Ohio State
Quarterback
The incredibly hyped quarterback battle between Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett will come down to the wire and the winner may not be announced officially before the first game. Barrett is the favorite to win the job as his rushing ability and top-notch intangibles give him the edge over Jones (whose trump card could be his cannon of an arm). Barrett would put up the bigger fantasy numbers as he is dangerous on designed runs and is also a productive passer and projects as a top 10 fantasy QB and top weekly option. Jones might put up slightly better passing numbers, but he would not get his own number called in the run game as often and projects just inside the top 20 should he win the job. With a Jones-led offense expected to feature fewer QB-runs, his being named starter would have a positive fantasy impact on the other offensive weapons for the Buckeyes.
Running Back
The Buckeyes offensive line returns four starters and should be one of the best in the country, especially as run blockers. The unit will pave the way for Heisman-candidate Ezekiel Elliott at running back. Elliott exploded onto the scene with 200+ rushing yards in each of the final three games of 2014 (against three top defenses) and could flirt with 2,000 rushing yards in 2015. Should J.T. Barrett emerge as the starting QB as expected, the question will be how much of Elliott’s late surge was due to the improvement of a very young OL and how much was due to Elliott’s increased usage (and success) with Cardale Jones behind center. Expect Elliott to put up big numbers with either QB, but he could be especially productive paired with Jones, who is less of a runner and whose big arm keeps the Safeties deep. The backup will be veteran Bri’onte Dunn but freshman Mike Weber could challenge for the #2 job soon after he returns from a knee injury in mid-September.
Wide Receiver
The Buckeyes may be too deep at WR for any one player to put up big fantasy numbers. The underrated Michael Thomas is poised to have another productive season after leading the Buckeyes in receptions in 2014. However, with all the other mouths to feed, Thomas may not see much of an increase from the 5 targets per game he saw in 2014 and ranks just outside the top 70 at the WR position nationally in our preseason fantasy rankings. Speedster Jalin Marshall also returns and should be able to hang onto a starting job (though he is suspended Week 1) and has some attractiveness in GPPs due to his big-play ability. The biggest story at the position is the conversion of Braxton Miller from QB to H-Back (which is a slot WR who is used about equally in the run and the passing game). Miller should get a handful of carries or “pop passes” (basically a handoff but counts as a reception) per game in addition to a few opportunities as a WR. His ability to take it the distance on any play makes him an intriguing boom/bust fantasy option and strong GPP play. Sophomores Noah Brown and Curtis Samuel should see the field often and Corey Smith, Dontre Wilson, Johnnie Dixon, Torrance Gibson and others should also be involved in the offense.
Tight End
Nick Vannett is a talented pass catcher ranked as one of the top NFL prospects at his position, but there are probably too many other options on offense for Vannett to average more than about two receptions per game.
Defense
The Buckeyes were a top 20 defense in yards against and return 7 starters and a number of key backups. The defense had some early struggles against the pass in 2014 while adjusting to a new scheme, but improved as the season progressed and were able to finish ranked 29th in passing yardage despite often playing from ahead. The rushing defense was inconsistent but should improve in 2015.
Michigan State
Quarterback
The Spartans have the two most important pieces in place to again sport a top 15 offense: an elite offensive line and a top-notch quarterback in Connor Cook. The line returns All-American Center Jack Allen and star LT Brian Conklin in addition to a number of other talented and experienced players. Cook spurned the NFL to return for his senior season after putting up 3,214 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in 2014. While Cook has been extremely efficient and may be asked to take on a bit more of the offensive load in 2014, this is still a run-first offense and thus Cook ranks only 60th in our preseason QB rankings.
