Arizona Cardinals - The Cardinals only ran 992 plays last year (2nd to last.) New HC Kliff Kingsbury could possibly be top 10 in most plays in the NFL next year. The new air raid system should vastly improve the fantasy players on this team (think Chip JKelly.)
QB - First overall pick Kyler Murray is a perfect fit for the air raid offense and could be a good fantasy QB given that he will have a lot of attempts and also is a running QB. Murray is a good to draft now in the 7th to 9th round.
RBs - David Johnson (27) had a bad year last year in a bad offense. He should rebound with a wide open offense and getting more catches and open looks. The offensive line still isn't great but volume and the new system should make him a good fantasy RB. Chase Edmonds is a good backup but is only a handcuff.
WRs -Larry Fitzgerald 35, has incentives in his contract and is ultra consistent. Losing speed doesn't matter as much since he wins with body control. Fitzgerald is most dangerous from the slot. He had 69 catches for 734 yds and 6 TDs and I expect these number to increase back to 1,000 yds and 7 TDs. He is a good find in the 10th round to be a solid WR3. Secodn year player Christian Kirk who played in 12 games and had 43 catches for 590 yds and 3 TDs might be the number 1 WR. Kirk is well suited for the offense and a good pick in the middle rounds since he is great at running after the catch. KeeSean Johnson has been the WR3 and has been turning heads in camp. He is a player to keep an eye on. even though KJ was a 6th round pick he has looked better than small but speedy Andy Isabella (2nd round) and very big Hakeem Butler (4th round.) They also added Kevin White and signed Michael Crabtree (32.)
TE - Ricky Seals-Jones is very athletic and was brought to Texas A&M by Kingsbury. They also added Charles Clay. RSJ has some potenntial but is a really late round flyer.
DST - Patrick Peterson is suspended for the first 6 games. Added Terrell Suggs to go with sack master Chandler Jones. Drafted CB Byron Murphy who cnaa play. Safties Swearinger and Budda Baker are good. Jordan Hicks was also a good addition but there are still too many holes such as the D-Line.
Oline – LT Humphries LG Justin Pugh, OC Mason Cole, LG JR Sweezy (added form the Seahawks), RT Marcus Gilbert (from Steelers.) not very good PFF #30 (they willbe better if they can stay healthy)
Recommendations:David Johnson, Kyler Murray, Christian Kirk and Larry Fitgerald. Possibly flyer on KeeSean Johnson.
X Atlanta Falcons – HC is Dan Quinn. Dropped OC Steve Sarkisian and picked up OC Dirk Koettner who was the Falcons OC 2012 to 2014 Air Coryell scheme. Koettner did not do well in Tampa Bay and Todd Monkon really showed him up. Total Offense #6 but 30th in rush attempts. Was a pass first team but Dan Quinn may shift them to a ground and pound run team. Tough schedule
QBs - Matt Ryan finished as QB2 last year. He has a great year then a bad year. He had an explosion in 2016 came back down to earth when Kyle Shanahan left but he still just made it as a top 20 fantasy QB.. Under Koettner in all three years Ryan passed for more than 4,500yds each year and finsihed QB 5, QB 12 and QB 11. Opens with 8th hardest pass schedule in firts half of season but from week 10 on have the easiest schedule - Matt Ryan trade target week 9 (although they play Jac week 16.) It all comes down to how many TDs he throws 28 or 35.
RBs - Devonta Freeman was the number 1 fantasy RB in 2015 and a top 10 RB in 2016 but in 2017 he was banged up and barely made top 15 and 2018 he had just 14 carries for 68 yds after multiple injuries (groin, foot and knee.) He supposed to be healthy and a fuill go. Freeman had two great years, two injury bust years. But you have to wonder about all the concussions, knee, foot and groin injuries piling up even though he is only 26. Freeman is a greatt talent that can run and catch and has could be a top 5 RB. He is the ultimate boom or bust RB and you have to feel good about your previous picks if you are going to gamble on him. Tevin Coleman is gone so Freeman is the main RB. Shifty RB Ito Smith is the backup but I wouldn't be surprised if RB Brian Hill got carries if Freeman went down. Hill is a better talent. It is a great offensiv eline to run behind. I wouldn't want Freeman as my number 1 RB but a RB 2.
WRs - Julio Jones (30) shook off the low TD total label and finsihed with 113 catches 1,677 yds and 8 Tds. I don't put him before Hopkins, Adams, Hill and Thomas. Former first rounder WR Calvin Ridley who played on 60% of the snaps had a good rookie year (64 catches, 821 yds and 10 TDs.) He had a couple very huge games (3 TDs vs.NO and 2 TDs vs.. Bengals) so he was hit or miss in your lineup and mostly erratic - 15 catches 249 yds and 4 TDs vs. the Saints CB PJ Williams.. Ridley will need more targets to be a WR2 but they may be hard to do with Freeman back and a new offensive scheme. Ridley is being over-drafted in the 5th round. Mohammed Sanu saw 80% of the snaps and played in the slot. Hel will fill the WR3 position but probably will be way behind Jones and Ridley in targets and have a couple big games.
TE – Austin Hooper – shouldn't be drafted. He was the TE 6 last year in a down year.
O-line - pro bowl center Alex Mack is the man the middle, added no . 14 overall OG Chris Lindstrom and 1st rounder OT Kaleb McGary. They also signed OGs James Carpenter and Jamon Brown and LT Jake Mathews will return; they released RT Schraeder who was beat out at the end of last year by Ty Sambrialo who could figure into the mix. Rookie first round RT Kaleb McGary might be out all of training camp (heart condition.) If he was healthy he might push for the RT position but is a great backup. PFF # 22 but on paper they are much better.
DST - LB Deion Jones and S Keanu Neal (and S Ricardo Allen) were both injured in 2018 and will return. Jones was playing at pro bowl level. DT Hageman is out first 2 games on a suspension. I also like rookie DE John Cominsky. Starting 2nd year Isaiah Oliver across from Trufant.GGrady Jarrett is a great DT but they need a pass rush from either Vic Beasley, Takk McKinley or Adrian Clayborn.
Recommendations
X Baltimore Ravens – HC is John Harbaugh, OC Greg Roman they want to run and do RPOs. Greg Roman offenses usually finish in the top 5 of rushing attempts. RUN FIRST team.
QB – QB Lamar Jackson (11th ranked fantasy QB over 7 games) is extremely exciting and runs great. Second best rushing team in the NFL last year because of Lamar. He might have 250 carries this year. He has a safe floor if he stays healthy.
RBs - RB Mark Ingram has a really good schedule the first 4 weeks. Ingram has always been in a committee and probably will be here too. Backups Gus Edwards (who was a beast, 18 rushes a game for a span) and Kenneth Dixon will see some carries. Rookie RB Justice Hill is smaller and may get some passing downs.
WRs – They drafted WR Marquise "Hollywood" Brown in the 1st round but is still hurt (foot.) He will start but you can't expect much other than a few weeks when he blows up with a long catch because this is a run first team. WR Willie Snead is the veteran WR on this team and will start and second year player Jordan Lasley will see snaps too. WR Myles Boykin was drafted in the 3rd round from Notre Dame and has looked really good in camp. Boykin is a big physical No. 1 type of WR. When Lamar Jackson took over the WRs were not fantasy options. This is a run first team with an innaccurate QB and unproven WRs.
TEs –1st round rookie Hayden Hurst never became a factor despite his talent and was often injured. Once Lamar Jackson took over, Mark Andrews on pace to have as many receiving yards as any rookie TE since 2000 but never saw more than 44% amount of the snaps, he is a decent flyer in the late rounds. He posted 34 catches for 552 yds and 3 TDs last year but this year they said he took a big leap and may see 70+ targets.
Oline – Ron Stanley LT, Alex Lewis LG, Matt Skura OC, Marshall Yanda RG (by far their best Olineman is 34), Orlando Brown RT. Hurst is their swing OT. The unit overall is good PFF #11.
DST - DC Don Martindale lost Terrell Suggs, CJ Mosley, Eric Weddle and Za'Darius Smith - ohhh nooo!! They still have pass rusher Matt Judon and have an amazing secondary with CB Jimmy Smith and Humphries (also Brandon Carr and Tayvon Young) plus safeties Jefferson and added Earl Thomas. They also added Shane Ray and Pernell McPhee to try and apply pressure to the QB as well as drafted Jaylon Ferguson. This unit might take a step back.
X Buffalo Bills – HC Seam McDermott is more defensive minded so the new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll will handle play calling. Dabool comes from Alabama but has been with Patriots, Chiefs and Browns. It is a Belichick inspired offense. Nothing has changed with the coaching staff. Running team (8th in the league.) Easy schedule.
QB – 1st round rookie Josh Allen did nt have a good year as far as passing 52.8%, 10 TDs and 12 INTs in 11 starts. Allen didn't have much around him as far as WRs and Oline though. After the Bills went to an empty set in week 12 Josh Allen was the highest overall scoring fantasy QB in the final 6 weeks because over half his points came from running (476 yds and 5 TDs.) I'd pick him as a late round QB2. He is a boom or bust QB but has a great opening schedule (jets, giants, bengals.)
RBs - It's a run heavy team but very crowded at RB. LeSean McCoy (31) had a terrible year with 700+ combined yds and just 3 TDs. With a better oline he can do better than that but probably not by much. Picked up Frank Gore (36) who has a little left in the tank after somehow averaging 5.0 yds per touch for the Dolphins but he will not get enough touches to be a fantasy option. In the 3rd round they drafted Devin Singletary (Florida Atlantic 5.8" 203 lbs) who will get a lot of work in preseason while the two veteran RBs sit. Singletary is very productive, not fast at all, but has a quick cut and good vision. He kind of remionds me of Shady without the speed. TJ Yeldon is a receiving RB that went to a team that isn't that great at throwing to RBs so I can't see him being a fantasy prize. This a RB by committe and can only be worth it if one rises above, maybe Singletary but later in the year.
WRs - Zay Jones had 102 targets last year but that will go down since he won't be in the slot as much. Zay Jones and John Brown have been operating as the outside receivers with Cole Beasley in the slot for the first-team offense. John Brown could benefit from Josh Allen's huge arm but probably will be erratic big weeks when he catches the long ball. Robert Foster is running with 2nd team but had a big second half of the 2018 season posting at least 94 yds and/or one TD in 5 of the last 7 games. He is a big play WR like John Brown so that may limit him. Josh Allen is not an accurate QB with a lot of weapons which is a situation to avoid unless a WR separates himself.
TE – Tyler Kroft is injured and the rest of the TEs don't have fantasy value. Third round pick Ole Miss's Dawson Know may have to wait a year.
Oline – Bills have 4 new starters. Dion Dawkins is good at LT, LG Quinton Spain, OC Mitch Morse and rookie RT Cody Ford. Feliciano and Spencer Long fighting for RG. Improved group but still average. PFF #19
DST – DC Leslie Frazer in his 2nd year had a good defense last year. Big news is they drafted DT Ed Oliver who crashes the middle of the pocket while veterans Star Lotulelei and Harrison Phillips take care of the run. They have Jerry Highes and Shaq Lawson to rush the passer. They are tough against the pass and have a great secondary with safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde togo with Tredavious White and Levi Wallace, EJ Gaines and Kevin Johnson. Former 1st rounder Tremaine Edmunds needs to improve. This defense is a great matchup play in the right games.
