ESPN Fantasy Football 2014

4 KICKOFF
On the fence about

reading this guide?
Matthew Berry would like
a few words with you.
10 TRUTHS BE TOLD
Lies, damned lies! We play
myth buster, fantasy style.
24 SLEEPERS & BUSTS
Bargains at the top of the draft,
rip-os at the bottom.
36 ON YOUR MOCKS, GET
SET, GO!
Ten real experts did one fake
draftand we were there to
make a mockery of it.
20 WELCOME TO THE
SHOW, ROOK
True story: Mel Kiper Jr.
doesnt get bedhead
and his rookie sleepers
never bust.
28 AGREE TO DISAGREE
Seven experts defend their
rank of four polarizing players:
Nick Foles, Arian Foster, Percy
Harvin and Kyle Rudolph.
136 WIN BY NUMBERS
We put our big brains and
fancy calculators together
to create four stats that will
alter your board.
FEATURES
COVER AND THI S PAGE, PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER YANG
LESEAN MCCOY PAGE 62
2 ESPN FANTASY FOOTBALL
CONT E NT S
42 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY
SUCCESSFUL DRAFTERS
The Talented Mr. Roto turns
your suckiness into success!
LEON HALI P/GETTY I MAGES
POSITION REPORTS
48 QUARTERBACKS
From No. 1 Peyton Manning
to No. 70 Jimmy Garoppolo.
74 WIDE RECEIVERS
From No. 1 Calvin Johnson to
No. 100 Mohamed Sanu.
96 KICKERS
From No. 1 Matt Prater
to No. 30 Nate Freese.
108 INDIVIDUAL
DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Breakdowns of the top 150
fantasy defenders.
60 RUNNING BACKS
From No. 1 Adrian Peterson
to No. 100 Kenjon Barner.
88 TIGHT ENDS
From No. 1 Jimmy Graham
to No. 40 Brent Celek.
102 DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
From No. 1 Seattle to
No. 32 Dallas.
EDITORS
SCOTT T. MILLER,
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140 PLAYER INDEX
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114 TEAM OUTLOOKS
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B Y M A T T H E W B E R R Y
KICKOFF
GO AHEAD. TAKE A GOOD WHIFF. LEAN IN, BURY YOUR NOSE.
You smell that? Its fantasy football, my friend, and its here.
Everyone has his own ocial start to the fantasy football season, and for me,
its the rst time I crack open a magazine. Yeah, theres a ton of stu online and,
no doubt, Ill hit ESPN.com for some mock drafts and the latest updates, but
really, theres nothing quite like holding a magazine. Feel the weight, bend back
the pages, roll it up and smack your buddy in the face when he tries to draft a
player thats already been taken. That may seem extreme, but it rarely happens
a second time. Just saying.
Ever since the Super Bowl ended, we here at ESPN Fantasy HQ have been
re-watching game lm, crunching numbers and, me personally, guring out the
seven habits of highly eective drafters. Ive also been working on subtle ways
to get the title of articles I wrote into other articles I write. The point is, its been
a gas. Thats how long weve been working on thisthe word gas was actually
being used like that when we started.
Do you draft with your mind, guided by cold and emotionless analysis? Maybe
youre a heart guy, plowing ahead with players you love, forsaking guys who
have burned you and rebutting logic with I dont care, I just hate him! You
could also be the guy who shows up late, immediately gets drunk and tries
to draft a player who went the round beforeat least until you get hit with a
rolled-up magazine. However you draft, we got you covered in here, starting
with 522 player proles. Thats right: 522!
Chock-full of fantasy goodness, this mag is just the beginning. As news breaks,
well have tons of updates, analysis, articles, lists, the daily Fantasy Focus 06010
podcast I do with Nate Ravitz, videos and more at ESPN.com. Play for free in
fully customizable leagues, accessible from any mobile device. And throughout
the season, starting Aug. 10, theres the award-winning Fantasy Football Now
(11 a.m. ET on ESPN2). So welcome to the 2014 fantasy football season. Its
gonna be a gas. Oh, thatll make a comeback, and when it does, well be ahead of
the curve. Just like youll be for draft day.
CHRI STI AN PETERSEN/GETTY I MAGES
K I CKOF F
ITS HUMP, ER, DRAFT DAY!
When you hear the expression a camel is a horse designed by committee, its usually meant as a slam on committees. And
camels. But if the committee had been tasked to create a horselike animal that could thrive in some of the harshest conditions
on earth, then the design was a complete success. When we assembled our fantasy football committee in Bristol on the Tuesday
following the NFL draft, it was our intention to create an initial set of rankings that will help you survive even the harshest drafting
conditions. They may not be tailored to your specic drafting style or league depth, but just like the noble creatures of the desert,
theyll get you where you need to go. Heres a look at how we tackled the rankings, position by position. PIERRE BECQUEY
QUARTERBACKS
Youll never guess, but Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers
and Drew Brees are in a fantasy tier all alone. Below them,
Matthew Staord leads a group with Cam Newton and
Andrew Lucktheir week-winning potential is tantalizing.
Sure things are harder to nd after that, which is why these
six will y o the board. A few names absent from our
top 10? Matt Ryan, Ben Roethlisberger and, yes, Tom Brady.
We ranked Giseles squeeze 12th. (Seriously.) Listen,
Brady is a perfectly ne real-life quarterback, but would
you feel comfortable having him as your Week 1 fantasy
starter without Rob Gronkowski on the eld? Me neither.
RUNNING BACKS
Drafters with scars from last years rst-round RB
bloodbathTrent Richardson, anyone?might stay away
from taking a big-money ball carrier. Dont. The risk of bust
gets far greater after you get past Eddie Lacy, whos our
No. 6 back. Lacy and Zac Stacy were two of 2013s best
hidden gemsand our second and third tiers of backs are
again riddled with breakout candidates. Andre Ellington and
Joique Bell both have feature-back ability; all they need is
more touches. And rookie Bishop Sankey has the look of a
bruiser in Tennessees run-heavy scheme. Theres value to
be had everywhere. You just have to know where to look.
THE SECOND
TIME AROUND
Its inevitable: Rookies often
get us all excited only to
disappoint and disappear
from our consciousness as
soon as the next class rolls
into town. Sometimes thats
for the best. (Goodbye,
Isaiah Pead!) But other
times, one more yearone
more chanceis all they
need. So how about it? Here
are 15 post-hype sleepers
that warrant another look.
CHRISTOPHER HARRIS
2 TERRANCE WILLIAMS COWBOYS WR
Dez Bryant and Jason Witten will attract most defenses
attention, giving Williams plenty of opportunity to bust out
as a clear starter in Scott Linehans pass-heavy scheme.
If he stays healthy, a 60-catch season is his oor.
1 CORDARRELLE PATTERSON VIKINGS WR
Norv Turner did wonders for Josh Gordon in his second
season, and now hell get a crack at the 6-foot-2
Patterson, who runs a 4.42 40. His route-running is still
suspect, but if he learns how to get open deep, watch out.
3 KHIRY ROBINSON SAINTS RB
For the zillionth year in a row, the Saints will feature a
backeld committee. Dont let that scare you away from
Robinson. His tape shows he has more potential as an
early-down rusher than Pierre Thomas or Mark Ingram.
WIDE RECEIVER
Player A nished last season with 92 catches
for 1,430 yards and 14 TDs. Player B racked up
84/1,492/12. Coming into 2014, youd think
the gap between the two would be minimal.
Well, youd be wrong, because Player B is Calvin
Johnson. We gave Megatron an auction value
of $51, nearly 30 percent more than Player A,
Demaryius Thomas. Johnson is tantalizing, but
youd be wise to dig deep into this list. Heres
a sampling of players we ranked as WR3s or
lower: T.Y. Hilton (No. 22), Michael Floyd (No. 26),
Golden Tate (No. 34) and Riley Cooper (No. 41).
TIGHT END
Theres a top tier among tight ends, and his
name is Jimmy Graham. Thats what happens
when you score two more TDs (16) than any
other pass catcher. (Yes, that includes wideouts.)
But dont let Grahams otherworldliness sour
you on Julius Thomas or Rob Gronkowski, both
of whom are proof that stud tight ends often
blossom overnight. Heck, we had Thomas ranked
as the No. 20 TE going into last season. So who
are this years waiver-wire sensations?
Our experts seemed to think Zach Ertz (No. 14)
and Ladarius Green (No. 16)with 57 career
catches between themt the bill.
4 AARON DOBSON PATRIOTS WR
Dobson was dogged by foot injuries his rookie year, but
he ashed separation skills and improving hands as he
got healthier. If he can become Tom Bradys top outside
receiver not impossible!he could be a dierence maker.
8 TAVON AUSTIN RAMS WR
The rst WR drafted last year, Austin fell at in the pros, as
he struggled to get the ball in space and take advantage of
his crazy quicks. Hell play from the slot and hopefully have
a bigger role, but do you trust Sam Bradford?
12 EJ MANUEL BILLS QB
The Cam Newton comparisons remain, but Manuels
rookie campaign was far short of Newtonian. His potential
as a scrambler is negated by poor accuracy (58 percent
completion rate, ranked 28th) and decision-making.
6 DEANDRE HOPKINS TEXANS WR
Nuk was second among rookie WRs with 52 catches, and
he has a great mentor in Andre Johnson. But with Ryan
Fitzpatrick at the helm, the Texans could be hard-pressed
to feed multiple fantasy-relevant receivers.
10 LATAVIUS MURRAY RAIDERS RB
Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden are ahead of
Murray on the Oakland depth chart, but theyre a one-two
punch of age (MJD) and fragility (DMC). Murrays nasty
size/speed combo makes him a legit sleeper.
14 GENO SMITH JETS QB
Smiths rookie year was all over the map. The signing of
Michael Vick signals that the Jets arent sold on last years
second-rounder as their QB of the future. Maybe Smith
puts it together as a soph and makes Vick ride the pine.
5 ZACH ERTZ EAGLES TE
Ertzs blocking limited his snaps as a rookie, but hes in an
enviable system for his elite pass-catching (36 catches for
469 yards). Brent Celek is still around, but Chip Kelly would
love for Ertz to win the every-down job.
9 TYLER EIFERT BENGALS TE
Under new OC Hue Jackson, Cincy will be more balanced
on oense, meaning the 6-6 Eifert will have even fewer
chances to bust out. His fantasy relevance is tied to whether
the overly underwhelming Jermaine Gresham gets cut.
13 KENNY STILLS SAINTS WR
Darren Sproles and Lance Moore are gone. Marques Colston
is fading fast. So passes are up for grabs in New Orleans.
Stills (20 ypc) may show hes more than a burner, though
rookie Brandin Cooks intrigues. (Dont they all?)
7 JUSTIN HUNTER TITANS WR
At 6-4, with 4.44 speed and a 39-inch vert, Hunter is a
ready-made red zone threat. Its conceivable hell develop
into a truly uncoverable big-play receiver. Heck, four of his
18 catches as a rook went for scores.
11 CHRISTINE MICHAEL SEAHAWKS RB
The calendar says Marshawn Lynch isnt old (hes 28), but
he leads the NFL in carries over the past three years. And
as his handcus go, Michaels size and speed make him far
more enticing than Robert Turbin.
15 MARCUS LATTIMORE 49ERS RB
If Lattimore can rebound from his horric knee injury
to become the rusher he used to be, hes a feature back.
But the Niners drafted Carlos Hydeand still employ
Frank Goreand may not be counting on Lattimore.
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1 LESEANMCCOY PHI RB
2 EDDIELACY 1 GB RB
3 JAMAALCHARLES KC RB
4 LEVEONBELL PIT RB
5 DOUGMARTIN TB RB
6 ZAC STACY 2 STL RB
7 A.J. GREEN CIN WR
8 CALVIN JOHNSON DET WR
9 ADRIAN PETERSON MIN RB
10 MATTFORTE CHI RB
11 JULIOJONES ATL WR
12 GIOVANI BERNARD CIN RB
13 DEZBRYANT DAL WR
14 MONTEEBALL DEN RB
15 C.J. SPILLER BUF RB
16 DEMARYIUSTHOMAS DEN WR
17 RANDALLCOBB GB WR
18 ALSHONJEFFERY CHI WR
19 JIMMYGRAHAM NO TE
20 AARONRODGERS GB QB
21 ANDREWLUCK 3 IND QB
22 ANTONIOBROWN PIT WR
23 CORDARRELLEPATTERSON MIN WR
24 KEENAN ALLEN SD WR
25 MARSHAWNLYNCH SEA RB
26 MATTHEWSTAFFORD DET QB
27 CAMNEWTON CAR QB
28 DREWBREES NO QB
29 ANDREELLINGTON ARI RB
30 ARIANFOSTER HOU RB
31 BRANDONMARSHALL CHI WR
32 MICHAELFLOYD ARI WR
33 DEMARCOMURRAY DAL RB
34 SAMMYWATKINS 4 BUF WR
35 ALFREDMORRIS WAS RB
36 PEYTONMANNING DEN QB
37 TRENTRICHARDSON IND RB
38 RYAN MATHEWS SD RB
39 MICHAELCRABTREE SF WR
40 BEN TATE CLE RB
41 REGGIEBUSH DET RB
42 DEANDREHOPKINS HOU WR
43 TOBYGERHART JAC RB
44 JORDYNELSON GB WR
45 LARRYFITZGERALD ARI WR
46 PIERREGARCON WAS WR
47 JOSH GORDON 5 CLE WR
48 SHANEVEREEN NE RB
49 ROBGRONKOWSKI NE TE
50 DAVIDWILSON NYG RB
LEAGUE WINNERS
1 JAMAALCHARLES, KC RB 21.8%
2 PEYTON MANNING, DEN QB 17.8%
3 ADRIAN PETERSON, MIN RB 16.2%
4 JIMMYGRAHAM, NO TE 16.0%
5 DEMARYIUS THOMAS, DEN WR 15.8%
SEASON KILLERS
1 MAURICEJONES-DREW, JAC RB 15.1%
2 HAKEEM NICKS, NYG WR 14.1%
3 STEVAN RIDLEY, NE RB 13.0%
4 LARRYFITZGERALD, ARI WR 13.0%
5 MATTHEWSTAFFORD, DET QB 12.7%
K I CKOF F
HOW THE LEAGUES WERE WON (AND LOST)
If youre thinking about drafting Maurice Jones-Drew, dont. He was the most
common denominator on last-place teams in 2013and we cant imagine his
fortunes changing in Oakland. Jamaal Charles was drafted eighth on average last
season and nished as the No. 1 RB, which helps explain why he popped up on
more league-winning rosters than any other player.

LIVING WELL IN DYNASTY
Everyone loves rookies, but dont get caught spending a high dynasty-league pick on an unproven commodity. Most
quarterbacks take years to develop. Running backs are a little safer then again, hows Trent Richardson working out?
This year, wide receiver has some appealSammy Watkins was the lone rookie to crack my top 50 keepers (below), but
hell likely be overdrafted. Remember, sure you want to win in 2017; just dont forget about 2014. ERIC KARABELL

KARABELLS TOP 50
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Unparalleled expert analysis.

1 EDDIELACY
I understand the Lacy impulse; hes the only trustworthy RB under 25. Its a weird
time for RBs, really, as the most reliable names are aging. If its me, I go WR after
McCoy: Megatron, A.J., Julio.
3 ANDREW LUCK
Putting Luck ahead of Staord, Cam, Brees and Peyton is gutsy, but Im on board.
I wouldve actually taken it one step further: Luck would be my No. 1 dynasty QB
even ahead of Rodgers..
2 ZAC STACY
Wow, I thought I was high on Stacy. Hes a little overrated here. Im not sure his
punishing style will grant him as much longevity as Eric is predicting. Gio, Peterson
and Forte should all go before he does.
4 SAMMY WATKINS
Interesting. Watkins would make my top 50, but Id have fellow rookie Mike Evans
ahead of him, and Evans didnt make Erics list. I love deep threats and red zone
studs, and Evans is both.
5 JOSH GORDON
And the problem child appears. Your impulse might be to take Gordon higher than
this, because eventually hell go back to stud-hood (league-leading 1,646 yards
in 2013). But what if he keeps running afoul?
UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION
We asked fellow fantasy expert Christopher Harris to take a peek at
Karabells rankings and nd a couple of sticking points. Because it
aint fantasy without some friendly debate.
Dont be afraid of Shady:
LeSean McCoy is one of four
no-brainer running backs who
should go atop any draft.
TRUTHS
BE
TOLD
BE BOLD: OUR CONVENTION-
DEFYING GUIDE REVEALS
THAT THE SECRET TO A
SMART DRAFT IS TO RUN
AGAINST THE GRAIN.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY PETER YANG
T RUT HS BE T OL D
BY CHRI STOPHER HARRI S
THE DEFYING TRUTH
Lets face it, 2013 was a gruesome year for first-round running backs.
Arian Foster, Ray Rice, Doug Martin, C.J. Spiller and Trent Richardson
were consensus top-10 picks, and by any measure, each was a disaster.
Yes, if you were fortunate enough to draft Jamaal Charles or our cover
boy, LeSean McCoy, your season worked out fine. But odds are that if
you used your first-rounder on a back last season, you were unimpressed.
That opens a whole bag of questions: Why would a right-thinking
fantasy football owner do it again in 2014? Isnt the strategy of select-
ing RBs very early in your draft a product of the old NFL? Havent we
recently seen players at other positionslike Peyton Manning, Calvin
Johnson and Jimmy Grahamshatter records? Dont we need a new
fantasy paradigm to match the new NFL? No, no, no and no.
I dont deal in absolutes. I will never argue that you must take a back
with your first pick, no matter who he is. There is a point where I think
drafting a seemingly reliable wideout or quarterback is probably smarter
than grabbing, say, the No. 11 running back. But with my first pick, Im
leaning toward the ball carrier. To explain why, Ill address the three
most typical objections to the RB-first strategy.
STAY AWAY FROM
RUNNING BACKS IN
THE FIRST ROUND
THE CONVENTIONAL WISDOM
OBJECTION NO. 1
YOU DOPE, ITS A PASSING LEAGUE!
Youre right. It is. Over the past two seasons, 12 QBs
have attempted 600-plus passes in a single campaign. In
the entire previous decade, that happened only 13 times.
Last year 16 signal-callershalf the leagueexceeded 500
attempts. In 2010, that number was nine. And in 1992,
Dan Marino was the only QB over 500. The 18,136 league-
wide passing attempts in 2013 were the most ever.
This explains why, in terms of raw fantasy point totals,
QBs have so thoroughly dominated the past two seasons.
In that span, 31 QBs have posted top-20 fantasy seasons,
compared with nine running backs. Only one RBJamaal
Charleshas finished higher than seventh. So if raw point
totals were all we cared about, youd be dumb to draft any-
thing other than a QB in your drafts first round.
But smart fantasy owners care much more about scar-
city. If high-volume, top-performing fantasy QBs are
everywhere, why value them? Last year, No. 3 QB Cam
Newton and No. 12 QB Ben Roethlisberger were separated
by 5.3 fantasy points per game. On average, Newton was
drafted 31st overall, while Big Ben went 101st. Heck, a top
performer like Philip Rivers was barely drafted in 10-team
leagues. Unless you owned Peyton Manning, it didnt really
matter all that much which QB you drafted, and even if
you were disappointed with a Brady or a Matt Ryan, in
most leagues replacement possibilities were plentiful.
By comparison, No. 3 running back Matt Forte and
No. 13 RB Frank Gore were 5.3 points per game apart.
And the top running backs are much harder to replace.
Thats because while most fantasy teams own one or two
QBs, they load up on five or six RBs. They handcuff their
studs and take fliers on possible future stars. So when
Reggie Bush gets hurt, Joique Bell is already owned in
most leagues, and therefore Bushs fantasy owners must
dive much deeper into the talent pool for reinforcements.
It only stands to reason: If there are only a few sure thing
running backs and plenty of vaguely equal QBs, wise strat-
egy says lean toward the RBs.
OBJECTION NO. 2
SCARCITY IS GREAT IN THEORY, BUT YOU MUST CONSIDER
RELIABILITY TOO!
As Ive mentioned, 2013 wasnt a good look for the
highest-drafted running backs. In 12-team leagues, a full
half of the 10 first-round RBs either got hurt (Foster,
Martin, Spiller) or mysteriously forgot how to run with
the football (Rice, Richardson). So sure, hypothetically
it makes sense to draft the scarcest position early, but
if first-round RBs are a virtual flip of the coin, shouldnt
we invest instead in the safest QB, wide receiver or tight
end with loads of upside?
Yes, but only if someone proves that its typical for so
many first-round RBs to flame out at the same time. Then
Id be willing to trade off some upside for security. But you
know what? Last season wasnt typicalat all.
In order to prove how funky 2013 was, let me reintro-
duce the notion of value-based drafting. As developed by
FootballGuys.com, VBD compares fantasy performances
at different positions. It measures each players raw points
relative to the baseline player at his position. (Each posi-
tions baseline is determined by counting how many
players at that position are typically drafted in the first 10
rounds.) VBD points are ranked, and voil: We have a way
of assessing where each player should have been drafted.
As you can see in Chart A, while Charles, McCoy,
Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson justified being
selected in the first round, and while Alfred Morris at least
submitted third-round value, the five other highest-drafted
running backs delivered nothing but disappointment.
This is some serious failure. Im not blaming the play-
ers; part of the argument against an early RB is that the
position is hazardous to a mans health, and many more
running backs than quarterbacks or wide receivers get
hurt in a given season. The fact is, though, that until last
year, the elite ball carriers had mostly avoided such soul-
crushing, injury-marred, terrible seasons. Dont believe
me? Ive got Chart B to prove it.
As you can see, its not all that uncommon for running
backs selected in the first dozen picks of your fantasy draft
to finish outside the top 12 in terms of VBD. And that
would be all the more fodder for folks who think taking
RBs early is stupid. Except look at that last column. Its all
but unprecedented to see so many first-round RBs giving
you nothing. In the average season, one or zero of those
backs failed to deliver even fifth-round value.
Still, I understand why folks feel burned. So I per-
formed the same analysis over the past six seasons for QBs
and wide receivers to see historically how often those posi-
tions have crushed fantasy owners.
I challenge you to look at Chart C and Chart D and
contend that its safer to take a quarterback or wide receiver
in the first round of your draft. In the past six seasons, 13
QBs went in the top 12, and only two of them justified that
selection. Meanwhile, three of them crashed. In the same
span, 11 wide receivers went in the top 12, and only one
With more than 2,000 total yards and
11 TDs in 2013, Eagles workhorse
LeSean McCoy was one of the few
bright spots in a season full of rst-
round RB busts.
*N/As DID NOT WARRANT A TOP-100 PICK.
C H A R T A
VBD RANK
ADRIAN
PETERSON
ARIAN
FOSTER
MARSHAWN
LYNCH
RAY
RICE
DOUG
MARTIN
JAMAAL
CHARLES
C.J.
SPILLER
TRENT
RICHARDSON
ALFRED
MORRIS
LESEAN
MCCOY
12 1
N/A* 2
5 3
72 4
N/A 5
1 6
67 7
80 10
27 11
3 12
C H A R T B
# OF RBS TAKEN
IN TOP 12
# OF THOSE WHO
FINISHED INSIDE
VBD TOP 12
# OF THOSE WHO
FINISHED OUTSIDE
VBD TOP 60
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
5 10 4
1 6 3
1 8 4
0 7 5
0 8 4
1 9 4
C H A R T C
# OF QBS TAKEN
IN TOP 12
# OF THOSE WHO
FINISHED INSIDE
VBD TOP 12
# OF THOSE WHO
FINISHED OUTSIDE
VBD TOP 60
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
1 1 0
0 3 1
1 2 1
0 3 0
0 2 0
1 2 0
0 0
C H A R T D
# OF WRS TAKEN
IN TOP 12
# OF THOSE WHO
FINISHED INSIDE
VBD TOP 12
# OF THOSE WHO
FINISHED OUTSIDE
VBD TOP 60
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
0 1 0
1 3 0
1 2 0
1 2 0
0 2 1
1
2013 AVERAGE DRAFT
POSITION
T RUT HS BE T OL D

of them justified it (Andre Johnson in 2009), while three
crashed. In case youre still dubious, I crunched all of the
numbers in Chart E.
So remind me again: Which position has the most risk?
OBJECTION NO. 3
STOP WORRYING! I CAN JUST FIND A GREAT RUNNING BACK
IN THE SECOND ROUND!
Sometimes thats true. In 2013, for instance, Matt Forte,
Eddie Lacy, DeMarco Murray and Chris Johnson were
drafted in the 11-through-20 range of RBs and delivered
top-10 seasons. If you were wise enough to draft Calvin
Johnson instead of, say, C.J. Spiller and then take Forte
or Murray in the second round, you did a nice job. But
here are a few other names drafted in that 11-through-20
range who may have tempted you: Stevan Ridley, Maurice
Jones-Drew, David Wilson and Darren McFadden. Blech!
If you got stuck with any of those guys as your top RB, it
probably was a long season, even if you did have Megatron.
Indeed, the data says that assuming a second-round RB
will make up for failing to get a first-rounder tends not to
work. Take a peek at Chart F to see how backs selected
from 13th to 24th overall have performed.
And you know what else skews our perspective on
the value of early-round RBs? Every year some random-
seeming rusher goes undrafted in most leagues, becomes
a harmless-seeming early-season waiver add, transmogri-
fies into a fantasy stud and convinces us that the position
is overrated and random. In 2013, it was Knowshon
Moreno. In 2012, it was Alfred Morris. In 2011, it was
Darren Sproles. And so on. If you were lucky enough to
fall into these unexpected stars, any mistakes you mightve
made with your early picks didnt matter so much. But is
that really a strategy? Hoping that the thunderbolt strikes
you between the eyes and you luck into the one game-
changing RB nobody saw coming? Personally, I prefer to
play it smart and plan.
CONCLUSIONS
As I noted, there are no set-in-stone rules about which
position you must draft in the first round. Still, I think the
most valuable thing we can take away from this history
lesson is the notion that we shouldnt overreact to a single
year. If taking a running back early was the correct strategy
entering 2013, its no less correct this season.
In standard-scoring leagues, there are four rushers who
should be off the board before you consider anyone else.
You can order them however you like: Adrian Peterson,
LeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles and Matt Forte. I think
youre doing your fantasy squad a disservice if you bypass
these backs in favor of the top player at another position.
The data above makes this self-evident. Personally, Id
also add Marshawn Lynch and Eddie Lacy to the mix.
I wouldnt consider a QB or wide receiver (or Jimmy
Graham) ahead of any of the six top running backs still on
the board. One of them could bust, but history tells us its
unlikely that more than one will.
After that, would I consider drafting Manning or
Megatron? Thats a reasonable question, though the data
from the past six seasons tells me those non-running backs
will likely be overvalued in 2014. I still might take Doug
Martin, Alfred Morris and Zac Stacy before Id go else-
where, and I could even add Foster to that list.
So running backs no longer fetch the largest raw point
totals. But the scarcity of elite RBs is real, and despite the
carnage of 2013, you should still target rushers in your
first round. Theyre not safe. But they feature a better
combination of safety and upside than any other first-
round option.
THE FACT IS THAT UNTIL LAST
YEAR, THE ELITE BALL CARRIERS
HAD MOSTLY AVOIDED SUCH
SOUL-CRUSHING SEASONS.
4 1
C H A R T F
# OF RBS TAKEN IN
13-TO-24 RANGE
# OF THOSE WHO
FINISHED INSIDE
VBD TOP 12
# OF THOSE WHO
FINISHED OUTSIDE
VBD TOP 60
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2 5 1
1 4 1
2 5 1
3 5 1
4 6 0
6
C H A R T E
TOP 12 %
FLAMEOUT %
RBS
QBS
WRS
50.0% 16.7%
15.4% 23.1%
9.1% 27.3%
iT TAKES BIG DAYS TO WIN BIG
THE DEFYING TRUTH Slow and steady wins the race. Well, steady usually does.
Fantasy owners are always chasing those one-game week winners (see: Jamaal
Charles, 51 points in Week 15; Peyton Manning, 46 in Week 1; Nick Foles, 45 in
Week 9). But success in this game is as much about avoiding the stinkers as it is
about chasing the studs. Consistency shouldand doescount for something.
Thats why, in addition to tallying player fantasy point totals, we estimate each
players reliability with a metric called consistency ratings. The formula is
simple: When a player registers a fantasy point total that warranted his
placement in your lineup, we credit him with a start. So in a 10-team
ESPN league, for example, the top 10 quarterbacks and tight ends for
the given week earn a start. (The same applies to running backs
and wide receivers, except the eld is expanded to the top 25 each
week.) We then total each players number of starts for the year and
divide by team games. A consistency rating of 50 percent or greater
is good. Anything north of 60 percent is outstanding. But what
does that mean for 2014? Well, here are some highlights and
lowlights. Lets call them consistency kings and dings.
HINT: You want to draft the kings. TRISTAN H. COCKCROFT
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RUSSELL
WILSON
SEA / QB RATING: 50%
The champ
stepped up his
game in a major
way in year two,
scoring 15 to 25
fantasy points in
eight of his 16
games. His rush-
ing ability makes
him extremely
reliable week
to week.
OTHER KINGS
Matt Ryan, ATL;
Peyton Manning,
DEN
LEVEON
BELL
PIT / RB RATING: 69%
A Lisfranc injury
cost him the rst
three games of
2013, but Bell
delivered rare
consistency for a
rookie. He scored
seven to 19
fantasy points
in 11 straight
games.
OTHER KINGS
Eddie Lacy, GB;
Matt Forte, CHI
BRANDON
MARSHALL
CHI / WR RATING: 75%
The only wide
receiver to
warrant 12
fantasy starts in
each of the past
two seasons,
Marshall has his
healthy target
totals (an NFL-
high 355 since
2012) to thank for
his steady play.
OTHER KINGS
Steve Smith, BAL;
Wes Welker, DEN
GREG
OLSEN
CAR / TE RATING: 50%
A cost-eective
option if youre
funneling
resources to
QB/RB/WR, Olsen
wont ever win
you weeks, but
hell rarely lay an
egg. He registered
ve-plus fantasy
points in nine
of his 16 games
last season.
OTHER KINGS
Jimmy Graham,
NO; Heath Miller,
PIT
ANDY
DALTON
CIN / QB RATING: 38%
The No. 5
scorer among
quarterbacks last
season, Dalton
was remarkably
unreliable on a
week-to-week
basis, scoring in
single digits four
times. His totals
were padded by
three 30-point
outings.
OTHER DINGS
Geno Smith, NYJ;
Colin Kaepernick,
SF
DARREN
SPROLES
PHI / RB RATING: 19%
Sproles had the
same number of
weeks outside the
top 50 (three) as
he had inside the
top 25. With the
Eagles, its hard
to see his getting
a healthy amount
of touches on a
regular basis.
OTHER DINGS
LeGarrette
Blount, PIT;
Donald Brown, SD
VICTOR
CRUZ
NYG / WR RATING: 31%
Over the past
two seasons,
Cruz has ranked
outside the top
50 a whopping
10 times, and
he warranted a
start just three
additional weeks.
In 2013, he had
two 20-point
games and three
with two or fewer.
OTHER DINGS
T.Y. Hilton, IND;
Marvin Jones, CIN
COBY
FLEENER
IND / TE RATING: 38%
Fleener converted
targets into
catches only
60 percent of the
time last season,
the third-worst
gure among
TEs. That explains
why he managed
just 10 fantasy
points in the
nal ve weeks
of the season.
OTHER DINGS
Jared Cook, STL;
Brent Celek, PHI
CONSISTENCY KINGS CONSISTENCY DINGS
T RUT HS BE T OL D
SPREAD OUT YOUR STUDS BYE WEEKS
THE DEFYING TRUTH While its important to make sure your starters bye weeks dont overlap with your backups, theres something to be said for elding a roster with all
your studs sharing the same bye. Consider these two teams: Team A starts Peyton Manning, Andre Ellington, A.J. Green and Seattles defense; Team B has Drew Brees,
LeSean McCoy, Maurice Jones-Drew and the Niners defense. If you have Team A, it means youre all but guaranteed a loss in Week 4. But Team Bwith Brees (Week 6 bye),
MJD (Week 5), McCoy (Week 7) and San Frans D (Week 8)will lose a signicant chunk of points every week for a month straight. Sacricing one week to avoid a constant
lineup merry-go-round doesnt sound like such a crazy idea anymore, does it? AJ MASS
DRAFT TIGHT ENDS
WHO LINE UP AT
TIGHT END
THE DEFYINGTRUTHHow do you choose
your fantasy tight end? Red zone
threats, third down security blankets
and guys who hang on to the ball are
all good places to start. But heres one
more: Look for tight ends who dont
actually play tight end. The top 10
fantasy tight ends last year lined up
as wide receivers (slot or perimeter)
on 47.8 percent of snaps. As the
accompanying chart shows, the
second and third tiers tell a much
dierent story, both in pre-snap
alignment and fantasy production.
Overall, 10 of the top 50 fantasy tight
ends in 2013 played at least half of
their snaps o the line of scrimmage,
including barely-a-TE Jimmy Graham
(split out 66.4 percent of the time).
Those tight ends averaged 6.4 fantasy
points per active game. The other 40?
They saw their average dip more than
30 percent to 4.3. JOHN PAROLIN
TI GHT ENDS, 2 01 3
SPLIT-OUT PERCENTAGE
1-10
11-20
21-50
47.8% 8.3
35.9% 3.8
30% 3.2
BUTTERFINGERS CARRY OVER
THE DEFYINGTRUTHIts an eternal football question: Are the dropsies
due to bad hands or a bad psyche? The data say blame the brain.
Since 2006, receivers who were among the 10 worst pass
droppers one year improved signicantly the following
season. In fact, of the 88 worst oenders in that time frame,
77 of them turned it around the next season by an average
of ve fewer drops. In 2012, the Saints Jimmy Graham,
Marques Colston and Darren Sproles were three of the big-
gest culprits, dropping a combined 32 passes. Last year they
had seven. Total. By that same logic, we should see serious sopho-
more improvement from RB LeVeon Bell and WR Aaron Dobson
andjust maybea historic output from otherworldly veterans like
Brandon Marshall and Calvin Johnson. BEN BRADLEY
WO RST D RO P P E RS
DROPS
BRANDON
MARSHALL
VINCENT
JACKSON
REGGIE
BUSH
DAVONE
BESS
JOSH
GORDON
LEVEON
BELL
WES
WELKER
CALVIN
JOHNSON
161
159
79
85
154
63
109
153
11
10
9
9
9
8
8
8
SHANE
VEREEN
AARON
DOBSON
SANTANA
MOSS
STEVIE
JOHNSON
HAKEEM
NICKS
CECIL
SHORTS III
HARRY
DOUGLAS
DEZ
BRYANT
68
72
79
99
99
120
132
158
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
MIKE
WALLACE
138 7
7
TARGETS
FANTASY POINTS PER GAME
RANK
EARLY
LATE
ARIZONA
CARDINALS
ATLANTA
FALCONS
BALTIMORE
RAVENS
BUFFALO
BILLS
CAROLINA
PANTHERS
CHICAGO
BEARS
CINCINNATI
BENGALS
CLEVELAND
BROWNS
DALLAS
COWBOYS
DENVER
BRONCOS
DETROIT
LIONS
13 3
4 12
2 14
2 14
3 13
4 12
2 14
1 15
8
13
8
3
3 13
GREEN BAY
PACKERS
HOUSTON
TEXANS
INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS
JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS
KANSAS CITY
CHIEFS
MIAMI
DOLPHINS
MINNESOTA
VIKINGS
NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS
NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS
NEW YORK
GIANTS
5 11
2 14
6 10
1 15
7 9
3 13
1 15
6 10
4 12
7 9
NEW YORK
JETS
OAKLAND
RAIDERS
PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
ST. LOUIS
RAMS
SAN DIEGO
CHARGERS
SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS
SEATTLE
SEAHAWKS
TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
TENNESSEE
TITANS
EARLY GAMES: THURSDAY NIGHT, SATURDAY, SUNDAY 1 P.M. ET OR
EARLIER; LATE GAMES: 4 P.M. ET SUNDAY, MONDAY NIGHT
5 11
10 6
7 9
5 11
7 9
10 6
12 4
11 5
2
4
14
12
2 14
2014
SCHEDULES
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THE
CONVENTIONAL
WISDOM
START
TIMES
DONT
MATTER
THE DEFYING TRUTH
Questionable. Its
the most ambiguous
term in all of fantasy
football. And it drives
owners crazy. One
way to make fewer
questionable calls
with your studs on
the mend? If you
draft starters with
lots of early games,
grab backups with
afternoon/prime-time
tilts. That gives you
actionable informa-
tion regarding your
starters weekly injury
status before having
to decide whether to
plug in a backup. Its a
foolproof way to avoid
playing a stud whos
inactive on Monday
night. It may seem
counterintuitive to
draft, say, Bengals
RB Giovani Bernard
over the Broncos
Montee Ball. But as
the accompanying
chart shows, Ball will
play in 13 late games
in 2014, which means
hell often leave you in
injury limbo. Bernard
has only two late
games scheduled, so
youll know where
you stand before the
1 p.m. games kick o.
KEN DAUBE
5 PLAYERS TO DOWNGRADE
ADRIAN PETERSON, MIN
After catching just 29 passes last
season, AP might not even be a top-ve
pick in PPR formats.
ALFRED MORRIS, WAS
Morris has been targeted 27 times in
32 career games. Jamaal Charles nearly
eclipsed that through Week 3 last season.
ERIC DECKER, NYJ
Hes nally the clear No. 1 WR, but it
comes at a price: Peyton Manning is no
longer his QB.
RILEY COOPER, PHI
He had a breakout 2013, but 80 players
yes, 80had more catches.
VERNON DAVIS, SF
He bounced back with 13 TDs but had only
52 receptions. The 49ers threw the fewest
passes in 2013.
5 PLAYERS TO TARGET
PIERRE THOMAS, NO
Thomas led all RBs with 77 grabs last
season, and he ranked 17th among RBs
in PPR formats.
DANNY WOODHEAD, SD
The rst-year Charger nabbed 76 passes
and was second among RBs with 6
receiving TDs.
ANDRE ELLINGTON, ARI
Deadly in space, Ellington should see a year
two boost in targets (56) and receptions (39).
JULIAN EDELMAN, NE
Turns out it was Edelmanand not Danny
Amendolawho inherited the Wes Welker
role for the Patriots.
ANTONIO BROWN, PIT
Second in the NFL with 110 catches, Brown
snagged ve or more balls in every game.
T RUT HS BE T OL D
KEEP THE SCORING STANDARD
THE DEFYING TRUTH What is this, 1998? Its time to switch to a point-per-reception format and live
in a world in which Danny Woodhead outscores Frank Gore. (Seriously, that happened last year.)
Heres our rundown of the ve players who receive a boost from PPR scoring and ve whose
value takes a hit. ERIC KARABELL
POSTSEASON FANTASY LEAGUES ARE A WASTE
THE DEFYING TRUTH If youve never tried a postseason fantasy league, well, its time to change that. Its as simple as the regular-season version: Organize a group of up to 12 owners,
conduct a draft from the pool of players on playo rosters and choose whatever scoring you want. The key dierence is the conict between picking great players versus picking
good players who are more likely to advance. Last year, for instance, would you rather have had LeSean McCoy or Knowshon Moreno? McCoy was dominant all season, but the Eagles
were a long shot to make a playo run. Meanwhile, Moreno played three gamesnone of which was overly impressiveand outscored McCoy 25-14. Overall, only one of the 25
highest-scoring playo players in 2013 was one-and-done. Oh, and remember this: Contrary to a regular-season league, make sure you dont neglect your defense. If you rode the
Seattle D (36 fantasy points, No. 8 overall) during the Seahawks Super Bowl run last season, you likely took home your title too. TRISTAN H. COCKCROFT
DRAFT YOUR
KICKER LAST
THE DEFYING TRUTH The next time a
kicker is heralded as a smart pick
will be the rst time. But dont let
the public ridicule stop you from
snagging your PK1 as early as
Round 14. Heres why: The Patriots
Stephen Gostkowski has been the
NFLs best fantasy kicker the past
two seasons, outscoring the No. 10
kicker by an average of 55 points
each year. Last season, by the time
the 14th round rolled around, own-
ers were usually selecting either
the No. 34 running back or No. 36
wide receiver. Those two slots arent
55 points better than comparable
16th-rounders or waiver-wire claims.
Further, 13th- and 14th-round selec-
tions were dropped more than any
other in ESPN standard leagues last
year. If you want a pick that sticks,
kicker is the way to go. KEN DAUBE
COLD WEATHER IS A FANTASY KILLER
THE DEFYING TRUTH You probably remember the Peyton-Manning-cant-play-in-cold-
weather storyline from last season. How could you forget? He is, after all, 811 all
time on sub-40-degree days and 8635 in warmer weather. And its true that last year
Manning threw for almost 80 fewer yards and averaged ve fewer fantasy points in
cold-weather games. But No. 18 appears to be an anomaly. Would you believe that in
2013, NFL QBs actually averaged 1.9 more fantasy points and threw for nearly identi-
cal yardage in cold-weather games? Now compare that with the other positions. While
WRs and TEs produced almost identical fantasy outputs, RBs actually performed con-
siderably better as the temps dropped. In sub-40-degree games last year, the top 20
RBs averaged 14.8 fantasy points. Compare that with just 11.7 fantasy ppg when the
weather was 61 degrees or warmer. Bottom line: Weather hardly matters. AJ MASS
BLAKE, JOHNNY AND TEDDY GOT ALL THE FACE TIME ON DRAFT DAY, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR F
IS BISHOP, AS IN SANKEY. TURN THE PAGE FOR THE LOWDOWN ON SANKEY AND NINE OTHER FANTAS
WELCOME T
ASY DRAFT, HERES SOME ADVICE: AVOID THEM AT ALL COSTS. THE NAME YOU SHOULD REMEMBER
TH A FLIER, AS WELL AS A FEW OTHERS YOU SHOULDNT SLEEP ON. BY MEL KIPER JR.
JOSHUA WEISBERG/ICON SMI ESPN FANTASY FOOTBALL 21
SHOW, ROOK
BISHOP SANKEY
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KIPERS TOP 10 FANTASY IMPACT ROOKIES

ROOK I E RE PORT
BRANDIN COOKS SAINTS WR
The Saints moved up to No. 20 overall for Cooks, a clear
indication they covet what the 5-foot-10 burner can do
immediately. The losses of WR Lance Moore and RB Darren Sproles
(108 catches combined in 13) will allow Cooks to soak up targets in
the slot and on underneath throws70-plus catches is realistic.
MIKE EVANS BUCS WR
Defenses already have
trouble sizing up
6-foot-5 Vincent Jackson. So
Evans, also 6-5, should draw even
more favorable matchups for
probable starter Josh McCown to
target. I ranked Evans a little low
because the Bucs want to run, but
he has added red zone appeal.
MARQISE LEE JAGUARS WR
The Jags top target
is Cecil Shorts III. So
I had to pick one of their two
second-round WRs. The edge
goes to Lee over Allen Robinson
because hes dynamic after
the catch and should be a staple
in coordinator Jedd Fischs
oense, no matter the QB.
JACE AMARO JETS TE
I debated between
Amaro and Eric Ebron
(No. 10 overall pick to Detroit)
and gave the bump to Amaro
because I think hell be more
critical for the Jets. Hes the big
(6-6, 265), quick target they
lack, while the Lions will spread
it out to Megatron & Co.
CARLOS HYDE 49ERS RB
Frank Gore has been
durable, but he dipped
to 4.1 ypc last season. The 49ers
dont draft Hyde in Round 2
unless they plan to use him. He
becomes the most explosive RB
on this roster, and I foresee a
platoon, with Marcus Lattimore
potentially working his way in.
BISHOP SANKEY TITANS RB
Chris Johnson had 279 carries last season. His backup,
Shonn Greene? Seventy-seven at just 3.8 yards a popand
hes coming o knee surgery. With CJ2K now a Jet, the Titans had
Week 1 in mind when they made Sankey the rst back drafted; he
should be ready for 200-plus carries.
1
SAMMY WATKINS BILLS WR
Bualo gave up a rst-
and a fourth-rounder to
give EJ Manuel a WR who can
provide yards after the catch and
relieve the pressure to go deep.
Watkins made his hay at Clemson
after the catch (10.3 per in 13),
and the Bills will get him plenty
of touches at or near the line.
3
JEREMY HILL BENGALS RB
The pick of Hill in
Round 2 should tell you
the Bengals have given up on
BenJarvus Green-Ellis as a bell
cowhe hasnt averaged 4 ypc
since he was a Patriot. The Law
Firms and Giovani Bernards
carries should be reduced in a
three-man platoon approach.
4
ODELL BECKHAM
GIANTS WR
With Hakeem Nicks in
Indy, there are targets to be had
in Jersey. Eli Manning will learn
quickly that Beckham separates
better than Rueben Randle or
Mario Manningham, and it wont
shock me if the rst-rounder
sees 85 to 100 targets.
5
KELVIN BENJAMIN
PANTHERS WR
Im not convinced that
Benjamin (who was my
12th-rated WR) is ready to be
an eective route runner and
space creator. But no roster has
fewer playmakers at the
position. At 6-foot-5, 240, hell
see his share of targets.
6
7 8 9 10
2
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KIPERS ROOKIE SLEEPERS
1. MIKE EVANS
BUCCANEERS WR
2. SAMMY WATKINS
BILLS WR
3. JORDAN MATTHEWS
EAGLES WR
4. ERIC EBRON
LIONS TE
5. BRANDIN COOKS
SAINTS WR
6. BISHOP SANKEY
TITANS RB
7. CARLOS HYDE
49ERS RB
8. ODELL BECKHAM
GIANTS WR
9. DAVANTE ADAMS
PACKERS WR
10. KELVIN BENJAMIN
PANTHERS WR
11. CODY LATIMER
BRONCOS WR
12. MARQISE LEE
JAGUARS WR
13. ALLEN ROBINSON
JAGUARS WR
14. JEREMY HILL
BENGALS RB
15. TRE MASON
RAMS RB
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DAVANTE ADAMS PACKERS WR
Theres a better-than-good
chance that Adams will be
Aaron Rodgers third read
no minor role when your QB
regularly tops 4,000 yards.
KADEEM CAREY BEARS RB
Matt Forte is durable, but
every RB needs a No. 2 in
todays NFL. Carey lacks
top-end speed, but his lateral
moves keep carries alive.
JERICK MCKINNON VIKINGS RB
McKinnon is a freak athlete
and the only explosive RB
behind Adrian Peterson. If
AD goes down, McKinnon,
a 5-9 blur, could take o.
ANDRE WILLIAMS GIANTS RB
When Rashad Jennings is
your No. 1 RB, there will be
plenty of carries up for grabs,
and Williams knew how to
turn them into yards at BC.
BRUCE ELLINGTON 49ERS WR
The Niners could have a
fourth-round steal in
Ellington, whose reliable
hands and quickness were
worthy of a Round 2 pick.
JAMES WHITE PATRIOTS RB
Forget an injuryWhite just
needs a Pats RB to fumble
(seven in 13) to see the
eld. He lost the ball only
twice in four years at Wiscy.
TRE MASON RAMS RB
St. Louis has Zac Stacy, but
Mason could make the
Rams a two-back team in a
hurryand he teams back
up with OT Greg Robinson.
DEVONTAFREEMAN FALCONS RB
Steven Jackson turns 31,
and Jacquizz Rodgers wont
see many carries. If age
slows Jackson, Freemans
fresh legs should benet.
NEED A ROOKIE QB
WORTH A DYNASTY PICK?
WONT FIND IT HERE. BUT
CHRISTOPHER HARRIS
OTHER KEEPERS CAN
BOOST YOUR ROSTER.
DAVANTEADAMS
QB
RB
WR
PHILIP RIVERS CHARGERS
He was the No. 6 quarterback last year; a
short-passing oense obviously suits him.
NICK FOLES EAGLES
Chip Kellys high-ying oense grants volume,
but mistakes will hinder Foles this season.
C.J. SPILLER BILLS
Health and a time-share have been problems. But
his sprinters ability isnt in doubt.
RYAN MATHEWS CHARGERS
Dont be tempted by his excellent second half last
season. Hell get hurt. He almost always does.
MONTEE BALL BRONCOS
Catches and touchdowns await, provided he can
pass-block for Peyton and not fumble.
ARIAN FOSTER TEXANS
The insane workload (956 carries from 2010 to 12)
caught up to him. A rebound isnt guaranteed.
CORDARRELLE PATTERSON VIKINGS
If his route-running has improved, new
OC Norv Turner will target him incessantly.
RANDALL COBB PACKERS
Love the kid. But Im not convinced the Pack will
have two top-10 WRs with Eddie Lacy around.
CATEGORY 1
SOLID STARTERS WHO HAVE ENOUGH UPSIDE TO BE NO. 1 OPTIONS AT THEIR POSITIONS,
AND SUPPOSED NO. 1 OPTIONS WHO MAY NOT PERFORM THAT WAY.
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SLEEPERS
& BUSTS
If youre only looking for sleepers in the double-digit rounds and dodging
busts early on, youre doing it all wrong. So to help you identify those
hidden values and land mines in every round, Ive divided my list of
undervalued and overvalued players into four tiers, dened by varying
levels of expectation. Thats how Philip Rivers, even after a terric 2013,
can still be a sleeper and why the already-cratering Maurice Jones-Drew
can still bust with the worst of them. CHRISTOPHER HARRIS
BUSTS SLEEPERS
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RB
WR
CATEGORY 2
FRINGE FANTASY STARTERS WHO HAVE STAR POTENTIAL, AND DEFINITE FANTASY STARTERS WHO MIGHT FAIL.
RB
WR
TRENT RICHARDSON COLTS
I dont believe the ability disappeared. Hell be
cheap, and the Colts are invested.
CHRIS JOHNSON JETS
Im not saying hes fully cooked, but hell be too
feast-or-famine to rely on week to week.
EMMANUEL SANDERS BRONCOS
Hell assume the Eric Decker role. Though Sanders
isnt as good in the red zone, hes so quick.
WES WELKER BRONCOS
The oense is a wide receivers dream, but one
more concussion and he could be through.
RASHAD JENNINGS GIANTS
If David Wilson cant go, Jennings will get a lot of
work even with Andre Williams around.
KNOWSHON MORENO DOLPHINS
Moving from Denver to Miami will be a sad
eye-opener for last years No. 5 RB.
MIKE WALLACE DOLPHINS
He was terribly misused last year. New OC Bill Lazor
will get Wallace more involved.
JEREMY MACLIN EAGLES
While his potential is exceptional, he always seems
to nd his way onto the injury report.
PLAYERS WHO LIKELY WONT BE DRAFTED OUTSIDE OF A POSSIBLE HANDCUFF ROLE BUT COULD BREAK OUT; NO BUSTS IN THIS CATEGORY.
LATAVIUS MURRAY RAIDERS
Neither MJD nor DMC inspires any condence.
Murray has intriguing raw skills.
C.J. ANDERSON BRONCOS
I like Montee Balls situation, but he could blow it.
If he does, watch out for Anderson.
CHRISTINE MICHAEL SEAHAWKS
Michael is a size/speed freak who could become a
star if Marshawn Lynch gets hurt.
CATEGORY 3
FANTASY BACKUPS WHO COULD PROVIDE MUCH, MUCH MORE, AND FANTASY BACKUPS WHO RISK GIVING YOU NOTHING.
QB
RB
WR
ANDY DALTON BENGALS
Hell no longer be articially boosted by
Jay Grudens pass-rst oense.
MAURICE JONES-DREW RAIDERS
He looked like a reduced player in 2013. Going to
Oaklands Island of Mist Toys wont change that.
STEVE SMITH RAVENS
At this point, he has way more name than game.
His speed and vertical ability have left him.
FRED JACKSON BILLS
Hes 33. Hes been hurt three straight years. I nally
expect his role to decline.
SAMMY WATKINS BILLS
His raw skills are great. But hell be overdrafted as
a rookie, just as Tavon Austin was in 2013.
RYAN TANNEHILL DOLPHINS
His season will be dictated by how well the Dolphins
have xed their O-line.
KHIRY ROBINSON SAINTS
The Saints other backeld options dont excel
when running on early downs. Robinson can.
JOIQUE BELL LIONS
Sometimes I think Bell should be rated higher than
Reggie Bush. His tape is great.
GOLDEN TATE LIONS
The Lions No. 2 WR job has been a quagmire.
Tates immaculate hands will change that.
DANNY AMENDOLA PATRIOTS
Hes an injury waiting to happen, but hell nally
come cheap enough to roll the dice.
CATEGORY 4
BUSTS SLEEPERS
SL E E PE RS & BUST S
JUSTIN HUNTER TITANS
Hes so raw, and I dont trust Jake Locker. But the
upside is worth taking a shot on.
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MATTHEW BERRY
ESPN.COM SENIOR FANTASY ANALYST
SLEEPER KYLE RUDOLPH VIKINGS TE
Norv Turner has made a fantasy
star out of a lot of tight endsJay
Novacek in the 90s, Jordan Cameron
last year and some guy named
Antonio Gates for a few seasons in
San Diego. Now in Minnesota, he gets
the 6-foot-6 Rudolph, who scored 12
touchdowns in his rst two seasons
but disappeared last season. Norv will
change that, vaulting Rudolph into
the top 10 this season.

BUST DEMARCO MURRAY COWBOYS RB
If you thought the Cowboys threw a
lot last year, wait til you see Scott
Linehans plans. The Cowboys
passing-game coordinator is com-
ing o a ve-year stint in Detroit,
where the Lions threw more passes
(3,258) than any other NFL oense.
Also, its worth noting: Just because
Murray missed only two games
last season doesnt make him less
of an injury risk.
TRISTAN H. COCKCROFT
ESPN.COM SENIOR FANTASY WRITER
SLEEPER TRENT RICHARDSON COLTS RB
The list of players who struggled
following in-season trades is lengthy,
but Richardson has had a winter to
learn the playbook and is on a Colts
roster lacking another strong back-
eld option. I dont think Richardson
will ever be a superstar, but he could
be a solid RB2, even in 2014.
BUST FRANK GORE 49ERS RB
I constantly remind owners to take
a skeptical approach to running
backs older than 30. Gore enters
2014 at 31 and coming o a career-
low 4.1 ypc (3.9 in his nal eight
games). The 49ers have been stock-
piling optionsMarcus Lattimore,
Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James,
Carlos Hydeto take some of the
load o Gore.

KEN DAUBE
ESPN.COM FANTASY ANALYST
SLEEPER LADARIUS GREEN CHARGERS TE
A 6-foot-6 tight end who possesses
blazing speed (4.53 40), Green is a
fantasy stud in waiting. He averaged
more than 22 yards per catch in
limited action last season. His
biggest obstacle is how often hes
called upon to block.
BUST LEVEON BELL STEELERS RB
Hes the presumed starter in the
Steelers backeld, but Bells stats
dont instill a ton of condence. His
3.52 yards per carry as a rookie
ranked him 64th among RBs with at
least 40 carries.
KC JOYNER
ESPN INSIDER FANTASY ANALYST
SLEEPER ANDRE ELLINGTON CARDINALS RB
Ellington is a big play waiting
to happen, as evidenced by his
league-leading 10.2 yards per carry
when he received good blocking. If
Ellington doubles his 118 attempts
from last season, his breakaway
speed gives him RB1 potential.
BUST LARRY FITZGERALD CARDINALS WR
Amazing but true: Fitz hasnt
topped 1,000 yards in either of the
past two seasons. With Michael
Floyd taking over as the Cardinals
main vertical threat, its hard to see
that trend changing. Given the
incredible depth at WR this year, it
wont pay to invest in someone on
the downside of his career.
ERIC KARABELL
ESPN.COM SENIOR WRITER
SLEEPER JEREMY MACLIN EAGLES WR
We all saw how DeSean Jackson
thrived in Chip Kellys oense, and
with Jackson gone, a healthy Maclin
steps into the lead receiving role.
After missing last season with a
knee injury, he should come at
a major discount, but theres
top-20 potential.
BUST CHRIS JOHNSON JETS RB
With his 2,000-yard season long
gone, Johnsons oseason move
to the Jets wont help revive his
fantasy value. He has lost
explosiveness, cant break tackles
and will share touches, making
him more ex option than
guaranteed fantasy starter. Let
someone else overrate him.
AJ MASS
ESPN.COM RUMOR CENTRAL
SLEEPER KENNY STILLS SAINTS WR
Touchdowns are dicult to project
(and repeat), but Stills should evolve
into a more diverse role in 2014.
As a rookie last season, he was a
one-trick pony, relying on elite speed
downeld. But even then, he was a
matchup nightmare.
BUST LEVEON BELL STEELERS RB
Buyers will view Bells ascension to
an RB1 as an inevitability after his
strong rookie season. After all, he is
the No. 1 back in a run-friendly
oense. But the addition of
LeGarrette Blount, a potential
goal-line rusher, gives me pause.
CHRISTOPHER HARRIS ISNT OUR ONLY EXPERT WHO SPENT THE OFFSEASON SEARCHING FOR 2014S SLEEPERS
AND BUSTS. WE ASKED SIX MORE OF OUR BRIGHTEST FANTASY MINDS FOR THEIR BLEARY-EYED TAKES.
MORE MIXED REVIEWS
FRANKGORE

