The Inflators
Heyyy Janis!
A-
Best Pick: Mike Evans ($34)
Evans has a WR1 ceiling with a WR2 floor. Oh, and he's only 22 years old. He only stands to get better as both him and quarterback Jameis Winston mature. At $34, Melanson has a no-brainer keeper candidate for the next two years.
Best Value: Ameer Abdullah ($12)
There were too many values to choose from here, but rookie spark plug Ameer Abdullah might be the best of the bunch. The rookie has juked and dazzled his way up ADP boards, drawing Barry Sanders comparisons from the likes of Todd Bowles. Melanson caught the league by surprise with an early Abdullah nomination, and walked away with one of the top young commodities before anyone knew what hit them.
Future Focus: Jeremy Langford ($2)
Melanson continued his savvy play with a $2 add of Jeremy Langford late in the draft. Knowing Matt Forte was in a contract year, coming off a ton of touches two years in a row, Langford was a great low-cost flier to take a chance on. If Forte can't sustain another year of heavy work, or if he departs next offseason, Langford becomes the likely heir to the throne in Chi-town.
Worst Pick: Lorenzo Taliaferro ($2)
The Inflators clearly have concerns about Justin Forsett's durability with the add of Taliaferro, But sidelined with an MCL sprain for the next few weeks, it seems odd to spend money on an injured player in hopes he'll take over for a guy in the event of an injury.
Biggest Gamble: Melvin Gordon ($21)
Gordon is a highly-touted rookie and $21 is hardly a huge chunk of change, but it does go a long way in any auction draft. The Chargers have also failed to produce an elite running back since Ladanian Tomlinson left town and rookies always come with a boom or bust tag. Melanson has solid depth to combat a Gordon flop, but the investment still remains his biggest gamble.
Heyyy Janis!
B
Best Pick: Jordan Matthews ($31)
The WR1 in Chip Kelly’s offense produced 82 catches for 1,332 yards and 9 TDs in 2013 (Desean Jackson) and 85 catches for 1,318 yards and 10 TDs in 2014 (Jeremy Maclin). Insert Jordan Matthews into the role, a guy that amassed 67 catches for 872 yards and 8 TDs as a rookie, and Matthews becomes a guy that could easily finish in the Top 5 or Top 10 at his position.
Best Value: Matt Ryan ($6)
With a ton of quarterbacks costing a good chunk of change (Luck ($42), Rodgers ($36), Brady ($18) Rivers ($15), Bridgewater ($11)), Talbot smartly waited for the league money to dry up and nabbed a potential top 5 quarterback for one of the lowest prices at the position.
Future Focus: DeVante Parker ($8)
Talbot had to outmuscle Zavodsky for Parker, paying a few more bucks than anticipated. But given the upside of one of college football’s elite prospects, this could be a steal within the keeper format.
Worst Pick: Nick Foles ($1)
Even for a dollar, this pick was pretty weak. Foles is a chump, moving to an offense nothing like Chip Kelly’s. It’s no surprise Foles was dropped the next day.
Biggest Gamble: Alshon Jeffrey ($46)
Jeffrey was a value as far as #1 wide receivers go, but a huge gamble nonetheless. The Bears have been silent regarding the “day-to-day” injury that has kept Jeffrey out almost 4 weeks. If the injury is more serious than first thought, “Heyyy Janis!” instantly loses its fear factor.
Best Pick: Doug Martin ($11)
The Muscle Hamster has been a shadow of his rookie self the past two years, but he's starting to really turn heads again in Tampa. In an offense featuring three 6'5" receivers that demand attention, Martin is starting to see some daylight. If he pans out as expected, $11 is a steal for a 3-down back in any offense.
Best Value: Sammy Watkins ($9)
Watkins is an elite talent that was hampered by injury and bad quarterback play last season. Healthy, with Tyrod Taylor playing well at the helm, Watkins could show fantasy owners he deserves to be listed in the same class as Odell Beckham and Mike Evans. Two players going for $25 and $38 more, respectively.
