BY A.J. KURZMAN
As this year’s calendar turns to September, sports fans everywhere anticipate one thing: fantasy football season. As with any season, 2013 will bring many surprises. Impact players are on new teams such as Greg Jennings on the Vikings and Steven Jackson are sure to be game changers. Coaching changes (Chip Kelly on the Eagles) also continue to make big headlines. I guess what I’m trying to say is that it’s impossible to predict what this season will have in store, but nonetheless I’m going to try anyway. You may ask though, why listen to me? What qualifications do I have? The answer is, aside from finishing in third place two years ago in my league and first place last year, I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing and my guess is as good as anyone’s (Okay, maybe a little better than the average person). So, without further ado, here is my Love/Hate list for the 2013-2014 Season:
Love
QB- Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck is often overlooked by every fantasy football manager due to the fact that he’s not flashy like some of the other quarterbacks from last year’s draft class. You could probably hold out and get him in the 6th round, a steal for a talent of this magnitude. The only thing you need to know about Luck is that he set countless rookie records last year, including most passing yards in a single season by a rookie QB. He’s also more mobile than most give him credit for. Luck can also take off and pick up solid yards on the ground.
RB- Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions- Bush is on a new team this year, a team that is the perfect fit for him. The old Dolphins running game (in-between the tackles) just didn’t suit the elusive and speedy Bush. On the Lions, he should get more action that fits his running style, along with a lot of pass catching in open spaces. If you’re in a PPR league, Bush can easily be a number two back.
RB- Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders- The only reason I’m putting him on this list is because I was so blatantly wrong about him last year. He was a complete and utter let down so I’m banking on a bounce back year. Please don’t disappoint me again.
WR- Danny Amendola, New England Patriots- With the departure of Wes Welker, Amendola becomes Tom Brady’s weapon of choice. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for him, catching balls thrown by Tom Brady. On top of that, Amendola’s speed and hands make him a viable threat for this Patriot offense.
WR- Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers- As with the last receiver, Cobb will become elite this year due to the departure of a #1 receiver. After Jennings left, Cobb is the go to guy on offense for QB Aaron Rodgers. He’s fast, will get some carries in the run game, and is also going to be the go to guy for QB Aaron Rodgers. Did I mention that already?
TE- Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints- The TE position this season is extremely mediocre and boring (aside from a killer offseason from former Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez). Jimmy Graham seems like a sure bet for the #1 tight end this year due to his size, skill, and the Saints high octane offense.
Rams D/ST- The Rams have young talent all around the field on D, including playmaking extraordinaire Janoris Jenkins who had 3 pick-sixes in his rookie campaign. They also tied for the NFL lead last year with 52 sacks. They have a tremendous upside and future.
K- Caleb Sturgis, Miami Dolphins- You could probably get him undrafted, which is a complete steal. After beating Carpenter out for the starting role, he’ll be sure to get his fair share of kicks in the NFL with the improving Miami offense. He’s extremely accurate and has a monster leg.
Hate
QB- Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins- I’m just not a big fan of running quarterbacks this year, especially RG3. I feel after last year, not only will defenses adjust to RG3’s playing style, but Mike Shanahan will try to limit his designed runs after his injury.
RB- Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs- The only reason I have him on this side of the list is because of inconsistency. He has tremendous upside and can tear off big runs, but all too often he’ll finish games without even breaking 10 points.
RB- Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns- As much as I love Richardson and his freakish athletic abilities, I have a problem with his team as a whole. The Browns have no weapon besides Richardson. While that may mean more carries, it also means more stacking of the box for opposing defense.
WR- Julio Jones/Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons- Both receivers have insane talent, but unlike Richardson, their problem is the Falcons have too many offensive weapons. With Matt Ryan having both these receivers and recently added Steven Jackson, the targets will be significantly down for both receivers.
WR- Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions- I actually love Calvin this year because he’s obviously the best receiver in the NFL. So why is he on my hate list? Because he’s too good to be true? Maybe. I’m hoping for the slim, slim chance he has a less than superhuman season, I’ll be right there to rub it in everyone’s face and say I told you so.
TE- Everyone that’s not Jimmy Graham- Pretty self-explanatory. Next Question.
Bears D/ST- They can’t have the production that they had last year. It’s just not possible. They may not be bad, but don’t count on over 200 points from defense again.
