MURRAY AND MCCOY: NEW PLACES, SAME FACES?

August 28th 2015

Friday

Murray and McCoy: New Places, Same Faces?

I mentioned yesterday some of the running backs I would be targeting in my upcoming PPR draft and while these two (DeMarco Murray and LeSean McCoy) obvious targets were not mentioned, they are not being overlooked.

McCoy and Murray may be in new places for the 2015 season, but I still very much think these two dynamic runners are the same ball-carriers from a year ago. That being said, while the talent may still exist their situations set up for very likely different outcomes from a year ago.

Murray (450 touches in 2014) is not likely to see as heavy a load as he did in Dallas last season with the likes of Ryan Matthews and Darren Sproles sharing the same sideline. History is also against him to repeat his 2014 performance. I think Murray will perform well in Philly and should have a good season, but I am not expecing him to finish 2015 as the number two fantasy stud; top 10 is more in line. With his current value in drafts (that I am seeing) making him a late first or early second round pick, his price may be too high for me to reach.

McCoy would seem to have greater appeal (to me), in a situation where he is a lock to be the workhorse. But the Bills questionable line and questionable offense, together with McCoy's recent injury status may make him appear to be a bit of a risky early pick. Regardless, I still like McCoy to also finish in the top 10 this season. Once he returns to the field, he could easily post his third consecutive 300-plus carry season, and surpass his 5 rushing touchdowns of a year ago.

Both these cats can scat with the best and have shown in the past the ability to perform at the highest of levels, but when stacking up the two head-to-head this season, based on what they bring to the table and where they'll be setting up their plates, my money is on Shady.

That's just my take.

~David G

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Thursday Edition

August 16th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

 

A Look Back at 2011

The Big Ballers

(And this year’s 1^st Rounders)

These players are far from any secret in the fantasy world, but if we are going to start any conversations regarding fantasy football it’s starts with these guys; Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Calvin Johnson, and Ray Rice. Rodgers like Brees, is becoming one of the more consistent elite passers putting up huge numbers, but probably his most impressive stat is his durability; has only missed two games in past four seasons (just one due to injury).

Megatron and Rice rule at their respective position by simply out-performing the competition. Johnson has ruled the air with 2,800 yards receiving and 28 touchdown receptions the past two seasons, while Rice handles the ground work with 3,700 total yards (rushing & receiving) with 21 touchdowns over the same span.

A couple of other names that need to be grouped here would included Arian Foster (scored in 8 of his last 9 games in 2011), Tom Brady (39 passing TD in 2011), and LeSean McCoy (20 touchdowns in 2011). Without question you don’t need much argument to justify a first round selection with any of these picks.

All of these players have the pedigree to be considered early fantasy draft picks and heading into the new season, there’s no reason to think these fantasy studs won’t pull their weight once again. These proven commodities in the fantasy world are consider safe picks, but while these ballers get the job done quite easily, there is a short list of names from a year ago that have made enough noise to draw early round consideration as well.

Surprises from 2011

There was some talk and a little preaching about a certain Graham in New Orleans emerging as a big target and red zone weapon for Drew Brees and Saints offense, but few had any idea tight end Jimmy Graham would blow up in 2011 as he did; 99 receptions, 1,300 yards. His numbers were like another wide receiver. His strong showing from a year ago has many folks talking about a repeat performance and at 6’7” and a world of athletic talent it seems very possible.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski was equally impressive with his strong 2011 showing (90 rec, 1,327 yards, 17 touchdowns) and as big a surprise. At 6’6’ he give Brady lots to work with and last season did they work it well.

Like the tight-end twins, a few other surprises that could impact the early rounds of drafts this season would include Saints running back Darren Sproles. Although not a feature back his 1,300 combined yards, 86 receptions, and 9 touchdowns could keep him from slipping too far past the first round (especially in PPR leagues).

A pair of wideouts that could be very interesting in the coming fantasy drafts would include Packers wideout Jordy Nelson (15 receiving touchdowns) and Giants receiver Victor Cruz (1,536 receiving yards). With the Packers high-octane passing game there certainly seems to be plenty of balls to go around and Nelson could easily see an increase in his 94 targets from a year ago making him an attractive early receiver option. On the other side Cruz is coming off a big season and with the absence of wide receiver Mario Manningham (signed with the 49ers), there could be more room for this talent to blossom even more.

The 2012 season is just a few short weeks away and we still have plenty more to talk about, don’t you just love Fantasy Football?

By David Ortega