News: Redskins head coach
Mike Shanahan suggested Thursday that quarterback
Robert Griffin III has a chance to be ready for the start of training camp. "We're hoping," he said. "He's working extremely hard." Shanahan also said he wouldn't be comfortable starting Griffin without some offseason or preseason work. Griffin was spotted by NFL Network dropping back on passes to receivers while wearing a helmet along with a brace on his right knee on Thursday.
Analysis: It would be incredible for RG3 to be ready to go by late July, less than seven months after getting hurt. If the Redskins approach the injury with the long-term picture in mind then they might not rush him back unless they were convinced he was totally healthy. That seems risky, but for now any positive progress is great for prospective Fantasy owners. Here's a gameplan: Draft Griffin with a pick in Round 7 or 8 and pair him with Carson Palmer in the final rounds. Palmer has a great early-season schedule and the Cardinals take on the Panthers in Week 5 when the Redskins are on bye. We'll keep you posted on RG3.
News: Mike Shanahan disclosed Thursday that wide receiver
Pierre Garcon had chest surgery this offseason, but the
Washington Times clarified it as a minor procedure on his labrum, which is in the shoulder . It appears Garcon is not a candidate to miss any serious playing time, however. "I think he's really unbelievable. He's come back so fast ..." Shanahan said of his receiver. "lifting weights he shouldn't be able to lift."
Analysis: Garcon is also still battling a toe injury that capsized much of his first year in D.C. As long as he's healthy for the start of the season he's got plenty of upside to offer Fantasy owners. Garcon finished last year averaging 14.4 yards per catch, the second-highest average in his career, but he had a four-year-low 44 receptions with a three-year-worst four scores. Staying healthy is obviously the most important thing he can do to keep him relevant in Fantasy Football but one recurrence of the toe injury could wipe out several games. If he can stay upright -- and assuming quarterback Robert Griffin III is healthy with his knee -- Garcon can be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a mid-round pick.
News: USA Today reports that Eagles tight end
James Casey will undergo arthroscopic surgery to clean out loose cartilage his right knee and will be out of action for the rest of the spring. A team spokesman said Casey should be ready to go by the start of training camp. Casey signed a three-year deal with $14.5 million as one of the first additions for the Eagles in a busy opening few days in free agency. The former Texans fullback/tight end is expected to play a key role in coach Chip Kelly's offense.
Analysis: Casey had career-highs with 34 receptions, 330 yards and three touchdowns last year, numbers that could spike with the Eagles because of the expected design of the offense and the up-tempo style that will result in more snaps. Like any player getting used to Kelly's offense, Casey would surely benefit from more reps through the rest of organized team activities and minicamp, so being sidelined for the next month isn't ideal. Still, if all goes as well as planned, Casey should get plenty of time on the field in July and August as long as he's healthy. He's not worth drafting in most leagues, but Casey is someone to monitor as a potential waiver wire addition if he's fine as expected following this procedure.
News: In an exclusive Q&A with CBSSports.com NFL Columnist Pete Prisco,
Peyton Manning admitted to being nervous about his arm as far back as June 2011 when he had a hard time throwing at all, then again last season when he forced some things in a road game at Atlanta. But a year removed from rehabbing his arm, Manning sounds confident in his skills. "I feel much more comfortable than I was last year. I am stronger than I was last year. I am throwing the ball better now in May of 2013 than I did in May of 2012 -- significantly better," he said. "I got better throughout the season. I am not doing the monthly update reports anymore. I am past that."
Analysis: The Broncos will attempt to move into a more up-tempo approach this season and added Wes Welker to an already stacked receiving corps. Manning should be in for a very good season, perhaps even better than the one he had last year. Manning is a candidate for 300 yards and at least two scores every week. He should be considered an elite passer worth a pick between the middle of Round 2 and the end of Round 3, depending on your league's size and scoring system.
News: Browns coach Rob Chudzinski comfirmed running back
Trent Richardson missed practice Thursday with a lower leg muscle pull. "It's precautionary," Chudzinski said. "We are holding him out. He may miss minicamp in a week and a half. I'm not sure, we'll just take it day-by-day."
Analysis: The Browns can't take chances with their prized running back, particularly since he'll be featured in an offense that will lean heavily on him. Richardson established himself as one of the top young running backs in the league last season with 267 carries for 950 yards with 11 touchdowns and another 51 catches for 367 yards and a score. He should be able to better those stats this season as long as he's healthy. You're taking him with a Top 5 pick.