Running Back
The Spartans ran for 235 yards per game and amassed 44 rushing touchdowns in 2014. Despite the loss of star RB Jeremy Langford (1,522 yards and 22 TDs) and to the NFL and backup RB Nick Hill, the offense projects to put up similar rushing numbers in 2015 due to the talented OL that features a number of mauling run blockers. The question will be whether a true lead back emerges to replace Langford (and become a top fantasy runner) or whether the Spartans feature more of a committee approach with the bulk of the carries split two or three ways. There are a number of candidates including talented true freshman LJ Scott, redshirt freshman Madre London, redshirt sophomore Gerald Holmes and veteran Delton Williams. London may be the best bet early in the season while Scott could emerge as the top option midway through the season if he can quickly adjust to the college game. It’s probably a situation to avoid until a clear picture of the pecking order emerges after a few games.
Wide Receiver
Despite losing their top two WRs, the Spartans return a wealth of experience at the position with upperclassmen Aaron Burbridge, Macgarrett Kings Jr., DeAnthony Arnett and R.J. Shelton all expected to be involved. However, unless one of these four can really separate from the pack, there doesn’t appear to be much fantasy value here as none currently project as top 100 fantasy WRs due to more of a committee approach.
Tight End
Josiah Price is a talented all-around TE who excels as a blocker and receiver. He is more of a downfield threat than underneath target as evidenced by his 55% catch rate and 14.7 yards per catch in 2014. Price projects as a top 20 fantasy option at the position with the potential to finish even higher if he becomes more of a threat in the red zone.
Defense
The Spartans defense ranked just outside of the top 20 nationally in 2014 and should rank similarly in 2015. Michigan State must replace long-time coordinator Pat Narduzzi, star CB Trae Waynes and their two best LBs (including Ed Davis who tore his ACL in camp). The team has built enviable depth, especially upfront though. While the Spartans shut down most of their opponents in 2014, they did struggle mightily against top offenses (giving up 40+ to Oregon, Ohio State and Baylor). Avoid most weeks, but top spread offenses can do some damage.
Nebraska
Quarterback
Tommy Armstrong Jr. is a nice fantasy option due to the his rushing ability and he should average more than 70 rushing yards per contest and could approach double-digit rushing touchdowns on the season. Armstrong also has a big arm and is a capable passer and may be able to take another step forward under QB-friendly new coach Mike Riley. Overall, Armstrong should be a top 25 fantasy QB.
Running Back
The Huskers are likely to use a committee approach at the position led by Terrell Newby and Mikale Wilbon. Veteran Imani Cross could have a role, especially near the goal line and true freshman Devine Ozigbo could force his way into the rotation as well. While the backs are likely to see increased usage in the passing game in the new offense, the touches might be spread too thin for any of the backs to emerge as a strong fantasy option.
Wide Receiver
Breakout candidate Demornay Pierson-El suffered an injury this week and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a foot injury. When he returns mid-season, the explosive WR and elite punt returner could be an impact player if he can quickly shake off the rust. Prior to the injury, Pierson-El projected to be a top 75 national WR and Nebraska’s top fantasy option at the position. In his absence, Jordan Westerkamp should be the clear lead receiver and a top 60 WR nationally. With a number of the backup WRs battling injuries as well, Westerkamp could have an especially fast start early in the season.
Tight End
Cethan Carter is the top TE but is not likely to be a fantasy relevant player.
Defense
The defense has struggled mightily stopping the run against top competition in recent years (see Melvin Gordon’s 400 yard performance in 2014) and ranked 80th against the run last season. New coordinator Mark Banker’s Oregon State defenses also were weak against the run so despite 6 returning starters and a focus on improving the run defense, the Huskers could again give up big numbers to opposing rushers. The defense was much stingier against the pass.
Wisconsin
Quarterback
Senior Joel Stave is immobile and threw only 9 touchdowns (against 10 interceptions) last season. He is one of the nation’s worst fantasy options at QB.
Running Back
Corey Clement takes over the lead role from star Melvin Gordon and will keep the tradition of elite rushing production at Wisconsin alive. Clement is a talented junior who has impressed in a backup role the past two seasons. He averaged 6.5 YPC and rushed for 949 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. With Gordon’s 2,606 rushing yards and 29 TDs gone to the NFL, Clement’s upside is immense. While a rebuilt OL (that has been hit by injuries in training camp) may keep Clement from equaling Gordon’s epic production, he still projects as a top 5 fantasy RB in 2015 and should put up approximately 150 rushing yards per game and could approach 20 total touchdowns. Taiwan Deal and Dare Ogunbowale are locked in a tight competition for the backup job and if one of the two emerges as the clear #2, he could have fantasy value against weaker opponents (as Clement did last season).