X Carolina Panthers – HC Ron Rivera has 2nd year OC in Norv Turner who is from the Air Croyell offense. Norv Turner did improve the offense but Cam's health slowed it down. Offense can improve if Cam can stay healthy. This is a good bounce back team but the schedule gets harder in the second half.
QB – Cam Newton has had shoulder problems and is coming back from his second shoulder surgery. Cam had best completion rate of his career 67.9%. If he is healthy he can rebound to be an elite QB (he once was the top verall QBin fantasy.) He is not running as much but still last year's 488 yds and 4 TDs still leaps him over most QBs. This is the best offense Cam has ever had.
RBs – Christian McCaffrey had 966 snaps last year. McCaffrey had 107 catches, 1,965 yds (5.0 ypc) and 13 TDs and odds are he will do it again. The Panthers coaching staff say they want to try to be smarter about his usage but Jordan Scarlett and Cameron Artis-Payne are no where near his talent level to bring in. McCaffrey will get big-time usage and can easily finish as a Top 3 RB again..
WRs - Big bodied Devin Funchess is gone. Former 1st rounder DJ Moore can make a lot of plays and is hard to tackle. His 427 yds after the catch was 11th in the league. Moore could easily make the jump to a WR2 it depends where his ADP lands. WR Curtis Samuel has been the talk of camp and has improved his route running. Samuel will be the number 2. He has a lot of talent and is worth a pick. Samuel is all the buzz in camp. He dominated on every route. Jarius Wright is in the slot and not worth a pick. Chris hogan and Torrey Smith shouldn't be looked at but keep an eye on WR Terry Godwin for the future.
TE – Greg Olsen (34 yrs old) had a foot injury and missed part of last year. He may not have much left in the tank but could see a few decent games because Norv Turners offense likes the TE. Second year TE Ian Thomas would be a great sleeper pick if Olsen is out. He is big and super athletic and finsihed second amoung rookies 28 catches, 268 yds and 2 TDs in 7 games. He might be better with more playing time.
Oline – RG Trai Turner went to 4 straight Pro Bowls. OC Matt Paradis is replacing Ryan Kalil (and that is probably a good thing.) Rookie OT Greg Little was drafted in the 2nd round and he may play RT across from very good LT Taylor Moton. RT Daryl Williams is very good and resigned and they may put him or Little at guard instead of Van Roten. Very good offensive line. PFF #10
DST – Defense is moving to a 3-4. Added DT Gerald McCoy and pass rusher Bruce Irvin as well ass rookie pass rushers Brian Burns and Christian Miller (they also have Mario Addison 9 sacks.) Julius Pepper and LB Thomas Davis are gone. Kawan Short is one of the best DT in the business to go along with Dontari Poe. Theys till have awesome Luke Kuechly but secondary is a weakness.
Chicago Bears – HC Matt Nagy was the former offensive coordinator of the Chiefs. He is in his second year. West coast offense gets the ball out quick and they will spread the field. (OC is Mark Helfrich who was with Oregon.) Bears have an hard schedule.
QB – Mitch Trubisky took a step forward completing 66% of his passes. He had a 6 TD game vs. Tampa Bay last year and ran for 400+ yds and 3 TDs to go with 3,223 yds passing and 24 TDs. He is not really a fantasy option but might be streaming the right matchup.
RBs- got rid of Jordan Howard and added rookie David Montgomery and RB Mike davis from Seattle. Nagy has been calling Montgomery as good as Kareem Hunt. They traded up to get Montgomery. I would think Montgomery will get the carries over Mike Davis but how much Davis shares will need to be worked out in preseason. Unlike Howard, Montgomery is also a pass cathcer but Tarik Cohen is a human joystick and again may be the passing catching back after catching 71 for 725 yds 5 TDs to go with 444yds rushing and 3 TDs. Cohen will have some regression since Montgomery may steal passing work.
WR – Allen Robinson was added from Jaguars last year but had a ACL injury he was recovering from and only had 754 yds and 4 TDs but exploded vs. the Eagles in the playoffs for 10 catches 141 yds and 1 TD. The hope is now full healthy he will return to number WR form. He's a decent fantasy number 2 WR. Limited by a shoulder injury Anthony Miller had 423 yds and 7 TDs as a rookie. He may get more targets and is very talented. But can he get enough targets if Trubisky isn't passing a lot. Miller is going as a late round flyer and isn't a bad pick. Taylor Gabriel will have to fight off Cordarrelle Patterson and Riley Ridley and isn't a fantasy pick.
TE – Trey Burton was grabbed as a TE from Philly but didn't really impress in his first year with Chicago.. He had sports hernia surgery and is unlikely to play in the preseason but they say he will be ready week 1. He also may share some with Adam Shaheen. Burton is just a streamer or late round TE.
Oline: LG Whitehair, RG Kyle Long, OC James Daniels are all really good, Bobbie Massie at RT, Charles Leno at LT. This is a very strong group up the middle and should be a good run blocking unit again. Very good line PFF #9
DST: 2019 Lost DC Vic Fangio (replaced by Chuck Pagano) which is huge but they still have LB Khalil Mack (12.5 sacks, 6 turnovers in 14 games), DL Akiem Kicks and safety Eddie Jackson (5 TDs in first 2 seasons). It will be hard to replicate their 36 turnovers from last year although 27 were INTs. They also added 1st round LB Roquan Smith in 2017 a great ILB who will be nice to pair with Trevathan. DL Akiem Hicks is a monster and Bilal Nichols and Eddie Goldman are good against the run. Eddie Jackson is one of the best safeties and Kyle Fuller is a top shelf CB, Amukamara can play. Losing S Amos and CB Callahan hurt since their replacements Clinton-Dix and Buster Skrine aren't as good. Leonard Floyd needs to pick it up with the pass rush. I do not expect this group to be as good as last year but still can be drafted.
X Cincinnati Bengals – New HC Zac Taylor is an offensive minded coach (and the protege of Rams Sean McVay) and together with OC Brain Callahan take over a less than ideal roster. This team will probably be bad.
QB - Andy Dalton – is not a fantasy option.
RBs - Joe Mixon is a "bell cow" RB and potential top 10 fantasy RB but with a banged up offensive line the expectations are dropped a bit because the Bengals may not score a lot. Giovanni Bernard is still around but not fanasty worthy. Rookie RB Trayveon Williams has talent but will need an injury to become a factor.
WRs – AJ Green turned 31 and missed 7 games last season and 6 in 2016. Green was WR 8 before he got injured, he already had an ankle injury in training camp (out 6 to 8 weeks - maybe back week 3 or 4.) Could be good in the 5th, but has obvious injury concerns (it is the opposite foot that has given him previous problem.) WR Tyler Boyd was big surprise last year finishing as the 16th best WR with 1000+ yds and 7 TDs. Boyd just signed a 4 year extension. He's a good WR2 and scores more when AJ Green is on the field. 1st round WR John Ross had a horrible season and looks like a bust but still helps stretch the field. If AJ Green is injured John Ross's value now goes up some.
TE - Tyler Eifert had a surically repaired ankle and is signed a one year deal. He has constantly battled injuries especially with his back. He can't be counted on but is a sneaky pick (because he scores TDs) way late in the draft to pair with another TE. He also might benefit from AJ Green not being on the field.
Oline – Ouch! they lost 1st round rookie OT Jonah Williams for the whole season to shoulder surgery. -- LT Cordy Glenn (was supposed to move to guard but will play LT, OC Billy Price (missed 6 games in 2018), LG John Jerry, RG John Miller and RT Bobby Hart. RG Alex Redmond is suspended fors four games (he started 15 games in 2018) Bad o-line #27.
DST - not an option
X Cleveland Browns - New HC Freddie Kitchens did really well once he took over the play call duties as OC after week 8 when HC Hue Jackson was fired. They managed to grab OC Todd Monkon who was the OC in Tampa Bay in 2018 and made Fitpatrick and Windston shine (number 1 passing offense, 3rd bess total offense and together they would have been the 2nd best fantasy QB behind Mahomes.) Kitchens will call the plays but Monkon and Kitchens both like to let it loose.
QB – Time to get on the Baker Mayfield train! Baker is going to do well but he is going high in fantasy drafts so he will have to be ultra efficient since he doesn't run a lot. The problem with the Baker train is there may already be too many people on it.
RBs – Nick Chubb lead all running backs in PFF's elusive rating in 2018 and was 2nd only to Saquon Barkley in long runs. He gained 4.47 yds after contact. Kareem Hunt was added but is suspended the first 8 games. Many are predicting a split once he returns but if Chubb is averaging 5.2 yds again it will be hard not to give him enouigh touches. Duke Johnson wants to leave by trade but is a good pass catching RB not fantasy usable but look for Duke around the NFL trade deadline because the Browns may deal him.
WRs- Added superstar Odell Beckham Jr. Jarvis Landry had a down year but was asked to go farther downfield than he is used to. Landry should get back to doing what he did in Miami, short underneath routes which makes him decent for PPR opyion but expect a ton of TDs or yards. Second year Antonio Callaway has a ton of talent and is fast, he will be left in one-on-one coverage and is a good WR3 if he sees the field enough. Callaway reported to camp out of shape and is being punished playing with the second team but should rise up. Hollywood Higgins may not be able to carve out a role.
TEs - David Njoku is very athletic and is looking to improve in his third year. He mght be sharing a lot of targets though.
Oline - Only position group thati is not stacked with talent but is still decent. LT Greg Robinson finally showed his 1st round potential. Robinson is still average and will need to stay consistent since he hasn't in the past. OG Joel Bitnio is a Pro Bowler but they traded OG Kevin Zeitler so 2nd round, 2ny year OG Austin Corbett will need to take his place or Kuch or Witzmann. JC Tretter is a capable and solid center and same with RT Chris Hubbard. This is an average line. PFF #20
DST - DC Steve Wilks has a lot of weapons in Myles Garrett, and the newly added Olivier Vernon as pass rushers and Sheldon Richardson and LArry Ogunjobi on as DTs.. CB Denzel Ward could be paired with 2nd round rookie Greedy Williams to form a great CB duo and they also have TJ Carrie and Terrance Mitchell. Damarius Randle is a good safety and they picked up Morgan Burnett.
X Dallas Cowboys – HC Jason Garrett and OC Kellen Moore have been together for awhile. Moore became the youngest OC and will bring more creativity to a previously mundane offense. With a great offensive line the Cowboys want to run, run and run. The Cowboys finsihed 10th in rushing attempts in evyer other offensive category they were below average.
QB – Dak Prescott has finished as a top 10 fantasy QB the last 3 seasons (2016 - 6, 2017 - 9, 2018 - 10) because he runs the ball (6 rushing TDs.) His game to game fantasy scoring is very erratic. He is at his best at home, with Amari Cooper healthy and facing man coverage. With Cooper, Dak could play like his 2016 form when he had Dez Bryant and then could be a good backup pick. He also has Witten as a dump off. Easy early schdeule with at homes games vs. Giants and Dolphins.
RBs – Ezekiel Elliott may be the best RB in fantasy, especially in standard formats. He will get volume behind a very good oline. Zeke has been a lot more involved in the passing game. He is a sure thing but need to monitor his holdout situation. More than likely a deal gest done because he is the Cowboys. Rod Smith went to the Giants. Tony Pollard can block like Zeke. Pollard a 4th round rookie from Memphis will come in when Zeke needs a breather. Signed Alfred Morris who would be short yardage and goal line back if Zeke missed time hemight be ahead of Darius Jackson and Mike Weber. Tony Pollard will still get 3rd down duties.
WRs – since coming to the Cowboys Amari Cooper was the 9th best fantasy WR over that span of games. He is very erratic posting huge games and then big letdowns. Of his 6 TDs in 9 games2 TDs were in a game vs. Wash. and 3 TDs vs. PHI. 66% of the time you are disappointed by Cooper. WR Michael Gallup is a good number 2 and had a decent rookie season last year. The volume may not be there for Gallup to do well with eke running so much. WR Randall Cobb is the new slot WR but shouldn't be counted on.
TE – Jason Witten (37) is back but will probably have a lot less production than his former self. In the crowded TE room Rico Gathers a former basketball player who is very hard to stop in the red zone is suspended for the 1st game. He is competing with Blake Jarwin.
Oline – Former second round pick Connor Williams should be a good LG to go with an outstanding line: LT Tyron Smith, OC Fredrick (is back after missing last season which is great), OG Zack Martin and RT La'el Collins. The swing tackle is Cameron Fleming who was signed away from the Patriots. Also added rookieC/OG Connor McGovern. This is one of the best olines in football. PFF #2
DST - DC Rod Marinelli, Demarcus Lawrence, LB Leighton Vander Esch, LB Jaylon Smith, LB Sean Lee. Also added DE Robert Quinn and rookie NT Trystan Hill. DT David Irving was suspende for 4 games and is good. They are very weak at safety. The defense should be good but don't have DT David Irving and Randy Gregory. They reoplace dthose two stars with not as good Robert Quinn and also not as good DT Covington (good run stuffer) and Maliek Collins. If Randy Gregory comes back they are a much better defense. Same with David Irving who obviously is a marijuana advocate. Still only a matchup fantasy defense but play Giants, Redskins and Dolphins the first three weeks.
X Denver Broncos – 2019 New head coach is Vic Fangio (formerly Chicago) who is defensive minded. He hired first time play caller OC Rich Scangarello who is a protege of 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan and his zone-run scheme. Probably a run team. They are facing the 8th toughest schedule.
QB- Joe Flacco isn't the greatest fit for the run-zone scheme but he does have experience in it. Flacco is not a fantasy option. Ther eis a possibility Drew Lock comes in later for development but is not ready.
RBs - Phillip Lindsay beat out all the RBs after going undrafted and finished over 1,200 combined yds with 10 TDs. He is smaller at 5.9", 190 lbs but is fierce nad plays bigger. Royce Freeman was drafted in the 3rd round and before Lindsay took off everyone though Freeman may turn out to be the workhorse. Freeman is much bigger at 238 lbs and was just used in short yardage. Freeman is a pass catcher and the Broncos probably will use him more in a split with Lindsay but Lindsay is so much more explosive. The offensive line is slightly improved especially with Munchak so they may run well. Devontae Booker is more than likely odd man out unless there is an injury. Rumors are 50 - 50 split with Freeman if he doesn;'t get in camp.
WRs – Courtland Sutton could benefit from Flacco's want to throw the ball far downfield but the results will probably be erratic. Sutton did not have a great rookie season with a nagging quad injury and had a lot of drops ending with 42 catches for 704 yds and 4 TDs. He could be the Broncos number 1 WR though and get more targets. Fellow 2nd season WR DaeSean Hamilton probably won the slot WR job after Sanders went down last year and may get the most targets but is only a late option in PPR leagues. Emmanuel Sanders (32) but was playing really well before he had an achilles tear, his 2nd connsecutive season ending injury. Sanders is a good late round stash just in case he does return to form. If he does go down Tim Patrick may get some time whi is an interesting prospect.
TEs – Drafted TE Noah Fant from Iowa in the 1st round and they will feature him in the pass game. He is an great athlete and seam stretcher. Jeff Heuerman, Jake Butt, Troy Fumagalli all actually have talent and could see some time too.
Oline – Hired great offensive line coach Mike Munchak from the Steelers! Munchak will put 4 players at new spots: Comor McGovern moves to OC (from OG), Ron Leary from LG to RB, RT Ja'Waun James was signed in free sgency and 2nd round pick Dalton Risner will be the LG. LT Garett Bolles stays there. They should be good. PFF #12
DST – 2019 New head coach Vic Fangio (formerly of the Bears) is really good with defenses!! They got CBs Kareem Jackson and Bryce Callahan to go with Chrius HArriss. DE Bradley Chubb and Von Miller form the most fearsome pass rushing duo in the NFL. They still have amazing Chris Harris and Bradley Roby. Justin Simmons is a good safety. The defensive line has Gotsis and Derek Wolfe who are very good. LB Jose Jewel is a bit slow but has good instincts and is a starter. This a very good defense but faces a league high 8 top 10 opponenets..
Raiders Week 1.
Detroit Lions - New HC Matt Patricia is defensive minded and he got rid of Jim Bob Cooter and brought in new OC Darrell Bevel who is a big RUN FIRST coach from Seattle. Bevell's offenses usually finish in the top 12 in rush attempts.
QBs – Mathew Stafford usually finishes in the back half of the Top 10 QBs in fantasy but had a bad year in 2018 thanks to losing Tate and Marvin Jones during the season and playing behind a bad oline and had broken bones in his back. He did get back a lot of receiving weapons and has a better oline but with the run first offense his opporutinity for a bounce back year doesn't look good. He could be a streamer in potential shootout games.
RBs – they drafted Kerryon Johnson in the 2nd round last year and he did well before missing the final six games with a knee injury. Begining of last season Blount was getting the majority of carries but then Kerryon Johnson took over. Johnson can run and catch and had 118 carries for 641 yds and 3 TDs and caught 32 balls for 213 yds and a 1 TD. Just because you catch doesn't mean fantasy points. If you are on a team below .500 there were only 3 RB in top 10 (2 the year before.) Are the Lions a team above .500. For David Johnson to be #10 last years he had 250+ carries and 50 catches. Can Kerryon Johnson be that durable? The Lions added C.J. Anderson who is an improvement over Blount and will shoulder some of the workload, the question is how much? Anderson looked great in his relief of Gurley with the Rams last year. If Kerryon Johnson gets injured again, CJ Anderson is gold. They also have Zac Zenner.faces Vikings and Bears D twice.
WRs – Kenny Golladay has shown big flashes and great talent. If the offense didn't change he would be a candidate to have a breakout year. Golladay is tall and fast and after week 10 when Marvin Jones got injured he was averaging 10 targets and finished the year withh 70 catches for 1,063 yds and 5 TDs. But now there are more receiving options and probably a lot less targets. Marvin Jones (29) was having a decent year with 508 yds and 5 TDs through 9 games until he got injured. I believe Golladay and Marvin Jones will show up on the stat she when the game script, the Lions playing from behind or a shootout, warrants it. Marvin Jones is better value since he is being drafted way later. New WR Danny Amendola is playing well with Stafford. He's a good slot WR when healthy. Very much doubt Amendola does anything as far as consistent fantasy scoring but can be considered in only PPR leagues very late.
TE – Lions are practicing 3 TE sets and 1st round rookie TE TJ Hockenson is a great player that can catch and is a devastating blocker. Rookie TEs rarely do well btu Hockenson is well worth a late round pick to see what he can do. TE Jesse James may steal some targets.
Oline – LT Taylor Decker, LG Kenny Wiggins (not good), RT Rick Wagner, RG Graham Glasgow (TJ Lang retired), and last year they drafted really good OC Ragnow – average but capable group PFF #15.
DST - Lions defense was 27th ranked last year, now has DT Mike Daniels (Packers), Trey Flowers (Patriots) and Damon Harris. Devon Kennard isn't a bad pass rusher. They added very good slot CB Justin Coleman to go with Pro Bowler Darius Slay and need Tabor or Melvin to step up on the other side. The safeties are decent with Diggs and either HArris or Walker. Rookie LB Jahlani Tavai will be used all over the field and is a missle but they need him for pass coverage. It is hard to run on Detroit with Snacks Harrison, Robinson and DaShawn Hand. I still wouldn't trust them as a fantasy defense.
X Green Bay Packers - HC Matt LaFleur replaces Mike McCarthy. LaFleeur has been attached to some great offenses in 2016 Falcons and 2017 Rams but then was OC for the titans an offense that sputtered.
QB – Aaron Rodgers had finished top 2 in 7 of his last 8 healthy seasons. In 2018 he was QB6 overall even while playing through a leg injury. LaFleur wants to run more and use play action which Rodgers doesn't especially like but could gain him great success.
RBs - Aaron Jones had a 5.5 yd average and 8 TDs after missign 4 games to suspension. He had a knee injury week 15 and was out and he has missed four games ieach of his last two seasons because of his MCL If they are going to run more he will benefit and have a breakout year if healthy (he is dealing with a hamstring in camp.) Jamaal Williams isn't nearly as talented but will share some carries. They added rookie Dexter Williams who would also share carries if Jones went down to injury.
WRs - Davante Adams is a sure thing after posting 111 catches, 1,368 yds and 13 TDs. Rodgers makes Davante Adams a very high floor easy pick. He is either the first or second WR taken. Second year Marques Valdes-Scantling (nickname: MVS who is 6.4" and runs a 4.35 forty) might win a startring spot and could breakout. If MVS beats out Equanimeous St. Brown he could be a good WR2. Geronimo Allison is in the slot and also could be good that is if the Packers do not run a lot more like they have said they want to; might bet is Aaron Rodgers still keeps this a pass happy offense. Allison likes to throw to the slot. Jake Kumerow and EQ St. Brown are fighting for reps.
TE – Jimmy Graham (32) doesn't get gerat separation but is a red zone threat and finished as TE12 last year.
Oline – LT David Bakhtiari, RG Billy Turner (Broncos), RT Bryan Bulaga, OC Elgton Jenkins, LG Lane Taylor – the OTs are elite and the upgraded the interior - this is a very good oline. PFF #8
DST - They cut DT Mike Daniels a great pocket pusher although Montravius Adams is good. NT Kenny Clark stuffs the run. Added Zadarius Smith, Preston Smith to go with Kyler Fackell plus drafted 1st round rookie Rashan Garyto create a great pass rush. Rookie CBs Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson were good and they added safety Adrian Amos and drafted very fast Darnell Savage. CBs Josh Jackson and King have been injured in camp. DC Mike Pettine is good. oN paper this is a good defense.
X Houston Texans –It's kind of weird the Texans have no GM and split duties betwenn O'Brien and EVP Easterby. But it is HC OBrien’s offense and they will mix the run and the pass and tailor to the skills of DeSaun Watson. O'Brien runs down the Belichick coaching tree. Tim Kelly will be the OC who was the former tight ends coach. They have the toughest schedule. (but some might be shootouts)
QB – Deshaun Watson went on a rampage weeks 2 to 8 before hurting his ACL in practice in 2017. In 2018 he finsihed around 5th throwing for 26 TDs (68% pass completion, 4,165 yds) and runing for 5 TDs with 551 yds. He is one of the top fanasty QBs because he's a dual threat with his ability to run. His horrible offensive line also downgrades him but he is a big playmaker. If all his WRs stay healthy he could easily be a top 3 QB. 42 pass attempts inside in 10 yd line.
