July 7, 2010

2010 Fantasy outlooks: Philadelphia Eagles

By Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
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Kevin Kolb's hope is to be Aaron Rodgers this year. That would be a great scenario for the Eagles and Fantasy owners.

In 2008, Rodgers stepped in as the starting quarterback in Green Bay when Brett Favre was traded to the Jets. Rodgers had an outstanding year, passing for 4,038 yards, 28 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also had 207 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

This year, Kolb is replacing Donovan McNabb, who was traded to the Redskins. Kolb can only hope to play as well as Rodgers did when he became a starter. Fantasy owners would even be happy if Kolb played like McNabb last year when he had 3,553 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with 140 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

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All indications are Kolb is ready for the job. In two starts in place of an injured McNabb last season he had 718 passing yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions against New Orleans and Kansas City.

Andy Reid has confidence in Kolb, otherwise he wouldn't have traded McNabb within the division. And we believe in Reid, who had so much success with McNabb, appearing in five NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl.

Kolb still qualifies as a sleeper for Fantasy owners, but he's the kind of sleeper everyone is well aware of. He should be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option, and he's worth a mid-round pick in all leagues.

If Kolb plays as expected, the Eagles offense should continue to perform at a high level, which means good things for DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek and Jeremy Maclin in the passing game. We're also counting on LeSean McCoy to do well as the replacement for Brian Westbrook, and he will get help from former Saint Mike Bell.

There's turnover in Philadelphia with McNabb and Westbrook gone, but the new players in place in Kolb and McCoy should do just fine. You shouldn't notice too much of a difference with the Eagles this year aside from the different names on the back of the jerseys.

Sleeper ... Jeremy Maclin, WR

Maclin played well as a rookie in 2009, and he should continue to build on that this season. He had 56 catches for 773 yards and four touchdowns, and he has the chance to become a solid Fantasy option in his sophomore campaign. DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek remain the top targets in the passing game, but Maclin is a great receiver for Reid's West Coast offense based on his route-running ability. And since Kolb should prove to be more accurate than Donovan McNabb, Maclin should see an increase in production. We view Maclin as a No. 3 Fantasy wide receiver, and he's worth a mid-round pick in all formats. But don't be surprised if Maclin is starting for you at some point during the year.

Fantasy value chart
Player	Draft Day value
Quarterbacks
Kevin Kolb
Michael Vick
Running Backs
LeSean McCoy
Mike Bell
Leonard Weaver
Wide Receivers
DeSean Jackson
Jeremy Maclin
Jason Avant
Riley Cooper
Hank Baskett
Tight Ends
Brent Celek
Kicker/DST
David Akers
Eagles DST

Breakout ... LeSean McCoy, RB

McCoy will be the starter for the Eagles this season with Brian Westbrook no longer with the team, and McCoy has the chance to post Westbrook-like stats. He is a good runner and receiver, and he showed that as a rookie in 2009 with 637 rushing yards and four touchdowns and 40 catches for 308 yards. He also showed he could handle the starting job with four games with double digits in Fantasy points in the first five games after Westbrook initially got hurt. We feel like McCoy is ready to become a star.

The second-year back should be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy option to start the season, and he's worth a pick beginning in the middle of Round 2 or beginning of Round 3. There is some downside to McCoy since Bell was added to the roster, and he could take some goal-line carries. But McCoy will get the majority of touches for the Eagles and has plenty of upside this season. He's someone I plan to target in all leagues on Draft Day.

Late-round flier ... Mike Bell, RB

Bell is the type of running back that comes through when given a chance. Twice in his career he has at least 155 carries, which was last year with the Saints and 2006 with the Broncos. In those two years he averaged 4.1 yards per carry and scored 13 touchdowns. Bell resurrected his career with the Saints in 2009 when he had 172 carries for 654 yards and five touchdowns. He was an injury replacement for Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush, and the Saints also used him as a goal-line option.

With the Eagles, Bell will be the No. 2 running back behind LeSean McCoy, but McCoy has never been a full-time starter. While McCoy has the chance to be a standout running back, there's still a chance for Bell to make plays, and he should be drafted with a late-round pick. Andy Reid will definitely find a role for Bell, and he's worth stashing on your roster this season.

Schedule breakdown

1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17
GB	@DET	@JAC	WAS	@SF	ATL	@TEN	bye	IND	@WAS	NYG	@CHI	HOU	@DAL	@NYG	MIN	DAL

Kolb should get off to a good start in 2010 with matchups at Detroit and Jacksonville after a tough opener against Green Bay. By the time he faces his first division opponent in Week 4 -- which happens to be McNabb and the Redskins -- we should know if Kolb is worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback. LeSean McCoy also has the chance to run well in those early games, but the Eagles have a tough slate with the NFC North and AFC South on the schedule. The NFC East is brutal enough without adding matchups against the Packers, Colts and Vikings.

