he makes sharp breaks when cutting that make it hard for defenders to stay with him, then shows good hands and field awareness to stay in bounds near the sideline (vs CIN 2Q 9:50). For whatever reason, he doesn’t show the same kind of suddenness on underneath routes, something he will need to fix if he is going to be used out of the slot. During routes as well as with the ball in his hand, Phillip effectively freezes defenders on fakes without slowing down significantly (vs CIN 1Q 6:44). The receiving corps in Indianapolis is one of the more crowded in the league, so Dorsett’s short term value isn’t high. His long term value could be tremendous, however, especially if the Colts decide not to sign an expensive extension with T.Y. Hilton. JJDevin

Smith 6’0” 196lbs, 4.42/40, 37th overall by the New York Jets Devin Smith is a phenomenal deep threat not only because of his speed (@ MSU 2Q 1:02), but because he is so effective at positioning himself between the defender and the pass by catching the ball over his shoulder (@ MSU 2Q 14:55). Most of his underneath routes had him stop and face the quarterback rather than cross the field (@ MSU 1Q 14:53), so it isn’t clear if he can be a regular slot receiver or only a situational deep threat. With Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker in New York, there won’t be enough targets for Smith to have predictable fantasy appeal.

JJDevin

Funchess 6’4” 232lbs, 4.70/40, 41th overall by the Carolina Panthers Converted from tight end to wide receiver at both the high school and college levels, Devin Funchess has the worst qualities of both positions. He runs routes like a tight end, slow to accelerate on the snap and labored through cuts (vs UTA 3Q 12:19). Then he blocks like a wide receiver, showing little field awareness or tenacity (@ OSU 2Q 14:47). He is most effective on vertical routes where he can build speed and use his size to shield defenders (@ OSU 1Q 3:17). He was listed as dropping twenty passes in his three seasons, primarily as a result of not looking the ball in (@ OSU 2Q 13:18) or poor effort (vs UTA 2Q 6:14). His catching technique is sound (@ OSU 2Q 13:44). It’s hard to imagine him having any fantasy value in Carolina.

JJTyler

Lockett 5’10” 182lbs, 4.40/40, 69th overall by the Seattle Seahawks While Tyler Lockett is likely to begin his career as a return man, his agility and elusiveness make him a capable receiver as well (vs UCLA 3Q 5:08). He was effective as a deep threat despite his size by understanding how to use the field while keeping himself between the pass and the defender (vs UCLA 2Q 1:47, vs UCLA 3Q 0:27).

JJJaelen

Strong 6’2” 217lbs, 4.44/40, 70th overall by the Houston Texans Jaelen Strong consistently struggles to create separation, allowing corners to ride his hip and undercut the pass (@ USC 2Q 2:29). The 42” vertical at the combine was a major surprise because his on-field play is ground-based, as he struggles to do much on high throws (@ USC 4Q 5:18). He forces his quarterback to throw into tight windows, which does not mesh well with Houston’s quarterback issues.

JJChris

Conley 6’2” 213lbs, 4.35/40, 76th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs In addition to the strong 40 time, Chris Conley set combine records for wideouts in the vertical jump and broad jump. His elite speed shows up on tape, quickly eating up ground and putting the defender on his heels (@ ARK 4Q 13:16). His production at Georgia was limited because of armdeficient quarterbacks, which makes his selection by the Alex Smith-helmed Chiefs so disappointing.

JJSammie

Coates 6’1” 185lbs, 4.43/40, 87th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers Sammie Coates is a very physical receiver who likes to push around defensive backs (vs LSU 1Q 7:16), and is difficult to bring down after the catch (vs LSU 3Q 9:28). Unfortunately he doesn’t show play awareness such as working back to the football when his quarterback is scrambling (vs LSU 3Q 12:59), and his hands might be the worst in the entire draft (@ ALA 1Q 3:04). He does better on deep routes where he can basket catch the pass and secure it against his torso.

TIGHT ENDS JJMaxx

Williams 6’4” 249lbs, 4.78/40, 55th overall by the Baltimore Ravens ABILITY: Maxx Williams has superb hands (@ MICH 3Q 0:17) and shows

FFG15_16-25_rookies_v5.indd 25

very good technique in plucking the pass with his hands without needing to slow down (vs MIZZ 3Q 12:01, @ MICH 2Q 0:42). He presents a nice target on drag routes, turning his body to the quarterback and keeping the defender on his back (vs MIZZ 2Q 5:24), but on other patterns he rounds his routes to the point that defenders recognize where he is going and can undercut the pass (vs MIZZ 4Q 7:12). Maxx isn’t strong or quick and therefore struggles to disengage from an initial jam at the line (vs MIZZ 1Q 8:32), which may be why he was frequently split out or lined up in the backfield. His lack of leaping ability limits his effectiveness on high throws (@ MICH 3Q 13:41) and lessens his impact in the red zone (vs MIZZ 4Q 1:55), but he is useful on play action where he engages his man before leaking out the back side (@ MICH 3Q 2:58). As a blocker he frequently tries to wall off the defender rather than initiating contact and driving (vs MIZZ 1Q 7:02), making him largely ineffective at maintaining contact. SITUATION: Owen Daniels’ departure

leaves an opening at tight end in Baltimore. Crockett Gilmore was a third round pick last year and is a better blocker than Williams, but the lack of an obvious slot receiver probably means continued use of two tight formations.

PRESENT: Rookie tight ends often struggle in making the transition to the NFL, yet Joe Flacco likes to make use of the position as an underneath complement to deep patterns by the wideouts. Maxx has the hands to catch a lot of balls underneath and potentially become a factor in the red zone. FUTURE: Limited athleticism and lack of

sudden movement cast doubt on Williams’ long term potential, as he won’t be a threat for big plays or yards after the catch. He is strictly an underneath option.

JJClive

Walford 6’4” 251lbs, 4.79/40, 68th overall by the Oakland Raiders Clive Walford is a long and strong tight end who blocks well both in-line (vs FSU 2Q 7:30) and in space (vs FSU 2Q 13:34). As a receiver, he catches passes against his torso rather than with his hands (vs FSU 1Q 4:38), which can lead to drops. He has the size to threaten the seams (vs FSU 2Q 11:47) but struggles badly on routes with sharp cuts (vs FSU 2Q 15:00). Mychal Rivera’s catch rate and yards per target were both poor for a tight end, which opens the door for Walford, but the Raiders will probably ask Clive to block more than catch.

ROOKIE REPORT | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 25

6/19/15 5:08 PM

INJURY REPORT

BROKEDOWN PALACE:

THE SO-CALLED FANTASY EXPERTS INJURY AND REHABILITATION REPORT By Graham Briggs So-Called Fantasy Experts

CARSON PALMER

What ever happened to that running back you remember limping off the field during Week 17 last year? Did the knee surgery go OK for your dynasty wideout? How will injuries impact your fantasy draft this year? Who do you need to avoid and who might you grab at a discount due to injury questions in 2015? To answer these questions, and others, we’ve compiled an in-depth look at the NFL’s fantasy-relevant injuries and how they will affect your strategy as you prepare for your upcoming drafts.

CARSON PALMER ARIZONA CARDINALS

After a torn ACL ended his 2014 season, Palmer is rehabbing and on pace to start the year at the helm with the Cardinals. He will wear a brace in 2015, but since he’s never been one to juke his way to 25 yards and a touchdown, this should be of minimal concern. Bruce Arians’ offense puts the quarterback in a great fantasy position, so there is a possibility Palmer could generate QB1 numbers at a discount. As long as he can stay healthy, Palmer will have another chance or two before old man status catches him.

CAM NEWTON CAROLINA PANTHERS

Newton is not listed on any injury reports, but he is worth mentioning. He struggled with a plethora of issues throughout the 2014 season, which will likely depress his stock during drafts this year. Cam has said he feels as good as ever and that lingering issues should not be an issue going forward. Newton was a top scoring fantasy QB during his

FFG15_26-29_Injuries_v3.indd 26

AARON RODGERS GREEN BAY PACKERS

The last time we saw Rodgers he was licking his wounds after a defeat in the NFC Championship game. He had been bothered with a calf injury throughout the playoffs and it showed in his reluctance to move in the pocket or scramble. This was an injury that just needed rest, which Rodgers has had plenty of during the offseason. He should be healthy and hungry after a defeat that was quite possibly even more painful than his calf.

RYAN MALLETT HOUSTON TEXANS

Mallett was placed on IR last year after injuring a pectoral muscle warming up for his second game as the starter of the Texans. The team showed some faith by re-signing him to a two-year deal during the offseason. He is fully recovered and will have to beat out Brian Hoyer if he wants to start. It appears that

Houston wants Mallett to be their starter but also wants him to know he earned it.

ALEX SMITH KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Not that he’s in your 2015 plans, but Alex Smith is cleared for all activities this summer. He sat out the season finale last year after lacerating his spleen in a six-sack game in December. His unwillingness to throw into coverage while managing games may suit the Chiefs, but it doesn’t help a fantasy owner—or Smith’s spleen.

DEREK CARR OAKLAND RAIDERS

Carr experienced numbness in his ring finger during OTAs and took a seat. After initial reports mentioned possible surgery, Carr’s agent stated that surgery was not necessary for this minor issue. Shutting down the young quarterback sounds like it was precautionary and that there is no real concern with the team. Carr will rest the arm and should be fine by the time camp starts.

SAM BRADFORD PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Bradford tore his ACL for the second time last year during preseason and was on IR be-

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

QUARTERBACK

first three seasons, and if healthy could move back into that territory. His style of play is always going to expose him to potential injury, however, but when completely healthy he can rack up fantasy points.

6/19/15 5:08 PM

fore the first regular season snap. If you want to look for the silver lining here, because it happened in the preseason Bradford will have had a full year to rehab the knee before getting back into game action. The former No. 1 overall draft pick hasn’t been able to turn the corner in the NFL, due at least in part to all the time he’s missed. Chip Kelly ended up bringing him to the Eagles in a pre-draft trade and it appears that Philadelphia is where he will stay for this season. If Kelly can keep Bradford healthy there’s a chance he will finally realize his full potential with an offensive minded coach.

RUNNING BACK ANDRE ELLINGTON ARIZONA CARDINALS

Ellington was hyped as a 20-touch-per-game back going into last season. Unfortunately, we saw what happens when a team pushes a sub-200 pound change-of-pace guy into that role. After struggling with a Week 1 foot issue, additional hip problems, along with a sports hernia, forced Ellington to IR last December. After hernia surgery the Cards running back is expected to return ready to play in Week 1. Bruce Arians again seems intent on using Ellington in the lead back role, which makes a fantasy owner wonder if another injury-riddled season is on the horizon. The Cardinals drafted an additional back, David Johnson, and while he’s a little bigger than Ellington, he is really another receiving back who might get some goal line work by default. Expect Ellington to look electric when healthy, particularly in the receiving game, but keep in mind that he could go down again due to his size.

ANTONE SMITH ATLANTA FALCONS

After an improbable streak of five breakaway touchdowns last year, Smith got some notice in the fantasy community. He eventually quieted down, as many suspected he would, and broke his leg playing special teams. Smith should be good to go by training camp but is probably not draft worthy unless things get shaken up in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Devonta Freeman was clearly overmatched in the NFL last year, but the Falcons did pick up a rookie named Tevin Coleman, who will be first in line to impress. I wouldn’t put it past Shanahan though to keep Smith in the mix, especially if the two backs ahead of him falter.

MONTEE BALL DENVER BRONCOS

Ball was drafted in the late-first to middlesecond rounds of many fantasy drafts last year and was arguably the bust of the year. He had his appendix removed before the season even started, and then tore his groin while working his way back. This led to his

placement on injured reserve and a merciful end to an ugly campaign. After demonstrating a decent skillset in his first year, the wheels not only fell off, the entire drive train fell apart in his second. Should we consider Ball this year? He is now fully recovered and healthy. He brings a first-round pedigree to the table. He did show some skill as a rookie when given the chance. C.J. Anderson had documented conditioning issues last year and Ronnie Hillman profiles more as a receiving back. Add to this that you will probably be able to grab him with your last pick, albeit to the laughter of other owners, and he may be worth a flier in deep leagues just in case his second year was an injury-induced fluke.

JOIQUE BELL DETROIT LIONS

Bell got a tune-up after the end of the season, and his knee and Achilles were cleaned out. He participated in offseason workouts and should be green-lighted for the start of the season. More concerning for Bell is the arrival of second-round pick Ameer Abdullah, who will immediately compete for the lead tailback job.

JERICK MCKINNON MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Jennings battled little nicks and bruises throughout the 2014 season, as he has for most of his time in the NFL. He did finish the year by playing in Week 17 and should return in 2015 healthy to start. He’s 29 now and with his history more injuries are likely down the road. The also oft injured Shane Vereen will demand some carries as well, so the Giants backfield could be a little ugly until the injury bug sorts things out.

FFG15_26-29_Injuries_v3.indd 27

Only six months out from surgery to repair both the ACL and MCL in his right knee, Ridley actually participated in position drills during the Jets OTAs. While these drills are fairly tame it’s still a testament to how far knee surgery has come over the last decade. His status for his first training camp with the Jets is still up in the air. At this point Ridley could potentially play in the first regular season game, in a best case scenario, or start the year on the PUP list in a less than ideal situation. However, even a healthy Ridley is probably going to share the load with Chris Ivory and maybe Zac Stacy. He’s not worth much at your draft unless you are in a 24team Fantasy league.

LE’VEON BELL PITTSBURGH STEELERS

A back injury derailed McKinnon’s interesting rookie year. He put on an outstanding show at the combine, which resulted in the Vikings drafting him, and he was then given a shot at real playing time thanks to the Adrian Peterson drama. While he didn’t score a touchdown, he averaged 4.8 yards per carry and for six starts looked like the future of the Minnesota running game. The back injury led to the IR in December, however, and eventual surgery. As we look to the 2015 season, McKinnon is fully recovered and went through an offseason workout program with some fellow Vikings. His back is not going to be the issue this year. But Adrian Peterson’s will be. That’s what McKinnon will see as he stands directly behind him on the depth chart. If Peterson sticks with the Vikes, he will once again be the focus of their offense. If Minnesota turns the page, McKinnon will be a key piece in the young group Norv Turner is now putting together. McKinnon will be a potential breakout candidate if he does get the lead role in this backfield.

RASHAD JENNINGS NEW YORK GIANTS

STEVAN RIDLEY NEW YORK JETS

Forgotten after the three-game suspension was that Bell hyperextended his right knee during Week 17 last season. He reported that the knee was back to 85-90 percent in May but missed voluntary offseason workouts. Bending a knee backwards is never a good thing, but this was not a major hyperextension. He should be ready for training camp, then will get a three-week break to start the season. He’s still worth a first-round pick in most leagues due to his enormous upside for the 13 games he will play.

DANNY WOODHEAD SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

The Chargers lost Woodhead early last season after an ugly sounding ankle injury. He had surgery in September to repair a broken fibula and damage to the ankle and has had plenty of time to heal and rehab. He has no limitations for training camp and should be available in 2015 as the team’s passing down back. With Melvin Gordon in town it’s still a little cloudy as to how much he might eat into Woodhead’s passing-down job, so we will have to keep an eye on their usage during the preseason.

ROBERT TURBIN SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Playing backup to Marshawn Lynch has kept Turbin from showing that he has the talent to play first string in the NFL. He also has to compete with Christine Michael in arguably the league’s deepest tailback corps. He enters the final year in his rookie contract after undergoing offseason hip surgery, but is expected to be ready for training camp. If Lynch’s time is almost up, this could be Turbin’s chance to convince Pete Carroll he is next in line for the feature role in Seattle. Turbin is worth no more than a handcuff to Lynch at this point, and even then there is debate as to whether it would be Turbin or Michael should Lynch go down. With the focus on the run for the Seahawks, whoever is behind Lynch is worth keeping an eye on though.

INJURY REPORT | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 27

6/19/15 5:08 PM

INJURY REPORT CARLOS HYDE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Hyde sat out the team’s post draft OTAs with an undisclosed leg injury. There is no word that it’s a serious concern so expect him to be ready for training camp. Hyde appears to have the inside track on securing the vacancy left by Frank Gore. The alternative is a timeshare between Hyde, Kendall Hunter, and Reggie Bush, at least until he gets injured. This obviously is not ideal for fantasy owners. It would be great to see Hyde impressing at every future team-associated event, team BBQ , or while babysitting other players’ kids. Anything that will ensure he is the lead back for Week 1 would be appreciated.

TODD GURLEY ST. LOUIS RAMS

The Rams surprised everyone when they took Gurley with the No. 10 pick in the draft. He projects as an offensive foundation to build around, but St. Louis didn’t seem to need a running back. Gurley also tore his ACL last November and is in the process of rehabbing post-surgery. This actually works out nicely for both parties. The Rams were able to dump Zac Stacy and will have Tre Mason to pull the load for as long as needed. Gurley has plenty of time to come along at whatever pace is comfortable and work his way into the NFL one step at a time. I would expect Gurley to continue rehab through the first month of the season and possibly start getting carries after that. It’s also possible he will start the season on the PUP and will

make his debut after Week 6. In a worst case fantasy scenario, his rookie year could even be lost if the Rams decide to be ultraconservative and work Mason this year while prepping their future star for next season. He is worth a stash if you have the roster space, but if you have a short bench it might be tough to hang on to him until he’s startable in fantasy leagues.

WIDE RECEIVER SAMMY WATKINS BUFFALO BILLS

Watkins underwent offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip, but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. After just missing 1,000 yards and crossing the goal line six times, his rookie campaign was considered a success. With Rex Ryan sauntering into town, however, and an obvious lack in quarterback talent, a run-based approach is inevitable. This will limit Watkins ability to build fantasy value over last year.

MARVIN JONES CINCINNATI BENGALS

In 2013, Jones caught 10 touchdowns and flashed legitimate big play ability. He followed that up last year by injuring his foot in the preseason and lost the entire season. He ended up having surgery on his ankle as well, but reported to the team’s May OTAs with no limitations. If healthy he’s the big-play guy on this team, but he will have to share

targets with a group of receivers, including Mohamed Sanu, who will battle Jones for the No. 2 wide receiver spot behind A.J. Green.

CALVIN JOHNSON DETROIT LIONS

Megatron worked through a handful of nagging issues last year. Nothing was surgeryworthy though, and he’s had the offseason to recover. He seems to get hit by these minor injuries every year but will still only be 30 years old this season and to this point has generally played through them. He should begin 2015 at full speed and be ready to compete for the No. 1 fantasy receiver title again.

JORDY NELSON GREEN BAY PACKERS

After an injury-free season, during which Nelson amassed over 1,500 yards to go with 13 touchdowns, he had a cleanup procedure done on his hip. Nelson relies on his significant speed and will need his hip to be 100 percent. All signs to this point indicate it is. Plan on him being full-go for training camp. He’s entering his age 30 season, so a couple more productive years with Aaron Rodgers should be in store.

DEANDRE HOPKINS HOUSTON TEXANS

Hopkins underwent surgery this offseason to repair a torn ligament in his wrist. He’s had plenty of time to recover and is already participating in football activities. If the Texans quarterback position can perform somewhere near average, Hopkins could be a real fantasy asset this year.

ALLEN ROBINSON JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Robinson was quietly on his way to a successful rookie season before suffering a stress fracture in his foot. He went on injured reserve after Week 10 and had surgery to fix the damage. If he is healthy through training camp, Robinson should be a frequent target for Blake Bortles in 2015. Cooks was a first-round pick and his performance hinted early on that that he was worth it, although he was also inconsistent at times. He is penciled in as the go-to receiver in the Big Easy, following the departure of Jimmy Graham, with the ever-aging Marques Colston lining up on the other side. Cooks did land on IR however, after breaking his thumb. He had surgery in November and is now fully healed and cleared for all football activities. It’s yet to be seen whether he emerges as a true No. 1 receiver, but at least we know he’s entering the season healthy.

ODELL BECKHAM NEW YORK GIANTS

JAMAAL CHARLES

FFG15_26-29_Injuries_v3.indd 28

The 2014 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year stated after the season ended that the hamstring injury that kept him out of training camp and the first four games never fully healed in 2014. In other words, he is saying

Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

BRANDIN COOKS NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

6/19/15 5:08 PM

shoulder ligaments last year. He is progressing in his rehab and could be ready for Week 1 or close to it. He is likely to miss most, if not all, of training camp as he nurses his way back to NFL shape, so don’t be surprised to see him sidelined to start the season.

TIGHT END DENNIS PITTA BALTIMORE RAVENS

Pitta is likely headed for the PUP list to start 2015. His history of two hip dislocations and a pelvic fracture is painful just writing about it. The Ravens drafted two tight ends in this year’s draft, an indicator of where the team thinks Pitta is. He may not play at all in 2015 and it’s possible he may have played his last snap in the NFL.

TYLER EIFERT CINCINNATI BENGALS VICTOR CRUZ that he had one of the best rookie wide out seasons ever while he was at less than 100 percent. Beckham says he is now ready to go at full speed in 2015. This is probably just talk from another confident wide receiver, but if it’s true, what is his ceiling in year two? Also, fair warning for those that believe in the Madden curse, Beckham is on the cover this year.

VICTOR CRUZ NEW YORK GIANTS

Before there was Odell Beckham there was the salsa and Victor Cruz. A torn patellar tendon sent the former No. 1 receiver to the surgeon last year. This is the sort of injury that can end careers, so if Cruz can be even 80 percent of his former self, the team will be dancing the salsa along with him. The Giants say there is a chance he will be ready for Week 1, but this sounds a little optimistic. This was an ugly injury, but we can hope that Cruz is able to recover fully and return at some point early in the 2015 season.

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

BRANDON MARSHALL NEW YORK JETS

Marshall ended his days in Chicago with a collapsed lung and a couple of broken ribs. These injuries led to IR in December, after a disappointing and injury-filled 2014. Marshall takes his skills to New York, where he will have to catch passes from Geno Smith to start. On a positive note, Chan Gailey has joined the Jets as offensive coordinator and loves the passing game. Gailey’s old buddy, Ryan Fitzpatrick, has also joined the team, and while Gailey has stated loudly that Geno is the starter, Fitzpatrick might be under center sooner rather than later if Smith struggles.

KEENAN ALLEN SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

It seemed like Allen was either injured or underperforming all season in 2014. He ended appropriately by sitting out Week 17 with a collar bone issue and finished with 783 yards and four touchdowns. As long as Philip Rivers is in town, Allen has a shot to bounce back. He should be unhindered to start camp and enters his third year with something to prove. If you are willing to take a gamble you can pick Allen up at a discount this year and hope his rookie year is the floor going forward.

PAUL RICHARDSON SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

It looked like the Seahawks might have an actual emerging wide receiver at the end of the last regular season. Richardson grabbed 13 passes in their last three games, including a touchdown, while looking like he had figured something out. The 45th pick in the draft had been lacking in the fantasy production department up until then. He might have become a part of the game plan during a playoff run, but fate intervened and he twisted his knee during his first post-season appearance. Surgery was required for a torn ACL and he is not going to be ready to start 2015. He’s a good bet for the PUP list, which would mean he would sit out at least the first six games of the year. He’s not worth wasting a draft pick on, but keep an eye on him once he gets back mid-year. He probably won’t win your league for you, but he might just be roster worthy by the end of the year.

BRIAN QUICK ST. LOUIS RAMS

Quick was starting to get the hang of the NFL before being leveled by a dislocated shoulder, torn rotator cuff, and three torn

FFG15_26-29_Injuries_v3.indd 29

Eifert is a former first-round draft pick but spent most of his second year on the sidelines after dislocating his elbow in Week 1. After elbow and shoulder surgeries, he is planning to be ready for training camp. If he can stay healthy, Eifert joins an above-average receiving corps and could be well worth the late-round flier it will take to land him on your squad.

DWAYNE ALLEN INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

After playing through some injuries during the season, Allen missed the Colts offseason conditioning program with an ankle issue. He is expected to be ready for OTAs and training camp.

ROB GRONKOWSKI NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Gronkowski is healthy, not rehabbing, not getting surgery, nor has he broken any bones so far this offseason. He might even be able to participate in offseason workouts and training camp! A healthy Gronk in the offseason is like finding a leprechaun riding a unicorn under a rainbow.

JORDAN REED WASHINGTON

Reed has struggled with injuries during his short tenure in the NFL. He was held out of OTAs while trainers checked out a troublesome knee this spring. Unless he can show he is healthy he is not worth drafting in your league.

KICKER DAN CARPENTER BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills kicker sat out during the team’s offseason program due to an undisclosed surgery. This sounds minor though and he should be fine by the beginning of camp. Still, don’t forget that he’s kicking for the Bills.

INJURY REPORT | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 29

6/19/15 5:08 PM

2015 POSITION RANKING JD Bolick Andy Goldstein David Gonos Derek Jones Marc Meltzer Matt Wilson

Photo: REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

HE PROJECTIONS AND rankings in these sections are the result of a consensus among the writers of the section, each of whom submitted a ranked order for each position. The lists were than averaged to create a final ranking. THE CAPSULES WERE GENERally assigned to the writer who seemed most closely attuned to the ranking, though there were exceptions. THE STAT BOXES CONTAIN actual stats for the past two years and projected stats for 2015. Team context and role matters a lot, which is why a player’s replacement will usually inherit the starter’s projection. This doesn’t necessarily apply to superstars. PROJECTED KICKING POINTS are figured in the NFFC way, which includes bonuses for distance. The actual stats show actual points scored totals for kickers.

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 31

JD BOLICK Has been writing about fantasy sports since 1999 and for The Fantasy Football Guide since 2002, with a particular speciality in the analysis of prospects. As a Panthers fan, he will be contributing his fair share to Cam Newton’s new 103 million dollar contract extension. More at FantasyProspects.com. ANDY GOLDSTEIN Has been with the magazine since 2008. Have been writing about or podcasting about fantasy football since 2006. In addition to the magazine, has created RateMyLeague. com, a personalized podcast preview service for fantasy leagues.

DAVID GONOS Is a columnist at FanDuel and SoCalledFantasyExperts.com, and has spent years as a writer with CBSSports.com and SI.com, with articles also posted on NFL.com, USAToday.com, KFFL and FOXSports.com. He was also a secondgrade dodgeball champion..

DEREK JONES Is the Station Manager at Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM, a college radio station in Glassboro, NJ. Jones serves as the radio play-by-play voice for Princeton University Men’s Basketball and Rowan University Football. Also, he is a college instructor for Communication courses at Rowan and Cabrini College. A longtime fantasy football enthusiast, Jones resides in Glassboro, NJ.

Edited by Andy Goldstein

MARC MELTZER The FFG has featured and relied on his projections, cheat sheets, player comments, and editorial insight since 2002. This year is his 14th as director of football content and lead writer at Mastersball.com, where he has also written about baseball.

MATT WILSON This suburban Chicago-based freelance journalist has played fantasy football since 1994 and has been a featured Guide contributor for eight years. Calling FantasySharks. com his home in the fantasy football business for close to a decade, Matt’s senior columnist duties have included composing the start/sit advice for NFC South and AFC South fantasy players used by millions of subscribers at MyFantasyLeague.com. Matt is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and holds a degree in journalism from Northern Illinois.

6/22/15 11:29 PM

2015 POSITION R ANKING

QUARTERBACKS T

HE PASSING EXPLOSION OF THE LAST DECADE WAS DUE, not just to rules changes, but also to a golden age of quarterback performance beyond anything the National Football League had seen before. Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady set new standards for elite play, eclipsing the efforts of quarterbacks who would have been more widely celebrated in any other era. Apart from the ascendancy of Aaron Rodgers, that hierarchy remained largely static. That is, until now. Peyton Manning showed signs of regular season mortality, Drew Brees has had his supporting cast gutted, and Tom Brady endured an offseason of turmoil that may taint his legacy. Yet while their supremacy is imperiled, it has not been surrendered. Heeding Dylan Thomas, those three have no intention of going gently into that good night.

Elite 1

Aaron Rodgers GREEN BAY PACKERS 6’2, 225 LBS, B:DECEMBER 2, 1983

Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs GB 24 290 193 2536 17 6 30 120 0 GB 3 520 341 4381 38 5 43 269 2 GB 1 4560 38 10 280 3

ONLY AN INJURY IN 2013 interrupted Rodgers seven-year run of dominance at the quarterback position. Since becoming a starter in 2008, Rodgers has thrown for at least 3,922 yards (top eight) and 28 touchdowns (top six) each season except for 2013 when he was injured and only played nine games. Add in almost 250 yards rushing and three rushing touchdowns per season and you have a top-two quarterback every healthy year. The Packers are once again stocked with skill position players after re-signing Randall Cobb and drafting Ty Montgomery in the third round to go with Pro Bowl receiver Jordy Nelson and second-year receiver Davante Adams. The times have sure changed since Aaron Rodgers was a

late first-round draft choice in 2005 and sat for three seasons before taking over as the starter. It would be fascinating to see what would happen if a team had the infrastructure in place to do that again. Now there is so much pressure to get the first round draft choice on the field right away, regardless of whether they are ready or not. Going into 2015, it appears only an injury can prevent Aaron Rodgers from continuing his dominant run as a real-life NFL quarterback and a fantasy football superstar. (M.M.)

Andrew Luck

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

6’4, 239 LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 12, 1989

Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs IND 7 570 343 3822 23 9 63 377 4 IND 1 616 380 4761 40 16 64 273 3 IND 2 4460 34 13 290 4

THE RINGMASTER OF THE self-proclaimed “Greatest Shoe on Earth” offense enters this year as a legit threat to be fantasy football’s top quarterback. Luck tossed 40 touchdown passes and scrambled for three more scoring runs on the way to finishing second among quarterbacks in standard fantasy scoring. The fall of Indy’s running game,

AARON RODGERS #1

courtesy of Trent Richardson, indirectly paid dividends for Luck. Over the previous two seasons combined, Luck racked up nine 300-yard passing days. Last season, he topped those efforts by posting 10, including eight in a row. As 2015 looms, it’s easy to see how Luck could replicate his 2014 success with an improved offensive cast of characters. Frank Gore enters the picture at running back via San Francisco. Meanwhile, the biggest improvement could be the receiving corps. During the offseason, Indy jettisoned franchise great Reggie Wayne as a part of a restructured outfit. Star receiver T.Y. Hilton will be joined by longtime former Houston Texan Andre Johnson and second-year receiver Donte Moncrief. Also, the Colts added speedy Miami Hurricanes receiver Phillip Dorsett in the first round of this year’s draft. Luck and the potentially high-powered Indy offensive attack are not expected to face a lot of tough competition in 2015. The Colts own the second-easiest schedule in the NFL in part due to playing six games against the lackluster AFC South. Luck’s wondrous talents and solid supporting cast easily make him a strong candidate to be fantasy football’s top signal caller in 2015. (D.J.)

Photo: Morris Fostoff

THAT LEAVES US WITH A DIFFICULT TASK IN REGARD TO QUARTERback rankings. Aaron Rodgers reigns supreme and will continue his assault on the record books, but behind him there is unfamiliar uncertainty. Andrew Luck made the leap from future to current star, although maintaining excellence is arguably an even greater challenge than achieving it. And while the old guard are nearing the end, they still have the talent and opportunity for one last hurrah. Then you have the mix of accomplished passers who have been largely overshadowed, along with the new generation of versatile rushing-passing talents. Distinguishing between them may be more difficult now, but that makes accurate discernment all the more important. Doing so involves a detailed assessment of each quarterback’s talent, skills, scheme, and supporting cast, along with the likelihood of a breakout, versus the chance of sudden decline. –JD BOLICK

32 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 32

6/22/15 11:29 PM

Peyton Manning DENVER BRONCOS

6’5, 230 LBS, B:MARCH 24, 1976 RUSHING PASSING Year Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 2013 DEN 1 659 450 5477 55 10 32 -31 1 2014 DEN 4 597 395 4727 39 15 24 -24 0 2015 DEN 3 4740 38 12 20 1

THERE ARE PLENTY OF parallels between Manning’s fantasy career compared to Brett Favre’s, including the passing records, always-lurking retirement, fantasy royalty, and near perfect attendance record. But the beginning of the end is here for Manning, and despite the fact he threw for 39 touchdowns in 2014 (94 since 2013), Manning’s bell curve is on the way down. He lost Wes Welker and Julius Thomas, but the Broncos are replete with offensive weapons, including Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and new head coach Gary Kubiak – John Elway’s old backup. Veteran tight end Owen Daniels follows Kubiak again, and sophomore Cody Latimer is expected to pick up where Welker left off. While some are worried Manning won’t work well with Kubiak’s rollout-centric offense, know that the new coach plans to cater his offense to Manning’s strengths. Some will point to the final five games of last season (4 TDs, 6 INTs), including the playoffs, as signs of Manning’s demise, but a quad injury has to take some of the blame. Outside of Manning’s replacement in Indianapolis, Andrew Luck, and Aaron Rodgers, Manning is still the best of the rest—with a one-last-shot chance at 40-plus touchdown passes for the third time in his career. Those who remain patient on a QB could find Manning fall into their laps in the fourth or fifth rounds, but he’ll most likely go before that. (D.G.)

ANDY GOLDSTEIN’S CHALLENGE:

Manning will always have the mind to be an elite fantasy quarterback. His ability to pick apart defenses, almost regardless of the talent around him, has made him one of the greatest quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen. And, as a bonus, Denver has some decent talent on offense, which certainly helps. But watching Manning last year became tough. His four neck surgeries have reduced his throwing motion into a shell of what it was. The days of Manning’s tight spirals are in the rear view mirror and, unfortunately, the velocity and accuracy continue to dip. From Week 13 on, Manning completed only 60% of his passes, 6% below his season average. That is evidence that the grind of the NFL is getting to Manning. Peyton is still sharp and he’s capable of starting the year off as the league’s most prolific passer. But the chance he makes it through another grueling NFL campaign has dipped to red-alert levels. There’s a precipitous drop in value between Luck and Rodgers and the next group of signal callers, so maybe let someone else gamble on Manning’s neck holding up for another season with a bunch of relatively equally-valued quarterbacks still on the board.

Russell Wilson

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

5’11, 206 LBS, B:NOVEMBER 29, 1988

Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs SEA 8 407 257 3357 26 9 96 539 1 SEA 5 452 285 3475 20 7 118 849 6 SEA 4 3520 26 8 750 6

WILSON IS A SUPER BOWL winning quarterback, but from a fantasy perspective, 2014 was his true superstar breakout as he finished as a top three quarterback in standard scoring systems. Wilson achieved this thanks to a big increase in his rushing stats. Wilson managed to provide over 700 rushing yards and 6 rushing scores to go along with serviceable passing numbers. The Seahawks made some moves on offense which will probably have mixed results. Seattle added Jimmy Graham, one of the league’s most talented receiving tight ends when healthy. But they jettisoned center Max Unger from a very cohesive offensive line. Even with Graham, the receiving options Wilson has to work with aren’t exactly the envy of the league. Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse appear to be the starting wide receiver duo, which is a euphemism for ‘Wilson will probably have to keep running to maintain his elite value.’ While the on-field production has been elite-level, Wilson’s contract remains equal to that of a replacement level player. By all accounts, Wilson isn’t the type to rock the boat and threaten a holdout, but his contract is eligible to be reworked this year—something to keep an eye on. (A.G.)

Drew Brees

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

6’0, 209 LBS, B:JJANUARY 15, 1979 Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs NO 2 650 446 5162 39 12 35 52 3 NO 2 659 456 4952 33 17 27 68 1 NO 5 4600 34 13 25 2

EVEN IN FANTASY FOOTBALL, all good things must end. After watching Brees dazzle the fantasy football universe with a super-productive nine-year run of fantasy-scoring awesomeness that included finishing as a top-four fantasy passer eight times and racking up an NFL record four of the eight 5,000-yard passing performances in league history, it’s time to demote him from the ranks of the elite fantasy quarterbacks. Although Brees topped the NFL in passing yards (tie), attempts and completions last season, the 36-year-old pocket passer’s arm strength, effectiveness and consistency have started to decline. To compensate for Brees’ diminishing skills, New Orleans is shifting to a more balanced offensive scheme that will utilize a Mark Ingram-led power-running game. The Saints’ top-two receiving threats from last season – Jimmy Graham (Seahawks) and Kenny Stills (Dolphins) – were both traded, and trusty passing-down back Pierre Thomas was released. Despite the change in offensive philosophy, the still-capable Brees won’t morph into a game-manager. He’ll still have to sling the rock plenty because a revamped New Orleans defense that finished 31st overall and 28th in points allowed is a work in progress and won’t

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 33

stop anyone. Brees’ new-look receiver corps has adequate firepower with rising-star Brandin Cooks, Marques Colston and speedy new passing-down back C.J. Spiller. The Saints have raved about Graham’s replacement, Josh Hill, all preseason, but the unproven third-year pro has amassed just 20 career catches. Replacing Graham with Hill obviously assures a decline in Brees’ production. He’s still an above average passer, but he won’t carry fantasy teams like in year’s past. (M.W.)

Upper Echelon 6

Cam Newton

CAROLINA PANTHERS

6’5, 243 LBS, B:MAY 11, 1989 Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs CAR 5 473 292 3379 24 13 111 585 6 CAR 15 448 262 3127 18 12 103 539 5 CAR 6 3740 27 12 500 6

NEWTON’S CAREER HAS taken an interesting path ever since he burst onto the scene in 2011, when he posted the best Fantasy season by a rookie quarterback in NFL history. He threw for 21 touchdowns that year and rushed for another 14, and it’s that latter number that has been the siren call for all Fantasy owners ever since. But his rushing touchdowns have decreased each year, as the NFL got wise and the Panthers got wiser. Everything is pointing to a huge 2015 season for him, though, as Kelvin Benjamin continues to develop into a superstar and the Panthers’ offensive line develops. Newton enters 2015 in the final year of his rookie contract, which often spurs a player into training better and studying more game film. While he has never been problematic with either of those things, we could see Newton push the envelope more this season. Once the superstars are off the board, Newton makes for an excellent pick in the middle rounds. (D.G.)

Matt Ryan

ATLANTA FALCONS

6’4, 220 LBS, B:MAY 17, 1985 Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs ATL 11 651 439 4515 26 17 17 55 0 ATL 7 628 415 4694 28 14 29 145 0 ATL 7 4380 33 13 60 1

RYAN HAS BEEN IN THIS upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks since entering the league in 2008 as the third overall player selected. Ryan has been durable in spite of a shaky offensive line starting 83 straight games and missing only two games in seven seasons. The durability has helped Ryan reach the top seven in pass attempts and pass completions in each of the past five seasons. After leading the Falcons to a 56-22 record in his first five seasons they fell to 10-22 over the past two seasons resulting in a coaching change in Atlanta. With defensiveminded head coach Dan Quinn taking over, the Falcons expected improvement on defense could lead to a slight drop in Ryan’s numbers. There will be emphasis on improving the running game to control the clock with third round draft choice

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 33

6/22/15 11:29 PM

POSITION RANKING

Tevin Coleman and second-year back Devonta Freeman. If the team is successful, then Ryan could see a small drop in numbers from the 4,000+ yards and 26+ touchdowns he has thrown for in the past four seasons. Ryan still remains a top-tier quarterback based on the proven track record with veteran wide receivers. (M.M.)

ANDREW LUCK #2

Tony Romo

DALLAS COWBOYS

6’2, 230 LBS, B:APRIL 21, 1980 RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs DAL 12 535 342 3828 31 10 20 38 0 DAL 14 435 304 3705 34 9 26 61 0 DAL 8 3920 34 13 40 3

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs NE 13 628 380 4343 25 11 32 18 0 NE 12 582 373 4109 33 9 36 57 0 NE 9 3270 27 7 30 2

EVEN BEFORE HIS SUSPENSION there were reasons to be concerned about Brady’s fantasy trajectory. Last season’s rebound was largely attributable to Rob Gronkowski staying healthy, as Brady’s yards per completion average fell to its lowest level since 2002 while the Patriots also called ten percent fewer pass plays during the season. The problem is that while passing deep downfield is more difficult for all quarterbacks, Brady fared worse on those throws than everyone except Alex Smith and Ryan Tannehill. That meant both a lack of explosive plays and a narrower field for opponents to defend. It’s

6’5, 241 LBS, B:MARCH 2, 1982

Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs PIT 9 584 375 4261 28 14 27 99 1 PIT 6 608 408 4952 32 9 33 27 0 PIT 10 4500 29 14 50 1

WHILE TODD HALEY’S relationship with Roethlisberger got off to a rocky start, no one can argue with the results of their third season together. Tied with Drew Brees for the league’s most passing yards despite fifty-one fewer attempts, Big Ben was a model of efficiency in 2014. Some of that undoubtedly had to do with throwing 47.2 percent of his passes to Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell, yet they also benefit from being targeted by one of the most accurate passers in league history. Normally when a quarterback sees a dramatic increase in pass attempts, their per pass production slips. Roethlisberger, however, set a career high in completion percentage while also becoming the fourth quarterback in league history to manage more than eight yards per attempt while passing

Matt Stafford

DETROIT LIONS

6’3, 232 LBS, B:FEBRUARY 7, 1988

Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs DET 6 634 371 4650 29 19 37 69 2 DET 16 602 363 4257 22 12 43 93 2 DET 11 4220 30 15 100 1

DETROIT’S OFFENSE DEVELoped into one of the NFL’s biggest enigmas in 2014. They finished 22nd in scoring and failed to generate week-to-week consistency. The Lions passing attack posed as a part of the culprit for Detroit’s offensive woes. Stafford failed to throw a touchdown pass in four starts last season and fell to 16th among fantasy quarterbacks in standard scoring. Was 2014 an aberration or a harbinger of things to come? Since throwing for 5,038 yards in 2011, Stafford’s passing yardage totals have dipped three seasons in a row. However, another contributing factor appeared to be the play-calling. Heading into 2015, Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi wants Stafford to take more chances with the football and he certainly possesses the weapons to do it. Calvin Johnson battled injuries and missed three games but he has help in the form of last season’s leading receiver Golden Tate. A strong receiving one-two punch will help bolster Stafford’s numbers if the

11:26:49

6’4, 225 LBS, B:AUGUST 3, 1977

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Photo: Mike Jula/Fostoff Fotos

Tom Brady

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Ben Roethlisberger

over six hundred times. There’s no disputing that when given the opportunity Ben is capable of posting huge fantasy numbers, the only question is whether or not the Steelers will consent to remaining among the league’s most pass-heavy teams. (J.D.B.)

15-06-25

impressive that Tom posted the numbers he did given those limitations, but he was highly unlikely to repeat them. It is possible to justify drafting a player who misses the early part of the season if they project to have considerable value during the playoff weeks, yet Brady’s schedule looks particularly daunting, meaning that choosing him in 2015 is betting that one of the all-time greats will be able to defy the odds once more. (J.D.B.)

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

THE OFTEN-MALIGNED Romo deserves props for an all-around great 2014 season, but sometimes NFL success and fantasy success don’t go hand in hand. Romo wasn’t quite a fantasy force, finishing as just the 12th-most productive fantasy quarterback. The Cowboys utilized a run-first, run-often offense featuring NFL 2014 Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray (Eagles) whenever possible. This meant less reliance on Romo, which explains his lowest number of attempts since 2010 and his four-year low in passing yards. Romo, however, was hardly a game-manager. The triggerman amassed a seven-year high in touchdown passes and connected on a career-best 69.9 percent of his throws. Dallas’ plan to replace the departed Murray with a committee led by injury-prone Darren McFadden and unproven Joseph Randle is a huge downgrade and places the burden of carrying the offense squarely on Romo’s shoulders. Operating behind one of the NFL’s best offensives lines, the 35-year-old gunslinger still has more than enough horsepower in his arm to function as a high-volume passer with help from a solid supporting cast that includes Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley. There are some worries about Romo’s durability because he has missed one game in each of the last two seasons. Unless the Cowboys pull off a surprise preseason trade for a major upgrade at running back, Romo looks like a lock for fantasy QB1 production. (M.W.)

Year 2013 2014 2015

FFG_15_034r1.p1.p1.pdf

Year 2013 2014 2015

34 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 34

6/22/15 11:29 PM

offense loosens up. With a weakened Detroit defense on the field this season, expect a few more shootouts for the Lions, which should ultimately help build Stafford’s fantasy portfolio. Consider him a primary starter in larger leagues. . . for now. (D.J.)

MARC MELTZER’S CHALLENGE:

Matthew Stafford’s touchdown pass total in two of the past three years (20 and 22) is really a head-scratcher after throwing 41 touchdowns in 2011. His numbers as recently as 2011 suggest that the talent is there to be a top-five NFL quarterback. But in his last 20 games, Staffer has only 24 touchdown passes and has zero or one in 12 of those 20 games. Projecting him near the top-ten is not a place I am willing to go right now. Ask yourself – can you sleep at night during the football season if Stafford is the starting quarterback on your fantasy team? All that receiving talent in Detroit between Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, and Joique Bell certainly give Stafford the opportunity to get there. If you can get Stafford as your backup I am all for it, but not as your regular starter.

Solid 12

Eli Manning

NEW YORK GIANTS

6’4, 218 LBS, B:JANUARY 3, 1981 Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs NYG 21 551 317 3818 18 27 18 36 0 NYG 9 601 379 4410 30 14 12 31 1 NYG 12 3900 33 14 30 0

THERE’S GOT TO BE A PLOT graph out there with Eli’s preseason fantasy rank by year on it showing how his value has basically been the same for most of his career. The Giants signal caller has been solidly in ‘bad starter / good backup’ territory for years. And if it weren’t for a breakout rookie performance at wide out from Odell Beckham Jr. last year, this might be the first time Manning could have actually slipped. But Beckham did establish himself as one of the league’s most exciting young players and that helps boost Eli’s value. If Beckham has a sophomore slump, there will be no joy in Gothamville. Last year, Victor Cruz suffered a torn patella tendon, which is a fairly serious injury to return from. Throw in a running game that has crashed and burned since Ahmad Bradshaw left town and Manning’s value is tied almost uncomfortably to Beckham’s ability to maintain his insane level of play as a rookie. (A.G.)

Ryan Tannehill

MIAMI DOLPHINS

6’4, 222 LBS, B:JULY 27, 1988

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team MIA MIA MIA

RUSHING PASSING Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 16 588 355 3913 24 17 40 238 1 11 590 392 4045 27 12 56 311 1 13 3820 29 17 270 1

FOLLOWING THE BEST season of his career, Tannehill enters 2015 with plenty of momentum—and a new contract. The fourth-year pro inked a six-year contract worth $95.3 million. Tannehill’s

production last season served as a solid foundation for Miami’s desire to sign him to a new deal. He finished with over 4,000 yards passing while throwing 27 touchdown passes to 12 interceptions. As a result, Tannehill placed ninth among fantasy quarterbacks. However, despite Tannehill’s improved play, Miami’s receiving corps will have a different look. Mike Wallace is out while Greg Jennings enters as a veteran presence. The team’s prized possession among the receivers could turn out to be first round draft pick DeVante Parker. If Parker blends well with Miami’s offense, Tannehill can repeat his 2014 efforts. A lack of more weapons and a suspect offensive line (Tannehill was sacked 46 times last year, which ranked as the third-most in the league) could stop his climb up the fantasy quarterback ladder. He is not quite a regular weekly starter but he is getting close. (D.J.)

Colin Kaepernick SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

6’4, 230 LBS, B:NOVEMBER 3, 1987 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team SF SF SF

RUSHING PASSING Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 10 416 243 3197 21 8 92 524 4 17 478 289 3369 19 10 104 639 1 14 3140 20 10 600 5

IT WASN’T TOO LONG AGO that Kaepernick was mentioned in the same breath as Russell Wilson and Cam Newton, as dual-threat quarterbacks on the rise. But Wilson’s career arc shot straight up, and his NFC West divisional foe’s stock shot straight down. The 49ers have a new head coach in Jim Tomsula, along with a new starting tailback (Carlos Hyde) and a wide receiver with over-thetop ability in Torrey Smith. Kaepernick shouldn’t be drafted as a Fantasy starter (he had 12 games with one or fewer passing touchdowns last season), but he’s still young, with the ability to extend broken plays. He’s in the perfect buy-low situation as a fantasy backup. (D.G.)

Phil Rivers

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

6’5, 228 LBS, B:DECEMBER 8, 1981

Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs SD 3 544 378 4478 32 11 28 72 0 SD 8 570 379 4286 31 18 37 102 0 SD 15 3780 27 12 80 0

COMPENSATING FOR A frequently non-existent ground game due to injuries and ineffective play, Rivers had to throw way more than the Chargers would have preferred last year. If nagging hand, rib and lower back ailments hadn’t slowed him in the closing weeks, Rivers would have racked up much higher numbers across the board. Fantasy owners, however, shouldn’t overvalue Rivers following his latest flirtation with fantasy starter territory. San Diego prefers to utilize a balanced offense with run-heavy tendencies. Determined to recommit to their rushing attack, the Chargers spent a first-round selection on Melvin Gordon and upgraded their offensive line. Nonetheless, if the Gordon-led running game has a tough matchup or an off day, it’s Rivers to the rescue. Although he turns 34 in December, Rivers is still good enough to operate as a high-volume thrower. Three of his

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 35

top-four receivers from 2014 are returning—a now-healthy Keenan Allen, the aging-but-stillcapable Antonio Gates and Malcom Floyd—while underrated Steve Johnson replaces Chicago-bound Eddie Royal. The return of third-down back Danny Woodhead is a huge plus. Rivers is good for solid reserve production with occasional starter upside. (M.W.)

Sam Bradford

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 6’4, 224 LBS, B:NOVEMBER 8, 1987

Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs STL 31 262 159 1687 14 4 15 31 0 DNP PHI 16 3360 26 12 90 2

OH, NOT MUCH HAPPENED TO Bradford this offseason. Sure, he was traded to the Eagles after suffering an ACL injury which ended his 2014 prematurely. And then he was dangled during the draft by Philly to both the Bucs and Titans in an effort by Chip Kelly to get the guy he REALLY wanted to quarterback the team. All of that failed which means Bradford is the de facto starter for the Eagles pending his health. That’s great news in one sense because Kelly has found fantasy success for every quarterback he’s used other than Matt Barkley, who just doesn’t count. Mark Sanchez is still around, and that probably means Bradford’s leash is shorter than other starting quarterbacks. But if Bradford can find some of that old Oklahoma magic, he’s got a high ceiling. And sure, the loss of Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy has to cause some worry about the Eagles offense as a whole. But the main man is Kelly, who will still be pushing the buttons on his blistering offense and that’s what makes Bradford an attractive fantasy backup. (A.G.)

DEREK JONES’ CHALLENGE:

I think we’re believing a little too much in Sam Bradford without seeing any semblance of productivity. Since 2012, Sam Bradford has played 23 of a possible 48 games and is coming off of two ACL tears. Just as worrisome is Philadelphia’s offseason strategy, which was....well, something. I think the Eagles will lean heavily on the run game with DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews, and Darren Sproles in the season’s start. Then, they’ll have to turn Bradford loose. I’m not convinced he is a better option than the Jay Cutler or Joe Flacco considering he hasn’t played a full season since 2012 and now he will attempt to do so on a new team.

Jay Cutler

CHICAGO BEARS

6’3, 220 LBS, B:APRIL 29, 1983

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team CHI CHI CHI

RUSHING PASSING Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 23 355 224 2621 19 12 23 118 0 10 561 370 3812 28 18 39 191 2 17 3560 27 19 120 1

THERE ARE NO EXCUSES LEFT to make; Cutler is a mediocre quarterback. For all the glowing appraisals of his talent and suggestions of untapped potential just waiting to be realized, Cutler has squandered too many years with talented receivers to get any more benefit of the doubt. Marc

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 35

6/22/15 11:29 PM

POSITION RANKING

Joe Flacco

BALTIMORE RAVENS

6’6, 245 LBS, B:JANUARY 16, 1985 RUSHING PASSING Year Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 2013 BAL 19 614 362 3912 19 22 27 131 1 2014 BAL 13 554 344 3986 27 12 39 70 2 2015 BAL 18 3650 25 15 80 0

JOE FLACCO HAS BEEN consistently “good” as the Ravens starting quarterback since his rookie season in 2008. He has started 112 consecutive games and has passed for between 3,600-3,900 yards and 19-27 touchdowns each of the past six seasons. The Ravens added wide receiver Breshad Perriman in first round, tight end Maxx Williams in second round and running back Buck Allen in fourth round to beef up the offense. But the biggest addition for Flacco may be that of new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman. NCAA, CFL, and NFL teams have all thrived in Trestman’s 34 years coaching. Several quarterbacks in Joe Flacco’s mold such as Bernie Kosar and Rich Gannon have posted big numbers under Trestman. (M.M.)

Teddy Bridgewater MINNESOTA VIKINGS

6’2, 205 LBS, B:NOVEMBER 11, 1992 RUSHING PASSING Year Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 2014 MIN 2015 MIN

22 19

402 259 2919 14 3020 25

12 16

209 220

1 1

THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS for fantasy players to like about Bridgewater entering the 2015 season. The addition of Mike Wallace at wide receiver is a huge upgrade over Vikings 2014 leading receiver Greg Jennings. Bridgewater passed for over 2,700 yards in his 12 starts including three games over 300 yards. While the touchdown pass total was a lowly 14, he did throw at least one touchdown pass in each of this last ten games. He also cut his

interception total to seven in the final nine games, after throwing five in his first three games. Bridgewater’s 72 percent completion percentage over the final five games was very close to league-leader Tony Romo over that period. (M.M.)

Carson Palmer ARIZONA CARDINALS

6’5, 235 LBS, B:DECEMBER 27, 1979 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team ARI ARI ARI

RUSHING PASSING Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 17 572 362 4274 24 22 27 3 0 35 224 141 1626 11 3 8 25 0 20 3620 22 20 20 0

THE BAD NEWS IS PALMER suffered his second torn ACL last fall that ended his season prematurely. The good news is—it’s the second time he’s going through it (there’s something to be said for positive thinking!) and he already knows what it takes to come back from it. Granted, he’s eight years older (35 now), but the art/science of knee surgeries has taken huge strides in those eight years. Palmer has a lethal trio of wide receivers and a pair of solid pass-catching running backs, which gives him the look of an excellent backup Fantasy quarterback. When Palmer did play last season, he threw for two touchdowns and over 240 passing yards in five of his six starts before he got hurt. (D.G.)

Andy Dalton

CINCINNATI BENGALS

6’2, 220 LBS, B:OCTOBER 29, 1987

Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs CIN 4 586 363 4293 33 20 61 183 2 CIN 18 481 309 3398 19 17 60 169 4 CIN 21 3200 18 18 140 2

How did this guy earn a contract extension? Dalton pulled off the rare feat of following up a career-best season (2013) with a career-worst one (2014). Operating as a caretaker in Cincinnati’s conservative Jeremy Hill/Giovani Bernard-led rushing attack, Dalton compiled career lows in attempts, passing yards (tie) and touchdown passes. Relegated to more short throws than ever before, Dalton completed a career-best 64.2 percent of his passes. However, the fifth-year pro still tortured fantasy owners with his trademark inconsistency and occasionally poor decisionmaking. Dalton notched just three 300-yard games and tossed multiple scoring strikes in only seven contests. The 17 interceptions on the year

was the second-highest total of his career. Don’t look for the “Red Rifle” to pack more fantasy buckshot in 2015. While Dalton has a decent receiver corps that includes A.J. Green, Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu, there simply is no reason to think the Bengals will scrap their highly effective sixth-rated ground game and turn Dalton loose. He is a no-upside fantasy reserve. It’s hard to predict when “Good Andy” will show up, and “Bad Andy” is always lurking. (M.W.)

Derek Carr

OAKLAND RAIDERS

6’3, 214 LBS, B:MARCH 28, 1991 RUSHING PASSING Year Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 2015 OAK 22 3100 21 15 50 0

CARR WAS KING OF THE garbage time touchdowns in 2014, collecting six of his twenty-one touchdown passes in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter while trailing by double-digits. Carr also posted one of the worst yards per pass attempt averages of the last decade at a staggeringly poor 5.46. His overall numbers looked acceptable because only six quarterbacks attempted more passes, yet the Raiders don’t look to be much better this year despite spending the fourth overall pick on Amari Cooper, so Carr should receive similar opportunities to accumulate numbers this season despite his general ineptitude. (JD Bolick)

Keep An Eye On 23

Robert Griffin III WASHINGTON

6’2, 217 LBS, B:JANUARY 2, 1990 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team WAS WAS WAS

RUSHING PASSING Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 18 456 274 3203 16 12 86 489 0 33 214 147 1694 4 6 38 176 1 23 2428 18 15 260 2

DESPITE LAST YEAR’S DEBACLE, IN Jay Gruden’s first year as head coach, Griffin is slated to enter training camp as the starting quarterback. Besides maddening inconsistency, Griffin’s major issue has been staying healthy. RGIII is surrounded by some impressive offensive weapons, which makes him a potential sleeper... if he can grow-up on the field and stay healthy. (D.J.)

Nick Foles

ST. LOUIS RAMS

6’5, 243 LBS, B:JANUARY 20, 1989

Year 2013 2014 2015

PEYTON MANNING #3

Team PHI PHI STL

RUSHING PASSING Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 15 317 203 2891 27 2 57 221 3 30 311 186 2163 13 10 16 68 0 24 2400 19 11 110 1

WHAT CAME FIRST, THE offense holding back the quarterback or the quarterback holding back the offense? As the Rams have added weapons, the team has never made major, expected strides with Sam Bradford at the helm. St. Louis hasn’t finished

Photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Trestman coaxed out what was arguably Cutler’s best season, yet both he and Brandon Marshall were jettisoned from Chicago in part due to Cutler’s continued lack of consistency. Last year Jay posted five games with a quarterback rating above 95 but also five games with a quarterback rating below 80. Kevin White should help fill some of Marshall’s absence, but John Fox’s conservative tendencies likely mean a return to fantasy mediocrity for Cutler. (J.D.B.)

36 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 36

6/22/15 11:29 PM

in the top 20 in offense since 2006. Foles came over in a trade with the Eagles and he’ll have some work to do now that he’s separated from Chip Kelly’s high-octane scheme. On the plus side, the Rams have young skilled players with room to grow. Brian Quick and Tavon Austin are highly touted skill players and Jeff Fisher pegged Todd Gurley as a worthy first round running back this year. Gurley might take some time to come back from injury, but he and Tre Mason form an intimidating duo on paper. Foles might sneak by undrafted in some leagues, but this is probably the low point in his value as long as he stays healthy. His ceiling is that of a backup fantasy quarterback. (A.G.)

Alex Smith

Team KC KC KC

Rank 14 20 25

Jameis Wilson

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 6’4, 231 LBS, B:JANUARY 6, 1994

RUSHING PASSING Year Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 2015 TB 26 2520 18 15 90 0

ON THE SURFACE THERE IS much to like about Winston’s situation in Tampa Bay. He is the unquestioned Day 1 starter following two years of pro-style experience at Florida State, he will be throwing to two towering receivers, and he went to what was by far the worst division of pass defenses in 2014. With little expectation of a productive running game, Winston should accumulate significant yardage and touchdown totals while potentially leading the league in interceptions. (J.D.B.)

Blake Bortles

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

RUSHING PASSING Year Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 21 27

475 280 2908 11 2120 14

17 16

Marcus Mariota

TENNESSEE TITANS

6’4, 222 LBS, B:OCTOVER 30, 1993

419 200

0 1

OFFENSES DON’T GET MUCH more young and interesting than the Jaguars. With newly drafted TJ Yeldon at running back, four of the Jags’ starting skill players were 2014 or 2015 picks. Of course, it takes

2050 15

120

Josh McCown CLEVELAND BROWNS

6’4, 218 LBS, B:JULY 4, 1979 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team CHI TB CLE

RUSHING PASSING Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 29 224 149 1829 13 1 13 69 1 27 327 184 2206 11 14 25 127 3 29 2140 13 12 70 0

THE FADING 36-YEAR-OLD journeyman passer inherits a wishy-washy receiver corps in a run-heavy offense and lacks job security with the brutally disappointing JohnnyManziel lurking. (M.W.)

Mark Sanchez

PHILADELPHA EAGLES

6’2, 225 LBS, B:NOVEMBER 11, 1986

Year 2013 2014 2015

RUSHING PASSING Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs DNP PHI 28 309 198 2418 14 11 34 87 1 PHI 30 2100 12 15 60 0

WHILE SAM BRADFORD IS slated to be Philadelphia’s opening day starter, he is still recovering from a serious knee injury last summer which makes Sanchez a viable free-agent pickup if (when) the former Ram gets banged up again. (D.J.)

Ryan Fitzpatrick NEW YORK JETS

6’2, 223, NOVEMBER 24, 1982 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team TEN HOU NYJ

Rank 23 24 31

RUSHING PASSING ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 350 217 2454 14 12 43 225 3 312 197 2483 17 8 50 184 2 1620 11 14 210 1

A REUNION WITH CHAN Gailey and his Pistol Spread attack, which will feature Eric Decker, Brandon Marshall, Jeremy Kerley and rookie Devin Smith, could give the notoriously streaky Fitzpatrick some

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 37

THE TENNESSEE TITANS AND head coach Ken Wisenhunt have thrown their chips all-in on Mariota. The addition of Mariota can add some excitement for the future of the Titans but the offensive weapons for big success in 2015 appear to be lacking from the Titans offense. (M.M.)

6’5, 232 LBS, B:DECEMBER 16, 1991

2014 JAX 2015 JAC

2015 TEN

RUSHING PASSING ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 508 308 3313 23 7 76 431 1 464 303 3265 18 6 49 254 1 2280 16 10 280 1

THE FORMER NO. 1 OVERALL NFL Draft pick has been more of a game manager than a big play, downfield gambler—and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by fantasy football players. He’s the risk-averse equivalent of putting your cash under your mattress rather than into the stock market. Not only did Smith not throw one touchdown pass to a wide receiver, but he rarely threw it downfield at all. “Checkdown Alex” could start looking for more action downfield with Jeremy Maclin and rookie Chris Conley coming on board, but Smith’s only someone to consider in 2-QB leagues for now. (D.G.)

One Sentence

RUSHING PASSING Year Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs

K ANSAS CITY CHIEFS 6’4, 217 LBS, B:MAY 7, 1984

Year 2013 2014 2015

time for a quarterback to develop and Bortles is no different. The goal for this season is to just see some progress. Wide receiver Allen Robinson has tantalizing talent and any rapport Bortles can build there will go a long way towards plotting how much value he has for the future. This year, however, is probably a stay-away season unless Bortles makes an unexpected jump. (A.G.)

sneaky fantasy reserve upside if Geno Smith stumbles. (M.W.)

Geno Smith NEW YORK JETS

6’3, 220 LBS, B:OCTOBER 10, 1990 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team NYJ NYJ NYJ

RUSHING PASSING Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 20 443 247 3046 12 21 72 366 6 26 367 219 2525 13 13 59 238 1 32 1600 13 11 50 0

THIRTEEN IS THE MAGIC number for Smith, as it equals his number of starts, touchdown passes, and interceptions in 2014. Smith has already been named the starter going into 2015 and the additions of wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Devin Smith will eliminate any excuses. (M.M.)

Brian Hoyer HOUSTON TEXANS

6’2, 215 LBS, B:OCTOBER 13, 1985 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team CLE CLE HOU

RUSHING PASSING Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 43 96 57 615 5 3 6 16 0 25 438 242 3326 12 13 24 39 0 33 1640 11 14 120 1

HOYER WILL BE SURROUNDed by more talent in Houston, but it’s not a lock he will beat Mallett out for the starting quarterback position. (D.J.)

Ryan Mallet

HOUSTON TEXANS

6’6, 245 LBS, B:JUNE 5, 1988

RUSHING PASSING Year Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 2015 HOU 34 1420 10 10 110 1

HOUSTON HAS EVERYTHING in place except their quarterback, creating the potential for fantasy relevance if he can seize the job and play better than expected. (J.D.B.)

Matt Cassel BUFFALO BILLS

6’4, 230 LBS, B:MAY 17, 1982 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team MIN MIN BUF

RUSHING PASSING Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 34 254 153 1807 11 9 18 57 1 47 71 41 425 3 4 9 18 0 35 1450 12 13 75 0

CASSEL’S THE EXPECTED starter in Rex Ryan’s offense in Buffalo. Even so, it’s doubtful he’ll prove to be anything more than a bye-week replacement in Week 9, when six teams are on byes, and the Dolphins come to town (D.G.)

Johnny Manziel CLEVELAND BROWNS

6’0, 210 LBS, B:DECEMBER 6, 1992 RUSHING PASSING Year Team Rank ATTs Comp YDs TDs INTs ATTs YDs TDs 2014 CLE 2015 CLE

55 36

175 0 1300 10

2 15

29 200

1 1

STILL HAS A FEW STEPS TO go. (A.G.)

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 37

6/22/15 11:29 PM

2015 POSITION R ANKING

RUNNING BACKS E

VEN DEFENDERS OF THE TRENDY “ZERO RUNNING BACKDrafting Strategy” have admitted that running backs still dominate fantasy football. Demand for them remains high since most leagues require you to start at least two each week. The position comes with well-known hazards, including a frustrating scarcity of workhorse runners, unpredictable committee usage and an injury probability that tops all other positions, which also fuels demand. If you choose a running back in the first round this season, there’s close to a one-in-three chance that he’ll be an injury bust. DESPITE THE INJURY ODDS, CONSIDER THE GUIDE’S TOP-SIX RUNning backs—Eddie Lacy, Jamal Charles, Le’Veon Bell, Matt Forte, Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson—all surefire first-round selections. The next group of ranked ball carriers—No. 7 C.J. Anderson to No. 19 Frank Gore—are all solid first or second running back options that come with a concern or two. Rashad Jennings at No. 25 is the lowest-ranked reasonably safe weekly starter. Unlike last season, the rookie crop is loaded with potential. Melvin Gordon, T.J. Yeldon, Todd Gurley, Tevin Coleman and David Cobb are all contenders for major playing time and starting gigs. REGARDLESS OF YOUR PREFERRED DRAFTING STRATEGY, THE TIMEtested approach to use when selecting your two starting running backs and top backup, as always, is to target the ball carriers that offer the best balance between the highest possible production and the lowest possible risk. When stockpiling depth, acquire backs with high upside if pressed into starting duties. Like it or not, you need good running backs to win. Injury risk at the position always threatens like a cobra waiting to strike, but, in fantasy football, risk is our business. —MATT WILSON

Eddie Lacy

GREEN BAY PACKERS 5’11, 230LBS, B:JUNE 2, 1990

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs GB 8 284 GB 5 246 GB 1

RUSHING YDs 1178 1139 1580

TDs 11 9 15

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 35 257 0 42 427 4 46 470 4

THE THIRD-YEAR BACK finished sixth among backs in standard fantasy scoring for the second straight season. Even though he only collected three 100-yard rushing days in 2014, Lacy made up for it through his value in Green Bay’s passing attack. He corralled 47 receptions en route to four receiving touchdowns to add to his nine rushing scores. Meanwhile, the two biggest question marks regarding Lacy are his health and another looming shadow hovering over the offense: NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. Lacy’s production could be hampered a bit by Rodgers being good. . . a little too good due to the quarterback’s ability to score from

anywhere on the field. Statistically powerful quarterbacks on the same team as a top-ranked fantasy running back has been a historical anomaly over the past decade. Since 2005, only one time has a team had the top fantasy scoring running back and a top-five fantasy scoring quarterback by season’s end. The last time it occurred came in 2005 when Seattle’s Shaun Alexander finished atop scoring while teaming up with Matt Hasselbeck, who ranked fourth in scoring for quarterbacks. Over the same span, only two other quarterbacks even reached the top 10 in positional fantasy scoring while paired with fantasy’s number one running back: Philip Rivers in 2006 and Matt Schaub in 2010. It takes an extremely powerful offense to pull off that trick.But if Packers head coach Mike McCarthy doesn’t go wild with limiting Lacy’s touches, the Crimson Tide back can reach the summit of fantasy football. (D. J.)

Jamaal Charles

K ANSAS CITY CHIEFS

5’11, 199LBS, B:DECEMBER 27, 1986

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs KC 1 259 KC 7 206 KC 2

RUSHING YDs TDs 1287 12 1033 9 1200 12

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 70 693 7 40 291 5 51 580 7

KANSAS CITY’S ALL-TIME leading rusher propelled a ton of fantasy teams to league championships in 2013 by racking up some of the best numbers of his career. Nobody expected Charles to duplicate that stellar production last year, but his finish as the seventh-most productive fantasy running back left some owners understandably frustrated. Nagging ankle, knee and hamstring injuries were mostly to blame for Charles’ “down” year. When the injuries piled up, the Chiefs drew the wrath of fantasy owners by spinning off part of his weekly workload to backup Knile Davis. Missing one game didn’t stop the banged-up Charles from compiling his third straight 1,000-yard season and scoring double-digit touchdowns for the second consecutive year. The smartest thing fantasy owners can do

Photo: Morris Fostoff

Elite

EDDIE LACY #1

38 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 38

6/22/15 11:29 PM

regarding Charles is to ignore his 2014 campaign. A now-healthy Charles operates as an every-down workhorse in a conservative run-heavy offense on a good team. He’ll turn 29 in December, but Charles is still at the top of his game. While the 5-foot-11, 199-pound runner is widely recognized for his speed, Charles doesn’t receive enough credit for his ability to break tackles. Even though Davis has carved out a regular change-of-pace role, he’s not a threat to Charles’ elite RB1 status. The huge decline in his reception and receiving yardage last season was an unwelcome surprise that can be blamed partly on shaky health and partly on the emerging Travis Kelce. With the addition of Jeremy Maclin, the odds are stacked high against Charles even coming close to matching his 70 receptions from 2013. Charles owners will want to grab Davis as a handcuff to protect your investment. (M.W.)

Le’Veon Bell

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 6’1, 244 LBS, B:FEBRUARY 18, 1992

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs PIT 15 244 PIT 2 290 PIT 3

RUSHING YDs TDs 860 8 1361 8 1200 7

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 45 399 0 83 854 3 57 580 2

IF IT WEREN’T FOR A THREE game suspension, which could be reduced, Bell is probably the No. 1 fantasy running back this year. Last year, he placed second in the league in rushing yards and total yards from scrimmage. He carried fantasy teams while accumulating over 370 touches. Bell has the size, speed, and vision to make fantasy owners salivate. Pittsburgh has a talented passing attack with Ben Roethlisberger, which means defenses can’t focus completely on Bell. On the field, all systems are go. Off the field, that’s a speed bump of sorts. Bell was arrested in August of 2014 for a DUI charge as well as marijuana possession. The suspension makes assessing Bell’s fantasy value trickier. In some ways, optimistic owners can look at it as a sort of blessing in disguise. Bell was given a lot of work and punishment last season. Having some extra time off could leave him fresher for fantasy playoff time. Of course, not having an elite runner for three weeks is a crummy way to start a season. Bell makes sense at any early stage of a draft. It’s justifiable to take him first overall, but don’t let him slip past the midpoint of the first round. (A.G.)

JD BOLICK’S CHALLENGE:

It’s not so much that I doubt Bell as a player, it’s more the combination of expected regression along with the fact that he’s suspended for the first three games of the season. Taking away a fifth of his playing time (since Week 17 is irrelevant in most leagues) would have dropped him from first to fourth best last season. Now factor in his rushing average falling from 4.9 during the first half of the season to a more realistic 4.5 the rest of the way, along with how rare it is for a running back to be targeted more than a hundred times as a receiver, and it’s hard to be optimistic about his chances of staying near the top of the list for running backs. Even if Bell played a full schedule I would expect around three hundred fewer combined yards. I’ll let someone else pay full price to get him.

Matt Forte

CHICAGO BEARS

6’2, 218 LBS, B:DECEMBER 10, 1985

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs CHI 2 289 CHI 3 266 CHI 4

RUSHING YDs 1339 1038 1050

TDs 9 6 8

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 74 594 3 102 808 4 72 680 2

WHILE THE OVERALL number of pass completions has increased steadily over the last decade, completions to running backs have stayed in the same general range. That’s what makes Forte’s record-setting 102 catches last season so remarkable. His six rushing touchdowns were disappointing and his 3.9 average yards per carry was downright poor, but adding a wide receiver’s stats to his rushing line propelled him to become the third most valuable running back. Catches have always been a huge part of Forte’s game, as he also led his position as a rookie in 2008, but this level of production was not foreseeable. Although that means Matt is unlikely to repeat those numbers, his annual contributions as a receiver make him a more reliable option with a higher floor than some of his peers who are more gifted rushers. Whereas most running backs approaching thirty would be on their last legs, Forte’s versatility keeps him essential to Chicago’s offensive philosophy and should help him sustain his value. What remains to be seen is whether or not he can bounce back as a rusher to the ~4.5 ypc average he managed previously, otherwise the Bears might choose to utilize other backs more frequently on early downs before turning back to Forte in passing situations. That doesn’t seem particularly likely in 2015, but is something to keep an eye on going forward. (JD Bolick)

Marshawn Lynch 5’11, 215LBS, B:APRIL 22, 1986

RUSHING Year Team Rank ATTs YDs 2013 SEA 5 301 1257 2014 SEA 4 280 1306 2015 SEA 5 1270

TDs 12 13 12

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 36 316 2 37 367 4 35 370 3

EVEN BACK IN 2010, RUNNING backs were being disrespected. The Bills received only a fourth and a fifth round draft pick from the Seahawks for a young, relatively-productive running back named Marshawn Lynch. The Seahawks have leaned heavily on Lynch in his four seasons in Seattle, averaging 295 carries and 31 receptions per year. Add in 164 carries in eight playoff games and you have a back who has a lot of tread off his tires. Lynch’s 2,033 career carries rank behind only Frank Gore and Adrian Peterson among active running backs. However, 2014 can be considered Lynch’s most effective with almost 1,700 total yards and 17 touchdowns including a career-high 367 receiving yards. The arrival of tight end Jimmy Graham gives the Seahawks a weapon that has been missing from their offense and has the potential to cut into Lynch’s receiving totals in 2015. The Seahawks did nothing in the offseason to change their running back situation, so it is reasonable to expect Lynch to receive 75% of the running back touches as he has

Adrian Peterson

MINNESOTA VIKINGS 6’1, 217LBS, B:MARCH 21, 1985

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs MIN 10 279 MIN 116 21 MIN 6

RUSHING YDs TDs 1266 10 75 0 1560 12

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 29 171 1 2 18 0 25 200 1

LIKELY DRAFTED WITH ONE of the first three picks in every league last season, Peterson’s owners got just 93 total yards out of this future Hall of Famer. While an injury might have been easier to come to grips with, Peterson ended up missing the entire season due to suspension for off-the-field issues with his son. His return to the Vikings’ sideline is still not a given, as he has tried to force a trade to another team. But his age and contract make that difficult, so Fantasy owners can expect No. 28 to resume his assault on defenses in purple and gold. A.P. reached the red-flag milestone of 30 years of age this past spring, but he also had an entire season to rest – while allowing his new young quarterback a chance to develop. With 2,000 NFL carries under his belt, it’s tough to consider him as a top-three pick again this season. Then again, Marshawn Lynch, who came into the league with Peterson, has 21 fewer carries in his career, and some consider him the best overall player in Fantasy. It’s easy to assume Peterson will return with a chip on his shoulder, much like he did when he came back from a torn ACL to rush for 2,000 yards. But this is a different team than the 2013 version. Figure Peterson will likely get picked up in the middle of Round 1, but his true value is likely at the turn. (D.G.)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 39

done since 2012. Over the past four seasons Lynch has at least 20 carries in half of his games and rushed for over 100 yards 24 times. (M.M.)

C.J. Anderson DENVER BRONCOS

5’8, 224 LBS, B:FEBRUARY 10, 1991 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs DEN 2 DEN 10 179 DEN 7

RUSHING YDs TDs 9 0 849 8 1230 8

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 1 14 0 34 324 2 40 400 2

THE SURPRISING EMERGENCE of Anderson was one of the biggest stories of the 2014 fantasy season. Thrust into starting action because of injuries and unexpectedly poor play from Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman, the virtually unknown Anderson took over as the Broncos’ full-time starting tailback at midseason. The three-down workhorse averaged 24 touches, 129.6 total yards and 1.1 total touchdowns per game in Denver’s last nine outings. Projecting Anderson’s statistics over a full 16-game season yields 320 carries, 1,505 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 64 catches, 567 receiving yards and four receiving scores. While the Pro Bowler probably won’t match those dreamy fantasy stats as the starter in new Denver head coach Gary Kubiak’s run-first offensive scheme, Anderson is a lock to rack up top-10 numbers. The Broncos have made no secret of their plans to pass less and run more to save some wear and tear on the 39-year-old Peyton Manning. The compact-but-powerful Anderson

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 39

6/22/15 11:29 PM

POSITION RANKING

(5-foot-8, 224 pounds) has the right skill set to succeed in the same one-cut-and-go zone-blocking rushing attack that Kubiak used to make studs out of Arian Foster and, more recently, Justin Forsett. Since Kubiak has a history of relying on one primary runner, don’t expect Ball and Hillman to steal huge chunks of Anderson’s weekly workload. Hillman isn’t durable enough to handle a large number of weekly touches, and Ball simply isn’t as talented as Anderson. Spending a first-round pick on a player who produced for only half a season will make some fantasy owners queasy, but that’s probably the going price to land Anderson. (M.W.)

Arian Foster

HOUSTON TEXANS

6’1, 227LBS, B:AUGUST 24, 1986

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs HOU 42 121 HOU 6 260 HOU 8

RUSHING YDs TDs 542 1 1246 8 1180 8

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 22 183 1 38 327 5 31 290 3

BACK SURGERY IS UNDERstandably daunting, especially at a position as physically demanding as running back, yet Foster proved his doubters wrong in 2014 by posting very strong numbers and showing that he remains one of the league’s few remaining workhorses. The news wasn’t all positive, as he did miss three games with a groin injury along with parts of two others. With only two 16 game seasons to his credit, Foster owners have to assume he will miss some time during the year and plan accordingly. It’s the production when on the field that makes him worth the trouble, as Arian’s seven games with at least 100 rushing yards tied with Marshawn Lynch for second most in the league. He also finished fifth at the position in combined yardage and tied for third in combined touchdowns. It is that versatility which makes Foster such an asset when he’s on the field, as he can contribute between the tackles or catching passes out of the backfield. With no apparent competition on the roster, Houston has signaled a continued willingness to feed as many touches as Arian can handle. In an era where so many teams are going to the committee approach, that makes him a valuable asset indeed. (J.D.B.)

Upper Echelon 9

LeSean McCoy

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

6’11, 208LBS, B:JULY 12, 1988 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs PHI 3 314 PHI 12 312 BUF 9

RUSHING YDs TDs 1607 9 1319 5 1130 6

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 52 539 2 28 155 0 36 300 1

SHADY MCCOY HAS HAD undulating Fantasy success over his six years in the NFL, including seasons when he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (2011), and another in rushing yards (2013). But there have also been a couple mediocre seasons sprinkled in there as well. He was traded this offseason from Chip Kelly’s system in Philadelphia to Buffalo, where new head coach Rex Ryan

is expected to build his offense around the shifty back. The fact that Buffalo’s offensive line was one of the worst last season – especially in the run game -- has to worry McCoy’s future owners. The Eagles actually had one of the best run-blocking offensive lines last season, and while Ryan is certain to work some magic with the Bills’ line, assume McCoy will be touched in the backfield much more than he was last year. Luckily, McCoy is deft in the passing game as well, which means he’ll be heavily utilized in 2015 when most tailbacks are sharing time in the NFL. Coming off a down year and getting traded to a lesser team helps push McCoy’s stock down, but at just 26 years old, he’s still a top-10 running back with upside. (D.G.)

DeMarco Murray

DALLAS COWBOYS

6’0, 215LBS, B:FEBRUARY 12, 1988

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs DAL 6 217 DAL 1 392 PHI 10

RUSHING YDs TDs 1121 9 1845 13 1050 6

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 53 350 1 57 416 0 41 300 1

THE 2014 NFL RUSHING champion concluded the regular season with 449 touches - the sixth-highest single-season total ever. Add in Murray’s 48 postseason touches and he nearly saw the rock 500 times (!) last season. Perhaps sensing an inevitable decline in ‘15, the Cowboys allowed Murray to walk. Philadelphia hopped in to add Murray to the mix along with former Chargers running back Ryan Mathews. Murray’s talent is unquestionable but two major issues surround him. Will he possibly be able to hold up after taking a beating last season? Last season marked the first time in four years that Murray played in all 16 games. Despite a broken hand threatening his season, Murray stayed the course and didn’t miss a game. Plus, can he fit into the Eagles’ system? Philadelphia ranked seventh in rushing attempts so Murray stands to get plenty of opportunities to contribute. It’s hard to imagine him repeating his 2014 campaign. Thus, Murray should be considered a frontline fantasy starter again...but make sure there is a handcuff or solid backup plan in place. (D.J.)

ANDY GOLDSTEIN'S CHALLENGE:

Not since Larry Johnson in 2007 has a back faced the kind of uphill battle Murray has this year. Murray wasn’t just overused last year, he was obliterated. He was torn to shreds. He was abused like a major league pitcher who is forced to use 150 throws every game. This is not natural, defensible, or tolerable. Backs who carry the ball over 370 times in a season tend to suffer huge statistical setbacks, whether due to ineffectiveness or a higher likelihood of injury. Murray’s name is likely to be added to a long list of great backs who struggled coming back from extreme-use seasons like Johnson, Jamal Anderson, Eddie George, Terrell Davis, Ricky Williams, Barry Foster, Jamal Lewis, Edgerrin James...wait...I’m not done...Michael Turner, Earl Campbell...well, you get the idea.

Jeremy Hill

CINCINNATI BENGALS

6’1, 233LBS, B:OCTOBER 20, 1992 Year Team Rank ATTs 2014 CIN 11 222 2015 CIN 11

RUSHING YDs TDs 1124 9 1100 10

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 27 215 0 20 160 0

HEY, IT’S TOUGH TO ADMIT it, but size matters. Giovani Bernard is a talented dual threat running back. But purely as a runner, he struggles in spots. And his smaller stature hurts him in pass protection, so when Hill exceeded expectations, the Bengals turned the majority of their running game over to the rookie. Hill now enters 2015 as the presumed starter with Bernard serving as a third down receiving option. The former LSU Tiger finished the 2014 season with a bang, totaling nearly 400 rushing yards in Cincinnati’s final three regular season games. Hill lead all rookies last year by a hefty margin with over 1,100 rushing yards as he ran with all the reckless power an average 235 pound back can muster. Hill has a little more risk associated with him due to the presence of Bernard. If Hill struggled for some reason, he probably doesn’t have the kind of leash others ranked in this general area do. But Hill has oodles of talent which makes him a solid fantasy starter. (A.G.)

Lamar Miller

MIAMI DOLPHINS

5’10, 218LBS, B:APRIL 25, 1991

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs MIA 36 177 MIA 9 216 MIA 12

RUSHING YDs TDs 709 2 1099 8 900 6

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 26 170 0 38 275 1 40 300 1

KNOWING THAT MILLER WAS the ninth highest scoring fantasy running back in 2014 says a lot about the running back position in the NFL. Miller was healthy enough to play in all 16 games but it took a season-ending injury to Knowshon Moreno to give Miller the bulk of the Dolphins rushing attempts in 2014. And even with that injury, Miller never exceeded 19 carries in a game. His season totals were bolstered by a week seventeen performance against the Jets where Miller rushed for 178 yards including a 97 yard touchdown run. It is unclear as to whether the Dolphins see Miller as an every down back going into 2015. They ignored the running back position in free agency and early in the draft, but did take Jay Ajayi in the fifth round. Reports indicate that Ajayi’s draft stock dropped due to long term concerns about his knee. But for 2015, Ajayi’s size and overall game make him an immediate threat to Miller’s numbers. Miller’s speed makes him a threat to score any time he touches the ball, but the big question is how many touches he will have in 2015. (M.M.)

40 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 40

6/22/15 11:29 PM

Justin Forsett

BALTIMORE RAVENS

5’8, 197LBS, B:OCTOBER 14, 1985

Year 2013 2014 2015

JAMAL CHARLES #2

Carlos Hyde

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

6’0, 235LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 20, 1991 Year Team Rank ATTs 2014 SF 59 83 2015 SF 13

RUSHING YDs TDs 333 4 1120 5

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 12 68 0 27 230 1

IT’S STRANGE TO THINK OF someone other than Frank Gore leading San Francisco in rushing given that he had done so every season of the last decade, but the writing was on the wall as soon as the 49ers chose Hyde with the 57th overall pick last year. Hyde’s 4.0 yards per carry average was something of a disappointment, and much of the problem stemmed from being unable to turn the corner against NFL defenders. Whereas most running backs post a higher average on runs to the outside, Hyde was much more effective between the tackles. His reported off-season weight loss should help, but the reality is that the 49ers’ vaunted offensive line was already a shell of its former self and then lost Mike Iupati to a division rival. A change to more zone blocking concepts might help, but San Francisco chose to promote from within and make Geep Chryst the new offensive coordinator. The addition of Reggie Bush unfortunately means less opportunities for Hyde to contribute as a receiver after showing well in that area as a rookie. (J.D.B.)

Alfred Morris WASHINGTON

Photo: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

5’10, 218LBS, B:DECEMBER 12, 1988 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team WAS WSH WAS

Rank ATTs 19 276 18 265 14

RUSHING YDs TDs 1275 7 1074 8 1180 9

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 9 78 0 17 155 0 12 90 0

IT WASN’T A SURPRISE THAT MORRIS saw a decline in carries as well as in per carry production following the change from Mike Shanahan’s run-friendly offense to more of a pass orientation under Jay Gruden. The one-cut downhill style of Morris suited Shanahan’s zoneblocking schemes better than the slower developing pulls from Gruden, leading to suggestions that Washington might look to make a change in the backfield. While the team did add a running back in the third round of the draft, Matt Jones is very similar in style to Morris, indicating that

Alfred should remain not only the lead back but receive a preponderance of carries. Unfortunately he is not likely to return to his previous levels, and his continued irrelevance in the passing game further depresses his value, particularly in points per receptions leagues. Entering the final year of his contract, Morris has every incentive to stay on the field and Washington needs to find out if he is a long-term fit, so how he is used during the preseason should say a lot about their plans going forward. (J.D.B.)

Mark Ingram

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 7 68 0 29 145 0 31 160 0

INGRAM IS A DETERMINED running back, a player who refuses to go down on first contact and runs with a tenacity reminiscent of a Russell Westbrook in football pads. But Ingram’s game hadn’t translated to fantasy success until last season. New Orleans managed to commit enough to the running game for Ingram to average over 70 rushing yards per game to go along with nearly double digit touchdowns. That may not sound like a big deal, but both figures are significant improvements for Ingram and over a 16 game season they extrapolate out to almost 1,200 yards with double digit scores. The extrapolation needs to be done, unfortunately, because Ingram battled injuries again last year, which has become a theme of sorts. If Ingram can maintain his health, he’s a high-upside pick at this value. If injuries hit again, newly acquired CJ Spiller could usurp the starting gig altogether. (A.G.)

