Fantasy Football: Latest Preseason News Out of the NFC East

As we round into July, we’re starting to get a feel for the NFL players who are getting primed for a big year – as well as the guys who may not be so involved in their teams’ game plans once the regular season comes around. Here’s a rundown of what’s been happening with potential fantasy players in the NFC East:

Dallas

The murky RB situation in Dallas post-Murray is becoming a little more clear with Joseph Randle rising to lead the pack of unspectacular but serviceable backs. Darren McFadden has proven to be ineffective, Ryan Williams can’t seem to stay healthy, and Lance Dunbar is not a three-down back. Former Redskin Lache Seastrunk hasn’t gotten a rep and is unlikely to make the final roster. Randle could turn out to be a fantasy stud, as the Dallas offensive line isn’t going anywhere.

WR Dez Bryant is holding out of camp in hopes that he’ll get a new deal, and Terrance Williams was QB Tony Romo’s No.1 target in his absence until his recent elbow injury. This leaves Cole Beasley to get a better on-field connection with his QB. I don’t know that he’ll make much of an impact in standard leagues, but Beasley is definitely a player to monitor in PPR formats.

 

New York

It is worth noting that Rueben Randle has had the best camp of any Giants receiver thus far. It should also be noted that neither Odell Beckham Jr. nor Victor Cruz have participated. It should also be noted that every player in the world has the best camp of their career every year. We envisioned the lanky receiver having a breakout year last season, and although that didn’t materialize, I see Randle taking a big step up this season as the No.3 (potentially No.2) option for the G-men. His redzone prospects alone make Randle worth drafting in every format.

RB Andre Williams has lacked a clear role thus far in the Giants’ running game. Rashad Jennings is the starter and Shane Vereen is the 3rd down/pass catching back, leaving Williams to pick up the scraps. Williams is only worth a spot in dynasty leagues right now.

Another player you need to monitor in dynasty leagues is UDFA TE Matt LaCosse. Limited by his role in college, LaCosse has all the skills necessary to produce in the NFL should he get the opportunity. He’s competing for the No.3 spot in camp but could ascend quickly.

 

Philadelphia

When Mark Sanchez is in the competition for starting QB, you know things probably aren’t quite right. Add the fact that Tim Tebow is probably going to make the roster after not playing an NFL snap since 2012, and you have a very questionable QB situation in Philly. I know that Sam Bradford, Sanchez, and even Tebow have all been serviceable at times, but I don’t trust any of them as my fantasy QB. Bradford has the best chances, but he has yet to show that he’s healthy much less that he can stay healthy.

Fortunately for the Eagles, they’re stacked at the RB and WR positions and have a blossoming star in TE Zach Ertz. Because of all this depth, it’s hard to say who will be the biggest FFL contributors, or rather who will be the most consistent. My guess at this point is Ertz, who has looked great in OTAs and has little competition for snaps.

Someone who hasn’t looked great thus far is WR Josh Huff. I actually think he’s a decent player, but he’s not going to get any favors with Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor in the mix. Add Darren Sproles to that group, too, as he’s been lining up as a receiver due to limited opportunities in the running game.

RB Ryan Mathews has been returning kicks, which makes him an intriguing player in leagues that count return yards.

 

Washington

QB Robert Griffin III has been impressing coach Jay Gruden this offseason, and that’s no easy feat considering how much Gruden seemed to despise RG3 last year. Has he really turned a corner and gotten out of turd status? (I’m asking about Gruden here…)

Early on, it was thought that RB Matt Jones would push Alfred Morris for considerable playing time, but it looks like Morris is fairly safe for now. Jones could be of considerable value in PPR leagues as the Skins’ third-down back though.

One of our favorite rookies coming into the league, WR Jamison Crowder looks like he will be the primary kick returner in Washington this season, and it couldn’t come at a better time. The Redskins were at the bottom of the league in that department last season. Crowder is well worth monitoring in return-yardage leagues.

Sorry Jordan Reed, but Niles Paul looks to be the new hotness at the TE position in Washington. Well, Paul is not really new, we’ve already seen what he can do, but it looks like the sun is finally setting on Reed as the default TE. Paul is a sneaky value pick in any format.

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