Wide Receiver
Senior Alex Erickson is the top receiver and had 55 catches for 772 yards and 3 touchdowns last season and should put up similar numbers this season. Wisconsin scores it’s touchdowns on the ground so the passing game can safely be ignored.
Tight End
Tony Fumagalli projects for 29 receptions and 374 yards, but only 4 touchdowns due to Wisonsin’s powerful red zone rushing offense.
Defense
The Badgers’ defense should be avoided. The offensive style makes their solid D (25th in advanced stats) appear even tougher (4th overall in yards against). Seven starters, including star Safety Michael Caputo, return
Indiana
Quarterback
Nate Sudfeld went down with a season-ending injury in Indiana’s 6th game last season and the team went in the tank without an experienced backup option. Sudfeld returns and the Indiana passing offense should be much improved (Sudfeld projects to pass for 2,851 yards and 15 TDs) after struggling mightily at times in 2014. There is some potential upside here as the Hoosier’s led the B1G in passing yards (307 per game) in 2013, but the complete lack of experience at WR tempers enthusiasm for Sudfeld’s prospects.
Running Back
The offensive line returns four players with at least 11 career starts and the group has a total of 103 starts. It should be improved over 2014’s solid unit that paved the way for a rushing attack that ranked 10th nationally. Star back Tevin Coleman is off to the NFL but the Hoosiers have a highly talented replacement waiting in the wings in UAB transfer Jordan Howard. Howard rushed for 1,600 yards last season for the Blazers and possesses a nice combination of size (6’1, 225) and explosiveness. The rushing offense might regress slightly without the big-play ability of Coleman but still projects to put up big numbers. We project Howard as the #25 RB with 1,484 yards and 16 rushing TDs.
Wide Receiver
The Hoosiers do not return a single receiver who caught more than 8 passes last season and will likely use a committee approach early in the season after top option J-Shun Harris went down with a torn ACL in July. There’s not much to see here from a fantasy perspective. Dominique Booth could be the top perimeter option in the passing game, but the sophomore has much to prove after averaging less than 4 yards per target on his 19 targets last season. Tiny walk-on WR Mitchell Paige (5’7, 160) will start in the slot and could emerge as Sudfeld’s favorite target.
Tight End
The Hoosiers return their top three TEs from 2014 but the trio combined for only 10 receptions.
Defense
Indiana’s relatively fast-paced offense and overall lack of talent on defense make them a worthy target. The Hoosiers ranked 95th overall in yards allowed and were only slightly better against the run than against the pass. The Hoosiers lost their four best DBs (including recently dismissed S Antonio Allen), so the pass defense could be even worse in 2015.
Rutgers
Quarterback
Hayden Rettig appears to have won a very close QB-competition over Chris Laviano (in part due to Laviano being suspended for the first half of the first game). Rettig is a 6’3 210 LSU transfer with a big arm and above average accuracy. But as an inexperienced pocket passer on a balanced offense, Rettig shouldn’t be much of a factor in fantasy.
Running Back
Paul James should be able to win his starting job back as he works his way back from a torn ACL suffered early in the 2014 season. James has had a tough time staying healthy throughout his career, but when on the field has shown well. He is a powerful 215-pound back with decent speed and projects for just over 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015. Rutgers has a solid offensive line and will focus on rushing the ball, but there must be some concern from a fantasy perspective that Rutgers’ enviable RB depth (Desmon Peoples, Robert Martin, Justin Goodwin and Josh Hicks have all flashed at time) could lead to more of a RBBC approach.
