Arizona
The Cardinals will likely boast two fantasy relevant wide receivers this year in Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, but don't forget about Andre Roberts, who I believe could be a sneaky flex play at times this year. Bruce Arians style of offense has plenty of room for all three to perform well. Rashard Mendenhall is slated to be the team's starting running back in week one, but look for Ryan Williams and especially rookie Stepfan Taylor to get some carries as well. If Taylor performs well, he could overtake, the injury prone Mendenhall as the team's primary ball carrier. Taylor is someone who should be on your radar. If you like to be ahead of the curve, he is a very good waiver claim, prior to week one.
Atlanta
Roddy White is recovering from an ankle sprain that he suffered in the second preseason game. All indications suggest that he'll play week one at New Orleans, but he could be less than 100%. Steven Jackson is a good RB2 play this week. I would not be surprised to see him punch in at least one touchdown. For those with Jaquizz Rodgers, I would recommend sitting him until he shows his involvement with Jackson ahead of him. If Jackson does miss time at some point this season, Rodgers becomes a must start flex option at the least, especially in PPR leagues. He likely would platoon with Jason Snelling, but the reception totals should be high. Don't forget, Rodgers had 53 receptions last year. I don't see that number being that high this year, but individual games where he is featured could reach upwards of 4+ catches.
Baltimore
All eyes on the Ravens WR2 position opposite Torrey Smith. The 6'5" rookie from Georgia, Marlon Brown is the one I'm watching. After a brilliant preseason, Brown headlines the list of potential WR2 suitors for the Ravens offense. Jacoby Jones had his moments last year, especially in the playoffs, but I'm not sold on him being a legit WR2 in Jim Caldwell's offense. Torrey Smith may have a very productive game. If you remember, he torched Champ Bailey on more than one occasion last year. This week, Bailey is hobbled by a sore foot and may not even play. I expect to see a lot of carries from both Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce. Both could put forth decent fantasy games, but Rice leads the list.
Buffalo
C.J. Spiller begins his quest for 2,000 yards this week against the Patriots. I like his chances of having a good week a lot more with EJ Manuel at quarterback as opposed to undrafted free agent Jeff Tuel. Losing Kevin Kolb to IR (concussion) leaves Tuel as the team's backup quarterback for now. It looks like Manuel (knee) will play, after being able to practice this week. If Spiller can stay healthy this year, the sky is the limit on what he can do. I expect the Bills to feature Spiller as much as they can. From a fantasy perspective, he is definitely a hot commodity.
Carolina
The Panthers have a tough opponent to begin the season facing Seattle. Last year the two played (also in Carolina) and it came down to the last possession. In that game, Cam Newton failed to score a touchdown, which he has done in only four games out the 32 he has started and played in. Scoring could be hard to come by in this game. In the preseason the Panthers defense led all teams with 10 interceptions and a league best 58.8% QB rating against. Seattle is the defense we're most familiar with, but if the regular season is like the preseason, Carolina could also make it difficult for Seattle's offense. It's hard to bench Cam Newton, but this may be a match up that you should avoid. The same can even be said for Russell Wilson.
Chicago
We will soon see just how much Brandon Marshall's hip injury will affect him. Some don't think there will be any issue, while others believe it could hamper his production. I tend to believe that he'll be fine, but that's just my hunch on the subject. The gloves come off and the Marc Trestman playbook opens up. I will be shocked if we don't see a big effort from Matt Forte this week. Trestman has been known to feature the running back in his offense, especially as a receiver. Alshon Jeffery is someone who I think will take a big step forward this year. Injuries shortened his rookie year, limiting his production. Another year of experience and a potentially hobbled Marshall could be the perfect opportunity for a spike in production as well as fantasy value this year.
Cincinnati
A.J. Green (knee) is expected to be fine for opening day against the Bears. The Bengals new style of up-tempo offense is expected to feature plenty more than just Green. Rookie RB Giovani Bernard should see 12-15 carries with several receiving targets as well. He is worthy of a flex option at the least with an outside gamble as a RB2 choice. If he finds success early on, his role could catapult into a weekly RB2 start.
Cleveland
Just a quick reminder - Josh Gordon will be serving his two game suspension and will not be available this week, so be sure he is not in your lineup. Taking Gordon's place as the main receiving threat will be a combination of Greg Little and TE Jordan Cameron. Both are considered decent fantasy plays this week. There is even an outside chance at Davone Bess having some success this week. Trent Richardson should also see 25-30 touches, which makes him a very good fantasy start.