DAVID GONOS’ CHALLENGE:

TDs 0 8 6

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 15 82 0 44 263 0 37 220 0

Melvin Gordon SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

6’1, 215LBS, B:APRIL 13, 1993

5’9, 215LBS, B:DECEMBER 21, 1989

RUSHING Year Team Rank ATTs YDs TDs 2013 NO 59 78 386 1 2014 NO 14 226 964 9 2015 NO 15 970 8

RUSHING YDs 31 1266 960

AFTER STARTING THE 2014 season as the third string running back behind Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce, Justin Forsett emerged as the fantasy free agent pick up of 2014. Projecting a player of Forsett’s profile is difficult as it is very rare for a running back to have a season like Forsett had in 2014 after six seasons in the league. After rushing for a total just under 1,700 rushing yards in those first six seasons he managed to rush for 1,266 yards in 2014. He will be 30 years old in 2015, typically considered high for a running back, but he has only 582 carries in that time period. Both Rice and Pierce are gone heading into 2015 and Baltimore did not draft a running back until the fourth round. Forsett thrived with Gary Kubiak as the Ravens offensive coordinator (Kubiak coached Forsett in Houston). New offensive coordinator Marc Trestman is expected to use the same rushing approach as Kubiak. (M.M.)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Year Team Rank ATTs 2015 SD 17

RUSHING YDs TDs 1060 9

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 16 140 0

WHILE UNCERTAINTY reigned in San Diego over whether Philip Rivers had played his last down as Chargers quarterback, the team seemed pretty resolute in their feelings on Gordon. San Diego allowed oft-injured former starter Ryan Mathews to flee to Philadelphia and in turn, opening the door for Gordon. The rookie runner will begin the season as the starter with little competition in sight. One of the biggest questions for Gordon coming out of Wisconsin will be his ability to adapt if the holes aren’t there. During his days as a Wisconsin Badger, Gordon was held to no gain or a loss on nearly 20 percent of his carries. NFL defenses could be even tougher on him. Also, he must do a better job holding onto the football. Gordon coughed it up six times in his final five games with Wisconsin. Nonetheless, the Chargers are sold on Gordon heading into the season and expect his burst to be a big boost to San Diego’s offense. Heading into 2015, Gordon is the arguably fantasy football’s top rookie back and a good number two option. (D.J.)

Jonathan Stewart

CAROLINA PANTHERS 5’10, 235LBS, B:MARCH 21, 1987

Ingram had his best season as a pro last year, and the Saints are bound to run more this season, with both Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills traded out of town. C.J. Spiller will pick up some work, but 250-plus touches and a ton of goal-line work awaits Ingram, who is still just 25 years old with only 582 career carries

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 41

Team Rank ATTs JAC 6 BAL 8 235 BAL 16

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team CAR CAR CAR

Rank ATTs 80 48 24 175 18

RUSHING YDs TDs 180 0 809 3 990 5

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 7 44 0 25 181 1 28 190 2

WHAT COULD STEWART DO as a featured runner? He finally was able to answer that long-simmering question late last season. With an injured DeAngelo

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 41

6/22/15 11:29 PM

POSITION RANKING

Frank Gore

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

5’9, 217LBS, B:MAY 14, 1983 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team SF SF IND

Rank ATTs 18 276 21 255 19

RUSHING YDs TDs 1128 9 1106 4 1090 8

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 16 141 0 11 111 1 13 100 1

IT HAS BEEN 10 SEASONS SINCE Edgerrin James rushed for over 1,500 yards for the Colts in 2005 – the last time a Colts running back rushed for over 1,100 yards. Gore entered the league in 2005, and he hopes to change Indianapolis’ ground troubles. Gore has eclipsed that mark in each of the past four seasons, and seven of his 10 seasons in the NFL. But the worries about a 30-year-old tailback are real

– and Gore is 32 with 2,442 career carries – behind just Steven Jackson among active leaders. But Gore’s yards per carries climbed last season from 4.1 to 4.3, and the Colts offense is dynamic. Defenses will not be able to pay as much attention on Gore as they have in recent seasons in San Francisco. But most importantly, head coach Chuck Pagano plans to utilize Gore in the passing game, something he used to do with the 49ers (255 catches from 2006-10). Gore should produce second fantasy back numbers as a low-risk fourth-round pick. (D.G.)

Giovani Bernard

CINCINNATI BENGALS

5’9, 208LBS, B:NOVEMBER 22, 1991

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team CIN CIN CIN

Rank ATTs 13 170 16 168 20

RUSHING YDs TDs 695 5 680 5 530 3

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 56 514 3 43 349 2 49 460 3

MANY HAD EXPECTED THE explosive Bernard to rocket into fantasy prominence in the Bengals new run-heavy attack last season, but then-rookie Jeremy Hill did it instead. Bernard had his chance, but the 5-foot-8, 202-pound runner wore down under heavy rushing workloads during Cincinnati’s first seven games. The bigger Hill replaced him as the primary early-down back and goal-line specialist, while Bernard settled into a third-down/ change-of-pace role that included just occasional early-down work and very rare goal-line duties. He averaged 13 touches and 67 total yards per game, with two receiving touchdowns scored during the Bengals’ final half dozen regular-season contests. It looks like more of the same for Bernard in 2015. His rushing and receiving workloads will vary each week, depending on game flow. When Cincinnati’s ground game struggles, or when the team has to play in come-from-behind mode, Bernard will see more action than usual. He has more value in point-per-reception leagues and has obvious upside if Hill goes down with an injury. (M.W.)

Solid 21

Latavius Murray

OAKLAND RAIDERS

6’3, 225LBS, B:JANUARY 18, 1990

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs DNP OAK 49 82 OAK 21

RUSHING YDs TDs 424 880

17 30

143 280

0 1

GUESS WHERE TRENT Richardson landed? That’s right, in the Oakland Raiders backfield. Thus, Murray probably will not have to look over his shoulder, often in regards to Richardson, who is notorious for struggling throughout his career. Alas, Murray will head up Oakland’s rushing attack. While showing glimpses of a promising future last season, Murray saw most of his workload during Weeks 14-17, when he earned 68 of his 82 carries. Questions remain whether he can carry the load of being the week-to-week starter. Don’t expect Murray to jump into the 300-carry zone with change-of-pace back Roy Helu lurking in the shadows to steal touches. A part of Murray’s success could be determined by whether the Raiders can stay competitive enough during games to warrant touches for him. Regardless, look for him to be a respectable number two back for fantasy rosters. (D.J.)

Andre Ellington ARIZONA CARDINALS

5’9, 192LBS, B:FEBRUARY 3, 1989 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team ARI ARI ARI

Rank ATTs 26 118 19 201 22

RUSHING YDs 652 660 610

TDs 3 3 2

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 39 371 1 46 395 2 46 380 2

BEFORE 2014, ELLINGTON WAS held back because he was essentially a third-down back with limited carries. But the Cardinals loaded him up last year—and it ended up being a foot injury holding him back once he got a heavier workload. He admitted it hampered his ability to cut, which is the edge his weapon has. Ellington’s yards per carry dropped from 5.5 down to 3.3 with the bad foot. A fantasy-friendly 4.0 YPC might be a reasonable expectation in 2015, but he’ll be sharing the workload again with rookie David Johnson. He’s worth a look in Rounds 4-6 as a second back, but he makes for a much better flex player. (D.G.)

MARC MELTZER’S CHALLENGE:

LE’VEON BELL #3

2 4

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs

Andre Ellington is not a back built to carry 20 times per game as he did three times in 2014. Ellington performed admirably in 2014 considering that he was hampered by a pre-season foot injury until it finally shut him down after 12 games. Lamar Miller was very successful in 2014 with his carries limited to 11-15 per game and I believe that Ellington can be more effective with a work load in that range. Throw in his excellent pass catching ability in PPR formats and it is easy to see Ellington ranking closer to 10 than to 20 among NFL running backs.

Photo: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Williams (who is now with the Steelers) out of commission for the Panthers’ six season-ending contests, Stewart delivered the goods. He averaged a rock-solid 20.5 combined touches and 104.7 total yards per game, and scored three times (twice on the ground). He also rushed for 120-plus yards in three outings. Since Williams is gone, Stewart should be the first option in Carolina’s backfield. Listed at 5-foot-11, 235 pounds, he runs with a rare combination of tackle-breaking power and high-end speed. However, there are some issues working against Stewart. The Panthers plan to keep using a two-back system and have promised to limit him to an average of 15-18 touches per contest. Cam Newton has been notorious for stealing goal-line carries from all Panthers ball carriers. It’s a mystery why the sure-handed Stewart doesn’t see more action in the passing game. He caught just eight balls in Carolina’s final six contests of 2014. The 28-year-old Stewart’s injury history is worrisome. During the last three years, he has missed 23 out of 48 regular-season games due to nagging foot and leg ailments. Bottom line: Stewart offers mediocre fantasy RB2 value as a two-down runner, and he’s clearly an injury risk. (M.W.)

42 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 42

6/22/15 11:29 PM

C.J. Spiller

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

5’11, 200LBS, B:AUGUST 15, 1987 RUSHING Year Team Rank ATTs YDs TDs 2013 BUF 27 202 933 2 2014 BUF 69 78 300 0 2015 NO 23 420 2

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 33 185 0 19 125 1 49 450 3

NEARLY CONSTANT INJURY issues along with the scourge of Fred Jackson’s vulturing presence have dogged CJ Spiller’s NFL career. In five years with Buffalo, Spiller was only able to start 36 games. In 2014, a broken collarbone spelled the end of his run with the Bills. The Saints came calling and it’s an interesting match. On one hand, Spiller appears to be a great fit as a capable receiver out of the backfield and a player who, in general, has tremendous open-field potential. But Mark Ingram staked his claim as a workhorse last year despite injury concerns of his own. That leaves Spiller as one of the more important handcuff options this year and in a potential committee split that will make the old feel new again for Spiller and fantasy owners alike. (A.G.)

Joique Bell DETROIT LIONS

5’11, 220LBS, B:AUGUST 4, 1986 RUSHING Year Team Rank ATTs YDs TDs 2013 DET 14 166 650 8 2014 DET 13 223 860 7 2015 DET 24 700 5

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 53 547 0 34 322 1 30 290 0

ASIDE FROM ONE NOTABLE campaign in 2013, the Detroit Lions have consistently ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing attempts and rushing yardage since the turn of the millennium. Joique Bell assumed the role of lead back last season, mostly by default following various injuries to Reggie Bush. Unfortunately while he has proven himself to be an effective weapon as a receiver out of the backfield, Bell was not effective as a primary rusher, averaging just 3.9 yards per rush each of the last two years. While the Lions did allow Bush to leave in free agency, spending the 54th overall selection on Ameer Abdullah showed that the team intends to get younger and more productive on the ground. Bell’s experience and his value as a receiver should secure him the most snaps, but his numbers are more likely to decline than increase. (J.D.B.)

Rashad Jennings NEW YORK GIANTS

6’1, 231LBS, B:MARCH 26, 1985 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team OAK NYG NYG

Rank ATTs 24 163 29 167 25

RUSHING YDs TDs 733 6 639 4 800 5

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 36 292 0 30 226 0 21 210 0

THE GIANTS HAVE BUILT AN interesting collection of backs heading into 2015. Seventh-year running back Rashad Jennings is in a tough spot for carries and receptions. Jennings was given solid opportunities the past three seasons with the Jaguars, Raiders, and Giants. Always a player with trouble staying

healthy, Jennings was effective in 2014 when he was on the field. But when he got hurt, he saw rookie plow-horse Andre Williams take over, especially in short yardage and goal line situations. This offseason the Giants only added pass-catching back Shane Vereen which appears to leave Jennings needing to hold off Williams for the bulk of the first and second down carries in New York. (M.M.)

Todd Gurley ST. LOUIS RAMS

6’1, 222LBS, B:AUGUST 3, 1994 Year Team Rank ATTs 2015 STL 26

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 24 210 0

WHILE RUNNING THE BALL for Georgia the past few seasons, Gurley drew comparisons to Marshawn Lynch in his running style and ability. Unfortunately, a torn ACL ruined the end of his college career—and possibly the beginning of his NFL career. His draft stock didn’t fall much, though, despite the November knee surgery, and the Rams made him the 10th overall draft pick. Head coach Jeff Fisher plans to use Gurley cautiously to begin the season, but advancements in reconstructive knee surgery should have fantasy owners excited about the second-third of Gurley’s rookie campaign. Draft starters first, of course, but gambling on Gurley in Rounds 6 or 7 isn’t a horrible idea. (D.G.)

DEREK JONES’ CHALLENGE:

Is there an appreciable difference between Gurley and players like Andre Ellington, CJ Spiller, and Latavius Murray? All three are ranked ahead of Gurley while Ellington and Spiller have been hounded by injuries throughout their careers. Meanwhile, Murray hasn’t exactly shown that he is a proven commodity. Yes, Gurley is getting back into form after an ACL injury that he suffered last fall but his upside this season is arguably greater than any of the aforementioned backs and he could be a difference maker around fantasy playoff time.

Tevin Coleman ATLANTA FALCONS

5’11, 206LBS, B:APRIL 16, 1993 Year Team Rank ATTs 2015 ATL 27

RUSHING YDs TDs 850 4

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 20 180 0

ONE YEAR AFTER USING A fourth-round pick on Florida State running back Devonta Freeman, Atlanta opted to draft Coleman in the third round of this year’s draft. To further muddy the fantasy waters in Atlanta, the Falcons welcome a new coaching staff including offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who has shown in previous stops that he is not afraid to mix it up in the running game. Coleman is likely to share time with Freeman in the backfield throughout the season. Coleman is considered a slightly more physical presence than Freeman, however, which should give him the advantage over the smaller second-year back. Don’t be surprised if Coleman gets the nod on first and second down while Freeman comes in for relief on third-down situations. Consider Coleman as a low-end number two back and flex option in his rookie year. (D.J.)

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 43

RUSHING YDs TDs 680 6

T.J. Yeldon

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 6’1, 226LBS, B:OCTOBER 2, 1993

Year Team Rank ATTs 2015 JAC 28

RUSHING YDs TDs 660 5

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 25 240 0

AS FAR AS DEPTH CHARTS GO, the Jaguars have one of the easier ones for a rookie back to navigate. Toby Gerhart is the presumptive “starter” for training camp, but it would be a major disappointment for Yeldon to not claim that job by Week One. Yeldon’s path to fantasy relevance, however, will hinge on more than just beating out Gerhart and Denard Robinson. He’ll have to rely heavily on his ability to be a factor in Jacksonville’s fledgling passing attack, an aspect of the game that the rookie excelled at in college. Obviously, this means Yeldon is worth more in PPR leagues than standard scoring leagues. Still, the lack of an explosive offense does mean defenses will be able to key on Yeldon in the running game, which will limit his value. Yeldon is best suited for a backup role to be plugged in when byes and matchups dictate it. (A.G.)

Devonta Freeman

ATLANTA FALCONS

5’8, 206LBS, B:MARCH 15, 1992

Year Team Rank ATTs 2014 ATL 48 65 2015 ATL 29

RUSHING YDs TDs 248 1 590 2

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 30 225 1 36 300 1

FREEMAN’S ROOKIE SEASON was not the promising debut Atlanta or his fantasy owners had hoped for. Rather than showing clear superiority over the Falcons’ other running backs, Freeman proved just as lackluster as Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers. His failure to capitalize on his opportunity likely influenced Atlanta to spend a third-round pick on Tevin Coleman. Freeman still figures to see an increased role in the offense, but he isn’t as strong between the tackles as Coleman is, nor as explosive in space as Antone Smith. He is the best receiver of the three, which matters in an offense that will continue to be pass-oriented. He just won’t be more than a part of the committee barring a significant injury to one of the others. (J.D.B.)

Tre Mason

ST. LOUIS RAMS

5’9, 205LBS, B:AUGUST 6, 1993 Year Team Rank ATTs 2014 STL 30 179 2015 STL 30

RUSHING YDs TDs 765 4 700 5

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 16 148 1 19 170 1

MASON WAS BY FAR THE most effective running back for the Rams in 2014. But clearly the Rams do not see him as the long-term answer after using a first round draft choice on Todd Gurley in 2015. With Gurley’s health in question entering this season, Mason has a chance to excel early and earn touches even when Gurley is ready. The third-round pick from Auburn in 2014 did not see a carry in the first four games in last year before unseating Zac Stacey as the starter. Mason rushed for over 100 yards twice, once in a 29-carry effort

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 43

6/22/15 11:29 PM

POSITION RANKING

as the Rams upset the Broncos. He also showed big-game ability scoring three touchdowns in a game against the Raiders. (M.M.)

Doug Martin

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

5’9, 223LBS, B:JANUARY 13, 1989 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team TB TB TB

Rank ATTs 50 127 51 134 31

RUSHING YDs TDs 456 1 494 2 630 4

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 12 66 0 13 64 0 25 210 1

THE BUCCANEERS COACHing staff has been publicly talking up the unproven second-year pro Charles Sims, but Martin enters the preseason as the team’s lead runner. After exploding onto the NFL scene with an outstanding 2012 rookie season, Martin has been very disappointing during the last two years. Battling nagging injuries (15 games missed) and running behind some brutal offensive lines, Martin averaged 17 combo touches and 63.5 combo yards per game while notching just three rushing touchdowns and two 100-yard outings. The fourth-year pro’s struggles in pass protection have all but killed his involvement in the passing game. It’s anybody’s guess whether Martin, who is in a contact year, can step up his play and hold down the starting gig all season with Sims supposedly lurking. Unless Martin has a preseason meltdown, he is the favorite for early-down work in a presumed committee backfield that includes only Sims, the smallish Bobby Rainey and the plodding Mike James as competition. Hiss shaky job security and durability concerns make him a risky fantasy reserve choice. (M.W.)

Darren McFadden DALLAS COWBOYS

5’7, 210 LBS, B:MARCH 23, 1985 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team OAK OAK DAL

Rank ATTs 46 114 35 155 32

RUSHING YDs TDs 379 5 534 2 580 5

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 17 108 0 36 212 0 30 200 0

IT’S DOUBTFUL THAT McFadden would even be considered for the lead back role in Dallas if not for Jerry Jones’ association with the University of Arkansas. Admittedly the Cowboys’ offensive line is dramatically superior to Oakland’s, yet McFadden is no longer the explosive athlete who was drafted fourth overall in 2008. Always an upright runner who struggled after contact, a McFadden without breakaway speed is not an effective running back in the NFL. The place where Darren could contribute is as a receiver, not that he is particularly good in that role either, but it is one with which he has far more experience than Dallas’ other options in the backfield. (J.D.B.)

Isaiah Crowell CLEVELAND BROWNS

5’11, 225LBS, B:JANUARY 8, 1993 Year Team Rank ATTs 2014 CLE 33 148 2015 CLE 33

RUSHING YDs TDs 607 8 800 7

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 9 87 0 6 70 0

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU mix a suspended wide receiver with two less-than-stellar quarterbacks? You get the Cleveland Browns’ offense heading into 2015. Crowell developed into one of the lone bright spots for Cleveland’s woeful attack last year. His rookie campaign saw him split time with Terrance West en route to rushing for more than 600 yards, averaging a tick over four yards per rush. Expect more of the same again with Cleveland’s quarterback situation a potential problem again. After finishing sixth in the league in rushing attempts, the Browns will likely have a similar profile this year. Whether it’s Josh McCown or Johnny Manziel, Crowell should get a chance to shine again. Due to likely sharing the rock with West again, consider the Browns back a deep second-string option and flex player. (D.J.)

Keep An Eye On 34

Chris Ivory NEW YORK JETS

6’0, 222LBS, B:MARCH 22, 1988 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team NYJ NYJ NYJ

Rank ATTs 43 182 23 198 34

RUSHING YDs TDs 833 3 821 6 760 6

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 2 10 0 18 123 1 10 60 0

WHILE REX RYAN WON’T BE coaching the Jets in 2015, Ivory still remains as one of the tailbacks in East Rutherford, N.J. He’ll compete with former Patriots back Stevan Ridley and former Rams runner Zac Stacy, but none of them are expected to be regular starters in 12-team leagues. All three are big backs with similar styles, while Stacy might be the best in the passing game. Ivory held off Chris Johnson’s attempt to unseat him as the Jets’ top tailback, and now he gets to work in Chan Gailey’s offensive system. If he starts for the Jets, he’ll get a good amount of usage, but fantasy owners should look at Ivory as a serviceable flex or backup without a ton of upside (D.G.)

LeGarrette Blount

early-down work and goal-line duties but does nothing in the passing game. On the other hand, fantasy owners shouldn’t rule out Brandon Bolden, Jonas Gray or James White emerging and stealing touches from Blount in what traditionally has been an unpredictable Patriots backfield mix. Blount is much safer to draft as a fantasy reserve and be aware of his one-game league suspension. (M.W.)

5’10, 203LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 15, 1992

Year Team Rank ATTs 2014 TEN 44 152 2015 TEN 36

281 650

3 7

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 2 38 0 6 11

36 70

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 18 133 0 17 140 0

Duke Johnson

CLEVELAND BROWNS

5’9, 207LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 23, 1993

Year Team Rank ATTs 2015 CLE 37

RUSHING YDs TDs 360 3

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 31 250 2

THE CLEVELAND BROWNS used a third-round draft choice in 2015 on running back Duke Johnson from the University of Miami. Johnson’s versatility should fit nicely in the Browns offense and he is expected to have an immediate role, as at least a third-down back. He will fight for carries with Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West, but those two combined for 20 receptions in 2014. So there should be plenty of RB receptions to be had in the Cleveland backfield for Johnson, who caught 38 passes for the Hurricanes last season. (M.M.)

Shane Vereen

NEW YORK GIANTS

5’10, 205LBS, B:MARCH 2, 1989

6’0, 250LBS, B:DECEMBER 5, 1986 RUSHING YDs TDs 772 7

RUSHING YDs TDs 569 2 690 4

SANKEY SERVES AS AN ominous warning sign to fantasy owners who draft situation over talent. The Titans had little else to go with on the depth chart, so Sankey’s value inflated as a rookie back with a firm grasp on a starting gig. Unfortunately, Tennessee was a fantasy wasteland and Sankey’s value went down with the rest of the Titans ship. (If only there was some kind of historic analogy I could use...a play on ‘Titans’ perhaps? Oh well.) Anyway, the good news is Sankey probably isn’t as bad as he showed last year, he still has a chance to be the starter, and his value is subdued. All of that means he is worth a flier, especially as a handcuff to rookie David Cobb. (A.G.)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Year Team Rank ATTs 2013 NE 37 153 2014 NE/PIT 75 60 2015 NE 35

Bishop Sankey

TENNESSEE TITANS

0 0

SINCE STEVAN RIDLEY (JETS) and Shane Vereen (Giants) both departed in free agency, all signs point to Blount operating as New England’s lead back. The seasoned sixth-year pro was a key cog in the team’s 2014 Super Bowl run. The 241-pound battering ram makes his living off

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team NE NE NYG

Rank ATTs 35 44 28 96 38

RUSHING YDs 208 391 210

TDs 1 2 1

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 47 427 3 52 447 3 41 400 2

THE GIANTS PLAN TO USE Vereen, the talented playmaker, mainly as a pass-catching specialist and occasional early-down guy in a committee backfield that includes do-it-all back Rashad Jennings and bulldozer Andre Williams. There also has been speculation that the G-Men want to use Vereen occasionally as a wideout in

44 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 44

6/22/15 11:29 PM

three-receiver sets. Like all passing-down backs, Vereen has more value in point-per-reception leagues. His week-to-week production will be influenced heavily by game flow and will lack consistency. If the 30-year-old Jennings is slowed by injuries for the second year in a row, Vereen obviously would see more action. (M.W.)

Ameer Abdullah DETROIT LIONS

5’9, 205LBS, B:JUNE 13, 1993 Year Team Rank ATTs 2015 DET 39

RUSHING YDs TDs 520 4

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 21 160 1

DETROIT’S RUSHING ATTACK was a mess last season. The Lions finished 28th in rushing and 29th in yards per attempt. Abdullah joins the Lions backfield to likely share time with Joique Bell after Reggie Bush signed with the 49ers. The Nebraska Cornhusker should offer versatility as both a rushing and receiving threat while chipping in on special teams as well. During OTAs, Abdullah fielded punts in practice. (D.J.)

Charles Sims

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 6’0, 214LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 20, 1990

Year Team Rank ATTs 2014 TB 71 66 2015 TB 40

RUSHING YDs TDs 185 1 460 2

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 19 190 0 25 290 1

THE BUCS EXPECTED SIMS TO step right in as the third-down back after drafting him in the third round of the 2014 draft out of West Virginia. A broken ankle in training camp, however, cost Sims half the season. He did catch passes in all eight games that he played, but he averaged only 2.8 yards per carry. (M.M.)

Jerrick McKinnon MINNESOTA VIKINGS

5’9, 208LBS, B:MAY 3, 1992 RUSHING Year Team Rank ATTs YDs TDs 2014 MIN 47 113 538 0 2015 MIN 41 550 2

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 27 135 0 25 180 1

JERRICK MCKINNON’S fantasy prospects are tied completely to Adrian Peterson. As long as Peterson is an unsuspended Viking, McKinnon doesn’t have much room for growth. And all signs at this point suggest Peterson will be in Minnesota and active this season. Still, McKinnon is a worthy handcuff for Peterson owners and a decent speculative play for others as a very late or cheap addition whose value skyrockets should Peterson find himself sitting for any reason. (A.G.)

Reggie Bush

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

6’0, 203LBS, B:MARCH 2, 1985 RUSHING Year Team Rank ATTs YDs TDs 2013 DET 21 223 1006 4 2014 DET 42 76 297 2 2015 SF 42 280 1

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 54 506 3 40 253 0 38 310 2

PIGEON-HOLED AS A RECEIVing specialist during the early part of

his career, Bush proved in Miami that he could function competently as a feature back. He reprised that role in his first season with Detroit, before a litany of minor injuries pushed him down the depth chart last season. Now with San Francisco, Bush is likely slated for a return to receiving duties, but could work his way into the rushing rotation if Carlos Hyde fails to establish himself as Frank Gore’s replacement. (JD Bolick)

Joseph Randle DALLAS COWBOYS

6’0, 198LBS, B:DECEMBER 29, 1991 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team DAL DAL DAL

Rank ATTs 69 54 73 51 43

TDs 2 3 4

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 8 61 0 4 23 0 20 180 1

DARREN MCFADDEN JOINED Dallas this past offseason, but the oft-injured college star won’t be able to replace DeMarco Murray, the 2014 NFL rushing champion. Randle and McFadden could share duties this season behind the best offensive line in the league, divvying up the 300-plus carries that Murray got last season. But if one does stand out from the other, he could easily put up top-15 fantasy back numbers. If this battle isn’t ironed out by the time your fantasy draft happens, drafting the second of these two backs could give you the best value. (D.G.)

David Johnson

ARIZONA CARDINALS

6’1, 224LBS, B:DECEMBER 16, 1991

Year Team Rank ATTs 2015 ARI 44

RUSHING YDs TDs 530 4

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 17 140 0

THE CARDINALS ESCHEWED small-school bias and fingered David Johnson in the third round of the NFL Draft as a solution to their running woes from last year. Despite high expectations for Andre Ellington, Arizona finished dead last in yards per carry. Johnson is a big back from UNI. That would be the University of Northern Iowa, of course. Despite his size, he is a talented receiver out of the backfield, but probably will max out as a change of pace to Ellington this year. (A.G.)

Denard Robinson

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 6’0, 197LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 22, 1990

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs JAC 20 JAC 40 135 JAC 45

RUSHING YDs TDs 66 0 582 4 470 4

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 23 20

124 130

0 0

SINCE THE JAGUARS PLAN to use rookie T.J. Yeldon as a three-down workhorse, Robinson will slide into a change-of-pace role. The speedybut-small former college quarterback couldn’t cut the mustard during his audition as a full-time lead back in 2014. Robinson ran well in the early going but wore down under the heavy workloads, averaging just 2.8 YPC in his final three games. As a spot-starter, “Shoelace” has fantasy starter upside in favorable matchups. (M.W.)

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 45

RUSHING YDs 164 343 450

Danny Woodhead SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

5’8, 200LBS, B:DECEMBER 3, 1983 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team SD SD SD

Rank ATTs 12 106 115 15 46

RUSHING YDs TDs 429 2 38 0 180 0

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 76 605 6 5 34 0 36 330 2

WOODHEAD RETURNS TO the Chargers backfield after suffering a severe high ankle sprain and fractured fibula last season. The arrival of Melvin Gordon should not change Woodhead’s role as a third down back, but his biggest challenge will be returning to the form he showed as a Charger in 2013 when caught 76 passes. He should be back at full tilt by training camp. Expect him to have value yet again, primarily in PPR leagues. (D.J.)

Darren Sproles PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

5’6, 190LBS, B:JUNE 20, 1983 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team NO PHI PHI

Rank ATTs 23 53 25 57 47

RUSHING YDs TDs 220 2 329 6 210 0

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 71 604 2 40 387 0 30 350 2

PER TOUCH, SPROLES WAS one of the most productive running backs in the league last season. The problem, however, is that he averaged only six and a half touches per game in his first season with the Eagles. Despite comments from Chip Kelly about getting him more involved, it’s hard to envision a 32 year old handling an increased workload, especially with DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews added to the mix. (JD Bolick)

Ryan Mathews

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 6’0, 220LBS, B:MAY 1, 1987

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team SD SD PHI

Rank ATTs 17 285 67 74 48

RUSHING YDs TDs 1255 6 330 3 530 3

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 26 189 1 9 69 0 11 120 0

NORMALLY, JOINING THE Eagles would be a huge fantasy boost, but just before Mathews signed, so did DeMarco Murray, who led the NFL in rushing in 2014. Finally, Darren Sproles is still in town, hoping to improve on his 40-catch debut season in Philly last year. Expect Mathews to shine intermittently, but he’s going to be bookended in the early and late downs by two pretty good tailbacks. Ideally, he’ll fall to the eighth or ninth rounds, where the upside outweighs his cost. (D.G.)

Fred Jackson

BUFFALO BILLS

6’1, 216LBS, B:FEBRUARY 20, 1981

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team BUF BUF BUF

Rank ATTs 11 206 24 141 49

RUSHING YDs TDs 890 9 525 2 220 1

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 47 387 1 66 501 1 30 280 1

JACKSON WILL BE 34 YEARS old entering the 2015 season, clearly on

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 45

6/22/15 11:29 PM

POSITION RANKING

the upper edge for running backs. Jackson was still effective in 2014 catching a career-high 66 passes and could be useful as a third-down back (averaging 40 receptions per season for his eight year career). The Bills backfield is extremely crowded with the additions of LeSean McCoy via trade and Karlos Williams via draft. (M.M.)

One Sentence 50

Knile Davis

K ANSAS CITY CHIEFS

5’10, 228 LBS, B:OCTOBER 5, 1991

Year Team Rank ATTs 2014 KC 39 134 2015 KC 50

RUSHING YDs TDs 463 6 400 4

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 16 147 1 15 100 0

THREE GAMES IN RELIEF OF Jamaal Charles briefly made Knile Davis appear to be a competent running back and a viable fantasy option should Charles miss more time, yet the rest of the season he was hopelessly ineffective. His only value would come from a prolonged Charles absence. (J.D.B.)

Montee Ball

54 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank ATTs OAK 62 OAK 31 40 OAK 54

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 20 145 0 9 62 0 21 170 0

JUST AS BALL FLIP-FLOPPED from preseason fantasy stud to midseason fantasy bust last year, because of an appendectomy and a groin injury, he could just as easily flip-flop back into fantasy prominence in 2015. (D.G.)

Andre Williams NEW YORK GIANTS

6’0, 227LBS, B:AUGUST 28, 1992 RUSHING Year Team Rank ATTs YDs TDs 2014 NYG 27 217 721 7 2015 NYG 52 500 5

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 18 130 0 3 20 0

AFTER HOVERING IN THE Trent Richardson Zone by averaging an uninspiring 3.3 yards per carry, Williams will start 2015 behind Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen in New York’s backfield. (D.J.)

Stevan Ridley NEW YORK JETS

5’11, 220LBS, B:JANUARY 27, 1989 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team NE NE NYJ

Rank ATTs 34 178 79 94 53

RUSHING YDs TDs 773 7 340 2 460 5

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 10 62 0 4 20 0 4 30 0

RIDLEY’S ONLY FANTASY significance relies on an injury to Chris Ivory. (A.G.)

RUSHING YDs TDs 274 4 216 1 140 0

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 31 251 0 42 477 2 31 250 2

HELU’S 4.4 SPEED AND GREAT hands will make him an ideal change-ofpace for second-year pro Derek Carr in a revamped Raiders’ offense. (M.W.)

Branden Oliver

Travaris Cadet

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

5’11, 210LBS, B:FEBRUARY 1, 1989 Year Team Rank ATTs 2014 NO 57 10 2015 NE 59

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 36 271 1 15 130 0

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team CAR CAR PIT

OLIVER ENTERS 2015 AS THE backup for carries to rookie Melvin Gordon and the backup for receptions to Danny Woodhead. (M.M.)

Alfred Blue

DeAngelo Williams PITTSBURGH STEELERS

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 15 113 1 10 80 0

THE BACKUP TO THE AGINGand-injury-prone Arian Foster is a plodding runner (3.1 YPC) who offers little value. (M.W.)

Theo Riddick DETROIT LIONS

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 34 316 4 27 280 2

WITH REGGIE BUSH GONE, Riddick would have significant value as a receiver out of the backfield should anything happen to Joique Bell. (J.D.B.)

TDs 3 0 4

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 26 333 1 5 44 0 3 30 0

Jay Ajayi

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Year Team Rank ATTs 2015 MIA 61

RUSHING YDs TDs 260 2

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 12 110 0

THIS TALENTED EVERYdown rookie back could carve out a bigger-than-expected role in the Dolphins’ backfield if his right knee is sound. (M.W.)

David Cobb

TENNESSEE TITANS

5’11, 229LBS, B:JUNE 3, 1993

5’9, 200LBS B:MAY 4, 1991 RUSHING Year Team Rank ATTs YDs TDs 2014 DET 46 20 51 0 2015 DET 57 60 0

RUSHING YDs 843 219 320

6’0, 221LBS, B:JUNE 15, 1993

6’2, 222LBS, B:APRIL 27, 1991

Rank ATTs 25 201 90 62 60

A NECESSARY HANDCUFF for Le’Veon Bell owners as a fill in during Bell’s suspension. (A.G.)

HOUSTON TEXANS

RUSHING Year Team Rank ATTs YDs TDs 2014 HOU 45 169 528 2 2015 HOU 56 380 3

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 38 296 1 24 240 2

5’9, 215LBS, B:APRIL 25, 1983

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

RUSHING Year Team Rank ATTs YDs TDs 2014 SD 26 160 582 3 2015 SD 55 320 3

RUSHING YDs TDs 32 0 50 0

CADET MIGHT BE THE BEST candidate to help cover for the loss of Shane Vereen after catching 37 passes for the Saints last season. (D.J.)

5’8, 208LBS, B:MAY 7, 1991

5’10, 215LBS, B:DECEMBER 5, 1990 RUSHING Year Team Rank ATTs YDs TDs 2013 DEN 40 120 559 4 2014 DEN 88 55 172 1 2015 DEN 51 360 2

OAKLAND RAIDERS

5’11, 215LBS, B:DECEMBER 7, 1988

DENVER BRONCOS

Roy Helu Jr.

Year Team Rank ATTs 2015 TEN 62

RUSHING YDs TDs 260 1

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 15 130 0

AN EXCELLENT SPECULATIVE pick, the Titans’ fifth-rounder is great between the tackles, but an injury slowed him at the NFL Combine making his stock fall. (D.G.)

Terrance West

CLEVELAND BROWNS

5’10, 225LBS, B:JANUARY 28, 1991

Year Team Rank ATTs 2014 CLE 41 171 2015 CLE 58

RUSHING YDs TDs 673 4 360 4

RECEIVING RECs YDs TDs 11 64 1 5 40 0

WEST SPLIT CARRIES WITH Isaiah Crowell in 2014 and enters 2015 expected to play a similar role, with limited use in the passing game. (M.M.)

46 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_31-46_position_QB_v14.indd 46

6/22/15 11:29 PM

2015 POSITION R ANKING

WIDE RECEIVERS

Elite 1

Antonio Brown

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 5’10, 186LBS, B:JULY 10, 1988

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs PIT 3 110 1499 8 PIT 1 129 1698 13 PIT 1 114 1510 13

ATTs 7 4

RUSHING YDs TDs 4 0 13 0

Dez Bryant

DALLAS COWBOYS

6’2, 222LBS, B:NOVEMBER 4, 1988 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 DAL 7 93 1233 13 2014 DAL 3 88 1320 16 2015 DAL 2 94 1490 14

IT SEEMS LIKE BRYANT HAS been dominating the NFL for a decade, but really, he has only been among the dominant fantasy receivers over the past three seasons. Sure, Dez got robbed in the playoffs, but his fantasy owners still loved his 368 yards and six touchdowns from Weeks 14-17. Bryant offers reliability and durability in a first round receiver. Since the second half of 2012, Bryant has caught a touchdown pass or gone over 100 receiving yards in 30 of 40 games. That he’s just 26 years old, with at least another four or five years ahead of him near the top of the fantasy rankings, is amazing. Bryant might not get the number of receptions (88) or targets (136) that Antonio Brown (129, 181), but he’s durable, available a few picks later than Brown, and he’s on an offense that just lost the NFL’s leading rusher for 2014. Bryant is also currently dealing with a sticky contract situation that could run over into training camp. Hopefully, it’s all ironed out before draft time (D.G.)

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 47

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs 1 1 0

Demaryius Thomas

DENVER BRONCOS

6’3, 229LBS, B:DECEMBER 25, 1987

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs DEN 1 92 1430 14 DEN 4 111 1619 11 DEN 3 96 1490 12

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

THOMAS HAS BEEN MR. Consistency since pairing up with Peyton Manning in 2012. During the past three seasons with Manning, Thomas averaged 99 receptions, 1,494 yards, and 11 touchdowns. Those are stone-cold killer numbers and easily among the best in football over that span. He was a machine again last season. Thomas rattled off ten 100 yard receiving games in his final 13 outings including a streak of seven in a row. Even during Denver’s “we’re a running team now because we’re not 100 percent convinced Peyton can carry us anymore” phase late in the year, Thomas still notched three straight 100-yard receiving days to close out the regular season. Yet, there is an elephant in the room. If he is so automatic and Peyton Manning is back, why can’t he do it again? When we last saw the Broncos, they looked terrible in a 24-13 loss to the Colts. Soon after, a new coaching staff rolled into the Mile High city including Rick Dennison, who has begun his second tour of duty in Denver as offensive coordinator. Thus, attending OTAs is important for offensive players. Unfortunately, Thomas has yet to attend these because of a contract squabble.Then of course, there is Manning who didn’t play well

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 47

6/22/15 11:44 PM

11:26:49

JERRY RICE WASN’T THE fastest receiver. Rice wasn’t the tallest receiver. He excelled with great hands, impeccable route running skills, and an implicit understanding of what a defender was doing. Brown isn’t quite Rice, but he might just be the closest facsimile since the 49ers great retired. Brown possesses the same understanding of the wide receiver position that Rice did. And “winning” for Brown is done well before the ball is in the air and top speed is reached. But in this era of Calvin Johnson’s and Julio Jones’, it has taken the football community more time than it should have to recognize just how dominant Brown is. Simply, it’s easy to see a physical specimen like Dez Bryant hold off a defender and then break a few tackles for a touchdown. Brown’s excellence occurs offscreen where helpless defensive backs would have better luck trying to catch a fly in their hands rather than prevent Brown from finding an opening to exploit. It doesn’t hurt that Ben Roethlisberger and Brown have developed a deep rapport over the last five years. As long as Roethlisberger is buying time against oncoming pass rushers, Brown will continue

15-06-25

Photo: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Year 2013 2014 2015

his statistical impressiveness. Even with Le’Veon Bell suspended for an early part of the season, teams will have to account for the many weapons Pittsburgh can throw out on offense. Anything less than 1,400 yards and double digit scores would be disappointing.. (A.G.)

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

THE FANTASY EMPHASIS HAS CLEARLY SHIFTED FROM LOADING UP ON RUNNING BACKS EARLY TO LOADING UP ON WIDE RECEIVERS. THIS IS consistent with the increase in total passing yards in the NFL increasing six consecutive seasons. Back in 2008, NFL teams threw for a combined 108,177 yards. In 2014, that total was 121,247, for an increase of almost 11 percent. —Marc Meltzer

FFG_15_047r1.p1.p1.pdf

HE PRODUCTION FROM THE 2014 ROOKIE wideout class was unprecedented in NFL history. We used to believe that rookie receivers rarely helped fantasy teams and that the second or third year was the big break out for wide receivers. Not anymore. The influx of talent shows in the 2015 wide receiver rankings. Fifteen of the top 70 wide receivers ranked for 2015 came out of the crop of 2014. Six earned their way into the top twenty. The rookie crop was so good, even undrafted free agent Allen Hurns was a solid producer. While ANTONIO BROWN #1 the top-five overall wide receivers are comprised of proven veterans (Antonio, Dez, Demaryius, Calvin, and Julio) it would not be a huge reach to see the big change in that group in 2016. The crop of 2015 rookies will have a hard time living up to the standard set in 2014. But NFL teams believe the trend will continue, as six teams spent a first round draft choice on a receiver, and another nine receivers were drafted between rounds two and three. And in the generation of production “right now” they will all be given a solid opportunity to earn snaps right out of the box.

POSITION RANKING

through the playoff loss and add in the season-ending knee injury to right tackle Ryan Clady in May and there are red flags abound for Thomas. Due to his production in previous years, it’s hard to pass him up as a top-flight fantasy receiver. Trouble is lurking in the distance though. Some of the aforementioned issues could easily cause his numbers to drop. (D.J.)

Calvin Johnson

DETROIT LIONS

6’5, 236LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 25, 1985

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs DET 5 84 1492 12 DET 15 71 1077 8 DET 4 82 1360 13

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

EVEN WHILE SETTING AN NFL record for the fastest player to reach 10,000 receiving yards, Johnson showed that he might be more mortal than Megatron at this point by struggling through a litany of injuries last season. His missed three games and hobbled through two others thanks to an ankle sprain, all after dealing with minor knee injuries and a dislocated finger in 2013. It is a testament to his toughness that he continued to perform at such a high level despite these impediments, yet the missed games are a reminder that he will turn 30 years old this season and that the NFL is a young man’s game. Receivers maintain their effectiveness longer than most positions, so his decline isn’t likely to be steep, but it has begun. The Lions have adjusted to this phase by changing the way Johnson is utilized. Recently one of the league’s most dangerous deep threats, Calvin’s seven catches on throws longer than 20 yards were his least since 2009. Now he functions more as an intermediate possession receiver where his size and strength allow him to out-muscle defenders. The key to his fantasy value going forward will be how often and how effectively he is utilized in the red zone. If he can get back to double-digit touchdowns then he will remain one of the game’s elite fantasy wideouts. (J.D.B.)

Julio Jones

ATLANTA FALCONS

6’3, 220LBS, B:FEBRUARY 3, 1989 Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs ATL 64 41 580 2 ATL 8 104 1593 6 ATL 5 94 1420 9

ATTs 1 1

RUSHING YDs TDs 7 0 1 0

THE ATLANTA FALCONS continue to reap the benefits of the 2011 trade to acquire the right to draft Jones in exchange for five draft picks. Jones has been almost everything the Falcons ever could have expected catching 278 passes for over 4,000 yards with 26 touchdowns in four seasons. Those numbers are even more impressive when considering Jones missed 15 games due injury over those four seasons, with 11 coming in 2013 due to a foot injury. Jones showed how dominant he can be in a two game stretch in 2014 where he caught 21 passes for 448 yards and two touchdowns. The lack of touchdowns were the only thing that prevented Jones from ranking higher in 2014. He scored only six times in 2014 compared to eight in 2011 and ten in 2012. Jones is highly consistent when healthy, catching at least four passes in all 20 games he played over the past two season (with at least eight targets in every game except one). A coaching staff change should have little effect with Matt Ryan and Jones having a strong rapport after four years together. (M.M.)

Odell Beckham Jr. NEW YORK GIANTS

5’11, 198LBS, B:NOVEMBER 5, 1992 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 NYG 5 91 1305 12 2015 NYG 6 85 1320 12

ATTs 7

RUSHING YDs TDs 35 0

BOYKIN BURST ONTO THE scene Is Beckham the next Randy Moss? We’ll see. As a rookie in 1998, Moss amassed 69 catches, 1,313 receiving yards and 17 touchdown receptions in 16 games played, which is

commonly regarded as the best season by a rookie wideout in NFL history. During Beckham’s awesome 2014 rookie campaign, he crushed Moss in catches and could have topped the future Hall of Famer in receiving yards and scoring grabs if a gimpy hamstring hadn’t limited him to 12 games. Everybody in the fantasy football universe knows Beckham’s story: he caught fire in the second half of the season and was unstoppable. The 2014 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year averaged 7.6 catches, 81.6 receiving yards and one touchdown reception per contest. He also notched six 130-yard games and caught multiple touchdown passes in four outings. The smallish Beckham (5-foot-11, 198 pounds) lacks Moss’ size (6-foot-4, 210 pounds), but ODB gets the job done with elite 4.38 speed, super-precision route-running, great hands and fantastic leaping ability. Heading into 2015, Beckham and Eli Manning both have a year of seasoning in offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s aggressive seventh-rated passing attack. With Victor Cruz (if healthy) and Rueben Randle back in the fold, opposing defenses won’t have the luxury of focusing solely on Beckham all game long. There’s no argument about Beckham deserving fantasy WR1 status; his upside in a full season looks awe inspiring. However, fantasy owners should lean toward drafting proven studs like those ranked ahead of Beckham here before thinking about calling his name. By the way, Moss amassed an 80-1,413-11 line in his second year. Mr. Beckham... can you top that? (M.W.)

J.D. BOLICK’S CHALLENGE:

I underestimated Beckham Jr. last season and I may be doing so again. My conservative ranking stems largely from the return of Victor Cruz. While I don’t expect Cruz to regain the favorite receiver status usurped by Beckham last season, especially considering that athletes rarely recover fully from a patellar tear, he will take away a significant number of targets. It’s also worth noting that Eli Manning’s 601 pass attempts were far above his usual total, so a return to more balance with the running game would further limit Beckham’s opportunities. It is true that Odell didn’t play in the team’s first four contests last season, so it’s possible that he could even improve on his rookie numbers, but the factors mentioned along with the possibility of a sophomore slump as defenses adjust to him make me more cautious about his fantasy value in 2015.

Jordy Nelson

GREEN BAY PACKERS

6’3, 217LBS, B:MAY 31, 1985

DEZ BRYANT #2

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs GB 13 85 1314 8 GB 2 98 1519 13 GB 7 82 1300 11

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

FEW PEOPLE EXPECTED that Jordy Nelson could improve on his excellent 2013 numbers, but he did in 2014. Twenty-four more targets resulted in 13 additional receptions for another 200 yards. The real bump came in the touchdown total, which jumped from eight up to 13. The scores will likely drive where Nelson ranks in 2015. A deeper examination of Nelson’s big plays (receptions of 40 or more yards) over the past four years shows the

Photo: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Year 2013 2014 2015

48 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 48

6/22/15 11:44 PM

variance. In 2011, six of his 15 touchdowns were on receptions of 40 or more yards. In 2014, seven of his 13 touchdowns were on receptions of 40 or more yards. In each of 2012 and 2013, Nelson only caught two touchdown passes of the long distance variety. The Packers offense under quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to be as prolific as they have been in recent years (over 4,000 yards passing in every year Nelson has been in the league) keeping Nelson among the elite wide receivers in the NFL. (M.M.)

A.J. Green

CINCINNATI BENGALS 6’4, 207LBS, B:JULY 31, 1988

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs CIN 4 98 1426 11 CIN 16 69 1041 6 CIN 8 88 1410 7

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

SOME FANTASY OWNERS completely backed away from drafting Green last year when they learned about Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson’s plans to utilize a conservative run-heavy scheme. How did things shake out? The productive Jeremy Hill/ Giovani Bernard-led ground game finished sixth. Andy Dalton set career lows in attempts, yards, and touchdown passes. Green amassed the lowest receiving yardage and touchdown numbers of his career along with his second-lowest reception total. However, don’t blame Green’s disappointing production on Cincinnati’s major change in offensive philosophy. Battling a laundry list of injuries, he missed three games and played hurt in at least two others. In the 11 contests that Green caught at least one pass, he averaged 6.2 receptions, 94.6 receiving yards and 0.5 touchdowns per game. Projecting Green’s numbers from the 11 outings over a full 16-game season yields 100 receptions, 1,514 receiving yards and nine scoring grabs. What does it all mean? Jackson clearly understands the need to keep his best playmaker consistently involved and did so – when Green was healthy. Listed at 6-foot-4, 211 pounds, he is one of the NFL’s most talented wideouts. The long strider has more than enough speed to leave cornerbacks in the dust, and Green has nice leaping ability. Even though he faces tons of attention from opposing defenses because the Bengals lack a scary-good complementary target, Green still racks up elite numbers. He also remains productive when “Bad Andy” makes his unwelcome appearances. A now-healthy Green is a shoo-in for a bounce-back season. (M.W.)

Alshon Jeffery CHICAGO BEARS

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs CHI 8 89 1421 7 CHI 12 85 1133 10 CHI 9 83 1290 9

ATTs 16 6

RUSHING YDs TDs 105 0 33 0

IT’S DIFFICULT TO EXAMINE A Bears receiver without having some sort of negative feeling about Jay Christopher Cutler. Alas, Jeffery and the Bears soldier ahead without wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Following a breakout run in 2013, Jeffery’s third-year proved

Randall Cobb

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs GB 65 31 433 4 GB 6 91 1287 12 GB 10 79 1210 10

RUSHING YDs TDs 78 0 37 0

THE ONLY WORRY COBB’S fantasy value faced this offseason was his contract situation. Cobb was a free agent, but he and the Packers agreed to a five year extension which solidifies his position as a number one fantasy target. Last year, Cobb had perhaps the most unsurprising breakout of the season with his first career 1,000 yard campaign. Green Bay knows what a weapon Cobb is as they line him up all over the field, even in the backfield in some instances. As long as Aaron Rodgers is tossing him passes, Jordy Nelson is dictating coverage on the other side of the field, and Eddie Lacy is instilling fear in defensive fronts, Cobb’s fantasy value appears safe. And that’s both good and bad because while it would be shocking to see Cobb fall off for any reason other than injury, it’s also true that there are many mouths to feed in Green Bay. That means the ceiling for Cobb probably isn’t as high as it is for others around this ranking. (A.G.)

T.Y. Hilton

Upper Echelon 12

2015 TB

1170

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

IF NOT FOR ODELL BECKHAM Jr.’s insane freshman year, Evans would be the toast of the Fantasy world, as he posted the best Fantasy season for a rookie wide receiver since Anquan Boldin in 2003. Instead, it was just the second-best since Boldin, because of Beckham. Entering 2015, the sophomores are expected to finish in the same order, but Evans is dealing with a rookie quarterback in Jameis Winston, and a new offensive coordinator (Dirk Koetter, formerly with the Falcons). Very few veterans, much less rookies, box out in the end zone like the 6-foot-5 Evans, and the Texas A&M product scored 10 touchdowns in his final nine games. Knowing that the Buccaneers’ offense was in disarray, between a substitute offensive coordinator and a revolving door at quarterback, even better things are expected out of Evans in 2015 as a third- or fourth-round pick in Fantasy leagues. Those that go running back with their first two picks would do well to grab Evans, and the Buccaneers have the best strength of schedule for wideouts in 2015. (D.G.)

Emmanuel Sanders

DENVER BRONCOS

5’11, 180LBS, B:MARCH 17, 1987

5’9, 178LBS, B:NOVEMBER 14, 1989 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 IND 19 82 1083 5 2014 IND 10 82 1345 7 2015 IND 11 80 1350 7

Mike Evans

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 6’5, 231LBS, B:AUGUST 21, 1993

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs 2 6 0 2 20 0

THE NO-CONTACT ERA HAS been an undeniable boon for diminutive receivers, and few have benefited more than Hilton. Listed at 5’9”, Hilton established himself last season as one of the league’s top

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 49

ATTs 4 11

wideouts by improving his yardage total for the third straight year. He did so primarily as a downfield threat, ranking first in yards per reception among those with at least 60 catches. That’s even more impressive considering his lackluster average for yards after the catch, showing that Hilton’s success drives from his ability to create separation. While his oft-used designation as “Andrew Luck’s favorite target” is technically true, he has received a lower percentage of his team’s pass attempts than most similarly productive receivers. That means there is room for continued improvement above and beyond his numbers from last season if he were to get more targets, although the arrival of Andre Johnson and Phillip Dorsett might preclude that. Hilton’s biggest flaw would be his lack of use in the red zone, the one place where his height is particularly problematic. During each of his three seasons he has managed only a few receptions and two touchdowns in that area of the field. (J.D.B.)

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 TB 11 68 1051 12

GREEN BAY PACKERS

5’10, 192 LBS, B:AUGUST 22, 1990

6’3, 216LBS, B:FEBRARY 14, 1990 Year 2013 2014 2015

to be nearly as successful. While he experienced a minor decrease in receptions and yardage, Jeffery’s touchdown total hit double-digits. Marshall’s departure certainly intensifies the pressure on Jeffery to produce. Also, Chicago brings in a new coaching staff including offensive coordinator Adam Gase, formerly of the Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos. Under Gase’s leadership, Denver’s offense successfully utilized the skill-set of Demaryius Thomas, who has posted at least 1400 yards receiving the last three seasons. Jeffery is expected to play the Thomas role in Gase’s offense. Another arrival could have a significant impact on how teams cover Jeffery in the form of rookie receiver Kevin White. He joins the mix in Chicago and could provide a speedy threat to opposing defenses. Even without Marshall’s presence, Chicago still possesses enough weapons to free up Jeffery. His ultimate production, though, will again in part rely on the Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde of NFL quarterbacks in Cutler. When Cutler is on, it will likely mean good things for Jeffery but when Bad Jay comes out to play, duck for cover. Nonetheless, Jeffery will not fall into an absolute abyss because of Cutler’s inconsistency. He has lived through that horror movie already and survived. Consider him a lower-end number one fantasy receiver. (D.J.)

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs PIT 31 67 740 6 DEN 7 101 1404 9 DEN 13 80 1100 9

ATTs 1 8

RUSHING YDs TDs 25 0 44 0

THE CONTROVERSY SURrounding Sanders backing out of a deal with Kansas City to sign instead with Denver had some validity, but in retrospect there is no doubt that he ultimately made

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 49

6/22/15 11:44 PM

POSITION RANKING

DeAndre Hopkins HOUSTON TEXANS

6’1, 207LBS, B:JUNE 6, 1992 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team HOU HOU HOU

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 47 52 802 2 14 76 1210 6 14 75 1200 6

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

AFTER SEEING PLAYERS LIKE Josh Gordon and Alshon Jeffery explode in their second seasons in the NFL, big things were expected out of a player like Hopkins. He was saddled with horrible quarterback play in Houston but Hopkins did overtake Andre Johnson as the team’s No. 1 receiver, and he finished with top-15 fantasy results among wide receivers. The Clemson product enters his second season in head coach Bill O’Brien’s offense, but he’s still working with shaky quarterbacks, as Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett battle it out in camp. Last year’s top rookie wide receivers will get a ton of Fantasy love, but Hopkins is a No. 1 NFL receiver with a ceiling as a top 10 fantasy pass catcher. One thing he’ll need to do to get to that level is be more consistent, as he had 10 games with fewer than 80 receiving yards. Choose him in Round 4 and expect second fantasy wide out numbers. (D.G.)

DEREK JONES’ CHALLENGE:

My feelings on Hopkins are more so indicative of the Houston Texans quarterback situation and not his talent. Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, or Tom Savage will be the starting quarterback for the Texans. Hoyer has put it together in spurts while Mallett and Savage are unproven. Hopkins definitely could be a breakout player but Houston’s quarterback situation undoubtedly undermines him.

Kelvin Benjamin CAROLINA PANTHERS

6’5, 240LBS, B:FEBRUARY 5, 1991 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 CAR 16 73 1008 9 2015 CAR 15 72 1000 9

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

HERE IS A GREAT WEIRDO statistic of the 2014 season. Steve Smith,

DEMARYIUS THOMAS #3

who Carolina jettisoned a season ago, tied for the league lead in dropped passes with 10 during his first season in Baltimore. Guess who tied Smith for most drops? That’s right, the man who basically replaced him in Carolina, Kelvin Benjamin. Creepy, right? Anyhow, if not for the herculean efforts of fellow rookie Odell Beckham Jr. during the second half of last season, perhaps Benjamin’s rookie season would have stood out more. Instead, Beckham Jr. and Mike Evans topped Benjamin in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Even though he may have been lost in the rookie receiver shuffle by season’s end, Benjamin’s presence in Carolina helped give the Panthers a capable go-to-guy in Smith’s absence. Tipping the scale at 6’5, 240 pounds, breakaway speed is not necessarily going to be Benjamin’s forte. However, that will not be because of a lack of trying on quarterback Cam Newton’s behalf. Benjamin had 146 targets last season, which ranked sixth in the NFL. Considering Benjamin battled injuries at times, that is impressive. Benjamin has the tools and situation to be a high-end number two fantasy receiver. (D.J.)

Keenan Allen

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

6’2, 211 LBS, B:APRIL 27, 1992 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team SD SD SD

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 18 71 1046 8 42 77 783 4 16 88 930 7

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

HE ENDED UP AS ONE OF THE more disappointing players in fantasy football last year. That obviously begs the questions of “what happened?!” and “WHEN WILL ANTONIO GATES JUST RETIRE ALREADY?!?!”. Unfortunately, the answer to the former comes in many parts. Allen had more competition for passes last year. Malcom Floyd, in particular, flashed skills which made him an interesting fantasy option. Eddie Royal played a bigger role as well, upping his reception total to 62, the most since his rookie year. And Allen quietly surpassed his target and reception total from his rookie year anyway. So perhaps a groin injury Allen suffered in Week Two lingered, which could explain his lack of explosiveness after catching the ball. If that’s the main culprit, all systems should be go this year. Maybe Gates finally slows down. Maybe the departure of Royal, now with the Bears,

helps. Maybe a sophomore slump is just a sophomore slump. (A.G.)

Sammy Watkins

BUFFALO BILLS

6’1, 205LBS, B:JUNE 14, 1993

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 BUF 25 e 982 6 2015 BUF 17 70 1050 7

ATTs 2

RUSHING YDs TDs 8 0

THE BUFFALO BILLS PAID A big price to trade up to draft Watkins in 2014 given how productive the other 2014 rookie receivers were. Trading two first round picks and a fourth round pick has certainly stunted the overall growth of the Bills. While Watkins may be the most talented of the 2014 receivers he also may have fallen into the worst spot from a quarterback perspective and now overall offensive scheme. The prospect of catching passes in 2015 from Matt Cassel and E.J. Manual is definitely cause for concern. As is the arrival of head coach Rex Ryan and running back LeSean McCoy. The erratic quarterback play showed in Watkins’ inconsistent 2014 production. While the overall numbers were good, catching three or fewer passes in ten games hurt anyone playing in head-to-head competition. Watkins’ ability to dominate showed in a two-game stretch where he caught 12 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns. That stretch was followed by a four game stretch where Watkins caught 13 passes for a total of 105 yards. (M.M.)

Brandin Cooks

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

5’10, 190LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 25, 1993

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 NO 53 53 550 3 2015 NO 18 85 920 5

ATTs 7

RUSHING YDs TDs 73 1

FLASHING AN IMPRESSIVE 77 percent catch rate, Cooks was leading all rookie wideouts in receptions when a broken thumb ended his rock-solid 2014 NFL debut after 10 games. Cooks was on pace to rack up 85 receptions, 880 receiving yards, five touchdowns, 11 carries, 117 rushing yards and two rushing scores. Since the Saints shipped Jimmy Graham (Seahawks) and Kenny Stills (Dolphins) out of town as part of a switch to a more balanced offense, Cooks will be counted on for a lot more in 2015 as

Photo: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

the correct decision. Sanders exceeded his two previous season totals in yardage and touchdowns combined, ranking fifth and sixteenth in the league respectively. He did so in part because of an impressively high 71.6% catch rate, a testament both to his sure hands and the legendary accuracy of Peyton Manning. Three of Emmanuel’s biggest games came in three of Denver’s regular season losses, which not coincidentally happened to be Manning’s three highest number of pass attempts. That makes for something of a concern heading into 2015, as the Broncos have stated a preference for reducing the team’s reliance on passing and leaning more on the ground game. The other worry of note is Sanders’ impending move into the slot, as he was less effective over the middle last season than on the outside despite experience in the slot with Pittsburgh. Those factors along with natural regression add up to heavy skepticism that he will be able to repeat last season’s totals. (J.D.B.)

50 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 50

6/22/15 11:44 PM

the new centerpiece of Drew Brees’ revamped receiver corps. To refresh the memories of fantasy owners, the 5-foot-10, 189-pound Cooks is more than just a good set of hands. He owns blazing 4.33 speed – which is why New Orleans loves to use him occasionally as a rusher on gadget plays – and awesome run-after-the-catch ability. With mainly Marques Colston, Josh Morgan, Nick Toon and Josh Hill to battle for targets, Cooks has intriguing upside in point-per-reception leagues as the guy that the Saints obviously want to feed. Entering his age-22 season, Cooks still hasn’t reached his full potential. It often takes smaller wideouts a year to adjust to the NFL game. Draft Cooks as a fantasy WR2 with upside. (M.W.)

Jordan Matthews

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 6’3, 205LBS, B:JULY 16, 1992

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 PHI 24 67 872 8 2015 PHI 20 67 860 8

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

AFTER A LOT OF HANDwringing and back-and-forthing, it turns out Matthews couldn’t quite live up to the hole that DeSean Jackson left in Philly in 2014. That’s not to say Matthews disappointed in a general sense. In the best rookie wide out class ever, Matthews finished fifth among rookies in receiving yardage and tied for fifth in receiving scores. Good fortune smiles on Matthews, however, because Jeremy Maclin departed this offseason which leaves Matthews as the top receiver in Chip Kelly’s prestissimo offense. So far, Jackson and Maclin each surpassed 1,300 yards in that position. Matthews will have to compete with rookie Nelson Agholor for looks, but Kelly surely will make sure Matthews sees the ball with high frequency. Matthews is a solid second fantasy receiver with upside as a number one. (A.G.)

JD BOLICK’S CHALLENGE:

Chip Kelly’s offense has the reputation for being run-heavy, yet last season Philadelphia ranked sixth in the league for passing yards compared to ninth in rushing yards. Following the Eagles’ surprising decision to let Jeremy Maclin leave in free agency, Matthews is poised to benefit by seeing a large jump in targets as a the team’s primary receiver. Matthews isn’t as explosive as Maclin and doesn’t possess great hands, so my ambitious ranking isn’t due to some overwhelming confidence in his talent. The issue is that someone will have to catch those passes, and Jordan is the best option by far of the team’s remaining wideouts. Assuming that his number of targets increases by even a third, even if he doesn’t catch more touchdowns he would be one of the best choices for a second fantasy receiver.

Golden Tate

with a “golden” No. 2 wideout named Tate. Making a surprisingly quick transition to a new quarterback and a new offensive scheme, Tate placed sixth in the NFL in catches and seventh in receiving yards with career highs in both categories during his first year in the Motor City. The 5-foot-10, 202-pound Tate flashed some vastly underrated quickness, finishing third in the league with 691 yards after the catch. However, unless the injury bug bites Johnson again, don’t expect a repeat of elite production from Tate. During the five-game stretch when “Megatron” either didn’t suit up or played hurt, Tate averaged 7.8 catches and 119.8 receiving yards per contest. He also notched four of his five 100-yard games and three of his four scoring grabs during that string of contests. In the 11 games that a reasonably healthy Johnson played, Tate averaged a pedestrian 5.5 catches, 66.5 receiving yards and 0.1 touchdown grabs per outing. On the plus side, the second-rated Lions defense in 2014 could decline sharply following some huge free-agent departures. That would put Tate and company in more high-scoring contests than last year. Consider Tate a second or third fantasy wide out with sneaky upside. (M.W.)

6’4, 230LBS, B:MARCH 23, 1984

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs CHI 6 100 1295 12 CHI 35 61 721 8 NYJ 22 74 820 7

RUSHING YDs TDs

DeSean Jackson

WASHINGTON

5’10, 175LBS, B:DECEMBER 1, 1986

5’10, 202LBS, B:AUGUST 2, 1988 RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs 3 31 0 5 30 0

SIMPLY LOOKING FOR A competent wingman to line up opposite of Calvin Johnson, the Lions ended up

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 51

ATTs

THE JETS HAVEN’T HAD A wide receiver tandem in New York like Marshall and Eric Decker since the days of Wayne Chrebet and Keyshawn Johnson. Unfortunately, their quarterback situation is still a rough one, as new head coach Todd Bowles chose to stick with Geno Smith as his starter with Ryan Fitzpatrick battling for the job. Marshall took a big step back in fantasy production last season, as teammate Alshon Jeffery passed him up as the team’s go-to wideout. Multiple injuries were mostly to blame for Marshall’s mediocrity, but even tight end Martellus Bennett got more targets than Marshall. He’s healthy for 2015, though, and the new Jets offense should take advantage of their suddenly strong receiving corps. Both Decker and Marshall are excellent red-zone receivers, too. Marshall might be on the wrong side of 30, but he’ll still be worth a look as a second wide out in fantasy play this season, with the ability to post a 100-yard game or a two-TD effort once in a while. (D.G.)

DETROIT LIONS

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 SEA 30 64 898 5 2014 DET 13 99 1331 4 2015 DET 21 74 950 5

Brandon Marshall

NEW YORK JETS

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team PHI WAS WAS

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 12 82 1332 9 15 56 1169 6 23 59 1060 5

ATTs 3 4

RUSHING YDs TDs 2 0 7 0

AFTER BEING JETTISONED BY THE Eagles, Jackson responded with arguably the best season of his career. Although his yardage

total dropped from 2013, Jackson led the league in yards per catch by a significant distance while also posting the best yards per target figure of his career at 12.4. That came primarily from being the game’s best deep threat, catching ten passes for 522 yards and 3 touchdowns on passes thrown more than thirty yards in the air. The bad news is that deep targets are notoriously inconsistent from year to year, so DeSean may be less productive through no fault of his own. Fortunately he is a threat after the catch, showing the ability to take short passes and elude the initial defender to create a long gain. If Washington will use him more often in that fashion then Jackson would see an increase in his receptions total and have a chance to remain a thousand yard receiver. (J.D.B.)

Andre Johnson HOUSTON TEXANS

6’3, 230LBS, B:JULY 11, 1981 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team HOU HOU IND

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 10 109 1407 5 39 85 936 3 24 79 900 4

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

JOHNSON AND REGGIE Wayne have a few things in common. For starters, they both attended the University of Miami. Secondly, it seems they will both spend the twilight of their careers playing for Indianapolis opposite T.Y. Hilton. However, don’t expect a follow-up from Johnson similar to Wayne last year. While Wayne is out in Indianapolis, the ex-Houston Texan will stand in as a suitable replacement. Even though it might appear that Johnson has seen better days, he will still pose a threat for the Colts. Last year, Johnson was targeted by Texans quarterbacks 147 times, which ranked fifth in the NFL. Thus, expect quarterback Andrew Luck to utilize Johnson to his fullest capabilities. One year ago, Wayne caught 64 passes for 779 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson’s production in 2014 is likely to trump that for what should be one of the NFL’s elite offenses. (D.J.)

Solid 24

Julian Edelman

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

5’10, 198LBS, B:MAY 22, 1986 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team NE NE NE

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 14 105 1056 6 25 92 972 4 19 85 930 4

ATTs 2 10

RUSHING YDs TDs 11 0 94 0

JULIAN EDELMAN’S 197 receptions over the past two seasons rank third behind only Antonio Brown (239) and Demaryius Thomas (203). Edelman does not fit the size profile of a top NFL wide receiver and the lack of size certainly affects his lack of touchdowns. Only ten receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons make him a much stronger receiver in PPR formats as opposed to standard scoring formats. The Patriots bring back virtually the same receiving group in 2015 so there is little to

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 51

6/22/15 11:44 PM

POSITION RANKING

suggest a drop in Edelman’s targets or receptions in 2015. Even the pending suspension of quarterback Tom Brady should not really affect Edelman as the majority of his receptions are very short. A foot injury put Edelman on the Injured List in 2012 but he has been surprisingly durable over the past two seasons even with the jump in touches. (M.M.)

Jeremy Maclin K ANSAS CITY CHIEFS

6’0, 198LBS, B:AUGUST 26, 1988 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 DNP 2014 PHI 9 85 1318 10 2015 KC 25 66 930 5

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

MACLIN STORMED BACK from his injury torpedoed 2013 in impressive fashion, amassing career-best numbers across the board in the Eagles’ vaunted high-volume aerial attack. Still in his prime at age 27, the sure-handed Maclin lacks dominant size, but he’s a precision route-runner with excellent run-after-the-catch ability. While it’s a no-brainer that Maclin won’t match his 2014 stats in a more conservative Kansas City offense that didn’t have a wide receiver catch a touchdown pass last year, this still looks like a fantasy friendly situation for him. Maclin will operate as the featured wideout with very little competition for targets beyond Travis Kelce and Jamaal Charles in the Chiefs’ shallow receiver corps. Maclin also is familiar with the offense after playing for Kansas City head coach Andy Reid for four years in Philadelphia. Alex Smith’s super-conservative dink-and-dunk style, however, is what will limit Maclin. (M.W.)

Amari Cooper OAKLAND RAIDERS

6’1, 211LBS, B:JUNE 18, 1994 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2015 OAK 26 58 920 6

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

CAN THE 2015 ROOKIE receiving class come anywhere close to the success of the 2014 group? Cooper was the first of six wide receivers drafted in the first round in 2015. After catching passes in high school from Teddy Bridgewater in Miami, Cooper went on to set receiving records at Alabama playing against some of the best defensive players in college in the SEC. Cooper’s 124 receptions in 2014 made him only the second receiver in SEC history to catch over 100 and he broke Jordan Matthews single season record by 12. The Raiders expect Cooper to step right in and become the top target for Derek Carr. (M.M.)

Vincent Jackson

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 6’5, 230LBS, B:JANUARY 14, 1983

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team TB TB TB

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 16 78 1224 7 36 70 1002 2 27 65 960 4

ATTs 1

RUSHING YDs TDs 0 0

THE WINDS OF CHANGE BLEW through Tampa Bay in 2014 with Mike

Evans developing into the team’s most productive receiver. Evans surpassed Jackson in receiving yards (1,051 to 1,002) and touchdown receptions (12 to 2). Is this a trend of things to come? Jackson turned 32 last January and appears to be slowing down based off of returns from the past three years. Granted, Tampa’s offense developed into a mess at various points of last season but Jackson lacked the impact. His yards per catch fell from 19.2 yards per reception in 2012 to 14.3 in 2014. Oh, and there is the little matter of the quarterback position. The Jameis Winston era will undoubtedly include some growing pains that will impact the team’s offensive output. Winston aside, it is evident that Evans’s presence is going to cut into Jackson’s touchdown totals, which locks the ex-Charger into being a number two fantasy receiving option at best. (D.J.)

Jarvis Landry MIAMI DOLPHINS

5’11, 202LBS, B:NOVEMBER 28, 1992 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 MIA 43 84 758 5 2015 MIA 28 80 800 4

ATTs 2

RUSHING YDs TDs -4 0

EARLY IN 2014, LANDRY emerged from Odell Beckham Jr’s shadow in college to establish himself as a competent NFL ready slot receiver. Beckham, of course, went ahead and put Landry and the rest of the rookie class back in his shadow, but it didn’t stop the other LSU Tiger from putting his imprint on the season. Landry now finds himself in a crowded wide receiver group thanks to the additions of veterans Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings along with rookie first rounder Devante Parker. The good news here is none of those new Dolphins appear to challenge Landry’s stranglehold on the slot position. In fact, Parker, 6’3, could play a big role in opening even more space for Landry. (A.G.)

Mike Wallace

MINNESOTAL VIKINGS

6’0, 195LBS, B:AUGUST 1, 1986 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team MIA MIA MIN

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 25 73 930 5 18 67 862 10 29 59 990 4

ATTs 3 4

RUSHING YDs TDs 33 0 16 0

WALLACE’S TENURE IN Miami is viewed as a failure due to the huge free agent contract against rather mediocre production, and as evidenced by his less than professional conduct, the relationship was doomed from the start. Wallace had been a dominant deep threat in Pittsburgh, yet in Miami he was playing with one of the worst deep passers in the league in an offense that emphasized underneath routes. Although Teddy Bridgewater also struggled on deep throws as a rookie, he attempted them more frequently and should be more successful throwing them to Wallace, especially considering the attention defenses have to devote to Adrian Peterson. Thus it is reasonable to assume that Mike’s yards per catch average will rise significantly, but his fantasy value will be determined by how many overall targets he receives. (J.D.B.)

Roddy White ATLANTA FALCONS

6’0, 212LBS, B:NOVEMBER 2, 1981 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team ATL ATL ATL

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 43 63 711 3 27 80 921 7 30 66 730 7

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

THE DAYS OF WHITE BEING A top-shelf fantasy receiver are probably over now that he’ll turn 34 years old in November. He hasn’t reached 1,000 receiving yards in a couple seasons now. But with Matt Ryan at quarterback and Julio Jones keeping defenses honest on the other side, White is still a useful backup or flex option in most formats. No doubt, he’ll still pop for a 100-yard game or a couple touchdown catches once in a while. He was targeted 10 times or more in six games last season, and he should be a high-volume guy once again, giving him more value in PPR. (D.G.)

Martavis Bryant PITTSBURGH STEELERS

6’4, 211LBS, B:DECEMBER 20, 1991 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 PIT 81 26 549 8 2015 PIT 45 51 990 5

ATTs 3

RUSHING YDs TDs 12 0

BRYANT WAS A FANTASY afterthought early in 2014 after being drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the deep wide receiver class of 2014. Bryant missed the first six games of the season due to a combination of injury and poor performance before bursting on the scene in game seven. Bryant made the most of his 26 receptions turning eight into touchdowns, including one from 80 yards and one from 94 yards. The Steelers receiving group is talented and crowded, but Bryant showed enough flash in 2014 to make him a strong candidate to break out in 2015 if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger continues to throw at the rate he has in the past two seasons. (M.M.)

Michael Floyd

ARIZONA CARDINALS

6’3, 225LBS, B:NOVEMBER 27, 1989 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team ARI ARI ARI

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 27 65 1041 5 31 47 841 6 32 50 860 7

ATTs 1

RUSHING YDs TDs 2

THERE WERE FEW WIDE receivers with higher expectations than Floyd heading into last season. His sophomore season in 2013 was impressive, as he essentially doubled his rookie production from 2012, with 65 catches for 1,041 yards and five touchdowns. His top-50 overall ADP made his disappointing third season that much more painful for fantasy owners. The quarterback situation in Arizona was in rough shape, and Carson Palmer’s shoulder and knee injuries prevented the Cardinals’ passing game to make any headway. Floyd is still the team’s No. 1 receiver, with Larry Fitzgerald entering the

52 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 52

6/22/15 11:44 PM

back-nine of his career, and Floyd makes for a great low-risk, high-reward pick in Rounds 7 or 8. (D.G.)

Torrey Smith

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 6’0, 205LBS, B:JANUARY 26, 1989

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team BAL BAL SF

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 23 65 1128 4 19 49 767 11 33 54 870 6

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

THE HISTORY OF EXPENSIVE free agent wide receivers changing teams isn’t particularly encouraging, yet San Francisco is gambling on Smith bucking that trend. The 49ers identified the need for a deep threat in their offense, a bill Smith unquestionably fits given that 35.9% of his career yardage and 40% of his touchdowns have come on throws more than twenty yards downfield. Although San Francisco passes much less often than Baltimore, Kaepernick actually attempted a higher percentage of deep passes than Flacco in 2014, so Smith should still get plenty of opportunities. Where he might suffer is in the red zone. Torrey was the primary target with the Ravens, but Kaepernick spreads the ball around rather than favoring one particular receiver. That will mean fewer touchdowns. (J.D.B.)

Eric Decker

NEW YORK JETS

6’3, 214LBS, B:MARCH 15, 1987

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs DEN 9 87 1288 11 NYJ 28 74 962 5 NYJ 34 62 770 6

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

PLAYING IN A QUARTERBACKdeficient offense with no effective

complementary targets to pull coverage away from him, Decker topped the Jets in receiving by a wide margin during his first season in the Big Apple. Fantasy owners, however, shouldn’t go overboard with props for him. The sixth-year pro padded his stats with two monster late-season outings probably spent on fantasy benches. Getting a read on Decker’s 2015 prospects is tricky. New offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has installed his trademark Pistol Spread attack. The team is expected to throw more, but with, unfortunately, the subpar Geno Smith as the likely starter. If Smith flops, having streaky veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick under center would provide a modest boost for the entire offense. Decker also will have to compete for targets in a now-crowded receiver corps that includes Brandon Marshall and lightning-fast rookie Devin Smith along with Jeremy Kerley and the promising tight end Jace Amaro. At the end of the day, don’t expect a big swing in Decker’s production either way. (M.W.)

Allen Robinson

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 6’3, 210LBS, B:AUGUST 24, 1993

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 JAC 76 48 548 2 2015 JAC 35 62 760 6

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

ONLY THE NEW YORK JETS fielded a worse passing game statistically than the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. Thus, Robinson’s rookie numbers don’t jump off the page. Despite missing the final six games of the season, Robinson averaged eight targets each contest and finished with the highest receiving yards per game (54.8) on the team. Robinson caught 48 passes in 2014, which managed to place third with Jacksonville.

The future is bright for Robinson as long as he can recover from a foot injury that brought an early end to his year. He is slated to be Blake Bortles’ top receiver but don’t expect numbers fitting of a top-tier fantasy receiver due to Jacksonville’s lack of offensive talent. Robinson should be viewed as number three fantasy receiver. (D.J.)

Larry Fitzgerald

ARIZONA CARDINALS 6’3, 218LBS, B:AUGUST 31, 1983

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team ARI ARI ARI

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 17 82 954 10 55 63 784 2 36 60 770 6

ATTs 2

RUSHING YDs TDs 8 0

FITZGERALD HAS UNDERperformed preseason fantasy expectations for about three consecutive years now, so it’s not shocking to Fitz’s value start to plummet. Even with the improved quarterback play last year, Arizona’s receiving yardage was split fairly evenly between Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, and John Brown. Fitzgerald still flashes the skills that made him a perennial top 10 fantasy wide out on occasion as he can still make inhuman, difficult catches. But Fitzgerald is over 30 and Father Time has taken away a step or two, which has had a bigger impact on Fitz than expected. Another sub-1,000 yard season might be in the offing, but Fitzgerald won’t exactly be ignored either. He’s a decent backup option to fill in during bye weeks. (A.G.)

MARC MELTZER’S CHALLENGE:

Larry Fitzgerald’s numbers in 2014 were good enough to rank 49th among wide receivers in ppr scoring. Fitzgerald has had 11 great years in the NFL. But Fitzgerald’s numbers have gone full circle as his 2014 numbers were almost identical to his 2004 rookie season in receptions and yards. While it was logical to project a jump in numbers after his rookie season, there is little logic to suggest that Fitzgerald can improve on his 2014 totals. I wouldn’t mind owning Fitzgerald as my fifth or sixth wide receiver to use as a bye-week fill in or flex.

Charles Johnson

MINNESOTA VIKINGS 6’2, 215LBS, B:JULY 10, 1986

Photo: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 MIN 78 31 475 2 2015 MIN 38 67 860 3

CALVIN JOHNSON #4

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 53

ATTs 1

RUSHING YDs TDs -11 0

VIKINGS OFFENSIVE COORDInator Norv Turner has worked with some tremendous wide receivers in his day including Hall of Famer Michael Irvin and former Rams great Henry Ellard. During the offseason, Turner called Johnson “far and away our best receiver.” That is pretty strong praise for someone with Turner’s track record. Johnson’s second-half run a season ago provided Turner and the rest of Minny’s coaching staff with hope. While developing with rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Johnson emerged as one of his favorite targets. Over the season’s final six games, POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 53

6/22/15 11:44 PM

POSITION RANKING

Bridgewater targeted Johnson 40 times, which was eight more times over the same stretch than Minnesota’s leading receiver Greg Jennings. Provided Bridgewater builds on a respectable rookie season, Johnson can rise to become a number two fantasy receiver option. (D.J.)

Steve Smith

BALTIMORE RAVENS

5’9, 185LBS, B:MAY 12, 1979 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 CAR 37 64 745 4 2014 BAL 20 79 1065 6 2015 BAL 39 63 830 4

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

ON THE PLUS SIDE, THERE’S only one ‘Steve Smith’ in the league these days, which helps alleviate anxiety about accidentally picking the wrong one. Unfortunately, the allure to actually draft a ‘Steve Smith’ has diminished. Smith got off to a hot start last season with nearly 600 receiving yards in his first six games. Unfortunately, he didn’t even equal that output over the rest of the season and became an unstartable albatross languishing on waiver wires coast to coast. The Ravens went ahead and drafted rookie Breshad Perriman in the first round which certainly casts Smith’s 2015 value into doubt. But Baltimore was comfortable enough to let Torrey Smith bolt to the 49ers, so perhaps Steve Smith can re-bottle that early 2014 success and have one last hurrah this season. (A.G.)

Anquan Boldin

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

6’1, 220LBS, B:OCTOBER 3, 1980 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 SF 15 85 1179 7 2014 SF 24 83 1062 5 2015 SF 40 62 760 5

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs 2 11 0 1 4 0

UNCEREMONIOUSLY DUMPED by the Ravens following their Super Bowl victory, Boldin has continued to defy all expectations by remaining a consistent and productive wide receiver with San Francisco. 2014 featured a nearly identical number of catches and targets to his first season with the 49ers, although a slight decrease in target distance meant a drop in yardage, something that might reflect Boldin’s continued decline in speed and athleticism. Anquan has thus far compensated with strong hands and physical route running, but he will turn 35 this season and it’s fair to wonder how much longer he can sustain this level of production. (J.D.B.)

Brandon LaFell

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

6’2, 210LBS, B:NOVEMBER 4, 1986 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team CAR NE NE

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 48 49 627 5 21 74 953 7 37 62 800 5

ATTs 2 2

RUSHING YDs TDs 15 0 13 0

reception total jump up to 74 in 2014. The jump in receptions from 2013 to 2014 can mainly be attributed to an additional 34 targets. Lafell was consistent catching at least four passes in 12 of the final 14 games of 2014. He has most likely reached his ceiling after five seasons in the league. Only Tom Brady’s suspension casts doubt on his number three wide receiver status. (M.M.)

Kendall Wright TENNESSEE TITANS

5’10, 191, B:NOVEMBER 12, 1989 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team TEN TEN TEN

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 20 94 1079 2 34 57 715 6 41 57 730 6

ATTs 4

RUSHING YDs TDs 54

WRIGHT WAS ANOTHER disappointing third-year wide receiver last season, along with Michael Floyd, Rueben Randle and Josh Gordon. Teammates Jake Locker, Justin Hunter and Bishop Sankey were also bummers. With Marcus Mariota on board this season, the offense adds a dynamic force it hasn’t had at quarterback since Vince Young, and Wright should end up being a beneficiary of that. He’ll work a lot of the underneath routes, with Hunter and Dorial Green-Beckham working the outside. Many of the pass attempts thrown Wright’s way were uncatchable, which should change a bit with a better athlete under center. Wright remains a good late pick in all formats – especially in a contract year. (D.G.)

Kenny Stills MIAMI DOLPHINS

6’0, 190LBS, B:APRIL 22, 1992 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team NO NO MIA

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 54 32 641 5 38 63 931 3 42 49 800 6

ATTs 3 1

RUSHING YDs TDs 10 0 -2 0

ALTHOUGH HE LACKS THE departed Mike Wallace’s super-elite speed, Stills projects as Miami’s starting deep threat and Wallace’s official replacement. The 23-year-old Stills is actually the better all-around receiver of the two. Listed at 6-foot, 194 pounds, Stills relies on his 4.38 jets to get separation and make big plays. The sure-handed Stills’ 78.8 percent catch rate ranked fourth among NFL receivers last year, and he’s considered a fantastic route-runner. While Stills has plenty of promise as a likely full-time starter, fantasy owners should look at him with a cautious eye. Ryan Tannehill’s shaky deep ball remains a work in progress. It’s also unclear how the Dolphins will divvy up the targets in a crowded receiver corps. Jarvis Landry is a Tannehill favorite, and the team didn’t shell out big money to Jordan Cameron to use him only as a blocker. Rookie first-rounder DeVante Parker, Rishard Mathews and Greg Jennings are also in the mix. If things break Stills’ way, he has starting upside. (M.W.)

THE MOVE FROM THE Carolina Panthers to the New England Patriots was certainly helpful to Brandon Lafell. After totaling 167 receptions in four seasons with the Panthers (42 per season), Lafell saw his

Breshad Perriman

BALTIMORE RAVENS

6’2, 212LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 10, 1993

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2015 BAL 43 44 770 7

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

FEW GENERAL MANAGERS can rival Ozzie Newsome’s success in the draft, and he appears to have done it again by snagging Perriman with the 26th overall pick. Left with a gaping hole at wide receiver following Torrey Smith’s departure, Newsome selected a player frequently compared to Smith leading up to the draft. Breshad is slightly bigger and faster yet had even more issues with drops than Torrey. He is also a raw route runner who currently has limited ability to contribute as more than a deep threat. Fortunately that is exactly what the Ravens needed, and he should receive plenty of downfield targets from Joe Flacco. (J.D.B.)

Nelson Agholor

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 6’0, 198LBS, B:MAY 24, 1993

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2015 PHI 44 65 730 4

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

A LOT HAS CHANGED IN THE Eagles offense from last season, with the addition of new quarterbacks and running backs, along with the departure of Jeremy Maclin in free agency. But Chip Kelly remains the head coach and his high-octane offense isn’t expected to miss a beat. Agholor has a strong chance to be one of the top scoring rookies this season as he does his best to pick up some of the 144 targets lost when Maclin left. Paired with sophomore Jordan Mathews, Agholor could start on an offense that scored more than every team except the Broncos and Packers last season. Unfortunately, last year’s crop of rookie WRs will drive up the price of this year’s group, so getting Agholor at a reasonable value will be tough. (D.G.)