Welker expects catches to drop
Wes Welker, WR, DEN
10:55 AM
News: The
Denver Post reports that new Broncos receiver
Wes Welker doesn't expect to reach his average for receptions, which was 112 over the past six seasons with the Patriots. "If I have to catch 112 balls, that probably means we're in trouble," Welker said. "(The catches) are not the goal," Welker said. "The goal is to go out there and help your team win games. However many catches that is, however many blocks that takes, however many routes I've got to run, whatever. I think we all feel the same way about that." The report says that in New England, the Patriots don't feature their outside receivers. In recent years, they have become a tight end-slot attack. Not so the Broncos. For all the questions about
Peyton Manning's arm strength last year, he threw enough outside the numbers to help
Demaryius Thomas and
Eric Decker develop into one of the NFL's top receiver tandems. "I mean, we have two really good guys. We can't ignore them," Welker said. "If one guy is catching 112 balls, the defense is focusing in on that guy. We want defenses focusing on everybody and having to worry about everybody. That was one of the main reasons I came here."
Analysis: Now, before you downgrade Welker, keep in mind it's not like the plan calls for him to go from 112 catches to 50. Manning won't forget his friends, but he won't ignore the new guy, either. Welker's Fantasy value definitely takes a hit going from New England to Denver, but he remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver worth a pick in Round 4 or 5 in standard leagues. In PPR formats, look for Welker to be drafted as early as Round 3 since he should still be around 85-plus catches despite the drop-off with the Broncos.
Harvin to get time at running back
Percy Harvin, WR, SEA
10:46 AM
News: The
Seattle Times reports that new Seattle receiver
Percy Harvin is already making an impact. "His talent level is unbelievable, off the charts," said quarterback
Russell Wilson. "He brings an explosive mentality to the game, which a lot of our guys already have. But to have him is truly tremendous. He's a guy that's been one of the best football players in the National Football League for the past several years." Harvin, 24, has averaged 1,800 total yards in four seasons and was on pace for 2,400 yards in 2012 — which would have led the NFL — before an ankle injury ended his season. In those nine games, he had 62 catches — 12 more than any Seahawk — for 677 yards. He also had 96 yards rushing and 574 yards on kickoff returns, including a 105-yard touchdown return. The Seahawks plan to use him similarly. He'll likely line up in the slot as his regular spot, but figures to get used outside, as well, and should see his share of handoffs and kickoff returns. "I'll be moving around — pretty much all around," said Harvin. "There'll be a little bit of running back coming up. But right now, we're just trying to get the foundation set, just running the base plays, and we'll see where it goes from there."
Analysis: We're excited about Harvin in Seattle because he should be able to remain highly involved on offense with better talent around him. Harvin remains a solid No. 1 Fantasy receiver, and he's worth drafting in Round 3 or 4 in the majority of leagues, especially if he continues to see time in the backfield.
Rodgers: Cobb could catch 100 passes
Randall Cobb, WR, GB
10:37 AM
News: ESPN reports that Packers quarterback
Aaron Rodgers has high expectations for third-year receiver
Randall Cobb this season. Last year, Cobb made an enormous jump in his second NFL season. With
Greg Jennings out with a torn abdominal muscle, Cobb played 733 snaps and caught a team-high 80 passes for 954 yards and added eight touchdowns. Rodgers thinks Cobb can do more. "I think
Randall Cobb is a guy who could be a 100-plus catch guy every year," Rodgers said.
Analysis: We don't think Rodgers is far off with Cobb, who could take the next step in his career in his third season. The Packers as a team have high expectations for Cobb, and we like him as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option. Plan on drafting Cobb in Round 4 in the majority of leagues, with his value slightly higher in PPR formats.
News: Cardinals running back
Ryan Williams told the
Arizona Republic that he was more concerned about his knee than his play last season, saying he played scared. Williams came back from a torn patella tendon suffered in 2011 and wasn't ready for the physical punishment that comes with playing running back. Per the story, he got nervous when then-quarterback
Kevin Kolb would call '39 toss' because it exposed his right side and his injured knee. The lack of confidence left him "pretty much scared all last year to get the ball in my hands." He added hurting his shoulder was a "blessing" because it allowed him time to get his knee feeling good. Now he says he's not scared anymore. "This is the healthiest I've felt in the past two years," Williams said. "It feels good to be able to run like myself, instinctive and not having to think about what I’m doing, just going out and doing it. I've been working real hard, so things are looking good. My stars are aligned this year."
