With week 10 looming, the postseason outlook for fantasy football managers is growing in clarity. Playoff-destined managers are making last minute deals before the trade deadline to solidify their rosters for a postseason run, while less fortunate managers are forced to begin preparations for the 2013 NFL season. The off-season preparation for owners in standard redraft leagues is simply watching football and taking notes. Conversely, managers who participate in keeper and dynasty leagues have the unique opportunity to improve their team’s stock for future seasons. Managers who compete in these formats should seek out trades with fantasy teams looking to ‘win now’ to exchange their declining veteran players for future draft picks and potential up-and-coming players. However, successfully identifying these up-and-coming players is a challenge faced by fantasy owners. It is impossible to predict 2013 free agent signings, player trades, NFL draft results, and coaching/scheme changes while the 2012 regular season is barely half-over. Instead of trying to predict these moves, owners must look at the available information and make an educated guess in the projection of players’ futures. This article breaks down players that down-and-out fantasy owners should target to give their team hope for the future.
BUDDING STARS:
1. C.J. Spiller, RB-BUF – Spiller is obviously a very recognizable name, but after a few weeks of little-to-no production, a playoff-contending Spiller-owner would likely dump him in a heartbeat for a player that will provide instant production. The nerve-wrecking aspect of the Spiller situation is Fred Jackson’s contract extension. However, Jackson will be the ripe old age of 32 next season, so decline is expected. Plus, Chan Gailey and Buddy Nix will likely be shown the door after this season, which legitimizes the possibility of a Jackson trade. Regardless of Jackson's involvement, Spiller is the most promising offensive player in the Bills franchise and he will surely get his fair share of touches.
2. Randall Cobb, WR-GB – Randall Cobb might be one of the more difficult players to land since he is on such a hot streak right now, but if you catch an owner that fears the return of Jennings and Nelson, then you might be able to acquire Cobb at a bargain price. Anyone not named Jermichael Finely gains an instant boost to their fantasy value when they are catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, so when filling out your pros-and-cons list, you can scribble ‘Rodgers’ in the pro-column. Cobb has also demonstrated big play ability as both a member of the offense and special teams; another one for the pro-column. While these qualities are very enticing, perhaps the biggest benefit to acquiring Cobb is the possibility that Jennings might not be around in 20131. Jennings is in a contract year and his injury combined with Cobb’s undeniable ability to replace him on the field will likely lead to Packers to use their money to address greater need positions. If this speculation becomes reality, Cobb will shoot up draft boards in 2013.
3. Josh Gordon, WR-CLE – No one should target Josh Gordon hoping he can be a number-one wide receiver, but he can certainly dress up a lineup. Rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden hasn’t been eye-popping, but he has demonstrated the ability to get the ball downfield and this is where Gordon flourishes. Gordon is averaging 21.95 yards per reception on the season and has averaged 6-targets per games during his last five matchups. He is the most legitimate receiving option that the Browns have and at 6’5” he looks the most appealing in a uniform. His skills are still very raw, but his experience this season will only help going forward. Plus, you can count on the Browns playing many games from behind.
4. Vick Ballard, RB-IND – Donald Brown was drafted by the Colts in the first round of the 2009 draft, but has been a major disappointment throughout his NFL tenure. Brown struggled to outperform Joseph Addai, who is now out of the league, and has experienced a series of nagging injuries. Conversely, Vick Ballard has been a viable weapon for Andrew Luck in both the rushing and receiving factions of the offense. During his last three games, Ballard has averaged over 5-yards per touch, which includes a spectacular game-winning touchdown. Ballard has greatly outperformaned his counterpart and is currenlty receiving a majority of the carries in the Colts high-powered offense.
Injured Players to Target: Danny Amendola WR-STL; Darren Sproles RB-NO
UNDER THE RADAR:
1. Daryl Richardson, RB-STL – Richardson is perhaps the most intriguing player going into 2013. Through 9 weeks, Richardson is averaging 5.7 yards per touch and even a blind man can see that he is the best running back on the Rams’ roster. Jeff Fisher’s unfortunate veteran loyalty has the team continually rolling Steven Jackson on the field. Jackson is averaging a pedestrian 3.7 yards per carry with only one-touchdown on the season. However, the loyalty factor won’t be a concern this off-season when Rams' GM Les Snead is calling the shots. This season, Jackson restructured his contract which gives the Snead the ability to cut Jackson without severe financial repercussions2. Assuming that Snead recognizes what everyone with eyes can see, then Daryl Richardson will get his opportunity to be the feature back in St. Louis next season. Richardson’s style of play is very similar to that of Jamaal Charles. He is fast, illusive, and can a break a big play in the blink of an eye.
2. Ronnie Hillman, RB-DEN – McGahee proved at age 31 he can still be a productive back in this league, but he is not going to last forever. The Broncos spent a third round pick on Hillman in the 2012 draft and in his brief time on the field, Hillman has shown flashes of potential. At 190-lbs, Hillman will need to spend his off-season bulking up if he wants to be a workhorse runner; nonetheless he is a good player to take a flyer on for 2013.
3. T.Y. Hilton, WR-IND – Rookie T.Y. Hilton entered the league with Andrew Luck and this could be a deadly combination for many years to come. Right now, Donnie Avery is stealing targets, but if Avery continues to drop balls then this trend will be short-lived. Hilton is a burner that can stretch the field and rack up yards after the catch. At his 2012 pro-day, Hilton ran the 40-meter dash in 4.34 seconds, which was better than any WR at the combine. Hilton is a must add if he is sitting on the waiver wire.
4. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB-ATL – The ‘Quizz caught the eye of many fantasy analysts during the 2012 preseason as many prematurely predicted the fantasy-death of Michael Turner. No new analysis here, just apply the same argument from 2012 to 2013 season. Turner will be 30 next season.
5. Vincent Brown, WR-SD – Brown is enticing for the simple fact that Malcolm Floyd is not a number one receiver and there is glaring need to add competent receivers in San Diego. Brown received a lot of preseason hype from Charger beat writers and is a valued member of the franchise. He is slated to return from injury this season which should give fantasy owners the opportunity to properly evaluate him going into 2013.
6. Lamar Miller, RB-MIA – Reggie Bush’s contract is up at the end of the season and when the Dolphins drafted Lamar Miller in the 4th round of the draft, they certainly had this in mind. Bush and Daniel Thomas have been a solid 1-2 punch this season, but the Dolphins anticipate that Miller will be just as effective in Bush’s role going into 2013. Coming out of ‘The U,’ Miller was projected to be a Reggie Bush-type player at the next level. He is an illusive speedster with good hands and big play potential. If Miami let’s Bush walk, Miller will gain instant fantasy value.
7. Jon Baldwin, WR-KC – Dwayne Bowe is a free agent at the end of the season and with the Chiefs in an obvious rebuilding situation, it is doubtful that they will bring the disgruntled receiver back in 2013. Baldwin has received opportunities, but hasn’t lived up to his second round draft value. However, the Chiefs likely that will give their third-year receiver one more chance to prove himself in 2013.
Honorable Mentions: Michael Floyd, WR-ARI; Ryan Tannehill, QB-MIA; Jake Locker QB-TEN
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