NFC North (Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings)
Chicago Bears Fantasy Preview:
The Chicago Bears provided fantasy football owners and Chicago Bears fans with some colossal disappointments last season. From highly touted (and highly drafted) RB Cedric Benson (who was recently released, btw, just in case you were living under a rock) who was a huge fantasy football bust to QB Rex Grossman who temporarily lost his starting job to WR Bernard Berrian (who simply didn't have anyone to consistently get him the ball), there was plenty of disappointment to go around. Even K Robbie Gould had a down season compared to 2006. Only WR/KR Devin Hester and the Bears defense came through last year, and Should do so again this year. The QB situation is still a mess, with strong armed, but grossly (pun intended) inaccurate Rex Grossman the starter and Kyle Orton backing him up. Gone are WR Mushin Muhammad (back to Carolina), RB Cedric Benson (released because he couldn't stay off the sauce) and WR Bernard Berrian (Minnesota). New faces this season include WR Marty Booker (Miami) and WR Brandon Lloyd (Washington). Time will tell if these guys can gel with WR Mark Bradley and TE Greg Olsen. Newly drafted RB Matt Forte takes over for Benson along with RB Adrian Peterson (the other one) and possibly newly signed (but still on the mend) RB Kevin Jones (Detroit). Will any of these guys make this offense perform any better than last year? Again, time will tell. Are any of these guys draftable in this offense with this offensive line? Well, I wouldn't mortgage the farm for any of them, including Forte.
The Bears defense is the strength of this team, and if KR/WR Devin Hester's stats are part of the defense in your league, this should still be a highly sought after unit. The bears should get a healthy LB Brian Urlacher and LB Lance Briggs returning, although they lost S Adam Archuletta, DT Darin Walker and LB Brendon Ayanbadejo. Even with these defections, this is still a top 5 defense, and should be drafted accordingly.
This draft may make or break the Bears, as 2nd rd pick RB Matt Forte has been handed the starting job. As Forte goes, the Bears offense may go, considering this is a run-oriented offense. Forte was a beast at Tulane last year (2,127 yards rushing), and could really spark this offense to great things. However, if the offensive line doesn't open some holes for him, he might as well be Cedric Benson (ok. not really). 3rd Rd pick Earl Bennett (Vanderbilt) has a chance to grab some playing time on this team with the players in front of him, but I think he's still a year or two away from fantasy respectability. Snag Forte in the mid to later rounds of your draft if he's available, but leave Bennett on the waiver wire.
Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Rex Grossman, QB
I'm going out on a limb here, and even though I don't like him very much, I think this might be the year that Rex Grossman gets his act together. The coaching staff has been working on his decision making this offseason, and he has some good (not great, but good) targets that can get open and catch the ball. If these guys come together and Grossman takes just a decent step forward, he will be worthy of at least a bench spot. Since I don't expect much from this offense, that would be a surprise to me!
Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Matt Forte, RB
Don't get me wrong. I like Forte. I think he has the tools to be a good one. However, I don't like the fact that he's being forced to take the starting role in this offense. It doesn't look much like a recipe for success, and until Rex Grossman proves he can keep defenses honest, it just doesn't bode well for the rookie. I think Forte will be decent to good this season, but I think a good #2 RB is probably his ceiling for this year. Draft him, just don't over draft him because he's now the starter on this team.
Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Bears Defense
On this team, about the only one you can reasonably rely on to produce is the Bears defense, and I'm just not comfortable picking anyone else to produce on this team until I see something. If you're spending a precious draft pick on a Chicago Bear, make sure its the defense. Anyone else will be a crap-shoot at best, and you should proceed with caution. The Bear's defense should again be one of the league's best and a great option for your fantasy team.
