2015 Fantasy Football Primer: A Position-by-Position Guide to Help You Win Your League
Published by Daniel Lewis on August 29, 2015.
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The NFL season kicks off on Thursday, September 10 with the Pittsburgh Steelers facing off against the reigning Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. We’ve been waiting for opening kickoff since February 7; finally, football is near!
Below is my fantasy football guide for the 2015 NFL season. Please note that this list does not mean you should or should not draft a particular player; rather, it is a list of players whom I feel will do better than, or fall short of, their usual production.
Quarterbacks I Love:
1. QB Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals – It’s more fun to hate on Dalton than it is to defend him, so it’s convenient to forget that he played much of last season with a severely depleted receiving corps. No. 2 pass catcher Marvin Jones missed the entire season, tight end Tyler Eifert missed all but one quarter, and star receiver A.J. Green was also banged up for much of the season. With that trio of pass catchers fully healthy heading into the season, we’re talking about a quarterback with an abundance of weapons who can finish as a top-five fantasy quarterback, a feat he sneakily accomplished in 2013.
2. QB Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles – Quarterbacks simply succeed under Chip Kelly. I mean, last season, we witnessed Mark Sanchez perform like a solid QB1. So imagine what he can do with Bradford, a far more superior talent. If Bradford can avoid another season-ending injury, he has the upside to be one of the best quarterbacks in fantasy football leading Kelly’s quarterback-friendly offense.
3. QB Eli Manning, New York Giants – The younger Manning has an impressive stable of weapons at his disposal. The offensive line should be improved after spending a first-round draft pick on Ereck Flowers. The addition of running back Shane Vereen gives Manning a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield. When receiver Victor Cruz returns from injury, Manning will arguably have the best collection of pass catchers surrounding him of his 12-year career.
Other quarterbacks I love: Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers; Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders; Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings
Deep sleeper I love: Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills
Quarterbacks I hate: Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos; Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks; Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints; Nick Foles, St. Louis Rams; Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers; Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
Below is my fantasy football guide for the 2015 NFL season. Please note that this list does not mean you should or should not draft a particular player; rather, it is a list of players whom I feel will do better than, or fall short of, their usual production.
Quarterbacks I Love:
1. QB Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals – It’s more fun to hate on Dalton than it is to defend him, so it’s convenient to forget that he played much of last season with a severely depleted receiving corps. No. 2 pass catcher Marvin Jones missed the entire season, tight end Tyler Eifert missed all but one quarter, and star receiver A.J. Green was also banged up for much of the season. With that trio of pass catchers fully healthy heading into the season, we’re talking about a quarterback with an abundance of weapons who can finish as a top-five fantasy quarterback, a feat he sneakily accomplished in 2013.
2. QB Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles – Quarterbacks simply succeed under Chip Kelly. I mean, last season, we witnessed Mark Sanchez perform like a solid QB1. So imagine what he can do with Bradford, a far more superior talent. If Bradford can avoid another season-ending injury, he has the upside to be one of the best quarterbacks in fantasy football leading Kelly’s quarterback-friendly offense.
3. QB Eli Manning, New York Giants – The younger Manning has an impressive stable of weapons at his disposal. The offensive line should be improved after spending a first-round draft pick on Ereck Flowers. The addition of running back Shane Vereen gives Manning a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield. When receiver Victor Cruz returns from injury, Manning will arguably have the best collection of pass catchers surrounding him of his 12-year career.
Other quarterbacks I love: Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers; Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders; Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings
Deep sleeper I love: Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills
Quarterbacks I hate: Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos; Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks; Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints; Nick Foles, St. Louis Rams; Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers; Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Running backs I Love:
1. RB Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Martin has arguably been the most disappointing player in fantasy football over the last two years. But after the Bucs declined to pick up his fifth-year option, Martin has looked like a man out to earn a new contract during training camp and this preseason. Besides, the Bucs added firepower to their offense in the 2015 NFL draft with offensive linemen Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet and No. 1 overall pick quarterback Jameis Winston.
2. RB Latavius Murray, Oakland Raiders – At 6-foot-2, 223-pounds, Murray is physically similar to Adrian Peterson, a player Murray resembled last season after being unleashed down the stretch. He is titanium-strong, possesses reliable hands, and is equipped with tremendous speed. With Darren McFadden relocated to Dallas, Maurice Jones-Drew enjoying retirement, and Derek Carr still developing, Murray should be the go-to-guy in Oakland. Behind newly signed center Rodney Hudson, Murray has a chance at a huge year.