Kevin White CHICAGO BEARS

6’3, 215LBS, B:JUNE 25, 1993 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2015 CHI 45 61 690 5

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

THE ROOKIE NO. 7 OVERALL selection is expected to start in Week 1 as the replacement for the departed Brandon Marshall (Jets). The powerfully athletic White checks in at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds and owns some impressive 4.35 wheels. Renowned for his amazing playmaking skills and jump-ball prowess, White compiled a 109-1,447-10 line during his final season at West Virginia. Although White has awesome long-term potential, fantasy owners should keep their expectations in check this year. With Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett, Eddie Royal and Matt Forte in the fold, don’t expect the Bears to force feed the ball to White regularly. The Ryan Pace and John Fox regime unsuccessfully tried to trade turnover-machine Jay Cutler during the offseason, but he’s the presumed starter for lack of better options. If Cutler struggles, the Bears could

54 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 54

6/22/15 11:44 PM

bench him and roll with backup Jimmy Clausen (11 career starts in four years). White probably will take a backseat to Jeffery, but the rookie will have plenty of opportunities. (M.W.)

Keep An Eye On 46

Victor Cruz

NEW YORK GIANTS

6’0, 204LBS, B:NOVEMBER 11, 1986

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team NYG NYG NYG

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 28 73 998 4 112 23 337 1 46 51 720 6

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

ODELL BECKHAM JR.’S incredible rookie season seemed to make folks forget about Cruz, who began last year as New York’s top receiving option. One year later, things have changed dramatically. Beckham Jr. is on the cover of Madden and Cruz must start anew following a devastating patellar tear to his right knee last October. Cruz told reporters he is at about “80 percent” with training camp on the horizon. Returning to form after this type of injury is asking plenty. It will be an uphill climb for him in 2015. (D.J.)

Pierre Garçon WASHINGTON

6’0, 216LBS, B:AUGUST 8, 1985 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 WAS 11 113 1346 5 2014 WAS 51 68 752 3 2015 WAS 47 65 680 4

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs 2 19 0

GARCON DISAPPOINTED LAST SEASON largely because undue expectations were thrust on him after 2013’s outlier of a season. Garcon bounced from 181 targets in 2013 to 105 in 2014. That latter number is more in line with Garcon’s career average and it’s pretty much the only number needed to understand what exactly happened. Jackson is still around and barring injuries, a repeat of 2014 seems like a safe prediction. (A.G.)

John Brown

ARIZONA CARDINALS 5’11, 179LBS, B:APRIL 3, 1990

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 ARI 49 48 696 5 2015 ARI 48 50 750 5

ATTs 3

RUSHING YDs TDs -6 0

IN MOST YEARS BROWN’S 696 yards and five touchdowns would be near to top for rookie wide receivers. But not in the bumper crop of 2014. The Cardinals found a good one in the third round of the 2014 draft out of little Pittsburg State in Kansas. He showed flashes of big game ability with more to come. (M.M.)

Davante Adams

GREEN BAY PACKERS

6’1, 212LBS, B:NOVEMBER 24, 1992

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 GB 76 38 446 3 2015 GB 49 54 640 6

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

ENTERING HIS SECOND season in the NFL, Adams has a chance to post some pretty good Fantasy numbers as the third receiver in Green Bay’s passing attack. While Green Bay chose to re-sign Randall Cobb, killing Adams’ chances of starting, the Packers never really tended to their tight end situation, which means more opportunities for Adams. Look for him as a backup and worth a pick in the middle to late rounds. (D.G.)

Marques Colston

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 6’4, 224LBS, B:JUNE 5, 1983

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team NO NO NO

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 26 75 943 5 51 59 902 5 32 51 780 4

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

THE DECLINE OF COLSTON has been a steady one over the past two seasons. Colston’s fall (and the team’s troubling salary cap situation) led to the Saints getting the veteran wide receiver to take a pay cut. His reception and yardage numbers each dipped. Heading into 2015, Colston appears to be the team’s second receiving option behind second-year wideout Brandin Cooks. He still catches passes in a pass-heavy offense but his days as a number one fantasy receiver option are behind him. (D.J.)

Terrance Williams

DALLAS COWBOYS

6’2, 200LBS, B:NOVEMBER 18, 1989

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team DAL DAL DAL

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 44 44 736 5 41 37 621 8 51 41 690 7

ATTs 3

RUSHING YDs TDs 4 0

WILLIAMS SAW A REGRESSION in numbers from his 2013 rookie season, even after earning the full time starting job in 2014. He started all 16 games in 2014, but receptions and yardage dropped from 2013. One thing to consider when evaluating Williams’ 2014 season and his prospects for 2015 is that the Cowboys running game with DeMarco Murray was so effective that total pass attempts dropped to 476 in 2014 from 586 in 2013. With Murray and his 392 carries gone, it is likely that the pass attempts will bump back up in 2015. (M.M.)

Percy Harvin

BUFFALO BILLS

5’11, 184LBS, B:MAY 28, 1988

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 SEA 178 1 17 0 2014 NY/SEA 114 29 350 1 2015 BUF 52 55 600 6

ATTs 22

RUSHING YDs TDs 110

ARGUABLY FANTASY FOOTball’s most aggravating receiver, Harvin continued his trend of teasing greatness

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 55

just to pull the rug away. Harvin opened the season by totaling over 100 yards on national television. He played as an x-factor who lined up as both a receiver and back. By the middle of October, Harvin was sent to the purgatory of New York’s AFC franchise. In the offseason, Harvin signed a one-year “prove-it” deal with the Bills. He should see the field plenty and he’ll probably do something amazing early on. Don’t fall for it. Harvin exists to infuriate and cause hair loss. (A.G.)

Michael Crabtree OAKLAND RAIDERS

6’1, 214LBS, B:NOVEMBER 14, 1987 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team SF SF OAK

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 89 19 284 1 61 68 698 4 53 62 630 4

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

CRABTREE WAS PANNED IN these pages despite being the tenth overall pick out of Texas Tech because of his inconsistent hands and lack of explosion. Those criticisms proved valid, and things have only gotten worse since an Achilles injury in 2013 robbed Crabtree of what athleticism he had. Now on a small one year deal with Oakland, he will probably start opposite Amari Cooper but it would be a surprise if he contributed much. (J.D.B.)

Donte Moncrief INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

6’2, 221LBS, B:AUGUST 6, 1993 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 IND 73 32 444 3 2015 IND 54 50 760 3

ATTs 4

RUSHING YDs TDs 17 0

THE INTRIGUING SIZE AND speed of Moncrief gave fantasy owners a tasty sampling of his unique talents while playing limited backup snaps as a rookie last year, gashing Pittsburgh for 7-113-1 and shredding Washington for 3-134-2. However, a big jump in Moncrief’s playing time as the team’s presumed No. 3 wideout behind T.Y. Hilton and Andre Johnson seems unlikely. Super-fast rookie first-round selection Phillip Dorsett will be in the mix for snaps. And the Colts frequently use two-tight end formations, which don’t require a third wideout. Moncrief’s fantasy production will remain boom or bust with more bust than boom. (M.W.)

Cody Latimer DENVER BRONCOS

6’2, 215LBS, B:OCTOBER 10, 1992 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2015 DEN 55 55 610 4

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

MANNING HAS MADE MANY wide outs fantasy factors over the years, but a key variable all of those players share is a high snap count. Latimer struggled to see the field in 2014, which isn’t shocking as a late second round rookie. There is some buzz that Latimer could be a more visible member of the offense this season which would be welcome fantasy news. As it stands, Latimer is a deep sleeper with upside as a marginal starter. (A.G.)

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 55

6/22/15 11:44 PM

POSITION RANKING

Devante Parker

MIAMI DOLPHINS

6’3, 209LBS, B:JANUARY 20, 1993

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2015 MIA 56 42 610 5

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

THE DOLPHINS MOVED unhappy WR Mike Wallace to Minnesota this offseason, and they made a few moves to replace him, including drafting Parker, trading for Kenny Stills and signing Greg Jennings. Parker is expected to be a large part of Miami’s offense, considering he was the 14th overall selection (third WR overall). With good size and speed, excellent hands and the ability to win jump-balls, he could endear himself to QB Ryan Tannehill. (D.G.)

Dwayne Bowe CLEVELAND BROWNS

6’2, 221LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 21, 1984 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team KC KC CLE

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 42 57 673 5 59 60 754 0 57 50 630 3

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

DWAYNE BOWE JUMPS TO Cleveland after eight seasons in Kansas City. Bowe is coming off a 60 reception – zero touchdown season where the Chiefs managed to complete zero touchdown passes to a wide receiver. It seems like a decade ago when Bowe dominated catching 15 touchdown passes in 2010. (M.M.)

Doug Baldwin

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

5’10, 189LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 21, 1988

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team SEA SEA SEA

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 41 50 778 5 45 66 825 3 58 48 610 3

ATTs 2 1

RUSHING YDs TDs 6 0 8 0

BALDWIN TOPPED THE Seahawks with career-best reception and receiving yardage numbers during his first season as a full-time starter, but the fifth-yearpro’s week-to-week production varied wildly because of routinely uneven usage in Seattle’s trademark run-first-and-run-often offense. It’s a no-brainer that Jimmy Graham will assume go-to target status, so a drop off in Baldwin’s production is a certainty. The small wideout has some playmaking ability, but it’s very hard to predict when he’s going to show up. (M.W.)

Brian Quick ST. LOUIS RAMS

6’3, 218LBS, B:JUNE 5, 1989 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team STL STL STL

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 101 18 302 2 97 25 375 3 59 37 590 5

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

and a rotator cuff that needed repair. As a result, there is some question over Quick’s availability heading into training camp, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. When Quick returns, he could be the top threat for new Rams quarterback Nick Foles. (D.J.)

Cecil Shorts III HOUSTON TEXANS

6’0, 202LBS, B:DECEMBER 22, 1987 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team JAC JAC HOU

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 38 66 777 3 77 53 557 1 60 48 530 4

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

SHORTS III HAS BEEN plagued by injuries and drops throughout his career, yet at times he has shown enough explosion and athleticism to imagine what he could accomplish if playing with better quarterbacks than he had in Jacksonville. Unfortunately he signed in Houston, one of the few teams with a quarterback situation just as bad if not worse, and DeAndre Hopkins is already established as their number one receiver. (J.D.B.)

Marvin Jones

CINCINNATI BENGALS 6’2, 195LBS, B:MARCH 12, 1990

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs CIN 29 51 712 10 DNP CIN 61 43 560 4

ATTs 8

RUSHING YDs TDs 65 0

AN ANKLE INJURY SIDELINED Jones for the entire 2014 season following a solid effort in 2013 that included 51 receptions and 10 touchdown catches. That run led to Jones ranking 23rd among fantasy receivers. Despite Mohamed Sanu playing well in his absence, Jones will receive every opportunity to reclaim his spot as the team’s second receiver opposite the amazing A.J. Green. Through OTAs, Jones battled hamstring injuries but is expected to be ready by training camp. If the Bengals can keep him on the field, he should return to his old form.

Rueben Randle

NEW YORK GIANTS 6’2, 208LBS, B:MAY 7, 1991

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 NYG 51 41 611 6 2014 NYG 35 71 938 3 2015 NYG 62 48 620 2

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

GIVEN THE CHANCE TO emerge following the departure of Hakeem Nicks and again with the injury to Victor Cruz, Randle instead fumbled his opportunities and now looks like nothing more than a third or fourth option in the passing game. That’s primarily due to poor hands and a lack of field awareness that left him on a different page from Eli Manning. (J.D.B.)

Marqise Lee

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 6’0, 195LBS, B:NOVEMBER 25, 1991

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 JAX 92 37 422 1 2015 JAX 63 39 570 4

ATTs 3

RUSHING YDs TDs 9 0

AFTER STRUGGLING WITH injuries and the playbook throughout most of his 2014 rookie campaign, Lee came on late in the year. He averaged a decent 4 catches and 47 receiving yards per game in six season-ending contests. Although Lee projects as a starter in 2015, don’t expect him to make a huge second-year leap. Lee will play second fiddle to designated go-to wideout Allen Robinson in a low-volume aerial attack led by the work-in-progress Blake Bortles. (M.W.)

Jaelen Strong

HOUSTON TEXANS

6’2, 217LBS, JANUARY 25, 1994

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2015 HOU 64 51 560 2

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

HOUSTON HAS BEEN A source of change this offseason. While much of the attention will be on Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett battling for the starting quarterback job or Andre Johnson’s departure from the team, the addition of Strong in the draft’s third round might be the real story. Strong possesses elite hands and knows how to position his large frame for tough catches. His route-running isn’t crisp and he doesn’t have the elite athleticism of a Dez Bryant or Calvin Johnson, but most don’t. Strong will have to fight Cecil Shorts III and Nate Washington for playing time, but the potential is there. (A.G.)

Cordarrelle Patterson MINNESOTA VIKINGS

6’3, 205LBS, B:MARCH 17, 1991 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 MIN 60 45 469 4 2014 MIN 92 33 384 1 2015 MIN

570

ATTs 10

RUSHING YDs TDs 117

BY THE END OF 2013, WHEN Patterson had scored five touchdowns in the final four games, his fantasy stock was skyrocketing before the 2014 draft season. By the time drafts began, his stock was far too high to pay off reasonably. It’s a much different story this draft season, as Patterson scored just two touchdowns as one of the biggest fantasy busts of 2014. He’s a buy-low, third-year wide receiver a developing quarterback, and he’s looking to get his starting job back. (D.G.)

FOLLOWING A TWO-TOUCHdown effort against the Philadelphia Eagles last season, Quick went quiet for the remainder of the season. He suffered a serious shoulder injury that included three torn ligaments

56 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 56

6/22/15 11:44 PM

One Sentence 66

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2015 TEN 71 44 500 2

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

6’5, 225LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 8, 1982 ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

FLOYD ENTERS HIS ELEVenth season with the Chargers after starting all 16 games in 2014 and tying career-highs in receiving yards and touchdowns. (J.D.B.)

Mohamed Sanu CINCINNATI BENGALS

6’2, 210LBS, B:AUGUST 22, 1989 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team CIN CIN CIN

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 66 47 455 2 28 56 790 5 67 36 480 5

ATTs 4 7

RUSHING YDs TDs 16 0 51 0

AFTER ACHIEVING CAREERbests in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, Sanu could lose opportunities to the returning Marvin Jones, who is slated to play opposite A.J. Green. (D.J.)

Markus Wheaton PITTSBURGH STEELERS

5’11, 182LBS, B:FEBRUARY 7, 1991 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 PIT 152 6 64 0 2014 PIT 56 53 644 2 2015 PIT 68 41 520 3

WHEATON ENTERS 2015 likely to lose snaps to Martavis Bryant as the number two wide receiver and fight with rookie Sammie Coates for the third wide receiver spot.(J.D.B)

Allen Hurns

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

6’3, 195LBS, B:NOVEMBER 12, 1991 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 JAX 98 37 422 1 2015 JAX 63 39 570 4

ATTs 3

RUSHING YDs TDs 9 0

HURNS’ INTRIGUING KNACK for making big plays won’t show up on the fantasy radar as long as he’s operating as a slot receiver in a low-volume passing offense. (M.W.)

Stevie Johnson SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

6’2, 207LBS, B:JULY 22, 1986 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 BUF 53 52 597 3 2014 SF 78 35 435 3 2015 SD

430

ATTs 1

RUSHING YDs TDs 10 0

ONCE A PRODUCTIVE RECEIVer in Buffalo, Johnson will need yet another injury to Malcom Floyd before he gains fantasy relevance in San Diego.(J.D.B.)

Andrew Hawkins

Team CHI CHI CHI

Riley Cooper

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

THE BEST THING COOPER does is block, which says all there is to say. His 2013 line was a massive fluke.

470

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

Justin Hunter

Team TEN TEN TEN

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 93 18 354 4 91 28 498 3 75 28 510 3

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

Tavon Austin

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team STL STL STL

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 55 40 418 4 94 31 242 0 78 25 400 3

ATTs 9 36

RUSHING YDs TDs 151 1 224 2

A CHANGE OF QUARTERBACKS still may not do the trick for Austin, who has failed to show any long-term promise as he starts his third season. (D.J.)

Kenny Britt ST. LOUIS RAMS

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team TEN STL STL

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 136 11 96 0 50 48 748 3 79 24 410 2

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

BRITT LED THE RAMS WITH 748 receiving yards last season, catching a career-high 48 passes, and head coach Jeff Fisher believes he’ll be used even more in 2015. (J.D.B.)

Marquess Wilson

CHICAGO BEARS

6’4, 184LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 14, 1992

TENNESSEE TITANS

6’4, 203LBS, B:MAY 20, 1991 Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 24 76 1016 4 87 39 474 2 77 37 470 1

6’3, 223 LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 19, 1988

JENNINGS LOOKS LIKE THE fourth wide receiver in Miami behind Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills, and first round pick Devante Parker with his best years in the rear view mirror. (M.M.)

Brian Hartline

CLEVELAND BROWNS

NOW THE FOURTH RECEIVing option in a run-based Cleveland offense, there isn’t much reason to hope for fantasy production from Hartline. (J.D.B.)

MIAMI DOLPHINS

5’11, 198LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 21, 1983

2015 MIA

Team MIA MIA CLE

Greg Jennings

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 MIN 34 68 804 4 2014 MIN 39 59 742 6

RUSHING YDs TDs 21 0 3 0

5’8, 176LBS, B:MARCH 15, 1991

6’3, 222LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 9, 1987

(J.D.B.)

Year 2013 2014 2015

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 PHI 32 47 835 8 2014 PHI 67 55 577 3 2015 PHI 73 40 440 3

ATTs 3 2

6’2, 199LBS, B:NOVEMBER 22, 1986

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs 2 3 0 3 15 0

LAST SEASON’S QUASI EMERgence of Taylor Gabriel along with the offseason signings of Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline puts Hawkins in a battle for targets. (A.G.)

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 40 47 631 8 30 62 778 7 76 33 370 4

ROYAL WILL HAVE A FEW BIG games, but he can’t be relied on for week-to-week production. (A.G.)

5’7, 180LBS, B:MARCH 10, 1986

RUSHING YDs TDs

IT’LL BE HARD FOR THE talented-but-stone-handed Hunter to break out in a crowded receiver corps with rookie Marcus Mariota learning an NFL offense on the fly. (M.W.)

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 57

Year 2013 2014 2015

CLEVELAND BROWNS

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 CIN 122 12 199 0 2014 CLE 49 63 824 2 2015 CLE 72 34 470 4

Eddie Royal

CHICAGO BEARS

5’10, 185LBS, B:MAY 21, 1986

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

THE TROUBLED ROOKIE wideout has a good chance to beat out Justin Hunter with the Titans, but this offense has a lot to iron out before more than one wide receiver is worth drafting. (D.G.)

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs 4

6’5, 237LBS, B:APRIL 12, 1993

Malcom Floyd

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 SD 29 52 856 6 2015 SD 66 36 620 3

Dorial Green-Beckham

TENNESSEE TITANS

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 CHI 147 17 140 1 2015 CHI 80 31 360 1

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

WILSON HAS HEIGHT AND speed, but has yet to show that he can be anything more than a situational deep threat (J.D.B.)

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 57

6/22/15 11:44 PM

2015 POSITION R ANKING 2014 POSITION RANKING

TIGHT ENDS

FFG_15_058r1.p1.p1.pdf

ERHAPS, NO ONE IN THE PREVIOUS 95 SEASONS OF NFL HAS EVER publicly celebrated as hard as New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski during the offseason. Parties, singing in commercials with Boston Red Sox demigod David Ortiz, and appearing on Family Feud were just a part of a wildly busy offseason run for Gronk. He lived it up for good reason. His Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX and his pass-catching prowess put him atop the list of tight ends in fantasy football. Heading into 2015, only Tom Brady’s looming four-game suspension is an impediment against him repeating the feat. The tight end crop in 2015 is a talented but flawed cast of characters. JIMMY GRAHAM HEADS TO SEATTLE TO JOIN RUSSELL WILSON AND THE Seahawks offense, following an offseason trade from New Orleans. Can Graham thrive in what has been a run-first offense after playing for the pass-happy Saints? Incredibly, San Diego’s Antonio Gates is still getting it done. He ranked second among tight ends in standard fantasy scoring last year, but how much more can the 35-year-old have left in the tank? Then, there is the case of Julius Thomas. The former Bronco fled Denver to catch passes from Blake Bortles, following an injury-plagued 2014 campaign. The allure of money may cost him dearly in the stat column.

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

ROB GRONKOWSKI #1

ELSEWHERE, RISING STARS ABOUND AT THE POSITION, LIKE KANSAS CITY’S Travis Kelce, who is poised to be one of the league’s breakout fantasy stars, and Indianapolis’ Coby Fleener, who achieved career-highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2014. Overall, the position is not quite as stacked as in previous years with Gronkowski firmly still locked in at the top spot. — DEREK JONES

Rob Gronkowski

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs NE 19 39 592 4 NE 1 82 1124 12 NE 1 78 1060 12

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

Jimmy Graham NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

6’7, 265LBS, B:NOVEMBER 24, 1986 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 NO 1 86 1215 16 2014 NO 3 85 889 10 2015 Sea 2 85 910 9

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

GRAHAM IS CLEARLY ENtrenched as an elite tight end (and a pretty clear second choice at the position) based on his recent four-year run averaging almost 90 receptions, 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns. How will the change from the free-wheeling Saints offense to ball-control Seahawks offense affect Graham? Consider that Drew Brees threw 207 more passes in 2014 than Russell Wilson (659 to 452). It is very difficult to tell because he gives the

11:26:49

GIVEN THE DOMINANT performance Gronkowski posted last season, it’s easy to forget that he missed all of the preseason and played a limited number of snaps during the Patriots’ early schedule as he recovered from ACL and MCL tears. Through his first four games he averaged 36.8 yards per game, compared with 88.8 the rest of the way. That’s relevant because it means that Gronkowski could actually improve on his 2014 numbers. The question, as always, will be his health. Gronk hasn’t played a full sixteen game schedule since 2011. Although there is no questioning his toughness, he appears to be one of those athletes who is simply susceptible to serious injuries. The flip side is that despite all the missed time, Gronkowki has posted double-digit touchdowns in four of his five seasons. To put that in proper perspective, Antonio Gates is the only other tight end to reach that mark four times and he did so

15-06-25

6’6, 265LBS, B:MAY 14, 1989

Seahawks and Russell Wilson a weapon they have never had, especially in the red zone where Graham scored 41 of his 51 career touchdowns. Graham has seen between 125-150 targets each of the past four years in New Orleans, while the Seahawks have averaged 86 targets to tight ends over the past two years. Expect Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll to find enough creative ways (increase Wilson pass attempts, reduction in targets to running backs, reduction in Wilson rushes) to take advantage of Graham’s talent and find at least 125 targets. It does appear unlikely that Graham will approach his career highs in receptions, receiving yardage (1310), or touchdowns in the Seahawks offense. (M.M.)

Greg Olsen

CAROLINA PANTHERS

6’5, 250LBS, B:MARCH 11, 1985 Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs CAR 6 73 816 6 CAR 4 84 1008 6 Car 3 81 930 7

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

OLSEN BECAME A BIG REward for all of those fantasy owners who didn’t jump on Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski in the early rounds last season. While Olsen didn’t lead the Panthers in receiving again, as he did in 2013, he still had the best season of his career. Much of that can be attributed to the growth of Cam Newton at quarterback and the arrival of

Photo: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY

Elite

over twelve years. The great Tony Gonzalez only reached it three times, while Shannon Sharpe did so just twice. To put it mildly, Gronkowski is a touchdown machine unlike anything the league has ever seen before. Undoubtedly that has a lot to do with Tom Brady, whose suspension and age may affect Rob’s production going forward, but it’s worth noting that he was the recipient of Jimmy Garappolo’s first career touchdown pass. Regardless of who is behind center for New England, Gronkowski is going to be the focus of their passing game as long as he is on the field. (J.D.B.)

58 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 58

6/22/15 11:44 PM

wideout Kelvin Benjamin. Offensive coordinator Mike Shula likes to get his tight end involved in the passing game, and all signs point to another great season for the Hurricanes product. Olsen turned 30 years old this season, but tight ends don’t fall off as they get older as quickly as wide receivers and running backs do. Players like Antonio Gates, Heath Miller, and Jason Witten are still getting it done, and they have a couple years on Olsen. Unlike Graham and Gronk, Olsen has played in every single game over the past three seasons. That type of reliability out of a 1,000-yard tight end in the fifth or sixth round of 12-team drafts is a very good thing. While it’s true that Benjamin and incoming rookie receiver Devin Funchess are bound to get pieces of the passing pie, Olsen should still see 100 targets for the fourth season in a row. (D.G.)

Travis Kelce

K ANSAS CITY CHIEFS

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS went an entire NFL schedule without throwing a touchdown pass to a wide receiver. That’s humiliating, embarrassing, and a statistic that seems far more fitting of an era where Len Dawson and Otis Taylor plied their trade for the Chiefs in the late 60s. But nope, those were the 2014 Kansas City Chiefs. Yet, a positive development came out of this. Kelce evolved into a strong and reliable tight end option for Alex Smith and the Chiefs offense. He is a 6’6, 260-pound machine who almost appears to be the poor man‘s version of another burly tight end—New England’s tight end tour de force, Rob Gronkowski. While sharing time with Anthony Fasano, Kelce managed to play 66 percent of K.C.’s offensive snaps and made an impact in that time. He compiled 67 catches and hauled in five touchdown receptions to pump some life into Chiefs’ woeful air attack. Entering 2015, Fasano is out and Kelce is expected to play a considerably bigger role. Also, to help alleviate matters, the Chiefs signed ex-Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin. His presence will make Kelce a tougher player to defend. Kelce is a big breakout candidate this season. Almost all of the pieces are in place for him to be a frontline fantasy tight end. (D.J.)

Martellus Bennett CHICAGO BEARS

6’6, 265LBS, B:MARCH 10, 1987 Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs CHI 9 65 759 5 CHI 5 90 916 6 Chi 5 80 840 6

Upper Echelon 6

Antonio Gates

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

6’4, 260LBS, B:JUNE 18, 1980

6’6, 260LBS, B:NOVEMBER 5, 1989 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 KC 8 67 862 5 2015 KC 4 76 950 5

Kevin White, an intriguing wide receiver, in the first round of the draft. Barring an Odell Beckham Jr.-like immediate impact, White will most likely need time to acclimate to NFL play. That time should feature plenty of Bennett. It should, that is, assuming Bennett is still on the squad. He’s unhappy about his contract and it sounds like both sides might dig in. If Bennett and the Bears can find a common ground, there’s no reason to think a major statistical dip is in the offing. Bennett is a safe starter with a smidgen of upside due to his previous pedestrian touchdown totals. (A.G.)

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

IF THERE WAS ANY DOUBT about Bennett coming into 2014, it was about the difficulty of finding targets with a superstar wide receiver duo paired with Matt Forte, one of the league’s best pass-catching backs. Those worries were put to rest quickly as Bennett scored career highs in targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns. The Bears let Brandon Marshall walk this offseason, but they went ahead and selected

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs SD 7 77 872 4 SD 2 69 821 12 SD 6 64 680 5

RUSHING YDs TDs

DAVID GONOS’S CHALLENGE:

Are you ready to gamble on Gates, at age 35, coming off a 12-touchdown season, which is the most he has caught since 2004? The Chargers will certainly use rookie Melvin Gordon more on the goal-line, especially compared to the seven total goal-line rushes he got from Branden Oliver, Ryan Mathews and Donald Brown in 2014.

Julius Thomas

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

6’5, 250LBS, B:JUNE 27, 1988 Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs DEN 2 65 788 12 DEN 7 43 489 12 Jac 7 52 550 9

Zach Ertz

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

6’5, 250LBS, B:NOVEMBER 10, 1990

THE AGELESS GATES OUTDUeled Father Time yet again, racking up fantasy points at a sterling rate last season. Gates’ 12 scoring grabs also was the second-highest total of his career. Playing all 16 games for the second year in a row, he didn’t show any major physical decline down the stretch. With Keenan Allen missing two full games and part of a third one in late December, due to collarbone and ankle injuries, Gates amassed a combined 17 catches, 213 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions while operating as Philip Rivers’ top target in those contests. Put off the Ladarius Green talk for another year; Gates has at least one more season of top-level production left in him. Although he has lost a little burst, the 6-foot-4, 260-pound future Hall of Famer can still get separation consistently and skillfully box out defenders to make the catch with his hoopster skill set. Not much has changed in the Chargers receiver corps, so Gates remains locked in as the No. 2 option in the passing attack. Still worried about Gates’ age? Keep in mind that Tony Gonzalez was still racking up elite numbers when he retired at age 37. (M.W.)

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

ONLY THREE TIGHT ENDS caught a dozen touchdown passes in

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 59

ATTs

2014, Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Gates and Thomas. Thomas, 26, did it on far fewer catches, though, and he parlayed his success in the Broncos’ passing game into a 5-year $46 million contract with the Jaguars. Jacksonville also brought in Greg Olson (not the Panthers’ Greg Olsen) to serve as their offensive coordinator, and he’ll work on developing Blake Bortles the way he did Derek Carr last season. While it’s doubtful that Thomas will see 12 touchdown catches for the third straight season, the days of the Jaguars’ offense being a laughingstock are over. Sure, they ranked 31st in passing last season, but all signs are pointing up for Bortles and his young and talented pass catchers, including Thomas. There are a handful of tight ends who will get drafted higher than Thomas this summer, but he’s a solid starting option. (D.G.)

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs PHI 23 36 469 4 PHI 13 58 702 3 Phi 8 55 680 6

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

ERTZ HAS YET TO PRODUCE at the level expected of a high second-round draft choice. While 2014 was better than 2013, the numbers were skewed by one huge 15 reception game. One would have thought that Eagles head coach Chip Kelly would know everything about Ertz prior to drafting him out of rival Pac-10 school Stanford, but Ertz has lost a lot of snaps in his first two season to Brent Celek, who was considered a much better blocking tight end. The additions of DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews to the Eagles backfield only emphasizes their continued approach to be a run-first team (even in the up-tempo scheme). Ertz has too much talent as a receiver to keep off the field all the time, just be aware that his ability to breakthrough in 2015 is as much dependent on his blocking ability as his pass catching prowess. (M.M.)

Delanie Walker TENNESSEE TITANS

6’0, 248LBS, B:AUGUST 12, 1984 Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs TEN 10 60 571 6 TEN 9 63 890 4 Ten 9 50 760 5

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

WALKER IS, IN HIS OWN special way, kind of an NFL version of Dennis Rodman, minus the North Korean connection. In other words, Walker does a lot of the gritty stuff that coaches love and much of his offensive production comes from broken plays. The Titans weren’t getting much done in 2014, so Walker continued his role as a fantasy football overachiever. Obviously, 2015’s outlook depends highly on the situation around him. The Titans invested heavily in their quarterback position by selecting Marcus Mariota with the second overall pick. After Tennessee spent a lot of pre-draft energy

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 59

6/22/15 11:44 PM

POSITION RANKING

on hyping up current starter Zach Mettenberger, it seemed as though they would trade the pick, but a deal never came to fruition. The quarterback battle will rage on through preseason games, but Walker figures to be there, collecting enough rebounds to be fantasy relevant no matter the outcome. (A.G.)

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs DAL 5 73 851 8 DAL 10 64 703 5 Dal 10 62 630 5

12 ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

SINCE 2003, WITTEN HAS BEEN a workhorse for the Dallas offense but it appears he is trending downward after just turning 33 in May. His 64 receptions and 754 yards receiving last year were his lowest seasonal totals since 2006. Somewhat related, the former All-Pro tight end was targeted 90 times last year—the lowest amount for him since ‘06. While his diminished targets could be explained away (DeMarco Murray’s absurd 449 regular season touches), it appeared on numerous occasions that Witten, who was never a speed merchant, struggled to get open. The good news for Witten owners is that he remains a valuable piece in the Cowboys offense. His days of posting All-Pro tight end numbers are likely finished as he begins his 13th season in 2015. Witten’s BFF and quarterback Tony Romo, however, will not allow the tight end to go away quietly. This may very well be Witten’s final year in a top-10 fantasy tight end discussion. (D.J.)

Jordan Cameron MIAMI DOLPHINS

6’5, 245LBS, B:AUGUST 7, 1988 Year 2013 2014 2015

Solid

Jason Witten

DALLAS COWBOYS 6’6, 261LBS, B:MAY 6, 1982

Year 2013 2014 2015

Matthews. If Cameron makes a quick transition to a new quarterback and a new offense—and stays healthy—the proven playmaker would have fantasy starter upside. (M.W.)

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs CLE 4 80 917 7 CLE 23 24 424 2 Mia 11 52 700 5

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

HE LOOKED LIKE A RISING star just two years ago, so perhaps a change of scenery will get him back on track. Most remember the athletic tight end introducing himself to the fantasy football universe with an outstanding 2013 breakout season. The fifth-year pro, however, wasn’t able to build on that successful campaign the following year. A switch to a more run-oriented attack and major quarterback woes killed Cameron’s production. The injury bug bit him, too. Cameron’s third concussion in the last two years and a shoulder injury forced him to miss six games. Taking his talents to South Beach, he gets a fresh start in an offense led by an on-the-rise Ryan Tannehill. It looks like the 6-foot-5, 245-pound Cameron will make his biggest impact as a much-needed end-zone target and seamstretcher (17 yards per catch in 2014). There are, however, some question marks about how the Dolphins will divvy up the targets in a crowded receiver corps that includes Tannehill favorite Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills, rookie first-round pick Devante Parker, Greg Jennings and Rishard

Jordan Reed

laboring with injuries. He is still mending an ankle injury. Besides the injury, teammate and fellow tight end Coby Fleener threatens to undercut Allen’s production. He is trouble in the red zone for defenses, but it’s difficult to envision Allen becoming more than a backup fantasy tight end this season. (D.J.)

WASHINGTON

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs 1 18 0

MORE OF A BIG WIDE RECEIVER THAN a true tight end, Reed’s obvious athleticism has made him a popular breakout candidate each of the last two seasons. Concussions and hamstring pulls have limited him to just twenty games over those two campaigns, yet the reality is that Reed’s numbers aren’t close to elite even on a per-game basis. The main reasons for that are his limited number of targets and where on the field he is targeted. Putting the first in perspective, three tight ends had more targets last season than the 124 Reed has accumulated over his two seasons combined. As for the second, 91 percent of Jordan’s receptions have come on throws of ten yards or less. To ever have that breakout, he’s going to need to gain more attention in the passing game and to be utilized as a play-making downfield threat. (J.D.B.)

Coby Fleener

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

6’6, 247 LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 20, 1988 Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs IND 13 52 608 4 IND 6 51 774 8 Ind 13 42 620 6

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

ERASE DWAYNE ALLEN FROM the Colts and Fleener’s value obviously skyrockets. Last year, Allen was injured and either missed or acted mostly as a decoy for the final seven games of the year. Over that stretch, Fleener accounted for 479 yards and 4 touchdowns. Extrapolated over a 16 game season, that’s a pace of nearly 1,100 yards and 9 scores. Those numbers put Fleener near the top of the tight end rankings. With Allen, however, Fleener’s numbers were cut in half. Even then, Fleener is worth a late flier as a very weak starter, but his upside skyrockets should Allen miss games. (A.G.)

Dwayne Allen

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

6’3, 265 LBS, B:FEBRUARY 24, 1990

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs IND 1 20 1 IND 14 29 395 8 Ind 14 41 510 7

ATTs

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

6’5, 256LBS, B:OCTOBER 22, 1982

6’3, 225LBS, B:JULY 3, 1990

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 WAS 21 45 499 3 2014 WSH 28 50 465 0 2015 Was 12 55 530 6

Heath Miller

RUSHING YDs TDs

BARRING UNFORESEEN circumstances, the Indianapolis Colts are going to score a lot of points this year. There is some question, however, regarding just how much Allen will be able to contribute. Allen caught eight touchdowns in 2014 while

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team PIT PIT Pit

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 16 58 593 1 12 66 761 3 15 53 560 4

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

MILLER ENTERS HIS 11TH season in the NFL (all with the Steelers) and is again the team’s projected starter at tight end. Durability is Miller’s calling card, starting all but eight games in 11 seasons. He’s a reliable receiving target on a high-volume passing team, but has never been much of a scoring threat. Further, his touchdown prowess has become even less noticeable over time as he’s scored three or fewer touchdowns in four of the last five seasons. (M.M.)

Keep An Eye On 16

Larry Donnell

NEW YORK GIANTS

6’6, 265LBS, B:NOVEMBER 1, 1988

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs NYG 3 31 0 NYG 11 63 623 6 NYG 16 50 500 5

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

THE GIANTS VIEW DONNELL as a long-term starting option, but fantasy owners shouldn’t expect a repeat of his top-12 tight end stats from last season. Following a strong start, Donnell’s production faded badly across the board. He amassed just 30-291-2 during Odell Beckham’s amazing second-half (Week 9 through Week 17) coming out party. With Beckham, the recovering Victor Cruz, and Rueben Randle dominating targets, it’s hard to envision Donnell logging consistent weekly numbers. (M.W.)

ANDY GOLDSTEIN’S CHALLENGE:

It’s absolutely true that Donnell fell to Earth as Odell Beckham Jr zoomed right on into the stratosphere last season. And it’s easy to attach Donnell’s fantasy value to Beckham’s prospects this year, but I believe that would be unfair. Eli Manning has had sustained success with the tight end position, starting with Jeremy Shockey’s run as an elite yardage target and continuing with Kevin Boss’ fantasy relevance. Really, in hindsight, the fact Boss was even a low-level fantasy presence is almost entirely due to Eli’s ability to read defenses and find open targets. So Donnell shouldn’t be dismissed outright which this ranking is kind of doing. Only in his third year, Donnell ’s got a chance at a top 10 finish, regardless of what some superhuman wide receiver might be doing on the field.

60 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 60

6/22/15 11:44 PM

Josh Hill

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 6’5, 250LBS, B:MAY 21, 1990

Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs NO 6 44 1 NO 26 14 176 5 NO 17 41 380 7

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

THIS RANKING IS UNDERstandable for someone with only twenty catches in his first two seasons, but it is extremely conservative based on what is possible for Hill in the Saints’ offense. He won’t be Jimmy Graham, but after failing to find receiving help in the draft, New Orleans has no choice but to rely on Hill for a hefty portion of their passing game. He has the hands and athleticism to be a productive NFL tight end. (J.D.B.)

Eric Ebron

and new Denver head coach Gary Kubiak’s scheme is tight end friendly. Daniels likely will operate as a red-zone target in a committee. Turning 33 in November, Daniels has played through nagging injuries during most of his 10-year NFL career. (M.W.)

produced some fantasy TE1 stats during the second half of 2014 but will now have to share his safety-valve duties with rookie third rounder Clive Walford. (M.W.)

One Sentence

6’6, 250LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 8, 1990

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 TB 39 21 221 2 2015 TB 21 44 500 3

Vernon Davis

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 6’3, 250LBS, B:JANUARY 31, 1984

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 SF 33 26 245 2 2015 SF 19 41 440 5

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

Owen Daniels DENVER BRONCOS

6’3, 245LBS, B:NOVEMBER 9, 1982 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2015 Den 20 43 470 4

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team MIN MIN Min

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

REPLACING JULIUS THOMAS, who bolted to the Jaguars, as a safety valve option for Peyton Manning assures some fantasy relevance for Daniels. Everybody knows Manning loves to throw to his tight ends,

Kyle Rudolph

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 29 30 313 3 35 24 231 2 22 36 440 5

RUSHING YDs TDs

Charles Clay

BUFFALO BILLS

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs MIA 8 69 759 6 MIA 16 58 605 3 Buf 23 50 470 2

ATTs 7

RUSHING YDs TDs 15 1

PARLAYED TWO VERY GOOD seasons with the Dolphins (127 receptions) into a huge payday with the Buffalo Bills and figures to be heavily involved in the Bills offensive scheme. (M.M.)

Jared Cook ST. LOUIS RAMS

6’5, 248 LBS, B:APRIL 7, 1987 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team STL STL Stl

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 11 51 671 5 14 52 634 3 24 41 480 3

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

Mychal Rivera OAKLAND RAIDERS

6’3, 245LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 8, 1990 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2013 Oak 25 38 407 4 2014 Oak 16 58 534 4 2015 Oak 25 47 460 2

CINCINNATI BENGALS

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs CIN 27 39 445 2 CIN 3 37 0 Cin 26 35 410 4

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

A DISLOCATED ELBOW, followed by shoulder surgery, made his 2014 a wash, and his fantasy prospects are cloudy at best. He’ll likely make for a better waiver pickup than a late-round selection. (D.G.)

Jace Amaro NEW YORK JETS

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 NYJ 24 38 345 2 2015 NYJ 27 40 460 2

RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

THE USE OF SPREAD ELEments in the Jets’ new offense should help him emerge. Unfortunately the number of receivers will limit his targets. (J.D.B.)

Niles Paul WASHINGTON

6’1, 241LBS, B:AUGUST 8, 1989 Year 2013 2014 2015

RECEIVING Team Rank RECs YDs TDs Was 4 51 0 Was 21 39 507 1 Was 28 34 470 2

ATTs 0

RUSHING YDs TDs 0 0

THE OFT-INJURED JORDAN REED MAY get the starting nod but his injury history could give Paul plenty of opportunities to thrive in Washington’s offense. (D.J.)

Tim Wright

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

6’4, 220LBS, B:APRIL 7, 1990 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team TB NE TB

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 12 54 571 5 19 26 259 6 29 30 310 5

ATTs 1 1

RUSHING YDs TDs 2 0 -2 0

BACK IN TAMPA, WRIGHT returns to the team that used him as a downfield threat as a rookie. (A.G.)

COOK LED THE RAMS IN targets (99) and receptions (52), and Nick Foles will settle down the quarterback situation in St. Louis, making Cook a worthy backup fantasy tight end. (D.G.)

Ladarius Green SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

6’6, 238LBS, B:MAY 29, 1990 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team SD SD SD

RECEIVING Rank RECs YDs TDs 31 17 376 3 50 19 226 0 30 35 410 2

ATTs

RUSHING YDs TDs

LADARIUS GREEN WAS A break out candidate entering 2014 based on the belief that Antonio Gates was washed up. That proved to be an incorrect assumption. (M.M.)

THE PLODDING RIVERA

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 61

ATTs

6’3, 255LBS, B:DECEMBER 12, 1986

Year 2013 2014 2015

Tyler Eifert

6’5, 260LBS, B:JUNE 26, 1992

INJURIES HAVE MARRED HIS promising career, but if he can stay on the field, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater could develop quite the rapport with him. (D.J.)

WHETHER HE WAS PLAYING through an undisclosed injury or has simply lost too much of the speed and athleticism that once placed him among the game’s best receiving tight ends, he was a shell of his former self last season. His targets fell sharply both because he struggled to get open. A rebound isn’t impossible, but it is unlikely. ( J.D.B.)

RUSHING YDs TDs

6’6, 259LBS, B:NOVEMBER 9, 1989

6’4, 245LBS, B:APRIL 10, 1993

THOSE WHO BIT ON THE rookie hype for Ebron last season must have been unaware of the fact that the only rookie tight ends to post top-12 stats among tight ends in recent memory were Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in 2010. Ebron’s fantasy future is much brighter than his 25-catch, 1-TD rookie season as long as his hamstring troubles are behind him (not literally). Taking a shot on Ebron late is smart for a couple reasons, including his upside— and the fact you can cut him without issue if he gets hurt again or disappoints. (D.G.)

ATTs

AFTER A ROUGH ROOKIE season, he figures to be more involved in the Bucs offense this year. (A.G.)

22 RUSHING ATTs YDs TDs

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

6’5, 262LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 29, 1992

DETROIT LIONS

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 DET 42 25 248 1 2015 Det 18 48 450 4

Austin Seferian-Jenkins

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 61

6/22/15 11:44 PM

2015 POSITION R ANKING 2014 POSITION RANKING

KICKERS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

6’1, 215 LBS, B:JANUARY 28, 1984 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank NE 1 NE 1 NE 1

FIELD GOALS Made ATT 38 41 35 37

Extra Pts Made 44 51

Points 158 156 162

BALTIMORE RAVENS

6’0, 180 LBS, B:NOVEMBER 21, 1989

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank BAL 6 BAL 9 BAL 2

FIELD GOALS Made ATT 38 41 29 34

Extra Pts Made 26 42

Points 140 129 173

IT’S STILL HARD TO BELIEVE that Tucker wasn’t selected in the 2012

Steven Hauschka

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 6’4, 210 LBS, B:JUNE 29, 1985

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank SEA 4 SEA 4 SEA 3

FIELD GOALS Made ATT 33 35 31 37

Extra Pts Made 44 41

Points 143 134 168

THERE ARE SEVERAL REAsons why Hauschka shouldn’t be so successful, starting with the fact he’s playing in a cold weather open-air stadium. But much like Mason Crosby did for so many years, he has made it work. Only two kickers had more field-goal attempts last season than Hauschka, and no one kicked a longer field goal than his 58-yarder in Week 8. He had two or more field-goal attempts in 13 games last season, which is the name of the game. Ten of the top 16 kickers in successful field goals last season kicked on turf, including Hauschka, which seems to mean more than the climate. While Jimmy Graham should turn some of those failed drives into touchdowns, Hauschka remains a stud in this offense. (D.G.)

Adam Vinatieri

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

6’0, 200 LBS, B:DECEMBER 28, 1972

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank IND 8 IND 3 IND 4

FIELD GOALS Made ATT 35 40 30 31

Extra Pts Made 34 50

Points 139 140 165

HE IS A VERY GOOD KICKER. He always has been a very good kicker and there’s a decent chance he will continue to be a very good kicker. It helps that he plays for a prolific offense and his home games are in a dome. Of course, he’s been a very good kicker in disagreeable weather as well, so the dome is really just gravy. There is no reason to take Vinatieri or any other kicker before the last round in a fantasy draft, however, because there are many very good kickers. (A.G.)

Cody Parkey

11:26:49

Justin Tucker

15-06-25

KICKING FOR THE SUPER Bowl champion Patriots is a pretty rad gig. For a second straight year, he led the NFL in made field goals and there is no reason to think things will be drastically different in 2015 despite the league’s new PAT rule change. Gostkowski is coming off of the most efficient year of his career. The bigger issue is Tom Brady’s pending four-game suspension, which will undoubtedly impact New England’s offense. That may not necessarily, however, knock him from atop fantasy kicker rankings. The 10-year veteran was named an All-Pro once in his career back in 2008. That happened to be the same year Brady missed an entire season with a torn ACL. New England still holds solid offensive personnel. (D.J.)

draft. He came within one point of scoring at least 130 points for the third straight season. Even though his 2014 scoring total was a career low, it still placed a very respectable 10th. Tucker has nailed an outstanding 89.9 percent of his trey attempts, which, heading into 2015, is the all-time best mark among kickers with a minimum of 100 field goals attempted. Although he lacks elite leg strength, Tucker has nailed 70 percent of his career attempts (14 of 20) from 50-plus yards. Teams that utilize conservative run-heavy offenses and play stout defense, like the Ravens usually do, generate a lot of kicker points, which has been the key to Tucker’s consistent yearly production. (M.W.)

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 6’0, 193LBS, B:FEBRUARY 19, 1992

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 PHI 2 32 36 54 2015 PHI 5

ATTs 150 161

RUSHING YDs TDs

JUPITER HIGH SCHOOL product Parkey wrestled away the Eagles kicking job from Alex Henery after a preseason trade from the Colts. Parkey was successful on 32 of 36 field goal tries including four out of four from 50 or more yards. Parkey made two or more field goals in 11 games and only had two games without a field goal attempt. His 150 points broke the NFL rookie kicking record. (M.M.)

Photo: REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi

Stephen Gostkowski

STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI #2

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

Upper Echelon

FFG_15_062r1.p1.p1.pdf

HE KICKER POSITION IS OFTEN THE MOST reviled in fantasy circles. Some leagues have even gone to the drastic measure of eliminating it altogether! This is a travesty. Football is a game played by human giants. Football is a game whose athletes are second to none in the world. Football is a game that can prove a man is a warrior. Football is also a game which often comes down to the foot of a tiny, graceful soccer flameout. It just is! And if that’s how real football is dictated, why shouldn’t fantasy football follow suit? So read on to find the nuanced differences between dome kickers and accurate kickers. Find out which 40-year old, who would be injured immediately performing any other function on the field, still made our top 15. Basically, let us illuminate exactly how the last round of your fantasy football draft should go. — ANDY GOLDSTEIN

62 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 62

6/22/15 11:44 PM

Dan Bailey

DALLAS COWBOYS

6’0, 191 LBS, B:JANUARY 26, 1988 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank DAL 10 DAL 8 DAL 6

FIELD GOALS Made ATT 28 30 25 29

Extra Pts Made 47 56

Points 131 131 155

THE NFL HAS A LARGE number of great kickers right now, and Bailey has proved that he’s one of them. Nailing a league-best 56 PATs helped him amass 131 points for the second straight year. Bailey has racked up 130-plus points in three out of his first four NFL campaigns. Heading into 2015 he is ranked as the second-most accurate field goal kicker ever, with an 89.8 percent trey conversion rate. He has connected on an impressive 69.6 percent of his career treys attempted from 50-plus yards (16 of 23). The Cowboys offense likely won’t be as efficient in the red zone this year, meaning fewer extra point attempts but more field goals for Bailey. (M.W.)

Mason Crosby GREEN BAY PACKERS

6’1, 214 LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 3, 1984 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank GB 5 GB 5 GB 7

FIELD GOALS Made ATT 33 37 27 33

Extra Pts Made 42 53

Points 141 134 151

APPEARED TO BE ON SHAKY ground after a miserable 2012 season, but he rebounded nicely in 2013 and 2014 to hit 60 out of 70 field goals. The Packers still have confidence in him from beyond 50 yards, with nine successful kicks over the past two seasons. Crosby’s 1037 career points are only 17 behind Ryan Longwell in all-time Packers history. (M.M.)

Matt Prater DETROIT LIONS

5’9, 166LBS, B:AUGUST 10, 1984 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank DEN 2 DEN/ 26 DET 8

FIELD GOALS Made ATT 25 26 21 26

Extra Pts Made 75 21

Points 150 84 149

HOPPED INTO A LIONS uniform five games into the season following his run as a Denver Bronco. He flashed inconsistencies by missing five field goals and was hamstrung by Detroit’s offensive woes at times, but performed well down the stretch and received a three-year contract extension. He still has a strong leg and kicks in Ford Field, one of the best venues in the league for a kicker. (D.J.)

some excellent accuracy, the 12th-year pro has connected on at least 90 percent of his treys attempted for the third straight season. Suisham, however, doesn’t do much long-range kicking; he’s just three of eight from 50-plus yards since 2010. Since a mega-talented Pittsburgh offense that finished second last year should have another great season, Suisham is a starting option who will be available after the elite kickers have come off the board. (M.W.)

Solid

6’2, 228LBS, B:NOVEMBER 25, 1985

FIELD GOALS Made ATT 24 27 29 32

DENVER BRONCOS

Extra Pts Made 39 40

Points 111 127 145

BACK IN 2012, WHEN THE Falcons offense was churning along as a

RUSHING YDs TDs

AS LONG AS BARTH IS AVOIDing basketball games (and, generally, real athletic events), he’s a fine addition to any fantasy squad. Barth missed the 2013 after an injury suffered during a charity basketball game. He eventually latched on with the Broncos late in 2014 and proceeded to average three field goals and three extra points per game. This year, the Broncos probably won’t give him as many attempts, but they’ll still be up there. (A.G.)

Blair Walsh

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

5’10, 192 LBS, B:JANUARY 8, 1990

Year 2013 2014 2015

Team MIN MIN MIN

Rank 15 23 11

FIELD GOALS Made ATT 26 30 26 35

Extra Pts Made 43 29

Points 121 107 142

Shaun Suisham

Year 2013 2014 2015

FIELD GOALS Made ATT 30 32 29 32

Extra Pts Made 39 45

BUFFALO BILLS FIELD GOALS Made ATT 33 36 34 38

Points 129 132 141

THE CAREER JOURNEYMAN has been quietly productive during the last two years. The 132 points that Suisham compiled in 2014 was a new career best and ranked seventh in kicker scoring. Displaying

Extra Pts Made 32 31

Points 131 133 140

CARPENTER FELL JUST ONE made kick short of tying New England’s Stephen Gostkowski with 35 made field goals a season ago. Carpenter does have a red flag now, however, as he is recovering from an unknown surgery that has sidelined him for OTAs. Bills head coach Rex Ryan believes Carpenter will be ready soon, but it’s not a positive development all the same. Another stumbling block for Carpenter could potentially be the league’s extra point move to the 15-yard line. Hitting those kicks in blustery conditions could be tricky and cause more two-point attempts. That said, if Buffalo’s offense can be a bit more productive (and it might be), Carpenter could catapult into one of the league’s better fantasy kickers. (D.J.)

Nick Novak

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

6’0, 189 LBS, B:AUGUST 21, 1981 Year 2013 2014 2015

Team Rank SD 3 SD 24 SD 14

FIELD GOALS Made ATT 34 37 22 26

Extra Pts Made 42 40

Points 144 106 139

FIELD GOAL ATTEMPTS ARE A fickle mistress. All the way back in 2013, Novak was fourth in attempts and makes. Last year, the Chargers struggled somewhat on offense and Novak fell out of the top 10 in both categories. It just goes to show how much kickers are reliant on the pieces around them, so feel free to peg Novak as a sleeper bounceback kicker prospect, just make sure he’s a final round selection. (A.G.)

Chandler Catanzaro ARIZONA CARDINALS

6’3, 200LBS, B:FEBRUARY 26, 1991 RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 ARI 21 29 33 27 2015 ARI 15

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Team Rank PIT 12 PIT 7 PIT 12

Dan Carpenter

Team Rank BUF 11 BUF 6 BUF 13

WALSH CAME OUT OF THE University of Georgia with a big leg and a high fantasy ceiling. But Vikings quarterback troubles, paired with Adrian Peterson’s suspension in 2014 kept him from being a top-12 kicker in the past couple seasons. With the Vikings offense starting to come together, including Teddy Bridgewater’s development, Walsh should see enough opportunities to get him fantasy starter status again. His booming leg makes him more valuable in distance-bonus leagues, too. At just 24 years old, Walsh could be a top-10 kicker for the foreseeable future. (D.G.)

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 63

ATTs 60 143

6’0, 200LBS, B:NOVEMBER 29, 1981

ATLANTA FALCONS

Team Rank ATL 22 ATL 10 ATL 9

Connor Barth

RECEIVING Year Team Rank RECs YDs TDs 2014 DEN 34 15 16 15 2015 TB 10

13 Year 2013 2014 2015

5’11, 200LBS, B:APRIL 11, 1986

Matt Bryant

5’9, 200 LBS, B:MAY 29, 1975 Year 2013 2014 2015

top-10 unit, Bryant posted a top-three fantasy season among kickers. But injuries struck hard in 2013, and Bryant plummeted out of the top 20 among fantasy kickers. Last season, though, the Falcons and Bryant rebounded, back into the top-third of the league. With new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan on board and Matt Ryan under center, this offense should remain a solid one for a fantasy kicker. For leagues with bonuses for long-distance field goals, Bryant led the league in 2014 in field goals over 50 yards with seven. (D.G.)

ATTs 114 138

RUSHING YDs TDs

AS A ROOKIE, CATANZARO took over place-kicking responsibilities for the Cardinals in 2014. The much-improved Cardinals offense gave Catanzaro 33 field goal tries in 2014 and he responded by connecting on 29 of them. Catanzaro followed up on a successful college career at Clemson by hitting his first 17 pro field goal tries, an NFL rookie record. (M.M.)

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 63

6/22/15 11:44 PM

2015 POSITION R ANKING 2014 POSITION RANKING

TEAM DEFENSE

FFG_15_064r1.p1.p1.pdf

HE BEAUTY ABOUT FANTASY FOOTBALL DEFENSES is that different scoring systems can make a case for about two-thirds of the NFL teams to be viewed as possible starting defenses in fantasy play. A prospective owner could be in a league that greatly rewards fantasy points for sacks, but downplays turnovers or special teams play. Make sure you do the appropriate amount of research surrounding your league’s fantasy scoring, in order to understand which defense/special teams are more valuable in your league, compared to others. Does your league give a ton of points for defenses that don’t allow a lot of points scored each game, or yardage gained? If so, then last year’s Lions defense would be much more valuable to your league than in most other leagues. That defensive unit gave up the secondfewest total yards, and the third-fewest points, but they were just above-average in sacks and forced turnovers, with just two defensive touchdowns. One should target defenses with strong pass rushers and ball-hawking cornerbacks that turn soft passes into turnovers. —DAVID GONOS

Seattle SEAHAWKS

Houston TEXANS AFTER THE TEXANS SELECTed Jadeveon Clowney with the first pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, visions of a

Buffalo BILLS

WHILE THE BILLS DEFENSE wasn’t a popular unit in 2014 fantasy football drafts, they certainly became one of the most popular DSTs to come off the waiver wire. For the past three seasons, they have improved on their fantasy stats, and the arrival of defense-first head coach Rex Ryan and his 3-4 defense means even better things ahead. Transitioning from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 system means the three-man line will have more two-gap responsibilities, and Mario Williams will move outside as a stand-up linebacker, which he has been proficient at in the past. The loss of Kiko Alonso (traded for LeSean McCoy) is bad for business, but this unit topped the league in sacks last year, and that pressure also helped the secondary rank among the leaders in interceptions. The team speed is above-average,

St. Louis RAMS

WHILE THE RAMS HAVE treaded water defensively for the last couple years, their roster, on paper, is absolutely terrifying. One of these seasons, they will come together and live up to the hype. And after spending only a couple seventh-round picks on defensive players in this year’s draft, it’s clear the Rams are feeling pretty good about what they and coordinator Gregg Williams are growing. It all starts up front, where Robert Quinn and Aaron Donald both have Pro Bowl appearances on their resumes and both are less than 25 years old. Donald’s play last year was especially impressive as he totaled 9 sacks in only 12 starts. If there’s one area of concern, it’s that pesky nuisance of the Rams offense, which allowed eight return scores. EIGHT RETURN SCORES. That’s incredible, and devastating to a team that still managed to rank 16th in points against. Imagine if the Rams just became a solid running team, perhaps with rookie Todd Gurley leading the way. Then the defense would be put in better situations and improve in all areas. That’s the pie-in-the-sky Rams DST that has fantasy stardom written all over them. (A.G.)

New England PATRIOTS LINEBACKER AND SCHEDULE are the two biggest strengths of the New

11:26:48

15-06-25

THE SEAHAWKS DIDN’T rack up as many sacks and takeaways as expected in 2014, but it’d be a huge overreaction to demote this talented bunch out of the top spot. Seattle finished second in both total defense and points allowed (15.9 per game) for the second straight year. A usually lethal pass rush lost some of its bite, finishing just 20th in sacks. A shortage of depth crippled the defensive line rotation, leaving all their top sackers, including Michael Bennett (7.0 sacks) and Cliff Avril (5.0 sacks), more worn down than usual in the closing weeks. Reinforcements Ahtyba Rubin and rookie second-rounder Ryan Clark will make a difference. A reenergized pass rush will help the Legion of Boom and company improve on their below-average 23 takeaways (13 picks and 10 recovered fumbles). Free-agent Cary Williams is a great replacement for the departed Byron Maxwell. With defensive backs coach Kris Williams calling the shots as coordinator, the Seahawks will return to elite fantasy status. (M.W.

which will once again allow them to make even more plays in 2015. (D.G.)

Photo: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

dominating defense danced throughout the heads of league pundits. While Clowney’s season was cut short due to injury, J.J. Watt seemed to do the work of two people at times anyway. Watt returns after posting 20.5 sacks and scoring Houston’s only two defensive touchdowns of the year. Despite Watt’s work in 2014, the Texans finished just 19th with 38 sacks. If Clowney recovers from microfracture surgery, he’ll team up with former New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork to form an intimidating addition to the 2015 squad. If Watt, Wilfork, and Clowney are all healthy they could give Houston’s front seven quite a lift. Meanwhile, Houston’s secondary snagged 20 interceptions— ranking third in the NFL. (D.J.)

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

Upper Echelon

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS #1

64 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015�� | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 64

6/22/15 11:44 PM

England Patriots defense. With Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower, and Jerod Mayo, New England should be stout against the run, even with the departure of Vince Wilfork. The Patriots weakness is in the secondary after losing Darrelle Revis back to the Jets. The Patriots used their first four draft choices in 2015 on defense, as well as seven out of their ten choices. The Patriots will again play the Jets and Bills twice, as well as the Jaguars and Titans. (M.M.)

Miami DOLPHINS

THE TOP NFL FREE AGENT chose to take his talents to South Beach this winter, as nose tackle Ndamukong Suh signed with the Dolphins, immediately affecting the prospects of the Dolphins DST. This unit was respectable last season, but they didn’t reach the quarterback or force turnovers enough to warrant starting regularly in fantasy leagues. Suh should change all of that, and QB-seeking Cameron Wake should eclipse last season’s 11.5 sacks with relative ease. Miami swapped out five starters from last year’s defense, including tackle Jared Odrick and cornerback Cortland Finnegan, but the expectation is that they should be better. Koa Misi played well at middle linebacker last year and is expected to take a bigger step forward this season, especially behind Suh. And while Suh stuffs the run, Wake and Olivier Vernon will continue to rack up sacks, making this a very difficult team to run and pass on. After the elite defenses are off the board, the Dolphins DST make for a good squad on the rise. (D.G.)

Denver BRONCOS

IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO TALK about Denver’s defense without mentioning the offense. Due to Denver’s ability to score, jump out to leads, and generally dictate the pace of games, Denver’s defense tends to see the same thing every week. That is, they see a lot of passes against. Denver’s opponents are usually desperate to score to keep up. The Broncos saw more passes against than any other team last year, which helps to explain their interception (7th), sack (9th), and pass yards allowed (24th) rankings. Despite oodles of regular season success since Peyton Manning joined the team, Denver fired John Fox and hired Gary Kubiak. Kubiak brought Wade Phillips with him to coach the defense, so expect some growing pains as the team goes with Phillips’ 3-4 defensive scheme. Player wise, the names are pretty much the same, with Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, and Brandon Marshall. That list means this remains a top-10 defensive unit. (A.G.)

Green Bay PACKERS

DESPITE FINISHING JUST 15TH overall and 13th (tie) in points allowed (21.8 per game) last season, the Packers are definitely an on-the-rise fantasy defense. They

placed ninth in sacks with 41 quarterback takedowns, but Green Bay’s surprising jump from 22nd to eighth in takeaways (27 forced turnovers; 18 interceptions and nine recovered fumbles) has boosted this unit into the ranks of the solid starting options. Casey Heyward and Tramon Williams topped the team with three picks apiece. Rookies Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins will add depth and more ballhawking prowess to the secondary. Moving Clay Matthews to an inside linebacker position paid off in spades—to the tune of a team-leading 11 sacks—and aging Julius Peppers is still productive. Run-stuffer B.J. Raji returns after missing all of 2014 with an arm injury. With little offseason personnel turnover, the Packers should pick up right where they left off. Green Bay isn’t, however, an elite choice in leagues that penalize harshly for points allowed. (M.W.)

Carolina PANTHERS

THE CAROLINA PANTHERS defense is led by linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. Those two helped lead the Panthers to 10th best in the NFL in yards allowed. The Panthers ranked in the upper half of the NFL in sacks, interceptions and forced fumbles. While they will get to open up against Jacksonville and play three games against the two rookie quarterbacks (Tampa and Tennessee), the schedule is covered with strong offenses, so streaming Carolina with other options might be the best long term strategy. (M.M.)

Arizona CARDINALS

THE ARIZONA CARDINALS deserved a better fate in 2014 as injuries and a lackluster offense placed an immense amount of pressure on their defense. Only four defenses allowed fewer points than Arizona’s 299 but it became a proverbial smoke and mirrors show. Arizona failed to generate a consistent pass rush and finished 24th in sacks, even with talented defensive end Calais Campbell in the mix. Arizona welcomes a new defensive coordinator in James Bettcher, who replaces Todd Bowles but will maintain Arizona’s 3-4 scheme. The Cardinals kick and punt return game will likely feature wide receiver John Brown and cornerback Patrick Peterson trying to give their respective units a boost. (D.J.)

Solid 11

Philadelphia EAGLES

WHILE THE EAGLES WERE among the worst in the NFL in points allowed, they were tied for second in the league in sacks and led the league in fumble recoveries. Four touchdowns on defense and four more on kick returns made the Eagles the highest scoring fantasy defense/special team in 2014. (M.M.)

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 65

New York JETS

DARRELLE REVIS CHANneled his inner LeBron James by returning to the New York Jets weeks after helping the New England Patriots win a Super Bowl. Revis and Antonio Cromartie—another returning Jet following a stint in Arizona—will anchor a secondary that should be a vastly improved unit. The Jets compiled 45 sacks (sixth in the NFL) but their six interceptions tied for dead last in the league. New head coach Todd Bowles should see some push upfront with Muhammad Wilkerson and first-round selection Leonard Williams roaming the defensive line. Expect the Jets to be an improved defensive/special teams unit. (D.J.)

Cincinnati BENGALS

GETTING GENO ATKINS BACK from a knee injury the previous season was supposed to help this Bengals DST rank among the best once again. But Atkins came through with just three sacks, and this unit dropped from 43 sacks in 2013 down to just 20 last year, finishing as one of the bottom-five units in 2014. The good news is that Atkins is young enough to rebound, and they brought back end Michael Johnson, after a failed season with Tampa Bay. Also, with just one touchdown scored on defense last year, they can expect that stat to regress upward to the mean, as touchdowns are hard to predict on defense. Perhaps former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s departure to coach the Vikings hurt this team more than predicted, but a rebound under Paul Guenther is expected. Fantasy owners needing a backup defense would be wise to look toward the orange and black tiger stripes. (D.G.))

New York GIANTS

THE GIANTS WEREN’T satisfied with Perry Fewell’s defensive stewardship, so they went ahead and brought back Steve Spagnuolo, who was with the team all the way back in 2008. Back then, Spagnuolo’s hyper-blitz attack helped the Giants lead the league in sacks and, oh yeah, produced a Super Bowl victory. This year’s squad isn’t nearly as good personnel-wise of course, but Jason Pierre-Paul still anchors a defense which ranked fourth in sacks last year. Unfortunately, the team also ranked nearly last in yards allowed and in the bottom half of points allowed. If those numbers can be improved, the Giants will return to fantasy relevance. (A.G.))

Kansas City CHIEFS DROPPED PICKS AREN’T AN official NFL statistic, but the Chiefs had close to a dozen of them. (M.W.)

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 65

6/22/15 11:44 PM

2015 POSITION R ANKING 2014 POSITION RANKING

INDIVIDUAL DEFENSE

FFG_15_066r1.p1.p1.pdf

ERHAPS NO ASPECT OF FANTASY FOOTBALL HAS GROWN over the last five years more than Individual Defensive Player (IDP) formats. Back in the early days of the game, when newspaper box scores were needed for scoring, finding game-by-game tackle totals was—ummm—challenging. But now that computers and full livescoring is the norm, there’s no reason to keep IDP on the back burner any longer. But perhaps due to the late emergence of IDP formats, scoring systems vary more widely than on the other side of the ball. Standard scoring, and the scoring system we based our rankings on, put a premium on tackles. They are, in many ways, the lifeblood of standard IDP scoring. This means that our defensive back rankings wouldn’t exactly align with “top NFL corner” lists. Our defensive backs are fierce, run-stopping machines. They, perhaps, struggle in the coverage game.

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

LINEBACKER FEATURES A HEAD-TO-HEAD BATTLE BETWEEN LUKE Keuchly and Lavonte David, generally regarded as the two best linebackers in the NFL. Their ability to cover sideline to sideline separate them from others at the position. On the defensive line, there is only one. You know him. I know him. It’s entirely possible all of our grandparents know him. J.J. Watt is the Heaven and the Earth of IDP leagues. He is so far ahead of others that he is a justifiable selection starting in round five of IDP leagues.

JJ WATT #1

—ANDY GOLDSTEIN

J.J. Watt

HOUSTON TEXANS

6’6, 292 LBS, B:MARCH 22, 1989

ST. LOUIS RAMS

6’4, 265 LBS, B:MAY 18, 1990

QUINN INKED A FOUR-YEAR deal worth $66.5 million last season with the Rams and rightfully so. A

Chandler Jones

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 6’5, 265 LBS, B:FEBRUARY 27, 1990

CONSIDERED A LOCK TO repeat his 2013 breakout-season stats and a very safe option, the coveted Jones was a major disappointment. The right defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid missed six games due to a hip injury, which obviously explains his regression to 6.0 sacks, 37 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, two forced fumbles and one recovered fumble. He underwent an undisclosed surgery in late March, which was assumed to be some type of hip procedure (super-secretive New England didn’t disclose any details). According to media reports, Jones was seen using crutches, but he supposedly will be ready for training camp. When healthy, he is the Pats’ top pass rusher and a size-speedstrength matchup nightmare. With Vince Wilfork gone, opposing offenses probably will focus more on Jones, but don’t overthink this. Jones is still a

Jason Pierre-Paul

NEW YORK GIANTS

6’5, 278 LBS, B:JANUARY 1, 1989

WHO’S DOWN WITH J.P.P.? Pierre-Paul has had an undulating career, with huge seasons in 2011 and and 2014 sprinkled around some mediocre ones beset by injuries. The Giants gave him the franchise tag this past winter, and he’s likely going to play under a one-year tender contract. That’s a good thing for IDP owners, as he’ll likely be working for a huge contract. At just 26 years old, Pierre-Paul should have a handful of top-notch years ahead of him. Considering how adept he is at getting to the quarterback (12.5 sacks last season, and 80 in his five-year career), it’s equally impressive how many tackles he also tallies from the defensive end position. J.J. Watt is the only defensive lineman with more tackles last year, so IDP owners should consider Pierre-Paul a round or two behind Watt.

Cameron Wake

MIAMI DOLPHINS

6’3, 256 LBS, B:JANUARY 30, 1982

FOLLOWING A 2013 STATISTIcal downswing, the inconsistent Wake rebounded with 11.5 quarterback takedowns, 31 solos, five assists, eight tackles-for-

11:26:48

Robert Quinn

rock-solid lineman choice and, assuming the hip is fine, he should rebound nicely. (M.W.)

15-06-25

WATT IS THE MOST DOMInant individual defensive player in league history. While there have been many great defenders throughout the years, none have separated themselves from their peers to the extent that Watt has. In some scoring systems he is half again more valuable than any other defensive player, and that’s because he makes significant contributions in so many different categories. Last season not only did he rank second in sacks, he led all defensive linemen in solo tackles while adding forced fumbles and as many passes defensed as the average defensive back. 2013 is an illustration that he won’t dominate the competition every year, but his other recent seasons were so impressive that he merits early consideration in drafts and a hefty investment in auction formats. (J.D.B)

former All-Pro, Quinn has 29.5 sacks to his credit since 2013 and is one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. He is coming off of a down year statistically. He only mustered 10.5 sacks and 46 tackles—both totals a bit down from 2013 thanks to missing two games due to injury. The St. Louis defensive line battled through injuriesl ast year, but if the Rams can get back to full tilt, that should free up Quinn to be a major menace again. (D.J.)

Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY S

Defensive Line

66 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 66

6/22/15 11:44 PM

loss, three forced fumbles and one recovered fumble. His sack total led the Dolphins, ranked fifth among all defensive linemen, and placed 11th in the NFL. It’s Wake’s sack stats that vary the most from year to year, and may be the reason some don’t give him enough credit for his great pass-rushing prowess. Defensive linemen are considered the most inconsistent week-to-week fantasy point producers in the IDP universe, but this guy has taken it to a new level. In the last three even-numbered years, Wake racked up 40.5 sacks, 117 solo tackles and 29 assisted stops. However, in the last three odd-numbered years, he amassed 22.5 sacks, 85 solo tackles and 17 assisted stops. There is no obvious reason why Wake shouldn’t have another productive season, but this is an odd-numbered year. Hmmm… (M.W.)

Calais Campbell

ARIZONA CARDINALS

6’8, 300 LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 1, 1986

THE HURRICANES PRODUCT dealt with an MCL sprain and he announced in January that he needed to undergo a sports hernia surgery, which he played through in 2014. You wouldn’t know it from the stats, as Campbell’s weren’t too much off from the previous years, despite playing just 14 games. He is a solid IDP play because he has the ability to rack up sacks and tackles from the defensive end position. The Cardinals defense in general is above-average against the pass because of CB Patrick Peterson’s presence in the secondary and Campbell’s ability along the defensive line. One helps the other force quarterbacks into mistakes. Campbell’s an excellent set-it-and-forget-it guy, usually good for a handful of tackles each game— tossing in a sack or two now and then. (D.G.)

Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah DETROIT LIONS

6’6, 270 LBS, B:MAY 29, 1989

THE LIONS DEFENSE WILL look significantly different this year, personnel-wise, with the departures of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. The team added Haloti Ngata and expect a fully healthy season from Jason Jones, but it’s Ansah who should be the top fantasy pick. Ziggy built upon a somewhat uneven rookie season with a major jump in tackles. Ansah has 15.5 sacks in two seasons and would seemingly be in position to make another mini-leap this year, assuming he doesn’t see too many extra double-teams. If he can add a couple quarterback takedowns he’s a prime candidate to make a leap into double digit sacks with 40+ tackles, or in other words, top 10 defensive lineman production. (A.G.)

Carlos Dunlap

CINCINNATI BENGALS

6’6, 280 LBS, B:FEBRUARY 28, 1989

DUNLAP RECORDED THE second-highest sack total of his career, with eight sacks. He proved to be active around the ball, however, with a career-high 66 tackles. The bad news for Dunlap was his teammates didn’t follow suit. Cincinnati posted 20 sacks in 2014, which was the lowest total in

the NFL. Unless the Bengals make some significant upgrades, it’s hard to imagine much changing. Yet, business as usual for him is still a respectable IDP performer. He is not a spectacular pass rusher but remains a reliable playmaker. Consider Dunlap on the back-end of top fantasy defensive linemen. (D.J.)

Muhammad Wilkerson

NEW YORK JETS

6’4, 315 LBS, B:OCTOBER 22, 1989

IMPENDING FREE AGENCY, the drafting of Leonard Williams, and the change from Rex Ryan to Todd Bowles, all raise questions about Wilkerson’s upcoming season. That said, he will man the same spot that allowed Calais Campbell to rack up impressive stats in Bowles’ defense with Arizona. Wilkerson is one of the best run defenders in the league, and fares best in fantasy leagues that do not differentiate between solo and assist tackles, but he is also an asset against the pass, contributing solid numbers in sacks and passes defensed. The uncertainty surrounding his situation could make him a bargain on draft day. (J.D.B)

Rob Ninkovich

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT 6’2, 260LBS, B:FEBRUARY 1, 1984

NINKOVICH EMBODIES plenty of the attributes that Bill Belichick looks for in his defenders. He is steady, effective, and most importantly, he does his job. Since 2012, Ninkovich grabbed eight sacks each season, and that appears to be his ceiling, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing in this situation. He manages to find his path to the football in part because of his pass-rushing prowess. Since 2010, Ninkovich has recovered 13 fumbles and scored a touchdown. It will be interesting to see how New England’s defense shapes up because of the personnel shifts due to free agency defections. Regardless, Ninkovich should be a reliable defensive lineman yet again. (D.J.)

Everson Griffen

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

MIKE ZIMMER KNOWS A thing or two about producing big time fantasy defensive linemen and Griffen was one of his biggest benefactors in 2014. Griffen, in his fifth season, broke out in a big way by setting career highs in sacks and tackles while starting all 16 games. Needless to say, if Griffen is in the starting lineup, he’s going to get to the quarterback in Zimmer’s aggressive 4-3 scheme. Draft Griffen as a safe pick for double-digit sacks. (A.G.)

DeMarcus Ware

DENVER BRONCOS

6’4, 251 LBS, B:JULY 31, 1982

FORMING ONE OF THE NFL’S fiercest pass-rushing tandems with Von Miller, Ware rebounded from an injury that torpedoed 2013 with his eighth double-digit sack campaign in the last nine years. Ware made 10 sacks, 37 solo stops and eight assisted stops to go along with one pick, two forced fumbles and one pass defensed. Although the sack-dependent Ware

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 67

Mario Williams BUFFALO BILLS

6’6, 292 LBS, JANUARY 31, 1985

HAS A STAR PASS RUSHER ever been yanked around between the 3-4 defense and the 4-3 defense more than Williams? It was only a couple years ago that Williams was coming over from the Texans, where they ran a 3-4 defense, to the Bills, where the 4-3 was installed. He’s a big man playing defensive end already, but he’ll once again be asked to stand up and play linebacker for the Bills and Rex Ryan’s defense. Luckily, Williams has already played in a form of Ryan’s defense in 2013, when Mike Pettine, a former assistant under Ryan, was the Bills’ defensive coordinator. Since 2010, Williams has had a different defensive coordinator guiding him every single season. Williams obviously has more value in leagues where he is eligible as a lineman. His sacks have climbed in each of the past four seasons, up to 14.5 last year. (D.G.)

Olivier Vernon MIAMI DOLPHINS

6’2, 268 LBS, B:OCTOBER 7, 1990

VERNON’S 2014 SEASON IS A great illustration of the difference between real and fantasy defensive performance. From a fantasy perspective he was a disappointment, falling from 11.5 to 6.5 sacks, but the Dolphins were pleased because he ranked among the league leaders in pressures. The good news is that some of those pressures could easily turn into sacks this season. The bad news is that to have value they’ll have to, as he isn’t an above average contributor in any other category. (J.D.B.)

Fletcher Cox

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

6’4, 300LBS, B:DECEMBER 13, 1990

6’3, 273LBS, B:DECEMBER 22, 1987

is entering his age-33 season and can still play at a top level, durability is a concern. During 2013, he played with injuries to both elbows, a torn quadriceps muscle and a herniated disc. (M.W.)

COX IS THE RARE DEFENSIVE linemen whose value is derived almost exclusively from tackles rather than sacks. Among DLs with five or fewer sacks, Cox finished with the most tackles, at 48. Playing in the Eagles 3-4 system, that’s natural and it isn’t likely to change this season. Take Cox knowing he is a good source of consistent, albeit limited fantasy production. (A.G.)

Sheldon Richardson

NEW YORK JETS

6’3, 294LBS, B:NOVEMBER 30, 1990

THE 2013 NFL DEFENSIVE Rookie of the Year impressed with a solid sophomore campaign. Richardson’s sack total jumped from 3.5 to a team-high 8.0, and he chipped in 42 solo stops, 24 assisted stops, 11 tackles-for-loss, one safety, one forced fumble and one recovered fumble. Known for his athleticism and high motor, Richardson quickly has emerged as an elite talent. Look for him to make a seamless transition to new head coach Todd Bowles’

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 67

6/22/15 11:44 PM

IDP

POSITION RANKING

aggressive 3-4 scheme and take another statistical step forward in the sack department. (M.W.)

Cameron Jordan NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

6’4, 287LBS, B:JULY 10, 1989

AS ONE OF THE MOST CONSIStent defensive ends over the last three seasons, Jordan is the type of steady producer who contributes to team success without being primarily responsible for it. He has only five games with two sacks or more to his credit, despite accumulating 28 total sacks during that time span. Jordan’s tackles numbers have fallen slightly under Rob Ryan, but he has proven himself to be a solid performer. (J.D.B)

Cameron Heyward PITTSBURGH STEELERS

6’5, 288LBS, B:MAY 6, 1989

PITTSBURGH’S EVOLVING defense does not have the same gusto it did during their heyday in the 2000s. Some stars, however, are beginning to emerge again along their front seven. Heyward begins his fifth year after the best season of his career. The Steelers defensive lineman snagged 7.5 sacks and recorded over 50 total tackles for a second consecutive year. He has plenty of motivation to have a great season This year marks the final year of a his rookie deal, and he could cash in with a big effort in ‘15. (D.J.)

Marcell Dareus BUFFALO BILLS

6’3, 331LBS, B:NOVEMBER 18, 1989

NOT ONLY DID DAREUS RANK among the sack leaders last season, with 10 in just 15 games, but he also ended the year as the sack leader among defensive tackles. He’s entering a contract year in Buffalo, but the defensive scheme he’ll be working under is changing to a 3-4 system with the arrival of head coach Rex Ryan. Dareus had a great season (7.0 sacks, 71 tackles) under Ryan’s protégé, Mike Pettine, in 2013, so the stats shouldn’t change too much. That’s all the good news. The bad news is Dareus is suspended for Week 1 because he abused the league’s substance-abuse policy. Luckily, he returns in Week 2 against the Patriots, who’ll still be missing Tom Brady, who abused the league’s football-abuse policy. (D.G.)

Jurrell Casey TENNESSEE TITANS

6’1, 305 LBS, B:DECEMBER 5, 1989

HIS VALUE SKYROCKETED after his impressive 2013, in which he posted double digit sacks and decent tackle numbers. But he was just another sore spot in the Titans’ 2014 campaign, as his sack numbers tumbled. Sacks are a fickle stat and it hurt Casey that his team was constantly behind, allowing opponents to run more and more. That might be why Casey’s tackles jumped to a career high 45, since he was having to track down running backs with a higher frequency. Casey should be on the fantasy radar, but he has nice upward mobility should the Titans improve overall this year. (A.G.)

Linebackers 1

Luke Kuechly

CAROLINA PANTHERS 6’3, 234 LBS, B:APRIL 20, 1991

DESPITE LUKE KUECHLY’S awards, Kuechly is expected to be the second defensive player taken in IDP leagues. Kuechly, 24, led the NFL in tackles last season with 153, the second time in his three-year NFL career. As a matter of fact, no player has more tackles than Kuechly’s 473 since 2012. Memories of Ray Lewis come to mind when Kuechly uses his speed to chase down ball carriers. He doesn’t rack up a ton of sacks (six in his career), but in Ron Rivera’s defense, he’ll often pick up some stats in pass defense (27 passes defended and seven interceptions in his career). The biggest problem is knowing when to pull the trigger on drafting Kuechly as IDP scoring systems vary widely. His value hasn’t changed much since last season, when he was still regarded as a top linebacker. (D.G.)

Lavonte David

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

6’1, 233 LBS, B:JANUARY 23, 1990

LUKE KEUCHLY AND DAVID are pretty much 1A and 1B these days. Both are tackling machines on defenses that give them ample opportunity to be on the field. David actually fell off a bit in his peripherals last year, as he recorded just one sack and no interceptions. It’s likely some of that was due to injuries, which kept him out of a couple games. At full strength, he is a menace who covers sideline to sideline. The Bucs did make a change in the linebacker corps, letting Mason Foster go to Chicago. Lovie Smith elected to sign Bruce Carter, formerly of the Cowboys, to fill that slot. It is probably a lateral move, but Carter might cut into David’s numbers a bit more. But the only way to say anything negative about David’s fantasy status is to grasp desperately at straws. (A.G.)

DeAndre Levy DETROIT LIONS

6’1, 238 LBS, B:MARCH 26, 1987

FEW LINEBACKERS HAVE been more valuable over the last two seasons than Levy. What makes him interesting are the very different ways that he has achieved that value. In 2013 he made his mark in coverage, finishing second in the league behind Richard Sherman in interceptions while tying for nineteenth in passes defensed. Last season he made only minor contributions in coverage, yet compensated by leading the league in solo tackles and adding 2.5 sacks. That drastic change can be explained by the change in defensive scheme, from Jim Schwartz to Teryl Austin. The ideal scenario would involve a combination of the two, where Levy is allowed to aggressively attack the run on early downs and then employ his coverage skills in passing situations. (J.D.B)

Bobby Wagner SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 6’0, 241 LBS, B:JUNE 27, 1990

AS AWESOME AS AARON Rodgers played last year, Tony Dungy thought another player was worthy of the MVP award. Alas, Dungy cast his vote for Wagner, one of the key cogs for Seattle’s Legion of Boom defense. While Dungy’s vote looked crazy on the surface, Wagner did plenty to earn the respect of those who watched him. He tallied more than 100 tackles again despite missing five games. It marked the third consecutive season Wagner went over the century mark in tackles. He will be searching for a new contract soon and depending on what shakes out with teammate Russell Wilson, that could come before season’s start. If it does not, that should add plenty of fuel to Wagner’s fire as one of the game’s most devastating middle linebackers. (D.J.)

Mychal Kendricks

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 6’0, 240 LBS, B:AUGUST 28, 1990

IF THE LEFT INSIDE LINEbacker hadn’t missed four games and part of a fifth one due to a calf injury, Kendricks probably would have matched his career-best 2013 stats. Kendricks still topped all but one of his teammates, with 62 solo stops to go along with 21 assisted tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles and three passes defensed. Thought to be Philadelphia’s best cover ‘backer, the athletically gifted Kendricks possesses differencemaking sideline-to-sideline speed and explosiveness. The fourth-year pro’s contract, however, is up at the end of 2015. According to media reports, Eagles head coach Chip Kelly is sour on him and tried to trade him during the offseason. Rookie third-rounder Jordan Hicks is also lurking, but it is likely he will stay with the Eagles, at least as an insurance policy for aging Demeco Ryans (torn Achilles’ tendon) and injury-prone Kiko Alonso (torn ACL). Kendricks obviously comes with risk because he could start losing snaps to Hicks at some point during the season. (M.W.)

CJ Mosley

BALTIMORE RAVENS

6’2, 232LBS, B:JUNE 19, 1992

A ROUSING ROOKIE CAMpaign for the Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker featured 132 total tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. Mosley finished second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting to Rams rookie standout Aaron Donald. An encore performance by Mosley would be far from a surprise. Mosley, who has drawn comparisons to former Ravens linebacker Bart Scott, flashed plenty of playmaking ability. Entering this season, however, he will be recovering from wrist surgery. Early estimates suggest Mosley should be ready by training camp. Keep a close eye on the injury situation. If everything checks out, he is going to be one of fantasy football’s top linebackers. (D.J.)

68 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 68

6/22/15 11:44 PM

Paul Posluszny

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

6’1, 237 LBS, B:OCTOBER 10, 1984

IT WAS TOO GOOD TO BE true, really. Posluszny had three remarkably healthy seasons in a row for the Jaguars. In 2013, he lead the league with 122 solo tackles. Last year, however, it all came crashing down, thanks to a torn pectoral muscle suffered in Week 7. The injury ended another statistically impressive season. Posluszny was on pace for 107 tackles and 4.5 sacks. The Penn State product has missed 27 games in his 8 year career, but if he plays 16 games he’s got top-3 linebacker production written all over him. But the increased likelihood of missed games knocks him down to the back half of the top 10. Fantasy owners should proceed with extreme caution here. (A.G.)

NaVorro Bowman SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

6’0, 242LBS, B:MAY 28, 1988

CONSIDERED AMONG THE same talented group of top middle linebackers, with Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner, Bowman suffered a torn ACL and MCL in the 2013 NFC Championship Game, which proved to be a harbinger of things to come in a dismal 2014 in San Francisco. He hasn’t reported any setbacks and he has already participated in some volunteer team minicamps. On track to start in Week 1, the Niners have a relatively difficult strength of schedule, with non-divisional games against Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Green Bay, N.Y. Giants and Pittsburgh, but that’s a very good thing for IDP players. It means Bowman could be forced to stay out on the field for more chances at tackles. He should be entirely healed and ready to rock, but you’ll be getting him at a discount, after the elite LBs are off the board. (D.J.)

