Preseason Random Thoughts

2012-08-27 11:23:45
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
RealTime Fantasy Sports

Matt Ryan ready to shine

With the preseason winding down, I figured it would be a good time to give you some of my random thoughts on what we have seen to date. This has been an interesting preseason to say the least.

The Cardinals have a mess at quarterback. I have no idea who will win the starting job. Both Kevin Kolb and John Skelton have been terrible at times. The bigger concern is the entire offense, especially Larry Fitzgerald. He has produced in the past with poor quarterback play but you have to wonder if this is the year it finally catches up with him. One of these guys needs to get better in a hurry or it could be a really long year in Arizona.

I'm excited about the prospects of Jake Locker in a starting role. He is an exciting talent that I think can be a solid No. 2 for fantasy teams. He'll be erratic but is a big-game threat in an emerging offense. He has a lot of young talent to work with in the passing game. The Titans offense could really be explosive at times.

You never want to get too caught up in preseason action but Michael Turner sure seems to have hit the wall. Turner doesn't seem a good fit for the Falcons new up-tempo offense and has gained little with his carries this preseason. He probably still gets the goal-line work, which is a plus, but expect his carries to be way down. Look for Jacquizz Rodgers to get a lot of work for the Falcons at running back.

Cedric Benson is moving up our draft board. The Packers are going to be pass first but Benson could provide some value as a No. 3 back for fantasy teams. He is grabbing the starter's job and seems to have something to prove, looking good in early preseason action. He could surprise after not being on anyone's radar just a few weeks back.

Matt Ryan is rocketing up our draft rankings. He looks great this preseason and looks to be playing in a pass-first, up-tempo offense. He has a chance for huge numbers, challenging the likes of the elite fantasy quarterbacks. I'm expecting big things.

Not sure why some are down on Jordy Nelson but I still think he is an elite fantasy receiver. I'm not sure he matches last year's touchdown totals but I like his chances for another big season. He could get more targets this season with Aaron Rodgers getting more comfortable with him. I think he brings great value right now as teams are getting him as a No. 2 receiver during most drafts.

The health of Darren McFadden is always a concern but his talent should never be in question. I think he is talented enough to lead all backs in fantasy scoring if he can stay healthy. He is a dual threat with big-play potential. I think he is worth the risk in the mid to late first round of drafts. His upside is as high as any player these days.

Sam Bradford still looks to be shell shocked. He isn't throwing with confidence and has happy feet in the pocket. It doesn't help that the team still lacks receivers that can separate in the passing game. It could be another long season for Bradford. You just hope he doesn't take too big of a beating once again and regress even more. His career could be going down the wrong path, which is a shame because he has plenty of talent.

Kind of like the Rams, the Patriots are another team having offensive line issues. Tom Brady has been hit pretty good in the preseason. You know the Patriots are going to throw a ton, so they better get these line issues figured out. If not, Brady might not last all year, going down to injury. This is a concern going forward.

Speaking of teams that are a mess, the Jets' offense is a disaster right now. You can never get too upset over the preseason but the lack of progress in this unit is a huge concern. Both Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow are showing little at quarterback. Sanchez remains the starter, though, especially with Tebow struggling. The Jets receivers aren't doing either guy any favors, which is a big reason the entire offense is a mess right now. This is an offense to avoid for fantasy teams.

I'm expecting big things from Torrey Smith this season and his play in the preseason is doing nothing to dispute this. The Ravens are giving him plenty of targets and his route running looks to be much improved. He is setup for a breakout season. I really think he could be a solid No. 2 for fantasy teams.

All the hype about Randy Moss might have been overblown. Shocking, right? He is having a very quiet preseason. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the 49ers even cut Moss before the start of the season. Don't count on him rebounding in 2012. The 49ers top receivers are Michael Crabtree and Mario Manningham.

With all this said, I'm not sure about you but I'm ready for the season to start. The preseason gets old in a hurry. Let the real fun begin.

If you have any questions or comments, please email Jeff Paur at jeff@rtsports.com

Fantasy Football Player Notes RSS FeedPLAYER NOTES

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Louis MurphyMay 23 10:03a

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Jerrel JerniganMay 23 09:54a

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Thaddeus LewisMay 23 09:23a

The Cleveland Browns signed free-agent WR Tori Gurley (Ravens) and waived QB Thaddeus Lewis.

