Category Archives: Football

Ranking the 4 NFC East Quarterbacks

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Ranking the 4 NFC East Quarterbacks
31 Mar

Our run through the top starting quarterbacks in the NFL for 2015 makes it’s first stop in the NFC. The verdict is in for all four divisions in the AFC, as we’ve ranked the top starting signal callers in each division, with Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning all understandably taking the crown in their respective divisions. Which NFC quarterbacks will appear on their conference’s Mount Rushmore? Let’s kick things off in the NFC East to find out:

4. Robert Griffin III (Washington Redskins)

Once a supremely hyped rookie sensation, RG3 hasn’t been the same ever since tearing his ACL back in 2012. Since then he’s had issues with pocket presense, timing, mobility and turnovers. The Redskins went from a playoff team to one of the worst teams in the NFC and suddenly Robert Griffin III is facing a make or break season. On the surface he has the talent to be an elite threat, but he needs to be 100% healthy in both mind and body. That hasn’t been the case, and while the reports have been somewhat positive in camp, RG3 may not have enough time to fully rebound from his steep regression. RG3 used to rely on his speed and athleticism, but with that sapped, his pocket presence and awareness may have to rise to an elite level for him to re-establish himself as a dangerous weapon. Until we see that happen, he’s going to be fairly grounded in an increasingly tougher NFC East.

3. Sam Bradford (Philadelphia Eagles)

If there are questions about RG3 there are certainly questions about Bradford, who has missed most of the past two seasons with torn ACL’s and enters 2015 at less than 100% with a new custom football jerseys and team. All of the change could help the former #1 overall pick, though, as he was at the worst a steady pocket passer who showed solid arm strength, good decision-making and enough accuracy to think he could eventually match the hype. Bradford is still fairly young and has some untapped potential, and in a Chip Kelly offense it’s possible he has a career year. He has a lot to prove and simply staying on the field for the entire year will go a long way in helping him do that. He’s only a hair above RG3 at this point, but his only true knock is his health. If he’s good to go, he has a realistic shot at reviving his career.

2. Eli Manning (New York Giants)

Manning has won two Super Bowls and has had a few elite statistical seasons, but what has he really done for the Giants lately? He did drop 30 touchdowns on the league in 2014, but he hasn’t been overly efficient or consistent over the past three years, while the G-Men haven’t been regular participants in the playoffs, either. While things haven’t been great lately, New York seems to be trending upwards with the rise of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. last year, while the less predictable offense of coordinator Bob McAdoo seems to have helped Manning get the ball out of his hands faster and more accurately. A second season in that system could be huge for Manning and the Giants, and it just might make for a return trip to post-season play, as well. Manning enters a lame duck year at 34 years old and it’s still totally possible his best days are behind him, but we saw a glimmer of his old self last year. If he still is that guy in 2015, the Giants will be better for it and he’ll have easily earned his #2 spot in these NFC East quarterback rankings.

1. Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys)

Romo has had his failures in the clutch and in post-season play, but for the most part he’s been taken for granted by Cowboys fans. Romo could easily start to regress in his age 35 season, but if we’re to learn anything from an extremely efficient 2014 season, that probably won’t be happening just yet. Romo benefited immensely from a studly rushing attack led by DeMarco Murray, which helped him pick his spots more than ever and allowed him to limit turnovers and be more efficient (just 9 picks and 69.9% completion rate). Things could change with Murray gone, but Dallas still has a bone-crushing offensive line and if they can continue to run the ball, Romo’s play should remain at a very high level. With at least 28 touchdowns in each of the past four years, Romo is without a doubt the statistical dominator in the NFC East at the quarterback position, while a return to the playoffs (along with a win) in 2014 has pushed him back up over the sluggish Manning. Another (deep) playoff run in 2015 could cement Romo here for good.

Think the order of the NFC East quarterbacks is all wrong? Give us your rankings in the comments below!

Zaquandre White Busts Off Amazing Tecmo Bowl Run

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Zaquandre White Busts Off Amazing Tecmo Bowl Run
31 Mar

There’s a pretty good chance you don’t have any idea who Zaquandre White is. That won’t last long. If you haven’t already seen it, now is as good a time as any to see one of the craziest runs ever, courtesy of Zaquandre White, the guy you never heard of until just a second ago.

