Sleepers
Quarterbacks
Kevin Kolb has made only two NFL starts, but he’s ready to lead the Eagles potent offense and be one of the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks. Throwing to young, great receiving talents of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, along with excellent tight end Brent Celek, will help Kolb achieve regular passing games of 300 yards and multi-touchdowns.
Matt Cassel will be helped by working with esteemed offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and having more stability with the playcalling. He’ll benefit from the addition of talented rookie Dexter McCluster to playmakers Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe.
Given one of the top wideouts with the acquisition of Brandon Marshall, Chad Henne’s passing stats will naturally rise.
Running backs
This year’s rookie running back class has great potential to produce immediate quality fantasy starters. San Diego’s Ryan Mathews enters a favorable situation in San Diego with a running-back friendly proven system and major offensive stars like Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates already in place.
Buffalo’s C.J. Spiller will be given many chances to succeed and produce big plays via running and receiving to jumpstart last year’s stagnant offense. He’s fast and explosive, and was greatly productive at Virginia in a competitive conference.
Detroit’s Jahvid Best also has the physical tools to succeed and be an all-around big playmaker. If he can avoid injuries, he’ll complement explosive wideout Calvin Johnson and benefit from Matthew Stafford’s maturation.
The running back rookies outside of the first round own the potential to be fantasy starters if they receive an opportunity to be featured.
Minnesota’s Toby Gerhart, Pittsburgh’s Jonathan Dwyer and San Francisco’s Anthony Dixon will be fantasy stars if their team’s starters become injured. If given enough consistent carries and passes, Kansas City rookie Dexter McCluster has the talent to be a fantasy factor.
Young veteran backups Javon Ringer of Tennessee and Bernard Scott of Cincinnati will be effective replacements if their starting teammates are unable to play.
Wide Receiver
Tight end
Both Mark Sanchez and Dustin Keller experienced growing pains, but working together for a second season will boost their stats. Keller could become a fantasy starter as a result.
Tony Scheffler will play a big role early, and if Brandon Pettigrew’s knee injury keeps him out for an extended time, he’ll benefit from the playing time and Stafford’s willingness to include the tight end for the passing game.
Rookie Jermaine Gresham is the top rookie tight end prospect, and he has solid veteran quarterback Carson Palmer ready to ease his transition quickly. Denver’s void at tight end can be filled largely by reliable veteran Daniel Graham as Kyle Orton is willing to share passes to a variety of receivers.
New England has a glaring opening at tight end after Ben Watson left, and rookie Rob Gronkowski has the skills and talent to succeed as a pass-receiver.
Kicker
If Chicago’s offense and defense improves as expected, then Robbie Gould will receive more field-goal chances to make a significant impact. Jay Feely’s comeback will continue with Arizona as he’s found his kicking groove once again.
Garrett Hartley has the powerful leg and potent offense to be a big fantasy force at field goals and extra points.
Defense/Special Teams
Philadelphia bolstered its defense via the draft, trades and and free agency, increasing its potential for sacks and turnovers. Chicago’s addition of Julius Peppers provides the defense with another dynamic force to pair with Brian Urlacher. Its improved pass rush and revamped safeties will provide more interception chances.
If New England’s young players at linebacker and the secondary can improve enough to complement the great game strategies, it will become a fantasy force again. The return of Troy Polamalu provides Pittsburgh with a dangerous playmaker to pair with its explosive outside linebackers. Expect both the sacks and turnovers to return to high levels again.
The return of Bob Sanders will help Indianapolis procure more turnovers, while Miami’s young secondary could blossom this season and intercept many passes. Cincinnati already has one of the league’s top cornerback duos. If it can produce a strong pass rush, it will generate many sacks and turnovers.
Flops
Felix Jones is being touted as Dallas’ featured back, but a talented crowded backfield and injury questions make him a risky No. 2 fantasy starter at running back. LeSean McCoy was unspectacular last season, and will be competing for carries with veteran Mike Bell and Leonard Weaver. Fred Jackson starred last season, but the arrival of first-round rookie C.J. Spiller puts his number of touches in doubt.
All three of Washington’s veteran running backs (Clinton Portis, Willie Parker and Larry Johnson) have the talent to claim the starting spot and are interchangeable, leaving a likely committee at the position. Tampa Bay has a deep depth chart at wide receiver, making it difficult to peg one as the clear No. 1 wideout before the season starts. Vincent Jackson may be sitting out much of the season with a contract dispute, making him a risky second- or third-round pick as a No. 1 fantasy wideout.
Value picks
Quarterback
Running back
Joseph Addai will receive many yardage and scoring chances if he can stay healthy. Ronnie Brown was one of the top fantasy running backs during the first half of last year. If Brown can reclaim his explosiveness after a knee injury, he’ll be a No. 1 running back that is discounted on draft day as a second or third fantasy back.
Chester Taylor has the skill set similar to a strong all-around runner and receiver needed at running back for Martz’s offense. He just needs to get the playing time to produce solid yardage totals. Backup Darren Sproles has shown he can be productive with extended playing time and replace Mathews as the featured back if the rookie becomes injured or ineffective.
Veteran Thomas Jones comes cheap in drafts as a solid fantasy backup, and he can be Kansas City’s featured back if needed. Brandon Jacobs and Marion Barber are bruising runners who will produce regularly as fantasy starters if they can stay healthy.
Wide receiver
Wes Welker looks promising with his early progress from a knee injury. If he can stay play at full strength by early season, he’ll provide great value in reception leagues.
Hines Ward and Derrick Mason are reliable veterans who produce consistently and stay healthy. Mike Sims-Walker is Jacksonville’s No. 1 wideout, so he has potential be a top second fantasy wideout if he can stay focused.
Robert Meachem and Jeremy Maclin are emerging fantasy stars who have the talent, skills and pass-happy system to produce 1,000 yards and double-digit scores.
Tight end
Kellen Winslow is Tampa Bay’s most proficient receiver, and will be counted on heavily to absorb the receiving load as the Bucs’ young receivers become acclimated. Zach Miller has a reliable quarterback with Jason Campbell to gain consistent yardage and scores. Campbell utilized the tight end frequently at Washington. Jermichael Finley has the talent and great quarterback to be a top five fantasy tight end. He just needs to stay healthy throughout the season.
