TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK
[Saturday Edition]
As the annual NFL draft approaches, there seems to be plenty of time to do your homework for the upcoming 2009 fantasy football season, but it's never too soon to get started. There have been plenty of moves (signings & releases) this offseason and figures to be plenty more. With the faces of many teams always changing it can be quite a chore to keep up with what to expect and even more difficult to know who to watch. This week I give you three players that should be on your radar come fantasy draft time.
Fantasy Football Watch
Aside from all the distraction being caused by the "Cutler-McDaniels Chronicles" one of the bright spots in the Denver camp this offseason has been the progress of running back Peyton Hillis, who is coming back from surgery to repair his hamstring. Currently Hillis is ahead of schedule and should be healthy by mid-April. With Hillis figuring to be back in camp at 100%, despite all of the offseason movement in the backfield in McDaniels new system the Broncos bruising back could become a fantasy sleeper in 2009. The former Razorback when given the opportunity showed great versatility as a runner and pas catcher. With the new additions to the team it doesn't look like Hillis will be given many chances to run the ball, but could see some short yardage carries. With McDaniels bringing in his pass friendly offense from New England, Hillis could see lots opportunities. In the three seasons under McDaniels, running backs in New England averaged 77 receptions per season. Because of his ability to make plays in the passing game, Hillis could be a player to watch for 2009 fantasy football.
(Photo by Dave Zalubowski /AP)
Fantasy football fans in Jacksonville will witness firsthand the fall out from the release of wide receiver Matt Jones and it all may not be all that bad. With Reggie Williams and Jerry Porter already gone, the release of Jones now paves the way to a starting position for wide receiver Mike Walker making him a possible 2009 sleeper pick. Walker should remain off of most radars, because of an unproductive 2008, but last season when he was healthy and given the opportunity he was able to show promise as a receiver. In Week 5 he caught six passes for 107-yards. 2008 was mostly filled with injuries and Walker saw little action (especially playing behind Williams, Jones, and Northcutt). He'll be given every opportunity in 2009 to be a starter, but could be a bit of a risky play in Del Rio's conservative game plan. He more likely to offer more value as an in season pick-up, rather than expending a valuable fantasy draft pick. He'll be one to watch in training camp and the early weeks of the 2009 season.
For two reasons fantasy owners should be keeping their eyes opened and focused on the Broncos passing attack in 2009. Sure with all this Cutler mess, you have to wonder who will be under center and with wide receiver Brandon Marshall in trouble, who's going to catch the ball. So just where should owners be focusing their attention, how about wideout Eddie Royal. As a rookie in 2008 Royal caught 91 passes for 980-yards and also scored five touchdowns. He figures to be a big part of the Broncos new passing system under McDaniels and will play the Wes Welker-role in Denver. He'll have premium value in PPR leagues. If the Broncos do in fact trade Cutler, Royal still figures to be a very productive receiver and should be drafted no lower than a low-level WR2. If Cutler stays in town, with Marshall expected to miss up to eight games (suspension) and no bona fide replacement in site, Royal could see his value surge as high as low level WR1 in deeper leagues. Royal will be a hot option to watch leading up to 2009 fantasy drafts.
(AP Photo)
These are just some of my takes of who to watch for in 2009 fantasy football. Check back with me every week for more of my "Fantasy Football Watch."
By David Ortega
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