Fantasy Football Fix July 18th 2010
Michael Crabtree is poised to breakout this season. V Diddy’s remarkable season will lead to this potential WR1 being drafted in low end WR2, high end WR3 territory. Draft with confidence, this is one of the most talented wide receivers in the league. Fantasy Football Xtreme points out that due to a much improved offensive line and V Diddy and Gore’s general dominance that Crabtree will likely have less attention paid to him than he would garner otherwise which should only help his fantasy prospects.
Nate Burleson is reportedly eager to show he is worth every dollar that the Lions invested in him. Burleson should have a fine season if he stays healthy as he still has plenty left in the tank. He is a fine flex option or bye week filler with upside. Players with something to prove see a slight bump in their fantasy stock.
McNabb to workout with Moss, Thomas and Kelly, which is good for the fantasy potential of all involved. One of Thomas or Kelly will emerge this season and right now the smart money is on Thomas. Pre-season action will give us a better indication when it rolls around.
Jamaal Charles to be centerpiece of offense. This is a green light for those willing to take a risk on him on draft day and worried about Thomas Jones as a TD vulture. He should amass 250+ touches and 5+ TD’s. One of the most productive running backs in the NFL over the past couple of seasons, Thomas Jones will still get some work and is ready to take over if Charles stumbles.
Jeremy Maclin a legit #2 fantasy WR? The folks at yahoo sports recently had a Santana Moss vs Jeremey Maclin debate and to be quite honest I would pass on both of them as my #2 option but would gladly roster them as a #3 WR.
Is James Jones a sleeper at wide out?
With Donald Drivers health and ability to make it through a whole season in serious question Eric Karabell of ESPN Insider is deservedly touting James Jones as a fantasy sleeper. Dynasty league G.M’s will probably want to jump on him now.
Has Anthony Gonzalez become a forgotten man in Indianapolis? Not for ESPN Insider Eric Karabell. Karabell notes Gonzalez will have to impress to move up the depth chart, but our sentiment is that respected (by Colts brass) Gonzalez is likely to see plenty of snaps and will rotate snaps in two-wide sets with Garcon and dominate snaps in three-wide sets in the slot. Collie appears to be the odd man out and his fantasy relevance will suffer because of it.
Jonathan Stewart is healthy and rearing to go. Stewart is the rare running back who will by all accounts outproduce the starter as a backup. DeAngelo will go higher, avoid DeAngelo’s risk and jump on Stewart. Dynasty leaguers act now, he may have the staring job all to himself next year.
Chaz Schilens has been named a prime bench wide-out as he plays 12 games after 4:05 EST and thus you can plug him in to your lineup where last-minute decisions may affect your fantasy roster. Schilens was also named a prime break-out candidate in the same article.
Should you intentionally look to have all your players byes in the same week? ESPN the Magazine discusses this strategy which seeks to maximize your roster every other week instead of having to have constant fill-ins once the byes start. Its the first time I have come across this strategy but it is a sound option that warrants serious consideration.