Future Focus: Kelvin Benjamin ($3)
Baker and Schiele will have to stash Benjamin on IR for an entire season, but if they can do so without it compromising their lineup, they'll be keeping a sure-fire WR2 for only $8 next year. At $3, that's a great bargain.
Worst Pick: Philip Rivers ($15)
Dastardly and Bastardly let their strategy of "setting the market" blow up in their faces on this pick, forcing themselves to take on Philip Rivers for $15. A decision that has to hurt after seeing Brees go for $13, Wilson go for $12, Manning go for $7, Ryan go for $6 and Big Ben go for $4. The decision to add Sam Bradford on top of that for $10 was equally questionable.
Biggest Gamble: Alfred Blue ($9)
Blue should be a great value for the first few weeks, but its likely to end there. If Arian Foster returns healthy and stays that way, was Blue really worth the investment?
Best Pick: C.J. Anderson ($50)
Anderson stands to be a large focal point of Gary Kubiak's offense; a zone-blocking scheme perfect for Anderson's one-cut style of running. After amassing close to 1,200 yards and 10 TDs in less than a half season of work as the starter, its safe to say Anderson could be in for a huge year.
Best Value: Joique Bell ($9)
Even with Ameer Abdullah hot on his tails, Bell will be a factor in the Lions offense no matter what. He's been a consistent family producer year-in and year-out and he's a lock to get the goal line touches in Detroit. At $9, Bell was a great value.
Future Focus: Martavis Bryant ($7)
Bryant might be sidelined for 4 games, but his production this preseason cannot be ignored. In fact, Bryant was arguably the most dominant preseason force, nabbing 7 catches, for 205 yards and 2 TDs in 3 games of action. If Martavis can keep his head right off the field, he stands to be a great value on the field for Caz and PL the next few years.
Worst Pick: Montee Ball ($5)
There's nothing wrong with handcuffing your #1 pick, but Caz & PL handcuffed the wrong guy. Ball was cut from the Broncos this week, leaving this squad wondering how they could have better used that $5.
Biggest Gamble: Aaron Rodgers ($36)
Rodgers production comes at no gamble, but spending upwards of $35 on a QB in an auction format is a gamble in itself. It's easy to see the benefit Rodgers brings, but it will be difficult to determine the impact of the cost associated with nabbing him.
Best Pick: Antonio Brown ($59)
Antonio Brown is worth every penny. Unlike some of the other top tier receivers, Brown's elite quickness in and out of routes makes him virtually un-coverable. He's undoubtedly the safest bet of any player in fantasy. You can't fault Beats for building their team around him.
Best Value: Golden Tate ($12)
Golden Tate broke out in Calvin Johnson's absence last year and has continued to dominate in preseason action this year. People will look to Tate's stats with Calvin on the field and show concern, but the Lions will be forced to feed him the ball with or without Johnson. His talent can't be ignored.
Future Focus: Arian Foster ($32)
Fortunately for Beats, they may not have to look too far in the future to see Arian Foster back in their lineup. Recent reports indicate Foster could return before the end of September. Arian might have gone for more money than anticipated, but its still a steal and a half if he returns to full health and can sustain it. He's a top-10 back acquired for the price of an RB2.
Worst Pick: Dan Herron ($3)
Herron was an odd pick with Beats having already rostered Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton. As a backup to Frank Gore, his carries were expected to be limited anyway. To make matters worse for Beats, Herron went down with a season-ending injury this week, and is destined for IR. Looks like Beats will have to look elsewhere before the season even starts.
Biggest Gamble: Andrew Luck ($42)
Drafting Andrew Luck in an auction requires a big sacrifice at other positions. Beats learned this the hard way, spending more money than anyone on the quarterback position, leaving them scrambling for running backs early on in the season. Foster can't return soon enough for Beats by Ray.