RB – Lamar Miller (28) actually had his best year since 2014 finishing wiht 973 yds (4.6 ypc) and 5 TDs and 163 receeiving with 1 TD. This put him in the top 25 rated RBs and a RB2 or RB3. Miller only had 5 carries inside the five yard line. He does not get goal line carries and Watson usaully throws or scores. Miller alos failed to average 3.6 ypc in his final 5 games. Miller gets drafted where he should go. Everyone got excited about D'Onta Foreman in 2017 but he tore his ACL in november and was still rehabbing and in a surprise move the Texans cut him. RB Damarea Crockett who is big 225 lbs but has 4.4 speed is right now the most logical backup to Lamar miller. This is something to monitor through preseason.
WRs – DeAndre Hopkins was again a top 5 fantasy WR. Hopkins should again be able to be one of the top 3 WR in fasntasy. His numbers last year of 1,572 yds, and 11 TDs is achievable again as he faced a ton of great CBs last year and still produced. Hopkins has only missed one game in his six seasons. Will Fuller had some good games with Watson in 2017scoring an outrageous 7 TDs on only 13 catches in 4 games and in the 11 games they have played together Fuller has 782 yds and 14 TDs! Fuller is a burner that stretches the defense. If Watson can possibly get some time and stay healthy Fuller is a good mid round pick. Fuller looks fully recovered from his torn ACL in week 7 and is a WR3 with WR2 upside. Keke Coutee is a slot WR had 22 catches for 219 yds and a TD vs. the two games against the Colts for some reason. Coutee is only a full PPR pick and could lose targets to Fuller and doesn't get TDs.
TE – rookie Jordan Thomas caught 4 TDs last year but will compete with Jordan Akins and Kahale Warring and all would just be streamers if one can emerge. My bet would be 3rd round pick Warring.
Oline – LT Julien Davenport, LG Zach Fulton (solid), C Nick Martin, RG Zach Fulton, RT Seantral Henderson. Hopefully rookie OT Tytus Howard or OG/OT Max Scharping can win a job. They also added OC Matt Kalil who has to come back from injury. This is one of the worst offensive lines in football and need either the rookies or Kalil to step up and help. PFF #31
DST – Clowney, and a healthy JJ Watt and Mercilus will make them great again. They also have added Justin Reid and Bradlye Roby but lost the Honey Badger and Kareem Jackson. CB play is a bit of a weak spot. The schedule makes this a defense to avoid.
X Indianapolis Colts – HC Frank Reich coming over from Philly (didn't actually call the plays though also Chiefs type of offense.) turned out to be a good hire and the offense was 7th overall in the NFL and ran the 5th most plays. Relatively easy schedule. Great passing team.
QB – Andrew Luck has been out of camp iwith a calf injury which has been going on for 3 months. That is concerning. Last year Luck started slow after recovering from injury and then went on a terror with 8 straight 3 TD performances and wound up with 4,593 yds., 39 TDs and 67.3 completion percentage. Hisoffensive line was much improved and wound up as a top 5 QB.
RBs – Going to be running back by committee but Marlon Mack should get the lead role again after having 908 yds, 4.7 yd avg. and 10 total TDs last year. Mack missed 4 or 5 games last year early but scored at least 1 TD in his last 4 games and had two 100 yd+ performances. Mack is aided by great oline play and game flow which should continue. Because of his offensive line he is a good value pick. Second year Nyheim Hynes is a super quick Tarik Cohen type and will handle passing downs and in certain games may score big. Hynes will be better in PPR and even then has a low ceiling. Campbell addition could hurt Hynes. They also have Jordan Wilkins and Spencer Ware (although Ware may leave on injury settlement) if Mack goes down. They signed D'Onta Foreman who was let go buy the Texans, they waived Ford to make room.
WRs – TY Hilton played through a high ankle sprain lat ein the season and he missed week 5 and 6 with a hamstring injury but still had 1,270 yds and 6 TDs. Hilton plays better in the dome. They added Devin Funchess. Funchess is interesting since he is such a big body (totally opposite of Hilton) and a good red zone target. But Funchess may share with TEs who has gone to quite abit when they get to the red zone. Rookie WR Parris Campbell has a lot of YAC ability but probably will be a WR3 if he can beat out Chester Rodgers for the slot role. He's talented and if there is an injury could flourish. Campbell was looking great in camp but has had a hamstring injury.
TE – offense likes to use the tight ends; maybe 2 tight ends. Jack Doyle was Indy's de facto No. 1 tight end when healthy, limiting teammate Eric Ebron to 45, 26, 21, 38 and 40 percent of the team's offensive snaps in the five games he played behind Doyle. But Ebron (offseason groin surgery) caught an amazing 13 TDs. Doyle has been Luck's favorite but Ebron is more athletic. If former basketball player Mo Alie-Cox (who is huge) gets involved this could be a guess who type of game. The best bet is probably Ebron but don't expect the same results as last year barring injuries.
Oline – last year added rookie and Pro Bowl guard, 1st round pick Quenton Nelson. Nelson pairs with former 1st rounder OC Ryan Kelly, LT Castonzo they also have RG Mark Glowinski and another good 2nd year RT Braden Smith. Also have OT Le'Raven Clark and Joe Haeg as depth. Oline is great! PFF #5
DST – Added pass rusher Justin Houston to go with awesome LB Darius Leonard who was best defensive rookie last year (also have Sheard.) grabbed 3rd round LB Okereke and best named CB Rock Ya-SIn was their first pick and is very good.
S Mailk Hooker is very good and the key to the seconday. Not a faantasy option.
X Jacksonville Jaguars – HC Doug Marone, OC John "Flip" DeFilippo (Vikes 2nd highest attempts and Eagles uses the RPO, great with 2015 Browns) is very pass happy (600+ attempts) but acknowledged the Jaguars are a different makeup and may rely on Fournette. Dom Capers (famous 3-4 D Pitsburgh) was brought in as a senior defensive assistant but they will still run a 4-3 with DC Wash. run first team.
QBs – Nick Foles takes over for Blake Bortles. Foles has worked with OC "Flip" before in Philly. Foles is a big step up and a very late round fantasy QB but good in 2 QB leagues.
RBs – Leonard Fournette is in his 3rd year and has missed 11 games in the first two seasons (some from suspension - maturity issues.) That is the big risk. His 3.7 career ypc doesn't help either. The Jags led the NFL in rushing in 2017 finished 19th in 2018. TJ Yeldon is gone and Thomas Rawls and Alfred Blue will backup but Fournette will get a ton of work (and that is the upside.) He will aslo be catching the ball a lot more. Last year the offensive line was destroyed by injury and with Foles at the helm Fournette should see big holes to run through. Fournette actually had the fastest recorded time with the ball in 2017 (faster than Hill.) He is a great pick but your taking the chance if he can stay healthy with his bruising style. (there is also a 7 mil guaranteed money dispute between Fournette and the team - he needs to have a big year or Jags may move on from him - also, hired RB coach Terry Robiskie who is good) They also have Benny Cunninghma (Rams) and bruising rookie Ryquell Armstead.
WRs – Marqise Lee missed 2018 with a knee injury and would have been their number 1 WR but shouldn't be a number 1. Lee has started the trainging camp on the PUP list and may not be a big contributor this year.. Keelan Cole has ball security issues and couldn't breakout in 2018 other than a big week 2 game. Cole is supposed to have a good connection so far with Foles. Cole will be fighting off 2nd year speedster DJ Chark and also Chris Conley (Chiefs) who has played well with Foles so far and both will probably be ahead of Cole. Chark has a lot of talent and should take Cole's spot. DeDe Westbrook is super quick slot WR in his third year who led the team with 66 catches. DeDe could be a terror and a good WR3 if he gets enough targets thrown his way. They also added Terrelle Pryor. This is a receiving core that needs a player to break out and develop a connection with Foles otherwise they will be erratic fantasy starters.
TE – rookie Josh Oliver 6.5" 253 lbs. with a 4.63 forty might be the only option here. He is the best pass catcher and most athletic of the TEs but not a great blocker. Swaim and Oshaughnessy may take reps from Oliver because they can block. But Foles and "Flip" likes to throw to the TE so Oliver is a very late round flyer. In camp Geoff Swaim has become the unquestioned starter.
Oline – New Oline coach George Warhop focuses on fundamentala and takes over after using 4 different LTs and 3 RTs in 2018 due to injury. They added maybe the best guard in the league from Carollina Andrew Norwell in 2018 but his play slipped a bit, still good though. LT Cam Robinson (missed 16 games in 2018 previously he was average at best), C Brandon Linder, RG AJ Cann (ok), 2nd year RT Will Richardson (athletic & talented lost 2018 rookie season to mostly injuries.) or RT Jawaan Taylor (2nd round pick from Florida should have gone 1st RD (medical reports)), OG Brandon Thomas backups and added bust OT Cedric Ogbuehi. Good line but if talented Jawaan Taylor and Will Richardson play well could be better. PFF #21 (but they are better than that.)
DST - DC Wash says they will run a 4-3 and Kentucky rookie pass rusher Josh Allen will play DE, DT Calais Campbell, DT Marcell Dareus, DE Yannick Ngakoue (12 sacks in 2017), Jalen Ramsey, Aj Bouye, S Ronnie Harrison, LB Myles Jack. Lost Telvin Smith but got DJ Alexander and Najee Goode. 3rd round LB Quincy Williams is super fast and has made plays but is out and may miss week 1. They lost Malik Jackson so Taven Bryan must step up. Could be best defense in the league again if they can get turnovers and sacks. Play the Chiefs week 1 though and Houston week 2.
X Kansas City Chiefs – HC Andy Reid will call the plays but Eric Bieniemy is OC. The offense should be the same a spread type west coast offense with RPOs, play-action and screen plays.
QB – Patrick Mahomes – has a huge arms and makes crazy throws and was the number 1 fantasy QB. The Chiefs were ranked 3rd in offensive passing per game and 1st in points. Only three QBs has thrown 50 or more TDs and only 13 times has a QB thrown 40 or more TDs. The probably of Mahomes doing it is lower.
RBs – Damien Williams is supposed to be the workhorse (27 yrs old.) He's a decent pass catching RB and will get space. Williams had a hamstring injury in camp. He has a great opportunity and in that offense could be a great fantasy RB. Got Carlos Hyde in free agency and is very bad at pass catching. The backup role will probably be between Hyde and rookie Darwin Thompson who is a great athlete from Utah St.
WRs – Tyreek Hill is one of the fastest guys in the league and you pair him with one of the biggest arms in the league and they did really well. He was the best WR last year as the Chiefs "Z" WR. He easily could match that. Sammy Watkins will start outside and could benefit from another year. Demarcus Robinson is a good WR but will compete with 2nd round WR Mecole Hardman who is super fast with moves.
TE – Travis Kelce – hasn't missed a game in 5 straight years. Kelce has finished as the TE1 twice and TE2 the last three years and is a safe bet to do it again.
OLINE – LT Fisher (pro bowl), LG Cameron Irving, OC Austin rReiter, RG Tardif (back from injury should help) and RT Schwartz (the right side is really good) - overall a good but not great line. PFF #17
DST – Hired new DC Steve Spagnuolo who got S Honey Badger Tyrann Mathieuin free agency. They lost Justin Houston and Dee Ford but upgraded by signing Frank Clark to a massive deal from the Seahawks and getting Emmanuel Ogbah and Alex Okafor. DT Chris Jones also reported to camp and has played really well. S Juan Thornhildid was a good draft pick who plays safety and is a speedy ballhawk. CB Kendall Fuller and LB Anthony Hitchens arte also good. It is a decent unit probably best in matchup plays.
X Los Angeles Chargers – Thrid year HC Anthony Lynn still hasOC Whisenhunt for an offense that ranked 11th in the NFL. Quick hitting pass offense but they didn't run a lot of plays last year because they were a good team.
