This series of articles will examine the fantasy impact of the offseason moves, both via free agency and through the NFL Draft for each team in the division.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons turned over the coaching staff this offseason. While hopes are high, the offensive line still is a work in progress and the defense will struggle to stop opposing teams. New head coach Dan Quinn is known for his prowess on the defensive side of the ball. He brought in Kyle Shanahan to run the offense. It will be interesting to see how he can help the offensive line with zone blocking schemes.
Quarterback
Most of the offensive hopes ride on the right arm of Matt Ryan. He is the general for this team. Ryan has a great group of receivers to utilize. With the poor defense, the team's success will rely on Ryan more than ever. Last year, the Falcons traded for T.J. Yates from the Texans. Yates is a decent quarterback prospect for Atlanta to groom as a long-term backup.
Running Back
The signing of Steven Jackson did not result in the outcome expected. He was sent packing this offseason. Jackson has obviously lost a step and Atlanta chose to address the position through the draft. Tevin Coleman was selected in the third round out of Indiana. Many wonder if his running style will be a good fit for Shanahan's run scheme, but we have to assume a good fit since the new offensive coordinator signed off on the draft selection. Devonta Freeman is poised to push Coleman for carries. Freeman was drafted out of Florida State a year ago. Freeman did not show well his rookie season but could take a big leap in year two. Jacquizz Rodgers is now in Chicago so Antone Smith is the third running back. Smith has made big plays in limited opportunities so it is not out of the question that he earns a regular role in the offense.
Wide Receiver
Atlanta boasts possibly the top receiver duo in the NFL with Roddy White and Julio Jones. Having both on the field at the same time helps spread out the defense for Ryan. Even though he is getting up there in age (34 years old in November), White is still a difference-maker on the field. Jones is one of the best young receivers in the NFL. These two pass catchers complement each other well. Harry Douglas left Atlanta for Tennessee. He will be replaced by rookie Justin Hardy as the third receiver. Hardy is a solid pass catcher who is a better route runner than play maker after the catch. Leonard Hankerson was signed to add depth. Hankerson battled injuries throughout his time on the Washington roster. Return specialist Devin Hester is now buried on the depth chart.
Tight End
Levine Toilolo did little with his opportunity to replace Tony Gonzalez in 2014. For this reason, Jacob Tamme was brought in to add a receiving option at the position. It is doubtful that either will be a fantasy star, but Tamme is more fantasy viable of the two.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers can never seem to get over the hump and become the perennial contender many aspire. The one reason is the lack of talent on defense and absence of depth on offense. If all goes well for Carolina, a playoff run is possible. Much will depend on the quarterback play once again as Cam Newton shows all of the potential of a All Pro.
Quarterback
Newton has made strides as a quarterback, even though many love to point out his flaws. Newton's ability to run and pass puts pressure on opposing defenses. Once again, he will be an elite fantasy player, even with only one top notch receiver. Considering that Derek Anderson and Joe Webb III are behind Newton on the depth chart, Panthers fans have to hope the starter can remain healthy. If either of these two were ever under center for the entire season, Carolina might be a four-win team. Newton hides the Panthers flaws that well.
Running Back
This backfield has been a quagmire for fantasy owners. Thankfully, those times are now gone. With DeAngelo Williams departed for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it is now or never time Jonathan Stewart. Stewart has been the proverbial tease, flashing talent, but injuries and inconsistency have cost him the chance to be mentioned with the NFL's top ball carriers. Cameron Artis-Payne was drafted on the third day possibly be Stewart's backup. He is bruising runner in between the tackles. Fozzy Whittaker will also add depth to the backfield. Mike Tolbert returns in his hybrid role of fullback and tailback. Add in Newton's running ability, and it is difficult to depend on any of of these backs – other than Stewart.
Wide Receiver
Last year, Steve Smith was allowed to depart and sign in Baltimore. He was replaced by draft pick Kelvin Benjamin. Benjamin is a big, physical receiver, able to make plays after the catch. As a rookie, Benjamin played well, but left fantasy owners wondering if we saw his best season in year one. Also, keep in mind that the second-year player is already 24 years of age. Devin Funchess was drafted to add another quality option for Benjamin to target. Funchess played both tight end and receiver at Michigan and offers red zone appeal with great size and good hands. Jerricho Cotchery returns as the third receiver. One player to monitor in training camp is Stephen Hill. The former Jets draft pick has impressed the coaches this offseason and could carve out a role in the offense.
Tight End
Greg Olsen quietly put up Top 5 tight end numbers a year ago. He benefits from the lack of quality wide receivers for Newton to target. Ed Dickson was signed from Baltimore a year ago and offers value as a blocker. Youngster Brandon Williams is a player to watch in preseason. He is a big and athletic, but is stuck behind Olsen for the foreseeable future.
New Orleans Saints
Head coach Sean Payton returns to orchestrate the prolific New Orleans offense. The offense will look much different this season but we still have much faith in Payton's ability to put his team in situations to score points.