Best Pick: Matt Forte ($49)
Forte's durability is always a question mark, given his early-career injury history and the outrageous number of touches he's received the last few years. But he's still an absolute workhorse that should see a huge focus in the Bears post-Marshall offense. At $49, that's a pretty solid value for an RB1 that's finished in the top 5 the last two years.
Best Value: Eddie Royal ($2)
Landing the WR2 on an offense that loves to air it out is a flat out bargain. All signs point to Eddie Royal having a career year, paired with the quarterback that connected with him a career-high 91 times as a rookie. With Alshon's status in question as well, there's more reason to love Eddie this year. Great low-risk, value pick for Special Teams.
Future Focus: Amari Cooper ($21)
Following up a season that introduced us to Odell Beckham, Mike Evans and Jordan Matthews (among others), Cooper is the early favorite to breakout as a rookie wide receiver. Him and Derek Carr have shown great chemistry throughout the preseason. The talent there is unquestionable. Cooper is likely to produce in a big way as a rookie and should be a great keep the next two years.
Worst Pick: Julian Edelman ($35)
Special Teams admitted their significant up-bid was a mistake, but unfortunately, they can't go back and change it. Edelman emerged as an un-guardable asset in the 2015 playoffs and stands to impress again this year. But Special Teams could have landed him at a much better value. They could have used the extra cash elsewhere.
Biggest Gamble: Davante Adams ($36)
Adams certainly carries a high-ceiling, but we still don't know what to expect from him. He's got a lot of pressure on his shoulders. He very well could have a huge year, but until we see him in this offense week 1, we won't know for sure. At $10 less than his counterpart, Randall Cobb, the price may have been a little steep for Adams.
Dastardly and Bastardly
B-
Best Pick: Doug Martin ($11)
The Muscle Hamster has been a shadow of his rookie self the past two years, but he's starting to really turn heads again in Tampa. In an offense featuring three 6'5" receivers that demand attention, Martin is starting to see some daylight. If he pans out as expected, $11 is a steal for a 3-down back in any offense.
Best Value: Sammy Watkins ($9)
Watkins is an elite talent that was hampered by injury and bad quarterback play last season. Healthy, with Tyrod Taylor playing well at the helm, Watkins could show fantasy owners he deserves to be listed in the same class as Odell Beckham and Mike Evans. Two players going for $25 and $38 more, respectively.
Future Focus: Kelvin Benjamin ($3)
Baker and Schiele will have to stash Benjamin on IR for an entire season, but if they can do so without it compromising their lineup, they'll be keeping a sure-fire WR2 for only $8 next year. At $3, that's a great bargain.
Worst Pick: Philip Rivers ($15)
Dastardly and Bastardly let their strategy of "setting the market" blow up in their faces on this pick, forcing themselves to take on Philip Rivers for $15. A decision that has to hurt after seeing Brees go for $13, Wilson go for $12, Manning go for $7, Ryan go for $6 and Big Ben go for $4. The decision to add Sam Bradford on top of that for $10 was equally questionable.
Biggest Gamble: Alfred Blue ($9)
Blue should be a great value for the first few weeks, but its likely to end there. If Arian Foster returns healthy and stays that way, was Blue really worth the investment?
Team Casazza/Lund
C+
Best Pick: C.J. Anderson ($50)
Anderson stands to be a large focal point of Gary Kubiak's offense; a zone-blocking scheme perfect for Anderson's one-cut style of running. After amassing close to 1,200 yards and 10 TDs in less than a half season of work as the starter, its safe to say Anderson could be in for a huge year.
Best Value: Joique Bell ($9)
Even with Ameer Abdullah hot on his tails, Bell will be a factor in the Lions offense no matter what. He's been a consistent family producer year-in and year-out and he's a lock to get the goal line touches in Detroit. At $9, Bell was a great value.
Future Focus: Martavis Bryant ($7)
Bryant might be sidelined for 4 games, but his production this preseason cannot be ignored. In fact, Bryant was arguably the most dominant preseason force, nabbing 7 catches, for 205 yards and 2 TDs in 3 games of action. If Martavis can keep his head right off the field, he stands to be a great value on the field for Caz and PL the next few years.