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GO!
The NFL draft has become an annual rite of spring. Its as much a
part of April as tax day, the Boston Marathon and Little League
rainouts. Except for when its not. As you may have heard, due to a
scheduling conict at Radio City Music Hall (youd think his royal
Rogerness would have a little more pull, no?), this years prospect
pageant got pushed all the way back to the sixth week of April. Or, as
its more commonly known in the Western Hemisphere, the second
week of May. Apparently, Conference Room 1110 at ESPNs Bristol
HQ is a slightly less desirable venue than Radio City, because when
the ESPN.com fantasy crew tried to book it May 13 for their big
showthe Ninth Almost Annual ESPN Fantasy Football Guide Mock
Draftthey got absolutely no pushback. Ive taken the liberty of
spotlighting the best and worst moments from all 16 rounds, along
with some bonus nuggets of fantasy goodness. Lets roll tape
1 KEITH LIPSCOMB
ESPN.COM
SENIOR FANTASY EDITOR
2 MATT WILLIAMSON
ESPN INSIDER
NFL ANALYST
3 CHRISTOPHER HARRIS
ESPN.COM
SENIOR FANTASY WRITER
4 MATTHEW BERRY
ESPN.COM
SENIOR FANTASY ANALYST
5 FIELD YATES
ESPN INSIDER
NFL ANALYST
6 KC JOYNER
ESPN INSIDER
FOOTBALL ANALYST
7 TRISTAN H. COCKCROFT
ESPN.COM
SENIOR FANTASY WRITER
8 KEN DAUBE
ESPN.COM
FANTASY ANALYST
9 ERIC KARABELL
ESPN.COM
SENIOR WRITER
10 JIM MCCORMICK
ESPN.COM
FANTASY WRITER
T
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S
ON YOUR MOCKS
BY EDDIE MATZ
ROUND 1
1 LIPSCOMB RB ADRIAN PETERSON, MIN
2 WILLIAMSON RB LESEAN MCCOY, PHI
3 HARRIS RB JAMAAL CHARLES, KC
4 BERRY RB MATT FORTE, CHI
5 YATES RB MARSHAWN LYNCH, SEA
6 JOYNER RB EDDIE LACY, GB
7 COCKCROFT RB DOUG MARTIN, TB
8 DAUBE QB PEYTON MANNING, DEN
9 KARABELL RB ARIAN FOSTER, HOU
10 MCCORMICK WR CALVIN JOHNSON, DET
BRAVO It only seems like Lynch is 53 years old.
The truth? Hes just 28! And even though hes
logged 1,753 career carries (third most since
2007), his three consecutive double-digit-TD
seasons make him felonious at the ve spot.
BRUTAL With the seventh pick, do you take
the QB who shattered pretty much every
record last year or the RB who shattered his
shoulder? Cockcroft goes with the latter.
Thats not gonna end well.
BRIC-A-BRAC Charles outscored Peterson
by 101 fantasy points last year. Sure, his
19 touchdowns were 11 more than his previous
best, but KCs oense is here to stay. In other
words, AD is no no-brainer.
ROUND 2
11 MCCORMICK RB ZAC STACY, STL
12 KARABELL RB LEVEON BELL, PIT
13 DAUBE TE JIMMY GRAHAM, NO
14 COCKCROFT QB DREW BREES, NO
15 JOYNER QB AARON RODGERS, GB
16 YATES RB DEMARCO MURRAY, DAL
17 BERRY WR DEMARYIUS THOMAS, DEN
18 HARRIS RB ALFRED MORRIS, WAS
19 WILLIAMSON WR DEZ BRYANT, DAL
20 LIPSCOMB WR A.J. GREEN, CIN
BRAVO I love me some Zac Stacy. Dude single-
handedly carried my squad to the playos with
7 TDs in the nal eight weeks of the fantasy
regular season. (Sure, he wet the bed in Week 14,
but that was the Arizona Ds doing, not his.)
BRUTAL Everyone knows Graham is a monster,
but going QB/TE to startwhile everyone else
snaps up running backs and wide receiversis
like not brushing your teeth in the morning:
very dangerous.
BRIC-A-BRAC Last year Rodgers was the rst
quarterback taken, at No. 20. This year three
passers were drafted by pick No. 15. The
lesson? If you fancy one of the Big Three QBs,
prepare to pay.
DAUBE
STRIKES
BACK
I will outscore
everyone by a
wide margin at
QB and TE, and
that will more
than make up for
the perceived
loss at RB and
WR. Points win
fantasy games,
not who has the
best running
backs.
, GET ET,
ROUND 3
21 LIPSCOMB RB MONTEE BALL, DEN
22 WILLIAMSON WR JULIO JONES, ATL
23 HARRIS WR BRANDON MARSHALL, CHI
24 BERRY RB GIOVANI BERNARD, CIN
25 YATES WR ALSHON JEFFERY, CHI
26 JOYNER RB REGGIE BUSH, DET
27 COCKCROFT WR ANTONIO BROWN, PIT
28 DAUBE RB BEN TATE, CLE
29 KARABELL WR JORDY NELSON, GB
30 MCCORMICK RB C.J. SPILLER, BUF
BRUTAL Choosing Montee Ball over stud
wideouts Brandon Marshall and Julio Jones
is like choosing strawberry ice cream over
chocolate and vanilla. The others are just
plain better.
BRIC-A-BRAC Yates selects Jeery by saying,
Alshon. Certain players, you can get away
with that (Marshawn, Peyton, Demaryius).
Alshon Jeery isnt there yet. Another
1,400-yard, 7-TD season might change that.
BRAVO Only one receiver nished top four last
year in targets, yards and receptions. (Hint: His
name rhymes with Schmantonio Schmown,
and he catches balls from Ben Roethlisberger.)
Cockroft gets a gold star.
ROUND 4
31 MCCORMICK WR ANDRE JOHNSON, HOU
32 KARABELL RB RYAN MATHEWS, SD
33 DAUBE WR VINCENT JACKSON, TB
34 COCKCROFT WR RANDALL COBB, GB
35 JOYNER WR DESEAN JACKSON, WAS
36 YATES WR LARRY FITZGERALD, ARI
37 BERRY RB ANDRE ELLINGTON, ARI
38 HARRIS WR KEENAN ALLEN, SD
39 WILLIAMSON TE ROB GRONKOWSKI, NE
40 LIPSCOMB WR PIERRE GARCON, WAS
BRAVO 1) Ellingtons 5.5 ypc led the NFL in
2013. 2) Dude has hands (39 catches as a rook).
3) Rashard Mendenhall retired. 4) If youre
selling Ellington (lets just call it sellington), then
Im buying a ton (lets just call it buyington).
BRUTAL Using a fourth-rounder on a tight end
is questionable. Using it on a TE whos missed
14 games the past two years and whos coming
o a torn ACL and whose last name contains
the word ow is pure loony bins.
BRIC-A-BRAC By getting Calvin and Andre,
McCormick not only locks up two of the games
top wideouts but also becomes the presump-
tive favorite to land the multimillion-dollar
Johnson & Johnson fantasy sponsorship.
ROUND 5
41 LIPSCOMB TE JULIUS THOMAS, DEN
42 WILLIAMSON WR PERCY HARVIN, SEA
43 HARRIS RB FRANK GORE, SF
44 BERRY WR WES WELKER, DEN
45 YATES RB TRENT RICHARDSON, IND
46 JOYNER WR RODDY WHITE, ATL
47 COCKCROFT RB CHRIS JOHNSON, NYJ
48 DAUBE WR VICTOR CRUZ, NYG
49 KARABELL WR MICHAEL CRABTREE, SF
50 MCCORMICK RB SHANE VEREEN, NE
BRAVO Even though the intersection of Frank
Gore and sexy is a null set (remember Venn
diagrams?), if you can get 1,170 yardsGores
average since 2006in the fth round, by all
means do so.
BRUTAL Yates actually said this: Because I
dont like myself, Im taking Trent Richardson.
Then he took Trent Richardson. I mean,
seriously, need I say more?
BRIC-A-BRAC Before you jump on the
Percy Harvin train, know this: Hes never
had 1,000 receiving yards in ve NFL
seasons, and Seattle hasnt had a 1,000-
yard pass catcher since 2007.
MOCK DRA F T
YATES
STRIKES
BACK
In 2012, Richardson was
still considered the next
big thing among NFL RBs.
Last year was forgettable,
but talent cant possibly
evaporate that quickly.
Heres hoping for a
turnaround akin to
Marshawn Lynchs early
in his career.
ROUND 8
71 MCCORMICK RB STEVEN JACKSON, STL
72 KARABELL WR TORREY SMITH, BAL
73 DAUBE WR JOSH GORDON, CLE
74 COCKCROFT RB KNOWSHON MORENO, MIA
75 JOYNER WR GOLDEN TATE, DET
76 YATES TE DENNIS PITTA, BAL
77 BERRY WR TERRANCE WILLIAMS, DAL
78 HARRIS WR JULIAN EDELMAN, NE
79 WILLIAMSON RB PIERRE THOMAS, NO
80 LIPSCOMB QB ANDREW LUCK, IND
BRAVO Luck was the fourth-best fantasy QB
last year, and now he gets Reggie Wayne back?
Not to go all New Edition on you, but C-O-U-N-T
me in. Fantasy chalices are won with value
picks like this.
BRUTAL Getting Julio Jones back should help
open up some running lanes in Atlanta. That
said, take it from a 2013 Steven Jackson
owner: Stay away. Stay far, far away. Its just
not worth the torture.
BRIC-A-BRAC For purposes of this mock draft,
Josh Gordon was treated as if hell miss half
the season due to suspension (no decision had
been made as of draft time). And he still went
in the eighth round. Thats mad respect.
ROUND 6
51 MCCORMICK RB RASHAD JENNINGS, NYG
52 KARABELL WR T.Y. HILTON, IND
53 DAUBE RB STEVAN RIDLEY, NE
54 COCKCROFT TE VERNON DAVIS, SF
55 JOYNER WR SAMMY WATKINS, BUF
56 YATES RB TOBY GERHART, JAC
57 BERRY QB MATTHEW STAFFORD, DET
58 HARRIS TE JORDAN CAMERON, CLE
59 WILLIAMSON RB JOIQUE BELL, DET
60 LIPSCOMB RB RAY RICE, BAL
BRAVO Aw, man! Thats what practically the
entire room said when Williamson snapped up
Bell, who despite being a rookie backup was
fantasys 16th-best RB. If youre targeting
Joique, know that you may have to reach.
BRUTAL Despite having three RBs already,
McCormick takes a 29-year-old career backup
(Jennings) on a new team with a crowded
backeld. Whats not to hate?
BRIC-A-BRAC 53/794/5. Thats the average
rookie season of the past ve WRs drafted in
the top ve (including A.J., Calvin and Fitz). In
other words, you can expect Watkins 2014 to
resemble Doug Baldwins 2013. Meh.
ROUND 9
81 LIPSCOMB WR CECIL SHORTS III, JAC
82 WILLIAMSON WR MIKE WALLACE, MIA
83 HARRIS RB KHIRY ROBINSON, NO
84 BERRY RB MAURICE JONES-DREW, OAK
85 YATES RB TERRANCE WEST, CLE
86 JOYNER RB CHRIS IVORY, NYJ
87 COCKCROFT RB DAVID WILSON, NYG
88 DAUBE WR MARQUES COLSTON, NO
89 KARABELL RB FRED JACKSON, BUF
90 MCCORMICK WR ERIC DECKER, NYJ
BRAVO Shorts: Any time you can grab a teams
No. 1 receiver in the ninth round, you do it (with
one forthcoming exception). Yes, even if that
receiver saw his yards per catch dip from 17.8 to
11.8 last year, and even if that team is the Jags.
BRUTAL On the list of things that just dont
go together, Jets and receivers ranks second,
right behind toothpaste and orange juice. Ill
drink toothpasty OJ every morning for a year if
Decker snags double-digit TDs again!
BRIC-A-BRAC If there were an ocial record
for most seasons being drafted in the ninth
round or later despite producing like a third-
rounder the previous year, Fred Jackson would
most certainly hold it.
ROUND 7
61 LIPSCOMB WR CORDARRELLE PATTERSON, MIN
62 WILLIAMSON QB ROBERT GRIFFIN III, WAS
63 HARRIS QB CAM NEWTON, CAR
64 BERRY WR KENDALL WRIGHT, TEN
65 YATES WR REGGIE WAYNE, IND
66 JOYNER RB DARREN SPROLES, PHI
67 COCKCROFT WR MICHAEL FLOYD, ARI
68 DAUBE RB BISHOP SANKEY, TEN
69 KARABELL WR JEREMY MACLIN, PHI
70 MCCORMICK WR EMMANUEL SANDERS, PIT
BRAVO In ve 2012 games without DeSean
Jackson, Maclin averaged 5.6/71/0.6. That
projects to 90/1,130/10 over a full season. In
related news, Jackson is now a Redskin, and
Chip Kelly likes to throw the ball.
BRUTAL Does RG3 stand for Robert Grin the
3rd or Reach Grab 3 rounds too early? I say the
latter, especially with Newton, Luck and Foles
all still on the board.
BRIC-A-BRAC LeVeon Bell and Eddie Lacy were
drafted 48th and 61st in 2013. Average those
and youre around the 54th pickwhere Sankey
went this year. Shonn Greene wont stop Sankey
from eclipsing 1,000 yards like Bell and Lacy.
MCCORMICK
STRIKES
BACK
The reasonable doubts about
this passing oense seem to
be priced into Deckers draft
stock already. Should we
entirely dismiss a wideout
with the sixth-most fantasy
points at the position over
the past two years?
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91 MCCORMICK QB RUSSELL WILSON, SEA
92 KARABELL QB COLIN KAEPERNICK, SF
93 DAUBE SEAHAWKS D/ST
94 COCKCROFT WR MIKE EVANS, TB
95 JOYNER TE GREG OLSEN, CAR
96 YATES WR HAKEEM NICKS, IND
97 BERRY WR RILEY COOPER, PHI
98 HARRIS RB JEREMY HILL, CIN
99 WILLIAMSON RB TRE MASON, STL
100 LIPSCOMB RB BERNARD PIERCE, BAL
BRAVO Im normally against taking a defense
before the last couple of rounds, but if youve
got all your other slots lled alreadyand
Daube doestaking D-eattle here makes
good business sense.
BRUTAL I dont care if the Carolina receiving
corps looks thinner than Angelina Jolie at this
years Oscars, taking Olsen over Jason Witten
is indefensible.
BRIC-A-BRAC Strange but true: Despite being
targeted 99 times and catching 56 passes last
year, Hakeem Nicks scored zero touchdowns.
Thats really hard to do.
ROUND 12
111 MCCORMICK WR DANNY AMENDOLA, NE
112 KARABELL QB NICK FOLES, PHI
113 DAUBE QB TOM BRADY, NE
114 COCKCROFT WR RUEBEN RANDLE, STL
115 JOYNER RB DONALD BROWN, SD
116 YATES QB TONY ROMO, DAL
117 BERRY RB SHONN GREENE, TEN
118 HARRIS WR DEANDRE HOPKINS, HOU
119 WILLIAMSON WR JUSTIN HUNTER, TEN
120 LIPSCOMB QB MATT RYAN, ATL
BRAVO Yes, DeSean is gone. Yes, the 7-TD
game skewed his numbers. Still, Foles was
fantasys 11th-best QB in little more than half
a season. You could do worseway worsein
the 12th frame.
BRUTAL FYI, Donald Brown is now in
San Diego, where hell compete with Ryan
Mathews for touchesand for the title of
Softest, Most Consistently Disappointing
First-Round RB of the Past Decade.
BRIC-A-BRAC I realize that Ryan and Brady are
coming o less-than-spectacular showings
last season, but if theyre 12th-round picks,
then Im a Shire Hobbit. (For the record, Im a
6-foot-4 human.)
ROUND 11
101 LIPSCOMB WR BRANDIN COOKS, NO
102 WILLIAMSON RB ROY HELU, WAS
103 HARRIS RB KNILE DAVIS, KC
104 BERRY TE JASON WITTEN, DAL
105 YATES RB DEVONTA FREEMAN, ATL
106 JOYNER WR TAVON AUSTIN, STL
107 COCKCROFT RB CARLOS HYDE, SF
108 DAUBE RB C.J. ANDERSON, DEN
109 KARABELL RB DANNY WOODHEAD, SD
110 MCCORMICK TE JORDAN REED, WAS
BRAVO Jason Witten in the 11th round?
Seriously? He hasnt had less than 100 targets
since 2006, Tony Romos rst season as
the starter. Without question, Berry pulls o
the biggest heist of the draft.
BRUTAL C.J. Anderson in the 11th round?
Seriously? Not saying the UFA out of Cal (and
Denvers potential No. 2 RB) shouldnt be
drafted, but Im guessing he wouldve still been
there in the 13th or 14th. Or 17th.
BRIC-A-BRAC Handcus: sexy in the bedroom,
boring in the war room. But theyre a necessary
evil for Harris, whose investment in Jamaal
Charles necessitated the selection of KCs
No. 2, Knile Davis.
MOCK DRA F T
JOYNER
STRIKES
BACK
You say soft like its a bad
thing. When it came to
cashing in rushes for TDs
last year, Brown was soft
as a bed of $100 bills. No
one in the league had
a better rushes-to-
touchdowns ratio.
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ROUND 16
151 MCCORMICK K DAN BAILEY, DAL
152 KARABELL K MATT PRATER, DEN
153 DAUBE RB JOHNATHAN FRANKLIN, GB
154 COCKCROFT K STEVEN HAUSCHKA, SEA
155 JOYNER K JUSTIN TUCKER, BAL
156 YATES K PHIL DAWSON, SF
157 BERRY K BLAIR WALSH, MIN
158 HARRIS K MASON CROSBY, GB
159 WILLIAMSON K SHAYNE GRAHAM, NO
160 LIPSCOMB K MATT BRYANT, ATL
BRAVO If you watched Justin Tucker go all
Chuck Norris and beat Detroit by himself last
year (6-for-6 with a 61-yard game winner), then
youd know he deserves to be the rst kicker
taken. Instead, he goes fth. Nice pull by Joyner.
BRUTAL By going kicker in the 14th round,
Daube freed himself up in the 16th to take
Johnathan Franklin, who at press time was
listed as GBs RB3. Talk about shrewd.
BRIC-A-BRAC Seven of nine kickers taken in
this round are from the NFC. You know what
that means? That two of nine kickers taken in
this round are from the AFC. Ill show myself out.
Until next year
ROUND 15
141 LIPSCOMB CARDINALS D/ST
142 WILLIAMSON PANTHERS D/ST
143 HARRIS BRONCOS D/ST
144 BERRY BENGALS D/ST
145 YATES RAMS D/ST
146 JOYNER CHIEFS D/ST
147 COCKCROFT TE KYLE RUDOLPH, MIN
148 DAUBE WR STEVE SMITH, BAL
149 KARABELL PATRIOTS D/ST
150 MCCORMICK BUCCANEERS D/ST
BRAVO Last years second-ranked defense
plus this years 22nd-ranked strength of
schedule equals one big pat on the back from
me. Props to Panthers procurer and lm-room
acionado Matt Williamson.
BRUTAL Kyle Rudolph. On the scale of
unnecessary things in this world, backup
tight ends ranks third, right behind landline
phones and Natalie Merchant songs.
BRIC-A-BRAC KC Joyner takes KCs defense.
Coincidence? I think not. (Would you believe me
if I told you he did it while listening to KC and the
Sunshine Band and eating a barbecued chicken
sandwich smothered in KC Masterpiece?)
ROUND 14
131 MCCORMICK WR JARRETT BOYKIN, GB
132 KARABELL TE MARTELLUS BENNETT, CHI
133 DAUBE K STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI, NE
134 COCKCROFT 49ERS D/ST
135 JOYNER WR KENNY STILLS, NO
136 YATES QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER, PIT
137 BERRY RB CHRIS POLK, PHI
138 HARRIS WR ANDREW HAWKINS, CLE
139 WILLIAMSON QB JAY CUTLER, CHI
140 LIPSCOMB WR ANQUAN BOLDIN, SF
BRAVO Boldin was a top-15 receiver last year.
Stevie Johnson and a healthy Michael Crabtree
will steal targets, but stillyou cant tell me
Boldins a 14th-rounder. (Well, you could, but
youd be wrong.)
BRUTAL Big Ben. Like my Grandma Goldie
used to say, Never take a replacement-level
quarterback in the 14th round when you can
get a stud D/ST instead.
BRIC-A-BRAC Daube drew my ire last year
when he took a kicker (Gostkowski) pre-
maturely in the 15th. This year he reaches
for the Pats K again, only a round earlier.
Will the madness never end?
ROUND 13
121 LIPSCOMB RB DEANGELO WILLIAMS, CAR
122 WILLIAMSON RB MARK INGRAM, NO
123 HARRIS QB PHILIP RIVERS, SD
124 BERRY RB DARREN MCFADDEN, OAK
125 YATES WR DOUG BALDWIN, SEA
126 JOYNER RB LEGARRETTE BLOUNT, PIT
127 COCKCROFT RB LAMAR MILLER, MIA
128 DAUBE RB LATAVIUS MURRAY, OAK
129 KARABELL RB ANDRE BROWN, HOU
130 MCCORMICK RB CHRISTINE MICHAEL, SEA
BRAVO Say what you want about DeAngelo
Williams, but last time I checked, he was still
Carolinas RB1. He also nished 21st among
fantasy backs last year. Where I come from,
we call that value.
BRUTAL Darren McFadden, aka DMC. Which,
in roman numerals, means 1,600. Or exactly
100 yards less than McFadden has gained the
past three years combined. Just to be clear,
thats not very good.
BRIC-A-BRAC In case youre wondering, three-
teams-in-ve-years LeGarrette Blount is now
a Steeler. Also in case youre wondering,
LeGarrette is a French name that, loosely
translated, means the Garrette.
COCKCROFT
STRIKES
BACK
When Norv develops
Rudolph into 2014s
Jordan Cameron, shall I
ring from my landline
singing, I tell you life is
sweet ?
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LESEAN MCCOY, PHI
JAMAAL CHARLES, KC
MATT FORTE, CHI
MARSHAWN LYNCH, SEA
EDDIE LACY, GB
CALVIN JOHNSON, DET
PEYTON MANNING, DEN
DOUG MARTIN, TB
JIMMY GRAHAM, NO
ARIAN FOSTER, HOU
AARON RODGERS, GB
ZAC STACY, STL
DEMARCO MURRAY, DAL
DEMARYIUS THOMAS, DEN
A.J. GREEN, CIN
DREW BREES, NO
DEZ BRYANT, DAL
LEVEON BELL, PIT
BRANDON MARSHALL, CHI
JULIO JONES, ATL
JORDY NELSON, GB
ALFRED MORRIS, WAS
ALSHON JEFFERY, CHI
MONTEE BALL, DEN
GIOVANI BERNARD, CIN
JULIUS THOMAS, DEN
ANTONIO BROWN, PIT
REGGIE BUSH, DET
RANDALL COBB, GB
ANDRE JOHNSON, HOU
BEN TATE, CLE
VINCENT JACKSON, TB
LARRY FITZGERALD, ARI
ROB GRONKOWSKI, NE
PIERRE GARCON, WAS
RYAN MATHEWS, SD
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TE1
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QB2
RB9
RB10
WR2
WR3
QB3
WR4
RB11
WR5
WR6
WR7
RB12
WR8
RB13
RB14
TE2
WR9
RB15
WR10
WR11
RB16
WR12
WR13
TE3
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RB17
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DESEAN JACKSON, WAS
MATTHEW STAFFORD, DET
C.J. SPILLER, BUF
FRANK GORE, SF
KEENAN ALLEN, SD
VICTOR CRUZ, NYG
RODDY WHITE, ATL
CAM NEWTON, CAR
WES WELKER, DEN
ANDREW LUCK, IND
PERCY HARVIN, SEA
VERNON DAVIS, SF
TRENT RICHARDSON, IND
CHRIS JOHNSON, NYJ
MICHAEL CRABTREE, SF
RAY RICE, BAL
STEVEN JACKSON, ATL
T.Y. HILTON, IND
RASHAD JENNINGS, NYG
SHANE VEREEN, NE
TORREY SMITH, BAL
JOIQUE BELL, DET
JULIAN EDELMAN, NE
ROBERT GRIFFIN III, WAS
NICK FOLES, PHI
CORDARRELLE PATTERSON, MIN
MICHAEL FLOYD, ARI
STEVAN RIDLEY, NE
JEREMY MACLIN, PHI
BISHOP SANKEY, TEN
REGGIE WAYNE, IND
MARQUES COLSTON, NO
RUSSELL WILSON, SEA
PIERRE THOMAS, NO
SAMMY WATKINS, BUF
KENDALL WRIGHT, TEN
JASON WITTEN, DAL
EMMANUEL SANDERS, DEN
KNOWSHON MORENO, MIA
MIKE WALLACE, MIA
GOLDEN TATE, DET
TOBY GERHART, JAC
ERIC DECKER, NYJ
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RB19
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QB6
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TE4
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RB22
WR21
RB23
RB24
WR22
RB25
RB26
WR23
RB27
WR24
QB7
QB8
WR25
WR26
RB28
WR27
RB29
WR28
WR29
QB9
RB30
WR30
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TE5
WR32
RB31
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RB32
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TERRANCE WILLIAMS, DAL
MAURICE JONES-DREW, OAK
CHRIS IVORY, NYJ
FRED JACKSON, BUF
DANNY WOODHEAD, SD
JOSH GORDON, CLE
DARREN SPROLES, PHI
ANQUAN BOLDIN, SF
DEANGELO WILLIAMS, CAR
DAVID WILSON, NYG
BERNARD PIERCE, BAL
DEANDRE HOPKINS, HOU
RILEY COOPER, PHI
JORDAN CAMERON, CLE
DANNY AMENDOLA, NE
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
COLIN KAEPERNICK, SF
MATT RYAN, ATL
DWAYNE BOWE, KC
KHIRY ROBINSON, NO
TRE MASON, STL
GREG OLSEN, CAR
SHONN GREENE, TEN
HAKEEM NICKS, IND
DARREN MCFADDEN, OAK
LAMAR MILLER, MIA
MARK INGRAM, NO
DENNIS PITTA, BAL
TOM BRADY, NE
ANDRE BROWN, HOU
GREG JENNINGS, MIN
DONALD BROWN, SD
TONY ROMO, DAL
JEREMY HILL, CIN
STEVE SMITH, BAL
PHILIP RIVERS, SD
JAY CUTLER, CHI
JUSTIN HUNTER, TEN
LEGARRETTE BLOUNT, PIT
JAMES STARKS, GB
BEN ROETHLISBERGER, PIT
LATAVIUS MURRAY, OAK
JAMES JONES, OAK
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RB33
RB34
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RB36
WR38
RB37
WR39
RB38
RB39
RB40
WR40
WR41
TE6
WR42
DST1
QB10
QB11
WR43
RB41
RB42
TE7
RB43
WR44
RB44
RB45
RB46
TE8
QB12
RB47
WR45
RB48
QB13
RB49
WR46
QB14
QB15
WR47
RB50
RB51
QB16
RB52
WR48
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PRINT UPDATED CHEAT
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ADRI AN PETERSON
ESPN FANTASY FOOTBALL
QUARTERBACKS
KICKERS
RUNNING
BACKS
WIDE
RECEIVERS
TIGHT
ENDS
PLAYER, TEAM BYE
PEYTON MANNING, DEN
AARON RODGERS, GB
DREW BREES, NO
MATTHEW STAFFORD, DET
CAM NEWTON, CAR
ANDREW LUCK, IND
ROBERT GRIFFIN III, WAS
NICK FOLES, PHI
RUSSELL WILSON, SEA
COLIN KAEPERNICK, SF
MATT RYAN, ATL
TOM BRADY, NE
TONY ROMO, DAL
PHILIP RIVERS, SD
JAY CUTLER, CHI
BEN ROETHLISBERGER, PIT
ANDY DALTON, CIN
ELI MANNING, NYG
CARSON PALMER, ARI
JOSH MCCOWN, TB
JOE FLACCO, BAL
RYAN TANNEHILL, MIA
JOHNNY MANZIEL, CLE
ALEX SMITH, KC
EJ MANUEL, BUF
SAM BRADFORD, STL
MICHAEL VICK, NYJ
JAKE LOCKER, TEN
GENO SMITH, NYJ
MATT SCHAUB, OAK
CHAD HENNE, JAC
RYAN FITZPATRICK, HOU
MATT CASSEL, MIN
TEDDY BRIDGEWATER, MIN
BRIAN HOYER, CLE
MIKE GLENNON, TB
KIRK COUSINS, WAS
BLAKE BORTLES, JAC
SHAUN HILL, STL
TERRELLE PRYOR, SEA
PLAYER, TEAM BYE
MATT PRATER, DEN
STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI, NE
JUSTIN TUCKER, BAL
MASON CROSBY, GB
STEVEN HAUSCHKA, SEA
PHIL DAWSON, SF
NICK NOVAK, SD
ADAM VINATIERI, IND
BLAIR WALSH, MIN
DAN BAILEY, DAL
NICK FOLK, NYJ
ROBBIE GOULD, CHI
SHAYNE GRAHAM, NO
MATT BRYANT, ATL
ALEX HENERY, PHI
BEN TATE, CLE
RYAN MATHEWS, SD
C.J. SPILLER, BUF
FRANK GORE, SF
TRENT RICHARDSON, IND
CHRIS JOHNSON, NYJ
RAY RICE, BAL
STEVEN JACKSON, ATL
RASHAD JENNINGS, NYG
SHANE VEREEN, NE
JOIQUE BELL, DET
STEVAN RIDLEY, NE
BISHOP SANKEY, TEN
PIERRE THOMAS, NO
KNOWSHON MORENO, MIA
TOBY GERHART, JAC
MAURICE JONES-DREW, OAK
CHRIS IVORY, NYJ
FRED JACKSON, BUF
DANNY WOODHEAD, SD
DARREN SPROLES, PHI
DEANGELO WILLIAMS, CAR
DAVID WILSON, NYG
BERNARD PIERCE, BAL
KHIRY ROBINSON, NO
TRE MASON, STL
SHONN GREENE, TEN
DARREN MCFADDEN, OAK
LAMAR MILLER, MIA
MARK INGRAM, NO
ANDRE BROWN, HOU
DONALD BROWN, SD
JEREMY HILL, CIN
LEGARRETTE BLOUNT, PIT
JAMES STARKS, GB
LATAVIUS MURRAY, OAK
CHRISTINE MICHAEL, SEA
KNILE DAVIS, KC
C.J. ANDERSON, DEN
ROY HELU, WAS
JONATHAN STEWART, CAR
JONATHAN DWYER, ARI
TERRANCE WEST, CLE
JORDAN TODMAN, JAC
KEENAN ALLEN, SD
VICTOR CRUZ, NYG
RODDY WHITE, ATL
WES WELKER, DEN
PERCY HARVIN, SEA
MICHAEL CRABTREE, SF
T.Y. HILTON, IND
TORREY SMITH, BAL
JULIAN EDELMAN, NE
CORDARRELLE PATTERSON, MIN
MICHAEL FLOYD, ARI
JEREMY MACLIN, PHI
REGGIE WAYNE, IND
MARQUES COLSTON, NO
SAMMY WATKINS, BUF
KENDALL WRIGHT, TEN
EMMANUEL SANDERS, DEN
MIKE WALLACE, MIA
GOLDEN TATE, DET
ERIC DECKER, NYJ
CECIL SHORTS, JAC
TERRANCE WILLIAMS, DAL
JOSH GORDON, CLE
ANQUAN BOLDIN, SF
DEANDRE HOPKINS, HOU
RILEY COOPER, PHI
DANNY AMENDOLA, NE
DWAYNE BOWE, KC
HAKEEM NICKS, IND
GREG JENNINGS, MIN
STEVE SMITH, BAL
JUSTIN HUNTER, TEN
JAMES JONES, OAK
MIKE EVANS, TB
RUEBEN RANDLE, NYG
AARON DOBSON, NE
TAVON AUSTIN, STL
STEVIE JOHNSON, SF
JARRETT BOYKIN, GB
BRANDIN COOKS, NO
ANDREW HAWKINS, CLE
BRANDON LAFELL, NE
DOUG BALDWIN, SEA
DENARIUS MOORE, OAK
MARKUS WHEATON, PIT
LADARIUS GREEN, SD
COBY FLEENER, IND
ERIC EBRON, DET
HEATH MILLER, PIT
DWAYNE ALLEN, IND
TYLER EIFERT, CIN
OWEN DANIELS, BAL
JERMICHAEL FINLEY, FA
AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS, TB
JACE AMARO, NYJ
PLAYER, TEAM BYE
LESEAN MCCOY, PHI
JAMAAL CHARLES, KC
MATT FORTE, CHI
MARSHAWN LYNCH, SEA
EDDIE LACY, GB
DOUG MARTIN, TB
ARIAN FOSTER, HOU
ZAC STACY, STL
DEMARCO MURRAY, DAL
LEVEON BELL, PIT
ALFRED MORRIS, WAS
MONTEE BALL, DEN
GIOVANI BERNARD, CIN
REGGIE BUSH, DET
PLAYER, TEAM BYE
CALVIN JOHNSON, DET
DEMARYIUS THOMAS, DEN
A.J. GREEN, CIN
DEZ BRYANT, DAL
BRANDON MARSHALL, CHI
JULIO JONES, ATL
JORDY NELSON, GB
ALSHON JEFFERY, CHI
ANTONIO BROWN, PIT
RANDALL COBB, GB
ANDRE JOHNSON, HOU
VINCENT JACKSON, TB
LARRY FITZGERALD, ARI
PIERRE GARCON, WAS
DESEAN JACKSON, WAS
PLAYER, TEAM BYE
JIMMY GRAHAM, NO
JULIUS THOMAS, DEN
ROB GRONKOWSKI, NE
VERNON DAVIS, SF
JASON WITTEN, DAL
JORDAN CAMERON, CLE
GREG OLSEN, CAR
DENNIS PITTA, BAL
KYLE RUDOLPH, MIN
JORDAN REED, WAS
CHARLES CLAY, MIA
MARTELLUS BENNETT, CHI
DELANIE WALKER, TEN
ZACH ERTZ, PHI
ANTONIO GATES, SD
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DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
TEAM BYE
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
CAROLINA PANTHERS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
DENVER BRONCOS
ARIZONA CARDINALS
CINCINNATI BENGALS
ST. LOUIS RAMS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
BUFFALO BILLS
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
HOUSTON TEXANS
BALTIMORE RAVENS
CLEVELAND BROWNS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
NEW YORK GIANTS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
DETROIT LIONS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
CHICAGO BEARS
OAKLAND RAIDERS
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
GREEN BAY PACKERS
TENNESSEE TITANS
NEW YORK JETS
ATLANTA FALCONS
MIAMI DOLPHINS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
DALLAS COWBOYS
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ESPN FANTASY FOOTBALL