Zaquandre White brought the days of Tecmo Super Bowl back to life in one play, as he evaded would-be tackler after would-be tackler during an insane run that went from bad to impossible to glorious in just a matter of seconds.

Breaking the Play Down

It truly is one of the better runs we’ve seen in some time and probably could be thrown into that “best run ever” argument. It’s obviously worth noting that it was done on the high school level and not in the pros or even college, but an amazing run is an amazing run. The beauty of this run is just how many times White looks dead to rights. When the play first starts, the right side of the line is no longer anywhere to be seen and White’s initial path to success is shut down by a defender. This forces him to juke left, where the rest of the defense lies, which naturally forces him further left in an effort to find anything worth salvaging.

From there, White slides through a weak ankle tackle, shakes off a defender that is draped on his back and holding his jersey and regains his footing enough to completely toss the defender to the ground. The situation looks even more dire after that, as the defense then swarms in on him, but two defenders sandwich him at just the right time so he is able to absorb both blows and spins out of the hit, keeping enough footing to stay up and turn back towards the right side of the field.

At that point, all White needs is a little juice to accelerate past the last legit defender and use proper angling and whatever speed he has left to win a foot race to the end zone. He gets a nice block in the back from #4, but overall does almost all of the heavy lifting on his own to create a play that would make Bo Jackson or Barry Sanders proud.

Why is this so cool? Any highlight where a running back can shed tackles and make a defense look silly is fun, but the change of direction, balance, awareness, vision and acceleration displayed on just one play truly was a sight to see. If you couldn’t see the video for some reason, hopefully our break down did it justice – although we’re pretty sure even Ernest Hemingway couldn’t accomplish that.

Who is Zaquandre White?

As interesting as this play was, it’s even cooler to discover that Zaquandre White isn’t just some random high school running back that got a little lucky. This four-star recruit is destined for Florida State and was already a highly touted high school prospect. Could we see White destroy college defenses and work his way to the pros? Perhaps. But regardless of what he does, this sick video will always be online for anyone to see. Even if he never has another great run, Zaquandre White will at least be known for that his custom football jerseys and  one insane run he put on tape that made him look like he was in a video game. And for that, we thank him.

10 Players Who Could Make Big Impacts on New NFL Teams

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10 Players Who Could Make Big Impacts on New NFL Teams
31 Mar

With NFL OTAs already starting, we can almost smell the new 2015 NFL season. With a new year comes change and possibly a move up for a few teams, and a lot of it could be because some key roster moves franchises made in free agency.

Everyone wants to believe their favorite team made the right moves and their new players will pan out, but every year there are huge pay offs and massive disappointments. Let’s focus on the guys that could actually pay off as we break down the top 10 faces in new places for 2015:

10. Mike Wallace, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Wallace crushed as a deep threat in Pittsburgh for years, but the minute he went to South Beach he couldn’t connect down the field. Blame that partially on Ryan Tannehill and partially on Miami’s system. Wallace is probably a one-trick pony, but Minnesota’s offense has a specific role for him that he should be able to thrive in. Now, the only question is if Teddy Bridgewater is ready to help everyone maximize their potential within Norv Turner’s vertical offense.

9. Torrey Smith, WR, San Francisco 49ers

The Niners lacked a true deep threat and now they have one after locking down Smith on a multi-year deal. Smith can stretch the field and also has the ability to operate as a possession receiver, so on paper he gives San Francisco exactly what their offense has been lacking. If Colin Kaepernick can make strides inside the pocket, the 49ers’ offense could soar to new heights. Of course so far this year the buzz about the 49ers has been their new black football uniforms.

8. Julius Thomas, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Thomas was largely a red-zone threat with the Denver Broncos the past two years (24 total touchdowns), but in 2015 he takes the training wheels off and sees if he can’t be a serious weapon. Doing so in Jacksonville with second-year passer Blake Bortles is easier said than done, but that’s what he was brought in to do. If his game from the past two years translates to his new city, the Jaguars could suddenly have a somewhat dangerous offense.