Worst Pick: Montee Ball ($5)
There's nothing wrong with handcuffing your #1 pick, but Caz & PL handcuffed the wrong guy. Ball was cut from the Broncos this week, leaving this squad wondering how they could have better used that $5.
Biggest Gamble: Aaron Rodgers ($36)
Rodgers production comes at no gamble, but spending upwards of $35 on a QB in an auction format is a gamble in itself. It's easy to see the benefit Rodgers brings, but it will be difficult to determine the impact of the cost associated with nabbing him.
Beats by Ray
C
Best Pick: Antonio Brown ($59)
Antonio Brown is worth every penny. Unlike some of the other top tier receivers, Brown's elite quickness in and out of routes makes him virtually un-coverable. He's undoubtedly the safest bet of any player in fantasy. You can't fault Beats for building their team around him.
Best Value: Golden Tate ($12)
Golden Tate broke out in Calvin Johnson's absence last year and has continued to dominate in preseason action this year. People will look to Tate's stats with Calvin on the field and show concern, but the Lions will be forced to feed him the ball with or without Johnson. His talent can't be ignored.
Future Focus: Arian Foster ($32)
Fortunately for Beats, they may not have to look too far in the future to see Arian Foster back in their lineup. Recent reports indicate Foster could return before the end of September. Arian might have gone for more money than anticipated, but its still a steal and a half if he returns to full health and can sustain it. He's a top-10 back acquired for the price of an RB2.
Worst Pick: Dan Herron ($3)
Herron was an odd pick with Beats having already rostered Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton. As a backup to Frank Gore, his carries were expected to be limited anyway. To make matters worse for Beats, Herron went down with a season-ending injury this week, and is destined for IR. Looks like Beats will have to look elsewhere before the season even starts.
Biggest Gamble: Andrew Luck ($42)
Drafting Andrew Luck in an auction requires a big sacrifice at other positions. Beats learned this the hard way, spending more money than anyone on the quarterback position, leaving them scrambling for running backs early on in the season. Foster can't return soon enough for Beats by Ray.
FLARE PASS TO COMELLA
C-
Best Pick: Matt Forte ($49)
Forte's durability is always a question mark, given his early-career injury history and the outrageous number of touches he's received the last few years. But he's still an absolute workhorse that should see a huge focus in the Bears post-Marshall offense. At $49, that's a pretty solid value for an RB1 that's finished in the top 5 the last two years.
Best Value: Eddie Royal ($2)
Landing the WR2 on an offense that loves to air it out is a flat out bargain. All signs point to Eddie Royal having a career year, paired with the quarterback that connected with him a career-high 91 times as a rookie. With Alshon's status in question as well, there's more reason to love Eddie this year. Great low-risk, value pick for Special Teams.
Future Focus: Amari Cooper ($21)
Following up a season that introduced us to Odell Beckham, Mike Evans and Jordan Matthews (among others), Cooper is the early favorite to breakout as a rookie wide receiver. Him and Derek Carr have shown great chemistry throughout the preseason. The talent there is unquestionable. Cooper is likely to produce in a big way as a rookie and should be a great keep the next two years.
Worst Pick: Julian Edelman ($35)
Special Teams admitted their significant up-bid was a mistake, but unfortunately, they can't go back and change it. Edelman emerged as an un-guardable asset in the 2015 playoffs and stands to impress again this year. But Special Teams could have landed him at a much better value. They could have used the extra cash elsewhere.
Biggest Gamble: Davante Adams ($36)
Adams certainly carries a high-ceiling, but we still don't know what to expect from him. He's got a lot of pressure on his shoulders. He very well could have a huge year, but until we see him in this offense week 1, we won't know for sure. At $10 less than his counterpart, Randall Cobb, the price may have been a little steep for Adams.
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