Aug 28, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Ben Tate (44) scores a touchdown against Chicago Bears CJ Wilson (25) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
This upcoming Thursday the NFL season, and more importantly the 2014 Fantasy Football season begins. Last year, there were some surprises, but this year I expect the season to be even more exciting.
With that said, here are some VERY bold predictions for the fantasy football season (along with my Super Bowl pick) as I see it happening once the season kicks off, when the Seattle Seahawks host the Green Bay Packers.
Here we go … also feel free to give me your predictions for the fantasy football season as well. Let’s have some fun, because that is what fantasy football is all about. Good luck in your leagues this season.
Aug 23, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Cortland Finnegan (24) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
1. Dez Bryant will be the top fantasy WR at years end
Bryant had 13 touchdowns last year, and is expected to get a lot more targets in Scott Linehan’s offense, who is the current Dallas offensive coordinator and formerly the OC of the Detroit Lions). The Dallas defense is dismal and Tony Romo is going to be in a shootout every game, looking for Bryant as his No. 1 target.
2. Matt Ryan will be the top fantasy QB this season
Ryan has elite receivers in Julio Jones and Roddy White to throw the ball to, plus Jones is looking very explosive this preseason, which is great considering the foot injury he had last year that cost him basically the entire season. White is starting the season healthy as well, and there is no doubt the duo will account for many of the receiving yards this year for the Atlanta Falcons if they are both able to stay on the field.
3. Ben Tate will be the top fantasy RB for 2014
This is a very bold prediction, but Tate (a former Houston Texans RB) is looking good this preseason. He is looking very explosive and is reaching the second level of the defense hard and quickly. The Browns are going to lean on Tate by giving him a lot of carries to hide the inefficiencies of their passing game. Remember he had almost 800 yards rushing last season and he played most of ’13 with four broken ribs.
4. Peyton Manning won’t throw more than 40 TDs
Manning has only thrown more than 40 touchdowns twice in his career (’04 and ’13). The Broncos have a brutal schedule, which consists of many tough defenses, including the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, St. Louis Rams, New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals. I can see Manning throwing for 35 touchdowns at the most.
5. Ryan Tannehill will finish in the Top 5 for fantasy QBs
Tannehill threw for 3,913 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, and the Dolphins hired Bill Lazor to be their offensive coordinator, who was formally the QB coach of the Phillidelphia Eagles. Lazor is implementing principles from Chip Kelly‘s Philadelphia Eagles offense, which mean the offense will be ran at a faster pace allowing the offense to run more plays. More plays ran means there’s more opportunity for fantasy production due to more volume in yardage from the extra plays. Tannehill is doing well in this scheme completing 28-of-41 passes for 291 yards and one touchdown this preseason.