Next Up: Green Bay Packers
Showing posts with label fantasy football preview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fantasy football preview. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
2008 Preseason Fantasy Football Team Previews: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC South(Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Tampa Bay Bucs Fantasy Preview:
Astute fantasy football owners had to appreciate the Bucs last year. Even though injuries and age decimated many of their projected stars (most notably RB Cadillac Williams), there was at least one gem on this team that some owners snatched on their way to the playoffs. Earnest Graham took over in week 6 and never looked back, rushing for 898 yards and 10 tds while starting in only 10 games. He was so impressive that the Bucs recently signed him to a 3 year, 11 million dollar contract extension, so he figures prominently in their current and future plans. As for the rest of the skill positions . . . eh. Jeff Garcia returns from a decent season to again lead the squad (and at age 38, how many good seasons can he have left in him?), Joey Galloway returns as the lead receiver (and at age 37, how many seasons does he have left?) along with (32 year old) Ike Hilliard and chronic underachiever Michael Clayton. The main reason this team won the NFC South and made the playoffs last year was a surprising defensive performance from a veteran group. The team added retread RB Warrick Dunn (who at age 33 probably doesn't have much left either) to back up Graham while Cadillac Williams rehabs, and also brought in veteran WR (and proven knuckle-head) Antonio Bryant, TE Ben Troupe, and S Eugene Wilson. It is doubtful if any of these additions will make any significant fantasy impact for the team this year. This is a team that could gear up for 1 more playoff run, or a team that could really implode as a lot of veteran players ride off into the sunset.
The defense was the strength of this team last year, and should once again be a strength. CB Ronde Barber will get some assistance this year with newly drafted 1st rd pick Aqib Talib (if he can get his head on straight), and this unit should still be able to put pressure on the QB with LBs Barrett Ruud and Derrick Brooks. It would not be a stretch for this unit to end up in the top 10 fantasy defenses. This is a great later rounds pick for a fantasy defensive unit.
As mentioned earlier, 1st rd pick CB Aqib Talib should be a good one. If he can get his act together mentally, he can put his immense talent to good use. Also drafted in rd 2 was WR Dexter Jackson, who could push for playing time and kick returning duties. Other than that, there doesn't look to be anyone worthy of fantasy consideration, and neither of these players should have a considerable fantasy impact this year.
Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Earnest Graham, RB
I like Earnest Graham. I think he has a chance to really come on the scene this year, now that he is the undisputed starter. Cadillac Williams may be back sometime later in the year, but he is coming off of a serious knee injury and may not be back to regular form anytime this year. Graham's only competition are Warrick Dunn and 7th rd draft pick Cory Boyd. With an older Jeff Garcia directing the offense and suspect WR talent, look for Graham to be the beneficiary and have a stellar year. He'll make a great #2 RB and a borderline #1.
Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Jeff Garcia, QB
At age 38, I just can't see Garcia having too many good years left, even in a contract season. He used to be known as an "athletic" QB, and now he is just known as an "intelligent veteran", which means he's gotten old and slow. He has never had the best arm, and he has questionable talent around him at WR (with the possible exception of almost as old Joey Galloway). He was decent last year, but not great, and its not out of the realm of possibility that he is replaced sometime this season with one of the other many QBs on this roster. Leave him on the waiver wire.
Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Bucs Defense
There just aren't many options to choose from here. If you're looking for draft value, look no further than the Bucs defense. There are few options here that will give you any value whatsoever, but the Bucs defense should be a quality choice late in your draft. They have a chance to finish in the top 10 or higher, and they will be around long after the Steelers, Patriots, Vikings, Chargers and Bears are chosen. Pick them late and you should feel good about your defensive position all season long.
Next Up: Chicago Bears
Tampa Bay Bucs Fantasy Preview:
Astute fantasy football owners had to appreciate the Bucs last year. Even though injuries and age decimated many of their projected stars (most notably RB Cadillac Williams), there was at least one gem on this team that some owners snatched on their way to the playoffs. Earnest Graham took over in week 6 and never looked back, rushing for 898 yards and 10 tds while starting in only 10 games. He was so impressive that the Bucs recently signed him to a 3 year, 11 million dollar contract extension, so he figures prominently in their current and future plans. As for the rest of the skill positions . . . eh. Jeff Garcia returns from a decent season to again lead the squad (and at age 38, how many good seasons can he have left in him?), Joey Galloway returns as the lead receiver (and at age 37, how many seasons does he have left?) along with (32 year old) Ike Hilliard and chronic underachiever Michael Clayton. The main reason this team won the NFC South and made the playoffs last year was a surprising defensive performance from a veteran group. The team added retread RB Warrick Dunn (who at age 33 probably doesn't have much left either) to back up Graham while Cadillac Williams rehabs, and also brought in veteran WR (and proven knuckle-head) Antonio Bryant, TE Ben Troupe, and S Eugene Wilson. It is doubtful if any of these additions will make any significant fantasy impact for the team this year. This is a team that could gear up for 1 more playoff run, or a team that could really implode as a lot of veteran players ride off into the sunset.
