Showing posts with label Fantasy Football Preview 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy Football Preview 2012. Show all posts

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Fantasy Football Preview 2012: Tips & Questions





Tips:
- Before the draft, map out a blueprint involving sleepers, busts and your top players. However, be careful not to fall in love with a certain player (especially in auctions) where you might overspend.
-10 quarterbacks threw for 4,000 yards or more in 2011, and with so many passers to choose from, it will be important to nab those running backs early.
-Many big names suffered injuries in 2011 (Peyton Manning, Jamaal Charles, Adrian Peterson), so while some may be conservative and avoid these players, it could be key to take this risk. Like I said in my previous tip, though, do NOT overspend! Also...
-Don't be afraid to take a risk in the later rounds! For example, select someone who you believe will breakout in 2012, not someone who has already broken and on the wrong side of 30.
-Many people make the mistake of taking either a defense or a kicker before the final two rounds. Both categories are too inconsistent that it is not worth spending a valuable draft pick when you could be selecting the next Victor Cruz.
-Once the fantasy draft is over and the season has begun, be active on the waiver wire! By far the most important advice I can give, I highly recommend picking up players who were dominant in Week 1.


Important Fantasy Football Questions:
Robert Griffin III or Andrew Luck?... Last April, we saw two quarterbacks taken with the first and second overall picks--Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck. The two are completely different passers; one is a pocket presence QB with record setting accuracy, the other a scrambler capable of throwing deep bombs down field. But with the football season approaching, who is the better option in fantasy football? Quarterback Andrew Luck has been compared by many to all time greats such as John Elway and Peyton Manning due to his extraordinary abilities. However, neither Elway nor Manning were able to do well fantasy wise during their first season. RGIII on the other hand resembles Michael Vick due to his speed and arm strength. Griffin's running abilities make him even more valuable in fantasy football, giving him the upper hand over Luck.

Which player to have a disappointing year in 2011 will bounce back in 2012?... If you were to mention Chris Johnson to any football fan, the first thing that comes to mind his 2,000 yard season. However, since 2009, his statistics have gradually dropped off, from 14 touchdowns, to 2011 touchdowns, all the way down to 4 in 2011. His 40 yard dash time stands at 4.24 seconds, so clearly the speed is there. Sadly, Johnson did not get off to a quick start like he normally does, averaging 2.1 yards per carry in his first three games, and not scoring a touchdown until Week 5. This past offseason, Johnson gained 10 pounds of pure muscle, and is the most undervalued player entering 2012. My second place vote is awarded to Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles, a lethal fantasy weapon when at his best.

Which player to have suffered an injury will return to full form in 2012?...Over the past five years, no running back has been more consistent than Adrian Peterson. Sadly, AP suffered a serious ACL tear on Christmas Eve, and missed all of 2011. His 12 touchdowns in 12 games last season was an absurd accomplishment, but many are speculating on whether or not he will be 100% at the start of the season. Watch closely this August to see how his injury is coming along. Even if Peterson is 90% by Week 1, he can be a top 5 running back by the end of the season.

Thanks for the read!!

Fantasy Football Preview 2012: Defense




Defense/Special Teams:



John Abraham
1. San Francisco 49ers: The Golden State's front seven could be one of the best in the NFL; players like Justin Smith and Patrick Willis were able to keep opposing offenses from scoring a rushing touchdown up until Week 14. They may have only scored one defensive touchdown, but with 23 interceptions and Jim Harbaugh at the helm, this defense will stay lethal for the next 5 years.
2. Houston Texans: Many will be wondering how this Houston defense will fare without their star linebacker Mario Williams. Just look at least season's numbers, and you will see that Houston does not have a problem. Fantasy wise, the Texans defense scored almost the same amount of fantasy points with Williams as they did without him. In 2012, Brian Cushing, J.J. Watt, Antonio Smith and Jonathan Joseph all need to stay healthy as well as consistent in order for Wade Philips' defense to dominate once again.
3. Chicago Bears: Any team who has Devin Hester at the punt return spot is bound to be ranked highly in fantasy football. However, what makes Chicago even more lethal is their well balanced defense. The run defense ranked 5th overall last season thanks to star linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. Juluis Peppers was the sole pass rusher on Chicago with more than 10 sacks in 2011, which led to the drafting of defensive end Shea McClellin in April. If there is one thing Chicago might want to improve, it is their mediocre pass defense. Otherwise, the Bears will finish in the top 5 for fantasy defenses once again. 
4. Philadelphia Eagles: The Dream Team may have been unsuccessful in 2011, but the defense still stood strong. Corners Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie both had off years, and both will need to bounce back if Philadelphia wishes to fill the hole left by Asante Samuel. The defensive line--dominated by Trent Cole and Jason Babin--helped this defense rank 1st overall in sacks last season. Assuming Philly's pass rush can stay healthy and consistent, this defense might give the 49ers a run for their money at number one.
5.  Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore fans everywhere cringed when they heard reigning Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs will miss most of 2012 to a partially torn achilles, as did those who play fantasy football. Baltimore has always finished among the top defenses fantasy wise, but Suggs will clearly affect this team's statistics. A lot of pressure will be put on 37-year-old linebacker Ray Lewis, who is joined by Lance Brigg, Jameel McClain, and Haloti Ngata. Sure, the Ravens defense will put up great numbers week in and week out, but their stock falls slightly without their star outside linebacker.
6. New York Jets: Last season, it seemed as if the New York Jets defense was unable to catch a break, constantly dealing with injuries and disappointing performances from their stars. Antonio Cromartie, Bart Scott, and Calvin Pace were all nonexistent in 2011, which adds to this team's potential for next season. If these three players were to resurrect their game, they could be scary when alongside Darrelle Revis and David Harris.
7. Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks defense improved substantially ever since Pete Carroll came to town, and not much should change for the next few years. The Seahawks roster may not contain a superstar defender, but overall, they may have one of the most well rounded group of players in the NFL. Chris Clemons is the dominant force for this pass rush, racking up 11 sacks last season. The run defense is great to start with, and the secondary has shown major improvements. Depending on the scoring system for your fantasy football league, the Seahawks are a great choice when teams such as San Francisco and Houston are off the board.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sure, the Steelers ranked first overall last season in pass defense and total defense, but what will come of Pittsburgh without  linebacker James Farrior and defensive end Aaron Smith in 2012? Obviously players like Ziggy Hood and Cameron Hewyard will fill the holes nicely, but if one of their over-30 players (James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, Larry Foote, etc.) were to be injured or suspended (James Harrison), will they be enough to lead this defense? There are to many questions for the Pittsburgh squadron, which is why they top out at number eight.
9. Buffalo Bills: As soon as the season ended, it was clear Buffalo was eager to strengthen their defense. Once Mario Williams became a free agent, Buffalo quickly handed him 100 millions dollars through a six year contract. The Bills were not quite finished, signing Mark Anderson do go along with their star defensive end. A lot of weight will be put on this front-seven, but the Bills are capable of consistently helping your team every Sunday.
10. Atlanta Falcons: The Atlanta Falcons were not ones to gain many headlines this offseason, but they did manage to silently pick up star corner Asante Samuel. Samuel brings to the table a knack for getting interceptions, something Atlanta needed to work on. Up front, we have Curtis Lofton and John Abraham, two aging defenders who have high expectations for next season. The Falcons are not one to finish in the top 5, but for a 10 person league or above, they are not a bad choice.