ABITS
HIGHLY
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I LLUSTRATI ON BY ZOHAR LAZAR BY MATTHEW BERRY
POWERFUL LESSONS IN PERSONNEL CHANGE BEGIN WITH AN EFFECTIV
DRAFT STRATEGY. AFTER ALL, THE BOARD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES.
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STEPHEN COVEYS
THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY
EFFECTIVE PEOPLE
WAS, BY ANY MEASURE,
A MONSTER OF A BOOK.
With more than 20 million copies sold, the self-help guide
spawned many other titles, including The 7 Habits of Highly
Effective Families, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and
the rare misstep The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Hoarders.
From happy kids to effective couples, there is no group
that doesnt have a 7 Habits written for it. No group except,
of course, fantasy football drafters. So it is with that glar-
ing omission and a magazine deadline in mind that I went
through the millions of teams that played on ESPN.com
over the past two years, focusing on those that made the
playoffs. After sifting through that data, and reliving my own
30 years of playing, I now present to you: The 7 Habits of
Highly Effective Drafters.
1. SPEND A TON OF TIME PREPARING.
When you draft, you build a roster, right? So lets start
there. Over the past two years, playoff teams and last-
place teams had virtually identically balanced rosters (see
Chart A). In general, everyone has five running backs and
wide receivers, a kicker, a defense and either one or two
quarterbacks and one or two tight ends.
Which just very simply means: If all rosters are con-
structed the same way, its all about getting that slight
edge at each position. And thats where putting in the time
makes all the difference. Because of fantasy analysts who
compile rankings and write sleeper columns, because of
Twitter and TV shows like Fantasy Football Now, everyone
knows everything. There are no secret sleepers anymore.
Theres no hiding injury updates from your league mates.
But all that information also creates a lot of noise to fil-
ter in order to determine what is actually important. And
that takes time. Lots of it.
Effective drafters read tons; study all the stats and
trends; watch as much preseason football as they can (at
least when relevant players are in); listen to the news con-
ferences of head coaches and coordinators; follow a lot of
Twitter feeds; do mock drafts and the late sleeper search;
look at past draft results of their own leagues; and study
for their draft like its a bar exam. Its very simple.
Like every other part of life, what you put in is what
you get out.
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7 HABI T S
2. NAIL THE FIRST TWO ROUNDS.
In the past two years, a player picked in the first
round averaged 191.8 fantasy points (ESPN standard
scoring). In the same time frame, a player picked in the
second round averaged 184.3 fantasy points. Pretty close,
right? But when you get to the third round? Big drop-off
(see Chart B). There is no bigger production drop-off
between pairs of rounds than the difference between the
first two rounds and Rounds 3 and 4.
The first two rounds are crucial. Over the past two
years, playoff teams scored, on average, 1,237 points in
the first 13 weeks. So if 95 points a week is what you need
to make the playoffs, those first two rounds represent a
whopping 30 percent of your total.
Its not the place to get cute, to try for upside or to
reach. You cant ignore injury history, and you cant just
assume youre guaranteed a good player. Ask anyone who
drafted Doug Martin or Ray Rice in the first round last year.
You need as sure of a thing as you can get, which means
you need to spend a good percentage of your draft prep
making sure you nail the first two picks.
3. TRUST YOURSELF ABOVE ALL ELSE.
If youre drafting online, chances are youll have 60 sec-
onds to make a pick. If youre drafting with your buddies,
youll have more time but more distractions. Either way,
having a strong opinion about every player is key. You like a
guy, but your ranks say dont take him and as you waver,
youre dead. You need to know in your gut that this is the
right pick. The easiest way to do this is by doing your own
ranking sheet. After youve done a lot of research and feel
you have a good handle on players, reordering the top 150
is a worthwhile exercise; it will force you to have specific
opinions on every player. Which ones are injury-prone?
Which ones are streaky versus consistent? Which ones
have a chance to blow up? Which ones are on the downside
of their careers? Those questions are all important.
Once you have your ranks, grab five or six of the more
popular cheat sheets (including the cheat sheet of the site
youre drafting on!) and average them together, noting
the average rank, highest rank and lowest rank for every
player. Comparing that list with your ranks will give you a
sense of which players youre more likely to get and which
players youre not willing to draft that high. And if you
dont like the team you wind up with, redo your ranks.
My friend Joe Bryant of FootballGuys.com invent-
ed something called value-based drafting, or VBD. In
essence, its a way to show how a player compares with a
replacement-level player (someone you could have taken
off the waiver wire at any time) at the same position. It
then compares all the positions (QB, RB, WR, etc.) to one
another. My colleague Tristan H. Cockcroft ran an inter-
esting study, pulling the ESPN.com ADP, then comparing
it with the end-of-season VBD. He found that 41 per-
centalmost halfof the top 100 drafted players finished
five or more rounds below their average draft position. In
other words, last year, four of every 10 consensus picks
probably didnt come close to returning value. Remember
that when ranking your own players. Dont be afraid to be
bold, to go against the grain when compiling, reviewing
and finalizing your ranks. Because the group-think ranks
are way off almost half the time. Its your team; listen to
your inner GM.
4. HAVE NO ABSOLUTES.
Every player has a value. The biggest mistake a drafter
can make is locking in to one player, one way or the
other: First round, Im going Calvin Johnson, no matter
what. Or, Im never owning Maurice Jones-Drew again!
Dead to me.
I have no issue if you leave the draft owning Calvin
Johnson and having MJD nowhere near your roster.
Doug Martin (far left) serves as a
reminder to draft safe early, while
Keenan Allen proved to be a year
ahead of his perceived schedule.
C H A R T B
AVERAGE POINTS
SCORED BY PICKS
FROM EACH ROUND
IN WEEKS 1-13
SINCE 2012
191.8
184.3
164.0
148.0
142.3
135.7
131.7
119.9
109.2
101.8
98.6
99.5
98.8
97.3
98.3
97.7
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C H A R T A
AVERAGE FANTASY
ROSTER, PLAYOFF
TEAMS, LAST TWO
YEARS
AVERAGE FANTASY
ROSTER, LAST-PLACE
TEAMS, LAST TWO
YEARS
1.99
5.02
5.04
1.62
1.25
1.08
2.03
5.00
5.06
1.58
1.24
1.10
QB
RB
WR
TE
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7 HABI T S
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Thats fine. But understand that every player is slotted
for multiple reasons. The concerns about MJDs health
and the effectiveness of Oaklands offense are built into
his ranking. The amazing numbers of Calvin Johnson are
built into his as well.
I took a look at what every league champion did with
every pick from every possible draft slot last season. From
pick 18, for example, the league champions went QB 28 per-
cent of the time (probably Peyton Manning, ADP of 16.5);
they went RB 37 percent of the time (probably Matt Forte,
ADP of 18.2); and WR 33 percent of the time (probably
Dez Bryant, ADP of 18.1). Lots of different ways to go
at pick 18 and still win the title. The point is, when you
went to pick 18 last year, if Forte and Dez were gone but
you were locked into Im not taking a QB until late! you
missed out on Peyton. And you probably lost. Or conversely,
you were desperate for a running back and Forte was gone,
so instead of Peyton or Dez, you grabbed the next-highest-
ranked running back and you got Stevan Ridley (ADP
of 22.7). Effective drafters dont chase a position or get
locked into a singular focus.
5. IGNORE THE UNPROVEN,
CLICH AND HEARSAY.
At its fundamental level, fantasy football is about mini-
mizing risk and giving yourself the best odds to win. There
will be injuries, lying coaches and unpredictable plays.
Bad luck, dumb penalties and guys stepping out of bounds
on the 1-yard line, none of which you can control. So the
best you can do is figure out what is most likely to happen,
play the odds and hope for the best.
Playoff teams on ESPN.com consistently went with
the highest percentage play in all their draft decisions
which means ignoring unproven facts or clichs. Among
the things we here at ESPN Fantasy have debunked
over the years:
1. The third-year WR breakout. Here are some of the
wideouts who had their third season in the NFL last
year: Doug Baldwin, Andrew Hawkins, Denarius Moore,
Greg Little, Leonard Hankerson, Jerrel Jernigan,
Torrey Smith, Cecil Shorts III and Austin Pettis. Meanwhile,
Josh Gordon, Alshon Jeffery and Michael Floyd were
second-year players, Keenan Allen was a rookie and
Antonio Brown was in his fourth season.
2. Strength of schedule matters when selecting a player.
Among the defenses some fantasy websites wanted your
running back to avoid a year ago at this time were
New Englands and Chicagos. Both ended up being
among the easiest defenses to run against.
3. You want a quarterback on a team that will always
be trailing or has a bad defense so hell have to throw a lot.
Last year Matt Ryan had more pass attempts when trailing
than any QB in the NFL. He was drafted, on average, as
the sixth QB and finished 14th at the position. And nobody
thought the Falcons would lose that many games. Second
in pass attempts when losing? Chad Henne, who went
undrafted and finished tied for 25th in points.
4. Now that this team got a second stud wide receiver,
the star wideout will lose targets. I dont know. People were
pretty happy owning either or both Brandon Marshall and
Alshon Jeffery last year, or Roddy White and Julio Jones
the previous season.
5. You want a running back on a good team because
the team will be leading a lot and grind out the clock
with its RB. Well sometimes. Of the top 10 running
backs in fantasy scoring last season, five (LeSean McCoy,
Marshawn Lynch, Jamaal Charles, Knowshon Moreno,
Ryan Mathews) were among the league leaders in rushes
while winning. Likewise there were five (Adrian Peterson,
Chris Johnson, Forte, Eddie Lacy, McCoy) among the
leaders in rushes while trailing. Yes, McCoy is on both lists.
Also on the list of rushing leaders while ahead in the score:
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Trent Richardson and DeAngelo
Williams, none of whom was a top-20 running back last
season. And all this, of course, assumes you know which
teams will be good and which will be bad. Remember what
you thought of the Texans and Chiefs last August?
LEAGUE CHAMPS
TOOK RBS LIKE
MATT FORTE
37 PERCENT OF
THE TIME LAST
SEASON WITH
THE NO. 18 PICK.
6. Its a contract year! Howd that work out last season
for owners of Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden?
Emmanuel Sanders set the world on fire for you? Im
cherry-picking examples, but thats the point. You can
cherry-pick examples to prove any side you want.
Search for NFL best shape of his career 2013 to see
who had that preseason buzz of being healthy a year ago.
First two fantasy-relevant player names to appear when
I did that search? Ben Tate and Kenny Britt. Among the
preseason hype from beat reporters and coaches: Mark
Ingram was ready to bust out, Jones-Drew was healthy
and motivated, Alfred Morris would be a big part of the
passing game, Daryl Richardson was emerging as the
go-to guy for the Rams, Ronnie Hillman was the Broncos
running back you wanted. Effective drafters dont fall
for hype or anything they cant verify themselves.
6. KNOW THAT EVERY PICK MATTERS.
Sometimes I see drafters get more loose as the draft
goes on, throwing strategy out the window. What the hell,
its the 12th round, what do I care.
Last year the 12th round was where Alshon Jeffery and
Josh Gordon were taken on ESPN.com. No pick should
be wasted. You can never ease up. You need laserlike
focus and deep research and mock-draft prep for every
single round. Last year Antonio Brown and DeSean
Jackson went in the seventh/eighth range. So did Ahmad
Bradshaw. Which one would you want? Giovani Benard
went in the eighth, the same round as DeAngelo Williams.
Greg Olsen and Sidney Rice both went in the ninth. Which
would you rather have had? LeVeon Bell, Vick Ballard and
Lance Moore all went in the 10th/11th range, while Fred
Jackson and Vincent Brown were among your choices
in the 13th. Philip Rivers and Knowshon Moreno were
14th-rounders. And mixed among all those defenses and
kickers, Julius Thomas was picked in the 14th and Danny
Woodhead in the 15th.
Over the past two years, the 99th pick in the draft was
worth an average of 99.5 points; the 135th pick (almost
four full rounds later) was worth an average of 98.5 points.
Every. Pick. Matters.
7. REMEMBER: THE DRAFT IS
JUST THE FIRST STEP TO SUCCESS.
In 2012, the four teams with the fewest number of
roster changes from draft day to the end of the season
finished 10th, 8th, 9th and 6th, respectively. In 2013, the
four teams with the fewest roster changes finished 10th,
9th, 8th and 7th.
To put it another way, in the past two years, playoff
teams had, on average, only 57 percent of their original
roster left at the end of the season. Meanwhile, the last-
place team had 62 percent of its team left and the bottom
four teams had 60 percent left.
Playoff teams were in the habit of being much more
active on the waiver wire. Fortune favors those who
grabbed players like Nick Foles and Zac Stacy when they
could. Whatever you leave with from the draft, itll change
at some point if you want to win.
Championships stem from not just who is on your
team but how you use those players. Once the season
starts, roster decision-making is the most critical thing
you do. The past two years, playoff teams left, on aver-
age, just 43 percent of the total team fantasy points on
the bench. Last-place teams left 50 percent of their total.
Those crucial lineup decisions were about the running
back. Playoff teams averaged more than 22 points a game
from their running backs, while last-place teams got
just 17 points, the largest top-to-bottom spread among
all the positions.
The draft is important. Very important. But its not the
be-all and end-all. So when you push away from the table,
dont be too excited or too down on yourself. Theres still a
lot of work to be done. But thats for the 7 Habits of Highly
Effective In-Season Ownership.
HAD A BREAKOUT
YEAR IN
HIS FOURTH
NFL SEASON,
DEBUNKING
THE COMMONLY
ADOPTED
NARRATIVE THAT
YEAR THREE
IS WHEN WRS
MAKE THE LEAP.
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TOM BRADY, NE Twelve quarterbacks
compiled more fantasy points than Brady
last season, and this appears the new norm.
Thanks to unreliable weapons and shoddy
line play, Brady had the 24th-ranked ypa
in 2013 (6.9) and the second-lowest
completion rate of his career (60.5 percent).
Hes no longer QB1 material.
STAY AWAYFAR, FAR AWAY
ERIC KARABELL ON THE ONE
QUARTERBACK YOU SHOULDNT TOUCH.
BY MATTHEW BERRY
STATE OF THE POSITION
Simply put, I want to be either one of the
rst guys in my league to draft a QB or the
last. Theres still an elite class at the top
I dont need to waste a lot of words telling
you that Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers
and Drew Brees are a cut above the rest.
The common retort is: Yeah, theyre
good, but there are a lot of good QBs.
True, there are a lot of good QBs. In fact,
13 scored at least 240 fantasy points
last season, the most since 1960. But if
everyone is scoring 240, that makes good
the new mediocre. You need a great QB
to make a dierence. Consider this: Over
the past two years, playo teams on
ESPN.com got, on average, 19 percent of
their weekly scoring from the QB position,
the highest of any one player. So if the
most scoring on the best teams comes
from a QB, you might want to copy the
formula. Which means a stud. And if you
dont want to pay for one, you might as well
wait and see whether your late-rounder
blossoms into one.
CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED QB
RANKINGS FOR FREE ON ESPN.COM
RATES OF CHANGE
HERES HOW OUR TOP 10 QUARTERBACKS PROJECTED POINTS COMPARE WITH
THEIR TOTALS FROM 2013 AND THE AVERAGE QB1 OUTPUT LAST SEASON.
2
8
9
.
6
PEYTON MANNING
AARON RODGERS
DREW BREES
MATTHEW STAFFORD
CAM NEWTON
ANDREW LUCK
ROBERT GRIFFIN III
NICK FOLES
RUSSELL WILSON
COLIN KAEPERNICK
2014 PROJECTED POINTS
2013 ACTUAL POINTS
2013 QB1 AVG FANTASY POINTS
PEYTON MANNING
AARON RODGERS
DREW BREES
MATTHEW STAFFORD
CAM NEWTON
ANDREW LUCK
ROBERT GRIFFIN III
NICK FOLES
RUSSELL WILSON
COLIN KAEPERNICK
406
162
348
267
282
279
200
251
256
253
367
348
330
285
283
286
270
267
290
278
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PLAYER CAPSULES BY KC JOYNER
THATS THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF
POINTS PLAYOFF TEAMS GOT FROM THEIR
QUARTERBACKS THE PAST TWO FANTASY
REGULAR SEASONS (WEEKS 1-13 IN
STANDARD LEAGUES). ONLY FOUR QBS
WOULDVE GIVEN YOU MORE THAN THAT
IN 2013, ASSUMING YOU HAD AN AVERAGE
REPLACEMENT-LEVEL QB DURING THE
BYE. THE LESSON? GET A STUD QB, GANG.
MATTHEW BERRY
2
3
5
The reigning fantasy points champion lost Eric
Decker, arguably the Broncos most productive
wideout, to free agency. But dont shed a tear for
Manning, who still has two dominant receivers in
Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker, an impact tight
end in Julius Thomas and another superb dink-and-
dunk receiver in free agent acquisition Emmanuel
Sanders. Dont expect him to repeat last years
record-breaking season, especially since he is 38
and has four matchups against the tough NFC West.
But even if Manning takes a step back, he has a very
good shot at defending his fantasy points title.
TEAM DEN DEN DEN
G 16 16 16
CMP 400 450 435
ATT 583 659 640
CMP% 68.6 68.3 68
YDS 4,659 5,477 5,210
YPA 8 8.3 8.1
YPG 291.2 342.3 325.6
TD 37 55 48
INT 11 10 12
YDS 6 -31 -14
TD 0 1 0
1 PEYTON MANNING DEN $49 AGE 38 BYE 4
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QB RB WR TE K D/ST IDP
CAM NEWTON NO. 5 QB
Lets face it, fantasy football is a What have you
done for me lately? business, so Rodgers 162
fantasy points in 2013 may cause some owners to
devalue him. Dont be one of those owners. Rodgers
pairs elite accuracy with superb rushing skill (18
ground scores since 2008, most among QBs not
named Cam Newton) and an unparalleled ability to
create plays on the move. In fact, even in his injury-
plagued 2013 season, Rodgers scored 18 fantasy
points per game, fourth among all QBs. Second-
year stud RB Eddie Lacy is sometimes mentioned
as a negative for Rodgers fantasy value, but his
emergence should make it impossible for defenses
to solely concentrate on stopping Rodgers, whose
upside could be even higher in 2014.
TEAM GB GB GB
G 16 9 15
CMP 371 193 348
ATT 552 290 514
CMP% 67.2 66.6 67.7
YDS 4,295 2,536 4,378
YPA 7.8 8.7 8.5
YPG 268.4 281.8 291.9
TD 39 17 39
INT 8 6 7
YDS 259 120 225
TD 2 0 2
2 AARON RODGERS GB $43 AGE 30 BYE 9
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2012 2013 PROJ
Were it not for Peyton Mannings season for the
ages, Brees would have garnered a ton of fantasy
football MVP votes last year. He hit the 5,000-yard
benchmark, threw 39-plus touchdown passes for
the third consecutive season and had as many
games with 30-plus fantasy points as Manning
(five). Brees also has a highly favorable schedule
only five games against teams that finished in
the upper third of the league in fantasy QB points
allowed. You cant go wrong with him.
TEAM NO NO NO
G 16 16 16
CMP 422 446 435
ATT 670 650 626
CMP% 63 68.6 69.5
YDS 5,177 5,162 4,880
YPA 7.7 7.9 7.8
YPG 323.6 322.6 305
TD 43 39 39
INT 19 12 15
YDS 5 52 64
TD 1 3 1
3 DREW BREES NO $29 AGE 35 BYE 6
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New head coach Jim Caldwells offense probably
wont be as pass-heavy as the record-breaking
scheme Stafford played in under Jim Schwartz.
After all, Stafford has chucked more passes in the
past three years2,024than any QB in NFL history
has over a three-year span. But he could see his
fantasy value increase via a trade of quantity for
quality. Calvin Johnson should bounce back from an
un-Megatron-ish season of only 1,492 yards and
12 TDs. And the Lions added Golden Tate, whose
31 yards per vertical reception ranked second
among WRs with 10-plus vertical targets. That
should turn a so-so part of Staffords passing game
(10.1 vertical ypa, ranked 26th) into a strength and
make him a worthy choice as your starting QB.
TEAM DET DET DET
G 16 16 16
CMP 435 371 397
ATT 727 634 649
CMP% 59.8 58.5 61.2
YDS 4,967 4,650 4,471
YPA 6.8 7.3 6.9
YPG 310.4 290.6 279.4
TD 20 29 32
INT 17 19 18
YDS 126 69 84
TD 4 2 2
4 MATTHEW STAFFORD DET $21 AGE 26 BYE 9
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Newton has posted upper-tier numbers with less-
than-stellar personnel around him and hell be
asked to do it again this year. The Panthers added
rookie Kelvin Benjamin through the draft but lost
their top four WRs to free agency and saw longtime
left tackle Jordan Gross hang up his cleats. While
that could make passing numbers harder to come
by, Newton led the league in fantasy QB points on
rushing plays last season (88) despite ankle-injury
woes. Offseason surgery should lead to a fully healthy
set of wheels, and that could move Newton into triple-
digit territory for fantasy rushing points, which is an
achievement worthy of a Superman poseor three.
TEAM CAR CAR CAR
G 16 16 16
CMP 280 292 276
ATT 485 473 462
CMP% 57.7 61.7 59.7
YDS 3,869 3,379 3,365
YPA 8 7.1 7.3
YPG 241.8 211.2 210.3
TD 19 24 20
INT 12 13 15
YDS 741 585 637
TD 8 6 8
5 CAM NEWTON CAR $17 AGE 25 BYE 12
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Looking for return on investment? Luck could be your
guy. He placed fourth in quarterback fantasy points
last season (279) despite losing WR Reggie Wayne
for nine games. The free agent addition of Hakeem
Nicks, the emergence of T.Y. Hilton, the development
of promising second-year receiver DaRick Rogers
and the 1-2 tight end punch of Dwayne Allen and
Coby Fleener reflect the Colts commitment to
surrounding Luck with targets. Combine those
receivers with a highly favorable schedulethree
games against teams that finished in the bottom
five in fantasy ppg allowedand that should help
Luck once again contend for a top-five QB finish.
TEAM IND IND IND
G 16 16 16
CMP 339 343 357
ATT 627 570 581
CMP% 54.1 60.2 61.4
YDS 4,374 3,822 4,071
YPA 7 6.7 7
YPG 273.4 238.9 254.4
TD 23 23 23
INT 18 9 10
YDS 255 377 365
TD 5 4 3
6 ANDREW LUCK I ND $14 AGE 24 BYE 10
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NI CK FOLES NO. 8 QB
From a fantasy perspective, RG3 actually had his
share of highlights last season. He had six games
of 19 or more points, after eight 19-point games
during his breakout rookie season. Still, some of
the underlying indicators last year werent great. He
was the NFLs 31st-ranked QB on passes thrown
10 yards downfield, registering only 9.7 yards per
vertical pass attempt. It helps that hell be throwing
to DeSean Jackson, who had more vertical yards
(905) than Redskins receivers Pierre Garcon and
Aldrick Robinson combined (813). Look for Griffins
on-field numbers to catch up with his fantasy
numbers, but hes not in the elite tier at this point.
TEAM WAS WAS WAS
G 15 13 14
CMP 258 274 294
ATT 393 456 490
CMP% 65.6 60.1 60.0
YDS 3,200 3,203 3,789
YPA 8.1 7 7.7
YPG 213.3 246.4 270.6
TD 20 16 22
INT 5 12 13
YDS 815 489 563
TD 7 0 4
7 ROBERT GRIFFIN III WAS $8 AGE 24 BYE 10
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Last season Foles was almost assuredly on your
leagues waiver wire. Then, after Michael Vick pulled
a hammy on Oct. 6, Foles stepped in and led the
NFL in fantasy points from Weeks 9 to 17. Thats
right, his 24.6 ppg were more than those of Peyton
Manning (23.9) and Jamaal Charles (22.4). Give
credit to coach Chip Kelly, whose extraordinarily
creative playcalling took hold down the stretch
as the Eagles went 71. Expect Foles success to
continue in 2014, even with DeSean Jackson now
in Washington, a loss that should be offset by the
return of Jeremy Maclin. Foles might not score
24 fantasy ppg again, but hell be a solid starter.
TEAM PHI PHI PHI
G 7 13 16
CMP 161 203 299
ATT 265 317 467
CMP% 60.8 64 64
YDS 1,699 2,891 3,969
YPA 6.4 9.1 8.5
YPG 242.7 222.4 248.1
TD 6 27 26
INT 5 2 11
YDS 42 221 273
TD 1 3 3
8 NICK FOLES PHI $8 AGE 25 BYE 7
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What youre about to read might sound ominous
for a fantasy quarterback, but keep reading. Over
the past two seasons, no team has run more often
(1,045 rushes) or thrown less often (825 passes)
than the Seahawks. Amazingly, that trend hasnt
stopped Wilson from placing 10th in fantasy
QB points during that time (515). The takeaway
for fantasy owners? His first two NFL seasons
represent Wilsons fantasy-points floor. If Seattle
gets its wish and establishes more rush-pass
balance in its offense (maybe via 100-plus targets
for Percy Harvin), Wilson will have the biggest
upside of any top-10 quarterback.
TEAM SEA SEA SEA
G 16 16 16
CMP 252 257 257
ATT 393 407 400
CMP% 64.1 63.1 64.3
YDS 3,118 3,357 3,264
YPA 7.9 8.2 8.2
YPG 194.9 209.8 204
TD 26 26 25
INT 10 9 10
YDS 489 539 497
TD 4 1 3
9 RUSSELL WILSON SEA $6 AGE 25 BYE 4
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Kaepernick was fourth among quarterbacks with 524
rushing yards, backing up his reputation as a terrific
ground gainer. The surprise, though, was some of
his passing metrics. Kaepernick is among the few
quarterbacks who produce big on downfield passes
(38 fantasy points on stretch vertical throws, ranked
ninth) while still expertly protecting the ball (1.6
percent bad-decision rate). Were it not for a slow
starthe scored single-digit points in three of his first
five gamesKaepernick would have been a top-five QB
last year. He certainly has that potential this year.
TEAM SF SF SF
G 13 16 16
CMP 136 243 248
ATT 218 416 427
CMP% 62.4 58.4 58.1
YDS 1,814 3,197 3,378
YPA 8.3 7.7 7.9
YPG 139.5 199.8 211.1
TD 10 21 22
INT 3 8 11
YDS 415 524 474
TD 5 4 4
10 COLIN KAEPERNICK SF $2 AGE 26 BYE 8
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Just about everything that could go wrong for
Ryan did go wrong last year. He lost a top receiver,
Julio Jones, for much of the season and dealt with
massive oensive line issues (44 sacks, tied for
worst in the NFC). Yet Ryan still ranked seventh with
12.3 vertical yards per attempt and 14th in overall
fantasy points among QBs thanks to 151 total points
on short passes. His consistency and durabilityonly
two games missed in six NFL seasonsmake him a
fringe QB1 and a great QB2.
TEAM ATL ATL ATL
G 16 16 16
CMP 422 439 419
ATT 615 651 627
CMP% 68.6 67.4 66.8
YDS 4,719 4,515 4,377
YPA 7.7 6.9 7
YPG 294.9 282.2 273.6
TD 32 26 28
INT 14 17 14
YDS 141 55 86
TD 1 0 0
11 MATT RYAN ATL $2 AGE 29 BYE 9
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No Rob Gronkowski? A group of receivers that
featured three rookies in the mix? OK, maybe
Bradys terrible start last season wasnt all that
surprising. He racked up only 11.5 points per game
in the first eight weeks (ranked 34th among QBs).
That ice melted quickly once Gronk returned from
his multiple injuries and Brady and his young
wideouts got on the same page, which led to a
scoring turnaround in Weeks 9-17 (18.6 fantasy
points per game, ranked fourth). But even with his
hot play down the stretch, you shouldnt consider
Brady a QB1 in standard leagues as long as Gronks
status remains uncertain.
TEAM NE NE NE
G 16 16 16
CMP 401 380 402
ATT 637 628 626
CMP% 63 60.5 64.2
YDS 4,827 4,343 4,287
YPA 7.6 6.9 6.8
YPG 301.7 271.4 267.9
TD 34 25 26
INT 8 11 9
YDS 32 18 21
TD 4 0 1
12 TOM BRADY NE $2 AGE 37 BYE 10
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There is a certain amount of dread from fantasy
owners about Romo, and its unclear why. He was
ninth in fantasy QB points per game (16.8) and
less than a point per game from ranking fifth.
Hes very durable (having missed only four games
in his career outside of 2010), has a great WR1
(Dez Bryant) and an up-and-coming WR2 (Terrance
Williams), and he wont cost a lot on draft day.
For the past three years, Romo has been a top-10
fantasy quarterback, and he could do it again. There
are more dreadful options in the later rounds.
TEAM DAL DAL DAL
G 16 15 15
CMP 425 342 413
ATT 648 535 633
CMP% 65.6 63.9 65.2
YDS 4,903 3,828 4,654
YPA 7.6 7.2 7.4
YPG 306.4 255.2 310.3
TD 28 31 28
INT 19 10 15
YDS 49 38 29
TD 1 0 0
13 TONY ROMO DAL $1 AGE 34 BYE 11
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Mike McCoys short-passing offense didnt hold back
Rivers on downfield throws, as his 120 fantasy points
on vertical passes ranked third in the league. This
helped Rivers reach at least 18 total fantasy points
(a good gauge for whether a guy is top five) eight
times last season. Hes flaky for sure, finishing 21st
in fantasy points in 2012 and sixth last year. But his
numbers in year one with McCoy were a staggering
improvement. And with second-year WR Keenan Allen
emerging as a go-to receiver, you could do worse
than Rivers as your starter in deep leagues.
TEAM SD SD SD
G 16 16 16
CMP 338 378 364
ATT 527 544 544
CMP% 64.1 69.5 66.9
YDS 3,606 4,478 4,392
YPA 6.8 8.2 8.1
YPG 225.4 279.9 274.5
TD 26 32 28
INT 15 11 12
YDS 40 72 45
TD 0 0 0
14 PHILIP RIVERS SD $1 AGE 32 BYE 10
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Marc Trestman is a miracle worker. Cutler had never
posted a bad-decision rate (BDR) of less than
3 percent in his NFL career, and Trestman helped
him lower that rate to 1.3 percent in 2013. Yet even
with Trestman, fewer interceptions and an elite
1-2 WR combination of Brandon Marshall and
Alshon Jeffery, Cutler ranked only 20th with
14.6 fantasy points per game. The key reason: He
ranked 16th in vertical attempts per game with
10.6. Until this offense increases its downfield
attack percentage, Cutler will remain a QB2. Even
Trestman cant change that.
TEAM CHI CHI CHI
G 15 11 14
CMP 255 224 302
ATT 434 355 485
CMP% 58.8 63.1 62.3
YDS 3,033 2,621 3,653
YPA 7 7.4 7.5
YPG 202.2 238.3 260.9
TD 19 19 28
INT 14 12 16
YDS 233 118 196
TD 0 0 1
15 JAY CUTLER CHI $1 AGE 31 BYE 9
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Todd Haleys offense has a reputation for being
too dinky and dunky, yet Big Ben was 10th last
season in vertical pass attempts (183) and tied
for ninth in QB fantasy points on vertical passes
(93). Roethlisberger started off slowly (12.5 fantasy
ppg in Weeks 1-4, ranked 26th) but bounced back
with 16.5 ppg in Weeks 5-17 as the Steelers began
to establish a run game with rookie LeVeon Bell.
Roethlisberger hasnt been a top-10 fantasy QB
since 2009, but he has scored between 13.7 and
16.8 fantasy ppg in each of the past four seasons.
You cant go wrong with him as your backup.
TEAM PIT PIT PIT
G 13 16 14
CMP 284 375 319
ATT 449 584 511
CMP% 63.3 64.2 62.4
YDS 3,265 4,261 3,744
YPA 7.3 7.3 7.3
YPG 251.2 266.3 267.4
TD 26 28 26
INT 8 14 13
YDS 92 99 100
TD 0 1 1
16 BEN ROETHLISBERGER PI T $1 AGE 32 BYE 12
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The debacle that was the Bengals wild-card playoff
loss cast a lot of doubt on Daltons future and
may put a damper on his perceived fantasy value.
A quick refresher: The Bengals lost 27-10 despite
outgaining San Diego 439-318 in total yardage,
largely because of Daltons three-turnover meltdown
in the second half. That negative impression cannot
be ignored, but think about this: Dalton ranked fifth
in QB fantasy points (277), fourth in fantasy points
on vertical passes (115) and third in stretch vertical
fantasy points (65). Make a deal with yourself to
accept his occasional bad days and there shouldnt
be any regret in drafting him as a QB2.
TEAM CIN CIN CIN
G 16 16 16
CMP 329 363 317
ATT 528 586 520
CMP% 62.3 61.9 61
YDS 3,669 4,293 3,562
YPA 6.9 7.3 6.9
YPG 229.3 268.3 222.6
TD 27 33 27
INT 16 20 15
YDS 120 183 137
TD 4 2 2
17 ANDY DALTON CI N $1 AGE 26 BYE 4
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The number 27 still stings Manning owners, but how
many of those interceptions were Elis fault? By the
BDR metric, only threeyes, threewere actually
due to a bad Manning decision. The rest were largely
attributed to receiver mistakes, bad luck or tipped
passes. Manning does throw a ton of vertical passes
(197, tied for fourth), and he still has a highly
talented group of pass catchers to work with in new
O-coordinator Ben McAdoos West Coast scheme.
If the Giants offensive line holds up and Mannings
interception luck improves, Eli could once again be
a viable high-end QB2.
TEAM NYG NYG NYG
G 16 16 16
CMP 321 317 340
ATT 536 551 550
CMP% 59.9 57.5 61.8
YDS 3,948 3,818 3,912
YPA 7.4 6.9 7.1
YPG 246.8 238.6 244.5
TD 26 18 25
INT 15 27 16
YDS 30 36 27
TD 0 0 0
18 ELI MANNING NYG $1 AGE 33 BYE 8
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Say this about drafting Carson Palmer: Sundays
at least will be interesting. As would be expected
for a Bruce Arians QB, Palmer led the league in
vertical attempts (213). The problem is that his
arm is showing signs of age, and the QB had 22
interceptions, tied for second most in the NFL.
Despite all the picks, Palmers 2.1 percent BDR is
quite good for somebody who throws so many deep
balls. Palmer ranked 18th and 17th among QBs
the past two seasons. Pencil him in for 210 to 230
fantasy points again in 2014.
TEAM OAK ARI ARI
G 15 16 16
CMP 345 362 346
ATT 565 572 566
CMP% 61.1 63.3 61.1
YDS 4,018 4,274 4,191
YPA 7.1 7.5 7.4
YPG 267.9 267.1 261.9
TD 22 24 23
INT 14 22 17
YDS 36 3 23
TD 1 0 0
19 CARSON PALMER ARI $0 AGE 34 BYE 4
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McCown looked nothing like a backup last season
in Chicago. In fact, he bested Jay Cutler in vertical
yards per attempt (12.0 versus 11.8), completion
percentage (66.5, 63.1) and winning percentage
(.600, .455). He also had the leagues second-highest
Total QBR on vertical throws (99.0). So it makes
sense that first-year coach Lovie Smith named
McCown his starter shortly after the 35-year-old was
signed this winter. And with the 6-foot-5 WR tandem
of Vincent Jackson and rookie Mike Evans, McCown
could very well replicate those numbers this season.
But for now, concern over his 2013 season being a
fluke keeps him from being ranked higher.
TEAM CHI CHI TB
G 0 8 15
CMP 0 149 246
ATT 0 224 415
CMP% 0 66.5 59.3
YDS 0 1,829 3,365
YPA 0 8.2 8.1
YPG 0 228.6 224.3
TD 0 13 22
INT 0 1 10
YDS 0 69 87
TD 0 1 1
20 JOSH MCCOWN TB $0 AGE 35 BYE 7
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Flacco is the empty-calories version of a vertical
passer. His 11.9 vertical attempts per game ranked
ninth in the league, but Flacco was last (39th)
among qualifying quarterbacks in vertical ypa (8.7)
and 30th in vertical-pass fantasy points per game
(3.9). The addition of Steve Smith wont helpthe
former Panther ranked 37th in vertical receiving
yards (424). Quantity without quality equals a weak
fantasy backup QB. In other words, leave Flacco on
the waiver wire. Youre better off rolling the dice
with someone who has more upside.
TEAM BAL BAL BAL
G 16 16 16
CMP 317 362 329
ATT 531 614 554
CMP% 59.7 59 59.4
YDS 3,817 3,912 3,905
YPA 7.2 6.4 7
YPG 238.6 244.5 244.1
TD 22 19 22
INT 10 22 18
YDS 22 131 61
TD 3 1 1
21 JOE FLACCO BAL $0 AGE 29 BYE 11
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Combining Tannehills powerful arm with a speedster
the caliber of Mike Wallace should have led to big
vertical numbers. Didnt happen. Tannehill tallied a
meager 9.3 vertical yards per pass attempt, 35th in
the NFL. New offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, who
assisted Chip Kelly in developing Nick Foles last year
with the Eagles, should help improve the downfield
numbers. Even with that possibility, its hard to trust
Tannehill as anything more than a low-end QB2.
TEAM MIA MIA MIA
G 16 16 16
CMP 282 355 325
ATT 484 588 545
CMP% 58.3 60.4 59.6
YDS 3,294 3,913 3,672
YPA 6.8 6.7 6.7
YPG 205.9 244.6 229.5
TD 12 24 23
INT 13 17 17
YDS 211 238 209
TD 2 1 1
22 RYAN TANNEHILL MI A $0 AGE 26 BYE 5
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Lets go Johnny Arithmetic on Johnny Football.
Manziel averaged 83 rushing yards per game in
college. If he can post half that total in the pros,
it would equal roughly 664 yards. Add in, say, four
carries to the end zone and hes sitting at around
90 fantasy points. If he puts up 10 more points per
game through the air, his season total will reach
250. Thats fringe QB1 material. But realize this:
Thats also the best-case scenario, and rookie
seasons hardly ever follow such a serendipitous
script. At 5-foot-11 and 207 pounds, Manziel
rivals Russell Wilson (5-11, 206) as the smallest
QB in the NFL, and wed be surprised if he made
it through his rookie season unscathed. For now,
hes a lottery ticket in redraft leagues.
TEAM N/A N/A CLE
G N/A N/A 13
CMP N/A N/A 211
ATT N/A N/A 377
CMP% N/A N/A 56
YDS N/A N/A 2,661
YPA N/A N/A 7.1
YPG N/A N/A 204.7
TD N/A N/A 13
INT N/A N/A 16
YDS N/A N/A 381
TD N/A N/A 5
23 JOHNNY MANZIEL CLE $0 AGE 21 BYE 4
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Smith proved that a QB with questionable arm
strength in a vertically challenged offense can rack
up quality fantasy point totals. Smith ranked 44th in
vertical pass attempts per game (7.9) and yet ranked
15th in QB fantasy points. Credit his success on
short passes (139 points, ranked 10th) and an uptick
in his rushing (42 fantasy points on the ground).
He also had an incredibly low BDR at 0.9 percent,
thus insulating his fantasy owners from costly
interceptions. But until further notice, you should
consider Smith nothing more than a bye-week fill-in;
his risk-averse nature stifles his fantasy upside.
TEAM SF KC KC
G 10 15 16
CMP 153 308 304
ATT 218 508 503
CMP% 70.2 60.6 60.4
YDS 1,737 3,313 3,122
YPA 8 6.5 6.2
YPG 173.7 220.9 195.1
TD 13 23 18
INT 5 7 8
YDS 132 431 327
TD 0 1 1
24 ALEX SMITH KC $0 AGE 30 BYE 6
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As a rookie last season, Manuel took his lumps,
missing six games due to injury and finishing four
games with single-digit fantasy point totals. And
while his recurring injuries are a concern, you
shouldnt underestimate his upside. He had five
starts with 16 or more points, and his 1.5 percent
BDR shows hes smart with the ball. Plus, Manuels
ability to scramble186 rushing yards in 2013,
13th among QBsgives his value a boost. Add in
the explosive skill set of rookie WR Sammy Watkins,
who averaged 36.1 stretch vertical ypa against BCS
teams last season, and its clear why Manuel is one
of the ultimate boom-or-bust QBs this year.
TEAM N/A BUF BUF
G N/A 10 13
CMP N/A 180 224
ATT N/A 306 397
CMP% N/A 58.8 56.4
YDS N/A 1,972 2,558
YPA N/A 6.4 6.4
YPG N/A 197.2 196.8
TD N/A 11 14
INT N/A 9 11
YDS N/A 186 304
TD N/A 2 3
25 EJ MANUEL BUF $0 AGE 24 BYE 9
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Most owners will shy away from Bradford because
of durability issues. And its true that Bradford
has missed 15 gamesor almost 25 percent of
his careerthus far. Yet there are signs pointing
toward improvement. Bradford had only 114 fantasy
points in 2013, but when he played, he played well.
Bradford ranked 12th in fantasy QB points per game
(16.3), ahead of Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick,
Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady, RG3 and Matt Ryan.
The Rams have been stockpiling quality WRs and
RBs and are now upgrading their offensive line, so
Bradford will have plenty of talent around him. That
skill level will eventually hit pay dirt, and that makes
Bradford an off-the-charts value as a No. 3 QB.
TEAM STL STL STL
G 16 7 13
CMP 328 159 288
ATT 551 262 486
CMP% 59.5 60.7 59.3
YDS 3,702 1,687 3,121
YPA 6.7 6.4 6.4
YPG 231.4 241 240.1
TD 21 14 21
INT 13 4 14
YDS 124 31 31
TD 1 0 O
26 SAM BRADFORD STL $0 AGE 26 BYE 4
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Vick may have ended up on Chip Kellys bench last
season, but it wasnt because he took too many
risks. His 1.4 percent BDR was a career low and
shows that Vick can protect the ball when he wants
to. Now the ultimate question: Did the Jets bring
him in to mentor Geno Smith or to beat him out?
We wont know until August, but Vicks low BDR
and top-tier rushing ability (5.4 fantasy points
per game, ranked third) could propel him into the
starting lineup sooner rather than later. Its not
like Smithwho threw for less than 200 ypg and
had nine more interceptions than touchdowns last
seasonis entrenched atop the depth chart.
TEAM PHI PHI NYJ
G 10 7 10
CMP 204 77 173
ATT 351 141 305
CMP% 58.1 54.6 56.7
YDS 2,362 1,215 2,304
YPA 6.7 8.6 7.6
YPG 236.2 173.6 230.4
TD 12 5 14
INT 10 3 11
YDS 332 306 376
TD 1 2 2
27 MICHAEL VICK NYJ $0 AGE 34 BYE 11
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Locker racked up more fantasy points per game
last season (13.14) than Carson Palmer (13.06),
Joe Flacco (12.1) or Eli Manning (10.1). That may
seem like a backhanded compliment, but remember:
He battled knee, hip and foot injuries, the latter of
which required offseason surgery. Lockers brittle
naturehes played in only 18 games the past two
seasonsis one of many question marks, but his
ability to perform decently under less-than-stellar
circumstances gives him solid QB3 value. The
Titans again chose to beef up their offensive line
through the draft, and the acquisitions of RB/WR
Dexter McCluster (via KC) and RB Bishop Sankey
(in the second round) give Locker a couple of
more toys to play with. Its a make-or-break year
for the fourth-year starter.
TEAM TEN TEN TEN
G 11 7 12
CMP 177 111 209
ATT 314 183 347
CMP% 56.4 60.7 60.2
YDS 2,176 1,256 2,413
YPA 6.9 6.9 7
YPG 197.8 179.4 201.1
TD 10 8 14
INT 11 4 9
YDS 291 155 262
TD 1 2 1
28 JAKE LOCKER TEN $0 AGE 26 BYE 9
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The highlight of Hennes 2013 fantasy season
came in Weeks 13-17, when he scored 73 points,
which ranked 12th among quarterbacks. All told, he
racked up double-digit points in seven of his last
nine starts. The problem is that the Jags clearly
dont believe Henne is their long-term solution
under center after drafting Blake Bortles with the
third overall pick. Management has made it clear
that Henne will begin 2014 as the starter, but you
have to wonder how long that will last. If coach
Gus Bradley gives Bortles a shot at some point
during the season, Henne wont be worth a roster
spoteven in deep leagues.
TEAM JAC JAC JAC
G 10 15 11
CMP 166 305 216
ATT 308 503 366
CMP% 53.9 60.6 59
YDS 2,084 3,241 2,435
YPA 6.8 6.4 6.7
YPG 208.4 216.1 221.4
TD 11 13 11
INT 11 14 12
YDS 64 77 79
TD 1 0 0
31 CHAD HENNE JAC $0 AGE 29 BYE 11
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Houston had plenty of chances to take a QB high
in the draft but passed after signing Fitzpatrick to
a two-year, $7 million deal in the offseason. The
Texans did eventually nab a signal-caller in the
fourth round (Tom Savage, Pitt), but Houstons front
office still has remnants of a win-now mindset,
and Fitzpatrick is a more polished product than
both Savage and second-year QB Case Keenum. To
be sure, Fitzpatrick is far from a Pro Bowleror a
reliable fantasy starter, throwing an interception on
3.4 percent of passes since 2008, tied for second
worst among qualifying QBs. He should be drafted
only in deep two-QB leaguesand even then, hes
a last resort.
TEAM BUF TEN HOU
G 16 11 13
CMP 306 217 245
ATT 505 350 402
CMP% 60.6 62 60.9
YDS 3,400 2,454 2,645
YPA 6.7 7 6.6
YPG 212.5 223.1 203.5
TD 24 14 15
INT 16 12 13
YDS 197 225 208
TD 1 3 1
32 RYAN FITZPATRICK HOU $0 AGE 31 BYE 10
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Smiths rookie season was dizzying for Jets fans
and fantasy owners. Going back to his college days
at West Virginia, Smith has always had consistency
issues, and his rocky 2013 season is why the Jets
might consider Michael Vickan inconsistent player
in his own righta more reliable starter. Overall,
Smith ranked as the 20th-best fantasy QB in 2013,
but he was impossible to trust on a weekly basis.
Here were his point totals from the first 10 games
of the season: 14, 3, 24, 7, 21, 4, 20, 2, 11, minus-4.
Even if Smith beats out Vick for the starting job, his
volatility should scare you away.
TEAM N/A NYJ NYJ
G N/A 16 8
CMP N/A 247 131
ATT N/A 443 218
CMP% N/A 55.8 60.1
YDS N/A 3,046 1,469
YPA N/A 6.9 6.7
YPG N/A 190.4 183.6
TD N/A 12 12
INT N/A 21 9
YDS N/A 366 201
TD N/A 6 2
29 GENO SMITH NYJ $0 AGE 23 BYE 11
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Schaub started off last season with a bang: He
threw a pick six in four consecutive games, setting
an NFL record. By seasons end, he had posted a
3.9 percent INT rate, fourth worst in the league. It
was an unexpected turn for the worse; in three of
the previous four seasons, Schaub had put up at
least 4,000 yards passing, 22 TDs and a 63 percent
completion rate. Perhaps a change of address is
just what the 11-year vet needs, but hes no lock to
win the job over former Fresno State QB Derek Carr,
drafted by the Raiders in the second round. Even if
Schaub is named the starter, its hard to count on
anything more than QB3 production as he learns a
new system and jells with a mediocre WR corps.
TEAM HOU HOU OAK
G 16 10 12
CMP 350 219 230
ATT 544 358 388
CMP% 64.3 61.2 59.3
YDS 4,008 2,310 2,475
YPA 7.4 6.5 6.4
YPG 250.5 231 206.3
TD 22 10 12
INT 12 14 12
YDS -9 24 41
TD 0 0 0
30 MATT SCHAUB OAK $0 AGE 33 BYE 5
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GENO SMI TH NO. 29 QB
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The thought of owning a Vikings QB understandably
makes owners cringe, but that might change this
season as fantasy whisperer Norv Turner takes over
the offense. With Adrian Petersons rushing, Kyle
Rudolphs savvy and Cordarrelle Pattersons speed,
Cassel has a bevy of weapons at his disposal. The
question is whether he can take advantage of them.
Vertical passing has never been a Cassel specialty;
heck, he fell short of posting a double-digit vertical
ypa when throwing to Randy Moss in his prime. But
his 10.6 vertical ypa last year was a career high, and
Turner specializes in that part of the playbook. If Cassel
wins the starting role over first-round pick Teddy
Bridgewater, he can progress to fringe QB2 status.
TEAM KC MIN MIN
G 9 9 8
CMP 161 153 154
ATT 277 254 252
CMP% 58.1 60.2 61.1
YDS 1,796 1,807 1,702
YPA 6.5 7.1 6.8
YPG 199.6 200.8 212.8
TD 6 11 11
INT 12 9 8
YDS 145 57 102
TD 1 1 1
33 MATT CASSEL MI N $0 AGE 32 BYE 10
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Bridgewater is as cool as a cucumber when blitzed:
Last season at Louisville, he tallied a 70.1 percent
completion rate (second in the nation) and averaged
11 yards per attempt when opponents sent five or
more pass rushers. His 0.3 percent BDR against BCS
conference foes was simply phenomenal. And dont
buy into the talk that hes undersized. His 6-foot-2
frame is equal to that of Aaron Rodgers, and at 214
pounds he weighs more than Drew Brees (209).
It remains to be seen just how much playing time
Bridgewater gets in Minnesota, but hes capable of
being a QB2 in redraft leagues and should be highly
valued in dynasty formats.
TEAM N/A N/A MIN
G N/A N/A 8
CMP N/A N/A 143
ATT N/A N/A 235
CMP% N/A N/A 60.9
YDS N/A N/A 1,550
YPA N/A N/A 6.6
YPG N/A N/A 193.8
TD N/A N/A 10
INT N/A N/A 7
YDS N/A N/A 61
TD N/A N/A 1
34 TEDDY BRIDGEWATER MI N $0 AGE 21 BYE 10
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Robert Griffin III has started every game in only
two of his six seasons as a college and NFL QB, so
Cousins has much better odds than many backups
to actually get into a game. But when he does, he
takes too many chances (3.2 percent BDR) and
doesnt get enough of a payoff for those risks. Last
year his 7.8 vertical ypa ranked 42nd among QBs
with 30 or more vertical attempts. As it stands
now, he should be considered only in deep dynasty
leagues, where the possibility that Washington
could trade him ups Cousins value.
TEAM WAS WAS WAS
G 3 5 3
CMP 33 81 51
ATT 48 155 87
CMP% 68.8 52.3 58.6
YDS 466 854 566
YPA 9.7 5.5 6.5
YPG 155.3 170.8 188.7
TD 4 4 5
INT 3 7 3
YDS 22 14 17
TD 0 0 0
37 KIRK COUSINS WAS $0 AGE 26 BYE 10
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Talk about a prototypical pocket passer. At 6-foot-5,
232 pounds, Bortles has the size to deal with
NFL-caliber pocket punishment. Last season at
Central Florida, his 50 percent completion rate on
stretch vertical throws ranked second among BCS
conference QBs (minimum 30 attempts). The blitz
didnt bother him either: He threw for 9.1 yards per
attempt when facing five or more pass rushers.
Bortles fantasy ceiling is huge, but his immediate
impact will come down to how Jacksonville chooses
to bring him along as a rookie.
TEAM N/A N/A JAC
G N/A N/A 5
CMP N/A N/A 79
ATT N/A N/A 142
CMP% N/A N/A 55.6
YDS N/A N/A 884
YPA N/A N/A 6.2
YPG N/A N/A 176.8
TD N/A N/A 6
INT N/A N/A 8
YDS N/A N/A 59
TD N/A N/A 1
38 BLAKE BORTLES JAC $0 AGE 22 BYE 11
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For two games, Hoyer looked like the answer to
years of QB futility in Cleveland. In the second and
third starts of his NFL career, his cumulative stat
line read: 60 percent completion rate, 590 yards,
5 TDs and 36 total fantasy points. Perhaps best of
all, his 2.0 percent BDR showed an ability to keep
his errors to a minimum. Sure, the small sample
size (96 attempts) makes him far from a proven
commodity, but most backups dont have the luxury
of throwing passes to Jordan Cameron and, when
hes not suspended, Josh Gordon. The potential is
certainly there with Hoyer. The problem? Johnny
Manziel is now in townand as long as he stays
healthy, hes Clevelands starter.
TEAM ARI CLE CLE
G 2 3 4
CMP 30 57 65
ATT 53 96 106
CMP% 56.6 59.4 61.3
YDS 330 615 765
YPA 6.2 6.4 7.2
YPG 165 205 191.3
TD 1 5 5
INT 2 3 5
YDS 6 16 32
TD 0 0 0
35 BRIAN HOYER CLE $0 AGE 28 BYE 4
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You can chop Glennons rookie season into two
distinct segments. From Weeks 6 to 12, he
completed 64 percent of his passes for 227
yards per game, 12 touchdowns and only two
interceptions. Thats not exactly Pro Bowl material,
but its far from a disaster. Glennon saved that
for Weeks 13-17, when his numbers crashed:
54 percent completion rate, 165 ypg, 6 TDs and
5 INTs. That stretch is why new coach Lovie Smith
brought in Josh McCown to be the starter. For
now, Glennons best-case scenario is being
handcuff material for McCown owners.
TEAM N/A TB TB
G N/A 13 3
CMP N/A 247 49
ATT N/A 416 78
CMP% N/A 59.4 62.8
YDS N/A 2,608 546
YPA N/A 6.3 7
YPG N/A 200.6 182
TD N/A 19 6
INT N/A 9 6
YDS N/A 37 41
TD N/A 0 0
36 MIKE GLENNON TB $0 AGE 24 BYE 7
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MATT FLYNN NO. 44 QB
Should Sam Bradford have any unexpected hitches
in his ACL recovery, Hills chance to contend for the
Rams starting job is a little higher than youd think.
For starters, its not as if Bradford (18301 in his
career and 15 missed starts in four seasons) is
entrenched as QB1. Plus, Hill filled in valiantly for an
injured Matthew Stafford in 2010, passing for 2,686
yards and 16 TDs in 11 games with Detroit. (That
prorates to about 3,900 yards and 23 TDs over a full
season.) If youre in a deep two-QB league, keep an
eye on how this quarterback situation develops.
TEAM DET DET STL
G 1 1 3
CMP 10 0 50
ATT 13 0 79
CMP% 76.9 0 63.3
YDS 172 0 576
YPA 13.2 0 7.3
YPG 172 0 192
TD 2 0 5
INT 0 0 4
YDS -1 -2 34
TD 0 0 0
39 SHAUN HILL STL $0 AGE 34 BYE 4
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With 576 rushing yards (second among QBs), Pryor
was a huge fantasy asset last season. His 14.8
points per start was higher than those of Jay Cutler
(14.5), Ryan Tannehill (14.1) and Carson Palmer
(13.1). That will obviously change now that Pryor
is in Seattle after the Super Bowl champs forked
over a seventh-rounder to snag him from Oakland.
For now, it appears that Tarvaris Jacksonwho
re-signed with the Seahawks for one year and
$1.25 million this offseasonis the No. 2 QB,
leaving Pryor as third banana. Its a shame that,
barring a couple of injuries, such a fantasy talent
will see limited playing time.
TEAM OAK OAK SEA
G 3 11 6
CMP 14 156 7
ATT 30 272 12
CMP% 46.7 57.4 58.3
YDS 155 1,798 87
YPA 5.2 6.6 7.3
YPG 51.7 163.5 5.4
TD 2 7 1
INT 1 11 0
YDS 51 576 55
TD 1 2 1
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Orton aired it out in Week 17 last season, throwing
for 358 yards and 2 TDs as he filled in for an injured
Tony Romo. Even better: He made zero bad decisions,
while still throwing the ball downfield; all told, he
completed four balls for 112 yards on vertical passes.
Romo has a long track record of durabilityexcluding
the 2010 season, hes missed only four starts in his
careerbut he is 34 years old. If he does go down,
Orton has some fantasy value, if only because Dallas
offensive weapons are so plentiful.
TEAM DAL DAL DAL
G 1 3 2
CMP 9 33 24
ATT 10 51 38
CMP% 90 64.7 63.2
YDS 89 398 293
YPA 8.9 7.8 7.7
YPG 89 132.7 146.5
TD 1 2 3
INT 0 2 1
YDS 0 8 7
TD 0 0 0
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TEAM SEA OAK/BUF/GB GB
G 3 7 2
CMP 5 124 28
ATT 9 200 47
CMP% 55.6 62 59.6
YDS 68 1,392 334
YPA 7.6 7 7.1
YPG 22.7 198.9 167
TD 0 8 2
INT 0 5 3
YDS -5 65 45
TD 0 0 0
Its probably safe to say that, having lost out on two
starting jobs, Flynn is encroaching on career backup
status. The good news? He is back in Green Bay,
which might be the perfect place for that job. In five
games last year, Flynn threw for 1,146 yards and
7 TDs and excelled on stretch vertical passes
(98.7 Total QBR, eighth best). His troubles on play-
action passes (13.9 Total QBR, ranked 37th)and,
of course, the presence of Aaron Rodgersdo
cap his upside.
44 MATT FLYNN GB $0 AGE 29 BYE 9
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Freemans Vikings debut last season was an
unmitigated disaster. He completed 38 percent of
his passes for 190 yards against a less-than-stellar
Giants defense. Making matters worse? It was on
Monday Night Football for the whole world to see.
Thats probably why Freeman had few suitors
when he hit the open market this winter. He signed
a one-year, $795,000 deal in New York, where
Eli Manning hasnt missed a game since 2004. Odds
are that Freeman will be a glorified clipboard carrier
with zero fantasy value.
TEAM TB TB/MIN NYG
G 16 4 3
CMP 306 63 9
ATT 558 147 17
CMP% 54.8 42.9 52.9
YDS 4,065 761 69
YPA 7.3 5.2 4.1
YPG 254.1 190.3 23
TD 27 2 0
INT 17 4 1
YDS 139 20 0
TD 0 0 0
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The oft-untold aspect of Chip Kellys genius is that
he tailors his offense around his QBs strengths and
weaknesses. (Heck, look what he did with Nick Foles
last season.) Now, no ones saying Sanchez will
undergo a career transformation this season;
if all goes well in Philly, he wont ever buckle his
chin strap. But if Foles goes down, were betting
Kelly can get a little more out of Sanchez than we
saw from 2009 to 12, when his 36.1 Total QBR
ranked last among qualified QBs.
TEAM NYJ NYJ PHI
G 15 0 3
CMP 246 0 14
ATT 453 0 26
CMP% 54.3 0 53.8
YDS 2,883 0 153
YPA 6.4 0 5.9
YPG 192.2 0 51
TD 13 0 2
INT 18 0 3
YDS 28 0 6
TD 0 0 0
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Osweiler showed off his cannon arm at Arizona
State, where he threw 57 completions of 20-plus
yards in 2011 (sixth most in the FBS). The question
is whether hell ever get a chance to do the same
before Peyton Manning retires. Mannings career-
long durability has been incredible; outside of
missing the entire 2011 season, he has started
every game since 1998. But if he were to go down,
we think this offense would have enough talent to
operate at a B-level with Osweiler under center.
Hes a solid option in dynasty leagues.
TEAM DEN DEN DEN
G 5 4 5
CMP 2 11 12
ATT 4 16 20
CMP% 50 68.8 60
YDS 12 95 120
YPA 3 5.9 6
YPG 2.4 23.8 24
TD 0 0 0
INT 0 0 0
YDS -13 2 1
TD 0 0 0
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Palmer has the inside track for the Bears backup role
despite having only 15 career pass attempts to his
credit. It would be folly to expect him to become the
next Josh McCown, but any quarterback has fantasy
value when working in a Marc Trestman offense and
directing targets to Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery
and Matt Forte. Jay Cutler hasnt exactly been the
model of durability (13 missed games the past four
years), so Palmer also has a better chance than
many backups to see the field. You could do worse
with a QB3 pick.
TEAM JAC CHI CHI
G 0 0 3
CMP 0 0 43
ATT 0 0 78
CMP% 0 0 55.1
YDS 0 0 456
YPA 0 0 5.8
YPG 0 0 152
TD 0 0 2
INT 0 0 4
YDS 0 0 6
TD 0 0 0
48 JORDAN PALMER CHI $0 AGE 30 BYE 9
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If youre looking for a rough diamond, keep looking.
For starters, Gradkowski is a backup quarterback
in a run-first offense in a bad-weather city. As if
that wasnt bad enough, his career-high completion
percentage is an underwhelming 54.7and in his
20 career starts, hes averaged 165 yards and about
1 TD/INT per game. You have to consider, of course,
Ben Roethlisbergers injury history: Big Ben has
started all 16 games only twice in his 10-year career.
But even if Gradkowski sees the field for a game or
two, he has all the makings of a subpar QB3.
TEAM CIN PIT PIT
G 2 0 3
CMP 5 0 40
ATT 11 0 69
CMP% 45.5 0 58
YDS 65 0 409
YPA 5.9 0 5.9
YPG 32.5 0 136.3
TD 0 0 4
INT 0 0 4
YDS -2 0 27
TD 0 0 0
49 BRUCE GRADKOWSKI PI T $0 AGE 31 BYE 12
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Jackson turned a wild ride on the NFL QB carousel
(three cities in four seasons) into a Super Bowl ring
last year, but he did so with only 39 snaps to his
credit. In 2011, when he started 14 games for the
Seahawks, he proved he could be a decent fantasy
commodity, scoring 146 points (22nd among QBs).
So if he had to fill in for an injured Russell Wilson,
Jackson would likely match or exceed those numbers.
But given Wilsons impressive health history (one
missed start in college or pros since 2008) and
Jacksons inability to be a running threat like backup
Terrelle Pryor, dont expect Jackson to take many
snaps under center.
TEAM BUF SEA SEA
G 0 3 3
CMP 0 10 6
ATT 0 13 10
CMP% 0 76.9 60
YDS 0 151 67
YPA 0 11.6 6.7
YPG 0 50.3 22.3
TD 0 1 0
INT 0 0 0
YDS 0 1 9
TD 0 1 0
50 TARVARIS JACKSON SEA $0 AGE 31 BYE 4
PASSING
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2012 2013 PROJ
Ponder has been firmly below average in his three
NFL seasons, netting 178 passing yards and around
1 TD/INT per game. His fantasy ceiling is frighteningly
low; he has nearly four times as many single-digit
fantasy games (15) as he does 20-plus-point
performances (four) in his career. Norv Turner is
a great offensive coach, but hes not a miracle
worker. Some guys are what they are. Given Ponders
mediocre talentand his spot on the depth chart
behind Matt Cassel and Teddy Bridgewaterits hard
to justify wasting a roster spot on him in any format.
TEAM MIN MIN MIN
G 16 9 2
CMP 300 152 5
ATT 483 239 10
CMP% 62.1 63.6 50
YDS 2,935 1,648 55
YPA 6.1 6.9 5.5
YPG 183.4 183.1 27.5
TD 18 7 0
INT 12 9 0
YDS 253 151 0
TD 2 4 0
45 CHRISTIAN PONDER MI N $0 AGE 26 BYE 10
PASSING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
At this point last year, Lewisa 2010 undrafted
free agent out of Dukewasnt on anyones fantasy
radar. But after injuries to EJ Manuel, he started five
games for the Bills and put up better-than-expected
numbers: 218 yards per game, 4 TDs and a nearly
60 percent completion rate. Lewis fared quite well
in fantasy points per game on vertical passes (6.8)
and was superb at protecting the ball (zero bad
decisions), but he struggled when flushed out of
the pocket (1.3 Total QBR). Its unlikely the Bills
will play him over their 2013 first-round pick, but
Manuels injury history gives Lewis fantasy value
a slight boost.
TEAM CLE BUF BUF
G 1 6 4
CMP 22 93 59
ATT 32 157 102
CMP% 68.8 59.2 57.8
YDS 204 1,092 603
YPA 6.4 7 5.9
YPG 204 182 150.8
TD 1 4 5
INT 1 3 4
YDS 3 52 32
TD 0 1 0
46 THAD LEWIS BUF $0 AGE 26 BYE 9
PASSING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
CHRISTIAN PONDER NO. 45 QB
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TEAM TEN IND IND
G 8 3 2
CMP 138 7 5
ATT 221 12 9
CMP% 62.4 58.3 55.6
YDS 1,367 130 58
YPA 6.2 10.8 6.4
YPG 170.9 43.3 29
TD 7 0 0
INT 5 1 0
YDS 38 -2 0
TD 0 0 0
TEAM JAC JAC SF
G 10 3 3
CMP 162 42 2
ATT 278 86 3
CMP% 58.3 48.8 66.7
YDS 1,662 481 17
YPA 6 5.6 5.7
YPG 166.2 160.3 5.7
TD 9 1 0
INT 6 7 0
YDS 56 32 -3
TD 0 0 0
TEAM CLE CLE DAL
G 15 8 0
CMP 297 141 0
ATT 517 267 0
CMP% 57.4 52.8 0
YDS 3,385 1,731 0
YPA 6.5 6.5 0
YPG 225.7 216.4 0
TD 14 9 0
INT 17 9 0
YDS 111 44 0
TD 0 0 0
TEAM N/A N/A TEN
G N/A N/A 4
CMP N/A N/A 55
ATT N/A N/A 98
CMP% N/A N/A 56.1
YDS N/A N/A 589
YPA N/A N/A 6
YPG N/A N/A 147.3
TD N/A N/A 3
INT N/A N/A 7
YDS N/A N/A 11
TD N/A N/A 0
TEAM NE NE NE
G 4 0 3
CMP 1 0 2
ATT 4 0 3
CMP% 25 0 66.7
YDS 17 0 14
YPA 4.3 0 4.7
YPG 4.3 0 4.7
TD 0 0 0
INT 1 0 0
YDS 0 0 -3
TD 0 0 0
TEAM N/A N/A HOU
G N/A N/A 0
CMP N/A N/A 0
ATT N/A N/A 0
CMP% N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
YPA N/A N/A 0
YPG N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
INT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TEAM N/A PHI PHI
G N/A 3 0
CMP N/A 30 0
ATT N/A 49 0
CMP% N/A 61.2 0
YDS N/A 300 0
YPA N/A 6.1 0
YPG N/A 100 0
TD N/A 0 0
INT N/A 4 0
YDS N/A -2 0
TD N/A 0 0
TEAM N/A N/A OAK
G N/A N/A 5
CMP N/A N/A 68
ATT N/A N/A 126
CMP% N/A N/A 54
YDS N/A N/A 779
YPA N/A N/A 6.2
YPG N/A N/A 155.8
TD N/A N/A 5
INT N/A N/A 8
YDS N/A N/A 42
TD N/A N/A 0
TEAM MIA MIA MIA
G 2 1 2
CMP 11 2 7
ATT 19 6 14
CMP% 57.9 33.3 50
YDS 131 53 101
YPA 6.9 8.8 7.2
YPG 65.5 53 50.5
TD 1 0 0
INT 0 2 1
YDS -3 0 -1
TD 0 0 0
TEAM N/A HOU HOU
G N/A 8 4
CMP N/A 137 60
ATT N/A 253 101
CMP% N/A 54.2 59.4
YDS N/A 1,760 675
YPA N/A 7 6.7
YPG N/A 220 168.8
TD N/A 9 5
INT N/A 6 4
YDS N/A 72 20
TD N/A 1 0
TEAM CLE SF WAS
G 3 4 0
CMP 9 1 0
ATT 17 1 0
CMP% 52.9 100 0
YDS 79 13 0
YPA 4.6 13 0
YPG 26.3 3.2 0
TD 1 0 0
INT 0 0 0
YDS 15 -6 0
TD 0 0 0
TEAM N/A N/A ARI
G N/A N/A 0
CMP N/A N/A 0
ATT N/A N/A 0
CMP% N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
YPA N/A N/A 0
YPG N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
INT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TEAM N/A NYG NYG
G N/A 0 0
CMP N/A 0 0
ATT N/A 0 0
CMP% N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
YPA N/A 0 0
YPG N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
INT N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TEAM BAL BAL BAL
G 7 3 3
CMP 17 1 3
ATT 29 5 5
CMP% 58.6 20 60
YDS 179 2 17
YPA 6.2 0.4 3.4
YPG 25.6 0.7 5.7
TD 0 0 0
INT 1 1 0
YDS 73 64 65
TD 1 0 0
TEAM CHI CLE CIN
G 6 9 3
CMP 32 180 0
ATT 51 317 0
CMP% 62.7 56.8 0
YDS 265 2,015 0
YPA 5.2 6.4 0
YPG 44.2 223.9 0
TD 2 11 0
INT 2 8 0
YDS 28 107 6
TD 0 0 0
TEAM NO KC KC
G 16 5 2
CMP 1 25 3
ATT 1 38 6
CMP% 100 65.8 50
YDS 10 248 28
YPA 10 6.5 4.7
YPG 0.6 49.6 14
TD 0 1 0
INT 0 1 0
YDS 17 52 -2
TD 0 0 0
TEAM N/A N/A NE
G N/A N/A 0
CMP N/A N/A 0
ATT N/A N/A 0
CMP% N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
YPA N/A N/A 0
YPG N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
INT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TEAM N/A N/A CIN
G N/A N/A 0
CMP N/A N/A 0
ATT N/A N/A 0
CMP% N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
YPA N/A N/A 0
YPG N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
INT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TEAM N/A N/A KC
G N/A N/A 0
CMP N/A N/A 0
ATT N/A N/A 0
CMP% N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
YPA N/A N/A 0
YPG N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
INT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TEAM N/A OAK OAK
G N/A 7 0
CMP N/A 118 0
ATT N/A 211 0
CMP% N/A 55.9 0
YDS N/A 1,547 0
YPA N/A 7.3 0
YPG N/A 221 0
TD N/A 8 0
INT N/A 8 0
YDS N/A 27 0
TD N/A 0 0
SEP. 8 GIANTS VS LIONS
CHARGERS VS CARDINALS
SEP. 15 EAGLES VS COLTS
SEP. 22 BEARS VS JETS
SEP. 29 PATRIOTS VS CHIEFS
OCT. 6 SEAHAWKS VS REDSKINS
OCT. 13 49ERS VS RAMS
OCT. 20 TEXANS VS STEELERS
OCT 27 REDSKINS VS COWBOYS
NOV. 3 COLTS VS GIANTS
NOV. 10 PANTHERS VS EAGLES
NOV. 17 STEELERS VS TITANS
NOV. 24 RAVENS VS SAINTS
DEC. 1 DOLPHINS VS JETS
DEC. 8 FALCONS VS PACKERS
DEC. 15 SAINTS VS BEARS
DEC. 22 BRONCOS VS BENGALS
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO MONDAY NIGHT
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CHRIS JOHNSON, NYJ That 2,000-yard
season seems ages ago. Now a Jet,
Johnson remains worth owning, but not
with an RB1 price tag. He nished 45th
among 47 qualied running backs in yards
after contact per rush last season. Hell
share touches in North Jersey and break
your heart when you really need him.
RUNNING BACK YOU SHOULDNT TOUCH.
BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS
Scarcity is the word, people. Good fantasy
owners are dened in part by their ability
to manage scant resources. And no other
position is harder to ll eectively than
running back. If I have one overriding draft
philosophy, no matter the league format, its
this: I always want to wind up with more RBs
on my roster than any other position. Why?
Because there are so few palatable options.
As you peruse the names in this section,
starting with Adrian Peterson, count how
many actually make you feel comfortable.
Eight? Maybe nine? After that top group,
warts predominate. This year, dozens of
WRs have top-10 potentialand the QBs
run deep too. But RBs are a mess. Theyll
get hurt. Theyll fall out of favor. Theyll get
vultured. You want to be the owner who
takes advantage of the inevitable depth-
chart shenanigans. So dig deep into this list
and nd the intriguing young talents, the
sleepers and the valuable handcus. Draft
as many as you can in the middle and late
rounds, then smile sagely and wait.
CHECK OUT UPDATED RB RANKINGS
FOR FREE ON ESPN.COM
RATES OF CHANGE
HERES HOW OUR TOP 10 RUNNING BACKS PROJECTED POINTS COMPARE WITH
THEIR TOTALS FROM 2013 AND THE AVERAGE RB1 OUTPUT LAST SEASON.
FANTASY POINTS
2
1
5
.
6
ADRIAN PETERSON
LESEAN MCCOY
JAMAAL CHARLES
MATT FORTE
MARSHAWN LYNCH
EDDIE LACY
DOUG MARTIN
ARIAN FOSTER
ZAC STACY
DEMARCO MURRAY
3
0
0
2
5
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
5
0
0
1
5
0
194
262
295
251
224
198
51
81
150
189
251
242
244
236
214
200
183
191
230
184
3
5
0
4
0
0
4
5
0
2013 ACTUAL POINTS
2013 RB1 AVG
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
PLAYER CAPSULES BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS
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NUMBER OF RUNNING BACKS WHO HAD
AT LEAST FOUR WEEKS RANKED AMONG
THE TOP 25 PLAYERS AT THE POSITION.
TO WIN THE TITLE, ITS NOT JUST ABOUT
THE STUDS; ITS ABOUT GUYS LIKE
ANDRE BROWN AND BOBBY RAINEY WHO
HELP YOU FOR A FEW WEEKS ALONG THE
WAY. BUILD A DEEP RB STABLEYOURE
GONNA NEED IT. MATTHEW BERRY
44
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JAMAAL CHARLES NO. 3 RB
Hes baaaaack. As All Day again reclaims his place
atop the fantasy world, he does so with a host of
worthy challengersand more than a few bumps
and bruises. Peterson has missed significant time
down the stretch in two of his past three seasons
and just passed the ominous 2,000-carry plateau.
But this wouldnt be the first time Peterson defied
conventional wisdom. He has scored double-digit
TDs in each of his seven NFL seasons and finished
below 1,400 total yards only once. Trust us: He wont
fall off a cliff in his age-29 season. Take him first
overall with confidence.
ADRIAN PETERSON MI N $59 AGE 29 BYE 10
TEAM MIN MIN MIN
G 16 14 15
ATT 348 279 298
YDS 2,097 1,266 1,365
AVG 6 4.5 4.6
TD 12 10 13
REC 40 29 40
YDS 217 171 289
TD 1 1 2
TD 13 11 15
1
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Shady complements Chip Kellys offense like Cheez
Whiz on chipped steak. He won his first NFL rushing
title last yearby a whopping 268 yards. Over the
past three seasons, McCoy is second only to Adrian
Peterson in cumulative fantasy points among all
RBs. Youre allowed to fret a little about his role as
a receiver, as the newly acquired Darren Sproles
likely will siphon off receptions, but McCoys carries
arent decreasing any time soon. Behind one of the
leagues best lines, he has displayed his all-world
elusivenessthe key ingredient in Kellys attack.
LESEAN MCCOY PHI $58 AGE 26 BYE 7
TEAM PHI PHI PHI
G 12 16 15
ATT 200 314 294
YDS 840 1,607 1,402
AVG 4.2 5.1 4.8
TD 2 9 9
REC 54 52 42
YDS 373 539 342
TD 3 2 3
TD 5 11 12
2
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Charles rode an NFL-best 19 TDs to fantasys MVP
in 2013. And he did it in Andy Reids West Coast
attack, which limited his carries (259) but increased
his receptions (70). Charles led all RBs with 104
targets38 more than his previous career high. The
Chiefs have questions to answer on an offensive line
left barren by free agency, but as long as Charles
stays healthy, hes a big-play threat deserving of this
ranking. Last year he produced 14 plays of 20 yards
or more, tied for third best in the league among RBs.
JAMAAL CHARLES KC $57 AGE 27 BYE 6
TEAM KC KC KC
G 16 15 16
ATT 285 259 247
YDS 1,509 1,287 1,260
AVG 5.3 5 5.1
TD 5 12 7
REC 35 70 64
YDS 236 693 587
TD 1 7 4
TD 6 19 11
3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Forte has perhaps the NFLs best combination of
speed, power and receiving hands, and after years
of disappointing TD totals, he registered 12 trips
to the end zone in 2013. If theres any hesitation in
recommending Forte, it comes down to wear and
tear. He played 887 offensive snaps last year, tops
among RBs, and each of the past three rushers
whove led the position in snaps has failed to register
a top-nine fantasy campaign the following season.
So yes, Forte is coming off the best stat output
of his career and by any measure is a clear No. 1
fantasy RB. But its hard to deny his hangover risk.
MATT FORTE CHI $54 AGE 28 BYE 9
TEAM CHI CHI CHI
G 15 16 15
ATT 248 289 270
YDS 1,094 1,339 1,227
AVG 4.4 4.6 4.5
TD 5 9 8
REC 44 74 70
YDS 340 594 576
TD 1 3 2
TD 6 12 10
4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
How can you not love Beast Mode? The most
important offensive fantasy contributor on the
Super Bowl champs, Lynch leads the world with
35 rushing TDs over the past three seasons. Theres
risk of a downturn here: Lynch also leads the NFL in
carries since 2011, averaging almost 300 per year.
The past 15 RBs whove averaged at least 300 carries
in a three-year span have dropped by an average
of 86.7 totes the following season, often due to
injury. Lynch is an ultraphysical player, and when the
end comes for him, it could come quickly. But on a
team this good and this committed to the run, were
wagering hes got one more stellar campaign in him.
MARSHAWN LYNCH SEA $53 AGE 28 BYE 4
TEAM SEA SEA SEA
G 16 16 16
ATT 315 301 303
YDS 1,590 1,257 1,285
AVG 5 4.2 4.2
TD 11 12 12
REC 23 36 33
YDS 196 316 279
TD 1 2 1
TD 12 14 13
5
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
If youre looking for a cautionary tale about not
overreacting to one great season, here it is. As a
rookie in 2012, Martin was tied for second in fantasy
points among RBs. But last season he produced
few big plays, barely participated in the passing
game and tore a shoulder labrum in Week 7 that
landed him on IR. Durability concerns aside, Martins
size/speed combo hasnt gone anywhere. His talent
and Lovie Smiths propensity for conservative
offenses could be a match made in fantasy heaven.
Just be wary that sometimes even really good RBs
can goand stayawry.
DOUG MARTIN TB $48 AGE 25 BYE 7
TEAM TB TB TB
G 16 6 14
ATT 319 127 296
YDS 1,454 456 1,192
AVG 4.6 3.6 4
TD 11 1 8
REC 49 12 43
YDS 472 66 316
TD 1 0 1
TD 12 1 9
7
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
The NFLs offensive rookie of the year in 2013 was
this 230-pound ball of thunder with soft receiving
hands who carried the Packers while Aaron Rodgers
was out with a broken clavicle. Lacys running
style is reminiscent of Larry Johnsons, and youll
recall that LJ had a dominant fantasy stretch in the
mid-2000s. In truth, Lacy has a combination of talent
and every-down opportunity that could make him
the No. 1 player in fantasy by seasons end. The
reason we dont quite rank him there? Hes done it
for only one season.
EDDIE LACY GB $52 AGE 24 BYE 9
TEAM N/A GB GB
G N/A 15 15
ATT N/A 284 288
YDS N/A 1,178 1,220
AVG N/A 4.1 4.2
TD N/A 11 10
REC N/A 35 42
YDS N/A 257 301
TD N/A 0 1
TD N/A 11 11
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RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
If we were going purely on skills, Foster would be
ranked in the top five. Hes the NFLs best current
example of a one-cut stallion who can turn the
faintest crack of daylight into a big gain. But it makes
sense to use caution with a player who averaged
371.7 touches from 2010 to 2012 and is coming
off serious back surgery. Word is that Foster will be
healthy by training camp, and the Texans have good
reason to emphasize the run. So perhaps a bounce-
back season is in store, but the prospect of an
injury-related decline is daunting.
ARIAN FOSTER HOU $45 AGE 28 BYE 10
TEAM HOU HOU HOU
G 16 8 13
ATT 351 121 220
YDS 1,424 542 1,034
AVG 4.1 4.5 4.7
TD 15 1 8
REC 40 22 37
YDS 217 183 307
TD 2 1 1
TD 17 2 9
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2012 2013 PROJ
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Taken in total, Bushs first year in Detroit was a
success. For the first time in his career, he eclipsed
both 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards
in the same season. But it was a bit of a wild ride.
Bush missed two games with knee and calf injuries
and also battled fumble issues. Most disconcerting
was the emergence of Joique Bell, in whom the Lions
made a significant investment this winter. While
Bush is still a devastating receiver and lightning-
quick in space, Bell is a better pure ball carrier. Bush
deserves to be a fantasy starter in all leagues, but
this is shaping up as a committee.
REGGIE BUSH DET $29 AGE 29 BYE 9
TEAM MIA DET DET
G 16 14 15
ATT 227 223 195
YDS 986 1,006 904
AVG 4.3 4.5 4.6
TD 6 4 5
REC 35 54 50
YDS 292 506 456
TD 2 3 3
TD 8 7 8
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2012 2013 PROJ
The biggest test for Cincys first-year offensive
coordinator, Hue Jackson: how he handles his running
backs. Bernard proved he had feature-back potential
during his rookie season, but BenJarvus Green-Ellis
still got a whopping 220 carriesand then the Bengals
spent a second-rounder on Jeremy Hill this spring. If
given more touches, Bernard has the game-changing
elusiveness and breakaway ability as a receiver to
open up the Bengals offense. Evidently, though,
Cincy wants to pair him with a short-area bruiser.
Theres still a chance Gio busts out, but theres also
a chance he gives away a ton of short TDs.
GIOVANI BERNARD CI N $31 AGE 22 BYE 4
TEAM N/A CIN CIN
G N/A 16 16
ATT N/A 170 210
YDS N/A 695 927
AVG N/A 4.1 4.4
TD N/A 5 3
REC N/A 56 52
YDS N/A 514 478
TD N/A 3 4
TD N/A 8 7
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2012 2013 PROJ
GIOVANI BERNARD NO. 14 RB
No rusher in 2013 was more of a revelation than
Stacy. A fifth-round rookie, he seemingly vanished
from the Rams plans after an awful summer, but
by Week 5 he ascended from nowhere to seize the
starting job. From that point forward, he averaged
more than 20 carries per game and flashed a
punishing skill set that was reminiscent of a young
Frank Gore. The Rams drafted Tre Mason this spring,
perhaps signaling a slight decrease in Stacys
workload. But his proven track record near the goal
linehe had 6 TDs from inside the 5-yard line last
yearmakes him an RB1.
ZAC STACY STL $42 AGE 23 BYE 4
TEAM N/A STL STL
G N/A 14 16
ATT N/A 250 286
YDS N/A 973 1,187
AVG N/A 3.9 4.2
TD N/A 7 9
REC N/A 26 21
YDS N/A 141 127
TD N/A 1 0
TD N/A 8 9
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TOTAL
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RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Murray has every skill you want in a fantasy back.
Hes big, hes fast, he can catch and he was third
among all qualified RBs with 5.2 yards per carry in
2013. So why dont we rank him higher than 10th?
Injuries. Broken ankle, sprained wrist, sprained
ankle, sprained kneeMurray has often earned a
questionable tag even when he played. When he
is 100 percent, the Cowboys have proved theyre
willing to give Murray a big-time workload. He
averaged 21.3 touches per game after Week 10 last
year. Thats RB1 material ... if he can stay healthy.
DEMARCO MURRAY DAL $41 AGE 26 BYE 11
TEAM DAL DAL DAL
G 10 14 13
ATT 161 217 206
YDS 663 1,121 989
AVG 4.1 5.2 4.8
TD 4 9 8
REC 35 53 56
YDS 251 350 425
TD 0 1 1
TD 4 10 9
10
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Someone needs to remind Bell that hes 244 pounds.
His running style just isnt as punishing as it should
be. Every time he hurdles a potential tackler, he
sends a message that hes not thrilled with physical
play. The numbers prove it too: Bells 1.58 yards
after contact per rush in 2013 was 26th among RBs.
Thats not high enough for a guy who generates his
kind of power. The upside of Bells smaller-back skills
is that hes a terrific pass catcher; his 8.9 yards per
catch last season ranked ninth among running backs
who snagged at least 40 passes. Hell again be an
attractive option in PPR leagues.
LE VEON BELL PI T $37 AGE 22 BYE 12
TEAM N/A PIT PIT
G N/A 13 15
ATT N/A 244 281
YDS N/A 860 1,073
AVG N/A 3.5 3.8
TD N/A 8 8
REC N/A 45 52
YDS N/A 399 358
TD N/A 0 1
TD N/A 8 9
11
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2012 2013 PROJ
Alf is a pure inside, two-down runner perfectly suited
for a zone-blocking scheme. Morris uncanny vision
makes up for his less-than-elite measurables. But
his drawbacks are clear: When the Redskins trail, he
doesnt play much because he wont contribute as a
receiver. Jay Grudens new coaching staff in DC has
pledged to keep most of Mike Shanahans old run-
game concepts in place, which is what Morris
owners want to hear. Youre not getting a record-
breaking, fantasy-MVP season from Alf, but hes not
likely to bust either.
ALFRED MORRIS WAS $33 AGE 25 BYE 10
TEAM WAS WAS WAS
G 16 16 16
ATT 335 276 269
YDS 1,613 1,275 1,287
AVG 4.8 4.6 4.8
TD 13 7 9
REC 11 9 8
YDS 77 78 62
TD 0 0 0
TD 13 7 9
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TOTAL
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RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Lets be clear: Ball didnt do enough in his rookie
season to prove hes worth ranking among the top
20 running backs. In fact, he blew a golden depth-
chart opportunity, allowing Knowshon Moreno to
swoop in and become the No. 5 fantasy RB. The
main culprit was his inadequate pass blocking, a big
no-no in Peyton Mannings offense. But now that
Moreno is gone, Ball will get first crack to inherit a
workload that includes tons of catches, goal-line
carries and garbage-time touches. Hes a talented
all-around player with size and short-area burst,
and he should be a breakout starif he can learn to
block for Mr. Manning.
MONTEE BALL DEN $32 AGE 23 BYE 4
TEAM N/A DEN DEN
G N/A 16 16
ATT N/A 120 217
YDS N/A 559 943
AVG N/A 4.7 4.3
TD N/A 4 9
REC N/A 20 54
YDS N/A 145 333
TD N/A 0 1
TD N/A 4 10
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RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
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ANDRE ELLINGTON NO. 20 RB
We want to rank Tate higher. Hes the unquestioned
starter on a team that figures to ease Johnny
Manziel into the fold. Plus, new offensive coordinator
Kyle Shanahan will employ zone-blocking concepts
that suit Tate perfectly. But it all comes down to
durability. Since 2010, he has hurt his ankle, quad,
back, hip, groin, shoulder, head, toe, hamstring,
foot, elbow and ribs. All in all, Tate has been on his
teams injury report 80 percent of the time over
the past four seasons, missing 24 games.
Shanahans instinct will be to ride Tate hard. But
if he does, Tate is a candidate to miss multiple
games, just like he usually does.
BEN TATE CLE $27 AGE 26 BYE 4
TEAM HOU HOU CLE
G 11 14 12
ATT 65 181 265
YDS 279 771 1,101
AVG 4.3 4.3 4.2
TD 2 4 7
REC 11 34 37
YDS 49 140 288
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 4 7
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TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Last year qualified as Mathews breakout season,
as he set career highs in carries (285) and yards
(1,255). But it also provided more of the same: He
suffered a high ankle sprain late in the year and was
a shell of himself in the playoffs. And now that the
Chargers have signed Donald Brown to go along with
Danny Woodhead, they have a wealth of alternatives
if (and when) Mathews gets hurt again. But theres
no debating which San Diego running back has the
most value when healthy. Despite less-than-perfect
footwork at the line, Mathews offers a rare power/
speed combination. If you draft him, just be sure to
own some pretty good backups too.
RYAN MATHEWS SD $22 AGE 26 BYE 10
TEAM SD SD SD
G 12 16 14
ATT 184 285 230
YDS 707 1,255 1,065
AVG 3.8 4.4 4.6
TD 1 6 7
REC 39 26 19
YDS 252 189 176
TD 0 1 0
TD 1 7 7
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TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Oy. Last season T-Rich cratered harder than
The Lone Ranger at the box office. After finishing
his rookie season as fantasys No. 11 running back,
Richardson wound up being traded to Indianapolis,
where he averaged an atrocious 2.9 yards per carry
and lost work to Donald Brown (yes, that Donald
Brown). But his skills didnt just vanish. Hes still big,
he still has some wiggle and he still can catch. With
Brown gone and only a combination of Vick Ballard
and Ahmad Bradshaw in his way, Richardson has a
chance to erase his miserable 2013 in a Pep Hamilton
offense begging to emphasize the run game.
TRENT RICHARDSON I ND $12 AGE 23 BYE 10
TEAM CLE CLE/IND IND
G 15 16 15
ATT 267 188 264
YDS 950 563 987
AVG 3.6 3 3.7
TD 11 3 6
REC 51 35 43
YDS 367 316 326
TD 1 1 1
TD 12 4 7
21
TOTAL
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2012 2013 PROJ
If Bruce Arians would commit to Ellington, the
second-year back could be a breakout star. But were
not convinced thats going to happen. Just as faded
veteran Rashard Mendenhall siphoned off 200-plus
carries in 2013, the unimpressive combination of
Jonathan Dwyer and Stepfan Taylor will likely do
the same this season. It wouldnt be a surprise if
Ellington got only 12 to 15 touches per game, which
would be a shame because this kid has open-field
chops comparable to those of Gio Bernard and
C.J. Spiller. If given the opportunity, he could add
another dimension to Arizonas pass-heavy offense.
ANDRE ELLINGTON ARI $16 AGE 25 BYE 4
TEAM N/A ARI ARI
G N/A 15 16
ATT N/A 118 166
YDS N/A 652 867
AVG N/A 5.5 5.2
TD N/A 3 3
REC N/A 39 48
YDS N/A 371 457
TD N/A 1 3
TD N/A 4 6
20
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Late in his career, Gore just keeps defying logic. In
his age-30 season, he submitted his third straight
year of 16 games played and 8 or more rushing
TDs. The Niners have preserved Gore by essentially
removing him from the game plan in passing
situations. And now players like Carlos Hyde,
Kendall Hunter and Marcus Lattimore threaten to
assume more of the early-down workload too. The
touchdowns still figure to be there for a bruiser on
a good offense, but it wouldnt be a shock to see
Gores yardage slip.
FRANK GORE SF $20 AGE 31 BYE 8
TEAM SF SF SF
G 16 16 16
ATT 258 276 259
YDS 1,214 1,128 1,123
AVG 4.7 4.1 4.3
TD 8 9 8
REC 28 16 15
YDS 234 141 130
TD 1 0 0
TD 9 9 8
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TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
To be clear, Spillers relatively low ranking isnt
a reflection of his disastrous 2013, when the
consensus first-round pick finished 28th in fantasy
points among running backs. We feel OK chalking
up his sluggish numbers to a nagging high ankle
sprain he suffered in Week 4. The real concern? The
presence of Fred Jackson and Bryce Brown. Despite
his advanced age, Jackson was a major workload
drain even before Spiller got nicked up, and Brown
could add to the thievery in 2014. Spiller has the skill
set you want: sprinters speed, good hands, sweet
moves. But for the moment, the depth chart puts a
cap on how valuable Spiller can be.
C. J. SPILLER BUF $20 AGE 27 BYE 9
TEAM BUF BUF BUF
G 16 15 15
ATT 207 202 201
YDS 1,244 933 1,001
AVG 6 4.6 5
TD 6 2 5
REC 43 33 37
YDS 459 185 316
TD 2 0 1
TD 8 2 6
18
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Its not fair to say that CJ2K has lost his speed. There
were moments in 2013, especially in the receiving
game, when he broke a few long gainers in the open
field. But Johnson finished 45th out of 47 qualified
running backs in average yards after contact and
lost much of his decisiveness at the line. With the
Jets, hell team up with Chris Ivorya younger,
bigger player whose bruising style will be a contrast
to Johnsons speed. As such, workload concerns are
enough to push Johnson out of the ranks of fantasy
studs. Hell be a feast-or-famine player wholl need
long touchdowns to earn his keep.
CHRIS JOHNSON NYJ $11 AGE 28 BYE 11
TEAM TEN TEN NYJ
G 16 16 16
ATT 276 279 201
YDS 1,243 1,077 802
AVG 4.5 3.9 4
TD 6 6 6
REC 36 42 38
YDS 232 345 330
TD 0 4 2
TD 6 10 8
22
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2012 2013 PROJ
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In 2013, Thomas led all NFL RBs in catches (77) and
set a career high for touches from scrimmage (224).
Overall, he ranked 23rd in fantasy points among RBs.
Now that Darren Sproles is in Philly, conventional
wisdom says Thomas fantasy stock should be on the
rise. But were having a hard time getting too excited.
Maybe its because the Saints could be transitioning to
a more traditional power running game, which would
benefit second-year back Khiry Robinson. Or maybe
its because Thomas didnt produce a single run that
went for more than 18 yards in 2013. Regardless,
Sean Payton will probably play this by committee,
which doesnt make Thomas any more enticing.
PIERRE THOMAS NO $6 AGE 29 BYE 6
TEAM NO NO NO
G 15 16 16
ATT 105 147 98
YDS 473 549 380
AVG 4.5 3.7 3.9
TD 1 2 2
REC 39 77 90
YDS 354 513 612
TD 1 3 5
TD 2 5 7
30
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Sankey is a great athlete. He runs fast, hes powerful
and he was productive at the University of Washington.
When the Titans selected him in the second round of
this springs draft, it immediately made him a threat to
win the starting job, ahead of plodding Shonn Greene.
But hes far from a polished product. His collegiate
tape shows a propensity to search for big plays by
running east-west instead of north-south. That wont
fly with new Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt. Sankey
lands in a nice spot for immediate fantasy value, but
he needs to clean up his game.
BISHOP SANKEY TEN $7 AGE 21 BYE 9
TEAM N/A N/A TEN
G N/A N/A 15
ATT N/A N/A 214
YDS N/A N/A 857
AVG N/A N/A 4
TD N/A N/A 6
REC N/A N/A 30
YDS N/A N/A 220
TD N/A N/A 1
TD N/A N/A 7
29
TOTAL
RECEIVING
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2012 2013 PROJ
STEVAN RIDLEY NO. 28 RB
A unanimous fantasy first-rounder for years, Rice
endured a Super Bowl hangover of epic proportions
in 2013. He averaged 3.1 yards per carry and scored
only 4 TDs. (Hed never averaged below 4.0 ypc, and
the previous four seasons hed racked up nearly 10
TDs per year.) Its easy to blame his hip injury or the
Ravens shaky O-line, but last seasons version of
Rice was slower and less elusive than ever before.
On the plus side, the Ravens hired Gary Kubiak to
be their new coordinator, and he has a history of
successful running games. But Rice has seen huge
workloads all the way back to college and could face
a league suspension for off-field legal troubles.
RAY RICE BAL $10 AGE 27 BYE 11
TEAM BAL BAL BAL
G 16 15 13
ATT 257 214 205
YDS 1,143 660 851
AVG 4.4 3.1 4.2
TD 9 4 6
REC 61 58 50
YDS 478 321 306
TD 1 0 1
TD 10 4 7
23
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
The age-30 rule is rarely wrong: Once a running back
hits that milestone, hes playing on borrowed time.
Last year we hoped Jackson would prove to be an
exception, lining up in a high-octane Falcons offense
that propped up a fading Michael Turner for years.
But Jackson tore a hamstring in Week 2, missed four
games and wound up averaging a career-worst 3.5
yards per carry. Things figure to be better in Atlanta,
as the line is rebuilt and Julio Jones should be healthy.
But Jackson, 31, is looking more and more like a two-
down player. With the prospect looming that his days
as a 1,000-yard rusher are over, hell need a bunch of
short-yardage TDs to sneak into the top 20.
STEVEN JACKSON ATL $10 AGE 31 BYE 9
TEAM STL ATL ATL
G 16 12 15
ATT 258 157 219
YDS 1,045 543 877
AVG 4.1 3.5 4
TD 4 6 6
REC 38 33 37
YDS 321 191 331
TD 0 1 1
TD 4 7 7
24
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
At 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds, Jennings should fit into
the Andre Brown role in the Giants offense. He broke
out with Oakland in the second half of 2013, flashing
a bit of speed to go with hulking short-yardage talent.
But the key variable in New Yorks backfield is David
Wilson, a player with all-world quickness and sprinting
ability. If Wilson can excel in his return from neck
surgery, Jennings becomes an ancillary piece, more of
a goal-line specialist. If not, Jennings is a candidate
for 250 carries, though rookie Andre Williams will be
in the mix as well. Were not sure Jennings is talented
enough to be a long-term backfield solution, but he
could find his way toward fantasy usefulness in 2014.
RASHAD JENNINGS NYG $10 AGE 29 BYE 8
TEAM JAC OAK NYG
G 10 15 14
ATT 101 163 217
YDS 283 733 960
AVG 2.8 4.5 4.4
TD 2 6 7
REC 19 36 31
YDS 130 292 218
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 6 7
25
TOTAL
RECEIVING
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2012 2013 PROJ
Vereens 2013 season was ruined by a broken
wrist he suffered in Week 1. He missed eight games,
and by the time he returned, the Pats had begun
to transform into a power running offense. So why
are we bullish on him this year? As long as Josh
McDaniels and Tom Brady are around Foxborough,
there will always be work for a pass-catching back
like Vereen; even in a shortened season last year, he
nearly eclipsed the 50-catch mark. A legit candidate
for 90 to 100 grabs and 1,200-plus scrimmage
yards, hes extremely valuable in PPR leagues.
SHANE VEREEN NE $9 AGE 25 BYE 10
TEAM NE NE NE
G 13 8 12
ATT 62 44 95
YDS 251 208 436
AVG 4 4.7 4.6
TD 3 1 2
REC 8 47 72
YDS 149 427 687
TD 1 3 4
TD 4 4 6
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2012 2013 PROJ
This winter the Lions couldve kept Bell for one year
at the second-round tender but instead worked out a
two-year extension guaranteeing him $4.3 million
more than they gave Reggie Bush a year ago. That
says everything you need to know about new coach
Jim Caldwells plans. Bell is no longer merely an
adjunct to Bush; hes a more physical and consistent
rusher who also catches passes, and hell warrant
slightly less than half the Lions halfback snaps.
Bush has the game-breaking quicks that can win
you weeks, and as such hes still the better fantasy
commodity. But Bell is an acceptable flex in standard
leagues and is more like an RB2 in PPR leagues.
JOIQUE BELL DET $9 AGE 28 BYE 9
TEAM DET DET DET
G 16 16 16
ATT 82 166 202
YDS 414 650 812
AVG 5 3.9 4
TD 3 8 6
REC 52 53 43
YDS 485 547 417
TD 0 0 1
TD 3 8 7
27
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
If you listen closely, you can hear Pats fans
groaning about Ridleys losing another fumble. Few
players had a better opportunity to take control of
a high-yield backfield in 2013 than Ridley. Instead,
he earned Bill Belichicks ire with four lost fumbles
and eventually found himself in a platoon with
retread LeGarrette Blount. With Blount gone, most
of New Englands goal-line opportunities should
belong to Ridley, provided he can hold on to the
rock. The Patriots had 12 rushing scores from
inside an opponents 5 last year and lead the NFL
with 56 since 2010.
STEVAN RIDLEY NE $7 AGE 25 BYE 10
TEAM NE NE NE
G 16 14 14
ATT 290 178 254
YDS 1,263 773 1,107
AVG 4.4 4.3 4.4
TD 12 7 8
REC 6 10 8
YDS 51 62 60
TD 0 0 0
TD 12 7 8
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RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
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FRED JACKSON NO. 35 RB
Moreno was fantasys No. 5 RB last season. But
that was in Denver, where Peyton Manning scares
defenses into spreading out. Incredibly, 192 of
Morenos 241 carries in 2013 came with six men or
fewer in the box. That wont be the case in Miami,
where the offensive line has been rebuilt and Ryan
Tannehill is under center. Moreno is a tough guy
with good pass-blocking instincts, but knee injuries
have sapped his explosiveness, and its hard to trust
his ability to consistently make yardage on his own.
Though hes penciled in as the Dolphins starter,
Moreno is no better than a fantasy flex.
KNOWSHON MORENO MI A $5 AGE 27 BYE 5
TEAM DEN DEN MIA
G 8 16 14
ATT 138 241 180
YDS 525 1,038 710
AVG 3.8 4.3 3.9
TD 4 10 5
REC 21 60 31
YDS 167 548 240
TD 0 3 1
TD 4 13 6
31
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Last year D-Willy topped 200 carries and 1,000
scrimmage yards for the first time since 2009 and
made enough explosive plays to keep the fantasy
hopes burning on a weekly basis. Unfortunately,
when the Panthers got near an opponents goal line,
Williams just wasnt part of the plan. Instead, Mike
Tolbert and Cam Newton got 16 of Carolinas 21
carries inside the 5. Williams is now 31, and theres
a chance Jonathan Stewart could return to more
substantive action in 2014. Simply put, theres not
much upside to Williams fantasy situation.
DEANGELO WILLIAMS CAR $3 AGE 31 BYE 12
TEAM CAR CAR CAR
G 16 15 15
ATT 173 201 206
YDS 737 843 814
AVG 4.3 4.2 4
TD 5 3 2
REC 13 26 23
YDS 187 333 210
TD 2 1 1
TD 7 4 3
38
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RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
The Jaguars head into the season with Jordan
Todman, Denard Robinson and rookie Storm Johnson
as backfield backups, which means Gerhart could be
looking at a seriously high workload. Why else would
the Jags have given him starter money this winter?
Hes an accomplished pass blocker and has surprising
slipperiness for a runner who weighs 231 pounds. But
dont mistake slipperiness for quickness. Gerhart fits
the profile of a pounding TD maker. The only problem?
He finds himself in an offense with a recent history
of being unable to get the ball into the red zone very
often, and that wont change with either Chad Henne
or rookie Blake Bortles at the helm.
TOBY GERHART JAC $4 AGE 27 BYE 11
TEAM MIN MIN JAC
G 16 14 15
ATT 50 36 238
YDS 169 283 876
AVG 3.4 7.9 3.7
TD 1 2 6
REC 20 13 23
YDS 155 88 176
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 2 6
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RECEIVING
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2012 2013 PROJ
Sproles enters his age-31 season coming off his
worst campaign in years, during which an ankle
sprain and/or Father Time robbed him of the laser
quickness weve come to expect. But he has a
chance to be rejuvenated in Chip Kellys spread
attack. During his final season in New Orleans,
Sproles lined up 40 percent of the time at wideout,
and that number could grow in 2014. He probably
wont steal many traditional RB carries from LeSean
McCoy, but provided he bounces all the way back
from last seasons health problems, 90 receptions
could be in play.
DARREN SPROLES PHI $3 AGE 31 BYE 7
TEAM NO NO PHI
G 13 15 15
ATT 48 53 40
YDS 244 220 176
AVG 5.1 4.2 4.4
TD 1 2 1
REC 75 71 91
YDS 667 604 745
TD 7 2 4
TD 8 4 5
37
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Life isnt fair for Woody. His first season in San Diego,
he did everything the Chargers asked. He became the
leagues No. 2 receiving RB with 76 grabs. Early in
the year, he took over for a sputtering Ryan Mathews
in short yardage. And all told, he found the end zone
eight times. Then this winter, his team spent sizable
free agent dollars on Donald Brown. Where does that
leave this mighty mite? Presumably hes still the
main pass catcher in this backfield, but will he come
close to 106 carries again? Nobody knows for sure.
As it stands now, it seems Woodhead will have to
wait for the inevitable Mathews injury before hell be
worth more than a flex in standard leagues.
DANNY WOODHEAD SD $3 AGE 29 BYE 10
TEAM NE SD SD
G 16 16 16
ATT 76 106 102
YDS 301 429 385
AVG 4 4 3.8
TD 4 2 1
REC 40 76 67
YDS 446 605 534
TD 3 6 5
TD 7 8 6
36
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RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
In 2013, Jackson produced the second-best age-32
season for a running back since 2004 with 1,277
yards from scrimmage (behind only Ricky Williams,
with 1,385 yards in 2009). And Jackson did it while
platooning with C.J. Spiller. Of course, Spiller was
laboring with a high ankle sprain, but its clear that
Doug Marrone likes using both guys and trusts
Jackson in pass protection. So now were left to
wonder whether Jackson can be a fantasy flex again
at 33. Warrick Dunn is the only RB since 2000 to rack
up 1,000 yards from scrimmage at that age. Injuries
and the newly acquired Bryce Brown could get in the
way of Jacksons accomplishing that feat.
FRED JACKSON BUF $4 AGE 33 BYE 9
TEAM BUF BUF BUF
G 10 16 12
ATT 115 206 127
YDS 437 890 563
AVG 3.8 4.3 4.4
TD 3 9 4
REC 34 47 36
YDS 217 387 286
TD 1 1 1
TD 4 10 5
35
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
We still like Ivory, and we fondly imagine a world
in which he finally gets to be a featured back for a
good offense. A 220-pound thumper, Ivory was
fourth among qualified RBs last season in average
yards after contact. And his 50 career carries of
10-plus yards shows hes more than a one-trick
pony. Unfortunately, hes also injury-prone, having
battled quad, hamstring, knee and ankle troubles
in 2013, which helps explain why the Jets gave
Chris Johnson good cash this winter. No matter
Ivorys potential, his time-share with Johnson
hampers his fantasy upside.
CHRIS IVORY NYJ $4 AGE 26 BYE 11
TEAM NO NYJ NYJ
G 6 15 14
ATT 40 182 148
YDS 217 833 743
AVG 5.4 4.6 5
TD 2 3 6
REC 2 2 3
YDS 15 10 17
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 3 6
34
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
In 2011, MJD won the rushing title and was
averaging a Canton-esque 1,555 total yards and
12 TDs per season. But the next year, he suffered
a Lisfranc fracture and missed 10 contests, then
looked like a shell of himself in 2013. The Raiders
signed him for short money to compete for carries
with Darren McFadden and Latavius Murray. Given
Run DMCs history, its reasonable to expect that
hell get hurt again, making MJD the most attractive
fantasy option of the bunch. But the tape shows that
his lateral agility and overall burst were ruined by
his foot injury, and Oaklands line is a question mark.
At 29, Jones-Drew has more name than game.
MAURICE JONES-DREW OAK $4 AGE 29 BYE 5
TEAM JAC JAC OAK
G 6 15 15
ATT 86 234 134
YDS 414 803 524
AVG 4.8 3.4 3.9
TD 1 5 6
REC 14 43 36
YDS 86 314 260
TD 1 0 1
TD 2 5 7
33
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RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
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Being good isnt only about speed. Miller is a
straight-ahead, 4.4 flash at 216 pounds, but he had
only four rushes of 20 yards or more last season
and he fumbled one of them away. The reason we
didnt endorse Miller as a no-doubt fantasy starter
last year involved his lack of physicality, and now the
Dolphins know the real story too. Thats why they
brought in Knowshon Moreno on a one-year deal and
will likely lean on him. To be sure, Moreno is an injury
risk, and Miller still has some room to grow. But dont
slate Miller as a starter on your fantasy squad.
LAMAR MILLER MI A $2 AGE 23 BYE 5
TEAM MIA MIA MIA
G 13 16 16
ATT 51 177 115
YDS 250 709 470
AVG 4.9 4 4.1
TD 1 2 3
REC 6 26 21
YDS 45 170 191
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 2 3
45
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
No. Thanks. McFadden returns to Oakland on short
money, and sure, in theory hes entering his age-
27 season and still possesses a raw size/speed/
moves combo thats tough to match. But after six
seasons in the league, hes still never played more
than 13 games and has missed 19 contests over the
past three years. We suppose that everything could
break right for Run DMC and he could emerge off
fantasy benches to finally become the game changer
everyone has been hoping for. But with Maurice
Jones-Drew and Latavius Murray on hand, theres
also a chance hes on the street come September.
McFadden is pure flier material now.
DARREN MCFADDEN OAK $2 AGE 27 BYE 5
TEAM OAK OAK OAK
G 12 10 10
ATT 216 114 108
YDS 707 379 443
AVG 3.3 3.3 4.1
TD 2 5 4
REC 42 17 17
YDS 258 108 123
TD 1 0 0
TD 3 5 4
44
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Year two for Wilson wasnt much better than his
less-than-stellar rookie campaign. He fumbled twice
in Week 1, was barely involved in the pass game,
broke zero runs longer than 18 yards and suffered
a neck injury so severe that it required spinal fusion
surgery. So weve been burned by Wilson in back-
to-back years, believing his incredible college tape
destined him for big-play NFL stardom. No more.
The Giants think Wilson can be healthy enough
to contribute in 2014, but it still feels risky. While
Wilsons raw ability is light-years ahead of that of
Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams and Peyton Hillis,
hes only a flier fantasy pick.
DAVID WILSON NYG $3 AGE 23 BYE 8
TEAM NYG NYG NYG
G 16 5 10
ATT 71 44 92
YDS 358 146 418
AVG 5 3.3 4.5
TD 4 1 3
REC 4 2 22
YDS 34 8 177
TD 1 0 0
TD 5 1 3
39
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Pierces dreadful stats during his second season
combined with Ray Rices bad year indicates that
perhaps what actually ailed the Ravens running
game was bad blocking. On paper, Pierce is a
big, decisive runner who appears to be a nice fit
for Gary Kubiaks incoming zone systems. And if
Rice really is on a slideor if he ends up facing a
league suspensionPierce should be positioned
to contribute. But he needed shoulder surgery this
winter, which could limit his participation in OTAs,
and we have no guarantee the holes will be any
bigger in 2014. As such, Pierce is still probably more
of a high-level handcuff than an exciting draftee.
BERNARD PIERCE BAL $3 AGE 24 BYE 11
TEAM BAL BAL BAL
G 16 16 16
ATT 108 152 170
YDS 532 436 608
AVG 4.9 2.9 3.6
TD 1 2 4
REC 7 20 24
YDS 47 104 120
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 2 4
40
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
With Chris Johnson gone from Nashville, a whole
lot of carries are available in the Titans backfield.
Greenes first season with the Titans was a bust, as
he needed a knee scope after Week 1 and missed
five games. (He also required another knee surgery
this spring.) But even when healthy, Greene is simply
a slap-in-the-face, straight-ahead mauler. He wont
do much of anything on his own except get tackled.
He relies on big holes to gain yardage and volume to
wear you down. His competition will be second-round
rookie Bishop Sankey, whose college profile indicates
hes more likely to be a big-play fantasy asset.
SHONN GREENE TEN $2 AGE 29 BYE 9
TEAM NYJ TEN TEN
G 16 11 12
ATT 276 77 140
YDS 1,063 295 519
AVG 3.9 3.8 3.7
TD 8 4 5
REC 19 6 6
YDS 151 39 41
TD 0 0 0
TD 8 4 5
43
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
DAVID WILSON NO. 39 RB
Zac Stacy is ensconced as the workhorse in St. Louis,
but his backup job is wide open. Benny Cunningham
was serviceable in small doses in 2013, but Mason
is a quicker-footed player. (Plus, his dad was in De
La Soul, and thats awesome.) Mason may not have
ideal feature-back size at 5-foot-8, but his college
tape portrays him as an explosive player unafraid of
contact and willing to run with a low pad level. And
because hes reliable in pass protection, its not hard
to imagine that hell carve out a supplemental role
to Stacy right away.
TRE MASON STL $2 AGE 21 BYE 4
TEAM N/A N/A STL
G N/A N/A 14
ATT N/A N/A 110
YDS N/A N/A 504
AVG N/A N/A 4.6
TD N/A N/A 3
REC N/A N/A 20
YDS N/A N/A 163
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 3
42
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Nobody knows how the Saints offense will look
in 2014. By releasing Lance Moore and trading
Darren Sproles, its reasonable to wonder whether
New Orleans committed to a more traditional attack.
That would be good news for Robinson, a player
who has only 54 career carries but showed startling
power and burst in limited action last season.
With Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas still around
in the Big Easy, split carries are inevitable. Robinson
has the look of a fantasy star in the making, but
were worried the Saints will continue to bring him
along slowly.
KHIRY ROBINSON NO $2 AGE 24 BYE 6
TEAM N/A NO NO
G N/A 10 16
ATT N/A 54 166
YDS N/A 224 733
AVG N/A 4.1 4.4
TD N/A 1 4
REC N/A 0 4
YDS N/A 0 34
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 1 4
41
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
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MARK INGRAM NO. 46 RB
On its face, Ingrams 4.9 yards per carry last season
would seem to indicate that the frustrating Heisman
winner was starting to live up to his promise. But if
you remove a 14-carry, 145-yard effort against a
terrible Dallas defense, that ypc number dips to
3.8, which is right in line with his previous two
seasons. When it comes to Ingram, its hard to
see many positives on tape. He lacks instincts to
consistently find running lanes and rarely gets
enough momentum to use his 215-pound frame as
a battering ram. Ingram will get a chance to carve
out a bigger role, but our money is on Khiry Robinson
to emerge as New Orleans primary rusher.
MARK INGRAM NO $2 AGE 24 BYE 6
TEAM NO NO NO
G 16 11 13
ATT 156 78 139
YDS 602 386 531
AVG 3.9 4.9 3.8
TD 5 1 3
REC 6 7 12
YDS 29 68 77
TD 0 0 0
TD 5 1 3
46
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
In 2012, Brown scored a TD in five straight games,
then broke his left leg. Last year he was in line to
be the Giants early-down back but broke the same
leg in the preseason. New York upgraded to Rashad
Jennings and let the brittle Brown go, so now hell
back up Arian Foster in Houston. Another injury-
prone RB, Ben Tate, proved that being Fosters
understudy can occasionally net results, but there
will be no hint of a platoon until Foster gets hurt.
And even then, Brown would be a bad bet to stay
healthy. Hes merely a mildly interesting handcuff
in deeper leagues.
ANDRE BROWN HOU $2 AGE 27 BYE 10
TEAM NYG NYG HOU
G 10 8 12
ATT 73 139 86
YDS 385 492 326
AVG 5.3 3.5 3.8
TD 8 3 4
REC 12 20 21
YDS 86 103 112
TD 0 0 0
TD 8 3 4
47
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
After injuring his ankle last summer, Murray sat out
his rookie year. So right now, his reputation is built
solely on his blazing 4.38 40 at his pro day last year.
(Keep in mind that hes 6-foot-3, 230 pounds.) To
be fair, when you watch his Central Florida tape,
Murray certainly comes off as a productive player,
but hes not a blur. Nevertheless, if he gets a
legitimate shot at winning the job over the eternally
questionable Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-
Drew, consider us intrigued.
LATAVIUS MURRAY OAK $1 AGE 24 BYE 5
TEAM N/A OAK OAK
G N/A 0 16
ATT N/A 0 89
YDS N/A 0 403
AVG N/A 0 4.5
TD N/A 0 1
REC N/A 0 13
YDS N/A 0 106
TD N/A 0 1
TD N/A 0 2
52
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Starks is a less agile, less explosive version of Eddie
Lacy, so it makes sense that the Packers re-signed
him this winter to back up their second-year star.
More than anything, this transaction signals Green
Bays lack of faith in Johnathan Franklin, despite his
potential as a nice change-of-pace receiving back.
So if you make a first-round investment in Lacy,
the handcuff you want is Starks, a more consistent
player whos lost only one fumble in four seasons.
JAMES STARKS GB $1 AGE 28 BYE 9
TEAM GB GB GB
G 6 13 13
ATT 71 89 94
YDS 255 493 402
AVG 3.6 5.5 4.3
TD 1 3 3
REC 4 10 9
YDS 31 89 70
TD 0 1 0
TD 1 4 3
51
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
The fact that the Chargers have Ryan Mathews
and Danny Woodhead signed on the cheap makes
their acquisition of Brown this winter a curious one.
Ronnie Brown was the third-string back in San Diego
last year, and he had 53 touches. But you dont pay
Donald Brown $4 million guaranteed for 53 touches.
So how will this shake out? Ronnie Brown was an
elite pass blocker; Donald Brown is, um, not. Will
the Chargers trust him on third down? Will they mix
him in sparingly until the brittle Mathews gets hurt?
Or will they make him part of a legit three-headed
monster, rendering each of these RBs unpredictable
on a week-to-week basis?
DONALD BROWN SD $1 AGE 27 BYE 10
TEAM IND IND SD
G 10 16 16
ATT 108 102 84
YDS 417 537 375
AVG 3.9 5.3 4.5
TD 1 6 2
REC 9 27 22
YDS 93 214 169
TD 0 2 1
TD 1 8 3
48
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
A second-rounder in Mays draft, Hill figures to
occupy the role BenJarvus Green-Ellis filled last
season: the complementary, between-the-tackles
spot behind Giovani Bernard. At 233 pounds and
with some surprising straight-ahead speed, Hill can
probably do more with the workload BJGE got in
2013. His one weakness? He does run a bit upright,
which makes him susceptible to some thunderous
hits. But its fair to dream that Hill could become a
TD maker in a pretty strong Bengals offense, even if
Bernard is still the more exciting fantasy commodity.
JEREMY HILL CI N $1 AGE 21 BYE 4
TEAM N/A N/A CIN
G N/A N/A 15
ATT N/A N/A 112
YDS N/A N/A 509
AVG N/A N/A 4.5
TD N/A N/A 7
REC N/A N/A 7
YDS N/A N/A 45
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 7
49
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
It was shocking to see Blount finish tied for 27th in
fantasy points among RBs last year, mainly because
he wasnt expected to even make the Patriots. But as
other options got hurt or fumbled profusely, Blount
delivered a solid month-plus of starters work. In
Pittsburgh, that wont happen unless LeVeon Bell
spits the bit in his second season. Blount is a 250-
pound hammer who doesnt always succeed in short
yardage, doesnt catch the ball (23 grabs in four
seasons) and has a history of fumbling himself. Its
fair to consider Blount a solid handcuff for those who
draft Bell early, but thats all hell be in the Steel City.
LEGARRETTE BLOUNT PI T $1 AGE 27 BYE 12
TEAM TB NE PIT
G 13 16 15
ATT 41 153 109
YDS 151 772 391
AVG 3.7 5 3.6
TD 2 7 4
REC 1 2 2
YDS 2 38 11
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 7 4
50
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Michael is a great example of why you shouldnt
bite on preseason performances. No RB looked
like a scarier combo of size and moves than the
220-pounder did as a rookie last summer. But when
the regular season started, the Seahawks stuck by
Robert Turbin as Marshawn Lynchs backup, and
Michael posted just 18 touches as a rookie. On tape,
though, theres no comparison between Michael and
Turbin. The latter is a grinder; the former is a future
star. Michael had disciplinary and health issues at
Texas A&M, and no doubt those could crop up again
and derail him. But wed be surprised if he isnt No. 2
on Seattles depth chart in 2014.
CHRISTINE MICHAEL SEA $1 AGE 23 BYE 4
TEAM N/A SEA SEA
G N/A 4 16
ATT N/A 18 101
YDS N/A 79 456
AVG N/A 4.4 4.5
TD N/A 0 2
REC N/A 0 9
YDS N/A 0 74
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 2
53
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RECEIVING
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2012 2013 PROJ
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In the past two seasons combined, Stewart has
carried 141 times while making $12.8 million. At that
rate ($91K per carry), league leader LeSean McCoy
wouldve made $28.6 million last year alone. Stewarts
monolithic contract, which includes $23 million
guaranteed in total, is probably the only reason hes
still hanging around. Hes had knee and ankle troubles
galore, began 2013 on the PUP list and played in only
six games. At just 27, Stewart would be a fascinating
size/speed sleeper if he could ever get healthy. Maybe
that happens this year, but for the moment, assume
DeAngelo Williams is the lead back, and both Mike
Tolbert and Cam Newton are better bets for TDs.
JONATHAN STEWART CAR $1 AGE 27 BYE 12
TEAM CAR CAR CAR
G 9 6 10
ATT 93 48 76
YDS 336 180 302
AVG 3.6 3.8 4
TD 1 0 1
REC 17 7 20
YDS 157 44 154
TD 1 0 1
TD 2 0 2
57
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Drafted by Pittsburgh as a grinder who had a nose
for the end zone, Dwyer has scored exactly two
TDs on 230 career carries over four seasons. In fact,
hes registered only four career totes from inside
an opponents 3. But he becomes the latest
ex-Steelers RB to join former OC Bruce Arians in
the desert, and that makes him a candidate for
fantasy-nuisance status. After all, Arians gave the
retired Rashard Mendenhall an insane 235 touches
in 2013 despite the presence of Andre Ellington
and has said he prefers a backfield committee.
Ellington owners can only hope Dwyer isnt as
massive a drain as Mendy was.
JONATHAN DWYER ARI $1 AGE 25 BYE 4
TEAM PIT PIT ARI
G 13 15 15
ATT 156 49 110
YDS 623 197 448
AVG 4 4 4.1
TD 2 0 3
REC 18 8 8
YDS 106 64 59
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 0 3
58
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
ROY HELU NO. 56 RB
The Jags appear poised to give Toby Gerhart a look
as their mail carrier, which would leave Todman
mostly in a third-down role. He averaged an
unimpressive 3.4 yards per carry last year, but he
showed quickness on the edge and was elusive as
a pass catcher. So perhaps the Gerhart/Todman
attack will work. But theres a chance Gerhart isnt
actually worthy of a starting role, and if he fails,
Todman could be an acceptable replacement. Of
course, its Jacksonville, so that probably wouldnt
lead to fantasy glory.
JORDAN TODMAN JAC $0 AGE 24 BYE 11
TEAM JAC JAC JAC
G 1 16 16
ATT 3 76 92
YDS 8 256 330
AVG 2.7 3.4 3.6
TD 0 2 2
REC 1 14 29
YDS 0 116 224
TD 0 1 1
TD 0 3 3
60
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
While Wests small-school competition at Towson
wasnt the best, his size (225 pounds), speed
(4.54 40) and multicut ability should serve him
well in the NFL as he seeks to earn the No. 2 job
behind Ben Tate in Cleveland. And considering that
his competition will consist of an underwhelming
groupIsaiah Crowell, Chris Ogbonnaya, Edwin Baker
and Dion Lewiswe give West a great chance to
do just that. Given Tates injury history, that could
make West one heck of an intriguing handcuff
this summer.
TERRANCE WEST CLE $1 AGE 23 BYE 4
TEAM N/A N/A CLE
G N/A N/A 16
ATT N/A N/A 104
YDS N/A N/A 395
AVG N/A N/A 3.8
TD N/A N/A 4
REC N/A N/A 10
YDS N/A N/A 80
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 4
59
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RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
At this point, Anderson is still all about potential. But
hes worth keeping an eye on. The Broncos backfield
is paper-thin all of a sudden. With Knowshon Moreno
gone and Ronnie Hillman still haunted by fumbles,
its pretty much a two-man show with Montee Ball
and Anderson. A 5-foot-8, 224-pound bowling ball,
Anderson has dimensions that remind us of other
short/strong guys like Frank Gore and Zac Stacy.
He has only seven career carries, but Anderson has
spent a year learning the ins and outs of Peytons
program. Thatll make him a valuable fantasy
commodity if Ball doesnt pan out.
C. J. ANDERSON DEN $1 AGE 23 BYE 4
TEAM N/A DEN DEN
G N/A 5 14
ATT N/A 7 127
YDS N/A 38 511
AVG N/A 5.4 4.0
TD N/A 0 2
REC N/A 0 20
YDS N/A 0 115
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 2
55
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
New Redskins coach Jay Gruden is a renowned
passing-game enthusiast. As Andy Dalton matured in
Cincinnati, Gruden transformed the Bengals offense
from run-heavy to pass-centric and made the
Bengals a top-10 team in yards per attempt. He also
advocated a backfield split, giving Giovani Bernard
the role of pass-catching RB. In DC, Alfred Morris is
the TD maker and will dominate carries, but he wont
make many receiving plays. Thats where Helu comes
in. He has 87 catches in 34 career games and seems
like a strong bet to cross the 50-grab threshold,
provided he beats out rookie Lache Seastrunk.
ROY HELU WAS $1 AGE 25 BYE 10
TEAM WAS WAS WAS
G 3 16 15
ATT 2 62 53
YDS 2 274 216
AVG 1 4.4 4.1
TD 0 4 2
REC 7 31 52
YDS 45 251 395
TD 0 0 3
TD 0 4 5
56
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Last summer Davis looked like the dictionary
definition of untapped potential. A 227-pound freak
who runs a 4.37 40, Davis was an oft-injured fumbler
in college who never produced to the level of his
abilities. This summer Davis looks like the dictionary
definition of handcuff. When the Chiefs rested
Jamaal Charles in Week 17 last season, Davis got a
chance and was fabulous, and he was even better
in KCs wild-card game after Charles got hurt. True,
Davis himself broke his leg in that same game, but
hell be fine by training camp. If you draft Charles,
you absolutely must snag Davis too.
KNILE DAVIS KC $1 AGE 22 BYE 6
TEAM N/A KC KC
G N/A 16 16
ATT N/A 70 89
YDS N/A 242 362
AVG N/A 3.5 4.1
TD N/A 4 4
REC N/A 11 12
YDS N/A 75 71
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 4 4
54
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RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
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KENDALL HUNTER NO. 66 RB
Careys combine 40 (4.7) was underwhelming, but
his college tape is impressive. He consistently invites
contact, bruising any defensive back brave enough
to take him on one-on-one. Most important, he gives
incredible effort on every play. Carey may not catch
it quite as well as the Bengals Giovani Bernardand
he definitely doesnt have Bernards pure breakaway
abilitybut as dynamic runners in the box, theyre
similar. (Careys 5-foot-9, 207-pound frame is also
reminiscent of Bernards.) The Bears finally have a
legit backup for Matt Forte, and while we want to
see how he performs in the exhibition season, Carey
shapes up as a smart handcuff if you draft Forte early.
KA DEEM CAREY CHI $0 AGE 21 BYE 9
TEAM N/A N/A CHI
G N/A N/A 14
ATT N/A N/A 78
YDS N/A N/A 309
AVG N/A N/A 4
TD N/A N/A 2
REC N/A N/A 21
YDS N/A N/A 174
TD N/A N/A 1
TD N/A N/A 3
61
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
At Georgia Southern, McKinnon swapped back
and forth between QB and RB and rarely had to
pass-protect. While that could hinder him as an
NFL rookie, theres a vacancy in the Minnesota
backfield now that Adrian Petersons former backup,
Toby Gerhart, resides in Jacksonville. Thats why
its worth keeping tabs on McKinnon. Hes on the
short side (5-foot-9), but he has legit athleticism
and impressive short-area explosiveness. If he
can quickly learn the finer points of blocking, wed
strongly favor him over any other RB on the Vikings
roster to back up AP.
JERICK MCKINNON MI N $0 AGE 22 BYE 10
TEAM N/A N/A MIN
G N/A N/A 15
ATT N/A N/A 24
YDS N/A N/A 108
AVG N/A N/A 4.5
TD N/A N/A 1
REC N/A N/A 19
YDS N/A N/A 123
TD N/A N/A 1
TD N/A N/A 2
67
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Last year the Law Firm was a top-35 fantasy back
for the second consecutive season. But its finally
time to stop treating him as such. Giovani Bernard
is a dynamic talent whos just going to get more
touches. And the Bengals spent a second-round pick
on 233-pound Jeremy Hill, who would seem to fill
the thumper role in Cincys offense better than
Green-Ellis, who averaged an anemic 3.4 yards per
carry and 1.9 yards before contact last season. It
wont be a shock if hes cut this summer.
BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS CIN $0 AGE 29 BYE 4
TEAM CIN CIN CIN
G 15 16 15
ATT 278 220 62
YDS 1,094 756 250
AVG 3.9 3.4 4
TD 6 7 2
REC 22 4 2
YDS 104 22 14
TD 0 0 0
TD 6 7 2
62
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
After three seasons, its probably time to admit that
the Niners dont view Hunter as a future full-time
back. Thats a shame. Sure, hes on the smaller
side (5-7, 199), but he doesnt run like a little guy.
His 1.83 yards after contact over the past three
years is a better mark than those of Arian Foster,
Steven Jackson and, yes, Frank Gore. Nevertheless,
the 49ers will ride Gore again in 2013, and if
the 31-year-old falters, Hunter will have to fight
rookie Carlos Hyde and rehabbing Marcus Lattimore
for touches. That makes it tough to trust Hunter
even as a handcuff.
KENDALL HUNTER SF $0 AGE 25 BYE 8
TEAM SF SF SF
G 11 16 16
ATT 72 78 64
YDS 371 358 300
AVG 5.2 4.6 4.7
TD 2 3 2
REC 9 2 9
YDS 60 13 64
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 3 2
66
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Considered by many to be the top RB in the 2014
draft, Hyde landed in an awful spot for his short-term
fantasy value. Frank Gore is still chugging along for
the 49ers, Kendall Hunter remains by the Bay and
Marcus Lattimore is trying to return from injury. A
230-pound thumper with one-cut ability, Hyde, who
had 35 TDs in his final two seasons at Ohio State,
evokes comparisons with Stephen Davis. Someday
he might be a backfield bell cowand he should be
a first-round rookie pick in dynasty leaguesbut this
year he cant even lay claim to clear handcuff status.
CARLOS HYDE SF $0 AGE 22 BYE 8
TEAM N/A N/A SF
G N/A N/A 16
ATT N/A N/A 65
YDS N/A N/A 285
AVG N/A N/A 4.4
TD N/A N/A 2
REC N/A N/A 12
YDS N/A N/A 81
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 2
65
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Freeman is the player the Falcons wish Jacquizz
Rodgers was. Selecting him in the fourth round of
Mays draft was a tacit admission that the Quizz
experiment hasnt worked. Rodgers is just too small.
Will Freeman ever be a workhorse back? At 5-foot-8
and 206 pounds, maybe not. But hes a good, tough
player who can catch and block, and hell be a natural
complement to Steven Jackson. Our guess is that
Freeman outpaces Quizz this summer and becomes
a handcuff for those who want to take one last
chance on S-Jax.
DEVONTA FREEMAN ATL $0 AGE 22 BYE 9
TEAM N/A N/A ATL
G N/A N/A 15
ATT N/A N/A 58
YDS N/A N/A 276
AVG N/A N/A 4.8
TD N/A N/A 2
REC N/A N/A 23
YDS N/A N/A 176
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 2
64
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
While Williams bowling-ball physique (5-11, 230)
promises a punishing running style, he has precious
little wiggle and doesnt catch passes. His NFL
comparables are BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Shonn
Greene. Players who fit this profile occasionally find
themselves in valuable fantasy roles, but thats
usually when they become TD makers for prolific
offenses. If David Wilsons neck problems prohibit him
from playing in 2014, Williamsalong with Peyton
Hilliswould be in the mix behind Rashad Jennings.
But since Jennings is a 231-pound dude himself, its
unlikely that Williams would steal many TDs.
ANDRE WILLIAMS NYG $0 AGE 22 BYE 8
TEAM N/A N/A NYG
G N/A N/A 16
ATT N/A N/A 63
YDS N/A N/A 275
AVG N/A N/A 4.4
TD N/A N/A 2
REC N/A N/A 1
YDS N/A N/A 9
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 2
63
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
J
I
M