Paul Worrilow

ATLANTA FALCONS 6’1, 232LBS, B:MAY 1, 1990

SOME GOOD DEFENSIVE players lack fantasy relevance because they don’t accrue the right statistics. Worrilow, on the other hand, is a player who is not good on the field but has fantasy appeal by virtue of frequently being around the football on a bad defense. That is a recipe for accumulating numbers, a subpar athlete can be more easily replaced in the starting lineup. Worrilow does have additional value in leagues that treat solo tackles and assists the same. (J.D.B)

Vontaze Burfict

CINCINNATI BENGALS

6’1, 255LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 24, 1990

HE WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST IDP disappointments last year. After racking up an NFL season-high and franchise-record 171 combined tackles in 2013, Burfict’s numbers plummeted sharply during an injury-wracked campaign. Slowed by neck issues and a concussion, he managed to compile just 15 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, one forced

fumble, one recovered fumble and two passes defensed in five games played before going down with a season-ending left knee injury. Burfict underwent microfracture surgery on the bum knee, which is a much more complicated and sometimes tricky procedure than is a knee scope. At last check, the fourth-year pro was considered 50/50 to start the regular season on the reserve/ PUP list. When healthy, he is a playmaking stud as a run stopper and in coverage. Fantasy owners obviously should monitor Burfict’s health during camp. Even if he is well enough to play in Week 1, the Bengals still could limit his snaps and ease him in slowly. (M.W.)

Jamie Collins

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 6’3, 250LBS, B:NOVEMBER 20, 1989

HE TOOK HIS STARTING opportunity and ran away with it. Actually, he ran towards opponents with great force. Collins, in his second year, lead the Patriots in tackles, assisted tackles, and forced fumbles. He also placed in the top 100 in the league in tackles for a loss and chipped in with two interceptions. All of his accomplishments are tough to list without taking a breath, which is another way of saying this guy is good and his trajectory is pointing up. (A.G.)

Derrick Johnson K ANSAS CITY CHIEFS

6’3, 242LBS, B:NOVEMBER 22, 1982

THE PRO BOWLER TORE HIS achilles’ tendon in the first game of the last year, but the 32-year-old expects to be healthy to start the 2015 season. Any player coming back from a torn achilles’ is relatively risky, especially an inside linebacker forced to mirror the sharp cuts and darts of running backs coming up the middle. For the third season in a row, the Chiefs will have Bob Sutton as their defensive coordinator, so Johnson should be able to step, pun intended, right in. He’s not going to pick up a ton of sacks, but is in line for another 100-plus sacks in 2015 (D.G.)

Kiko Alonso

Alec Ogletree ST. LOUIS RAMS

5’2, 245LBS, B:SEPTEMBER 25, 1991

AFTER COMPILING A ST. LOUIS rookie franchise record 117 total tackles and a team-high 95 solo stops during a very impressive 2013 rookie campaign, Ogletree didn’t suffer a sophomore slump. He impressed again last season, racking up 111 total tackles, 85 solo tackles, 27 assisted tackles, two interceptions, four forced fumbles and 12 passes defensed. It doesn’t look, however, like the Rams’ new attacking defense will give Ogletree many sack opportunities. He posted a goose egg in quarterback takedowns after notching just 1.5 sacks in 2013. (M.W.)

Sean Lee

DALLAS COWBOYS

6’2, 234LBS, B:JULY 22, 1986

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED IN Dallas. Coming into 2014, Lee was pretty much the only defensive player worth a damn. And then he suffered a torn ACL in offseason workouts and missed the season. Yet the Dallas defense exceeded any and all expectations and the linebacker core performed adequately with Bruce Carter, Rolondo McClain (!) and Anthony Hitchens (?!wtf!?). Carter departed for Tampa Bay, so Lee should step back into a rotation where he’s the lead dog. If he’s healthy, he’s one of the league’s more versatile linebackers. In 2013, he managed four interceptions and 68 solo tackles in 11 games. Coming back from the injury, those numbers are unlikely, but he’ll still make an impact. (A.G.)

Jerod Mayo

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 6’1, 250LBS, B:FEBRUARY 23, 1986

ALONSO BECAME A PART OF Chip Kelly’s bonanza of trade pickups and free agent signings during the offseason. Questions arose about his health after landing in Philly via a trade involving Pro Bowl running back LeSean McCoy. The former Buffalo Bills linebacker is coming off of a torn ACL, but he did not wear a knee brace during Philadelphia’s OTAs in May and is reportedly close to 100 percent. The former Oregon Duck had a huge rookie year in 2013 but need an adjustment period. If he is healthy, he could catapult into the top tier of fantasy linebackers. (D.J.)

Ryan Shazier

THE PATRIOTS HELD IT together last year despite missing Mayo, one of their most important players. Yet, they have plenty of experience without him. It was the second consecutive year he suffered a season-ending injury. As a result, the Patriots were able to get Mayo to restructure his contract, and staying healthy this year is paramount to future paydays for Mayo. When healthy, he is among the best middle linebackers in the sport. Unfortunately for Patriots fans and Mayo owners, the injuries keep piling up. (D.J.)

Karlos Dansby

CLEVELAND BROWNS

6’3, 250LBS, B:NOVEMBER 3, 1981

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

6’1, 237LBS, B:JANUARY 14, 1992

IT ISN’T MUCH OF A SURPRISE that Shazier failed to make much of a

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 69

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

6’3, 238LBS, B:AUGUST 14, 1990

mark as a rookie for the Steelers, as Dick LeBeau had a long and noted preference for veterans, plus an MCL injury caused him to miss part of the season. With Keith Butler now in charge, Shazier may have more opportunities to use his tremendous athleticism. One of the nation’s top tacklers while in college, he could end up making a huge leap in his second season. (J.D.B)

DANSBY HAS WORKED AS AN IDP star for more than a decade now, going from Arizona to Miami, back to Arizona, and then to Cleveland last year. Interestingly, he posted the most solo tackles of his

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 69

6/22/15 11:44 PM

IDP

POSITION RANKING

career last season, as the Browns defense was on the field a little more often than Browns fans had hoped. As a matter of fact, no defense was on the field for more plays from the line of scrimmage than Cleveland. Their offense isn’t expected to be much better, so Dansby should be ready for another glut of tackle opportunities in 2015. (D.G.)

Keenan Robinson WASHINGTON

6’3, 238LBS, B:JULY 7, 1989

AFTER DOING NEXT TO NOTHING during his 2012 rookie season, and sitting out all of 2013 due to a torn pectoral, Robinson stormed back with a rock-solid breakout campaign. An outstanding athlete with excellent sideline-tosideline speed, he topped Washington with 104 total tackles, 71 solo stops and 33 assisted stops. He also notched one interception, one recovered fumble and three passes defensed. Perhaps a more seasoned Robinson will generate some extra fantasy points with his great coverage skills this season, which gives him upside potential. (M.W.)

Justin Houston K ANSAS CITY CHIEFS

6’3, 258LBS, B:JANUARY 21, 1989

AFTER NOTCHING CONSECUtive double-digit sack totals, Houston doubled his career high by leading the league with twenty-two sacks last season. The problem from a fantasy perspective is that Houston is classified as a linebacker, as his numbers would put him among the best defensive ends, but the limited number of tackles puts him at a disadvantage compared to other linebackers. He obviously has more appeal in leagues that award more points for sacks than standard leagues. (J.D.B)

Defensive Backs 1

Harrison Smith MINNESOTA VIKINGS

6’2, 214 LBS, B:FEBRUARY 2, 1989

ACCORDING TO PRO FOOTball Focus, Smith graded out as the number two safety in the NFL last season. His performance further laid the foundation for what looks to be a promising career. He made 92 tackles, three sacks, and a career-high five interceptions. The only blip on the radar is minor hand surgery in February, but it should only hinder his arrival to training camp. Playing in the NFC North will give him ample opportunity to make plays. Whether it’s slowing down Chicago’s Matt Forte or Green Bay’s Eddie Lacy, Smith isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty in stopping the run, and should be able to make a comparable run to his breakout 2014 campaign. (D.J.)

Morgan Burnett GREEN BAY PACKERS

6’1, 209L;BS, B:JANUARY 13, 1989

AS SOME PREDICTED, Burnett’s move from free safety to strong safety turned his 2014 season

into a tackling smorgasbord. Burnett topped the Packers with 143 total tackles, 105 solo stops and 38 assisted stops, which are all new career bests. The 143 total tackles also led all NFL defensive backs. In addition, Burnett racked up doubledigit total-tackle numbers in seven of 15 games played. If a hamstring injury hadn’t cost him three games during his 2013 season, this would have been his fourth straight campaign with 100-plus total tackles. As always, Burnett is much more effective in run support. With just seven picks and 29 passes defensed in five NFL seasons, he obviously doesn’t produce many fantasy points in coverage. It’s all about the super-consistent tackle numbers with Burnett. Since the Packers probably will remain weak at inside linebacker, he should continue to have plenty of tackle opportunities. (M.W.)

Eric Weddle

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

5’11, 200 LBS, B:JANUARY 4, 1985

THE WORLD OF IDP SCORING makes Weddle one of the most valuable defensive backs in the league. Last year, Weddle ranked second in solo tackles among his peers. He didn’t exactly stand out anywhere else, defending eight passes and totaling one interception. But the tackles will be there as Weddle cleans up receivers and running backs alike. Weddle is upset about his contract and there’s always a chance a holdout might affect his season. But assuming that’s all figured out, Weddle’s tackling inevitably produces a top-5 fantasy season. (A.G.)

Jonathan Cyprien JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

6’0, 209 LBS, B:JULY 29, 1990

CYPRIEN IS A ONE-TRICK pony. He isn’t a threat for interceptions and he isn’t used much to rush the passer, but what he does do is play the run better than almost any other safety in the league. At his best, when playing up and attacking the line of scrimmage, he has ranked near the top in solo and total tackles for defensive backs in each of his two seasons. It also helps that he plays on a bad team that frequently finds itself behind. That’s why the Jaguars faced the third most rushing attempts last season, and the most the year before—despite being above average against the run. (J.D.B)

Reshad Jones MIAMI DOLPHINS

6’1, 210 LBS, B:FEBRUARY 25, 1986

JONES MISSED FOUR GAMES last year due to a substance abuse violation, but despite that (because of that?) he finished on a tackle pace that would have placed him second overall in a 16-game season. Jones also chipped in a few interceptions and a handful of tackles for loss, all good numbers considering the impressive tackle totals. If Jones can stay healthy and untouched by scandal and suspension, he has tremendous, top 5 defensive back potential. His ceiling places him as one of the best safeties in football. The chance he could miss

games, however, does knock his value down somewhat. (A.G.)

Barry Church DALLAS COWBOYS

6’2, 218 LBS, B:FEBRUARY 11, 1988

BETTER PLAY FROM BETTER personnel in the Cowboys’ front seven helps explain why Church didn’t match his sparkling 2013 breakout campaign stats during a second season as a full-time starter. Chuch, however, still had a very good year. He topped Dallas in tackles for the second season in a row, making 109 total stops, 87 solo stops and 22 assisted stops. Church also chipped in two forced fumbles and one recovered fumble. Respected for his tough, physical play, he is usually around the ball. Although his coverage skills are considered solid, Church rarely generates fantasy points in that department. As a full-time starter, he has made just three interceptions (two came in 2014) and 12 passes defensed. As the Dallas defense in front of Church continues to improve, he will likely find himself with declining tackle opportunities again. Also factoring in Church’s historic lack of big plays, it’s safer to draft him as a middling top 10 defensive back. (M.W.)

Tyvon Branch

OAKLAND RAIDERS

5’11, 204 LBS, B:DECEMBER 11, 1986

BRANCH COMES OVER TO Kansas City after seven years in Oakland’s secondary, the last two years of which were injury-riddled. When healthy, Branch is a demon in the defensive backfield, and he’s expected to start at the always coveted strong safety position. Branch takes over for Eric Berry, an IDP beast in his own right, while he works his way back battling cancer. From 2009-11, Branch ranked among the position leaders in tackles, with over 100 in each season. But he has played just five games in the past two seasons, and the Raiders were fine letting him sign elsewhere. This should be a solid low-risk/high-reward selection later in IDP drafts. (D.G.)

T.J. McDonald

ST. LOUIS RAMS

6’2, 217LBS, B:JANUARY 26, 1991

MCDONALD IS A PHYSICAL safety who is effective playing aggressively near the line of scrimmage but struggles in coverage. When the Rams acquired a very similar player in Mark Barron, it looked like the two of them might cannibalize each other’s playing time, but instead Gregg Williams frequently employed a “big nickel” look with three safeties. That formation allowed McDonald and Barron to be on the field simultaneously while playing to each of their strengths. Being asked to play in coverage underneath against tight ends rather than downfield against wideouts increased T.J.’s passes defensed while putting him in a good position for tackles. (J.D.B)

70 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | POSITION RANKING

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 70

6/22/15 11:44 PM

Antrel Rolle

NEW YORK GIANTS

6’0, 206 LBS, B:DECEMBER 16, 1982

THIS GUY HAS BEEN A MODEL of consistency for years. Rolle has racked up between 71 and 82 solo tackles during six of his last eight NFL seasons. Rolle, however, hasn’t been much of a big-play force. As a five-year starter with the Giants (2010 through 2014), he averaged 2.8 picks, 6.6 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one recovered fumble per season. Rolle also has just four career sacks. Although he’s on the wrong side of 30, there’s no denying that Rolle has landed in a fantasy friendly place. The strong safety position has been a huge sore spot for the Bears in recent years. With all the shuffling happening in Chicago’s very shaky front seven, as the team transitions from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense, there should be tackle opportunities galore for Rolle. He hasn’t missed a regular-season game in five years, but concerns about his age are why he’s ranked here. (M.W.)

Kam Chancellor SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

6’3, 232LBS, B:APRIL 3, 1988

DURING SEATTLE’S GREATest hour of need in the Super Bowl, the Legion of Boom was not the same formidable secondary that carved up the Broncos a year earlier. Chancellor played on a torn MCL in the Super Bowl loss to the Patriots. The offseason has treated him better thus far. He participated in Seattle’s OTAs and is set for training camp. He begins his sixth season as one of the league’s most feared hitters, but the biggest deterrent he faces is his own team. Seattle’s defense has Pro Bowl talent at each level, which will not make it easy for traffic to head his way. In turn, it will be difficult for Chancellor to reach the fantasy heights of safeties like Eric Weddle and Harrison Smith. (D.J.)

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

GREEN BAY PACKERS

6’1, 208LBS, B:DECEMBER 21, 1992

ALABAMA HAS A HISTORY OF producing tough, physical football players and Clinton-Dix fit that mold as a rookie for the Packers. He racked up 74 solo tackles and, well, didn’t do much of anything else. But look at those tackles! The Packers are a rare team whose two tackle leaders were secondary players (the other being second ranked defensive back Morgan Burnett). The biggest worry for Clinton-Dix is that Green Bay finds a linebacker who can cover sideline-to-sideline and steal tackles. Barring that, Ha Ha is no joke and a close to top-10 DB value. (A.G.)

Tyrann Mathieu ARIZONA CARDINALS

5’9, 186 LBS, B:MAY 13, 1992

THERE AREN’T MANY BETTER defensive backfields than Arizona’s, but the Honey Badger has been beset by injuries for a lot of his career in the desert. From a knee injury that ended his 2013 season to thumb

surgery that finished his 2014 too early, the speedy safety has nowhere to go but up. At just 23 years old, Mathieu has plenty of football left in him, and the playmaker should start making quarterbacks pay this season, especially with Patrick Peterson wiping out one quadrant of the field of play. (D.G.)

Charles Woodson 6’1, 210LBS, B:OCTOBER 7, 1976

Antoine Bethea 5’11, 206LBS, B:JULY 7, 1984

DENVER BRONCOS

Earl Thomas

THE MAN BEST KNOWN FOR sidelining New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski with a torn ACL two years ago returns for his third season with the Broncos. After back to back Pro Bowl seasons, Ward will try to adjust to new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ scheme. He made 76 tackles and recorded two interceptions but suffered a neck injury late in 2014 which dampened his season. Ward, who brings a hard-hitting style to Denver, is an effective real-world defender, but a relatively low-ceiling fantasy performer. (D.J.)

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 5’10, 202LBS, B:MAY 7, 1989

Landon Collins

NEW YORK GIANTS

6’0, 228LBS, B:JANUARY 10, 1993

HE IS A TACKLE MACHINE, despite playing from the free safety position in Seattle—with Kam Chancellor lining up as the strong safety. Last year, a torn labrum slowed Thomas in the playoffs, although he was still able to push through and play in the Super Bowl. In spite of the overall strength of the Seahawks DST, which limits the amount of tackle opportunities Thomas gets, he’s still a valuable player in all IDP formats. Note that his interceptions dipped a bit in 2014, from five in 2013 to just one last season. It’s reasonable to expect that to bounce back up to three or four picks in 2015 if he stays healthy. (D.G.)

T.J. Ward

5’11, 201 LBS, B:DECEMBER 12, 1986

IT WAS EXPECTED THAT moving from the Colts to the 49ers last season would change Bethea’s responsibilities. Playing behind a superior front seven typically means fewer opportunities for tackles from the safety position. Fortunately, he was able to compensate for the decline in tackles by matching his career high in interceptions and setting a career best in passes defensed. The retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland could mean an increase in his run responsibilities this season. Another strength is that Bethea hasn’t missed a game in the last seven years. (J.D.B)

Michael Griffin

TENNESSEE TITANS

THE TACKLE OPPORTUNIties were numerous for Griffin on a terrible Titans defense last year. He topped the team with a career-high 112 total tackles, to go along with 85 solo stops and 27 assisted stops. As usual, he didn’t do much in coverage, notching just two interceptions and five passes defensed. With some personnel upgrades and a new coordinator, the Titans defense should improve, which means a decline in tackle opportunities is likely. (M.W.)

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Eric Reid

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

6’1, 213LBS, B:DECEMBER 10, 1991

AFTER A QUALITY ROOKIE season, Reid’s 2014 couldn’t have gone much worse. He suffered through multiple concussions and was an all-around disappointment from a fantasy perspective, with a precipitous drop in tackles. It is no longer 2014, so Reid’s value has to go up. Throw in the fact that basically every 49ers defender who had more than 15 tackles last year is no longer on the team, and there’s reason to think Reid could get back to

FFG15_47-71_Positions_WR-v6.indd 71

6’0, 215LBS, B:JANUARY 4, 1985

OAKLAND RAIDERS

INCREDIBLY, IN HIS 16TH season Woodson recorded a career-high 111 tackles and made four interceptions. The day will come when Woodson hangs it up for good, but he’ll be back for another run this year. He is far from the player that he was during his first run in Oakland or during Green Bay’s last Super Bowl run in 2010. Time is winding down for him, he is a backup fantasy safety at best. (D.J.)

the level of play that made him a sleeper in 2013. This is all contingent on a healthy campaign, but that’s why Reid comes in at this point of the list. His ceiling is high, so is the risk. (A.G.)

ANTREL ROLLE’S STRUGGLES against the run were part of the reason the Giants ranked last in rushing yards allowed per attempt, whereas that is Collins’ greatest strength as a defender. He is instinctive in identifying where the ball will be going and decisive in getting there first, which should lead to high tackles totals. The Giants limited options at safety should keep Landon in the lineup even if he struggles in coverage as expected. (J.D.B)

Deone Bucannon

ARIZONA CARDINALS

6’1, 208LBS, B:JANUARY 4, 1991

CHOSEN IN THE FIRST round of the 2014 NFL Draft, he proved to be a valuable commodity in Arizona’s stellar defensive backfield. Considering he only started nine games, while playing in all 16, IDP owners might view his stats in a skewed way. He’s stellar in run defense, and served as a hybrid (playing some linebacker as well) at times for Todd Bowles’ defense, but the second-year will mostly work as a safety in 2015. He should develop his game this season, but it’s unclear just how big his role will be in a crowded defensive backfield. Grab him late and roll the dice that he earns a ton of playing time. (D.G.)

POSITION RANKING | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 71

6/22/15 11:44 PM

SCHEDULE REPORT

GIVE ME STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE! Dave Gawron

FANTASY FOOTBALL STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE is a consistently underutilized tool. It is not a perfect science, but it can help you win your league. One must simply understand all of its nuances. For example, just because your quarterback is facing a “bad” overall NFL team doesn’t necessarily mean that team is weak against the pass. In fact, “bad” teams can often be a poor matchup for passers because winning teams pack things in when they have a big lead. The important thing is which teams give up the highest number of passing yards and touchdowns. Similarly, when choosing defenses, don’t go after units facing low-scoring offenses. The most effective strategy is to target dees facing offenses prone to losing turnovers and giving up sacks, as well as low total yardage gained. Please note that we do not take Week 17 into account in our analysis, since many leagues play their championship games in Week 16.

DRAFTING FROM STRENGTH

Too many owners make the classic mistake of benching a star simply because he faces a tough matchup. While talent usually trumps opposition, strength of schedule can be useful in making final draft day decisions on equally ranked players. For instance, Alfred Morris has one of the easier rushing schedules this year. If you are deciding between him and another player expected to score the same amount of fantasy points, but the other player has a difficult schedule, use the strength of schedule as a tiebreaker and draft Morris. The same goes for wide receivers. Kelvin Benjamin has a very easy schedule and Randall Cobb has a really tough one. They’re both projected similarly, but given the schedule difference, you may consider taking Benjamin before Cobb. At the least, move Benjamin up a few slots and Cobb down a couple slots, and they end up virtually equal. Also, when filling out your fantasy bench, it’s good to get those mid-to-late round players from teams with easy early season schedules. For example, if you look at running backs late in the draft, you could take a shot at Joseph Randle or Alfred Blue for some potential early-season assistance, as neither one faces a “hard” rushing defense until mid-season.

LOOKING AHEAD

Anyone who has dominated their fantasy season only to get bounced out of the playoffs knows all too well how common and unfulfilling that is, which is why studying strength of schedule for your playoff weeks is so important. On draft day, Frank Gore might seem to have more fantasy potential on the Colts than Jonathan Stewart does on the Panthers, but looking ahead at the season’s final weeks reveals that Gore faces a tough stretch of run defenses, while Stewart has a favorable Week 14-16 schedule. Stewart’s production could easily surpass Gore’s during fantasy playoff weeks. T.J. Yeldon is not the most attractive fantasy pick as a rookie on a bad team, but his easy playoff schedule

makes him fairly attractive, taken somewhere between twentieth and twenty-fifth among running backs. When it comes to drafting your WR3, you may have your eye on Jarvis Landry, but his challenging late-season schedule should give you pause and make you consider an alternate receiver like Mike Wallace instead, if both are on the board. Other wide receivers drafted late, like Kevin White and Charles Johnson, could really shine with easy late-season schedules and help win some fantasy championships for their owners this season from the WR3 or FLEX position.

RUSHING OFFENSES

Others may be wary of drafting Jonathan Stewart based on his injury history (only 15 total games played in 2012 and 2013 combined before playing 13 in 2014). Those who pay attention will notice, however, that the Panthers lead the league in easy rushing opponent defenses, with nine, making Stewart a very attractive target at his draft position over similar backs with harder schedules. Tevin Coleman is an iffy rookie back, but he has a tremendous schedule (eight easy opponents vs. two hard ones). Mark Ingram is certainly a desirable pick already based on his team situation, but his easy schedule may be enough to make him a second-round choice. Charles Sims and Doug Martin are intriguing lottery tickets given Tampa’s extremely easy schedule. Jeremy Hill is in a good enough team situation, as the lead back in a hih-octane offense, to overcome a tough schedule, as is the supremely talented Le’Veon Bell. Lamar Miller, Isaiah Crowell, and LeGarrette Blount are still good picks, but downgrade them slightly because of tough schedules.

PASSING OFFENSES

Cam Newton, Tony Romo, and Matt Ryan have easy schedules this year and are three great choices as your QB1. Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson are certainly even more attractive fantasy receivers because of their easy schedules despite potentially iffy quarterback

play. Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, and their receivers all face tough schedules, but they are good enough players that we can ignore the schedule deficiencies. With a tough schedule and new team situation, however, we can knock Kansas City’s Jeremy Maclin down a few pegs.

DEFENSES

One of the best ways to employ strength of schedule is in picking defenses, because great offenses consistently trump great defenses, at least from a fantasy perspective. Simply choosing defensive units that face the worst offenses each week produces numbers equal to or superior to the elite defenses, making it possible to get top production by playing the matchups instead of investing an early draft pick. Because streaming is the best way to go, you’ll want to keep this magazine handy all year long as a reference. One thing to look for is a decent defense with a load of easy matchups. The Patriots are that team this year, and as a bonus, they have good playoff matchups as well. Losing Revis is a concern, but you can bet that Belichick will scheme around the lesser secondary personnel. For a fantasy defense falling between six and nine in the defense rankings, they could return value. Also, you can look at teams with the fewest difficult matchups. You could make a case to reach for the Seahawks defense this year, as they only have three bad matchups all season. Otherwise, the most important thing to look at on draft day is the first few weeks. Draft the somewhat solid defense with the best early schedule, then dump them when the schedule toughens up. After the good start, you could use the schedule to pick and choose matchups. The Dolphins are the team to draft using that strategy this year, as their first five opponents all have weak offenses. It’s nice to have a strong defense during the fantasy playoffs, too. From draftable defenses, the aforementioned Patriots and Seahawks have excellent playoff matchups. The Cardinals, Panthers, and Bengals have poor Week 15-16 playoff matchups.

72 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE REPORT

FFG15_72-75_StrengthS_v2.indd 72

6/19/15 5:08 PM

RUNNERS AGAINST DEFENSES EASIEST SCHEDULES:

HARDEST SCHEDULES:

EASIEST PLAYOFFS:

HARDEST PLAYOFFS:

Carolina, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Washington, and New Orleans

Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Miami, and New England

Carolina, Jacksonville, Houston, Chicago, and Minnesota WEEK

Dallas, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and Seattle

ARIZONA

chi

STL

det

pit

BAL

cle

BYE

sea

CIN

@SF

stl

MIN

phi

SEA

ATLANTA

PHI

nyg

dal

HOU

WAS

ten

@SF

BYE

IND

MIN

car

jax

CAR

BALTIMORE

den

oak

CIN

pit

CLE

@SF

ari

BYE

JAX

STL

cle

mia

SEA

PIT

cin

BUFFALO

IND

mia

NYG

ten

CIN

jax

BYE

MIA

nyj

HOU

phi

was

DAL

NYJ

CAROLINA

jax

HOU

BYE

sea

PHI

IND

ten

WAS

dal

ATL

nyg

atl

CHICAGO

ARI

sea

OAK

det

BYE

MIN

stl

DEN

WAS

min

DET

CINCINNATI

oak

bal

SEA

buf

BYE

pit

CLE

HOU

ari

STL

cle

PIT

@SF

den

BAL

CLEVELAND

nyj

TEN

OAK

bal

DEN

stl

ARI

cin

pit

BYE

BAL

CIN

sea

PIT

DALLAS

NYG

phi

ATL

BYE

nyg

SEA

PHI

mia

CAR

was

NYJ

buf

WAS

DENVER

BAL

det

MIN

oak

cle

BYE

ind

chi

OAK

pit

CIN

DETROIT

min

DEN

sea

ARI

CHI

MIN

BYE

OAK

PHI

stl

chi

GREEN BAY

chi

SEA

@SF

STL

BYE

den

car

DET

min

CHI

det

DAL

oak

ari

MIN

HOUSTON

car

atl

IND

jax

mia

TEN

BYE

cin

NYJ

buf

ind

ten

JAX

INDIANAPOLIS

buf

NYJ

ten

JAX

hou

car

DEN

BYE

atl

pit

jax

HOU

mia

TEN

JACKSONVILLE

CAR

MIA

ind

HOU

BUF

BYE

nyj

bal

TEN

ten

IND

ATL

hou

KANSAS CITY

hou

DEN

cin

CHI

min

PIT

DET

BYE

den

BUF

oak

bal

CLE

OAK

MIAMI

was

jax

BUF

NYJ

BYE

ten

HOU

buf

phi

DAL

nyj

BAL

NYG

IND

DET

den

BYE

det

chi

STL

oak

atl

SEA

ari

CHI

NYG

NEW ENGLAND

PIT

buf

JAX

BYE

dal

ind

NYJ

MIA

WAS

nyg

BUF

den

PHI

hou

TEN

nyj

mia

NEW ORLEANS

ari

car

DAL

phi

ATL

ind

NYG

TEN

was

BYE

hou

CAR

DET

JAX

atl

NEW YORK GIANTS

dal

ATL

WAS

buf

phi

DAL

BYE

was

NYJ

mia

CAR

min

PHI

NEW YORK JETS

CLE

ind

PHI

mia

BYE

WAS

oak

JAX

BUF

hou

MIA

nyg

TEN

dal

buf

OAKLAND

CIN

BAL

cle

chi

DEN

BYE

NYJ

pit

MIN

det

ten

den

PHILADELPHIA

atl

DAL

nyj

was

NYG

car

BYE

dal

MIA

det

BUF

ARI

WAS

nyg

PITTSBURGH

stl

BAL

ARI

CIN

OAK

CLE

BYE

sea

IND

cin

DEN

bal

cle

SAN DIEGO

DET

cin

min

CLE

PIT

OAK

bal

CHI

BYE

jax

DEN

MIA

oak

den

SAN FRANCISCO

MIN

pit

ari

nyg

BAL

SEA

stl

ATL

BYE

sea

ARI

chi

cle

CIN

det

STL

SEATTLE

stl

CHI

DET

cin

CAR

@SF

dal

BYE

ARI

PIT

min

bal

CLE

STL

ari

ST. LOUIS

SEA

was

PIT

ari

BYE

CLE

min

CHI

bal

cin

ARI

DET

sea

@SF

TAMPA BAY

TEN

hou

CAR

JAX

BYE

was

atl

NYG

DAL

phi

ind

ATL

stl

CHI

car

TENNESSEE

cle

IND

BYE

BUF

MIA

ATL

hou

CAR

jax

OAK

JAX

nyj

HOU

ind

MIA

STL

nyg

PHI

atl

nyj

BYE

car

NYG

DAL

chi

BUF

phi

dal

MINNESOTA

WASHINGTON

BEST weeks

GOOD weeks

NEUTRAL weeks

BAD weeks

WORST weeks

• Upper case indicates a home game • Ranked by projected points scored/allowed and projected yards gained/allowed.

FFG15_72-75_StrengthS_v2.indd 73

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE REPORT | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

6/19/15 5:08 PM

PASSERS/RECEIVERS AGAINST DEFENSES EASIEST SCHEDULES:

HARDEST SCHEDULES:

EASIEST PLAYOFFS:

HARDEST PLAYOFFS:

ampa Bay, Washington, Carolina, Dallas, and Atlanta

Oakland, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Green Bay, and Kansas City

Carolina, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, and Chicago WEEK

Cleveland, Dallas, San Francisco, Cincinnati, and Miami

ARIZONA

chi

STL

det

pit

BAL

cle

BYE

sea

CIN

@SF

stl

MIN

phi

SEA

ATLANTA

PHI

nyg

dal

HOU

WAS

ten

@SF

BYE

IND

MIN

car

jax

CAR

BALTIMORE

den

oak

CIN

pit

CLE

@SF

ari

BYE

JAX

STL

cle

mia

SEA

PIT

cin

BUFFALO

IND

mia

NYG

ten

CIN

jax

BYE

MIA

nyj

HOU

phi

was

DAL

NYJ

CAROLINA

jax

HOU

BYE

sea

PHI

IND

ten

WAS

dal

ATL

nyg

atl

CHICAGO

ARI

sea

OAK

det

BYE

MIN

stl

DEN

WAS

min

DET

CINCINNATI

oak

bal

SEA

buf

BYE

pit

CLE

HOU

ari

STL

cle

PIT

@SF

den

BAL

CLEVELAND

nyj

TEN

OAK

bal

DEN

stl

ARI

cin

pit

BYE

BAL

CIN

sea

PIT

DALLAS

NYG

phi

ATL

BYE

nyg

SEA

PHI

mia

CAR

was

NYJ

buf

WAS

DENVER

BAL

det

MIN

oak

cle

BYE

ind

chi

OAK

pit

CIN

DETROIT

min

DEN

sea

ARI

CHI

MIN

BYE

OAK

PHI

stl

chi

GREEN BAY

chi

SEA

@SF

STL

BYE

den

car

DET

min

CHI

det

DAL

oak

ari

MIN

HOUSTON

car

atl

IND

jax

mia

TEN

BYE

cin

NYJ

buf

ind

ten

JAX

INDIANAPOLIS

buf

NYJ

ten

JAX

hou

car

DEN

BYE

atl

pit

jax

HOU

mia

TEN

JACKSONVILLE

CAR

MIA

ind

HOU

BUF

BYE

nyj

bal

TEN

ten

IND

ATL

hou

KANSAS CITY

hou

DEN

cin

CHI

min

PIT

DET

BYE

den

BUF

oak

bal

CLE

OAK

MIAMI

was

jax

BUF

NYJ

BYE

ten

HOU

buf

phi

DAL

nyj

BAL

NYG

IND

DET

den

BYE

det

chi

STL

oak

atl

SEA

ari

CHI

NYG

NEW ENGLAND

PIT

buf

JAX

BYE

dal

ind

NYJ

MIA

WAS

nyg

BUF

den

PHI

hou

TEN

nyj

mia

NEW ORLEANS

ari

car

DAL

phi

ATL

ind

NYG

TEN

was

BYE

hou

CAR

DET

JAX

atl

NEW YORK GIANTS

dal

ATL

WAS

buf

phi

DAL

BYE

was

NYJ

mia

CAR

min

PHI

NEW YORK JETS

CLE

ind

PHI

mia

BYE

WAS

oak

JAX

BUF

hou

MIA

nyg

TEN

dal

buf

OAKLAND

CIN

BAL

cle

chi

DEN

BYE

NYJ

pit

MIN

det

ten

den

PHILADELPHIA

atl

DAL

nyj

was

NYG

car

BYE

dal

MIA

det

BUF

ARI

WAS

nyg

PITTSBURGH

stl

BAL

ARI

CIN

OAK

CLE

BYE

sea

IND

cin

DEN

bal

cle

SAN DIEGO

DET

cin

min

CLE

PIT

OAK

bal

CHI

BYE

jax

DEN

MIA

oak

den

SAN FRANCISCO

MIN

pit

ari

nyg

BAL

SEA

stl

ATL

BYE

sea

ARI

chi

cle

CIN

det

STL

SEATTLE

stl

CHI

DET

cin

CAR

@SF

dal

BYE

ARI

PIT

min

bal

CLE

STL

ari

ST. LOUIS

SEA

was

PIT

ari

BYE

CLE

min

CHI

bal

cin

ARI

DET

sea

@SF

TAMPA BAY

TEN

hou

CAR

JAX

BYE

was

atl

NYG

DAL

phi

ind

ATL

stl

CHI

car

cle

IND

BYE

BUF

MIA

ATL

hou

CAR

jax

OAK

JAX

nyj

HOU

ind

MIA

STL

nyg

PHI

atl

nyj

BYE

car

NYG

DAL

chi

BUF

phi

dal

MINNESOTA

TENNESSEE WASHINGTON

BEST weeks

GOOD weeks

NEUTRAL weeks

BAD weeks

WORST weeks

• Upper case indicates a home game • Ranked by projected points scored/allowed and projected yards gained/allowed. 74 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE REPORT

FFG15_72-75_StrengthS_v2.indd 74

6/19/15 5:08 PM

DEFENSES AGAINST OFFENSES EASIEST SCHEDULES:

HARDEST SCHEDULES:

EASIEST PLAYOFFS:

HARDEST PLAYOFFS:

Miami, New England, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Atlanta

Carolina, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Detroit, and Washington

Chicago, Philadelphia, New England, Seattle, and New Orleans WEEK

Jacksonville, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Carolina, and Arizona

ARIZONA

chi

STL

det

pit

BAL

cle

BYE

sea

CIN

@SF

stl

MIN

phi

SEA

ATLANTA

PHI

nyg

dal

HOU

WAS

ten

@SF

BYE

IND

MIN

car

jax

CAR

BALTIMORE

den

oak

CIN

pit

CLE

@SF

ari

BYE

JAX

STL

cle

mia

SEA

PIT

cin

BUFFALO

IND

mia

NYG

ten

CIN

jax

BYE

MIA

nyj

HOU

phi

was

DAL

NYJ

CAROLINA

jax

HOU

BYE

sea

PHI

IND

ten

WAS

dal

ATL

nyg

atl

CHICAGO

ARI

sea

OAK

det

BYE

MIN

stl

DEN

WAS

min

DET

CINCINNATI

oak

bal

SEA

buf

BYE

pit

CLE

HOU

ari

STL

cle

PIT

@SF

den

BAL

CLEVELAND

nyj

TEN

OAK

bal

DEN

stl

ARI

cin

pit

BYE

BAL

CIN

sea

PIT

DALLAS

NYG

phi

ATL

BYE

nyg

SEA

PHI

mia

CAR

was

NYJ

buf

WAS

DENVER

BAL

det

MIN

oak

cle

BYE

ind

chi

OAK

pit

CIN

DETROIT

min

DEN

sea

ARI

CHI

MIN

BYE

OAK

PHI

stl

chi

GREEN BAY

chi

SEA

@SF

STL

BYE

den

car

DET

min

CHI

det

DAL

oak

ari

MIN

HOUSTON

car

atl

IND

jax

mia

TEN

BYE

cin

NYJ

buf

ind

ten

JAX

INDIANAPOLIS

buf

NYJ

ten

JAX

hou

car

DEN

BYE

atl

pit

jax

HOU

mia

TEN

JACKSONVILLE

CAR

MIA

ind

HOU

BUF

BYE

nyj

bal

TEN

ten

IND

ATL

hou

KANSAS CITY

hou

DEN

cin

CHI

min

PIT

DET

BYE

den

BUF

oak

bal

CLE

OAK

MIAMI

was

jax

BUF

NYJ

BYE

ten

HOU

buf

phi

DAL

nyj

BAL

NYG

IND

DET

den

BYE

det

chi

STL

oak

atl

SEA

ari

CHI

NYG

NEW ENGLAND

PIT

buf

JAX

BYE

dal

ind

NYJ

MIA

WAS

nyg

BUF

den

PHI

hou

TEN

nyj

mia

NEW ORLEANS

ari

car

DAL

phi

ATL

ind

NYG

TEN

was

BYE

hou

CAR

DET

JAX

atl

NEW YORK GIANTS

dal

ATL

WAS

buf

phi

DAL

BYE

was

NYJ

mia

CAR

min

PHI

NEW YORK JETS

CLE

ind

PHI

mia

BYE

WAS

oak

JAX

BUF

hou

MIA

nyg

TEN

dal

buf

OAKLAND

CIN

BAL

cle

chi

DEN

BYE

NYJ

pit

MIN

det

ten

den

PHILADELPHIA

atl

DAL

nyj

was

NYG

car

BYE

dal

MIA

det

BUF

ARI

WAS

nyg

PITTSBURGH

stl

BAL

ARI

CIN

OAK

CLE

BYE

sea

IND

cin

DEN

bal

cle

SAN DIEGO

DET

cin

min

CLE

PIT

OAK

bal

CHI

BYE

jax

DEN

MIA

oak

den

SAN FRANCISCO

MIN

pit

ari

nyg

BAL

SEA

stl

ATL

BYE

sea

ARI

chi

cle

CIN

det

STL

SEATTLE

stl

CHI

DET

cin

CAR

@SF

dal

BYE

ARI

PIT

min

bal

CLE

STL

ari

ST. LOUIS

SEA

was

PIT

ari

BYE

CLE

min

CHI

bal

cin

ARI

DET

sea

@SF

TAMPA BAY

TEN

hou

CAR

JAX

BYE

was

atl

NYG

DAL

phi

ind

ATL

stl

CHI

car

TENNESSEE

cle

IND

BYE

BUF

MIA

ATL

hou

CAR

jax

OAK

JAX

nyj

HOU

ind

MIA

STL

nyg

PHI

atl

nyj

BYE

car

NYG

DAL

chi

BUF

phi

dal

MINNESOTA

WASHINGTON

BEST weeks

GOOD weeks

NEUTRAL weeks

BAD weeks

WORST weeks

• Upper case indicates a home game • Ranked by projected points scored/allowed and projected yards gained/allowed.

FFG15_72-75_StrengthS_v2.indd 75

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE REPORT | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

6/19/15 5:08 PM

ROUND

MOCK DRAFT 2015

FIRST PICK

VLAD SEDLER rotowire.com

SECOND PICK

COREY PARSON Sirius-XM

THIRD PICK

DOUG ANDERSON

SoCalledFantasyExperts.com FOURTH PICK

JD BOLICK

The Fantasy Football Guide FIFTH PICK

DEREK JONES

The Fantasy Football Guide

SIXTH PICK

LAWR MICHAELS mastersball.com SEVENTH PICK

LORI RUBINSON WFAN

EIGHTH PICK

MARC MELTZER Mastersball.com

NINTH PICK

STACIE STERN head2head.com

TENTH PICK

SCOTT SWANAY

FantasyFootballSherpa.com

ELEVENTH PICK

JAKE CIELY RotoExperts

RB WR

TWELFTH PICK

TIM HEANEY

(defending the Autopick) USAT.com

THIRTEENTH PICK

DAVID GONOS

SoCalledFantasyExperts.com

K FOURTEENTH PICK

DEF

JASON HOFFMANN

The Fantasy Football Guide

1. Lacy, Eddie GB Steadiest option in the first round.

30. Matthews, Jordan PHI Size, speed, no more Maclin and Evans, plus Alshon, Cobb were gone.

31. Graham, Jimmy SEA Fall from first round should be due to durability, not trade to Seahawks.

60. Stewart, Jonathan CAR Low mileage due to injured seasons, could be a steal in the fourth round.

2. Brown, Antonio PIT Brown was the best player in fantasy last season. Nothing will change in 2015.

29. Hopkins, DeAndre HOU I’m not worried about the QB situation in Houston’ Hopkins will rack up targtes and touchdowns.

32. Forsett, Justin BAL Last year Matt Forte caught a record 102 passes for Offensive Coordinator Marc Trestman. Trestman is now the B’more OC!

59. Wallace, Mike MIN Will be undervalued this season. Trust him in Norv Turner’s fantasy-friendly offense.

3. Charles, Jamaal KC Three-down backs at a premium, I get maybe the top one.

28. Foster, Arian HOU Still one of the best when he plays. Just need him come playoff time.

33. Sanders, Emmanuel DEN Manning’s status directly affects Sanders. Should have went younger.

58. Brees, Drew NO I’m giving him one pass. He still has great weapons and the offense should rebound.

4. Thomas, Demaryius DEN As long as Manning is behind center, Thomas will remain the top wideout.

27. Rodgers, Aaron GB His numbers would be completely ridiculous if Mike McCarthy let him pass more.

34. Cooper, Amari OAK Playing from behind + little competition = STATS!

57. Spiller, C.J. NO He’s a better receiver and rusher than Mark Ingram.

5. Beckham, Odell NYG Hard to pass up that type of playmaking ability at this spot.

26. Hill, Jeremy CIN Due to Beckham pick, needed a running back here. Hill was a solid performer last year.

35. Benjamin, Kelvin CAR Felt more comfortable with Benjamin over Watkins because of the QB situation. One of my favorite picks.

56. Yeldon, T.J. JAC A rookie runner that has a chance to make a difference from the start.

6. Bell, Le’Veon PIT Gotta start with a Running Back, and he was the best bet, potential suspension or not.

25. Evans, Mike TB Flubbed with the software. Wanted Carlos Hyde but can live with Evans just fine.

36. Watkins, Sammy BUF Not unlike Evans on roster and within skill set. Steady is good.

55. Murray, Latavius OAK With some receivers, Murray and Carr have a chance to open some things up.

7. Peterson, Adrian MIN I’ll pick him “All Day” at No. 7. Fresh legs.

24. Hilton, T.Y. IND Was a top 10 WR last year. WR’s were going fast.

37. Ingram, Mark NO Great value at pick No. 35. Saints will run... a lot.

54. Jackson, DeSean WAS Was a top-20 guy with horrific QB play last year. Underrated.

8. Bryant, Dez DAL No running back value after the first four. Solid round-one producer.

23. Jeffery, Alshon CHI Would have preferred Cobb who went one pick before. Risk now as the number one guy.

38. Landry, Jarvis MIA Going to blow up in PPR formats. Might now get to Brown’s total but will be close.

53. Bernard, Giovani CIN Best back at this point. Needs to steal some carries back from Hill.

9. McCoy, LeSean BUF I wouldn’t normally take a RB in a new home, but I think Rex Ryan will want to run, run, run and Shady will carry the offense.

22. Cobb, Randall GB Even with a lot of weapons in GB, I think Cobb can be a Top 5 fantasy receiver and should match last year’s performance.

39. Gurley, Todd STL My auto-pick fiasco of ‘15. I wouldn’t mind rostering him for the 2nd half. I would NEVER take him in the 3rd round!

52. Ellington, Andre ARI An elusive runner and has the ability to “get skinny.” David Johnson will push him, he has the upside to be a RB1.

10. Murray, DeMarco PHI Injuries always a concern, but ceding a few carries to Ryan Mathews may help.

21. Forte, Matt CHI On downside of career, but still had over 1,800 combined yards in 2014.

40. Hyde, Carlos SF With Frank Gore gone it’s his time to shine. Reggie Bush not a threat to his carries.

51. White, Kevin CHI He’ll get plenty of targets as a rookie starting opposite of Alshon Jeffery.

11. Gronkowski, Rob NE Don’t love first round TE, but the value was too much to pass up, especially in a PPR league.

20. Anderson, C.J. DEN With the Broncos becoming more balanced with the run game, Anderson is a Top 6 RB for 2015.

41. Cooks, Brandin NO Was flashing his upside preinjury last year, and now will see targets galore with Jimmy Graham gone.

50. Johnson, Andre IND Johnson should post a season similar to 2012. Andrew Luck is the best QB of Johnson’s career.

12. Jones, Julio ATL Fear that the bigger tilt toward running will impact his production, but still a top-10 fantasy wideout.

19. Green, A.J. CIN Not a very PPR-centric duo of WR, but Green is one of the biggest playmakers in the league.

42. Gordon, Melvin SD Though he won’t repeat historic college pace, he should chew up 1,500-ish total yards and lead SD in TDs.

49. Wilson, Russell SEA I typically don’t pick a QB this early, epsecially at three points per passing TD. Still, I’m OK with him as the third QB taken.

13. Lynch, Marshawn SEA This TD machine with a stud offensive line should still be a top-10 pick in PPR formats.

18. Johnson, Calvin DET I’ll take the “down year” discount on Megatron, still just 29, and expect 10-plus TDs again.

43. Miller, Lamar MIA Rookie Melvin Gordon sniped before me, but at least Miller’s a featured back with breakaway speed and PPR-plus.

48. Allen, Keenan SD Third-year WR with quality QB, burgeoning ground game and more chances in slot help his PPR value.

14. Luck, Andrew IND With Luck, I’ll get close to 40 TDs again and I won’t have to worry about musical chairs at QB.

17. Nelson, Jordy GB High-volume, big-play receiver in an elite passing offense.

44. Morris, Alfred WAS Not many starting RB’s left, so I’m happy to get his 1,000-yard, eight-TD pedigree here.

47. Edelman, Julian NE A PPR stud with a high statistical floor, and his numbers shouldn’t suffer if Brady’s suspension holds.

ROUND

FFG15_76-82_Mock_v3.indd 76

ROUND

6/19/15 5:09 PM

ROUND

61. Smith, Torrey SF Kaepernick’s deep threat, but should set a career high in receptions.

90. Sims, Charles TB Should beat Doug Martin for the gig handily. Would take him as my RB2 if push came to shove.

91. White, Roddy ATL Round 7 is grand larceny. White is not toast quite yet.

120. Manning, Eli NYG Odell Beckham is a gamechanger, and puts Eli in the conversation as a top five QB.

121. Smith, Steve BAL Will see even more targets with Torrey Smith gone. Perriman is severely overhyped and has bad hands.

150. Quick, Brian STL Breakout season cut short by shoulder injury. Tough division, but top WR with a QB (Foles) who can swing it.

62. Randle, Joseph DAL Will likely be the lead RB in Dallas. He has a chance to be a RB2 behind the O-Line in Big D.

89. Bridgewater, Teddy MIN Got caught at The back end of the QB run. No problem, Teddy will finish as a Top 12 fantasy QB.

92. Agholor, Nelson PHI Chips Kelly’s system is a nice fit for the former Trojan. Agholor should flirt with double digit TDs.

119. Mathews, Ryan PHI A change of scene could help fantasy owners change their opinion of Mathews.

122. Seferian-Jenkins, Austin TB Potential breakout Tight End .

149. Flacco, Joe BAL Needed a QB if Teddy doesn’t pan out. Why not Joe in Baltimore’s O.C. Marc Trestman’s fantasy-friendly sysytem.

63. Bryant, Martavis PIT Intriguing, but maybe a reach… or genius.

88. Harvin, Percy BUF Another team, another system. If used right, could be huge.

93. Cameron, Jordan MIA Think he breaks out more with Tannehill.

118. Freeman, Devonta ATL Listed as the starter but needs to prove it.

123. Martin, Doug TB Hey, he’s a No. 1 RB… May not say much for TB.

148. Jones, Marvin CIN Nice upside if Green goes down again.

64. Olsen, Greg CAR As Carolina’s best receiver, he should have been targeted more often.

87. Abdullah, Ameer DET He has an opportunity with the Lions but could need time to adjust.

94. Johnson, Duke CLE He is Cleveland’s best running back whether or not he starts.

117. Texans, Houston HOU I like taking an elite defense and Houston should be even better.

124. LaFell, Brandon NE Proved his doubters laughably wrong and could still improve.

147. Brown, John ARI He was explosive last season and earned a bigger role in the offense.

65. Kelce, Travis KC Favorite pick. Love Kelce’s upside. Was productive when used by Chiefs.

86. Stafford, Matthew DET Had to wait on QB because of depth issues at RB/WR.

95. Mason, Tre STL Even though Gurley is there, Mason should still see action.

116. Decker, Eric NYJ Underrated and still productive. Still too early for DTs.

125. Brady, Tom NE A borderline Top-5 fantasy QB in Round 9? Suspension aside, I’ll take it.

146. Williams, Terrance DAL Cowboys will have to move it through air a bit more. Like Williams at this spot.

66. Newton, Cam CAR More like a RB who can throw, he still racks up points and that is what I want.

85. Bennett, Martellus CHI Soured on Cutler, but Bennett is solid, good for 800 yards and a handful of scores.

96. Seahawks, Seattle SEA A good steady defense is as much help as a good steady RB. The guys get turnovers and touchdowns pretty well.

115. Dorsett, Phillip IND Luck likes three-wide sets, and Dorsett is likely to be one of the three a lot with a likely increasing role.

126. Boldin, Anquan SF One of my favorite players in the league, Boldin is just a gamer.

145. Carr, Derek OAK Whatever hope I have for the Raiders lies with Carr, but watching him last year, I now at least have hope.

67. Bell, Joique DET Think he’ll have a big year if he can stay healthy. No Reggie Bush.

84. Romo, Tony DAL Wanted Big Ben. Might be a panic pick. But QBs in that value tier were just about gone.

97. Blount, LeGarrette NE It’s almost like the others were daring me to take another RB.

114. Johnson, Charles MIN Was Teddy Bridgewater’s go-to guy after Week 11.

127. Gates, Antonio SD Is he old? Yes. Was he No. 2 in fantasy TEs last year? Yes.

144. Colston, Marques NO Is he kind of old? Yes. Does Drew Brees need a big target with Graham gone? Yes.

68. Gore, Frank IND Not sure how much tread he has left, but Indy is a good landing spot.

83. Roethlisberger, Ben PIT Puts up strong numbers year after year.

98. Wright, Kendall TEN Disappointed in 2014, hope to see a rebound with new QB.

113. McKinnon, Jerick MIN Breakaway potential on every carry. Will see what he gets with Peterson back.

128. Vereen, Shane NYG Great value in this spot with Jennings often injured.

143. Eifert, Tyler CIN A gamble but Dalton needs a middle of the field security blanket.

69. Tate, Golden DET Tate is an efficient receiver and is especially valuable in PPR formats. Not a sexy pick, but a guy who you can count on.

82. Moncrief, Donte IND I wanted a piece of the Colts offense, but I’m unsure about this pick with Dorsett in the picture.

99. Tannehill, Ryan MIA Coming off a career year, with added weapons. I love Tannehill here. I was able to shore up RB and WR in waiting on QB.

112. Witten, Jason DAL Romo’s security blanket/mancrush/bro-mance, etc… A top 10 fantasy TE.

129. McFadden, Darren DAL I’m aware of his injury history, but that O-line is so good he can be the Run DMC of 2010. Or 2012. A girl can dream, right?

142. Strong, Jaelen HOU Total homer pick as a Sun Devil (Go Devils!). He has great football instincts, a first-round pick if not for concern about a wrist injury.

70. Maclin, Jeremy KC Finally saw in 2014 what he’s capable of when healthy. New QB a concern.

81. Ryan, Matt ATL Tevin Coleman in backfield should make passing game even more expolosive.

100. Stills, Kenny MIA Could top 1,000 yards and be the Dolphins leading receiver.

111. Adams, Davante GB Will eventually be a starter, but for now one of best third receivers in NFL.

130. Sankey, Bishop TEN Has to beat out David Cobb, but if he does, he’ll benefit from improved passing game.

141. Latimer, Cody DEN Only 2 receptions last season, but should see more playing time in 2015.

71. Marshall, Brandon NYJ Still had WR2 numbers in a PPG basis with poor QB play last year. It may be no better, but also not worse.

80. Coleman, Tevin ATL Will frustrate with inconsistency, but few running backs have more big-play potential.

101. Fitzgerald, Larry ARI As long as Carson Palmer is healthy, Fitz can still put up Top 20 WR numbers.

110. Johnson, David ARI Hearing Arizona loves him and for good reason. Big, quick and talented. Could push Andre Ellington to Gio Bernard-type role.

131. Cobb, David TEN Will be the lead running back for the Titans because Bishop Sankey just isn’t that good.

140. Rivers, Philip SD Okay with getting my quarterback this late, when he was a Top 10 option last year and can easily repeat.

72. Robinson, Allen JAC Too soon, though the WR pool was diminishing. Should be the best wideout in Jacksonville, with consistent WR3 numbers.

79. Parker, DeVante MIA This was a reach that I wouldn’t have done, especially given Parker’s foot surgery. But he’s quite talented.

102. Thomas, Julius JAC Could still be a Top-10 option because of how volatile the TE class is. Of course, he’s going to miss Peyton Manning.

109. Ajayi, Jay MIA Would’ve addressed my 2nd running back much earlier, but there’s sleeper potential here.

132. Ebron, Eric DET A human would not have taken a second TE so soon. But there are some targets for the taking with Reggie Bush gone.

139. Davis, Knile KC I dig this. Davis should again be heavily involved even as the No. 2 and, if Jamaal Charles falters, would be a fantasy beast.

73. Jackson, Vincent TB Hoping young QB can get the ball to V-Jax more frequently than his predecessors, plus more time in the slot.

78. Manning, Peyton DEN New head coach Gary Kubiak might run more, but Manning in Rd. 6 of 14-tm league is grand theft.

103. Jennings, Rashad NYG Not much in passing game, but he’s still a low-career carries starting tailback.

108. Ertz, Zach PHI (Hopeful) improvement at QB should give Ertz more opportunities in 2015, along with departure of Jeremy Maclin.

133. Cruz, Victor NYG Knee injury and emergence of OBJ discounted his price, but Cruz is still just 28.

138. Garcon, Pierre WAS ‘Skins are reportedly trying to increase Garcon’s touches in 2015.

74. Floyd, Michael ARI Big bounceback potential, but could fade if Carson Palmer is sidelined.

77. Crowell, Isaiah CLE Risky because of potential timeshare, but there’s upside if he’s lead back in run-dominant offense.

104. Hill, Josh NO Hill inherits Jimmy Graham’s former role; if he’s even half as productive, he’s valuable here.

107. Perriman, Breshad BAL Huge upside, and could be a viable weekly option later in the year.

134. Bills, Buffalo BUF The defense was elite before Rex Ryan came on board; now, it could be the best.

137. Rudolph, Kyle MIN If healthy, a potential TD machine as Teddy Bridgewater’s security option.

ROUND

FFG15_76-82_Mock_v3.indd 77

ROUND

6/19/15 5:09 PM

ROUND

151. Ivory, Chris NYJ Effective between the tackles. Should lead team in carries despite Ridley and Stacy.

180. Lee, Marqise JAC One of the best late round WR options period.

181. Dolphins, Miami MIA Don’t want to be the first to grab a defense, nor the last. This is the division to grab one from.

210. Davis, Vernon SF Ideal late-round speculation at TE. Just two seasons removed from 13 TD.

211. Griffin III, Robert WAS Because I wanted a backup for Eli.

240. Catanzaro, Chandler ARI Targeting kickers from NFC West or AFC East.

152. Riddick, Theo DET Will be a big part of the passing game in Detroit.

179. Helu, Roy OAK Look for him to catch up to 50 passes this season in Oakland.

182. Hardy, Justin ATL First year WR will get a chance to play a role in Atlanta, especially if injury strikes the Falcons WR corps.

209. Green, Virgil DEN My Sleeper for 2015.

212. Walsh, Blair MIN I like to attach my kicker to my QB. No real reason why.

239. Ravens, Baltimore BAL Looking for sacks and turnovers from what should be an improved D in the Charm City.

153. Jets, New York NYJ Unimpressed with other options, grabbed a safe defense.

178. Daniels, Owen DEN Daniels + Peyton equal a renaissance.

183. Sanu, Mohamed CIN If Marvin Jones doesn’t break out, Sanu will.

208. Baldwin, Doug SEA Hey, he’s a WR1… The Seahawks’ WR1.

213. Crosby, Mason GB Crosby is a kicker… Green Bay scores points. That works.

238. Hawkins, Andrew CLE This guy always shows flashes. I’m hoping one ignites.

154. Walker, Delanie TEN He had the fourth most yards by a tight end last season.

177. Kaepernick, Colin SF This was a value pick. I’m buying a breakout season.

184. Gostkowski, Stephen NE Led all kickers in points each of the last three seasons.

207. Britt, Kenny STL A team’s leading receiver in the 14th round? Sure, why not.

214. Williams, DeAngelo PIT A suspension play, plus he has more left than most people think.

237. Saints, New Orleans NO Terrible last season but valuable in 2013. I expect a rebound.

155. Allen, Dwayne IND Not a lot of great backup tight end options but Allen is one of the better red zone threats at that position.

176. Robinson, Denard JAC Not happy I ended up with a Jacksonville backfield but he showed flashes of promise last season at running back.

185. Eagles, Philadelphia PHI While the secondary is suspect, the Eagles have a solid front seven that could help fortify a good fantasy season.

206. Vinatieri, Adam IND Somehow, still hanging around and productive.

215. Ridley, Stevan NYJ Simple depth pick. When he was healthy and not fumbling, Ridley was a rushing threat for the Patriots.

236. Packers, Green Bay GB Their value comes late in games when teams are trying to play catch up with GB’s high-powered offense.

156. Michael, Christine SEA Should get a shot as Marshawn winds it down.

175. Woodhead, Danny SD Another fav who lost last year to injury, but he can run and catch and always has a couple of break-out games.

186. Green-Beckham, Dorial TEN Another rookie gamble, but a pretty safe one at that.

205. Hauschka, Steven SEA Solid foot on a team that can score, playing at least half his games indoors.

216. Conley, Chris KC Another WR gamble. If one of the three hits paydirt, so do I.

235. Turbin, Robert SEA Cuffed to Michael in the everexpendable last slot. Keeps the slot covered at least till the season starts.

157. Rams, St. Louis STL Probably early to grab a D but I think Rams could be elite.

174. Ball, Montee DEN Nothing exciting but if CJ is hurt, you want Kubiak’s RB.

187. Randle, Rueben NYG Giants offense will breakout in Year 2 with OC. Randle is close to really getting it.

204. Smith, Alex KC Nothing flashy but consistent production from QB2.

217. Bailey, Dan DAL Cowboys will score a lot of points so having their kicker is a good thing.

234. Clay, Charles BUF Since Bills paid so much $ for him, Greg Roman might involve him a lot.

158. Huff, Josh PHI Draft gets fun at this point. Showed small flashes in 2014.

173. Bradford, Sam PHI IF healthy….automatic numbers in Philly.

188. Parkey, Cody PHI The pride of Jupiter High School and a solid kicker.

203. Herron, Dan IND Need a possible backup for Gore.

218. Browns, Cleveland CLE Under the radar defense.

233. Amaro, Jace NYJ Just in case Eifort does not work out.

159. Funchess, Devin CAR Maybe my favorite pick. Funchess is big, fast and smart. He will become a favorite target for Cam Newton.

172. Cutler, Jay CHI I hate everything about Jay Cutler except for his ability to throw the ball. As a QB2, he’s great and will be playing catch-up lots.

189. Fleener, Coby IND This is an attempt to play matchups as well as have a 2nd TE. There might be weeks where I would consider playing 2 TE.

202. Jackson, Fred BUF Shady insurance.

219. Panthers, Carolina CAR Great defenisve front and then you have dominant linebackers Kuechly and Davis. Solid all the way around.

232. Zuerlein, Greg STL Truth be told, I just take whatever kicker is available, but I do like to target guys in domes.

160. Blue, Alfred HOU He’ll benefit if Texans decide to reduce Arian Foster’s workload.

171. Artis-Payne, Cameron CAR Jonathan Stewart hasn’t played 16 games since 2011.

190. Williams, Maxx BAL Dennis Pitta’s hip is still a problem, so Williams should be the starter.

201. Foles, Nick STL He’s not as good as he was in 2013, nor as bad as he was in 2014.

220. Steelers, Pittsburgh PIT AFC North squad gets to face Browns twice in addition to weak NFC West offenses.

231. Suisham, Shaun PIT When in doubt, pick a kicker on a team with a potent offense.

161. Bush, Reggie SF Still has some gas left in the tank, and in a PPR league, his value gets a small boost… plus, Carlos Hyde’s knee concerns.

170. Palmer, Carson ARI Love pairing Palmer with Rivers. He was putting up QB1 numbers before getting hurt in 2014.

191. Bowe, Dwayne CLE The un-sexiest pick ever. Alex Smith killed Bowe’s value, and he could see a mini revival with Josh McNown… or not.

200. Crabtree, Michael OAK The hype is surrounding Amari Cooper, but Crabtree gives the emerging David Carr a veteran presence with decent talent.

221. Patriots, New England NE It’s a defense. The highest rated one left on my board. If you took one before the second-to-last round, you’re doing it wrong.

230. Prater, Matt DET My dart landed on Prater, or he was the best kicker left. Either way, it doesn’t matter because it’s a kicker.

162. Williams, Andre NYG It’s a three-headed monster, but Williams’ touchdown potential once again could be huge.

169. Cardinals, Arizona ARI Worry about the personnel and departure of Todd Bowles, but 2/3 their division offenses are weak—and they are aggressive.

192. Tucker, Justin BAL A Tim-controlled team would not take a kicker before the final two rounds.

199. Mariota, Marcus TEN I like Mariota’s long-term pairing with QB whisperer Ken Whisenhunt, but this isn’t an ideal situation for a rookie.

222. Gordon, Josh CLE Really? Sigh. Suspended players don’t usually help fantasy owners.

229. Reed, Jordan WAS A third tight end? Please. But I probably would’ve snagged him as my backup, considering this is PPR.

163. Sproles, Darren PHI Presence of DeMarco Murray/ Ryan Mathews makes Sproles a late-round bargain. Should still get 45 catches in Kelly’s offense.

168. Patterson, Cordarrelle MIN Last year’s darling/bust is this year’s third-year WR with upside as a late rounder.

193. Broncos, Denver DEN Denver Broncos DST – A slower offense with a better ground game should help Broncos DST in 2015.

198. Winston, Jameis TB Taking a flier on this gamer as a backup to Manning, 39, is smart considering his 6-foot-5 weapons.

223. Barth, Connor DEN Kicking for a high-quality offense is always a desired trait in most kickers.

228. Taliaferro, Lorenzo BAL Should back up the smallish Forsett, who could break down after two years as a featured back.

164. Jones, Matt WAS Insurance pick as handcuff to Morris, though he could be a PPR factor on his own.

167. West, Terrance CLE Insurance pick as Crowell’s handcuff.

194. Allen, Javorius BAL Potential PPR sleeper in new OC Trestman’s offense, which uses RB’s heavily as receivers.

197. Dalton, Andy CIN Serviceable backup QB who won’t be needed once Luck’s Bye week passes.

224. Austin, Tavon STL Gamble on talent alone; if he doesn’t produce, he’s first to go when Bye fill-ins are needed.

227. Bryant, Matt ATL Kicks in a dome behind a potent offense. Excellent long-distance accuracy, as well.

ROUND

FFG15_76-82_Mock_v3.indd 78

ROUND

6/19/15 5:09 PM

“Steadiest option at RB.”

2015 MOCK DRAFT COMMENTARY OUR PANEL CONFESSES: THEIR ORIGINAL STRATEGY, THE RESULTING REALITY, BEST & WORST PICKS

1. Vlad Sedler

Photo: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

PLAN OUT: Most of the plan

worked—Lacy is arguably the safest first rounder and I would take Jimmy Graham happily every day of the week in the third round. Mostly, the plan worked because of three solid mid-round receivers—Torrey Smith, Roddy White and Steve Smith— older and not the sexiest of names, but each appear to be grossly underrated.

BEST: Brian Quick as my WR6 in the

Sirius-XM

Lacy, Eddie GB Matthews, Jordan PHI Graham, Jimmy SEA Stewart, Jonathan CAR Smith, Torrey SF

PLAN IN: My plan was to draft target Brown, Antonio PIT monsters, and wait on my quarterback.

PLAN OUT: I was able to execute my Hopkins, DeAndre HOU plan, except I wish I had a solid everyweek starting QB. Although I’m very confident in Teddy Bridgewater.

BEST: My best pick was the fifth-

round selection of Joe Randle. Randle will flirt with RB1 numbers this season.

Sims, Charles TB White, Roddy ATL Manning, Eli NYG

WORST: I never like to rely on Ryan Mathews.

Forsett, Justin BAL Wallace, Mike MIN

Randle, Joseph DAL Bridgewater, Teddy MIN Agholor, Nelson PHI Mathews, Ryan PHI

Smith, Steve BAL

Seferian-Jenkins, Austin TB

Quick, Brian STL

Flacco, Joe BAL

Ivory, Chris NYJ

Riddick, Theo DET

Lee, Marqise JAC

Helu, Roy OAK

10th round. He was on his way to a breakout season before going down in Week 8. Dolphins, Miami MIA WORST: Jordan Matthews as my top Davis, Vernon SF WR at the end of the second felt forced. That’s part of the reason I don’t like an Griffin III, Robert WAS early first round pick. Little room for Catanzaro, Chandler ARI profit taking Matthews there.

FFG15_76-82_Mock_v3.indd 79

mastersball.com

2. Corey Parson

rotowire.com

PLAN IN: I would prefer a middle pick in the first round, but knowing I had No. 1, the plan was to pair Lacy with the two best receivers at 2/3 turn. Wanted to avoid reaching for the rookie WRs as last year’s exquisite class falsely pushes this year’s lesser talented class up. Waiting on the QB was also part of the plan. Eli Manning or Ryan Tanehill late was ideal.

Draft by MyFantasyLeague.com Curated by: Lawr Michaels

Hardy, Justin ATL Green, Virgil DEN Walsh, Blair MIN Ravens, Baltimore BAL

MOCK DRAFT COMMENTARY | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 79

6/19/15 5:09 PM

MOCK DRAFT COMMENTARY

3. Doug Anderson SoCalledFantasyExperts.com

PLAN IN: Just take best value. Often those are veterans who people are ready to give up on. PLAN OUT: A lot of question

marks and players who have some miles on their tires. Competitive, but will need luck and health on my side.

BEST: Arian Foster was as good as ever last year. Obviously health is a concern, but having two elite RBs is huge.

WORST: Emmanuel Sanders. I

like Sanders if Manning is still elite. I fear he won’t be.

Charles, Jamaal KC Foster, Arian HOU Sanders, Emmanuel DEN Brees, Drew NO Bryant, Martavis PIT Harvin, Percy BUF Cameron, Jordan MIA Freeman, Devonta ATL Martin, Doug TB Jones, Marvin CIN Jets, New York NYJ Daniels, Owen DEN Sanu, Mohamed CIN

BEST: C.J. Spiller in the fourth was

a steal. Two years ago he went high in the first, and with only Mark Ingram as competition, I am expecting career highs across the board.

WORST: Greg Olsen in the fifth

round was a mistake. Tight ends were dropping more than expected, so I should have realized that I could find value there much later and grabbed one of the few starting running backs left.

PLAN OUT: I carried out the plan but didn’t necessarily do it with the players I had in mind. I didn’t think Brown AND Thomas would go in Top 5. They did though, which made things a bit more difficult. BEST: Kelvin Benjamin. Like his game and he has the chance to be a 100-reception type guy if given the opportunity

WORST: TJ Yeldon. Wanted Lata-

vius Murray in that spot. Not sure that Yeldon can be more productive.

Beckham, Odell NYG Hill, Jeremy CIN Benjamin, Kelvin CAR Yeldon, T.J. JAC Kelce, Travis KC Stafford, Matthew DET Mason, Tre STL Decker, Eric NYJ Brady, Tom NE Williams, Terrance DAL Allen, Dwayne IND Robinson, Denard JAC Eagles, Philadelphia PHI Vinatieri, Adam IND

Crosby, Mason GB

Ridley, Stevan NYJ

Hawkins, Andrew CLE

Packers, Green Bay GB

4. J.D. Bolick

PLAN OUT: Ugh. I committed the cardinal sin of being greedy and got away from my draft board. Because I believed that Justin Forsett would make it to me in the third, I took Aaron Rodgers even though I have him being worth less. That left me scrambling for running backs the rest of the night.

PLAN IN: In an ideal scenario I wanted to get my running backs early and avoid ones with playing time questions. I was fine taking a receiver at number five if need be and then building with RB/WR combos until taking a quarterback in the mid-rounds.

Baldwin, Doug SEA

The Fantasy Football Guide PLAN IN: I always formulate a list based on my league’s scoring and roster settings, then stay flexible during the draft to target players and positions that are undervalued. In an ideal scenario I want to get my running backs early and avoid those with playing-time questions.

5. Derek Jones

The Fantasy Football Guide

Thomas, Demaryius DEN Rodgers, Aaron GB Cooper, Amari OAK Spiller, C.J. NO Olsen, Greg CAR Abdullah, Ameer DET Johnson, Duke CLE Texans, Houston HOU LaFell, Brandon NE Brown, John ARI Walker, Delanie TEN Kaepernick, Colin SF

6. Lawr Michaels mastersball.com

PLAN IN: Balance, steady produc-

ers, and ideally guys who can avoid injury. Took some risks with the rookie receivers, but not so much that it will hurt badly if they fail.

PLAN OUT: I think so. Most of

the guys I took for my basic squad tend to be healthy. I just hope it doesn’t mean they are due.

BEST: Sentimental, but I love hav-

ing Anquan Bolden on any team.

WORST: Either Mike Evans or

Sammy Watkins, as I wanted Hyde in there, but the truth is I am probably better off with the pair of receivers.

Bell, Le’Veon PIT Evans, Mike TB Watkins, Sammy BUF Murray, Latavius OAK Newton, Cam CAR Bennett, Martellus CHI Seahawks, Seattle SEA Dorsett, Phillip IND Boldin, Anquan SF Carr, Derek OAK Michael, Christine SEA Woodhead, Danny SD

Gostkowski, Stephen NE

Green-Beckham, Dorial TEN

Britt, Kenny STL

Hauschka, Steven SEA

Williams, DeAngelo PIT

Conley, Chris KC

Saints, New Orleans NO

Turbin, Robert SEA

80 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | MOCK DRAFT COMMENTARY

FFG15_76-82_Mock_v3.indd 80

6/19/15 5:09 PM

7. Lori Rubinson

9. Stacie Stern

WFAN

PLAN IN: I tend to be a “Moneyball” drafter—so if others are going heavy in one direction, I might try to find value that’s being left on the table. I try to avoid falling prey to the end of run on a position. In this draft, others were focused on taking WRs early so I scooped up RB 1s that I plan to use in Flex. PLAN OUT: Thought it worked very

well. When others zigged early with WRs, I zagged and got great value at RB with 4 lead RBs on roster—plus, two very good WRs. My plan was to wait on QBs and TEs later than others. I like where I drafted Antonio Gates. Also like Romo but might have waited another round for someone else.

BEST: Joique Bell in Rd. 5 and DeSean Jackson in Rd. 4. Bell is a top-20 RB which is great value at pick No. 63. Jackson is under-rated by many because he does stuff like skip OTAs to go to a Cavs game.

WORST: I don’t love that I took Romo at the end of a QB run. Not usually my style. Probably could have waited.

head2head.com

Peterson, Adrian MIN Hilton, T.Y. IND Ingram, Mark NO Jackson, DeSean WAS Bell, Joique DET Romo, Tony DAL Blount, LeGarrette NE Johnson, Charles MIN Gates, Antonio SD Colston, Marques NO Rams, St. Louis STL Ball, Montee DEN Randle, Rueben NYG Bailey, Dan DAL Clay, Charles BUF

The real question is whether I can get enough production from RB without having any in the first three rounds

BEST: Jarvis Landry in the third

Bryant, Dez DAL Jeffery, Alshon CHI Landry, Jarvis MIA Bernard, Giovani CIN Gore, Frank IND Roethlisberger, Ben PIT

being a good player, but didn’t need him that high

Wright, Kendall TEN McKinnon, Jerick MIN Vereen, Shane NYG Eifert, Tyler CIN

round. Because I didn’t plan on having him on my roster, I had to change my plans a bit.

Gurley, Todd STL Ellington, Andre ARI Tate, Golden DET Moncrief, Donte IND Tannehill, Ryan MIA Witten, Jason DAL McFadden, Darren DAL Strong, Jaelen HOU Funchess, Devin CAR Cutler, Jay CHI Fleener, Coby IND Jackson, Fred BUF Panthers, Carolina CAR Zuerlein, Greg STL

PLAN IN: Stock up on RBs early, then fill in WRs. Spend reserve picks on RBs and WRs PLAN OUT: Yes, aside from afore-

mentioned TE snafu. Decent depth at RB and WR

BEST: Carlos Hyde. Great to be able to start a RB with 1,000-yard potential as your Flex

WORST: Maxx Williams. Waited too long to pick a TE; may regret passing on Vernon Davis

Murray, DeMarco PHI Forte, Matt CHI Hyde, Carlos SF White, Kevin CHI Maclin, Jeremy KC Ryan, Matt ATL Stills, Kenny MIA Adams, Davante GB Sankey, Bishop TEN Latimer, Cody DEN Blue, Alfred HOU

Huff, Josh PHI Bradford, Sam PHI

Artis-Payne, Cameron CAR

Parkey, Cody PHI

Williams, Maxx BAL

Herron, Dan IND

Foles, Nick STL

Browns, Cleveland CLE

Steelers, Pittsburgh PIT

Amaro, Jace NYJ

Suisham, Shaun PIT

FFG15_76-82_Mock_v3.indd 81

because that’s the earliest I want to draft a QB.

Cobb, Randall GB

FantasyFootballSherpa.com

round will prove to be a steal

WORST: Tyler Eifort might end up

BEST: Ryan Tannehill in the seventh

McCoy, LeSean BUF

10. Scott Swanay

Mastersball.com

PLAN OUT: The plan worked.

PLAN OUT: My plan worked because I wanted 3 RBs in the first four rounds, because I always worry about depth at that position. Gurley wasn’t part of the plan, but getting McFadden in the ninth round is just fine by me. He’s my RB3, with Gurley likely missing at least six weeks.

WORST: Auto draft of Gurley in third

Smith, Alex KC

8. Marc Meltzer PLAN IN: Lock up strong wide receivers, then grab as many Eagles as possible

PLAN IN: I like the mix of old guys (DMC, Tate), and newcomers (Funchess, Gurley, Strong), from the right teams. The auto-pick of Gurley could play out in real-life fantasy football. By the time he’s ready to run, chances are I’m down one, maybe two RBs. I really have high hopes for Tannehill this year and plan to have him on a number of my teams in 2015.

MOCK DRAFT COMMENTARY | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 81

6/19/15 5:09 PM

MOCK DRAFT COMMENTARY

11. Jake Ciely RotoExperts

PLAN IN: Since it’s PPR, I wanted to come out of the first two rounds with a clear RB1 and WR1, allowing me to be flexible the rest of the way. PLAN OUT: Nope. Once Rob

Gronkowski fell to me at 1.11, I had to pounce. It gave me a good chance to see what that does to a team’s makeup. I like my team a lot, but I’m not thrilled and would have liked it more if I’d waited on tight end, securing a RB1 or WR1 first.

BEST: David Johnson. I believe

he will push to be the lead back in Arizona. Even if he doesn’t, he’s an amazing pass catcher giving him a high floor in PPR.

WORST: I’m the All in Kid, I don’t have a worst pick. Although, I would swap Allen Robinson for Brandon Marshall had I known ARob would be gone by my next pick.

Gronkowski, Rob NE Anderson, C.J. DEN Cooks, Brandin NO Johnson, Andre IND Marshall, Brandon NYJ Coleman, Tevin ATL Fitzgerald, Larry ARI Johnson, David ARI Cobb, David TEN Rivers, Philip SD Bush, Reggie SF

13. David Gonos

SoCalledFantasyExperts.com PLAN IN: Wanted to get stud rusher, then build out excellent WR crew. Wait on QB/TE, and get deep on WRs. PLAN OUT: My plan going into

the draft worked somewhat, as Lynch and Megatron are great foundations, and while I built depth at WR, I’m not super crazy about the quality.

BEST: Manning’s late injury in ‘14,

along with changes in offense, gives me a greatly discounted fantasy QB.

WORST: With just 2 RBs after six

rounds, I had to go with Jennings, but he’s going to battle Williams for TDs and Vereen for catches.

Palmer, Carson ARI

PLAN OUT: I like this team’s core, but it needs a makeover for its depth, especially at running back. Anyone want to trade for a tight end? BEST: If you like running backs

Jones, Julio ATL Green, A.J. CIN Gordon, Melvin SD Wilson, Russell SEA Robinson, Allen JAC Parker, DeVante MIA Thomas, Julius JAC

Allen, Keenan SD Jackson, Vincent TB Manning, Peyton DEN Jennings, Rashad NYG Ertz, Zach PHI Cruz, Victor NYG Garcon, Pierre WAS Sproles, Darren PHI

Winston, Jameis TB

Patriots, New England NE

Barth, Connor DEN

Prater, Matt DET

PLAN IN: I unfortunately was not aware the draft was going on, and so I autodrafted. But if I had, I would’ve collected running backs and wide receivers with reception potential or history early on, then wait for value on QB and TE.

Miller, Lamar MIA

Broncos, Denver DEN

Crabtree, Michael OAK

12. Tim Heaney

Johnson, Calvin DET

Patterson, Cordarrelle MIN

Bowe, Dwayne CLE

(as administered by Autopick) USAT.com

Lynch, Marshawn SEA

Taliaferro, Lorenzo BAL

14. Jason Hoffmann The Fantasy Football Guide

PLAN IN: Draft proven performers early and mix in high-upside guys with later picks. PLAN OUT: Mostly. The first few

guys shouldn’t disappoint, but I ended up with too many boom-or-bust guys and my RB depth is non-existent.

Luck, Andrew IND Nelson, Jordy GB Morris, Alfred WAS Edelman, Julian NE

BEST: I can afford to wait out Perri-

Floyd, Michael ARI

WORST: Floyd’s not a bad WR3,

Hill, Josh NO

man’s first-year jitters as he should be a stud just in time for fantasy playoffs.

Crowell, Isaiah CLE

but there were probably safer options available.

Perriman, Breshad BAL

with elite potential at Pick 129, consider me Knile Davis’ owner.

Ajayi, Jay MIA

Gordon was an unfortunate development. Allen Robinson, DeVante Parker, and Jay Ajayi went way too early. My head sunk when I saw they were on my team at those prices. Best advice: Don’t autodraft.

