For the next 32 straight days, I'll be going through the entire NFL and previewing each team from a fantasy perspective. Let's face it: what those of us who are really (and I mean REALLY) serious about our fantasy football championships want to know is who we can start keeping tabs on to make the most out of our fantasy football draft (which is right around the corner).
Many of us are ready for some FOOTBALL! (sorry . . . couldn't help myself; the NFL royalty fee is in the mail). So, here's a stroll down NFL fantasy lane to see what we can expect from each team this season.
NFC West (Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals)
Seattle Seahawks Fantasy Preview:
The biggest thing you will notice this year is the absence of Shawn Alexander. Just a few years ago, this guy was your NFL MVP. A few offensive line defections, a bad foot injury, and too many carries have led Mr. Alexander to the scrap heap today, as he was released in the offseason and replaced with (hold your breath here) Julius Jones from the Dallas Cowboys and TJ Duckett from Detroit. With a retooled offensive line and a new line coach, the Seahawks look to completely rework their running game. That could be interesting. This looks like it could be yet another running back by committee, with Maurice Morris still in the mix. Matt Hasselbeck should once again be a top 10 QB, and hopefully this will be the year that Deion Branch stays healthy for the entire year. With the loss of DJ Hackett, this could also be the opportunity Nate Burleson needs to step up and be a key fantasy contributor. Also, gone is long time fantasy mainstay kicker Josh Brown, who was replaced by Olindo Mare from New Orleans.
The defense again looks solid after returning standout linebackers Lofa Tatupu and Julian Peterson, and cornerback Marcus Trufant. This defense could be a value pick late in your fantasy football draft.
There were no rookies drafted that should make much of a fantasy impact this year, although John Carlson (TE, Notre Dame 6'6", 255lbs, 2nd rd pick) could be a good one down the road.
Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Julius Jones, RB
If he gets enough carries and the revamped offensive line comes together, he could have a breakout season and be a strong #2 RB. However, when he got the chance in Dallas last year to show what he could do, he was pretty underwhelming even behind a good offensive line. Still, if he is ever going to show that he has what it takes to carry a team's running game, this is the year.
Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Olindo Mare, K
I had high hopes for Mare in the New Orleans offense last year, but not only did the offense not meet its 2006-2007 level of production, Olindo Mare just wasn't very good. Maybe a change of scenery will help this year, but I think he's on the downside of his career, and kicking conditions don't get much better than they were in New Orleans.
Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Matt Hasselbeck, QB
Matt Hasselbeck is consistently in the top 10 in production each year, but he is always a mid round draft pick or lower. You could do much worse than Hasselbeck as your #1 QB if you don't snag Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, and the draft value he carries will allow you to load up on top tier wide receivers or running backs.
Tomorrow: San Francisco 49ers
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