Training camp topics

2009 Touches Leaders
Player	Touches
LeSean McCoy	195
Brian Westbrook	86
Leonard Weaver	85
Brent Celek	76
DeSean Jackson	73

The first thing for the Eagles is making sure DeSean Jackson isn't a holdout and shows up for the start of training camp. He wants a new contract after a blockbuster sophomore season in 2009 when he had 62 catches for 1,156 yards and nine touchdowns and 137 rushing yards and a touchdown. We expect Jackson to be on time, and he should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy wide receiver. He's worth drafting in Round 2 or 3 in all leagues.

In Kolb's two starts last year, Jackson had 10 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns, so there's already an instant rapport. The same goes for Brent Celek, who had 16 catches for 208 yards and one touchdown with Kolb. Celek had 76 catches for 971 yards and eight touchdowns last year, and he's capable of similar production in 2010 as a No. 1 Fantasy tight end.

We don't expect much of a drop-off if any with Kolb replacing McNabb. We also expect McCoy to do well in place of Westbrook. The Eagles are ready to begin a new era and it all starts with Kolb and McCoy, who are on the verge of becoming Fantasy stars.

Injury update

LeSean McCoy (ankle; probable for the start of training camp) ... Jeremy Maclin (hamstring; probable for the start of training camp) ... Mike Bell (hamstring; probable for the start of training camp) ... Riley Cooper (hamstring; questionable for the start of training camp) ... Cornelius Ingram (knee; probable for the start of training camp) ... Stewart Bradley (calf; probable for the start of training camp) ... Marlin Jackson (Achilles' tendon; out for the season)

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Winslow a 'rotational player?'
Kellen Winslow, TE, SEA
5/25/2012

News: Kellen Winslow became a Seahawk recently, and he's spoken highly of his new team. But it remains how they'll use him and how often they'll use him. According to SiriusXM NFL Radio, a league personnel executive believes that Winslow's best days are behind him. "We talked to the Bucs before the draft and talked about (Winslow) further internally," said the source. "We just didn't think he could be more than a rotational player at this point (in his career) after examining his tape and performance."

Analysis: Winslow had 75 receptions for 763 yards and two TDs in 2011 and has caught at least 66 passes in each of his last three years while not missing a game. There is definitely a perception that he's old and over the hill, which his receiving average (10.2 yards per catch last year) supports. And he joins a crowded tight end corps in Seattle, but should be a fairly regular player in the offense. Problem is, he hasn't been productive enough to be considered reliable for Fantasy use week after week. He's fine as a No. 2 Fantasy TE worth a late pick, but don't expect him to put up huge numbers.

Charles to rest until camp
Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
5/25/2012

News: The Kansas City Star reports that the Chiefs will rest running back Jamaal Charles until training camp in late July. He is not expected to participate in their minicamp as he continues to rehab and work his way back from a torn ACL suffered last September. Head coach Romeo Crennel hopes Charles will be cleared in time for camp.

Analysis: Charles has been vocal about being ready for the season, calling himself hungry and passionate to return to form. But the fact remains that he's coming off of a major injury and isn't promised to have any of the explosiveness he had before he got hurt. Tack on the Chiefs' addition of Peyton Hillis (Charles thinks Hillis will get the tough yards and goal-line work like Thomas Jones was supposed to previously), and there's a limit to Charles' 2012 expectations. So long as Charles proves that he's ready to roll, Fantasy owners should be optimistic. Assuming he's fine, Charles will be worth taking in the early rounds on Draft Day, but more as a No. 2 Fantasy RB. Plan on drafting Charles between 25th and 35th overall in all leagues.

Source: Nicks could return before camp
Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
5/25/2012

News: ESPN reports that a source familiar with the broken bone in Hakeem Nicks' foot says the receiver might miss four-to-six weeks recovering from the injury and not the 12-week timeframe the Giants said on Thursday. Nicks fractured the fifth metatarsal of his right foot during an OTA practice. The team is hoping to have him back at some point during training camp and the preseason.

Analysis: Unless the diagnosis on Nicks' foot changes, we're not believers that he'll be ready in six weeks and thus long before the start of training camp. Nicks' teammate, Prince Amukamara, took 15 weeks before he was comfortable practicing last year according to the Newark Star-Ledger and he had the same injury. Nicks has had all sorts of issues with hamstrings, knees and his feet over the years. So long as he is healthy for the start of the season and gets some work in camp and a preseason game or two, the injury is more of a reminder that he's injury prone and less of a factor on his 2012 season. We'll see if this lasts into late August and the regular season; for now expect his stock to slip in drafts. He'll be a Round 3-4 choice as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy receiver.