Dallas
Take advantage of DeMarco Murray while you can. When healthy, he can be a fairly productive fantasy running back. This is Dez Bryant's year to emerge as one the best, if not the best fantasy wide receiver. Last year he was hampered by a few injuries, some of which he managed to play through. Now fully healthy, the sky is the limit for Dez Bryant. Having said that, Tony Romo is also someone to consider as an above average fantasy quarterback. I like this week's match up against an already decimated Giants secondary.
Denver
I am not sure what to make of the Denver backfield, except that I believe it will be decided by the hot hand. Ronnie Hillman officially gets the start, but his ball security issues are a concern. I think the best advice for anyone with a Denver RB is to bench them this week and see how things play out. I also am not a fan of the match up against a strong Ravens front line. The trio of receivers should be a must start each week and keep an eye on Julius Thomas at TE. He's not exactly someone I'd insert into my lineup this week, but he has potential to be a threat in Peyton Manning's offense.
Detroit
Injuries hit the Lions WR corps last year with the exception of Calvin Jonson. As we know, Johnson went on to break Jerry Rice's single-season record for receiving yards. The WR2 role is yet to be determined this year. As a result, we could see more of the same from Johnson. The current WR2 role is held by the diminutive UDFA Patrick Edwards. We'll see if he performs well in the regular season, but there is some interest in the 5'9", 175 pound preseason surprise. I believe Ryan Broyles will eventually will this battle, but for right now, it's Edwards who is getting the most reps with the first team.
Green Bay
My gut instincts tell me that Eddie Lacy will be a better version of what the Packers received from Cedric Benson last year, before he was placed on IR. Lacy has the ability to put up 20+ carries and be the bell cow RB for the Packers. The only question is, will they let him? He has a tough match up this week at San Francisco, which could result in more pass attempts. The trio of Packers receivers are all fantasy relevant and should be included in your lineup every week. The same may be true for TE Jermichael Finley, who has had his share of inconsistencies in his career. He's in a contract year and has looked more focused and determined in camp and preseason. Could this be the year he has a career year? All indications point to that being the case, but we'll see.
Houston
The word in Houston is that Arian Foster (calf/back) will play in week one, but also be limited. Limited for Foster means not getting 25+ carries. The Texans should be able to run fairly easily on the Chargers defense and therefore fantasy production could be split between Foster and Ben Tate. Both seem like decent RB2 options this week, with the lean going more towards Foster. Until we see what Foster can handle and what he does with his opportunities, consider him a RB2 with RB1 upside. Consider Tate as a low end RB2 with the opportunity to make good on a late game touchdown.
Indianapolis
The Colts have a very good match up this week against the visiting Raiders. I would not be surprised to see Ahmad Bradshaw have a strong game, despite having very little practice time. For that reason alone, we could also see Vick Ballard with some fantasy success. He's a sneaky fantasy play this week as a flex option or a decent flier for weekly Fan Duel salary cap games that won't cost much against the cap. I am expecting big things from T.Y. Hilton this year, beginning with week one.
Jacksonville
Justin Blackmon begins serving his four game suspension this week, which opens things up for Cecil Shorts to see increased targets. Last year, Blackmon struggled some when Shorts was out with a concussion. I wouldn't be that surprised to see the same ring true for Shorts while Blackmon is out. He's still worthy of a WR3 start, but keep in mind the Chiefs secondary will be focused on him as the primary receiving threat. Shorts also benefits from a productive Maurice Jones-Drew. If Jones-Drew is able to pile up the rushing yardage, it definitely benefits Shorts, and vice versa.
Kansas City
The Andy Reid era with the Chiefs begins with a road game at Jacksonville. In my opinion, Jamaal Charles is better rusher than any of the other backs Andy Reid has had in his tenure as head coach. That includes Brian Westbrook, and LeSean McCoy, who have had Top 3 success as a fantasy running back. I expect Charles to be a featured piece of the Chiefs offense, especially as a receiver. One of Anthony Fasano or Travis Kelce will be a big part of the offense this year. My gut says Fasano will be main tight end option until Kelce learns the ropes. In the early going, Fasano may have some value and is worth a waiver flier, in leagues that could start more than one tight end.