M
C
I
S
A
A
C
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
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A
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S
Who will get the handcuff role behind Marshawn
Lynch? Thats a big question in Seattle this summer
as the reliable Turbin and the explosive Christine
Michael vie for the Seahawks understudy role.
After posting 13 runs of 10-plus yards in his rookie
season of 2012, Turbin had only six in 2013, which
contributed to his per-carry decline from 4.4 to 3.4.
He was able to stay ahead of Michael throughout
Seattles Super Bowl run, but were not believers
that hell do it again. Turbin just doesnt offer the
upside Michael does.
ROBERT TURBIN SEA $0 AGE 24 BYE 4
TEAM SEA SEA SEA
G 16 16 12
ATT 80 77 38
YDS 354 264 131
AVG 4.4 3.4 3.4
TD 0 0 1
REC 19 8 7
YDS 181 60 45
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 0 1
71
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
What a difference a year makes. Last summer the
fantasy world was abuzz about Browns potential as a
drain on LeSean McCoy. And that didnt seem insane,
considering Brown had 18 carries of 10-plus yards on
just 115 total totes in 2012. But he fell out of favor in
Chip Kellys offense and was dealt to the Bills in the
spring. Expect Brown to be stuck behind C.J. Spiller
and Fred Jackson this year and to see work only if
one of those guys gets hurt. But Brown is hugely
talented and could wind up being an important part
of Buffalos future in 2015 and beyond.
BRYCE BROWN BUF $0 AGE 23 BYE 9
TEAM PHI PHI BUF
G 16 16 10
ATT 115 75 67
YDS 564 314 275
AVG 4.9 4.2 4.1
TD 4 2 2
REC 13 8 6
YDS 56 84 37
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 2 2
72
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Bolden has a chance to be a deep sleeper. Heck,
just about any Patriots RB does. Bill Belichick is
relentlessly unsympathetic when it comes to his
ball carriers, unwilling to tolerate fumbles or other
mental mistakes. On paper, Bolden finds himself
behind Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen and possibly
rookie James White in New Englands pecking order,
but its easy to imagine one of those guys (read:
Ridley) winding up in the doghouse early in the year.
If that happens, the 220-pound Bolden could be an
acceptable early-down fill-in. Hes never fumbled in
134 career touches.
BRANDON BOLDEN NE $0 AGE 24 BYE 10
TEAM NE NE NE
G 10 12 14
ATT 56 55 54
YDS 274 271 250
AVG 4.9 4.9 4.6
TD 2 3 2
REC 2 21 15
YDS 11 152 76
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 3 2
75
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
BRANDON BOLDEN NO. 75 RB
It was Week 3. Eddie Lacy was out with a concussion,
and James Starks suffered a knee injury before
halftime. Suddenly, the Packers lead RB was
Franklin, a fourth-round rookie. And Franklin was
awesome! His first series, he touched it on five of
eight plays and crunched in a two-yard TD. His very
next carry, he broke a 51-yarder around the left
edge. It was going so well! And then in the games
biggest moment, he fumbled, the Bengals returned it
for a TD and Franklin got eight carries the rest of the
year. What a buzzkill! Hell be third on the depth chart
again this year, behind Lacy and Starks.
JOHNATHAN FRANKLIN GB $0 AGE 24 BYE 9
TEAM N/A GB GB
G N/A 11 11
ATT N/A 19 31
YDS N/A 107 178
AVG N/A 5.6 5.7
TD N/A 1 1
REC N/A 4 7
YDS N/A 30 54
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 1 1
74
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Tolbert has a legit shot to again finish among the
top 50 fantasy RBs. Hes done so in each of his past
four seasons, including the past two playing fullback
for the Panthers. But the problem with drafting him
to be a top-50 RB is his TD dependence. Since his
arrival in Carolina two seasons ago, hes averaged
31.1 total yards per game, but hes also handled 21
of Carolinas 36 rush attempts by an RB from inside
an opponents 5, scoring 12 TDs. So yes, hell get
into the end zone a handful of times this season,
but in weeks he doesnt score? Hell be useless for
your fantasy team.
MIKE TOLBERT CAR $0 AGE 28 BYE 12
TEAM CAR CAR CAR
G 16 16 16
ATT 54 101 74
YDS 183 361 273
AVG 3.4 3.6 3.7
TD 7 5 4
REC 27 27 29
YDS 268 184 167
TD 0 2 1
TD 7 7 5
73
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
A decorated collegiate player at Washington who
mysteriously went undrafted in 2012, Polk has
basically gone unused through two pro seasons.
But things might be turning around for him. Bryce
Brown cratered in Chip Kellys offense last season
and was traded to the Bills this spring. That means
Polk is the clear favorite to earn the No. 3 job behind
LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles. If one of those
guys gets hurt, the hard-charging Polk would have
real fantasy value.
CHRIS POLK PHI $0 AGE 24 BYE 7
TEAM PHI PHI PHI
G 7 15 14
ATT 0 11 47
YDS 0 98 208
AVG 0 8.9 4.4
TD 0 3 1
REC 0 4 11
YDS 0 61 70
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 3 1
69
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
We all know what Marcel Reece is. Hes a wideout
trapped in a fullbacks body. Whether or not that
helps you in fantasy is a good question. Since 2011,
Reece is ninth in receiving yards among RBs (1,128)
and first in yards per catch (10.2). But hes also
never topped 59 carries in a season. And now that
Maurice Jones-Drew has joined Darren McFadden
and Latavius Murray in Oaklands backfield, its
difficult to see Reeces rushing workload growing.
That said, if anyone in that trio gets injured or
disappointsnot an inconceivable notionReece will
be asked to carry a heavier load, and hell do well.
MARCEL REECE OAK $0 AGE 29 BYE 5
TEAM OAK OAK OAK
G 16 16 11
ATT 59 46 47
YDS 271 218 216
AVG 4.6 4.7 4.6
TD 0 2 1
REC 52 32 42
YDS 496 331 398
TD 1 2 0
TD 1 4 1
70
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
After Doug Martin tore a shoulder labrum in
Week 7 last season, James had a brief stretch
when he looked pretty darn good. A physical runner
at 223 pounds, he averaged 2.33 yards after contact,
second among all RBs with at least 40 carries.
Unfortunately, James lasted only three more games
himself before breaking his left ankle. Hell be back
healthy again in 2014 and would be a better bet than
Bobby Rainey or rookie Charles Sims to inherit a big
workload should the Muscle Hamster get hurt again.
MIKE JAMES TB $0 AGE 23 BYE 7
TEAM TB TB TB
G N/A 8 16
ATT N/A 60 87
YDS N/A 295 380
AVG N/A 4.9 4.4
TD N/A 0 2
REC N/A 10 3
YDS N/A 43 14
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 2
68
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ

E
A
M

P
R
E
V
I
E
W
S

S
T
A
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S

S
C
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E
D
U
L
E

Its an understatement to say the microscope will
be focused on Trent Richardson this season. In fact,
if the Colts hadnt given up a first-round pick for
him, the job might be completely up for grabs. But
Richardsons only competition is Bradshaw and Vick
Ballard, each of whom is coming off a serious injury.
Bradshaw, whos returning from neck surgery, has
a long history of foot and ankle problems. When
healthy, hes a fine player and an every-down threat.
But we fear the healthy ship has sailed for Bradshaw.
AHMAD BRADSHAW I ND $0 AGE 28 BYE 10
TEAM NYG IND IND
G 14 3 6
ATT 221 41 44
YDS 1,015 186 183
AVG 4.6 4.5 4.2
TD 6 2 2
REC 23 7 10
YDS 245 42 61
TD 0 0 0
TD 6 2 2
76
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Ballard tore his right ACL in practice after Week 1
last year, beginning the sequence of events that
landed Trent Richardson in Indy. T-Rich will get a lot
of rope in 2014, and nobody knows for sure whether
Ballard will return to form just 12 months after such
a major injury. (And lets be honest, Ballard wasnt
exactly a world-beater before getting hurt.) But its
fair to imagine that anyone behind Richardson on the
depth chart should be on notice, in case the former
No. 3 overall pick flops again.
VICK BALLARD I ND $0 AGE 24 BYE 10
TEAM IND IND IND
G 16 1 13
ATT 211 13 74
YDS 814 63 296
AVG 3.9 4.8 4
TD 2 0 1
REC 17 1 17
YDS 152 -5 109
TD 1 0 0
TD 3 0 1
77
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
After the 2010 college football season, Lattimore
looked like a future top-10 pick, having run through
SEC defenses with a rare size/speed/moves combo.
Unfortunately, he tore up both knees before he could
skip to the pros, and the second incident was a
horrific shredding of his right ACL, MCL and PCL. After
sitting out his rookie year with the Niners, Lattimore
is reportedly running well in a straight line, though
whether hell ever recapture his elusiveness is a
question. Frank Gore, 31, is still the bell cow by the
Bay, and Kendall Hunter is in the backup mix. But the
49ers want to ease in Lattimore too. Fully healthy, he
and rookie Carlos Hyde look like the RBs of the future.
MARCUS LATTIMORE SF $0 AGE 22 BYE 8
TEAM N/A SF SF
G N/A 0 6
ATT N/A 0 21
YDS N/A 0 103
AVG N/A 0 4.9
TD N/A 0 1
REC N/A 0 4
YDS N/A 0 26
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 1
80
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Sims doesnt run the ball with as much power as
youd like for a 214-pound back. But hes an elite
pass catcher (203 career grabs at Houston and
West Virginia) and was considered one of the best
pass protectors among the RBs taken in Mays draft.
In a best-case scenario for the Bucs, Doug Martin
will stay healthy and dominate all three downs. But
when Martin comes off the field in passing situations,
Sims is a candidate to see action, perhaps ahead of
2013s momentary fantasy darling Bobby Rainey.
CHARLES SIMS TB $0 AGE 23 BYE 7
TEAM N/A N/A TB
G N/A N/A 15
ATT N/A N/A 23
YDS N/A N/A 97
AVG N/A N/A 4.2
TD N/A N/A 0
REC N/A N/A 24
YDS N/A N/A 176
TD N/A N/A 2
TD N/A N/A 2
79
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Pop Quizz: Which NFL team was last in rushing in
2013? Thats right, it was the Falcons, who lost
Steven Jackson for four games and labored behind
a terrible O-line. Alas, Rodgers was also part of the
problem. The 5-foot-6 Quizz proved unable to carry
the rushing load in Jacksons absence. Occasionally
he found space, but mostly he bounced around until
some massive defender crushed him. (For someone
so shifty, Rodgers didnt have a single run of 20-plus
yards in 2013.) With rookie Devonta Freeman in the
mix, Rodgers is no longer a threat to get carries and
frankly wont approach his 52 catches from last year.
JACQUIZZ RODGERS ATL $0 AGE 24 BYE 9
TEAM ATL ATL ATL
G 16 15 16
ATT 94 96 37
YDS 362 332 145
AVG 3.9 3.5 3.9
TD 1 2 0
REC 53 52 38
YDS 402 341 287
TD 1 2 1
TD 2 4 1
78
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
JACQUIZZ RODGERS NO. 78 RB
P
A
U
L

A
B
E
L
L
/
A
P

I
M
A
G
E
S
PROJ
L
A
C
H
E

S
E
A
S
T
R
U
N
K

W
A
S

$
0

A
G
E

2
3

B
Y
E

1
0
98 2012 2013 PROJ
TEAM N/A N/A WAS
G N/A N/A 10
ATT N/A N/A 27
YDS N/A N/A 151
AVG N/A N/A 5.6
TD N/A N/A 1
REC N/A N/A 2
YDS N/A N/A 17
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 1
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
E
D
W
I
N

B
A
K
E
R

C
L
E

$
0

A
G
E

2
3

B
Y
E

4
99
2012 2013 PROJ
TEAM SD CLE CLE
G 0 3 8
ATT 0 43 19
YDS 0 171 75
AVG 0 4 3.9
TD 0 2 1
REC 0 8 6
YDS 0 57 46
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 2 1
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
K
E
N
J
O
N

B
A
R
N
E
R

C
A
R

$
0

A
G
E

2
5

B
Y
E

1
2
100
2012 2013 PROJ
TEAM N/A CAR CAR
G N/A 8 8
ATT N/A 6 24
YDS N/A 7 108
AVG N/A 1.2 4.5
TD N/A 0 0
REC N/A 2 11
YDS N/A 7 71
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
P
E
Y
T
O
N

H
I
L
L
I
S

N
Y
G

$
0

A
G
E

2
8

B
Y
E

8
97
2012 2013 PROJ
TEAM KC NYG/TB NYG
G 13 7 12
ATT 85 73 46
YDS 309 247 160
AVG 3.6 3.4 3.5
TD 1 2 1
REC 10 13 8
YDS 62 96 61
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 2 1
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
R
O
N
N
I
E

H
I
L
L
M
A
N

D
E
N

$
0

A
G
E

2
2

B
Y
E

4
96 2012 2013 PROJ
TEAM DEN DEN DEN
G 14 9 10
ATT 85 55 50
YDS 330 218 213
AVG 3.9 4 4.3
TD 1 1 0
REC 10 12 13
YDS 62 119 98
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 1 0
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
PROJ
D
E
A
N
T
H
O
N
Y

T
H
O
M
A
S

K
C

$
0

A
G
E

2
1

B
Y
E

6
93
2012 2013 PROJ
TEAM N/A N/A KC
G N/A N/A 16
ATT N/A N/A 14
YDS N/A N/A 43
AVG N/A N/A 3.1
TD N/A N/A 0
REC N/A N/A 32
YDS N/A N/A 244
TD N/A N/A 1
TD N/A N/A 1
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
T
H
E
O

R
I
D
D
I
C
K

D
E
T

$
0

A
G
E

2
3

B
Y
E

9
94
2012 2013 PROJ
TEAM N/A DET DET
G N/A 14 16
ATT N/A 9 26
YDS N/A 25 108
AVG N/A 2.8 4.2
TD N/A 1 1
REC N/A 4 10
YDS N/A 26 65
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 1 1
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
D
E
N
N
I
S

J
O
H
N
S
O
N

H
O
U

$
0

A
G
E

2
4

B
Y
E

1
0
95
2012 2013 PROJ
TEAM N/A CLE/HOU HOU
G N/A 8 14
ATT N/A 49 30
YDS N/A 183 122
AVG N/A 3.7 4.1
TD N/A 0 1
REC N/A 8 11
YDS N/A 46 77
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 1
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
L
O
R
E
N
Z
O

T
A
L
I
A
F
E
R
R
O

B
A
L

$
0

A
G
E

2
2

B
Y
E

1
1
92
2012 2013 PROJ
TEAM N/A N/A BAL
G N/A N/A 10
ATT N/A N/A 26
YDS N/A N/A 123
AVG N/A N/A 4.7
TD N/A N/A 1
REC N/A N/A 6
YDS N/A N/A 37
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 1
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
B
I
L
A
L

P
O
W
E
L
L

N
Y
J

$
0

A
G
E

2
5

B
Y
E

1
1
91
2012 2013 PROJ
TEAM NYJ NYJ NYJ
G 14 16 16
ATT 110 176 60
YDS 437 697 232
AVG 4 4 3.9
TD 4 1 1
REC 17 36 20
YDS 140 272 131
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 1 1
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
PROJ
D
E
N
A
R
D

R
O
B
I
N
S
O
N

J
A
C

$
0

A
G
E

2
3

B
Y
E

1
1
88
2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
J
O
S
E
P
H

R
A
N
D
L
E

D
A
L

$
0

A
G
E

2
2

B
Y
E

1
1
89
2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
M
A
T
T

A
S
I
A
T
A

M
I
N

$
0

A
G
E

2
7

B
Y
E

1
0
90
2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
D
A
N
I
E
L

T
H
O
M
A
S

M
I
A

$
0

A
G
E

2
6

B
Y
E

5
87
2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
T
R
A
V
A
R
I
S

C
A
D
E
T

N
O

$
0

A
G
E

2
5

B
Y
E

6
86 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
PROJ
I
S
A
I
A
H

C
R
O
W
E
L
L

C
L
E

$
0

A
G
E

2
1

B
Y
E

4
83 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
B
O
B
B
Y

R
A
I
N
E
Y

T
B

$
0

A
G
E

2
6

B
Y
E

7
84 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
S
T
E
P
F
A
N

T
A
Y
L
O
R

A
R
I

$
0

A
G
E

2
3

B
Y
E

4
85
2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
L
A
N
C
E

D
U
N
B
A
R

D
A
L

$
0

A
G
E

2
4

B
Y
E

1
1
82 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
B
E
N
N
Y

C
U
N
N
I
N
G
H
A
M

S
T
L

$
0

A
G
E

2
4

B
Y
E

4
81 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
TEAM N/A JAC JAC
G N/A 16 16
ATT N/A 20 39
YDS N/A 66 155
AVG N/A 3.3 4
TD N/A 0 1
REC N/A 0 3
YDS N/A 0 18
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 1
TEAM N/A DAL DAL
G N/A 13 13
ATT N/A 54 48
YDS N/A 164 185
AVG N/A 3 3.9
TD N/A 2 1
REC N/A 8 13
YDS N/A 61 72
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 2 1
TEAM MIN MIN MIN
G 16 11 14
ATT 3 44 48
YDS 9 166 190
AVG 3 3.8 4
TD 0 3 2
REC 1 5 3
YDS 2 13 16
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 3 2
TEAM MIA MIA MIA
G 12 15 12
ATT 91 109 52
YDS 325 406 187
AVG 3.6 3.7 3.6
TD 4 4 1
REC 15 15 9
YDS 156 63 62
TD 0 2 0
TD 4 6 1
TEAM NO NO NO
G 13 13 13
ATT 1 0 6
YDS 5 0 25
AVG 5 0 4.2
TD 0 0 0
REC 5 2 12
YDS 44 5 79
TD 0 1 0
TD 0 1 0
TEAM N/A N/A CLE
G N/A N/A 10
ATT N/A N/A 39
YDS N/A N/A 149
AVG N/A N/A 3.8
TD N/A N/A 1
REC N/A N/A 11
YDS N/A N/A 68
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 1
TEAM BAL CLE/TB TB
G 0 15 16
ATT 0 150 26
YDS 0 566 98
AVG 0 3.8 3.8
TD 0 5 0
REC 0 15 9
YDS 0 46 58
TD 0 1 0
TD 0 6 0
TEAM N/A ARI ARI
G N/A 16 16
ATT N/A 36 65
YDS N/A 115 211
AVG N/A 3.2 3.2
TD N/A 0 2
REC N/A 8 11
YDS N/A 71 70
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 2
TEAM DAL DAL DAL
G 12 9 12
ATT 21 30 50
YDS 75 150 239
AVG 3.6 5 4.8
TD 0 0 2
REC 6 7 15
YDS 33 59 88
TD 0 0 1
TD 0 0 3
TEAM N/A STL STL
G N/A 14 16
ATT N/A 47 25
YDS N/A 261 121
AVG N/A 5.6 4.8
TD N/A 1 1
REC N/A 6 6
YDS N/A 59 50
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 1 1
E
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V
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W
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S
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E