Roethlisberger admits to issues with new playbook
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
5/25/2012

News: Ben Roethlisberger's transition to new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's playbook is not going as smoothly as Steelers fans had hoped. Roethlisberger said Thursday that so far it's been "frustrating at times" but that he's going to put in "extra work" to understand what Haley wants him to do. "I think coach (Haley) really wants to challenge us," Big Ben said on a radio interview, per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "Me, maybe, in particular, I think he felt like I was real comfortable with the old offense, which ... I don't know why that's a bad thing. But I'm not the head coach."

Analysis: There's all sorts of talk that Haley wants Roethlisberger to stay in the pocket to avoid excess hits and that Haley wants to run the ball more. We're not sure how this is going to play out, but we do think there's a chance Roethlisberger could attempt a ton of passes given that Rashard Mendenhall is out and Isaac Redman, while talented, might not be a 20-touch back from week to week. Much of the offense might fall on Roethlisberger's shoulders. We consider Big Ben a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in all leagues well worth a mid-round pick.

Bradford's ankle 'getting there'
Sam Bradford, QB, STL
5/25/2012

News: Rams quarterback Sam Bradford said his left ankle, injured in October at Green Bay, is nearly 100 percent. "It's getting there," he said. "It feels better every week -- less soreness, more things I can do. It's definitely on the right track."

Analysis: There's no questioning his arm as several Rams receivers, including their rookies, have been in awe over his passing skills. Bradford is continuing to learn the Rams' new offense and says it's close to the West Coast offense he ran two season ago. But with a so-so offensive line and an unproven receiving corps, now's not the time to call Bradford a breakout candidate. He should have some good games, but no one should consider him either a Fantasy starter or a blue chip prospect. For now we're resigned to calling him a late-round pick as a good, not great, No. 2 quarterback.

Titans' Palmer breaks down QB battle
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, TEN
5/25/2012

News: It's no secret that the Titans will have a competition for the starting quarterback job between veteran Matt Hasselbeck and second-year gunslinger Jake Locker. What remains to be seen is when they'll name a starter. Offensive coordinator Chris Palmer told the media Thursday that the job is up for grabs, that no preseason starts have been promised and that the coaching staff will pick a winner based on who can lead the team to wins, starting in Week 1 against the Patriots. Palmer said that while Locker's mobility is very appealing, Hasselbeck's experience and body of work from last season also gives him a chance to remain the starter. "Jake may not give all the other guys the opportunity to make plays like Matt does, but Jake can make plays with his legs," Palmer concluded. "When you add up how many plays Matt can make with the team and how many plays Jake can make with the team then you kind of have an idea who's going to give us the best chance to win."

Analysis: Hasselbeck started every game for the Titans in 2011 and threw for 3,571 yards with 18 scores and 14 interceptions. But when Locker did play, he did well, passing for four touchdowns with no interceptions and rushing for 56 yards on eight carries with a touchdowns run. Locker's completion percentage continued to be an eyesore (34 of 66 passing for 51.5 pct.), but the stats speak for themselves. Unless Locker can really prove that he's progressed as a passer, Hasselbeck is likely to take this job -- though there's no promise he'll start every game. Neither Titans QB should be drafted with anything more than a late-round pick. We'll keep you posted on the battle.

Lloyd already up to speed with Pats
Brandon Lloyd, WR, NE
5/25/2012

News: New Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd has been impressive during the team's OTAs, but many people expected that. After all, Lloyd is on his third stop with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and knows the playbook and play calls like the back of his hand. Lloyd has been so impressive that the Boston Globe reports that Patriots quarterbacks have been looking for him all week because he's been exactly where he needs to be on every play. Lloyd was coy when it came to his role and his goals for this season but gave a pretty simple explanation on why he wanted to follow McDaniels to New England. "You find something good, you stick with it," he said. "I think that's the case for everybody, with everything in life."

Analysis: Lloyd had 51 catches for 683 yards and five scores last year in 11 games in St. Louis when McDaniels was the offensive coordinator, and that came on the heels of a 77-catch, 1,448-yard, 11-touchdown season with McDaniels in Denver. He'll probably see a dip in opportunities because he'll share the field with so many other great weapons there. But he should still be about as productive as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver and should be drafted as such with a mid-round pick.