Wide Receiver
Leonte Carroo is Rutgers’ star WR and passed up an opportunity to leave early for the NFL after putting up 1,068 receiving yards as a junior. Carroo is the clearcut #1 fantasy WR I the B1G for 2015 and ranks 18th in the preseason WR rankings nationally. Carroo is suspended for the 1st half of the Week 1 game against Norfolk State due to curfew violations however. Janarion Grant and Andre Patton are next up on the depth chart, but unlikely to be fantasy options at any point.
Tight End
Tyler Kroft was the 3rd TE off the board in the 2015 NFL draft and a talented pass catcher early in his career but in Rutgers’ newly installed 2014 offense he was essentially a non-factor as an offensive weapon. New starter Nick Arcidiacono is unlikely to fare better and is not a fantasy option.
Defense
The Rutgers defense struggled mightily against the run (108th in yards allowed) and wasn’t too much better against the pass (71st). The Defensive line is undersized and teams with big, powerful offensive lines are able to bludgeon them.
Illinois
Quarterback
Wes Lunt is the prototype pocket passer with great size and a big arm. We project Lunt to put up 3,552 passing yards and 26 touchdowns but his lack of mobility (negative rushing yards) limits his overall fantasy value somewhat. The Illini are a pass-heavy team and involve their RBs heavily in the pass game, so Lunt could put up a fair number of 300-yard passing games.
Running Back
Josh Ferguson is the returning starter and the senior has a jitterbug style that has proved effective. He makes his biggest impact as a receiver out of the backfield and he should put up at least 50 receptions for the third straight season. Overall, Ferguson ranks 48th in our preseason RB rankings. Talented true freshman Ke’Shawn Vaughn is the backup and could be an impact player should Ferguson be injured.
Wide Receiver
Mike Dudek was a freshman All-American and led the B1G in receiving yards during conference play in 2014, but tore his ACL early in the spring. He may be able to return in October but would be unlikely to play at full strength. Geronimo Allison and Justin Hardee are the top two returning WRs and have plenty of fantasy potential with Lunt’s big arm. Hardee is out with an ankle injury but should be able to return in Week 3 or 4. The 6’4 Allison should be targeted especially heavily in the early part of the season with Hardee and Dudek out and could be a nice fantasy against weak passing defenses.
Tight End
The Illini’s rarely use the TE in the passing game.
Defense
The Illini sported a competent pass defense in 2014, but the run defense was atrocious (ranking 118th in yardage). Part of the disparity was simply due to Illinois playing from behind after getting off to a number of slow starts. The Illini do return most of their key defenders, so it’s likely they see some modest improvement.
Minnesota
Quarterback
Junio Mitch Leidner returns as the starting QB but will be without his top weapon from 2014, TE Maxx Williams. While we project him to throw for just under 2,000 yards and only 12 passing touchdowns, Leidner could be a fantasy option in favorable matchups due to his rushing ability. We project Leidner to score 12 rushing touchdowns and rush for 660 yards, which helps make him our 49th ranked QB.
Running Back
Rodrick Williams steps in as the starter with David Cobb off to the NFL. We project the powerful 5’11, 234 pound Williams to rush for 1,274 yards and 14 touchdowns. He ranks as our #38 RB in the nation. Minnesota’s offensive line starters are all entering their fourth or fifth seasons in the program and should open up plenty of holes for Williams.
Wide Receiver
KJ Maye and Drew Wolitarsky are experienced options at WR, but the Gophers passing offense is not potent enough for any WR to make a fantasy impact.
Tight End
Nate Wozniak (a 6’10, 270 pound sophomore) is competing with Brandon Lingen for a starting role. Neither project to make much of an impact as receivers despite the big numbers Maxx Williams put up at the position last season.
Defense
The Gophers were much more stingy against the pass (18th in yardage) than against the run (76th in yardage), but the advanced stats tell a different story with the rushing defense rated 37th and the passing defense 53rd. With 7 starters returning, the defense should again be a solid top 50 overall unit.