Davis, Knile KC

Rudolph, Kyle MIN

Williams, Andre NYG

Jones, Matt WAS

Cardinals, Arizona ARI

West, Terrance CLE

Tucker, Justin BAL

Allen, Javorius BAL

Mariota, Marcus TEN

Dalton, Andy CIN

Gordon, Josh CLE

Austin, Tavon STL

Reed, Jordan WAS

Bryant, Matt ATL

WORST: Picking a suspended Josh

Ebron, Eric DET

Bills, Buffalo BUF

82 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | MOCK DRAFT COMMENTARY

FFG15_76-82_Mock_v3.indd 82

6/19/15 5:09 PM

FBG2015_FC.indd 3

12/12/14 10:30 PM

DRAFT AT A GLANCE|NFFC SCORING PASSING: TC=6, 20 YDS=1, 2PT CONV=2, INTERCEPTION=-2 RUSH/REC: TD=6, 10 YDS=1, RECEPTION=1, 2PT CONV=2, FUMBLE=-1 KICKING: XP=1, FG <30 YDS=3, FG>30=0.1 PT PER YARD Quarterbacks

23 C.J. Spiller

166

20 Jordan Matthews

Phil

201

2 Jimmy Graham

Sea

230

Det

159

21 Golden Tate

Det

199

3 Greg Olsen

Car

216

# Player

Team Points

24 Joique Bell

482

25 Rashad Jennings

NYG

152

22 Brandon Marshall

NYJ

198

4 Travis Kelce

201

Stl

149

23 DeSean Jackson

Was

195

5 Marellus Bennett

Chi

200

Aaron Rodgers

2 Andrew Luck

Ind

454

26 Todd Gurley

3 Peyton Manning

Den

449

27 Tevin Coleman

Atl

147

24 Andre Johnson

Ind

193

6 Antonio Gates

162

28 TJ Yeldon

Jac

145

25 Jeremy Maclin

189

7 Julius Thomas

Jac

161

26 Amari Cooper

Oak

186

8 Zack Ertz

Phi

159

27 Vincent Jackson

185

9 Delanie Walker

Ten

156

28 Jarvis Landry

Mia

184

10 Jason Witten

Dal

155

29 Mike Wallace

Min

182

11 Jordan Cameron

Mia

152

30 Roddy White

Atl

181

12 Jordan Reed

Was

144

31 Martavis Bryant

Pit

180

13 Coby Fleener

Ind

140

32 Michael Floyd

Ari

178

14 Dwayne Allen

Ind

134

33 Torrey Smith

177

15 Heath Miller

Pit

133

34 Eric Decker

NYJ

175

16 Larry Donnell

NYG

130

35 Allen Robinson

Jac

174

17 Josh Hill

121

36 Larry Fitzgerald

Ari

173

18 Eric Ebron

Det

117

37 Brandon LaFell

172

38 Charles Johnson

Min

171

19 Vernon Davis

115

39 Steve Smith

Bal

170

Den

114

40 Anquan Boldin

168

20 Owen Daniels Seferian21 Austin Jenkins 22 Kyle Rudolph

112

Min

110

23 Charles Clay

Buf

109

24 Jared Cook

Stl

107

25 Mychal Rivera

Oak

105

26 Tyler Eifert

Cin

100

27 Jace Amaro

NYJ

28 Niles Paul

Was

29 Tim Wright

30 Ladarius Green

4 Russell Wilson

Sea

427

5 Drew Brees

423

29 Devonta Freeman

Atl

143

30 Tre Mason

Stl

142

6 Cam Newton

Car

411

7 Matt Ryan

Atl

403

31 Doug Martin

139

8 Tony Romo

Dal

396

32 Darren McFadden

Dal

138

Cle

135

9 Ben Roethlisberger

Pit

382

33 Isaiah Crowell

10 Matthew Stafford

Det

377

34 Chris Ivory

NYJ

128

125

11 Eli Manning

NYG

368

35 LeGarrette Blount

12 Ryan Tannehill

Mia

364

36 Bishop Sankey

Tenn 124 Cle

122

13 Colin Kaepernick

347

37 Duke Johnson

14 Philip Rivers

335

38 Shane Vereen

NYG

120

Det

119

15 Tom Brady

327

39 Ameer Abdullah

16 Sam Bradford

Phi

321

40 Charles Simms

118

Min

116

17 Jay Cutler

Chi

320

41 Jerrick McKinnon

18 Joe Flacco

Bal

311

42 Reggie Bush

115

Dal

113

19 Teddy Bridgewater

Min

297

43 Joseph Randle

20 Carson Palmer

Ari

275

44 David Johnson

Ari

108

Jac

104

21 Andy Dalton

Cin

258

45 Denard Robinson

22 Derek Carr

Oak

256

46 Danny Woodhead

23 Robert Griffin III

Wash 237

47 Darren Sproles

Phi

24 Nick Foles

Stl

229

48 Ryan Mathews

25 Alex Smith

224

26 Jameis Winston

27 Blake Bortles

Jac

41 Kendall Wright

Ten

166

42 Kenny Stills

Mia

165

43 Breshad Perriman

Bal

163

44 Nelson Agholor

Phi

162

45 Kevin White

Chi

160

Phi

46 Victor Cruz

NYG

159

49 Fred Jackson

Buf

47 Pierre Garcon

Was

157

213

50 Knile Davis

48 John Brown

Ari

155

184

51 Montee Ball

Den

49 Davante Adams

154

NYG

28 Marcus Mariota

Ten

179

52 Andre Williams

50 Marques Colston

153

29 Josh McCown

Cle

168

53 Stevan Ridley

NYJ

51 Terrance Williams

Dal

152

30 Mark Sanchez

Phi

153

54 Roy Helu Jr.

Oak

52 Percy Harvin

Buf

151

31 Ryan Fitzpatrick

NYJ

146

55 Branden Oliver

53 Michael Crabtree

Oak

149

32 Geno Smith

NYJ

141

56 Alfred Blue

Hou

54 Donte Moncrief

Ind

144

33 Brian Hoyer

Hou

138

57 Theo Riddick

Det

55 Cody Latimer

Den

140

34 Ryan Mallett

Hou

128

58 Terrance West

Cle

56 Davante Parker

Mia

133

35 Matt Cassel

Buf

126

59 Travaris Cadet

57 Dwayne Bowe

Cle

131

36 Johnny Manziel

Cle

121

60 DeAngelo Williams

Pit

58 Doug Baldwin

Sea

127

61 Jay Ajayi

Mia

59 Brian Quick

Stl

126

62 David Cobb

Ten

60 Cecil Shorts

Hou

125

63 Lorenzo Taliaferro

Bal

61 Marvin Jones

Cin

123

62 Reuben Randle

NYG

122

63 Marqise Lee

Jac

120

Running Backs # Players

Team Points

Eddie Lacy

365

2 Jamaal Charles

343

3 Matt Forte

Chi

305

# Players

Team Points

64 Jalen Strong (R)

Hou

119

Pit

343

65 Cordarrelle Patterson Min

117

Wide Receivers

4 Le’Veon Bell

Pit

289

Antonio Brown

5 Marshawn Lynch

Sea

289

2 Dez Bryant

Dal

327

66 Malcom Floyd

116

6 Adrian Peterson

Min

279

3 Demaryius Thomas

Den

317

67 Mohamed Sanu

Cin

114

7 C.J. Anderson

Den

263

4 Calvin Johnson

Det

296

68 Markus Wheaton

Pit

111

8 Arian Foster

Hou

244

5 Julio Jones

Atl

290

69 Allen Hurns

Jac

110

9 LeSean McCoy

Buf

221

6 Odell Beckham

NYG

289

70 Stevie Johnson

107

10 DeMarco Murray

Phi

218

7 Jordy Nelson

278

71 Dorial Green-Beckham Ten

106

11 Jeremy Hill

Cin

206

8 A.J. Green

Cin

271

72 Andrew Hawkins

Cle

105

12 Lamar Miller

Mia

202

9 Alshon Jeffery

Chi

266

73 Riley Cooper

Phil

102

13 Carlos Hyde

198

10 Randall Cobb

260

74 Greg Jennings

Mia

100

14 Alfred Morris

Was

193

11 TY Hilton

Ind

257

75 Justin Hunter

Ten

15 Mark Ingram

192

12 Mike Evans

251

76 Eddie Royal

Chi

16 Justin Forsett

Bal

191

13 Emmanuel Sanders

Den

244

77 Brian Hartline

Cle

17 Melvin Gordon

190

14 DeAndre Hopkins

Hou

231

78 Tavon Austin

Stl

18 Jonathan Stewart

Car

188

15 Kelvin Benjamin

Car

226

79 Kenny Britt

Stl

16 Keenan Allen

223

80 Marquess Wilson

Chi

19 Frank Gore

Ind

186

20 Giovani Bernard

Cin

184

17 Sammy Watkins

Buf

217

21 Latavius Murray

Oak

176

18 Brandin Cooks

207

# Players

Team Points

22 Andre Ellington

Ari

169

19 Julian Edelman

202

Tight Ends Rob Gronokowski

Kickers # Players

Team Points

Den

173

2 Phil Dawson

168

3 Justin Tucker

Bal

165

4 Stephen Gostkowski

162

5 Steven Hauschka

Sea

161

6 Dan Bailey

Dal

155

7 Adam Vinatieri

Ind

151

8 Nick Novak

149

9 Mason Crosby

145

10 Blair Walsh

Min

143

11 Matt Bryant

Atl

142

12 Robbie Gould

Chi

141

13 Alex Henery

Phi

140

14 Shayne Graham

139

15 Kai Forbath

Was

138

Matt Prater

Defense/Special Teams 1

Seahawks

2 Texans 3 Bills 4 Rams 5 Patriots 6 Dolphins 7 Broncos 8 Packers 9 Panthers 10 Cardinals 11 Eagles 12 49ers 13 Jets

256

14 Bengals 15 Giants

84 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | DRAFT AT A GLANCE

FFG15_84-86_atGlance_v1.indd 84

6/19/15 5:10 PM

DRAFT AT A GLANCE|STANDARD SCORING PASSING: TD=4, 25 YDS=1, 2PT CONV=2, INTERCEPTION=-2 RUSH/REC: TD=6, 10 YDS=1, 2PT CONV=2, FUMBLE=-1 KICKING: XP=1, FG <39 YDS=3, FG (40-49 YDS=4, FG 50+=5 Quarterbacks

23 Joique Bell

Det

129

20 Martavis Bryant

Pit

129

2 Jimmy Graham

Sea

145

Cle

129

21 Amari Cooper

Oak

128

3 Greg Olsen

Car

135

# Player

Team Points

24 Isaiah Crowell

360

25 Tevin Coleman

Atl

127

22 Michael Floyd

Ari

128

4 Travis Kelce

125

26 Todd Gurley

Stl

125

23 Golden Tate

Det

125

5 Marellus Bennett

Chi

120

NYJ

124

6 Julius Thomas

Jac

109

Aaron Rodgers

2 Andrew Luck

Ind

341

3 Russell Wilson

Sea

340

27 Andre Ellington

Ari

123

24 Brandon Marshall

28 Tre Mason

Stl

123

25 Jeremy Maclin

123

7 Delanie Walker

Ten

106

26 Mike Wallace

Min

123

8 Zack Ertz

Phi

104

27 Torrey Smith

123

9 Jordan Cameron

Mia

100

28 Brandin Cooks

122

10 Antonio Gates

29 Vincent Jackson

120

11 Coby Fleener

Ind

30 Breshad Perriman

Bal

119

12 Jason Witten

Dal

31 Julian Edelman

117

13 Dwayne Allen

Ind

32 Kenny Stills

Mia

116

14 Jordan Reed

Was

33 Roddy White

Atl

115

15 Heath Miller

Pit

34 Andre Johnson

Ind

114

16 Larry Donnell

NYG

35 Eric Decker

NYJ

113

17 Josh Hill

36 Larry Fitzgerald

Ari

113

18 Vernon Davis

37 Allen Robinson

Jac

112

19 Kyle Rudolph

Min

38 Terrance Williams

Dal

111

20 Owen Daniels

Den

39 Brandon LaFell

110

Det

40 Kendall Wright

Ten

109

41 Victor Cruz

NYG

108

21 Eric Ebron Seferian22 Austin Jenkins 23 Jared Cook

Stl

4 Peyton Manning

Den

326

5 Cam Newton

Car

320

29 TJ Yeldon

Jac

120

30 Chris Ivory

NYJ

118

6 Drew Brees

309

7 Matt Ryan

Atl

293

31 C.J. Spiller

117

8 Tony Romo

Dal

289

32 Doug Martin

114

9 Ben Roethlisberger

Pit

279

33 LeGarrette Blount

10 Colin Kaepernick

276

34 Darren McFadden

Dal

108

Atl

107

11 Matthew Stafford

Det

275

35 Devonta Freeman

12 Ryan Tannehill

Mia

268

36 Bishop Sankey

Tenn 107 Det

13 Eli Manning

NYG

263

37 Ameer Abdullah

14 Philip Rivers

243

38 Charles Simms

15 Tom Brady

240

39 Joseph Randle

Dal

16 Sam Bradford

Phi

235

40 Duke Johnson

Cle

17 Jay Cutler

Chi

230

41 Jerrick McKinnon

Min

18 Joe Flacco

Bal

224

42 David Johnson

Ari

19 Teddy Bridgewater

Min

217

43 Denard Robinson

Jac

20 Carson Palmer

Ari

195

44 Ryan Mathews

Phi

42 Steve Smith

Bal

107

190

Cin

NYG

Cin

21 Andy Dalton

45 Andre Williams

24 Tyler Eifert

43 Anquan Boldin

106

NYG

25 Tim Wright

44 John Brown

Ari

105

26 Charles Clay

Buf

22 Derek Carr

Oak

183

46 Shane Vereen

23 Robert Griffin III

Wash 177

47 Stevan Ridley

NYJ

45 Jarvis Landry

Mia

104

169

Was

24 Alex Smith

48 Reggie Bush

27 Niles Paul

46 Charles Johnson

Min

104

167

Stl

Oak

25 Nick Foles

49 Knile Davis

28 Mychal Rivera

47 Marques Colston

102

29 Jace Amaro

NYJ

26 Jameis Winston

152

50 Darren Sproles

Phi

48 Davante Adams

100

30 Ladarius Green

27 Blake Bortles

Jac

135

51 Montee Ball

Den

49 Kevin White

Chi

28 Marcus Mariota

Ten

128

52 Alfred Blue

Hou

50 Nelson Agholor

Phi

29 Josh McCown

Cle

121

53 Terrance West

Cle

51 Percy Harvin

Buf

# Players

Team Points

52 Donte Moncrief

Ind

Justin Tucker

Bal

173

Kickers

30 Mark Sanchez

Phi

108

54 Danny Woodhead

31 Ryan Fitzpatrick

NYJ

108

55 Branden Oliver

53 Pierre Garcon

Was

2 Steven Haushka

Sea

168

Buf

54 Davante Parker

Mia

3 Adam Vinatieri

Ind

165

32 Brian Hoyer

Hou

100

56 Fred Jackson

33 Geno Smith

NYJ

57 DeAngelo Williams

Pit

55 Brian Quick

Stl

4 Stephen Gostkowski

162

Oak

56 Michael Crabtree

Oak

5 Cody Parkey

Phi

161

34 Ryan Mallett

Hou

58 Roy Helu Jr.

35 Johnny Manziel

Cle

59 Lorenzo Taliaferro

Bal

57 Cody Latimer

Den

6 Dan Bailey

Dal

155

36 Matt Cassel

Buf

60 Jay Ajayi

Mia

58 Dwayne Bowe

Cle

7 Mason Crosby

151

61 Theo Riddick

Det

59 Marqise Lee

Jac

8 Matt Prater

Det

149

62 David Cobb

Ten

60 Marvin Jones

Cin

9 Matt Bryant

Atl

145

63 Travaris Cadet

61 Malcom Floyd

10 Connnor Barth

143

62 Doug Baldwin

Sea

11 Blair Walsh

Min

142

63 Mohamed Sanu

Cin

12 Shaun Suisham

Pit

141

Running Backs # Players

Team Points

Eddie Lacy

319

2 Jamaal Charles

292

3 Marshawn Lynch

Sea

254

# Players

Team Points

64 Cecil Shorts

Hou

13 Dan Carpenter

Buf

140

4 Adrian Peterson

Min

254

Dez Bryant

Dal

233

65 Cordarrelle Patterson Min

14 Nick Novak

139

5 Matt Forte

Chi

233

2 Antonio Brown

Pit

229

66 Reuben Randle

NYG

15 Chandler Catanzaro

Ari

138

6 Le’Veon Bell

Pit

232

3 Demaryius Thomas

Den

221

67 Andrew Hawkins

Cle

7 C.J. Anderson

Den

223

4 Calvin Johnson

Det

214

68 Markus Wheaton

Pit

NYG

204

69 Allen Hurns

Jac

70 Justin Hunter

Ten

Wide Receivers

8 Arian Foster

Hou

213

5 Odell Beckham

9 Jeremy Hill

Cin

186

6 Julio Jones

Atl

196

10 LeSean McCoy

Buf

185

7 Jordy Nelson

196

71 Jalen Strong (R)

Hou

11 Alfred Morris

Was

181

8 A.J. Green

Cin

183

72 Stevie Johnson

12 DeMarco Murray

Phi

177

9 Alshon Jeffery

Chi

183

73 Greg Jennings

Mia

13 Melvin Gordon

174

10 Randall Cobb

181

74 Dorial Green-Beckham Ten

14 Frank Gore

Ind

173

11 TY Hilton

Ind

177

75 Riley Cooper

Phil

15 Carlos Hyde

171

12 Mike Evans

177

76 Eddie Royal

Chi

16 Lamar Miller

Mia

162

13 Emmanuel Sanders

Den

164

77 Tavon Austin

Stl

14 DeAndre Hopkins

Hou

156

78 Brian Hartline

Cle

17 Mark Ingram

161

18 Jonathan Stewart

Car

160

15 Kelvin Benjamin

Car

154

79 Kenny Britt

Stl

16 Sammy Watkins

Buf

147

80 Marquess Wilson

Chi

19 Justin Forsett

Bal

154

20 Latavius Murray

Oak

146

17 DeSean Jackson

Was

136

21 Giovani Bernard

Cin

135

18 Keenan Allen

135

# Players

Team Points

22 Rashad Jennings

NYG

131

19 Jordan Matthews

Phil

134

Tight Ends Rob Gronokowski

Defense/Special Teams 1

Seahawks

2 Texans 3 Bills 4 Rams 5 Patriots 6 Dolphins 7 Broncos 8 Packers 9 Panthers 10 Cardinals 11 Eagles 12 49ers 13 Jets

178

14 Bengals 15 Giants

DRAFT AT A GLANCE | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | 85

FFG15_84-86_atGlance_v1.indd 85

6/19/15 5:10 PM

DRAFT AT A GLANCE|AUCTION STYLE $200 12 TEAMS: 1 QB, 2 RB, 2WR, 2FLEX, 1TE, 1K, 1DEF, 9 BENCH 24 Joique Bell

Det

22 Brandon Marshall

NYJ

3 Greg Olsen

Car

Team $

25 Rashad Jennings

NYG

23 DeSean Jackson

Was

4 Travis Kelce

26 Todd Gurley

Stl

24 Andre Johnson

Ind

5 Marellus Bennett

Chi

Ind

27 Tevin Coleman

Atl

25 Jeremy Maclin

6 Antonio Gates

28 TJ Yeldon

Jac

26 Amari Cooper

Oak

7 Julius Thomas

Jac

Quarterbacks # Player 1

Aaron Rodgers

2 Andrew Luck 3 Peyton Manning

Den

4 Russell Wilson

Sea

29 Devonta Freeman

Atl

27 Vincent Jackson

8 Zack Ertz

Phi

Stl

28 Jarvis Landry

Mia

9 Delanie Walker

Ten

5 Drew Brees

30 Tre Mason

6 Cam Newton

Car

31 Doug Martin

29 Mike Wallace

Min

10 Jason Witten

Dal

30 Roddy White

Atl

11 Jordan Cameron

Mia

7 Matt Ryan

Atl

32 Darren McFadden

8 Tony Romo

Dal

33 Isaiah Crowell

Cle

31 Martavis Bryant

Pit

12 Jordan Reed

Was

NYJ

32 Michael Floyd

Ari

13 Coby Fleener

Ind

33 Torrey Smith

14 Dwayne Allen

Ind

9 Tom Brady

34 Chris Ivory

10 Ben Roethlisberger

Pit

35 LeGarrette Blount

Tenn 4

34 Eric Decker

NYJ

15 Heath Miller

Pit

11 Matthew Stafford

Det

36 Bishop Sankey

12 Eli Manning

NYG

37 Duke Johnson

Cle

35 Allen Robinson

Jac

16 Larry Donnell

NYG

36 Larry Fitzgerald

Ari

17 Josh Hill

13 Ryan Tannehill

Mia

38 Shane Vereen

14 Colin Kaepernick

39 Ameer Abdullah

Det

37 Brandon LaFell

18 Eric Ebron

Det

38 Charles Johnson

Min

19 Vernon Davis

Den

Min

15 Philip Rivers

40 Charles Simms

16 Sam Bradford

Phi

41 Jerrick McKinnon

Min

39 Steve Smith

Bal

40 Anquan Boldin

17 Jay Cutler

Chi

42 Reggie Bush

18 Joe Flacco

Bal

43 Joseph Randle

Dal

41 Kendall Wright

Ten

20 Owen Daniels Seferian21 Austin Jenkins 22 Kyle Rudolph

Ari

42 Kenny Stills

Mia

23 Charles Clay

Buf

1 1

19 Teddy Bridgewater

Min

44 David Johnson

20 Carson Palmer

Ari

45 Denard Robinson

Jac

43 Breshad Perriman

Bal

24 Jared Cook

Stl

46 Danny Woodhead

44 Nelson Agholor

Phi

25 Mychal Rivera

Oak

21 Andy Dalton

Cin

22 Derek Carr

Oak

47 Darren Sproles

Phi

45 Kevin White

Chi

26 Tyler Eifert

Cin

23 Robert Griffin III

Wash 2

48 Ryan Mathews

Phi

46 Victor Cruz

NYG

27 Jace Amaro

NYJ

24 Nick Foles

Stl

49 Fred Jackson

Buf

47 Pierre Garcon

Was

28 Niles Paul

Was

48 John Brown

Ari

29 Tim Wright

30 Ladarius Green

25 Alex Smith

50 Knile Davis

26 Jameis Winston

51 Montee Ball

Den

49 Davante Adams

NYG

50 Marques Colston

27 Blake Bortles

Jac

52 Andre Williams

28 Marcus Mariota

Ten

53 Stevan Ridley

NYJ

51 Terrance Williams

Dal

29 Josh McCown

Cle

54 Roy Helu Jr.

Oak

52 Percy Harvin

Buf

30 Mark Sanchez

Phi

55 Branden Oliver

53 Michael Crabtree

Oak

31 Ryan Fitzpatrick

NYJ

56 Alfred Blue

Hou

54 Donte Moncrief

Ind

32 Geno Smith

NYJ

57 Theo Riddick

Det

55 Cody Latimer

Den

33 Brian Hoyer

Hou

58 Terrance West

Cle

56 Davante Parker

Mia

34 Ryan Mallett

Hou

59 Travaris Cadet

57 Dwayne Bowe

Cle

35 Matt Cassel

Buf

60 DeAngelo Williams

Pit

58 Doug Baldwin

Sea

36 Johnny Manziel

Cle

61 Jay Ajayi

Mia

59 Brian Quick

Stl

62 David Cobb

Ten

60 Cecil Shorts

Hou

63 Lorenzo Taliaferro

Bal

61 Marvin Jones

Cin

62 Reuben Randle

NYG

63 Marqise Lee

Jac

64 Jalen Strong (R)

Hou

Running Backs # Players

Team $

Eddie Lacy

Wide Receivers

2 Jamaal Charles

# Players

3 Le’Veon Bell

Pit

4 Matt Forte

Chi

2 Dez Bryant

Dal

5 Marshawn Lynch

Sea

3 Demaryius Thomas

Den

Det

Antonio Brown

Team $ Pit

6 Adrian Peterson

Min

4 Calvin Johnson

7 C.J. Anderson

Den

5 Julio Jones

Atl

NYG

8 Arian Foster

Hou

6 Odell Beckham

9 LeSean McCoy

Buf

7 Jordy Nelson

Cin

10 DeMarco Murray

Phi

8 A.J. Green

11 Jeremy Hill

Cin

9 Alshon Jeffery

Chi

12 Lamar Miller

Mia

10 Randall Cobb

13 Carlos Hyde

11 TY Hilton

Ind

14 Alfred Morris

Was

12 Mike Evans

15 Mark Ingram

13 Emmanuel Sanders

Den

Hou

16 Justin Forsett

Bal

14 DeAndre Hopkins

17 Melvin Gordon

15 Kelvin Benjamin

Car

18 Jonathan Stewart

Car

16 Keenan Allen

19 Frank Gore

Ind

17 Sammy Watkins

Buf

18 Brandin Cooks

20 Giovani Bernard

Cin

21 Latavius Murray

Oak

19 Julian Edelman

Phil

Det

22 Andre Ellington

Ari

20 Jordan Matthews

23 C.J. Spiller

21 Golden Tate

65 Cordarrelle Patterson Min

66 Malcom Floyd

67 Mohamed Sanu

Cin

68 Markus Wheaton

Pit

69 Allen Hurns

Jac

70 Stevie Johnson

71 Dorial Green-Beckham Ten

72 Andrew Hawkins

Cle

73 Riley Cooper

Phil

74 Greg Jennings

Mia

75 Justin Hunter

Ten

76 Eddie Royal

Chi

77 Brian Hartline

Cle

78 Tavon Austin

Stl

79 Kenny Britt

Stl

80 Marquess Wilson

Chi

Tight Ends Team $

Sea

2 Jimmy Graham

Team $

Den

2 Phil Dawson

3 Justin Tucker

Bal

4 Stephen Gostkowski

5 Steven Hauschka

Sea

6 Dan Bailey

Dal

7 Adam Vinatieri

Ind

8 Nick Novak

9 Mason Crosby

10 Blair Walsh

Min

11 Matt Bryant

Atl

12 Robbie Gould

Chi

13 Alex Henery

Phi

14 Shayne Graham

15 Kai Forbath

Was

Matt Prater

Defense/Special Teams 1

Seahawks

2 49ers

3 Bengals

4 Rams

5 Cardinals

6 Panthers

7 Chiefs

8 Patriots

9 Broncos

10 Bills

11 Ravens

12 Browns

13 Bucs

# Players Rob Gronokowski

Kickers # Players

14 Texans 15 Bears

86 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | DRAFT AT A GLANCE

FFG15_84-86_atGlance_v1.indd 86

6/19/15 5:10 PM

FFG_15_087r1.p1.p1.pdf

ROB BLACKSTIEN (@RotoRob)

HERIJA C. GREEN (@videogamerrob) Born the illegitimate son of Lord Eddard of House Stark, Herija Green was raised alongside his half brothers and sisters in Winterfell, learning the art of sword fighting. Ostracized by Lord Stark’s wife, Green chose a life of honor and solitude by taking the black and becoming a member of the Night’s Watch. He has pretty hair, pretty eyes, and he knows nothing. He also writes. https://twitter.com/VideoGamerRob

Buck Davidson has been a sports writer since the Internet was more a flight of fancy than a way of life. Despite his nearly two decades of experience, though, he still seeks out the unique sports wisdom of his 95-year-old Granny Lil when the fantasy chips are truly down. This is Buck’s seventh year as a writer for the Fantasy Football Guide.

JASON HOFFMAN

JACK DELANEY

Eric has been profiled by the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers Association) for covering the fantasy sports spectrum,

FFG15_87_teamIntro_v1.indd 1

MATT WILSON (See page 31) Back Page

JON GLASCOE (Back Page) Jon is a screenwriter and a film producer who has played fantasy sports since 1981. He was playing football, if you know what I mean, before that, and still does, to this day. He’s also spent some time at the black jack tables, and tossing shingles at poker tables, both before and after the rise of Texas Hold ‘Em. If anyone were counting, this might be the 10th edition of Glascoe on Gambling

Rob Blackstien Buck Davidson Jack Delaney Herija C. Green Jason Hoffman Eric McClung Matt Wilson Edited by Herija C. Green

ERIC MCCLUNG (@ericmcclung)

11:26:48

I started a blog in 2013 to document different draft strategies, and I highlighted the results to help fantasy players see first-hand accounts of how strategies actually played out. I’m the owner of YourFantasyFootballCoach.com, author

Jason has been a freelance writer/editor since 2004, and his work on fantasy football and baseball has appeared on Yahoo! Sports, KFFL.com and in the Guide. This is his seventh year as a contributor to the Guide.

and is a two-time FSWA finalist. He’s also made several appearances in print and on radio. He his making his forth appearance in this publication.

15-06-25

Photo: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

BUCK DAVIDSON

of four fantasy football ebooks, writer for The So-Called Fantasy Experts and contribute articles to FantasyPros.

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

Rob is a Toronto-based freelance writer who runs RotoRob.com, a fantasy sports analysis site covering baseball, basketball, football, hockey and video games. The site runs weekly baseball and football Podcasts. Rob has written for a variety of sports sites, including RotoWorld, USA Today, NBC Sports, Fox Sports and Creativesports. He has been working on The Fantasy Baseball Guide since Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction (2004) and is a veteran senior editor for the Fantasy Baseball and Football Guides.

6/23/15 1:49 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

ARIZONA CARDINALS Jason Hoffmann

ast year’s Super Bowl was held at Arizona’s University of Phoenix Stadium. No team had ever made it to the big game when they were the host, but the Cardinals were serious contenders to become the first. They opened 2014 with a 9-1 record, and home-field advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs was in sight. That dream effectively ended in Week 10, however, when Carson Palmer suffered a torn ACL. With Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley struggling behind center, Arizona lost four of its final six to finish 11-5, one game behind Seattle in the NFC West. Arizona still earned a playoff berth but was no match for Carolina, falling 27-16 in the Wild Card round. Palmer’s absence greatly affected the offense, which failed to score 20 points in any game following his injury. Major player departures included cornerback Antonio Cromartie, linebacker Larry Foote (retired), kick returner Ted Ginn Jr. and defensive linemen Darnell Dockett and Dan Williams. The team’s biggest loss, however, was defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who was named the Jets’ new head coach. The Cardinals’ rushing attack was non-existent in 2014, averaging an NFL-worst 3.3 yards per carry, so Arizona upgraded their offensive line by signing former 49ers guard Mike Iupati in free agency and selecting tackle D.J. Humprhies in the first round of the NFL Draft. If the offensive line can keep Palmer upright and his knee holds up, Arizona should once again be a factor in the NFC West divisional race.

[HEAD COACH] The Cardinals have won 21 games in BRUCE ARIANS’ first two seasons as

head coach. He was named AP Coach of the Year for his work last season—his second such award in three years—when he led Arizona to 11 wins despite having to replace numerous defensive players and only having Carson Palmer available for six games. This earned the 62-year-old Arians a contract extension through 2018.

hopes to establish the run to balance out their offense. Palmer has starting fantasy potential on talent alone, but the injury concerns drop him to the No. 2 ranks. [SECOND] Palmer’s absence led to an extended opportunity for DREW STANTON, which reaf-

[STARTER] ANDRE ELLINGTON’s 2014 troubles

JJ QUARTERBACK

derailed what was shaping up to be an excellent campaign. He threw 11 touchdowns (with only two interceptions) in his first five starts and averaged 277 passing yards per contest. But now, Palmer is a 35-year-old signal-caller recovering from a second torn ACL. While he was never known for having cat-like quickness, this may affect his already limited mobility. Plus, Arizona

completed only one of nine pass attempts last year, with the lone connection an 81-yard score. Thomas is an imposing 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, and has a cannon for an arm, but his accuracy leaves much to be desired. Thomas is still worth monitoring as a dynasty prospect. CHANDLER HARNISH and undrafted rookie PHILLIP SIMA will look to unseat Thomas. JJ RUNNING BACK

Harold Goodwin returns for his third season as offensive coordinator. He’s also the team’s o-line coach and assists with game plans, though Arians handles all play-calling duties. On defense, former outside linebackers coach James Bettcher assumes the coordinator role and will utilize the same 3-4 defensive scheme implemented by Todd Bowles. [STARTER] CARSON PALMER’s injury woes

[THIRD] Then-rookie LOGAN THOMAS

firmed his status as a proverbial “game manager” type of backup. Stanton didn’t make many mistakes, committing just five turnovers in eight starts while posting a 5-3 record, but he only threw seven touchdowns while completing just 55 percent of his attempts. If Palmer goes down again, Stanton isn’t worth using in anything but the deepest of leagues.

began days before the Cardinals’ opener when he injured his foot during practice, and he wasn’t truly 100 percent afterward. This didn’t stop Ellington from gaining 1,055 all-purpose yards with five touchdowns before a hip pointer in December sidelined him for good. He added 46 catches out of the backfield but never topped 100 yards rushing in a contest and averaged just 3.3 yards per carry. Still, the Cardinals plan on giving Ellington at least one more season as the featured back. He could be a potential bargain as a No. 3 fantasy back. [BACKUP] A third-round pick from D-IAA Northern Iowa, DAVID JOHNSON displays excellent straight-line speed for a bigger back (6-foot-1, 224 pounds), though scouts feel the converted receiver’s upright running style won’t

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

JJ COACH

CARSON PALMER

88 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 1

6/22/15 1:47 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

SAINTS @BEARS 49ERS RAMS @LIONS @STEELERS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

4:05 PM 1:00 PM 4:05 PM 4:25 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 RAVENS WK.8 @BROWNS WK.9 BYE WEEK WK.10 @SEAHAWKS WK.11 BENGALS WK.12 @49ERS

lead to success as an NFL tailback. Johnson has excellent receiving ability and is a capable blocker, which make him a strong candidate for thirddown duties. This isn’t enough to make him a starting option most weeks, however, and he’s best served as a handcuff for Ellington owners. [THIRD] Despite not seeing any offensive snaps until Week 14, KERWYNN WILLIAMS finished

second on the team in rushing (246 yards) while showing decent acceleration and surprising ability between the tackles. STEPFAN TAYLOR was useful in the red zone but offered little elsewhere. Neither figures to be prominently featured this year. JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] Venerable LARRY FITZGERALD led the Cardinals with 63 receptions but fell short of the 1,000-yard mark for the third straight season and had a career-low two touchdowns. Fitzgerald also missed two games with a sprained knee, marking the first time since 2007 that he didn’t play a full 16-game schedule. With his separation ability severely diminished, the 31-year-old operated mostly out of the slot last season. While Fitzgerald is primarily a possession receiver at this stage in his career, he still holds value as a third or fourth fantasy option. [STARTER] MICHAEL FLOYD led the Cardinals with 841 receiving yards and six touchdowns, but he caught only 47 passes in what was a sharp drop from his breakout 2013 line of 66-1,054-5. Arizona’s shaky quarterback play was only part of the reason for the decline, as the offensive scheme was designed to spread the football around. The Cardinals’ coaches are looking for more consistency from Floyd, who can create weekly mismatches for defenses with his size and speed. Floyd should be drafted as a No. 3 fantasy receiver, but he has the tools to be a high No. 2 option. [THIRD] As a rookie from Pittsburg State, JOHN BROWN was the team’s primary vertical threat

last year. He was very hit-or-miss on a game-togame basis, yet overall, Brown nearly surpassed 700 receiving yards and was second on the team in receptions (48) and touchdowns (five). Brown bulked up this offseason, both to avoid a late-

RB WR WR RB WR QB

ANDRE ELLINGTON MICHAEL FLOYD LARRY FITZGERALD DAVID JOHNSON JOHN BROWN CARSON PALMER

MON, OCT 26 SUN, NOV 1

8:30 PM 1:00 PM

SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

8:30 PM 4:05 PM 4:05 PM

WK.13 @RAMS WK.14 VIKINGS WK.15 @EAGLES WK.16 PACKERS WK.17 SEAHAWKS

John) had seven receptions against Atlanta when Fitzgerald was sidelined, but overall he only had 22 catches with two scores on the season. He suffered a broken scapula during the team’s Wild Card game but should be ready for training camp. Brown’s size and speed make him an intriguing prospect, but he’s waiver-wire fodder until he starts producing in game action.

[FIFTH] Fifth-round pick J.J. NELSON is light-

ning quick, as illustrated by his NFL-best 4.28 40-yard dash time at the combine. But Nelson wasn’t a game-changing receiver at UAB and at 5-foot-10, 156 pounds, he’s smaller than most kickers. He has the tools to be an elite returner, but he shouldn’t be on anyone’s fantasy radar.

JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] John Carlson, last year’s leading receiver from the tight end spot (33-350-1), surprised the Cardinals by retiring in May. That leaves TROY NIKLAS as the most likely starter at the position. A second-round pick last year, Niklas is huge at 6-foot-6, 270 pounds, but he’s known more for his blocking than his receiving abilities. While this falls perfectly in line with the tight end’s role in Arians’ offense, it means Niklas is an afterthought for fantasy purposes.

POSITION RANK (p.31) 22 32 36 44 48 20

MOCK DRAFT PICK (p.76) 51 70 95 109 130 165

Palmer stays healthy, the Cardinals offense should be potent enough to make Catanzaro at least a matchup play. [RETURNERS] Ted Ginn Jr. handled all return

duties last season, but he signed with Carolina in the offseason. J.J. NELSON is the likeliest replacement. Last year at Alabama-Birmingham, he led D1 kickoff returners with an average of 38.6 yards per return and four touchdowns. He wasn’t shabby handling punts, either, with an average of 10.7 yards per chance. Fellow rookie DAVID JOHNSON could also factor here.

[FOURTH] JARON BROWN (no relation to

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS [KICKER] Undrafted rookie CHANDLER CATANZARO was successful on his first 17 field goal attempts and made 29 of 33 (89.7 percent) on the season. Only two full-time kickers had fewer extra points than Catanzaro’s 27, however, and he ranked middle of the pack with 114 points. If

1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM 4:25 PM 4:25 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

season fade in production and better enable him to fight off tight coverage. He enters 2015 as a shaky No. 4 fantasy receiver but could develop into a more viable option.

[Backup] Of the remaining tight ends on the Cardinals roster, DARREN FELLS has the most career receptions... with five. The former UC-Irvine basketball player will battle GERALD CHRISTIAN, this year’s Mr. Irrelevant, and TED BOLSER for the backup spot. Nobody here warrants fantasy consideration.

SUN, DEC 6 THU, DEC 10 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

JJ DEFENSE Bend but don’t break—that was the modus operandi for the Cardinals last year. The unit ranked 24th in total yards and 29th in passing yardage allowed. They finished 24th with 35 sacks and were tied for 13th in turnovers forced (18 interceptions, seven fumbles recovered). The defense produced four touchdowns, however, and ranked fifth in points allowed (18.7 per game). The defense will feel the absence of Larry Foote and Antonio Cromartie, but they still have All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson and a deep defensive line rotation at their disposal. Plus, they play six games against NFC West opponents that don’t boast high-powered offenses. Although not elite, the Cardinals defense is still a top-10 fantasy unit. JJ WAKE UP CALL

[SLEEPER] JOHN BROWN has drawn comparisons to Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton. Like Hilton, Brown came from an unheralded college and is slight of build, but compensates for this with blazing speed, precise route running, and excellent hands. Already an outstanding dynasty league target, Brown could become a fixture in lineups this season if his progress is even close to Hilton’s. [SUPER SLEEPER] While DAVID JOHNSON

is unlikely to steal many carries from Andre Ellington, he should be active whenever the Cardinals are in obvious passing situations and possibly when the offense visits the red zone. With a similar skill set to that of Philadelphia’s Darren Sproles, Johnson is an appealing dynasty option in point-per-reception formats and could see value in standard PPR leagues.

NFFC POINTS (p.83) 169 178 173 108 155 275

STD. POINTS SCORING (p.84) 123 128 113 91 105 195

AUCTION $ VALUE (p.82) 18 6 5 2 3 3

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 2

6/22/15 1:47 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

ATLANTA FALCONS Jason Hoffmann

starring turn on Hard Knocks may have upped their profile, but the Falcons limped into the midpoint of the 2014 season with five consecutive losses. Wins in their next two games raised their overall record to 4-6, which was enough to earn them a tie for first place in the NFC South. Three losses in their next four games left Atlanta with a 5-9 record, but incredibly they controlled their own destiny: win their final two games, and they would “win” the division. The Falcons handled the first part of the mission by defeating New Orleans, but their playoff hopes were washed away after they were decimated by Carolina in the final week. That lackluster performance led to a major overhaul in the offseason, which began at head coach. Mike Smith was fired the day after the Carolina loss, and Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was named as his replacement. Steven Jackson was cut, and Jacquizz Rodgers, Harry Douglas and Dwight Lowery were among their free-agent departures. The offense remained mostly intact, with third-rounder Tevin Coleman added to complement a potent passing attack anchored by Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Roddy White. Linebackers Justin Durant and Brooks Reed headline a large group of defensive additions via free agency, and the draft yielded potential power rusher Vic Beasley and cornerback Jalen Collins. If Quinn can turn the defense’s fortunes around quickly, Atlanta has a chance to win an NFC South division that has no dominant teams.

[HEAD COACH] DAN QUINN , who took

over in Seattle when Gus Bradley went to Jacksonville, spent the last two years guiding a Seahawks defense that led the NFL in fewest points and yards allowed each season. Quinn will take a hands-on approach to fixing the Falcons’ defense, which ranked at the bottom of the NFL in most major categories. He’ll also have input on construction of the team’s 53-man roster, which is unusual for a first-time head coach.

a more balanced offense should slow the pass rush. While this could mean a slight drop in his numbers, Ryan should still be effective enough to be a midrange starting fantasy signal-caller. [SECOND] Fifth-year pro T.J. YATES

started six games his rookie year in Houston

JJ QUARTERBACK

tion total from 17 in 2013 (a career worst) to 14 last year while finishing fifth in passing yards and tied for 10th in touchdown strikes. Only Drew Brees attempted more passes than Ryan’s 628—of which he completed 66.1 percent; his worst showing in three seasons. Opposing defenses sacked Ryan 75 times the last two years, but the promise of

JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] Operating as Steven Jackson’s backup, DEVONTA FREEMAN averaged four

carries per game, but did lead Falcons backs with 30 receptions last season. The Florida State alum doesn’t possess ideal size (5-foot-8, 206 pounds), but he has proven to be adequate in pass protection and as a receiver. Freeman has a shot at entering 2015 as the starter because he could be the best all-around back on the roster. If he’s the starter—and that’s a big “if ”—Freeman projects as a steady No. 3 fantasy back.

Quinn will install the Seahawks’ Cover 3 scheme with the help of first-time defensive coordinator Richard Smith, who was Denver’s linebackers coach the last four years. Kyle Shanahan, the team’s new offensive coordinator, spent last season running Cleveland’s offense and the previous four years in charge of Washington’s attack. [STARTER] MATT RYAN cut his intercep-

[Third] SEAN RENFREE was a seventh-round pick by the Falcons in 2013 that has yet to take a snap in a regular-season game. Renfree has strong accuracy and anticipation skills that could make him a decent backup, but he’s far from being on fantasy radars.

[BACKUP] Third-rounder TEVIN COLEMAN averaged a ridiculous 7.1 yards per carry

and was at the helm of the Texans’ first playoff win, but he has just three touchdowns (against seven interceptions) in 170 career attempts. He’s also thrown a scant 36 passes in his last three seasons, including four last year. Since Ryan hasn’t missed a start in five years, Yates will likely spend most of the 2015 campaign holding a clipboard. That translates to zero fantasy value.

at Indiana, and though he wasn’t a prolific receiver proved capable in pass protection. Scouts worry his running style isn’t conducive to success in the trenches, but Coleman’s speed and quick burst make him a threat to take any carry or reception to the house. This could make Coleman very frustrating to own as a boom-or-bust back. He’s an intriguing third option for those with steady performers at the position.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

JJ COACH

DEVONTA FREEMAN

90 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 3

6/22/15 1:49 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

EAGLES @NY GIANTS @COWBOYS TEXANS WASHINGTON @SAINTS

MON, SEP 14 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 THU, OCT 15

7:10 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

[THIRD] ANTONE SMITH scored a touchdown in five of Atlanta’s first six games last year, the shortest of which was 38 yards. He averaged fewer than four touches per game, however, as he never got more than occasional looks in the previous regime’s offense. Perhaps Shanahan can better tap into his big-play ability. Smith is a guy to keep tabs on as a possible in-season pickup, but he’s too risky to draft.

JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] One of the few bright spots from last season was the play of JULIO JONES, who finished third in the NFL with 104 receptions and 1,593 receiving yards, despite missing a game with a hip injury. Jones had only six touchdowns but had incredibly consistent production, catching at least four passes and gaining 50-plus yards in every game. And since his contract is up after this season, Jones has every incentive to post huge numbers again. He is a borderline firstround pick who is among the best No. 1 fantasy receivers in the game. [STARTER] RODDY WHITE led the Falcons

with seven touchdown receptions last year, and his 80 catches and 921 yards were vast improvements over 2013. White proved to be a high-volume receiver, with at least five catches in eight of his final nine appearances, but he also missed two games for the second straight year and was limited in several others. White’s burst is gone—his long reception the past two years is 39 yards—but the 33-year-old should still see enough action to be a decent third option.

[THIRD] Fourth-round pick JUSTIN HARDY looks to be the best bet to replace Harry Douglas in the slot. He earned a spot at East Carolina as a walk-on but eventually became the all-time NCAA leader in receptions. He has large hands to go with an intense drive, but Hardy doesn’t have exceptional size or speed. He’ll work the middle of defenses and could have some value in deeper point-per-reception formats. [FOURTH] While DEVIN HESTER was signed

to shore up the Falcons’ return game, he ended up having a sizeable role on offense. Hester

WR QB RB WR RB PK

JULIO JONES MATT RYAN TEVIN COLEMAN RODDY WHITE DEVONTA FREEMAN MATT BRYANT

@TITANS BUCCANEERS @49ERS BYE WEEK COLTS VIKINGS

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:05 PM

SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM 1:00 PM

caught 38 passes for 504 yards and two touchdowns as the No. 4 receiver and also scored on a running play. There’s no consistency, however, as he’d often follow strong offensive outings with multi-week disappearing acts. Hester has plenty of value in formats that include return yardage; otherwise, he’s of minimal interest. [FIFTH] Physical specimen LEONARD HANKERSON is familiar with Shanahan from their

days in Washington. He was emerging as an outside threat before tearing his ACL two seasons ago. He’ll battle for the final receiver spot with ERIC WEEMS, an excellent special teams player that only has 37 receptions in eight NFL seasons. Neither player warrants consideration. JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] Veteran JACOB TAMME joins

the Falcons after three seasons in Denver. Tamme’s first year with the Broncos was his only semi-impactful one (52-555-2) as he was relegated to a backup role once Julius Thomas emerged—he caught only 34 passes (with three touchdowns) in the last two seasons. Tamme won’t outrun defenders, but he could amass enough catches to be a reserve option in point-per-reception leagues. [BACKUP] TONY MOEAKI and holdover LEVINE TOILOLO will vie for the second

spot. Moeaki can block and is an underrated receiver, but has been beset by injuries throughout his five-year career. The hulking Toilolo had the unenviable task of replacing Tony Gonzalez, but his numbers (31-238-2) were a huge disappointment. While Toilolo has no value, Moeaki is one to watch if he makes the squad. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

[KICKER] MATT BRYANT finished 12th

in the NFL with 127 points—the fourth time in five years he has topped 125—and went 29-for-32 on field goal attempts (90.6 percent). The 40-year-old has shown no signs of diminished leg strength, leading the league with seven field goals of 50 yards or longer last

POSITION RANK (p.31) 5 7 27 30 29 9

MOCK DRAFT PICK (p.76) 12 80 81 85 101 224

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

@BUCCANEERS @PANTHERS @JAGUARS PANTHERS SAINTS

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

year. Backed by a solid offense and having his games in a dome, Bryant can be trusted on a weekly basis. [RETURNERS] DEVIN HESTER took a punt

to the house in Week 3 last season; with that, he set the NFL record for return touchdowns with 20. He was also the unintended beneficiary of the team’s defensive troubles, comfortably leading the NFL in both kickoff returns (45) and yards (1,128). ERIC WEEMS has displayed elite return skills in the past and would be capable should Hester get hurt. JJ DEFENSE Head coach Dan Quinn, coordinator Richard Smith and the rest of the Falcons’ coaching staff will have their work cut out for them in fixing Atlanta’s defense. The unit ranked last in the NFL in rushing touchdowns surrendered (21) and passing yardage allowed (almost 280 per game). They were 27th in points allowed (26.1 per contest), and only Cincinnati ranked behind Atlanta in sacks. The defense was at least opportunistic, generating 28 turnovers and converting two for touchdowns. Vic Beasley should immediately improve the pass rush, and the numerous free-agent additions should help, but the Falcons appear to be a long way from being a useful fantasy defense. JJ WAKE UP CALL

[SLEEPER] TEVIN COLEMAN profiles as a

more explosive version of Devonta Freeman, the team’s incumbent back. He has the homerun ability that Freeman appears to lack, and he could have plenty of openings in the passfirst offense. If he wins the job, Coleman could establish himself as a weekly fantasy fixture with No. 2 upside early on.

[SUPER SLEEPER] JUSTIN HARDY didn’t wow scouts at the NFL Combine, but the former walk-on is a crisp route runner that seemingly catches everything thrown in his direction. An extended absence by suddenly injury-prone Roddy White could give Hardy a more substantial offensive role and No. 3 receiver upside.

NFFC POINTS (p.83) 290 403 147 181 143 145

STD. POINTS SCORING (p.84) 196 293 127 115 107 145

AUCTION $ VALUE (p.82) 46 20 7 7 6 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 4

6/22/15 1:49 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

BALTIMORE RAVENS Jack Delaney

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] The Ravens have reached the postseason six times in JOHN HARBAUGH’S

seven-year tenure. Baltimore is dangerous in the postseason, and Harbaugh gets his team to peak at the right moments. There appears to be little threat to his job security, but Harbaugh will need to overcome roadblocks after Week 17. Baltimore has lost an AFC Championship and a divisional playoff game in the past four seasons.

arm and his durability, but he is too inconsistent from week to week to be a No. 1 quarterback for fantasy owners. Draft him as a backup and plug him in for advantageous matchups. [SECOND] Derek Carr edged MATT SCHAUB

out of Oakland, and the veteran may have found his final home in Baltimore. A former

Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak was lured to Denver, and former Bears coach Marc Trestman takes over. He’ll likely keep Kubiak’s zone-blocking system in place and won’t stray too far from a West Coast offense. Dean Pees returns for a third season as defensive coordinator and will look to build on an impressive 2014 campaign. JJ QUARTERBACK [STARTER] Kubiak found out how to get the most out of JOE FLACCO, as the 30-year-old posted the most passing yards (3,986) and touchdowns (27) of his career. Even with safety blanket Dennis Pitta missing for most of the season, Flacco helped Baltimore’s offense finish with an average of 25.6 points per game, eighth most in the NFL. Flacco is known for a powerful

two-time Pro Bowl selection, Schaub only attempted 10 passes last season—two of which were intercepted. It’s debatable how much he has left on the field, but off of it Schaub will serve as a valuable set of eyes for Flacco on the sidelines. He’s not a terrible backup, especially behind the durable Flacco, but he doesn’t have fantasy value, either.

JUSTIN FORSETT

[THIRD] If Baltimore elects to carry three quarterbacks, or keep one on the practice squad, it’ll likely be BRYN RENNER, who spent time in Denver’s camp last year, or rookie free-agent JERRY LOVELOCKE, a mobile 6-foot-5, 240-pounder with local ties.

JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] Coming into last season, the addition of JUSTIN FORSETT was considered a stopgap until Ray Rice returned. When that fell through, Baltimore implemented a committee of Forsett, Bernard Pierce and rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro, but they quickly found Forsett was the top option. Whether it was Kubiak’s familiarity with Forsett from Houston, or the career backup’s fresh legs, the 29-year-old accumulated 1,266 yards rushing on an impressive 5.4 yards per tote. There are reasons for concern, namely his age and limited success in six previous campaigns, but the team seems committed, which gives Forsett value as a midrange No. 2 back. [BACKUP] A fourth-round pick in 2014, LORENZO TALIAFERRO finished his rookie

season on IR with a foot injury, but prior to that he held a limited role behind Forsett. While Taliaferro did put together some solid performances early on, he saw his workload decline as

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

ith a Week 1 loss to the Bengals and the release of Ray Rice’s domestic assault video the following day, the 2014 season didn’t have a promising start. After several mental lapses and errors in Week 1, the Ravens seemed to regain focus, however, and won seven of their next 10 games. With a victory over the Browns and a San Diego loss in Week 17, Baltimore claimed an AFC wild card spot. After defeating the hated Steelers on Wild Card Weekend, 30-17, the Ravens faced off against New England. Baltimore held a 21-14 lead entering halftime, but the Patriots pressed on and Brandon LaFell’s 23-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter sealed a 35-31 victory for New England. Baltimore faced several losses on offense in the offseason, including the departures of Torrey Smith and Owen Daniels. Ozzie Newsome addressed these issues in the draft, however, as receiver Breshad Perriman was selected in the first round and tight end Maxx Williams followed. Baltimore’s defense also has a big hole to fill after trading away perennial Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata, but the organization expressed confidence in linemen Timmy Jernigan and Brandon Williams. The Ravens were also able to reach deals with breakout performer Justin Forsett and Jimmy Smith. While the Ravens have a strong chance to win the AFC North each season, the real challenge will be getting past the playoffs and reaching the Super Bowl.

92 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 5

6/22/15 1:49 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@BRONCOS @RAIDERS BENGALS @STEELERS BROWNS @49ERS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 THU, OCT 1 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

4:25 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM 4:25 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

the season wore on. He’s a good short-yardage option and will compete to be the team’s primary backup, though his inexperience as a receiver out of the backfield could hold him back. Draft Taliaferro as a No. 4 fantasy option. [THIRD] As in the previous year, the Ravens selected a running back in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. BUCK ALLEN had an impressive final season with USC, totaling 1,489 rushing yards, 458 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. If Forsett falters or gets hurt, Allen’s stock could rise quickly because of his blocking and pass-catching abilities. Keep him on your watch list.

JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] After a rocky exit from Carolina, STEVE SMITH proved that, even at age 35, he still had something left in the tank. In his first year in Baltimore, the veteran hauled in 79 passes for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns. A favorite target of Flacco’s early on, Smith’s numbers declined as the season wore on. Harbaugh plans to limit the five-time Pro Bowler’s snaps to keep him healthy for the postseason, which may hinder his chances of fantasy success. With a potentially reduced role, Smith is best drafted as your fourth receiver with hopes he outperforms that slot. [STARTER] BRESHAD PERRIMAN was the first receiver selected in the first round by the Ravens since Mark Clayton in 2005. His size/ speed combination drew comparisons to Cleveland’s Josh Gordon, but some teams were scared away because of problems with drops and raw route running. With Torrey Smith gone, the Ravens need someone that can take over that downfield role, and they’ll give Perriman every chance to fill it. He’d be a great reserve wideout with real upside. [THIRD] In 2013, MARLON BROWN benefited

because of limited options in the Ravens passing attack and finished with 524 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Last year, however, Brown’s receiving yards were more than cut in half, and he failed to find the end zone. He’s a nice-sized target at 6-foot-5, 214 pounds, but he’ll likely

WR WR QB PK RB RB

BRESHAD PERRIMAN STEVE SMITH JOE FLACCO JUSTIN TUCKER LORENZO TALIAFERRO JUSTIN FORSETT

@CARDINALS CHARGERS BYE WEEK JAGUARS RAMS @BROWNS

MON, OCT 26 SUN, NOV 1

8:30 PM 1:00 PM

SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 MON, NOV 30

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

home last year, logging 24 receptions for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Aiken has been running with the first team in OTAs and may have a chance to contribute more under Trestman, but it won’t be enough to warrant fantasy consideration.

but he’s a favorite to replace Jacoby Jones as the primary returner. Other names of note include ALDRICK ROBINSON (30-608-5 in four seasons) and sixth-round pick DARREN WALLER, who, at 6-foot-6, 238 pounds, could be a factor on jump balls. No one here is worth drafting.

[BACKUP] DENNIS PITTA may spend the first

six games on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, but if he can get healthy he could be the most productive option at the position—a big “if ” given he missed 25 of 32 games the last two seasons. CROCKETT GILMORE , a thirdround pick last year, and hard-blocking rookie NICK BOYLE offer backup support if Pitta is sidelined. Unless Flacco’s former security blanket can reverse his recent injury history there’s nothing to see here. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

[KICKER] JUSTIN TUCKER continued to earn

long-term job security as he finished 2014 tied for the eighth-most field goals (29), converting them at 85.3 percent clip. His numbers dipped a little

1:00 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM

from 2013, going from 140 points to 129, but he had seven fewer attempts. The steady Tucker remains a top-five option among fantasy kickers.

[FOURTH] Originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2011, KAMAR AIKEN finally found a

JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] After selecting Perriman in the first round, the Ravens moved up to pounce on Minnesota’s MAXX WILLIAMS in Round 2. Considered the best in his class, Williams is a huge target (6-foot-4, 249 pounds) with excellent hands and enough speed to work down the field. Temper your expectations, though, as rookie tight ends aren’t known for their production. He’s a late-round backup if you’re feeling optimistic.

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

need a collapse from Perriman to register any meaningful fantasy value.

[FIFTH] Second-year man MICHAEL CAMPANARO is unlikely to play a major role on offense,

@DOLPHINS SEAHAWKS CHIEFS STEELERS @BENGALS

[RETURNER] There isn’t a definitive answer as to who’ll be returning punts and kicks for the Ravens, but MICHAEL CAMPANARO holds an early lead. While used sparingly last season, Campanaro filled multiple roles at Wake Forest. LARDARIUS WEBB, who holds career averages of 26.4 yards per return on kickoffs and 9.8 YPR on punts with a pair of touchdowns, is another option.

JJ DEFENSE Long known for their tough defense, Baltimore’s reputation held true last season as the team finished eighth in total defense and sixth in scoring (18.9 per game). They also put heat on the quarterback, finishing tied for second with 49 sacks—Elvis Dumervil finished third in the NFL with 17 and Terrell Suggs wasn’t far behind (12). Where the Ravens struggled, however, was in the most important of fantasy stats: takeaways. They forced just 22 turnovers, which netted them a 22nd-place finish. While this is a fundamentally sound defense, they’ve been getting worse at taking the ball away. That isn’t to say this group isn’t worth owning, but they’re a middling starting option now. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] When you take into consideration that, prior to last season, Justin Forsett was a career backup and is now approaching his 30th birthday, there’s reason to believe LORENZO TALIAFERRO could find himself with a larger role in 2015. When given the chance in Weeks 3 and 4 last year, Taliaferro responded with 33 carries for 149 yards and two touchdowns. [Super Sleeper] While MARLON BROWN isn’t in an ideal spot on the depth chart, he could have a relevant season if a few things break his way. With two rookies as Joe Flacco’s newest targets, Brown holds an edge in experience and familiarity. If either (or both) isn’t ready, Brown could re-emerge as a key target with his 6-foot-5 frame.

POSITION RANK (p.31)

MOCK DRAFT PICK (p.76)

NFFC POINTS (p.83)

STD. POINTS SCORING (p.84)

AUCTION $ VALUE (p.82)

43 39 18 2 63 16

112 113 128 180 223 30

163 170 311 173 58 191

119 107 224 173 50 154

4 5 4 3 1 25

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 6

6/22/15 1:50 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

BUFFALO BILLS Jason Hoffmann

opes were high in Buffalo entering the 2014 season when the Bills won their first two games, but that was followed by two straight losses highlighted (low-lighted?) by poor play from E.J. Manuel. Coach Doug Marrone made the switch to veteran Kyle Orton, and the move paid immediate dividends as Orton sparked the team to wins in three of his first four starts. Orton’s production dropped off significantly after that, however, and coupled with the extended absence of C.J. Spiller caused the offense to struggle. The team played .500 ball the rest of the year. A season-ending victory over New England, while meaningless in the playoff picture, ensured a winning record for Buffalo for the first time since 2004. Any positive momentum built through the season vanished shortly afterward, however, when Marrone exercised an opt-out clause to quit as head coach. The Bills made a big splash by replacing him with former Jets coach Rex Ryan. Roster turnover was minimal but very newsworthy. Orton retired, again, and Matt Cassel was picked up from the Vikings to compete for the job Orton vacated. Spiller left via free agency and was replaced by LeSean McCoy, acquired in a blockbuster trade for linebacker Kiko Alonso. The Bills also signed Percy Harvin and Charles Clay as they looked to bolster their offensive attack. If Buffalo can get any semblance of consistency from that side of the football, they have a legitimate chance to challenge New England for AFC East supremacy this coming season.

[HEAD COACH] REX RYAN ’s tenure with the

Jets began with two consecutive trips to the AFC Championship Game, but he failed to reach the playoffs again and his overall record after six seasons was an unimpressive 46-50. Known for being brash and outspoken, Ryan consistently had strong defenses and shaky offenses in New York, and the situation he inherits in Buffalo appears to be eerily similar.

the scoreboard, but he has proven effective when backed by an offense with a strong rushing attack. If Cassel’s given the reins he’d be a low-end No. 2 fantasy quarterback. [SECOND] E.J. MANUEL’s stint as a starter

ended after only four games, mainly because the issues that plagued him as a rookie resurfaced.

Greg Roman was named offensive coordinator after orchestrating San Francisco’s offense the last four years. While the 49ers’ numbers weren’t impressive, he featured the heavy ground attack they want to utilize in Buffalo. On defense, Dennis Thurman follows Ryan from New York, where he’ll install the hybrid 3-4 attack and handle preparation while Ryan calls the shots on game day. JJ QUARTERBACK [STARTER] Eleven-year veteran MATT CASSEL could be a team’s temporary solution for the second straight season—he opened 2014 as Minnesota’s starter to give then-rookie Teddy Bridgewater time to develop. Cassel lasted only three games, however, before a broken foot ended his year. The 33-year-old won’t light up

running the offense, Manuel would be a No. 3 fantasy option as a starter. [THIRD] After spending four seasons as Joe Flacco’s backup, TYROD TAYLOR is the dark

horse in what many assumed was a two-man competition. While Taylor has also had his struggles with accuracy, he’s much more dangerous on the run—could he be a poor man’s Colin Kaepernick in Roman’s offense? MATT SIMMS followed Ryan from New Yo rk but is unlikely to be a factor come September. JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] A year after leading the league in

Manuel completed only 58 percent of his passes, and his decision making in the pocket was shaky at best. The former 16th overall pick remains an interesting prospect given his size, arm strength and running ability, but it speaks volumes that teams’ management has brought in a veteran to compete with him the last two seasons. Until he proves more comfortable

yards from scrimmage (2,146) and logging 11 touchdowns, LESEAN MCCOY saw those numbers drop to 1,474 yards and five scores with his reception total cut nearly in half. The decline in catches may have been scheme-related, as the Eagles targeted receivers more in the passing game. The loss of goal-line carries late in 2014 is a bit concerning, however, especially since Fred Jackson has filled that role in the past. Still, the Bills figure to lean heavily on McCoy, who should be a low-end No. 1 fantasy back.

[BACKUP] C.J. Spiller’s injury led to more touches than anticipated for FRED JACKSON

Photo: Jula for Fostoff Fotos

JJ COACH

SAMMY WATKINS

94 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 7

6/22/15 1:50 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

COLTS PATRIOTS @DOLPHINS NY GIANTS @TITANS BENGALS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

last year. While he led the team with 66 receptions and 525 rushing yards, he averaged a career-low 3.7 yards per carry as the extra workload took its toll. The new staff would like to drastically cut the 34-year-old’s carries, but he remains a threat as a receiver and goal-line vulture. Despite McCoy’s presence, Jackson could have standalone value as a potential fourth option. [THIRD] BRYCE BROWN, ANTHONY

DIXON and fifth-round pick KARLOS WILLIAMS will battle for the remaining role(s). Brown played in just seven games but flashed some juice in Philadelphia and displayed ability as a receiving threat. Dixon is similar to Jackson in running style but offers nothing in the passing game. Williams is a converted safety with plus speed and size but is raw as a runner. JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[STARTER] Selected fourth overall last year,

SAMMY WATKINS started with a bang. He gained 590 receiving yards with five touchdowns in his first eight games before tailing off significantly in the second half. While there were plenty of possible causes (poor play by Orton, a nagging hamstring injury, increased defensive attention), Watkins still proved dynamic as a playmaker. The uncertain quarterback situation lowers his upside, but he’d still make a decent No. 2 fantasy wideout. [STARTER] It’s getting to be a long time since PERCY HARVIN was an impact performer.

Frustrated with his role in Seattle’s run-oriented offense—instead of a downfield threat, they used him as a runner and on short screens—he was traded to New York after five games. The Jets utilized him in more traditional ways, but poor quarterback play limited his effectiveness. Both issues are present in Buffalo, where Harvin is expected to draw attention away from Watkins. He’s worth carrying as your fourth receiver. [THIRD] ROBERT WOODS tied Watkins with 65 receptions last year, but he did most of his work on shorter routes and finished with 699 yards on the season. With Harvin and Charles Clay on board, targets to Woods could decrease significantly in 2015. The shift to a run-oriented offense won’t help, either. Woods is bench depth

RB WR WR RB

LESEAN MCCOY SAMMY WATKINS PERCY HARVIN FRED JACKSON

@JAGUARS BYE WEEK DOLPHINS @NY JETS @PATRIOTS @CHIEFS

SUN, OCT 25

9:30 AM

SUN, NOV 8 THU, NOV 12 MON, NOV 23 SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM 8:25 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

[FOURTH] CHRIS HOGAN assumed slot

duties after four weeks and was a surprising contributor to the Bills attack, notching 41 receptions for 426 yards and four scores on the year. He caught at least five passes on five different occasions and showed a knack for getting open underneath. With Woods likely shifting inside, however, he’s merely depth for the Bills and should be far from fantasy radars.

[FIFTH] Blazingly fast MARQUISE GOODWIN , who drew positive reviews from Ryan

during offseason workouts, had just one catch in 10 games last year. He’ll compete with MARCUS THIGPEN and MARCUS EASLEY, special teams aces with a combined 11 career receptions between them. None will come close to fantasy relevance. JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] Coming off a 69-759-6 campaign, CHARLES CLAY ’s numbers dropped off a bit in 2014 as he battled knee issues that cost him two games and limited his effectiveness in others. Still, he proved to be a valuable volume target, with at least five catches in six of his final seven games. Clay is a versatile target who can line up in the backfield, out wide, or in the traditional tight end position. He’s a sleeper but shouldn’t be selected as more than a low-end No. 2 tight end.

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

from 50-plus) in 2014 and has made 90.5 percent of his kicks in two seasons with Buffalo. Carpenter is a reliable fantasy kicker, but his value may drop behind a more conservative offense. [RETURNERS] Claimed off waivers last November, MARCUS THIGPEN averaged 12.9 yards per punt return with a score in five games. He replaced LEODIS MCKELVIN , who suffered a broken ankle in Week 11. PERCY HARVIN is the favorite to handle the kickoff duties previously held by C.J. Spiller, but Thigpen and McKelvin could also be factors here.

JJ DEFENSE This unit was among the NFL’s elite last season. It led the league with 54 sacks, with the trio of Mario Williams, Jerry Hughes and Marcell Dareus combining for 34 takedowns. The Bills “D” also finished third with 30 takeaways and ranked fourth in points (18.1 per game) and yardage allowed. Their pass defense was especially stout, allowing 205.8 passing yards per contest while surrendering an NFL-low 16 touchdowns through the air. While individual players may face challenges adjusting to Ryan’s defensive scheme, there’s no question that there is a lot of talent to work with here. The Bills should be one of the first fantasy defenses drafted. JJ WAKE UP CALL

[SLEEPER] CHARLES CLAY ’s play suffered

due to an ailing knee, but he’s only a year removed from a 759-yard, six-touchdown showing in Miami. While he’s unlikely to reach that catch total in Buffalo’s run-oriented offense, Clay could match or surpass the six scores. He’s a guy worth watching for owners that don’t land an elite tight end.

[BACKUP] CHRIS GRAGG has 12 catches in

two years with the Bills and was inactive for the team’s final six games in 2014. MARQUEIS GRAY was a late-season waiver claim and started Buffalo’s last five games—he caught nine passes for 134 yards. Sixthrounder NICK O’LEARY has excellent hands but little speed and no separation ability. In a run-dominant offense, none of these guys are worth monitoring. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS [KICKER] Steady veteran DAN CARPENTER finished sixth in the NFL with 133 points last season. He was second in made field goals (34), six of which were from 50 yards or more. Carpenter missed only four attempts (two

MOCK DRAFT PICK (p.76) 9 34 73 191

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

in larger leagues; it’ll take injuries to others to make him fantasy relevant.

POSITION RANK (p.31) 9 17 52 49

TEXANS @EAGLES @WASHINGTON COWBOYS NY JETS

[SUPER SLEEPER] ROBERT WOODS ’ role is expected to be reduced with the Bills’ skill player additions, but that doesn’t mean he should be forgotten. Percy Harvin has never been the picture of health, and offensive line issues could cause Charles Clay to stay in and block more often. Under this scenario, Woods could be active enough to be useful in deeper fantasy formats.

NFFC POINTS (p.83) 221 217 151 92

STD. POINTS SCORING (p.84) 185 147 96 62

AUCTION $ VALUE (p.82) 35 23 2 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 8

6/22/15 1:51 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

CAROLINA PANTHERS Buck Davidson

arolina was one of the NFC’s best teams in 2013, so expectations were high as the team rolled into its 2014 campaign. There were concerns as well, though: Cam Newton was recovering from offseason ankle surgery, and the team had to compensate for the loss of all-time leading receiver Steve Smith, who’d been cut in March. The Panthers won their first two games, but then captured only one of their next 10 decisions before embarking on a four-game winning streak—winning their division and slipping into the playoffs with a record of 7-8-1. After topping an injury-depleted Arizona squad in their Wild Card tilt, the Panthers season ended with a 31-17 loss to Seattle the following week. While quiet on the free-agent front, the Panthers used their firstround pick on versatile playmaker Shaq Thompson, who can line up at either linebacker or safety. They then helped their offense by drafting massive wideout Devin Funchess in the second, and added powerful offensive tackle Daryl Williams in Round 4. When Round 5 rolled around, Carolina tried to replace their all-time leading rusher, DeAngelo Williams, who’d been released in March, by grabbing running back Cameron Artis-Payne. The Panthers head into this season riding their late-season heroics of 2014, but well aware that many questions face them as they prepare to defend their NFC South crown. Look for Carolina to be in the thick of the playoff race again this year.

[HEAD COACH] RON RIVERA owns a record

of 32-31-1 during his four seasons as the Panthers head coach, and he has led them to two consecutive NFC South crowns. Rivera is a defensive-minded coach who emphasizes ball control and ferocious defense. His job appears safe for now, but remember that he has finished below .500 in three of his four seasons on the job, and it took a furious late-season run to rescue last year’s squad. If the Panthers regress badly in ‘15, Rivera could be looking for work by next season.

24 touchdowns back in 2013. The former top overall pick makes a good choice as a low-end No. 1 fantasy quarterback, but it’s best to pair him with a solid backup for weeks when his matchup is unfavorable. [BACKUP] Four years had passed since DEREK ANDERSON made a start, but he was

called upon twice in Newton’s stead last season

Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott stresses sound fundamentals and looks to create turnovers. On offense, Mike Shula runs a balanced attack that seeks to build off the running game, control the football and limit mistakes. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] Statistically, CAM NEWTON took

a step backwards last season, but a litany of injuries undoubtedly played a big role in his disappointing season. Even so, Newton’s 539 yards (38.5 per game) and five touchdowns on the ground in 14 games last season still made him a viable fantasy option. Newton may never become an elite passer, but he did toss

and performed rather well in guiding the club to two victories. Anderson has a tremendous arm, and though accuracy has long been his bane, he did complete 67 perrcent of his passes in 2014. The veteran could be a serviceable fallback fantasy option if Newton were to suffer an injury, but he should not be carried on a roster unless that happens.

[THIRD] JOE WEBB is a good special-teams player who also serves as a backup wide receiver, but he has not thrown for a single yard since 2011. He’s no threat to Anderson and would likely only see time in an emergency. Move along, folks, nothing to see here.

JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] JONATHAN STEWART played in the shadow of DeAngelo Williams for much of his career, but when called upon to shoulder the load, he has responded with some monstrous games. Last year, with Williams shelved, Stewart bulldozed his way to 352 yards on 66 carries in Weeks 14-16, which was instrumental in helping the Panthers reach the playoffs. Stewart is a powerful runner with good quickness and balance, but injuries have limited him to 28 games over the past three seasons. Consider him a solid No. 2 fantasy running back, but be mindful of his injury history. [BACKUP] Rookie CAMERON ARTISPAYNE is a stocky, downhill-style runner

who lacks breakaway speed and isn’t much of a pass catcher, but he racked up 1,608 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns at Auburn last season. Artis-Payne will compete for a backup spot, but he likely won’t be a fantasy

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

JJ COACH

JONATHAN STEWART

96 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 9

6/22/15 1:51 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@JAGUARS TEXANS SAINTS @BUCCANEERS BYE WEEK @SEAHAWKS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

SUN, OCT 18

4:05 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

factor unless Stewart suffers an injury. Even if that were to occur, his 212-pound frame might not allow him to carry the load as a full-time back. Look to Artis-Payne as a possible fantasy reserve in deeper leagues. [Third] FOZZY WHITTAKER is a decent special teams player and receiver, and he averaged 4.5 yards on his 32 rushing attempts last season. Former Jaguar JORDAN TODMAN also profiles as a change-of-pace or passing-down back, but his superior blocking and ability as a return man should give him a slight edge in the battle for a roster spot. Neither player warrants fantasy consideration. JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[STARTER] KELVIN BENJAMIN enjoyed an outstanding rookie season in 2014, finishing sixth among NFL wideouts with 146 targets, and his nine touchdowns were tied for 12th. Benjamin’s 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame makes him a very inviting target, especially in the red zone, but his 13.8-yard average last season shows that he doesn’t pose much of a deep threat. His season’s line of 731,008-9 is impressive, but keep in mind that he piled up nearly half of it (31-420-3) in four games against porous secondaries. Look to Benjamin as a No. 2 fantasy wideout. [STARTER] JERRICHO COTCHERY parlayed a 46-602-10 season in Pittsburgh into a lucrative free-agent deal with the Panthers, and then he gave his new club more catches (48), slightly less yardage (580), and nine fewer scores. Cotchery had totaled just 20 touchdowns combined in nine seasons prior to his 2013 “breakout,” and he has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark only once. The 33-yearold will face competition from rookie Devin Funchess, so he’s likely to see even fewer targets in 2015. He’s of no interest. [THIRD] Carolina traded up 12 spots to draft DEVIN FUNCHESS with their second-

round pick, and the rookie will have every opportunity to win a starting job. Funchess checks in at 6-foot-4, 232 pounds and clocked a 4.48 40-yard dash at Michigan’s pro day (he ran a 4.70 at the combine). He

WR RB TE QB

KELVIN BENJAMIN JONATHAN STEWART GREG OLSEN CAM NEWTON

EAGLES COLTS PACKERS @TITANS WASHINGTON @COWBOYS

SUN, OCT 25 MON, NOV 2 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 THU, NOV 26

8:30 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:30 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

@SAINTS FALCONS @NY GIANTS @FALCONS BUCCANEERS

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

was a tight end until last season, and his size and athleticism figure to create nightmarish matchups for NFL defensive backs. His hands and route-running skills are suspect, though, so he’s clearly a work in progress. Draft Funchess as a late-round reserve with upside.

season, and he knocked home 29, which tied for eighth. He converted all 34 of his PATs, and his 121 points were good for 13th. Gano missed only once inside 40 yards, but he sputtered from longer distances. There are better options out there. [RETURNERS] TED GINN JR . averaged a

[FOURTH] Return specialist TED GINN JR .

career-worst 19.0 yards on 22 kickoff returns with Arizona last season, but he fared better on punts—26 returns, 10.7 yards per and a touchdown. JORDAN TODMAN , who finished third in the NFL with 972 kickoff return yards with Jacksonville last season, will challenge Ginn here.

[FIFTH] We used to know him as “Philly”, but speedster COREY BROWN has dropped his nickname and is looking to make his mark as a deep threat in the Carolina offense. Brown was very impressive in OTAs, and he looked to be developing a solid chemistry with Newton. It would probably take an injury or two for Brown to be fantasy relevant, but he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.

JJ DEFENSE Carolina was one of fantasy’s top-rated defensive units coming into the 2014 season, so it was disappointing when they finished 21st in scoring defense and 10th in yards allowed last year. The Panthers were 16th against the run, 11th against the pass, and their 40 sacks and 26 takeaways were good for a tie for 13th and 10th, respectively. No doubt they missed Greg Hardy (15 sacks in 2013), whose off-thefield issues led to him appearing in just one game, but the “D” stepped up big in the final weeks, signaling that good things could be in store this season. While Carolina has some playmakers, this group should be considered a low-end starting option, at best.

also figures to see some time in the slot this season, but his diminutive stature limits him to spot duty as a deep threat. Ginn logged a decent 36-556-5 line for Carolina back in 2013, but his fantasy value figures to be limited to leagues that count return yardage.

JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] GREG OLSEN was one of

only two tight ends to exceed 1,000 yards receiving in 2014, continuing his three-year run as one of the position’s most consistent producers. He snagged at least 69 receptions and gained a minimum of 816 yards each of those three seasons, but he has eclipsed six touchdowns only once in his eight-year career. Olsen should be one of Carolina’s top aerial options again in 2015, and he’s worth considering once Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham are off the board.

[BACKUP] Even with a dearth of options in the passing game, ED DICKSON still posted the lowest reception and yardage totals of his five-year career last season. He has never come close to repeating the 54-528-5 line he logged back in 2011 and shouldn’t be part of your draft-day plans.

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

[KICKER] GRAHAM GANO finished seventh

in the league with 35 field goal attempts last

POSITION RANK (p.31) 15 18 3 6

MOCK DRAFT PICK (p.76) 33 43 60 62

JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] Jonathan Stewart is a fierce runner when he’s healthy, but he has played only 28 games the past three seasons. If Stewart goes down again, rookie CAMERON ARTISPAYNE could find himself in a decidedly fantasy-friendly gig. Artis-Payne isn’t much of a receiver, but he carried the rock 303 times for Auburn last season. [SUPER SLEEPER] He’s more of a raw

talent than a fin ished product, but massive wideout DEVIN FUNCHESS could team with Kelvin Benjamin to give Carolina a “Twin Towers” element to their passing game. Don’t expect a lot of yardage from the rookie, but Funchess’ 6-foot-4 frame could make him an inviting target in the red zone.

NFFC POINTS (p.83) 226 188 216 411

STD. POINTS SCORING (p.84) 154 160 135 320

AUCTION $ VALUE (p.82) 26 22 18 23

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 10

6/22/15 1:52 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

CHICAGO BEARS Herija C. Green

welve months ago, the Bears were Super Bowl contenders with an elite offense and, on the strength of some splashy free-agent signings and early-round draft picks, an improved defense. Or so we thought. Then the season began, things went awry and head coach Marc Trestman had no answers. The offense, which finished second in scoring in 2013, tumbled all the way to 23rd amid underwhelming performances across the board—none more so than Jay Cutler, who was actually benched late in the year. Meanwhile, the Bears “D” failed to make meaningful progress, and in fact became the first team since 1923 to allow back-toback 50-point games. It all added up to a 5-11 finish and a strong case for being the NFL’s most disappointing team. Chicago is known as the Windy City, and the winds of change blew through immediately. Trestman and GM Phil Emery were the first to go. Following them out the door were a pair of longtime Bears, Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs, along with Brandon Marshall, who was traded to the Jets. Despite rumors aplenty, however, Cutler remains. Chicago hired former Broncos head coach John Fox to replace Trestman and named Ryan Pace as GM. The pair started to overhaul the roster this offseason— signing Pernell McPhee and Antrel Rolle, and drafting Kevin White—but much work remains. While the Fox hire flies in the face of a full-blown rebuild, the Bears may struggle to escape the NFC North cellar in 2015.

[HEAD COACH] In some ways, JOHN FOX is an

odd hire. At 60 years old and with a pair of Super Bowl appearances on his résumé, Fox doesn’t seem like the sort to oversee a lengthy rebuilding process. Viewed in the wake of the Marc Trestman disaster, however, it makes more sense as Fox is a battle-tested coach who always has his teams prepared for game day. He may not receive much credit for his work in Denver, but he squeezed the most out of some marginal Carolina teams.

[SECOND] JIMMY CLAUSEN started for a benched Cutler in Week 16 and did a decent job, but he sustained a concussion and missed the season finale. It was just another in a series of tough breaks for the Notre Dame product, who was little more than a sacrificial lamb with Carolina in 2010 before they drafted Cam Newton. Fox, who coached that team, has indicated there’ll be an

JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] In seven seasons with the Bears, MATT FORTE has averaged 323 touches, 1,633

total yards and just over eight touchdowns per year. He has started 107 of a possible 112 games. In other words, Forte has been a workhorse. Things have gotten cloudier recently, however: he turns 30 this December, is entering the final year of his deal and suddenly plays for a coaching staff known for preferring a committee. Forte remains a top-10 fantasy back, but there are more questions now than in previous years.

Adam Gase interviewed for some head coaching vacancies but ended up following Fox to Chicago as offensive coordinator. This is Vic Fangio’s fifth stop as defensive coordinator; a role he has spent 15 seasons filling. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] Forget for a moment about the intangibles JAY CUTLER is always said to lack

(leadership, passion, etc.) and consider this: his final numbers in 2014 were among the best of his nine-year career. Clearly that didn’t translate into wins, due in large part to his consistently poor decision making—18 interceptions, 12 fumbles (six lost)—but he’s not the pariah for fantasy purposes one might expect. Were there a viable option behind Cutler on the depth chart there might be reason to fear for his job security. There isn’t. As such, he’s a midrange No. 2 fantasy quarterback.

connection to the previous regime puts his spot in jeopardy, especially since Pace is said to be high on undrafted free-agent SHANE CARDEN. Whichever one makes the roster, drafting either on them would be a... wait for it... #EpicFale.

[BACKUP] While rookie JEREMY LANGFORD

open competition for the No. 1 spot. Even if that’s true, it’s hard to imagine him beating out Cutler. [THIRD] A sixth-round pick in 2014, DAVID FALES’ skills appear to be a better fit for the

outgoing Trestman than the incoming Gase. His

doesn’t have the build teams look for in a featured back, he has the ability to wear opposing defenses down with his high-effort approach. His best attribute is his shiftiness, as he’ll slide laterally to find a hole and then take off with good burst. On the downside, Langford lacks real power and is inconsistent catching the ball. He’s the top handcuff option for Forte owners and a possible draft-and-stash candidate in the late rounds.

[THIRD] KA’DEEM CAREY, a fourth-round pick in 2014, and newcomer JACQUIZZ RODGERS

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

JJ COACH

JAY CUTLER

98 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 11

6/22/15 1:52 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

PACKERS CARDINALS @SEAHAWKS RAIDERS @CHIEFS @LIONS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

BYE WEEK VIKINGS @CHARGERS @RAMS BRONCOS @PACKERS

SUN, NOV 1 MON, NOV 9 SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 THU, NOV 26

1:00 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM

may be competing for one spot. Carey did alright in limited burn as a rookie, but he was a Phil Emery selection. Rodgers, meanwhile, was signed by Pace and is a proven commodity as a receiver and pass blocker—something Forte has never excelled at. Neither player has any fantasy appeal.

sidelined him until Week 11. He did little upon returning, and there’s some speculation Wilson is on the bubble. He’s just 22, though, and there don’t appear to be any great options pushing him. Until further notice, however, his fantasy value is nil.

JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] With Brandon Marshall gone, ALSHON JEFFERY will be counted on as the new No. 1 receiver. He has the size and talent to thrive in the role, having averaged a 87-1,2778.5 line the last two years. There’s also plenty of motivation, as his rookie deal expires after the season—unless Chicago extends him. That being said, he was more steady than explosive last year, and if quarterback issues persist, or Kevin White isn’t ready to pull coverage, Jeffery might better serve as a No. 2 fantasy wideout.

[FIFTH] A former Pro Bowl selection, MARC MARIANI missed all of 2012 and 2013 due to

[STARTER] Some felt KEVIN WHITE , not

Alabama’s Amari Cooper, was the best receiver in this year’s draft. The West Virginia product has all the physical tools teams crave in a frontline receiver—size, strength, speed and ball skills. Where he lags behind Cooper and others is his route running, and in Gase’s precision offense improvement in that area will be an immediate emphasis. Still, Cutler isn’t shy about airing it out and letting his guys go get it, which is something White can do now. Draft him as your third receiver.

[THIRD] For a while it looked like EDDIE ROYAL was on the fast track out of the NFL,

managing just 42 catches combined in 2011-12. He resurrected his career under former Broncos offensive coordinator (and current Chargers head coach) Mike McCoy, however, posting a combined 1,139 yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He’s not a game breaker, but he offers stability at a position that has very little experience. Keep an eye on him. [FOURTH] MARQUESS WILSON was supposed to break out last season. Unfortunately, the only thing he broke was his collarbone, which

WR RB WR TE QB WR WR

ALSHON JEFFERY MATT FORTE KEVIN WHITE MARTELLUS BENNETT JAY CUTLER EDDIE ROYAL MARQUESS WILSON

injuries. He signed with the Bears in late November and saw action as a returner. Among the other options are JOSH BELLAMY, who was active for four games last year, and undrafted free-agent LEVI NORWOOD. JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] On the field, MARTELLUS BENNETT is coming off his best season. He set career highs in yards (916), touchdowns (six) and receptions (90; which led all NFL tight ends). Off of it, however, Bennett isn’t making friends on the new staff. The eight-year veteran is seeking a new contract—his current one runs through 2016—and has skipped all offseason activities, which got him on the trading block. Assuming he’s still in a Bears uniform in Week 1, Bennett is a midrange No. 1 fantasy tight end.

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

49ERS WASHINGTON @VIKINGS @BUCCANEERS LIONS

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

sub-100-point season in the last three for Gould, who is no longer a safe choice as your kicker. [RETURNERS] Playing for the first time since 2011, MARC MARIANI did a solid job

on both kickoffs (20 returns for 510 yards) and punts (seven for 29). The team inked him to a two-year deal, and he’s expected to handle both roles on a full-time basis this season, though he’s hardly a lock. JJ DEFENSE A year ago, the Bears inked Jared Allen, Willie Young and Lamarr Houston to inject life into a hibernating defense. Collectively, the three combined for 16.5 of the team’s 39 sacks (tied for 16th), but that didn’t help elevate the club’s overall performance. As a unit, Chicago’s “D” finished 30th in yardage and 31st in points allowed (27.6 per game). They also registered 24 takeaways (20th), which is a disappointing showing for a franchise that prides itself on forcing turnovers. The arrival of steady hands— John Fox and Vic Fangio—should help with preparation and scheme, but this isn’t a group you want to hitch your fantasy wagons to.

[BACKUP] ZACH MILLER was great in

JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] No one’s suggesting JEREMY LANGFORD can match Matt Forte’s skill set, but the rookie works hard and will do anything asked of him. One of those requests may be to spell Forte more than anticipated given the veteran’s age and high odometer— and if the 29-year-old starts breaking down, Langford seems the logical choice to step in.

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

[SUPER SLEEPER] Due to a spate of injuries, ZACH MILLER hasn’t played football

training camp, and he caught six passes for 68 yards and two touchdowns in the preseason opener. Then he hurt his foot and missed the entire season. It’s nothing new for Miller, who hasn’t appeared in a regular-season game since the 2011 campaign. If he’s hurt again, veteran DANTE ROSARIO is the likely backup. That equates to zero interest for fantasy owners. [KICKER] How bad were things in 2014? Even dependable ROBBIE GOULD struggled

to produce. Opportunities were few and far between, as he attempted just 12 field goals (converting nine) in 12 games before a quadriceps injury sidelined him. He finished with a measly 55 points. It was the second

POSITION RANK (p.31) 9 4 45 5 17 76 80

MOCK DRAFT PICK (p.76) 22 24 52 76 163

since 2011. The former seventh-round pick flashed some legitimate playmaking ability last August before another injury shut him down, but if the Martellus Bennett saga doesn’t get resolved (and Miller can stay healthy) he could play a role in 2015.

NFFC POINTS (p.83) 266 305 160 200 320 94 73

STD. POINTS SCORING (p.84) 183 233 99 120 230 61 42

AUCTION $ VALUE (p.82) 39 45 4 11 5 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 12

6/22/15 1:53 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

CINCINNATI BENGALS RotoRob

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] MARVIN LEWIS is the longest-

serving Bengals head coach in history, having been at the helm for a dozen years. While Cincy has made the playoffs in half those 12 seasons, including the last four (a first in team history), the only number that matters now is zero—the number of playoff wins in the Lewis era. He was given an extension through 2016, but if he can’t finally guide this team to a postseason win, the end has to be coming. Doesn’t it?

make do with less. Dalton rates as a low-end reserve with the potential to offer more. [SECOND] A.J. MCCARRON, the Bengals’ fifth

rounder in 2014, spent almost his entire rookie campaign on the reserve/non-football injury list due to shoulder soreness that followed him from college. Nonetheless, he’s the early favorite to

[THIRD] Eighth-year pro JOSH JOHNSON hasn’t thrown a regular-season pass since 2011, but he has some familiarity with the offense having been with the club two seasons ago. TERRELLE PRYOR , a nine-game starter with Oakland in 2013, is a superior athlete with suspect accuracy. Both will challenge McCarron for the No. 2 gig.

JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] With a year of experience under his belt, JEREMY HILL looks primed to take his game to the next level. As a rookie last year, Hill only had double-digit carries once in the first six games. As the Bengals shifted to a more run-based attack, however, he began to shine, gaining at least 100 yards rushing in each of the final three contests and adding three touchdowns in that stretch. While his involvement in the passing game figures to stay low with Giovani Bernard around, Hill is still a viable low-end No. 1 back.

Hue Jackson returns for a second season as offensive coordinator. His goal is to build a dominant running game so the team can keep things simple for Andy Dalton. Also back for Year 2 is defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. JJ QUARTERBACK [STARTER] Many of Cincinnati’s offseason moves appear to have been made to make things easier ANDY DALTON. He should have more weapons at his disposal as he tries to shake off a reputation as a glorified game manager. Dalton, who has started every game in his four seasons, saw his numbers plummet nearly across the board in 2014, while ball security continued to be a major issue. Granted, injuries took away many of his top targets, but we’ve seen other quarterbacks

JEREMY HILL

becomes the team’s backup after Jason Campbell elected not to return. McCarron’s exploits at Alabama, which include two National Championships, are well known, and some believe he could challenge Dalton down the road. Just don’t expect it to happen in 2015.

[BACKUP] Coming off a solid rookie season, GIOVANI BERNARD opened last year as the

team’s featured back. He missed time with a hip injury in October, though, and was bypassed by Hill. That news doesn’t affect Bernard as much as it would most backs as his

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

hile the Bengals weren’t quite good enough for a second straight division title, a 10-5-1 mark did get them into the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. There was plenty to like: the rushing attack was much improved thanks to Jeremy Hill, the league’s top rookie back, and with the third-fewest sacks allowed, they had great pass protection. But then there was that porous run defense, and the fact that (once again) the team fell flat in the postseason and dubious records begin to pile up. They’re the first team in NFL history to lose four straight opening-round playoff games—and consistently mediocre Andy Dalton tied Warren Moon for most consecutive opening-round losses by a quarterback. January 6, 1991—the last time Cincinnati won a playoff game— continues to haunt the Bengals, but there’s hope. The team lost few players of note, brought back Michael Johnson, who struggled in one season with Tampa Bay, and added known commodities like Denarius Moore and A.J. Hawk. They’ll also get some key weapons back from injury, in Marvin Jones and Tyler Eifert—and, of course, A.J. Green was banged up as well. The draft was more about future seasons with their first two picks—offensive linemen Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher—expected to be backups in 2015. This is a veteran roster that has a chance to make some noise with some wins. Then again, we’ve been saying that for years, and Cincinnati has yet to break through in January.