3. RB Ronnie Hillman, Denver Broncos – Let’s not forget that Hillman was playing as well as any running back last year when he was the mid-season starter. During training camp and the preseason, Hillman has showcased his skills as a pass catcher and pass protector, two skills that give him a real chance to unseat C.J. Anderson and earn that elusive starting spot in Denver.
Other running backs I love: Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers; LeGarrette Blount, New England Patriots; Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints; Chris Ivory, New York Jets; Matt Jones, Washington Redskins; Alfred Blue, Houston Texans
Deep sleepers I love: Chris Polk, Houston Texans; Christine Michael, Dallas Cowboys
Stash candidates I love: Todd Gurley, St. Louis Rams; Arian Foster, Houston Texans
Running backs I hate: C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos; Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks; Frank Gore, Indianapolis Colts; Joseph Randle, Dallas Cowboys; Matt Forte, Chicago Bears; LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills; Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers
1. RB Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Martin has arguably been the most disappointing player in fantasy football over the last two years. But after the Bucs declined to pick up his fifth-year option, Martin has looked like a man out to earn a new contract during training camp and this preseason. Besides, the Bucs added firepower to their offense in the 2015 NFL draft with offensive linemen Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet and No. 1 overall pick quarterback Jameis Winston.
2. RB Latavius Murray, Oakland Raiders – At 6-foot-2, 223-pounds, Murray is physically similar to Adrian Peterson, a player Murray resembled last season after being unleashed down the stretch. He is titanium-strong, possesses reliable hands, and is equipped with tremendous speed. With Darren McFadden relocated to Dallas, Maurice Jones-Drew enjoying retirement, and Derek Carr still developing, Murray should be the go-to-guy in Oakland. Behind newly signed center Rodney Hudson, Murray has a chance at a huge year.
3. RB Ronnie Hillman, Denver Broncos – Let’s not forget that Hillman was playing as well as any running back last year when he was the mid-season starter. During training camp and the preseason, Hillman has showcased his skills as a pass catcher and pass protector, two skills that give him a real chance to unseat C.J. Anderson and earn that elusive starting spot in Denver.
Other running backs I love: Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers; LeGarrette Blount, New England Patriots; Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints; Chris Ivory, New York Jets; Matt Jones, Washington Redskins; Alfred Blue, Houston Texans
Deep sleepers I love: Chris Polk, Houston Texans; Christine Michael, Dallas Cowboys
Stash candidates I love: Todd Gurley, St. Louis Rams; Arian Foster, Houston Texans
Running backs I hate: C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos; Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks; Frank Gore, Indianapolis Colts; Joseph Randle, Dallas Cowboys; Matt Forte, Chicago Bears; LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills; Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers
The Associated Press/Brynn Anderson
Wide Receivers I Love:
1. WR Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons – The Shanahan offense is designed to feed the “X” receiver, dating back to Rod Smith and Brandon Marshall in Denver, Andre Johnson in Houston, and Pierre Garcon in Washington. Those receivers had significant success even without quarterbacks as accomplished as Matt Ryan. Moreover, with Roddy White showing his age, Ryan showed a tendency to lock onto Jones last season when the pocket collapsed. Jones is my No. 1 receiver, even over Dez Bryant and Antonio Brown.
2. WR Keenan Allen, San Diego Chargers – I fully expect Allen to have a resurgent year and make us believe that last year was merely a sophomore slump. In his second year, Allen failed to separate from defenders, but it appears he has lost weight and played a lot faster in training camp. The targets were there last season, he just needed to take advantage of them. With an unproven running game and weak defense, look for Philip Rivers to look Allen’s way all season, particularly early in the season without Antonio Gates.
3. WR Allen Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars – Robinson is the team’s best receiver, and he flashed big-play potential and excellent route running in his rookie year. He should receive a boatload of targets, particularly in garbage time. I also think Blake Bortles takes a step forward this year, elevating Robinson’s fantasy upside.
