Risers and Fallers
Fantasy Football 2012
We see it every year. Each and every day of training camp produces news in the fantasy football world. Each soundbite and quote from anyone close to any team causes us to get excited or get down on any player. Of course it remains no different now. Over a week into training camps and we’re already seeing a handful of players climbing up draft boards while other are slipping down the slippery slope. Here’s just a few of the players making headlines and grabbing our attention.... good and bad.
Risers:
Stevan Ridley - Yes he’s a RB in New England. They throw the ball a TON. This usually means limited fantasy production at the RB position. Going into camp it was cloudy who could be “the guy.” Shane Vereen also was talked about as being in the mix. So far it is Ridley who is impressing coaches and taking the lion’s share of work with the first team. I just worry that this could lead to him being over valued.
Jamaal Charles - After shredding his knee early last year it’s understandable to be hesitant on him considering his value is in speed, explosiveness and shiftiness. At this point, most of his ascension is due to his own talk. He implores us football fans to get our popcorn ready. Honestly I believe him. I’ve always liked him and it’s no different this year.
Risers:
Stevan Ridley - Yes he’s a RB in New England. They throw the ball a TON. This usually means limited fantasy production at the RB position. Going into camp it was cloudy who could be “the guy.” Shane Vereen also was talked about as being in the mix. So far it is Ridley who is impressing coaches and taking the lion’s share of work with the first team. I just worry that this could lead to him being over valued.
Jamaal Charles - After shredding his knee early last year it’s understandable to be hesitant on him considering his value is in speed, explosiveness and shiftiness. At this point, most of his ascension is due to his own talk. He implores us football fans to get our popcorn ready. Honestly I believe him. I’ve always liked him and it’s no different this year.
Darren McFadden - He was being taken in the second round. Recently he has been cracking the first round. It appears more and more people are willing to gamble on his injury history because he is an explosive talent. Just consider, the guy has yet to play a full season. He only has one 1,000 yard season thus far. If he’s on the field, he’s dominant. Just remember to handcuff. If history is any indicator, at some point in the season even if only for a week or two, his backup becomes the most desired waiver wire pickup. |  The Raiders top back only played 7 games last season due to a foot injury |
Matt Forte - This is simply due to his contract situation getting worked out. There is no question he is the workhorse in Chicago. Now that they have a legitimate WR1 to demand more defensive attention his work could be made that much easier.
Doug Martin - Yes I’m a Bucs fan. I’ve loved this guy since the NFL draft. I knew he’d take over for Blount. No question. Early showing at camp has been nothing short of impressive. The kid has shown burst, speed, ability to break tackles and pass block. The question for many becomes, will he get enough touches to warrant a 4th round pick? We shall see.
Doug Martin - Yes I’m a Bucs fan. I’ve loved this guy since the NFL draft. I knew he’d take over for Blount. No question. Early showing at camp has been nothing short of impressive. The kid has shown burst, speed, ability to break tackles and pass block. The question for many becomes, will he get enough touches to warrant a 4th round pick? We shall see.
Julio Jones - Everyone is talking about him right now. Roddy White is saying he is going to be “really, really special” this year. He is having a great camp so far. Watch him creep up draft boards with each preseason game. Simply put... he is a freak. Aaron Hernandez - It has been said that A-Hern is “getting open at will” at camp but remember, he is going up against the Patriots pass defense. Not the best competition. I have him ranked as the third best TE in fantasy. He is not just a great TE, but he is a legitimate deep threat opposite Lloyd. He will catch the ball all over the field. |  Roddy White and Julio Jones may be the best Wide Receiver duo in the NFL |
Fallers:
Maurice Jones-Drew - A big name RB caught in a contract dispute. This usually does not end very nicely fantasy-wise. I can’t help but think of Chris Johnson last year. He will probably post a solid year. I just don’t see drafting him first round this year.
Roy Helu - We were all loving this guy during the offseason. Even with Shanny, we figured talent would win out. Then Shanny went Shanny and said Tim Hightower would act as the starter. Now in camp we see Evan Royster taking most of the first team reps. Helu’s stock could drop him into a range where his talent will make him a steal. Remember, Shanahan has said he only considers Helu a third down type back; but again... this is Shanahan we’re talking about.
Andre Johnson - The guy is an absolute beast. One of the most talented receivers in the league... when he’s on the field. Already in camp there has been problems with “tightness.” Can this guy catch a break? It’s not like he will fall that far because his immense talent outweighs the risk not too far into the draft.
Maurice Jones-Drew - A big name RB caught in a contract dispute. This usually does not end very nicely fantasy-wise. I can’t help but think of Chris Johnson last year. He will probably post a solid year. I just don’t see drafting him first round this year.
Roy Helu - We were all loving this guy during the offseason. Even with Shanny, we figured talent would win out. Then Shanny went Shanny and said Tim Hightower would act as the starter. Now in camp we see Evan Royster taking most of the first team reps. Helu’s stock could drop him into a range where his talent will make him a steal. Remember, Shanahan has said he only considers Helu a third down type back; but again... this is Shanahan we’re talking about.
Andre Johnson - The guy is an absolute beast. One of the most talented receivers in the league... when he’s on the field. Already in camp there has been problems with “tightness.” Can this guy catch a break? It’s not like he will fall that far because his immense talent outweighs the risk not too far into the draft.
Ben Roethlisberger - When the words “torn rotater cuff” are in the mix, that can never be a good thing no matter how much it is brushed off. Yes he’s a tough guy. He’s one of the best at playing hurt. He has to, he has almost no O-line. He was already walking the QB1/QB2 line but this surely puts him into QB2 range until we see differently in preseason. |  What can we expect from Big Ben and the Steelers this year? |
Michael Turner - Maybe this is mostly a personal sort of “faller.” More and more is being said about his splitting time in the ATL. He already barely caught any passes. Now he’s going to lose touches? Thanks but no thanks.
But of course, everything changes. It does so every single day. For instance I would have put Shane Vereen on the “faller” list but now there are reports coming about how he’s had really good days at camp after having a very lackluster first week. All these changes will be exponential as each week of preseason is played. Whether it’s someone getting more playing time or injury, it’s going to happen. Just keep checking in the news from multiple outlets. Keep checking back on my ranks and compare them to other writers from other sites to put together your best game plan for your team and your league’s settings.. and as always follow me on Twitter. @Ladd_Davies
“May the odds be ever in your favor”
-Ladd
August 3rd, 2012
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But of course, everything changes. It does so every single day. For instance I would have put Shane Vereen on the “faller” list but now there are reports coming about how he’s had really good days at camp after having a very lackluster first week. All these changes will be exponential as each week of preseason is played. Whether it’s someone getting more playing time or injury, it’s going to happen. Just keep checking in the news from multiple outlets. Keep checking back on my ranks and compare them to other writers from other sites to put together your best game plan for your team and your league’s settings.. and as always follow me on Twitter. @Ladd_Davies
“May the odds be ever in your favor”
-Ladd
August 3rd, 2012
Archives
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