100 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 13

6/22/15 1:53 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@RAIDERS CHARGERS @RAVENS CHIEFS SEAHAWKS @BILLS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

4:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 BYE WEEK WK.8 @STEELERS WK.9 BROWNS WK.10 TEXANS WK.11 @CARDINALS WK.12 RAMS

small stature suggests he’s more effective in a support role. Look for Bernard to see plenty of touches as the passing down/change-of-pace option, which makes him a potential third fantasy back with added value in point-perreception leagues. [THIRD] REX BURKHEAD, a sixth-round

selection in 2013, earned little more than crumbs in Cincinnati’s talented backfield last season—20 total touches for 133 yards in 10 games (including playoffs). The club likes what he brings to the table in that he can cover both Hill’s and Bernard’s roles in the offense. That said, unless injuries thrust him into a more prominent role he’s of no interest. JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] Four-time Pro Bowler A.J. GREEN possesses the size and hands to be one of the NFL’s best receivers, but injuries resulted in the lowest yardage and touchdown numbers of his career in 2014. Don’t let that sour you on Green, who averaged a 98-1,38811 line his previous two seasons and is entering a contract year. Green is a legit No. 1 receiver and an elite talent who should be on anyone’s list of the 10-best wideouts in the league— even with a mediocre quarterback tossing him the pigskin. [STARTER] MOHAMED SANU looked to be

in the midst of a breakout last season with Marvin Jones out of the picture. After eight games the Rutgers product was on pace for 78 catches, 1,256 yards, and eight touchdowns. Instead he finished with a 56-790-5 line after disappearing down the stretch. A philosophical shift to a ground attack explains part of it, but Sanu’s penchant for dropping passes was surely a factor, too. He’ll need to clean that up to have even modest fantasy appeal in 2015. [THIRD] It was a lost year for MARVIN JONES, who had foot surgery last August

JEREMY HILL A.J. GREEN GIOVANI BERNARD MARVIN JONES TYLER EIFERT MOHAMED SANU

WK.13 @BROWNS WK.14 STEELERS WK.15 @49ERS WK.16 @BRONCOS WK.17 RAVENS

1:00 PM 8:25 PM 8:30 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 MON, DEC 28 SUN, JAN 3

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

touchdowns and outplayed Sanu the last time both were healthy, so even if Jones is lower on the depth chart he holds more fantasy value as a late-round reserve.

second-highest scoring output of his career (117). Given that was only good enough for 15th among NFL kickers, however, Nugent’s not worth drafting.

[FOURTH] Newcomer DENARIUS MOORE

[RETURNERS] After doing very little special teams work in 2013, ADAM JONES joined BRANDON TATE as the team’s primary return men. Jones was the more explosive of the two, leading the NFL in kickoff return average (31.3), but rookie MARIO ALFORD, a seventhround selection this year, could be a factor going forward.

[FIFTH] BRANDON TATE has spent most of his time in the Queen City as the primary return man, but the drafting of speedy MARIO ALFORD puts Tate’s hold on that job in jeopardy. Also in the mix is JAMES WRIGHT, a seventh-round pick last year out of LSU. No one here figures to do much damage on offense.

JJ DEFENSE Cincinnati’s defense was a major disappointment in 2014. A year after ranking third in total defense and fifth in scoring, the unit plummeted to 22nd in yards and 12th in points, as both the pass and rush defense were substandard. The Bengals pass rush was awful, generating an NFL-low 20 sacks. About the only silver lining was the 26 takeaways, which tied for 10th. Outside of the addition of Michael Johnson, who logged 11.5 sacks for the club in 2012, the team will be counting on internal improvement and better play from its veterans to get back on track. For fantasy purposes, Cincinnati’s “D” is a matchup option at best.

has the physical tools to excel at the NFL level, particularly his speed. He flashed that talent in Oakland—130 receptions, 2,054 yards, 17 touchdowns from 2011-13—before falling out of favor last year. Although Moore gives the club another deep threat, he’s unlikely to be a fantasy target.

JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] TYLER EIFERT hurt his shoulder

during OTAs last May and then dislocated his elbow in the season opener, which landed him on short-term IR. He never returned, however, and eventually underwent shoulder surgery. While Eifert’s career has gotten off to a rocky start, he has the skills to emerge as a bona fide playmaker this year—which could be a real boon to Dalton as a result. Consider him an interesting fantasy backup with real upside.

[BACKUP] Third-rounder TYLER KROFT has

a chance to combine with Eifert to form a fine pass-catching tandem. He has the tools to be an effective all-around contributor and should see time in the team’s two-tightend sets. For fantasy purposes, Kroft holds no appeal unless Eifert goes down again, and even then he’d only be worth monitoring. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

and ended up missing the entire season after injuring his ankle while attempting to return. It was a blow for Jones and the offense, as he’d made huge strides in 2013, becoming one of Dalton’s favorite targets. He scored 10

RB WR RB WR TE WR

SUN, NOV 1 THU, NOV 5 MON, NOV 16 SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

[KICKER] Cincinnati’s weakened red zone offense led to a better scoring effort from MIKE NUGENT. His field goal attempts jumped

from 22 in 2013 to 33 last year, and although he converted just 78.8 percent of them—his lowest since 2009—Nugent still tallied the

POSITION RANK (p.31) 11 8 20 61 26 67

MOCK DRAFT PICK (p.76) 19 26 50 129 134 171

JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if you’d more or less forgotten about TYLER EIFERT, the Bengals’ first-round pick in 2013. You do so at your own peril, however, as he should be fully healthy for the regular season and ready to deliver on his immense promise. They let Jermaine Gresham and his 62 catches walk for a reason. [SUPER SLEEPER] Andy Dalton has plenty of weapons this year, so it’s easy for JAMES WRIGHT to get lost in the shuffle. While understandable, don’t forget that everyone after A.J. Green carries risk—Marvin Jones missed all of 2014, Denarius Moore was shown the door by Oakland and Mohamed Sanu has suspect hands. Monitor Wright to see what his role will be.

NFFC POINTS (p.83) 206 271 184 123 100 114

STD. POINTS SCORING (p.84) 186 183 135 80 65 78

AUCTION $ VALUE (p.82) 33 41 20 1 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 14

101

6/22/15 1:54 PM

2014 TEAM PROFILE

CLEVELAND BROWNS Herija C. Green

ast summer, the city of Cleveland was abuzz. LeBron James was back to lead the Cavs to an NBA title, and Johnny Manziel was drafted to return the Browns to the postseason. Whoops. While LBJ at least reached the Finals, Manziel was outplayed by Brian Hoyer and spent most of his rookie year watching from the sidelines. It worked for a while, as the Browns keep piling up the wins. Granted, many of them were against the dregs of the NFL, but after topping Atlanta in Week 12 the team was 7-4 and primed for a playoff push. They wouldn’t win again, however, as Hoyer, Manziel, and even Connor Shaw started and lost over the final five weeks. They finished 7-9, denying the franchise its first winning season since 2007. Armed with two first-round picks, rumors were that the Browns would either trade up to get Marcus Mariota or indirectly play a role that’d land them a new quarterback. Instead, Cleveland strengthened both lines by selecting Danny Shelton and Cameron Erving. They watched Hoyer sign with Houston and replaced him with journeyman Josh McCown, who went 1-10 in Tampa Bay last season. Jordan Cameron bolted for Miami and Josh Gordon drew a one-year suspension, leaving the team to count on free agents Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline to pick up the slack. There’s talent in Cleveland, but their quarterback situation might be the worst in the NFL, and it figures to keep them out of the postseason once again.

[HEAD COACH] MIKE PETTINE had people

excited for a while, but it all fell apart and ended with the Browns in the AFC North cellar for the sixth time in seven years. That late-season collapse, along with the ongoing calamity under center, is what takes the starch out of an otherwise respectable 7-9 mark—the franchise’s second-best record since 2003. While normally you’d think Pettine was on solid ground, keep in mind Cleveland’s last three head coaches lasted a combined total of five seasons.

to the contrary, however, McCown will have another chance to be a starter. Of course, when your head coach openly remarks about he wants to “minimize the importance of the quarterback,” that’s hardly a vote of confidence.

[SECOND] JOHNNY MANZIEL’s rookie

[THIRD] There’s one spot available for THAD LEWIS and CONNOR SHAW. This is Lewis’

second stint with the Browns, and he has flashed some skills while making six NFL starts. Shaw started the season finale last year under difficult circumstances and, while the numbers don’t bear it out, acquitted himself well. This should be competitive, but even the winner has no fantasy appeal.

New offensive coordinator John DeFilippo might want to rent, not buy, as he’s the sixth man to hold the position in six years. His task: find a starting quarterback. Jim O’Neil returns as defensive coordinator after a largely successful debut. JJ QUARTERBACK [STARTER] A backup for the better part of a decade, JOSH MCCOWN parlayed five good showings with Chicago in 2013 into a starting gig last season. Considering that, minus those games, McCown’s career numbers included 37 touchdowns, 45 interceptions and a completion percentage under 58, it was no surprise he wasn’t the answer in Tampa Bay. Despite fresh evidence

more commitment to his hard-partying lifestyle than honing his craft. To his credit, Manziel has been contrite this offseason, voluntarily entering rehab and drawing praise from teammates as well as his new offensive coordinator. If he starts, watch him.

JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] Unlike his fellow backs, ISAIAH CROWELL came into the league as an undrafted

campaign made him look more ready for TMZ than the NFL. He was dismal in two late-season starts, leading the team to three points in nearly six quarters of action amid rumblings he was unprepared. That was one of many labels that stuck as Manziel displayed a lack of maturity and far

free agent. Despite humbler beginnings, the Alabama State product sits atop the depth chart after a solid rookie campaign—694 total yards, eight touchdowns. Granted, his grip on the top spot is tenuous, but Crowell has good speed and the power to grind out extra yardage. Pretty much everyone is expecting a timeshare this season, which makes Crowell a middling third option with a fairly low ceiling.

Mike Jula/Fostoff Fotos

JJ COACH

TERRANCE WEST

102 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 15

6/22/15 1:54 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@NY JETS TITANS RAIDERS @CHARGERS @RAVENS BRONCOS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

[BACKUP] TERRANCE WEST, the 94th overall pick in 2014, endured an up-and-down debut campaign. He started fast, becoming the first rookie since 2008 to log at least 90 yards from scrimmage in his first two games, but he saw inconsistent action the rest of the way amid criticism about practice habits and ball security. West, who still led the team in rushing (171-673-4), worked with the first team during OTAs and should get plenty of snaps whether he’s the starter or not. Draft him as your No. 4 back. [THIRD] Third-round selection DUKE JOHNSON doesn’t have the same body type as the

players above him and is best suited to a changeof-pace role. That includes a reputation as one of the draft’s best pass-catching backs, which should help him carve out a niche after Crowell and West combined to catch just 20 passes a season ago. While he holds the least draft-day value of the group, he bears watching in point-perreception leagues. JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] With Josh Gordon suspended and Jordan Cameron gone, DWAYNE BOWE was signed to be the team’s No. 1 receiver. It’s a role he filled quite ably—in 2010-11. In the past three seasons, however, Bowe has averaged 59 receptions for 743 yards and 2.7 touchdowns per year. He was also part of last season’s notoriously bad Chiefs receiving corps—the same one that become the first since 1964 not to catch a touchdown pass. At best you can roll the dice on Bowe as late-round depth. [STARTER] BRIAN HARTLINE topped the

1,000-yard mark in both 2012 and 2013, but he was an afterthought in Miami’s passing game a year ago and saw his numbers plummet as a result. He finished with a 39-474-2 line and was cut in February. The Ohio State alum hasn’t missed a game in five years and is a reliable possession receiver, but he has never been a red-zone threat (12 touchdowns in 298 career catches). While not worth drafting, Hartline is someone to keep on your watch list.

[THIRD] Undersized ANDREW HAWKINS was a solid signing from rival Cincinnati, leading the team in receptions (63) and receiving yards

RB RB RB WR WR

ISAIAH CROWELL DUKE JOHNSON TERRANCE WEST DWAYNE BOWE ANDREW HAWKINS

@RAMS CARDINALS @BENGALS @STEELERS BYE WEEK RAVENS

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 THU, NOV 5 SUN, NOV 15

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM

MON, NOV 30 8:30 PM

[FOURTH] At 5-foot-8, 167 pounds, TAYLOR GABRIEL is essentially a younger version of

Hawkins. He made the Browns a year ago as an undrafted free agent and was active for all 16 games, averaging a robust 17.3 yards per catch while finishing second on the team in receiving yards (621). While Gabriel played well as a rookie, he’s not someone you want to invest a roster spot on.

[FIFTH] Fourth-year pro TRAVIS BENJAMIN actually led the Browns in touchdown receptions last season with three, which is underwhelming to say the least. He’ll look to hold off VINCE MAYLE , a fourth-round pick with good size (6-foot-2, 224 pounds) and strength but limited speed. Nothing to see here.

JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] In 2013, Jordan Cameron caught

80 passes for 917 yards and seven touchdowns.

GARY BARNIDGE’s totals in six full seasons: 44-

603-3. While he hasn’t been a volume receiver, he has been a reliable one, catching 32 consecutive targeted passes dating back to 2012 (the best streak among NFL tight ends). Barnidge should see more opportunities this season, though not enough to warrant fantasy consideration.

[BACKUP] Newcomer ROB HOUSLER figures to be the designated pass catcher at the position. He logged 84 receptions in 2012-13 with the Cardinals before turning invisible last season (9-129-0). JIM DRAY, another player with Arizona ties, and RANDALL TELFER, a sixth-round pick from USC, are also on roster. Of this group, only Housler is worth paying attention to.

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS [KICKER] Cleveland waived Billy Cundiff late last year and cut Garrett Hartley, who was signed to replace him, this offseason. They’ll enter camp with CAREY SPEAR and TRAVIS COONS com-

MOCK DRAFT PICK (p.76) 84 88 168 179 213

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

(824)—both of which were career highs—in his first year with the club. He offers good quickness out of the slot and can make plays after the catch. Like Hartline, however, he struggles to reach the end zone. We may have seen Hawkins’ statistical ceiling in 2014.

POSITION RANK (p.31) 33 37 58 57 72

BENGALS 49ERS @SEAHAWKS @CHIEFS STEELERS

peting for the job. Neither has played in a regularseason game, though both got a taste of NFL life last August. Given that Cleveland kickers totaled only 105 points last year, there’s no compelling reason to monitor the competition.

[RETURNERS] TRAVIS BENJAMIN returned a combined 27 punts and kickoffs last season, most on the team, but he was mediocre in both roles. TAYLOR GABRIEL and JORDAN POYER saw action on a limited basis and failed to distinguish themselves. Look for the Browns to try all three (and perhaps more) this preseason in hopes of jump starting a stagnant return game.

JJ DEFENSE Cleveland’s defense is loaded with highly touted selections—12th overall pick Danny Shelton is the fifth first-rounder expected to be on the team’s 53-man roster—but that hasn’t translated into sustained success. A year ago they adopted the bend but don’t break philosophy, finishing 23rd in total defense but ninth in scoring (21.1 points per game). Their pass rush was M.I.A., recording 31 sacks (27th in the NFL); 11 of which came from Paul Kruger. They did well in the turnover department, tying for fourth with an impressive 29 takeaways. With multiple incoming rookies and veteran Tramon Williams added in free agency, the Browns defense should be even deeper and more talented than a year ago. They’re a matchup play with upside. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] A forgotten man in Miami, BRIAN HARTLINE has a chance to re-establish himself as the player that averaged a 75-1,050-2.5 line from 2012-13. There isn’t a lot of flash to Hartline’s game, but his career average of 14.2 yards per catch suggests he’s more than a pure possession receiver. Don’t write him off.

[SUPER SLEEPER] ROB HOUSLER is another player that did next to nothing in 2014 after being a productive option in previous seasons. Housler’s decline wasn’t nearly as extreme as Hartline’s, but the 6-foot-5, 250-pounder has more to offer than his nine-catch output implies. While Housler might sit behind Gary Barnidge on the depth chart, he’s the one with the upside.

NFFC POINTS (p.83) 135 122 69 131 105

STD. POINTS SCORING (p.84) 129 91 64 81 71

AUCTION $ VALUE (p.82) 6 3 1 2 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

A_C_teams_pkedits.indd 16

103

6/22/15 1:55 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

DALLAS COWBOYS Matt Wilson

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] Entering 2014 as a lame duck, JASON GARRETT saved his job by leading

the Cowboys to their first division title, playoff berth and postseason victory since 2009. General manager and owner Jerry Jones rewarded Garrett with a five-year, $30 million extension. Returning for a fifth full season, Garrett owns a 41-31 regular-season record and a 1-1 playoff mark. The 49-year-old operates as a “caretaker” on game days, letting his coordinators handle the schematic responsibilities.

nance of their rushing attack, the 35-year-old gunslinger is still good enough to operate as a high-volume passer. Consider Romo a borderline top-10 fantasy quarterback that would be an excellent reserve. [SECOND] Thirty-one-year-old BRANDON WEEDEN played poorly in his lone start,

Wisely ending the awkward partnership between offensive coordinator Bill Callahan and play-caller Scott Linehan, the Cowboys inked Linehan to a three-year deal to replace Callahan. Veteran defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli deserves huge credit for turning an awful defense into a competent 4-3 unit. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] The Dallas offense operated with

a run-first mentality whenever possible, which explains why TONY ROMO’s 435 attempts and 3,705 passing yards were both four-year lows. Romo was very efficient, however, amassing 34 scoring strikes (his best total since 2007) and a career-high 69.9 completion percentage. His 2015 fantasy prospects look intriguing. If the Cowboys can’t duplicate the domi-

looking about the same as he did during his tenure with the Browns—the numbers from that outing (18-for-33, 183 yards, two picks and a touchdown) look respectable only due to junk-time padding. Nevertheless, Dallas seems content to use Weeden as an insurance policy for Romo again. If Romo goes down, fantasy owners can’t trust Weeden.

TONY ROMO

[THIRD] Neither DUSTIN VAUGHAN nor JAMEILL SHOWERS is good enough to put any

heat on Weeden. Vaughan was a regular inactive during his 2014 rookie season. The West Texas A&M product completed 51.2 percent of his throws in limited preseason appearances. Showers is an undrafted free agent out of UTEP who is best known for being beaten out by Johnny Manziel the year Manziel won the Heisman. JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] Unless Dallas pulls off a major preseason trade, DARREN MCFADDEN is penciled in as the lead back in a presumed committee. McFadden disappointed with the Raiders once again in 2014, compiling a 155-534-2 rushing line (3.4 YPC) to go along with 36 receptions for 212 yards. Heading into his eighth season, McFadden no longer has home-run speed and has also missed 29 games in seven years. Even though he’ll run behind a stellar offensive line, McFadden’s workload and durability worries make the 28-year-old an unreliable No. 3 fantasy back. [BACKUP] JOSEPH RANDLE’s skill set isn’t as impressive as Murray’s, but some think he’ll emerge as Dallas’ top ball carrier. Listed at 6-foot, 210 pounds, Randle averaged an eye-opening 6.7 yards per carry in limited action (51-343-3) this past season. Extremely injury-prone RYAN WILLIAMS spent 2014 on the Cowboys’ practice

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

ollowing three consecutive 8-8 finishes, the Cowboys finally got over the mediocrity hump. Powered by a franchise-best 1,845yard rushing performance from NFL Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray, Dallas topped the NFC East with a 12-4 record and made the playoffs for the first time since 2009. A 24-20 Wild Card round triumph over the Lions was their first in five years, too. The surprising feel-good story ended in Green Bay the following week, however, with a 26-21 loss to the Packers that’ll be long remembered by Cowboys fans for Dez Bryant’s overturned catch. With 2015 expectations arguably at their highest point since the Troy Aikman days, GM Jerry Jones opened up the checkbook this offseason. Free-agent Greg Hardy should energize an anemic pass rush after he serves a lengthy suspension, and rookie free-agent La’El Collins is a luxury for an already impressive offensive line. Jones also franchised Dez Bryant and re-signed Cole Beasley and Rolando McClain. Drafting with an emphasis on athleticism, Dallas expects top rookie selections Byron Jones and Randy Gregory to contribute immediately. The key to their 2014 success was a potent rushing attack. Replacing Murray (Eagles) with a presumed Darren McFadden/Joseph Randle-led committee is a huge downgrade. Unlikely to be able to play “keepaway” and dominate with its ground game again, a slide back toward mediocrity looks possible in “Big D.”

104 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 1

6/22/15 2:10 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

NY GIANTS @EAGLES FALCONS @SAINTS PATRIOTS BYE WEEK

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11

8:30 PM 4:25 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM 4:25 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

squad. Even though the team insists Williams is in the backfield mix, he seems like a long shot to contribute. As such, Randle holds value as your third or fourth fantasy runner, while Williams is best left undrafted. [THIRD] Passing-down back LANCE DUNBAR has some nice speed, but the 5-foot-8,

195-pounder is the least likely choice to handle heavy early-down rushing workloads in the event of a McFadden injury. Dunbar carried 29 times for 99 yards last year and caught 18 passes for 217. He should absorb some of DeMarco Murray’s 57 grabs from 2014, but Dunbar’s value is only as a late-round flier in point-per-reception leagues. JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[STARTER] DEZ BRYANT is Dallas’ top receiv-

ing threat and the featured target in Linehan’s scheme. Even though Romo threw less often last year, Bryant still led the NFL with 16 touchdown grabs to go along with 1,320 yards on 88 receptions. It’s the third straight year he has topped 85 catches and 1,200 yards with at least 12 scores. His combination of speed, athleticism and strength is elite, but unhappiness over being franchised has the mercurial wideout’s camp talking about sitting out games. That adds some potential risk to selecting Bryant, who’s otherwise a surefire top-five fantasy wideout.. [STARTER] Although TERRANCE WILLIAMS made some key grabs (eight touchdowns) in his first season as a full-time starter, it’s debatable whether Williams will ever surpass secondary status in this typically low-volume aerial attack. Despite drawing a lot of single coverage, Williams compiled just 37 catches. His separation skills look suspect, and the third-year wideout lost out on some targets to on-the-rise Cole Beasley. View Williams as a touchdown-dependent No. 5 fantasy wideout. [THIRD] Don’t obsess over slot guy COLE BEASLEY’s paltry 37-420-4 line. There is more to his

story. Establishing some chemistry with Romo during the last six weeks of the regular season, Beasley compiled 21 catches, 277 receiving yards and all four of his scoring grabs in that timeframe. The quick-footed wideout usually works underneath, and an uptick in his production is very

WR RB QB TE RB WR

DEZ BRYANT JOSEPH RANDLE TONY ROMO JASON WITTEN DARREN MCFADDEN TERRANCE WILLIAMS

@NY GIANTS SEAHAWKS EAGLES @BUCCANEERS @DOLPHINS PANTHERS

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 THU, NOV 26

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

4:25 PM 4:25 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:30 PM

[FOURTH] DEVIN STREET was active for all

16 regular-season games during his 2014 rookie campaign. However, Street’s only production— two catches for 18 yards—came in Week 1. The Cowboys like his size (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) and ability to attack the ball, but Street lacks deep speed. They’d consider him on the outside if Bryant or Williams is cut down by injury, but Street wouldn’t deserve fantasy consideration.

[FIFTH] Neither CHRIS BOYD nor REGGIE DUNN has ever caught a regular-season pass.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Boyd has very good size and hands but mediocre speed. Meanwhile, Dunn owns blazing jets, but he’s small (5-foot-9, 178 pounds) and has very limited pass-catching experience. Former first-round pick A.J. JENKINS was signed, though he’s a long shot to stick. Nothing to see here. JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] Entering his 13th season, JASON WITTEN is slowing down. He caught a respectable five touchdown passes, but Witten’s 64 receptions and 703 yards were both eight-year lows. He saw fewer targets because of less throwing by Romo and increased blocking duties. That being said, Witten still has enough gas in the tank to function as a useful all-purpose tight end. If the Cowboys throw more than expected, Romo won’t hesitate to look for his second-favorite target. Witten is a low-end No. 1 tight end. step forward that some anticipated. Dallas simply doesn’t seem interested in expanding his tiny redzone role. Four of Escobar’s nine receptions went for touchdowns, and six of his 18 career catches have resulted in scores. The talented Escobar is considered the complete package, but the thirdyear pro’s duties and fantasy value remain minimal as long as Witten is healthy. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

[KICKER] Thanks to topping the NFL with 56 PATs, DAN BAILEY racked up 131 points and

finished eighth in scoring. In Bailey’s first four seasons, he has compiled 130-plus points three

POSITION RANK (P.31) 2 43 8 10 32 51

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 8 58 77 107 121 131

MON, DEC 7 SUN, DEC 13 SAT, DEC 19 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

8:30 PM 4:25 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

likely. That gives Beasley some sneaky late-round value in point-per-reception formats.

[BACKUP] GAVIN ESCOBAR didn’t take the

@WASHINGTON @PACKERS NY JETS @BILLS WASHINGTON

times and amassed an impressive 89.8 percent conversion rate (114 of 127) on field goals. Although Bailey isn’t known for having a bazooka leg, he has nailed 16 of 23 career attempts from 50-plus yards. Bailey is a starting fantasy kicker. [RETURNERS] Dallas will use the preseason to find a replacement(s) for departed returner Dwayne Harris (Giants). LANCE DUNBAR has three years of part-time experience, and COLE BEASLEY is an early candidate for the punt returner gig. Undrafted rookie freeagent LUCKY WHITEHEAD, who excelled as a return man for Florida Atlantic, is in the mix for both jobs as well.

JJ DEFENSE What was widely regarded as a talent-deficient unit surprisingly improved from dead last to 19th overall and jumped from 26th to 15th in points allowed (22 points per contest). The Cowboys also finished an impressive second in takeaways with 18 interceptions and 13 recovered fumbles. They placed just 28th in sacks, however, amassing only 28 quarterback takedowns. Dallas should improve in that area. Newly signed Greg Hardy will provide some desperately needed pass-rushing help following his suspension, and tackling machine Sean Lee returns after missing 2014 with a torn ACL. Dallas isn’t worth drafting, but this ball-hawking unit has sleeper potential when Hardy returns. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] JOSEPH RANDLE is the Dallas ball carrier to watch. After struggling during his rookie season, Randle performed very well in limited duty last year. With only injury-prone Darren McFadden as legitimate competition, Randle could emerge as the No. 1 back in a runheavy scheme that features perhaps the NFL’s best offensive line. [SUPER SLEEPER] After making several clutch receptions late in 2014, COLE BEASLEY has been drawing comparisons to Julian Edelman. If you project Beasley’s work during his final six games (21-277-4) over a full season, you get 56 receptions for 739 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those aren’t quite Edelman numbers, but Beasley could surprise if Dallas throws more in 2015.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 327 113 396 155 138 152

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 233 93 289 93 108 111

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 55 2 17 4 6 2

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 2

105

6/22/15 2:11 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

DENVER BRONCOS Matt Wilson

[SECOND] Fourth-year pro BROCK OSWEILER was again limited to mop-up duty in 2014,

going 4-for-10 for 52 yards and a touchdown— the first scoring pass of his career. Listed at 6-foot-8, 240 pounds, Osweiler is a pocket

JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] PEYTON MANNING passed for 4,727 yards and 39 touchdowns against 15 interceptions in 2014, which are vintage Manning numbers. Fantasy owners, however, only seem to remember an injured Manning (quadriceps tear) struggling badly during the final month of the regular season. The 39-year-old has lost some zip on his fastball, and he’s expected to throw less in a more balanced attack.

passer with a powerful arm but very limited mobility. On the off chance he’s actually pressed into starting duty, Osweiler is too inexperienced to trust in fantasy lineups. [THIRD] A pair of seventh-round picks, ZAC DYSERT (2013) and TREVOR SIEMIAN (2015),

will compete for the No. 3 gig. Dysert spent all of

JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] Unheralded and undrafted, C.J. ANDERSON took over as Denver’s top back in

November because of injuries and ineffective play from former high-round picks Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman. The Cal product dominated as a three-down workhorse, posting 849 yards and eight scores on 179 carries along with a 34-324-2 line as a pass catcher— he averaged 132.1 total yards and 1.3 touchdowns per contest from Weeks 10-17. Kubiak prefers to lean on a featured runner, and the compact-but-powerful Anderson has the skill set to succeed in Kubiak’s system. Draft him as a solid No. 1 fantasy back.

[BACKUP] An appendectomy in early August put MONTEE BALL behind the eight ball last season, and the former second-rounder never got going. Ball looked sluggish in the team’s first three games and then sustained a nasty groin injury in Week 5 that effectively ended his season. When healthy, Ball is a good, solid runner but not an elite talent. His receiving skills and ball security remain suspect. When the preseason dust settles, Ball should emerge as Anderson’s handcuff and a standalone fourth fantasy option.

11:26:48

Offensive coordinator RICK DENNISON will help install the famous Shanahan “one-cutand-go” rushing attack, but Kubiak will be the play caller. Dennison has worked for Kubiak as an assistant since 2010. Defensive coordinator WADE PHILLIPS will oversee Denver’s switch from a 4-3 to an aggressive “one-gap” 3-4 scheme. Phillips, a former Broncos coach himself, was out of the NFL last season.

last season on the Broncos practice squad while Siemian, who threw for 5,931 yards and 27 touchdowns in four years at Northwestern, is returning from a November ACL injury.

15-06-25

1983-91 as John Elway’s backup. Kubiak also served as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Mike Shanahan from 1995-2005. During Kubiak’s eight-year run with the Houston Texans (2006-13), he compiled a 61-64 regular-season record and a 2-2 postseason mark with an underwhelming two playoff appearances and one AFC South division title.

Plus, Manning’s receiver corps looks thinner than in previous years. That being said, it’s still safe to draft a healthy-but-aging Manning as a midrange No. 1 fantasy quarterback.

DEMARYIUS THOMAS

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

[HEAD COACH] It’s a homecoming for GARY KUBIAK , who played for the Broncos from

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

JJ COACH

FFG_15_106r1.p1.p1.pdf

perating off of a “Super Bowl or bust” model for the third straight year, Denver’s 2014 championship plan was simple: Return most of the starters from a historically productive Peyton Manning-led offense, boost an already good defense by adding impact players DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward, coast through the regular season, fight through the playoffs and avenge a humiliating 43-8 loss to the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII. The Broncos rolled through the regular season, as usual, notching a 12-4 record to capture their fourth straight AFC West title, but their Super Bowl hopes died a painful death in the postseason yet again. This time it was a jaw-dropping 24-13 home loss to the Colts in the Divisional Round, which cost John Fox his job. GM John Elway spent the offseason preparing for a fourth, and perhaps final, Super Bowl run. He replaced Fox with veteran head coach Gary Kubiak and signed free agents Owen Daniels and Darian Stewart. He also franchised Demaryius Thomas and traded up to draft pass rusher Shane Ray with the 23rd overall pick. There were notable departures as well, including Julius Thomas, Terrance Knighton and Manny Ramirez. Despite the losses, Denver still has enough talent to make the postseason. With their offensive line overhaul and defensive scheme change, however, Manning’s championship window may have shut last year.

106 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 3

6/23/15 3:58 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

RAVENS @CHIEFS @LIONS VIKINGS @RAIDERS @BROWNS

SUN, SEP 13 THU, SEP 17 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

4:25 PM 8:25 PM 8:30 PM 4:25 PM 4:25 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

[THIRD] Despite missing eight games with a foot injury, speedy RONNIE HILLMAN finished as Denver’s second-leading runner. Hillman compiled 434 yards on the ground and added another 139 as a receiver. His size (5-foot-10, 195 pounds) and fumbling troubles likely limit him tobchange-of-pace duties. Duke product JUWAN THOMPSON (54-272-3 as a rookie) could be a factor as well, though Hillman is the one to watch.

JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] Superstar DEMARYIUS THOMAS remains Manning’s top target. Thomas racked up 111 receptions for 1,619 yards last season—both career highs and good for second-best in the NFL—to go along with 11 touchdowns. With his impressive size and blazing speed, Thomas is the complete package and a matchup nightmare for opposing secondaries. He’ll operate as the featured “X” receiver in Kubiak’s offense, which means Thomas should be peppered with targets week in and week out. Even though the Broncos will throw less often in 2015, Thomas remains an elite fantasy receiver. [STARTER] Fantasy owners should be careful not to overvalue EMMANUEL SANDERS. He’s coming off his best season by far with 101 catches, 1,419 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, but a regression is likely with Denver switching to a more balanced offense with Thomas as the featured wideout. On the other hand, the team lacks a proven third receiver and dominant tight ends, so the slippery quick Sanders’ production shouldn’t completely fall off a cliff, either. Draft him as a solid No. 2 wideout. [THIRD] Despite doing nothing as a rookie (2-23-0 in eight games), CODY LATIMER is

expected to get the nod in Wes Welker’s old spot. The 6-foot-2, 215 pounder has blazing speed and Velcro hands, but he still needs to earn Manning’s trust. It’s hard to envision Latimer amassing consistent production, but he’s only an injury away from fantasy relevance. Latimer is worth carrying as your fifth option based on his upside.

WR RB WR QB WR TE RB

DEMARYIUS THOMAS C.J. ANDERSON EMMANUEL SANDERS PEYTON MANNING CODY LATIMER OWEN DANIELS MONTEE BALL

BYE WEEK PACKERS @COLTS CHIEFS @BEARS PATRIOTS

SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

8:30 PM 4:25 PM 4:25 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM

[FIFTH] Seventh-year pro JORDAN NORWOOD sat out last season because of a torn

ACL and hasn’t played a down since 2012. Speedy ISAIAH BURSE was active for 12 games as a rookie last year but didn’t catch any passes. BENNIE FOWLER, a 2014 undrafted free agent, spent his first season on the practice squad. There’s nobody here worth monitoring. JJ TIGHT END [Starter] Veteran OWEN DANIELS will start the season as the top option in Denver’s multipletight end arrangement. The Wisconsin product has played in Kubiak’s scheme throughout his career, and Manning loves to throw to his tight ends—especially in the red zone. On the downside, Daniels, who turns 33 in November, has been playing through nagging injuries for the last several years. Multiple knee surgeries have also taken a toll on his quickness. Draft Daniels as a solid fantasy reserve. [BACKUP] Denver plans to give longtime blocking specialist VIRGIL GREEN a lot more opportunities as a pass catcher. With his 6-foot-5, 255-pound frame and plus speed, the freakishly athletic Green has the look of a big wideout. The fifth-year pro flashed his soft hands, amassing a 3-46-1 line during a Week 17 triumph over the Raiders. Although Green isn’t worth drafting, he’s worth keeping tabs on in the event the aging Daniels misses time with an injury.

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 4 25 31 83 136 157 161

4:05 PM 4:05 PM 4:25 PM 8:30 PM 4:25 PM

has nailed 37 of his last 44 attempts from 40 yards or more (including 9-for-13 on 50-plus). With a good offense backing him up, Barth is a strong fantasy kicker. [RETURNERS] As many as six players, including receivers ISAIAH BURSE and SOLOMON PATTON , are vying for the punt returner job. Denver hasn’t finished higher than 18th in punt yards per return since 2011. OMAR BOLDEN and ANDRE CALDWELL are expected to handle the kickoff duties. The Broncos have placed in the top 10 in kickoff yards per return two years in a row.

JJ DEFENSE Denver’s souped-up defense held teams in check (third in total defense overall) but still gave up plenty of points (22.1 per game; tied for 16th) last season. Led by Von Miller (14 sacks) and DeMarcus Ware (10), the Broncos finished ninth (tie) in sacks with 41. In the forced turnover department, they placed 14th with 25 takeaways (18 picks and seven recovered fumbles). Despite the return of eight starters and new coordinator Wade Phillips’ proven expertise, the switch to a 3-4 will hit some rough patches—especially early in the season. There is plenty of talent here, however, which makes Denver a solid starting unit. JJ WAKE UP CALL

[SLEEPER] CODY LATIMER finally gets an

expanded role, but it may be happening a year too late. A more balanced Broncos offense won’t generate enough aerial strikes to provide consistent production for three wideouts. Despite his talent, it may take an injury to Demaryius Thomas or Emmanuel Sanders for Latimer to be fantasy relevant.

[SUPER SLEEPER] Physical specimen VIRGIL GREEN could finally get his chance.

as Denver’s kicker in late November and delivered. Barth connected on 15 of his 16 field goal attempts (93.8 percent)—well above his lifetime mark of 85.3 percent. Known for his strong, accurate leg, “Barth Vader”

POSITION RANK (P.31) 3 7 13 3 55 20 51

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 MON, DEC 28 SUN, JAN 3

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

[FOURTH] Denver keeps ANDRE CALDWELL in the fold for veteran depth and special-teams needs. Caldwell has failed to impress in any meaningful way during three seasons in the Mile High City, amassing a grand total of 22 receptions, 265 yards and three touchdowns in 40 games. He has no fantasy appeal.

[KICKER] After missing all of 2013 with an Achilles’ tear, CONNOR BARTH took over

@CHARGERS RAIDERS @STEELERS BENGALS CHARGERS

With Julius Thomas and Jacob Tamme gone, an injury to aging Owen Daniels would thrust Green into a larger role. When Green came out of Nevada, he was considered a very good pass catcher. If Green turns it on, he could steal Daniels’ job.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 317 263 244 449 140 114 86

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 221 223 164 326 85 71 65

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 53 39 28 36 2 1 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 4

107

6/22/15 2:12 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

DETROIT LIONS Herija C. Green

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] If you throw out his

disastrous 2-14 campaign in 2011 when the Colts played the entire season without Peyton Manning, JIM CALDWELL’s career mark as a coach is 35-13 with three playoff appearances. Regardless of how much credit/blame you assign him from his time in Indianapolis, there’s little doubt his steady demeanor was just what the Lions needed after five years of the fiery Jim Schwartz. He definitely built up some goodwill in Year 1. After finishing no lower than sixth in total offense the previous three years, Joe Lombardi oversaw a 19th-place showing in his first season as coordinator. They’ll need better. Teryl Austin’s first year as defensive coordinator was a smashing success, but he’ll have fewer parts to work with this time around. JJ QUARTERBACK [STARTER] First, the good news. After turning the ball over 23 times in 2013, MATTHEW STAFFORD sliced that number to a much more palatable 15 last year. The bad news, however, was that all his other numbers suffered. His yardage fell for the third straight year, his touchdowns dipped from 29 to 22

and he was sacked a career-high 45 times. The Lions hope an improved ground game will alleviate some of that pressure, but the fact is the former No. 1 overall pick’s numbers have been trending the wrong way for years now. Stafford is a strong fantasy reserve.

[SECOND] It has been four years since Stafford missed a game, effectively shedding the “Matty Ice Pack” moniker in the process. DAN ORLOVSKY is the man on standby if that run of good health is ended. The 32-year-old has 10 seasons and a dozen starts under his belt, and he should be able to manage the offense in Stafford’s absence. That said; look for Orlovsky to be pushed in training camp.

CALVIN JOHNSON

[THIRD] KELLEN MOORE outplayed Orlovsky in the preseason last year, but Caldwell was familiar with Orlovsky from their days in Indy and valued the veteran’s experience. All bets are off this year, however, and after three seasons with the Lions the Boise State product has a legitimate shot to be Stafford’s top backup in Week 1.

JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] If you need a yard, JOIQUE BELL will get you three. If you need five, he’ll get you three. While that’s an exaggeration—he has averaged 4.1 yards on 471 carries in his career— there’s no question Bell is better suited to tough, physical running than shiftiness in the open field. He’s also effective as a receiver, averaging more than 46 catches per season during his time with the Lions. Odds are Bell will log fewer touches this year, but he should still carry value as a borderline No. 2 or 3 fantasy back. [BACKUP] The 54th overall pick, AMEER ABDULLAH figures to step into the role

created by the release of Reggie Bush. The Nebraska product has some of the same strengths (great agility, good speed) and weaknesses (questionable durability, a bit undersized) as Bush, but he’s younger and cheaper. If he can

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

n Jim Schwartz’s five seasons in charge, the Lions posted one winning record and were known as an undisciplined group. The poster boy for that was Ndamukong Suh. Whether it was the arrival of Jim Caldwell or Suh’s own impending free agency (or a bit of both), the talented defensive tackle toned down the shenanigans and enjoyed arguably his best year. The result was the league’s second-rated defense, the franchise’s best record (11-5) since 1991 and a Week 17 showdown at Lambeau Field for the NFC North. Tied midway through the third, the Lions eventually lost, 30-20, and ended up the sixth seed. Detroit went to Dallas and jumped out to an early 14-point lead but couldn’t seem to recover after a controversial non-call went against them. They fell, 24-20. Easily the biggest move of the offseason was the departure of Suh, considered by some to be the top defensive free agent since Reggie White, to Miami. Also gone from the d-line are George Johnson, traded to Tampa Bay, and Nick Fairley, who signed in St. Louis. It wasn’t all losses along the defensive front, though, as the team acquired Haloti Ngata from Baltimore. GM Martin Mayhew also looked to inject some life into a dormant run game with the selection of guard Laken Tomlinson and halfback Ameer Abdullah with their first- and second-round picks. Given their losses defensively it may be tough for Detroit to match last year’s success, but they shouldn’t be written off, either.

108 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 5

6/22/15 2:12 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@CHARGERS @VIKINGS BRONCOS @SEAHAWKS CARDINALS BEARS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 MON, OCT 5 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

4:05 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM 8:30 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

stay healthy there’s a lot to like about Abdullah, who carries the most upside of Detroit’s running backs. Pick him as your fourth option and hope he outperforms that slot. [THIRD] Although THEO RIDDICK seemed

to make some big plays, his final numbers (367 combined yards, four touchdowns) hardly jump off the page. He’s shown little as a runner thus far, but his skills as a pass catcher are undeniable; only Calvin Johnson had more receiving touchdowns last season. Look for Riddick to be more involved in passing situations this year, which gives him some appeal in point-perreception leagues. JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] Dogged by an ankle injury, CALVIN JOHNSON finished 31st in receptions (71) and 16th in receiving yards (1,077) last year. That’s not the kind of production fantasy owners were looking for when they spent an early-round pick on Megatron. The question is how much of that should be blamed on the injury, and how much on Detroit’s willingness to let Johnson serve as a decoy? Whatever the case, there are suddenly concerns about a player whose credentials were previously airtight. Despite that, Johnson remains a top-10 fantasy wideout with elite upside. [STARTER] GOLDEN TATE was an excellent addition last season, providing the Lions with the complement to Johnson they’d been seeking for years. Freed from Seattle’s ground-andpound attack, Tate shattered his previous career bests with 99 receptions for 1,331 yards—both of which ranked in the NFL’s top 10. His smallish stature (5-foot-10, 195 pounds) cost him in the red zone, however, with only two touchdowns coming from inside the 20. As such, he’s a weak No. 2 or strong No. 3 fantasy receiver. [THIRD] With no other receiver catching more

than 24 balls last year, the Lions are hoping veteran LANCE MOORE still has something left. If his play with Pittsburgh is any indication, the answer is “no.” Moore managed a feeble 14-198-2 line in 14 games, and at 32 he’s no lock to even make the club. Despite all that,

WR RB WR RB QB

CALVIN JOHNSON JOIQUE BELL GOLDEN TATE AMEER ABDULLAH MATTHEW STAFFORD

VIKINGS @CHIEFS BYE WEEK @PACKERS RAIDERS EAGLES

SUN, OCT 25 1:00 PM SUN, NOV 1 9:30 AM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

SUN, NOV 15 1:00 PM SUN, NOV 22 1:00 PM THU, NOV 26 12:30 PM

[FOURTH] JEREMY ROSS’ primary contributions come in the return game where he racked up a combined 868 yards on punts and kickoffs in 2014. He began seeing more action on offense as well, but his 314 receiving yards don’t move the needle. Unless your league awards return yardage, Ross is a non-factor. [FIFTH] There’s little clarity after Johnson and Tate, so the likes of COREY FULLER, T.J. JONES and RYAN BROYLES could ascend the depth chart. Fuller, who was active for all 16 games last year, does his best work from the slot, whereas Jones is a possession type. Broyles was a second-round pick in 2012, but injuries have made him an afterthought in Motown.

JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] It didn’t take long for ERIC EBRON to take over as the starting tight end

last season, though his production in the role (15 catches, 145 yards, no touchdowns in seven starts) was minimal. Needless to say, the Lions could use another downfield threat, and Ebron’s combination of size and speed makes him the ideal choice. If you carry two tight ends on your roster, Ebron’s upside makes him an enticing reserve option.

[BACKUP] While many thought BRANDON PETTIGREW had played his last snap in De-

troit, it’s almost a certainty he’ll return after his 2015 salary became fully guaranteed. Fantasy owners shouldn’t care, however, as the former first-round pick has seen his involvement in the offense tumble off a cliff, going from an 83-7775 line in 2011 all the way down to 10 catches for 70 yards last year. Steer clear. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

year (21-for-26 on field goal attempts), but he was dramatically better than Alex Henery and Nate Freese, who combined to convert just four of their 12 attempts before Prater arrived on the scene. It was the culmination of

POSITION RANK (P.31) 4 24 21 39 11

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 27 63 65 74 75

THU, DEC 3 SUN, DEC 13 MON, DEC 21 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

8:25 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

his connection to Joe Lombardi from their time in the Big Easy means you can’t write him off completely.

[KICKER] MATT PRATER wasn’t great last

PACKERS @RAMS @SAINTS 49ERS @BEARS

a trying time for Prater, which included a fourgame suspension and a stint in rehab. If he has things straightened out he could be a midrange starting kicker. [RETURNERS] After some dynamic moments in 2013, JEREMY ROSS looked more like the player the Packers released a season ago. His averages on both punt and kickoff returns dropped precipitously, his long was a pedestrian 41 yards and he fumbled three times. While Ross has shown he’s capable of explosive plays, he needs to perform with more consistency.

JJ DEFENSE Led by Ndamukong Suh (13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks) along the front and Glover Quin (NFLbest seven interceptions) on the back end, the Lions finished second in both total and scoring defense, eighth in sacks (42) and tied for eighth in takeaways (27). Of course, with Suh taking his talents to South Beach this group becomes riddled with question marks—can Haloti Ngata make up for Suh’s loss? How good is the secondary without a dominant front four to speed up opposing quarterbacks? Can Stephen Tulloch celebrate a sack without severely injuring himself? That’s a lot of uncertainty, and it’s why the Lions enter 2015 no better than a borderline top-10 fantasy defense. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] With the selection of Ameer Abdullah, THEO RIDDICK slides down the depth chart and into fantasy obscurity. Right? Well, perhaps not. The Notre Dame alum is the best receiver out of the backfield, and both Joique Bell and Abdullah bring durability concerns to the table. There are worse draft-andstash options out there. [SUPER SLEEPER] That LANCE MOORE is the third-most accomplished pass catcher on Detroit’s roster is partially an indictment of the talent behind Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate, but it’s also a reminder that Moore had 1,041 receiving yards in 2012. Detroit would certainly prefer Eric Ebron or someone younger to step up, but if Moore has anything left he could surprise.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 296 159 199 119 377

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 214 129 125 98 275

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 51 11 15 2 12

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 6

109

6/22/15 2:13 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

GREEN BAY PACKERS Herija C. Green

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] After years of battling astronomical injury numbers, MIKE MCCARTHY finally enjoyed a season of largely

excellent health from his team. The result was 12 wins (his fifth double-digit effort in six years), a sixth straight playoff appearance and fourth consecutive division crown. As great as those accomplishments are, they come with an asterisk after the meltdown in Seattle dropped him to 7-6 in the postseason, including 1-2 in NFC Championship Games.

two seasons with Rodgers, including a lateseason calf strain that hampered him from Week 16 on. He has also been stymied by some of the league’s elite defenses. Still, he’s the top fantasy quarterback. [BACKUP] SCOTT TOLZIEN is set to become the No. 2 photobomber after Green Bay elect-

Perhaps the most significant bit of fallout from that loss was McCarthy turning over playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Tom Clements, who’s in his fourth year in the role. Dom Capers, seemingly always on the hot seat, returns for a seventh season leading the team’s 3-4 defense. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] What’s left to write about AARON RODGERS? The 31-year-old collected

his second MVP trophy this past season after throwing for 4,381 yards and 38 touchdowns with a measly five interceptions in 520 attempts. His decision making, accuracy and ability to extend plays are incomparable, and he’s not afraid to tuck the ball and run when necessary. Injuries have been a factor the past

ed not to bring back Matt Flynn. He flashed potential in 2013 and outplayed Flynn last preseason, but the team valued the veteran’s experience. Tolzien has added strength and agility while revamping his delivery. Both the Packers and fantasy owners hope he won’t be needed, but Tolzien is worth watching if he is. [THIRD] For just the second time in seven

years, the Packers drafted a quarterback. In

AARON RODGERS

fact, they even traded up in the fifth round to grab BRETT HUNDLEY. He has great size (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) and athleticism, and he produced big numbers at UCLA. Hundley is raw, though, and figures to be a long-term project rather than an immediate challenger to Tolzien. JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] Slow out of the gates in 2014, EDDIE LACY picked up the pace as the weather turned, averaging 116 yards per game and scoring nine times in the final eight games— he managed just 79.6 per contest and four scores in the first eight. The bruising tailback is tough to bring down thanks to his power and leg drive. Lacy is also deceptively agile in the open field, a trait that works against him when he dances too much. His growth as a blocker and receiver make him a top fantasy back. [BACKUP] JAMES STARKS wasn’t nearly as explosive last year as he was in 2013, and his yards-per-touch average dropped from 5.9 to 4.6 despite almost identical usage (99 touches in ‘13, 103 in ‘14). Green Bay is still happy to have him, given his experience and competitiveness on the field. Starks holds minimal standalone value entering this season, but he has legitimate appeal as a handcuff for Lacy owners.

Morris Fostoff

hile it’s the nature of the National Football League that 31 teams fall short of the ultimate goal each year, perhaps no one endured a tougher end to last season than Green Bay. After toppling Detroit in Week 17 to finish 12-4, claiming the NFC North banner and a No. 2 seed, the Packers ousted Dallas, 26-21, behind the inspired play of an injured Aaron Rodgers. That earned them a trip to Seattle with a spot in Super Bowl XLIX on the line. For most of the game the Packers dominated the defending champs, owning a 19-7 lead and possession of the ball with five minutes left. What followed was one of most improbable collapses in league annals, and when the dust settled the Seahawks were once again NFC Champions with a 28-22 overtime triumph. Much of Green Bay’s offseason has been about simply turning the page, though the team bade farewell to several long-time Packers, including A.J. Hawk (released), Davon House and Tramon Williams. And while GM Ted Thompson passed on signing anyone of note from outside the organization, he did re-sign his top two targets, Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga, along with wide bodies Letroy Guion and B.J. Raji, who missed 2014 with a torn biceps. The draft brought reinforcements, most notably in the secondary where the team used its top two picks on Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins. This is a loaded squad with Super Bowl aspirations. Is this the year they get over the hump?

110 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 7

6/22/15 2:13 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@BEARS SEAHAWKS CHIEFS @49ERS RAMS CHARGERS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 MON, SEP 28 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

1:00 PM 8:30 PM 8:30 PM 4:25 PM 1:00 PM 4:25 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

a no brainer for Ted Thompson. Coming off an injury-marred 2013, Cobb took a while to get going. He topped 60 receiving yards just once in his first six contests before collecting 1,134 yards over his next 12, including the playoffs. Cobb’s athleticism and toughness from the slot make him a tough cover for nickel backs, and he’s among the NFL’s best after the catch. With a nose for the end zone and a gift for making things happen when plays break down, Cobb is a borderline top-10 wideout on draft day.

RB QB WR WR WR PK

EDDIE LACY AARON RODGERS RANDALL COBB JORDY NELSON DAVANTE ADAMS MASON CROSBY

[FOURTH] TY MONTGOMERY, the team’s

third-round pick, was characterized by one of their scouts as a bigger version of Cobb. That’s high praise for the Stanford product, who has shown the ability to make big plays in the open field, whether after the catch or as a returner. Given Green Bay’s depth at the position it may be the latter where Montgomery makes his presence felt in 2015.

[FIFTH] The trio of MYLES WHITE, JARED ABBREDERIS and JEFF JANIS are likely com-

peting for one or two spots. Abbrederis showed some juice as a return man and slot receiver before blowing out his knee, while White spent 2014 on the practice squad. Physically, Janis’ size and speed portends serious potential—enough that the team carried him on the 53-man roster all year despite only activating him three times. He’s someone to keep an eye on. JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] ANDREW QUARLESS may

consider himself a “top echelon” tight end, but years of marginal production suggest otherwise. To be fair, he’s coming off his best season, showing consistency as a blocker and some flash as a receiver. While Quarless has value, he rates as the weakest of the starting 11 and will be pushed for his job. He’s not worth drafting. [BACKUP] Outside of a few moments, RICHARD RODGERS had a largely forgettable rook-

ie campaign. The 260-pounder played too soft as a blocker and showed little after the catch. Twelve of his 25 receptions came in the team’s final four games, though, as his soft hands and ability to find holes in coverage endeared him to his namesake. Rodgers has potential, but probably not enough to consider carrying him on your initial roster. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS [KICKER] It’s time to forget about MASON

POSITION RANK (P.31) 1 1 10 7 49 7

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 1 18 23 28 108 199

@LIONS COWBOYS @RAIDERS @CARDINALS VIKINGS

THU, DEC 3 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

8:25 PM 4:25 PM 4:05 PM 4:25 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

CROSBY ’s dismal 2012. Since that time, he has converted 69 of 79 field goal attempts (including playoffs) for a robust 87.3 percent success rate—and half his six misses a year ago were blocked. The veteran has a strong leg and has become a clutch performer. With three 130-pluspoint seasons in his last four, Crosby should be among the first kickers selected. [RETURNERS] Although not a burner, MICAH HYDE has averaged 13.6 yards per punt return

and scored three times in two seasons. Several rookies could also be factors on kickoffs, led by TY MONTGOMERY, who tallied five combined touchdowns as a returner at Stanford.

JJ DEFENSE In terms of yardage and points allowed, Green Bay’s defense was mediocre. They fared much better in creating turnovers (27; tied for eighth) and getting to the quarterback (41 sacks; tied for ninth), however, which gave them some legitimate fantasy appeal. The signing of Julius Peppers was a boon for big plays, as he logged seven sacks, tallied five combined takeaways and scored twice last season. Between him, Clay Matthews (11 sacks), Mike Daniels (5.5) and Mike Neal (4.5), the team is able to apply legitimate heat, and the emergence of safety combination Morgan Burnett and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix should mean more takeaways. As a group, the Packers defense has value as a lowend No. 1 option. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] There’s no shortage of weapons in Green Bay, but the team would love to see a tight end develop in the same vein as Jermichael Finley. While RICHARD RODGERS is no Finley, he’s got upside as someone that should see tons of single coverage—one that got more involved as the season wore on. [SUPER SLEEPER] JEFF JANIS essentially

redshirted his rookie season, being a healthy inactive 13 times, and he plays arguably the team’s deepest position. Still, the Saginaw Valley State product’s physical gifts can’t be summarily dismissed, and if he can find a way to move up the depth chart he could be a huge surprise.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 365 482 260 278 154 151

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 319 360 181 196 100 151

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 52 43 35 44 3 2

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 8

111

6/23/15 4:01 PM

11:26:48

[THIRD] Drafted in the second round last year, DAVANTE ADAMS quickly overtook Jarrett Boykin on the depth chart. He struggled to contribute consistently, however, all but disappearing for a four-game stretch after his Week 13 coming out party against New England (six receptions, 121 yards) before playing a huge role (7-117-1) in Green Bay’s playoff win over Dallas. The team expects more from

Adams, who plays strong and without fear, in Year 2, and so should you. He has appeal as your fourth or fifth option.

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

15-06-25

[STARTER] Re-signing RANDALL COBB was

8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] Even as the losses of James Jones and Greg Jennings have thinned the ranks of the Packers receiving corps, JORDY NELSON still can’t be stopped. His consistency and workmanlike approach make it easy to overlook him at a position where many of the top players are known for their brashness. Nelson is dangerous anywhere on the field, able to work underneath or deep with eight catches of more than 40 yards last year (second only to Washington’s DeSean Jackson). He has averaged a 75-1,210-11 line the past four seasons and is firmly entrenched as a high-end No. 1 fantasy receiver.

SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 THU, NOV 26

FFG_15_111r1.p1.p1.pdf

[THIRD] It’s a free-for-all after Lacy and Starks. The team likes RAJION NEAL , who did well in camp last year and spent time on the practice squad, but he’ll face competition from undrafted free agents MALCOLM AGNEW and JOHN CROCKETT. Whoever emerges figures to have no fantasy value, barring injury. For reference, last year’s No. 3, DuJuan Harris, gained 64 yards on 16 carries.

BYE WEEK @BRONCOS @PANTHERS LIONS @VIKINGS BEARS

2015 TEAM PROFILE

HOUSTON TEXANS Jason Hoffmann

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] BILL O’BRIEN again proved

to be a master of the quick turnaround. While the circumstances of Houston’s struggles paled in comparison to the situation he inherited at Penn State, O’Brien did a similar job in getting the most out of what he had available. The players responded well to his straightforward approach, helping create a competitive and hard-working locker room culture.

routes. Mallett is the favorite to enter the season as the starter, but he’s a low-end backup for fantasy purposes. [SECOND] As with Mallett, BRIAN HOYER

played in New England during O’Brien’s tenure, and the former Browns signal-caller will battle for the starting job. Hoyer started 2014 strong, completing 60.1 percent of his throws with a 7:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio through five

O’Brien is the only head coach in the NFL that also serves as offensive coordinator, and he’s a play-caller that isn’t afraid to take risks. On defense, Romeo Crennel shaped an impressive turnaround of his own, and he did so with limited contributions from 2014’s top overall pick, Jadeveon Clowney. Crennel will plug him and several other new faces into his aggressive 3-4 scheme. JJ QUARTERBACK [STARTER] Houston acquired RYAN MALLETT prior to last season’s opener, mainly due to his familiarity with O’Brien’s system from their days in New England. Mallett was given the reins to the Texans’ offense following the team’s Bye week, but his stint lasted just two games before a torn pectoral muscle ended his campaign. Though he showed command of the offense and the ability to attack defenses deep, he only completed 54.7 percent of his passes and was erratic on shorter

starts. He was terrible in his final five games, however, with nine interceptions (against only two touchdowns) and an accuracy rate below 50 percent. With a 56.5 career completion percentage, Hoyer is more of a game manager than

ARIAN FOSTER

difference maker. If he outduels Mallett, he’d be a weak No. 2 fantasy quarterback. [THIRD] TOM SAVAGE was a raw prospect coming out of Pitt, and the fourth-round rookie showed just that in limited field action following Ryan Fitzpatrick’s season-ending injury. Savage has the size (6-foot-4, 228 pounds) and arm strength to be an intriguing fantasy prospect in time, but don’t expect that time to come this season.

JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] By now, owners know what they’re getting with ARIAN FOSTER. When he’s healthy, Foster is a workhorse that fills the stat sheet. That happened 11 times last year, and he gained 100-plus total yards in each of those games. Unfortunately, he’s also a huge risk to miss time because of injuries, and last year he didn’t suit up three times (and left two games early) with various leg ailments. Still, a final line of 1,246 rushing yards (sixth in the NFL), 327 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns are the marks of an elite producer. Consider Foster a mid-tier No. 1 fantasy back. [BACKUP] As Foster’s backup, ALFRED BLUE got extended opportunities last year.

The then-rookie had some decent outings, like a 156-yard outburst against Cleveland, but he

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

ouston entered last season with nowhere to go but up—they were a league-worst 2-14 in 2013, ending the year with 14 consecutive defeats. The Texans hovered around the .500 mark for much of 2014, the first under head coach Bill O’Brien, and though they missed the playoffs for a second straight season, wins in five of their final seven contests ensured the franchise’s third winning campaign in four years. There were also some individual highlights—DeAndre Hopkins developed into a viable go-to receiver, and J.J. Watt became a household name with his on-field dominance, which included five touchdowns, along with appearances at fictional school dances. Andre Johnson was the biggest name to depart this offseason. A key offensive cog since the franchise’s second year, Johnson became expendable after Hopkins’ emergence. The team also bid farewell to Ryan Fitzgerald, their starting quarterback much of last season, and leading tackler Kendrick Lewis. Free-agent additions included Vince Wilfork, Rahim Moore, Brian Hoyer and Cecil Shorts. The NFL Draft brought the Texans a potential long-term starter at cornerback (Kevin Johnson) and a big receiver to pair with Hopkins (Jaelen Strong). Houston made Texassized strides under O’Brien last year; if they can get consistency out of the quarterback position, a playoff berth is well within reach.

112 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 9

6/22/15 2:14 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

CHIEFS @PANTHERS BUCCANEERS @FALCONS COLTS @JAGUARS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 THU, OCT 8 SUN, OCT 18

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

averaged a paltry 3.1 yards per carry for the year and was used sparingly when Foster was healthy. He was a non-factor in the passing game, too, catching only 15 passes. Blue is a big back that may steal a goal-line look or two, but he has no standalone value and should be strictly a handcuff option for Foster owners. [THIRD] JONATHAN GRIMES and former Eagle CHRIS POLK are the frontrunners for the

final tailback spot. Grimes had his moments last year but had only 39 carries. Polk may have the inside track, as he’s a proven runner between the tackles that assumed goal-line duties from LeSean McCoy late last year. Seventh-round pick KENNY HILLIARD is a long shot to make an impact. JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[STARTER] Former first-round pick DEANDRE HOPKINS made the jump in his second season,

posting an impressive 76-1,210-6 line despite inconsistent quarterback play. He displayed the speed to out-run defenders, the strength to muscle through coverage for passes and the leaping ability to snag jump balls. Hopkins clearly passed Andre Johnson in the Texans’ receiving ranks last year, and O’Brien already considers him “one of the best in the league.” While the quarterback situation isn’t ideal, there’s upside for Hopkins as a No. 2 fantasy receiver.

[STARTER] CECIL SHORTS appeared to be on the brink of stardom after the 2012 season, when he had 979 receiving yards and seven scores, but leg injuries and poor quarterback play have limited him to only four touchdowns on 11.2 yards per catch in two seasons since. After four years in Jacksonville, Shorts will line up both inside and outside for the Texans and could be a decent low-end fantasy receiver, especially in point-perreception formats; just don’t expect anything near his 2012 production. [THIRD] Third-round pick JAELEN STRONG

is a tall receiver at 6-foot-2 with plus speed and leaping ability. He has also proven to be able to catch anything thrown his way, but there are concerns about his route-running skills and

WR RB WR RB QB QB

DEANDRE HOPKINS ARIAN FOSTER JAELEN STRONG ALFRED BLUE BRIAN HOYER RYAN MALLETT

@DOLPHINS TITANS BYE WEEK @BENGALS NY JETS SAINTS

SUN, OCT 25 1:00 PM SUN, NOV 1 1:00 PM MON, NOV 16 8:30 PM SUN, NOV 22 1:00 PM SUN, NOV 29 1:00 PM

initial quickness. In time, Strong should be a viable outside threat opposite Hopkins, but for this season his appeal is limited to that of a late-round flier in deeper leagues. [FOURTH] DAMARIS JOHNSON handled slot duties for much of last season, but he didn’t surpass five catches or 62 yards in any contest and finished with only 31 catches for 331 yards. At 5-foot-8, 175 pounds, Johnson is too small to be reliable outside the numbers, and with Shorts and Strong on board, he’s merely depth for the Texans. There’s no fantasy value here. [FIFTH] Longtime former Titan NATE WASHINGTON adds a veteran presence to the receiving

corps, albeit one that looks to be on his last legs— he caught 40 passes last season and has little upside. KESHAWN MARTIN’s role was drastically reduced by the new regime, and minimal production as a receiver (six catches) and punt returner make him a non-factor. JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] A bit of a sleeper following a strong 2013 campaign, GARRETT GRAHAM’s injury-shortened final line of 18-197-1 last season was highly disappointing. Graham saw a slight uptick in targets once Mallet took over as starter, bringing some hope of a repeat of his production from two years ago. If that occurs he’d be worth monitoring as a No. 2 fantasy tight end, though one with limited upside. [BACKUP] C.J. FIEDOROWICZ, last year’s third-round pick, saw plenty of action as a blocker but caught only four passes all season. RYAN GRIFFIN was more active in the passing game, with 10 catches for 91 yards and a score, but he won’t see a large offensive role unless Graham is hurt. Considering J.J. Watt had more touchdown receptions (three) than Fiedorowicz and Griffin combined, neither player is worth monitoring.

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

[KICKER] Coming off a tough rookie year, RANDY BULLOCK rebounded to finish ninth in the

NFL with 130 points. The offense gave Bullock 40 extra points, and his accuracy improved from

POSITION RANK (P.31) 14 8 64 56 33 34

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 16 17 135 150

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

@BILLS PATRIOTS @COLTS @TITANS JAGUARS

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

a sub-par 74.3 percent to a more respectable 85.7 percent (30-for-35) on field goal attempts last years. Bullock benefits from kicking in climatecontrolled NRG Stadium, but uncertainty at quarterback makes him more of a matchup play. [RETURNERS] KESHAWN MARTIN was the main punt returner last year, but he averaged only 6.2 yards per chance. On kickoffs, Danieal Manning was the primary option, but with him gone DAMARIS JOHNSON, who saw limited opportunities on both punts and kickoffs in 2014, and CHRIS POLK could also be factors here.

JJ DEFENSE Led by NFL MVP runner-up J.J. Watt, the Texans defense consistently wreaked havoc on opponents. It forced a league-high 34 turnovers and was tied for first with five defensive touchdowns (two by Watt). Though it was 16th in total yards allowed (348.2 per game), Houston’s defense surrendered only 19.2 points per outing (seventh). Watt was second in the NFL with 20.5 sacks, but he accounted for more than half of the team’s 38 (19th). Jadeveon Clowney was expected to help in that area, but injuries limited him to four games and zero sacks. Already a solid option, having a fully healthy Clowney opposite Watt could vault the Texans defense to the top of the fantasy ranks. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] With no clear-cut No. 2 receiving option behind DeAndre Hopkins, JAELEN STRONG has a golden opportunity to contribute immediately. Strong doesn’t drop passes and has the size and strength to win jump balls from defenders. At worst, Strong is an inviting red-zone target; if he sharpens his routes, however, Strong could make a case for being a weekly fantasy starter. [SUPER SLEEPER] CHRIS POLK is a decent north-south runner that has shown abilities at the goal line and as a kickoff returner, both areas of need for the Texans. He could push Alfred Blue for backup duties, and since Arian Foster’s health is always a concern, Polk could emerge as a viable option as the preferred Foster handcuff.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 231 244 119 74 138 128

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 156 213 68 64 100 94

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 28 36 1 1 1 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 10

113

6/22/15 2:14 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS Eric McClung

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] CHUCK PAGANO’s record

shows three 11-5 seasons at the helm of the Colts, though that includes the 2012 season when Bruce Arians coached 12 games while Pagano underwent leukemia treatment. Pagano enters the final year of his deal, and the team apparently won’t negotiate an extension prior to the season. The Colts say it’s not “Super Bowl or bust,” but the lack of a new deal raises some eyebrows.

includes a trio of young burners in T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief and rookie Phillip Dorsett— an almost unrivaled group of targets on the outside. His decision-making isn’t always crisp, but that’s not enough to downgrade Luck. [SECOND] Luck’s 40-year-old backup has

started more than 160 games in his career, in-

Pep Hamilton is back for a third year as offensive coordinator and has tons of weapons at his disposal. Greg Manusky doesn’t oversee the same level of talent, but he has done a respectable job as defensive coordinator. Former Browns coach Rob Chudzinski was promoted to associate head coach during the offseason. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] If there’s one quarterback you can

consider taking ahead of Aaron Rodgers it’s

ANDREW LUCK . After accounting for 4,761

passing yards, 273 yards rushing and 43 touchdowns (40 passing, three rushing) last season, Luck has moved past the likes of Drew Brees and Peyton Manning. The signing of Andre Johnson adds veteran savvy to a group that

cluding a Super Bowl. In two seasons with the Colts, MATT HASSELBECK has seen only limited mop-up duty. While his value is primarily as a mentor, should anything happen to Luck, Hasselbeck has the experience and weapons to guide the offense and cobble together some possible fantasy appeal.

ANDREW LUCK

[THIRD] Undrafted rookie BRYAN BENNETT is a long way from even making the

53-man roster. He played two years at Oregon but transferred to Southeastern Louisiana for his final two seasons. The athletic Bennett is extremely raw with a strong arm—he tied the combine velocity record with a 60 mph throw. He’s a developmental project. JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] After 10 seasons with the 49ers, FRANK GORE leaves having rushed for more than 1,100 yards in eight of the last nine. Even at age 32, well past the usual shelf life for NFL running backs (much less those with almost 3,000 touches), Gore represents a major improvement for Indianapolis’ floundering ground game. He’s also a forgotten force as a receiver, averaging 51 catches per season in the five years before Jim Harbaugh’s arrival, and should provide a nice outlet for Luck. Gore is a steady low-end No. 2 fantasy back. [BACKUP] Even though DAN HERRON has

looked serviceable at times both running (78-3851 last year) and catching the ball (21-173-0), there have been significant issues with ball security and drops. He’s a capable backup to Gore for the oc-

Mike Jula/Fostoff Fotos

ndianapolis’ 2014 season may have ended on the wrong end of a deflating 45-7 loss at the hands of the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, but that shouldn’t take away from everything the Colts were able to accomplish. They finished 11-5, raised their second consecutive AFC South banner and watched as Andrew Luck further cemented his status as a superstar. They also took another step in the postseason, starting with a 26-10 win on Wild Card weekend over an overmatched Bengals squad. They then followed that up by dethroning the defending AFC champions on the road, dominating longtime franchise icon Peyton Manning and the Broncos for a 24-13 triumph. Having fallen just short, the goal for 2015 is clear. In an attempt to get over the hump, GM Ryan Grigson signed a number of 30-plusyear-old veterans during the offseason. At the head of that group are Frank Gore, who’s looking to be franchise’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Joseph Addai in 2007, and longtime Texan Andre Johnson, who replaces another former Hurricane, Reggie Wayne, at receiver. Indy also moved to address issues along their front lines by adding Trent Cole and Todd Herremans after they were cut by the Eagles. Meanwhile, the draft brought another toy for Luck in first-rounder Phillip Dorsett along with some defensive depth. Questions remain throughout this roster, however, outside of the sensational array of offensive skill players. Still, there’s enough here that a Super Bowl title is a legitimate possibility.

114 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 11

6/22/15 2:15 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@BILLS NY JETS @TITANS JAGUARS @TEXANS PATRIOTS

SUN, SEP 13 MON, SEP 21 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 THU, OCT 8 SUN, OCT 18

1:00 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 8:30 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

casional respite and a possible handcuff in larger leagues, but there’s no standalone value here. [THIRD] As a rookie in 2012, VICK BALLARD

ran for 814 yards. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL after one game the following season. Then, while participating in last year’s training camp, Ballard went down with a torn Achilles. He’s still working his way back to form. As insurance, JOSH ROBINSON was drafted in the sixth round. Robinson is a bowling ball of a runner that’s built low to the ground and will get a chance to stick with the team. Neither player is worth drafting. JJ WIDE RECEIVER [Starter] In each of the past two seasons, T.Y. HILTON has caught exactly 82 passes while being targeted at least 130 times, recording 1,083 and 1,345 receiving yards, respectively. Last year’s leap forward was even more impressive when you consider the supporting cast was rapidly declining veterans Reggie Wayne and Hakeem Nicks. Hilton, a premier deep threat that can line up outside or in the slot, comes into a contract year highly motivated to score a big payday in the offseason. While more options could mean fewer looks, Hilton is still top-15 fantasy receiver. [STARTER] ANDRE JOHNSON really labored

through his final season in Houston, but the franchise’s marquee player was able to squeeze out 85 catches for 936 yards playing with a multitude of mediocre quarterbacks. Part of last year’s dip also came from the Texans shifting the focus of their limited passing attack to DeAndre Hopkins. Don’t read too much into that: the 34-year-old averaged more than 1,500 receiving yards in 2012-13 and now finds himself in a terrific spot. Johnson is a strong No. 3 wideout.

[THIRD] Second-year pro DONTE MONCRIEF ’s

stock rose rapidly during the offseason when it become apparent Wayne and Nicks wouldn’t return. That balloon deflated with the Johnson signing, but no one else on the roster has Moncrief’s physical credentials. His value does take a hit, but a Luck-led passing offense can support a third fantasy-relevant target. While Moncrief carries more risk than Hilton or Johnson, he’s still a viable fifth option for your squad.

QB WR WR RB WR TE

ANDREW LUCK T.Y. HILTON ANDRE JOHNSON FRANK GORE DONTE MONCRIEF DWAYNE ALLEN

SAINTS @PANTHERS BRONCOS BYE WEEK @FALCONS BUCCANEERS

SUN, OCT 25 MON, NOV 2 SUN, NOV 8

1:00 PM 8:30 PM 4:25 PM

SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

[RETURNERS] PHILLIP DORSETT is the best

and most logical option to take over return duties after the team pulled the plug on Josh Cribbs following his second-half trial in 2014. Other options include GRIFF WHALEN, who was the primary returner prior to the Cribbs signing, and reserve running back DAN HERRON.

[FIFTH] DURON CARTER , son of Hall of Famer Cris, spent two years in Canada after going undrafted due to academic and maturity issues. You may remember VINCENT BROWN as a once-trendy sleeper, but he hasn’t been the same since breaking his ankle in 2012. Neither should be drafted, though Carter’s development can be monitored.

JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] COBY FLEENER was the position’s pre-eminent deep threat in 2014, leading all tight ends in targets (18), receptions (nine) and yards gained (291) on passes that traveled 20 or more yards in the air. He finished with a 51-774-8 line and has room to improve if he can eliminate drops and become a more effective blocker. He’s not the preferred red zone target, but Fleener is the one Luck wants to use on splash plays. He’s a solid backup if you carry two tight ends. [BACKUP] After missing nearly all of 2013 with a hip injury, DWAYNE ALLEN was again

hampered late last season by a high ankle sprain and banged up knee. In 13 games, Allen still managed to score eight touchdowns—tied with Fleener for team-high honors. While his superior blocking means he gets more snaps, Allen has averaged fewer than four targets per contest in 30 career games. His value is tied heavily to finding the end zone, but there’s enough here to consider Allen a marginal fantasy starter.

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 14 21 53 64 79 145

8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

career-high (and NFL-best) 96.8 percent of his field goal attempts. Forget about his age, Vinatieri kicks for a prolific offense and has banked 279 points over the past two seasons. He’s a dependable producer that should be among the first kickers taken.

has game-changing ability and, like Hilton, can line up outside or in the slot. In fact, some have speculated the Dorsett pick was made as insurance against Hilton departing in free agency after the season. His role figures to be limited offensively in 2015, but if you’re looking for a late-round flier with some interesting potential you can consider stashing Dorsett.

POSITION RANK (P.31) 2 11 24 19 54 14

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

[FOURTH] Speedster PHILLIP DORSETT

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS [Kicker] Last year, at age 42, ADAM VINATIERI was one of just three kickers to make at least 30 field goals and 50 or more extra points. Not only that, but he converted a

@STEELERS @JAGUARS TEXANS @DOLPHINS TITANS

JJ DEFENSE Under Manusky, the Colts have been a decent defense that generally does a good job against the pass while struggling to stop the run. They’ve been average in generating takeaways while finishing ninth and 11th, respectively, in sacks the last two years. Veteran Trent Cole (85.5 career sacks; 6.5 in 2014) was signed in the offseason to improve the pass rush, but the team really needs to get something out of Robert Mathis (NFL-high 19.5 sacks in 2013)—he missed all of last year after tearing his Achilles while serving a PED suspension. The Colts defense shouldn’t be drafted, but their soft division is sure to provide some favorable matchups throughout the year. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] Signing Andre Johnson and drafting Phillip Dorsett clearly undercut DONTE MONCRIEF ’s 2015 outlook, but don’t be too quick to dismiss him entirely. Johnson is 34 years old, and Dorsett is similar to T.Y. Hilton. Neither can match Moncrief ’s blend of athleticism and physicality. Even in this deep group of receivers, Moncrief can produce. [SUPER SLEEPER] While Frank Gore has

defied conventional wisdom when it comes to running backs over the age of 30, there’s no way of knowing how many miles he has left on his odometer—or what affect playing on turf will have. If he starts to break down, VICK BALLARD could re-emerge as a key piece of an explosive offense.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 454 257 193 186 144 134

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 341 177 114 173 94 93

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 40 32 11 22 2 2

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 12

115

6/22/15 2:15 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS Buck Davidson

xpectations were low for the Jaguars entering the 2014 season, and it’s easy to see why: the team had won just 11 games combined over the past three seasons and hadn’t made a playoff appearance since 2007. Highly touted wideout Justin Blackmon was on indefinite suspension for multiple violations of the league’s substance abuse policy, and much of the team’s fortunes lay on the talented but untested right shoulder of quarterback Blake Bortles, whom the team had selected with the third overall pick in the 2014 draft. The Jags met those low expectations and more, dropping their first six games and 10 of their first 11 on their way to a woeful 3-13 season. Clearly, immediate action was needed to turn around what has become one of the NFL’s perennial sad-sack franchises. Jacksonville made a pair of decisive moves to revitalize their team on draft day, snagging edge rusher Dante Fowler, Jr. with the third overall pick and grabbing versatile running back T.J. Yeldon in Round 2. The Jags were widely praised for constructing one of the top-rated drafts of any NFL team, and hopes were high as the team opened its rookie minicamp. Disaster struck on the first day, though, as Fowler suffered a torn ACL and will miss the entire 2015 season. The Jags head into the ‘15 campaign with Blackmon still on suspension, and plenty of questions surrounding their core of talented but unproven youngsters. It looks like yet another rebuilding year in Jacksonville.

[HEAD COACH] GUS BRADLEY, the defensive

coordinator in Seattle from 2009-12, enters his third season in Jacksonville with a record of just 7-25. He helped to turn the Seahawks defense into the NFL’s best before departing but has endured some tough luck during his time in the top job—from Blackmon’s suspension to Fowler’s injury—so he deserves some leeway before he lands on the hot seat. That being said, if the Jags don’t show at least some growth in 2015, Bradley could be ousted by season’s end.

ceptions and a league-leading 55 sacks. He finished fourth among quarterbacks in rushing yardage, though, and tossed only two picks in his final five games, lending hope that better things lie ahead. Bortles has talent, but he’s

[THIRD] STEPHEN MORRIS, who spent most of last year on the practice squad, will compete with JEFF TUEL for the third-string job. Tuel appeared in two games (one start) for the Bills in 2013 but was waived this offseason. Neither appears to have the skill set necessary to be a long-term NFL quarterback. Ignore them both.

Defensive coordinator Bob Babich leads a unit that finished 26th in both points and yards allowed last season, while new offensive coordinator Greg Olson inherits an anemic attack that finished dead last in scoring in 2014. JJ QUARTERBACK [STARTER] Theoretically, BLAKE BORTLES was supposed to sit and develop behind Chad Henne in 2014. He was starting by Week 4. Rushed into action, Bortles flashed the raw tools that made him the third overall pick but also proved adept at what my 95-year-old Granny Lil calls “flubbing the dub:” 17 inter-

attempt another pass the rest of the season. Henne has thrown 58 touchdown passes and 63 interceptions during his seven NFL campaigns while compiling an 18-35 mark in 53 starts. He has a big arm, but he wouldn’t be a fantasy option even if an injury were to befall Bortles.

JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] Rookie T.J. YELDON isn’t espe-

clearly still a work in progress and shouldn’t be drafted in most leagues. [BACKUP] Re-signed to a two-year deal, CHAD HENNE opened last season as J-Ville’s starting

quarterback. He was miserable in the role, however, and was benched in Week 3—he didn’t

cially fast, but he is a smart runner who follows his blocks well and makes decisive cuts through the holes as they open up. Yeldon piled up 3,322 rushing yards, another 494 yards via the air, and scored 39 touchdowns during three seasons at Alabama. Although Yeldon has never been a featured back, the Jaguars intend to give him every opportunity to be their bell-cow this season. If Yeldon wins that gig, he should be a good No. 3 fantasy runner with upside.

Mike Jula/Fostoff Fotos

JJ COACH

BLAKE BORTLES

116 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 13

6/22/15 2:16 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

PANTHERS DOLPHINS @PATRIOTS @COLTS @BUCCANEERS TEXANS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

1:00 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

[BACKUP] Former University of Michigan quarterback DENARD ROBINSON briefly endeared himself to fantasy owners by rushing for 389 yards and four touchdowns during Weeks 7-10, but he faded thereafter and missed the final three games with a foot injury. Robinson looks like he could become an exciting playmaker, but his 197-pound frame doesn’t lend itself to heavy usage. He’ll likely fill a change-of-pace role in 2015, and as such is a late-round reserve option. [THIRD] TOBY GERHART was supposed to be

Jacksonville’s No. 1 back last season, but hip/ ankle injuries and ineffectiveness derailed what some thought would be a breakout campaign. It looks like he’ll serve in a hybrid fullback/Hback role this season, and carry little, if any, fantasy value. Former Raven BERNARD PIERCE will vie for a roster spot, but he looks like a long shot to make the team. JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[STARTER] A second-round pick in 2014, MARQISE LEE battled injuries and struggled to

adapt to the pro game in the early stages of his rookie year, resulting in some rather pedestrian numbers. He picked things up as the season progressed, however, averaging almost 55 yards per game between Weeks 12 and 16. Lee lacks elite speed, but his ability after the catch could make him a legitimate playmaker—provided he can stay healthy. Lee is worth a late-round flier as a fantasy reserve. [STARTER] ALLEN ROBINSON was arguably Jacksonville’s top receiver before a stress fracture in his foot ended his season in Week 10. Toss out Week 1, and he averaged 5.3 catches for 61 yards per outing as a rookie and might have pushed for a 1,000-yard season had he not been injured. Robinson had developed a nice rapport with Bortles, and he’ll look to build on that chemistry in 2015. Robinson figures to fly under the radar on fantasy draft day, but, if healthy, he’s an intriguing No. 4 wideout with modest upside. [THIRD] Fifth-round pick RASHAD GREENE holds the career records for receptions and receiving yards at Florida State, and while he lacks special size or speed, he makes up for

RB WR TE WR

T.J. YELDON ALLEN ROBINSON JULIUS THOMAS MARQISE LEE

BILLS BYE WEEK @NY JETS @RAVENS TITANS CHARGERS

SUN, OCT 25

9:30 AM

SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 THU, NOV 19 SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

@TITANS COLTS FALCONS @SAINTS @TEXANS

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

it with good route running and ball skills. Greene figures to line up mostly in the slot this season, and he could become a popular checkdown target for Bortles as the young passer continues to develop. That being said, he’s not worth drafting.

finishing with a full-season career low of just 83 points, which was 30th among kickers. Scobee is typically an accurate kicker with decent range, but Jacksonville’s awful offense serves to limit his opportunities. Scobee should be left undrafted.

[FOURTH] ALLEN HURNS came out of

[RETURNERS] ACE SANDERS hauled back 32

nowhere to rack up 110 receiving yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. While Hurns wound up leading the Jags in receiving yards (677) and touchdown catches (six), however, he topped 70 yards in a game just twice all year. He may have a big game or two this season, but Hurns can’t be relied on.

punts for 227 yards last season (7.1 YPR) and will compete with rookie RASHAD GREENE and veteran DENARD ROBINSON for return duties in 2015. Greene figures to see plenty of looks as a receiver, so he carries the most fantasy upside if he adds either gig to his résumé.

[FIFTH] DAMIAN COPELAND will compete with ACE SANDERS (51 catches as a rookie, six

last season) and former Buccaneers’ secondrounder ARRELIOUS BENN for a roster spot. Benn was once an intriguing prospect, but injuries have ruined his career. Sanders’ prowess in the return game gives him an edge in this battle, but no one here figures to have any fantasy value.

JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] Free-agent JULIUS THOMAS was a touchdown machine the past two seasons in Denver, notching 24 scores in just 27 games, but we’ll go out on a limb and say he probably won’t enjoy the same success without Peyton Manning delivering the football. Although Thomas poses a significant injury risk, he figures to be the primary weapon in the Jags’ passing attack this season. Don’t set the bar too high, but Thomas should do enough to warrant consideration as a midrange No. 1 fantasy tight end. [BACKUP] When healthy, MARCEDES LEWIS

has been a serviceable NFL tight end, and he even managed to tally 10 touchdowns back in 2010. Unfortunately, the “when” in “when healthy” has been far too infrequent of late: he missed 13 games over the past two seasons. Thomas’ arrival in Jacksonville should signal the end of whatever lingering fantasy value the 31-year-old Lewis had left. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

[KICKER] JOSH SCOBEE struggled through

a sub-par season, connecting on only 20 of his 26 field-goal attempts (76.9 percent) and

POSITION RANK (P.31) 28 35 7 63

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 47 68 96 155

JJ DEFENSE The Jaguars defense was 27th against the run, 22nd against the pass and 26th in both scoring and total defense last season. While that was a poor showing given Bradley’s lineage, they did finish tied for sixth with an impressive 45 sacks. This represented a bit of an improvement for a team that finished 27th in total defense and 28th in scoring back in 2013. Look for the Jags to emphasize quarterback pressure again this season, with an eye toward improving their league-worst six interceptions from a year ago. The loss of Fowler was a huge blow to this unit, and it figures to be some time before Jacksonville’s defense becomes a viable fantasy force. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] Taken 22 spots after Marqise Lee, ALLEN ROBINSON looked more NFL ready and was on pace for 77 receptions and 877 yards over the course of an entire campaign—his rapport with Blake Bortles lends optimism for upside in those projections. Robinson lacks elite speed, but his leaping ability and aptitude after the catch should make him a productive receiver. [SUPER SLEEPER] RASHAD GREENE was Jameis Winston’s favorite target at Florida State for a few reasons: he knows how to get open, he catches almost everything thrown to him and he can tack on yards after the catch. Greene’s ceiling isn’t terribly high, but he could provide a nice return on a minimal draft-day investment—especially for those in point-per-reception formats.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 145 174 161 120

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 120 112 109 81

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 2 7 5 6

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 14

117

6/22/15 2:17 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS RotoRob

ansas City dropped their first two but rallied to win seven of its next eight. They finished poorly, however, to close 2014 at 9-7, losing the last AFC Wild Card slot to the Ravens on the season’s final day. Coming off an 11-win season in which they bagged a playoff spot and gave Indianapolis a run for their money, last year was disappointing. Injuries were a factor, but the biggest issue was an awful receiving corps that failed to record a touchdown all season long—the first time that’s happened in a half century. Led by sack master Justin Houston (who broke Derrick Thomas’ single-season team record), the “D” was stifling, allowing fewer points than anyone besides Seattle, but it simply wasn’t enough to earn a second straight postseason bid. Improving on the outside was key this offseason, and while they signed Jeremy Maclin, the Chiefs failed to land immediate receiving help in the draft—Chris Conley, their third-round pick, isn’t expected to contribute right away. Instead they largely focused on defense, selecting talented-but-troubled Marcus Peters in the first round, Steven Nelson in the third and a pair of linebackers in Rounds 4-5. Among the departures are Dwayne Bowe, Donnie Avery, Vance Walker (all of whom were released) and a slew of offensive linemen. With the core group intact, the Chiefs should be in the thick of things behind divisional favorite Denver. Whether they ultimately earn a return trip to the playoffs remains to be seen.