Fantasy Football Preview 2012: Kickers



Kickers: 
1. David Akers: Un-contested #1 in 2011, offense more lethal in 2012 = more PATs

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 44/52 total FGs, 34/34 PATs, 182 fantasy points)
2. Stephen Gostkowski: Recovered well from torn quad, one of most reliable kickers in NFL
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 28/33 total FGs, 59/59 PATs, 149 fantasy points)
3. Mason Crosby: A whopping 68 PATs in 2011, guaranteed 55+ PATs in 2012
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 24/28 total FGs, 68/69 PATs, 143 fantasy points)
4. Sebastian Janikowski: Best kicker from 40 yards out, SEVEN 50+ field goals in 2011
(2011 Stats: 15 games, 31/35 total FGs, 36/36 PATs, 149 fantasy points)
5. Dan Bailey: Proved to be a top 5 kicker last season, not much should change in 2012
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 32/37 total FGs, 39/39 PATs, 144 fantasy points)
6. Alex Henery: Sophomore season in NFL, did not miss field goal after Week 5
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 24/27 total FGs, 46/46 PATs, 121 fantasy points)
7. Garrett Hartley: Missed all of 2011, will have many PATs next season if he wins starting job
(2010 Stats: 14 games, 20/25 total FGs, 40/40 PATs, 105 fantasy points*)
8. Robbie Gould: 6/6 from 50 yards or more, offense improves thanks to Brandon Marshall
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 28/32 total FGs, 37/37 PATs, 135 fantasy points)
9.  Rob Bironas: Most skilled kickers in league, struggles due to weak Titans' offense
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 29/32 total FGs, 34/34 PATs, 139 fantasy points)
10. Matt Bryant: Great accuracy with lots of extra point opportunities
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 27/29 total FGs, 45/45 PATs, 133 fantasy points)
Sleeper: Connor Barth
Bust: Neil Rackers
*injured in 2011

Fantasy Football Preview 2012: Wide Receivers






Wide Receiver:
1. Calvin Johnson: Improved hands, quick, and unmatched jumping abilities
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,681 yards, 16 TDs, 254 fantasy points)
2. Larry Fitzgerald: Floyd takes away double coverage, great hands
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,411 yards, 8 TDs, 181 fantasy points)
3. Greg Jennings: Great all-around, reliable receiver
(2011 Stats: 13 games, 949 yards, 9 TDs, 143 fantasy points)
4. Wes Welker: Brady's number one receiver, Lloyd and Gaffney hurt statistics
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,573 yards, 9 TDs, 206 fantasy points)
5. Roddy White: Consistent 100 receptions & 1,000 yards; Julio Jones affects statistics
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,296 yards, 8 TDs, 172 fantasy points)
6. Hakeem Nicks: Injury problems, Cruz might not stay reliable which helps Nicks' numbers
(2011 Stats: 15 games, 1,192 yards, 7 TDs, 154 fantasy points)
7. AJ Green: Young, fast, and will only get better
(2011 Stats: 15 games, 1,057 yards, 7 TDs, 144 fantasy points)
8. Brandon Marshall: Reunited with Jay Cutler, increase in productivity
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,214 yards, 6 TDs, 149 fantasy points)
9. Andre Johnson: If healthy, possible top 5 receiver
(2011 Stats: 7 games, 492 yards, 2 TDs, 58 fantasy points)
10. Victor Cruz: Figured out by 49ers, might not put up same statistics
(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,536 yards, 9 TDs, 198 fantasy points) 
Sleeper: Malcom Floyd
Bust: Jordy Nelson

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Fantasy Football Preview 2012

     Who isn't excited for fantasy football? The weeks of planning, the exciting, unpredictable draft, and an entire season full of gloating and sweet victory. Last season was marked as the year of the quarterback, where 10 passers threw for 4,000 yards or more. While the game we know changes, so does fantasy football, putting more stress on drafting a quality running back. In our first fantasy football preview, The NFL Report will supply a brief analysis on each and every player, as well as their statistics from the previous year. However, our take on fantasy football does not stop there; we will give tips involving pre draft preparation and draft day strategies. Important questions will be answered, and, last but not least, we give you, the reader, links to mainstream fantasy websites, where you can start a league of your own. We will be trying something new, though, by splitting our list into different posts, one about quarterbacks, one about running backs (etc). Please make sure to comment, subscribe, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport!