David's Daily Digest
[My Take]
As the free agency moves deeper into the offseason and the NFL draft creeps closer, teams are in full mode with player signings. With a new address and new team colors, some players will find themselves in the ideal situation, while others may be traveling unchartered ground. Taking a closer look, I offer my perspective and how these changes will impact fantasy, here's...
My Take...
RB CEDRIC BENSON BACK IN CINCY
Benson was a late bloomer in 2008 for fantasy owners rushing for more than 700-yards. While he is not in the class of the elite, now that he is signed, he will be the starter in Cincinnati and with a healthy Palmer under center could prove to be a productive back in 2009. Benson should not be considered a starter in fantasy leagues, but with a repeat of 2008 he could sneak up on some people and be a possible sleeper.
RB EDGERRIN JAMES ASKING FOR RELEASE
The Cardinal's running back did not take well to his limited role in 2008 and is looking to break away to find greener pastures. Many are expecting to see the former Miami Hurricane released by the team. Once James does hit the market, it will be difficult to foresee where he could end up. James an 11-year veteran will be 31 when the 2009 season kicks off and unfortunately there is not much of a market for him to find work. In fantasy leagues, as long as he is unemployed he will likely be undrafted and have no value.
WR LAVERANUES COLES SIGNS WITH BENGALS
The Bengals were hot to add new talent at the receiver position, especially with the void created by the recent departure of T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The team did not waste much time finding it's replacement when it signed wide receiver Laveranues Coles. Coles has seen in a decline in his production since his early days as a Jet and Redskin. Now with a new team and new quarterback, the horizon looks promising, but until he develops the needed chemistry with Carson Palmer to blossom he's a risky pick and would serve best as a WR3 in most fantasy leagues.
RB LAMONT JORDAN JOINS BRONCOS BACKFIELD
The Broncos are quickly filling up their roster with back-up running backs with the addition of Jordan. The signing is one of three veterans added signaling big changes in the Broncos backfield. Jordan may have the inside track to win some playing time in 2009, having spent one year in the McDaniels system, but the returning Bronco backs could find themselves fighting for a spot on the team. With Hillis and Torain expected to have opportunities to play and the additions of Arrington and Buckhalter, there's little doubt that McDaniels has brought in his own committee program. The Broncos backfield will once again likely be fantasy UN-friendly in 2009.
WR ANQUAN BOLDIN REMAINS IN LIMBO
With the recent signing of quarterback Kurt Warner, many Cardinal fans might expect the team to address its' receiver situation in particular resigning Anquan Boldin. Such has not been the case and the team's disgruntled under-contract wideout remains in limbo, while the football world waits to see if the Bidwells will bend or Boldin take a stand. Boldin's is a top receiver in this league, but seeing what Fitzgerald did down the stretch in the postseason, could actually knock Boldin's value down a couple of pegs. Should the team decide to trade Boldin, depending on where he landed he could see his value return to the same level as the elite.
RB LADANIAN TOMLINSON COULD BE OUT SOON
According to recent reports, the Chargers have made a last offer to restructure LT's deal. It is now up to LT to decide whether to accept or likely be released by the team. In the wake of this news, there are strong indications that the New Orleans Saints would have strong interest in reuniting LT with his former QB (Brees). If LT does land with the Saints, with the prolific passing game, he won't have to carry such a heavy load and his nose for the end-zone would only help the Saints in the red-zone. LT would lose some carries to Bush, but his value would still be worth a solid RB2 or low RB1 in fantasy drafts.
WR BRAYLON EDWARDS ON THE BLOCKS
The Browns star receiver fell off the map some what last season with a season filled with dropped passes and with the high price tag that could come along, there are reports suggesting that the team has him on the trade blocks. After trading tight end Kellen Winslow to the Bucs, the Browns passing may not be able to afford letting go of Edwards, regardless what it costs to keep him. The team has no other playmakers; Stallworth is often injured, and Steptoe has yet to blossom. Edwards is still a talent and can be productive wherever he ends up, but in Cleveland he is the primary target and the team only real weapon. As long as he's a Brown he'll be a solid WR2 for fantasy owners.