7. Andre Johnson, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Johnson was being phased out of Houston, so he bolted for their division rivals, where with Andrew Luck he will be playing with the most talented passer he ever has in his career. He may be slowing down at 33, but he’s still quite good and in Indy he won’t be asked to do everything. As the #2 guy, Johnson could make a solid impact and help round out one of the league’s more potent offenses.

6. Brandon Marshall, WR, New York Jets

Marshall could be the guy that looked on his last legs due to injury a year ago, or he could get back to full health and dominate the AFC East. Considering Darrelle Revis is on his team, that’s certainly possible. Marshall is naturally regressing, but even mild regression could have him as a solid weapon for Gang Green. Just how solid could hinge on the development of quarterback Geno Smith, who no longer has the excuse of not having weapons in the passing game.

5. Frank Gore, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Gone are the days where Indy passes every down or hopes Andrew Luck can will them out of deep holes. With no clear answer at running back over the past three seasons, the Colts finally went after a proven commodity in free agency and came away with Frank Gore. He’s an ageless wonder that could break down at anytime, but at face value he’s a steady, competent lead back that could move the pile for another year or two.

4. Sam Bradford, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Bradford has shredded his knee in two straight seasons but as far as pure quarterback talent goes, he just might be the best pocket passer the Eagles have had since Donovan McNabb. Heck, considering he hasn’t had a chance to fully develop in the past two seasons, he could be even better. He’s a huge risk and he wasn’t lighting the league up before the injuries, but there is upside to be had here. We sure can’t knock the Eagles for going for it with this trade.

3. DeMarco Murray, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Murray could be a huge get for the Eagles, who traded away LeSean McCoy for a linebacker they needed and then still got a top shelf runner with this signing. The issue was McCoy danced too much around the line of scrimmage and too often sought out the big play. Murray brings moderate big-play ability but his main strength is being a north/south runner that takes what is blocked for him and doesn’t waste time making tough decisions: he just goes. We know he can carry a full load after pacing the NFL in rushing and leading the Cowboys to a division title a year ago. Now he’s in Philly. That might make the Eagles a problem for the rest of the NFC.

2. LeSean McCoy, RB, Buffalo Bills

Shady McCoy is potentially the second biggest move, as the Bills swapped linebacker Kiko Alonso and him in a trade with the Eagles. It’s a smart trade for both parties if Alonso’s surgically repaired knee works out, but the big winner is obviously Buffalo if McCoy ends up fitting their scheme. Rex Ryan comes in trying to lead a run-heavy offensive attack that leans on it’s defense, and on paper that sets up McCoy for a huge workload and monster numbers. If he steps up to the plate in 2015, he could play a huge hand in getting the Bills back to the playoffs for the first time since Doug Flutie was a thing.

1. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Miami Dolphins

The biggest change in scenery might just involved Suh and the Fins. Suh was stolen from right under the Detroit Lions and he’ll slide into the middle of Miami’s defensive line to give them a nasty force that can put pressure on the quarterback and also help sniff out the run. Considering Miami’s defense was already solid and their offense has been on the rise, this could be the highest impact signing of the off-season.

Related: 2015 Fantasy Football: Top Wide Receiver Sleepers 

2015 Fantasy Football: 5 ADP Values You Can’t Ignore

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2015 Fantasy Football: 5 ADP Values You Can't Ignore
31 Mar

May is slowly coming to an end, which means summer is just around the corner. Once summer hits, we’re not even two full months from the NFL being back on our television screens. The preseason isn’t always exciting, but it’s the anticipation that accompanies it that should get the blood flowing – especially for fantasy football nuts.

If you’re not doing so already, now is a good time to start filtering through or compiling your own projections, rankings and mock drafts for the new fantasy football season also football uniforms. We’ve come to help, too, as we’re ready to dive into the latest ADP (Average Draft Position) results over at FFC to see which guys you’ll want to target that could be steals on draft day.