Other wide receivers I love: A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals, Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers; Donte Moncrief, Indianapolis Colts; Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia Eagles; Nelson Agholor, Philadelphia Eagles; Stevie Johnson, San Diego Chargers; Marvin Jones, Cincinnati Bengals; Rueben Randle, New York Giants
Deep sleepers I love: Ty Montgomery, Green Bay Packers; Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings
Stash candidates I love: Brandon LaFell, New England Patriots; Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers; Victor Cruz, New York Giants
Wide receivers I hate: Andre Johnson, Indianapolis Colts, Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos; Mike Wallace, Minnesota Vikings; Torrey Smith, San Francisco 49ers; Breshad Perriman, Baltimore Ravens; Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills; Percy Harvin, Buffalo Bills; Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City Chiefs; Riley Cooper, Philadelphia Eagles
1. WR Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons – The Shanahan offense is designed to feed the “X” receiver, dating back to Rod Smith and Brandon Marshall in Denver, Andre Johnson in Houston, and Pierre Garcon in Washington. Those receivers had significant success even without quarterbacks as accomplished as Matt Ryan. Moreover, with Roddy White showing his age, Ryan showed a tendency to lock onto Jones last season when the pocket collapsed. Jones is my No. 1 receiver, even over Dez Bryant and Antonio Brown.
2. WR Keenan Allen, San Diego Chargers – I fully expect Allen to have a resurgent year and make us believe that last year was merely a sophomore slump. In his second year, Allen failed to separate from defenders, but it appears he has lost weight and played a lot faster in training camp. The targets were there last season, he just needed to take advantage of them. With an unproven running game and weak defense, look for Philip Rivers to look Allen’s way all season, particularly early in the season without Antonio Gates.
3. WR Allen Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars – Robinson is the team’s best receiver, and he flashed big-play potential and excellent route running in his rookie year. He should receive a boatload of targets, particularly in garbage time. I also think Blake Bortles takes a step forward this year, elevating Robinson’s fantasy upside.
Other wide receivers I love: A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals, Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers; Donte Moncrief, Indianapolis Colts; Jordan Matthews, Philadelphia Eagles; Nelson Agholor, Philadelphia Eagles; Stevie Johnson, San Diego Chargers; Marvin Jones, Cincinnati Bengals; Rueben Randle, New York Giants
Deep sleepers I love: Ty Montgomery, Green Bay Packers; Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings
Stash candidates I love: Brandon LaFell, New England Patriots; Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers; Victor Cruz, New York Giants
Wide receivers I hate: Andre Johnson, Indianapolis Colts, Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos; Mike Wallace, Minnesota Vikings; Torrey Smith, San Francisco 49ers; Breshad Perriman, Baltimore Ravens; Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills; Percy Harvin, Buffalo Bills; Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City Chiefs; Riley Cooper, Philadelphia Eagles
The Associated Press/Nick Wass
Tight Ends I Love:
1. TE Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals – The Dalton-Eifert connection was strong in last year’s training camp…and then Eifert was lost for the year after dislocating his elbow in the opening game. Fully recovered from the injury and with Jermaine Gresham out of the picture, I expect to see a breakout season from Eifert, who has the potential to establish himself as an elite tight end in 2015.
2. TE Owen Daniels, Denver Broncos – Dallas Clark and Julius Thomas looked like All-Pro tight ends with Peyton Manning as their signal caller. Between his knowledge of Gary Kubiak’s incoming system and Manning tossing the ball to him, Owen Daniels is an opportunity to own a cheap piece of a Manning-led offense.
3. TE Benjamin Watson, New Orleans Saints - There has been a lot of hype surrounding Watson’s compatriot Josh Hill, whom many assume will pick up where Jimmy Graham left off before being shipped to Seattle. Watson is the tight end to own in New Orleans after significantly outperforming Hill in training camp.
Other tight ends I love: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs; Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles; Ladarius Green, San Diego Chargers; Richard Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Deep sleepers I love: Crockett Gilmore, Baltimore Ravens; Eric Ebron, Detroit Lions; Gavin Escobar, Dallas Cowboys
Stash candidate I love: Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
Tight ends I hate: Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks; Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts; Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers; Charles Clay, Buffalo Bills
1. TE Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals – The Dalton-Eifert connection was strong in last year’s training camp…and then Eifert was lost for the year after dislocating his elbow in the opening game. Fully recovered from the injury and with Jermaine Gresham out of the picture, I expect to see a breakout season from Eifert, who has the potential to establish himself as an elite tight end in 2015.
