1. Seattle (12-4): This team is candidate for most improved team. It was a comedy of injuries for them last season. Also, former Coach Mike Holmgren's impending retirement loomed over the team. Coach Jim Mora, Jr. has hand success in the league in Atlanta a few years back. The return of Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is huge for them. When healthy, he's a top ten quarterback. He also has solid targets in Wide Receivers TJ Houshmandzahdeh and Nate Burleson and Tight End Jon Carlson. Rookie Deon Butler may sneak up owners, as well. Houshmandzahdeh and Carlson should start every week for fantasy owners. Burleson makes an interesting matchup/flex play option. Butler is a sleeper for deeper leagues.
The running game is not too impressive, but Julius Jones should start most weeks for fantasy owners, since he'll receive the bulk of the carries. His backup is Edgerrin James is more of name than productive fantasy player at this point.
The defense is solid, and I'm impressed by their linebacking corps in Lofa Tatupu, rookie Aaron Curry, and Leroy Hill. Although, Hill's injury hurts them a little bit. This is a good matchup play.
Prediction: This team wins homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, but is upset by New Orleans in the NFC Championship game.
2. Arizona (9-7): I believe in the Super Bowl runner up curse. And I believe Arizona will continue the trend. They rode a hot hand last season to reach the Super Bowl. Kurt Warner is a great Quarterback, but he's never played a full 16 game season in back to back years in his entire career. He has probably the best group of receivers in the NFL in Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston. The early season injuries to Boldin and Breaston hurt them short-term, in what they'll be able to run in the passing game. Fitzgerald and Boldin are fantasy starters, barring injury. Breaston is a good flex play.
The running backs are not spectacular, but could be good bye week fill-ins with Tim Hightower and rookie Chris Wells.
The defense had a good Week 1, but San Francisco is not an offensive juggernaut, so I'd like to watch them play some more until I'd recommend them as something more than a matchup play.
Prediction: The Super Bowl curse continues, but this is a talented team.
3. San Francisco (7-9): Coach Mike Singletary has brought a necessary tough attitude to the Bay area. This team will fight hard, it doesn't quite have the talent yet. Quarterback Shaun Hill is probably better suited as a backup than a starter, but he will be efficient for them. The ageless Wide Receiver Isaac Bruce is the top target, and a decent flex play. Wide Receiver Josh Morgan has received a lot of fantasy hype, but hasn't put it together on the field yet. Draft pick Michael Crabtree would be in the discussion if he didn't decide to hold out with the foolish hope getting more money. Tight End Vernon Davis is typically drafted, but does minimal fantasy damage.
Under Singletary, this team will be a run first team. Running backs Frank Gore and Glen Coffee fit the bill. Gore should be a weekly start, but Coffee is a player to watch. He has star potential.
This team is all about defense, and Linebacker Patrick Willis is clone of his coach on the field. I wouldn't be surprised if this defense finishes as a top-15 defense.
Prediction: This team is year away from contending in this division.
4. St. Louis (2-14): I like Coach Steve Spagnulo. He will turn this team around. It just won't be this season. Quarterback Marc Bulger has suffered too many injuries, and isn't the same player he once was. He has minimal fantasy value. The only two targets are even worth considering are Wide Receiver Donnie Avery and Tight End Randy McMichael. Both may put up decent numbers, but are nothing more than bye week fill-ins.
Running Back Steven Jackson is the only player on this team I'd feel comfortable starting on a weekly basis. He's a number two fantasy back that was taken in the first round in many drafts. He's suffered too many injuries and this team is young and rebuilding.
I will not trust this defense. There has been too much turnover to like them this season. They will improve, but not enough for fantasy purposes.
Prediction: This team has a dearth of talent, which will need replenishing. Spagnulo will turn them around, but not this season.
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