Let’s not waste anymore time. Here are five guys you’ll want to grab up if they are still around at their given ADP:

Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco 49ers (ADP: 11th Round)

Say, what? It’s true that there are better pocket passers and the 49ers took a nose dive in 2014, but perhaps expectations for Kaepernick just got way out of whack these past two years. He wasn’t the stud we all thought he’d be, but he was still the 16th best fantasy passer in 2014 and was a top-10 guy (9th) in 2013. The regression warrants some pause, but he’s now being drafted in the middle of the 11th round in 12-team, standard drafts. That puts him on par with the sparest of spare fantasy quarterbacks and would have fantasy owners believing he’s no better than 16th again heading into 2015.

Considering Jimmy Garoppolo is being drafted ahead of him (the heck?) and Teddy Bridgewater is just one spot behind him, we may have to balk at this a bit. Yes, Kaepernick wasn’t what we wanted a year ago, but he showed us his upside in 2012 and 2013, and he just inherited Torrey Smith in free agency. I tend to think the Niners will give him a little more freedom and his numbers will slowly tick back toward a positive spot. That should keep him inside the top-15 and should give him a real crack at the top-10. Translation: he needn’t be going as late as round 11, but if he’s there, snatch him up.

Todd Gurley, RB, St. Louis Rams (ADP: 6th Round)

Gurley needs to overcome a knee injury and isn’t a total lock to be “the guy” or even healthy come week one. Then again, Rams head coach Jeff Fisher already admitted he is the guy and his rehab from a torn ACL has gone just swimmingly. The point? He’s a stud rookie running back that is probably going to beat all of his insane expectations when it comes to the health of his knee, will start from day one and just might crush souls in fantasy football in 2015.

Running back is the easiest position to transition from college to the pros and Gurley is a generational talent. If he starts like the Rams suggest he will (he was drafted 10th overall, after all), we just might have a beast on our hands. Why, then, is Gurley being taken as late as the middle of round six? Let’s clarify. Not only is he dipping into the middle of the sixth round and often even later, but teammate Tre Mason is oddly going a full round ahead of him, while Gurley is also still on the board when Isaiah Crowell and freaking Darren McFadden are being drafted. There is risk involved, to be sure, but if Gurley is hanging around in round five even, you have to jump all over him.

Brandon Marshall, WR, New York Jets (ADP: 5th Round)

Last year wasn’t kind to Brandon Marshall. Jay Cutler couldn’t hit him, the stud receiver missed three games and was banged up for much of the season. Despite everything working against him, Marshall still caught 61 balls for 721 yards and eight scores. While those were low numbers for how good we’ve come to expect Marshall to be, he was still fantasy football’s 34th best wide receiver. This year he has a chance at being reborn in New York. The Jets don’t have the best quarterback situation, but Marshall is still a #1 target and projects well in that role for 2015.

Marshall is 31 and could be in mild decline, but Chan Gailey’s offense bodes well for him. If Ryan Fitzpatrick wins the job, things could look ever better, as we’ve seen Fitzpatrick do fine work with his top target in the past. Regardless, Marshall helps round out a solid passing game for Gang Green and still has the goods to make plays on the ball. He’s not the elite WR1 he used to be, but he’s better than a mediocre fifth round option. He’s a strong WR2 that could easily go a round or two earlier in drafts. If you find him in round five, you’re doing it right.

Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ADP: 7th Round)

It’s easy to see why people are scared of V-Jax going into 2015, as he tumbled to 38th overall among fantasy wide receivers after catching just two touchdowns in 2014. However, we know he’s better than that and that last year’s fall was far from all his fault. With a quarterback upgrade in Jameis Winston and Mike Evans around to take away double teams, we should see Jackson’s numbers rise back up in 2015. That may not make him a top-15 threat like he was just two years ago, but he’s too good to last all the way until round seven. At that ADP he’s being treated like the 29th best option. I think he’s closer to the top-25 due to his upside.

Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers (ADP: 13th Round)

A year ago a lot of fantasy football experts were talking up LaDarius Green and saying an aging Antonio Gates was on his deathbed. Green ended up being a total bust and Gates revived his fantasy value with an insane 12 touchdowns and a second place finish, just behind Rob Gronkowski. I’m not saying Davis is primed for a turn around like that, but he was not 100% last year and with just 50 targets, it’s beyond clear the Niners weren’t even trying to let him do big things.