Iowa
Quarterback
C.J. Beathard takes over for Jake Rudock after winning the job late in the season (which prompted Rudock to transfer to Michigan). He did average 5.6 yards per carry last season and his rushing ability could make him an option in especially favorable matchups. While Iowa always seems to reload on the offensive line and has consistently sent linemen to the NFL, 2015 may prove an exception. The loss of LT Brandon Scherff in particular has really hurt the entire offense. The replacement options at LT have performed poorly and the line overall has really struggled in practices, especially in protecting the passer. Iowa’s balanced offense, lack of depth at WR and mediocre line combine to make Beathard a mediocre fantasy option and he is our 95th ranked player at the QB position.
Running Back
Despite only 51 carries in his first two seasons at Iowa, Leshun Daniels Jr. won the starting job in camp fairly easily over the more experienced Jordan Canzeri. The 6’0 225 pound back has been praised for his combination of size, speed and intelligence by the coaching staff. Iowa hasn’t produced a 1,000-yard rusher in any of the past three seasons but Daniels has a decent chance of eclipsing that mark if he can stay healthy as the coaching staff hopes to lean on him heavily.
Wide Receiver
Tevaun Smith is Iowa’s star at WR and clear #1 option. However, he only ranks as our 96th WR due to Iowa’s conservative offense. The issues on the offensive line could limit Smith’s homerun ability as Iowa will have to get the ball out quickly against teams with edge rushing talent.
Tight End
Jake Duzey is a speedy bit play threat but he tore his patellar tendon and is out until October at the very earliest. Even after he returns, he will have to prove he has fully recovered his speed before trusting him in your lineup. George Kittle takes his place temporarily and is also fast, but unproven.
Defense
Iowa returns seven starters on defense and should be stout against the pass with a talented secondary and top pass rusher in Drew Ott (ranked 7th in passing yardage in 2014). Some of that success is due to the run-heavy division they play in though and the pass defense could get exposed against better competition. While the run defense may not be as strong as in past seasons, it should at least be solid.
Penn State
Quarterback
Christian Hackenberg is a highly talented junior who could end up as the #1 pick in the NFL draft. However, despite his fame, we don’t project him to have much fantasy value. The Penn State offensive line was a wreck last year, allowing 44 sacks. While improvement is expected, Hackenberg is still likely to end up with almost -200 rushing yards on his stat sheet. We project Hackenberg as our #74 QB with 3,515 passing yards and 25 touchdowns.
Running Back
Akeel Lynch is the only back on the Nittany Lions’ roster who has taken a carry in a college game and is the favorite to be the lead back. We rank Lynch as our 56th best back and project 1,123 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns for the junior. If Lynch can improve as a pass blocker, he may be able to stay on the field enough to put up even bigger numbers. He was abused multiple times last season and had a role in the team surrendering almost four sacks per game and he could easily find himself as part of a true committee if he does not make progress protecting Hackenberg. Saquon Barkley has been one of the primary standouts amongst the big group of freshmen vying to backup Lynch and at a squat 215-pounds brings an element of physicality to the backfield.
Wide Receiver
Penn State has two top 50 options at WR in Daesean Hamilton and Geno Lewis with Hamilton (#45) narrowly edging out Lewis (#48) in our preseason rankings. Hamilton led the B1G in receptions last season with 82 and had some big games against good competition (14 catches for 126 yards against Ohio State), but he only found the end zone twice. Hamilton must improve as a deep threat to truly emerge as an elite receiver and he is focused upon increasing his YPC and touchdown totals in 2015. Hamilton played hurt during parts of the 2014 season, so there is reason for optimism regarding his upside. Geno Like Hamilton, Lewis only found the end zone twice in 2014. The junior projects to be the second option in the Nittany Lions’ passing offense. The emergence of young WRs like Chris Godwin could lead to Hackenberg spreading the ball around a bit more and the development of the youngsters may limit the upside of the top two options as Hackenberg will be able to look for the open man instead of force-feeding Hamilton and Lewis.