Miami
I'm not buying the Daniel Thomas love at all. I think this is Lamer Miller's lead role to lose. The loss of Dustin Keller was big, because the Dolphins don't have a legit replacement at tight end. Charles Clay and Dion Sims appear to be the front-runners, but neither are fantasy relevant at this time. That could change after week one, so watch this situation carefully.
Minnesota
The Vikings have a different look at wide receiver this year with the departure of Percy Harvin to Seattle and the addition of Greg Jennings via free agency and Cordarrelle Patterson via the draft. Like last year, the Vikings may have just three receiving threats, Jennings, Kyle Rudolph and Cordarrelle Patterson. I for one am interested to see how involved all three will be in the offense. The presence of Adrian Peterson opens the passing game up, which definitely favors the trio. Patterson, while raw as a receiver, could have some early success if the Vikings make an effort to get him the ball and let him create plays. I'd call him a low end flex play right now, but there is definitely a chance for him to move up the ranks.
New England
The Patriots are a hotbed for fantasy relevance. Rob Gronkowski is reportedly practicing and could in fact suit up for week one. Will he is another question, so monitor this situation this week. If he plays, you play him, it's that simple. Regardless of Gronkowski's status, I like Zach Sudfeld to have some fantasy value this week and beyond. His value may hinge on his ability to find the end zone, as I'm not sure if he'll be an 8+ target a week guy yet? The big preseason story for the Patriots the play of Kenbrell Thompkins. I am not exactly on the Kenbrell or bust bandwagon. I do think there's value to be had from the Patriots WR2, but it's not as great as everyone seems to think, especially if Zach Sudfeld and Shane Vereen combine to help fill Aaron Hernandez's role. The big winner on New England could very well be Danny Amendola, who I believe is poised for a big year. He and Gronkowski could dominate the stats with a combination of others making up the rest.
New Orleans
With Chris Ivory now with the Jets, the Saints running game is divided between Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas and in my opinion, both have fantasy value. What about Darren Sproles? He may see some carries, but the majority of his value comes as a receiver. Until proven otherwise, I see Ingram and Thomas as flex options at the very least. Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston are known, every week starters with Lance Moore on the fringe. There are four other potential fantasy wide receivers in Nick Toon, Kenny Stills, Joseph Morgan and newly signed Robert Meachem, but I wouldn't rely on any to be a consistent threat.
NY Giants
David Wilson is a play maker with the ability to turn any run into a long gain. The window of time he has while Andre Brown mends is plenty of time to establish himself as one of the league's better running backs. Wilson has a clear path to a Top 10 season, now all he needs to do is go out and do it. I am staying away from Hakeem Nicks this year, despite it being a contract year for him. Reports suggest he has lost a step and that repeated injuries are the main culprit. I would not be surprised if Reuben Randle plays his way into more playing time, thus diminishing Nicks' role. Brandon Myers is an underrated tight end, but I also don't see him topping 50 receptions this year. I see him as a serviceable fantasy option, but not someone to rely on week to week.
NY Jets
There really isn't much to talk about with regarding the Jets. Chris Ivory may be the best fantasy option and even he is starting to lose any luster he had. I am interested to see what Stephen Hill can do. If the Jets are truly going to be a bad team, they'll be playing from behind a lot, which benefits Hill. I don't particularly like his match up this week against Darrelle Revis and the Bucs, but keep an eye on the Jets most talented receiver.
Oakland
The Raiders are forced to start Terrelle Pryor after their poor offseason management of finding a new quarterback after Carson Palmer left for greener pastures. Pryor may not be a great NFL quarterback, but his rushing ability and propensity for throwing a lot of passes, make him a fantasy option worth monitoring. Darren McFadden still has the same upright running style that has seen him suffer a battery of injuries. He has the ability to put up good fantasy numbers when healthy, so ride him while you can.
Philadelphia
All eyes on Michael Vick and the offensive strategies of Chip Kelly. I can see Vick being a Top 5 quarterback this year or a outside the Top 20. This situation may be the most monitored position from a fantasy sense this year. If Vick produces, so too will his receivers, most notably DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek, in my opinion. If he doesn't, expect mediocre results from that group. LeSean McCoy has a concussion history, which is why Bryce Brown is a very good handcuff. If McCoy manages to stay healthy all year, he could be poised for a highly productive season.
