Fantasy Football: Latest Quarterback News Heading Into Camps

Here’s a rundown of the latest news concerning NFL Quarterbacks:

The league has decided to uphold Tom Brady’s 4 game suspension, and Boston turned down the USOC’s nomination to be a potential host for the Olympics. Coincidence? I think not. While Bostonites and Brady’s dynasty owners mourn, do what you can to acquire Jimmy Garoppolo, who has improved readily under center according to sources close to the team. We’ve always been big fans of Garoppolo and feel like he’s in a good spot to see his first real NFL action. Facing the Steelers, Bills, Jaguars, and Cowboys the first four games of the season, Garoppolo actually might do some work. There is still a chance Brady and co. could sue the NFL and end up on the field for Game 1, but now is the time to make other plans for your fantasy team.

It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Terrelle Pryor could end up under center at some point this season for the Browns. He could arguably be the best option with a Josh McCown who seems to be fading and a Johnny Manziel who has only shown us on-field blooper reels outside of two good offensive drives to start his NFL career. Anyone of them could end up being “the guy,” but Pryor is a sneaky value pickup in deeper leagues. He can be had for next to nothing, and there’s always WR if QB doesn’t work out.

After conducting an independent study on the likelihood of ACL reinjuries, leading Eagles professor Chip Kelly decided it was worth taking the gamble on Sam Bradford. I’m still not convinced Bradford wasn’t purely trade fodder for Mariota, but he’s now the Eagles’ guy nonetheless. The study found only a 10-12% chance of re-injury in football players, and Bradford is reported to be looking “great” as camp opens. A good strategy for redraft league players who aren’t able to land a Top 10 QB in their drafts would be to roster both Bradford and Mark Sanchez in the very-late rounds of drafts to acquire cheap ownership of the entire Philly QB situation regardless of Bradford’s injury possibilities. Sanchez was a good fantasy option at many times in 2014 after Nick Foles went down, seemingly as a product of Kelly’s system.

Minnesota’s Teddy Bridgewater put on 5 lbs of muscle this offseason – hopefully 2.5 lbs per calf. In any case, the added girth should help him stay on his feet in the pocket. I liked Teddy last year. I love Teddy this year, and I truly believe that he’s the future of the Vikings franchise.

Sources in the Redskins organization have stated that Robert Griffin III has “exhibited growth” this offseason. I do hope they’re talking about skill and not his waistline. RGIII is a mystery thus far, as we’ve heard good and bad rumors out of Washington this offseason. Some are saying he still doesn’t have the explosiveness he had in his rookie year, but in all honesty, couldn’t that be a benefit? People want him to settle down in the pocket and just throw the ball. I’d say a lack of elite escapability may force him to do that.

Buffalo’s Tyrod Taylor is the sleeper QB not many are talking about. In world where Matt Cassel and E.J. Manuel are your competitors, the man who can actually complete a pass is king. Taylor has a real chance to be under center come week 1, and his running skills would make him an intriguing play. Keep a close eye on this situation.

The deal’s finally done in Seattle with Russell Wilson. The problem here here was up-front money and I don’t blame Wilson for gunning for a top-tier guarantee, as every other team was going to be out for his head in free agency as the QB of back-to-back Super Bowl competitors.

Bengals OC Hue Jackson says that they plan on “opening up things” more this season. I’m inclined to believe him for one big reason, and his name is Jeremy Hill. With a powerful back like that commanding attention, you can take more liberties in the passing game. Consistency may be an issue, but I fully expect Andy Dalton to have a Top 10 season among QBs in 2015.

2 Comments

  1. Post By minionhunter

    What kind of value do you see Joe Flacco having this year? Also, I know you are going to laugh, but what kind of chance do you give Tim Tebow at playing this year, especially with the positive comments coming out of Eagles camp this year?

    1. Flacco could be a nice value considering his ADP. I don’t even let any of the Tim Tebow stuff get into my brain. In one ear, out the other.

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