QB – Phillip Rivers (37) finished 12th for QBs in 2018. Rivers only threw for 508 attempts down from 570 attemps which was his lowest total since 2009. Rivers is a hot starter slow finisher – trade bait. Rivers won't be an elite fantasy QB because he doesn't run but could finish QB 10 to 12. Never finishes really low or high. I'd pass on him.
RBs – Melvin Gordan is number 1 RB at run after catch ---is in the middle of a contract holdout that may last into the season. Gordon does score a lot of TDs but he has only played one full season. He still has finished as one of the top 8 RBs in the last 3 seasons with 21 touches per game so he gets great volume and he had a 5.1 yd avg. in 2018. Austin Ekeler averaged over 5yds per carry while Gordon was out last year. He's a very exciting and fast RB who makes big plays and got 8.5 touches per game.. Both RBs might also suffer a bit in the passing game if Hunter Henry is back to normal. Justin Jackson could be a factor if Melvin Gordan holds out (Ekeler would get first shot like last year but would probably share.)
WRs – Keenan Allen is a PPR machine with 97 catches, 1,196 yds but only had 6 TDs. IN 2017 he played a full 16 games for the 1st time with 102 catches, 1,393 yds and 6 TDs (despite leading all WRs in red zone targets.) He is a safe bet in the 3rd round barring injury to repeat anywhere inbetween these numbers. Tyrell Williams went to the Raiders so big possession WR Mike Williams who was a 1st round pick will start. Williams pulled in 43 catches for 664yds but a whopping 10 TDs. He may be a big part of the red zone package again since he is big and can win jump balls but with Hunter Henry back he may have some competition. WR Travis Benjamin is a speed WR who is hit or miss and not draftable.
TE – Hunter Henry was lost for all 2018 but he has dominated when he has played. If he is back tto normal he is a good pick.
Oline – getting OG Forrest Lamp back will help (injured in 2017 - also have Schofield), they also have pro bowler OC Mike Pouncey, OG Dan Feeney with LT Russell Okung and RT Sam Tevi, drafted OT Trey Pipkins– good line same players at same positions. PFF #29 (but they are better than that)
DST - added form Panther LB Thomas Davis (35), resigned LB Denzel Perryman who needs to stay healthy, they have some stars including: Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Derwin James and Casey Hayward. Plus they drafted DT Jerry Tillery and S Nasir Adderly. Good D to matchup against weak opponents.
X Los Angeles Rams – HC Sean McVay (Jay Gruden/Shanahan disciple) calls the offensive plays. McVay promoted Oline coach Aaron Kromer to be the run game coordinator and TE coach Shane Waldron to be the pass game coordinator. They lost QBs coach Zac Taylor to the Bengals. This was the 2nd best offesne last year.
QB – Jared Goff finished as the 7th best fantasy QB last year. He has problems under pressure and isn't as good on away games (-1 pts @CHI) but is in a high poowered offense. Goff throws from play action the most in the league and depends on McVay for reads. A lot of his TDs came on short throws and runs after the catch. Goff more than likely has hit his ceiling but is a steady top 10 QB.
WRs – the distribution for the Rams WRs is very balanced. Brandin Cooks is one of only 5 WRs to put 1,000+ yds each of the last 4 seasons and posted 1,204 yd s and 5 TDs. Hre doesn't score a ton of TDs but is a good bet to be close to those numbers. Robert Woods got a good roster bonus after having his first 1,000 yard season 86 catches, 1,219 yds and 6 TDs. Woods (27) is a quietly a very good pick. Cooper Kupp is coming back from a torn ACL injury after missing half of last season. He started off great with 30 catches for 438 yds and 5 TDs over the first 5 weeks. He had an MCL injury then came back for 8 games total with 40 catches for 566 yds and 6 TDs but had the ACL injury. He would have had double digit TDs. If his rehab is good he is great pick but once camp starts Cupp will be 9 months removed from surgery. May take Cupp until mid-season to get back to form. Josh Reynolds is a good waiver add if any WR gets hurt. All 3 WRs are on the field a lot.
RB – through 10 weeks Todd Gurley finsihed as the top overall fantasy RB. The big question is that his knee held him back in the later games and will it be a problem going forward. His carries should scale back some but he is still a good fantasy option. Rams want 3rd round rookie from Memphis Darrell Henderson to seve as the Chris Thompson in their offense and the number one handcuff in all fantasy football. RB Malcom Brown and Henderson is estimated to take at least 35% of the RB carries. Rams RBs have it easy as they face the 3rd fewest stacked boxes in the league.
TE – Tyler Higbee is a very good TE but may be sharing with an equally if not more athletic Gerald Everett. Since the Rams don't rely heavily on the tight ends for pass cathcing there really isn't anyone to draft.
Oline– Lost LG Roger Saffold (very good)and OC John Sullivan. Joseph Noteboom (3rd round 2018) will replace Saffold at LG and Brian Allen (4th round in 2018) will play OC. LT Andrew Whitworth (37), RG Austin Blythe, RT Havenstein, also have rookie 3rd round pick Bobby Evans - Neary is suspende first four games. OL coach Aaron Kromer is one of the best, the line isn't as good as last year but he may make it work. PFF #13 (better than that)
DST - best defensive player in the NFL is Aaron Darnold and they have DT Brockers, LB Dante Fowler JR, CBs Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib (32) and added Clay MAthews and S Eric Weddle. They lost Suh and Lamarcus Joyner.
X Miami Dolphins – Adam Gase is gone, new HC Brian Flores (Patriots DC, actually just the play-caller) and OC Chad O'Shea (coached Patriots WRs) have worked together since 2009.If it is like the Patriots the plays should come way faster and the amount should rise. This team isn't good and may tank the season to get the first QB in next year's draft.
QBs – Ryan Fitzpatrick is leading the race to become the starter over Josh Rosen. Neither is a fantasy option but Fitzpatrick can be a streamer in the right games.
RBs – Kenyon Drake might kickoff as the lead RB in Miami. Second year RB Kalen Ballage right now is going late in drafts and I think is a sneaky pick. Ballage is super fast but very big and although he isn't an elite runner like Saquon Barkley he is a home run hitter. Drake had his best year last year with 535 yds rushing 477 yds receiving and 9 overall TDs (including the Miami Miracel play.) Drake's points come in spurts when he scores. Drake is in a contract year. But I'm willing to bet this is a full blown committee between Ballage and Drake and Ballage goes way later. They also drafted Myles Gaskin.
WRs – Kenny Stills (27) is a good pick since essentially he can be the Dolphins number 1 WR again and has speed. Stills has deep speed but also 21 TDs since 2016. Not a bad late round shot especially if Fitpatrick is QB since he isn't afraid to just wing it. Also, the Dolphins should be a bad team forcing a lot of garbage time throws. DeVante Parker was a 1st round pick that has not lived up to his talent. Problem is that Parker always seems to be injured and has yet to show he consistently have good games. I would need to see something in the preseason to even select him late. He has looked great in camp and is with a new coaching staff. Albert Wilson was having a good year in 2018 until he went to injured reserve with a hip injury. IF he is very healthy he is also a late round flyer.
TE – Gesicki isn't improving as a blocker and will probably need to split reps with Dwayne Allen who is a very good blocker. But Gesicki is the one who most likely go out on the most routes since he is the better athlete but it is wait and see, probably picking him off waivers if the light goes on for him.
Oline – return just 2 starters, LT Laremy Tunsil, rookie (from Wisconsin) LG Micahel Deiter, C Daniel Kilgore (missed last year with injury), RG Jesse Davis, RT Jordan Mills (from the Bills) and they lost good OT Ja'Wuan James. They switched OL coaches at the begining of camp Pat Flaherty left and DeGulielmo took over. Not a good oline PFF #32
DST - got Patrick Graham also from Patriots to be DC. Added rookie DT Christian Wilkins. Lost DE Cameron Wake, William Hayes and DE Robert Quinn. They have no passs rush. Xavier Howard and Minkah Fitzpatrick are good but Bobby McCain is bad. Terrible safeties. Do not use this defense.
X Minnesota Vikings – HC Mike Zimmer fired OC John Defilippo after 13 games because he was passing far too much. He kept interim OC Kevin Stefanski who ran a lot more and in the offseason broughht in the one blocking king Gary Kubiak as an offensive advisor. Game script will be RUN-FIRST.
QB – Kirk Cousins is a good QB that played behind a bad oline. He started out well last year and then tanked even before they switched to a more run heavy offense. Now they will run more although Kubiak should make him very efficient and put him in good positions to succeed.. He still could finish in the to 15 QBs and be a streaming option.
RBs – Dalvin Cook was injured with an ACL after the 4th game but he was on his way to having a huge year in 2017. He battled a hamstring injury in 2018 If he stays healthy he is undervalued. He may touch the ball 300+ times and explode if he only can stay healthy. Last year the run blocking was very bad but maybe that will change in Kubiak's zone blocking scheme. Cook could be a top 5 RB. Latavius Murray is gone and 3rd round Alexander Mattison could be the backup. Mattison can catch but is a big RB so can play all three downs. Mattison will not steal many carries.
WRs – Adam Thielen is a a tremendously safe pick at WR with 113 catches, 1,373 yds and 9 TDs from last season. Thielan has higher value in the slot but will see less targets this year in the run heavy offesne. He had a very bad end of the season. Stephon Diggs is very physically gifted and when healthy is a number 1 WR who caught 102 balls for 11,021 yds and 9 TDs. Diggs has an injury history but could be used well in Kubiak system. The WR group behind Thieland and Diggs sin't that great which is good for the duo. Smallish WR Chad Beebe has been hyped in camp and he will battle Jordan Taylor and Laquon Treadwell for WR3 duties.
TE- Kyle Rudolph is a solid tight end but not overly athletic and should be a TE 10 to 15 performer.
Oline- added first round pick OC Garrett Bradbury also OG Josh Kline from Titans, Riley Reif at LT, former 2nd round pick Brian O'Neil at RT, LG Pat Elflein. They should do better in zone blocking. they could be better than PFF #25
DST – lost DT Sheldon Richardson. They need Everson Griffen and Xavier Rhodes to stay healthy because they weren't last year. Danielle Hunter is also good at DE. Aslo at CB they Trae Waynes and much improved Mackensie Alexander to go with top safety Harrsion Smith. Anthony Barr and Erik Kendricks care great agains the run but not covering RBs and TEs. CB Holton Hill is suspended for 8 games, man you have to stop smoking weed. Falcons and Green Bay first two weeks.
X New England Patriots – HC Bill Belichick, OC Josh McDaniels been together awhile. Also worth noting they still have offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. THey have finished top 5 in points the last 9 seasons and 2nd in number of offensive plays. Easy schedule when you play Bills, Jets and Dolphins twice.
QBs – Tom Brady (42) struggles with downfield accuracy and now the Patriots look like a run first team. Brady averages fewere fantasy points when Gronk is out. Brady finished QB14 and that is about where he might wind up again.
RBs – the RB group is crowded and confusing. James White (27) had 87 catches in 2018. He was a PPR RB7 last year and had 12 total TDs. With Gronk gone he may be just as involved in the passing game. RB Sony Michel was drafted in the 1st round but he was sidelined with a minor knee surgery. Michel came off PUP early in camp and looked good even in pass catching. Michel often has injuries but did get goal line and early down work last year and can break it anytime and had 931 yds and 6 TDs with several big games and a lot of below averaage ones. Michel played great in the playoffs and the first six games they should have a lead and have to run out the clock. Michel's route running has improved but now he must compete with third round rookie Damien Harris who was taking his reps in camp and may get a chance. Harris could be a late round flyer. They also still have Rex Burhead. Need to see how it shakes out in preseason.
