The Fantasy Football draft season is in full effect, as we are just a little over a week away from games that matter! It is always important to discuss some key observations both from the preseason games and from recent reports. I will tell you how these recent bits of info affect your Fantasy outlooks.
- The Redskins are going with a changing of the guard as Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback to open the season. This could bode well for Pierre Garcon, as he could become a possession receiver for Cousins. DeSean Jackson becomes an even riskier boom-or-bust play, similar to how he was last year with Cousins. Alfred Morris’ value takes a slight hit, but he is still a low-end RB2.
- The Bills have also named a starting QB, Tyrod Taylor. He fits the Bills run-heavy offense the best and this could lead to a slight boost in value for both LeSean McCoy and Percy Harvin.
- Reports indicate that Montee Ball could be on the roster bubble, currently competing with Juwan Thompson to be the third string running back. Ronnie Hillman is entrenched as C.J. Anderson’s handcuff and is one of the best backups to gamble on.
- The Raiders have cut Trent Richardson. It is likely not the last we will see of him, but you do not want him on your Fantasy roster.
- Joique Bell is still listed as the Lions starting running back. Bell has yet to play in the preseason and Fantasy owners should fully expect Ameer Abdullah to steal touches, especially in the passing game. However, I have seen Bell go as late as four or five rounds after Abdullah, making him a steal.
- Julius Thomas is out until at least week four. He was being drafted too high as his value was directly correlated to his high TD rate in Denver. He could provide good value now.
- The same could be said for Martavis Bryant, who is suspended four games. It was always my thinking that he was going too high and would be inconsistent week to week (think DeSean Jackson) but now he provides great value in the double-digit rounds.
- DeVante Parker began practicing Monday and the Dolphins are hopeful he could play week one. He is a great late round stash, as he has the talent to put up big games down the stretch.
- Rishard Matthews started over Kenny Stills last week. Fantasy owners should hope the explosive Stills wins back his job.
- Reports just keep getting better for Arian Foster, who could potentially now return after only missing two-four games, if he avoids setbacks. It is no secret I love me some Foster and I advocate taking him in the late fourth, early fifth round.
- I have been touting Jonas Gray all preseason as a great late round flier. He will start Week 1 and I would not be surprised if he stole the job. He started last week and should remain in the mix early on in the season.
- Blake Bortles looked fantastic this past week, going 20-29 for 245 yards and a touchdown. He also showed a strong rapport with Allen Hurns.
- J. Yeldon didn’t do much against a stout Lions D line, rushing for just 10 yards on eight carries. Draft him as a RB3, but not as a RB2.
- Martellus Bennett reminded everyone why he is a great PPR option, with seven receptions for 45 yards. He should be the fifth tight end off the board.
- Doug Martin looked strong again rushing for 40 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. He is becoming a nice RB2 pick in the fifth round.
- The Browns backfield remained just as questionable after last week’s game. Terrance West rushed for 26 yards on seven carries, while Isaiah Crowell rushed for 27 yards on eight carries. Duke Johnson added a rush of his own for four yards and none of the three did much in the passing game. This is shaping up to be a weekly headache, and Johnson suffered a concussion to boot. Stay away.
- Darren McFadden looked sharp, rushing for 37 yards on four carries, compared to Joseph Randle who rushed for 15 yards on six carries. Both posted one reception each. This is shaping up to be a true RBBC. While I still believe Randle will post the better numbers, DMC is becoming a strong value pick in the eighth to ninth round or later.
We just have one more preseason game to get through and everyone knows the starters hardly play in the last game. This will be a huge weekend for Fantasy Drafts and if you are drafting, like myself, and have any questions make sure to follow me on Twitter, @MichaelFFlorio.
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