2. TE Owen Daniels, Denver Broncos – Dallas Clark and Julius Thomas looked like All-Pro tight ends with Peyton Manning as their signal caller. Between his knowledge of Gary Kubiak’s incoming system and Manning tossing the ball to him, Owen Daniels is an opportunity to own a cheap piece of a Manning-led offense.
3. TE Benjamin Watson, New Orleans Saints - There has been a lot of hype surrounding Watson’s compatriot Josh Hill, whom many assume will pick up where Jimmy Graham left off before being shipped to Seattle. Watson is the tight end to own in New Orleans after significantly outperforming Hill in training camp.
Other tight ends I love: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs; Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles; Ladarius Green, San Diego Chargers; Richard Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Deep sleepers I love: Crockett Gilmore, Baltimore Ravens; Eric Ebron, Detroit Lions; Gavin Escobar, Dallas Cowboys
Stash candidate I love: Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
Tight ends I hate: Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks; Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts; Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers; Charles Clay, Buffalo Bills
Dennis Wierzbicki/USA TODAY Sports
Defenses I love:
1. Denver Broncos D/ST – Goodbye, Jack Del Rio. Hello, Wade Phillips. Phillips has produced elite defenses wherever he has gone, and in his return to Denver, he gets to work with the best pass-rushing duo in DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller and the best cover corner duo in Chris Harris, Jr. and Aqib Talib. Plus they drafted Shane Ray in the first round. The talent is there, which means the potential is there.
2. Minnesota Vikings D/ST – Last season, the Vikings defense forced an impressive 41 sacks and 13 interceptions. Without losing a single piece of their defensive roster, they added veteran corner Terence Newman, rookie corner Trae Waynes, and rookie linebacker Eric Kendricks. With star safety Harrison Smith patrolling center field, the Mike Zimmer’s group could be one of the top defensive clubs this year. Cordarrelle Patterson, Stefon Diggs, and Marcus Sherels are top-shelf returners that serve as an extra bonus for this fantasy unit.
3. New York Jets D/ST – They added defensive lineman Leonard Williams and cornerbacks Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, and Buster Skrine. Following the addition of so many talented playmakers, there is every chance that the Jets D/ST could be a top fantasy option by the end of Week 17.
Other defenses I love: St. Louis Rams D/ST, Buffalo Bills D/ST, New York Giants D/ST, Dallas Cowboys D/ST
Deep sleeper I love: Atlanta Falcons D/ST
Defenses I hate: San Francisco 49ers D/ST, Seattle Seahawks D/ST, Detroit Lions D/ST
1. Denver Broncos D/ST – Goodbye, Jack Del Rio. Hello, Wade Phillips. Phillips has produced elite defenses wherever he has gone, and in his return to Denver, he gets to work with the best pass-rushing duo in DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller and the best cover corner duo in Chris Harris, Jr. and Aqib Talib. Plus they drafted Shane Ray in the first round. The talent is there, which means the potential is there.
2. Minnesota Vikings D/ST – Last season, the Vikings defense forced an impressive 41 sacks and 13 interceptions. Without losing a single piece of their defensive roster, they added veteran corner Terence Newman, rookie corner Trae Waynes, and rookie linebacker Eric Kendricks. With star safety Harrison Smith patrolling center field, the Mike Zimmer’s group could be one of the top defensive clubs this year. Cordarrelle Patterson, Stefon Diggs, and Marcus Sherels are top-shelf returners that serve as an extra bonus for this fantasy unit.
3. New York Jets D/ST – They added defensive lineman Leonard Williams and cornerbacks Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, and Buster Skrine. Following the addition of so many talented playmakers, there is every chance that the Jets D/ST could be a top fantasy option by the end of Week 17.
Other defenses I love: St. Louis Rams D/ST, Buffalo Bills D/ST, New York Giants D/ST, Dallas Cowboys D/ST
Deep sleeper I love: Atlanta Falcons D/ST
Defenses I hate: San Francisco 49ers D/ST, Seattle Seahawks D/ST, Detroit Lions D/ST