SLEEPER: WR Michael Gallup, Dallas Cowboys
I think Gallup steps up into becoming a legitimate threat this season. In his rookie year, Gallup averaged more than 15 yards per reception and started to gel nicely with QB Dak Prescott as the season unfolded. With Cole Beasley shuffling off to Buffalo and TE Jason Witten more of a mentor than the pass catcher that we remember, there should be plenty of opportunity for Gallup to build on last season’s success. Gallup’s breakout began in last year’s 100+ yard effort against the Rams in the playoffs and he will continue to thrive this season. He plays in a division that has terrifically weak secondaries and Dallas’ offense seems to want to throw more than it has in past seasons. I can see Gallup doubling his reception total from 33 to 66 with more than 900+ receiving yards and 6-7 TDs.
BUST: RB LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills
Father time is knocking on the door of Bills RB LeSean McCoy. The Bills are saying all the right things about him starting and playing for them this season, but he has one year left on his contract and they just drafted his replacement in rookie RB Devin Singletary in this year’s NFL Draft. Moreover, the Bills roster is packed with talent as McCoy will have to share carries with Frank Gore, T.J. Yeldon, and Singletary. It appears obvious that one of these players will get cut or traded. McCoy’s cap number is the highest of the bunch, but I don’t imagine that he has much trade value at this point in his career. It wouldn’t shock me to see him begin the year as the starter only to be phased out by Week 7 or 8 in favor of Singletary.
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BREAKOUT: WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last year in Las Vegas, I was able to draft Bucs WR Chris Godwin in the 9th round of most of my drafts. This year, his ADP has jumped much higher (currently 44) and he is now going in the 4th round of drafts. Is this too great of a jump? Not a chance! Godwin is a future star in this league and my pick for breakout player of the year. More importantly, it seems like Bucs new HC Bruce Arians has fallen in love with Godwin as well, telling reporters that Godwin will stay on the field full-time. This should increase his snap count dramatically and put him in position to get 1000+ receiving yards this season. Two other things to note: 1) having Mike Evans on the other side of the field helps Godwin as Evans always draws the attention of the opposing team’s top CB which creates a mismatch for Godwin on the other side, and 2) the Bucs should be so horrible defensively that their offense will need to score points to keep them in games. For all of those reasons, Godwin should be ready to breakout for fantasy owners in 2019.
COMEBACK: RB Royce Freeman, Denver Broncos
I was burned so badly by Broncos RB Royce Freeman last season that I am still scarred. But fantasy owners need to have a short memory and learn to forgive and forget. I am willing to do that with Freeman this season. Freeman has looked so good in training camp thus far that the team seems ready to give him a split share of the team’s carries. As good as Phillip Lindsay was last season, Freeman’s in-between the tackles running style might be a better fit for their new offense. Look for Freeman to not only get the carries on first and second down, but to be the team’s primary short yardage runner. As an aside, the Broncos did sign former Lions RB Theo Riddick to a one-year contract, but I think Riddick’s signing is more of an indictment that Lindsay’s wrist might not be fully healed than Freeman sharing time with a third player. Freeman’s ADP is hovering around the low 90s right now and I think that he will have a nice comeback in 2019.
STASH & CASH: WR Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts
Fantasy owners need to keep a close eye on Colts rookie WR Parris Campbell—that is if they can see him with his 4.31 speed. Campbell is supposedly fourth on the team’s depth chart behind Devin Funchess (signed to a one-year contract) and off-season expert darling Deon Cain. Trust me when I tell you that Campbell has way more ability than either of these players. Like Godwin and Gallup, Campbell benefits from T.Y. Hilton being on the other side of the field. Opposing CBs must watch for Hilton, which should lead to some big (possibly HUGE) plays from Campbell. I can also see him getting a few reverses and sweeps for big plays and possibly more in the return game. Stash him now and cash with him come playoff time.
Who is Dr. Roto?
- Winner of the 2014 Beat Dr. Roto Contest
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- 2017 Online Championship 2nd Place Overall Finish
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