[HEAD COACH] ANDY REID enters his third

season as the main man in Kansas City after spending his first 14 years as a head coach setting the career wins mark for Philadelphia. He favors a West Coast offense, which had an immediate impact as he turned a two-win team into an 11-win squad that made the playoffs his first season. Reid guided the 2004 Eagles to the NFC Championship but is still without a Super Bowl title.

but Smith has little competition for the time being. Consider Smith a low-end No. 2 quarterback for fantasy purposes. [SECOND] There was speculation that CHASE DANIEL , Smith’s backup the past two seasons,

could be too expensive to keep, but he remains under contract. The veteran led the team to a Week 17 win that eliminated San Diego

Doug Pederson enters his third year as offensive coordinator, continuing a relationship with Reid that began when both were in Green Bay from 1996-98. Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton is also entering his third season after spending 13 years with the Jets in various capacities, including assistant head coach. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] ALEX SMITH ’s second season

in Kansas City was amazingly similar to his first. His passing yardage dipped a tad, and while his average yards per pass was up, he remains the ultimate game manager and king of short, low risk passes for an offense that’s built around the run game. Smith’s limitations ended his tenure in San Francisco where he was replaced by Colin Kaepernick,

off a torn ACL in November 2013, Murray was a weekly inactive during his rookie campaign. While he’s unlikely to play much this season, his skills are a good fit for Reid’s system. He could factor down the road. JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] JAMAAL CHARLES is highly

motivated to take the Chiefs places, but he’s getting on in years and, even though he hasn’t been overused, he isn’t a spring chicken anymore. Despite missing just one game a year ago, Charles battled a slew of injuries throughout the season, resulting in a disappointing 1,324 total yards—he’d averaged 1,887 in his three previous healthy campaigns. On the plus side, he scored 14 times, which was tied for third-most in the NFL. Don’t hesitate to pull the trigger on Charles in Round 1 as a top-five fantasy back.

[BACKUP] While KNILE DAVIS enjoyed a

from the playoffs, proving once again he can minimize mistakes and run the offense when needed. Still, Daniel offers no fantasy value. [THIRD] Former Bulldog AARON MURRAY, the team’s fifth-round pick last year, is still seeking his first regular-season snap. Coming

bigger workload in his second season, he continues to underwhelm from a per-carry standpoint, averaging just 3.5 yards for his career. The Arkansas product was advertised with elite speed and size (5-foot-10, 227 pounds) for the position, now he needs to use them to start making plays. Consistency in his receiving and blocking would also help. Davis could be

Photo: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

JJ COACH

TRAVIS KELCE

118 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 15

6/22/15 2:17 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@TEXANS BRONCOS @PACKERS @BENGALS BEARS @VIKINGS

SUN, SEP 13 THU, SEP 17 MON, SEP 28 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

1:00 PM 8:25 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

useful as a No. 4 running back or handcuff for Charles owners. [THIRD] CYRUS GRAY ’s main duties lay

in special teams until he tore his ACL in November. The former Aggie has averaged less than a carry per game over his three-year career. Gray was limited in OTAs this summer while he mended, but even when healthy he’s of no interest. JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[STARTER] In an effort to breathe life into

their moribund receiver corps, the Chiefs plucked JEREMY MACLIN —fresh off a career year—from the Eagles. Last year was a big one for the speedster after he missed all of 2013 with a torn ACL. Maclin not only proved he was fully recovered but also that he could produce without DeSean Jackson around to pull coverage. Maclin will be the top option in Kansas City, but this isn’t Philly’s fast-paced attack, so it seems unlikely he’ll match what he did last season. Maclin should be considered a solid No. 3 fantasy receiver. [STARTER] CHRIS CONLEY, the team’s third-round pick, has the combination of size and athleticism no one on the depth chart other than Maclin can match. He’s lacking in some of the position’s finer points, however, namely route running and consistent hands, and those are areas he’ll need to address before making any sort of an impact. With nothing but question marks after Maclin, there’s an opportunity for Conley to play a substantial role immediately. Monitor the rookie. [THIRD] After spending his first season as a running back, DE’ANTHONY THOMAS is

shifting to receiver. He brought quickness and speed out of the backfield and showed some juice in limited action, averaging 7.3 yards per touch. Assuming the transition goes smoothly, the former Duck will find himself in a more prominent role with the speed to create mismatches. Consider Thomas as a possible draft-and-stash candidate. [FOURTH] Second-year pro ALBERT WILSON remains a possibility to start after coming

RB TE WR RB QB

JAMAAL CHARLES TRAVIS KELCE JEREMY MACLIN KNILE DAVIS ALEX SMITH

STEELERS LIONS BYE WEEK @BRONCOS @CHARGERS BILLS

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1

1:00 PM 9:30 AM

SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

4:25 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

[FIFTH] There’s no shortage of players competing for a spot here with JASON AVANT undoubtedly the most familiar name. He’s got experience and familiarity with Reid, but he looks to be on his last legs. FRANKIE HAMMOND played in all 16 games for the Chiefs last year, and the team used a seventh-round pick on DA’RON BROWN . Steer clear.

JJ TIGHT END

season, but he made up for lost time in 2014. He led the team in both receptions (67) and receiving yards (862) and tied for team-high honors with five touchdowns, proving to be the lone bright spot in an otherwise awful passing attack. Kelce has enough speed to stress defenses down the seam and the size to be a factor in the red zone. Once Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham are gone, Kelce should be in play as a quality No. 1 fantasy tight end.

kickers last season. There are simply better options out there. Draft one of them. [RETURNERS] DE’ANTHONY THOMAS was the Chiefs’ primary punt returner, averaging 11.9 yards per return (tied for third-best in the NFL) and taking one to the house. He was excellent on kickoffs as well—30.6 yards per runback. KNILE DAVIS handled the bulk of the kickoffs, however, and his 28.6 YPR average was aided by a 99-yard touchdown. FRANKIE HAMMOND handled both duties as well and is also an option.

JJ WAKE UP CALL

[SLEEPER] DE’ANTHONY THOMAS may officially be transitioning to receiver this offseason, but he has experience lining up all over the field. He also has something that can’t be taught: speed. Thomas brings the constant threat of blowing past defensive backs, which helps compensate for the slight stature that invites getting jammed. If he opens 2015 in the slot, watch out.

[BACKUP] DEMETRIUS HARRIS was

frequently used in multiple-tight end formations early in 2014 but broke his foot and missed the last eight games. Fifth-round selection JAMES O’SHAUGHNESSY isn’t a great blocker and has some limitations. He has decent speed, however, and could find a role. Neither player has any fantasy value. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

[SUPER SLEEPER] While there are certainly

Ryan Succop last year, and while he began his career poorly (missing two of his first four field goals), he nailed 23 of the next 26 tries and wound up converting 83.3 percent of his attempts. Despite that, Santos scored a middling 113 points, which ranked 18th among

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 3 61 POSITION RANK 66 (P.31) 138 189

4:05 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

JJ DEFENSE Kansas City’s defense was its strength last year, finishing second in points allowed and seventh in yardage surrendered. Buoyed by Justin Houston’s franchise-record 22 sacks, the team also finished fifth in the NFL with 46 quarterback takedowns. Where they struggled immensely, however, was in forcing turnovers. They managed a paltry 13 takeaways, tied with the Jets for fewest in the league—not only that, but the man that accounted for half their interceptions, Kurt Coleman, bolted for Carolina. There’s a lot to like about the NFL version of the Chiefs defense, but big plays are the lifeblood of a group’s fantasy value. In that context, this unit isn’t worth selecting.

[STARTER] Microfracture knee surgery cost TRAVIS KELCE nearly all of his rookie

POSITION RANK (P.31) 2 4 25 50 25

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

on late last season with 12 receptions for 209 yards in Weeks 14-16. While he doesn’t have great size (5-foot-9, 200 pounds), the Georgia State product has plus speed and isn’t afraid to work across the middle. If no one else steps up during training camp, Wilson could be the one opposite Maclin in Week 1. That being said, he’s not worth drafting.

[KICKER] CAIRO SANTOS took over from

@RAIDERS CHARGERS @RAVENS BROWNS RAIDERS

more exciting names (and more interestingly spelled ones as well) at the receiver position, ALBERT WILSON might offer the best mix of upside and experience for the upcoming season. He closed strong a year ago and is willing to run the kind of routes that Alex Smith likes to throw (read: short).

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 343 MOCK 201 DRAFT PICK 189 (P.76) 89 224

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 292 125 NFFC POINTS 123 (P.83) 74 169

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 51 12 STD. POINTS AUCTION $ VALUE SCORING10(P.84) (P.82) 1 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

D_K teams-pkedit.indd 16

119

6/22/15 3:29 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

MIAMI DOLPHINS Buck Davidson

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] JOE PHILBIN enters his

fourth season in Miami with a record of 23-25 and zero playoff appearances to his credit. Philbin is an offensive-minded coach who spent five seasons as Green Bay’s offensive coordinator, and he has made great strides in resurrecting what was a lackluster attack in Miami. Some good things have happened under Philbin’s watch, but he could easily land on the hot seat if the Dolphins endure a slow start in 2015.

to 14. While he’s not a great deep passer, Tannehill has a strong, accurate arm, which, when paired with what should be a better supporting cast in 2015, makes him a low-end starting fantasy quarterback. [BACKUP] After MATT MOORE did a solid job as Miami’s starter in 2011, some thought

Defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle returns for his fourth season as the leader of a unit that finished 12th in yards allowed last season. Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, who was Philadelphia’s quarterbacks coach under Chip Kelly, enters his second season in Miami coming off an 11th-place showing in points scored. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] RYAN TANNEHILL has quietly

become a quality NFL quarterback over the last two seasons, and he still has room to grow. The Texas A&M product finished 11th in passing yards and tied for 12th in touchdown tosses last year, while setting new career bests in both categories. Perhaps more importantly, he cut down on mistakes, reducing his turnovers from 22

he was destined for bigger things. Tannehill took over the following year, however, and Moore has seen minimal action in three seasons since. The 31-year-old is still considered one of the NFL’s best backup signal-callers, and he could be a serviceable fantasy fill-in if Tannehill suffers an injury.

RYAN TANNEHILL

[THIRD] There was a time JOSH FREEMAN looked to be a rising star in the NFL, but those days now appear to be over. The former Buccaneer signal-caller was out of the NFL last season, and he played just four games in 2013. He has ideal size and a big arm, but Freeman has a lot to overcome before he’ll be fantasy-relevant again.

JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] Coming off two rather disappointing campaigns, LAMAR MILLER logged his first 1,000-yard rushing season in 2014, and his 5.1 yards per carry were tied for second-best among backs with at least 100 carries. Miller added nine total touchdowns and 38 receptions, establishing himself as a legitimate fantasy starter in the process. Miller is a bit undersized to carry the load as a featured back, and even though he reportedly added some weight in the offseason, he’s likely to lose touches to one or both of his backups in 2015. Consider Miller a solid No. 2 fantasy back. [BACKUP] Fifth-round pick JAY AJAYI is

penciled in as Miller’s primary backup and has the talent to push for the starting job. Concerns about the longevity of his right knee—which was surgically repaired back in 2011—reportedly caused the 221-pounder to fall from a projected second-round pick, but he has stated that he feels healthy and ready to roll. He’ll likely open as the

Photo: Morris Fostoff

iami was in the playoff hunt right up until the finish line in 2013, but a pair of losses in Weeks 16 and 17 scuttled their postseason dreams. The ‘Fins leaped out of the gate last season, winning three of their first four games, and Miami was again a prominent part of the playoff conversation with a 7-5 record following their Week 13 victory over the Jets. The season eroded from there, though: the team dropped three of its last four decisions, including consecutive lopsided losses to Baltimore and New England, on their way to another 8-8 record and a second consecutive Wild Card near miss. The once-mighty Dolphins’ mediocrity continues: they’ve reached the postseason only once since 2001. Tired of coming up just short, the Dolphins swung for the fences in free agency, inking perennial All-Pro Ndamukong Suh to a massive contract, making him the lynchpin in an already talented defense that has finished in the top-10 in scoring three out of the last four years. They also shook up their receiving corps: they swung a deal for Kenny Stills, traded away Mike Wallace, signed veteran Greg Jennings and used their top pick (14th overall) on Louisville’s DeVante Parker, who brings size and speed to an already talented group. At tight end, they added Jordan Cameron and allowed Charles Clay to sign with the Bills. Miami rolls into the 2015 season with playoff aspirations, and if they can avoid another late-season swoon, this might be the year they break through.

120 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 1

6/22/15 2:40 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@WASHINGTON @JAGUARS BILLS NY JETS BYE WEEK @TITANS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4

1:00 PM 4:05 PM 4:25 PM 9:30 AM

SUN, OCT 18

1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

TEXANS @PATRIOTS @BILLS @EAGLES COWBOYS @NY JETS

SUN, OCT 25 THU, OCT 29 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

Landry carries the most fantasy value as a No. 3 option this season.

[THIRD] DAMIEN WILLIAMS did little as a rookie (309 total yards, one score), serving mainly as a third-down back, but the former Sooner is a powerful runner and gifted pass catcher. He has the inside track on the No. 3 job, but LAMICHAEL JAMES, the former second-round pick out of Oregon, and MIKE GILLISLEE, who missed all of 2014 with a hamstring injury, are also in the mix.

[FOURTH] Miami used the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft on DEVANTE PARKER, who

JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[STARTER] One of the NFL’s top wideouts during his tenure with the Packers, GREG JENNINGS has seen injuries, Father Time and

[THIRD] Slot receiver JARVIS LANDRY

WR RB WR TE QB WR RB

JARVIS LANDRY LAMAR MILLER DEVANTE PARKER JORDAN CAMERON RYAN TANNEHILL KENNY STILLS JAY AJAYI

percent) on his way to 128 points, which was good for 11th. He’ll face competition from ZACH HOCKER, who spent time in Redskins camp last season. If he retains his job, Sturgis is a borderline starting option or a quality matchup play. [RETURNERS] JARVIS LANDRY finished fourth in the league with a 28.1 yard average on his 34 kickoff returns, and he also returned 25 punts for an average of 8.2 yards per try. If Landry again pulls double duty as a return man this season, he’d carry extra value in leagues that reward return yardage.

[FIFTH] RISHARD MATTHEWS posted a 41-

448-2 line in 2013, but he caught only 12 passes in 14 games last year and has expressed a desire to be traded or released. No matter where he plays, Matthews doesn’t figure to carry much, if any, fantasy value. JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] Two seasons ago, JORDAN CAMERON finished second among NFL tight ends

with 917 yards receiving, but injuries—including three concussions in the last two years—limited him to just 10 games this past season. When healthy, Cameron is one of the NFL’s best passcatching tight ends, and he could be in for a fine season if he can avoid the injury bug. Cameron is a good choice as a low-end No. 1 fantasy tight end, but be sure to have a solid backup plan in place. [BACKUP] At 6-foot-4, 265 pounds, DION SIMS

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS [Kicker] CALEB STURGIS tied for third in the NFL with 37 field goal attempts last season, but he converted just 29 of those tries (78.4

POSITION RANK (P.31) 28 12 56 11 13 42 61

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 36 41 82 87 93 94 110

JJ DEFENSE The Dolphins defense will look to rebound from a disappointing 2014 campaign in which they finished sixth against the pass but 24th against the run and 20th in points allowed (23.3 per game). That should improve this season, thanks to the imposing presence of newly acquired Ndamukong Suh, whom the Dolphins signed to a big free-agent deal. Suh is arguably the game’s best defensive tackle, commanding a double team on nearly every snap. He should help improve the Dolphins’ 16th-ranked sack total of a year ago, and maybe even boost their rather modest 25 takeaways. The Miami “D” could be a good choice as a midrange No. 1 fantasy defense. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] Lamar Miller is a talented back, but his relatively small stature means he’ll need to be spelled on a regular basis. Enter JAY AJAYI, who last year became the only player in FBS history to amass 1,800 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in a single season—and he scored 32 total touchdowns. Keep your eye on him. [SUPER SLEEPER] DEVANTE PARKER may not start immediately, but his size and athleticism bring a new element to the Dolphins’ smallish receiving corps. Parker’s angular frame, long arms and excellent leaping ability could make him an inviting target at the goal line, and his speed should make him a factor after the catch.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 184 202 133 152 364 165 61

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 104 162 91 100 268 116 49

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 8 29 2 3 10 4 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 2

121

6/23/15 4:03 PM

11:26:48

emerged as the Dolphins’ go-to guy for shortyardage routes last season, and he led the team with 84 receptions—second to Odell Beckham (91) among NFL rookies. Unfortunately, he was unable to parlay any of those catches into a gain of more than 25 yards, and he found the end zone just five times. While he may technically sit lower on the depth chart than Stills or Jennings,

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

stands 6-foot-3 with plus speed, long arms and good leaping ability. While he has a chance to be an immediate vertical threat, it’s worth noting that he underwent foot surgery in June—an issue that dogged him during his senior year at Louisville. Assuming he’s healthy, Parker is a great pick as your No. 5 fantasy wideout with plenty of upside.

is more of a traditional tight end than Cameron, but he still has enough athleticism to be a factor in the passing game. Sims will see a fair amount of playing time in two-tight end sets in 2015, and he’ll be there if Cameron goes down. At this point, though, Sims isn’t worth drafting.

1:00 PM 8:30 PM 4:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

15-06-25

a move to Minnesota whittle away his value the last few years. Jennings did manage to score four touchdowns over his last six games in 2014, but his 46.4 yards per game was the third-lowest of his career. Reuniting with Philbin might help Jennings, though at this stage of his career he’s of limited interest to fantasy owners with negligible upside.

SUN, DEC 6 MON, DEC 14 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

[STARTER] KENNY STILLS took a big step forward in his second season, and Miami has to be delighted to have landed him in an offseason trade with the Saints. Stills has great speed, and he has averaged 16.5 yards per reception over his young career. He’s more than just a deep threat, though: he hauled in 63 of his 85 targets last season—a robust 74 percent catch rate. Stills has the skill set to work at all levels of the secondary, and he should be a viable fantasy reserve, with upside, in 2015.

RAVENS NY GIANTS @CHARGERS COLTS PATRIOTS

FFG_15_121r1.p1.p1.pdf

third-down back, but Ajayi’s upside is enormous if he earns a more prominent role.

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

2015 TEAM PROFILE

MINNESOTA VIKINGS Jason Hoffmann

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] MIKE ZIMMER had a much

more turbulent year than anyone could have imagined, but to his credit the first-time coach kept the team’s focus on the field. He was instrumental in shifting the fortunes of a defense that was virtually unchanged from 2013, proving he can adapt his schemes to best utilize his personnel. With a strong finish, Zimmer looks to have the Vikings’ stock pointing upward.

elite arm strength, but Mike Wallace’s arrival should help keep defenses honest. Bridgewater is a decent dynasty option who should be a solid fantasy backup in 2015.

the offense. Hill signed a two-year deal to provide a veteran presence behind Bridgewater. On the field, however, he’s someone to steer clear of.

[SECOND] Journeyman SHAUN HILL was

as Tampa Bay’s No. 3 quarterback, but he hasn’t attempted a regular-season pass since 2011. He’ll have to ward off a challenge from TAYLOR HEINICKE, an undrafted free agent from Old Dominion, but neither player is fantasy material.

named the Rams’ starter after Sam Bradford’s sea-

The offense struggled in Norv Turner’s first year as coordinator, but he gets a free pass given Peterson’s absence and the usage of a rookie quarterback. George Edwards did an excellent job handling the defense, and he’ll have more talent at his disposal in his second year as coordinator. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] TEDDY BRIDGEWATER took over

when Matt Cassel got injured in Week 3, and he started all but one of the final 13 games. He looked shaky at times but steadily improved, finishing with 10 touchdowns and a 68.9 completion percentage in his last six starts. He also looked more comfortable in the pocket as the season progressed and displayed excellent accuracy on short and intermediate routes. He doesn’t possess

MATT ASIATA AND TEDDY BRIDGEWATER

son-ending injury, but he was knocked out of the opener with a thigh injury and wasn’t reinstated as the starter until the final seven contests. He threw a paltry eight touchdown passes in those games but limited turnovers and did a decent job running

[THIRD] MIKE KAFKA spent part of last year

JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] If there is a silver lining to last year’s ADRIAN PETERSON saga (from a fantasy standpoint, anyway), it is that he’s a full year removed from the traditional wear-and-tear NFL running backs endure. Assuming his reconciliation sticks, Peterson will return rested and ready to assume his place as the feature back. He has scored at least 10 touchdowns and averaged 4.4 yards per carry or better in every full season, and there’s a chance for an uptick in receptions in Turner’s offense. Peterson enters 2015 as a solid (albeit risky) top-5 fantasy back. [BACKUP] JERICK MCKINNON split time between tailback and quarterback at Georgia Southern but looked comfortable from the start as

Photo: Morris Fostoff

he Mike Zimmer era in Minnesota began with a 34-6 thrashing of St. Louis, but five days later, a nightmare scenario played out for Zimmer and the Vikings that no one could have predicted. Adrian Peterson was indicted on child abuse charges and was suspended, an absence that ultimately lasted the rest of the season. The Vikings struggled mightily in the immediate aftermath of the suspension, losing five of their next six games and being held to 10 points or less in four of those. The team’s fortunes reversed in late October behind the steady play of rookie Teddy Bridgewater, however, and a 5-4 finish brought renewed hope for the team entering 2015. Offseason trades sent one-time starting quarterback Matt Cassel to Buffalo and brought mercurial Mike Wallace in from Miami. The team then cut ties with Greg Jennings, last year’s leader in yardage. On the free-agent front, Jasper Brinkley and Christian Ponder were the most recognizable departures. In the draft, the Vikings believe they have added two immediate starters—Trae Waynes and Eric Kendricks—to an improving defense. Unfortunately, Peterson’s status dominated the offseason headlines. Peterson and his agent have pushed for a trade from Minnesota, and while the team has yet to acquiesce, the former MVP skipped OTAs and continues to try to angle his way out of town. His return would certainly help, but their young talent coupled with a strong defense could make Minnesota a playoff contender in the NFC regardless.

122 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 3

6/22/15 2:40 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@49ERS LIONS CHARGERS @BRONCOS BYE WEEK CHIEFS

MON, SEP 14 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4

10:20 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:25 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

SUN, OCT 18 1:00 PM

a rookie NFL runner. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and topped 100 yards twice in 12 appearances before a back injury ended his season. McKinnon underwent surgery and should be 100 percent for the 2015 season. The athletically-gifted runner would have limited value as a change-of-pace to Peterson, but he’s definitely worth stashing in dynasty formats. [THIRD] Unheralded MATT ASIATA entered

last season as the No. 3 back but finished as the team’s leading rusher with 570 yards and nine touchdowns (including two three-score performances). He added 44 receptions, second-most on the club, but averaged just 3.5 yards per rush and showed no burst or elusiveness. While Asiata may steal goal-line looks, he’s not worth owning unless circumstances present more snaps. JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[STARTER] CHARLES JOHNSON has an impressive blend of size (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) and speed, but injuries kept him sidelined until the Vikings plucked him from Cleveland’s practice squad last September. Johnson immediately saw time and worked his way into the starting lineup by Week 12. He finished the year as Minnesota’s top receiving threat, catching 25 passes for 415 yards over the final seven games. Johnson is best utilized as a No. 4 fantasy receiver who’s trending upward. [STARTER] While he never lived up to his contract, MIKE WALLACE tied a career best with

10 touchdowns to go with 67 catches and 862 yards in 2014. His stint in Miami ended on a sour note, however, when he was benched during the season finale. Wallace reportedly quit during the second quarter, and insiders have indicated this wasn’t the first time he pulled that stunt. Wallace was unhappy that the Dolphins used him on shorter routes instead of sending him downfield. Expected to stretch the field in Minnesota, Wallace is an upside play as your third receiver. [THIRD] JARIUS WRIGHT had a couple of big outings and flashed some sneaky big-play ability. Conversely, Wright was also shut out completely three times and finished with a pedestrian 42-588-2 line. His smallish frame (5foot-10, 180 pounds) makes him most useful in

RB WR QB WR RB TE

ADRIAN PETERSON MIKE WALLACE TEDDY BRIDGEWATER CHARLES JOHNSON JERICK MCKINNON KYLE RUDOLPH

@LIONS @BEARS RAMS @RAIDERS PACKERS @FALCONS

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

[FOURTH] After a strong close to his rookie campaign, CORDARRELLE PATTERSON entered

2014 as a popular breakout candidate—hype that initially appeared warranted after he logged 128 total yards and a touchdown in Week 1. He’d only surpass 40 total yards in a contest three more times, however, and just once after Week 3. It was a huge disappointment, but at least the third-year receiver recognized he needed to work on his route-running skills in the offseason. He’ll still provide value to the Vikings as a return man, but Patterson is unlikely to be an asset to fantasy owners. [FIFTH] Fifth-round pick STEFON DIGGS has

plus speed but battled injuries throughout his career at Maryland. While he projects as a slot receiver, he’ll likely see mostly special teams duty as a rookie. ADAM THIELEN and undrafted DAVARIS DANIELS are also vying for the final receiver slot. None of the three should be fantasy targets. JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] Norv Turner’s history with tight ends had KYLE RUDOLPH on a lot of sleeper lists last year, and the Notre Dame product has been productive when he’s taken the field for the Vikings. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened often enough lately. Rudolph has missed 15 games over the past two seasons with various ailments, and his numbers in that span (54-544-5) are comparable to the 53-493-9 line he had in 2012. Rudolph has talent, but he’s too risky to be more than a midrange reserve. [BACKUP] CHASE FORD caught 18 passes over a five-game stretch with Rudolph on the shelf, but he had just four receptions in the final seven. He’s worth a look if (when?) Rudolph gets hurt again. RHETT ELLISON’s 19-208-1 line isn’t going to make any fantasy waves, and the team added fifthrounder MYCOLE PRUITT, an agile receiving threat that could have an impact down the road. [KICKER] BLAIR WALSH finished 20th among kickers with 107 points in 2014, and his accuracy

POSITION RANK (P.31) 6 29 19 38 41 22

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 7 44 72 105 106 140

SUN, DEC 6 THU, DEC 10 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

the slot, where he has shown decent separation skills. Still, Wright’s unlikely to be a consistent weekly fantasy performer.

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

SEAHAWKS @CARDINALS BEARS NY GIANTS @PACKERS

continued to trend downward. Walsh connected on 92.1 percent of his attempts as a rookie; two years later, his 74.3 percent success rate was dead last among full-time kickers. Walsh still boasts a strong leg, but the accuracy woes make him a matchup play option at best. [RETURNERS] CORDARRELLE PATTERSON was sixth in the NFL in kickoff return

average (25.6 yards per) but failed to return any for scores after taking two kickoffs to the house in 2013. MARCUS SHERELS averaged 11 yards per punt return and also failed to find the end zone for the first time since 2011. Rookie STEFON DIGGS returned two kickoffs for touchdowns at Maryland and could see chances in both areas. JJ DEFENSE A year after allowing the most points in the NFL and the second-most yardage, the Vikings defense ranked 11th and 14th, respectively, in those categories. The team’s run defense was a bit of an issue, ranking 25th in yards allowed, but they got after opposing quarterbacks and registered 41 sacks (tied for ninth)—Everson Griffen led the way with 12 sacks in his first season as a starter. The unit scored three return touchdowns, but only six teams forced fewer turnovers than the Vikings’ 19. This looks to be a group on the rise, however, and one that could be a viable top-10 option this season. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] Many have CHARLES JOHNSON on the short list of breakout receiver candidates. The hype is not without merit—he has sub-4.4 speed to go with his lanky 6-foot-2 frame, long arms and excellent leaping ability. His profile remains low, but Johnson is a vital part of the Vikings’ passing attack with No. 2 receiver upside. [SUPER SLEEPER] From a scouting perspective, JERICK MCKINNON has the skills to be

an elite NFL runner. He has plus speed, the agility to change directions in an instant and the strength to shed would-be tacklers. McKinnon showed a glimpse of all three attributes last season and, even as a reserve, could play his way into flex consideration.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 279 182 297 171 116 110

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 254 123 217 104 91 74

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 40 8 3 5 2 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 4

123

6/22/15 2:41 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Jason Hoffmann

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] BILL BELICHICK passed 200

career wins last year, and barring the unforeseen will pass legendary Paul Brown (213) for fifth all-time in coaching wins early in 2015. Belichick-led teams have won at least 10 games in 12 consecutive seasons, but off-field incidents—such as this year’s inflation situation—are to many observers as much a part of Belichick’s legacy as the team’s victories and Super Bowl rings.

[SECOND] Assuming Brady’s suspension isn’t lifted, JIMMY GAROPPOLO will open 2015

as the Patriots’ starter. Garoppolo saw action in three games last season, completing 19 of his 27 pass attempts. He’s a big-bodied quarterback that can make things happen on the ground, and he showed impressive pocket presence in limited time. Garoppolo could be a viable short-term option, but once Brady returns it’s back to clipboard duty.

Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia return for their fourth seasons coordinating the offense and defense, respectively. The Patriots’ offense finished fourth in scoring last year, which is actually the unit’s lowest ranking of McDaniels’ second tenure, while the defense has been in the top 10 in fewest points allowed in each of Patricia’s seasons. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] There was a time last year when owners seriously considered sending TOM BRADY to the waiver wire. After four weeks, he

was averaging under 200 yards passing per game and had more turnovers (five) than touchdown passes (four). Brady followed that with a 10game stretch in which he completed 66.2 percent of his throws, averaged 306 yards passing and tossed 28 touchdowns versus six picks. Brady opens 2015 as a solid mid-tier fantasy starter. Until his four-game suspension is appealed, the only question is when that debut will take place.

[THIRD] Concerned about a lack of experience, New England signed MATT FLYNN

to supply some insurance in case Garoppolo falls flat or gets hurt. While the eighth-year pro possesses a weak arm and has struggled outside of Green Bay, he proved in 2013 that he can win games if you play to his strengths. Ideally, Flynn is there to offer guidance in the quarterback room and hold the fort if needed.

TOM BRADY AND BRANDON LAFELL

JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] After creating headaches in Pittsburgh on and off the field, LEGARRETTE BLOUNT was released last November. He returned to the Patriots shortly thereafter and took over lead back duties down the stretch. Blount averaged 56 rushing yards per game, with three touchdowns in that five-game span, and he added a 148-yard, three-touchdown performance against Indianapolis in the AFC Championship Game. Blount enters 2015 as the main tailback option and should have value as your third fantasy back, but one who may be maddeningly inconsistent from week to week. [BACKUP] It gets dicey in the backfield after Blount, with plenty of options but few proven commodities. Perhaps the most intriguing is JONAS GRAY, who came out of nowhere to post a 201-yard, four-touchdown performance (also against the Colts). After showing up late for practice the next week, however, Belichick buried Gray, to the tune of 20 carries over the final seven weeks. A straight-line runner with no receiving skills, Gray is a name to keep in mind only if Blount gets hurt. [THIRD] Of the remaining backs, JAMES WHITE might be the one to know. A fourth-

round pick in 2014, White was active only three times as rookie, but the Pats hope he can assume Shane Vereen’s role as a pass-catching back. TRAVARIS CADET, who caught 38 passes with

Photo: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

ew England looked like a team in disarray after a 2-2 September record— the month ended with an uninspiring win over Oakland and a 27-point blowout loss at Kansas City, spawning endless “Is Tom Brady finished?” stories. That was followed by seven straight victories, however, with the Patriots averaging almost 40 points per game during the streak. The team finished 12-4 and earned the top seed in the AFC Playoffs. They edged Baltimore in the Divisional Round and throttled Indianapolis to earn their sixth Super Bowl berth in the Belichick-Brady era. In a back-and-forth affair, New England stopped a last-second Seattle drive at the goal line to secure a 28-24 victory and the team’s fourth Lombardi Trophy. It was a tumultuous offseason for the champs. Darrelle Revis returned to the rival Jets and Stevan Ridley joined him in New York. Shane Vereen, Brandon Browner and Vince Wilfork also left New England. The Patriots did have some additions, including Jabaal Sheard, but their biggest move was re-signing safety Devin McCourty. Of course, no championship offseason can be complete without a controversy, whether it’s the “Tuck Rule,” spying or, in this case, football air pressure. The fallout from “Deflategate” includes the loss of draft picks and a four-game suspension for Brady. While Brady is appealing, this looms as a distraction for a squad capable of repeating as Super Bowl champs.

124 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 5

6/22/15 2:41 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

STEELERS @BILLS JAGUARS BYE WEEK @COWBOYS @COLTS

THU, SEP 10 8:30 PM SUN, SEP 20 1:00 PM SUN, SEP 27 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

SUN, OCT 11 4:25 PM SUN, OCT 18 8:30 PM

New Orleans last year, will serve as competition. BRANDON BOLDEN is outstanding on special teams and a tough runner, but he hasn’t topped 56 carries in three years with New England. JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[STARTER] A year after catching 105 passes, JULIAN EDELMAN finished eighth in the

NFL with 92 receptions, despite missing two games with concussion issues. While the 29-year-old is an elite possession receiver, he does the vast majority of his work underneath defenses—he caught only four touchdown passes last year and 10 in his last 197 grabs. Still, the volume of Edelman’s activity makes him a steady No. 2 fantasy receiver, with a bump in point-per-reception leagues.

[STARTER] Despite a sluggish start, BRANDON LAFELL grew into a fantasy factor in his

first season with the Pats. LaFell eventually gained Brady’s trust en route to setting career bests in receptions (74), yards (953) and touchdowns (seven). He had at least four catches in 12 of his final 14 games, and he should retain a starting role with no high-profile additions to challenge him. LaFell is an intriguing option as a No. 3 fantasy receiver.

[THIRD] For just the second time in his six-year career, DANNY AMENDOLA suited up for all 16 games. Unfortunately, he was a complete non-factor (27-200-1) for most of the year. Amendola rarely saw the field early on before finishing strong—16 receptions over the final four weeks, and three touchdowns in the playoffs. While he’s not worth drafting based on his subpar production, Amendola is worth monitoring. [FOURTH] A stress fracture suffered late in AARON DOBSON ’s rookie year required

surgery last March. A screw was inserted in his foot, and his recovery lagged as a result. Dobson barely participated in training camp and was active for only four games before a hamstring injury ended his disappointing

TE WR RB WR QB PK RB

ROB GRONKOWSKI JULIAN EDELMAN LEGARRETTE BLOUNT BRANDON LAFELL TOM BRADY STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI TRAVARIS CADET

NY JETS DOLPHINS WASHINGTON @NY GIANTS BILLS @BRONCOS

SUN, OCT 25 THU, OCT 29 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 MON, NOV 23 SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM 4:25 PM 8:30 PM 8:30 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

4:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

showing no signs of slowing down Gostkowski should remain an elite fantasy kicker. [RETURNERS] Veterans JULIAN EDELMAN and DANNY AMENDOLA shared return duties in 2014, with Edelman owning the edge in the number of punt returns and average (12.0 yards per return)—he also scored for the fourth time in five seasons. Amendola was the primary kickoff man, averaging 24.1 yards per return.

[FIFTH] BRANDON GIBSON signed with

the Patriots following a two-year stint in Miami, which was marred by a torn patellar tendon suffered in 2013. Gibson was a decent slot receiver prior to the injury but is purely receiver depth now. JOSH BOYCE and BRIAN TYMS are also options, but none should have any fantasy value. JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] Returning from a torn ACL and MCL, ROB GRONKOWSKI got off to a slow start with only 147 yards through four weeks. He averaged 89 yards per game and had nine scores the rest of the way, however, and finished tops among tight ends in yards (1,124) and touchdowns (12) and fourth in receptions (82). It’s not a coincidence New England’s offense took off once Gronk was 100 percent. He’s the top fantasy tight end and a viable first-round pick in any format, but given his injury history owners should invest in a quality backup to hedge their bets. [BACKUP] With Tim Wright gone, SCOTT CHANDLER moves into the No. 2 spot behind

Gronkowski. Formerly with Buffalo, the 6-foot-7, 260-pound Chandler caught 47 passes for 497 yards a year ago and has 17 career touchdowns. If Gronk struggles to stay healthy, Chandler could have some appeal as a waiver wire addition. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS [KICKER] For the third straight season, STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI was the NFL’s leading scorer. Last year, Gostkowski compiled 156 points by connecting on 51 PATs and an NFL-best 35 field goals (with only two misses). Gostkowski has an 93.9 percent success rate his last two seasons, and with the Pats offense

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 11 56 91 116 117 172

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

2014 campaign. He showed promise as a deep threat in 2013 and has sleeper potential if healthy. “If ” is the operative word, however, and it’s one that makes Dobson a high-risk fantasy option.

POSITION RANK (P.31) 1 19 35 37 9 1 59

EAGLES @TEXANS TITANS @NY JETS @DOLPHINS

JJ DEFENSE New England’s defense finished eighth in points allowed and 13th in yards. They were tied for 13th with 40 sacks—Rob Ninkovich led the way with eight—and forced 25 total turnovers (tied; 13th), two of which were returned for scores. Darrelle Revis’ departure will have a definite impact on the pas s defense, which made keeping Devin McCourty in the fold paramount given his ability to both stop the run and cover receivers. While Vince Wilfork’s absence will affect the run defense, the Pats will plug in first-rounder Malcom Brown, among others, in his place. The defense is a borderline starting fantasy option, but expect a drop in production now that Revis isn’t closing off half the field. JJ WAKE UP CALL

[SLEEPER] AARON DOBSON had 37 catches

and four touchdowns in his rookie season, often showing the speed and athleticism that reminded many of fellow Marshall alum Randy Moss. Dobson is the best deep threat on the Patriots roster and could be a big part of their downfield attack if his foot injuries have healed.

[SUPER SLEEPER] Former Badger JAMES WHITE logged 39 receptions in a decidedly

run-heavy Wisconsin offense in 2013, and he displayed excellent pass-protection skills. He’s the best in-house option for third-down duty, a role that has seen Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen pile up the catches in Josh McDaniels’ offense. White is a player to monitor in pointper-reception formats.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 256 202 125 172 327 162 65

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 178 117 114 110 240 162 41

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 44 19 4 5 16 4 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 6

125

6/22/15 3:18 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS Herija C. Green

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] SEAN PAYTON ’s eighth

season in New Orleans was his worst in terms of performance versus expectations. It was the first time since 2008 he didn’t march his Saints into the playoffs, and the way it happened creates some uncertainty for perhaps the first time in his tenure (excluding Bountygate). Payton’s offenses have long been on the cutting edge, but it’ll be interesting to see how he handles less talent on that side as the team moves toward a more balanced roster.

in 2015 with his two most dynamic targets (Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills) gone, leaving the veteran to lean on a bevy of untested youngsters. Despite some erosion in both skills and surrounding talent, Brees remains a midrange No. 1 fantasy quarterback.

Despite an oft-contentious relationship with Payton and abysmal play from his charges, Rob Ryan is back for his third year as defensive coordinator. The team invested heavily on defense and will expect improvement. On offense, Pete Carmichael enters his seventh season as coordinator. JJ QUARTERBACK [STARTER] A future Hall-of-Famer, DREW BREES looked like a player on the decline last season—even if his numbers (4,952 passing yards and 33 touchdowns) don’t bear that out. The 36-year-old’s decision making was uncharacteristically poor at times, often in crucial moments, and he seemed a tick slow on the trigger. Things figure to get tougher

[SECOND] LUKE MCCOWN figures to hold

down the backup spot for a third straight campaign; a role that has produced exactly one pass attempt the first two years. That’s par for the course for the 34-year-old, who has made all of nine starts in his 11 seasons. Brees is still the straw that stirs the drink in NOLA, so if McCown is pressed into action he’d be of no interest.

DREW BREES

[THIRD] Even though he went 73 picks later, Colorado State’s GARRETT GRAYSON holds

the distinction of being the third quarterback selected in this year’s draft. Clearly he was taken with an eye on the future, as the team hopes it can develop his decision making while acclimating him to the pro game. Grayson has good accuracy and arm strength, but he’s unlikely to take a snap once the calendar hits September. JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] After three uninspiring seasons to open his career, MARK INGRAM finally showed some of the talent that made him a first-round pick back in 2011. He ran hard, was tough to bring down and displayed a nose for the end zone. His final numbers (1,109 total yards, nine touchdowns) weren’t spectacular, but remember he missed three games with a broken hand. Injuries are an ongoing issue for Ingram, however, so even as he ascends draft boards he continues to pose some risk as a No. 2 back. [BACKUP] C.J. SPILLER is just two seasons

removed from averaging 6.8 yards per touch as a focal point of Buffalo’s offense. The problem is he has never been as effective before or since. Spiller’s coming off a season where played just nine games due to a shoulder injury, and he has been dogged by fumbling issues throughout his

Photo: Mike Jula/Fostoff Fotos

ith Bountygate firmly in the rearview and coming off an 11-5 season that ended with a hard-fought loss to eventual champion Seattle, the Saints looked like the class of the NFC South and a legitimate Super Bowl contender last year. Instead, everything fell apart in spectacular fashion. New Orleans dropped their first four on the road, and the invincible aura they’d enjoyed for years inside the Superdome disappeared as they lost their final five home games of the season. The defense was atrocious, while the offense piled up empty yards but turned the ball over 30 times—20 of those by former MVP Drew Brees, who made some critical errors. It all added up to a disappointing 7-9 finish. For better or worse, the combination of GM Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton decided tweaking the roster wasn’t enough, and instead made massive changes. Gone are matchup nightmare Jimmy Graham, dealt to Seattle for Max Unger and a first-round pick, and last year’s leading receiver Kenny Stills (to Miami). They also cut Pierre Thomas and signed C.J. Spiller. Defensively, they overhauled their linebackers, drafting Stephone Anthony and Hau’Oli Kikaha, acquiring Dannell Ellerbe in the Stills trade and cutting veteran Curtis Lofton. The end result is a team barely recognizable from the one that went a combined 48-16 in Payton’s previous four seasons. This has the look of a rebuild in New Orleans, but in the watered down NFC South they shouldn’t be counted out.

126 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 7

6/22/15 2:43 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@CARDINALS BUCCANEERS @PANTHERS COWBOYS @EAGLES FALCONS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 THU, OCT 15

4:05 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

career. Still, it’s easy to see the similarities between Spiller and Darren Sproles, which makes him an intriguing risk/reward pick as your third fantasy runner. [Third] Rounding things out are holdover KHIRY ROBINSON and seventh-round pick MARCUS MURPHY. Robinson did well in Ingram’s absence, gaining 245 yards on 47 carries (5.2 yards per carry) in three starts, but he missed six games with a forearm injury and scarcely played upon returning. Murphy is an undersized back who offers versatility in the passing game. Of the two, Robinson could have late-round depth appeal. JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] One of the few remaining veteran weapons, MARQUES COLSTON is on the downside of his career. His size (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) and strength keep him viable for Drew Brees, but there’s no denying his production has been waning for years—his 59 receptions, 902 yards and five touchdowns in 2014 all set or matched career lows for a full season. That Colston has Brees’ trust at a position nearly bereft of experienced players gives him some value as a fourth receiver. [STARTER] Many thought BRANDIN COOKS

would step right in last year and add an explosive, game-breaking element to the Saints offense. And while his rookie year wasn’t bad— he was on pace for 80-plus receptions when a thumb injury ended his season after just 10 games—the first-rounder did most of his work underneath (only four of his 53 catches went for 20 yards or more). Expect to see a lot more vertical action and plays designed to get Cooks the ball in space this year. He’s their most dangerous weapon and a solid No. 2 fantasy wideout.

[THIRD] It gets hazy after Colston and Cooks, though NICK TOON has the inside track on

the No. 3 job. Limited to just 16 games in three seasons due to injuries, Toon finally saw extended action late last year and responded with some decent performances. If he can stay healthy, the fourth-year pro has a chance to be

RB WR QB RB TE WR

MARK INGRAM BRANDIN COOKS DREW BREES C.J. SPILLER JOSH HILL MARQUES COLSTON

@COLTS NY GIANTS TITANS @WASHINGTON BYE WEEK @TEXANS

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

a significant part of the offense. That being said, Toon isn’t worth drafting. [FOURTH] BRANDON COLEMAN is another

of the young receivers the team will be counting on in 2015. The undrafted free agent spent almost all of last year on the practice squad before being signed to the 53-man roster in time for Week 17 (where he was left inactive). Coleman is a massive target (6-foot-6, 225 pounds) that impressed Sean Payton with his toughness. He’ll get a long look in camp.

[FIFTH] Although SEANTAVIUS JONES’ story mirrors that of Coleman, he lacks the latter’s physical stature. He’ll compete with JOE MORGAN, who holds a career yards-percatch average of 33.6 with the club, and JALEN SAUNDERS, a fourth-round pick by the Jets in 2014 that carries added value as a return specialist. At least file Jones’ name away for possible future use.

JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] To say JOSH HILL has some big

shoes to fill would be an understatement. For the past four years, the Saints have featured Jimmy Graham, arguably the NFL’s best offensive tight end. In that time, Graham averaged 89 receptions, 1,099 yards and 11.5 touchdowns. Hill, meanwhile, has a 20-220-6 career line. That said; Hill flashed the skills to be a factor in the passing game, and at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, he’ll resonate in the red zone. Hill is a quality reserve with significant upside.

around for a decade-plus, and while the plan is to deploy him in a supplemental role he’s looming in case Hill falls flat. Of course, the more likely scenario is he spends most of 2015 as a blocker with the occasional reception. Watson is of no interest.

POSITION RANK (P.31) 15 18 5 23 17 50

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 35 39 45 46 98 133

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

That leaves DUSTIN HOPKINS, the top scoring kicker in NCAA history, and ZACH HOCKER to compete (assuming they don’t sign anyone else). Until the situation clarifies there’s no reason to consider drafting New Orleans’ kicker. [RETURNERS] Now that Travaris Cadet is gone, JALEN SAUNDERS looks to be the favorite to handle both kickoff and punt returns. He fell out of favor with the Jets after muffing a punt, but he opened eyes in the Big Easy by taking a kick back 99 yards and averaging a solid 11 yards per punt return. Rookie MARCUS MURPHY could also factor here.

JJ DEFENSE In Rob Ryan’s two years as defensive coordinator the Saints had a very good campaign and a terrible one. They’re coming off the latter, finishing 31st in total defense and 28th in scoring. It was a failure at every level as they couldn’t consistently apply pressure (34 sacks; 25th in the NFL) or force turnovers (17 takeaways; 28th). After years of focusing on offense, New Orleans addressed their defense this offseason, investing first-, second- and third-round picks on that side of the ball. They also added several veterans, including Brandon Browner and Dannell Ellerbe. Adopt a wait-and-see approach, but be ready to pounce if this group gels under the aggressive Ryan.

[SUPER SLEEPER] BRANDON COLEMAN

[KICKER] Apparently unsatisfied until everyone

named Graham was gone, the Saints cut Shayne even though he converted 21 of 24 field goal attempts (87.5 percent) in 18 games with the club.

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 MON, DEC 21 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] No one’s suggesting JOSH HILL is the second coming of Jimmy Graham, but Sean Payton has long featured the tight end position—veteran Jeremy Shockey topped 40 receptions each of his three years in NOLA. Look for the team to give Hill, who tied for second on the team with five receiving touchdowns in 2014, a significant role.

[BACKUP] BENJAMIN WATSON has been

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

PANTHERS @BUCCANEERS LIONS JAGUARS @FALCONS

spent 16 weeks on the practice squad last year and doesn’t have a catch in the NFL. Unlike receivers Nick Toon and Seantavius Jones, however, Coleman has the size to give defenses trouble in the red zone and the toughness to make plays in traffic.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 192 207 423 166 121 153

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 161 122 309 117 80 102

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 25 22 30 12 1 3

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 8

127

6/22/15 2:43 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

NEW YORK GIANTS Jason Hoffmann

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] For the first time in TOM COUGHLIN ’s 11-year tenure, the Giants are com-

ing off back-to-back losing seasons. Coughlin’s two Super Bowl wins have given him a longer leash than most coaches, and Giants management was impressed with how he held the team together during the long losing streak. That said; another poor campaign could significantly diminish the 68-year-old’s job security.

emergence of Odell Beckham and return of a healthy Victor Cruz, Manning is a low-end starting option for fantasy purposes.

the league since 2011, spending time with the Houston Texans last year. The 27-year-old has yet to throw an NFL pass and has zero fantasy value.

[SECOND] RYAN NASSIB has shown promise during the preseason, but the only game action he has seen came at the end of October’s blowout loss at Philadelphia. Manning’s durability makes it unlikely he will see significant time again this year. The staff, namely Coughlin, feels Nassib

JJ RUNNING BACK

Ben McAdoo held his own in his first season calling plays, and he’ll return for his second year as offensive coordinator. On defense, former Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo starts his second stint as coordinator. He was in charge during the Giants’ 2007 Super Bowl run, but he’ll have his work cut out for him in this go-around. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] Coming off arguably his worst campaign, ELI MANNING rebounded with a solid

showing last year. After throwing an NFL-high 27 interceptions in 2013, Manning cut his pick total almost in half (14). He finished sixth in the NFL with 4,410 passing yards and ninth with 30 touchdowns, and he completed a career-high 63.1 percent of his attempts. A model of durability, Manning hasn’t missed a start since assuming the Giants’ quarterback duties in 2004. With the

ODELL BECKHAM JR.

has the tools to be a starter at the NFL level. And while he has shown a quick release and accuracy on shorter routes, his arm strength is considered sub-par. This makes him a risky option in dynasty formats, as well. [THIRD] Former Iowa standout RICKY STANZI

has bounced around practice squads throughout

[STARTER] RASHAD JENNINGS emerged from a crowded backfield competition to open 2014 as the primary tailback. He showed promise early on, especially during a 176-yard outburst in Week 3. Jennings suffered a sprained MCL in Week 5, however, an injury that cost him five games. Once he returned, the veteran gained only 243 yards over the final six weeks while averaging a porous 3.2 yards per tote. He’ll likely enter 2015 as the lead back and a potential bargain as a No. 3 fantasy back.

[BACKUP] After four years in New England, SHANE VEREEN inked a free-agent deal with the Giants. He brings excellent receiving ability to the position, with 99 catches and six touchdowns in the last two years. Vereen isn’t a serious threat to cut into Jennings’ workload, however, since he has never had more than 96 carries in a season. Vereen is a strong fourth option with added value in point-per-reception formats. [THIRD] As a rookie, ANDRE WILLIAMS assumed lead-back duties following Jennings’ injury and led the Giants with 721 yards rush-

Photo: Mike Jula/Fostoff Fotos

ew York started 2014 on a decent note, stringing together three straight wins en route to a 3-2 record after five weeks. The following week, however, the Giants fell, 27-0, to Philadelphia and during that contest, receiver Victor Cruz suffered a severe knee injury that ended his season. That started a stretch of seven straight losses for the Giants, and three consecutive December wins served as nothing more than a morale boost. New York finished with a 6-10 mark and a third straight year without a postseason berth. The defense was the primary culprit for the team’s losing ways, as teams averaged nearly 30 points per game against them during the seven-game skid. The defensive shortcomings led to the dismissal of Perry Fewell as coordinator, and Coughlin turned to a familiar face in Steve Spagnuolo to lead the unit in 2015. Other than that, however, the offseason was relatively quiet in New York. The team cut ties with Mathias Kiwanuka and lost Antrel Rolle and Stevie Brown via free agency, and most of the team’s additions are expected to play complementary roles. Landon Collins, who the Giants traded up to take in the second round of the NFL Draft, will step in at strong safety and is the biggest “name” arrival. There’s definitely talent on the offensive side of the ball, but unless the defense improves significantly, the Giants may find themselves battling to stay out of the NFC East cellar once again this year.

128 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 9

6/22/15 2:44 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@COWBOYS FALCONS WASHINGTON @BILLS 49ERS @EAGLES

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 THU, SEP 24 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 MON, OCT 19

8:30 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM 8:30 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

ing and seven touchdowns. He proved to be difficult to tackle in the open field, but his lack of initial burst made those opportunities few and far between. Williams averaged only 3.3 yards per rush and was a non-factor as a receiver (18 receptions). Still, he’s worth a look as lateround depth. JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] The Giants had to wait for ODELL BECKHAM ’s debut, but he proved to be well worth it. He finished in the NFL’s top 10 in all major receiving categories, and his 91-1,305-12 line is even more impressive when you consider he missed all offseason workouts, training camp and the first four weeks because of a severe hamstring injury. Beckham has elite route-running skills, the speed to fly past defenders, and he makes both the routine and acrobatic catches look easy. He’s a potential first-round fantasy selection and surefire top-five receiver. [STARTER] RUEBEN RANDLE saw a huge uptick in targets following Cruz’s injury, and he easily set career bests in receptions (71) and yardage (938). Randle topped 100 yards in three of the final seven contests and had at least four catches 11 times, but he only managed three touchdowns. Randle wasn’t always on the same page with Manning and had timing issues off the field as well, getting benched twice for being late to meetings. Randle enters 2015 as a fifth or sixth fantasy receiver, but he’s talented enough to be a reliable low-end weekly option if he continues to develop. [THIRD] VICTOR CRUZ started 2014 strong

with two 100-yard receiving efforts in the first four weeks, but his torn patellar tendon injury brings serious concerns about his future productivity. The injury is considered worse than a torn ACL and could completely rob Cruz of the explosiveness and cut-back ability that has made him a dangerous slot receiver. There’s too much uncertainty to rely on Cruz from a fantasy standpoint—he’s nothing more than a late-round flier as positional depth.

[FOURTH] The Giants snagged DWAYNE HARRIS as a free agent from rival Dallas,

WR RB QB RB WR

ODELL BECKHAM RASHAD JENNINGS ELI MANNING SHANE VEREEN VICTOR CRUZ

COWBOYS @SAINTS @BUCCANEERS PATRIOTS BYE WEEK @WASHINGTON

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15

4:25 PM 1:00 PM 4:05 PM 4:25 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

[FIFTH] Out of football in 2013, PRESTON PARKER made the club and assumed slot

duties after Cruz’s injury, but he was plagued by inconsistency and only managed a 36-418-2 line. He’ll battle COREY WASHINGTON (5-52-1 in 14 games as a rookie) and sixthrounder GEREMY DAVIS for the final spot(s) on the depth chart. JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] Unheralded LARRY DONNELL

was waiver-wire gold in September, posting a 25-236-4 line that included a three-touchdown performance in Week 4. His production waned from there, but 63 catches, 623 yards and six touchdowns is still impressive for the Grambling State product. There is no subtlety in Donnell’s game—at 6-foot-6, 265 pounds he mostly outmuscles defenders for position—and ball security was an issue with four lost fumbles. Still, Donnell’s red zone prowess makes him worth owning as a quality No. 2 tight end.

[BACKUP] DANIEL FELLS set a career best

with four touchdowns, including three straight weeks with a scoring grab, but the veteran finished 2014 with only 16 catches for 188 yards. While Fells is an excellent blocker, his limited usage in the passing game makes him a poor fantasy option. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

strength are as good as ever, but he hasn’t had enough opportunities the last two seasons to be a reliable fantasy option. Although he has missed only five field goals in that time, he attempted just 26 in each campaign. Last season, Brown only had 10 tries in the first 11 weeks and finished 16th in the NFL with 116 points. Without steady chances, Brown isn’t worth drafting.

POSITION RANK (P.31) 6 25 12 38 46

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 5 97 99 120 125

SUN, DEC 6 MON, DEC 14 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

1:00 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

[RETURNERS] PRESTON PARKER fielded

where he was their primary return man. He only caught 33 passes in four years with the Cowboys, however, including just seven last year. Harris may see more offensive snaps in New York, but it’s unlikely to be enough to make him a fantasy factor.

[KICKER] JOSH BROWN ’s accuracy and leg

NY JETS @DOLPHINS PANTHERS @VIKINGS EAGLES

both kickoffs and punts last season, but he’ll be fighting for a roster spot. ODELL BECKHAM was the punt returner last year once he was healthy, but he averaged only 8.9 yards per return. Meanwhile, DWAYNE HARRIS handled both duties in Dallas and has two career scores. He could assume one or both of those roles for the G-Men. JJ DEFENSE New York’s “D” finished 2014 22nd in points allowed and 29th in yardage. They were especially poor against the run, ranking 30th in yards surrendered while allowing an NFL-worst 4.9 yards per carry. The Giants were mid-pack in terms of turnovers forced with 17 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries, but they were better when offenses threw the ball. Though they were 18th in passing yards allowed, only three teams collected more quarterback sacks than the Giants as Jason Pierre-Paul registered 12.5 of the team’s 47. Rookie Landon Collins should play a large role in the team’s attempt to plug their porous run defense, but it would take noticeable improvement from several individual defenders to make the Giants defense a useful fantasy option. JJ WAKE UP CALL

[SLEEPER] LARRY DONNELL’s size and

underrated athleticism make him a dangerous red-zone target. While he’ll be battling the Giants’ other receiving options for targets, especially if Victor Cruz returns, Donnell may get more room to operate underneath if defenses turn their attention elsewhere. That could lead to more big-play potential, which would make Donnell an intriguing weekly starting option.

[SUPER SLEEPER] DWAYNE HARRIS was

never a big part of the Cowboys’ offensive attack and isn’t guaranteed a role in New York’s offense, either. But Bob McAdoo’s system heavily utilizes three-receiver sets and if Cruz suffers any setbacks in his recovery, Harris could step into an expanded role. If that happens, he could be worth a look in deeper leagues.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 289 152 368 120 159

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 204 131 263 79 108

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 45 11 11 3 4

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 10

129

6/22/15 2:44 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

NEW YORK JETS Herija C. Green

s John Madden was fond of saying, if you have two quarterbacks then you really have none. Rex Ryan and the Jets entered 2014 with Geno Smith and Michael Vick on their depth chart, and the apex of their season came in Week 2 when they were 1-0 and led Green Bay, 21-3. They lost that game, and the seven that followed, en route to a 4-12 season that sent Ryan off to Buffalo. Along the way they played some of the ugliest football imaginable. In an era dominated by record-breaking offenses, the Jets managed to pass for less than 100 yards on three separate occasions. It was clear to even the most casual of observers that massive changes were needed. Not surprisingly, that’s exactly what happened. Ryan and GM John Idzik were fired the day after the season ended, replaced by Arizona defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and Houston director of college scouting Mike Maccagnan, respectively. The team traded for Brandon Marshall and Zac Stacy, cut Percy Harvin, bid farewell to Vick and reunited with cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie along with Buster Skrine. On draft day they added USC defensive end Leonard Williams, who some felt was the top overall talent, as well as a legitimate deep threat in Ohio State’s Devin Smith. While there are a lot of encouraging signs, how much the Jets actually improve may rest on the arm of Geno Smith... or Ryan Fitzpatrick... or Bryce Petty... Cue John Madden.

[HEAD COACH] In the tradition of Herman Edwards, Erin Mangini and Rex Ryan, TODD BOWLES arrives with a background as a defen-

sive coach. His NFL coaching career began with the Jets back in 2000, is coming off a successful two-year stint as the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator. He has shown a creative touch in terms of schemes, along with the ability to maximize players’ potential. Like his predecessor, however, he’s inheriting a dicey quarterbacking situation. Although Bowles has just three games of head coaching experience, Chan Gailey has guided both the Bills and Cowboys at the NFL level. Out of coaching since 2012, Gailey is the new offensive coordinator. Forty-five-year-old Kacy Rodgers, who worked with Bowles in Miami, was hired to oversee the defense. JJ QUARTERBACK [STARTER] After 29 starts, you can take one of two views on GENO SMITH . Either he has been hamstrung by porous talent around him, or he’s a poor decision maker who lacks the skills to be an NFL starter. The former issue has been admirably addressed this offseason,

so now it’s up to Smith to show that was the problem all along. He’ll need to outlast Ryan Fitzpatrick for the top spot, but odds are the Jets want Smith to win the job as he has theoretical upside. He’s a No. 3 fantasy quarterback. [SECOND] RYAN FITZPATRICK is the con-

summate journeyman. He has started at least

to summon Fitzgerald. Even as a starter, the veteran is a shaky fantasy backup at best. [THIRD] With the Jets selecting Baylor’s BRYCE PETTY in Round 4, they get someone many

considered the third-best quarterback in the draft; albeit one who figures to have a significant learning curve after operating in a spread offense in college. It’s a long shot for Petty to factor into the Jets’ 2015 plans. JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] There are a lot of moving parts in the Jets backfield, but CHRIS IVORY seems like

nine games for four different clubs, and he shows just enough each stop to make another team think they can win with him. Could the Jets be the fifth? Absolutely. Fitzpatrick has history with Chan Gailey from their time in Buffalo, and he was competent in Houston a season ago. If the new regime feels Smith is holding them back, expect a quick trigger

the likely No. 1 back, though that’s a pretty loose designation. In two years with the club, Ivory has averaged 827 rushing yards and five total touchdowns—he’s a non-factor as a receiver. Considering those numbers came when the Jets had fewer options, it’s hard to imagine Ivory surpassing them in 2015. As such, the veteran is no better than a low-end No. 3 fantasy back.

[BACKUP] STEVAN RIDLEY played just six games last season before tearing both his MCL and ACL. When healthy, the former Patriot has been a mixed bag. He runs hard

Photo: Morris Fostoff

JJ COACH

GENO SMITH

130 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 11

6/22/15 2:45 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

BROWNS @COLTS EAGLES @DOLPHINS BYE WEEK WASHINGTON

SUN, SEP 13 MON, SEP 21 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4

1:00 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 9:30 AM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

SUN, OCT 18 1:00 PM

and fights for yardage, but his ball security (eight fumbles in 2012-13) has been atrocious at times. Plus, like Ivory, Ridley offers almost nothing in the passing game. It’s entirely possible he’ll open the year on the PUP list, which eats away at his already marginal value. Best case: he’s a late-round flier. [THIRD] Acquired for a seventh-round pick, ZAC STACY joins former Rams teammate DARYL RICHARDSON in a crowded depth chart that also includes holdover BILAL POWELL.

Of that threesome, Stacy has the best chance to make an impact. He rushed for 979 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie in 2013 before falling out of favor last year. For now, however, a wait-and-see approach is the way to go.

JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] Like pretty much everyone else in Chicago, BRANDON MARSHALL endured a disappointing 2014. He finished with a 61-721-8 line, breaking a seven-year run of 1,000-yard seasons and posting his lowest reception total since 2006. Granted, a rib injury cost him three games, but he already was on pace for seasonal lows. Perhaps he’d simply worn out his welcome, something that happened in Miami and Denver. Whatever the case, Marshall has proven he can excel regardless of who’s under center, which helps him maintain value as a low-end second or strong third fantasy receiver. [STARTER] Going from Peyton Manning to

Geno Smith was always going to be a culture shock for ERIC DECKER, and he underperformed even modest expectations. Don’t be fooled by his final numbers, either, as he entered Week 17 with 64 receptions, 741 yards and three touchdowns. Pitiful totals for a No. 1 receiver. Luckily, the arrival of Marshall slides Decker into the complementary role he’s better suited for. Consider him a decent choice as your No. 4 receiver.

[THIRD] In second-round pick DEVIN SMITH, the Jets got what most believe to be the top deep threat in this year’s draft. That makes Smith a good fit, as his ability to stretch the field should help open things up underneath for Marshall and Decker, who are better suited to the intermediate

WR WR RB RB TE

BRANDON MARSHALL ERIC DECKER CHRIS IVORY STEVAN RIDLEY JACE AMARO

@PATRIOTS @RAIDERS JAGUARS BILLS @TEXANS DOLPHINS

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8 THU, NOV 12 SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

[FOURTH] JEREMY KERLEY is a rare holdover, having been with the team since 2011. He has never posted eye-popping numbers, and the arrivals of Marshall and Smith push him down the pecking order, but he’s a steady hand that has more reps with Geno Smith than anyone else. Still, that’s not nearly enough to create fantasy relevancy. [FIFTH] There’s no shortage of options to round out this group with T.J. GRAHAM, who played under Gailey in Buffalo, and DEVIER POSEY, acquired in a draft-day deal, the likeliest candidates to hold down those spots. Also in the mix are 2014 draft picks SHAQ EVANS and QUINCY ENUNWA. Ultimately, though, no one here is of interest.

JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] Whether or not he’s officially listed as the starter, JACE AMARO is easily the more dangerous pass catcher. He opened his rookie season in impressive fashion, logging 32 receptions and 285 yards in his first eight games, but he all but disappeared after that. Amaro made headlines this offseason for his verbal spat with former coach Rex Ryan, but with the Jets’ commitment to improving the offense he might be ready to make in-season ones as well. Tab Amaro as a late-round backup.

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

improved over the past two seasons, though his 12-for-19 showing from 40-plus yards out last year (63.2 percent) was a step in the wrong direction. Folk’s 2015 fantasy appeal will come down to how many opportunities the new-look Jets offense affords him. [RETURNERS] New York cycled through a lot of returners last season, probably because no one distinguished themselves. JEREMY KERLEY was their main man on punts, but he managed just 8.0 yards per return on 25 chances. He’s in the mix along with any number of fringe receivers, like WALT POWELL , that’ll be looking to add value at a suddenly competitive position.

JJ DEFENSE During his six-year tenure with the Jets, Rex Ryan preached defense. In response, the club finished first, third, fifth, eighth, 11th and sixth in total defense. That’s impressive. Less so, however, was New York’s rankings in scoring defense, which were no higher than 19th the past four years. Expect improvement in 2015 with the signings of Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine, and from drafting Leonard Williams with the sixth overall pick. They can only go up in forcing turnovers after finishing dead with 13 a year ago, but even in a down year the Jets logged 45 sacks (tied for sixth). They are a high-upside group. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] Although he’s lost in the shuffle right now, don’t lose sight of ZAC STACY, who should be fresh and motivated after being unceremoniously pushed down the depth chart and then right out of St. Louis. He averaged 92.5 total yards and 0.67 touchdowns per game in 12 starts in 2013. That’s not bad.

[BACKUP] JEFF CUMBERLAND has 38 starts for the Jets over the past three seasons, but, as noted, he has already taken a backseat to Amaro in the passing game. The 28-yearold isn’t bereft of talent as a receiver, flashing some ability after the catch while registering 10 touchdowns in 81 career grabs. Still, there’s plenty of evidence that Cumberland isn’t worth owning in fantasy.

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS [KICKER] A year after finishing 13th in the NFL with 126 points, NICK FOLK ended 2014 in the 14th position with 119. His accuracy has

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 67 103 141 201 218

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SAT, DEC 19 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

game. While the Ohio State product’s speed and ball skills might get him on some highlight reels, it’s hard to imagine he’ll get enough chances to be a reliable weekly producer.

POSITION RANK (P.31) 22 34 34 53 27

@NY GIANTS TITANS @COWBOYS PATRIOTS @BILLS

[SUPER SLEEPER] DEVIN SMITH is a rookie who’s unlikely to ascend higher than No. 3 on the pecking order. While that doesn’t sound like a recipe for success, bear in mind that Smith is the team’s only verifiable deep threat. With established players like Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker demanding attention underneath, Smith could surprise.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 198 175 128 83 98

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 124 113 118 79 58

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 14 6 6 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 12

131

6/22/15 2:45 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

OAKLAND RAIDERS Matt Wilson

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] After directing the Broncos defense for three years, JACK DEL RIO, a California

native who grew up a Raiders fan, will undertake the monumental task of resurrecting a franchise that hasn’t posted a winning record or made the playoffs since 2002. Del Rio coached the Jaguars from 2003-11, amassing a 68-71 record while twice guiding the team to Wild Card berths.

was credited with helping Mark Sanchez (Eagles) turn into a productive passer last year—he should help the big-armed Carr improve his deep-ball accuracy and all-around game. Draft Carr as a low-end reserve with upside, but do keep an eye on his injured finger.

This is the first career defensive coordinator job for Ken Norton, JR., following five seasons as the Seahawks’ linebackers coach. Norton will implement a Seattle-style 4-3 scheme. New offensive coordinator Bill musgrave wants to pound the football, but also plans to install some up-tempo, no-huddle packages that he picked up while serving as quarterbacks coach for the Eagles last season. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] Last year’s second-round pick, DEREK CARR, started all 16 games during what

was supposed to be his “redshirt” season. He threw for an encouraging 3,270 yards and 21 touchdowns against 12 picks while working with an average collection of receivers. Things should be better in that area this season, and Musgrave

[SECOND] Free-agent addition CHRISTIAN PONDER played in Musgrave’s system for three

years with the Vikings (2011-13), which is a big reason Ponder is favored to win the No. 2 passer gig. This career dink-and-dunk artist, however, struggled mightily in one injury-relief start last season, going 22-for-44 for 222 yards with no

DEREK CARR

touchdowns and two interceptions. Fantasy owners shouldn’t trust Ponder as a spot-starter. [THIRD] MATT MCGLOIN was solid in six starts as a rookie, but he alarmed the team with a poor performance during his lone mop-up appearance in 2014, which helps explain the arrival of Ponder. The weak-armed McGloin’s numbers from that outing—12 of 19 for 129 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions—look respectable only because of garbage-time padding. On the off chance McGloin is pressed into starting duties, fantasy owners should steer clear.

JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] After spending his rookie season on Injured Reserve, LATAVIUS MURRAY was a forgotten man for most of 2014 as well—until he exploded with 112 yards and two touchdowns on four carries, including a 90-yard touchdown run, during a concussion-shortened outing in Week 12. He returned in Week 14 and averaged 91.5 total yards per game over the final four contests. While solid, there remains skepticism about the still largely unproven 6-foot-3, 225-pounder. Murray, an overwhelming favorite to outduel Trent Richardson for feature-back duties, is safer to draft as a No. 3 back with upside.

Photo: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

massive free-agency spending spree failed to make the 2014 Raiders consistently competitive as planned. With a roster comprised of youngsters and close to $50 million worth of GM Reggie McKenzie’s mostly underperforming veteran acquisitions, Oakland staggered to an 0-10 start en route to a 3-13 finish and last place in the AFC West. A humiliating 38-14 loss to the Dolphins in London, England, cost Dennis Allen his job after four games. Interim head coach Tony Sparano’s Raiders played a lot harder. Forced to bench Matt Schaub because of his brutal preseason play, the team reluctantly started rookie Derek Carr in an offense that lacked playmakers. Carr was a gamer, but the offense finished 32nd overall and 31st in scoring (15.8 points per game). Oakland is starting over yet again. McKenzie made the second headcoaching hire of his tenure: Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. Apparently McKenzie learned some lessons from his pricey free-agency debacle. Most of his 2015 player acquisitions are under the age of 30, including immediate contributors Dan Williams, Curtis Lofton, Rodney Hudson, Nate Allen and Michael Crabtree. Among the draft-day reinforcements, rookie No. 4 overall pick Amari Cooper and second-rounder Mario Edwards should both start immediately. The list of personnel exits includes Schaub, Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew (retired), James Jones and LaMarr Woodley. With a core of young players in place, there’s hope for the future. While the Raiders should be consistently competitive, it’s HARD TO ENVISION THEM EXITING THE AFC WEST BASEMENT.

132 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 13

6/22/15 3:20 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

BENGALS RAVENS @BROWNS @BEARS BRONCOS BYE WEEK

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11

4:25 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:25 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

[BACKUP] Free-agent acquisition ROY HELU

brings his impressive speed to a third-down/ change-of-pace role. Considered one of the top pass-catching backs in the NFL, Helu averaged a robust 5.4 yards per carry and 11.4 yards per catch last year. Heading into his fifth season, Helu has amassed 129 career catches for 1,152 yards and three scores. There’s speculation that Helu’s role will be bigger than expected. Draft him as your fifth back with added value in pointper-reception leagues. [THIRD] Former third overall pick TRENT RICHARDSON has averaged a dismal 3.3 yards

per carry in 614 career attempts, but Oakland wants the veteran as a safety net for Murray. Consider T-Rich a weak handcuff and a lowupside spot-start option. Capable dual-threat MARCEL REECE is believed to be in line for an H-back role and could be busier on the ground if Richardson struggles. JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[STARTER] Oakland hopes rookie AMARI COOPER steps in and becomes the bona fide

No. 1 option Carr lacked in 2014. Listed at 6-foot-1, 211 pounds, Cooper has great hands, polished route-running skills, the speed to work vertically and the short-area quickness to operate underneath. He wrapped up his three-year career at Alabama with a 124-1,727-16 line in his final season with the Crimson Tide. The Raiders figure to play from behind frequently in 2015 and plan to feed Cooper all the targets that he can handle. Draft this potential point-per-reception monster as a No. 3 fantasy receiver. [STARTER] There’s not much optimism about free-agent pickup MICHAEL CRABTREE holding

down the No. 2 wideout gig long term following his very disappointing season with the 49ers in 2014 (68 catches for 698 yards and four touchdowns). Crabtree has looked brutally slow since blowing out his Achilles’ tendon in May 2013, and even if he does enough to start, the seventhyear pro still could be used in a rotation. Consider him nothing more than late-round depth. [THIRD] ROD STREATER could put some

serious heat on Crabtree and is expected to play a significant role one way or another. A broken foot ended Streater’s 2014 campaign after just three games, but two years ago the on-the-rise posses-

WR RB QB

AMARI COOPER LATAVIUS MURRAY DEREK CARR

@CHARGERS NY JETS @STEELERS VIKINGS @LIONS @TITANS

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

4:05 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

[FOURTH] There were times that ANDRE HOLMES looked like a player on the rise in 2014,

showing flashes of playmaking ability in three touchdown-driven performances over a four-game span. He posted mediocre stats in the rest of his outings, however, and while Holmes has the tools to succeed, the fifth-year pro still hasn’t put it all together. Holmes lacks fantasy appeal. [FIFTH] Rocket-fast BRICE BUTLER played

a limited number of snaps due to mental errors, compiling a paltry 21-280-2 line. Former Patriot KENBRELL THOMPKINS failed to impress while catching 15 balls in 12 appearances. Undrafted free-agent JOSH HARPER hauled in 79 passes for 1,011 yards and 13 touchdowns from Carr at Fresno State in 2013, but Harper is slow by NFL standards. JJ TIGHT END

bulk of his career-best 58 receptions, 534 yards and four touchdowns during the second half of 2014, but fantasy owners shouldn’t chase his production uptick. Rivera’s numbers figure to regress with more competition for targets—primarily from Helu and rookie Clive Walford. If Walford develops quickly he has a good chance to steal the incumbent’s job. As such, Rivera isn’t worth selecting.

[BACKUP] Third-round selection CLIVE WALFORD is considered Oakland’s tight end

of the future. As a four-year starter at Miami (Fl.), Walford compiled 1,753 yards and 14 touchdowns on 121 receptions. Checking in at 6-foot-4, 251 pounds, Walford has nice speed and soft hands. Rookie tight ends very rarely make a fantasy impact, however, and therefore Walford isn’t worth a pick this year. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS [KICKER] Oakland’s continuous offensive shortcomings easily explain why SEBASTIAN JANIKOWSKI ’s scoring declined for the fourth season in a row in 2014. His 85 points ranked

POSITION RANK (P.31) 26 21 22

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 32 48 132

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 THU, DEC 24 SUN, JAN 3

4:05 PM 4:05 PM 4:05 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

sion wideout led Oakland with 60 receptions and 888 receiving yards. Although the sure-handed Streater lacks field-stretching speed, he has surprising quickness for a player his size (6-foot-3, 195 pounds). He’s not worth drafting, but Streater is someone you can add to your watch list.

[STARTER] MYCHAL RIVERA amassed the

CHIEFS @BRONCOS PACKERS CHARGERS @CHIEFS

27th among kickers, and it was the secondlowest output of the veteran’s 15-year career. He was efficient, nailing 86.4 percent of his fieldgoal attempts (19 of 22), but since only modest improvement is expected from the Oakland offense, Janikowski isn’t worth drafting as your kicker. [RETURNERS] TRAVIS CARRIE and TRINDON HOLLIDAY will compete for both returner

jobs. With Carrie operating as the primary on punt returns and part-time on kickoffs, Oakland finished 23rd in return average in both categories. Holliday, who has four career return scores, appeared in just two games during an injury-wrecked 2014.

JJ DEFENSE Pointing out that 38-year-old Charles Woodson topped Oakland in tackles (112) and picks (four) isn’t a criticism of his still-solid play; rather it’s an indictment of the talent around him. The Raiders finished 21st in total defense and dead last in points allowed (28.2 per game). They also placed 30th (tie) in sacks with 22, and only two teams failed to top Oakland’s meager 14 takeaways. The 2015 reinforcements include free-agents Dan Williams and Nate Allen, and rookie second-rounder Mario Edwards. Khalil Mack (four sacks), Sio Moore and free-agent Curtis Lofton form a solid linebacker corps. Operating in rebuild mode, the Raiders aren’t worth owning. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] While it may take some time for DEREK CARR to develop chemistry with his revamped Amari Cooper-led receiver corps and digest Bill Musgrave’s playbook, Carr looks poised for a second-year leap. The young passer spent his Fresno State career flourishing in the same type of up-tempo/no-huddle schemes that Musgrave plans to use, and Oakland figures to throw a lot. [SUPER SLEEPER] Is ROY HELU Oakland’s

Shane Vereen? Maybe. Like Vereen, Helu is a quality receiver out of the backfield. Preseason rumors have been flying that the Raiders want to use Helu in a role that’s very similar to the way the Pats used Vereen last year. In an ideal scenario, Helu could produce viable numbers in point-per-reception formats.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 186 176 256

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 128 146 183

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 10 20 3

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

M_O teams-pkedit.indd 14

133

6/22/15 3:21 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Herija C. Green

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] It didn’t take long for CHIP KELLY to put his stamp on the Eagles and

become one of the league’s most polarizing figures. On the one hand, his breakneck pace has led to consecutive top-five finishes offensively and helped produce 20 wins in 33 attempts. On the other, Kelly has been taken to task by former players like LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson with intimations of racism. Say what you will, you have to give Kelly credit for not being afraid to create the roster he wants. Pat Shurmur’s name circulated for head coaching vacancies, but he’s back for his third year as offensive coordinator. Billy Davis also returns to run the defense, maintaining continuity at the top three jobs on the staff.

so, Bradford has big upside. If not, he could find himself behind Mark Sanchez. Oh, and there’s still his lengthy injury history. Add it all up and Bradford is a major risk/reward backup. [SECOND] MARK SANCHEZ looked done after

his time with the Jets, but he was mostly solid when pressed into starting duty by Foles’ injury. That being said, he made too many mistakes—14 turnovers in nine games (eight starts)—and lacked consistency on the deep ball. Still, Sanchez showed enough that the Eagles brought him back on a two-year deal. If Bradford falters or is

JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] It has been nearly two years since we’ve seen SAM BRADFORD in meaningful

action. The Oklahoma product has played in just seven games after tearing the ACL in his left knee twice. That, combined with his introduction to a completely new system, makes his prospects one of the great mysteries of 2015. Kelly seems to believe Bradford is a fit for his up-tempo attack. If

injured again, Sanchez has some fringe value at the helm of Philadelphia’s offense. [THIRD] Word is that Philadelphia tried to deal MATT BARKLEY before signing media favorite

JORDAN MATTHEWS

TIM TEBOW. They found no takers, however, which doesn’t bode well for the USC alum’s future. Tebow, meanwhile, has been out of the league since 2012 and seems more likely to run a specific package of plays than be asked to handle extended snaps. If he even makes the team, that is.

JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] No one came close to matching DEMARCO MURRAY as a runner last season; his 1,845 yards were nearly 500 more than the runner up. He ran tough and was explosive in the open field. Of course, he also ran behind perhaps the best o-line in football, and his 392 carries were the most in the NFL since 2006— and then he added 44 more in January. That’s a lot to ask of someone not known for his durability. Add his fumbling issues and there are some red flags. Still, Murray’s production last year dictates a first-round selection. [BACKUP] RYAN MATHEWS’ tenure in San Diego can be summed up in one word: injuries. The former first-rounder appeared in 16 games just once in five years and is coming off a sixgame campaign due to ankle problems. Perhaps a reduced role will help keep him upright. If so,

Photo: Mike Jula/Fostoff Fotos

resh off a 10-6 mark in Chip Kelly’s first year, the franchise’s best since 2010, the Eagles entered 2014 as favorites in the NFC East. They looked the part for much of the season as well—despite some notable setbacks against top-flight competition coupled with the loss of Nick Foles in early November—and sat at 9-3 after throttling Dallas on Thanksgiving Day. It all fell apart from there, however, as Philly dropped their next three games, including a rematch with the eventual division champion Cowboys, and found themselves eliminated from playoff contention by the end of Week 16. They won their finale to finish with an identical record, but it still marked the team’s third time out of the postseason in four years. What followed was one of the crazier offseasons in recent memory that didn’t involve off-the-field transgressions. Three-time Pro Bowl selection LeSean McCoy was traded to Buffalo for Kiko Alonso, and then replaced by free-agent signings DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews. Foles was also dealt to St. Louis for former No. 1 pick Sam Bradford, who the team reportedly dangled along with other players in an attempt to move up and draft Marcus Mariota, who Kelly coached at Oregon. The Eagles also lost Jeremy Maclin (Chiefs) and used their first-round pick on USC wideout Nelson Agholor. Whether these moves represent a net gain remains to be seen, but all eyes are on Kelly to see if he can guide this group back to the playoffs in 2015.

134 | THE FANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 1

6/22/15 4:05 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@FALCONS COWBOYS @NY JETS @WASHINGTON SAINTS NY GIANTS

MON, SEP 14 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 MON, OCT 19

7:10 PM 4:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

the Eagles have serious depth here as Mathews has shown he can produce when healthy. He’d make a great handcuff for Murray owners or a solid No. 4 fantasy back on his own. [THIRD] As a rule, running backs north of 30 don’t last in the NFL. DARREN SPROLES is an

exception. The 32-year-old produced 1,237 allpurpose yards (716 from scrimmage) and eight touchdowns a season ago. He’ll be used as a change-of-pace option and out of the backfield as a receiver, which is enough to give Sproles appeal as late-round depth.

JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] With DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin departing in consecutive offseasons, second-year man JORDAN MATTHEWS appears set to assume the mantle of No. 1 receiver. The Vanderbilt product did well as a rookie, posting a 67-872-8 line with three games of 100-plus receiving yards in his final eight. He’s not a burner (only two catches of 40 yards or more), but he’s smart and doesn’t shy away from contact. Lock Matthews up as a solid No. 2 fantasy wideout. [STARTER] Philadelphia’s first-round pick, NELSON AGHOLOR, is expected to step right

into the starting lineup. He has good versatility, able to line up outside or in the slot and produce. Like Matthews, though, Agholor lacks big-time speed and won’t stress opposing secondaries vertically. On the plus side, he offers explosiveness with the ball in his hands (both as a receiver and return man) and won’t hesitate to work the middle. The days of bypassing rookie wideouts are over. Consider Agholor a third or fourth option for your fantasy receiving corps. [THIRD] A viable deep threat in 2013, RILEY COOPER was much less explosive last year, log-

ging 258 fewer yards on eight more receptions. That dropped his average from a dynamic 17.8 yards per catch to 10.5—and went from eight scores to three. Still, Cooper offers a different body type (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) and skill set than the team’s other receivers. He’ll get

RB WR RB TE RB QB PK

DEMARCO M URRAY NELSON AGHOLOR RYAN MATHEWS ZACH ERTZ DARREN SPROLES SAM BRADFORD CODY PARKEY

@PANTHERS BYE WEEK @COWBOYS DOLPHINS BUCCANEERS @LIONS

SUN, OCT 25

8:30 PM

SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 THU, NOV 26

8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 12:30 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

[FOURTH] JOSH HUFF seemed poised to step in and contribute as a rookie. After all, he was a product of Kelly’s Oregon offense and boasted the kind of deep speed those higher on the depth chart lacked. It didn’t work out that way, however, and Huff managed just eight receptions. The team will be expecting more from him in Year 2, but he’s not a worthwhile gamble at this juncture. [FIFTH] Ex-Cowboy MILES AUSTIN’s career has been ruined by an inability to stay healthy. Hamstring injuries are the usual culprit, though it was a lacerated kidney that ended his 2014 campaign. Austin’s a veteran presence who offers insurance in case one (or more) of the younger receivers isn’t ready. That assumes he can stay on the field, which is a dicey proposition. He’s not worth drafting.

JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] BRENT CELEK has been Philadel-

phia’s starting tight end for six seasons, missing just one game in that time. His role has greatly diminished, however, posting back-to-back 32-catch seasons under Kelly. While Celek remains atop the depth chart, he takes a backseat in the passing game, which is all that matters to fantasy owners.

breakout some anticipated, but it’s hard not to like the direction ZACH ERTZ is headed entering his third season. Ertz finished with 58 receptions, 708 yards (11th among tight ends) and three touchdowns in 2014, though his week-to-week production was all over the map—he finished with fewer than 40 yards receiving eight times. The arrow is pointed up for Ertz, who’s a borderline top-10 fantasy tight end. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS [Kicker] Given Philly’s talent on offense and the pace at which they play, it’s no surprise then-rookie CODY PARKEY (150) finished second to Stephen Gostkowski (156) in scoring

POSITION RANK (P.31) 10 44 48 8 47 16 5

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 10 86 100 111 153 162 176

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SAT, DEC 26 SUN, JAN 3

4:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

chances downfield in 2015, just not enough to make him more than a late-round curiosity.

[BACKUP] Maybe it wasn’t the full-fledged

@PATRIOTS BILLS CARDINALS WASHINGTON @NY GIANTS

last year. Parkey was nearly automatic, splitting the uprights on 32 of his 36 field goal attempts, including 8-for-10 from 40 yards or more, and all 54 PATs. His lack of a track record is a mild concern, but he’s still a midrange starter. [RETURNERS] Chip Kelly places a heavy

emphasis on special teams, and he has a pair of game breakers in DARREN SPROLES and JOSH HUFF. Sproles led the NFL with 506 yards on punt returns last year and was one of just two players (Green Bay’s Micah Hyde) to score twice. Huff had just 14 kickoff returns, but he took one of them back 107 yards to the house.