Quarterback
Drew Brees has been as accurate as any quarterback in the NFL the past few years. He understands Payton's offense and seems to always find the open receiver. With the losses of Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills, we wonder if he will be asked to hand the ball off more than in the past. Luke McCown and youngster Ryan Griffin will battle for the right to hold the clipboard on game days. The loser will likely be sent packing as the Saints drafted Garrett Grayson in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Grayson could possibly be Brees eventual replacement.
Running Back
New Orleans has allowed quality running backs leave the past few seasons. This year, it was Pierre Thomas and Travaris Cadet. Last year, it was Darren Sproles. The year before, it was Chris Ivory. This is a lot of talent to depart. The good news is that New Orleans added the electric C.J. Spiller this season. We have high hopes for Spiller in Payton's offense. The coach will know how best to put Spiller in situations for big plays. Spiller will team with Mark Ingram to form a potent one-two punch for the running game. The team feels comfortable with Khiry Robinson as the third back. He is very solid and would be a fantasy starter if Ingram misses time again.
Wide Receiver
Marques Colston seems be underrated every year. The loss of Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills will mean more targets for Colston. Last year, the Saints drafted Brandin Cooks to have a big role in the offense. Unfortunately, he was injured before showcasing his abilities as a rookie. Now healthy, expectations are sky high that Cooks will be able to put up huge numbers with increased targets. The speed of Cooks will be a huge asset for passing game. Nick Toon seems to have a strong hold on the third receiver job. Even though he has been oft-injured in his career, Toon has flashed talent in training camp over the years. There is a fear that the offense will use fewer three-wide receiver sets and more two-tight end sets in order to be more balanced. This would keep Toon on the sidelines. Brandon Coleman and Seantavius Jones are players to watch in training camp. Each is talented and could emerge if there are injuries.
Tight End
Jimmy Graham is now a Seattle Seahawk. He will be missed in the New Orleans offense. The team hopes youngster Josh Hill can step in and offer a respectable receiving threat. Coach Payton has talked him up this offseason. Ben Watson is back and could play often either has a blocking tight end or if Hill falters. Many forget that Watson was a good receiving tight end earlier in his career. He possesses fantasy upside if Hill disappoints.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lovie Smith struggled to assert his influence on the Buccaneers culture in year one. Year two may be a challenge, too. The team lacks talent on defense and will need its rookie quarterback to step up right away in order for Tampa Bay to come close to the .500 mark.
Quarterback
Last year, Tampa Bay had the less-than-dynamic-duo of Mike Glennon and Josh McCown. Glennon was a holdover from the previous regime and McCown was brought in by the new coaching staff. Neither quarterback played well. This allowed the team to have the top draft pick in the NFL Draft. Jameis Winston was selected to be the future of the team. He should offer a massive upgrade over the quarterback play of the past few years. Glennon is back and will serve as the backup. McCown is now in Cleveland and will begin the season as the Browns starting passer.
Running Back
Doug Martin was very impressive as a rookie, but has been largely ineffective the past two seasons due to injury. He is a hard-running tailback, who offers receiving and blocking ability in the passing game. Even though there are many doubters, Martin looks to open the season in the starting lineup. Second-year player Charles Sims will also see the field. He did not flash much speed or elusiveness as a rookie so he may be resigned to a passing down role. Mike James has been a mixed bag of injuries and big games. He could put up big fantasy numbers again if given an extended chance. James is a tough runner with great vision, able to pick up solid yardage most every carry. The speedy Bobby Rainey is a big-play runner. He would be more widely known if not buried on the Tampa Bay depth chart. With four quality backs, the Buccaneers are likely to spread the carries around, making none a great fantasy option unless injuries strike.
Wide Receiver
Vincent Jackson is back and looking to make big plays down the field once again. His ability to track the football and out-jump defenders is special. Even at this advanced stage in his career, Jackson is still a quality pass receiver. Last May, the Buccaneers drafted another large receiver, Mike Evans. The Jackson/Evans combination will be formidable in year two. Behind the starters is a group of players needing to assert themselves to earn playing time: Louis Murphy, rookie Kenny Bell, and Robert Herron. Bell could overtake Murphy soon as the third receiver. The rookie is a tough player, excelling as a blocker. Otherwise, none are on the fantasy radar.
Tight End
Last year, Austin Seferian-Jenkins was drafted to be a future star for Tampa Bay. He is another huge pass catcher for Winston to target. The trio of Seferian-Jenkins, Jackson, and Evans give the rookie passer huge red-zone options. Brandon Myers and Luke Stocker return make the tight end position a deep position for the team. Also, after being traded to New England a year ago, Tim Wright was released this offseason by the Patriots, and returned to Tampa Bay.
This division should be close between New Orleans and Carolina. Atlanta could compete, too. The winner of this division will be the team whose defense plays the best. This is why we have our doubts about Atlanta. Tampa Bay will play the spoiler role. The Buccaneers are likely a year or two away from competing for the division.
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