Davis could surely be at the end of his rope, too. He’s past the age of 30 and 2014 had him looking pretty rough. But he’s better than that and I think he and the 49ers are going to find a way to help him be productive again. The top of the tight end position is shaky with multiple studs changing teams and we know Davis can still be good, as he popped off for 13 touchdowns just two years ago. With his ADP being all the way down in round 13, you can wait and take that chance.

2015 NFL Draft: Top Prospects Remaining on Day Three

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2015 NFL Draft: Top Prospects Remaining on Day Three
31 Mar

The first two days of the 2015 NFL Draft have come and gone, yet several big name prospects with loads of talent remain on the draft board. Which star players that have plummeted to day three are the biggest steals and where could they go?

In a draft with few trades or crazy surprises, we should be mildly shocked that these guys haven’t heard their names called yet. Let’s take a look at who they are and where they could go on the final day of the 2015 NFL Draft:

Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor

Easily one of the top passing prospects in this draft class, Petty has been overlooked to this point due to his college system and a misconception that he can’t adjust to a pro-style system. Petty has a good head on his shoulders and has also displayed a strong arm and nice mobility. He should be drafted in round four, while his suitors could stretch from the Jets to the Broncos.

Brett Hundley, QB , UCLA

Hundley is just as surprising to still be around as Petty, because he has even more natural ability and upside. Scouts may be worried about Hundley’s pocket presence and accuracy, but he’s a big bodied passer with a big arm and top level athleticism. Even as a project, someone should take a stab at home in round four.

Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State

Ajayi was long considered one of the top running back prospects, but has seen his stock crushed due to concerns over injuries and some poor off field decision-making. He was extremely productive in college, however, and has the build and athleticism to be a feature back at the next level. His place in this year’s draft will come down to medical concerns. A team like the New England Patriots might look past his medical issues and give him a chance in round five.

Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State

Greene has simply been negatively impacted by a truly deep wide receiver draft class. A big time athlete who comes up in big moments, Greene is largely held back by his small stature and poor run blocking. If he’s just a situational threat, he’s a total gem. However, teams normally don’t spend a pick in the first three rounds on that type of player. Greene could hear his name called in round four, however, where teams like the Patriots, Ravens and Saints could look to add another deep threat.

La’el Collins, OG, LSU

Collins was without a doubt a stud guard coming into this draft, but some off field drama has destroyed his stock. The once locked-in first rounder may now not even be drafted. Someone looking for elite guard play like the Saints could sniff around him in the fifth or sixth round, though.

T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

A stud offensive tackle that many felt had a chance at sneaking into the tail end of round one, Clemmings has seen himself free fall due to concerns over the health of his foot. Unable to qualm the fears of scouts, this stout blocker is slated to dip into the fourth or fifth round. Any team that needs help regarding custom football jersey and beefing up their pass protection should jump at the chance to get him this late. The Colts, Dolphins and Falcons could show interest.

Tre’ Jackson, OG, Florida State

One of the top offensive guards still on the board, Jackson is everything you look for in a guard, minus the technique and proper weight control. Teams likely are slightly afraid of his ability to refine the fundamentals and also keep his weight in check. Beyond those two concerns, though, teams are passing on a legit starting guard.

Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State

Defensive tackle seems to be oddly undervalued in this draft, as we’ve already seen stud interior linemen like Malcom Brown, Jordan Phillips and Eddie Goldman fall down draft boards. It seems to be more of a necessity thing, as teams are using earlier picks on flashier prospects. That shouldn’t take anything away from Bennett, though, who is built to man the end of a 3-4 base defense. The Packers and 49ers could take a look at him, among other teams.

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

A stud corner for the Ducks, Ekpre-Olomu has seen his once promising draft stock plummet due to injury. Some thought he could contend for a first round pick a year ago, while even with his injury he arguably had the talent to be a day two pick. Instead, the earliest he’ll hear his name called today is round four. He’s going to be an absolute steal by this point, though, as plenty of teams need corner help and he’s a fine talent when healthy. Teams like the Packers, Steelers and Patriots would all be wise to show interest.

Is there another prospect that belongs on this list? Let us know in the comments below!

2015 Fantasy Football: 5 Players to Consider For the Top Pick

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2015 Fantasy Football: 5 Players to Consider For the Top Pick
31 Mar

Every year someone has to stare down the top pick in their fantasy football draft. Regardless of league size or type, the daunting task of picking that can’t-miss fantasy option can weigh on you. A year ago you could have swung and missed big time if you had picked someone like Adrian Peterson. However, this year Peterson just might be back in the mix, along with four other guys that carry low risk and unbelievably high reward.

Of course, you’re probably wondering who those guys are. Let’s take a look at the five safest picks you’ll want to consider if you’re the one to start your fantasy football league’s draft and custom football jerseys this summer:

5. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

It’s got to be tough to trust a guy who played one game a year ago and is 30 years old. Throw in that he plays a rigorous position like running back and we still don’t know for sure who he’ll play for this year, and it’s idiotic to put him on a top-five list with any positive light. Right? Maybe, but not when his name is Adrian Peterson. Despite all of the negativity and questions, this is still a guy that ran for over 2,000 yards in 2012 and was still a highly productive fantasy running back in 2013. Had he not gone through that ordeal and been suspended last year, we may have very well seen another huge season from one of the best fantasy options of all-time.

Now think of him as an angered man, out to prove all of his critics wrong. Some say he’s too old or that a year off will hurt him, but neither of those notions carry much weight. Peterson remains in the best shape of his life and we’ve seen plenty of running backs put up solid numbers heading into age 30. It also helps that he’s not a normal person, too. All things considered, there is enough reason to not draft him as the #1 option in fantasy football (which is why we rank him #5 overall) but as the picture gets a little more clear, our hesitance to name him the top guy to trust in grows weaker by the day.

4. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions

Megatron took a break in 2014 as Golden Tate got acquainted, but it feels like fantasy football owners are forgetting just how dominant this guy has been. He missed three games and was banged up last year, yet he still finished as a top-15 producer. Going into the 2015 fantasy football season we can’t forget about Johnson, as he’s still very much in his prime and capable of taking over games on a weekly basis.

Johnson’s size, speed and ball skills continue to make him the top wide receiver in football, and despite the rise of guys like Antonio Brown, Jordy Nelson and Demaryius Thomas, he still needs to be seen as the #1 option at his position. History tells us this, as Johnson has finished as the top option two times in the last five years and inside the top-five three times during that span. The only thing ever holding Johnson bag is injury, yet he’s never missed more than the three games he missed a year ago.

Healthy again, Johnson could be set to take over the wide receiver ranks again. The depth at wide receiver may keep you from making him the top overall pick on draft day, but he’s absolutely at least worth considering.

3. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Don’t want to put your trust in a 30-year old running back or a wide receiver? Perhaps last year’s top fantasy quarterback will do the trick. Rodgers took a dip in 2013 due to a broken collarbone, but stormed back in 2014 to take back a first place crown he had already held twice before. A-Rod has been so good, in fact, that in the two healthy seasons he wasn’t #1 or hurt, he was the #2 fantasy passer.

We have history and productivity on our side here. If you want a stable, elite presence on your team that gets it done every week, Aaron Rodgers is your guy and it might not be all that close. Rodgers even worked his way through a troublesome calf issue last year and still took the top spot, which makes his 2014 run all the more impressive.

The only reason to not take Rodgers with your first pick in 2015? Quarterback is as deep as positions get in fantasy football. While Rodgers was awesome with over 354 fantasy points in 2014, a whopping five other quarterbacks joined him with over 300 fantasy points. That being said, he’s the best of the bunch and worth heavy consideration for the top pick.

2. Le’Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Thought to be the top running back for 2015 by many, we may need to pump the breaks on loving Bell’s fantasy upside just a tad due to a three-game suspension. He’ll start the first three games of the year on the sidelines, forcing fantasy football managers to ponder how that could impact their team to start 2015. On top of that, they’ll have to weigh the risk of Bell sitting out to start the season. Would that make him less ready to take on a big role and lead to a slow start? It’s possible, and those are some tough red flags to tackle for a proposed #1 pick in fantasy football.

That being said, Bell was a machine in 2014 and really stepped up as one of the more versatile and productive backs in the entire league. That obviously translated to the fantasy realm, too, as he nailed down the second overall spot among running backs. Back to back elite seasons are tough to put up – especially when you’re out for three games – so it’s hard to completely back Bell as the top choice going into the next season. As a per-game option, though, he’d still have a terrific chance at returning great value.

1. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Charles is one of the few fantasy football studs you can trust. Despite seeing 53 less rushing attempts in 2014 than he had the year prior, Charles still topped 1,000 rushing yards, notched his usual 5.0 yards per carry and scored 14 total touchdowns. Even when his role lessens, he’s still the focal point of his offense and it was all good enough to land him at the seven spot in last year’s rankings.

Charles was probably even better than the end of season ranks suggest, too, considering he had a rough start to the 2014 season (23 rushing yards and no scores in the first two games). With the Chiefs adding supporting talent and Charles much healthier now than he was in 2014, he could be set for another huge year. If his seventh place finish was a “down” year, we can only imagine what he would deem to be elite. You can make a strong argument for any of these five guys, but Charles is the most tried and true option. He should be the top pick in fantasy football drafts in 2015, and it may not even be that close.

Think we got it wrong? Let us hear who you would take first in your fantasy football draft via the comments below!

5 TEAMS THAT COULD MAKE LAMAR MILLER A FEATURE BACK

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football uniform at uniform store
25 Feb

216

All Lamar Miller wants to do is be the man. That could still happen in South Beach, but as it stands, the free agent running back may have to leave the Miami Dolphins in order to pursue his dream of being a team’s star rusher. Miller admitted recently that he’d love around 20 total touches per game and to be leaned on heavily in an offense. Of course, that type of guaranteed role means big cash and could mean he’s playing elsewhere.

So, with free agency rapidly approaching and Miller not set to be tagged by the Fins, it’s fair to wonder where else he could sign? More specifically, what other teams could look at Miller as a featured runner? Let’s take a look at five teams that make a good amount of sense:

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys learned the hard way this past season what life can be like without a reliable, top shelf running back. After saying no to DeMarco Murray in free agency a year ago, perhaps they’ll wise up and say yes to a different rusher on the market this time around. That could be Miller, who has flashed brilliance at times in Miami and can offer the home run play, as well as catch the ball effectively out of the backfield. It really comes down to whether or not Dallas sees him as a true feature back and if they are willing to pay up to get him with custom football jersey.

New York Jets

The door is open for Gang Green to make a change at running back, as last year’s starter – Chris Ivory – is likely headed elsewhere. Ivory was a strong starter in 2015, but he is routinely banged up and doesn’t offer quite the explosiveness or versatility Miller appears to. With no other locked in feature back for 2016, the Jets could look to steal a rival’s impending free agent.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans simply do not have an NFL starter at running back right now. They have spare parts and an unproven option in soon to be second-year rusher, David Cobb. None of the guys they have bring Miller’s explosive ability to the table and on sheer talent, he’d trump them all. Tennessee is said to want to become more of an “exotic smash mouth” offense, which basically means they want to be able to run the ball and play around with their weapons. Miller would allow them to do that at a very high level, putting him in play to become a Titan if they’re willing to pay up.

Houston Texans

Arian Foster is out the door and as we saw after he went down with a torn Achilles last year, the Texans do not have much else at running back. They’ll probably draft at the position, but bringing in a proven rusher with untapped upside is another way to go. Miller is rather dynamic and in Houston’s system he could blow the hinges off and put up a career season. The big question is whether the so far frugal Texans will be willing to pay for the upgrade.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs may be the sleeper team to watch for two big reasons: Miller can likely be had for cheaper than their own free agent rusher (Doug Martin) and they don’t seem to think backup Charles Sims would be the answer. With Martin likely to make more elsewhere, the Bucs may quickly have to replace their franchise running back. Miller fits the bill as a potential answer and with the team not sold on Sims, it’s a move we’ll need to monitor.

Think one of these options is a lock or there is a better one out there? Let us know in the comments below!