Now that the first round of free agency has come and gone, fantasy owners are adjusting and looking forward to how things are shaking up as we get closer to the season.
On the Rise
Martellus Bennett…Bennett was a viable option in Chicago, Cutler relied on him heavily. In three seasons there he racked up 208 receptions with 14 touchdowns. Now he’s moved on to fantasy heaven, New England. Joining forces with Brady and Gronk….WOW. Bennett is in the conversation of Fantasy Beast top 50 players.
Purchase Risk
Chris Ivory…Ivory enjoyed a breakout season last year. He became fantasy relevant, rushing for over 1,000 yards with 7 rushing touchdowns. He took his battering ram mentality South to join a young stud running back in Jacksonville. This duo will certainly be backfield by committee.
On the Rise
Robert Griffin III…RG3 has inherited a situation that is worse than his previous resin. So you’re wondering “why” his stock is climbing. Griffin passed for exactly 0 attempts for 0 yards. Also he was inactive for all 16 games last season. If Robert contributes modest numbers this year, anything would be better than a blank stat column.
Purchase Risk
David Johnson…Johnson rushed for 581 yards in limited duty, he also compiled 13 total touchdowns. However the resigning of CJ2K and the big play ability Andre Ellington, who continues to loom around the Cardinals backfield. This may not be a backfield by committee, nor a bell cow system.
One the Rise
Lamar Miller…Miller has been a very productive back when utilized. He’s coming off his best year as pro, almost rushing 900 yards, and totaling 10 combined touchdowns by ground and air. Now he’s in Houston running in a run happy system. Miller is a lock for at least 350 touches.
Purchase Risk
Broncos Wide Receivers…Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas have both experienced pro bowl seasons under Peyton Manning. The Legend has now retired and the only viable quarterback option has moved on to Houston in free agency. Without a quarterback their stock plummets through the basement.
On the Rise
Demarco Murray…Murray fell off a cliff last year. In 2014 he won the NFL rushing title, while doing everything for Dallas other than selling popcorn at the concession stands. Murray was a fantasy dud. Now he’s in scheme that’s more suitable for his running style.
Purchase Risk
Eddie Lacy…Lacy entered his 2015 campaign as a top five selection on every fantasy big board. He was out of shape and often injured. Also the emergence of James Starks will dwindle his production even more.
On the Rise
Travis Benjamin…This Miami product was finally healthy this year. He posted career highs in receptions and touchdowns, 68 recs for 966 yards with five touchdowns, with spotty quarterback play. Benjamin has traded his Cleveland brown for Charger blue. Phillip Rivers can’t wait to add that speed to his arsenal.
Purchase Risk
Darren McFadden…D-Mack enjoyed the second best season of his nine year career. McFadden rushed for over 1,000, with 3 touchdowns. He became fantasy relevant for the first time since 2010. Well… there goes the good news!!! Dallas just decided to bring the hard nose Alfred Morris to big D. Morris will instantly compete for the starting job contrary to what Jerry Jones says.
On the Rise
Jeremy Langford…Langford enjoyed a very prosperous rookie campaign. He rushed for 537 yards with 6 touchdowns in Matt Forte’s absence. Jeremy has been given the lead dog position, and is ready to reap the benefits of this high powered offense.