Johnny JollyMay 23 08:22a

Green Bay Packers DE Johnny Jolly is expected to return to the team next week and begin participating in OTAs after completing a court-ordered drug treatment program.

Aaron CurryMay 22 11:53p

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Dan ConnorMay 22 11:53p

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Chris SneeMay 22 11:53p

New York Giants C David Baas (undisclosed), OG Chris Snee (hip), CB Terrell Thomas (knee) and LB Jacquian Williams (knee) did not take part in team drills during organized [ More ]

Jason FoxMay 22 11:53p

Detroit Lions OT Jason Fox served as the first-team right tackle, and OT Riley Reiff worked as the first-team left tackle, Wednesday, May 22, during organized team activities (OTAs).

Chris GreenwoodMay 22 11:53p

Detroit Lions CB Chris Greenwood (abdominal) was able to practice Wednesday, May 22, during organized team activities (OTAs). He missed last season due to an abdominal injury.

Reggie BushMay 22 11:53p

Detroit Lions RB Reggie Bush was used as a punt returner during organized team activities (OTAs) Wednesday, May 22. WR Terrence Austin, WR Patrick Edwards, RB Steven Miller, WR [ More ]

Nate BurlesonMay 22 11:53p

Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson (leg) showed quickness during organized team activities (OTAs) Wednesday, May 22. He has also lost weight, dropping from 198 to 192 pounds to add speed.

Dylan GandyMay 22 11:53p

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Hakeem NicksMay 22 10:13p

New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks did not show up to practice Wednesday, May 22, because he is unhappy with his contract situation, a source indicated. Nicks did not [ More ]

Justin TuckMay 22 10:13p

New York Giants DE Justin Tuck, a free agent at season's end, said Wednesday, May 22, that he wasn't thinking about his future with the team, or how he [ More ]

Randy MossMay 22 08:33p

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said the team isn't considering re-signing WR Randy Moss after learning that WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles') tore his Achilles' Wednesday, May 22. [ More ]

Charles WoodsonMay 22 08:13p

Oakland Raiders CB Charles Woodson (collarbone) said he expects to play the same safety role he moved to with the Green Bay Packers late in his career. Also, he [ More ]

Michael VickMay 22 07:23p

Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick, who held onto the ball for an average of 3.07 seconds last year, will likely have to change in order to be successful in [ More ]

Mark SanchezMay 22 06:13p

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan said he was disappointed with QB Mark Sanchez after he threw three interceptions during organized team activities Wednesday, May 22. 'Yeah, it [ More ]

Michael CrabtreeMay 22 05:53p

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said he does not think WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles') will miss the entire 2013 regular season.

Tim TebowMay 22 05:43p

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Brandon GibsonMay 22 05:13p

Miami Dolphins WR Brandon Gibson lined up as the slot receiver when the team used three-receiver sets during organized team activities Tuesday, May 21.

Rokevious WatkinsMay 22 05:13p

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Brent GrimesMay 22 05:03p

Miami Dolphins WR Brian Hartline, WR Brandon Gibson and CB Brent Grimes worked as punt returners during organized team activities Tuesday, May 21. Head coach Joe Philbin did not [ More ]

Aaron WilliamsMay 22 04:33p

Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said FS Aaron Williams has done well in his transition from cornerback to safety. 'He's doing a nice job, and that's a difficult [ More ]

Michael CrabtreeMay 22 04:13p

Updating previous reports, San Francisco 49ers WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles') has undergone surgery to repair his torn Achilles' tendon.

Michael CrabtreeMay 22 04:13p

Updating a previous report, doctors believe San Francisco 49ers WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles') will miss six months because of his torn Achilles' tendon. Doctors have recommended that Crabtree undergo surgery as soon as possible.

Jameel McClainMay 22 03:53p

Baltimore Ravens LB Jameel McClain (spine) and CB Lardarius Webb (knee) were limited to individual drills during organized team activities Wednesday, May 22.

Jeremy EbertMay 22 03:53p

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed free-agent WR Jeremy Ebert (Patriots). Terms of the contract were not disclosed. In a corresponding move, the team waived DT Jeris Pendleton.

Stephen HillMay 22 03:43p

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan said WR Stephen Hill (knee) did not participate in organized team activities Wednesday, May 22, because of swelling in his knee.

Mark SanchezMay 22 03:33p

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