Tight End
Adam Breneman is a talented former top recruit, but his progress has been slow in coming back from a 2014 knee injury. Breneman’s knee injury opened the door last year for true freshman Mike Gesicki to play a major role. While Gesicki’s stats were modest, he showed flashes of elite potential and could be poised for a breakout sophomore season in 2015. Gesicki is 6’6, 252 and has a 40” vertical leap. Due to the presence of Breneman and Kyle Carter, Gesicki might not get enough playing time to put up big numbers, but the talent is certainly there if he gets the opportunity. We currently rank Gesicki our 30th TE, but he could ascend quickly if things click for him.
Defense
Penn State is a defense to avoid after ranking top 10 in every category last season and showing the potential to be even better in 2015.
Michigan
Quarterback
Jake Rudock should emerge as the starter out of fall camp as indications from practice are he is easily outpacing Shane Morris in the battle for the starting job. Rudock has plenty of experience but is known as a game-manager who likes to check down to his underneath options. He does have underrated athleticism and will pick up some yardage on QB scrambles. The lack of speed at the WR position, run-first mentality and Michigan’s slow pace of play keep Rudock from having any real fantasy value though.
Running Back
The competition between DeVeon Smith, Ty Isaac, Derrick Green, Drake Johnson and others could extend into the regular season. Smith appears to be the top back heading into Week 1 based upon practice reports. Isaac and Green are primarily sharing reps with the 2nd team. While Johnson is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last November, his recovery is progressing well and he could be the favorite for the lead back role later in the season when he returns to 100%. If DeVeon Smith can emerge as a true workhorse back, he could have some sneaky fantasy value. Better coaching should lead to a much-improved offensive line (which returns plenty of size and experience) and Jim Harbaugh and OC Tim Drevno have had success in the past designing highly effective college running games.
Wide Receiver
The wide receiver position is relatively deep with Amara Darboh, Jehu Chesson, Freddy Canteen, Drake Harris, Maurice Ways, Grant Perry and others all expected to contribute. But none profile as big-play threats or elite offensive weapons. With a run-heavy offense, a talented TE and no true #1 WR, this is a position that can be safely ignored in fantasy.
Tight End
The most fantasy-relevant player on the Michigan offense should be TE Jake Butt. The Harbaugh offense has consistently featured the tight end position (especially at Stanford) and Butt is also the most dynamic offensive weapon on the team with a strong combination of size and speed. Harbaugh has praised him as the most talented TE he has coached (and he coached a couple current NFL starters in Zack Ertz and Coby Fleener). We currently project Butt as the #11 fantasy TE and he has the potential to rank even higher if the Michigan offense shows real improvement.
Defense
The Wolverines defense benefitted from the incredibly slow pace of the offense last season (3rd slowest team in the nation), but even if the pace of play picks up a bit, this should still be a defense to avoid. The Wolverines are experienced, well coached and have some talented individual players.
Maryland
Quarterback
Perry Hills has emerged late in fall camp as the likely starter for Maryland. He shouldn’t be considered as a fantasy option and ranks #120 in our preseason rankings.
Running Back
Maryland averaged less than 130 rushing yards per game in 2014, but Randy Edsall has indicated that he would like one back to emerge and receive the bulk of the carries so there is some modest upside for whoever wins the starting job. As fall camp winds down, it appears Brandon Ross has a slight lead over Wes Brown for the job. Ross needs to prove he can protect the football to earn the starting role.
Wide Receiver
The Terps lost four of their top 6 receivers from 2014 and have very little experience at the position. Amba Etta-Tawo could be the top outside threat and Taivon Jacobs could be a weapon from the slot. There’s not much here to get excited about from a fantasy perspective.
Tight End
The returning starter had three receiving yards last season.
Defense
The Wolverines had a solid defense (especially in overall yards against) in 2014 that should take a step forward and be even better in 2015. Avoid this defense whenever possible.