R
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PERCY HARVIN, SEA A couple of fun facts
about Mr. Harvin: He has yet to reach 1,000
receiving yards or score 10 TDs in a season.
Hes missed 22 games over the past two
seasons, and his 11.8 career yards per
reception ranks 58th among qualifying
WRs since 2009. Does that sound like
someone you want on your roster?
WIDE RECEIVER YOU SHOULDNT TOUCH.
BY KC JOYNER
To discover what quality correlates most
with fantasy success for wideouts in
standard leagues, I parsed all the notable
metrics for the top ve WRs in each of the
past ve seasons. My ndings? Twenty-two
of the 26 (there was one tie) best fantasy
WRs ranked in the top 10 for vertical yards,
by far the most statistically signicant cor-
relation. So what does that mean for your
team this year? For starters, you might
want to move Jordy Nelson up a few slots
on your board. His 889 vertical yards ranked
sixth overall in 2013, but remember: Aaron
Rodgers played only 52 percent of the
Packers regular-season snaps last season.
The Bucs Vincent Jackson and rookie
Mike Evans should see a bunch of on-
target deep balls this season with free
agent signee Josh McCown, who led all QBs
with a 56.9 percent completion rate on
vertical throws. And think twice before you
draft a Patriots wideout: Julian Edelmans
400 vertical yards led the team last year
but ranked 40th among all WRs.
CHECK OUT UPDATED WR RANKINGS
RATES OF CHANGE
HERES HOW OUR TOP 10 WIDE RECEIVERS PROJECTED POINTS COMPARE WITH
THEIR TOTALS FROM 2013 AND THE AVERAGE WR1 OUTPUT LAST SEASON.
2
0
0
CALVIN JOHNSON
DEMARYIUS THOMAS
A.J. GREEN
DEZ BRYANT
BRANDON MARSHALL
JULIO JONES
JORDY NELSON
ALSHON JEFFERY
ANTONIO BROWN
RANDALL COBB
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2013 ACTUAL POINTS
2013 WR1 AVG FANTASY POINTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
212
220
203
194
198
65
173
186
197
71
236
216
199
201
192
188
188
183
195
188
3
0
0
2
5
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
5
0
0
1
5
0
3
5
0
4
0
0
4
5
0
F
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A
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THE NUMBER OF WRS LAST SEASON WHO
PLAYED AT LEAST EIGHT GAMES AND
AVERAGED 10 FANTASY POINTS PER GAME.
AS A POINT OF COMPARISON, THERE WERE
18 SUCH RUNNING BACKS. (THE FIGURES
FROM 201216 WRS AND 16 RBS
SHOWS A SIMILAR TREND.) SIMPLY, THE
SCARCITY OF ELITE WIDEOUTS MAKES IT
IMPERATIVE THAT YOU SNAG ONE EARLY.
MATTHEW BERRY
13
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JULIO JONES NO. 6 WR
Think about this: Since 2011, Megatron has over
1,000 receiving yards more than the next-best
wideout. So dont read too much into his No. 3
ranking in WR fantasy production last year; it was
actually remarkable he finished that high. Hampered
by knee and finger injuries (both of which required
offseason surgery), Johnson still totaled 12 TDs
and nearly 1,500 yards. Finally back to 100 percent,
Johnson will again be the undeniable focal point of
the Lions offense; hes the only player to garner
150-plus targets in each of the past three seasons.
Dont get cute: Megatron is your No. 1 WR.
CALVIN JOHNSON DET $51 AGE 28 BYE 9
TEAM DET DET DET
G 16 14 16
REC 122 84 94
YDS 1,964 1,492 1,664
AVG 16.1 17.8 17.7
TD 5 12 12
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 5 12 12
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Its easy to forget, but before missing the final 11
games last season with a broken foot, Jones was
on pace for 1,856 yards and 6 TDs. That wouldve
tied him with Josh Gordon for the best fantasy year
among pass catchers. With Roddy Whites best
years behind him and Tony Gonzalez retired, Jones is
clearly Matt Ryans most reliable target. Durability is
the only concern: He has missed nearly 30 percent of
his career games, and it remains to be seen whether
his foot issues will sap any of his explosiveness.
JULIO JONES ATL $36 AGE 25 BYE 9
TEAM ATL ATL ATL
G 16 5 14
REC 79 41 97
YDS 1,198 580 1,387
AVG 15.2 14.1 14.3
TD 10 2 9
ATT 6 1 1
YDS 30 7 19
TD 0 0 0
TD 10 2 9
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
His vertical game gets a lot of puband for good
reason. Thomas netted 96 fantasy points off vertical
throws in 2013, 10th most among WRs. But he isnt
a one-trick Bronco: His strongest suit is actually
turning short passes into long gains. In his two
seasons playing with Peyton Manning, hes compiled
1,225 yards after the catch, tops in the league. And
last season he racked up an NFL-best 115 fantasy
pointsand scored 9 of his 14 TDson dink-and-
dunk throws. Expect more of the same in Mannings
quick-hitting offense.
DEMARYIUS THOMAS DEN $40 AGE 26 BYE 4
TEAM DEN DEN DEN
G 16 16 16
REC 94 92 93
YDS 1,434 1,430 1,400
AVG 15.3 15.5 15.1
TD 10 14 13
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 10 14 13
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
To understand why Nelson is such a boom/bust
wideout, consider the discrepancy between his short
and vertical fantasy productivity. Nelson ranked
fourth among WRs in fantasy points on vertical
throws (118) and tied for 31st on short ones (47).
Thats why he saw his production fall off a cliff when
Aaron Rodgers went down with a collarbone injury.
Nelson scored 14.1 fantasy points per game with
Rodgers as a starter and only 6.6 per game the other
weeks. As long as Rodgers is healthy and throwing
bombs with his usual precision, Nelson has a shot at
being a top-five WR.
JORDY NELSON GB $34 AGE 29 BYE 9
TEAM GB GB GB
G 12 16 16
REC 49 85 82
YDS 745 1,314 1,286
AVG 15.2 15.5 15.7
TD 7 8 10
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 7 8 10
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Green is the reigning WR target champion (178)
and might be the most dangerous deep threat in
the league. His 8 TDs on vertical throws was tied for
tops among wide receivers, and no one had more
fantasy points per game on stretch vertical passes
(5.9). The reason we dont rank him in the top two?
The up-and-down Andy Dalton is still under center,
and pass-friendly offensive coordinator Jay Gruden
is now the head man in Washington. But Green, who
has missed only one game in his three NFL seasons,
is still one of the safest WR1 picks.
A. J. GREEN CI N $39 AGE 26 BYE 4
TEAM CIN CIN CIN
G 16 16 16
REC 97 98 90
YDS 1,350 1,426 1,336
AVG 13.9 14.6 14.8
TD 11 11 11
ATT 4 0 0
YDS 38 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 11 11 11
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Marc Trestmans offense was a revelation for Jeffery.
After a disappointing rookie campaign (24 receptions
for 367 yards), the South Carolina product found his
downfield groove, ranking second in vertical receiving
yards (933) and first in stretch vertical receiving yards
(590). His 3 TDs of at least 45 yards was tied for fifth
most in the league. Jefferys bandwagon is filling up, but
wed be remiss if we didnt bring up a few sore spots.
First, his 7.6 percent vertical pass drop rate ranked last
among wideouts with at least 50 such targets. Second,
he never really got in a fantasy groove with Jay Cutler at
QB, scoring only 10.1 points per game with Cutler under
center versus 15 in backup Josh McCowns five starts.
ALSHON JEFFERY CHI $32 AGE 24 BYE 9
TEAM CHI CHI CHI
G 10 16 16
REC 24 89 85
YDS 367 1,421 1,284
AVG 15.3 16 15.1
TD 3 7 8
ATT 0 16 14
YDS 0 105 85
TD 0 0 1
TD 3 7 9
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Last season the Cowboys scaled back their vertical
throws by 14 percent, from 194 to 167. So it makes
sense that Bryant finished with only 74 fantasy
points on such passes (tied for 19th) and saw his
yards per catch decrease by more than 11 percent.
The saving grace for Bryants fantasy owners was his
111 fantasy points on short throws; he was one of
only two WRs to break triple digits in that category.
With former Lions OC Scott Linehan now serving as
the Cowboys passing-game coordinator, dont be
shocked to see Dallas stretch the field more this year
with Bryant. He has the skill set to get separation
deep and rack up yards on underneath throws.
DEZ BRYANT DAL $38 AGE 25 BYE 11
TEAM DAL DAL DAL
G 16 16 16
REC 92 93 100
YDS 1,382 1,233 1,327
AVG 15 13.3 13.3
TD 12 13 12
ATT 2 1 1
YDS -5 1 8
TD 0 0 0
TD 12 13 12
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Since Marshalls arrival in Chicago two seasons ago,
his fantasy value has exploded. Marshall is first in
targets over that stretch (355), second in vertical
targets (173), third in standard league scoring (408)
and second in PPR scoring (626). And dont worry
that third-year wideout Alshon Jeffery will siphon
opportunities. They both got 140-plus targets last
season. If Jay Cutler is smart, which he is, hell
continue to spread the wealth.
BRANDON MARSHALL CHI $37 AGE 30 BYE 9
TEAM CHI CHI CHI
G 16 16 16
REC 118 100 95
YDS 1,508 1,295 1,230
AVG 12.8 12.9 12.9
TD 11 12 12
ATT 1 0 0
YDS -2 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 11 12 12
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
1
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ANTONIO BROWN NO. 9 WR
Garcon was targeted 176 times in 2013, second
most in the NFL, and responded by shattering
career bests in catches (113) and yards (1,346).
Hell continue to make his money off underneath
throws; he led all WRs in short-pass receiving yards
(795) and scored the most PPR fantasy points off
dink-and-dunks (182). Dont expect the addition of
DeSean Jackson to completely cannibalize Garcons
production. His skill set dovetails perfectly with
Jacksons downfield talents, and first-year coach
Jay Gruden shouldnt have any problem finding
ample work for both of them.
PIERRE GARCON WAS $23 AGE 28 BYE 10
TEAM WAS WAS WAS
G 10 16 15
REC 44 113 96
YDS 633 1,346 1,129
AVG 14.4 11.9 11.8
TD 4 5 6
ATT 2 2 2
YDS 9 19 19
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 5 6
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Its hard to believe, but Fitz hasnt eclipsed 1,000
receiving yards in either of the past two seasons.
In fact, hes posted two of the four worst yardage
figures among WRs with 130-plus targets over
that span. To be sure, the five quarterbacks whove
played for Arizona since 2012 certainly share in
the blame. With Carson Palmer under center last
season, Fitzgerald finished with 146 fantasy points,
16th among WRsand even that was propped up
by 10 trips to the end zone, his highest mark since
2009. Its hard to count on Fitzgerald to keep his
TDs in the double digits, especially as he enters
his age-31 season.
LARRY FITZGERALD ARI $25 AGE 31 BYE 4
TEAM ARI ARI ARI
G 16 16 16
REC 71 82 88
YDS 798 954 1,057
AVG 11.2 11.6 11.8
TD 4 10 8
ATT 0 2 2
YDS 0 8 11
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 10 9
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Want to know why RG3 lobbied D-Jax to come to
the nations capital? Look no further than Jacksons
sizzling downfield numbers last season. He finished
fifth among WRs with 905 vertical yards and tied
for first with eight vertical touchdowns. Those
figures led to 132 fantasy points via vertical throws,
a mark topped by only one WR: Josh Gordon. It
just so happens that Jackson inhabits an offense
in desperate need of a deep threat. The Redskins
managed only 1,575 vertical passing yards last
season, 27th in the NFL. Right now, we have him as
a high-end WR2 with the potential to pop as a WR1
if he and RG3 can jell quickly.
DESEAN JACKSON WAS $22 AGE 27 BYE 10
TEAM PHI PHI WAS
G 11 16 15
REC 45 82 65
YDS 700 1,332 1,031
AVG 15.6 16.2 15.9
TD 2 9 7
ATT 3 3 4
YDS -7 2 26
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 9 7
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 15
14
Weeks 6-11 last season tell you everything you
need to know about Jackson. During that stretch, he
scored 20 or more points in three games, compiling
a ridiculous stat line: 29 total catches, 139 yards
per game and 5 TDs. The other three games? He
had 10 fantasy points combined, including a two-
catch, 11-yard performance against Seattle. All
told, Jackson had only four games with 100-plus
receiving yards, reaffirming that he has WR1 talent
and WR2 reliability.
VINCENT JACKSON TB $26 AGE 31 BYE 7
TEAM TB TB TB
G 16 16 16
REC 72 78 73
YDS 1,384 1,224 1,235
AVG 19.2 15.7 16.9
TD 8 7 8
ATT 0 1 1
YDS 0 0 12
TD 0 0 0
TD 8 7 8
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 12
13
The Texans had more than their share of QB woes
last year, but it would be difficult to spot them when
reviewing Johnsons numbers. Johnson posted
stellar totals in targets (175, ranked third), vertical
targets (76, fourth), catches (109, third) and yards
(1,407, seventh). In fact, if you eliminate his injury-
riddled 2011 season, Johnson has had at least 80
catches and 1,200 yards every season since 2008.
Sure, his age is becoming a concern, but he still has
enough of a burst to be a borderline WR1/WR2.
ANDRE JOHNSON HOU $28 AGE 33 BYE 10
TEAM HOU HOU HOU
G 16 16 16
REC 112 109 100
YDS 1,598 1,407 1,367
AVG 14.3 12.9 13.7
TD 4 5 7
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 5 7
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 11
Last season was supposed to be Cobbs coming-
out partyand it was for a few weeks. Cobb was
solidifying his role as Aaron Rodgers go-to slot guy
and put up three double-digit fantasy outputs in
his first four games. But then he broke his leg in
Week 6 and disappeared to IR until Week 17. So
now were left to guess how to properly rate Cobb
going into his fourth NFL season. On one hand, his
11.8 points per start ranked ninth among receivers
last season. On the other hand, hes played only
38 percent of the Packers offensive snaps since
coming into the league. You have to figure thatll
increase if he can stay on the field.
RANDALL COBB GB $29 AGE 24 BYE 9
TEAM GB GB GB
G 15 6 15
REC 80 31 87
YDS 954 433 1,233
AVG 11.9 14 14.2
TD 8 4 8
ATT 10 4 10
YDS 132 78 123
TD 0 0 0
TD 8 4 8
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 10
So much for missing Mike Wallace. Brown responded
to the departure of Pittsburghs deep threat by
ranking fourth in vertical receptions (37) and tied for
ninth in stretch vertical receptions (11) in 2013. This
did nothing to hurt his productivity on passes of 10
yards or fewer; Brown actually increased his short-
pass fantasy points per game by nearly 20 percent.
His 110 receptions proved his mastery of the route
treeand his value in PPR leagues. With Emmanuel
Sanders now in Denver, expect Big Ben to look
Browns way early and often.
ANTONIO BROWN PI T $30 AGE 26 BYE 12
TEAM PIT PIT PIT
G 13 16 16
REC 66 110 109
YDS 787 1,499 1,435
AVG 11.9 13.6 13.2
TD 5 8 7
ATT 7 7 8
YDS 24 4 47
TD 0 0 0
TD 5 8 7
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 9
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MICHAEL CRABTREE NO. 21 WR
Allen compiled just three catches in the Chargers
first three games, and his rookie season looked like
it would be a complete waste. But then the fireworks
began. He shot up to borderline WR1 status after
notching 138 points the remainder of the season,
which ranked 10th among wide receivers over that
span. Allen doesnt do much on stretch vertical
passes (only 65 yards at that depth), but he makes
up for it on passes that travel less than 20 yards
(981 yards, tied for eighth among WRs), which
happens to be where QB Philip Rivers thrives.
KEENAN ALLEN SD $19 AGE 22 BYE 10
TEAM N/A SD SD
G N/A 15 16
REC N/A 71 85
YDS N/A 1,046 1,045
AVG N/A 14.7 12.3
TD N/A 8 8
ATT N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 8 8
16
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
For years it seemed that White was an indestructible
workhorse wideout, but that notion crashed to earth
in Weeks 1-12 last year. White was on the field
for eight of those contests and posted an abysmal
2.62 fantasy points per game (ranked 104th).
Granted, he was battling injuries for most of that
stretch, and once White healed up, he got back to
his old form, racking up 61 points in Weeks 13-17.
That was a top-10 total for that time frame, and it
offers hope that he can return to that level. Still, dont
count on Whites being an iron man for a full season.
RODDY WHITE ATL $17 AGE 32 BYE 9
TEAM ATL ATL ATL
G 16 13 15
REC 92 63 80
YDS 1,351 711 1,004
AVG 14.7 11.3 12.6
TD 7 3 7
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 7 3 7
18
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
One positive takeaway from Cruzs disappointing
2013 campaign: His fantasy floor is actually quite
high. A depleted Giants WR corps, a late-season
injury and all those Eli Manning interceptions meant
that Mr. Salsa didnt get to do a single TD dance
after Week 4. Not surprisingly, he posted only one
double-digit fantasy game over that same span.
And yet Cruz ranked among the top 25 WRs in
yards (998), targets (121) and receptions (73)
and was only three points from breaking into the
top 25 in fantasy points (115, 28th). The Giants
new West Coast scheme is a perfect fit for Cruzs
skill set. Hell be dancing again in no time.
VICTOR CRUZ NYG $18 AGE 27 BYE 8
TEAM NYG NYG NYG
G 16 14 16
REC 86 73 80
YDS 1,092 998 1,042
AVG 12.7 13.7 13
TD 10 4 7
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 10 4 7
17
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Through Week 8, Welker had the fourth-best fantasy
total among WRs, scoring 103 points on 50 catches,
555 yards and 9 TDs. But he sputtered to the
finish line, putting up only 27 points the rest of the
season as he missed three games with yet another
concussion. All in all, last season was only the second
since 2006 that Welker failed to eclipse 100 catches
and 1,000 yards. Even if his age is beginning to be a
concern, its hard to rank Welker any lower, especially
with Peyton Manning throwing him the football.
WES WELKER DEN $15 AGE 33 BYE 4
TEAM NE DEN DEN
G 16 13 13
REC 118 73 70
YDS 1,354 778 919
AVG 11.5 10.7 13.1
TD 6 10 6
ATT 2 0 0
YDS 20 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 6 10 6
19
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
One point. That was Harvins fantasy output in his
first year in Seattle. After being hampered by a hip
injury for most of the regular season, Harvin showed
off his versatility in the Super Bowl with a kickoff-
return TD and a game-leading 45 rushing yards.
It remains to be seen whether he can play with
consistencyor stay on the fieldfor 16 games.
Hes never posted 1,000 yards receiving or played
600 offensive snaps in a season, but theres a reason
we have him ranked in our top 20. Harvin can break
the game open at any moment; over the past two
years, his 8.4 yards after the catch is tops among
WRs with 50-plus targets.
PERCY HARVIN SEA $13 AGE 26 BYE 4
TEAM MIN SEA SEA
G 9 1 13
REC 62 1 77
YDS 677 17 916
AVG 10.9 17 11.9
TD 3 0 4
ATT 22 0 17
YDS 96 0 81
TD 1 0 1
TD 4 0 5
20
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
After missing the first 11 games of 2013 with an
Achilles tear, Crabtree showed some rust in the
final five games of the regular season, averaging
just 6.4 fantasy points. But he put on a show in the
playoffs. His 11 catches of 10 or more yardsand
four gains of 20 or moreprorate to top-10-caliber
totals over the course of a 16-game season. It was
further proof that when Crabtree is healthy, hes the
primary target of QB Colin Kaepernick.
MICHAEL CRABTREE SF $11 AGE 26 BYE 8
TEAM SF SF SF
G 16 5 15
REC 85 19 80
YDS 1,105 284 1,043
AVG 13 14.9 13
TD 9 1 6
ATT 1 0 1
YDS 8 0 12
TD 0 0 0
TD 9 1 6
21
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Heres a fun fact: Hilton had only two games with
more than 15 fantasy points last season. Two!
Granted, he was absolutely breathtaking in those
two games, shredding Seattle and Houston for
12 catches, 261 yards, 5 TDs and 56 fantasy points.
The problem? He had only 76 points in the other
14 games combined. So which Hilton will show
up this season? More than likely, he will probably
be a mixed bag again. Thats just the reality for a
receiver whos so dependent on big plays to put up
double-digit fantasy points.
T. Y. HILTON I ND $10 AGE 24 BYE 10
TEAM IND IND IND
G 15 16 16
REC 50 82 74
YDS 861 1,083 1,087
AVG 17.2 13.2 14.7
TD 7 5 5
ATT 5 2 4
YDS 29 6 26
TD 0 0 0
TD 7 5 5
22
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
MARQUES COLSTON NO. 29 WR
Last season Smith averaged 17.4 yards per catch,
behind only Josh Gordon (18.9) and Calvin Johnson
(17.8) among players who caught 50-plus balls.
Not bad company. The only thing that kept Smith
from WR1 status? He faced so much double
coverage that Joe Flacco targeted him only 130
times, tied for 20th. The addition of Steve Smith
and the renewed health of Dennis Pitta should
make the double-teams a little less frequent.
TORREY SMITH BAL $9 AGE 25 BYE 11
TEAM BAL BAL BAL
G 16 16 16
REC 49 65 61
YDS 855 1,128 1,056
AVG 17.4 17.4 17.3
TD 8 4 6
ATT 3 0 2
YDS 9 0 12
TD 0 0 0
TD 8 4 6
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Edelmans first season as Wes Welkers body double
had its momentsboth good and bad. As expected,
he dominated on short passes, ranking third in
fantasy points (95) and sixth in receiving yards (656).
His biggest problem was consistency. After compiling
34 catches for 319 yards through Week 4, Edelman
had only 18 catches for 181 yards over his next six
games. But its hard to quibble too much with a
season that netted 105 catches and 1,056 yards.
Edelman will be a strong contributor in standard
leagues and a cornerstone player on your PPR roster.
JULIAN EDELMAN NE $8 AGE 28 BYE 10
TEAM NE NE NE
G 9 16 14
REC 21 105 96
YDS 235 1,056 935
AVG 11.2 10.1 9.7
TD 3 6 7
ATT 4 2 4
YDS 45 11 34
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 6 7
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
After one season, Pattersons special-teams prowess
is already legendary in NFL circles. He averaged
more than 30 yards per kick return and took two
the distance from 100-plus yards. But on offense,
Patterson had only seven catches of at least 20
yards and averaged an underwhelming 10.4 yards
per reception. The reason? His 1.53 vertical targets
per game ranked 92nd in the NFL. Thats an
inexplicably low number for a guy with Pattersons
speed. Were betting that changes in 2014and
when it does, watch out.
CORDARRELLE PATTERSON MIN $7 AGE 23 BYE 10
TEAM N/A MIN MIN
G N/A 16 16
REC N/A 45 73
YDS N/A 469 814
AVG N/A 10.4 11.2
TD N/A 4 7
ATT N/A 12 15
YDS N/A 158 104
TD N/A 3 1
TD N/A 7 8
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Floyd has flown mostly under the fantasy radar since
being drafted 13th overall in 2012. But consider
this: His 14.6 yards per catch the last two seasons
is better than that of guys like A.J. Green, Dez Bryant
and Larry Fitzgerald. In fact, it isnt a huge stretch
to think this will be the season Floyd supplants Fitz
as the Cards No. 1 fantasy receiver. Floyd led Arizona
in vertical targets (64) and vertical receiving yards
(762), and his 34 vertical receptions was tied for
eighth most among WRs. Fitzgerald will get drafted
first, but Floyd has a very good chance of providing
a better fantasy return on investment.
MICHAEL FLOYD ARI $7 AGE 24 BYE 4
TEAM ARI ARI ARI
G 16 16 16
REC 45 65 70
YDS 562 1,041 1,076
AVG 12.5 16 15.4
TD 2 5 5
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 5 5
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
An ACL injury caused Maclin to miss the Chip Kelly
Express last season. And for all the talk about
Phillys prolific run game, the Eagles also showed a
willingness to chuck the ball downfield. A lot. Their
70 stretch vertical attempts in 2013 tied for fifth
most in the league. With DeSean Jackson now in
Washington, many of those targets will go to Maclin,
whos more than up to the task. In 2012, he tallied
22 vertical receptions for 540 yards and 5 TDs,
which outpaced Jacksons totals (19 for 449 and
2 TDs). As long as his recovery goes as planned,
Maclin isnt a bad mid-draft pickup.
JEREMY MACLIN PHI $7 AGE 26 BYE 7
TEAM PHI PHI PHI
G 15 0 13
REC 69 0 63
YDS 857 0 875
AVG 12.4 0 13.9
TD 7 0 7
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 7 0 7
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Before last season, Wayne hadnt missed a game
since his rookie year in 2001. That trend continued
through Week 7, and he put up decent numbers38
catches for 503 yards and 2 TDs. But a torn ACL
cost Wayne the rest of his season and will likely
rob him of some of his remaining explosiveness.
That, combined with the continued development
of T.Y. Hilton, could cap Waynes fantasy value. But
remember: since Andrew Luck arrived in Indy,
Wayne has been targeted on 30.6 percent of his
routes run, ninth highest in the league.
REGGIE WAYNE I ND $7 AGE 35 BYE 10
TEAM IND IND IND
G 16 7 16
REC 106 38 90
YDS 1,355 503 1,108
AVG 12.8 13.2 12.3
TD 5 2 4
ATT 1 1 0
YDS -5 5 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 5 2 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
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2012 2013 PROJ
For Colston, 2011 seems like a long time ago. Back
then, his younger legs could still burn secondaries
with ease. Despite missing two games that year, he
scored 4 TDs on throws of 20-plus yards, which was
tied for fourth best in the league. In the two seasons
since, hes had only one such score, reaffirming that
Colston needs to up his red zone game (just 3 TDs
inside the 20 last season) before he gets back into
the WR2 conversation. With rookie first-rounder
Brandin Cooks in town, Colston will face even more
competition for targets in 2014.
MARQUES COLSTON NO $6 AGE 31 BYE 6
TEAM NO NO NO
G 16 15 15
REC 83 75 73
YDS 1,154 943 907
AVG 13.9 12.6 12.4
TD 10 5 6
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 10 5 6
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
The premium that Buffalo paid to acquire Watkins
(a trade of 2014 first-round picks plus a first- and
fourth-round selection in 2015) seems very high
until you note his phenomenal metrics at Clemson
last year. Watkins averaged 28.3 yards per vertical
pass attempt against BCS-conference competition
and racked up a ridiculous 25 ypa when facing a
cornerback or safety in coverage. Teams at that
level found it next to impossible to stop Watkins
incredible combination of size (6-1, 211 pounds),
speed (4.43 40) and route-running ability. NFL
clubs might very well have similar struggles.
SAMMY WATKINS BUF $6 AGE 21 BYE 9
TEAM N/A N/A BUF
G N/A N/A 16
REC N/A N/A 65
YDS N/A N/A 893
AVG N/A N/A 13.7
TD N/A N/A 6
ATT N/A N/A 7
YDS N/A N/A 42
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 6
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 30
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It seems as if Wright has carved out his niche as the
Titans go-to dink-and-dunk receiver. He was second
leaguewide in short-pass receiving yards (718) and
quietly amassed 94 receptions in his second season,
seventh most in the NFL. Wrights problem is two-
fold. First, he doesnt score enough touchdowns to
be considered anything more than a WR3 in standard
leagues. (Last season he became the only WR since
2005 to snag 90-plus receptions but score only
2 TDs.) And second, he doesnt have the best mojo
with QB Jake Locker: Only 76 of Wrights 190 career
fantasy points have come with Locker under center.
KENDALL WRIGHT TEN $5 AGE 24 BYE 9
TEAM TEN TEN TEN
G 15 16 16
REC 64 94 91
YDS 626 1,079 1,051
AVG 9.8 11.5 11.5
TD 4 2 4
ATT 1 0 1
YDS 4 0 8
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 2 4
31
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
In a season that was supposed to vault Shorts
into the WR2 conversation, his numbers actually
regressed even though he caught 11 more balls (66,
up from 55). In 2012, he averaged 17.8 yards per
catch, and nearly 20 percent of his receptions went
for 25 yards or more. Last season his ypc plummeted
to 11.8, and only 3 percent of his catches were for
25-plus. Subpar QB play and a nagging sports hernia
injury doomed Shorts, so a clean bill of health should
allow him to capitalize on more of his downfield
opportunitiesif the QB can get him the ball.
CECIL SHORTS III JAC $4 AGE 26 BYE 11
TEAM JAC JAC JAC
G 14 13 14
REC 55 66 63
YDS 979 777 882
AVG 17.8 11.8 14
TD 7 3 5
ATT 1 0 0
YDS -4 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 7 3 5
36
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Those looking for some positives in Sanders metrics
can point to his career highs in receptions (67),
yards (740), targets (112) and TDs (6) last season.
Those fishing for negatives can point to his 11 yards
per reception, a mark that ranked him 32nd out of
34 wide receivers with 100 or more targets. Teaming
up with Peyton Manning should lead to more of the
positives, but competing with Demaryius Thomas,
Wes Welker and Julius Thomas for targets could stall
some of Sanders statistical momentum.
EMMANUEL SANDERS DEN $5 AGE 27 BYE 4
TEAM PIT PIT DEN
G 16 16 16
REC 44 67 77
YDS 626 740 971
AVG 14.2 11 12.6
TD 1 6 5
ATT 1 1 1
YDS 4 25 19
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 6 5
32
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
ERIC DECKER NO. 35 WR
Williams got off to a slow start as a rookie, catching
only five balls for 60 yards in his first three games.
But a few route-running mistakes aside, the Cowboys
couldnt have asked for much more from their third-
round pick. Williams flashed big-play potential, and
his 16.7 yards per catch ranked fifth among receivers
with at least 40 catches, behind only Josh Gordon,
Riley Cooper, Calvin Johnson and Torrey Smith. In
total, he finished third in fantasy points among rookie
WRs (96) and second on the Cowboys in offensive
snaps played by a receiver (648). Both of those
numbers should increase now that the rookie jitters
are out of the way.
TERRANCE WILLIAMS DAL $4 AGE 24 BYE 11
TEAM N/A DAL DAL
G N/A 16 16
REC N/A 44 57
YDS N/A 736 928
AVG N/A 16.7 16.3
TD N/A 5 6
ATT N/A 3 4
YDS N/A 4 19
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 5 6
37
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Gordons 2013 campaign was unlike anything weve
ever seen. After missing the first two games due to
suspension, he ended up leading all WRs in receiving
yards (1,646) and fantasy points per game (15.8). And
heres the kicker: He did it with Brandon Weeden, Brian
Hoyer and Jason Campbell throwing him the football.
Thats how talented this dude is. It stands to reason
that Johnny Manziel will have a steep learning curve
in Cleveland, but Gordon proved a year ago that he
relishes the challenge. Even if Gordon misses half the
season with another suspension, he still merits a mid-
to late-round pick. As of this writing, the duration of
his potential suspension had not been determined.
JOSH GORDON CLE $3 AGE 23 BYE 4
TEAM CLE CLE CLE
G 16 14 8
REC 50 87 44
YDS 805 1,646 765
AVG 16.1 18.9 17.4
TD 5 9 5
ATT 0 5 3
YDS 0 88 17
TD 0 0 0
TD 5 9 5
38
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Twenty-seven million. Thats the guaranteed dollar
figure on Wallaces contract. The primary purpose
of Miamis splashy signing last offseason was to
give QB Ryan Tannehill a much-needed deep threat.
To be sure, Wallace didnt lack for stretch vertical
opportunities in 2013 (32 such targets, fourth in
the NFL), but quantity didnt lead to productivity in
this case. He ranked 30th among receivers with 30
fantasy points on stretch vertical passes. Dont hope
for anything better than flex-level production from
Wallace until he and Tannehill start converting those
downfield chances into more points.
MIKE WALLACE MI A $5 AGE 28 BYE 5
TEAM PIT MIA MIA
G 15 16 15
REC 64 73 76
YDS 836 930 986
AVG 13.1 12.7 13
TD 8 5 5
ATT 5 3 4
YDS 7 33 31
TD 0 0 0
TD 8 5 5
33
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Tate may have been brought in to be a
complementary receiver, but hes still one of
the leagues most dangerous deep threats. Last
season he led all WRs in vertical air yards per
target (26.2) and ranked second in vertical yards
per reception (31). Since hell play opposite Calvin
Johnson, no defense is going to consistently load
Tates side of the field. So whats the bad news?
No Lions WR other than Johnson has received
more than 90 targets the last two seasons. And
without consistent looks, Tates upside is limited.
GOLDEN TATE DET $4 AGE 26 BYE 9
TEAM SEA SEA DET
G 15 16 16
REC 45 64 84
YDS 688 898 1,041
AVG 15.3 14 12.4
TD 7 5 5
ATT 3 3 6
YDS 20 31 50
TD 0 0 0
TD 7 5 5
34
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Despite Eric & Jessie, his reality series with his
country-singer wife, Decker was the least celebrated
of Denvers receivers last season. But he bested
Demaryius Thomas in vertical yards (842 to 744)
and outgained Wes Welker on short passes
(446 to 431). Sure, the Jets have an unsettled
QB situation and unproven talent opposite Decker,
but hell get a ton of targets. That alone gives
him a pretty solid fantasy floor, even if his
ceiling is uncertain.
ERIC DECKER NYJ $4 AGE 27 BYE 11
TEAM DEN DEN NYJ
G 16 16 16
REC 85 87 64
YDS 1,064 1,288 947
AVG 12.5 14.8 14.8
TD 13 11 8
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 13 11 8
35
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
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Boldin had a late-career revival last season, putting
up his highest number of targets (128) and yards
(1,179) since 2006. And he did it with a nice
variety, scoring 86 fantasy points on short passes
(seventh in the NFL) and compiling 593 yards on
vertical throws (21st). So why do we have him
ranked so low? For starters, the 49ers arent going
to throw the ball a lot; they ranked last in the NFL
last season with 417 pass attempts. And Boldins
opportunities will only shrink with Michael Crabtree
back to 100 percent, the addition of Stevie Johnson
and the presence of Vernon Davis, coming off a
13-TD season.
ANQUAN BOLDIN SF $3 AGE 33 BYE 8
TEAM BAL SF SF
G 15 16 15
REC 65 85 69
YDS 921 1,179 967
AVG 14.2 13.9 14
TD 4 7 4
ATT 1 2 2
YDS 3 11 14
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 7 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Like most rookie wide receivers, Hopkins had a
predictably inconsistent inaugural NFL season. He
scored three fantasy points or fewer in seven games
and caught only 2 TDs. But Hopkins showed two
things you look for in fantasy sleepers: durabilityhis
969 offensive snaps were seventh most among wide
receiversand big-play potential (his 15.4 yards
per catch ranked third among qualifying rookies).
Its also worth noting that Hopkins had only four
fewer stretch vertical targets than Andre Johnson.
Sure, his penchant for dud performances cannot be
overlooked, but all it will take is a few more big plays
for Hopkins to move into the WR3 conversation.
DEANDRE HOPKINS HOU $3 AGE 22 BYE 10
TEAM N/A HOU HOU
G N/A 16 16
REC N/A 52 64
YDS N/A 802 970
AVG N/A 15.4 15.2
TD N/A 2 4
ATT N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 2 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Cooper had his share of statistical highlights last
season. Most notably, his 17.8 yards per catch ranked
second among WRs with 40 or more receptions. He
also tied for fifth with four stretch vertical scores and
ranked 13th in offensive snaps by a wide receiver
(937). Hes the Eagles leading returning wideout
in terms of targets (85), receptions (47) and yards
(835). Jeremy Maclins return is a slight concern, but
there will be plenty of targets to go around, making
it likely that Cooper replicates his catch and yardage
totals from 2013. His fantasy upside will be tied to
his touchdown total.
RILEY COOPER PHI $3 AGE 26 BYE 7
TEAM PHI PHI PHI
G 11 16 16
REC 23 47 50
YDS 248 835 816
AVG 10.8 17.8 16.3
TD 3 8 5
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 18 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 8 5
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
To no ones surprise, injuries got in the way of
Amendolas making a huge impact in his first year
with the Pats. After sitting out four games last
season with a recurring groin injury and a concussion,
hes now missed more than 30 percent of his NFL
contests. And when he did play, Amendolas fantasy
production was merely OK. He ranked 37th in short-
pass fantasy points per game (3.1) and scored only
2 TDs all season. If he can stay on the field and carve
out a niche in New Englands crowded WR corps,
Amendola has the chops to be a decent fantasy
player. But those are some big ifs.
DANNY AMENDOLA NE $2 AGE 28 BYE 10
TEAM STL NE NE
G 11 12 12
REC 63 54 65
YDS 666 633 767
AVG 10.6 11.7 11.8
TD 3 2 4
ATT 2 1 0
YDS 8 1 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 2 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Andy Reids arrival in KCalong with the signing of
Alex Smithwas supposed to make Bowe fantasy
sleeper material. But outside of an eight-catch,
150-yard performance against the Colts in the
playoffs, the new regime resulted in Bowes numbers
falling through the floor. He posted his second-
lowest single-season totals in targets (103),
receptions (57) and yards (673). More disturbing
is the 34 vertical targets, a mark that ranked 49th
among wide receivers. Dont count on anything
much better this year.
DWAYNE BOWE KC $2 AGE 29 BYE 6
TEAM KC KC KC
G 13 15 15
REC 59 57 61
YDS 801 673 720
AVG 13.6 11.8 11.8
TD 3 5 6
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 5 6
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 43
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Paydirt was the missing ingredient in Nicks fantasy
season last year. He was the only wide receiver to
score more than 50 points without registering at
least one receiving touchdown. The Colts dont shy
away from throwing in the red zone (74 attempts last
season, tied for 13th), so Nicks should be able to end
his scoring drought. If he does, it wont take much to
move him into flex territory; a mere 4 TDs last year
would have placed him 32nd in WR fantasy points.
HAKEEM NICKS I ND $2 AGE 26 BYE 10
TEAM NYG NYG IND
G 13 15 14
REC 53 56 47
YDS 692 896 761
AVG 13.1 16 16.2
TD 3 0 4
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 0 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
You think Jennings misses Aaron Rodgers? In his
inaugural season with the Vikings, Jennings had
nine games with 50 yards or less. And he wasnt
getting into the end zone much either. Outside of
the three games in which he scored touchdowns,
Jennings averaged 3.4 fantasy points per week.
Jerome Simpson, who was re-signed by the Vikings
in the offseason, had more vertical targets last year
(52 to 36), and Cordarrelle Patterson will vie to move
ahead of Jennings in that category in 2014. With
Minnesotas QB situation in flux, Jennings is a
late-round pick up at best.
GREG JENNINGS MI N $1 AGE 30 BYE 10
TEAM GB MIN MIN
G 8 15 15
REC 36 68 73
YDS 366 804 832
AVG 10.2 11.8 11.4
TD 4 4 4
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 4 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
DEANDRE HOPKINS NO. 40 WR
44
45
New England has been looking for a downfield WR
threat ever since Randy Moss left in early 2010, with
Dobson as the latest to track long balls from Tom
Brady. Dobson led Patriots WRs in vertical receiving
yards per game (26.5) and vertical targets per
game (3) as a rookie last year. And perhaps more
impressive, he had nearly as many yards after the
catch on vertical passes (118) as the rest of New
Englands WR corps (160). Offseason stress fracture
surgery (foot) is a concern, but Dobsons deep-ball
opportunities will continue in year two.
AARON DOBSON NE $1 AGE 23 BYE 10
TEAM N/A NE NE
G N/A 12 13
REC N/A 37 43
YDS N/A 519 612
AVG N/A 14 14.2
TD N/A 4 5
ATT N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 4 5
51
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Austin lived up to his reputation as a pinball in cleats
by ranking 18th among wide receivers in yards
after catch per reception (5.62). He also set a new
standard for fantasy unreliability, as he tallied 62
fantasy points in three starts and only 19 points the
rest of the season. Get your surefire starters in line
before you think about drafting Austin, but if hes
still around in the late rounds, his 4.34 speed and
game-breaking potential become harder to ignore.
TAVON AUSTIN STL $1 AGE 23 BYE 4
TEAM N/A STL STL
G N/A 13 14
REC N/A 40 46
YDS N/A 418 524
AVG N/A 10.5 11.4
TD N/A 4 3
ATT N/A 9 13
YDS N/A 151 121
TD N/A 1 1
TD N/A 5 4
52
TOTAL
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RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
RUEBEN RANDLE NO. 50 WR
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Last season Baltimore had the worst vertical
passing offense in the NFL, ranking dead last in
vertical yards per attempt (8.68) and completion
rate (35.8 percent) and 30th in vertical TDs (6).
Lets hope the Ravens werent counting on Smith
to solve that problem. At this point in his career,
Smith is no longer a legit deep threat; his 424
vertical receiving yards ranked 37th in the league.
Hell certainly help the Ravens offense, but itd be a
surprise if he exceeded his totals from last season.
STEVE SMITH BAL $1 AGE 35 BYE 11
TEAM CAR CAR BAL
G 16 15 16
REC 73 64 56
YDS 1,174 745 676
AVG 16.1 11.6 12.1
TD 4 4 5
ATT 3 0 0
YDS 27 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 4 5
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TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Yes, we know Hunter had only 18 catches as a
rookie, but weve put him in our top 50 for a reason.
A 4.44 burner, Hunter showed off his big-play ability
in Weeks 12 and 14, when he combined for 223
yards and 2 TDs. All told, he averaged an absurd
19.7 yards per catch and scored 4.64 fantasy points
per game on vertical throws, 25th among wide
receivers. All itll take is 50 catches for Hunter to
insert himself into the WR3 discussion.
JUSTIN HUNTER TEN $1 AGE 23 BYE 9
TEAM N/A TEN TEN
G N/A 14 15
REC N/A 18 43
YDS N/A 354 722
AVG N/A 19.7 16.8
TD N/A 4 4
ATT N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 4 4
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RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
After three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Johnson
exploded out of the gate for 17 catches, 236 yards
and 2 TDs in his first three games. But as injuries
mounted, he totaled only 35-361-1 the rest of the
way. The most disturbing metric of all was Johnsons
33 fantasy points on vertical passeshalf of his
2011 and 2012 totals. Working in an offense with
Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin could take
some coverage pressure off Johnson, but it will also
limit his workload.
STEVIE JOHNSON SF $1 AGE 28 BYE 8
TEAM BUF BUF SF
G 16 12 14
REC 79 52 48
YDS 1,046 597 590
AVG 13.2 11.5 12.3
TD 6 3 4
ATT 0 1 0
YDS 0 10 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 6 3 4
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RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
A year after leading the league with 14 TDs, Jones
regressed to only three scores last season. While
its unlikely hell ever replicate the magic from
2012, the Raiders would be wise to turn Jones
loose downfield. Last season he racked up 27.9
yards per game on stretch vertical passes, and
all told, his 3.1 fantasy points per game on such
heaves ranked above fellow Packers wideouts
Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. If Oakland gives
him triple-digit targets for the first time in his
career, Jones could be worth flex consideration.
JAMES JONES OAK $1 AGE 30 BYE 5
TEAM GB GB OAK
G 16 14 15
REC 64 59 57
YDS 784 817 703
AVG 12.3 13.8 12.3
TD 14 3 5
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 14 3 5
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TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
There is a strong case to be made that Mike Evans
was more valuable to Texas A&M last year than
Johnny Manziel. His 14.2 ypa was tops among the
wide receiver prospects in this years draft, and
in September he torched the vaunted Alabama
secondary to the tune of seven receptions for 279
yards and a touchdown. Evans excelled at playground
football, as he racked up an insanely high 17.6 ypa
on plays in which Manziel had to scramble out of the
pocket. His being on the opposite side of the field
from Vincent Jackson ensures that the 6-foot-5,
231-pound Evans will not be the primary coverage
concern of most defenses the Bucs face.
MIKE EVANS TB $1 AGE 21 BYE 7
TEAM N/A N/A TB
G N/A N/A 16
REC N/A N/A 55
YDS N/A N/A 842
AVG N/A N/A 15.3
TD N/A N/A 3
ATT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 3
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TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Over a six-game midseason stretch, Randle tallied
nearly 300 yards and 6 TDs. This unexpected
outburstwhich accounted for nearly half of his
2013 yards and all of his scoreshinted at Randles
fantasy upside. But the remaining six games hinted
at his inconsistency. As year three begins, Randle will
get first dibs on taking over the Hakeem Nicks role
in the Giants offense, but he must learn an entirely
different playbook first and beat No. 1 draft selection
Odell Beckham for the starting role opposite Victor
Cruz. New offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo is
installing a West Coast system, so Randle owners
should expect more ups and downs in 2014.
RUEBEN RANDLE NYG $1 AGE 23 BYE 8
TEAM NYG NYG NYG
G 16 16 16
REC 19 41 43
YDS 298 611 675
AVG 15.7 14.9 15.7
TD 3 6 5
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 6 5
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TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
In 2012, Moore jumped out of the gate with 34
catches for 575 yards and 5 TDs in his first eight
games. He followed that up with just 17-166-2 in his
remaining seven contests. He repeated the pattern
again last season: 32-513-4 through eight games
and 14-182-1 down the stretch. The road wont
be any smoother this year as Moore competes for
long-distance passes with James Jones and Rod
Streater. The point? Dont draft Moore, but if you do,
trade him midseason.
DENARIUS MOORE OAK $0 AGE 25 BYE 5
TEAM OAK OAK OAK
G 15 13 14
REC 51 46 43
YDS 741 695 671
AVG 14.5 15.1 15.6
TD 7 5 3
ATT 1 0 0
YDS -5 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 7 5 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
The exits of Emmanuel Sanders and Jerricho
Cotchery via free agency could give Wheaton a
shot at the starting gig opposite Antonio Brown. A
5-foot-11 speedster out of Oregon State, Wheaton
is still a relative unknown after playing only 153
offensive snaps as a rookie. His college tape shows
off a dual-threat skill set similar to that of Percy
Harvin, which is an exciting fantasy proposition if he
wins the job. Thats no slam dunk, as Pittsburgh
brought in Darrius Heyward-Bey and Lance Moore
to compete with Wheaton.
MARKUS WHEATON PI T $0 AGE 23 BYE 12
TEAM N/A PIT PIT
G N/A 12 14
REC N/A 6 53
YDS N/A 64 588
AVG N/A 10.7 11.1
TD N/A 0 4
ATT N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
DENARIUS MOORE NO. 59 WR
Over the course of his career, LaFell has posted
very consistent and wholly unspectacular statistics.
He has always had between 38 and 49 receptions
and is typically somewhere in the 600-yard range.
Dont think thatll change just because Tom Brady is
now in the picture. As it stands, LaFell is probably at
best Bradys No. 6 target, behind Rob Gronkowski,
Julian Edelman, Shane Vereen, Danny Amendola
and Aaron Dobson. Hell need some injuries to see
the field consistently.
BRANDON LAFELL NE $0 AGE 27 BYE 10
TEAM CAR CAR NE
G 14 16 15
REC 44 49 42
YDS 677 627 609
AVG 15.4 12.8 14.5
TD 4 5 4
ATT 3 2 2
YDS 35 15 12
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 5 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
The Seahawks run-first approach tends to sap the
fantasy value of the squads second-tier receivers,
but dont let that keep Baldwin off your radar. He
finished second on the team in targets (73) and
first in vertical targets (32), and he set career highs
in yards per catch (15.6) and TDs (5). And now that
Golden Tate is in Detroit, Baldwin is officially Seattles
No. 2 WR opposite Percy Harvin. If his targets flirt
with triple digits and the deep balls keep coming,
Baldwin has some serious sleeper potential.
DOUG BALDWIN SEA $0 AGE 25 BYE 4
TEAM SEA SEA SEA
G 14 16 16
REC 29 50 52
YDS 366 778 646
AVG 12.6 15.6 12.4
TD 3 5 3
ATT 0 2 2
YDS 0 6 14
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 5 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
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Cooks high school nickname was Sonic Boom, and
its easy to see why. Last season at Oregon State
he found his way to the end zone 16 times while
breaking the Pac-12 single-season records for
receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,730). His
backstory is just as impressive, as he helped hold
his family together after his father died of a heart
attack when Cooks was only 6 years old. New Orleans
moves the ball around a lot, so Cooks may not have
dominant target totals, but his 4.33 40-yard-dash
time indicates he can make the most of the passes
thrown his way.
BRANDIN COOKS NO $0 AGE 20 BYE 6
TEAM N/A N/A NO
G N/A N/A 16
REC N/A N/A 47
YDS N/A N/A 566
AVG N/A N/A 12
TD N/A N/A 5
ATT N/A N/A 9
YDS N/A N/A 52
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 5
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
With Josh Gordons questionable status and Nate
Burlesons penchant for injury, Hawkins could carry
his share of fantasy value either as a starter or
as the Browns primary slot receiver. That sounds
great in theory, but in his breakout 2012 campaign,
Hawkins 10.5 yards per reception ranked 73rd
among wide receivers. The lack of big-play ability
translated to a mediocre 71 fantasy points in
standard leagues in that campaign, but Hawkins did
tally 8.7 points per game in a PPR environment, a
total worthy of WR6 status.
ANDREW HAWKINS CLE $0 AGE 28 BYE 4
TEAM CIN CIN CLE
G 14 8 14
REC 51 12 62
YDS 533 199 645
AVG 10.5 16.6 10.4
TD 4 0 3
ATT 6 2 6
YDS 30 3 25
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 0 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
55
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Boykin finished third on the Packers last season in
targets (77), receptions (49) and yards (681), so it
makes sense that he will begin the year in his new
role as the No. 3 receiver. After getting nearly
blanked in the first five games of 2013, Boykin
flashed a little top-30 fantasy potential, finishing
32nd among receivers with 7.6 fantasy points per
game from Weeks 7 to 17. The most amazing
part of that run? It overlapped with Aaron Rodgers
injury, so nearly three-fourths of Boykins 72 targets
came from backup QBs.
JARRETT BOYKIN GB $0 AGE 24 BYE 9
TEAM GB GB GB
G 11 16 16
REC 5 49 50
YDS 27 681 680
AVG 5.4 13.9 13.6
TD 0 3 4
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 3 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 54
BRIAN HARTLINE NO. 66 WR
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Streaters team-leading 99 targets in 2013 ranked
25th in the NFL among the 72 wideouts who played
all 16 games. More steady than spectacular, he
notched 40 or more yards in all but three games and
tallied double-digit fantasy points in three of his last
seven. The big question here is target distribution.
Hell be fighting for looks with Denarius Moore and
James Jones, and until that shakes out, Streater will
be more of a bye-week fill-in than anything.
ROD STREATER OAK $0 AGE 26 BYE 5
TEAM OAK OAK OAK
G 16 16 16
REC 39 60 44
YDS 584 888 617
AVG 15 14.8 14
TD 3 4 3
ATT 0 2 2
YDS 0 17 17
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 4 3
61
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Talk about a year-two bump. A fifth-rounder in 2012,
Jones had minimal impact as a rookie, catching
18 balls and scoring only once. Last year he made
it into the end zone 10 times, including nine scores
inside the red zone. The only player with more? Dez
Bryant. For some context, Jones caught 86 percent
of targets inside the 20; his Bengals counterpart
A.J. Green snagged only 43 percent for 4 TDs. New
playcaller Hue Jackson promises a more run-centric
attack, so it wouldnt be a huge surprise if Jones
TDs were cut in half this season.
MARVIN JONES CI N $0 AGE 24 BYE 4
TEAM CIN CIN CIN
G 11 16 16
REC 18 51 47
YDS 201 712 554
AVG 11.2 14 11.8
TD 1 10 4
ATT 3 8 7
YDS 47 65 56
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 10 4
62
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
For the second consecutive year, Hartline posted
more than 70 catches and 1,000 yards. He also
bested highly touted teammate Mike Wallace in
catches and yards despite being targeted eight
fewer times. His 130 targets tied for 19th among
WRs and placed him just ahead of Anquan Boldin,
DeSean Jackson, Jordy Nelson and Victor Cruz. So
why isnt Hartline ranked higher? Since 2012, hes
been held under 100 yards in 27 of his 32 games
and has only 5 TDs.
BRIAN HARTLINE MI A $0 AGE 27 BYE 5
TEAM MIA MIA MIA
G 16 16 16
REC 74 76 59
YDS 1,083 1,016 786
AVG 14.6 13.4 13.3
TD 1 4 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 4 2
66
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
An argument can be made that Cotcherys value
should be higher. After all, hes moving from a
No. 3 WR role with the Steelers to a No. 2 WR role
for the Panthers and thus could see an increase
in targets. But his change in scenery could be a
downgrade; the Panthers had one of the worst
vertical passing games in the NFL last year (9.1 ypa,
ranked 31st). Odds are that Cotchery wont turn that
trend around in Carolina: He failed to produce quality
totals in that area in three seasons with the Steelers
(19.9 yards per vertical reception, 74th among WRs
with 25 or more vertical receptions).
JERRICHO COTCHERY CAR $0 AGE 32 BYE 12
TEAM PIT PIT CAR
G 14 16 14
REC 17 46 59
YDS 205 602 699
AVG 12.1 13.1 11.8
TD 0 10 3
ATT 0 1 0
YDS 0 -5 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 10 3
67
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Stills is a big reason New Orleans felt comfortable
letting Darren Sproles and Lance Moore walk in free
agency. As a rookie, he led the league with 20 yards
per catch; Josh Gordon was second with 18.9. Of
course, a low volume of targets (49) and receptions
(32) factored into that, but only two other players
since 2009 have caught 30-plus balls and averaged
20 ypc in a season: DeSean Jackson and Mike
Wallace. Without Sproles or Moore in the picture,
more than 20 percent of the Saints targets from last
season are up for grabs. Stills will have to compete
with first-round pick Brandin Cooks, but if he can
snag his fair share, hell vault up the WR rankings.
KENNY STILLS NO $0 AGE 22 BYE 6
TEAM N/A NO NO
G N/A 16 16
REC N/A 32 34
YDS N/A 641 563
AVG N/A 20 16.6
TD N/A 5 4
ATT N/A 3 3
YDS N/A 10 24
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 5 4
63
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Lee is one of the core elements of the Jaguars
offensive transformation. His overall numbers last
year at USC (57 receptions, 791 yards, 4 TDs) fell
short of his 2012 Biletnikoff Awardwinning figures
(118 receptions, 1,721 yards, 14 TDs), but a good
portion of that drop-off was due to the MCL injury
he suffered last season. Lee has experience learning
an NFL-caliber playbook and has the benefit of
lining up opposite Cecil Shorts. Still, because the
Jacksonville offense is a work in progress, its likely
Lee will take a year or two to break out.
MARQISE LEE JAC $0 AGE 22 BYE 11
TEAM N/A N/A JAC
G N/A N/A 15
REC N/A N/A 43
YDS N/A N/A 597
AVG N/A N/A 13.9
TD N/A N/A 4
ATT N/A N/A 2
YDS N/A N/A 17
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 4
64
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Beckham is a throwback triple threat, as Giants
GM Jerry Reese noted that the LSU first-rounder
can score touchdowns on receptions, kick returns
and punt returns. A home run hitter of this caliber
doesnt come around often and could go a long
way toward improving New Yorks mediocre vertical
passing game (9.6 ypa, ranked 26th). The biggest
impediment could be having to make the transition
to offensive coordinator Ben McAdoos West Coast
scheme, which is a change in style from the vertical
passing system Beckham played in at LSU.
ODELL BECKHAM NYG $0 AGE 21 BYE 8
TEAM N/A N/A NYG
G N/A N/A 16
REC N/A N/A 37
YDS N/A N/A 586
AVG N/A N/A 15.8
TD N/A N/A 4
ATT N/A N/A 3
YDS N/A N/A 15
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 4
65
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
If production against topflight college competition
is your thing, its hard to find someone with a better
rsum than second-rounder Matthews. He ended
his Vanderbilt tenure as the SECs all-time leader in
career receptions (262) and receiving yards (3,759)
and set a single-season SEC record in 2013 with
112 catches. Eagles head coach Chip Kelly wants to
lean more heavily on sizable skill position players,
and that could mean a significant rookie workload for
the 6-foot-3, 212-pound Matthews.
JORDAN MATTHEWS PHI $0 AGE 22 BYE 7
TEAM N/A N/A PHI
G N/A N/A 14
REC N/A N/A 36
YDS N/A N/A 513
AVG N/A N/A 14.3
TD N/A N/A 3
ATT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Remember way back in Week 1 when Thompkins
14 targets seemed to spell fantasy superstardom?
Or back in Week 3, when his 2 red zone TDs seemed
to make him a double-digit threat? Or back in
Week 4, when his six catches for 127 yards and
a touchdown meant Tom Brady had finally found a
reliable pass catcher outside of Gronk? Well, yeah,
we may have overreacted a bit. Thompkins crashed
hard. After being a healthy scratch in Week 9, he
scored just 12 fantasy points the rest of the season.
Its hard to imagine that Thompkins will re-establish
his fantasy relevance in 2014, but if he does, well
temper our future projections.
KENBRELL THOMPKINS NE $0 AGE 26 BYE 10
TEAM N/A NE NE
G N/A 12 14
REC N/A 32 39
YDS N/A 466 538
AVG N/A 14.6 13.8
TD N/A 4 3
ATT N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 4 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
HARRY DOUGLAS NO. 73 WR
Simpson showed off his big-play ability early last
season, posting 22 of his 32 fantasy points on
vertical throws. Things went south after that, as he
compiled only 22 such points over the seasons final
12 games. Cordarrelle Patterson is partly to blame
for the decline; his emergence as a rookie moved
Simpson into a backup role, which he still occupies.
New O-coordinator Norv Turner is a master at
using vertical pass catchers, but keep in mind that
Simpson could be facing a suspension after his
Nov. 9 arrest on a drunken driving charge.
JEROME SIMPSON MI N $0 AGE 28 BYE 10
TEAM MIN MIN MIN
G 12 16 16
REC 26 48 46
YDS 274 726 572
AVG 10.5 15.1 12.4
TD 0 1 3
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 1 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Its hard to adequately evaluate Woods rookie
season after he fielded ground balls from the three-
headed QB monstrosity of EJ Manuel, Jeff Tuel
and Thad Lewis. Despite the obvious roadblocks,
Woods averaged 14.7 yards per catch (26th in the
NFL) and had 18 targets on stretch vertical throws
(23rd). All told, he tied for the team lead in WR
fantasy points (73). Dont get too excited: Woods
value will be capped until the Bills get improved
stability at quarterback.
ROBERT WOODS BUF $0 AGE 22 BYE 9
TEAM N/A BUF BUF
G N/A 14 14
REC N/A 40 40
YDS N/A 587 545
AVG N/A 14.7 13.6
TD N/A 3 3
ATT N/A 2 2
YDS N/A 16 11
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 3 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
At first glance, it might seem difficult for Douglas to
replicate last years career high of 132 targets, 85
receptions and 1,067 yards. Part of that production
was due to a total of 14 missed games from Julio
Jones and Roddy White, which gifted Douglas 11
starts. Barring injury, he wont get that many starts
again, but the departure of Tony Gonzalez should
free up more targets. Provided Matt Ryan can stay
upright this season, Douglas could have the highest
upside of any WR6 candidate.
HARRY DOUGLAS ATL $0 AGE 29 BYE 9
TEAM ATL ATL ATL
G 15 16 16
REC 38 85 56
YDS 395 1,067 657
AVG 10.4 12.6 11.7
TD 1 2 2
ATT 2 0 0
YDS 4 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 2 2
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 73
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As the Rams give Britt a second chance to live up
to the hype, fantasy owners are left wondering why
they should do the same. One reason? Downfield
production. In his first four NFL seasons, Britt
averaged 4.8 vertical fantasy points per game, a
mark that ranked 27th among WRs over that span.
Working with Jeff Fisher again could help Britt
regain his deep-ball prowess, but his durability (hes
missed over a quarter of his career games) and his
place on St. Louis crowded WR depth chart should
keep him off your roster initially.
KENNY BRITT STL $0 AGE 25 BYE 4
TEAM TEN TEN STL
G 14 12 13
REC 45 11 37
YDS 589 96 525
AVG 13.1 8.7 14.2
TD 4 0 4
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 0 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 70
Williams missed 10 games last season with a
hamstring injury, and when he played he was largely
ineffective. Bad QB play certainly had something
to do with that; the Bucs finished last in the league
with 2,820 passing yards. Hes now in Buffalo,
but the QB situation is still a bit of a wild card,
especially in the red zone. In 2013, the Bills had
only 98 passing yards inside the 20, which ranked
31st. Williams will be an upgrade in that area; his
2.7 fantasy points per game on red zone passes
since 2012 is 15th among WRs.
MIKE WILLIAMS BUF $0 AGE 27 BYE 9
TEAM TB TB BUF
G 16 6 16
REC 63 22 51
YDS 996 216 704
AVG 15.8 9.8 13.8
TD 9 2 3
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 9 2 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 68
Roberts had his second-worst season as a pro,
playing No. 3 receiver behind Larry Fitzgerald and
Michael Floyd in Arizona. So of course the Redskins
gave him a four-year deal for $8 million guaranteed
to be the No. 3 receiver behind DeSean Jackson
and Pierre Garcon. What could possibly go wrong?
Barring an injury to one of the starters, Roberts likely
will be an afterthought in Jay Grudens game plans.
He shouldnt be owned until he proves he can be an
adequate third option.
ANDRE ROBERTS WAS $0 AGE 26 BYE 10
TEAM ARI ARI WAS
G 15 16 16
REC 64 43 40
YDS 759 471 545
AVG 11.9 11 13.6
TD 5 2 4
ATT 4 0 3
YDS 29 0 17
TD 0 0 0
TD 5 2 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 69
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SIDNEY RICE NO. 80 WR
MARLON BROWN NO. 81 WR
As of this writing, Holmes had yet to find a suitor
on the free agent market. It turns out 30-year-old
wideouts whove missed more games than theyve
played the past two seasons arent hot commodities.
Who knew? Even if Holmes does find a team, steer
clear of him as a fantasy option. Hes posted only
one career season with more than 1,000 yards. Hes
never eclipsed 80 catches. And touchdowns? Hes
scored only two in 15 games since 2012. Stay away.
Stay far away.
SANTONIO HOLMES FA $0 AGE 30 BYE TBD
TEAM NYJ NYJ FA
G 4 11 12
REC 20 23 38
YDS 272 456 497
AVG 13.6 19.8 13.1
TD 1 1 3
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 1 3
76
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Pittsburgh signed Moore with the hope that he
can return to 2012 form. That was his only 1,000-
yard season and one of only two in which hes had
100-plus targets. In total, he scored 6 TDs and
registered a top-25 fantasy year (9.1 points per
game). The 2013 version of Moore saw his targets
cut in half (52) and his fantasy points per game
drop by 57 percent (3.9). The Steelers have a
history of getting quality production out of older
players, but the 31-year-old Moore wont likely rise
to fantasy relevance.
LANCE MOORE PI T $0 AGE 31 BYE 12
TEAM NO NO PIT
G 15 13 13
REC 65 37 50
YDS 1,041 457 602
AVG 16 12.4 12
TD 6 2 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 6 2 2
78
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Carolina wanted to give Cam Newton a big target,
and wide receivers dont get much bigger than
Benjamin. His 6-foot-5, 241-pound frame made him
the tallest and heaviest at his position in this years
draft. That size comes at a price; his 4.61 40 was
eighth slowest among WRs at the combine. And while
Benjamin did catch the game winner in the national
championship game, he saw only 142 targets during
his two-year Florida State career. The ultimate
boom/bust talent from this years draft, Benjamin is,
at best, worth monitoring on your waiver wire.
KELVIN BENJAMIN CAR $0 AGE 23 BYE 12
TEAM N/A N/A CAR
G N/A N/A 14
REC N/A N/A 47
YDS N/A N/A 691
AVG N/A N/A 14.7
TD N/A N/A 2
ATT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 2
77
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Utility players like McCluster are often underused,
but that wont be the case with Ken Whisenhunt.
Last season Whiz found myriad ways to get Danny
Woodhead the ball in San Diego, which led to
Woodheads No. 19 ranking in points among RBs
(132). McClusters receiving skills are equal to or
better than Woodheads, and as a rusher, McCluster
is only two seasons removed from posting a 7.7
GBYPA (good-blocking yards per attempt). For some
context, Woodhead posted a 5.7 GBYPA that season
under Whisenhunt. There are worse lottery tickets to
snag than McCluster.
DEXTER MCCLUSTER TEN $0 AGE 26 BYE 9
TEAM KC KC TEN
G 16 15 16
REC 52 53 53
YDS 452 511 476
AVG 8.7 9.6 9
TD 1 2 2
ATT 12 8 43
YDS 70 5 177
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 2 2
79
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
Rice has missed over 30 percent of regular-season
games since 2011, but when hes on the field,
he produces some big plays. His 15.1 yards per
reception over the past three years ranks 14th among
qualifying WRs. That hasnt translated to much
fantasy production, though; Rice has only 12 receiving
touchdowns over that span, and his 6.2 fantasy points
per game ranks 53rd. Playing in a run-first Seahawks
offense and competing for targets with a healthy
Percy Harvin and talented rookie Paul Richardson
could put a cap on Rices fantasy potential.
SIDNEY RICE SEA $0 AGE 28 BYE 4
TEAM SEA SEA SEA
G 16 8 10
REC 50 15 29
YDS 748 231 449
AVG 15 15.4 15.5
TD 7 3 5
ATT 2 0 0
YDS 6 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 7 3 5
80
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ
J
E
R
E
M
Y

K
E
R
L
E
Y

N
Y
J

$
0

A
G
E

2
5

B
Y
E

1
1
82 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
M
A
R
L
O
N

B
R
O
W
N

B
A
L

$
0

A
G
E

2
3

B
Y
E

1
1
81
2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
E
D
D
I
E

R
O
Y
A
L

S
D

$
0

A
G
E

2
8

B
Y
E

1
0
83 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
T
E
D

G
I
N
N

A
R
I

$
0

A
G
E

2
9

B
Y
E

4
84 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
N
A
T
E

B
U
R
L
E
S
O
N

C
L
E

$
0

A
G
E

3
3

B
Y
E

4
85 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
TEAM NYJ NYJ NYJ
G 16 12 14
REC 56 43 51
YDS 827 523 616
AVG 14.8 12.2 12.1
TD 2 3 2
ATT 5 4 5
YDS 8 11 19
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 3 2
TEAM N/A BAL BAL
G N/A 14 16
REC N/A 49 33
YDS N/A 524 363
AVG N/A 10.7 11
TD N/A 7 4
ATT N/A 1 0
YDS N/A -2 0
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 7 4
TEAM SD SD SD
G 10 15 14
REC 23 47 42
YDS 234 631 431
AVG 10.2 13.4 10.3
TD 1 8 3
ATT 3 3 3
YDS 22 21 13
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 8 3
TEAM SF CAR ARI
G 13 16 14
REC 2 36 29
YDS 1 556 452
AVG 0.5 15.4 15.6
TD 0 5 3
ATT 1 4 5
YDS 7 29 28
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 5 3
TEAM DET DET CLE
G 6 9 11
REC 27 39 35
YDS 240 461 390
AVG 8.9 11.8 11.1
TD 2 1 4
ATT 8 2 2
YDS 48 -8 10
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 1 4
N
A
T
E

W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N

T
E
N

$
0

A
G
E

3
1

B
Y
E

9
87
2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
J
E
R
R
E
L

J
E
R
N
I
G
A
N

N
Y
G

$
0

A
G
E

2
5

B
Y
E

8
86 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
J
A
R
V
I
S

L
A
N
D
R
Y

M
I
A

$
0

A
G
E

2
1

B
Y
E

5
88 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
C
H
R
I
S

G
I
V
E
N
S

S
T
L

$
0

A
G
E

2
4

B
Y
E

4
89 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
D
A
V
A
N
T
E

A
D
A
M
S

G
B

$
0

A
G
E

2
1

B
Y
E

9
90 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
G
R
E
G

L
I
T
T
L
E

O
A
K

$
0

A
G
E

2
5

B
Y
E

T
B
D
92 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
A
C
E

S
A
N
D
E
R
S

J
A
C

$
0

A
G
E

2
2

B
Y
E

1
1
91 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
J
U
S
T
I
N

B
L
A
C
K
M
O
N

J
A
C

$
0

A
G
E

2
4

B
Y
E

1
1
93 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
A
N
D
R
E

H
O
L
M
E
S

O
A
K

$
0

A
G
E

2
6

B
Y
E

5
94 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
C
O
L
E

B
E
A
S
L
E
Y

D
A
L

$
0

A
G
E

2
5

B
Y
E

1
1
95 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
M
I
L
E
S

A
U
S
T
I
N

C
L
E

$
0

A
G
E

3
0

B
Y
E

4
97 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
J
A
S
O
N

A
V
A
N
T

C
A
R

$
0

A
G
E

3
1

B
Y
E

1
2
96 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
M
A
R
T
A
V
I
S

B
R
Y
A
N
T

P
I
T

$
0

A
G
E

2
2

B
Y
E

1
2
98 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
A
.
J
.

J
E
N
K
I
N
S

K
C

$
0

A
G
E

2
4

B
Y
E

6
99 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
M
O
H
A
M
E
D

S
A
N
U

C
I
N

$
0

A
G
E

2
5

B
Y
E

4
100 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
TEAM TEN TEN TEN
G 16 16 16
REC 46 58 39
YDS 746 919 600
AVG 16.2 15.8 15.4
TD 4 3 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 3 2
TEAM NYG NYG NYG
G 9 15 15
REC 3 29 31
YDS 22 329 386
AVG 7.3 11.3 12.5
TD 0 2 3
ATT 1 2 3
YDS 6 57 26
TD 0 1 0
TD 0 3 3
TEAM N/A N/A MIA
G N/A N/A 15
REC N/A N/A 36
YDS N/A N/A 476
AVG N/A N/A 13.2
TD N/A N/A 2
ATT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 2
TEAM STL STL STL
G 15 16 16
REC 42 34 41
YDS 698 569 671
AVG 16.6 16.7 16.4
TD 3 0 1
ATT 3 3 4
YDS 12 8 31
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 0 1
TEAM N/A N/A GB
G N/A N/A 15
REC N/A N/A 26
YDS N/A N/A 334
AVG N/A N/A 12.8
TD N/A N/A 2
ATT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 2
TEAM CLE CLE OAK
G 16 16 16
REC 53 41 34
YDS 647 465 432
AVG 12.2 11.3 12.7
TD 4 2 3
ATT 2 0 0
YDS 15 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 2 3
TEAM N/A JAC JAC
G N/A 15 15
REC N/A 51 45
YDS N/A 484 423
AVG N/A 9.5 9.4
TD N/A 1 1
ATT N/A 2 5
YDS N/A 4 21
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 1 1
TEAM JAC JAC JAC
G 16 4 0
REC 64 29 0
YDS 865 415 0
AVG 13.5 14.3 0
TD 5 1 0
ATT 2 1 0
YDS 23 -1 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 5 1 0
TEAM DAL OAK OAK
G 7 10 12
REC 2 25 26
YDS 11 431 344
AVG 5.5 17.2 13.2
TD 0 1 1
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 1 1
TEAM DAL DAL DAL
G 10 14 14
REC 15 39 46
YDS 128 368 423
AVG 8.5 9.4 9.2
TD 0 2 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 2 2
TEAM DAL DAL CLE
G 16 11 10
REC 66 24 22
YDS 943 244 321
AVG 14.3 10.2 14.6
TD 6 0 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 6 0 2
TEAM PHI PHI CAR
G 14 16 16
REC 53 38 35
YDS 648 447 361
AVG 12.2 11.8 10.3
TD 0 2 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 2 2
TEAM N/A N/A PIT
G N/A N/A 12
REC N/A N/A 27
YDS N/A N/A 380
AVG N/A N/A 14.1
TD N/A N/A 2
ATT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 2
TEAM SF KC KC
G 3 16 16
REC 0 8 24
YDS 0 130 376
AVG 0 16.3 15.7
TD 0 0 1
ATT 0 2 3
YDS 0 6 6
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 0 1
TEAM CIN CIN CIN
G 9 16 16
REC 16 47 39
YDS 154 455 361
AVG 9.6 9.7 9.3
TD 4 2 2
ATT 5 4 5
YDS 15 16 24
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 2 2
T
I
G
H
T

E
N
D
S
E
A
M

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E
V
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W
S

S
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A
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S

S
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D
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ANTONIO GATES, SD Its been a wonder-
ful ride for the eight-time Pro Bowler,
but long gone are the days of top-ve TE
fantasy status. He could soon be passed
on the depth chart by Ladarius Green, who
averaged better than 22 yards per catch in
limited duty last season. Look elsewhere
for your starter. The Chargers are.
TIGHT END YOU SHOULDNT TOUCH.
BY ERIC KARABELL
Its Rob Gronkowskis world; were just
living in it. You know how good the outgo-
ing and brittle yet ridiculously productive
Patriot is. He showed everyone in 2011
when he broke the position record with
17 TD receptions while catching 90 passes
for 1,327 yards. Since then, hes remained
productive, with 15 TDs in 18 games over
two seasons. But injuries to various body
parts have slowed him downsomething
defenses could never do. Whether Gronk
recovers from his ACL injury to play in
16 games or three, theres enough
depth at tight end to get fantasy owners
through the season. Top talents like
Jimmy Graham and Vernon Davis will win
you weeks, veterans like Jason Witten and
Greg Olsen should still thrive, and young
players like Coby Fleener, Ladarius Green
and Zach Ertz are intriguing lottery tickets.
But no one is as intriguing as Gronkif
hes healthy. That if promises another
wild fantasy ride in year ve of the Rob
Gronkowski Experience.
CHECK OUT UPDATED TE RANKINGS
RATES OF CHANGE
HERES HOW OUR TOP 10 TIGHT ENDS PROJECTED POINTS COMPARE WITH THEIR
TOTALS FROM 2013 AND THE AVERAGE TE1 OUTPUT LAST SEASON.
1
3
1
.
5
JIMMY GRAHAM
JULIUS THOMAS
ROB GRONKOWSKI
VERNON DAVIS
JASON WITTEN
JORDAN CAMERON
GREG OLSEN
DENNIS PITTA
KYLE RUDOLPH
JORDAN REED
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2013 ACTUAL POINTS
2013 TE1 AVG FANTASY POINTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
211
144
80
156
127
127
110
21
45
65
189
162
135
155
127
114
105
104
123
111
3
0
0
2
5
0
1
0
0
2
0
0
5
0
0
1
5
0
3
5
0
4
0
0
4
5
0
F
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:

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S
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C
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;

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D
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S
P
O
R
T
S
NUMBER OF TIGHT ENDS LAST SEASON
WHO HAD MORE THAN 900 YARDS
RECEIVING. MEANWHILE, THERE WERE
17 TES WHO GAINED BETWEEN 500 AND
900 YARDS. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
THE HIGH AND LOW END OF THAT RANGE IS
ONLY 25 YARDS PER GAME. THE LESSON?
LIKE WITH QBS, I WANT TO BE ONE OF THE
FIRST PEOPLE IN MY LEAGUE TO DRAFT A
TE OR THE LAST. MATTHEW BERRY
2
F
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;

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JULIUS THOMAS NO. 2 TE
We regularly say that a tight end has to submit a truly
historic season to justify a first- or second-round
pick. Well, in 2013, Graham did just that. His 16 TD
receptions led the NFL and was the second most
ever by a tight end. Its true that after an incredible
start49 catches, 746 yards and 10 TDs through
Week 9Graham leveled off a bit. Bothered by a
plantar fascia injury, he topped 73 yards receiving
in just one of his final eight contests. But in that
span, he also had 6 TDs, so well shut up. Perhaps
the NFLs truest matchup nightmare, Graham is a
cornerstone of the Saints offense. Maybe historic
seasons have simply become his norm.
JIMMY GRAHAM NO $47 AGE 27 BYE 6
TEAM NO NO NO
G 15 16 15
REC 85 86 84
YDS 982 1,215 1,115
AVG 11.6 14.1 13.3
TD 9 16 13
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 9 16 13
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 1
Last year Witten topped 5 receiving TDs for just
the second time in the past six seasons, earning
his fantasy owners a respite from their annual
end zone torment. In general, though, 2013 was
a bit of a comedown. Witten posted his fewest
catches and lowest yardage total since 2006 and
had a whopping seven games in which he caught
three or fewer passes. Hes still only 32 and can bust
loose in any given week, but wed be worried about
last years so-so totals combined with his typical
dearth of touchdowns.
JASON WITTEN DAL $5 AGE 32 BYE 11
TEAM DAL DAL DAL
G 16 16 16
REC 110 73 74
YDS 1,039 851 818
AVG 9.4 11.7 11.1
TD 3 8 7
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 8 7
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 5
TEAM DEN DEN DEN
G 4 14 15
REC 0 65 72
YDS 0 788 923
AVG 0 12.1 12.8
TD 0 12 12
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 12 12
In his first year as a starter, Thomas established
himself as a red zone freak8 of his 12 TDs came
inside an opponents 20and a trusted safety valve.
Part of what makes Thomas tick as a fantasy
option is the talent around him. Demaryius Thomas,
Wes Welker and Emmanuel Sanders should ensure
that Julius will regularly see singled-up looks, and
Peyton Manning trusts him to take advantage. The
bottom line: The Broncos offense is a machine,
and Julius Thomas is an essential cog. He missed a
couple of games with a knee injury in 2013, but he
should be all systems go this season.
JULIUS THOMAS DEN $30 AGE 26 BYE 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 2
Big Vern was the No. 2 TE in fantasy last year,
quite a rebound from his No. 15 ranking in 2012.
It turns out all those theories suggesting Davis and
Colin Kaepernick couldnt coexist were as ridiculous
as they sounded. The duo seemed to like each
other just fine inside the red zone, where Davis
scored 9 of his 13 TDs. In a run-heavy offense
with Michael Crabtree healthy and Stevie Johnson
aboard, wed argue that Davis wont be a top source
of yardage or receptions. But the possibility of
double-digit TDs keeps him elite.
VERNON DAVIS SF $12 AGE 30 BYE 8
TEAM SF SF SF
G 16 15 16
REC 41 52 57
YDS 548 850 850
AVG 13.4 16.3 14.9
TD 5 13 12
ATT 0 0 1
YDS 0 0 11
TD 0 0 0
TD 5 13 12
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 4
If Gronk could guarantee us 16 games, wed be
tempted to place him atop our TE list. Hes that good.
In 50 career regular-season contests, hes scored
42 TDs. But he has also undergone eight career
surgeries, the latest of which is probably his most
serious. He tore his ACL and MCL after a huge hit
from T.J. Ward in Week 14, putting Gronk on the clock
for 2014 training camp. And frankly, even if he meets
a Week 1 deadline, you have to wonder whether the
star-crossed Gronk can keep overcoming physical
adversity and take NFL-level punishment. We love the
guy, but every year he seems to carry more risk.
ROB GRONKOWSKI NE $24 AGE 25 BYE 10
TEAM NE NE NE
G 11 7 10
REC 55 39 60
YDS 790 592 876
AVG 14.4 15.2 14.6
TD 11 4 8
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 11 4 8
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 3
JASON WITTEN NO. 5 TE
JORDAN CAMERON NO. 6 TE
Somewhere in that hulking body of Bennetts lurks
a player who could destroy fantasy leagues with
downfield plays and double-digit TDs. Unfortunately,
his employers dont use him that way. Bennetts first
season with the Bears looked like his prior season
with the Giants: five or six targets per game, but very
few of the vertical variety and only occasionally in the
red zone. We suppose its only natural that Bennett
is forced to fight for table scraps in an offense
featuring Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Alas,
plan on Bennetts flashing big-time abilityand
disappearing for chunks of time.
MARTELLUS BENNETT CHI $0 AGE 27 BYE 9
TEAM NYG CHI CHI
G 16 16 16
REC 55 65 63
YDS 626 759 735
AVG 11.4 11.7 11.7
TD 5 5 5
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 5 5 5
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 12
After Dustin Keller went down in the preseason with a
catastrophic knee injury, Clay, a third-year halfback/
fullback, was forced into action as Miamis primary
tight end. And what a revelation he turned out to be.
Clay isnt a factor as a run blocker and hes not a
burner or a total athletic freak, but he has soft hands
and is a reliable safety valve for a young QB (Ryan
Tannehill) who often needs one. Add it all up and
Clay finished among the top 10 TEs in targets (101),
catches (69), yards (759) and touchdowns (6) last
season, and he even saw the occasional carry from
the Dolphins backfield. Clay wont win you weeks,
but hes an acceptable fantasy starter.
CHARLES CLAY MI A $0 AGE 25 BYE 5
TEAM MIA MIA MIA
G 14 16 16
REC 18 69 66
YDS 212 759 728
AVG 11.8 11 11
TD 2 6 5
ATT 0 7 6
YDS 0 15 17
TD 0 1 0
TD 2 7 5
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 11
Even before he broke his left foot in Week 9, Rudolph
was a fantasy disappointment. A season after
scoring 9 TDs, he had 3. Even worse, he posted only
one game with more than five catches or 51 yards
receiving. Rudolph is a giant human who runs well;
his limitations have been his QB and an offense
that hasnt focused on him. Enter Norv Turner, the
Vikings new offensive coordinator, who has a history
of creating star tight ends. He was a crucial part of
Jordan Camerons breakout in Cleveland last year
and Antonio Gates development in San Diego. Fully
trusting Rudolph, whos never topped 500 yards in a
season, is tough. But he does have breakout potential.
KYLE RUDOLPH MI N $1 AGE 24 BYE 10
TEAM MIN MIN MIN
G 16 8 14
REC 53 30 56
YDS 493 313 576
AVG 9.3 10.4 10.3
TD 9 3 8
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 9 3 8
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 9
Reeds rookie season was a fantasy roller coaster.
He started predictably slow, with just 13 catches
for 106 yards and 1 TD in September. But for more
than a month thereafter, the Redskins pumped
him the ball relentlessly: His 14 targets in Week 8
tied for the fourth most for any TE in a game all
year. Unfortunately, by mid-November, Reed was
out for the season with a serious concussion. New
Washington coach Jay Gruden comes to town with
an offense thatll look downfield often, and Reed will
be part of that effort. But DeSean Jacksons arrival
to play alongside Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts
may limit the number of available targets for the TE.
JORDAN REED WAS $1 AGE 24 BYE 10
TEAM N/A WAS WAS
G N/A 9 13
REC N/A 45 61
YDS N/A 499 689
AVG N/A 11.1 11.3
TD N/A 3 6
ATT N/A 1 1
YDS N/A 18 14
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 3 6
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 10
Pitta fractured and dislocated his hip early in training
camp and understandably lacked explosiveness
when he returned in December. His absence was
devastating to Baltimores passing game. The Ravens
just didnt have enough receiving weapons without
him, which explains why they forked over $16 million
guaranteed this winter. New offensive coordinator
Gary Kubiak is famous for featuring athletic tight
ends out of the slot, and Pittas connection with
Joe Flacco is strong. Torrey Smith will handle
the deep stuff, Steve Smith will get looks and
Owen Daniels will be a factor, but were predicting
that Pitta will lead Baltimore in catches this year.
DENNIS PITTA BAL $2 AGE 29 BYE 11
TEAM BAL BAL BAL
G 16 4 15
REC 61 20 63
YDS 669 169 690
AVG 11 8.5 11
TD 7 1 7
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 7 1 7
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 8
Its fair to be concerned that Carolinas inexperienced
WR corps will allow defenses to focus on Olsen. But
its not exactly like Panthers wideouts set the world
ablaze last year either. Regardless of the supporting
cast, Olsens past two seasons in Carolina have
been remarkably consistent: around 70 grabs for
800 yards and 5 TDs. A mountain of a man with good
hands, Olsen sits atop the above-average TE tier.
Theres no reason to reach for him in a draft, but
youll be fine if you end up with him.
GREG OLSEN CAR $2 AGE 29 BYE 12
TEAM CAR CAR CAR
G 16 16 16
REC 69 73 70
YDS 843 816 842
AVG 12.2 11.2 12
TD 5 6 5
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 5 6 5
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 7
Through the first eight weeks of 2013, Cameron was
fantasys No. 2 TE behind Jimmy Graham. He had
49 grabs and 6 TDs and was only 34 receiving yards
behind the prolific Graham. Defenses got wise to
Cameron thereafter, and his second half featured
only 31 catches and one score. Now that Rob
Chudzinski no longer coaches in Cleveland, its fair
to wonder whether the offense will revolve around
the TE position as much. Cameron is still a tough
matchup and a fantasy starter, but last years early-
season dominance was probably a bit of an outlier.
JORDAN CAMERON CLE $2 AGE 26 BYE 4
TEAM CLE CLE CLE
G 14 15 15
REC 20 80 74
YDS 226 917 879
AVG 11.3 11.5 11.9
TD 1 7 7
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 7 7
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 6
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ZACH ERTZ NO. 14 TE
Give Walker credit: In his first season as a full-fledged
NFL starter, he posted career highs across the board
and showed improved hands. In his final year with the
49ers, he had seven drops on 37 targets; last season
he had only three drops on 85 targets. New Titans
coach Ken Whisenhunt spent 2013 in San Diego
helping Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green combine
for 94 grabs and 1,248 yards, and while that would
be an ambitious projection for the smaller Walker,
its at least an indication that he wont waste away.
A top-10 season isnt out of the question.
DELANIE WALKER TEN $0 AGE 30 BYE 9
TEAM SF TEN TEN
G 16 15 15
REC 21 60 55
YDS 344 571 598
AVG 16.4 9.5 10.9
TD 3 6 5
ATT 0 0 1
YDS 0 0 10
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 6 5
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 13
Those hoping Ertz would become Chip Kellys favorite
new tight end were sorely disappointed last season.
Brent Celek ran 66 more pass routes than the rookie,
and overall Ertz played about half as many snaps.
But moving forward, we think Celek showed enough
as a blocker that Ertz has a chance to establish
himself as the top receiving tight end in Phillys high-
octane offense. Of course, if were wrong, drafting
Ertz to be your starter will come back to haunt
you, which is why weve resisted the temptation of
predicting a massive breakout. But if youre looking
for a possible surprise stud, Ertz fits the bill.
ZACH ERTZ PHI $0 AGE 23 BYE 7
TEAM N/A PHI PHI
G N/A 16 16
REC N/A 36 50
YDS N/A 469 646
AVG N/A 13 12.9
TD N/A 4 4
ATT N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 4 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 14
Through Week 11 last season, Green hadnt played
more than 21 snaps in a game. The rest of the
season he averaged 36.5. He had only six catches
for 147 yards in those games, but you could see his
rawness wearing off. Now that Green has learned the
finer points of route-running from Antonio Gates,
his physical freakiness can take over. At 6-foot-6,
240 pounds, he runs a 4.53 40. (Yes, you read that
right.) He wont completely supplant Gates right
away, but if we were drafting one Chargers tight end
for upside, it would be Green.
LADARIUS GREEN SD $0 AGE 24 BYE 10
TEAM SD SD SD
G 4 16 16
REC 4 17 38
YDS 56 376 584
AVG 14 22.1 15.4
TD 0 3 4
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 3 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 16
Last season Gates finished third among tight ends in
receiving yards, third in targets and fourth in catches.
So why isnt he an elite fantasy option anymore?
Because his understudy is ready. Ladarius Green is a
decade younger and several steps faster than Gates,
and hes learned at the foot of the master for two
seasons. Plus, after years of leading TEs in average
yards at the catch, Gates is now near the bottom of
the pack. At 34, his legs have simply left him. We can
envision one valedictory season for Gates in which he
shares the job with Green. But the end is near.
ANTONIO GATES SD $0 AGE 34 BYE 10
TEAM SD SD SD
G 15 16 15
REC 49 77 54
YDS 538 872 604
AVG 11 11.3 11.2
TD 7 4 4
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 7 4 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 15
COBY FLEENER NO. 17 TE
Its difficult to evaluate Finleys 2014 prospects
because he hadnt been cleared for contact as of this
writing and had failed his only known NFL physical.
Finley suffered a scary bruised spinal cord injury in
Week 7 last season and underwent spinal fusion
surgery in his neck. When at full health, hes talented
enough to be an NFL starter. But will there be a full-
time job available by the time hes ready to sign? It
goes without saying that fantasy evaluations arent
anywhere near as important as Finleys long-term
health, but you should probably avoid him until its
established that he can resume his career.
JERMICHAEL FINLEY FA $0 AGE 27 BYE TBD
TEAM GB GB FA
G 16 6 10
REC 61 25 28
YDS 667 300 313
AVG 10.9 12 11.2
TD 2 3 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 3 2
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
23 2012 2013 PROJ
Limited to five games in 2013 by a broken leg,
Daniels follows his former Texans coach Gary Kubiak
to Baltimore, where Kubiak is the new offensive
coordinator. The problem for Daniels? Dennis Pitta
plays in Baltimore too. Kubiak likes two-TE sets, so
Daniels will see the field, but hell be 32 in November
and has been injury-prone for years. Hes more likely
to be a drain on Pittas value as a No. 1 TE than an
actual fantasy factor himself.
OWEN DANIELS BAL $0 AGE 31 BYE 11
TEAM HOU HOU BAL
G 15 5 11
REC 62 24 33
YDS 716 252 341
AVG 11.5 10.5 10.3
TD 6 3 3
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 6 3 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 22
G
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T
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S
For someone whos averaged 31.8 receiving yards
in 17 career games, Allen is awfully important to
the Colts attack. Its no coincidence Indys rushing
offense sputtered after Allen suffered a season-
ending hip injury in Week 1. A road-grading run
blocker, he also has only two career drops on
67 targets. Overall, hes just more consistent
than Coby Fleener. Of course, with Fleener as
the move tight end, youll continue to see Allen
blocking a bunch. But we expect him to be a big
red zone weapon, making him somewhat of a
boom or bust start.
DWAYNE ALLEN I ND $0 AGE 24 BYE 10
TEAM IND IND IND
G 16 1 14
REC 45 1 35
YDS 521 20 411
AVG 11.6 20 11.7
TD 3 1 3
ATT 3 0 1
YDS 5 0 8
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 1 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 20
Eifert was the 21st overall pick in last years draft,
and his speed and leaping ability make him a keeper
in dynasty leagues. But as long as Jermaine Gresham
also toils in Cincinnati, theres not much fantasy
value to be had here. Now, we wouldnt be shocked
if the Bengals parted ways with Gresham, who
hasnt lived up to his first-round billing in his four
pro seasons. Neither Eifert nor Gresham blocks
well, so Cincy has a hard time playing them at the
same time. Until Gresham is gone, dont invest
in Eifert in redraft leagues.
TYLER EIFERT CI N $0 AGE 23 BYE 4
TEAM N/A CIN CIN
G N/A 15 16
REC N/A 39 45
YDS N/A 445 505
AVG N/A 11.4 11.2
TD N/A 2 3
ATT N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 2 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 21
We shouldnt punish Miller for his poor output last
season. The fact that he played 14 games after
tearing his ACL, MCL and PCL in Week 16 of 2012
is crazy. Hell be healthier this year, and in Todd
Haleys quick-passing offense, Miller could even
approach his career-best campaign from two
seasons ago. Realize, however, that because hes
such a good all-around playerincluding his
strong ability to run-blockMillers fantasy value
has limitations. He hasnt eclipsed 816 receiving
yards or scored double-digit TDs in any of his nine
pro seasons. And its hard to envision a statistical
surge beginning in year 10.
HEATH MILLER PI T $0 AGE 31 BYE 12
TEAM PIT PIT PIT
G 15 14 16
REC 71 58 61
YDS 816 593 632
AVG 11.5 10.2 10.4
TD 8 1 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 8 1 2
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 19
To validate Ebron as the No. 10 overall pick in Mays
draft, some folks invoked Vernon Davis name. But
lets be clear: Ebron is not Davis. Hes not as fast or
as fluid an athlete. Big Vern is truly one of a kind.
Ebron might eventually be a stud, but for now hell
share time with Brandon Pettigrew (who received
$8 million guaranteed over the winter) and last
years red zone sensation Joseph Fauria. So while
dynasty-leaguers are entitled to dream about the
future, folks drafting for this year should approach
Ebron with caution.
ERIC EBRON DET $0 AGE 21 BYE 9
TEAM N/A N/A DET
G N/A N/A 15
REC N/A N/A 33
YDS N/A N/A 476
AVG N/A N/A 14.4
TD N/A N/A 4
ATT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 4
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 18
Fleener shouldve been better in 2013. His TE running
mate in Indy, Dwayne Allen, suffered a season-ending
hip injury in Week 1, and later Reggie Wayne tore his
ACL. Yet Fleener topped 77 yards and five receptions
in a game exactly once and found the end zone
only four times. A fast player for his size, he doesnt
make the open-field plays youd expect and isnt
physical at all. With Allen returning, Wayne healthy
and Hakeem Nicks aboard, Fleeners slice of Indys
offense probably gets smaller in 2014. Dont trust
him as your fantasy starter.
COBY FLEENER I ND $0 AGE 25 BYE 10
TEAM IND IND IND
G 12 16 14
REC 26 52 37
YDS 281 608 433
AVG 10.8 11.7 11.7
TD 2 4 5
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 2 4 5
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 17
How about this basketball frontcourt the Bucs
are building with their receiving corps? Vincent
Jackson, Mike Evans and Seferian-Jenkins are
all 6-foot-5 power forwards who could make the
jump ball a staple of the Tampa offense. ASJ might
never be a Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski type,
because his hips are tight and he doesnt elude
defenders coming out of breaks. But theres reason
to believe this rookie can make noise in the red
zone as early as 2014. That makes him a potentially
interesting midseason pickup.
AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS TB $0 AGE 21 BYE 7
TEAM N/A N/A TB
G N/A N/A 14
REC N/A N/A 29
YDS N/A N/A 345
AVG N/A N/A 11.9
TD N/A N/A 5
ATT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 5
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
24 2012 2013 PROJ
F
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M

L
E
F
T
:

A
A
R
O
N

M
.

S
P
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E
C
H
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R
/
A
P

I
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A
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E
S
;

J
O
E

R
O
B
B
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N
S
/
A
P

I
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A
G
E
S
E
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ANDREW QUARLESS NO. 29 TE
Last year at Texas Tech, Amaro set a single-season
FBS record for most receiving yards by a TE (1,352).
The Jets snagged him in the second round in the
spring, and hes expected to be the favorite for
playing time, ahead of Jeff Cumberland and Zach
Sudfeld. But will he be an every-down player?
Amaro has good strengthhe benched 28 reps at
the combinebut wasnt asked to block much in
his college career. That can be a hindrance to
consistent rookie contributions at his position.
JACE AMARO NYJ $0 AGE 22 BYE 11
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 25
TEAM N/A N/A NYJ
G N/A N/A 14
REC N/A N/A 31
YDS N/A N/A 376
AVG N/A N/A 12.1
TD N/A N/A 3
ATT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 3
Oh, for one week it was glorious. The first game of
Cooks Rams career was an all-timer: seven catches
for 141 yards and 2 red zone TDs. Those 24 fantasy
points were the most Cook had ever scored in a
single game. You know how many he nabbed in the
subsequent seven weeks combined? Twenty-one.
Despite his freakish wingspan and 4.5 speed, Cook
seems to have a difficult time getting open, and
his hands just arent good. In 2013, St. Louis gave
him a five-year deal for $19 million guaranteed, but
we have real doubts about whether Cook can ever
be a consistent producer.
JARED COOK STL $0 AGE 27 BYE 4
TEAM TEN STL STL
G 13 16 15
REC 44 51 47
YDS 523 671 537
AVG 11.9 13.2 11.4
TD 4 5 3
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 5 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 26
Gresham was dreadful in 2013. He finished dead
last in average yards at the catch among qualified
tight ends, was useless as a run blocker and didnt
do much in pass protection. He was also called for a
mind-boggling nine penalties, most among non-QB
skill players. Tyler Eifert was a first-rounder last
year, and if the Bengals are being honest, theyd
like to see Eifert improve so they can release
Gresham. If both men stick on the roster, theyll
endure another frustrating platoon season and
have little individual fantasy value.
JERMAINE GRESHAM CI N $0 AGE 26 BYE 4
TEAM CIN CIN CIN
G 16 14 14
REC 64 46 32
YDS 737 458 324
AVG 11.5 10 10.1
TD 5 4 3
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 5 4 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 30
An unheralded rookie out of UConn, Griffin took over
the Texans starting job in December after Owen
Daniels and Garrett Graham suffered leg injuries. And
though Houstons season was headed into the toilet,
Griffin played well. Most important, he looked like a
more attractive target than the lumbering Graham
usually does. With Daniels out of the picture and
Bill OBrien in as coach, two-TE sets will become the
norm in Houston. For the moment, that probably
means a frustrating split of targets too, especially
with rookie C.J. Fiedorowicz coming aboard. But
Griffin is the guy we have our eyes on.
RYAN GRIFFIN HOU $0 AGE 24 BYE 10
TEAM N/A HOU HOU
G N/A 15 15
REC N/A 19 39
YDS N/A 244 440
AVG N/A 12.8 11.3
TD N/A 1 3
ATT N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 1 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 27
Graham didnt do much with his big chance last
season when Owen Daniels was sidelined. Granted,
the Texans were terrible, but Graham looked slow
and unathletic. He converted 84 targets (12th
among TEs) into just 49 catches (17th), and when
he missed the seasons final three games, rookie
Ryan Griffin looked better. With Daniels gone, expect
Graham and Griffin to play at the same time a lot as
new coach Bill OBrien reminisces about his days with
Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Unfortunately,
Tom Brady still plays in New England, so these
Texans tight ends are best left undrafted.
GARRETT GRAHAM HOU $0 AGE 28 BYE 10
TEAM HOU HOU HOU
G 15 13 13
REC 28 49 31
YDS 263 545 338
AVG 9.4 11.1 10.9
TD 3 5 3
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 5 3
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 28
Now that Jermichael Finley is gone, one of
Green Bays tight ends could pop this season.
Were just not sure which one. Quarless is a natural
candidate; despite his having just 56 career catches,
the Packers paid him decent money this winter.
Brandon Bostick and rookie Richard Rodgers could
also be in the mix, but between them they have
only seven pro grabs. Quarless is an interesting flier
pickif only because he has the most experience
catching passes from Aaron Rodgersbut hes best
cast as a waiver-wire addition.
ANDREW QUARLESS GB $0 AGE 25 BYE 9
TEAM GB GB GB
G 0 16 16
REC 0 32 38
YDS 0 312 387
AVG 0 9.8 10.2
TD 0 2 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 2 2
TOTAL
RECEIVING
RUSHING
2012 2013 PROJ 29
JERMAINE GRESHAM NO. 30 TE
B
R
A
N
D
O
N

P
E
T
T
I
G
R
E
W

D
E
T

$
0

A
G
E

2
9

B
Y
E

9
32 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
S
C
O
T
T

C
H
A
N
D
L
E
R

B
U
F

$
0

A
G
E

2
9

B
Y
E

9
31 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
A
D
R
I
E
N

R
O
B
I
N
S
O
N

N
Y
G

$
0

A
G
E

2
5

B
Y
E

8
33 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
B
R
A
N
D
O
N

B
O
S
T
I
C
K

G
B

$
0

A
G
E

2
5

B
Y
E

9
34 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
R
O
B

H
O
U
S
L
E
R

A
R
I

$
0

A
G
E

2
6

B
Y
E

4
35 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
C
.
J
.