Pittsburgh
The Steelers may struggle this year, or they may not. The RBBC approach has me concerned, but I like what the receiving corps has turned into after Mike Wallace has moved on. If Pittsburgh uses Markus Wheaton like they did in the preseason, he could turn into a weekly flex option at the very least. I do think Heath Miller (knee) will help the offense tremendously once he's able to return to the lineup, after an offseason of rehab. The running game will probably be the determining factor behind the success of the offense this year. Without it, the passing game could suffer. Antonio Brown is a must start fantasy option with Emmanuel Sanders getting flex option consideration.
San Diego
Vincent Brown did not exactly cement his role as the team's go-to receiving threat this preseason, but that doesn't mean he won't produce in the regular season. Right now I see Brown emerging as the WR1, but I can also see a conglomeration of him, Malcom Floyd and Keenan Allen being a joint effort where neither really has the upper hand as a fantasy threat. We'll see what week one brings. Antonio Gates appeared to diminish last year. I don't see that magically coming back. Ladarius Green is someone to watch as a potential emerging tight end threat. Ryan Mathews looked very good in the preseason, running below pad level, displaying quick feet and elusiveness. Maybe last year was a fluke season for him? Can he shake the injury prone label? Time will tell. Those of you who have Danny Woodhead, keep him on your roster and watch what Mike McCoy has in store for him. I can see him being used as a joker-type of receiver, similar to how San Diego used Darren Sproles in his time with the Chargers.
Seattle
Marshawn Lynch is the main rushing threat for the Seahawks, but the talent level of Christine Michael and Robert Turbin could mean fewer carries over the long haul this year. If Lynch gets dinged up, you can bet we'll see Michael and Turbin contributing. For those of you expecting to see more from Russell Wilson in year two - I'm right there with you. I think we will see more from him, which elevates his standing as one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in the league. Wilson has Top 5 capabilities. Being on a winning team definitely helps matters. Golden Tate was likely drafted as a WR4 or later, but my expectations of him are WR2 numbers.
San Francisco
I don't see the 49ers game plan changing much in Colin Kaepernick's second year as the starting quarterback. There's a reason why the 49ers went to the Super Bowl (and nearly won it), Kaepernick is a good quarterback with skills that make him a very good fantasy option. The 49ers are a run first team, led by Frank Gore. He's a RB2 option capable of putting up good numbers any given week. I have a hard time believing Anquan Boldin will be the only fantasy relevant wide receiver on the team. Someone else is bound to step up and contribute and it could be rookie Quinton Patton.
St. Louis
The Rams could be so excited about rookie WR Tavon Austin that they have yet to unleash him as a weapon for the league to see. I would not be shocked to see him have a rather substantial role in the Rams offense for week one against the Cardinals. Another receiver that I see emerging as a legit threat is Chris Givens. He showed flashes of brilliance last year as well as this preseason. If you have him on your team, try to get him into your starting lineup this week. Daryl Richardson is the running back to own in St. Louis, but I don't necessarily see consistent success from him this year. He's a good, but not great flex option that I have in my "we'll see" category.
Tampa Bay
Doug Martin is looking to build on his impressive rookie season. The Bucs want to get him the ball as much as they can, which means he'll be on the field for all three downs. As a result he should accumulate several 3-4+ catch games in addition to his rushing prowess. Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams are 1a and 1b receiving options. The Bucs don't have a go-to tight end option, which is what makes Jackson and Williams hot fantasy options. Both should be started every week.
Tennessee
The Titans will try to make the game easier for quarterback Jake Locker. By improving the OL in the offseason, Locker is better protected, but most importantly, the running game can flourish. I believe Chris Johnson has another big season in him and we may see it this year. Word is that Nate Washington is the number two wide receiver behind Kenny Britt. I'm not sure how long that will last, Kendall Wright is a more talented receiver who has shown he can be successful when called upon. Perhaps Washington's promotion is until Wright (knee) is fully healthy. Monitor this battle for playing time closely. Wright is someone I see improving on his impressive rookie season.
Washington
Two Redskins have my eye this year. Pierre Garcon and Fred Davis. Both should dominate the team's targets and be the first and second option for Robert Griffin. I am not crazy about Alfred Morris this year. In order for him to have fantasy success, he'll have to equal his performance from last year. He's not sneaking up on anyone and we already know he is not considered a receiving threat. If he doesn't score often, his fantasy value will be minimal and not at all consistent. If there's one running back I see regressing this year, it's Morris.
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