WR TORRY HOLT WANTS OUT OF ST.LOUIS
The Ram's all-pro receiver wants out of town and I would be very surprised if the team did not grant his request at some point in the future. With his currently salary, at his age, and with his decline in production, the team is going to find it very difficult to move Holt in a trade. The Ram's receiver caught just 64 passes and scored three touchdowns in 2008. If he is released, there is talk the Bears could have interest. Playing with Orton in the windy city does not have the prospect of a rebounding season in 2009. Holt is no longer considered a top tier receiver in fantasy circles and will likely fall as low as a WR3 in most drafts.
TE CHRIS BAKER SIGNS WITH PATRIOTS
The Patriots snatched up free agent tight end Chris Baker. Baker was released by the Jets following the 2008 season with the emergence of rookie tight end Dustin Keller. Baker only caught 21 passes with no touchdowns last season and with Patriot tight ends combining for 31 receptions and two touchdowns, he won't be expected to be much more productive in Foxboro. Baker offers very little value in fantasy, especially likely to play behind Ben Watson.
IDP Notes:
Everyone loves the big arm, the big pass play, and the long touchdown run, but how could anyone argue with the timely big pass rush and game changing sack? For those football fans that enjoy the darkside of the force (Defense), there's as much to talk about on defense as there is offense. Some recent moves by NFL teams could have a huge impact next season in IDP leagues, while others may not change much of anything. Here's my take as I sort through more of what's happening around the NFL.
DL GRADY JACKSON SIGNS WITH LIONS
The huge nose tackle has signed on with the Lions. Jackson is a load on the inside and built to stop the run (not much of a pass rusher at 345lbs), but at 36 he's not likely to make much of a impact coming from a team that ranked near the bottom against run. Jackson has no fantasy value in IDP leagues and his presence won't bolster the Lions
DL SHAUN ROGERS TO STAY IN THE POUND
The Browns do not sound like they have any interest in trading defensive lineman Shaun Rogers. Last season Rogers was a beast in the trenches, finishing the 2008 season with 76 tackles and four sacks. The Brown's defensive linemen is a solid fantasy option in IDP leagues even though he has few sacks he more than makes up for it averaging almost five tackles per game.
LB KARLOS DANSBY SIGNS ONE-YEAR TENDER
The Cardinal's have locked up Dansby for 2009, giving the team time to possibly workout a long term deal down the road. Dansby led the team in 2008 with 119 total tackles and recorded four sacks (tied for team lead). He's a solid inside linebacker and a strong IDP play at the position, especially with the team moving more toward the traditional style of the 3-4 defense. Dansby figures to gobble up a lot of tackles in 2009 and could be a top play in fantasy.
LB MIKE VRABEL WITH THE CHIEFS
The Patriots sent linebacker Mike Vrabel over to the Chiefs in a trade for an undisclosed draft pick. How and why, if he was included as part of the Cassel deal is unclear. Nonetheless Vrabel is in KC and he will bring needed leadership to the team as the defense converts to a 3-4. Vrabel is a 12-year veteran with his best days behind him with just 62 tackles and four sacks. If KC lines him up on the outside, he'll likely be used more as a pass rusher, but won't carry a lot of value in fantasy IDP leagues.
DL VONNIE HOLLIDAY SENT PACKING IN MIAMI
The Dolphins released 33-year old defensive linemen Vonnie Holliday last Tuesday (Mar. 2nd). While there has been some talk (not a lot) of a few teams that could have interest, Holliday could have a tough time finding new work. The former Dolphin recorded just three and a half sacks last season and just two in 2007 when he missed four games. If he does get signed by someone, he offers only little value as a reserve DL in most fantasy IDP leagues.
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411....
No comments:
Post a Comment