JJ DEFENSE If your league punishes your team defense for things like yards and points allowed, you may want to stop reading. The Eagles’ offensive pace ensures their defense is on the field a ton—they’ve finished 29th and 28th, respectively, in total defense since Kelly arrived—and that means tired defenders. It also means more chances to make plays, and the team tied for second in sacks (49) and sixth in takeaways (28) in 2014. If he’s recovered, Kiko Alonso (159 tackles, four INTs in 2013), acquired in the LeSean McCoy trade, should help considerably. That said; this group’s value is dependent on making splash plays. As such, they’re a better matchup option. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] It’s easy to question RYAN MATHEWS’ durability, but what about DeMarco Murray? Last season was the first he played 16 games. And the last guy with that many carries in a season was Larry Johnson. The following year: eight games and 158 carries. There’s a reason teams limit touches. Mathews could play more than you think. [SUPER SLEEPER] Everyone loves rookies, but

we’re quick to overlook second-year players that failed to deliver. That bring us to JOSH HUFF, who was a virtual no-show in 2014. The scouting report on him was that he was raw, though, so a year to polish his game could mean bigger things as a vertical threat.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 218 162 94 159 98 321 161

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 177 97 83 104 68 235 161

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 35 4 1 5 1 6 2

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 2

135

6/22/15 4:05 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

PITTSBURGH STEELERS Matt Wilson

napping a two-year streak of .500 finishes, the Steelers put up an 11-5 record to secure their first AFC North division crown since 2010 and first playoff appearance since 2011. A season-ending Wild Card round loss, 30-17, to the hated Ravens probably still stings. Pittsburgh, however, wasn’t a regular-season juggernaut. The Black and Gold defeated four playoff teams, but they also lost head-scratchers to the lowly Buccaneers, Jets and Saints. An impressive Pittsburgh offense that finished second overall and seventh in scoring (27.2 points per game) carried the team. On the downside, a defensive unit comprised of aging veterans, rookies and castoffs couldn’t make enough big plays, which explains the departure of legendary coordinator Dick LeBeau after 16 years with the organization. Retooling a declining Steel Curtain defense that lost starters Troy Polamalu, Ike Taylor and Jason Worilds to retirement was the top offseason priority for GM Kevin Colbert, but he didn’t make any big moves on either side of the ball. Career-backup Shamarko Thomas will try to fill Polamalu’s shoes, and second-round selection Senquez Golsen gets first crack at Taylor’s spot. Arthur Moats will tentatively replace sack-specialist Worilds because first-rounder Bud Dupree needs time to develop. Pittsburgh’s short list of notable transactions included re-upping James Harrison and signing DeAngelo Williams. The defense looks weaker on paper with at least three new unproven starters, but a potent offense with 11 returning starters should keep the Steelers in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt this season.

[HEAD COACH] When Pittsburgh ended its

two-year playoff drought, the ridiculous media speculation about MIKE TOMLIN’s supposedly shaky job security quickly fell silent. The 43-year-old Tomlin’s job remains safe in a franchise that values stability. Heading into his ninth season in the Steel City, Tomlin has a Super Bowl championship, two AFC titles, five playoff appearances and four AFC North banners on his coaching résumé. Tomlin has compiled an 82-46 regular-season mark and a 5-4 postseason record.

the last two years. It’s doubtful he’ll match his career-best numbers, but Roethlisberger is still a rock-solid No. 1 fantasy passer. [SECOND] Set for his third year as Roethlisberger’s backup, BRUCE GRADKOWSKI hasn’t attempted a regular-season pass in a Steelers uniform. Considered a gamer, the 10th-year pro has amassed 4,057 passing yards, a 21:24

The Steelers promoted longtime linebackers coach Keith Butler to defensive coordinator. Butler will try to revitalize a 3-4 unit that has declined in points allowed and total defense three years in a row. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley returns for a fourth season to mastermind one of the NFL’s best offenses. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] Make it back-to-back elite seasons for BEN ROETHLISBERGER, who co-led the

NFL with a career-high 4,952 passing yards and finished seventh with a personal-best 32 scoring strikes against just nine picks. Still in his prime, “Big Ben” is surrounded by an exciting young receiver corps in a prolific offense that needs to score a lot of points to carry an undermanned defense. Bothered by nagging injuries throughout his career, Roethlisberger hasn’t missed a game in

touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 52.9 completion percentage in 37 career games (20 starts). Even if needed as a spot-starter, Gradkowski isn’t a trustworthy fantasy option. [THIRD] The winner of the training camp derby between LANDRY JONES and TAJH BOYD

won’t threaten Gradkowski’s job. The strongarmed Jones has amassed a dismal 51.8

completion percentage in six career preseason tilts played. Boyd was a sixth-round dart throw by the Jets last year. After completing just 47.1 percent of his throws in very limited preseason action, he was cut and spent 2014 out of the NFL. JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] LE’VEON BELL added his name to

the short list of elite three-down fantasy backs by racking up 290 carries, 1,361 rushing yards and 83 receptions in 2014. He ranked in the top three among running backs in all three categories and led the position with 854 receiving yards. In addition, only DeMarco Murray topped Bell’s 2,215 total yards, and he placed sixth in scoring with 11 touchdowns (eight rushing, three receiving). Even though Bell is set to start the season on a three-game suspension, fantasy owners should still feel comfortable selecting him in the first round. [BACKUP] Longtime Panther DEANGELO WILLIAMS is the presumed starting tailback for

the team’s first three games and then will slot in behind Bell. He’s coming off a year in which he missed 10 games due to nagging ankle, knee and hand injuries. The veteran has averaged just 12.3 touches per contest over the last four seasons, however, so he should still have some gas left. In the short term, the 32-year-old is a marginal starting option; when Bell returns, Williams has reserve value as a change-of-pace back.

Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

JJ COACH

ANTONIO BROWN

136 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 3

6/22/15 4:08 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@PATRIOTS 49ERS @RAMS RAVENS @CHARGERS CARDINALS

THU, SEP 10 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 THU, OCT 1 MON, OCT 12 SUN, OCT 18

8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

[THIRD] Although he’s one of the fastest players in the NFL, DRI ARCHER’s 5-foot-8,

173-pound frame doesn’t look durable enough to handle a regular workload. Suiting up for just 12 games as a rookie, Archer totaled 63 total yards on 17 touches. Todd Haley plans to give Archer a handful of touches per game this year in what looks like a fantasy irrelevant gadget role.

JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] In his second season as Pittsburgh’s featured wideout, ANTONIO BROWN topped the NFL with 129 receptions (18 ahead of second-place Demaryius Thomas) and 1,698 receiving yards, and he finished tied for second with 13 scoring grabs. The super-consistent sixth-year pro has tallied minimums of five catches for 50 yards in 32 straight regularseason outings. Listed at just 5-foot-10, 186 pounds, Brown relies on great hands, excellent route running, and underrated explosiveness to make plays. While not as flashy as some, Brown should be the first wideout selected in all fantasy drafts. [STARTER] It was feast or famine for MARTAVIS BRYANT last year, as he logged

eight touchdown receptions (tied for fourth among rookies) and averaged an eye-popping 21.1 yards per catch, but he managed just 26 grabs. Despite some inconsistency, his chances to unseat Markus Wheaton opposite Brown look promising. The 6-foot-4, 211-pounder has explosive jets and possesses more athleticism than Wheaton. With a big uptick in snaps and a second-year leap expected, the big-play specialist is a boom-or-bust option as your third fantasy receiver. [THIRD] Sure-handed MARKUS WHEATON established himself as a contributor during his second NFL season (and first as a full-time player), amassing a respectable 53-644-2 line. After losing a significant number of late-season snaps to Bryant, however, Wheaton looks destined for a complementary role. He lacks Bryant’s size, deep speed and red-zone effectiveness. As the presumptive fourth option, at best, in

WR RB WR QB RB PK WR

ANTONIO BROWN LE'VEON BELL MARTAVIS BRYANT BEN ROETHLISBERGER DEANGELO WILLIAMS SHAUN SUISHAM MARKUS WHEATON

@CHIEFS BENGALS RAIDERS BROWNS BYE WEEK @SEAHAWKS

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

SUN, NOV 29

4:25 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

Pittsburgh’s passing attack, Wheaton has minimal appeal outside of larger leagues. [FOURTH] Rookie third-round selection SAMMIE COATES is an intriguing size-speed specimen,

with a 6-foot-1, 212-pound frame and blazing 4.42 wheels. During Coates’ three years at Auburn, he averaged 21.4 yards per catch on 82 receptions, with 13 going for touchdowns. If Coates can improve his inconsistent hands and suspect route running, this big-time playmaker could make an immediate impact as a downfield threat. Coates isn’t worth drafting, but his progress should be watched.

JJ [FIFTH] Standout special-teamer DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY’s role in the offense remains

microscopic (just three receptions). Second-year pro C.J. GOODWIN has intriguing athleticism, but he’s a project. Undrafted free-agent ELI ROGERS has good hands, but the Louisville product lacks big-play speed. Given the depth ahead of them, no one here is expected to contribute in 2015. JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] Although HEATH MILLER amassed a

solid 66-761-3 line in 2014, his week-to-week production lacked consistency. The 11th-year pro’s top-three performances accounted for 25 receptions and 279 yards, but he averaged just 3.2 catches for 37.1 yards per game in the other 13 contests. Rarely dominating in the scoring department, Miller has hauled in more than three touchdowns in a season just once since 2009. In addition, Miller, who turns 33 in October, continues to show signs of physical decline. He is a low-end backup option. [BACKUP] Blocking-specialist MATT SPAETH

has caught just four passes during the last two years. Rookie fifth-round pick JESSE JAMES racked up 78 catches for 1,005 yards and 11 touchdowns during his three years at Penn State. Listed at 6-foot-7, 261 pounds, James has impressive speed and goods hands but needs to refine his skill set. Neither player has fantasy appeal. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

[KICKER] SHAUN SUISHAM topped the 129

points that he scored in 2013 with a new career-high 132 points, which ranked seventh among all kickers.

POSITION RANK (P.31) 1 3 31 10 60 12 68

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 2 6 59 78 200 220

COLTS @BENGALS BRONCOS @RAVENS @BROWNS

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

8:30 PM 1:00 PM 4:25 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM

The 11th-year pro also nailed at least 90 percent of his field goal attempts (29 of 32) for the third straight year. Although Suisham won’t give you anything from long range (just 3-for-8 from 50-plus yards since 2010), he’s a decent starting option. [RETURNERS] DRI ARCHER struggled mightily as the primary kickoff returner and was benched at midseason, but the Steelers plan to give him another chance. MARKUS WHEATON averaged 24.7 yards per kickoff return, which ranked just 37th. Considered one of the NFL’s best, ANTONIO BROWN will continue to return punts.

JJ DEFENSE Struggling Pittsburgh finished 18th in both total defense and scoring (23 points per game) last year. Despite scoring a league-high (tie) five times off turnovers, they placed just 23rd in takeaways with 21 forced turnovers. A once-vaunted pass rush yielded just 33 sacks, and ranked 26th. The Steelers need either Arthur Moats or rookie first-rounder Bud Dupree to replace retired Jason Worilds’ 7.5 sacks. In addition, Shamarko Thomas and second-round pick Senquez Golsen are both on the spot in the retooled secondary. Since quick improvements from the pass rush and defensive backfield seem unlikely, the work-in-progress Steel Curtain is not a draft-day option. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] Don’t underestimate DEANGELO WILLIAMS’ role in the offense. Le’Veon Bell averaged a whopping 23.3 touches per game primarily because Pittsburgh didn’t have a competent backup—LeGarrette Blount was released, and Dri Archer and Josh Harris were both ineffective. Pittsburgh will use Williams to ease Bell’s workload a bit, which could create sneaky value in point-per-reception leagues. [SUPER SLEEPER] Lightning-fast SAMMIE COATES is a remarkable physical specimen, but the Auburn product slid in the draft because of worries about his hands and overall ball skills. Coates has more pure talent than Markus Wheaton, but he needs some time to develop. If he can refine his game quickly, Coates could put some heat on Wheaton later in the season.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 343 289 180 382 62 141 111

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 229 232 129 279 59 141 70

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 61 50 6 14 1 1 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 4

137

6/22/15 4:08 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS Herija C. Green

hen Philip Rivers hit Eddie Royal with 38 seconds left to stun Baltimore in Week 13, the Chargers sat at 8-4 and seemed like a team to contend with come January—especially given their track record of December success under both Norv Turner and Mike McCoy. Despite dropping two of their next three, they still controlled their own fate entering the season finale. Beat the Chiefs and they were in. They lost, 19-7, and finished with a mark of 9-7. It marked the fourth time in five years the Bolts found themselves on the outside looking in at playoff time, and their combined record of 42-38 during that stretch points to their sustained run of mediocrity. Much of the offseason revolved around two topics: the possibility of relocating the franchise to Los Angeles, and Rivers’ unwillingness to make such a move. While the former item remains up in the air, Rivers will indeed return for another season as the team’s quarterback. In other personnel news, injury-prone Ryan Mathews signed in Philadelphia (along with Dallas’ DeMarco Murray), and the Chargers replaced Eddie Royal (Bears) with Stevie Johnson. No doubt San Diego’s biggest splash came on draft day, when they grabbed Heisman Trophy runner-up Melvin Gordon with the 15th overall pick, before turning to defense on their four remaining selections. There are potential distractions aplenty for the Chargers, but if they can keep their focus on the field they should be in the hunt for a playoff spot in 2015.

[HEAD COACH] MIKE MCCOY has posted

identical 9-7 marks during two seasons as the man in charge. One was good enough to earn a Wild Card berth, the other was not. That gives him a .563 winning percentage, similar to predecessors Norv Turner (.583) and Marty Schottenheimer (.588)—albeit in a smaller sample size. McCoy is in a potentially tough spot with Rivers’ contract status and the possible move to Los Angeles expected to be a potentially disruptive ongoing discussion. We’ll see if he’s up to the challenge.

31 touchdowns and 18 picks). Rivers’ steadiness and durability make him a serviceable fantasy starter, or an ideal reserve. [SECOND] Eleventh-year pro KELLEN CLEMENS has suited up for four different clubs and

spread 21 starts over his NFL career. Nine of those came in 2013 with the Rams, where he showed he could be a competent game manager by notching four wins. He could handle the offense in a pinch, but Clemens’ fantasy profile is nil.

Frank Reich and John Pagano return to serve as the offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively. While Pagano’s charges have been consistent during his three-year tenure, Reich will be looking for better results (and better health) in Year 2.

tons of draft-related trade speculation. Rivers had little to say on the subject while it was going on, and though he’s set to return for 2015 his longtime future with the team seems dicey. Of course, what matters in the short term is production, and despite some rough patches the veteran still posted some solid numbers last year (4,286 passing yards,

draft Ryan Mathews with the 12th overall pick. They moved up again this year to get MELVIN GORDON and hope the strategy succeeds this time. Gordon had a monstrous career at Wisconsin, boasting a rare blend of vision, burst and power. He wasn’t asked to do much in the passing game for the Badgers, so that could be an issue, but he should be a huge upgrade. While it’s overly optimistic to draft him as your top back, Gordon’s upside as a No. 2 is tantalizing.

[BACKUP] One reason the Chargers fell from

JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] It has been a tumultuous offseason for PHILIP RIVERS, who was the focal point of

JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] Five years ago, the Bolts traded up to

[THIRD] BRAD SORENSEN, a seventh-round pick in 2013, was waived before the start of last season but wound up on the practice squad. He’ll battle CHASE RETTING, who was in Green Bay’s camp last year, for a spot on the 53-man roster — with an eye on the 2016 campaign, when Clemens is set for free agency.

fifth in total offense to 18th last year was the season-ending leg injury suffered by DANNY WOODHEAD in Week 3. Fresh off a year in which he accounted for 1,034 yards and eight touchdowns, Woodhead managed just 20 touches before breaking his fibula. There’s no doubt Gordon will be the featured back, but Woodhead’s strength as a receiver should get him snaps. As such he has some late-round value, particularly in point-per-reception leagues. [THIRD] As the injuries mounted, BRANDEN OLIVER emerged from nowhere to help stabilize

the position, but his final numbers were underwhelming. He’ll battle veteran DONALD BROWN (434 total yards, no touchdowns in ‘14) for the

Photo: Morris Fostoff

JJ COACH

PHILIP RIVERS

138 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 5

6/22/15 4:08 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

LIONS @BENGALS @VIKINGS BROWNS STEELERS @PACKERS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 MON, OCT 12 SUN, OCT 18

4:05 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:05 PM 8:30 PM 4:25 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

final spot on the depth chart. Neither player is worth drafting. [STARTER] KEENAN ALLEN accounted for

79 receptions, 1,209 yards and 10 scores in 17 games (including playoffs) as a rookie. Entering Year 2 he seemed like a safe choice as a No. 2 fantasy wideout. Things didn’t work out that way, however, as suddenly all his work was done underneath coverage—of his 77 catches, just six covered 20 yards or more with a long of 35. That feels like an aberration. Talented and tough, Allen is a prime rebound candidate as a borderline second or third option.

[STARTER] A year ago it was unclear if MALCOM FLOYD, coming off a severe neck injury that

cost him all but two games of the 2013 season, would ever suit up again. Not only did he return, he appeared in all 16 contests for just the second time in 11 seasons, and paced the Chargers in receiving yards (865) and yards per catch (16.5). While that makes for a feel-good story, Floyd’s track record and age (34 in September) make him difficult to rely on. He’s late-round depth. [THIRD] Even though Eddie Royal (62-778-7)

had markedly better numbers last season than replacement STEVIE JOHNSON (35-435-3), there’s little doubt that San Diego has upgraded their slot receiver position. The veteran has three 1,000-plus-yard seasons on his résumé and is considered a versatile threat who can handle multiple roles. He’s coming off a pair of disappointing seasons, but if the Chargers use him as generously as they did Royal he could provide a nice return late in drafts.

figures to be active for all 16 games during the upcoming season. Offensively, however, he’s unlikely to see more than occasional duty, as the veteran was inked for his prowess on special teams. Unless you play in a league that awards return yardage, Jones is of no interest.

RB WR TE QB RB PK WR WR

MELVIN GORDON KEENAN ALLEN ANTONIO GATES PHILIP RIVERS DANNY WOODHEAD NICK NOVAK MALCOM FLOYD STEVIE JOHNSON

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 MON, NOV 9

4:05 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM

SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

8:30 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

three-plus seasons in St. Louis—a tenure that ended unceremoniously last October when he was released. Pettis remained unsigned until January, and this may be his last chance to make good on the potential he showed back on draft day. JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] Apparently ANTONIO GATES is

cut from the same cloth as fellow future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, as he keeps defying the odds to produce big-time numbers even as he gets further and further on the wrong side of 30. Last year, the veteran matched New England’s Rob Gronkowski and then-Bronco Julius Thomas with 12 touchdowns, tops among tight ends. His receptions (69) and yards (821) both dipped from 2013, but the dramatic increase in scores more than made up for it. Even at 35, Gates remains a midrange starting fantasy tight end.

[BACKUP] If you had a nickel for every 2014 sleeper list LADARIUS GREEN appeared on,

well, you’d have a lot of nickels. As it turned out, the hulking 6-foot-6, 240-pounder never awoke, logging fewer than 25 receiving yards 11 times in 14 games. Mike McCoy says the Chargers “need to use him more” in 2015, but that’s something he has failed to do since arriving. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice...

POSITION RANK (P.31) 17 16 6 15 46 14 66 70

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 40 55 119 137 160

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 THU, DEC 24 SUN, JAN 3

4:05 PM 1:00 PM 4:25 PM 8:25 PM 4:25 PM

return yardage and 29th on punts in 2014— San Diego signed JACOBY JONES to give them a dynamic presence. Jones carries career averages of 27.4 yards per return on kicks and 10.1 on punts with a combined nine touchdowns. He should be a tremendous upgrade in an area that has lacked punch since Darren Sproles departed five years ago. JJ DEFENSE Give John Pagano credit for guiding a largely anonymous group to a top-10 ranking in total defense (338.3 yards allowed per game; ninth) last season. Where Pagano couldn’t make much progress, however, was in splash plays. The Bolts managed a paltry 26 sacks, which ranked 29th in the NFL, as Corey Liuget’s 4.5 led the way. They also struggled to turn teams over, notching 18 takeaways (27th)—that includes just one from defensive leader Eric Weddle, who’d logged 14 over the previous three seasons. San Diego certainly hopes its rookie class will step in and help, but you shouldn’t spend a draft choice on this group. JJ WAKE UP CALL

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS [KICKER] Coming off a season in which he nailed 33 of 37 field goal attempts, including a perfect 11 for 11 from 40 yards and out, NICK NOVAK was given fewer opportunities and was less successful converting them. That’s a bad combination, and it’s why Novak went from third in scoring (144 points) in 2013 to 21st (106) last year. There’s no real compelling reason to draft him, but if San Diego’s offense starts to click you shouldn’t hesitate to grab the veteran off waivers. [RETURNERS] Tired of underperforming return units—they ranked 28th in kickoff

BRONCOS @CHIEFS DOLPHINS @RAIDERS @BRONCOS

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

[FIFTH] Selected 78th overall in 2011, AUSTIN PETTIS never lived up to his draft status during

JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[FOURTH] Barring injury, JACOBY JONES

RAIDERS @RAVENS BEARS BYE WEEK CHIEFS @JAGUARS

[SLEEPER] STEVIE JOHNSON never really fit in San Francisco, and with back-to-back seasons of fewer than 600 receiving yards his name is unlikely to be called on draft day. While that’s fair, don’t write him off completely. He’s a superior talent to Eddie Royal and plays a spot that produced solid numbers for the Chargers a season ago. [SUPER SLEEPER] Melvin Gordon’s arrival surely signals the end of BRANDEN OLIVER

and his brush with fantasy relevance, right? Maybe. Gordon isn’t the first Badger to enter the NFL with gaudy numbers and Heisman notoriety, and those predecessors have been more than a little underwhelming. Clearly the team wants Gordon to be the man, but they wanted the same for Ryan Mathews.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 190 223 162 335 99 139 116 107

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 174 135 98 243 63 139 80 67

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 24 25 9 7 1 1 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 6

139

6/22/15 4:09 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS RotoRob

he Jim Harbaugh era ended not with a bang but a whimper, as the 49ers—a popular preseason Super Bowl favorite after three straight trips to at least the NFC Championship Game—failed to even make the playoffs and had to win their final game to reach .500. San Francisco’s offense was slightly better but still mediocre at best. The team’s passing attack remained among the worst in the league, and though the ground game wasn’t quite as good as 2013, it was still one of the best in the NFL—Frank Gore enjoyed his eighth 1,000-yard rushing season. The team’s defense remained its core strength, doing a strong job against both the pass and rush. Offseason drama wasted no time in unfolding as, despite a generally great run, Harbaugh announced he wouldn’t return for the final year of his five-year deal. Some players would later suggest he was too hard on the team and might be “clinically insane.” Gore, the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, is gone, as is Michael Crabtree, while Patrick Willis, Justin Smith and Chris Borland all retired. New head coach Jim Tomsula faces a daunting task in rebuilding this team—especially on the offensive side. A tough schedule makes life even more difficult, so don’t be surprised if San Francisco gets worse before it gets better. As unbelievable as it would’ve sounded 12 months ago, a last place finish in the stacked NFC West is certainly a possibility.

[HEAD COACH] Former defensive line coach JIM TOMSULA has been promoted after eight

years as an assistant in San Francisco. He acted as the interim coach for the 49ers in the last game of 2010 and led the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe to a 6-4 mark in 2006 before being hired by San Francisco. The 19th head coach in team history is known for his strong relationships with the players, which will be a contrast to the deposed Jim Harbaugh.

(849) rushed for more yards than Kaepernick (639). Amid reports of improved footwork, Kaepernick is a strong fantasy reserve with starting potential. [SECOND] Former Jaguar BLAINE GABBERT is part of the dubious 2011 first-round

quarterback class that had so many misses. Still, the team re-signed him a two-year deal in the

After four years as quarterbacks coach, Geep Chryst, brother of Wisconsin Badgers head coach Paul, takes over as offensive coordinator. Hopefully that translates into a less predictable offense. Following two seasons with the 49ers on the offensive side, Eric Mangini was named the new defensive coordinator. JJ QUARTERBACK [STARTER] Seemingly on the verge of superstardom, COLIN KAEPERNICK has yet to take the next step. The durable field general was more accurate last year, leading to career highs in completions (289) and passing yards (3,369). Kaepernick’s average yards per pass have declined for two straight seasons, however, a sign he’s making shorter throws. While his development as a passer may have stalled, the dual-threat’s ability to move the chains with his feet remains high—only Russell Wilson

quarterback with a spot of the practice squad seemingly more likely. JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] CARLOS HYDE, their 2014 second-

round pick, is set to ascend to a featured role with the departure of Frank Gore. Hyde figures to act as the early down, between-the-tackles runner, despite averaging a pedestrian 4.0 yards per carry in limited action. He’s likely to cede snaps to Reggie Bush in obvious passing situations, though, which further muddies a 49ers ground game already clouded by Kaepernick’s propensity to run. Still, Hyde has a golden opportunity to seize the lead role and warrants consideration as a solid No. 2 fantasy back. [BACKUP] After getting cut by Detroit, REGGIE BUSH will try to prove he still has gas left in his

offseason, in large due to his experience and work behind the scenes. If forced into action, Gabbert figures to adopt a dink-and-dunk approach. Might it be enough to win some games? Sure. Would it be of interest to fantasy owners? Definitely not. [THIRD] Former Gamecock DYLAN THOMPSON signed as an undrafted free agent. He was

the starter at South Carolina for one season, tossing 26 touchdowns against 11 picks. Thompson’s ceiling for 2015 is as the No. 3

tank. On paper, Bush seems to give the 49ers a strong third-down pass catching back, but Jim Tomsula has made statements that suggest he sees the 10th-year pro in a more substantial role. Whatever the new coach’s plans, Bush’s age and injury history indicate his body won’t hold up to full-time usage. That makes him late-round depth with limited upside for fantasy purposes. [THIRD] Coming off an ACL tear that cost him all of 2014, KENDALL HUNTER hopes to

fill a change-of-pace role behind Hyde. Reports suggest he’s doing well, but if he has trouble

Photo: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

JJ COACH

COLIN KAEPERNICK

140 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 7

6/22/15 4:09 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

VIKINGS @STEELERS @CARDINALS PACKERS @NY GIANTS RAVENS

MON, SEP 14 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

10:20 PM 1:00 PM 4:05 PM 4:25 PM 8:30 PM 4:25 PM

shaking off the rust it could open the door for fourth-rounder MIKE DAVIS, who, at 5-foot-9, 217 pounds, brings more physicality to the position. Neither player has draft day appeal. JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] Thirty-four-year-old ANQUAN BOLDIN has been the 49ers’ top target each of the past two seasons, hauling in 168 of 260 targeted passes for 2,241 yards and 12 scores since joining the team. The veteran has stayed healthy and effectively revitalized his career in San Francisco, and while there’s only so much you can expect from his aging body, the 49ers offered a vote of confidence by not drafting a receiver until the fourth round. Boldin remains a solid producer, and someone who can provide reliable depth off your bench. [STARTER] Like Boldin, TORREY SMITH

left Charm City for the West Coast. Unlike Boldin, Smith is in his prime and a dangerous deep threat. The question is whether or not Kaepernick can deliver the ball with the same accuracy (and frequency) as Joe Flacco to maximize his effectiveness. Smith, who has never missed a game in his career, is coming off his worst season statistically in both receptions (49) and yards (767), though he did manage a career-high 11 touchdowns. While clearly less reliable than Boldin, Smith’s upside dictates he be drafted earlier as your third or fourth receiver. [THIRD] With veterans Michael Crabtree

and Stevie Johnson gone, the depth chart behind the former Ravens is up for grabs. Of the contenders, BRUCE ELLINGTON appears to have the inside track on the No. 3 role. As a rookie, Ellington scored three times in just 12 total touches, and he was a mainstay on special teams. He should be more involved in the passing game this season but not enough to consider drafting.

[FOURTH] QUINTON PATTON came into the

league in 2013 with a reputation as a polished route runner, but he has done next to nothing

RB WR WR RB QB TE

CARLOS HYDE TORREY SMITH ANQUAN BOLDIN REGGIE BUSH COLIN KAEPERNICK VERNON DAVIS

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

SEAHAWKS @RAMS FALCONS BYE WEEK @SEAHAWKS CARDINALS

THU, OCT 22 SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8

8:25 PM 1:00 PM 4:05 PM

SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

4:25 PM 4:05 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

[RETURNERS] BRUCE ELLINGTON was the primary kickoff and punt returner last year and by far the most proficient on the team—he finished sixth in the NFL on kicks (25.6 yards per return) and 13th on punts (8.2 YPR). He’ll likely reprise those roles this season, with CARLOS HYDE as a fallback option.

of GM Trent Baalke. Coming from Georgia Tech, Smelter needs to acclimate to a prostyle offense, and he’s also recovering from a torn ACL. That’s a lot for a rookie to process, and he’ll likely be a non-factor for most, if not all, of 2015. JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] After skipping offseason workouts in 2014, VERNON DAVIS suffered through the worst season of his nine-year career. He claimed the two were unrelated, but he still showed up early for this year’s workouts sounding driven to bounce back. It shouldn’t be tough to outperform 2014—Davis scored 13 times the previous season but just twice last year, both in Week 1. He’s entering the final year of his contract, so motivation is there. Now the question is, at age 31, how much does he have left? If you’re optimistic, Davis is an intriguing late-round reserve.

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS [KICKER] After enjoying a career-best 140 points in 2013, his first year with the 49ers, PHIL DAWSON saw his performance dip in his 16th season. In truth, however, last year’s 108-point showing was more in line with his career norms—prior to 2013 he’d never

POSITION RANK (P.31) 13 33 40 42 14 19

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 38 57 118 151 158 183

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 4:25 PM

scored more than 120 points in a season. With significant uncertainty about San Francisco’s offense, Dawson is best left undrafted.

[FIFTH] Like both Ellington and Patton, DEANDRE SMELTER is a fourth-round pick

part of what was a very unproductive tight end corps last year. A second rounder in 2013, he has just 10 catches in 23 career games and landed on the IR halfway through last season due to a back injury. He’ll have to ward off challenges from rookies BLAKE BELL and RORY ANDERSON , as well as holdover GARRETT CELEK .

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

thus far. Reports suggest that the Louisiana Tech product looked much improved in OTAs. Whether or not that translates come September remains to be seen. If the light has turned on, however, it is possible Patton could make some waves this season.

[BACKUP] VANCE MCDONALD was another

@BEARS @BROWNS BENGALS @LIONS RAMS

JJ DEFENSE There’s no doubt this team has been driven by its defense. Even with injuries aplenty, they finished fifth in total defense and 10th in scoring. What was lacking was consistent pressure, as their 36 sacks tied for 21st—no one on the team recorded more than six. Despite that, they paced the league in interceptions (23) and tied for fourth in takeaways (29). The retirements of Justin Smith, Chris Borland and Patrick Willis leave some gaps to fill, and this once stout group appears to be a unit in flux. The 49ers looked to shore up the defense early in the draft and free agency, but there were many holes to plug. They’re not a top-10 fantasy unit entering 2015. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] There are a lot of reasons to be down on TORREY SMITH . He’s coming off an inconsistent (and largely disappointing) season. He’s a vertical specialist on a team that doesn’t go deep a lot. Colin Kaepernick’s accuracy is suspect. They’re all valid, but Smith’s skill set is unique and he could see more opportunities than you think. [SUPER SLEEPER] San Francisco drafted

Carlos Hyde to take over for Frank Gore, but he didn’t do much to impress as a rookie. Should he falter, the team has Reggie Bush waiting in the wings. Bush has his own set of troubles, however, all of which could open up an opportunity for KENDALL HUNTER , who was a nice complement behind Gore.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 198 177 168 115 347 115

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 171 123 106 77 276 74

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 28 6 5 2 8 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 8

141

6/22/15 4:13 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Buck Davidson

eattle entered the 2014 season still flush from the first Super Bowl victory in franchise history and intent on defending the Lombardi Trophy. The ‘Hawks were slow out of the gate, though, and the team owned a 3-3 record following a loss to St. Louis in Week 7. They’d turn things around from there, winning nine of their last 10 games to finish the season atop the NFC West with a record of 12-4. The second-half charge was led by the Seahawks’ vaunted defense, which allowed only 39 points over the season’s final six games. Seattle continued its roll through the playoffs, highlighted by an improbable comeback in the NFC Championship Game, all the way to Super Bowl XLIX, where their championship dreams died on New England’s one-yard line after a controversial pass attempt in the waning moments. Seattle made a huge offseason splash by trading center Max Unger and their first-round draft pick to New Orleans as part of a deal to land Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham. Graham gives the Seahawks the elite aerial target they have lacked, and he could do wonders for Russell Wilson’s passing numbers. The Seahawks primarily sought to bolster their offensive and defensive line depth during this year’s draft, but they also added lightning quick wideout/returner Tyler Lockett of Kansas State in the third round. With consecutive Super Bowl appearances, the Seahawks once again have the look of a team that figures to be among the NFL’s elite in 2015.

[HEAD COACH] PETE CARROLL enters his

sixth season as Seattle’s head coach with a regular-season record of 50-30 and a playoff mark of 7-3, with two NFC championships and a Super Bowl title to his credit. Carroll is a players’ coach whose “Win Forever” mantra has sculpted and defined the organization over the past few seasons. Carroll endured quite a bit of criticism for his questionable goal-line call in the Super Bowl, but his is one of the NFL’s most secure coaching positions.

arrival of Jimmy Graham should help boost Wilson’s passing numbers. His propensity to pull the ball down and take off heightens his injury risk, but Wilson is a top-five choice as your starting fantasy quarterback.

the team is toying with the idea of moving him to wide receiver. R.J. ARCHER has spent the past four seasons in the Arena Football League. Move along, folks, nothing to see here.

[BACKUP] Veteran TARVARIS JACKSON

[STARTER] A man of few words, MARSHAWN LYNCH logged his fourth straight

was Seattle’s starter in 2011, the only time in Carroll’s five seasons that the team didn’t make the playoffs, but he knows the playbook and is well respected for his toughness. While he clearly lacks Wilson’s athleticism and tal-

Kris Richard replaces Dan Quinn, who became Atlanta’s head coach, as defensive coordinator. He leads a unit that finished first in both scoring and total defense last season. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell directs a ground-pounding attack that finished first in rushing in 2014. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] RUSSELL WILSON led all quar-

terbacks in rushing yardage (849) and scores (six) last season, but via the air he finished 15th in yards and 16th in touchdowns—he tossed only seven picks. His prowess on the ground made him one of 2014’s top fantasy quarterbacks and, though he’s unlikely to replicate those lofty rushing totals this season, the

ent, Jackson could win some games for a team built around running and defense. As far as fantasy goes, he’s best avoided. [THIRD] At just 5-foot-11, B.J. DANIELS was

more of a dual-threat quarterback than a pure passer during his days at South Florida, and

JJ RUNNING BACK

season of better than 1,400 total yards and at least 12 total touchdowns last year. The 29-year-old has shouldered a heavy workload over that timeframe, and Graham, who’s great in the red zone and not known for his blocking, might have a negative impact on Lynch’s numbers. Still, the odds are good that “Beast Mode” will be thundering full-force again in 2015. Lynch is durable, a decent receiver and the centerpiece of a runbased offense. What more could you want from your No. 1 fantasy running back? [BACKUP] ROBERT TURBIN averaged 4.2 yards per carry and hauled in 16 passes as Lynch’s understudy last season, but he didn’t notch more than six carries in a game until Week 16. Turbin lacks special skills, but he could be a serviceable fantasy fill-in if Lynch goes down with an injury—assuming he is able to fend off Christine Michael and win the backup job. He’s a final-round handcuff at best.

Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

JJ COACH

MARSHAWN LYNCH

142 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 9

6/22/15 4:13 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@RAMS @PACKERS BEARS LIONS @BENGALS PANTHERS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 MON, OCT 5 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

1:00 PM 8:30 PM 4:25 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 4:05 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

[THIRD] A second-round pick back in 2013, CHRISTINE MICHAEL has yet to find his

niche in Seattle. Michael is a bruising northsouth runner with surprising quickness who averaged 5.3 yards per carry during his time at Texas A&M. He could have some fantasy relevance if Lynch suffers an injury, though that’s not enough to warrant attention during your fantasy draft. JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[STARTER] DOUG BALDWIN comfortably led Seattle in receptions and receiving yards last season, but his pedestrian 66-825-3 line should tell you all you need to know about the team’s offensive philosophy. Baldwin did establish new career highs in both of the aforementioned categories, but Seattle’s groundpounding ways—along with the arrival of All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham—figure to limit his fantasy potential this season. Baldwin is, at best, a reserve fantasy wideout. [STARTER] Like Baldwin, JERMAINE KEARSE set new standards for receptions

(38) and receiving yards (537) in 2014— though only one went for a touchdown. He elevated his game when the postseason rolled around, however, amassing 209 yards and scoring twice over the course of the Seahawks’ three playoff games. Kearse is not a burner, but he runs good routes and knows what to do with the ball in his hands: 238 of 537 yards came after the catch. That said; he’s not worth drafting.

[THIRD] Third-round pick TYLER LOCKETT

is elusive and explosive, and he finished fifth among wideouts at this year’s Combine, with a 4.40 40-yard dash. Lockett’s 182-pound frame will likely limit him to slot receiver duty, but his biggest impact could be as a return man. He hauled back six kicks for touchdowns during his four-year collegiate career, while logging 3,710 yards and scoring 29 touchdowns as a receiver. Keep a close eye on this rookie. [FOURTH] KEVIN NORWOOD was a fourth-

round pick in 2014, but he was targeted only 10 times last season. Norwood has decent

RB TE QB WR PK

MARSHAWN LYNCH JIMMY GRAHAM RUSSELL WILSON DOUG BALDWIN STEVEN HAUSCHKA

@49ERS @COWBOYS BYE WEEK CARDINALS 49ERS STEELERS

THU, OCT 22 SUN, NOV 1

8:25 PM 4:25 PM

SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

8:30 PM 4:25 PM 4:25 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

[RETURNERS] PAUL RICHARDSON led

Super Bowl to catch his first pass of 2015, and he logged an improbable 4-109-1 line on the NFL’s biggest stage. At 6-foot-5, Matthews creates matchups problems for defenders, but he’s unlikely to play much of a role in 2015. Ditto for PAUL RICHARDSON , who made some plays late in his rookie campaign but may not be ready for Week 1 due to his recovery from a torn ACL suffered during the Divisional Round playoff game. Of the two, Richardson’s the one to watch. JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] JIMMY GRAHAM was slowed

by a nagging shoulder injury last season, and he struggled through a relatively disappointing campaign with New Orleans. Of course, that’s a relative term as he still finished fifth among tight ends in receiving yards (889) and reached double-digit touchdowns for the third time in four seasons. Graham will be asked to block more often in Seattle, which could put a small dent in his fantasy potential. He is still a top-shelf fantasy tight end, but don’t expect him to match the gaudy numbers he posted as a member of the pass-happy Saints. [BACKUP] While LUKE WILLSON didn’t

get a ton of opportunities, he averaged 16.5 yards on his 22 receptions last season, and his three touchdowns tied for second-best on the team. Willson is big, fast and has soft hands; he also plays behind a Pro Bowler in a runfirst offense, so his fantasy value figures to be almost nil in 2015. JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

37 field goals last season, which was tied for third most in the league, and he knocked home 31 of them, which was good for fifth. Hauschka tied for fourth among kickers with 134 points last season, and Seattle’s run-based

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 13 29 54 185 188

1:00 PM 8:30 PM 4:05 PM 4:25 PM 4:25 PM

attack should provide plenty of opportunities for him again in 2015. Hauschka is a safe choice as your fantasy kicker.

[FIFTH] CHRIS MATTHEWS waited until the

POSITION RANK (P.31) 5 2 4 58 3

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

size (6-foot-2, 199 pounds), and he clocked a 4.48 40-yard dash at the 2014 Combine, but his biggest 2015 contribution figures to be on special teams. Norwood can be ignored in fantasy drafts.

[KICKER] STEVEN HAUSCHKA attempted

@VIKINGS @RAVENS BROWNS RAMS @CARDINALS

Seattle in kickoff return yardage last year, but his recovery from a torn ACL figures to open the door for TYLER LOCKETT, who averaged 19.1 yards per punt return for Kansas State, where he also hauled back kickoffs last season. If Lockett wins the double-duty gig, he could be worth a look in fantasy leagues that reward return yardage. JJ DEFENSE The Seattle defense—led by their “Legion of Boom” secondary—was again one of the NFL’s best units last season; how good they were from a fantasy standpoint, though, depended on your league’s scoring system. The Seahawks finished third against the run and first against the pass, and they were tops in both scoring and total defense. They managed only 37 sacks and 23 turnovers, though, which were good for 20th and 21st, respectively, and scored twice on defense. While turnovers come and go, Seattle’s level of talent and consistency means they’re guaranteed to be one of the first defensive units off the board in fantasy drafts this season. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] Not long ago, an undersized wideout named Percy Harvin generated plenty of buzz in fantasy circles, and rookie TYLER LOCKETT is already drawing comparisons to the former Seahawk. Seattle surrendered four picks to move up and select Lockett, and it’s worth noting Harvin enjoyed some solid seasons in Minnesota while Darrell Bevell was offensive coordinator. [SUPER SLEEPER] CHRISTINE MICHAEL is a

physical, quick-footed runner who has averaged 4.9 yards per carry in two NFL seasons, but he has been unable to beat out Robert Turbin for the backup role. Michael is more skilled than Turbin, though, and if he moves past him on the depth chart he’s worth a speculative flier as a handcuff to Lynch.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 289 230 427 127 168

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 254 145 340 79 168

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 43 26 34 2 3

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 10

143

6/22/15 4:14 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

ST. LOUIS RAMS Matt Wilson

he Rams probably knew their 2014 playoff hopes had gurgled down the drain when then-starting quarterback Sam Bradford re-tore his surgically repaired ACL during a preseason contest. Nobody expected below-average backups Shaun Hill and Austin Davis to carry the offense, which ultimately finished 28th overall and 21st in scoring (20.2 points per game). St. Louis’ talented defense improved after a painfully slow start, and the team notched some high-profile wins (Seattle, Denver, San Francisco), but it couldn’t save their season. Factor in injuries suffered by key starters Chris Long, Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, Brian Quick and Jake Long, and you can see why the Rams limped to a 6-10 record and last place again in the NFC West. Following a third consecutive sub-.500 record, GM Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher know they need to win. Snead boldly traded Bradford to the Eagles for Nick Foles, but there are questions whether Foles is the real deal. Snead’s biggest free-agent additions—Nick Fairley and Akeem Ayers—boost an already formidable front seven. On the draft front, first-round pick Todd Gurley (knee) is unlikely to contribute immediately, but fellow rookies Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown should revamp the o-line. Fisher is counting on improvement from a 20th-rated rushing attack and a solid season from Foles. With the Seahawks and Cardinals parked at the top of the division, however, the Rams’ best efforts may not be good enough to end the team’s 10-year playoff drought. [HEAD COACH] JEFF FISHER deserves some

credit for reshaping an awful team into something respectable during his first three seasons, but patience has worn thin in the Gateway City. With a 20-27-1 record to show for his efforts, Fisher likely needs the Rams to challenge for divisional supremacy and mount a serious playoff push to save his job. The two biggest criticisms of the 57-year-old: 1) an inability to build an effective offense, and 2) a continued failure to squeeze consistent top-level performances out of what is considered a talented roster.

vative run-first scheme with a much weaker receiver corps. Plus, the Rams are retooling an offensive line that yielded the eighth-most sacks (tie) in the NFL last year. Consider Foles a shaky fantasy reserve. [SECOND] Noodle-armed AUSTIN DAVIS played

in 10 games (eight starts) last year and averaged

JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] TRE MASON took over the No. 1 job

Fisher promoted quarterbacks coach Frank Cignetti to replace oft-criticized offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and oversee St. Louis’ run-oriented attack. On defense, Gregg Williams returns for a second year to direct his aggressive 4-3 scheme. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] On paper, NICK FOLES doesn’t

look like a game-changing addition. In seven-plus games before suffering a season-ending broken collarbone, Foles threw for a robust 2,163 yards and 13 touchdowns. His mechanics, pocket presence and overall level of play (career-high 10 picks) regressed considerably, however—and the immobile Foles now moves from a high-octane offense to a conser-

[THIRD] Fourth-year pro CASE KEENUM has 10 regular-season starts under his belt and a gunslinger mentality, but he’s also a career 55.2 percent passer. Rookie third-rounder SEAN MANNION is a project. He has good size and piled up big-time numbers in Mike Riley’s prostyle offense at Oregon State. There are holes in Mannion’s game as well, though, and this pick was made with an eye toward the future.

226.1 yards passing and 1.5 touchdowns per outing. While not terrible numbers, Fisher benched Davis in November due to severely declining play, which included taking 29 sacks and committing a dozen turnovers—half of which were returned for touchdowns. Even if the fourth-year pro is pressed into action again he’s not worth considering.

midway through last season, finishing with a teambest 179-765-4 rushing line (4.3 YPC). Operating as a workhorse, the then-rookie averaged 18.1 touches per contest in nine season-ending starts. His fantasy value is tied directly to rookie Todd Gurley’s unknown return date from late-November ACL surgery. Many assume Mason will start 2015 as the lead back while the team eases Gurley into the starting job at some point. Until we learn more specifics about Gurley’s playing status, draft Mason as a No. 3 fantasy back with early-year upside.

[BACKUP] First-round selection TODD GURLEY is a complete three-down back. He has

great size (6-foot-1, 222 pounds), elite tacklebreaking power, home-run speed and soft hands. During Gurley’s three-year career at Georgia, he amassed 3,285 rushing yards and 36 rushing

Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

JJ COACH

TRE MASON

144 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 11

6/22/15 4:15 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

SEAHAWKS @WASHINGTON STEELERS @CARDINALS @PACKERS BYE WEEK

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:25 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

BROWNS 49ERS @VIKINGS BEARS @RAVENS @BENGALS

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

touchdowns on 510 carries, and a 65-615-5 line via the air before tearing his ACL last November. Gurley’s fantasy value obviously depends on his as of yet unknown recovery timetable. Monitor his status to get a read on how early (and often) St. Louis plans to use him. In the interim, treat Gurley as a risk/reward low-end No. 2 back.

3. He had some decent games down the stretch, but that didn’t alter the belief that the smallish wideout is better suited for the slot. Operating as a complementary receiver in a low-volume aerial attack, Bailey shouldn’t be on your fantasy radar.

[THIRD] Don’t expect third-down/change-ofpace back BENNY CUNNINGHAM to top his 6.9

little reason to think the 5-foot-8, 176-pounder will ever be more than a gadget player. Austin followed up his 49 touches, 569 total yards and five total touchdowns from 2013 with a disappointing 67-466-2 combined line in 2014. The soft usage suggests there are concerns about his durability. No fantasy appeal here.

total touches and 37.4 yards per game, as he’ll eventually lose some passing-down snaps to Gurley. ISAIAH PEAD missed the entire 2014 season due to a torn ACL, and he’s iffy to make the final roster. Undrafted rookie free-agent MALCOLM BROWN is a powerful north-south runner with solid receiving skills. JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] After two nondescript campaigns, BRIAN QUICK looked like he was on the rise. Projecting Quick’s numbers based on his performance through six games, he was on pace to compile a 64-973-8 line—a nasty shoulder injury ended his season in the team’s seventh contest. While Quick has good size (6-foot-3, 218 pounds) and soft hands, he’s not a burner. Optimism for the fourth-year pro’s 2015 prospects are curbed by St. Louis’ low-volume passing attack and Quick’s struggles against fast cornerbacks. Consider him a matchup-play No. 5 fantasy wideout. [STARTER] KENNY BRITT appeared in 16 games (13 starts) for just the second time in his career last season, compiling a team-leading 748 receiving yards on a personal-best 48 catches. With just three scoring grabs and weekly yardage totals that ranged from zero to 128, however, the wildly inconsistent Britt was usually off fantasy radars. As Britt heads into his seventh season, it appears multiple knee surgeries have sapped the 26-year-old’s explosiveness. Despite a quarterback change, Britt’s week-to-week production will likely remain irregular in the Rams’ run-heavy attack. He’s late-round fodder at best. [THIRD] Speedy and sure-handed STEDMAN BAILEY opened last season expecting to serve a

RB RB WR WR QB

TODD GURLEY TRE MASON BRIAN QUICK KENNY BRITT NICK FOLES

during his first two seasons, but the deep-ball specialist has regressed mightily and looks iffy to make the final cut. Rookie BUD SASSER has size (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) and strength, but the developmental project has less-than-ideal quickness and needs to improve his route running. JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] Speedy JARED COOK isn’t having the big impact that some predicted. He has compiled nearly identical 51-671-5 and 52-634-3 lines the last two years, respectively, which is apparently Cook’s statistical ceiling in this offense. The seventh-year pro doesn’t have great hands, and he has been blocking more than expected. In addition, St. Louis’ regular usage of two tight ends has contributed to his limited production. He remains a no-upside backup fantasy tight end. [BACKUP] LANCE KENDRICKS has been used

mainly as a blocking specialist since Cook arrived two years ago. The sure-handed Kendricks hauled in a team-high five touchdown passes, however, thanks to his role in the red-zone offense. That being said, he hasn’t posted more than 32 receptions or 259 receiving yards in a season since 2012. As long as Cook is healthy, Kendricks shouldn’t be on your fantasy radar.

kicker scoring with 106 points in 2014—his third straight finish outside the top 20. Although Zuer-

POSITION RANK (P.31) 26 30 59 79 24

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 37 89 127 186 192

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 THU, DEC 17 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 4:25 PM 4:25 PM

lein’s overall accuracy dipped from a career-best 92.9 percent to just 80 percent (24 of 30), he was effective from long range as usual (5-for-7 from 50-plus). With no major improvement expected from the Rams offense, Zuerlein’s super-powerful leg remains useless to fantasy owners. [RETURNERS] Thanks to the rock-solid duo of BENNY CUNNINGHAM and TAVON AUSTIN,

St. Louis fielded top-10 kickoff and punt return units. Cunningham’s 27.5 yards-per-return average was the fifth highest among returners, while Austin (11.2 YPR) has brought back a punt for a touchdown two years in a row.

[FIFTH] CHRIS GIVENS showed tons of promise

[KICKER] GREG ZUERLEIN tied for 21st in

CARDINALS LIONS BUCCANEERS @SEAHAWKS @49ERS

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

[FOURTH] The Rams have vowed to get electricquick TAVON AUSTIN more involved, but there’s

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

four-game suspension for PED use, but that was ultimately cut in half and he returned in Week

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

JJ DEFENSE The final numbers were nothing special. The Rams finished 17th overall and 16th (tie) in points allowed (22.1 per game). They also tied for 13th in sacks (40) and finished as part of a sevenway tie for 13th in takeaways (25). You can’t forget, however, that St. Louis overcame a slow start—blame it on growing pains with a new scheme—and emerged as one of the NFL’s top units down the stretch. The Rams’ second-half domination included a streak of three straight games without allowing a touchdown. Robert Quinn, Aaron Donald and Chris Long lead an excellent pass-rushing defensive line. Underrated cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson and Janoris Jenkins have very good ball skills. St. Louis is a top-five fantasy defense. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] It seems silly to call mega-talented TODD GURLEY a sleeper, since his name is well known among fantasy owners. However, the uncertainty about when Gurley will return from ACL surgery makes it difficult to gauge the rookie’s value. The Rams have a history of babying rookies, but the No. 1 tailback job is his whenever he’s ready. [SUPER SLEEPER] Since Kenny Britt’s explosiveness appears gone, BRIAN QUICK looks like the top choice to lead the run-first Rams in receiving. Last season, Quick amassed 21 catches, 322 yards and three touchdowns during his first four games, but his production dipped afterwards— mostly because of subpar quarterback play. If Nick Foles changes that, Quick could surprise.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 149 142 126 77 229

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 125 123 89 53 167

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 8 6 1 1 2

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 12

145

6/22/15 4:15 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Buck Davidson

JJ COACH

[HEAD COACH] LOVIE SMITH returns for his

second season at the Buccaneers’ helm. Smith is a defensive-minded coach whose best years with Chicago were marked by a suffocating defense and a conservative, run-based offense. The Bucs had neither of those elements last season, so look for the team to continue striving for that style in 2015. Smith’s job appears safe for now, but he’ll likely draw the fans’ ire if the team doesn’t improve significantly this season.

his potential into production, he could become a fantasy asset sooner rather than later. For now, though, he’s a low-end backup with upside. [BACKUP] After starting 13 games as a rookie, MIKE GLENNON started just five last season.

He logged a pair of 300-yard passing efforts, but

Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier’s charges finished 25th in both total and scoring defense last season, while former Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter will inherit a unit that finished 29th in scoring. Koetter tailors his offense to his players’ strengths and preaches ball security with an emphasis on explosive plays. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] JAMEIS WINSTON is a classic

drop-back passer with a strong and accurate arm. He passed for 7,964 yards and 65 touchdowns, while rushing for seven more, during two years at Florida State. His off-the-field issues are well documented, and there are concerns about Winston’s ability to stay out of trouble, but his raw tools are undeniable. The Bucs’ receiving corps is a talented group, and if Winston can parlay

when the Bucs chose Winston it was clear that their 2015 plans don’t include Glennon in a starting role. Glennon has a strong arm, but his lack of mobility and pedestrian passing numbers figure to relegate him to backup status.

MIKE EVANS

[THIRD] Northern Colorado product SETH LOBATO is currently third on the depth chart,

but the Bucs may add a veteran to compete for the privilege of modeling the latest in casual sideline headwear in 2015. Lobato is of no interest. JJ RUNNING BACK [STARTER] One-time fantasy stud DOUG MARTIN exploded for 1,926 total yards and 12 touchdowns his rookie season, but he has totaled just 1,080 yards and three scores in two years since. Martin missed significant time due to injuries each of those two seasons, and his yards-per-carry average has dropped significantly. There are whispers that Martin could be traded prior to the season, and it’s disconcerting that the Bucs declined his 2016 option. If Martin earns a prominent role, he has the upside of a No. 2 fantasy back, but given his injury history, he’s a considerable gamble. [BACKUP] Then-rookie CHARLES SIMS was on plenty of point-per-reception sleeper lists as camp opened in 2014, but a torn ankle ligament in mid-August cost him the first eight games of the season. Upon returning, he mustered just 375 total yards. The Bucs have indicated they’d like to get Sims more touches this season, but at just 214 pounds he probably can’t shoulder the load as a featured back. Sims’ versatility makes him

Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

he Bucs’ 2014 season was a tumultuous ride, and the rocky journey started when the campaign was barely underway. Offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford had to take what turned out to be a season-long leave of absence for health reasons in September, which pressed quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo into serving as the de facto head of the Tampa Bay offense. The Bucs predictably stumbled badly out of the gate, losing eight of their first nine games, and dropping their final six decisions to end their season with a dismal 2-14 record. If there was a silver lining to this disaster, it was that seven of the team’s losses were by six or fewer points. Tampa Bay was fairly quiet in free agency during the offseason, but they made a huge splash on draft day by tabbing Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the first overall pick. The former Heisman Trophy winner will be given every opportunity to be the team’s starter in 2015. The Bucs then sought to shore up their leaky offensive line by drafting tackle Donovan Smith in the second round, and then trading up to nab versatile lineman Ali Marpet with the 61st overall selection. The Bucs head into the 2015 season with some new faces in key places, and that has generated a fair amount of optimism in Tampa Bay. Realistically, however, this team would probably do well to finish .500—then again, 7-9 was enough to win the NFC South last season.

146 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 13

6/22/15 4:16 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

TITANS @SAINTS @TEXANS PANTHERS JAGUARS BYE WEEK

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11

4:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

an intriguing fantasy pick as a high-end reserve, especially in PPR formats. [THIRD] BOBBY RAINEY was the Bucs’

leading rusher until Martin exploded for two big games in the final three weeks of the 2014 campaign—that’s not saying much, given that Rainey managed only 406 yards on the ground. Neither Rainey nor third-year man MIKE JAMES are special talents, and it would require an injury or two for either player to realize much fantasy value in 2015. JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[STARTER] While VINCENT JACKSON

posted his fourth straight 1,000-yard season in 2014, his 14.3 yards-per-reception average and two touchdowns were full-season career lows. Mediocre quarterback play was at least partly to blame, but Jackson’s numbers were also impacted by teammate Mike Evans’ arrival. To the upside, Evans’ emergence means opponents will be unable to key on Jackson, and the veteran could log decent numbers if Winston fulfills his potential. Don’t set the bar too high for V-Jax, but he should at least be a serviceable low-end No. 2 fantasy wideout.

[STARTER] MIKE EVANS was one of the league’s top rookies last season, finishing tied for fourth with 12 receiving touchdowns. Evans uses his 6-foot-5, 231-pound frame to great advantage in short-yardage situations, but his 15.5 yards per reception last season shows he can run deeper routes as well. Evans looks to be on the brink of stardom, and if the Bucs’ quarterback play improves in 2015, he could become a fantasy beast. Draft Evans as a high-end No. 2 wideout, but know that he could be performing like a legitimate No. 1 by season’s end. [THIRD] LOUIS MURPHY is a serviceable wideout, but he’s a lower-tier option in a rather lackluster passing attack. While he enjoyed a few decent games in 2014, he was unable to produce viable fantasy stats on a consistent basis. Factor in the Bucs drafting speedster Kenny Bell in the fifth round, and Murphy’s outlook seems unlikely to improve in 2015. Leave him undrafted.

WR WR RB TE RB QB

MIKE EVANS VINCENT JACKSON CHARLES SIMS AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS DOUG MARTIN JAMEIS WINSTON

@WASHINGTON @FALCONS NY GIANTS COWBOYS @EAGLES @COLTS

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:05 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

Combine, and that speed could give the Bucs’ aerial attack a dimension it has sorely lacked. Bell is the Cornhuskers’ all-time leading receiver, and he has the tools to become a field stretcher and occasional home-run threat. That being said, he doesn’t figure to see many targets this season unless Evans or Jackson goes down with an injury.

[FIFTH] As a rookie, ROBERT HERRON caught only six passes last season, while RUSSELL SHEPHERD managed just four. Both figure to face stiff competition from sixth-round draft pick Kaelin Clay, whose speed and skill as a return specialist could give him the edge in the battle for a roster spot. Leave all three players undrafted in standard fantasy leagues.

JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS

struggled through a disappointing and injuryriddled rookie season, but he figures to play a large role in the Bucs offense in 2015. Jenkins is a massive target at 6-foot-5, 262 pounds, and he has the athleticism necessary to be a factor in the red zone. He scored 21 touchdowns in 32 games at the University of Washington, so he’s no stranger to the end zone. ASJ makes an intriguing selection as your No. 2 fantasy tight end.

[BACKUP] It has been a precipitous fall for BRANDON MYERS, who caught 79 passes

among NFL kickers with 91 points. Murray has a powerful leg, but he doesn’t figure to be a fantasy option until the Tampa Bay offense improves considerably. [RETURNERS] SOLOMON PATTON averaged

23.1 yards per kickoff return and an outstanding 11.2 yards per punt last season, but the Buccaneers have made it clear that mercurial rookie KAELIN CLAY will receive a very long look as a return specialist. The junior college transfer returned three punts and one kickoff for scores during his single season at Utah, earning AllAmerican honors as a kick returner. JJ DEFENSE The Bucs play the venerable Tampa 2—a system that relies on quarterback pressure from the front four linemen in order to be successful—so they will look to improve their 2014 total of 36 sacks, which was tied for 21st in the league. Tampa Bay was 19th against the run and 28th against the pass, and they produced 25 turnovers, which was tied for 13th. The Bucs play a base 4-3 alignment and rely on speedy and athletic linebackers to be playmakers and pile up the tackles. Until the Tampa Bay “D” shows signs of regaining its former glory, it should not be considered a viable fantasy option in most leagues. JJ WAKE UP CALL

[SUPER SLEEPER] At first blush, being the

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

field goals—good for 27th in the league—and knocked home 20 of those, including five from 50 yards and beyond. He converted all 31 of his extra-point attempts en route to finishing 26th

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 20 69 71 114 115 195

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

[SLEEPER] CHARLES SIMS averaged 5.9 yards per carry and snagged 203 receptions during his college career. While Sims isn’t especially powerful nor fast, he has drawn comparisons to Matt Forte, who starred for Lovie Smith in his Bears days. Sims should have a great opportunity to show his stuff in 2015, and his versatility could make him a valuable fantasy resource.

in 2012 but managed just 22 last year. He’s a good blocker and a decent short-yardage pass catcher, but he lacks the skill set to work his way up the Bucs’ aerial pecking order. Even with TIM WRIGHT returning, Myers should see a fair amount of playing time this season, primarily in two-tight end sets, but he won’t be a fantasy factor.

POSITION RANK (P.31) 12 27 40 21 31 26

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 THU, DEC 17 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

[FOURTH] Former Nebraska wideout KENNY BELL ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at the NFL

[KICKER] PATRICK MURRAY attempted 24

FALCONS SAINTS @RAMS BEARS @PANTHERS

all-time leading receiver at ground-pounding Nebraska might seem akin to being the biggest flea in the circus, but KENNY BELL looks like he has the skills to make his mark in the NFL. Bell is fast and has excellent hands; he could become the downfield threat the Bucs have lacked for years.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 251 185 118 112 139 213

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 177 120 93 68 114 152

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 29 9 2 1 6 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 14

147

6/22/15 4:17 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

TENNESSEE TITANS Matt Wilson

fter years of mediocrity, the Titans finally hit rock bottom in 2014, finishing with a league-worst 2-14 mark and in the cellar of the AFC South—it was also the franchise’s worst record since it moved from Houston to Tenne ssee back in 1997. The team regressed sharply on both sides of the ball, mainly because of talent deficiencies. An ineffective quarterback carousel that included nowretired former first-rounder Jake Locker and a disappointing Bishop Sankey-led rushing attack are mostly to blame for the offense placing 30th in scoring (15.9 points per game). Meanwhile, the defense crumbled under the added burden of switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme, finishing 29th in points allowed (27.4 per contest). It was a busy offseason for the rebuilding Titans. Oft-criticized GM Ruston Webster did a great job addressing key needs in the draft, starting with his decision to use the second overall pick to land the new face of the franchise: Marcus Mariota. Rookies Dorial Green-Beckham, Jeremiah Poutasi and David Cobb should all contribute immediately. In free agency, Webster inked three-time Pro Bowler Brian Orakpo to play opposite Derrick Morgan, while veterans Perrish Cox and Da’Norris Searcy should bolster the secondary. The laundry list of departures included Shonn Greene, Michael Oher, Leon Washington, Bernard Pollard and Kamerion Wimbley (retired). Mariota gives Tennessee hope for the future, but this team still has question marks everywhere. Even in the same division as Jacksonville, another finish at the bottom seems likely.

[HEAD COACH] The Titans closed 2014 with

an embarrassing 10-game losing streak to finish 2-14 in KEN WHISENHUNT ’s debut season, but his “honeymoon” period will continue thanks in large to the acquisition of Marcus Mariota. Since the 53-year-old Whisenhunt is a respected offensive mind and quarterback guru, many were surprised by Tennessee’s problems on that side of the ball. Whisenhunt, who has lost 44 of his last 64 games as a head coach, must now adapt his system to fit Mariota’s talents. Jason Michael returns as offensive coordinator for a second year, but Whisenhunt will continue calling plays. Ray Horton is still listed as defensive coordinator, but ageless Dick LeBeau will actually be in charge of the Titans’ 3-4 unit, operating under the title “assistant head coach/defense.” JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] Unless MARCUS MARIOTA

absolutely tanks during the preseason, he’ll be under center in Week 1. Nobody doubts the athletic Mariota will use his 4.52 speed to rack up fantasy points as a runner—as a three-year starter at Oregon, he amassed 2,237 yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground. The rookie used his strong arm and excellent accuracy to compile 10,796 passing yards, a 105:14 touchdown-

to-interception ratio and complete a sparkling 66.8 percent of his throws. It’s Mariota’s lack of experience in an NFL-style offense and hardto-predict learning curve, however, that limit him to late-round flier material.

during preparation and from the sidelines. In seven games (five starts) last season, Whitehurst averaged 189.4 yards passing and one touchdown per contest. Even if he somehow sees extended action, Whitehurst lacks fantasy appeal.

[SECOND] ZACH METTENBERGER displayed a powerful NFL-caliber arm while making six injury-relief starts during his rookie season, but

[STARTER] Coming off a miserable rookie campaign, BISHOP SANKEY’s status as the lead dog

the Titans say there won’t be a Mariota versus “Mett” battle in training camp. Mettenberger averaged a surprising 272 passing yards and 1.8 touchdown passes per game in his four full starts (injuries cut short his other two). If Mettenberger is pressed into starting duty, he could have some value as a matchup play.

[BACKUP] Don’t totally write off rookie DAVID COBB because he was a fifth-round selec-

[THIRD] Although career backup CHARLIE WHITEHURST is widely regarded as a below-

average talent, the 10th-year pro is a logical choice for a safety net. Mariota and Mettenberger have a combined six career NFL starts between them, and Whitehurst can offer veteran insight both

JJ RUNNING BACK

looks shaky. He rarely ran with the same gusto and short-area quickness from his college days and quickly lost goal-line duties and passing-down work, operating as a two-down committee back most of the year. Sankey still topped Tennessee with a soft 152-569-2 rushing line (3.7 YPC) but did little as a receiver. The Titans will give last year’s second-round selection another chance, but does he have the necessary skills? We’ll see. Sankey has upside as a No. 4 fantasy back, but he has downside, too.

tion. Despite his pedestrian speed, Cobb is an effective north-south runner with three-down ability. The beefy back (5-foot-11, 229 pounds) will replace the departed Shonn Greene as the team’s goal-line/short-yardage guy. Cobb started full-time during his final two seasons at Minnesota, amassing 2,828 yards and 20 scores

Photo: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

JJ COACH

BISHOP SANKEY

148 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 15

6/22/15 4:17 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

@BUCCANEERS @BROWNS COLTS BYE WEEK BILLS DOLPHINS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 SUN, SEP 27

4:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

on 551 carries. If Sankey struggles, Cobb could step in, which gives him intriguing upside as your fifth back. . [THIRD] Undersized DEXTER MCCLUSTER

averaged 4.7 touches and 23.4 yards per contest during his first year with the club, scoring just once in an inconsistent receiving role. On the plus side, he’s fully recovered from a broken kneecap suffered in Week 15 last year. Undrafted ANTONIO ANDREWS appeared in four games and caught two passes for 11 yards as a rookie last season. There’s no fantasy value here. JJ WIDE RECEIVER [STARTER] Why did KENDALL WRIGHT’s production plummet from 94 catches and 1,079 receiving yards in 2013 to 57 receptions for 715 yards last year? The two biggest factors were inept quarterback play and a rigid new scheme. Whisenhunt’s system doesn’t allow Wright to freelance with his route running. And since he can’t dominate with his size (5-foot-10, 196 pounds), the fourth-year pro relies on quickness to make plays. While things should improve, a huge rebound in Wright’s numbers is unlikely with Mariota learning a pro-style offense on the job. Wright is No. 4 fantasy material. [STARTER] JUSTIN HUNTER followed up a

promising 2014 preseason with a very disappointing regular season, compiling a 28-498-3 line before missing the final month due to a lacerated spleen. While shoddy quarterback play and brain cramps in the new system played big roles in Hunter’s struggles, the tall wideout also dropped too many passes. With Mariota at quarterback and talented rookie Dorial GreenBeckham looking over Hunter’s shoulder, he is a boom-or-bust flier pick.

[THIRD] Not to slam HARRY DOUGLAS, but it

was surprising to see the rebuilding Titans shell out free-agent cash for a wideout who is entering his eighth season. Despite amassing just 51 catches, 556 yards and two touchdowns during an injury-torpedoed 2014 with the Falcons, Douglas still has plenty of ability. As the fourth option (at best) in Tennessee’s unproven passing attack, the veteran won’t yield any fantasy dividends.

WR RB TE WR QB

KENDALL WRIGHT DAVID COBB DELANIE WALKER DORIAL GREEN-BECKHAM MARCUS MARIOTA

FALCONS @TEXANS @SAINTS PANTHERS @JAGUARS RAIDERS

SUN, OCT 25 SUN, NOV 1 SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 THU, NOV 19 SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

[FIFTH] Free-agent acquisition HAKEEM NICKS looks washed up. The 27-year-old former

first-round pick played like a plodding 37-yearold has-been with the pass-happy Colts last year, amassing a meager 38 receptions, 405 yards and four scores. Seventh-round pick TRE MCBRIDE has excellent speed and plus hands, and he offers added value as a return man. JJ TIGHT END

[STARTER] DELANIE WALKER topped Ten-

nessee with 63 catches and 890 receiving yards, which were both career highs, to go along with four touchdowns. Fantasy owners, however, shouldn’t be overly impressed with Walker’s production. The 10th-year pro compiled 15 grabs for 297 yards in two monster outings; he averaged just 3.7 catches and 45.6 receiving yards per game in the other 13. Although he’ll likely operate as a safety valve for Mariota, uncertainty about the rookie passer’s skills makes Walker safer to draft as a reserve.

[BACKUP] The Titans signed veteran ANTHONY FASANO, as both CRAIG STEVENS and TAYLOR THOMPSON try to battle back

from season-ending injuries that limited the duo to a combined eight games last year. Nobody in this group has ever authored a fantasy-relevant campaign, and odds are they won’t do it in 2015, either.

[RETURNERS] Tennessee hopes speedy rookie TRE MCBRIDE , who compiled the fifth-most kickoff return yards in William & Mary history, can step into Leon Washington’s old job. He could also share punt duties with DEXTER MCCLUSTER or replace him as the lead returner. McCluster averaged a soft seven yards per punt return in 2014.

JJ DEFENSE The Titans finished 27th in total defense and 29th (tie) in points allowed (27.4 per contest). They also had terrible problems creating turnovers (16 takeaways), finishing 29th in that category. On the plus side, Tennessee managed to place a respectable 16th (tie) in sacks with 39 quarterback takedowns. The addition of Brian Orakpo, assuming he stays healthy, and the return of Zach Brown (torn pectoral) should boost the pass rush, while new additions Perrish Cox and Da’Norris Searcy should help generate more takeaways. Although this undermanned defense isn’t worth drafting, the Titans could have matchup-play potential if the pass rush improves dramatically. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] If Bishop Sankey flops again, DAVID COBB could make a huge splash. Considered a younger and more athletic version of Shonn Greene, the talented Cobb could play his way into a timeshare that includes goal-line carries or take Sankey’s job outright. Cobb operated as a three-down workhorse during his final two seasons at Minnesota, averaging 22.5 touches per game. [SUPER SLEEPER] MARCUS MARIOTA

[KICKER] RYAN SUCCOP didn’t receive tons of scoring opportunities in Tennessee’s inept offense, which shouldn’t surprise anyone—his 84 points tied for 28th among kickers. While Succop connected on a personal-best 86.4 percent of his attempts, the veteran’s 19 field goals and 22

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 92 123 144 174 194

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

attempts were both career lows. It’s very doubtful the offense will improve enough to make Succop fantasy relevant.

are gambling on his unique physical talents. Listed at 6-foot-5, 237 pounds, “DGB” has plus speed and great hands. In two full seasons at Missouri, the super-athletic Green-Beckham amassed an 87-1,287-17 line, but he was dismissed from the program after 2013 due to multiple off-the-field problems. While GreenBeckham is not worth drafting, you should still keep an eye on him.

POSITION RANK (P.31) 41 62 9 71 28

SUN, DEC 6 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SUN, DEC 27 SUN, JAN 3

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

[FOURTH] Rookie second-rounder DORIAL GREEN-BECKHAM is a project, but the Titans

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

JAGUARS @NY JETS @PATRIOTS TEXANS @COLTS

should rack up fantasy points with his legs, but the rookie’s inexperience operating under center is capping his outlook. Mariota has to make a tough transition from a college spread offense to a pro-style scheme. However, if he can adapt to the NFL quickly, Mariota could have some matchup-play fantasy value later in the season.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 166 60 156 106 179

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 109 45 106 62 128

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 5 1 4 1 1

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 16

149

6/22/15 4:17 PM

2015 TEAM PROFILE

WASHINGTON Buck Davidson

fter watching their team struggle to a dismal 3-13 finish in 2013, even the most loyal D.C. fan had to have their hopes pretty low for the team’s 2014 edition. Washington delivered on those dismal expectations, losing five of their first six games and dropping seven of their last eight on their way to a 4-12 record—marking the sixth time in the past seven years they have finished last in the NFC East. The team responded by hiring Scott McCloughan to be its new General Manager, and ousted defensive coordinator Jim Haslett in favor of former Lions’ coordinator Joe Barry, who spent the last four seasons in San Diego as the Chargers’ linebackers coach. Washington also brought in offensive line coach extraordinaire Bill Callahan to help revitalize what was one of the league’s worst units in 2014. Washington wasted no time in addressing their leaky offensive line on draft day, snagging 2014 Outland Trophy winner tackle Brandon Scherff of Iowa with the fifth overall pick. The team further bolstered its attack by grabbing powerhouse running back Matt Jones in the third round, and nabbing quick-as-a-hiccup wideout Jamison Crowder in Round 4. On the defensive side of the ball, Washington used its second-round pick on defensive end Preston Smith, who logged nine sacks at Mississippi in 2014. Washington rolls into the 2015 campaign with more questions than answers, and much of the team’s fortune figures to hinge on the performance of whoever lines up under center.

[HEAD COACH] JAY GRUDEN endured a

rocky first season as an NFL head coach, including having to make the tough decision to bench franchise quarterback Robert Griffin III. Gruden is an offensive-minded coach who favors a diverse, West Coast-style attack built around an effective running game and short pass routes with quick reads by the quarterback. Whether or not he can mold that system to fit RG3’s unique skill set remains to be seen.

athlete, but his freewheeling style exposes him to injury, and he doesn’t seem to be an ideal fit in the Washington scheme. Griffin is a high-risk, potentially high-reward pick as your backup fantasy quarterback. [BACKUP] Former second-round pick COLT MCCOY hadn’t seen meaningful game ac-

tion since 2011, but he started four games

JJ RUNNING BACK

[STARTER] ALFRED MORRIS logged his

New defensive coordinator Joe Barry takes the helm of a unit that finished 29th in scoring defense last season, while Sean McVay enters his second season as offensive coordinator after finishing 26th in scoring in Year 1. Washington has the talent to make some substantial improvements on offense in 2015. JJ QUARTERBACK

[STARTER] ROBERT GRIFFIN III was the

Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, but it’s been a bumpy, injury-riddled ride ever since. Last season, Griffin missed nearly two months after dislocating his ankle in Week 2—and then was benched when he struggled following his return. He started the season’s final two games, tossing one touchdown and three interceptions. Griffin is an amazing

[THIRD] KIRK COUSINS led Washington in passing yardage and touchdowns last season, but he finished third on the depth chart. Cousins has a big arm, but too many of his passes wound up in the wrong hands last season. While he can produce viable fantasy numbers when he’s on the field, it’d take an injury or catastrophic collapse by RG3 (and maybe McCoy, too) for Cousins to see significant action.

last season and performed fairly well until a herniated disk in his neck ended his season following Week 15. McCoy has an accurate throwing arm, but his inability to make deep throws limits his upside. He’ll battle for the backup quarterback job, but he’s unlikely to be a factor unless Griffin struggles mightily or suffers another injury.

third consecutive season with 1,000-plus yards rushing, but his 4.1 yards per carry were second-worst among backs that reached that mark. Poor offensive line play was likely the biggest culprit, but that figures to change with Bill Callahan in tow. Morris isn’t much of a receiver, and he’ll almost certainly lose some short-yardage touchdowns to Griffin, but the fourth-year pro should again be Washington’s featured back this season. The aforementioned factors figure to keep a lid on his production, though, making him more of a No. 2 fantasy back.

[BACKUP] Third-round pick MATT JONES

is a 231-pounder who rushed for 1,431 yards and 11 touchdowns in 28 games at Florida, while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Jones is a

Photo: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

JJ COACH

ALFRED MORRIS AND ROBERT GRIFFIN III

150 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | TEAM PROFILES

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 17

6/22/15 4:18 PM

WK.1 WK.2 WK.3 WK.4 WK.5 WK.6

DOLPHINS RAMS @NY GIANTS EAGLES @FALCONS @NY JETS

SUN, SEP 13 SUN, SEP 20 THU, SEP 24 SUN, OCT 4 SUN, OCT 11 SUN, OCT 18

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.7 WK.8 WK.9 WK.10 WK.11 WK.12

good pass blocker and decent receiver whose physical, downhill style could make him a factor in short-yardage situations. Jones, who underwent knee surgeries in late 2013 and early 2014, probably won’t be a fantasy factor unless Morris goes down. [THIRD] SILAS REDD and CHRIS THOMPSON will compete to replace departed Roy

BUCCANEERS BYE WEEK @PATRIOTS SAINTS @PANTHERS NY GIANTS

SUN, OCT 25

1:00 PM

SUN, NOV 8 SUN, NOV 15 SUN, NOV 22 SUN, NOV 29

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

WK.13 WK.14 WK.15 WK.16 WK.17

after D-Jax was brought on board. He finished with 36 receptions for 453 yards and two touchdowns—his worst numbers since his rookie season—while working primarily from the slot. Roberts is a reliable check-down option, but he has scored just 13 touchdowns over his five-year NFL career. His fantasy value is nil. [FOURTH] RYAN GRANT caught five passes

JJ WIDE RECEIVER

[FIFTH] Fourth-rounder JAMISON CROWDER lacks ideal size, but his speed,

through an uneven 2014: he posted six games with at least 115 yards receiving and five with 39 or fewer. The veteran has a reputation as a home-run threat, and his 20.9yard average topped all qualifying wideouts, but he caught just 56 passes last year and has scored only 21 times combined in his past four seasons. Improved quarterback play should help Jackson, but it’s beginning to look like the 82-1,332-9 line he posted in 2013 will be a career outlier. He’s a decent No. 2 or No. 3 fantasy wideout.

[STARTER] After breaking out with 113 catches for 1,346 yards and five touchdowns in 2013, PIERRE GARCON regressed badly last season. The veteran wideout managed just one 100-yard receiving game en route to establishing new career lows for yards per catch and touchdown receptions, and he didn’t score after Week 7. Garcon should bounce back a bit this season, but don’t set the bar anywhere near his lofty 2013 numbers—his previous career high for yardage was a pedestrian 947 yards, and he has never scored more than six touchdowns in a season. [THIRD] Initially signed to start, ANDRE ROBERTS found himself in a reduced role

RB WR WR QB TE

ALFRED MORRIS DESEAN JACKSON PIERRE GARCON ROBERT GRIFFIN III JORDAN REED

for 57 yards in Week 2, and then managed only two receptions for 11 yards the rest of the way. The 2014 fifth-round pick lacks speed, but he is a good route runner with decent hands. Grant will compete for a roster spot in ‘15 and is unlikely to make much of an offensive impact.

quickness and route-running acumen could earn him a look as a slot receiver and return specialist. Crowder was no stranger to the football at Duke, averaging 90 receptions, 1,159 yards and 7.3 receiving touchdowns over his final three seasons. JJ TIGHT END [STARTER] When healthy, JORDAN REED has shown that he can produce some very good yardage numbers. Health problems— primarily concussions and hamstring issues—have been an issue, though, as he has missed 12 games over his first two NFL seasons. Plus, while he has piled up receptions and yards, Reed has found the end zone only three times. He’ll need to become a viable red-zone threat if he’s to be a legitimate fantasy factor. There is definite upside here, but if you draft Reed as your backup, it’s important to have a reliable starter in place. [BACKUP] NILES PAUL posted at least 60 receiving yards in each of his first four 2014 outings, but he dropped off the radar when Reed returned from injury. There are too many targets in Washington for Paul to be a fantasy factor when everyone’s healthy, but he could be a solid sleeper if Reed continues to struggle to stay on the field.

POSITION RANK (P.31) 14 23 47 23 12

MOCK DRAFT PICK (P.76) 42 49 139 197 222

MON, DEC 7 SUN, DEC 13 SUN, DEC 20 SAT, DEC 26 SUN, JAN 3

8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 1:00 PM

(ALL TIMES EASTERN)

Helu as the third-down back. Thompson spent most of 2014 on the practice squad, but he displayed fine receiving skills during his days at Florida State. Injuries have been his bane, and if he can’t stay on the field, Redd—who amassed 182 yards on 24 total touches last season—could grab the gig. Neither figures to be a fantasy asset. [STARTER] DESEAN JACKSON struggled

COWBOYS @BEARS BILLS @EAGLES @COWBOYS

JJ SPECIAL TEAMS

[KICKER] KAI FORBATH knocked home 88.9 percent of his field goal tries last season, but his 27 attempts ranked just 22nd. And though he converted all but one of his extra-point tries, his 32 attempts tied for 21st in the league. Forbath’s accuracy isn’t the issue. It’s his limited range (his career long is 50 yards) and limited chances. There are plenty of better options out there. [RETURNERS] ANDRE ROBERTS averaged

23.7 yards on his 30 kickoff returns, and he hauled back 28 punts at an average of 7.4 yards per try—both ranked near the bottom of qualified returners. That could open the door for JAMISON CROWDER, who averaged 14.5 yards per punt return with four touchdowns over his final two seasons at Duke. JJ DEFENSE Despite firing longtime defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, Washington will play a base 3-4 alignment again in 2015. New DC Joe Barry has not committed to a specific strategy for improving the team’s dismal 2014 effort: 19 takeaways (tied for 25th in the league) and 36 sacks, which were good for a tie for 21st. Barry led Detroit to last-place finishes in total defense back in 2007 and 2008, but the ‘07 squad did manage to finish third in total takeaways. There aren’t a lot of impact players in Washington, and fantasy-wise, there’s not much to be excited about here. Keep away. JJ WAKE UP CALL [SLEEPER] Jordan Reed is a talented receiver who has had problems staying healthy, and NILES PAUL stands ready to step in if Reed misses time again. Paul, a converted receiver, is a bit smallish for a tight end, but his speed, athleticism and soft hands could make him a viable downfield target if he finds himself in an expanded role. [SUPER SLEEPER] It would probably require an injury to Alfred Morris for MATT JONES to

receive meaningful playing time, but if he does find his way into the lineup, he could be a solid fantasy option. Jones isn’t fast, but his pounding style could make him an attractive option around the goal line.

NFFC POINTS (P.83) 193 195 157 237 144

STD. POINTS SCORING (P.84) 181 136 92 177 89

AUCTION $ VALUE (P.82) 28 13 3 2 3

TEAM PROFILES | THEFANTASYF OOTBALLGUIDE2015 |

P-W teams-pkedits.indd 18

151

6/22/15 4:19 PM

THE BACK PAGE

GLASCOE ON GAMBLING Games of Skill

Jon Glascoe

Or this. I had the same bookie in Chicago for fifteen years. I never knew his name or he, mine. We never met. I was “ten thirtytwo” and he was “Mark” (which turned out to be Sal). Yet we were friends. He was a family man. His daughter was a college student and he trusted me (or more specifically my disembodied voice) to advise him on schools, travel, career paths and men. I, to him, was class. He, to me, was a guy without my privilege doing his best. It was a deep bond. I got in bad. Down maybe ten large (thanks, Jay Cutler). So Mark died. I called one night with a brainstorm of Cincy over the Vikings and the woman whose voice I’d

got a check from Draft Kings yesterday. Nothing life-changing. I still have holes in my underpants‑not bikini models‑and my old, old-man car still sits in the driveway. I’m not sure why I cashed out. The gambler in me says to build a nice bankroll, pick your spot, and then go big. Instead, I went small. I guess my lizard brain told me this can’t be legal, and that some court somewhere will bring down the ultimate buzz-kill gavel on daily drafts, leaving the growing balance in my account at a sudden zero. And by the way, you’re being audited. So I took the money and ran.

Curmudgeons like‑well, everyone looking at the big 6-0‑always think it was better in our day. We think the Stones are better than Radiohead, and that Janis was better than Adele. And we think the way we play fantasy is better than the way you do. For one, it’s face to saggy face, phone call to landline phone call, and it’s personal. Internet leagues‑daily and season-long‑are impersonal, anonymous, and, I don’t know, shabby somehow. I get trade offers every day that make me want to hunt down the kid living in his mom’s basement and shake him like Cher: “Snap out of it!!” Manziel for Aaron Rodgers was one from last year.

But for now, daily drafts are the future. Deemed “games of skill” by the authorities, taxable, partnered with the NBA‑the other leagues soon‑and highly attractive to the attention deficit generation, sites like Fan Duel and Draft Kings are the new awesome. The best get-rich scheme since Bernie Maddow. But is there really any skill to those games? Less than you think. On any given day, anybody on your team can be good. If all of the anybodies choose the same day to be good, well then, skip to my lou. On the other hand, Roto is undeniably a game of skill. You pick your club, make trades, pull up free agents, suffer through the fashionable injuries du jour (had you ever heard of oblique strains, plantar fasciitis, or hamate bones before roto?) and generally grind through an entire year of trying to get better. In daily drafts, you close your eyes, pick ten guys and go to sleep. And when that morning E-mail comes saying, “Congratulations, You’ve won,” well, buster, that coffee tastes like victory.

The best get rich scheme since Bernie Maddow. But is there really any skill to those GAMES?

Except not to me. It tastes instead, like the end of an era. Your editor‑and my friend Rotoman‑began playing actual Rotisserie sports in 1981. We were in one of many of the second league evers, the year after the Rotisserie League broke. Forty million Americans now play. Except they call it fantasy, because lawyers suck. Had the progenitors of our hobby been a little less geeky, and a lot more business savvy, we would all be sitting on our boats. With bikini models. But no one thought to patent the idea. Milton Bradley‑the game maker, not the wife beater‑never made that mistake.

Really? Offered straight up, and with a straight face. Johnny Football just threw a water bottle at some heckler at a celeb pool he shouldn’t have been at “post-rehab” (he failed to complete the pass of course), and this guy made that offer? Good trades used to mean, “I help your needs and you help mine.” Now it’s “maybe that guy’s stupid and oblivious. Let’s see if I can screw him. After all, we’ll never meet.” Kind of like social media in general. Faceless and psuedo-brave. A few years back I was playing poker in an underground club in the City. New York’s Finest raided the joint, arrested a couple of sketchy types on unrelated charges, and threw the rest of us out. Our chips, however, and the money they represented, stayed behind. I was up two grand. Which suddenly felt like being down two grand. But at least I had a badass story to lie about in the bar. Still, one week later, the resilient bosses were somehow back in business. I returned to the club and there, at my same table, at my same seat, and in the same chip denominations‑sat my two thousand dollars. Honorable gambling.

never heard said that Mark died. She asked, “You’re 1032?” I said I was. She told me that among his last instructions were, “that guy doesn’t owe us a penny.” Honor. Short term gambling. Long term gambling lifestyle. They’re different. I went for a physical last week. No results yet, but a gloomy prediction. How long can I get away with my ways. I’ve gambled on smoking, on drinking, on drugs, on sex, on cheeseburgers. The odds are against me. My girl, responsible to my wantonness, stoic to my profligacy, is gambling on me. She’s retiring from a sane life of teaching children, to our random future‑destination unknown. Long odds maybe, but what a payoff. I’ll keep playing the daily games. I’ve grown to love Adele. But have a code and stick to it. Life’s the big gamble, and the deck is usually stacked. Play it with integrity. Treat your losses like seeds to future wins, and for God’s sake, don’t draft All-Day Adrian. Because karma’s a bitch. Love, Jon

152 | THEFANTASYFOOTBALLGUIDE2015 | THE BACK PAGE

FFG15_152_Glascoe.indd 152

6/22/15 10:02 PM

ad template.indd 2

6/23/15 2:43 PM

ad template.indd 3

6/23/15 2:44 PM