Analysis: In the story coach Bruce Arians noted that Williams has his mobility back and is someone to watch when the pads come on. Williams has to fight for playing time after the Cardinals drafted Stepfan Taylor and Andre Ellington and signed Rashard Mendenhall. For now he's no better than a late-round flier but if he looks good in camp and runs with confidence then we could see him getting a decent amount of work.
News: 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that
Michael Crabtree's torn right Achilles will not cost him the entire season. With surgery already done, it is believed Crabtree will return within six months. Linebacker
Patrick Willis said Crabtree went down after making a "simple, normal cut" after going in motion and before starting his route during 7 on 7 drills. "Crab is one of those tough guys. He can get hit hard, and he'll bounce right back up," Willis told the
San Jose Mercury News. "Yesterday he stayed down a little longer than normal. You say a little prayer and hope it wasn't as bad as it looked. Unfortunately it is."
Analysis: Crabtree was expected to post ridiculous numbers in 2013 after becoming Colin Kaepernick's go-to receiver last year and his promise to dedicate himself to being the Niners' top receiver this year. Eventually he should return and contribute to the Niners but the earliest it seems he could be back is Week 12 at Washington. If you draft Crabtree with what would now be a late-round pick, you'd have to dedicate a bench spot to him for most of the regular season with no guarantee you'd get him in your lineup at 100 percent, if at all. We'd rather spend the same late-round pick on Anquan Boldin or maybe even A.J. Jenkins knowing both will see a lot of work in San Francisco with Crabtree sidelined.
No one likes starting a quarterback in Fantasy against one of the best secondaries in football, but if you've made it this far with Eli Manning, you're going all the way with him. He's been good for at least 20 Fantasy points in nine of 14 starts and would have been close to 20 points last week if he had better luck connecting with his receivers (he was plagued by drops and wrong routes). I'll gladly give the Jets their due but we've seen very capable, quality quarterbacks play them and post good numbers (Tony Romo, Tom Brady, Ryan Fitzpatrick and most recently Michael Vick). Not only is Eli considered a quality passer, but he has three solid receivers along with a couple of running backs who can make plays off the pass, and Darrelle Revis can't cover them all. With the Giants fighting for their lives and bouncing back after a tough loss, it's hard to expect Manning not to get over 300 yards passing with a couple of touchdowns. 
Most Fantasy owners in the championship game or semifinals in Week 16 will likely have a solid starting quarterback in place. But not everyone has the luxury of using Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees, and Matt Moore might be a suitable starting option based on his recent play and opponent. He has an excellent matchup at New England and is worth starting ahead of standout Fantasy quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning. You can make the same argument for Rex Grossman with his matchup against Minnesota. As for Moore, he has four games with at least 18 Fantasy points in a standard league in his past seven outings, including two on the road. The Patriots have also allowed multiple touchdowns to their past three opposing quarterbacks in Dan Orlovsky, Rex Grossman and Tim Tebow, and New England is now without top pass rusher Andre Carter (quadriceps). Of this group, I would take my chances with Moore. 
This week, Rex Grossman (vs. Minnesota) and Matt Moore (at New England) are two quarterbacks with ideal matchups who make for great sleepers or second quarterbacks in a two-quarterback leagues. Ben Roethlisberger is clearly not 100 percent and I could see the Steelers relying on their ground game against the 32nd ranked run defense of the St. Louis Rams. So I would go with Eli Manning in Week 16 if I needed one of these quarterbacks even if he is coming off of a dreadful game against the Redskins. Since Week 2, Eli has not had two games of less than 20 points in a row all season and he has followed up his three sub-20-point games with at least 25 points the following week. That, along with the fact that he has played extremely well this year leads me to believe that Eli will bounce back against the Jets. After all, the Jets have allowed 21.67 points per game to opposing quarterbacks since Week 10 and they have allowed three big games of 23-plus points. They are not the complete lock down defense that they were in 2010 and that leads me to believe that Eli can continue to find success in this, his career best statistical season. Eli enters Week 16 with 4,362 passing yards (third most), 25 passing scores (seventh) and a robust 21 points-per-game average, good for eighth best among all quarterbacks. He has had a phenomenal year and has showed up in the clutch for his team and his Fantasy owners more often than not. 