Tamme: Hillman looks good
Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN
5/25/2012

News: In an interview with Moving The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme gave an encouraging scouting report on rookie rusher Ronnie Hillman. "He seems to have a lot of quickness," Tamme said. "I've got to see him carry a few and catch some passes, he seems like a guy who can really move and sort of be a threat from the scatback-type position."

Analysis: Yep, that sounds like Hillman, who averaged over 130 total yards per game in 2011 with 20 total touchdowns while breaking some of Marshall Faulk's records at San Diego State. Hillman isn't a big back (5-foot-9, 200 pounds) but definitely plays bigger than he is. He's done good work between the tackles but is better known for his lateral agility and breakaway speed. Landing in Denver is nice since he won't be stuck behind a young back for long -- Willis McGahee will turn 31 in October and Knowshon Moreno is coming off of a torn ACL. We could see Hillman contribute this season, especially if he can perfect his pass blocking and receiving skills. Expect him to be taken late in all seasonal drafts as well as with a mid-to-late pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a second-round pick in rookie-only formats.

Tamme talks offense, role
Jacob Tamme, TE, DEN
5/25/2012

News: In an interview with Moving The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme sounded very excited to follow quarterback Peyton Manning to Denver from Indy, adding that he "looks great." Tamme's also excited about the direction of the new offense, calling it a mix of what he did with Manning with the Colts and what offensive coordinator Mike McCoy wants to do. On the topic of his specific role with the Broncos, Tamme didn't want to give away much but did offer what he thinks is great about being a tight end. "I'm comfortable in slot and love that, but I would say I lined up on the line of scrimmage more than everywhere else [with the Colts]," Tamme said. " ... We should be able to move around and what we're going to do offensively, hopefully, we'll be able to move around some. I think that's what's great about playing tight end these days, you get to do everything. It's what makes the position a lot of fun."

Analysis: If we're reading between the lines, the Broncos could use Tamme as a tight end, slot receiver and H-back this season, all roles he's capable of playing as evidenced by his time in Indianapolis. Being comfortable with Manning is also built-in thanks to their relationship back in Indiana. Tamme had just 177 yards on 19 catches in 2011 with one score, but he worked behind starter Dallas Clark in a Manning-less Colts offense. In 10 games without Dallas Clark in 2010, Tamme caught 67 passes for 631 yards and four touchdowns. Expect him to have some Clark-like potential and thus get swiped with a middle- to late-round pick in drafts this summer as a borderline No. 1/No. 2 TE.

Hill lines up as starter in OTAs
Stephen Hill, WR, NYJ
5/25/2012

News: Jets rookie receiver Stephen Hill lined up opposite Santonio Holmes with the first-team offense during their recent OTAs. He caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez, burning cornerback Kyle Wilson in the process, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

Analysis: The Jets aren't going to have a dominant pass attack, so that could limit Hill's production. But he does have the chance for plenty of playing time, which is a plus. He's worth a late-round pick in seasonal formats, a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a Top 20 pick in rookie-only drafts.

More Updates

1	Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB
2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tom Brady, NE, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Matthew Stafford, DET, QB
6	Philip Rivers, SD, QB
7	Eli Manning, NYG, QB
8	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
9	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
10	Peyton Manning, DEN, QB
All Rankings

1	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
2	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
3	Ray Rice, BAL, RB
4	Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC, RB
5	Matt Forte, CHI, RB
6	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
7	Ryan Mathews, SD, RB
8	Chris Johnson, TEN, RB
9	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
10	Steven Jackson, STL, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Wes Welker, NE, WR
3	Roddy White, ATL, WR
4	Larry Fitzgerald, ARI, WR
5	Hakeem Nicks, NYG, WR
6	Greg Jennings, GB, WR
7	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
8	A.J. Green, CIN, WR
9	Mike Wallace, PIT, WR
10	Miles Austin, DAL, WR
All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
3	Aaron Hernandez, NE, TE
4	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
5	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
6	Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE
7	Vernon Davis, SF, TE
8	Jermichael Finley, GB, TE
9	Brent Celek, PHI, TE
10	Fred Davis, WAS, TE
All Rankings

1	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
2	Mason Crosby, GB, K
3	Sebastian Janikowski, OAK, K
4	David Akers, SF, K
5	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
6	Dan Bailey, DAL, K
7	Jason Hanson, DET, K
8	Neil Rackers, WAS, K
9	Alex Henery, PHI, K
10	Nate Kaeding, SD, K
All Rankings

1	49ers, DST
2	Texans, DST
3	Ravens, DST
4	Giants, DST
5	Steelers, DST
6	Seahawks, DST
7	Eagles, DST
8	Packers, DST
9	Jets, DST
10	Patriots, DST
All Rankings