F
I
E
D
O
R
O
W
I
C
Z

H
O
U

$
0

A
G
E

2
2

B
Y
E

1
0
37 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
Z
A
C
H

M
I
L
L
E
R

S
E
A

$
0

A
G
E

2
8

B
Y
E

4
36 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
M
A
R
C
E
D
E
S

L
E
W
I
S

J
A
C

$
0

A
G
E

3
0

B
Y
E

1
1
38 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
T
R
A
V
I
S

K
E
L
C
E

K
C

$
0

A
G
E

2
4

B
Y
E

6
39 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
B
R
E
N
T

C
E
L
E
K

P
H
I

$
0

A
G
E

2
9

B
Y
E

7
40 2012 2013 PROJ
TOTAL
RUSHING
RECEIVING
TEAM DET DET DET
G 14 14 14
REC 59 41 24
YDS 567 416 257
AVG 9.6 10.1 10.7
TD 3 2 3
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 2 3
TEAM BUF BUF BUF
G 15 16 15
REC 43 53 42
YDS 571 655 439
AVG 13.3 12.4 10.5
TD 6 2 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 6 2 2
TEAM NYG NYG NYG
G 2 1 11
REC 0 0 35
YDS 0 0 420
AVG 0 0 12
TD 0 0 0
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TEAM N/A GB GB
G N/A 11 16
REC N/A 7 26
YDS N/A 120 334
AVG N/A 17.1 12.8
TD N/A 1 2
ATT N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 1 2
TEAM ARI ARI ARI
G 15 13 13
REC 45 39 27
YDS 417 454 300
AVG 9.3 11.6 11.1
TD 0 1 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 0 1 2
TEAM N/A N/A HOU
G N/A N/A 13
REC N/A N/A 20
YDS N/A N/A 234
AVG N/A N/A 11.7
TD N/A N/A 3
ATT N/A N/A 0
YDS N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 0
TD N/A N/A 3
TEAM SEA SEA SEA
G 16 14 14
REC 38 33 34
YDS 396 387 390
AVG 10.4 11.7 11.5
TD 3 5 1
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 3 5 1
TEAM JAC JAC JAC
G 16 11 15
REC 52 25 36
YDS 540 359 368
AVG 10.4 14.4 10.2
TD 4 4 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 4 4 2
TEAM N/A KC KC
G N/A 1 12
REC N/A 0 30
YDS N/A 0 365
AVG N/A 0 12.2
TD N/A 0 2
ATT N/A 0 0
YDS N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 0
TD N/A 0 2
TEAM PHI PHI PHI
G 15 16 16
REC 57 32 30
YDS 684 502 355
AVG 12 15.7 11.8
TD 1 6 2
ATT 0 0 0
YDS 0 0 0
TD 0 0 0
TD 1 6 2
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SEBASTIAN JANIKOWSKI, OAK The hefty
lefty still occasionally splits the uprights
from 60-plus if asked, but the Raiders
oense doesnt give him enough chances.
Even if that changed, Janikowski28th in
fantasy points in 2013proved to be any-
thing but automatic, posting his worst eld
goal percentage (70 percent) since 2005.
KICKER YOU SHOULDNT TOUCH.
BY KEN DAUBE
The kicker slot is a haven for unfounded
theories, so lets knock em out one by one:
1. Draft kickers from elite oenses.
Consider: The Saints and Packerssecond
and third in TDs since 2009elded kickers
who nished on average 15th and 11th,
respectively, in fantasy points.
2. Draft long-range booters.
Consider: Three of the 49 kickers who had
130-plus fantasy points in a season since
2009 amassed more than half of their
fantasy total from kicks of 40-plus yards.
3. Draft kickers from domed stadiums.
Consider: Only three of 2013s top-15
fantasy kickers played at home in a dome.
4. Draft with winter weather in mind.
Consider: Kickers from Baltimore, Bualo,
Denver, Green Bay, New England and Seattle
nished in 2013s top 10. The two surest
thingsDenvers Matt Prater and New
Englands Stephen Gostkowskiplay in
some of the worst weather. If you dont land
one of them, make kicker your last pick. And
whatever you do, dont draft a backup.
CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED KICKER
RATES OF CHANGE
HERES HOW OUR TOP 10 KICKERS PROJECTED POINTS COMPARE WITH THEIR
TOTALS FROM 2013 AND THE AVERAGE PK1 OUTPUT LAST SEASON.
MATT PRATER
STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI
JUSTIN TUCKER
MASON CROSBY
STEVEN HAUSCHKA
PHIL DAWSON
NICK NOVAK
ADAM VINATIERI
BLAIR WALSH
DAN BAILEY
2013 ACTUAL POINTS
2013 PK1 AVG FANTASY POINTS
1
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7
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10
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171
163
155
151
151
150
150
147
147
145
169
176
159
153
158
154
154
157
126
151
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STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKIS 2013 FANTASY
POINTS, TIED FOR THIRD MOST FOR A
KICKER SINCE 1960. HE HAD 11 TOP-10
WEEKS, TOPS SINCE 2004. SO DESPITE
ONE OF THE BEST FANTASY SEASONS
FOR A KICKER, GOSTKOWSKI FINISHED
OUTSIDE THE TOP 10 ONE-THIRD OF THE
TIME IN 2013. SIMPLY: DONT DRAFT A
KICKER UNTIL YOUR LAST PICK.
MATTHEW BERRY
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What makes Prater the No. 1 fantasy kicker? Start
with a Broncos offense that scored 10 points per
game more than the next-best team. The seven-year
pro finished with an NFL-record 75 PATs, 23 more
than second-place finishers Ryan Succop and Mike
Nugent racked up last season. Its worth considering
that the Broncos will play the NFC West in 2014,
which means Peyton Manning & Co. will face three of
the top seven scoring defenses from a year ago. But
also take into account that if some of those extra
points turn into field goal tries, Prater is a guy who
converted a league-best 96.2 percent of his three-
point tries in 2013. His upside makes him No. 1.
MATT PRATER DEN $1 AGE 30 BYE 4 2012 2013 PROJ 1
DEN
16
26/32
81.2
18/19
5/9
3/4
53
55
133
DEN
16
25/26
96.2
11/11
8/8
6/7
64
75
150
DEN
16
33/38
86.8
16/17
12/14
5/7
58
55
154
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
After an abysmal start, Dawson went on the biggest
tear of his 15-year career down the stretch. He
mustered only 16 points in Weeks 1-4, missing
three of his six field goal attempts. Then he promptly
led all kickers in fantasy points (138) from Week 5
to Week 17, including eight straight double-digit
games starting in Week 10. At age 39, Dawson
shouldnt be considered among the elite fantasy
kickers. But San Franciscos offense could see a
bump with a full season of Michael Crabtree. That
makes Dawson a nice, albeit slightly risky, pick
among second-tier kickers.
2012 2013 PROJ PHIL DAWSON SF $1 AGE 39 BYE 8 2012 2013 PROJ 6
CLE
16
29/31
93.5
16/18
6/6
7/7
53
29
116
SF
16
32/36
88.9
18/19
10/11
4/6
56
44
140
SF
16
30/32
93.8
17/17
9/10
4/5
53
45
135
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
Matt Prater broke the NFL record for PATs last year.
The guy he passed? Gostkowski, who made 74 PATs
in 2007. The point is, Gostkowski has historically
gotten lots of point-after attempts to go along with
a league-best 95 made field goals since 2011. He
drilled home 38 field goals last season on 41 tries
(both NFL bests). Consistency is his calling card
he had nearly as many points when the Patriots
offense was sputtering last season (87 fantasy
points in Weeks 1-8) as when they kicked it into
high gear (89 points in Weeks 9-17). You cant go
wrong with Gostkowski.
STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI NE $1 AGE 30 BYE 10 2012 2013 PROJ 2
NE
16
29/35
82.9
18/20
9/13
2/2
53
66
153
NE
16
38/41
92.7
22/22
11/13
5/6
54
44
158
NE
16
32/36
88.9
18/19
10/12
5/7
52
55
151
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
Novak has been hounded by inconsistency his
entire career. Even last season, his best as a pro,
he alternated between single- and double-digit
fantasy point performances seven times, more than
any other kicker in the league. On the plus side, he
did lead in fantasy points on field goals of less than
40 yards (69) and was 11-for-11 on kicks of 40
or longer. The good news for Novak ownersand
perhaps bad news for Chargers fansis that
San Diego had the NFLs highest percentage of
drives that ended in a field goal, 20.2 percent. If you
cant get an elite kicker, Novak is a solid fallback.
Just buckle in for a bumpy ride.
2012 2013 PROJ NICK NOVAK SD $1 AGE 33 BYE 10 2012 2013 PROJ 7
SD
13
18/20
90
12/12
4/4
2/4
51
33
87
SD
16
34/37
91.9
23/26
9/9
2/2
50
42
144
SD
16
33/36
91.7
21/23
10/10
2/3
53
40
139
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
Tucker has the kind of leg to make this never-before-
typed sentence a fact: He has a big-play fantasy
leg. Tucker tied Stephen Gostkowski with 38 field
goal makes last year. But in most scoring leagues,
Tuckers long-range conversionssix field goals of
50-plus yards, including a memorable 61-yarder to
beat the Lions on Monday Night Footballultimately
allowed him to squeeze past Gostkowski for most
fantasy points off field goals, with 136. Hed be
even higher up the list if he didnt play for a gasping
offense that gave him no more than one field goal
attempt in four separate games last season. Hes a
strong third option among kickers.
JUSTIN TUCKER BAL $1 AGE 24 BYE 11 2012 2013 PROJ 3
BAL
16
30/33
90.9
16/16
10/13
4/4
56
42
132
BAL
16
38/41
92.7
22/23
10/11
6/7
61
26
140
BAL
16
36/41
87.8
19/22
11/12
6/7
55
29
137
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
Vinatieri is proof that age aint nothing but a number.
With 2,006 career points, he is the active scoring
leader among all NFL players and fifth all time.
And you could argue that last year was his best
season139 points despite missing a game. He
also was fantasy gold on attempts between 40 and
49 yards, racking up 60 points on those kicks. No
other kicker even topped 50. One cause for concern
is Vinatieris lack of PATs, with only 34 makes. The
Colts offense doesnt look like itll be markedly better,
so Vinatieri would have to duplicate near-career-best
figures on field goals to get to 139 points again.
Thats a tall order.
2012 2013 PROJ ADAM VINATIERI I ND $1 AGE 41 BYE 10 2012 2013 PROJ 8
IND
16
26/33
78.8
13/16
9/10
4/7
53
37
115
IND
15
35/40
87.5
16/17
15/17
4/6
52
34
139
IND
16
32/37
86.5
17/18
12/14
3/5
52
38
134
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
You no doubt heard all the fantasy grumbling about
how Aaron Rodgers injury (nearly eight missed
games) hurt the fantasy production of Jordy Nelson,
James Jones and Randall Cobb. But it may have
hit Crosby the hardest. In the eight games in which
Rodgers played the entire four quarters, Crosby
scored 90 points. In the other eight contests,
he tallied only 63 points. Crosbys extra points
plummeted from an average of 59 makes in 2011
and 2012 down to 42 a year ago. If Rodgers returns
to form for the entire season, Crosby could make
a run at No. 1.
MASON CROSBY GB $1 AGE 30 BYE 9 2012 2013 PROJ 4
GB
16
21/33
63.6
10/12
9/12
2/9
54
50
113
GB
16
33/37
89.2
22/22
6/8
5/7
57
42
141
GB
16
29/35
82.9
15/18
10/12
4/5
56
52
139
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
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PTS
The Vikings arent exactly the 2013 Broncos, but they
did score touchdowns on 21 percent of drives last
season. That gave Walsh ample opportunity for PATs,
with 43. The problem was that he ranked near the
bottom on long-distance field goals. He converted
only seven of 11 boots of 40-plus yardsincluding
only two of five on kicks from 50-plus yards. In his
astounding 2012 rookie year, Walsh drilled 10 of 10
from 50-plus. So after a bit of a sophomore slump,
which Walsh will we get in 2014? Its probably not
worth trying to figure outthe Vikings will play home
games outdoors this year.
A 2012 2013 PROJ BLAIR WALSH MI N $1 AGE 24 BYE 10 2012 2013 PROJ 9
MIN
16
35/38
92.1
18/19
7/9
10/10
56
36
141
MIN
16
26/30
86.7
19/19
5/6
2/5
54
43
121
MIN
16
29/33
87.9
15/17
9/10
5/6
56
45
132
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
Seattle is all defense, right? Not so fast. Dont forget
that the Seahawks scored 417 points last season,
eighth in the NFL, and an impressive 40.7 percent of
their offensive drives ended in a score. That helped
Hauschka put up his best season as a pro, jumping
from 118 points in 2012 to 143 last year. With a
93.3 percent success rate on kicks of 40-plus yards
(including 3-for-3 on 50-yarders), Hauschka finished
fourth in total fantasy points with 158. If Percy
Harvin is back in the lineup and as good as he was in
the Super Bowl, Seattles offenseand Hauschkas
fantasy stockcould take a big step forward.
STEVEN HAUSCHKA SEA $1 AGE 29 BYE 4 2012 2013 PROJ 5
SEA
16
24/27
88.9
18/18
5/5
1/4
52
46
118
SEA
16
33/35
94.3
19/20
11/12
3/3
53
44
143
SEA
16
30/34
88.2
16/19
11/12
3/3
52
48
138
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
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PTS
Very few kickers benefit more from long-range kicks
than Bailey. He tied for the league lead in fantasy
points from field goals of 50 to 59 yards (30) and tied
for second in field goals made from 40-plus (16). So
there are no questions about Baileys leg strength
and accuracy on long boots. The problem is that the
Cowboys are about as volatile as any offense in the
league, and one Bailey slump on long kicks could
seriously eat away at his fantasy value.
2012 2013 PROJ DAN BAILEY DAL $1 AGE 26 BYE 11 2012 2013 PROJ 10
DAL
16
29/31
93.5
19/19
7/7
3/5
51
37
124
DAL
16
28/30
93.3
12/13
10/10
6/7
53
47
131
DAL
16
27/30
90
12/14
10/10
5/6
54
47
128
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FG%
39&U
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MASON CROSBY NO. 4 K
Looking for a deep-sleeper pick? Folk might be your
guy. He was tied for fourth last year in field goal
fantasy points (117) and tied for 11th in overall
points, despite playing for a Jets offense that scored
on only 29.6 percent of drives. Will the Jets be
lighting up scoreboards in 2014? Probably not. But
with the additions of Michael Vick, Eric Decker and
Chris Johnson, it seems that Folk could benefit from
more chances. Of all the lower-rung kickers, Folk
might have the biggest upside.
NICK FOLK NYJ $0 AGE 29 BYE 11 2012 2013 PROJ 11
NYJ
16
21/27
77.8
13/16
5/7
3/4
54
30
93
NYJ
16
33/36
91.7
18/19
12/14
3/3
54
27
126
NYJ
16
32/37
86.5
19/21
10/12
3/4
54
34
130
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
The Bears offense took a huge step forward last
year, producing almost 1,200 more offensive yards
and 70 more points than it did in 2012. But that
overall increase actually decreased Goulds fantasy
metrics. He fared well in PATs (45 points, tied for
fifth) because the Bears closed out drives with TDs
(24.7 percent, ranked fourth). But Gould finished with
only 29 field goal attempts, tied for 18th. Even if he
hits 90 percent of his boots again, he might not have
enough attempts to warrant a fantasy roster spot.
ROBBIE GOULD CHI $0 AGE 32 BYE 9 2012 2013 PROJ 12
CHI
13
21/25
84
12/14
7/9
2/2
54
33
96
CHI
16
26/29
89.7
17/18
6/7
3/4
58
45
123
CHI
16
26/30
86.7
15/16
7/9
4/5
55
48
126
TEAM
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FG%
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40-49
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XP
PTS
Youd think the Saints kicker would be higher, right?
But the team hasnt been able to find a reliable
booter, which culminated in the signing of Graham
down the stretch last season. The 13-year veteran
made two of two field goals for New Orleans in the
regular season, and he enters 2014 as the teams
likely starter. The Saints scored on 40.3 percent
of drives in 2013, good for sixth in the league, and
the team again looks like an offensive juggernaut.
Graham isnt a bad second-tier option, especially
when you consider hell play 11 games in a dome.
SHAYNE GRAHAM NO $0 AGE 36 BYE 6 2012 2013 PROJ 13
HOU
16
31/38
81.6
20/20
7/9
4/9
51
45
138
NO
2
2/2
100
1/1
1/1
0/0
40
7
13
NO
16
25/31
80.6
17/18
7/11
1/2
52
56
131
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
On the surface, Suishams stats look good. And its
hard to argue with 30-for-32 on field goal attempts,
along with 39 extra points. But dig a little deeper
and his numbers get exposed a little. He crushed
mostly chip shots in 2013, with field goals of 39
yards or fewer accounting for 48.9 percent of his
overall fantasy points, most in the league. Suisham
was one of the few kickers who didnt even try a
50-plus-yarder last season, probably because hes
only 5-for-14 in his career from that range. Heinz
Field is not a great place for long-distance kicks, so
dont expect his opportunities to increase.
0 2012 2013 PROJ SHAUN SUISHAM PI T $0 AGE 32 BYE 12 2012 2013 PROJ 16
PIT
16
28/31
90.3
15/16
12/12
1/3
52
34
118
PIT
16
30/32
93.8
22/24
8/8
0/0
48
39
129
PIT
16
29/35
82.9
20/22
8/10
1/3
51
41
128
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
Bryant had one of his better seasons in 2012, but
Atlantas offensive regression had a huge impact
on his production last year. His overall field goal
attempts plummeted from 38 to 27, his lowest
full-season total since 2006, as Atlanta limped to
22.1 ppg (20th in the NFL). Bryant hit 88.9 percent
on field goals last year, which is actually a bit
better than his 84.8 percent career mark. Its just a
question of whether his opportunities will be there:
A year after booting a career-high 17 attempts of
40-plus yards, he had only 10 last season.
MATT BRYANT ATL $0 AGE 39 BYE 9 2012 2013 PROJ 14
ATL
16
33/38
86.8
19/21
10/13
4/4
55
44
143
ATL
16
24/27
88.9
16/17
5/5
3/5
53
39
111
ATL
16
27/31
87.1
18/19
6/7
3/5
53
45
126
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
Last season Feely was a beneficiary of Bruce Arians
high-powered offense, matching career bests in
field goals of 40-plus (11) and 50-plus (3). But as
should be expected from an NFC West kicker, Feely
had his share of low-scoring contests. He tallied
five or fewer points on five occasions, three against
divisional foes. This inconsistency is what keeps
him out of our top 15.
2012 2013 PROJ JAY FEELY ARI $0 AGE 38 BYE 4 2012 2013 PROJ 17
ARI
16
25/28
89.3
15/16
8/10
2/2
61
25
100
ARI
16
30/36
83.3
16/19
11/12
3/5
52
37
127
ARI
16
29/35
82.9
17/20
10/12
2/3
54
36
123
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
Henery is your guy if you pick kickers for their PATs:
He tied for fifth in the NFL with 45 last season. But
things go downhill from there: He has made only
86 percent of his career field goal tries, including
82.1 percent (23rd in the NFL) in 2013. In particular,
Henery is among the weaker kickers on attempts of
40-plus, with just 28 percent of his overall fantasy
points coming from tries of that length (27th). The
Eagles offense figures to be even more prolific
this season, but fantasy owners should be leery of
Henerys output. If he struggles at all, Chip Kelly
might just decide to go for it on every fourth down.
ALEX HENERY PHI $0 AGE 27 BYE 7 2012 2013 PROJ 15
PHI
16
27/31
87.1
16/18
11/12
0/1
49
25
106
PHI
16
23/28
82.1
15/16
7/10
1/2
51
45
114
PHI
16
25/30
83.3
17/18
7/10
1/2
50
53
128
TEAM
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FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
Its easy to see why Buffalo ponied up a four-year,
$10 million contract for Carpenter. His 14 field
goals of 40-plus yards tied for sixth in the NFL
last season, and he missed only one kick at home.
Carpenter finished in a tie for fourth place with
117 points from field goals, and the Bills have
invested heavily to improve the offense. Still, despite
Carpenters strong showing and his newly inked
contract, Buffalo kept 2013 sixth-rounder Dustin
Hopkins in town to provide some competition. Any
time youre wondering whether a kicker will win the
job, its time to find someone else.
2012 2013 PROJ DAN CARPENTER BUF $0 AGE 28 BYE 9 2012 2013 PROJ 18
MIA
14
22/27
81.5
12/12
8/10
2/5
53
26
92
BUF
16
33/36
91.7
19/19
10/11
4/6
55
32
131
BUF
16
30/35
85.7
18/19
9/10
3/6
54
31
121
TEAM
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FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
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Remember Zuerlein? Sure you do. Most second-
year kickers dont get three nicknames, after all.
But Legatronor Greg the Leg, or Young GZhit
a few sophomore snags last year, some of which
were out of his control. Zuerleins opportunities from
50-plus dipped from 13 to two last season, and his
28 total tries ranked 21st among kickers. But by
almost all metrics, Zuerlein got better as a kicker
in 2013, with his overall conversion rate rising from
74 percent to 93 percent. The Rams offense should
improve in 2014, though not enough to warrant
bumping Zuerlein into your top 10.
GREG ZUERLEIN STL $0 AGE 26 BYE 4 2012 2013 PROJ 19
STL
16
23/31
74.2
9/11
7/7
7/13
60
26
95
STL
16
26/28
92.9
17/17
8/9
1/2
54
34
112
STL
16
27/31
87.1
17/18
7/8
3/5
59
37
127
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FG%
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40-49
50+
LNG
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23 PROJ PROJ PROJ
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
MIA
16
26/34
76.5
15/17
8/10
3/7
54
33
111
MIA
16
24/32
75
14/16
7/10
3/6
53
35
112
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
2012 2013
S
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B
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24 PROJ
OAK
16
31/34
91.2
20/20
5/5
6/9
57
25
118
OAK
16
21/30
70
10/12
8/11
3/7
53
37
100
OAK
16
24/32
75
11/13
9/12
4/7
58
33
114
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
WAS
11
17/18
94.4
5/6
11/11
1/1
50
33
84
WAS
13
18/22
81.8
13/14
4/6
1/2
50
26
80
WAS
16
26/30
86.7
16/18
9/10
1/2
51
34
119
TEAM
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FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
CAR
6
9/11
81.8
6/6
2/3
1/2
51
20
47
CAR
16
24/27
88.9
13/14
5/7
6/6
55
42
114
CAR
16
26/37
70.3
12/13
6/8
5/5
54
37
119
TEAM
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FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
TB
15
28/33
84.8
10/11
12/13
6/9
57
39
123
TB
0
0/0
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0/0
0/0
0/0
0
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TB
16
27/33
81.8
13/14
12/14
2/5
54
35
126
TEAM
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FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
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XP
PTS
2012 2013
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28 PROJ PROJ PROJ PROJ
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
DET
16
17/26
65.4
11/14
5/8
1/4
51
45
94
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
JAC
16
25/28
89.3
13/13
11/13
1/2
50
18
93
JAC
16
23/25
92
15/15
4/5
4/5
55
22
91
JAC
16
24/27
88.9
14/14
6/7
4/6
56
24
107
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
CIN
12
19/23
82.6
12/12
6/9
1/2
55
35
92
CIN
16
18/22
81.8
8/9
7/9
3/4
54
52
106
CIN
16
19/24
79.2
10/12
7/9
2/3
54
45
108
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
CIN
4
11/12
91.7
7/7
3/3
1/2
52
8
41
NYG
16
23/26
88.5
15/16
7/8
1/2
52
31
100
NYG
16
24/30
80
16/18
7/9
1/3
50
35
110
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
HOU
16
26/35
74.3
13/13
12/17
1/5
51
26
104
HOU
16
26/34
76.5
13/14
12/16
1/4
53
28
112
TEAM
G
FG
FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
LNG
XP
PTS
GREG ZUERLEIN NO. 19 K
Steelers fans werent the only ones disappointed by
Succops 2013 season. Yinzers watched in agony as
Succops Week 17 whiff against the Chargers allowed
San Diego to beat the Chiefs and sneak into the
playoffs, sending the Steelers home for good. Succop
owners felt that agony all year. The kicker chunked
five of 12 tries from 40-plus yards, despite having
one of the NFLs strongest legs. He had only four
double-digit fantasy games and scored six or fewer
points on eight occasions. In Andy Reids sophomore
season with the Chiefs, KCs offense may take a step
forward. Just dont expect the same from Succop.
RYAN SUCCOP KC $0 AGE 27 BYE 6 2012 2013 PROJ 20
KC
16
28/34
82.4
16/20
10/12
2/2
52
17
101
KC
16
22/28
78.6
15/16
6/8
1/4
51
52
118
KC
16
25/31
80.6
16/18
7/9
2/4
53
47
127
TEAM
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FG%
39&U
40-49
50+
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XP
PTS
The Center
is CLOSER
of the
espn.com/fanshop
T HAN YOU
SPORTS UNIVERSE
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DENVER BRONCOS The Broncos led
the NFL with a point dierential of 207.
But dont give the defense much credit
for that. The unit allowed 44 rushing/
receiving TDs (ninth most) and nished
outside the top 10 in sacks and
interceptions. Even with a healthy
Von Miller, this unit is a fantasy risk.
D/ST YOU SHOULDNT TOUCH.
BY KEN DAUBE
Weve all heard the argument: Dont nab a
D/ST until the nal rounds. The marginal
scoring dierences between top- and
mid-tier defenses is too small; the week-
to-week variability in defensive output too
large. And that would be sound advice, if
true. Since 2012, the scoring dierence
between the Nos. 1 and 10 defenses is
84 pointsa spread comparable to that
of the rst and 18th WRs. Second, scoring
variability exists with all positions. The
Seahawks averaged just over 12.4 points
per game last season and had a standard
deviation of just over ve. By comparison,
Eric Deckerwith a comparable scoring
averagehad a standard deviation of more
than 10, making him twice as volatile as
the Seahawks D. So which unit should
you draft? Of the 47 defenses since 2001
to compile consecutive top-10 fantasy
seasons, only 16 (or 34 percent) were
below league average the following year.
That makes the Cardinals, Bengals, 49ers,
Patriots, Seahawks and Rams ideal targets.
CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED D/ST
RATES OF CHANGE
HERES HOW OUR TOP 10 DEFENSES PROJECTED POINTS COMPARE WITH THEIR
TOTALS FROM 2013 AND THE AVERAGE D/ST1 OUTPUT LAST SEASON.
1
4
7
.1
SEAHAWKS
PANTHERS
49ERS
BRONCOS
CARDINALS
BENGALS
RAMS
CHIEFS
PATRIOTS
BILLS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2013 ACTUAL POINTS
2013 D/ST1 AVG FANTASY POINTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
195
185
154
107
164
176
145
179
114
123
194
177
156
138
133
129
122
121
135
125
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THE NUMBER OF DEFENSES DRAFTED IN
THE TOP 10 IN 2010, 11 AND 13 THAT
FINISHED THE SEASON THERE. (IN 2012,
ONLY FOUR OF THE PRESEASON TOP 10
ENDED UP BEING STARTER-WORTHY.)
AMONG LAST YEARS TOP TIER: BUFFALO,
INDY AND NEW ORLEANS. DAUBES
COUNTERARGUMENT ASIDE, THATS
ALL THE MORE REASON TO WAIT TO
DRAFT YOUR D. MATTHEW BERRY
5
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RAMS NO. 7 D/ST
Ho-hum. All the Super Bowl champs did in 2013 was
allow the fewest total yards (4,378), fewest passing
yards (2,752), fewest yards per play (4.4), lowest
red zone efficiency (36 percent) and lowest QBR
in the NFL (29). There have been a few defections:
Red Bryant and Chris Clemons from the D-line
and Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond from
the secondary. But DE Michael Bennett, who had
8 sacks and 39 hurries in 2013, gave Seattle a
hometown discount to stay, and Richard Sherman,
Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas, Cliff Avril, Brandon
Mebane, Malcolm Smith and Bobby Wagner are also
still around to re-create the leagues best defense.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS $2 BYE 4 2012 2013 PROJ 1
18
13
2
36
103.1
203.1
306.2
15.3
1
28
11
4
44
101.6
172
273.6
14.4
0
26
14
5
41
96.1
183.6
279.7
15.8
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
The Broncos are going for it: They paid $60 million
guaranteed to DeMarcus Ware, T.J. Ward and
Aqib Talib over the winter and drafted Bradley Roby.
Meanwhile, Champ Bailey, Dominique Rodgers-
Cromartie, Shaun Phillips and Robert Ayers are gone.
That sounds like a net win, but there are two wild
cards. First, the health of OLB Von Miller (35 sacks in
40 career games) and nickel CB Chris Harris (3 INTs in
2013) remains an unknown. Both are still on the mend
from late-season ACL tears. And Denvers revolving
door at MLB looks like itll continue for another year,
with Nate Irving penciled in as the starter. Still, if
everyone is healthy, this looks like a dangerous group.
2012 2013 PROJ
16
8
6
52
91.1
199.6
290.8
18.1
2
17
9
2
41
101.6
254.4
356
24.9
2
20
2 .
.6
.
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
What the Cardinals lack in elite pass rushers, they
make up for with a bevy of born-ready run stuffers,
starting with DE Darnell Dockett, DT Dan Williams
and LB Matt Shaughnessy. And it showed last season:
Zona was tops in rushing yards allowed per game
(84.4). Calais Campbell, whos coming off a career-
high nine sacks, and John Abraham will again shoulder
most of the pass-rushing duties. Arizona certainly
has questions on the back end, where Tyrann Mathieu
is recovering from a torn ACL, and free agent signee
Antonio Cromartie hopes to rebound from a lackluster
2013. But with shutdown corner Patrick Peterson still
around, the desert arrow is pointing up.
ARIZONA CARDINALS $1 BYE 4 2012 2013 PROJ 5
22
11
3
38
137
200.8
337.8
22.3
0
20
10
5
47
84.4
233
317.4
20.3
0
22
10
4
48
86.2
266.9
353.1
21
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
DENVER BRONCOS $1 BYE 4 2012 2013 PROJ 4
20
10
3
52
98.2
209.6
307.8
25.2
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
Losing DE Michael Johnson (15 sacks since 2012)
will hurt. Losing DC Mike Zimmer might hurt more.
Johnson fled for big money in Tampa, so Cincy is
still searching for a DE who can play opposite Carlos
Dunlap. The Bengals No. 5 rush defense from 2013
will get a boost as All-Pro DT Geno Atkins returns from
his torn ACL, and it can count on LB Vontaze Burfict
to continue to right a lot of wrongs. The back end is a
question mark, though. Leon Hall is coming off a torn
Achilles, while Terence Newman and Adam Pacman
Jones look a few years past their prime. Rookie first-
round CB Darqueze Dennard will be pressured to play
right away, but we think he can handle it.
2012 2013 PROJ
14
16
3
51
107.2
212.5
319.7
20
1
20
11
6
43
96.5
209
305.5
19.1
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
With 19 sacks and 51 hurries (fourth in the NFC),
DE Robert Quinn couldve been the NFLs defensive
MVP last year. Now that blitz-happy DC Gregg
Williams is taking over, you can bet DE Chris Long
and new signee DT Alex Carrington will see more
sack opportunities too. As for the back seven? Its
too soon to dismiss LB Alec Ogletree or CB Janoris
Jenkins, but were not fans of anyone else. Theres a
reason this unit was third in sacks (53) but 19th in
pass yards allowed (3,874) last year: It doesnt cover
well, and that keeps it shy of elite status.
ST. LOUIS RAMS $1 BYE 4 2012 2013 PROJ 7
17
4
5
52
117.5
225.1
342.6
21.8
0
14
15
4
53
102.9
242.1
345
22.8
1
13
11
4
60
87.3
273.6
360.9
22.4
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
CINCINNATI BENGALS $1 BYE 4 2012 2013 PROJ 6
16
10
3
46
91.8
237.9
329.7
19.7
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
Linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston make
this defense go. After the Chiefs started 91, the
duo got nicked up in Week 12 against the Chargers,
and KC promptly lost four of its final six regular-
season games. The good news is that both of them
should be healthy for Week 1, and the team drafted
Dee Ford to back them up. The bad news? The
cap-strapped Chiefs couldnt afford to add much
depth, meaning excellent S Eric Berry will mostly
be on his own again in the secondary. KC wasnt
horrible against the passits 6.7 net yards per pass
attempt was about averagebut former stud corners
Brandon Flowers and Sean Smith struggled.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS $1 BYE 6 2012 2013 PROJ 8
7
6
0
27
135.7
220.8
356.5
26.6
0
21
15
6
47
120.2
247.6
367.8
19.1
4
18
12
3
51
117.5
246.6
364.1
19.9
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
Last season the Panthers were proof of the power
of an elite front seven. This unit was a run-stopping,
quarterback-sacking nightmare, allowing so-so
talent like Captain Munnerlyn and Mike Mitchell to
look good in coverage. And because Carolina retained
DE Greg Hardy opposite Charles Johnson, were not
concerned that the Panthers secondary again looks
mediocre. Luke Kuechly, Star Lotulelei and Kawann
Short compose one of the leagues top interiors, and
the Johnson/Hardy combo could be the leagues
scariest for opposing offensive tackles. If the front
seven stays healthy and Hardys potential suspension
isnt too severe, this D will dominate.
CAROLINA PANTHERS $1 BYE 12 2012 2013 PROJ 2
11
12
3
39
110.1
223
333.1
22.7
0
20
10
4
60
86.9
214.3
301.2
15.1
0
20
10
4
54
84.1
205
289.1
16
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
The Niners defense revolves around perhaps the
games two best inside linebackers: Patrick Willis
and NaVorro Bowman. Yes, Aldon Smith and Justin
Smith, with 37 sacks since 2012, are fantastic
pass rushers, but their abilities are accentuated by
the do-everything ILB duo. Unfortunately, Bowman
tore up his knee in the NFC championship game and
probably wont be ready until midseason. Even with
shaky corners, a downgrade at safety (Antoine Bethea
replaces Donte Whitner) and a possible Aldon Smith
suspension looming, this D/ST will be starting quality.
Just dont overreach for it on draft day.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS $1 BYE 8 2012 2013 PROJ 3
14
11
3
38
94.2
200.2
294.4
17.1
0
18
12
3
38
95.9
221
316.9
17
0
14
14
5
40
94.1
207.5
301.6
17.4
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
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Hello, Revis! The Pats gladly upgraded from
Aqib Talib to Darrelle Revis while also adding CB
Brandon Browner (suspended first four games).
When you factor in free safety Devin McCourty, this
has the makings of a potentially elite secondary.
Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich arent the most
overwhelming pass-rushing duo, but they should get
a boost if the Pats cover well on the back end. The
problem? New England couldnt stop the run last
year after Vince Wilfork (Achilles) and Jerod Mayo
(torn pectoral) were lost for the season. The team
hopes first-rounder Dominique Easley can help the
run D, but hes had serious injury issues himself.
N 2012 2013 PROJ
20
21
4
37
101.9
271.4
373.3
20.7
2
17
12
3
48
134.1
239
373.1
21.1
0
1
.
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
Getting old is no fun. With the days of Ray Lewis and
Ed Reed well behind them, the Ravens have done their
best to reshape their defense with limited cap space.
But over the winter, they lost another good player in
DE Arthur Jones. So itll be up to reigning Pro Bowlers
Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata to pick up where they
left off, while young players like safeties Matt Elam
and Darian Stewart and linebackers C.J. Mosley and
Arthur Brown try to plug holes. Unfortunately, those
holes are too plentiful to trust this unit to be your
fantasy starter in standard leagues.
2012 2013 PROJ
13
12
2
37
122.8
228.1
350.9
21.5
3
16
8
1
40
105.4
230.1
335.5
22
2
3
2
3
2 .3
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
Come on, Browns defense. Its time! This unit has
flirted with fantasy goodness for years but has never
consistently delivered. It finished 2013 in the top 10
in yards per carry allowed (3.9) and net yards per
pass attempt allowed (5.9) but ranked 23rd in points
allowed (25.4). NT Phil Taylor, LB Barkevious Mingo and
CB Joe Haden, all former first-rounders, give Cleveland
fans hope that this year will be different, as does 2014
first-rounder CB Justin Gilbert. And although the loss
of safety T.J. Ward hurts, the Browns had a fruitful
winter, signing LB Karlos Dansby and S Donte Whitner.
Its so tempting to believe the results will finally match
the talent, but weve been burned before.
CLEVELAND BROWNS $0 BYE 4 2012 2013 PROJ 15
17
12
2
38
118.6
245.2
363.8
23
1
14
7
4
40
111.3
221.1
332.4
25.4
1
15
8
3
46
112.9
240.2
353.1
25.2
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
BALTIMORE RAVENS $0 BYE 11 2012 2013 PROJ 14
16
10
1
39
105.5
250.8
356.3
22.3
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
Now that LaMarr Woodley has followed James
Harrison out the door, Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor
are the only holdover starters on defense from the
Steelers glory days. Yes, a youth movement is in
full force, leaving plenty of questions. Was new signee
S Mike Mitchell a product of Carolinas awesome front
seven? Does Cortez Allen have the chops to eventually
take over Taylors No. 1 CB spot? Will Jarvis Jones
play any better in his second year? Who will replace
Brett Keisel opposite star-to-be DE Cameron
Heyward? Even with the uncertainty, we have faith
in Pittsburghs front office and feel comfortable
dubbing the Steelers D/ST a 2014 sleeper.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS $0 BYE 12 2012 2013 PROJ 16
10
10
1
37
90.6
185.2
275.8
19.6
0
10
10
3
34
115.6
221.1
337.7
23.1
1
10
11
2
33
111
243.7
354.7
22.7
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
After one year of running a 3-4, new DC Jim Schwartz
is switching the Bills back to a 4-3. In Detroit,
Schwartz ran a lot of Wide 9 concepts, which let
pass rushers run free off the edges. Thanks to Mario
Williams revival and Jerry Hughes breakout year,
Buffalo was second in sacks last year. The trade-off
of such a scheme can be softness up the middle
vs. the run, and by most metrics, Buffalo was already
a bottom-10 run defense in 2013. If free agent
acquisition LB Brandon Spikes shores up that area
and the Bills find a replacement for safety Jairus Byrd,
maybe well see the kind of turnover-happy defense
Schwartz occasionally fielded in the Motor City.
2012 2013 PROJ
12
9
1
36
145.8
217.1
362.9
27.2
3
23
7
3
57
128.9
204.5
333.4
24.3
0
8
220.5
.6
.3
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
The Bucs will be fascinating on defense. Lovie Smith
presided over some of the NFLs nastiest turnover-
machine units in Chicago, but that was with an
in-his-prime Brian Urlacher. Theres talent here: DT
Gerald McCoy and LB Lavonte David were terrific in
2013, and new signees DE Michael Johnson and CB
Alterraun Verner fit well in Tampas cover 2 scheme.
But this aint the 2006 Bears. Big-name safeties
Dashon Goldson and Mark Barron were disasters last
year. Heck, this team hasnt finished in the top half
of the league in sacks since 2007. In deeper leagues,
were willing to risk drafting these guys because we
believe so much in Lovie. But its a leap of faith.
2012 2013 PROJ
18
8
3
27
82.5
297.4
379.9
24.6
0
21
10
3
35
110.1
237.9
348
24.3
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
TEXANS NO. 13 D/ST
2012 2013 PROJ
8
220.5
.6
2 3
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
2012 2013 PROJ
3
.
2
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS $1 BYE 10 2012 2013 PROJ 9
21
12
2
44
130.4
221.1
351.5
21
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
2012 2013 PROJ
8
220.5
.6
2 .3
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
2012 2013 PROJ
3
.
2 .
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
BUFFALO BILLS $1 BYE 9 2012 2013 PROJ 10
18
8
2
58
118.3
220.5
338.8
22.3
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS $0 BYE 7 2012 2013 PROJ 11
19
15
3
39
117.2
229.7
346.9
23.8
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
So the Saints defense didnt totally stink last year.
Who saw that comin? Rob Ryans swap to an
aggressive 3-4 worked, especially against the pass.
DE Cam Jordan (12 sacks, fifth in the NFL) was a
revelation as a pocket-collapsing 3-4 end in the
J.J. Watt mold. And CB Keenan Lewis, never anything
special in Pittsburgh, became a legit No. 1 cover man.
The Saints will now pair big-ticket free agent safety
Jairus Byrd with second-year stud Kenny Vaccaro.
That should be a dynamite combo. The worry is run
defense. This was a bottom-five unit in yards per
carry in 2013, and it still hasnt found consistency
from defensive tackle or middle linebacker.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS $0 BYE 6 2012 2013 PROJ 12
15
11
4
30
147.6
292.6
440.1
28.4
0
12
7
0
49
111.6
194.1
305.7
19
0
12
8
2
45
121.3
200.6
321.9
21.3
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
Maybe were too low on a defense that was a
consensus top-five unit heading into last season
and just drafted Jadeveon Clowney No. 1 overall.
J.J. Watt (31 sacks the past two seasons) is the
best defensive player in the NFL right now, and
Brian Cushing is very good when he can stay healthy.
But cracks in the Texans secondary became chasms
last year, and highly touted outside linebackers
Brooks Reed and Whitney Mercilus failed to meet
expectations. New DC Romeo Crennel has a long
track record, but does anyone else find it concerning
that the Chiefs D/ST became a force after he left
town? Make these guys prove it to you.
HOUSTON TEXANS $0 BYE 10 2012 2013 PROJ 13
15
14
3
44
97.5
225.8
323.3
20.7
0
7
4
1
32
122.4
195.2
317.6
26.8
1
13
8
2
42
113.1
221.3
334.4
22.3
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
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LIONS NO. 19 D/ST
The Giants finished fifth in net yards per pass
attempt (5.95) and sixth in yards per rush allowed
(3.8) last year. But this unit was dreadful during an
06 start and showed signs of life only when it got to
face Josh Freeman, Matt Barkley, Terrelle Pryor and
Scott Tolzien in successive games. GM Jerry Reese
obviously wasnt fooled. He dropped big bucks on free
agent CBs Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter
Thurmond and re-signed S Stevie Brown. This has the
makings of a very good secondary, and it had better
be. The linebackers are a question mark for the third
consecutive year, and Jason Pierre-Paul has had only
8 sacks since his breakout season in 2011.
NEW YORK GIANTS $0 BYE 8 2012 2013 PROJ 17
21
14
2
33
129.1
254.3
383.4
21.5
1
17
12
2
34
108.9
223.3
332.2
23.9
0
16
11
1
34
103.1
257.8
360.9
25.5
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
2012 2013 PROJ
11
8
0
25
118.6
235.9
354.5
27.7
0
9
13
2
38
107.9
255.8
363.7
28.3
0
.
3 .
.
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
We kind of like the Jags D/ST as a deep sleeperyes,
the same Jags unit that was a bottom-three unit for
a second straight year. We have faith that second-
year coach Gus Bradley can turn it around. The former
Seahawks D-coordinator is doing his best to replicate
his Pacific Northwest magic. He even lured DE past
Red Bryant and Chris Clemons away from Seattle
this winter. Still, even the most optimistic forecaster
will admit that a lot must go right for Jacksonville to
merit fantasy consideration. While Johnathan Cyprien
and Dwayne Gratz are interesting young pieces in the
secondary, theres a long way to go to reach Legion of
Boom status. But we do like that Seattle-esque D-line.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS $0 BYE 11 2012 2013 PROJ 23
12
11
1
20
141
239.5
380.5
27.8
0
11
10
2
31
131.8
247.6
379.4
28.1
0
13
11
1
34
130.3
236.2
366.5
25.7
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
Give the Raiders credit: They didnt stand pat. Lacking
playmakers all over the field, they drafted pass-
rushing stud Khalil Mack. They also signed Justin
Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, Antonio Smith, Carlos Rogers
and Tarell Brownall of whom are 29 or older. The
veteran presence will be needed on a team that
made the dubious decision to keep Nick Roach as
its starting middle linebacker; he was Pro Football
Focus eighth-worst run-stopping ILB last season. On
the bright side, getting Tyvon Branch healthy to pair
with S Charles Woodson should help shore up the
Raiders 28th-ranked pass D. Its a motley crew, but
we dont think itll be terrible.
OAKLAND RAIDERS $0 BYE 5 2012 2013 PROJ 22
9
10
2
41
110.8
237.4
348.2
27.5
0
2012 2013 PROJ
18
5
2
47
118.5
218.3
336.8
21
1
11
11
2
44
125
247.3
372.3
26.8
1
38
2 .
.
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
Call us cynics, but if the Packers are banking on a
34-year-old Julius Peppers, were not drafting this
D/ST. Dont be fooled by his seven sacks in 2013:
Peppers fell off a cliff in Chicago last year. He didnt
consistently pressure QBs, he didnt stop the run,
and lets face it, hes never played in a 3-4 defense.
Keeping Clay Matthews healthy is a must, but
otherwise its a familiar look in Green Bay: B.J. Raji,
A.J. Hawk, Sam Shields. Arent these the same
big names whove run hot and cold for a couple
of years now? Well pass.
GREEN BAY PACKERS $0 BYE 9 2012 2013 PROJ 24
14
9
1
38
124.6
242.6
367.2
26.7
0
No question, Chip Kelly is an innovator with offenses,
but were not sure whats going on with the Eagles D.
Trent Cole is an undeniable pass rusher, and we like
3-4 ends Fletcher Cox and Cedric Thornton just fine.
But Philly will continue to rely on miscast starting
corners like Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher, and
it made the mistake of retaining underwhelming
S Nate Allen and pairing him with signee Malcolm
Jenkins. Thats bad news for a back end that allowed
an NFL-worst 289.8 passing yards per game in 2013.
Dont be fooled by Phillys top-five turnover figures
last season. This isnt a starting-level D/ST.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES $0 BYE 7 2012 2013 PROJ 18
8
5
0
30
126.3
216.9
343.2
27.8
1
19
12
2
37
104.3
289.8
394
23.9
0
16
10
2
33
106.3
276.5
382.8
28.1
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
Sometimes we watch this group and scream, How
can a defense with this many studs up front finish
20th in fantasy points!?! Despite more greatness
in 2013 from DT destroyers Ndamukong Suh and
Nick Fairley and OLB DeAndre Levy, the Lions were
mediocre in just about everything. They didnt get to
the QB and, of course, made head-clutching mistakes
in the secondary. Maybe Jim Schwartzs exit will
mean more discipline, and maybe second-year DE
Ezekiel Ansah is about to become a pass-rushing
force. But you have every right to be skeptical.
DETROIT LIONS $0 BYE 9 2012 2013 PROJ 19
11
6
0
34
118.1
223.1
341.2
27.3
0
15
7
2
33
99.8
246.9
346.7
23.5
2
13
8
2
31
92.4
268.5
360.9
23.8
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
The Indy defense was weird in 2013, looking
tremendous in stuffing the 49ers and Chiefs, then
getting eviscerated by the Rams and Cardinals.
The one constant was OLB Robert Mathis, who led
the league with 19 sacks at age 32 but will be
suspended for the first four games of 2014. Top
corner Vontae Davis and DE Cory Redding also
showed some flashes, but really, there wasnt much
else to be wowed by, especially in the run game.
Indys 125.1 rushing yards allowed per game ranked
26th. And while the signing of DE Arthur Jones
should help in that regard, were not sold that the
run defense is completely fixed.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS $0 BYE 10 2012 2013 PROJ 20
12
3
4
32
137.5
236.8
374.3
24.2
2
15
12
1
42
125.1
231.9
357
21
0
17
12
1
37
125
243.8
368.8
24.7
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
When we say the Bears run D was historically awful
in 2013, thats not hyperbole. The once-proud unit
got ravaged for 2,583 yards on the ground, the fourth
worst leaguewide since 2001. GM Phil Emery took one
look at that number and let D-linemen Julius Peppers,
Henry Melton and Corey Wootton walk. And while the
much-ballyhooed trio of Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston
and Willie Young are a step in the right direction,
the front four wasnt the only problem. The safeties
were awful, and we dont see a solution on the roster.
Was Charles Tillman merely injured last year or is he
cooked? Will Lance Briggs regain his coverage skills at
age 33? Allens pass-rushing cant fix everything.
CHICAGO BEARS $0 BYE 9 2012 2013 PROJ 21
24
20
9
41
101.7
213.9
315.6
17.3
0
19
9
6
31
161.4
233.2
394.6
29.9
1
13
8
3
32
149.5
245.4
394.9
27.6
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
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At least Washington held on to Brian Orakpo; he
was spectacular in 2013 (10 sacks) and earned
every penny of his $11.45 million franchise tag.
Unfortunately, Orakpo and NT Barry Cofield were
the only two starters worth a hoot last season. We
assumed Daniel Snyder would bust the bank reshaping
this unit in free agency, especially that horrid
secondary. But no. Get ready for another season of
people telling you that DeAngelo Hall is a No. 1 corner
(he isnt) and that safeties like Brandon Meriweather
and Steelers retread Ryan Clark can play (they cant).
This is basically the same group that allowed 7.6 net
yards per pass attempt in 2013, dead last in the NFL.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS $0 BYE 10 2012 2013 PROJ 30
21
10
4
32
95.8
281.9
377.7
24.2
0
16
10
5
36
110.6
243.5
354.1
29.9
0
16
8
3
33
117.5
248.1
365.6
30
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
The Chargers D/ST went from No. 4 in fantasy points
in 2012 to tied for 28th last season. The difference?
Two years ago, San Diego scored 7 defensive TDs.
Last season it scored 1. Good fantasy owners know
defensive scores are fluky and usually unrepeatable.
Unfortunately, this unit cant hang its hat on superb
talent either. The pass-rushing tandem of Melvin
Ingram and Dwight Freeney is enticing, but can they
stay healthy? Young DEs Corey Liuget and Kendall
Reyes have shown flashes, but can they put it all
together? Safety Eric Weddle is great in the back end,
but will he get better help from his corners? There are
too many questions here to warrant your investment.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS $0 BYE 10 2012 2013 PROJ 31
14
14
7
38
96.4
230.1
326.5
21.9
2
11
6
1
35
107.8
258.7
366.5
21.8
0
11
7
1
31
111.1
243.6
354.7
25.1
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
By pretty much every available metric, the Cowboys
were a bottom-five defense against the run and the
pass last season. And its going to get worse before
it gets better. Jerry Jones backed his team into a
salary cap corner and as a result swapped DeMarcus
Ware and Jason Hatcher for Henry Melton and
Jeremy Mincey. Thats a huge net loss. The D-line
cabinet in Big D is now almost comically bare and will
expose a back end with no starter-quality safeties
and a couple of big-money corners (Brandon Carr,
Morris Claiborne) who stunk in 2013. This unit looks
destined to give up 30-plus points per game.
DALLAS COWBOYS $0 BYE 11 2012 2013 PROJ 32
7
9
3
34
125.2
230.3
355.4
25
1
15
13
5
34
128.5
286.8
415.3
27
1
11
7
2
30
129.2
287.1
416.3
30.5
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
2012 2013 PROJ
11
12
3
30
133.6
189.8
323.4
23.4
2
13
2
1
41
88.3
246.7
335
24.2
0
7
2 .5
.6
2 .
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
This unit needs bodies. After adding DTs Paul Soliai
and Tyson Jackson in free agency, the D-line is
better. But were still looking at a defense with zero
healthy proven commodities at linebacker, a shaky
strong safety in William Moore, no established free
safety at all and precious little cornerback depth
behind Desmond Trufant. Only five teams gave up
more points per game than the Falcons did last year
(27.7), and while its unwise to rule out a bounce-
back, let someone else in your league take that risk.
A 2012 2013 PROJ
20
11
2
29
123.2
242.4
365.6
18.7
0
10
11
3
32
135.8
243.6
379.4
27.7
0
0
.6
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
DOLPHINS NO. 28 D/ST
If you gave us a choice of any 3-4 defensive line
in the NFL, we might take the Jets Muhammad
Wilkerson, Damon Harrison and reigning defensive
rookie of the year Sheldon Richardson. Unfortunately,
the back eight looks like a mess. Former first-round
CB Dee Milliner was benched multiple times in 2013;
hell need to take a big leap forward in year two to be
a No. 1 corner. OLB Quinton Coples doesnt get to the
QB enough, and Calvin Pace is terrible in run support.
And the Jets will rely on rookie Calvin Pryor to
instantly be their best safety. Rex Ryan is a magician
with a defense, but theres a limit to what he can do.
2012 2013 PROJ
A 2012 2013 PROJ
0
2 .
.6
2 .
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
New Titans DC Ray Horton has success everywhere
he goes, but it might take a season before he can
fully realize his 3-4 plans. The linebackers are
probably good enough: Were fans of pass rushers
Akeem Ayers and Shaun Phillips and ILB Wesley
Woodyard. But emerging 4-3 star DT Jurrell Casey
(10 sacks in 2013) doesnt seem to have a position
on a 3-4 D-line, and the Titans will be placing a lot
of weight on relatively untested D-linemen Ropati
Pitoitua and Al Woods. Those are legit problems,
especially after losing INT leader CB Alterraun
Verner in free agency. This crew will have fantasy
potential in 2015.
TENNESSEE TITANS $0 BYE 9 2012 2013 PROJ 25
19
5
5
39
127.2
247.8
375
29.4
4
13
12
3
36
112.2
225.8
338
23.8
0
12
8
2
32
116.7
259.9
376.6
24.1
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
NEW YORK JETS $0 BYE 11 2012 2013 PROJ 26
11
7
1
37
90.3
278.5
368.8
23.4
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
ATLANTA FALCONS $0 BYE 9 2012 2013 PROJ 27
10
8
1
31
120.3
245.3
365.6
25.8
1
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
After biting down hard on this group in 2013, we
wont be fooled again. DE Cameron Wake (11
sacks per season since 2010) is a great player, and
well buy Brent Grimes as a No. 1 corner. But were
struggling to come up with another Dolphins starter
we trust. New free safety Louis Delmas could work
out if his knee problems dont pop up again. Dion
Jordan, last years No. 3 overall pick, has tons of
potential if he can stay on the field. (He played
only 29 percent of the Dolphins defensive snaps in
2013.) Oh, and theres Cortland Finnegan, perhaps
the NFLs worst corner in 2013, whom Miami just
paid $5.5 million guaranteed. Do. Not. Draft.
MIAMI DOLPHINS $0 BYE 5 2012 2013 PROJ 28
10
6
0
42
108.4
248.4
356.8
19.8
2
18
6
2
42
124.9
234.5
359.4
20.9
0
14
7
1
40
126.5
243.8
370.3
23.1
0
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
New coach Mike Zimmer brings a reputation for
defensive excellence, so it wouldnt shock us to see
a Vikings turnaround. With stellar DTs Linval Joseph
and Sharrif Floyd, this has all the makings of an elite
run-stuffing front. But other than rookie Anthony
Barr, the linebackers underwhelm, and if Minny thinks
newly signed CBs Captain Munnerlyn and Derek Cox
will rescue the secondary, itll be disappointed. This
group should be good for above-average sacks and
perhaps turnovers. But were afraid it will be easy to
score against the Vikings again; in 2013 they allowed
30 points per game, the most in the NFL.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS $0 BYE 10 2012 2013 PROJ 29
10
12
3
44
105.8
244.2
350
21.8
2
12
8
1
41
110.4
287.2
397.6
30
3
10
8
2
35
106
264.3
370.3
28.6
2
INT
FR
D-TD
SACKS
RYPG
PYPG
TYPG
PPG
RET-TD
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SACK
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INT
PD
TD
51
39
12
16
4
0
3
0
Even if he doesnt
rack up tackles (just
37 last season),
Wake loves making
the big play and
harassing the QB:
82 sacks and 41
hurries in 2013.
5 CAMERON WAKE, DE PROJ
MIA AGE 32 BYE 5 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
67
44
23
10.5
4
0
2
0
Wilkersons a force
against the run (67
tackles per season
since 2012), and
his newfound knack
for getting to the
QB (102 sacks last
year) ups his stock.
10 MUHAMMAD WILKERSON, DE PROJ
NYJ AGE 24 BYE 11 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
66
49
17
10.5
3
0
3
0
Vernon broke out
amid the Fins
tumultuous season.
With a singular
role to pressure
the pocket, he will
be even harder to
ignore in 2014.
15 OLIVIER VERNON, DE PROJ
MIA AGE 23 BYE 5 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
90
70
20
17.5
5
1
12
1
Sack master Watt
saw 71 fewer
passing snaps
in 2013 but still
notched nine more
QB pressures than
in his breakout 12
season. Absurd.
1 J. J. WATT, DE PROJ
HOU AGE 25 BYE 10 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
80
49
31
14.5
4
0
5
0
Jones is an
every-down force,
finishing in the
top 13 among DLs
in both sacks
(172) and tackles
(124) in his first
two seasons.
3 CHANDLER JONES, DE PROJ
NE AGE 24 BYE 10
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
55
40
15
13.5
4
1
4
0
Forget last years
career lows in
tackles, sacks and
forced turnovers.
The new Bronco will
return to form in a
system where hell
hunt the pocket.
6 DEMARCUS WARE, DE PROJ
DEN AGE 32 BYE 4 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
54
40
14
11.5
2
0
3
1
Dunlap has plenty
of tread left on his
tires. This year hell
be the Bengals
top edge rusher in
a system famous
for breeding career
sack seasons.
11 CARLOS DUNLAP, DE PROJ
CIN AGE 25 BYE 4 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
68
51
17
9.5
4
0
8
0
Campbell is the rare
huge man (6-8,
300) who can get
low on the edge. He
blends good tackle
rates with sack
production from the
3-4 end spot.
16 CALAIS CAMPBELL, DE PROJ
ARI AGE 28 BYE 4 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
61
50
11
18.5
4
0
3
0
Quinn has doubled
his sack output
each season since
his 2011 rookie year.
Up next: 40! We kid,
but hes the rare
edge talent with an
annual shot at 20.
2 ROBERT QUINN, DE PROJ
STL AGE 24 BYE 4 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
68
50
18
15
3
0
2
1
Hardy has the
fifth-most sacks
since 2012 (26)
and a strong tackle
total. If offseason
legal woes result in
a suspension, his
stock could deflate.
4 GREG HARDY, DE PROJ
CAR AGE 26 BYE 12
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
45
32
13
14.5
3
0
4
0
With line guru
Jim Schwartz
now heading up
the Bills defense,
Williams, a pure
edge rusher, could
be in for a career
campaign.
7 MARIO WILLIAMS, DE PROJ
BUF AGE 29 BYE 9 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
45
30
15
12.5
3
0
3
0
Hes overshadowed
by Greg Hardy and
Luke Kuechly, but
Johnson, in his
prime, is quietly
one of the leagues
best pure edge
rushers.
12 CHARLES JOHNSON, DE PROJ
CAR AGE 28 BYE 12 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
50
30
20
10.5
5
0
4
0
Atkins is an
undersized (6-1,
303) bull-rushing
tackle. His six sacks
came in just nine
games due to an
ACL tear; expect
him back for camp.
17 GENO ATKINS, DT PROJ
CIN AGE 26 BYE 4
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
87
58
29
7.5
3
0
5
0
Ninkovich is a study
in consistency. Last
season he played
95 percent of
New Englands
snaps and matched
his career high in
sacks (eight).
8 ROB NINKOVICH, DE PROJ
NE AGE 30 BYE 10 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
47
31
16
12.5
3
0
4
0
Allens bread
and butter is QB
takedowns. Hes
posted double-digit
sacks in eight of
his 10 seasons
and has nabbed
452 since 2011.
13 JARED ALLEN, DE PROJ
CHI AGE 32 BYE 9 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
63
45
18
10
3
0
3
0
Dont let the 32
sacks fool you.
Johnson still spent
much of 2013 as
a pocket nuisance,
so his switch to
Tampa Bays loaded
front could be fun.
18 MICHAEL JOHNSON, DE PROJ
TB AGE 27 BYE 7
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
55
39
16
14
3
0
4
0
A star was born
in 2013: Jordan
joined J.J. Watt
as a rare 3-4
end capable of
dominating the box
score against both
the run and pass.
9 CAMERON JORDAN, DE PROJ
NO AGE 25 BYE 6 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
66
44
22
9.5
4
0
5
1
Its high-risk, high-
reward with JPP.
His injury history
is worrisome, but
he can be scary-
productive when
healthy. See: 2011,
162 sacks.
14 JASON PIERRE-PAUL, DE PROJ
NYG AGE 25 BYE 8 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
42
30
12
10.5
3
0
6
0
Last years rookie
campaign was
productive, if
injury-marred.
In 2014, the
Lions will unleash
Ansah on a heavier
snap workload.
19 EZEKIEL ANSAH, DE PROJ
DET AGE 25 BYE 9
JASON PIERRE-PAUL NO. 14 DL
BY JIM MCCORMICK
INDIVIDUAL
DEFENSIVE
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The mere fact that youve turned to
this page is an indication that
youve got a problem. Jamaal
Charles scoring 51 points in a week
is no longer enough. Your needs
have you scouring depth charts for
the next Tim Jennings turnover
machine. You dream of J.J. Watt
getting 20-plus sacks or Vontaze
Burct bulling his way to 180
tackles. Youve got it bad, real
bad. Youre Individual Defensive
Player Dependent. Well,
admitting IDPD is step one.
The second is reading our
list of the tackle ends,
ball hawks and QB killers
worth your time. Are we
enablers? Maybe. But relax, were
only here to judge the players.
DEFENSIVE LINE
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
64
46
18
9.5
2
0
5
0
Hes not an elite
sack producer
(four per year),
but Houstons 69
tackles in each
of the past two
seasons is nothing
to sneeze at.
20 LAMARR HOUSTON, DE PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
56
36
20
8
2
0
1
0
With 80 QB
pressures in 2013,
the Bucs 2010
first-rounder found
his breakout form.
Hell lead Tampa
Bays emerging
front seven.
28 GERALD MCCOY, DT PROJ
TB AGE 26 BYE 7
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
58
43
15
8.5
4
0
2
0
Third time was the
charm. After tallying
52 sacks in his
first two seasons
combined, Casey
nearly doubled that
output in 2013
alone, with 10.
21 JURRELL CASEY, DT PROJ
TEN AGE 24 BYE 9 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
71
49
22
5.5
2
0
2
0
His 32 sacks and
78 tackles (third
among DLs) earned
this Jet defensive
ROY honors.
Sacks arent
the run stuffers
strongest suit.
29 SHELDON RICHARDSON, DT PROJ
NYJ AGE 23 BYE 11
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
75
49
26
6.5
3
0
3
0
Dareus was brilliant
in 2013, finishing
fourth in tackles
among DLs (71). The
three guys ahead of
him? They saw 130,
311 and 60 more
snaps, respectively.
22 MARCELL DAREUS, DT PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
33
20
13
10.5
2
0
1
0
Robison trailed
only Robert Quinn
among 4-3 ends in
creating pressures
on opposing
QBs last year. A
breakout 2014 is
potentially brewing.
30 BRIAN ROBISON, DE PROJ
MIN AGE 31 BYE 10
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
38
25
13
8.5
3
0
1
0
Griffens big
contract preceded
big production. But
the 132 sacks and
two forced fumbles
since 2012, plus
increased playing
time, is promising.
36 EVERSON GRIFFEN, DE PROJ
MIN AGE 26 BYE 10 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
49
30
19
8.5
3
0
4
0
Moore saw time
in 15 games as a
rookie but had no
sacks and just five
tackles. The Giants
have a history of
developing edge
talents, though.
41 DAMONTRE MOORE, DE PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
37
24
13
6.5
2
0
3
0
Gilberry saw the
field for fewer than
half of the Bengals
defensive snaps.
Still, hes a pass-
rush specialist
who offers depth
at the position.
46 WALLACE GILBERRY, DE PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
62
44
18
9.5
3
1
4
1
Fresh off an
11-sack, 63-tackle
campaignhis best
since 2010Tuck
heads to the East
Bay as a solid
second DL in your
fantasy portfolio.
23 JUSTIN TUCK, DE PROJ
OAK AGE 31 BYE 5 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
66
45
21
6.5
2
0
2
0
Clayborn rebounded
nicely from an
IR-shortened 2012
season. He tallied
64 tackles and was
no slouch in the
pass-rush game
(52 sacks).
31 ADRIAN CLAYBORN, DE PROJ
TB AGE 26 BYE 7
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
40
30
10
9
2
0
3
0
With 172 sacks
the past two
seasons, Bennett
is a quality third
or fourth lineman.
By October, he
could crack your
starting lineup.
37 MICHAEL BENNETT, DE PROJ
SEA AGE 28 BYE 4 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
45
31
14
8
2
0
2
0
Suhs rookie stats
remain tantalizing
(10 sacks, 66
tackles), but 2010
is so four years
ago. Hes a quality
fourth fantasy
lineman now.
42 NDAMUKONG SUH, DE PROJ
DET AGE 27 BYE 9 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
55
39
16
5.5
1
1
2
0
The former Auburn
speedster notched
102 sacks last year,
second in the SEC.
Ford projects nicely
in a Chiefs system
that maximizes
edge talent.
47 DEE FORD, DE PROJ
KC AGE 23 BYE 6 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
43
31
12
10
2
0
3
0
The Jags are
desperate for
impact plays off
the edge. Clemons
reunion with Gus
Bradley should help
him thrive as a pure
pass-rush specialist.
24 CHRIS CLEMONS, DE PROJ
JAC AGE 32 BYE 11 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
37
21
16
11
4
0
3
0
Used on passing
downs, Avrils a
part-timer who
produces turnovers.
His 21 forced
fumbles since 2008
is tied for first
among linemen.
32 CLIFF AVRIL, DE PROJ
SEA AGE 28 BYE 4
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
53
40
13
7.5
3
1
6
0
Cox had modest
sack production
(just three in
2013), but the
switch from a 4-3
DT to a 3-4 DE
helped up his tackle
numbers (41).
38 FLETCHER COX, DE PROJ
PHI AGE 23 BYE 7 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
58
44
14
6.5
1
0
4
0
Hes a decent
pass rusher (42
sacks in 2013), a
massive human
(6-3, 346) and a
sound investment
in leagues with
specific DT slots.
43 DONTARI POE, DT PROJ
KC AGE 24 BYE 6 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
61
44
17
5.5
3
1
3
0
Donald lived in the
backfield at Pitt,
with 66 TFL and
292 sacks in four
years. Playing on
one of the leagues
top lines, hes an
intriguing late get.
48 AARON DONALD, DT PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
49
34
15
9.5
6
0
3
0
The Falcons want
to join the cool kids
table and shift to a
3-4 scheme, a move
that will showcase
Umenyioras speed
and leverage off
the edge.
25 OSI UMENYIORA, DE PROJ
ATL AGE 32 BYE 9 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
66
49
17
7
1
0
1
0
The eight-year
vet still gets to
the QB, with 102
takedowns last
year. On a talented
Bills line, Williams
puts up respectable
fantasy stats.
33 KYLE WILLIAMS, DT PROJ
BUF AGE 31 BYE 9
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
58
43
15
7.5
2
0
1
0
Like pickled eggs,
Hatcher gets better
with age. He posted
career highs in solo
tackles (34) and
sacks (11) in 2013,
his eighth year in
the league.
39 JASON HATCHER, DT PROJ
WAS AGE 32 BYE 10 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
45
34
11
7.5
1
0
3
0
Working from the
two-point stance
in a new-look 3-4
scheme could help
Morgan tap into
the upside he has
yet to realize as a
down lineman.
44 DERRICK MORGAN, DE PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
49
30
19
3.5
2
0
3
0
Little brother
Chandler is a bigger
pass-rushing force,
but Art is a trusted
run stopper capable
of 50-plus tackles
in his new role with
the Colts.
49 ARTHUR JONES, DE PROJ
IND AGE 28 BYE 10 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
38
30
8
10
3
0
3
0
He averages just 37
tackles, but Longs
sack production
is prodigious (33
from 2011 to 13).
He could hit double
digits, but hes boom
or bust each week.
26 CHRIS LONG, DE PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
34
23
11
8.5
3
0
4
0
Gone are the days
of 142 sacks. Age
has chipped away
at Peppers speed
and bend, but
hes still capable
of some quality
Sundays.
34 JULIUS PEPPERS, DE PROJ
GB AGE 34 BYE 9
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
58
43
15
7.5
2
0
2
0
Dallas will lean
heavily on Melton
to clog interior
running lanes
and pressure the
pocket. The good
news is hes pretty
capable of both.
40 HENRY MELTON, DT PROJ
DAL AGE 27 BYE 11 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
55
44
11
5.5
3
1
5
0
Hes in the twilight
of an impressive
career, but Smiths
penchant for steady
tackle and sack
totals (64.6 and 6.4
per year) gives him
late-round value.
45 JUSTIN SMITH, DE PROJ
SF AGE 34 BYE 8 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
51
36
15
4.5
2
0
2
0
Ngata has averaged
55.7 tackles since
2011, softening
his lowly sack
(112) and turnover
(two forced
fumbles) totals
over that time.
50 HALOTI NGATA, DT PROJ
BAL AGE 30 BYE 11 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
45
29
16
10
4
0
6
1
Pass-rushing
rookies almost
never matter from
day one. This
years No. 1 pick?
Hes a once-in-a-
generation size-
and-speed rarity.
27 JADEVEON CLOWNEY, DE PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
55
41
14
6.5
2
1
4
1
Jordans talent is
undeniable (drafted
No. 3 overall in
2013), but the
Dolphins want
more than last
years 24 tackles
and two sacks.
35 DION JORDAN, DE PROJ
MIA AGE 24 BYE 5
MARCELL DAREUS NO. 22 DL
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TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
170
109
61
3.5
2
4
8
1
Talk about bankable
consistency from
the reigning
defensive player of
the year: Kuechlys
320 tackles since
2012 is tops in
the league.
1 LUKE KUECHLY, MLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
139
95
44
7
3
2
6
0
If hes not in legal
hot water, hell be
among the leagues
best LB sack
producers. In 2013,
he rushed the QB
on over 26 percent
of passing snaps.
6 DARYL WASHINGTON, ILB PROJ
ARI AGE 27 BYE 4
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
142
103
39
5.5
5
3
11
1
Twenty tackles for
loss. Seven sacks.
Seven forced
turnovers. That
adds up to a pretty
solid career for a
linebacker. That
was 2013 for David.
2 LAVONTE DAVID, OLB PROJ
TB AGE 24 BYE 7 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
145
91
54
2
2
1
3
1
Can he match
his insane 2010
performance?
While 174 tackles
isnt likely, Mayo
is still capable of
stockpiling solos in
an every-down role.
7 JEROD MAYO, OLB PROJ
NE AGE 28 BYE 10
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
155
115
40
3
2
2
10
0
If theres a
prototypical MLB,
Poz is it. He has
the Penn State
pedigree, a Takeo-
sized neck and
420 tackles to his
name since 2011.
3 PAUL POSLUSZNY, MLB PROJ
JAC AGE 29 BYE 11 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
136
95
41
4.5
2
1
7
0
Now in a new-look
Browns defense,
Dansby should
be able to build
off last years
renaissance in the
desert: 122 tackles
and 6 sacks.
8 KARLOS DANSBY, ILB PROJ
CLE AGE 32 BYE 4
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
129
101
28
3.5
2
3
11
1
Few LBs match
his statistical
versatility, but
Cushing has to stay
on the field first.
Any more injuries
and the Cush-lash
will get real.
11 BRIAN CUSHING, ILB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
133
88
45
3
3
3
8
1
Scared of Kikos
shift to OLB?
Dont be. He wont
wrestle with the
big guards, so
hell make up
for lost tackles
with big plays.
16 KIKO ALONSO, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
131
100
31
4.5
2
0
4
0
Injuries and
underwhelming play
have kept Butler
out of fantasy star
status, but his
blitz-happy skill set
should pique your
interest.
21 DONALD BUTLER, ILB PROJ
SD AGE 25 BYE 10 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
164
110
54
2.5
2
1
6
0
Once an undrafted
enigma, Burfict is
now the leagues
best tacklerand a
fantasy gold mine.
In 2013, he posted
fewer than eight
tackles just twice.
4 VONTAZE BURFICT, MLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
141
90
51
3.5
4
2
8
0
A stellar first two
seasonswith a
baseline of over
100 tackles and
a penchant for
pressuring the QB
makes Wagner a
sound investment.
9 BOBBY WAGNER, MLB PROJ
SEA AGE 24 BYE 4
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
123
104
19
4
2
1
7
0
His tackles
ebbed slightly
last year, when he
had 17 fewer than
in 2012, but he
still matched his
career high in
sacks, with 4.
12 DERRICK JOHNSON, ILB PROJ
KC AGE 31 BYE 6 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
151
101
50
1.5
2
0
6
0
Watch your back,
Vontaze. Worrilow,
an undrafted free
agent, played every
game in 2013
en route to 127
tackles and
two sacks.
17 PAUL WORRILOW, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
130
96
34
3.5
1
2
7
0
The Titans new-
look 3-4 should
use Woodyard
aggressively on the
interior. Plus, hes
upped his tackle
totals: 94.7 per
season since 11.
22 WESLEY WOODYARD, MLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
144
94
50
1
2
4
9
0
Lee has amassed
157 tackles and
five INTs in his past
17 games. Only
problem? Thanks to
injuries, it took him
two years to play
those 17 games.
5 SEAN LEE, MLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
131
89
42
4.5
4
3
6
1
With NaVorro
Bowman out
nursing his knee,
Willis has free
rein to collapse
the pocket (four
seasons with at
least three sacks).
10 PATRICK WILLIS, ILB PROJ
SF AGE 29 BYE 8
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
144
98
46
3
1
3
4
0
Greenway is the
rare outside
linebacker who
boasts the tackle
volume of an every-
down inside force:
145 per over the
last four seasons.
13 CHAD GREENWAY, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
137
93
44
3.5
2
1
6
0
Freeman put up an
astounding blend
of sacks (5) and
forced turnovers
(eight) last year.
This Colt has
established himself
as a solid LB2.
18 JERRELL FREEMAN, ILB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
131
91
40
3.5
3
2
7
1
Sorry, Mr. Jackson.
Youre past your
statistical prime.
Good news, though:
You still fill a
glaring need next
to Jerrell Freeman
in the Colts 3-4.
23 D QWELL JACKSON, ILB PROJ
IND AGE 30 BYE 10
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
140
93
47
2.5
2
1
6
0
Ray Lewis, who?
Smith was brilliant
in place of the
Canton-bound LB,
turning in career
bests in both
tackles (123) and
sacks (five).
14 DARYL SMITH, ILB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
144
93
51
4
2
0
5
0
Pittsburgh deploys
LBs to the pocket
even interior guys.
Enter Timmons
upside in the sack
department: nine
in the past two
seasons.
19 LAWRENCE TIMMONS, ILB PROJ
PIT AGE 28 BYE 12 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
63
49
14
15.5
4
0
4
1
Before injury
derailed his 2013,
Houston amassed
10 sacks in the
first seven games.
Hes a true pocket
menace from the
OLB post.
24 JUSTIN HOUSTON, OLB PROJ
KC AGE 25 BYE 6
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
120
94
26
2.5
1
1
6
0
If missed tackles
and blown coverage
were deducted in
fantasy, his rank
would tank. Luckily,
Laurinaitis three-
down play still
yields big numbers.
15 JAMES LAURINAITIS, MLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
129
101
28
3.5
2
2
8
0
Ogletree had six
forced fumbles,
119 tackles and
nine pass breakups
last season. That
math adds up
to an IDP star in
the making.
20 ALEC OGLETREE, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
120
96
24
4.5
2
2
5
1
Kendricks, an
undersized
sparkplug, is often
around the ball.
His role as a blitzer
and coverage
linebacker makes
him a solid LB2.
25 MYCHAL KENDRICKS, ILB PROJ
PHI AGE 23 BYE 7
LUKE KUECHLY NO. 1 LB
JAMES LAURINAITIS NO. 15 LB
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

T
O
M

D
I
P
A
C
E
;

M
I
C
H
A
E
L

H
I
C
K
E
Y
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
LiNEBACKERS
TAMBA HALI NO. 32 LB
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
73
44
29
9.5
3
0
4
0
Q: Why so low if
Suggs registered
80 tackles and 10
sacks last year?
A: Just one sack
and 20 tackles in
the seasons final
eight games.
36 TERRELL SUGGS, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
54
39
15
10.5
4
0
5
0
Even if he starts
this season
suspended, his
potential for
multiple-sack
outings always
keeps Smith in
the conversation.
41 ALDON SMITH, OLB PROJ
SF AGE 24 BYE 8 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
41
29
12
9.5
4
0
3
0
His four-game
suspension makes
Mathis a stash, not
a star. But we cant
deny pass-rush
pedigree: his 111
career sacks is fifth
among active guys.
46 ROBERT MATHIS, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
124
90
34
3
2
2
7
0
How do you feel
about an every-
down enforcer with
proven upside and
ability to pressure
the pocket? Yeah,
we feel good
about him too.
26 STEPHEN TULLOCH, MLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
120
88
32
2.5
2
2
6
0
Williams has logged
just 13 games
since 2012. When
hes not hurt or
suspended, he has
a great blend of
big-play ability and
hefty tackle output.
31 D. J. WILLIAMS, MLB PROJ
CHI AGE 32 BYE 9
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
113
69
44
3.5
2
2
5
0
Injuries have
limited Spoon to
just one full season
in four years as a
pro, but we endorse
the talented
playmaker as an
upside LB3.
37 SEAN WEATHERSPOON, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
105
69
36
3.5
1
1
6
0
Briggs notched a
career-high three
sacks despite
taking the field just
nine times. Invest
in this savvy vet
for a dash of big-
play upside.
42 LANCE BRIGGS, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
119
80
39
1.5
1
0
5
0
Rileys best asset
is his job security:
This ILB sits atop
a paper-thin depth
chart in DC. Hell
get a healthy blend
of tacklesbut with
lots of assists.
47 PERRY RILEY, ILB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
120
84
36
1.5
2
3
8
0
Multiple ACL
injuries havent
stopped Davis
from returning to
every-down work.
Aggressive use on
blitzes helps him
stand out.
27 THOMAS DAVIS, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
56
44
12
14
4
0
4
0
Since his switch to
outside linebacker
in a 3-4 look five
years ago, Hali has
tallied 55 sacks
and is tied for
fourth in forced
fumbles (17).
32 TAMBA HALI, OLB PROJ
KC AGE 30 BYE 6
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
110
87
23
2.5
3
1
7
0
Ryans went after
the QB on 19.5
percent of passing
downs last year.
Even if his skills
have slipped (spoiler
alert: They have), he
merits interest.
38 DEMECO RYANS, ILB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
51
40
11
9.5
3
0
3
0
Mingo registered
five sacks as a
rookie in 2013. Still,
the Browns new
coaching regime
would like him to
beef up to chase
QBs even more.
43 BARKEVIOUS MINGO, OLB PROJ
CLE AGE 23 BYE 4 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
118
88
30
1
2
2
5
0
Working the weak
side opposite
Von Miller should
afford Trevathan
the chance to
prove last years
breakout season
was no fluke.
48 DANNY TREVATHAN, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
126
90
36
3.5
2
3
7
0
Totaling 100 tackles
is standard starting
ILB territory. But
Roachs blend of
sacks (5) and
forced fumbles
(four) in Oakland
gives him a leg up.
28 NICK ROACH, MLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
121
90
31
1.5
1
2
6
0
Beason has thrived
in his Giants stint,
posting 93 tackles
in 12 games. His
every-down role
manning the middle
offers plenty of
fantasy potential.
33 JON BEASON, OLB PROJ
NYG AGE 29 BYE 8
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
66
49
17
10.5
3
0
3
0
As fun as Matthews
is to watch, hes
a headache to
invest in. The
Claymaker has
topped 51 tackles
just once in five
seasons.
39 CLAY MATTHEWS, OLB PROJ
GB AGE 28 BYE 9 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
110
80
30
2.5
1
1
6
0
Mosley matters
at every level. He
logged 500 tackles
in high school
and 319 more at
Alabama. He has
impact potential
from day one.
44 C. J. MOSLEY, ILB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
58
41
17
8.5
2
0
3
1
Youre banking on
sack production
and little else when
investing in Worilds,
who was deployed
to the pocket on
nearly 80 percent
of pass-rush snaps.
49 JASON WORILDS, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
56
41
15
17.5
5
0
2
0
Miller is sent after
the QB on over 75
percent of passing
downs. If it werent
for suspension and
durability fears,
hed be much
higher on this list.
29 VON MILLER, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
119
92
27
0.5
1
2
5
0
A less-than-stellar
debut in Miami
could spell a shift
to the weak side for
Ellerbe. Keep tabs,
since his fantasy
appeal would take a
real nosedive.
34 DANNELL ELLERBE, MLB PROJ
MIA AGE 28 BYE 5
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
112
85
27
0.5
3
1
4
0
Projecting rookie
defenders is
fuzzy science
(aka blind darts),
but ultra-athletic
Shazier joins
Pittsburghs tough
front seven.
40 RYAN SHAZIER, ILB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
68
45
23
8.5
4
1
6
0
The Buffalo
product with freak
athleticism will
be unleashed in
creative ways off
the edge. Investors
will get big-play
production.
45 KHALIL MACK, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
110
79
31
0.5
1
3
7
0
Was Levys INT-
laden 2013 (six on
the season) a fluke,
given his shaky
track record, or
a positive career
arc? No, seriously,
were asking.
50 DEANDRE LEVY, OLB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
116
79
37
4.5
1
3
5
0
Lovie Smith brings
his Tampa-2
to town, a shift
that should have
Foster blitzing far
more often while
upping his play on
coverage downs.
30 MASON FOSTER, MLB PROJ
TB AGE 25 BYE 7 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
126
90
36
2
2
1
5
0
Lofton makes a
habit of not missing
games: six straight
seasons, in fact. His
164 solo tackles
since 2012 proves
he makes the most
of that time.
35 CURTIS LOFTON, MLB PROJ
NO AGE 28 BYE 6
J
O
H
N

R
I
E
G
E
R
/
U
S
A

T
O
D
A
Y

S
P
O
R
T
S
E
A
M

P
R
E
V
I
E
W
S

S
T
A
T
S

S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E

TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
126
88
38
1.5
3
5
14
1
Smiths not an
in-the-box thumper
nor a ball-hawking
center fielder. But
he does a bit of
everything, so you
can bank on this
versatile youngster.
1 HARRISON SMITH, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
98
62
36
1.5
2
5
11
1
When will reality
become fantasy?
Thomas is one of
the leagues elite
secondary assets,
but his fantasy
stats havent been
as specialyet.
9 EARL THOMAS, S PROJ
SEA AGE 25 BYE 4
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
120
84
36
2
3
2
8
0
If he avoids
a potential
suspension, you
can count on Ward,
who thrives against
run-heavy teams
and has capable
coverage skills.
2 T. J. WARD, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
116
90
26
0.5
1
1
6
0
Church logged 38
tackles in three
seasons before
exploding for 133
last fall. The Boys
need playmakers,
so his breakout
should last.
10 BARRY CHURCH, S PROJ
DAL AGE 26 BYE 11
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
114
90
24
1.5
2
3
11
0
Expect a sturdy
foundation of
tackles (161 solos
since 2012) with
a bevy of big plays
(15 turnovers
over the past
three seasons).
3 ERIC WEDDLE, S PROJ
SD AGE 29 BYE 10 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
80
58
22
1.5
3
7
11
0
Dont let the
nickname fool you:
Peanuts a bruising
tackler. Age might
erode his skills
some, but Tillman
will still come up
with big plays.
11 CHARLES TILLMAN, CB PROJ
CHI AGE 33 BYE 9
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
112
85
27
2.5
2
3
8
0
We love his talent
and skill set. What
we covet even more?
His fantasy upside.
Lovie Smiths new
defensive scheme
will fit Barrons
game to a tee.
4 MARK BARRON, S PROJ
TB AGE 24 BYE 7 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
93
75
18
2.5
3
2
5
0
The rare enforcer
with capable
coverage skills,
Vaccaro teams
with Jairus Byrd
for one of the most
complete tandems
outside of Seattle.
12 KENNY VACCARO, S PROJ
NO AGE 23 BYE 6
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
115
87
28
0.5
3
1
7
0
A fractured fibula
sidelined him for
much of last fall,
but otherwise hes
a tackle hoarder.
He racked up 420
of them between
2009 and 12.
17 TYVON BRANCH, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
89
61
28
1
1
5
15
0
With at least four
forced turnovers
and eight pass
breakups in each
of the past four
years, Hall is still
a commodity, even
after 10 seasons.
21 DEANGELO HALL, CB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
115
85
30
1
3
0
5
0
Mitchell inherits a
fertile fantasy role
in the Steel City:
Outgoing vet Ryan
Clark enjoyed at
least 100 tackles
in each of the past
three seasons.
25 MIKE MITCHELL, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
121
88
31
1
2
3
9
1
Forgive Burnett for
his interceptionless
2013. Focus
instead on his
319 tackles since
2011, good for
second best among
defensive backs.
5 MORGAN BURNETT, S PROJ
GB AGE 25 BYE 9 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
108
71
37
1
2
2
7
0
For the first time
in six seasons,
Ihedigbo started
all 16 games last
year. It showed. He
nearly cracked 100
tackles and chipped
in three INTs.
13 JAMES IHEDIGBO, S PROJ
DET AGE 30 BYE 9
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
89
69
20
2
1
4
10
0
Hes rangy and
versatile, but
Jenkins production
hasnt matched his
Ohio State pedigree
just yet. A scheme
shift bodes well for
his stock.
18 MALCOLM JENKINS, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
93
70
23
2.5
2
4
11
0
If not for a major,
late-season knee
injury, the Honey
Badger would be
top-10. With a fast
return to the field,
Mathieu could still
be fantasy gold.
22 TYRANN MATHIEU, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
74
49
25
1
2
7
9
0
This is one defender
who likes to give
the ball back to
his offense. In five
seasons with the
Bills, he came up
with 22 INTs and
11 forced fumbles.
26 JAIRUS BYRD, S PROJ
NO AGE 27 BYE 6 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
89
78
11
3.5
2
3
12
1
Just when we
thought we were
out, Berry pulls us
back in. His All-Pro
skill set hasnt
quite met expected
milestones. But
this is his year!
6 ERIC BERRY, S PROJ
KC AGE 25 BYE 6 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
99
68
31
1
2
3
8
0
Moores got more.
More help in the
secondary, more in
front of him on the
line. What do you
know? That means
more meaningful
numbers this year.
14 WILLIAM MOORE, S PROJ
ATL AGE 29 BYE 9
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
117
88
29
3
1
2
4
0
At 6-foot-3, 232,
Chancellor brings
massive size to
the table. He
delivers classic SS
production thanks
to his physical in-
the-box presence.
19 KAM CHANCELLOR, S PROJ
SEA AGE 26 BYE 4 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
95
70
25
1.5
1
5
9
1
Wouldnt you
know it? Woodson
became a prolific
producer from the
free safety spot.
Hes no spring
chicken but still
starting-caliber.
23 CHARLES WOODSON, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
100
80
20
1.5
1
1
7
0
Like big brother,
like little brother.
This Landry is a
trusted tackler too
(100 per over the
past four seasons)
thanks to his
every-down role.
27 DAWAN LANDRY, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
99
75
24
1.5
4
1
7
0
Weekends with
Bernie are a blast.
Hes a productive,
punishing safety
with a penchant for
consistent numbers
(96.1 tackles per
since 2007).
7 BERNARD POLLARD, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
101
80
21
1.5
2
4
9
0
The hope is you get
Jones circa 2012,
he of the four INTs
and two forced
fumbles. Hes now
paired with Louis
Delmas, so big
plays should return.
15 RESHAD JONES, S PROJ
MIA AGE 26 BYE 5
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
96
79
17
1.5
2
1
6
0
Bethea goes from
cleanup duty in Indy
to playing behind
one of the top front
sevens in San Fran.
His years of 100-
plus tackles might
be behind him.
20 ANTOINE BETHEA, S PROJ
SF AGE 30 BYE 8 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
89
70
19
0
3
1
5
0
Pryors a punishing
enforcer capable
of holding up in
todays demanding
coverage schemes.
He instantly offers
intriguing upside
with a stable floor.
24 CALVIN PRYOR, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
101
87
14
0.5
3
0
4
0
McDonald is a
steady presence
at the line of
scrimmage, and his
floor for tackles is
pretty high heading
into his sophomore
campaign.
28 T. J. MCDONALD, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
101
79
22
3
2
2
8
0
A former corner,
Rolle has thrived
in his transition to
safety. Hes had at
least 92 tackles
and three forced
turnovers in three
straight seasons.
8 ANTREL ROLLE, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
117
85
32
1.5
4
1
5
0
Landrys hulking
frame and physical
style are suited
for leagues that
handsomely reward
tackles. His 187
since 2012 ranks
top-10 among DBs.
16 LARON LANDRY, S PROJ
IND AGE 29 BYE 10
HARRISON SMITH NO. 1 DB
F
R
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L
E
F
T
:

M
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A
/
I
C
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N

S
M
I
;

D
A
V
I
D

D
E
R
M
E
R
/
D
I
A
M
O
N
D

I
M
A
G
E
S
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
DEFENSIVE BACKS
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
83
60
23
2
2
4
11
0
Eight forced
turnovers since
2012 helps his
draft stock. Some.
Grahams lack of
statistical stability
elsewhere relegates
him to a bench role.
45 COREY GRAHAM, CB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
61
49
12
2
2
6
11
1
In fantasy, Revis is
not nearly the asset
he is on the field.
Still, a good blend
of passes defended
and creative usage
could buoy his
numbers a bit.
47 DARRELLE REVIS, CB PROJ
NE AGE 29 BYE 10 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
91
69
22
0
2
0
5
0
Bruce Arians
vowed to give the
hard-hitting rookie
opportunities to
knock the crap out
of people. In other
words: enticing
tackle upside.
49 DEONE BUCANNON, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
91
63
28
1.5
2
2
8
0
Maybe its the water
(or just the porous
rush D), but Buffalo
safeties put up
good stats. Searcy
had 3 sacks
last year and saw
regular blitz action.
29 DANORRIS SEARCY, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
80
55
25
1
1
4
12
0
If youre in the
market for a solid
DB4, heres your
guy. Munnerlyn
is versatile and
brings blitz-
induced big-play
production.
37 CAPTAIN MUNNERLYN, CB PROJ
MIN AGE 26 BYE 10
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
75
59
16
1
1
4
14
1
Carr sees a lot of
passes thrown in
his direction (113
targets in 2013,
tied for fourth most
in the NFL), so
theres potential for
healthy stats.
46 BRANDON CARR, CB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
85
67
18
0.5
2
4
7
0
Good news: Sanford
will be in the mix
for a starting gig
and Mike Zimmer
employs a safety-
friendly scheme.
Bad news: Big stats
arent his thing.
48 JAMARCA SANFORD, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
70
49
21
1.5
1
4
15
0
Hes an oldie but
goodie. Bailey could
resurface as an
interesting fantasy
move down the
line, playing in the
Saints aggressive
secondary.
50 CHAMP BAILEY, CB PROJ
NO AGE 36 BYE 6 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
85
63
22
1
1
6
16
1
The former first-
rounder blossomed
in his third year,
standing out in a
thin secondary. He
grabbed one INT
and forced two
fumbles.
30 PRINCE AMUKAMARA, CB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
81
55
26
0
2
2
8
1
Four forced
turnovers and
two sacks were
encouraging from
Quins debut
season for the
Lions. His lowly
tackles? Less so.
38 GLOVER QUIN, S PROJ
DET AGE 28 BYE 9
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
84
69
15
1
2
3
5
1
Clinton-Dix
brings heaps of
athleticism, and
the Pack need it.
The safety position
didnt come up
with a single INT
last season.
31 HA HA CLINTON-DIX, S PROJ
GB AGE 21 BYE 9 TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
70
48
22
1.5
3
6
10
0
Polamalu saw the
field for all but two
snaps on D in 2013,
but his impact just
doesnt translate to
fantasy. Since 07,
hes logged 75-plus
tackles just once.
39 TROY POLAMALU, S PROJ
PIT AGE 33 BYE 12
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
80
51
29
0
2
5
19
0
A career best in
tackles (74) and a
league-leading 18
pass breakups kept
Webb relevant in
fantasy circles last
fall. Wed like more
big plays, though.
32 LARDARIUS WEBB, CB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
79
49
30
2
2
3
8
0
McCourtys meager
tackle and turnover
totals last fall
are countered
by his gaudy
2012 line (seven
forced turnovers,
79 tackles).
40 DEVIN MCCOURTY, S PROJ
NE AGE 27 BYE 10
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
88
59
29
1.5
3
3
7
1
Williams sample
size as a starting
safety is somewhat
small, but a healthy
number of tackles
and turnovers
makes him a low-
risk upside buy.
33 AARON WILLIAMS, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
84
65
19
1
3
1
8
0
Elams physical
style wouldve been
celebrated a few
years ago. Now
hes a personal foul
waiting to happen.
His tackles make up
for iffy coverage.
41 MATT ELAM, S PROJ
BAL AGE 22 BYE 11
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
95
75
20
1
2
0
5
0
Swearinger enters
his first full season
as a starter with
real promise. With
a retooled, talented
front seven leading
the way, he could
thrive.
34 D. J. SWEARINGER, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
83
58
25
1
2
2
6
0
He went from
failed first-rounder
to celebrated
reclamation project.
Nelson has proved
capable of working
the box and the
deep middle.
42 REGGIE NELSON, S PROJ
CIN AGE 30 BYE 4
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
89
61
28
2
4
0
4
0
Whitner will be
asked to police
the lanes, so hell
have some worthy
appeal in the tackle
department. The
eight-year vet had
73 last season.
35 DONTE WHITNER, S PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
83
68
15
1
2
1
6
0
After an impressive
rookie campaign
in 2009, injuries
and disappointing
numbers have hurt
Delmas rep. Target
him only in the
deepest of leagues.
43 LOUIS DELMAS, S PROJ
MIA AGE 27 BYE 5
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
63
40
23
1
1
6
17
0
Hadens a gifted
cover corner whose
fantasy value relies
heavily on the
number of pass
deflections and
picks he can get
his hands on.
36 JOE HADEN, CB PROJ
SOLO
AST
SACK
FF
INT
PD
TD
90
67
23
0
2
1
6
0
Thanks to some
generous home
scoring, Gipson
posted more than
90 tackles last
season. Thats
reason enough to
merit attention.
44 TASHAUN GIPSON, S PROJ
CLE AGE 24 BYE 4
JOE HADEN NO. 36 DB
T E A M PRE V I E WS P
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

R
E
P
O
R
T
S

S
T
A
T
S
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E

TEAM OUTLOOKS BY SAM MONSON, PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS
THE PROBLEM FANTASY OWNERS
OFTEN FACE IS HOW TO PROPERLY
VALUE ONE OF THEIR FOOTBALL
HEROES. CAN A FAN SHOW UP
FOR A FANTASY DRAFT IN A NO. 3
SEATTLE JERSEY ONLY TO PASS
ON RUSSELL WILSON? WELL, HE MAY
HAVE TO IF HE WANTS TO WIN. HERES
A RUNDOWN ON HOW TO DRAFT WITH
YOUR HEAD FOR ALL 32 TEAMS. READ
TO YOUR HEARTS DISCONTENT.
BE SMART,
FORGET
YOUR HEART
R
A
Y

S
T
U
B
B
L
E
B
I
N
E
/
R
E
U
T
E
R
S
26.0%
14.8%
35.1%
26.0%
22.0%
22.0%
30.0%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

S
A
M

G
R
E
E
N
W
O
O
D
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

J
O
N
A
T
H
A
N

N
E
W
T
O
N
/
T
H
E

W
A
S
H
I
N
G
T
O
N

P
O
S
T
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

R
E
P
O
R
T
S

S
T
A
T
S
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E

----
4-12
12-4
4-12
10-6
8-7-1
8-8
11-5
12-4
11-5
11-5
4-12
5-10-1
7-9
8-8
8-8
7-9
1:00
1:00
8:25
4:25
1:00
1:00
1:00
9:30 A.M.
----
1:00
1:00
1:00
4:05
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
9/7
9/14
9/18
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/8
12/14
12/21
12/28
BYE
@TAMPA BAY
@CAROLINA
CLEVELAND
ARIZONA
@GREEN BAY
PITTSBURGH
@NEWORLEANS
CAROLINA
NEWORLEANS
@CINCINNATI
TAMPA BAY
@MINNESOTA
@NY GIANTS
CHICAGO
@BALTIMORE
DETROIT*
9-7
7-9
12-4
----
13-3
3-13
4-12
10-6
8-8
7-9
7-9
13-3
4-12
11-5
7-9
13-3
12-4
@DALLAS
ST. LOUIS
DETROIT
@SEATTLE
@ATLANTA
KANSAS CITY
@ST. LOUIS
SEATTLE
@SAN FRANCISCO
1:00
4:25
4:25
4:05
4:05
4:05
8:25
8:30
4:25
10:20
1:00
4:05
----
4:05
4:25
4:25
4:05
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/11
12/21
12/28
9/8
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
SAN DIEGO
@NY GIANTS
SAN FRANCISCO
BYE
@DENVER
WASHINGTON
@OAKLAND
PHILADELPHIA
24.1%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL11
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR10
TOTAL15
11 RB
ARIZONA CARDINALS ATLANTA FALCONS
2013 RECORD 106
2014 BYE WEEK 4
2013 RECORD 412
2014 BYE WEEK 9
After backing up Rashard Mendenhall, Andre Ellington is
ready to start. He averaged 3.2 ypc after contact, second
in the NFL, and averaged 4.2 ypc when he had at least
10 attempts. Finally, Arizona has a capable quarterback
in Carson Palmer after several disasters. Dont fall in
love. Palmers 15 picks under pressure was the worst
in the NFL, ve more than second-worst Joe Flacco,
Eli Manning and Ryan Tannehill.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Carson Palmer
Drew Stanton
Logan Thomas
Ryan Lindley
RB
Andre Ellington
Jonathan Dwyer
Stepfan Taylor
WR
Larry Fitzgerald
Michael Floyd
Ted Ginn
John Brown
Jaron Brown
TE
Rob Housler
John Carlson
Jake Ballard
K
Jay Feely
IN THE RED ZONE, 2013
2014 SCHEDULE
TOTAL RED ZONE OPPORTUNITIES: 50
Julio Jones is coming o serious injury, but drafting a
rehabbed star can pay o. Before hurting his right foot
in Week 5, Jones was on pace for 1,856 yards and an
NFL-best 2.74 yards per route. If owners pause, pounce.
Steven Jackson: big name, little game. Atlantas line is
nothing special, generating just 1.8 uncontested yards per
carry, 19th in the NFL. Add Jacksons 2.0 yards after contact
and, well, you do the math.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Matt Ryan
Dominique Davis
Sean Renfree
RB
Steven Jackson
Devonta Freeman
Jacquizz Rodgers
WR
Julio Jones
Roddy White
Harry Douglas
Darius Johnson
Devin Hester
TE
Levine Toilolo
Mickey Shuler
Andrew Szczerba
K
Matt Bryant
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
RB 6
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL8
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR4
TOTAL19
TE9
8 RB
*IN LONDON
TE5

DATE TIME OPPONENT RECORD

40.9%
18.2%
36.5%
17.3%
32.7%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

R
O
B

C
A
R
R
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

M
I
K
E

E
H
R
M
A
N
N
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
8-8
8-8
9-7
2-14
7-9
10-6
5-10-1
8-8
@CHICAGO
MIAMI
SAN DIEGO
@HOUSTON
@DETROIT
NEWENGLAND
MINNESOTA
@NY JETS
----
11-5
8-8
8-8
4-12
13-3
8-7-1
4-12
12-4
BYE
KANSAS CITY
@MIAMI
NY JETS
CLEVELAND
@DENVER
GREEN BAY
@OAKLAND
@NEWENGLAND
----
1:00
8:25
1:00
1:00
4:05
1:00
4:25
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
8-8
7-9
----
11-5
9-7
8-8
4-12
2-14
4-12
@PITTSBURGH
TENNESSEE
BYE
@NEWORLEANS
SAN DIEGO
@MIAMI
JACKSONVILLE
@HOUSTON
CLEVELAND
8:30
1:00
----
8:30
1:00
8:40
1:00
1:00
1:00
11/2
11/9
11/13
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/24
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
9/7
9/11
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
1:00
8:25
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
11-5
8-8
4-12
12-4
11-5
4-12
4-12
11-5
CINCINNATI
PITTSBURGH
@CLEVELAND
CAROLINA
@INDIANAPOLIS
@TAMPA BAY
ATLANTA
@CINCINNATI
29.5%
11.4%
BALTIMORE RAVENS BUFFALO BILLS
2013 RECORD 88
2014 BYE WEEK 11
2013 RECORD 610
2014 BYE WEEK 9
Torrey Smith gets no respect. Even without another capable
receiver, he ranked ninth on passes that traveled at least 20
yards. With Steve Smith now underneath, Torreys numbers
will improve. You may want to support Ray Ricehe
helped win a Super Bowlbut forget it. Hes done. Rice was
at the bottom of PFFs elusive rating with a score of 7.3,
almost twice as bad as the next worst, Willis McGahee.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Joe Flacco
Tyrod Taylor
Keith Wenning
RB
Ray Rice
Bernard Pierce
Lorenzo Taliaferro
Justin Forsett
WR
Torrey Smith
Steve Smith
Marlon Brown
Jacoby Jones
Aaron Mellette
TE
Dennis Pitta
Owen Daniels
Crockett Gillmore
K
Justin Tucker
2014 SCHEDULE
C.J. Spiller makes highlights, but Fred Jackson moves
chains and scores TDs. In only four more carries last year,
Jackson scored seven more rushing touchdowns than
Spiller. The boring pick is often the smart pick. The Bills
spent big on Sammy Watkins, but rst-round WRs over
the past ve years have averaged just 73.6 targets,
43 catches, 591 yards and fewer than 4 TDs in their
rookie season. Wait until next year.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
EJ Manuel
Thad Lewis
Jeff Tuel
RB
C.J. Spiller
Fred Jackson
Bryce Brown
Anthony Dixon
WR
Robert Woods
Sammy Watkins
Mike Williams
Marquise Goodwin
T.J. Graham
TE
Scott Chandler
Tony Moeaki
Lee Smith
K
Dan Carpenter
Dustin Hopkins
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
RB 1
DID NOT
SCORE TOTAL13
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR6
TOTAL8
TE1
3 QB
10 RB
13.5%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL7
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR11
TOTAL17
TE5
6 RB
1 QB
RB 1

23.5%
23.5%
19.6%
33.4%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

S
A
M

S
H
A
R
P
E
/
U
S
A

T
O
D
A
Y

S
P
O
R
T
S
;

P
A
T
R
I
C
K

M
C
D
E
R
M
O
T
T
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

R
E
P
O
R
T
S

S
T
A
T
S
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E

----
8-7-1
5-10-1
4-12
7-9
8-8
11-5
7-9
5-10-1
6-10
12-4
8-8
8-7-1
12-4
4-12
8-8
12-4
1:00
8:30
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
----
8:30
1:00
1:00
12:30
8:25
8:30
1:00
1:00
9/7
9/14
9/22
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/27
12/4
12/15
12/21
12/28
BYE
@GREEN BAY
MINNESOTA
TAMPA BAY
@DETROIT
DALLAS
NEWORLEANS
DETROIT
@MINNESOTA
BUFFALO
@SAN FRANCISCO
@NY JETS
GREEN BAY
@CAROLINA
@ATLANTA
MIAMI
@NEWENGLAND
4-12
7-9
8-8
8-8
8-8
11-5
8-7-1
13-3
11-5
10-6
4-12
----
5-10-1
11-5
4-12
4-12
4-12
NEWORLEANS
@PHILADELPHIA
ATLANTA
BYE
@MINNESOTA
@NEWORLEANS
TAMPA BAY
CLEVELAND
@ATLANTA
8:25
8:30
1:00
----
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
4:25
1:00
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
10/30
11/10
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
@TAMPA BAY
DETROIT
PITTSBURGH
@BALTIMORE
CHICAGO
@CINCINNATI
@GREEN BAY
SEATTLE
26.2%
41.0%
16.4%
16.4%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL12
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR9
TOTAL17
6 RB
6 QB
CAROLINA PANTHERS CHICAGO BEARS
2013 RECORD 124
2014 BYE WEEK 12
2013 RECORD 88
2014 BYE WEEK 9
HEAD NOT HEART
2014 SCHEDULE
Matt Fortes 86 targets ranked second among RBs
(Jamaal Charles, 95). When Jay Cutler drops back,
defenses must focus on Brandon Marshall and Alshon
Jeery, leaving space for Forte. You want to love
Cutler and his mind-bending throws. You think hes now
comfy in Marc Trestmans oense. Stop. Josh McCown
was so much better, with a 0.004 INT rate (best in the NFL)
versus Cutlers 0.034 (26th).
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Jay Cutler
Jordan Palmer
David Fales
RB
Matt Forte
KaDeem Carey
Michael Ford
WR
Brandon Marshall
Alshon Jeffery
Josh Morgan
Eric Weems
Domenik Hixon
TE
Martellus Bennett
Zach Miller
Dante Rosario
Fendi Onobun
K
Robbie Gould
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
RB 4
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL10
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR16
TOTAL25
TE5
9 RB
1 QB
TE6
RB2

QB
Cam Newton
Derek Anderson
Matt Blanchard
Joe Webb
RB
DeAngelo Williams
Jonathan Stewart
Mike Tolbert
Kenjon Barner
WR
Jerricho Cotchery
Kelvin Benjamin
Jason Avant
Tiquan Underwood
TE
Greg Olsen
Ed Dickson
Mike McNeill
K
Graham Gano
Who cares that Cam Newton has never won a playo
game? Hes fantasy gold. His 53 designed rushes in
2013 led QBs, and he has scored 28 rushing touchdowns
the past three years. With Steve Smith gone, the
teams all-time rushing leader, DeAngelo Williams, will be
a tempting option. But he has lost goal-line carries to
Newton and Mike Tolbert and has averaged 4 rushing TDs
and 694 yards the past four seasons.
27.7%
44.7%
27.8%
11.1%
41.7%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

D
A
V
I
D

K
O
H
L
/
A
P

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

B
O
B

L
E
V
E
Y
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
8-8
11-5
8-8
----
7-9
8-8
4-12
4-12
@PITTSBURGH
NEWORLEANS
BALTIMORE
BYE
@TENNESSEE
PITTSBURGH
@JACKSONVILLE
OAKLAND
4-12
11-5
2-14
4-12
6-10
11-5
11-5
12-4
8-8
TAMPA BAY
@CINCINNATI
HOUSTON
@ATLANTA
@BUFFALO
INDIANAPOLIS
CINCINNATI
@CAROLINA
@BALTIMORE
1:00
8:25
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
----
1:00
1:00
1:00
4:25
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
4-12
4-12
11-5
2-14
4-12
8-8
4-12
13-3
8-8
JACKSONVILLE
CLEVELAND
@NEWORLEANS
@HOUSTON
@TAMPA BAY
PITTSBURGH
@CLEVELAND
DENVER
@PITTSBURGH
1:00
8:25
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
8:30
1:00
11/2
11/6
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
11/2
11/6
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/22
12/28
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
1:00
1:00
1:00
----
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
8-8
4-12
7-9
----
12-4
12-4
11-5
8-8
@BALTIMORE
ATLANTA
TENNESSEE
BYE
@NEWENGLAND
CAROLINA
@INDIANAPOLIS
BALTIMORE
19.4%
CINCINNATI BENGALS CLEVELAND BROWNS
2013 RECORD 115
2014 BYE WEEK 4
2013 RECORD 412
2014 BYE WEEK 4
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Andy Dalton
Jason Campbell
AJ McCarron
RB
Giovani Bernard
Jeremy Hill
BenJarvus
Green-Ellis
WR
A.J. Green
Marvin Jones
Mohamed Sanu
Dane
Sanzenbacher
Brandon Tate
TE
Tyler Eifert
Jermaine
Gresham
Kevin Brock
K
Mike Nugent
2014 SCHEDULE
In 2013, slot receivers were money, catching 65.5 percent
of their targets, compared with 58.6 percent for wideouts.
Andrew Hawkins is ideal in the slot and will rack up catches
(assuming Josh Gordon is still in the lineup, going over
the top). Fans love backup QBs. Fantasy fans love guys
with big-day potential. But its uncommon for any rookie
QB to start from day one, much less undersized ones.
Stay away from Johnny Manziel.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Johnny Manziel
Brian Hoyer
Tyler Thigpen
RB
Ben Tate
Terrance West
Dion Lewis
WR
Josh Gordon
Andrew Hawkins
Nate Burleson
Miles Austin
TE
Jordan Cameron
Jim Dray
Gary Barnidge
K
Billy Cundiff
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
RB 3
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL4
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR4
TOTAL15
TE8
4 RB
8.5%
19.1%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL13
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR15
TOTAL21
TE5
11 RB
RB 1
A.J. Green may not last past the rst round, but reap
the benet of his brilliance by taking Marvin Jones
(10 TDs on just 51 receptions). That rate wont hold, but
his targets should soar from his 77 a year ago. Picking
a guy so you can yell his nickname at the draft is stupid.
Thats all BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Law Firm) gives you.
Giovani Bernard is the talent here and wont split time
much longer. Dont hire the Law Firm.

2 QB
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

G
R
E
G
O
R
Y

B
U
L
L
/
A
P

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

G
E
N
E

J
.

P
U
S
K
A
R
/
A
P

I
M
A
G
E
S
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

R
E
P
O
R
T
S

S
T
A
T
S
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E

12-4
4-12
7-9
8-8
11-5
6-10
9-7
11-5
4-12
11-5
11-5
13-3
----
10-6
8-8
12-4
9-7
8:30
4:25
4:25
----
4:05
1:00
8:30
8:25
4:25
4:05
1:00
4:25
8:30
4:05
4:05
8:30
4:25
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/23
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/22
12/28
@NEWENGLAND
@OAKLAND
@ST. LOUIS
MIAMI
@KANSAS CITY
BUFFALO
@SAN DIEGO
@CINCINNATI
OAKLAND
INDIANAPOLIS
KANSAS CITY
@SEATTLE
BYE
ARIZONA
@NY JETS
SAN FRANCISCO
SAN DIEGO
12-4
7-9
7-9
11-5
2-14
13-3
7-9
3-13
10-6
4-12
----
7-9
10-6
8-8
10-6
11-5
3-13
ARIZONA
@JACKSONVILLE*
BYE
@NY GIANTS
PHILADELPHIA
@CHICAGO
@PHILADELPHIA
INDIANAPOLIS
@WASHINGTON
1:00
1:00
----
8:30
4:30
8:25
8:30
4:25
1:00
4:25
1:00
1:00
8:30
1:00
4:25
4:25
8:30
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/27
12/4
12/14
12/21
12/28
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/27
SAN FRANCISCO
@TENNESSEE
@ST. LOUIS
NEWORLEANS
HOUSTON
@SEATTLE
NY GIANTS
WASHINGTON
16.4%
20.9%
7.5%
55.2%
19.6%
23.5%
13.7
43.2%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL13
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR15
TOTAL22
13 RB
DALLAS COWBOYS DENVER BRONCOS
2013 RECORD 88
2014 BYE WEEK 11
2013 RECORD 133
2014 BYE WEEK 4
Dez Bryants antics and uneven eort can drive you crazy,
but hes a rising phenom and mismatch nightmare.
His 25 TD grabs over the past two seasons leads all NFL
wideouts. Dallas is 110 when DeMarco Murray has
20 or more totes, which gets you zero fantasy points.
Hes often injured (career-high 14 games in 2013), so
if you can get him as a midround pick, ne, but dont go
too early for this headache.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Tony Romo
Kyle Orton
Brandon Weeden
RB
DeMarco Murray
Lance Dunbar
Joseph Randle
WR
Dez Bryant
Terrance Williams
Cole Beasley
Jamar Newsome
Dwayne Harris
TE
Jason Witten
Gavin Escobar
James Hanna
K
Dan Bailey
2014 SCHEDULE
The running back job is Montee Balls to lose. Last year he
averaged 0.4 of a yard more per carry and 0.5 more after
contact than Knowshon Moreno, so expect better numbers
as a lead back. Emmanuel Sanders takes over for
Eric Decker, but dont assume like numbers. Peyton Manning
got too much credit for Deckers rise; Sanders isnt the
same talent, averaging just 1.34 yards per route, compared
with 2.03 for Decker.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Peyton Manning
Brock Osweiler
Zac Dysert
RB
Montee Ball
C.J. Anderson
Ronnie Hillman
WR
Demaryius Thomas
Wes Welker
Emmanuel Sanders
Cody Latimer
Andre Caldwell
Greg Wilson
TE
Julius Thomas
Jacob Tamme
Joel Dreessen
Virgil Green
K
Matt Prater
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
RB 2
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL14
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR25
TOTAL37
TE10
13 RB
1 QB
TE6
RB1


*IN LONDON
21.5%
33.9%
16.9%
27.7%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

G
R
E
G
O
R
Y

S
H
A
M
U
S
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

J
O
N
A
T
H
A
N

D
A
N
I
E
L
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
13-3
8-8
7-9
8-8
5-10-1
8-8
12-4
11-5
@SEATTLE
NY JETS
@DETROIT
@CHICAGO
MINNESOTA
@MIAMI
CAROLINA
@NEWORLEANS
----
8-8
10-6
5-10-1
12-4
4-12
6-10
4-12
7-9
BYE
CHICAGO
PHILADELPHIA
@MINNESOTA
NEWENGLAND
ATLANTA
@BUFFALO
@TAMPA BAY
DETROIT
----
8:30
1:00
1:00
4:25
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
8:30
4:25
1:00
1:00
8:25
1:00
1:00
8:30
9/4
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/2
10/12
10/19
10/26
----
8-8
10-6
12-4
8-8
4-12
5-10-1
8-8
8-7-1
BYE
MIAMI
@ARIZONA
@NEWENGLAND
CHICAGO
TAMPA BAY
MINNESOTA
@CHICAGO
@GREEN BAY
----
1:00
4:25
1:00
12:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/8
12/14
12/21
12/28
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/27
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
9/8
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
7:10
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
9:30 A.M.
7-9
12-4
8-7-1
8-8
6-10
5-10-1
11-5
4-12
NY GIANTS
@CAROLINA
GREEN BAY
@NY JETS
BUFFALO
@MINNESOTA
NEWORLEANS
@ATLANTA*
DETROIT LIONS GREEN BAY PACKERS
2013 RECORD 79
2014 BYE WEEK 9
2013 RECORD 871
2014 BYE WEEK 9
Golden Tates Seattle stats dont impress (no 900-plus-yard
seasons), but he has left the grinding Seahawks attack
(second-most rushes) for the land of Calvin Johnson
obsessed defenses. Dont be fooled by Reggie Bushs
highlightshe faces a draining job share with Joique Bell.
Even as a receiver, Bell caught more reliably than Bush
(82.8 percent of targets, compared with 71.1) and made
more tacklers miss (15 to nine).
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Matthew Stafford
Dan Orlovsky
Kellen Moore
RB
Reggie Bush
Joique Bell
Theo Riddick
Mikel Leshoure
WR
Calvin Johnson
Golden Tate
Kris Durham
Ryan Broyles
Corey Fuller
Kevin Ogletree
TE
Eric Ebron
Brandon Pettigrew
Joseph Fauria
K
Nate Freese
Giorgio Tavecchio
2014 SCHEDULE
Jordy Nelson is primed for monster numbers. Last season
(1,314 yards, 8 TDs) he caught 70.8 percent of balls
thrown his way. Imagine his statistics if Aaron Rodgers
hadnt missed seven games. Andrew Quarless is no
Jermichael Finley. Hes a blocker who played 444 snaps
more than Finley (out 10 games with a neck injury)
yet had only 12 more receiving yards and caught two
touchdowns to Finleys three.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Aaron Rodgers
Matt Flynn
Scott Tolzien
RB
Eddie Lacy
James Starks
Johnathan
Franklin
DuJuan Harris
WR
Jordy Nelson
Randall Cobb
Jarrett Boykin
Davante Adams
Kevin Dorsey
TE
Andrew Quarless
Richard Rodgers
Ryan Taylor
K
Mason Crosby
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
RB 1
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL 14
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR12
TOTAL18
TE5
1 QB
13 RB
20.7%
24.1%
19.0%
36.2%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL14
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR11
TOTAL21
TE8
12 RB
RB 2
*IN LONDON

2 QB

DID NOT
SCORE
27.5%
27.5%
27.5%
31.7%
14.6%
19.5%
34.2%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

J
O
H
N

S
L
E
E
Z
E
R
/
K
A
N
S
A
S

C
I
T
Y

S
T
A
R
/
M
C
T
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

S
T
E
P
H
A
N

S
A
V
O
I
A
/
A
P

I
M
A
G
E
S
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

R
E
P
O
R
T
S

S
T
A
T
S
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E

17.5%
7-9
----
12-4
4-12
3-13
4-12
2-14
8-8
7-9
13-3
10-6
4-12
7-9
8-8
2-14
11-5
8-8
8:30
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
8:25
1:00
4:25
8:30
----
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
4:25
1:00
9/7
9/15
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/9
10/19
10/26
11/3
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
@NY GIANTS
BYE
NEWENGLAND
JACKSONVILLE
WASHINGTON
@CLEVELAND
HOUSTON
@DALLAS
@TENNESSEE
@DENVER
PHILADELPHIA
@JACKSONVILLE
TENNESSEE
BALTIMORE
@HOUSTON
CINCINNATI
@PITTSBURGH
3-13
4-12
7-9
6-10
8-8
11-5
8-8
7-9
10-6
----
4-12
11-5
7-9
4-12
11-5
8-8
4-12
PHILADELPHIA
BYE
@CLEVELAND
CINCINNATI
TENNESSEE
@JACKSONVILLE
@INDIANAPOLIS
BALTIMORE
JACKSONVILLE
1:00
----
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
4:25
1:00
1:00
1:00
8:25
8:30
1:00
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/9
10/20
10/26
WASHINGTON
@OAKLAND
@NY GIANTS
BUFFALO
@DALLAS
INDIANAPOLIS
@PITTSBURGH
@TENNESSEE
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL6
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR6
TOTAL14
5 RB
1 QB
HOUSTON TEXANS INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
2013 RECORD 214
2014 BYE WEEK 10
2013 RECORD 115
2014 BYE WEEK 10
DeAndre Hopkins was actually better than his numbers
(52 receptions, 802 yards) showed on a disastrous team.
The QB play fell o a cli, but the rst-round receiver
(27th overall) dropped just one pass on 91 targets. We
get it. Youre thinking bounce-back for a former top-three
fantasy pick. Be warned. Arian Foster, 28, is coming o
back surgery and will no longer run in a zone-blocking
scheme but in a pass-rst attack.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Case Keenum
T.J. Yates
RB
Arian Foster
Andre Brown
Dennis Johnson
WR
Andre Johnson
DeAndre Hopkins
DeVier Posey
Keshawn Martin
Alan Bonner
TE
Ryan Grifn
Garrett Graham
C.J. Fiedorowicz
K
Randy Bullock
2014 SCHEDULE
Dont forget: Dwayne Allen is a complete tight end. A hip
injury ended his second season after just 30 snaps, but
he caught 70 percent of his targets as a rookie (521
yards). A healthy Allen is a big weapon. The Colts
made a huge mistake in giving up a rst-round pick for
Trent Richardson. Accept it and move on. Between a lousy
line and his dancing in the hole, Richardson wont put up
star numbers in Indy whether he starts or not.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Andrew Luck
Matt Hasselbeck
Chandler Harnish
RB
Trent Richardson
Ahmad Bradshaw
Vick Ballard

WR
T.Y. Hilton
Reggie Wayne
Hakeem Nicks
Donte Moncrief
DaRick Rogers
TE
Coby Fleener
Dwayne Allen
Weslye Saunders
K
Adam Vinatieri
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
RB 2
TOTAL14
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR9
TOTAL14
TE3
10 RB
4 QB
RB 1
TE7


22.4%
27.6%
20.7%
29.3%
31.7%
17.1%
24.4%
26.8%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

B
R
I
A
N

B
A
H
R
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

P
E
T
E
R

A
I
K
E
N
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
7-9
13-3
8-8
12-4
12-4
----
9-7
7-9
TENNESSEE
@DENVER
@MIAMI
NEWENGLAND
@SAN FRANCISCO
BYE
@SAN DIEGO
ST. LOUIS
8-8
6-10
13-3
4-12
13-3
10-6
4-12
8-8
9-7
NY JETS
@BUFFALO
SEATTLE
@OAKLAND
DENVER
@ARIZONA
OAKLAND
@PITTSBURGH
SAN DIEGO
1:00
1:00
1:00
8:25
8:30
4:05
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
4:25
4:25
8:30
4:25
----
4:05
1:00
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/29
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
11-5
8-8
----
11-5
7-9
2-14
8-8
7-9
2-14
@CINCINNATI
DALLAS*
BYE
@INDIANAPOLIS
NY GIANTS
HOUSTON
@BALTIMORE
TENNESSEE
@HOUSTON
1:00
1:00
----
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
8:25
1:00
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/20
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/18
12/28
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
1:00
1:00
1:00
4:05
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
10-6
3-13
11-5
9-7
8-8
7-9
4-12
8-8
@PHILADELPHIA
@WASHINGTON
INDIANAPOLIS
@ SAN DIEGO
PITTSBURGH
@TENNESSEE
CLEVELAND
MIAMI
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
2013 RECORD 412
2014 BYE WEEK 11
2013 RECORD 115
2014 BYE WEEK 6
Despite the poor play of Jaguars QBs, Cecil Shorts gained
777 yards on 117 targets (in 13 games). If the passing
improves (it has to zero starts from Blaine Gabbert this
season!), Shorts will convert far more big plays. Toby
Gerhart will get tons of work, but theres still a question
about his handling a lead role after a career spent running
at defenses softened by Adrian Peterson. Gerhart still
trailed Peterson on yards after contact, 3.3 to 2.9.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Chad Henne
Blake Bortles
Ricky Stanzi
RB
Toby Gerhart
Jordan Todman
Denard Robinson
Storm Johnson
WR
Cecil Shorts
Marqise Lee
Ace Sanders
Allen Robinson
Lamaar Thomas
TE
Marcedes Lewis
Clay Harbor
Brandon Barden
K
Josh Scobee
2014 SCHEDULE
Dont fret Jamaal Charles workload (259 carries, 70
receptions), as Andy Reid will keep feeding him. Charles
is still only 27, so his production shouldnt drop yet.
Draft him early with condence. After seven seasons,
Dwayne Bowe is arguably the best receiver in Chiefs
history. But Alex Smith wont help his fantasy production.
Bowes average depth of target sank 3.6 yards to just
9.6 yards downeld, 66th in the league.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Alex Smith
Aaron Murray
Chase Daniel
Tyler Bray
RB
Jamaal Charles
Knile Davis
DeAnthony
Thomas
Cyrus Gray
WR
Dwayne Bowe
A.J. Jenkins
Donnie Avery
Junior Hemingway
Kyle Williams
TE
Anthony Fasano
Sean McGrath
Travis Kelce
K
Ryan Succop
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
RB 6
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL16
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR6
TOTAL17
TE5
1 QB
15 RB
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL7
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR5
TOTAL11
TE6
7 RB

*IN LONDON
35.4%
33.3%
16.7%
32.6%
17.4%
39.1%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

C
H
A
R
L
E
S

T
R
A
I
N
O
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J
R
.
/
M
I
A
M
I

H
E
R
A
L
D
/
M
C
T
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

T
O
M

D
I
P
A
C
E
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

R
E
P
O
R
T
S

S
T
A
T
S
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E

3-13
----
8-8
8-7-1
12-4
8-8
7-9
8-8
8-8
7-9
12-4
11-5
4-12
8-7-1
7-9
6-10
4-12
1:00
1:00
1:00
4:25
8:25
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
----
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/2
10/12
10/19
10/26
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
WASHINGTON
BYE
@CHICAGO
GREEN BAY
CAROLINA
NY JETS
@DETROIT
@ MIAMI
CHICAGO
@ST. LOUIS
NEWENGLAND
@NEWORLEANS
ATLANTA
@GREEN BAY
DETROIT
@BUFFALO
@ TAMPA BAY
12-4
6-10
11-5
4-12
----
8-7-1
8-8
4-12
9-7
7-9
6-10
13-3
8-8
8-8
12-4
5-10-1
8-8
SAN DIEGO
@DETROIT
BUFFALO
@DENVER
@NY JETS
BALTIMORE
@NEWENGLAND
MINNESOTA
NY JETS
1:00
1:00
8:25
4:25
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
4:25
1:00
----
1:00
1:00
1:00
11/2
11/9
11/13
11/23
12/1
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
NEWENGLAND
@BUFFALO
KANSAS CITY
@OAKLAND*
BYE
GREEN BAY
@CHICAGO
@JACKSONVILLE
14.6%
10.9%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL8
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR9
7 RB
1 QB
TOTAL18
MIAMI DOLPHINS MINNESOTA VIKINGS
2013 RECORD 88
2014 BYE WEEK 5
2013 RECORD 5101
2014 BYE WEEK 10
Miami hasnt had a real impact runner since Ricky Williams,
but Knowshon Moreno (1,038 yards) could establish
himself in an oense that wont be as pass-happy as
Denvers was last season. 2013s marquee free agent,
Mike Wallace, is a dynamic player, but he doesnt have a
QB capable of taking advantage of his stunning speed.
Ryan Tannehill completed just 25 percent when throwing
20 or more yards in the air (ranked 32nd).
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Ryan Tannehill
Matt Moore
Pat Devlin
RB
Knowshon Moreno
Lamar Miller
Daniel Thomas
WR
Mike Wallace
Brian Hartline
Brandon Gibson
Armon Binns
Damian Williams
TE
Charles Clay
Dion Sims
Michael Egnew
K
Caleb Sturgis
2014 SCHEDULE
With Norv Turner calling plays, Cordarrelle Patterson can
show what made him last years 29th overall pick. When
throwing to Patterson in 2013, Vikings QBs rated 10 points
higher (88.3) than when throwing to other receivers.
Greg Jennings made two Pro Bowls as a Packer, but his
explosiveness is gone. Despite catching 67.3 percent of
balls thrown his way, Jennings is no longer elusive (eight
missed tackles after 68 catches).
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Matt Cassel
Teddy Bridgewater
Christian Ponder
RB
Adrian Peterson
Matt Asiata
Jerick McKinnon

WR
Cordarrelle
Patterson
Greg Jennings
Jerome Simpson
Jarius Wright
Adam Thielen
TE
Kyle Rudolph
Rhett Ellison
Chase Ford
K
Blair Walsh
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL17
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR6
TOTAL8
RB 2
12 RB
5 QB
RB 8
TE1


*IN LONDON

21.1%
17.5%
38.6%
32.3%
24.6%
30.8%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

J
I
M

M
A
H
O
N
E
Y
/
A
P

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

O
T
T
O

G
R
E
U
L
E

J
R
.
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
4-12
4-12
5-10-1
8-8
4-12
----
7-9
8-7-1
@ATLANTA
@CLEVELAND
MINNESOTA
@DALLAS
TAMPA BAY
BYE
@DETROIT
GREEN BAY
12-4
12-4
11-5
8-8
8-8
12-4
8-8
4-12
4-12
@CAROLINA
SAN FRANCISCO
CINCINNATI
BALTIMORE
@PITTSBURGH
CAROLINA
@CHICAGO
ATLANTA
@TAMPA BAY
8:25
1:00
1:00
8:30
1:00
1:00
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
8:30
1:00
----
1:00
8:30
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
13-3
----
11-5
7-9
8-7-1
9-7
8-8
8-8
6-10
DENVER
BYE
@INDIANAPOLIS
DETROIT
@GREEN BAY
@SAN DIEGO
MIAMI
@NY JETS
BUFFALO
4:25
----
8:30
1:00
4:25
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
10/30
11/9
11/16
11/24
11/30
12/7
12/15
12/21
12/28
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/29
10/5
10/12
10/16
10/26
1:00
1:00
1:00
8:30
8:30
1:00
8:25
1:00
8-8
5-10-1
4-12
11-5
11-5
6-10
8-8
8-8
@MIAMI
@MINNESOTA
OAKLAND
@KANSAS CITY
CINCINNATI
@BUFFALO
NY JETS
CHICAGO
22.8%
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
2013 RECORD 124
2014 BYE WEEK 10
2013 RECORD 115
2014 BYE WEEK 6
You have to take risks to win your fantasy league. Go for
Rob Gronkowski. Hes worth a stash if he isnt ready in
September. In seven games last season, his 2.75 yards per
route was more than half a yard better than that of any
other tight end. It hurts to see Tom Brady slipping, but
the numbers dont lie: 5,235 yards in 2011, 4,827 in 2012
and 4,323 in 2013. Blame poor receivers and struggles
against pressure (57.6 completion percentage).
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Tom Brady
Ryan Mallett
Jimmy Garoppolo
RB
Shane Vereen
Stevan Ridley
Brandon Bolden
WR
Julian Edelman
Danny Amendola
Aaron Dobson
Brandon LaFell
Kenbrell
Thompkins
TE
Rob Gronkowski
D.J. Williams
Michael
Hoomanawanui
K
Stephen
Gostkowski
2014 SCHEDULE
The Saints have a Darren Sproles replacement plan.
Explosive rookie WR Brandin Cooks will grab his share, but
third-year RB Travaris Cadet gures to poach most of
Sproles 84 touches. Mark Ingram showed signs of life
late last season, gaining a career-high 145 yards against
Dallas and 97 in a playo win at Philly. But he wont live up
to his Heisman or rst-round pedigree. Pierre Thomas will
get more carries, yards and touchdowns.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Drew Brees
Luke McCown
Ryan Grifn
RB
Pierre Thomas
Khiry Robinson
Mark Ingram
Travaris Cadet
WR
Marques Colston
Brandin Cooks
Kenny Stills
Robert Meachem
Nick Toon
TE
Jimmy Graham
K
Shayne Graham
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
RB 4
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL10
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR4
TOTAL22
TE14
3 QB
7 RB
12.3%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL16
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR12
TOTAL20
TE5
16 RB
RB 3

38.1%
28.6%
19.0%
36.2%
25%
19.4%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

A
L

B
E
L
L
O
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

T
O
M

D
I
P
A
C
E
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

R
E
P
O
R
T
S

S
T
A
T
S
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E

11-5
8-8
----
6-10
8-8
5-10-1
7-9
12-4
8-8
4-12
8-7-1
8-8
7-9
9-7
13-3
12-4
6-10
1:00
4:25
8:30
1:00
4:25
1:00
8:25
1:00
1:00
1:00
----
1:00
8:30
1:00
4:05
1:00
1:00
9/7
9/14
9/22
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/16
10/26
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
12/1
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
@KANSAS CITY
PITTSBURGH
BYE
@BUFFALO
MIAMI
@MINNESOTA
@TENNESSEE
NEWENGLAND
@ MIAMI
OAKLAND
@GREEN BAY
CHICAGO
DETROIT
@SAN DIEGO
DENVER
@NEWENGLAND
BUFFALO
7-9
10-6
2-14
3-13
4-12
10-6
8-8
----
11-5
13-3
12-4
8-8
4-12
7-9
3-13
7-9
10-6
INDIANAPOLIS
@SEATTLE
SAN FRANCISCO
DALLAS
@JACKSONVILLE
@TENNESSEE
WASHINGTON
@ST. LOUIS
PHILADELPHIA
8:30
4:25
1:00
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
4:05
1:00
7:10
1:00
1:00
8:25
1:00
8:30
4:25
----
11/3
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
9/8
9/14
9/21
9/25
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
@DETROIT
ARIZONA
HOUSTON
@WASHINGTON
ATLANTA
@PHILADELPHIA
@DALLAS
BYE
14.3%
19.4%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL9
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR5
TOTAL7
9 RB
NEW YORK GIANTS NEW YORK JETS
2013 RECORD 79
2014 BYE WEEK 8
2013 RECORD 88
2014 BYE WEEK 11
Dont mistake Victor Cruz for a declining player. The entire
Giants oense was a mess last year, impacting everyone.
With Hakeem Nicks in Indy, Cruz is now the clear-cut No. 1
and will get more targets than last year (118, ranked 24th).
Rashad Jennings rushed for 88 yards against Big Blue
last season, but dont expect the same spark now that hes
a Giant. He isnt quick, and the line, while improved, is still
poor. Risky David Wilson is still a better option.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Eli Manning
Josh Freeman
Ryan Nassib
Curtis Painter
RB
Rashad Jennings
David Wilson
Andre Willliams
Peyton Hillis
WR
Victor Cruz
Rueben Randle
Odell Beckham Jr.
Jerrel Jernigan
Mario Manningham
Julian Talley
TE
Adrien Robinson
Kellen Davis
Larry Donnell
K
Josh Brown
2014 SCHEDULE
Eric Decker isnt a true No. 1, but hell have that role on
the Jets. Deckers 2.003 yards per route run in 2013 was
a gure only 15 receivers could top. Downgrading from
Peyton to Geno should be oset by more targets. Chris
Johnson is tempting, but you must resist. He might break
the odd big play, but he gained just 1.84 yards per carry
after contact in 2013, 48th in the league. This was a
desperation signing by the Jets.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Michael Vick
Geno Smith
Matt Simms
Tajh Boyd
RB
Chris Johnson
Chris Ivory
Bilal Powell
Daryl Richardson
WR
Eric Decker
Jeremy Kerley
David Nelson
Shaq Evans
Stephen Hill
Jacoby Ford
TE
Jace Amaro
Jeff Cumberland
Zach Sudeld
K
Nick Folk
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL12
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR4
TOTAL8
TE4
4 RB
6 QB
TE2
2 OTHER


25.5%
22.0%
23.7%
28.8%
21.4%
31.0%
21.4%
26.2%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

B
E
N

M
A
R
G
O
T
/
A
P

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

G
R
E
G

T
R
O
T
T
/
A
P

I
M
A
G
E
S
4-12
11-5
3-13
12-4
7-9
7-9
----
10-6
JACKSONVILLE
@INDIANAPOLIS
WASHINGTON
@SAN FRANCISCO
ST. LOUIS
NY GIANTS
BYE
@ARIZONA
2-14
12-4
8-7-1
7-9
8-8
13-3
8-8
3-13
7-9
@HOUSTON
CAROLINA
@GREEN BAY
TENNESSEE
@DALLAS
SEATTLE
DALLAS
@WASHINGTON
@NY GIANTS
1:00
8:30
1:00
1:00
4:30
4:25
8:30
TBA
1:00
1:00
8:30
1:00
4:25
1:00
8:30
----
4:05
9/7
9/15
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
13-3
13-3
9-7
11-5
7-9
12-4
11-5
6-10
13-3
@SEATTLE
DENVER
@SAN DIEGO
KANSAS CITY
@ST. LOUIS
SAN FRANCISCO
@KANSAS CITY
BUFFALO
@DENVER
4:25
4:05
4:05
8:25
1:00
4:25
1:00
4:25
4:25
11/2
11/10
11/16
11/23
11/27
12/7
12/14
12/20
12/28
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/20
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
1:00
4:25
1:00
1:00
----
4:05
4:25
4:25
8-8
2-14
12-4
8-8
----
9-7
10-6
4-12
@NY JETS
HOUSTON
@NEWENGLAND
MIAMI*
BYE
SAN DIEGO
ARIZONA
@CLEVELAND
OAKLAND RAIDERS PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
2013 RECORD 412
2014 BYE WEEK 5
2013 RECORD 106
2014 BYE WEEK 7
Matt Schaub was somewhere between bad and awful last
season, but hes been pretty good over his career. In the
three seasons he started 16 games in Houston, he passed
for more than 4,000 yards and 22 touchdowns. Can we
nally accept that the draft experts were wrong about
Darren McFadden? Its one thing after another, from
wrong schemes to injuries to vultures. Hes had one
1,000-yard season in a six-year career. Forget him.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Matt Schaub
Derek Carr
Matt McGloin
Trent Edwards
RB
Maurice
Jones-Drew
Darren McFadden
Latavius Murray
WR
James Jones
Denarius Moore
Rod Streater
Andre Holmes
Juron Criner
Greg Little
TE
David Ausberry
Mychal Rivera
Nick Kasa
K
Sebastian
Janikowski
2014 SCHEDULE
If you can stockpile guys in Chip Kellys oense, I like
Zach Ertz as a semi-sleeper. He backed up Brent Celek,
playing 405 fewer snaps as a rookie, but his receiving
grade was 5.4 points better. How can you not love the
little guy, Darren Sproles? Too bad he wont get the looks
in Philly that he did in Nawlins (NFL-best 318 targets the
past three seasons). And both his rushing and receiving
stats declined in each of the past two seasons.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Nick Foles
Mark Sanchez
Matt Barkley
RB
LeSean McCoy
Darren Sproles
Chris Polk
WR
Jeremy Maclin
Riley Cooper
Jordan Matthews
Josh Huff
Jeff Maehl
Damaris Johnson
TE
Zach Ertz
Brent Celek
James Casey
K
Alex Henery
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
RB 1
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL13
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR9
TOTAL17
TE7
5 QB
8 RB
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL13
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR6
TOTAL 11
TE4
1 QB
RB1
12 RB

*IN LONDON
32.7%
14.3%
36.7%
39.6%
17.0%
9.4%
34.0%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

G
E
O
R
G
E

G
O
J
K
O
V
I
C
H
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

E
L
A
I
N
E

T
H
O
M
P
S
O
N
/
A
P

I
M
A
G
E
S
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

R
E
P
O
R
T
S

S
T
A
T
S
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E

12-4
10-6
13-3
9-7
4-12
3-13
10-6
7-9
13-3
5-10-1
4-12
8-8
----
10-6
12-4
13-3
11-5
1:00
4:05
1:00
----
1:00
8:30
1:00
1:00
4:05
4:25
1:00
4:05
1:00
1:00
8:25
4:05
4:25
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/13
10/19
10/26
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/11
12/21
12/28
@SAN FRANCISCO
@ARIZONA
DENVER
@SAN DIEGO
OAKLAND
@WASHINGTON
ARIZONA
NY GIANTS
@SEATTLE
MINNESOTA
@ TAMPA BAY
DALLAS
BYE
@PHILADELPHIA
SAN FRANCISCO
SEATTLE
@KANSAS CITY
4-12
8-8
12-4
4-12
4-12
4-12
2-14
11-5
8-8
8-8
7-9
----
11-5
11-5
4-12
11-5
11-5
BALTIMORE
@NY JETS
@TENNESSEE
BYE
NEWORLEANS
@CINCINNATI
@ATLANTA
KANSAS CITY
CINCINNATI
8:30
1:00
8:30
----
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
8:25
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
8:30
4:25
11/2
11/9
11/17
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
9/7
9/11
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/20
10/26
CLEVELAND
@BALTIMORE
@CAROLINA
TAMPA BAY
@JACKSONVILLE
@CLEVELAND
HOUSTON
INDIANAPOLIS
16.3%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL9
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR15
TOTAL18
8 RB
1 QB
PITTSBURGH STEELERS ST. LOUIS RAMS
2013 RECORD 88
2014 BYE WEEK 12
2013 RECORD 79
2014 BYE WEEK 4
Shocker: Last season Antonio Brown became the rst NFL
player to have ve or more receptions and 50 or more
yards in every game in a season. He might not be ashy,
but he consistently racks up the points. The Steelers
took LeVeon Bell in 2013s second round to be their lead
back, but Im not sure hes better than LeGarrette Blount.
Bell averaged 3.5 ypc and 2.1 after contact, while Blount
averaged 5.2 ypc and 2.8 after contact.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Ben Roethlisberger
Bruce Gradkowski
Landry Jones
RB
LeVeon Bell
LeGarrette Blount
Dri Archer
WR
Antonio Brown
Markus Wheaton
Lance Moore
Martavis Bryant
Darrius
Heyward-Bey
Justin Brown
Derek Moye
TE
Heath Miller
Matt Spaeth
David Paulson
K
Shaun Suisham
2014 SCHEDULE
Tavon Austin really turned it on in the seasons second
half, when he had four plays of 56-plus yards, compared
with none in the rst half. The Rams gave up a lot to get
him, and therell be more to come in year two. The front
oce still feels Sam Bradford is the answer. But he misses
too many routine throws (55 percent between 11 and 20
yards, ranked 32nd), and when he was pressured, his
passer rating dropped almost 50 points.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Sam Bradford
Shaun Hill
Austin Davis
RB
Zac Stacy
Tre Mason
Benny
Cunningham
WR
Tavon Austin
Kenny Britt
Chris Givens
Austin Pettis
Brian Quick
Stedman Bailey

TE
Jared Cook
Lance Kendricks
Justice
Cunningham
K
Greg Zuerlein
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
RB 1
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL7
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR7
TOTAL18
TE10
7 RB
TE2
RB 1


30.9%
14.5%
27.3%
27.3%
36.1%
13.1%
36.1%
F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

L
E
N
N
Y

I
G
N
E
L
Z
I
/
A
P

I
M
A
G
E
S
;

T
H
E
A
R
O
N

W
.

