Third year players for your fantasy team
Being at work at 8am on a Saturday is bad enough, never mind the fact the weather looks great and I could be playing in the park with my daughter. But there is a silver lining in every cloud and it has given me time to write a blog (its been a while)
Choosing the topic for a blog is tough, I toyed with putting one out regarding a team I would choose if the draft didn’t exist and we had English Premier League rules, but other than 1 or 2 names everyone would choose the same players, and I really want to generate a discussion.
I decided to look at the 2010 NFL draft and look at third year players that I expect to make a big impact in the upcoming Fantasy season. A lot of good players were drafted that year, some of which have already made waves in the NFL and a lot of potential points for the 2012 season.
So here we go:
QB Tim Tebow – New York Jets
It was a toss up between Bradford and Tim Tebow for starting Bradford had a terrible season in 2011 managing only 6 touchdowns in 10games, finishing the season on 191 completions for 357 attempts. Bradford missed 6 games with a high ankle sprain and finished the season terribly. He did however have a great Rookie season and he’ll be looking to hit these heights again, but the Rams roster worries me and I can’t see Bradford doing much again this year Fantasy wise. Tim Tebow, however, had everyone caught up in the craze last year. Leading the Denver Broncos to the playoffs and a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in dramatic fashion. Tebow was traded to the NY Jets before the 2012 draft and the Jets have confirmed that he will be used on special teams and in the wildcat package. Tebow has the ability to run in a bunch of touchdowns as well as pass for them and last season had terrific fantasy games. The downside to Tebow is he is not the starter in New York and this could lead to him not scoring as well in the first few weeks. I do expect him to be starter by game 6 as Mark Sanchez doesn’t strike me as a leader and the Jets need leadership in a team of egos (including their head coach). Tebow may not be the best passer of the football but coming off a season where he threw 12 Touchdown passes and ran in another 6 he’s one to watch for the 2012 season.
RB Ryan Matthews – San Diego Chargers
In a class of some great running talent none of the names really jump out and make you want to pick them in the top 10 running backs off the board, but in deeper leagues and later in the season these guys could well be the difference between the playoffs and a losing season. Ryan Matthews struggled during his rookie season but bounced back last year to rack up over 1000 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns whilst giving up a lot of carries to Mike Tolbert who has now moved onto the Carolina Panthers. This gives Matthews the chance to show what he can do as the main back for the Chargers. He also has the ability to catch out of the back field and added 455 receiving yards last year showing he can be a weapon for Phillip Rivers. This is the year the Chargers will show what they’re all about and will look to win the AFC West, expect good things from Matthews.
RB Ben Tate – Houston Texans
After a productive 2011 season Tate has proven he is much more than just a back up to Arian Foster. Whilst Foster remains the main down back in Houston expect Tate to help out on third down situations and if Foster suffers from an injury, Tate is more than capable of stepping up to the plate. Arguably the best 1-2 Running backs in the league. Tate managed 175 attempts in the 2011 season for 942 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Possibly a top 10 running back, but his Fantasy value is affected by being number 2 on the depth chart. For smaller leagues a great guy to have on the bench in case of injury to Foster and in bigger leagues a good flex play, and again if Foster is injured, well worth a number 2 slot in the team.
WR Demaryius Thomas – Denver Broncos
Thomas was the first receiver off the board in 2010 and has had struggled to put up the huge numbers you would want in your fantasy team, however this season he could explode on the fantasy scene with Peyton Manning throwing to him. Last season he managed 551 yards for 4 Touchdowns but struggled to make a fantasy impact with Tim Tebow literally leading the charge. We should see this season what Thomas has to offer and with the quality arm of Manning looking for him he could easily see the endzone a lot more.
WR Dez Bryant – Dallas Cowboys
In a draft of some great receiving talent, Bryant was taken second off the board just 2 picks behind Demaryius Thomas but has so far made a much bigger impact in fantasy leagues around the world. I had Bryant in my team last year and continued to prove his productivity week after week. 928 yards for 9 touchdowns and I expect him to build on those numbers this year. A receiver who can make a difference in the big games and look for him to increase his numbers this year.
TE Jermaine Gresham – Cincinnati Bengals
This was the easiest position to pick. Rob Gronkowski, followed by Jimmy Graham, followed by Aaron Hernandez. The top 3 tight ends, however I feel that on 4th Down and Out we’ve talked these guys to death so have gone with Jermaine Gresham. It’s no secret I have a soft spot for the Bengals and what (HC) is doing with that team. Andy Dalton (QB) is going into his second season and coming off a great rookie season. Gresham is a Tight End that can score you big if Dalton looks to him more this season. Last year he racked up a mediocre 596 yards but scored 6 touchdowns. There’s no secret that Dalton loved giving the ball to AJ Green last year, but he needs to spread the ball about a bit more this season to continue on the upwards move, I would love to see Gresham more involved in that offence and feel he’s worth a spot in top 5-7 tight ends in the league this coming season.
FLEX Antonio Brown – Pittsburgh Steelers
At present Mike Wallace is likely to be the number 1 receiver for the Steelers but you never can tell after this current off season and free agency period. Antonio Brown is starting to look like he can be a number 1 receiver on a team and the go to guy for Ben Roethlisberger. Coming off a season where he managed over 1100 yards last year but only 2 Touchdowns. I expect Big Ben to look for him more in the end zone this season and wouldn’t be surprised if he managed to score at least 7 touchdowns this coming year. The only issue I can see affecting his value this year is how Big Ben plays through countless hits and injuries. If Ben stays fit and healthy then I can see good things in Browns future.
So there we have it, I was going to cover the bench also but with being at work running out of time on my lunch break.
Don’t hold back on your thoughts, let me know if you agree/disagree or think I’m a complete tool (or genius as someone has to be)
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