WRs – Josh Gordon needs to be reinstated which may or may not happen. Still he is a good late round shot because he is a fantasy starter if it happens. Julian Edelman (33 yrs old) has a thumb injury and is always an injury risk even though he says he will be ready week 1. He was PPR WR 9 weeks 5 - 17 much lower in non-PPR -20 to 25WR. Edelman benefits from Gronk being gone, expect more targets. After Edelman and possibly Gordon the WRs become harder to predict. There is some camp buzz that WR Maurice Harris has looked good in camp playing slot WR. The 6.2" WR is an ex-Redskin. They added Demaryius Thomas but I don't expect much from him. Phillip Dorsett is starting at the other side in camp but at best has only been a best ball fantasy option while big rookie N'Keal Harry is struggling a bit and playing with the 2nd team. Undrafted free agent WR Jakobi Meyers 6.2" has been rumored to be Brady's favorite target in camp. Preseason should show how this shakes out.
TEs – Matt LaCosse a 26 yr old who played for the Broncos in 2018 (24 catches 250 yds, 4.64 forty, 6.6" 265 lbs.) is reportedly running with the 1st team in camp. Benjamin Watson is suspended for the first 4 games Some people are taking a late round flyer on Gronk..
Oline – LT Isaiah Wynn (lost Trent Brown), LG Joe Thuney, OC is David Andrews, RG Shaq Mason, RT Marcus Cannon. Also added OAT Yodny Cajuste in the draft. They are better in the interior. Best Oline coach in the league should help this group a lot. PFF #6
DST - Stephon Gilmore is an elite CB, the McCourty brothers (both 32) also play in the secondary. They added Michael Bennett (34) and got back Jamie Collins. Rookie Chase Winovich could also help with the pass rush since they lost their best pass rusher in Trey Flowers.
X New Orleans Saints - HC Sean Payton and OC Pete Carmichael have been together for years. Moved from a pass happy offense to a balanced offense. Finished 28th in pass atatempts, 5th most rush attempts and had the 8th ranked offense and the 2nd most TDs. Fourth slowest offense but it was working they were one play (it was pass interference) from the Super Bowl. Run first offense.
QBs – Drew Brees (40) had a huge decline from his previous years thanks to a better run game and different philosophy. He makes up for it by being incredibly efficient. He alwasy was over 5k yds and now has declined from 4,334 yds in 2017 to below 4k last season. Brees completed 74.4% of his passes an NFL record. Brees was bad fantasy-wise near the end of the year because they were blowing out teams. But he finsihed between 5 to 8th top fantasy QB. His long balls didn't seem to have ip but PFF rated him as the best deep ball thrower. Without Rankins the defense may no tbe quite as good. Not an every week starter but can be great on weeks when he is going to play better teams in shootouts instead of teams they blow out.
RB – Alvin Kamara continues to impress as the 3rd or 4th best fantasy RB with 883 yds rushing, 81 catches for 709 yds and 18 total TDs. Kamara can do it with less carries than other backs because of pass catching and efficiency. He also finsihed 4th in the NFL with carries inside the 5 yd line. That will continue even with the signing of Latavius Murray. Murray doesn't have the talent or pass catching ability of Mark Ingram but he will be used on some early downs and to run out the clock. Murray is a handcuff.
WRs - Michael Thomas had his 3rd straight top 10 WR finish and he is a very safe pick to finish as a top 5 WR. He just received a 5 year 100 million contract and had the highest catch rate. Brees to Thomas is special. Thomas finished as the 8th best fantasy WR 125 catches, 1,405 yds and 9 TDs. After Thomas is Tedd Ginn (34) and Tre'Quan Smith. Ginn out snapped Smith by a wide margin when healthylast year but Smith is in his 2nd year and could play a lot better with more experience. Both are late round flyers in a run first offense. Who plays in the slot when Thomas isn't there is anyone's guess: Kirkwood has big time measurables and heas the biggest buzz, and there is Austin Carr and even Rishard Mathews. Once again it is a run first team.
TEs – Jared Cook (32) had a breakout year with the Raiders in 2018 with 68 catches 896 yds and 6 TDs. Brees like to throw to the tight end. Cook can easily finish TE 5 to 10. Cook is slightly undervalued in drafts right now.
OLline – Pro Bowler LT Terron Armstead and 2nd year RT Ryan Ramczyk are great. They lost Pro Bowler OC Max Unger but spent a 2nd round pick on OC Erk McCoy and LG Andre Peat and RG Larry Warford are also good. Armstead must stay healthy. PFF #7 but could be #1 if McCoy works out.
DST - under DC Dennis Allen greatly improved and could be used as a streamer against weak opponents. CB Marshon Lattimore was elite and they traded up for 1st round DE Marcus Davenport in 2017. Cam Jordon is awesome and is part of a good DLine. Added rookie S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and DT Malcom Brown. But they lost DT Sheldon Rankins to an ACL injury in the last season's playoffs. That hurts.
X N.Y. Giants – HC Pat Shurmur (formely Vikings and Andy Reid disciple) takes over and has a hybrid west coast offense. Shurmur also adds some Chip Kelly hurry up and spread offense. Hel combines zone and power blocking. Shumur went 5 - 11 in his first year. OC is Mike Shula formerly from Carolina where the offesne sputterred. Shumur got a career year out of case Keenum with the Vikings.
QB – Eli Manning (38) lost Odell Beckham Jr. and may lose his job to rookie 1st round pick Daniel Jones. Neither of these QBs are fantasy options.
RBs- 2018 2nd overall pick rookie Saquon Barkley is a special talent and one of only a few roookies to everygo over 2,000 yds from scrimmage including 91 catches. His combination of pass catching and run ability is elite. Saquon is ideal for this offense and should have another great season. His only problem will be defenses focusing entirely on him and stacking the box with no Odell Beckham and a less than dangerous WRs group to keep them honest. His offensive line may be better and he still should finish as a top 3 RB. I'm taking him after Zeke. Jonathan Stewart (31) is his backup unless Wayne Gallman who is younger and faster beats him out. Signed Rod Smith from Dallas.
WRs –WR Golden Tate (31) may be suspended for 4 games. Tate could be a WR3 if he is on the field. Sterling Shepard is small 5.10” with a lot of talent and should be playing in the slot but is playing outside, he has been sidelined with a thumb injury and may miss week 1. Cody Latimer is in the slot. Corery Coleman is out for the year ACL. Darius Slayton has been sitting with a hamstring injury. Lots of injuries.
TEs – Evan Engram did very well last year and his targets may rise a lot with OBJ gone. Engram is probably the best WR on the team and has the most separation of any TE. He was TE2 overall in weeks 14 - 17. Engram did really well when OBJ was not n the lineup. He needs to stay healthy and hope Daniel Jones doesn't take over.
Oline – LT Nate Solder was signed in free agency from the Patriots in 2018. He is very good when healthy. They also drafted OG Will Hernandez in 2018 who is a devasting blocker who has a mean streak and will create holes. They traded Oliver Vernon for RG Kevin Zeitler a great player from the Browns, and they added RT Mike Remmers. OC Jon Halapio (broke ankle week 2 last year) is a good center in this improved offensive line. PFF #18
DST - switching to a 3-4 and don't quite have the players for it. S Jabril Peppers (from Browns), rookie NT Dexter Lawrence, DT BJ Hill and CBs DeAndre Baker, Julian Love and Corey Ballantine, rookie pass rusher Ximines. For pass rushers they have Lorenzo Carter and acquired Markus Golden. They lost S Landon Collins and Oliveir Vernon. Not really a fanasty option.
X N.Y. Jets – New HC Adam Gase was fired by the Dolphins. Offenses have not fared well under Gase since he was with Peyton Manning. Gase's offenses do not wind up running a lot of plays and he hired the same OC Dowell Loggains which doesn't not offer much hope. He does have a better QB and RB however.
QB – Sam Darnold had a tough begining of the year 55%, 11 TDs to 14 TDs, then hurt his foot and came back playing much better in final four games 64% with 6 TDs and 1 INTs. Fantasy-wise Darnold had a few really big weeks and then some stinkers. He could make a sophmore leap but in Gase's offense it doesn't seem likeley he will crack the top 12 fantasy QBs.
RBs – Fresh legs LeVeon Bell is the Jets best skill player by far. Gase likes to run a lot too. Bell does not the offensive line he had in PIttsburgh but still should get heavy volume. Even when the Jets are losing badly Bell is an excellent WR and should be involved. I wouldn't expect him to replicate his numbers he had as a Steeler but he still should do well. Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery will back him up.
WR – Robby Anderson is super fast and has talent. Anderson had 63 catches with 941 yds and 7 TDS despite bad QB play in 2017. He did not do well in 2018 until the final four games when he caught 3 balls for 336 yds and 3 TDs which almost doubled his production in all the rest of the games. Quincy Enunwa missed 2017 with a neck injury. He had a great season in 2016 when he was used in the slot but may not be this seeason. Enunwa started off great in 2018 with 8 or more targets in the first four games but then gave Kearse his role and then had several injuries and not so good games. Gase has said he wants to expand Enunwa's usage who signed a new 4 yr extension. They added Jameis Crowder who will move to the slot. Gase had good slot WR Wes Welker and Jarvis Landry who did well but Crowder isn't quite their talent and best effort was 2016, 847 yds and 7 TDs but that feels like his best case scenario.
TE – Chris Herndon is suspended for the first 4 games (back week 6) but did well his rookie year 39 catches, 502 yds and 4 TDs. He is still obviously a waiver pickup at best. Legget is very athletic but the best bet is he is a streaming option.
Oline – added LG Kelechi Osemele is good but struggled last year run blocking, OC Ryan Kalil was lured out of retirement to replace OC Jonathan Harrison, RG Brian Winters, LT Kelvin Beachum is good but RT Brandon Shell is mediocre. Also, added OT Chuma Edoga in the draft and traded for Alex Lewis.. This line is below average but might gel a little better than PFF #28
DST - the Jest defense added rookie phenom DT Quinnen Williams to go with Leonard Williams and Henry Anderson to form an awesome defensive line. They also added OLB Jachai Polite, excellent LB CJ Mosley, and two amaing safeties S Jamaal Adams and Marcus Maye, they are weak at CB and have to hope Trumaine Johnson gets back to form.
X Oakland Raiders - John Gruden is in his 2nd year as head coach and Greg Olson will run his offense. Olson is a QB guru and should help Carr. Gruden runs the west coast offense - short passes and run after catch. League high 22 players added may take some time to gel.
QBs - Derek Carr had a back injury in week 4 in 2017 and hasn't been the same. In four years, the highest QBR ranking he had was 17th, and he has finished in the Top 10 (9th) in fantasy just once. He does not pass down field that often. He has a better oline and better WRs but his ceiling is only so high. This is a make or break year. Will he start throwing downfield?
RBs - Rookie Josh Jacobs has a rgeat opportuinity. IF he outright wins the starters job the offensive line should be better with Trent Brown and he could see a lot of carries. Doug Martin may cancel each other out. Lynch is a decent pick if he slips in drafts. Doug Martin is back and plays well but they didn't draft Jacobs in the 1st round to sit on the bench.. Jalen Richard may split 3rd down duties or be the 3rd down back (DeAndre Washington is there too.) If Jacobs gets a lot of the 3rd down work he will be a great fanatsy option.
WRs - Made a big splash by signing WR Antonio Brown (31). Brown has been the number 1 overall fantasy WR but should slip from the QB change. Brown dealt with a minor foot injury in camp but it is worth monitoring. They also signeed Tyrelle "the Gazelle" Williams from the Chargers who is a big, speedy WR. If Williams gets a lot of time in the slot he may do better. But Hunter Renfro is an older rookie who looks good in the slot but won't get enough work to be fantays relevant. Ryan Grant and speedster J.J. Nelson will push for time. How well you think Carr will do predicts how well you thing the WRs will do.
TEs – former WR Darren Waller will play TE and try and replace Jared Cook. Waller is a former WR and has looked good in camp. He is worthy of a late rouind flyer. They also have Derek Carrier and Luke Wilson.
Oline – LT Trent Brown was added but they are moving him to RT. Former first round pick Kolton Miller (who lead the league in sacks allowed) will play LT. LG Richie Incognito will miss 2 games with suspension. Tom Cable is the oline coach and he is a zone blocking scheme guy and this line is better suited for power blocking AND Cable has never had a Oline rank higher than #20. Johnathan Cooper will fill in at LG, Rodney Hudson is a solid OC, Gabe Jackson is the RG. They are an average oline
DST – for some reason the Raiders kept DC Paul Guenther despite league-low in sacks. Defense should be bette with LB Vontaze Burfict, LB Brandon Marshall, DT Maurice Hurst and good rookies DE Clelin Ferrell and S Johnathan Abram but still not a great fantasy option.
X Philadelphia Eagles – HC Doug Pederson (an Andy Reid disciple) calls the plays and have OC Mike Groh. Groh is son of Al Groh and was credited with Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Algholor improvement. Lots of run pass option but the Eagles are a Passing team witha very easy schedule.
QB – Carson Wentz was the 2nd best fantasy QB and probable MVP before tearing his ACL and LCL in Week 14. Wentz again had an injury plagued year in 2018, missing the first couple games and then exiting week 14 with a back injury. The Eagles go for it more than any team on 4th down and are efficient in play calling and thus have the 8th most plays. When Wentz plays he is a consistent 20+ point fantasy QB but it is tough to count on him playing a full season. Went has A LOT of weapons. If he plays a full season, he could be MVP, but I'd pair him with another QB if I had a deep bench (Nate Sudefeld is the backup and a big downgrade from Foles.)
RBs – Going to have to wait to see how this works itself out. Jordan Howard is dominating the first team reps early in camp. He will probably get goal line work. Penn St. 2nd round rookie Miles Sanders is very quick, shifty and has played great in camp but might only share a small percentage of carries with Howard, unless he shows in camp he can pass protect and then he might challenge Howard since he may be more talented. Darren Sproles and Corey Clement will probably come in on passing downs. Eagles love a committeee of RBs but Howard would be the best bet to get most usage and TDs. 28th in running last year.
WRs – Added DeSean Jackson who has been working with Wentz all off season and it has shown up in camp. Jackson can still catch the bomb so look for sporadic really big weeks. At his draft price I think DeSean is a good add who can win games for you when he scores. Alshon Jeffrey went for 65 catches for 843 yds and 6 TDs doesn't have a huge ceiling but is a big target in a good offense. I look at him good WR3 that can't top 1,000 yds and may get injured (rarely plays 16 games) but gets TDs from being a good red zone target. WR Nelson Agholor who plays the slot, caught 64 balls for 736 yds and 4 TDs. He may be a PPR option but 2nd round rookie JJ Arcega-Whiteside is a big possession WR who may steal some snaps. In college JJ was a red-zone nightmare for defenses because he is big and wins almost all contested catches.
TE – Zach Ertz is a solid pick to repeat his performance as the 3rd best TE. I doubt he reaches his 2018 total 116 rec., 1,163 yds and 8 TDs but he is the Eagles true number one WR. There are more weapons on this team in 2019 so Zach may not see as many targets. Dallas Goedert who took over for the 2nd TE since Trey Burton left, is a very good athlete and possible bye week sleeper. On another team Goedert might be a top 5 TE but even though the Eagles use 2 TE formations a lot, Goedert still is behind Ertz.
Oline – LT Jason Peters, LG Isaac Seumalo, OC Jason Kelce, RG Brandon Brooks (good run blocker), RT Lane Johnson and they spent their first round pick on OT Andre Dillard - maybe the best line in football. PFF #1
DST - added DE Vinny Curry, DT Malik Jackson and LB Zach Brown (replaces Jordan Hicks.)
The defenses is anchored by amazing DT Fletcher Cox, and have pass rushers Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett. The secondary was plagued by injuries but now have two good safeties Malcom Jenkins and McLeod and CBs Jalen Mills, Darby and Sidney Jones with decent backups. They play the Redskins week 1.
X Pittsburgh Steelers – HC Mike Tomlin and 2nd year OC Randy Fitchner he ran a pass happy offense.
QBs – Ben Roethlisberger is now without Antonio Brown and Leveon Bell. Losing Brown could really hurt. Big Ben finsihed as the 2nd or 3rd best fantasy QB and is dropping really far in fantasy drafts. He is still a good QB to take a chance on.
RBs – RB James Connor is the starter and wasn't a top RB towards the end of the year when he was banged up. He is a workhorse but there are some that say he won't get as big of a workload. Also, without Antonio Brown will Connor see less running and scoring opportunites. Jaylen Samuels looked good in relief and used Samuels in the passing game even when Connor came back. Samuels may have stand alone value sharing time with Connor. And they drafted big Benny Snell Jr.
WRs – Antonio Brown is gone and so JuJu Smith-Schuster takes over after 111 catches (166 targets, 26 targets in the red zone), 1,426 yds and 7 TDs in 2018. Last year, JuJu had 400 snaps out of the slot (61.5% of his snaps.) Will Pittsburgh move him outside more and put Ryan Switer in the slot? If JuJUu goes outside can he handle the otuside CBs? James Washington and Donte Moncrief (1 year deal) can both play outside but will be erratic. Moncrief has a great opportunity but has never shined, he is only 25 yrs old. Moncrief is starting opposite JuJu. Also, drafted Toledo Diontae Johnson in the 3rd round who will play same position as Antonio Brown. Steelers WRs had more catches than any group in the entire NFL.
TEs – Vance McDonald was injured much of last year but exploded in the playoffs for 10 catches for 112 yds. Big Ben likes McDonald and he is a good late round sleeper pick. Jesse James is not on the team anymore. Vance in the 7th or 8th.
Oline – They lost their great offensive line coach Munchak! LT Villanueva, LG Ramon Foster, C Maurkice Pouncey, RG DeCastro, RT Matt Feiler (Gilbert got traded) and Finney, Okorafor is the top tackle backup. This is a very consistent great line; we'll see how they do without Munchak. PFF #3
DST – Added 1st round rookie LB Devin Bush who is a fast sideline to sideline player. Also, signed LB Mark Barron and CB Steven Nelson (Chiefs). They failed to replace him and should have some problems because of it. TJ Watt is there best player. They added 1st round safety rookie Terrell Edmunds which will help some but this unit will be at best a streaming option.
X San Francisco 49ers – HC Kyle Shanahan is a brilliant offensive mind who has put together some of the best offenses. Shanahan handles the play calling and with his QB back and an easier schedule it is all systems go..
QBs – Jimmy Garoppolo is 82 as a starter. He is returning from an ACL and if that checks out he could finish inside the top 7 to 10 QBs. Jimmy G gets no rushing yds but can be paired with another QB since he can be late.
RB – Jerick McKinnon, Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida make it really tough to predict who will get the most touches. I will wait to see what happens in preseason. If I had to pick, Coleman would go first since he has experience in the Shanny system and is healthy. Coleman wasn't consistent when he had the chance last year to be the lead RB. Breida (Chest) and McKinnon (ACL) are not all the way back from injury. Coleman has also been taking reps in the slot so he will be in the passing game. Breida is often injured but is super fast and may be the most talented break away runner of the bunch. He was dominate when he played. McKinnon is the largest risk since coming back from an ACL is hard and he may not be as good of a pure rusher between the tackles as the other two. McKinnon is having knee issues and he is going to miss several weeks and may have a larger problem.
WRs – Second year WR Dante Pettis did well when he was forced to be their number 1 WR despite poor QB play. He went for 27 catches, 467 yds and 5 TDs but 359yds and 4 TDs came in the last 5 games. Pettis had a good offseason and will be the X WR in a high powered offense. He could put up WR2 numbers and is a value pick if you get him after that. Second round pick Deebo Samuel missed some time with a hip injury but some are predicting he will be the starter opposite Pettis. Samuel could flash but consistent numbers may elude him with Kittle and Pettis getting more targets. Marquise Goodwin had good chemistry with Garoppollo. When Jimmy G had good games so did Goodwin who has olympic speed (40yds of Gold winner) will play the Taylor Gabriel gadget role and is best suited for best ball leagues for when he hits big. Goodwin's problem is also his long history of concussions making him a little risky and isn't guaranteed a roster spot. 49ers also have small slot Trent Taylor, Jordan Mathews and rookie large RB/WR Jalen Hurd who Shanny might use in some creative way. Taylor will probably win the slot and WRs coach Wes Welker can certainly give him pointers and they also like Hurd.
TEs – George Kittle blew up with 1,377 yds and 5 TDs, finishing as the 3rd best TE with 136 targets. Kittle's targets and yds should sink some but TDs could go up with Jimmy G. His ADP of 3rd round is too high though.
Oline – Second year RT Mike McGlinchey was a 1st round pick from Notre Dame. Also ther eis OC Richburg (gets injured a lot), LT Joe Staley (excellent), RG Mike Person, LG Laken Tomlinson. Good line with continuity. PFF #16
DST - drafted pass rusher Nick Bosa, grabbed Dee Ford, Kwon Alexander, Jimmie Ward and Jason Verrett. They aslo have Richard Sherman. They have DeForrest Buckner and Solomon Thomas. Should be an improved group with Ford and Bosa off the edge.
X Seattle Seahawks – HC Pete Carroll and OC Brian Schottenheimer are together for the second year. They runthe Air Croyell with vertical concepts and Brian was a OC under Mangini, Rex Ryan and Jeff Fisher. Schottenheimer wants to run a lot and they ran 2nd most last year and were 32nd in pass attempts. RUN FIRST team.
QBs – Russell Wilson has consistently been a top 10 QB and last year finished 9th in fantasy scoring (4th in TD heavy leagues) In Schottenheimer's offense Wilson throws more vertical passes. It is a credit to Wilson that he still put up good QB numbers while some of the fewest pass attempts. His 8.2% touchdown rate seems outrageous. He had 7 games with 3+ TDs and 4TDs agains the 49ers. This probably is not sustainable. Seattle is keeping the same system so Russle should see very few pass attempts and not be able to replicate a 8.2% TD rate. The hope would be the depleted defense forces Wilson to throw more in possible shootouts like the 49ers and Rams (and possibly even the Cardinals.) Analytics say no, but the player's mojo says yes.
RBs – Chris Carson should be the starting running back. He posted 1,151 yds and 9 TDs in 14 games. Carson is a bruiser who breaks tackles. Carson handles goal line work and has minor injury problems. Looks good in camp so far taking a 40yd screen to the house. Rashaad Penny was drafted in the 1st round and might also have a big role. With this many attempts to go around Penny can still be good for fantasy. He had 419 yds and 2 TDs but a 4.9 yd avg. Penny should see more work and is gold if Carson gets injured. Always injured but talented pass catching RB C.J. Prosis and small but exciting JD McKissic back them up and they also added Travis Homer late in the draft. Mike Davis left and he had 126 touches.
WRs - Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf were the starters in camp. Lockett who went for 57 catches 965 yds and 10 TDs will move to the slot vacated by retired Angry Doug Baldwin. Locket who is 27 has missed just one game and may get a slight bump in targets with Baldwin gone. He should hit a 1,000 yd season but his TD number is bound to drop. Rookie 2nd rounder Metcalf is a huge beast that can run straight line very fast. He has some learning to do since he didn't run a full route tree in college but word is he has been good so far. I think he will be erratic but may catch on late in the year. Jaron Brown is a good blocking WR. David Moore had a run last year in 8 games with 22 ctaches, 413 yds and 5 TDs but then tanked the last 5 games.
TE – Nobody really to look at. Possibly Hollister on waivers since he is the best athlete.. Dissly had on ebig game and then a feww games later got injured. Dickson and Vannett aren't fantasy options. No one to draft herree.
Oline – added LT Duane Brown which is a great move but may not be enough. RT Germain Ifedi LG Mike Iupati, OC Justin Britt and RG DJ Fluker. THey drafted OT Jamarco Jones late and still have OT George Fant. Drafted OG Phil haynes from Wake Forrest. Decent line. PFF #23 (a little better than that because very little has changed)
DST - DT Jarran Reed (10.5 sacks in 2018) is suspended the first 6 games, rely on Poona Ford and LJ Collier (1st round rookie high ankle sprain may miss the season opener) , Ziggy Ansah' shoulder is also a concern. CB Shaq Griffin. Frank Clark is gone. Got DT Al Woods to clog the middle. Still have KJ Wright and star Bobby Wagner but this group may struggle compared tolast year.
X Tampa Bay Buccaneers – hired former Ariona Cardinals HC Bruce Arians who has a long history in coaching. Arians usually has a high rated passing offense.
QB – Jameis Winston had a 3 game suspension and then battles with Ryan Fitzpatrick back forth for starting duties. They both made a lot of mistakes but fantasy wise if you combined them they would hav ebeen the 2nd best fantasy QB behind Mahomes. Arians should continue to give Winston an opportunity to pass a lot and Fitzpatrick is gone so all Winston has to worry about is Blaine Gabbert. Ithink Winston will always be somewhat careless with the ball but that doesn't coiunt for a lot in fantasy. With all the weapons and the coaching Winston is a good upside pick especially since they will be playing from behind a lot and the run game isn't that great..
RBs - Ronald Jones had a terrible rookie season. Ronald Jones put on some weight he said to put up with the grind of the NFL and the Bucs have talked him up in camp. Peyton Barber isn't a great talent but is a early down grinder who will probably get goal line carries because of his size. His 871 yds and 6 TDs lead the Bucs but can't crack the 4 ypc mark. Neither RB is an exciting pick. Barber is an ugly RB but maybe okay pick in the 10th round because he may get catches. Andre Ellington may be a pass catching RB specialist who Arians likes. I wouldn't pick anyof these.
WR – Mike Evans is a rollercoaster of stats (2014 - 1,051 yds 12 TDS, 2015 - 1,206 yds 3 TDs, 2016 - 1,321 yds 12 TDs, 2017 - 1,001 yds 5 TDs, 2018 - 1,524 yds 8 TDs.) Evans is better with Winston than Fitpatrick and with Humphries and DeSean Jackson gone may get even more targets (he was the most targeted WR.) Chris Godwin will not come off the field all ofenses plays. Godwin is moving to the prized Larry Fitzgerald slot position. (although watch out for Bruyce Arians hype.) Godwin has tons of talent and also could benefit from the vacated targets. He did well last year (59 catches 842 yds 7 TDs) and should improve on that. They signed Breshad Perriman who can streak downfield and is a good WR 3.
TEs – O.J. Howard is a beast when he gets a chance to go out on pass routes. The problem is Howard is also a good bloacker and Cameron Brate is not so Brate goes out on a lot of routes. Everyone is hyping OJ Howard in his third year as a breakout TE and he could if he gets a lot of the vacated targets. But Arians hasn't used a TE historically and you also have to count on Cameron Brate stealing some snaps. IF I see a big push in preseason to get OJ Howard the ball than great, otherwise I'll stay away.
DST – has some good pass rushers, rookie Noah Spence, Robert Ayers, McCoy, Jacquies Smith
Oline - LT Donovan Smith is really bad. LG Ali Marpet and RT Demar Dotson are really good. OC Ryan Jensen and Caleb Benenoch are average. Donovan Smith brings this line down to average or below. PFF # 22
DST - 30th against the pass and 31st against the run. They are switching to a 3-4 and added rookies LB Devin White, CB Sean Bunting and Jamel Dean. They Lost Gerald McCoy but got DT Ndamukong Suh. LB Davonte David is good. There isn't a great pass rush and a weak secondary this is not a fantasy defense.
X Tennessee Titans – New HC is Mike Vrabel but is a defensive minded caoch. The old OC Matt LaFleur became the new Packers head coach despite the Titans sluggish offensive results. TEs coach Arthur Smith is the new OC. Smith has been with the Titans since 2011 surviving many coaching changes but has never called plays and is a mystery as to what he will do because he has no histroy of being an OC. They probably will continue to be a run first offense. Very tough schedule.
QBs - Marcus Mariota (who is in a contract year) had another bad year and is often injured playing with a bad stinger for most of last year. He has some big games but is better left as a streamer unless he shines in preseason. They added Ryan Tannehill who might be a nice addition during the season if Mariota gets hurt or they make a change. Titans have had 5 offensive play callers in 5 years.
RBs – RB Derek Henry, 4 TDs and 238 yds vs. the Jaguars. Woah! He had 3.7 ypc through 12 games and then 6.7 ypc for the last 4 when he put up double digit fantasy point in those games. Henry credited this to careful film study in week 8. Henry will get the opportunity to prove the last 4 games were not a fluke. Derek Henry has a strained calf and will miss a couple of weeks of camp but should be fine. Henry is not a big pass catcher. He is boom or bust. Dion Lewis didn't have a great year but is a solid backup and becomes relevant if Henry is injured. With the offensive line woes (Lewan out) at the begining of the season, Derek Henry might be a buy low trade target after 3 games.
WRs – In this offense there usually a featured WR and that will probably be Corey Davis. Davis, a 1st round pick in 2017, had hamstring injuries that held him back most of his first year and started to look decent in 2018. Corey Davis needs a big spark t become a good fantasy WR and I wouldn't touch him unless I saw something in preseason. They also drafted very talented AJ Brown, Ole Miss's all-time leading WR but won't see enough targets to become relevant. He also has to beat out Tajae Sharpe.They Adam Humphries in the slot but there is just too much competition for too few targets. Since this is a run first team with a new play caller it is tough to recommend any of these WRs.
TE – Delanie Walker (34, best season 2015 - 1,088 and 6 TDs) He is getting up there in age and has injuries. He isn't a player worth recommending and his backup Jonnu Smith has some talent but needs Walker to go down and to develop. If you missed on all TEs Walker isn't a horrible pick in the last rounds since he is the favorite target of Mariota.
Oline – LT Taylor Lewan (suspended 4 games) and RT Jack Conklin (had a torn ACL in 2018) but are a very above average pair. Dennis Kelly will fill in at LT who is solid. The interior is LG Roger Saffold, solid OC Ben Jones and OG Nate Davis left and is being replaced by Kevin Pamphile. PFF #4 (without Lewan they are much worse)
DST - lost Orakpo and Derrick Morgan, Cameron Wake (37) and Harold Landry aren't as good at rushing the passer. They have stars S Kevin Byard and DT Juerrell Casey. Adoree Jackson isc oming off foot surgery and he also runs back kicks. The linebackers are decent and 1st round pick Jeffrey Simmons will be good but not this year as he recovers from injury. This is not a defense I am targeting.
X Washington Redskins – HC Jay Gruden calls plays. Gruden’s offense is very balanced with run and pass. Kevin O'Connell was hired as QB coach that has experience in lots of systems including Chip Kelly's and he became the new OC. Might want to avoid this offense all together.
QBs - Alex Smith (38) was acquired from KC and broke his leg and may never play again. They were 6-2 when he went down. They drafted QB Dwayne Haskins in the first round to be the future QB. They also have QB Case Keenum but my bet would be sooner rather than later Haskins is the starter. Neither are fantasy options.
RB – Last year, I considered Derrius Guice one of the steals of the draft and was going to pick him up as much as possible but he tore his ACL in preseason and was done for the year. He is back and if he keeps his head on straight he should beat out future HOF RB Adrian Peterson (34.) Guice is currently being drafted in the 5th and 6th round and that could be a huge steal. Chris Thompson is a great 3rd and receiving RB and was having a great year before he broke fibula in 2017. He has never looked the same since and now has more competition at RB. This is not going to be a high scoring offense so RB are limited by that. If Guice looks like he is truly back to how he ran in college he is worth the pick though but need to see it in preseason and hope OT Trent Williams stays with the team. There is more than 50% chance he is not back to form and then not worth the pick.
WRs – Josh Docston has been a disappointing 1st round draft pick so far. Docston's 44 catches for 532 yds and 2 TDs don't inspire confidence in him becoming a factor. Doctson needs to show in preseason he has turned a corner. Redskins picked up Paul Richardson from Seattle who is a great deep threat when healthy but he wasn't all last year.. Richardson may have occassional big games if he keeps the starting job. But the Redskins drafted Terry McLaurin (4.35 forty) who played with Haskins at Ohio St. and he could possibly start. Trey Quinn has the slot locked down in training camp, in his 2 starts last year he caught 9 catches for 75 ys and 1 TD. Quinn is someone to target in PPR since he may lead the team in targets. They also added rookie WR Kelvin Harmon a big WR from N.C. State.
TE – Jordan Reed is always injured, his best seasaon came in 2015 when he played 14 games and had 87 catches for 952 yds and 11 TDs. He had a toe injury 2016, opened 2017 on PUP with a toe injury and then had chest and hamstring injuries. Last year he wasn't fully recovered from the toe injury and had 54 catches for 558 yds and 2 TDs. For the first offseason in 3 years Reed did not have offseason surgery. You can't count on the 29 yr old Reed but a late round flyer paired with another TE isn't a bad option because at least he has the talent to give you good games if he can regain his form.
Oline – Oline was killed by injuries last year and the offense suffered some. LT Trent Williams is holding out and is rumored to never want to play there again which would really hurt. OT/OG Ereck Flowers has been filling in, LG Shawn Lauvao, OC Chase Roullier, RG Brandon Scherff (back from injury), RT Morgan Moses. They signed OT Donald Penn to a one year contract in case Williams holds out in the season. They are an average line with Trent Williams. PFF #14
DST - added Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and safety Landon Collins to go with rookie pass rusher Montez Sweat. Da'Ron Payne and Jonathan Allen make the Dline much better; MAtt Ioannidis is a good penetrating DT. Ryan Kerrigan still provides some pass rush; CB Josh Norman can still play well; they lost reuben Foster to injury for the year which hurts; there are enough pieces there but it remains to be seen if they can put it all together under new DC Greg Munusky.