H
E
N
D
E
R
S
O
N
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
8-8
8-8
10-6
10-6
11-5
7-9
13-3
----
@DALLAS
CHICAGO
@ARIZONA
PHILADELPHIA
KANSAS CITY
@ST. LOUIS
@DENVER
BYE
7-9
11-5
7-9
3-13
13-3
4-12
13-3
9-7
10-6
ST. LOUIS
@NEWORLEANS
@NY GIANTS
WASHINGTON
SEATTLE
@OAKLAND
@SEATTLE
SAN DIEGO
ARIZONA
4:05
1:00
1:00
4:25
8:30
4:25
4:25
TBA
4:25
4:25
8:30
4:05
4:25
4:25
8:30
8:30
----
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/13
10/19
10/26
8-8
----
4-12
7-9
8-8
12-4
13-3
12-4
11-5
@MIAMI
BYE
OAKLAND
ST. LOUIS
@BALTIMORE
NEWENGLAND
DENVER
@SAN FRANCISCO
@KANSAS CITY
1:00
----
4:05
4:05
1:00
8:30
4:05
TBA
1:00
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/27
12/7
12/14
12/20
12/28
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/20
12/28
9/8
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/23
10:20
4:05
1:00
4:05
4:25
4:05
4:05
8:25
10-6
13-3
6-10
4-12
8-8
4-12
11-5
13-3
@ARIZONA
SEATTLE
@BUFFALO
JACKSONVILLE
NY JETS
@OAKLAND
KANSAS CITY
@DENVER
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
2013 RECORD 97
2014 BYE WEEK 10
2013 RECORD 124
2014 BYE WEEK 8
Philip Rivers can be maddeningly inconsistent, but with a
viable line, hes a good fantasy QB. In 2013, he led the NFL
with an accuracy rate of 78.7 percent. And he has weapons
in Keenan Allen and Malcom Floyd. He may be headed
to Canton one day, but its time to stay away from
Antonio Gates. While still capable of wily plays on sharp
routes, Gates is giving way to Ladarius Green, whose depth
of target was 5.2 yards better.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Philip Rivers
Brad Sorensen
Kellen Clemens
RB
Ryan Mathews
Danny Woodhead
Donald Brown
WR
Keenan Allen
Eddie Royal
Vincent Brown
Malcom Floyd
Dontrelle Inman
Seyi Ajirotutu
TE
Antonio Gates
Ladarius Green
John Phillips
K
Nick Novak
2014 SCHEDULE
Rehabbing stars are often undervalued. Look no further
than Michael Crabtree. Hell get the targets Anquan Boldin
had last year (123) and do more with them. In 2012, he
was top ve in yards per route (2.55). Colin Kaepernick
is very hard to defend, but that doesnt add up to fantasy
points. A big rushing play waiting to happen, he doesnt
get scoring chances because the 49ers power the ball
inside the 5 with Frank Gore & Co.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Colin Kaepernick
Blaine Gabbert
McLeod Bethel-
Thompson
RB
Frank Gore
Carlos Hyde
Kendall Hunter
Marcus Lattimore
LaMichael James
WR
Michael Crabtree
Anquan Boldin
Stevie Johnson
Jon Baldwin
Quinton Patton
TE
Vernon Davis
Vance McDonald
Garrett Celek
K
Phil Dawson
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL15
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR7
TOTAL15
TE8
3 QB
12 RB
14.7%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL8
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR13
TOTAL22
TE3
8 RB
RB6

10.8%
40.5%
29.4%
24.1%
15.5%
31.0%
O
S
I
T
I
O
N

R
E
P
O
R
T
S

S
T
A
T
S
S
C
H
E
D
U
L
E

4-12
4-12
3-13
8-8
11-5
7-9
12-4
8-7-1
11-5
12-4
7-9
4-12
8-8
11-5
8-8
----
5-10-1
4:25
4:05
8:25
1:00
1:00
1:00
----
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
9/7
9/14
9/18
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
@CLEVELAND
ATLANTA
@WASHINGTON
@CHICAGO
CINCINNATI
@DETROIT
@CAROLINA
GREEN BAY
NEWORLEANS
CAROLINA
ST. LOUIS
@ATLANTA
@PITTSBURGH
@NEWORLEANS
BALTIMORE
BYE
MINNESOTA
8-7-1
9-7
13-3
----
3-13
8-8
7-9
12-4
4-12
7-9
11-5
10-6
12-4
10-6
12-4
10-6
7-9
OAKLAND
NY GIANTS
@KANSAS CITY
ARIZONA
@SAN FRANCISCO
@PHILADELPHIA
SAN FRANCISCO
@ARIZONA
ST. LOUIS
4:25
4:25
1:00
4:05
8:30
4:25
4:25
8:30
4:25
8:30
4:05
4:25
----
8:30
4:25
1:00
1:00
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/27
12/7
12/14
12/21
12/28
9/4
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/6
10/12
10/19
10/26
GREEN BAY
@SAN DIEGO
DENVER
BYE
@WASHINGTON
DALLAS
@ST. LOUIS
@CAROLINA
35.2%
13.5%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL14
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR9
TOTAL18
12 RB
2 QB
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
2013 RECORD 133
2014 BYE WEEK 4
2013 RECORD 412
2014 BYE WEEK 7
Just watch the Super Bowl tape: Percy Harvin had two
carries for 45 yards and an 87-yard kicko return for a TD.
A healthy Harvin opens up Seattles oense. Hes a fantasy
game changer. Russell Wilson won a ring in year two and
may become the next great QB, but hell never be a fantasy
star. Wilson gets the ball to the right guys, but he wont
have dazzling numbers. Intangibles dont give you points.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Russell Wilson
Terrelle Pryor
Tarvaris Jackson
RB
Marshawn Lynch
Robert Turbin
Christine Michael
WR
Percy Harvin
Doug Baldwin
Sidney Rice
Jermaine Kearse
Ricardo Lockette
TE
Zach Miller
Luke Willson
Anthony McCoy
K
Steven Hauschka
2014 SCHEDULE
Vincent Jackson, top 10 in yards per route in 2012 and
2013, will see targets rise with Mike Williams gone and
rookie Mike Evans across the eld, forcing defenses to put
small corners on Jackson. The 2013 version of Josh
McCown was an outlier. Stellar for Chicago, he completed
56.2 percent of passes under pressure, fourth best in the
NFL. But now he doesnt have Marc Trestman in his ear
or Matt Forte in the at.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Josh McCown
Mike Glennon
Mike Kafka
RB
Doug Martin
Mike James
Charles Sims
Bobby Rainey
FB
Lonnie Pryor
WR
Vincent Jackson
Mike Evans
Louis Murphy
Chris Owusu
Skye Dawson
Eric Page
TE
Austin Seferian-
Jenkins
Tim Wright
Luke Stocker
Brandon Myers
K
Connor Barth
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
RB 1
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL4
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR8
OTHER1
TOTAL15
TE5
4 RB
RB 3
TE6

F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

T
O
M

D
I
P
A
C
E
;

B
R
I
A
N

B
L
A
N
C
O
/
A
P

I
M
A
G
E
S
27.4%
23.5%
21.6%
27.5%
30.7%
28.5%
26.5%
2-14
4-12
10-6
7-9
13-3
10-6
7-9
8-8
@HOUSTON
JACKSONVILLE
@PHILADELPHIA
NY GIANTS
SEATTLE
@ARIZONA
TENNESSEE
@DALLAS
5-10-1
----
4-12
12-4
11-5
7-9
7-9
10-6
8-8
@MINNESOTA
BYE
TAMPA BAY
@SAN FRANCISCO
@INDIANAPOLIS
ST. LOUIS
@NY GIANTS
PHILADELPHIA
DALLAS
1:00
----
1:00
4:25
1:00
1:00
1:00
TBA
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
8:25
8:30
4:25
1:00
8:30
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/25
10/6
10/12
10/19
10/27
----
8-8
8-8
10-6
2-14
7-9
8-8
4-12
11-5
BYE
@BALTIMORE
PITTSBURGH
@PHILADELPHIA
@HOUSTON
NY GIANTS
NY JETS
@JACKSONVILLE
INDIANAPOLIS
----
1:00
8:30
1:00
1:00
1:00
4:05
8:25
1:00
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/20
12/28
11/2
11/9
11/17
11/23
11/30
12/7
12/14
12/18
12/28
9/7
9/14
9/21
9/28
10/5
10/12
10/19
10/26
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
1:00
11-5
8-8
11-5
11-5
4-12
4-12
3-13
2-14
@KANSAS CITY
DALLAS
@CINCINNATI
@INDIANAPOLIS
CLEVELAND
JACKSONVILLE
@WASHINGTON
HOUSTON
TENNESSEE TITANS WASHINGTON REDSKINS
2013 RECORD 79
2014 BYE WEEK 9
2013 RECORD 313
2014 BYE WEEK 10
Justin Hunter gained just 354 yards as a rookie but still
had two 100-yard games, and both came late and included
a score. Kenny Britt has moved on and Nate Washington is
slowing, so opportunity is there. The end of the Chris
Johnson era does not herald the Shonn Greene era. His
numbers unfortunately look a lot like CJ2Ks (15.5 elusive
rating for Johnson; 12.8 for Greene). He forced a measly
ve missed tackles on 83 touches.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Jake Locker
Zach Mettenberger
Charlie Whitehurst
Tyler Wilson
RB
Bishop Sankey
Shonn Greene
Jackie Battle
FB
Collin Mooney
WR
Kendall Wright
Justin Hunter
Dexter McCluster
Nate Washington
Marc Mariani
TE
Delanie Walker
Craig Stevens
Taylor Thompson
K
Maikon Bonani
Brett Kern
Travis Coons
2014 SCHEDULE
On just 384 snaps, Jordan Reed gained 499 receiving
yards, caught 75 percent of passes thrown his way and
ranked third among tight ends in yards per route, behind
Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski. Nice company.
Robert Grin III is the franchise and future for Redskins
fans. Stay away. New coach Jay Gruden will force him to
use more play-action. He had a rating of only 76.2 on such
plays last year, 34th in the league.
HEAD NOT HEART
QB
Robert Grifn III
Kirk Cousins
Colt McCoy
RB
Alfred Morris
Roy Helu
Evan Royster
WR
Pierre Garcon
DeSean Jackson
Andre Roberts
Santana Moss
Leonard Hankerson
TE
Jordan Reed
Niles Paul
Logan Paulsen
K
Kai Forbath
2014 SCHEDULE
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
FANTASY
DEPTH
CHART
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL12
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR8
TOTAL14
TE6
12 RB
14.3%
DID NOT
SCORE
TOTAL14
RUSHING
TDs
FIELD GOALS
RECEIVING TDs
WR6
TOTAL13
TE6
9 RB
RB 1
5 QB

F
R
O
M

T
O
P
:

T
O
M

D
I
P
A
C
E
;

B
R
I
A
N

C
A
S
S
E
L
L
A
/
C
H
I
C
A
G
O

T
R
I
B
U
N
E
/
M
C
T
/
G
E
T
T
Y

I
M
A
G
E
S
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 TIME (ET)
TAMPA BAY @ATLANTA 8:25 PM
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 TIME(ET)
SAN DIEGO @BUFFALO 1:00 PM
TENNESSEE @CINCINNATI 1:00 PM
BALTIMORE @CLEVELAND 1:00 PM
GREEN BAY @DETROIT 1:00 PM
DALLAS @ST. LOUIS 1:00 PM
OAKLAND @NEWENGLAND 1:00 PM
MINNESOTA @NEWORLEANS 1:00 PM
HOUSTON @NY GIANTS 1:00 PM
WASHINGTON @PHILADELPHIA 1:00 PM
INDIANAPOLIS @JACKSONVILLE 1:00 PM
SAN FRANCISCO @ARIZONA 4:05 PM
KANSAS CITY @MIAMI 4:25 PM
DENVER @SEATTLE 4:25 PM
PITTSBURGH @CAROLINA 8:30 PM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 TIME (ET)
CHICAGO @NY JETS 8:30 PM
WEEK 3
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 TIME (ET)
SAN DIEGO @DENVER 8:25 PM
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 TIME (ET)
DETROIT @ATLANTA* 9:30 AM
BALTIMORE @CINCINNATI 1:00 PM
HOUSTON @TENNESSEE 1:00 PM
ST. LOUIS @KANSAS CITY 1:00 PM
CHICAGO @NEWENGLAND 1:00 PM
BUFFALO @NY JETS 1:00 PM
MINNESOTA @TAMPA BAY 1:00 PM
SEATTLE @CAROLINA 1:00 PM
MIAMI @JACKSONVILLE 1:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA @ARIZONA 4:05 PM
OAKLAND @CLEVELAND 4:25 PM
INDIANAPOLIS @PITTSBURGH 4:25 PM
GREEN BAY @NEWORLEANS 8:30 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27 TIME(ET)
WASHINGTON @DALLAS 8:30 PM
BYES NY GIANTS, SAN FRANCISCO
WEEK 8
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27 TIME (ET)
CHICAGO @DETROIT 12:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA @DALLAS 4:30 PM
SEATTLE @SAN FRANCISCO 8:30 PM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30 TIME (ET)
CLEVELAND @BUFFALO 1:00 PM
WASHINGTON @INDIANAPOLIS 1:00 PM
OAKLAND @ST. LOUIS 1:00 PM
CAROLINA @MINNESOTA 1:00 PM
NEWORLEANS @PITTSBURGH 1:00 PM
CINCINNATI @TAMPA BAY 1:00 PM
NY GIANTS @JACKSONVILLE 1:00 PM
SAN DIEGO @BALTIMORE 1:00 PM
TENNESSEE @HOUSTON 1:00 PM
ARIZONA @ATLANTA 4:05 PM
NEWENGLAND @GREEN BAY 4:25 PM
DENVER @KANSAS CITY 8:30 PM
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 TIME (ET)
MIAMI @NY JETS 8:30 PM
WEEK 13
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 TIME(ET)
NY GIANTS @WASHINGTON 8:25 PM
GREEN BAY @CHICAGO 1:00 PM
TENNESSEE @INDIANAPOLIS 1:00 PM
MIAMI @OAKLAND* 1:00 PM
DETROIT @NY JETS 1:00 PM
TAMPA BAY @PITTSBURGH 1:00 PM
CAROLINA @BALTIMORE 1:00 PM
BUFFALO @HOUSTON 1:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE @SAN DIEGO 4:05 PM
ATLANTA @MINNESOTA 4:25 PM
PHILADELPHIA @SAN FRANCISCO 4:25 PM
NEWORLEANS @DALLAS 8:30 PM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 TIME (ET)
NEWENGLAND @KANSAS CITY 8:30 PM
BYES CINCINNATI, CLEVELAND, DENVER,
ST. LOUIS, ARIZONA, SEATTLE
WEEK 4
NEWORLEANS @CAROLINA 8:25 PM
JACKSONVILLE @CINCINNATI 1:00 PM
TAMPA BAY @CLEVELAND 1:00 PM
ARIZONA @DALLAS 1:00 PM
NY JETS @KANSAS CITY 1:00 PM
SAN DIEGO @MIAMI 1:00 PM
WASHINGTON @MINNESOTA 1:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA @HOUSTON 1:00 PM
ST. LOUIS @SAN FRANCISCO 4:05 PM
DENVER @NEWENGLAND 4:25 PM
OAKLAND @SEATTLE 4:25 PM
BALTIMORE @PITTSBURGH 8:30 PM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 TIME (ET)
INDIANAPOLIS @NY GIANTS 8:30 PM
BYES ATLANTA, BUFFALO, CHICAGO,
DETROIT, GREEN BAY, TENNESSEE
WEEK 9
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 TIME(ET)
DALLAS @CHICAGO 8:25 PM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 TIME(ET)
PITTSBURGH @CINCINNATI 1:00 PM
INDIANAPOLIS @CLEVELAND 1:00 PM
TAMPA BAY @DETROIT 1:00 PM
NY GIANTS @TENNESSEE 1:00 PM
BALTIMORE @MIAMI 1:00 PM
NY JETS @MINNESOTA 1:00 PM
CAROLINA @NEWORLEANS 1:00 PM
ST. LOUIS @WASHINGTON 1:00 PM
HOUSTON @JACKSONVILLE 1:00 PM
BUFFALO @DENVER 4:05 PM
KANSAS CITY @ARIZONA 4:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO @OAKLAND 4:25 PM
SEATTLE @PHILADELPHIA 4:25 PM
NEWENGLAND @SAN DIEGO 8:30 PM
ATLANTA @GREEN BAY 8:30 PM
WEEK 14
MINNESOTA @GREEN BAY 8:25 PM
CHICAGO @CAROLINA 1:00 PM
CLEVELAND @TENNESSEE 1:00 PM
ST. LOUIS @PHILADELPHIA 1:00 PM
ATLANTA @NY GIANTS 1:00 PM
TAMPA BAY @NEWORLEANS 1:00 PM
HOUSTON @DALLAS 1:00 PM
BUFFALO @DETROIT 1:00 PM
BALTIMORE @INDIANAPOLIS 1:00 PM
PITTSBURGH @JACKSONVILLE 1:00 PM
ARIZONA @DENVER 4:05 PM
KANSAS CITY @SAN FRANCISCO 4:25 PM
NY JETS @SAN DIEGO 4:25 PM
CINCINNATI @NEWENGLAND 8:30 PM
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 TIME (ET)
SEATTLE @WASHINGTON 8:30 PM
BYES OAKLAND, MIAMI
WEEK 5
CLEVELAND @CINCINNATI 8:25 PM
KANSAS CITY @BUFFALO 1:00 PM
MIAMI @DETROIT 1:00 PM
SAN FRANCISCO @NEWORLEANS 1:00 PM
PITTSBURGH @NY JETS 1:00 PM
ATLANTA @TAMPA BAY 1:00 PM
DALLAS @JACKSONVILLE* 1:00 PM
TENNESSEE @BALTIMORE 1:00 PM
DENVER @OAKLAND 4:05 PM
ST. LOUIS @ARIZONA 4:25 PM
NY GIANTS @SEATTLE 4:25 PM
CHICAGO @GREEN BAY 8:30 PM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10 TIME(ET)
CAROLINA @PHILADELPHIA 8:30 PM
BYES INDIANAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, NEWENGLAND,
SAN DIEGO, WASHINGTON, HOUSTON
WEEK 10
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 TIME (ET)
ARIZONA @ST. LOUIS 8:25 PM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 TIME (ET)
PITTSBURGH @ATLANTA 1:00 PM
GREEN BAY @BUFFALO 1:00 PM
CINCINNATI @CLEVELAND 1:00 PM
MINNESOTA @DETROIT 1:00 PM
HOUSTON @INDIANAPOLIS 1:00 PM
OAKLAND @KANSAS CITY 1:00 PM
MIAMI @NEWENGLAND 1:00 PM
WASHINGTON @NY GIANTS 1:00 PM
TAMPA BAY @CAROLINA 1:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE @BALTIMORE 1:00 PM
NY JETS @TENNESSEE 4:05 PM
DENVER @SAN DIEGO 4:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO @SEATTLE 4:25 PM
DALLAS @PHILADELPHIA 8:30 PM
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15 TIME(ET)
NEWORLEANS @CHICAGO 8:30 PM
WEEK 15
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 TIME(ET)
INDIANAPOLIS @HOUSTON 8:25 PM
CHICAGO @ATLANTA 1:00 PM
NEWENGLAND @BUFFALO 1:00 PM
CAROLINA @CINCINNATI 1:00 PM
PITTSBURGH @CLEVELAND 1:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE @TENNESSEE 1:00 PM
GREEN BAY @MIAMI 1:00 PM
DETROIT @MINNESOTA 1:00 PM
DENVER @NY JETS 1:00 PM
BALTIMORE @TAMPA BAY 1:00 PM
SAN DIEGO @OAKLAND 4:05 PM
WASHINGTON @ARIZONA 4:25 PM
DALLAS @SEATTLE 4:25 PM
NY GIANTS @PHILADELPHIA 8:30 PM
SAN FRANCISCO @ST. LOUIS 8:30 PM
BYES KANSAS CITY, NEWORLEANS
WEEK 6
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13 TIME(ET)
BUFFALO @MIAMI 8:25 PM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 TIME(ET)
MINNESOTA @CHICAGO 1:00 PM
HOUSTON @CLEVELAND 1:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA @GREEN BAY 1:00 PM
SEATTLE @KANSAS CITY 1:00 PM
DENVER @ST. LOUIS 1:00 PM
CINCINNATI @NEWORLEANS 1:00 PM
SAN FRANCISCO @NY GIANTS 1:00 PM
TAMPA BAY @WASHINGTON 1:00 PM
ATLANTA @CAROLINA 1:00 PM
OAKLAND @SAN DIEGO 4:05 PM
DETROIT @ARIZONA 4:25 PM
NEWENGLAND @INDIANAPOLIS 8:30 PM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17 TIME(ET)
PITTSBURGH @TENNESSEE 8:30 PM
BYES DALLAS, NY JETS, JACKSONVILLE, BALTIMORE
WEEK 11
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 TIME (ET)
TENNESSEE @JACKSONVILLE 8:25 PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 TIME (ET)
SAN DIEGO @SAN FRANCISCO TBD
PHILADELPHIA @WASHINGTON TBD
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 TIME (ET)
DETROIT @CHICAGO 1:00 PM
MINNESOTA @MIAMI 1:00 PM
ATLANTA @NEWORLEANS 1:00 PM
NEWENGLAND @NY JETS 1:00 PM
KANSAS CITY @PITTSBURGH 1:00 PM
GREEN BAY @TAMPA BAY 1:00 PM
CLEVELAND @CAROLINA 1:00 PM
BALTIMORE @HOUSTON 1:00 PM
NY GIANTS @ST. LOUIS 4:05 PM
INDIANAPOLIS @DALLAS 4:25 PM
BUFFALO @OAKLAND 4:25 PM
SEATTLE @ARIZONA 8:30 PM
DENVER @CINCINNATI 8:30 PM
WEEK 16
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 TIME(ET)
GREEN BAY @SEATTLE 8:30 PM
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 TIME (ET)
NEWORLEANS @ATLANTA 1:00 PM
BUFFALO @CHICAGO 1:00 PM
TENNESSEE @KANSAS CITY 1:00 PM
MINNESOTA @ST. LOUIS 1:00 PM
NEWENGLAND @MIAMI 1:00 PM
OAKLAND @NY JETS 1:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE @PHILADELPHIA 1:00 PM
CLEVELAND @PITTSBURGH 1:00 PM
CINCINNATI @BALTIMORE 1:00 PM
WASHINGTON @HOUSTON 1:00 PM
SAN FRANCISCO @DALLAS 4:25 PM
CAROLINA @TAMPA BAY 4:25 PM
INDIANAPOLIS @DENVER 8:30 PM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 TIME(ET)
NY GIANTS @DETROIT 7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO @ARIZONA 10:20 PM
WEEK 1
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 TIME (ET)
PITTSBURGH @BALTIMORE 8:25 PM
MIAMI @BUFFALO 1:00 PM
ATLANTA @CINCINNATI 1:00 PM
NEWORLEANS @CLEVELAND 1:00 PM
DALLAS @TENNESSEE 1:00 PM
NEWENGLAND @MINNESOTA 1:00 PM
ARIZONA @NY GIANTS 1:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE @WASHINGTON 1:00 PM
DETROIT @CAROLINA 1:00 PM
SEATTLE @SAN DIEGO 4:05 PM
ST. LOUIS @TAMPA BAY 4:05 PM
KANSAS CITY @DENVER 4:25 PM
NY JETS @GREEN BAY 4:25 PM
HOUSTON @OAKLAND 4:25 PM
CHICAGO @SAN FRANCISCO 8:30 PM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 TIME(ET)
PHILADELPHIA @INDIANAPOLIS 8:30 PM
WEEK 2
NY JETS @NEWENGLAND 8:25 PM
MINNESOTA @BUFFALO 1:00 PM
MIAMI @CHICAGO 1:00 PM
NEWORLEANS @DETROIT 1:00 PM
CAROLINA @GREEN BAY 1:00 PM
CINCINNATI @INDIANAPOLIS 1:00 PM
SEATTLE @ST. LOUIS 1:00 PM
TENNESSEE @WASHINGTON 1:00 PM
CLEVELAND @JACKSONVILLE 1:00 PM
ATLANTA @BALTIMORE 1:00 PM
KANSAS CITY @SAN DIEGO 4:05 PM
NY GIANTS @DALLAS 4:25 PM
ARIZONA @OAKLAND 4:25 PM
SAN FRANCISCO @DENVER 8:30 PM
HOUSTON @PITTSBURGH 8:30 PM
BYES PHILADELPHIA, TAMPA BAY
WEEK 7
KANSAS CITY @OAKLAND 8:25 PM
CLEVELAND @ATLANTA 1:00 PM
NY JETS @BUFFALO 1:00 PM
TAMPA BAY @CHICAGO 1:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE @INDIANAPOLIS 1:00 PM
GREEN BAY @MINNESOTA 1:00 PM
DETROIT @NEWENGLAND 1:00 PM
TENNESSEE @PHILADELPHIA 1:00 PM
CINCINNATI @HOUSTON 1:00 PM
ST. LOUIS @SAN DIEGO 4:05 PM
ARIZONA @SEATTLE 4:05 PM
MIAMI @DENVER 4:25 PM
WASHINGTON @SAN FRANCISCO 4:25 PM
DALLAS @NY GIANTS 8:30 PM
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24 TIME (ET)
BALTIMORE @NEWORLEANS 8:30 PM
BYES PITTSBURGH, CAROLINA
WEEK 12
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28 TIME(ET)
CAROLINA @ATLANTA 1:00 PM
DETROIT @GREEN BAY 1:00 PM
INDIANAPOLIS @TENNESSEE 1:00 PM
SAN DIEGO @KANSAS CITY 1:00 PM
NY JETS @MIAMI 1:00 PM
CHICAGO @MINNESOTA 1:00 PM
BUFFALO @NEWENGLAND 1:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA @NY GIANTS 1:00 PM
CINCINNATI @PITTSBURGH 1:00 PM
NEWORLEANS @TAMPA BAY 1:00 PM
DALLAS @WASHINGTON 1:00 PM
CLEVELAND @BALTIMORE 1:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE @HOUSTON 1:00 PM
OAKLAND @DENVER 4:25 PM
ARIZONA @SAN FRANCISCO 4:25 PM
ST. LOUIS @SEATTLE 4:25 PM
WEEK 17
THE SEASON BEGINS
AND ENDS WITH
THE CHAMPS: THE
SEAHAWKS GREET
THE PACKERS ON
SEPT. 4 AND THE RAMS
LATE ON DEC. 28.
* IN LONDON
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PASSING RUSHING
RECEIVING
ATT YDS AVG TD
LESEAN MCCOY PHI 314 1,607 5.1 9
MATTFORTE CHI 289 1,339 4.6 9
JAMAAL CHARLES KC 259 1,287 5.0 12
ALFRED MORRIS WAS 276 1,275 4.6 7
ADRIAN PETERSON MIN 279 1,266 4.5 10
MARSHAWN LYNCH SEA 301 1,257 4.2 12
RYAN MATHEWS SD 285 1,255 4.4 6
EDDIE LACY GB 284 1,178 4.1 11
FRANK GORE SF 276 1,128 4.1 9
DEMARCO MURRAY DAL 217 1,121 5.2 9
CHRIS JOHNSON TEN 279 1,077 3.9 6
KNOWSHON MORENO DEN 241 1,038 4.3 10
REGGIEBUSH DET 223 1,006 4.5 4
ZAC STACY STL 250 973 3.9 7
C.J. SPILLER BUF 202 933 4.6 2
FRED JACKSON BUF 206 890 4.3 9
LEVEON BELL PIT 244 860 3.5 8
DEANGELO WILLIAMS CAR 201 843 4.2 3
CHRIS IVORY NYJ 182 833 4.6 3
MAURICE JONES-DREW JAC 234 803 3.4 5
STEVAN RIDLEY NE 178 773 4.3 7
LEGARRETTE BLOUNT NE 153 772 5.0 7
BEN TATE HOU 181 771 4.3 4
BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS CIN 220 756 3.4 7
RASHAD JENNINGS OAK 163 733 4.5 6
LAMAR MILLER MIA 177 709 4.0 2
BILAL POWELL NYJ 176 697 4.0 1
GIOVANI BERNARD CIN 170 695 4.1 5
RASHARDMENDENHALL ARI 217 687 3.2 8
RAYRICE BAL 214 660 3.1 4
ANDRE ELLINGTON ARI 118 652 5.5 3
JOIQUE BELL DET 166 650 3.9 8
CAM NEWTON CAR 111 585 5.3 6
TERRELLE PRYOR OAK 83 576 6.9 2
BOBBY RAINEY TB/CLE 150 566 3.8 5
TRENT RICHARDSON IND/CLE 188 563 3.0 3
MONTEE BALL DEN 120 559 4.7 4
PIERRE THOMAS NO 147 549 3.7 2
STEVEN JACKSON ATL 157 543 3.5 6
ARIAN FOSTER HOU 121 542 4.5 1
REC YDS AVG TD
JOSH GORDON CLE 87 1,646 18.9 9
ANTONIO BROWN PIT 110 1,499 13.6 8
CALVIN JOHNSON DET 84 1,492 17.8 12
DEMARYIUS THOMAS DEN 92 1,430 15.5 14
A.J. GREEN CIN 98 1,426 14.6 11
ALSHON JEFFERY CHI 89 1,421 16.0 7
ANDRE JOHNSON HOU 109 1,407 12.9 5
PIERRE GARCON WAS 113 1,346 11.9 5
DESEAN JACKSON PHI 82 1,332 16.2 9
JORDY NELSON GB 85 1,314 15.5 8
BRANDON MARSHALL CHI 100 1,295 13.0 12
ERIC DECKER DEN 87 1,288 14.8 11
DEZBRYANT DAL 93 1,233 13.3 13
VINCENT JACKSON TB 78 1,224 15.7 7
JIMMY GRAHAM NO 86 1,215 14.1 16
ANQUAN BOLDIN SF 85 1,179 13.9 7
TORREY SMITH BAL 65 1,128 17.4 4
T.Y. HILTON IND 82 1,083 13.2 5
KENDALL WRIGHT TEN 94 1,079 11.5 2
HARRY DOUGLAS ATL 85 1,067 12.6 2
JULIAN EDELMAN NE 105 1,056 10.1 6
KEENAN ALLEN SD 71 1,046 14.7 8
MICHAEL FLOYD ARI 65 1,041 16.0 5
BRIAN HARTLINE MIA 76 1,016 13.4 4
VICTOR CRUZ NYG 73 998 13.7 4
LARRY FITZGERALD ARI 82 954 11.6 10
MARQUES COLSTON NO 75 943 12.6 5
MIKE WALLACE MIA 73 930 12.7 5
NATEWASHINGTON TEN 58 919 15.8 3
JORDAN CAMERON CLE 80 917 11.5 7
GOLDEN TATE SEA 64 898 14.0 5
HAKEEM NICKS NYG 56 896 16.0 0
ROD STREATER OAK 60 888 14.8 4
ANTONIO GATES SD 77 872 11.3 4
TONY GONZALEZ ATL 83 859 10.3 8
JASON WITTEN DAL 73 851 11.7 8
VERNON DAVIS SF 52 850 16.3 13
RILEY COOPER PHI 47 835 17.8 8
JAMES JONES GB 59 817 13.8 3
GREG OLSEN CAR 73 816 11.2 6
COMP ATT COMP % YDS TD INT LNG QBR
PEYTON MANNING DEN 450 659 68.3 5,477 55 10 78T 82.9
DREW BREES NO 446 650 68.6 5,162 39 12 76T 70.5
MATTHEWSTAFFORD DET 371 634 58.5 4,650 29 19 87 52.5
MATTRYAN ATL 439 651 67.4 4,515 26 17 81T 61.1
PHILIP RIVERS SD 378 544 69.5 4,478 32 11 60T 71.7
TOM BRADY NE 380 628 60.5 4,343 25 11 81T 61.1
ANDY DALTON CIN 363 586 61.9 4,293 33 20 82T 55.8
CARSON PALMER ARI 362 572 63.3 4,274 24 22 91T 51.9
BEN ROETHLISBERGER PIT 375 584 64.2 4,261 28 14 67 54.3
RYAN TANNEHILL MIA 355 588 60.4 3,913 24 17 67 45.8
JOE FLACCO BAL 362 614 59.0 3,912 19 22 74 46.7
TONY ROMO DAL 342 535 63.9 3,828 31 10 82T 59.5
ANDREW LUCK IND 343 570 60.2 3,822 23 9 73T 62.0
ELI MANNING NYG 317 551 57.5 3,818 18 27 70T 36.5
CAM NEWTON CAR 292 473 61.7 3,379 24 13 79T 56.2
RUSSELL WILSON SEA 257 407 63.1 3,357 26 9 80T 58.9
ALEX SMITH KC 308 508 60.6 3,313 23 7 71T 49.4
CHAD HENNE JAC 305 503 60.6 3,241 13 14 62T 31.9
ROBERT GRIFFIN III WAS 274 456 60.1 3,203 16 12 62T 40.1
COLIN KAEPERNICK SF 243 416 58.4 3,197 21 8 64T 68.6
GENO SMITH NYJ 247 443 55.8 3,046 12 21 69T 35.9
NICK FOLES PHI 203 317 64.0 2,891 27 2 63T 69.0
JAYCUTLER CHI 224 355 63.1 2,621 19 12 67 66.4
MIKE GLENNON TB 247 416 59.4 2,608 19 9 85T 45.6
AARON RODGERS GB 193 290 66.6 2,536 17 6 83T 68.7
RYAN FITZPATRICK TEN 217 350 62.0 2,454 14 12 77T 55.4
MATTSCHAUB HOU 219 358 61.2 2,310 10 14 46 37.3
JASON CAMPBELL CLE 180 317 56.8 2,015 11 8 80T 38.6
EJMANUEL BUF 180 306 58.8 1,972 11 9 45 42.3
JOSH MCCOWN CHI 149 224 66.5 1,829 13 1 80T 85.1
MATTCASSEL MIN 153 254 60.2 1,807 11 9 79T 48.7
TERRELLE PRYOR OAK 156 272 57.4 1,798 7 11 73T 30.5
CASE KEENUM HOU 137 253 54.2 1,760 9 6 66 34.5
BRANDON WEEDEN CLE 141 267 52.8 1,731 9 9 95T 24.7
SAM BRADFORD STL 159 262 60.7 1,687 14 4 73 48.0
KELLEN CLEMENS STL 142 242 58.7 1,673 8 7 81T 38.2
CHRISTIAN PONDER MIN 152 239 63.6 1,648 7 9 47 51.2
MATTMCGLOIN OAK 118 211 55.9 1,547 8 8 52 49.5
MATTFLYNN GB/OAK/BUF 124 200 62.0 1,392 8 5 56 19.4
JAKE LOCKER TEN 111 183 60.7 1,256 8 4 66T 58.7
MICHAEL VICK PHI 77 141 54.6 1,215 5 3 70 58.7
THAD LEWIS BUF 93 157 59.2 1,092 4 3 57 24.1
KIRK COUSINS WAS 81 155 52.3 854 4 7 62 26.5
JOSH FREEMAN MIN/TB 63 147 42.9 761 2 4 39 18.9
SCOTT TOLZIEN GB 55 90 61.1 717 1 5 52 24.3
BY YARDS BY YARDS
BY YARDS
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SCORING
TOTTD RUSHTD RECTD RETTD 2XP PTS
JAMAAL CHARLES KC 19 12 7 0 0 114
JIMMY GRAHAM NO 16 0 16 0 0 96
MARSHAWN LYNCH SEA 14 12 2 0 0 84
DEMARYIUS THOMAS DEN 14 0 14 0 0 84
DEZ BRYANT DAL 13 0 13 0 0 78
VERNON DAVIS SF 13 0 13 0 0 78
KNOWSHON MORENO DEN 13 10 3 0 0 78
BRANDON MARSHALL CHI 12 0 12 0 2 76
MATTFORTE CHI 12 9 3 0 1 74
CALVIN JOHNSON DET 12 0 12 0 0 72
JULIUS THOMAS DEN 12 0 12 0 0 72
ERIC DECKER DEN 11 0 11 0 0 66
A.J. GREEN CIN 11 0 11 0 0 66
EDDIE LACY GB 11 11 0 0 0 66
LESEAN MCCOY PHI 11 9 2 0 0 66
ADRIAN PETERSON MIN 11 10 1 0 0 66
JERRICHO COTCHERY PIT 10 0 10 0 0 60
LARRY FITZGERALD ARI 10 0 10 0 0 60
FRED JACKSON BUF 10 9 1 0 0 60
CHRIS JOHNSON TEN 10 6 4 0 0 60
MARVIN JONES CIN 10 0 10 0 0 60
DEMARCO MURRAY DAL 10 9 1 0 0 60
WES WELKER DEN 10 0 10 0 0 60
ANTONIO BROWN PIT 9 0 8 1 0 54
JOSH GORDON CLE 9 0 9 0 0 54
FRANK GORE SF 9 9 0 0 0 54
DESEAN JACKSON PHI 9 0 9 0 0 54
CORDARRELLE PATTERSON MIN 9 3 4 2 0 54
RILEY COOPER PHI 8 0 8 0 2 52
A STATISTICAL REVIEW OF THE 2013 SEASON
MINUS ALL THOSE PESKY SCORES AND STANDINGS!
BY TOTAL POINTS, NONKICKERS
INTERCEPTIONS
INT YDS LNG TD
RICHARD SHERMAN SEA 8 125 58T 1
BRANDON BOYKIN PHI 6 136 76 1
DEANDRE LEVY DET 6 76 66T 1
ANTREL ROLLE NYG 6 23 25 0
TRAMAINE BROCK SF 5 82 41 1
LAVONTEDAVID TB 5 87 32 0
TASHAUN GIPSON CLE 5 143 44T 1
LOGAN RYAN NE 5 82 79T 1
EARL THOMAS SEA 5 9 11 0
ALTERRAUN VERNER TEN 5 68 34 1
KIKO ALONSO BUF 4 38 32 0
DARIUS BUTLER IND 4 79 41T 1
JAIRUS BYRD BUF 4 85 57 0
KARLOS DANSBY ARI 4 48 23T 2
QUINTIN DEMPS KC 4 61 35 0
COREY GRAHAM BAL 4 28 28 0
BRENT GRIMES MIA 4 102 94T 1
JOE HADEN CLE 4 57 29T 1
DEANGELO HALL WAS 4 49 26T 2
TIM JENNINGS CHI 4 111 48T 2
LUKEKUECHLY CAR 4 33 30 0
SEAN LEE DAL 4 174 74 1
JIM LEONHARD BUF 4 72 41 0
KEENAN LEWIS NO 4 34 20 0
BYRON MAXWELL SEA 4 6 6 0
MIKE MITCHELL CAR 4 63 38 0
DIMITRI PATTERSON MIA 4 7 3 0
ERIC REID SF 4 54 53 0
SAM SHIELDS GB 4 3 7 0
AQIB TALIB NE 4 12 14 0
AARON WILLIAMS BUF 4 43 34 0
SACKS

ROBERT MATHIS IND 19
ROBERT QUINN STL 19
GREG HARDY CAR 15
MARIO WILLIAMS BUF 13
CAMERON JORDAN NO 12
JUNIOR GALETTE NO 12
JOHN ABRAHAM ARI 11
JARED ALLEN MIN 11
CHANDLER JONES NE 11
OLIVIER VERNON MIA 11
TAMBA HALI KC 11
JASON HATCHER DAL 11
JUSTIN HOUSTON KC 11
CHARLES JOHNSON CAR 11
JUSTIN TUCK NYG 11
JURRELL CASEY TEN 10
J.J. WATT HOU 10
MUHAMMAD WILKERSON NYJ 10
KYLE WILLIAMS BUF 10
JERRY HUGHES BUF 10
BRIAN ORAKPO WAS 10
CALVIN PACE NYJ 10
SHAUN PHILLIPS DEN 10
TERRELL SUGGS BAL 10
ELVIS DUMERVIL BAL 9
GERALD MCCOY TB 9
CALAIS CAMPBELL ARI 9
BRIAN ROBISON MIN 9
SIX PLAYERS TIED WITH 8
PUNT RETURNS
YDS AVG LNG TD
DEXTER MCCLUSTER KC 686 11.8 89T 2
GOLDEN TATE SEA 585 11.5 71 0
ANTONIO BROWN PIT 409 12.8 67T 1
JULIAN EDELMAN NE 374 10.7 43 0
TANDON DOSS BAL 359 15.6 82T 1
KESHAWN MARTIN HOU 345 8.8 87T 1
BRANDON TATE CIN 336 9.3 43 0
MARCUS SHERELS MIN 335 15.2 86T 1
TED GINN CAR 316 12.2 41 0
MICAH HYDE GB 296 12.3 93T 1
TAVON AUSTIN STL 280 8.5 98T 1
TRINDON HOLLIDAY DEN 271 8.5 81T 1
MARCUS THIGPEN MIA 264 7.8 34 0
JEREMY ROSS DET/GB 263 15.5 58T 1
TRAVIS BENJAMIN CLE 257 11.7 79T 1
DWAYNEHARRIS DAL 256 12.8 86T 1
DEVIN HESTER CHI 256 14.2 81T 1
LAMICHAEL JAMES SF 251 10.9 40 0
ERIC PAGE TB 251 10.9 52 0
JACOBY JONES BAL 237 12.5 37 0
RUEBEN RANDLE NYG 237 8.2 32 0
MICHEALSPURLOCK DET/DAL 207 9.0 62 0
PATRICKPETERSON ARI 198 6.0 22 0
DARREN SPROLES NO 194 6.7 28 0
ROBERT MCCLAIN ATL 193 10.2 25 0
LEODISMCKELVIN BUF 180 5.6 21 1
T.Y. HILTON IND 159 9.4 34 0
ACE SANDERS JAC 140 5.6 17 0
DARIUS REYNAUD TEN/NYJ 135 7.5 35 0
BY YARDS
KICK RETURNS
YDS AVG LNG TD
DEVIN HESTER CHI 1,436 27.6 80 0
CORDARRELLEPATTERSON MIN 1,393 32.4 109T 2
QUINTIN DEMPS KC 992 30.1 95T 1
KESHAWN MARTIN HOU 947 26.3 50 0
BRANDON TATE CIN 914 26.1 71 0
JACOBY JONES BAL 892 28.8 77T 1
MARCUS THIGPEN MIA 870 22.3 50 0
DWAYNEHARRIS DAL 857 30.6 90 0
TRINDON HOLLIDAY DEN 775 27.7 105T 1
JORDAN TODMAN JAC 712 27.4 59 0
FOZZYWHITTAKER CLE/SD 638 22.0 56 0
TAIWAN JONES OAK 623 24.0 41 0
TED GINN CAR 595 23.8 38 0
DAVIDREED IND 590 24.6 39 0
JACQUIZZ RODGERS ATL 575 23.0 34 0
ERIC PAGE TB 548 24.9 44 0
MICAH HYDE GB 531 24.1 70 0
JEREMY ROSS DET/GB 514 24.5 98T 1
FELIX JONES PIT 510 22.2 42 0
LEONWASHINGTON NE/TEN 500 29.4 95 0
LEGARRETTE BLOUNT NE 494 29.1 83 0
JAVIERARENAS ARI 493 21.4 46 0
JOSH CRIBBS NYJ 490 24.5 42 0
DAMARIS JOHNSON PHI 441 25.9 33 0
MICHAEL COX NYG 436 21.8 33 0
DARIUS REYNAUD TEN/NYJ 430 23.9 40 0
NILES PAUL WAS 411 20.6 39 0
TAVON AUSTIN STL 398 22.1 32 0
MICHEALSPURLOCK DET/DAL 389 21.6 36 0
MARQUISE GOODWIN BUF 351 21.9 28 0
BY YARDS
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WIN NUMBERS BY
GREG TROTT/AP I MAGES
QUANTIFYING OFFENSIVE LINE APTITUDE IS
one of the nal frontiers in football analytics.
Sure, individual linemen, such as Philadelphias
Jason Peters or New Orleans Jahri Evans,
are well-known, but there are few statistical
methods that accurately measure how well
lines play together and, perhaps more
important, what yardage skill-position players
are able to amass because of the blocking
in front of them.
So say hello to two innovative concepts:
The rst is a metric duogood-blocking rate
(GBR) and bad-blocking rate (BBR)that
measures how eective a line is at preventing
the defense from disrupting a rush attempt.
The second pair are good-blocking yards
per attempt (GBYPA) and bad-blocking
yards per attempt (BBYPA), stats that tell
us what runners do if they have lanes
created for them.
An acceptable GBYPA for a back is 7.5,
and anything over nine is exceptional. Last
season backs with 100-plus carries averaged
7.5 yards on good-blocking plays but only
1.7 with poor help up front. So who tops the
list in 14? Andre Ellington (a league-leading
10.2 GBYPA) looks to have RB1 potential, while
LeVeon Bell (5.8) will need a high carry vol-
ume to live up to his projected draft position.
A good strategy is to look for backs who
combine a high GBYPA and low GBR. Two
prime examples of this combination are
Frank Gore and Marshawn Lynch, who both
tallied top-15 GBYPA totals despite having
GBR percentages in the bottom six. The ip
side can be found in LeSean McCoy and
C.J. Spiller. Both posted high GBYPA totals but
received some of the best blocking in the NFL.
If their teams GBRs decline, these two will
see a drop in production. KC JOYNER
YOUVE PORED OVER DEPTH CHARTS. YOUVE MEMORIZED THE POTENTIAL-BUST LISTS. YOURE INTIMATELY FAMILIAR
WITH THE HERALDED RUNNING BACK/RUNNING BACK DRAFT STRATEGY. YOURE READY FOR DRAFT NIGHT, RIGHT? NOT SO
FAST. HERE ARE FOUR NEXT-LEVEL STUDIES THAT WILL ENSHRINE YOU AS THE NERD KING OF YOUR FANTASY LEAGUE.
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1 ANDREELLINGTON, ARI 10.2 2.2
2 CHRIS IVORY, NYJ 10.0 2.1
3 BOBBYRAINEY, TB 9.9 1.3
4 DONALDBROWN, IND 9.6 1.9
5 C.J. SPILLER, BUF 9.5 0.9
6 LEGARRETTEBLOUNT, NE 9.3 2.4
7 FRANKGORE, SF 8.9 1.6
8 MATTFORTE, CHI 8.8 1.5
9 ALFREDMORRIS, WAS 8.7 1.7
10 ADRIANPETERSON, MIN 8.6 1.8
11 DEANGELOWILLIAMS, CAR 8.6 1.7
12 LESEANMCCOY, PHI 8.4 1.7
13 DEMARCOMURRAY, DAL 8.2 2.0
14 RASHADJENNINGS, OAK 8.0 2.5
15 MARSHAWNLYNCH, SEA 8.0 1.9
16 EDDIELACY, GB 7.9 1.7
17 JAMAALCHARLES, KC 7.8 2.1
18 RYAN MATHEWS, SD 7.7 2.1
19 BENTATE, HOU 7.5 1.6
20 STEVANRIDLEY, NE 7.5 2
GBR BBR
1 PHILADELPHIA 49.6% 50.4%
2 DENVER 48.8% 51.2%
3 DETROIT 48.8% 51.2%
4 BUFFALO 46.0% 54.0%
5 CINCINNATI 45.9% 54.1%
6 DALLAS 45.6% 54.4%
7 HOUSTON 45.4% 54.6%
8 KANSAS CITY 45.2% 54.8%
9 PITTSBURGH 44.7% 55.3%
10 NEWORLEANS 43.3% 56.7%
11 WASHINGTON 43.1% 56.9%
12 SANDIEGO 42.8% 57.2%
13 GREENBAY 42.4% 57.6%
14 NEWENGLAND 41.9% 58.1%
15 MINNESOTA 41.8% 58.2%
16 CAROLINA 41.5% 58.5%
17 CHICAGO 41.1% 58.9%
18 TENNESSEE 40.9% 59.1%
19 INDIANAPOLIS 40.6% 59.4%
20 NYJETS 40.5% 59.5%
21 MIAMI 40.2% 59.8%
22 CLEVELAND 39.6% 60.4%
23 NYGIANTS 39.3% 60.7%
24 OAKLAND 39.1% 60.9%
25 ST. LOUIS 38.8% 61.2%
26 ATLANTA 38.7% 61.3%
27 SEATTLE 37.6% 62.4%
28 ARIZONA 37.2% 62.8%
29 SANFRANCISCO 37.2% 62.8%
30 BALTIMORE 37.0% 63.0%
31 JACKSONVILLE 35.3% 64.7%
32 TAMPA BAY 34.5% 65.5%
HEALTHY
WEEKS
HEALTHY
WEEKS
TOTAL
POINTS
HEALTHY
WEEKS
AVERAGE
INJURY
WEEKS
INJURY
WEEKS
TOTAL
POINTS
INJURY
WEEKS
AVERAGE
PERCENT
CHANGE
QB 344 5,303 15.4 43 763 17.7 +13.1%
RB 572 5,121 9.0 169 1,504 8.9 -0.6%
WR 617 5,352 8.7 158 1,286 8.1 -6.6%
TE 288 1,864 6.5 83 473 5.7 -13.6%
TOTAL 1,821 17,640 9.7 453 4,026 8.9 -9.0%
Its Sunday, minutes before kicko, and you look at your
fantasy lineup to nd that your top wideout has that
annoying red asterisk next to his name. Questionable.
Guh. Should you play a sort-of-injured Wes Welker
(just three weeks o the injury report in 13), or should
you sub in a healthy Rueben Randle? Weve got you
covered. We charted the eectiveness of 2013s top 25
quarterbacks (by season-ending fantasy points), top
50 running backs and receivers and top 25 tight ends
to see how players performed when they were on the
injury report listed as either probable, questionable
or doubtful versus when they were healthy. Conclusion:
Believe in your QB, even if hes hurt, but use your bench
at other positions. JEFF GOLD
TOP 20 RBS, GBYPA, 201 3
RANKI NG THE OFFENSI VE LI NES, 201 3
2
WHY YOUR QUESTI ONABLE QB I S THE ONLY POSI TI ON WORTH STARTI NG
(CONTD)
A NA LY T I CS
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WEEKS 1-8 9-17
2013 13.2 15.3
2012 13.4 15.2
2011 14.6 14.7
2010 14.8 14.2
2009 14.7 14.8
2008 13.5 15.0
2007 13.7 14.2
2006 14.9 18.2
2005 15.4 17.6
2004 14.9 17.0
2003 16.0 18.0
2002 16.9 16.4
2001 13.6 15.3
Word of advice: If you have one of the top running backs at the seasons midway point, dont
get cute and try to trade him. Why? Because in 11 of the past 13 seasons, the eventual top 10
fantasy running backs averaged more points per game in Weeks 9-17 (15.7) than in Weeks 1-8
(14.6). Last years top back, Jamaal Charles, for example, averaged 17.3 points per week in the
rst half of the seasonbest in the NFLcompared with an absurd 22.4 in Weeks 9-17, which
also happened to be best in the NFL. Can you imagine if you tried to sell high on Charles just
as he was hitting his stride? Hang on to your studs; theyre often the dierence between title
contention and waiting til next year. JOHN PAROLIN
4
3
AVERAGE POI NTS PER WEEK, TOP 1 0 RBS
Steven Jackson, Ray Rice, Chris Johnson and
Arian Foster: Pro Bowlers, right? Four of the
top backs in football? The 2013 season tells a
dierent tale. Jackson played in just 12 games
and averaged a career-low 3.5 ypc. Rice was the
only qualifying back who gained under 1.28 yards
after contact per rush (1.11). (His 3.1 ypc was
also a career low.) Foster played eight games
and gained a relatively minuscule 67.8 yards per
game, almost 21 fewer per game than in 2012
and more than 30 fewer than 2010. And Johnson
averaged fewer than 4 ypc for the rst time.
So whats the cause for this precipitous drop in
production? Simple: Each player was coming o
three straight seasons of 250 carries or more.
In fact, since 2001, there have been 47 such
instances, and the average subsequent fantasy
output is a mere 137.9 points, which wouldve
ranked a sterling 19th among RBs in 2013,
barely ahead of Danny Woodhead and MJD. Yes,
that MJD. So who is on the watch list come draft
night? Marshawn Lynch and Frank Gore. Each
has ve career seasonsand three straight
with at least 250 rushes. JOHN PAROLIN
2010 4.25 yards per carry 227.8 fantasy points
AVERAGE YEAR-BY-YEAR RUSHI NG/FANTASY OUTPUT FOR JACKSON, RI CE, JOHNSON AND FOSTER

ADAMS, DAVANTE
ALLEN, DWAYNE
ALLEN, KEENAN
AMARO, JACE
AMENDOLA, DANNY
ANDERSON, C.J.
ASIATA, MATT
AUSTIN, MILES
AUSTIN, TAVON
AVANT, JASON
BAILEY, DAN
BAKER, EDWIN
BALDWIN, DOUG
BALL, MONTEE
BALLARD, VICK
BARKLEY, MATT
BARNER, KENJON
BARTH, CONNOR
BEASLEY, COLE
BECKHAM, ODELL
BELL, JOIQUE
BELL, LEVEON
BENJAMIN, KELVIN
BENNETT, MARTELLUS
BERNARD, GIOVANI
BLACKMON, JUSTIN
BLOUNT, LEGARRETTE
BOLDEN, BRANDON
BOLDIN, ANQUAN
BORTLES, BLAKE
BOSTICK, BRANDON
BOWE, DWAYNE
BOYKIN, JARRETT
BRADFORD, SAM
BRADSHAW, AHMAD
BRADY, TOM
BREES, DREW
BRIDGEWATER, TEDDY
BRITT, KENNY
BROWN, ANDRE
BROWN, ANTONIO
BROWN, BRYCE
BROWN, DONALD
BROWN, JOSH
BROWN, MARLON
BRYANT, DEZ
BRYANT, MARTAVIS
BRYANT, MATT
BULLOCK, RANDY
BURLESON, NATE
BUSH, REGGIE
CADET, TRAVARIS
CAMERON, JORDAN
CAMPBELL, JASON
ESPN.COM For whatever isnt in this guide, see our free fantasy coverage on
ESPN.com/fantasy, which includes updated projections, cheat sheets and injury
analysis from Stephania Bell, along with an unrivaled roster of experts: Matthew
Berry, Tristan H. Cockcroft, Christopher Harris, Eric Karabell and many more.
Our fantasy coverage doesnt sleep, so you can rest easy come draft time.
87
93
78
94
81
69
73
87
82
87
98
73
83
63
72
58
73
100
87
84
65
63
86
91
63
87
68
71
81
55
95
81
83
54
72
51
50
55
85
68
77
71
68
100
87
76
87
99
100
87
63
73
91
58
CAREY, KADEEM
CARPENTER, DAN
CARR, DEREK
CASSEL, MATT
CELEK, BRENT
CHANDLER, SCOTT
CHARLES, JAMAAL
CLAY, CHARLES
COBB, RANDALL
COLSTON, MARQUES
COOK, JARED
COOKS, BRANDIN
COOPER, RILEY
COTCHERY, JERRICHO
COUSINS, KIRK
CRABTREE, MICHAEL
CROSBY, MASON
CROWELL, ISAIAH
CRUZ, VICTOR
CUNNINGHAM, BENNY
CUTLER, JAY
DALTON, ANDY
DANIEL, CHASE
DANIELS, OWEN
DAVIS, KNILE
DAVIS, VERNON
DAWSON, PHIL
DECKER, ERIC
DOBSON, AARON
DOUGLAS, HARRY
DUNBAR, LANCE
DWYER, JONATHAN
EBRON, ERIC
EDELMAN, JULIAN
EIFERT, TYLER
ELLINGTON, ANDRE
ERTZ, ZACH
EVANS, MIKE
FEELY, JAY
FIEDOROWICZ, C.J.
FINLEY, JERMICHAEL
FITZGERALD, LARRY
FITZPATRICK, RYAN
FLACCO, JOE
FLEENER, COBY
FLOYD, MICHAEL
FLYNN, MATT
FOLES , NICK
FOLK, NICK
FORBATH, KAI
FORTE, MATT
FOSTER, ARIAN
FRANKLIN, JOHNATHAN
FREEMAN, DEVONTA
JACKSON, VINCENT
JAMES, MIKE
JANIKOWSKI, SEBASTIAN
JEFFERY, ALSHON
JENKINS, A.J.
JENNINGS, GREG
JENNINGS, RASHAD
JERNIGAN, JERREL
JOHNSON, ANDRE
JOHNSON, CALVIN
JOHNSON, CHRIS
JOHNSON, DENNIS
JOHNSON, STEVIE
JONES, JAMES
JONES, JULIO
JONES, MARVIN
JONES-DREW, MAURICE
KAEPERNICK, COLIN
KEENUM, CASE
KELCE, TRAVIS
KERLEY, JEREMY
LACY, EDDIE
LAFELL, BRANDON
LANDRY, JARVIS
LATTIMORE, MARCUS
LEE, MARQISE
LEWIS, MARCEDES
LEWIS, THAD
LITTLE, GREG
LOCKER, JAKE
LUCK, ANDREW
LYNCH, MARSHAWN
MACLIN, JEREMY
MALLETT, RYAN
MANNING, ELI
MANNING, PEYTON
MANUEL, EJ
MANZIEL, JOHNNY
MARSHALL, BRANDON
MARTIN, DOUG
MASON, TRE
MATHEWS, RYAN
MATTHEWS, JORDAN
MCCARRON, AJ
MCCLUSTER, DEXTER
FREEMAN, JOSH
FREESE, NATE
GABBERT, BLAINE
GANO, GRAHAM
GARCON, PIERRE
GAROPPOLO, JIMMY
GATES, ANTONIO
GERHART, TOBY
GINN, TED
GIVENS, CHRIS
GLENNON, MIKE
GORDON, JOSH
GORE, FRANK
GOSTKOWSKI, STEPHEN
GOULD, ROBBIE
GRADKOWSKI, BRUCE
GRAHAM, GARRETT
GRAHAM, JIMMY
GRAHAM, SHAYNE
GREEN, A.J.
GREEN, LADARIUS
GREEN-ELLIS, BENJARVUS
GREENE, SHONN
GRESHAM, JERMAINE
GRIFFIN III, ROBERT
GRIFFIN, RYAN
GRONKOWSKI, ROB
HARTLINE, BRIAN
HARVIN, PERCY
HASSELBECK, MATT
HAUSCHKA, STEVEN
HAWKINS, ANDREW
HELU, ROY
HENERY, ALEX
HENNE, CHAD
HILL, JEREMY
HILL, SHAUN
HILLIS, PEYTON
HILLMAN, RONNIE
HILTON, T.Y.
HOLMES, ANDRE
HOLMES, SANTONIO
HOPKINS, DEANDRE
HOUSLER, ROB
HOYER, BRIAN
HUNTER, JUSTIN
HUNTER, KENDALL
HYDE, CARLOS
INGRAM, MARK
IVORY, CHRIS
JACKSON, DESEAN
JACKSON, FRED
JACKSON, STEVEN
JACKSON, TARVARIS
MCCOWN, JOSH
MCCOY, COLT
MCCOY, LESEAN
MCFADDEN, DARREN
MCGLOIN, MATT
MCKINNON, JERICK
METTENBERGER, ZACH
MICHAEL, CHRISTINE
MILLER, HEATH
MILLER, LAMAR
MILLER, ZACH
MOORE, DENARIUS
MOORE, LANCE
MOORE, MATT
MORENO, KNOWSHON
MORRIS, ALFRED
MURRAY, AARON
MURRAY, DEMARCO
MURRAY, LATAVIUS
NASSIB, RYAN
NELSON, JORDY
NEWTON, CAM
NICKS, HAKEEM
NOVAK, NICK
NUGENT, MIKE
OLSEN, GREG
ORTON, KYLE
OSWEILER, BROCK
PALMER, CARSON
PALMER, JORDAN
PATTERSON, CORDARRELLE
PETERSON, ADRIAN
PETTIGREW, BRANDON
PIERCE, BERNARD
PITTA, DENNIS
POLK, CHRIS
PONDER, CHRISTIAN
POWELL, BILAL
PRATER, MATT
PRYOR, TERRELLE
QUARLESS, ANDREW
RAINEY, BOBBY
RANDLE, JOSEPH
RANDLE, RUEBEN
REECE, MARCEL
REED, JORDAN
RICE, RAY
RICE, SIDNEY
RICHARDSON, TRENT
RIDDICK, THEO
RIDLEY, STEVAN
RIVERS, PHILIP
ROBERTS, ANDRE
ROBINSON, ADRIEN
ROBINSON, DENARD
ROBINSON, KHIRY
RODGERS, AARON
RODGERS, JACQUIZZ
ROETHLISBERGER, BEN
ROMO, TONY
ROYAL, EDDIE
RUDOLPH, KYLE
RYAN, MATT
SANCHEZ, MARK
SANDERS, ACE
SANDERS, EMMANUEL
SANKEY, BISHOP
SANU, MOHAMED
SAVAGE, TOM
SCHAUB, MATT
SCOBEE, JOSH
SEASTRUNK, LACHE
SEFERIAN-JENKINS, AUSTIN
SHORTS III, CECIL
SIMPSON, JEROME
SIMS, CHARLES
SMITH, ALEX
SMITH, GENO
SMITH, STEVE
SMITH, TORREY
SPILLER, C.J.
SPROLES, DARREN
STACY, ZAC
STAFFORD, MATTHEW
STARKS, JAMES
STEWART, JONATHAN
STILLS, KENNY
STREATER, ROD
STURGIS, CALEB
SUCCOP, RYAN
SUISHAM, SHAUN
TALIAFERRO, LORENZO
TANNEHILL, RYAN
TATE, BEN
TATE, GOLDEN
TAYLOR, STEPFAN
TAYLOR, TYROD
THOMAS, DANIEL
THOMAS, DEANTHONY
THOMAS, DEMARYIUS
THOMAS, JULIUS
THOMAS, LOGAN
THOMAS, PIERRE
THOMPKINS, KENBRELL
TODMAN, JORDAN
TOLBERT, MIKE
TUCKER, JUSTIN
TURBIN, ROBERT
VEREEN, SHANE
VICK, MICHAEL
VINATIERI, ADAM
WALKER, DELANIE
WALLACE, MIKE
WALSH, BLAIR
WASHINGTON, NATE
WATKINS, SAMMY
WAYNE, REGGIE
WEEDEN, BRANDON
WELKER, WES
WEST, TERRANCE
WHEATON, MARKUS
WHITE, RODDY
WILLIAMS, ANDRE
WILLIAMS, DEANGELO
WILLIAMS, MIKE
WILLIAMS, TERRANCE
WILSON, DAVID
WILSON, RUSSELL
WITTEN, JASON
WOODHEAD, DANNY
WOODS, ROBERT
WRIGHT, KENDALL
ZUERLEIN, GREG
70
99
58
55
95
95
62
91
77
79
94
83
81
84
55
78
98
73
78
73
52
52
58
93
69
90
98
80
82
85
73
69
93
79
93
64
92
82
99
95
93
77
54
53
93
79
56
51
99
100
62
62
71
70
56
100
58
100
77
58
92
66
87
87
55
80
64
98
99
57
94
90
99
76
92
70
67
94
51
94
90
84
78
58
98
83
69
99
54
68
56
73
73
78
87
86
81
95
55
82
70
70
68
66
77
66
65
57
77
71
100
76
87
81
65
87
77
76
64
73
82
82
76
84
66
51
58
95
87
62
83
87
72
84
95
57
87
54
50
62
79
58
52
50
54
53
76
62
67
64
85
58
86
53
58
62
67
58
70
58
68
93
67
95
83
86
58
66
63
58
63
68
58
76
50
81
98
100
91
56
57
53
57
79
62
95
67
91
71
57
73
98
56
94
73
73
82
71
91
65
86
64
73
65
52
85
95
73
67
50
72
52
52
87
91
51
56
87
80
65
87
58
54
100
73
93
80
85
72
53
54
82
79
64
66
63
50
68
69
84
84
100
100
99
73
53
64
80
73
58
73
73
76
90
58
65
85
69
71
98
71
65
54
98
92
80
98
87
79
79
58
78
69
83
78
70
66
85
80
67
51
90
66
85
80
100
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C
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I
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.
V
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IC
E
S
E
A
R
C
H
M
A
K
E
S
F
IN
D
IN
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M
O
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IE
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D
T
V
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O
W
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.
SATISFIES
YOURE NOT YOU
WHEN YOURE

HUN GR

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EXCEPT WHEN HES HUNGRY.
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4 KICKOFF

On the fence about

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