The defense was the strength of this team last year, and should once again be a strength. CB Ronde Barber will get some assistance this year with newly drafted 1st rd pick Aqib Talib (if he can get his head on straight), and this unit should still be able to put pressure on the QB with LBs Barrett Ruud and Derrick Brooks. It would not be a stretch for this unit to end up in the top 10 fantasy defenses. This is a great later rounds pick for a fantasy defensive unit.
As mentioned earlier, 1st rd pick CB Aqib Talib should be a good one. If he can get his act together mentally, he can put his immense talent to good use. Also drafted in rd 2 was WR Dexter Jackson, who could push for playing time and kick returning duties. Other than that, there doesn't look to be anyone worthy of fantasy consideration, and neither of these players should have a considerable fantasy impact this year.
Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Earnest Graham, RB
I like Earnest Graham. I think he has a chance to really come on the scene this year, now that he is the undisputed starter. Cadillac Williams may be back sometime later in the year, but he is coming off of a serious knee injury and may not be back to regular form anytime this year. Graham's only competition are Warrick Dunn and 7th rd draft pick Cory Boyd. With an older Jeff Garcia directing the offense and suspect WR talent, look for Graham to be the beneficiary and have a stellar year. He'll make a great #2 RB and a borderline #1.
Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Jeff Garcia, QB
At age 38, I just can't see Garcia having too many good years left, even in a contract season. He used to be known as an "athletic" QB, and now he is just known as an "intelligent veteran", which means he's gotten old and slow. He has never had the best arm, and he has questionable talent around him at WR (with the possible exception of almost as old Joey Galloway). He was decent last year, but not great, and its not out of the realm of possibility that he is replaced sometime this season with one of the other many QBs on this roster. Leave him on the waiver wire.
Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Bucs Defense
There just aren't many options to choose from here. If you're looking for draft value, look no further than the Bucs defense. There are few options here that will give you any value whatsoever, but the Bucs defense should be a quality choice late in your draft. They have a chance to finish in the top 10 or higher, and they will be around long after the Steelers, Patriots, Vikings, Chargers and Bears are chosen. Pick them late and you should feel good about your defensive position all season long.
Next Up: Chicago Bears
Thursday, June 26, 2008
2008 Preseason Fantasy Football Team Previews: New Orleans Saints
NFC South (Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
New Orleans Saints Fantasy Preview:
After a magical "return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina" season in 2006, 2007 left fantasy football players who relied on the Saints feeling not so holy. When Deuce McAllister went down, Reggie Bush was exposed as someone who couldn't carry the load. Marques Colston didn't get going until later in the year. Drew Brees still had a banner year, but it didn't translate into wins on the football field. However, this team returns enough fire power to be a good fantasy producer in 2008. If McAllister can return to form, he will take pressure off Reggie Bush and allow Bush to be the effective lightning threat this team needs. They also need to get improved seasons from WR David Patten and TE Eric Johnson. In the weak NFC South, it shouldn't take much for the Saints to get back on track and have another run to the playoffs while putting up a ton of points in coach Sean Payton's offense. From a fantasy perspective, this should be a team that produces some good prospects for your team.
Defense was not a strong point for the Saints last year (or the year before). Even when this offense was scoring tons of points, the defense couldn't consistently stop anyone. There was a heavy emphasis placed on defense in the draft this year, and the team acquired standout linebacker Jonathan Vilma from the NY Jets. However, until this unit actually shows us something consistently, they are better left on the waiver wire.
DT Sedrick Ellis and CB Tracy Porter were this team's 1st and 2nd round draft picks respectively. Neither player will make a significant fantasy impact for your squad this year. However, look for a splash from 2nd year WR Robert Meachem, who missed all of last year with injury and who has looked really good so far this offseason.
Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Robert Meachem, WR
The 2nd year WR out of Tennessee had high promise coming into the season last year, but a knee injury derailed his rookie year completely. He has been getting high praise from both the coaching staff and QB Drew Brees this offseason, and he appears to have learned enough to make a contribution this year. He may not be quite ready for prime time, but could produce enough to become a good complement to Marques Colston and a decent #3 WR for your fantasy team.
Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Reggie Bush, RB
Reggie Bush has a lot of speed and skill, but I'm just not sure he has what it takes to really be a star in the league. He has been largely underwhelming since joining the league, and proved last year that he can't carry the load by himself. If Deuce McAllister can't return to form from injury, Bush will once again be exposed as someone who is a spot player at best. He should still produce good numbers and be a decent higher round draft pick, but temper your expectations and try to take him after round 4 or 5, or you'll probably regret it.
Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Drew Brees, QB
Even with Marques Colston starting off the season slowly, and losing both WR Robert Meachem and RB Deuce McAllister, Brees had a career season last year, and should only get better in 2008. His numbers should land him in or very near the top 5 overall fantasy QBs next year, and his draft value will be much better than that of QBs such as Tony Romo, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. If you can snag Brees in rounds 3-5, you should be in a position to build a championship team with great picks at RB or WR in the earlier rounds.
Up Next: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New Orleans Saints Fantasy Preview:
After a magical "return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina" season in 2006, 2007 left fantasy football players who relied on the Saints feeling not so holy. When Deuce McAllister went down, Reggie Bush was exposed as someone who couldn't carry the load. Marques Colston didn't get going until later in the year. Drew Brees still had a banner year, but it didn't translate into wins on the football field. However, this team returns enough fire power to be a good fantasy producer in 2008. If McAllister can return to form, he will take pressure off Reggie Bush and allow Bush to be the effective lightning threat this team needs. They also need to get improved seasons from WR David Patten and TE Eric Johnson. In the weak NFC South, it shouldn't take much for the Saints to get back on track and have another run to the playoffs while putting up a ton of points in coach Sean Payton's offense. From a fantasy perspective, this should be a team that produces some good prospects for your team.
Defense was not a strong point for the Saints last year (or the year before). Even when this offense was scoring tons of points, the defense couldn't consistently stop anyone. There was a heavy emphasis placed on defense in the draft this year, and the team acquired standout linebacker Jonathan Vilma from the NY Jets. However, until this unit actually shows us something consistently, they are better left on the waiver wire.
DT Sedrick Ellis and CB Tracy Porter were this team's 1st and 2nd round draft picks respectively. Neither player will make a significant fantasy impact for your squad this year. However, look for a splash from 2nd year WR Robert Meachem, who missed all of last year with injury and who has looked really good so far this offseason.
Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Robert Meachem, WR
The 2nd year WR out of Tennessee had high promise coming into the season last year, but a knee injury derailed his rookie year completely. He has been getting high praise from both the coaching staff and QB Drew Brees this offseason, and he appears to have learned enough to make a contribution this year. He may not be quite ready for prime time, but could produce enough to become a good complement to Marques Colston and a decent #3 WR for your fantasy team.
Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Reggie Bush, RB
Reggie Bush has a lot of speed and skill, but I'm just not sure he has what it takes to really be a star in the league. He has been largely underwhelming since joining the league, and proved last year that he can't carry the load by himself. If Deuce McAllister can't return to form from injury, Bush will once again be exposed as someone who is a spot player at best. He should still produce good numbers and be a decent higher round draft pick, but temper your expectations and try to take him after round 4 or 5, or you'll probably regret it.
Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Drew Brees, QB
Even with Marques Colston starting off the season slowly, and losing both WR Robert Meachem and RB Deuce McAllister, Brees had a career season last year, and should only get better in 2008. His numbers should land him in or very near the top 5 overall fantasy QBs next year, and his draft value will be much better than that of QBs such as Tony Romo, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. If you can snag Brees in rounds 3-5, you should be in a position to build a championship team with great picks at RB or WR in the earlier rounds.
Up Next: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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