Northwestern
Quarterback
Pat Fitzgerald has remained steadfast in his plan to not name a starting QB prior to his week one matchup against Stanford and he has succeeded in keeping a tight lid on information. The best guess is redshirt freshman Clayton Thorson wins the job. While none of the competitors for the starting job is likely to be much of a fantasy option (none project in the top 100), Thorson has the most upside due to his ability to run the read-option offense. Northwestern does play fast (#20 in adjusted pace), so a rushing QB in the offense could perhaps emerge as a situational play against the weakest competition.
Running Back
Sophomore Justin Jackson is one of the top fantasy options in the Big Ten. As a true freshman, he rushed for 1,187 and 10 touchdowns. But he really emerged down the stretch with 100+ yards in 6 of the final 8 games and at least 130 rushing yards in each of the final 3 contests. Jackson has been able to pack on some much needed weight in the offseason so he could be even more impactful in his sophomore season. Jackson ranks as our #22 back in the preseason based on a projection of 1,377 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns (with another 207 yards coming through the air on 23 receptions). Warren Long should be the backup, but this is Jackson’s show and he will receive nearly all of the carries. The Wildcats lose three of their top offensive lineman from 2014, but due to injuries, they do have four returning upperclassmen with at least eight starts under their belt. The line can’t be much worse than it was in 2014. It didn’t stop Jackson from putting up big numbers down the stretch and shouldn’t in 2015 either.
Wide Receiver
Christian Jones sat out 2014 with a medical redshirt after tearing his ACL during fall camp. He was productive in 2013 (54 catches for 668 yards) and with Northwestern’s top two WRs having graduated, Jones will be expected to lead the Wildcats in receiving this season. Jones is 6’3 and 230 pounds with solid hands and decent route-running ability. He should put up similar or slightly better stats in 2015 if he can show he is fully recovered more than 12 months after his knee injury. Cameron Dickerson and Solomon Vault are the other starters, but neither is expected to be fantasy relevant.
Tight End
Dan Vitale is listed as a TE but plays a position unique to Northwester called the “Superback.” He is part FB, part TE, and part slot WR. He was inconsistent in 2014 with some big games (7 for 114 vs. Penn State and 5 for 101 vs. California) and also some games where he was used almost exclusively as a blocker. Overall, he hauled in 40 catches for 402 yards and 2 touchdowns. We project similar numbers this year of 44 reception, 449 yards and 3 touchdowns (TE #17), but if Northwestern decides they want to get Vitale more involved as a receiver, he has the talent to be one of the nation’s top fantasy producers at the TE position.
Defense
The Northwestern defense was average across the board in 2014 ranking 54th in yardage and 48th by the advanced metrics. They do return most of a strong secondary (including a pair of good veteran CBs) and their defensive line, so they should make modest improvements in 2015.
Purdue
Quarterback
Austin Appleby should soon be announced as the starting QB and Appleby’s experience will allow the Boilermakers to play at a faster tempo this season. Appleby doesn’t have fantasy value as he threw more interceptions than touchdowns last season and Purdue ranked just 103rd nationally in passing yards.
Running Back
Purdue’s top two backs have moved on leaving Keyante Green as the only returning runner who received a carry in 2014 but sophomore D.J. Knox will be the man in the Boilermakers backfield. Knox is a 5-7 197 pound speedster who packs a surprisingly powerful punch for a player his size. Knox also excels as a receiver out of the backfield and could replicate Akeem Hunt’s 48-reception total from 2014. The Boilermakers return their entire two-deep along the line and the experience and depth should provide a real boost for a rushing offense that ranked 73rd in yardage last season.
Wide Receiver
Speedy Danny Anthrop emerged as Purdue’s go-to WR in 2014 and put up 616 yards on 38 catches. His 9.9 yards per target should earn him even more looks in 2015 and he is the only Purdue receiver on the fantasy radar at all, though he ranks outside our top 100 nationally.
Tight End
The Boilermakers are extremely young and inexperienced at the TE position and neither Jordan Jurasevich or Matt Burke is expected to have any fantasy value.
Defense
The Boilermakers defense ranked only 82nd in yardage last season and was especially weak against the run. But they suffered an unusual amount of injuries and return 7 starters and should see some modest improvement and be about an average unit nationally.