Your Fantasy Football Offseason Refresher: NFC West
As important as running backs are to your fantasy success you are going to want to pay attention to the teams in the NFC West this year. Every team has the potential to be a top ten offense and features an elite running back.
Two of the four running backs fueled fantasy football success last year while two disappointed. Frank Gore and Steven Jackson posted great numbers on a consistent basis while previous old reliables, Edgerrin James and Shaun Alexander, struggled through injuries and inconsistent offensive line play.
Before sharing my notes with you I want to explain a few things. I have added a position category for the offensive line (OL). I rarely see anyone else paying much attention to this when breaking down players, but, it is pretty important to consider when getting a feel for their true value. Cliche’ or not, it all starts up front.
Also, when you see PMTS it means “pretty much the same†meaning not much has changed with this teams particular positions since last year. Just saving you some time. You know these teams already and we are just interested in getting up to date at this time.
Now that is out of the way, here are my notes on the NFC West. Most of these teams will be able to provide your fantasy team with some fire power this year. Here is a closer look.
Arizona Cardinals
OL - Ex-Steeler O-line coach Russ Grimm takes over coaching (he is considered by some as the best in league). They did not mind losing LT Leonard Davis and C Alex Stepanovich. Signed T/G Mike Gandy and G Al Johnson. Drafted RT Levi Brown (5th overall).
QB - New Coach Ken Whisenhunt should help Matt Leinart like he helped Ben Rothlesburger early on.
RB - PMTS. Signed FB Terrelle Smith. Note that as of now Shipp holds the backup spot behind Edge.
WR - PMTS. Boldin draws comparisons to Hines Ward and will most likely fill that role in Whisenhunts offense.
TE - Still have Leanard Pope. Drafted Ben Patrick (considered a steal in 7th round).
D - Questions marks. Holes at LB. Not to deep on the line.
Saint Louis Rams
OL - Unit that was 6th in rushing last year returns everyone except the released Adam Timmerman.
QB - PMTS
RB - Added Travis Minor and drafted a versatile Brian Leonard as a backup.
WR - Lost Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald but get Drew Bennett.
TE - Signed Randy McMicheal.
D - Question marks. Upgraded secondary. Drafted DT Adam Carriker. Signed Dante Hall as the kick returner.
San Fransisco 49er’s
OL - Lost C Jeremy Newberry. Drafted Joe Staley in the first round.
QB - Alex Smith gets a new weapon and another year under his belt. Dilfer backs him up.
RB - PMTS. Drafted Thomas Clayton who could take over as a backup with good camp.
WR - Released Antonio Bryant. Signed Ashley Lelie and Darrell Jackson to join Arnez Battle. Drafted speedy Jason Hill (3rd round).
TE - Lost Eric Johnson but have a healthy and very promising Vernon Davis.
D - The worst defense in the league last year will switch to 3-4 and picks up four new starters. Most notably CB Nate Clemons and S Micheal Lewis. Drafted LB Patrick Willis 11th overall.
Seattle Seahawks
OL - In a poor defensive devision this unit was in lower half of league last year in both pass and run. Not very deep.
QB - Hasselbeck in recovering from shoulder surgery. Seneca Wallace still the back up.
RB - PMTS. Note that Alexanders foot issues keep coming up.
WR - PMTS but Lose Darrell Jackson.
TE - Lose Jeremy Stevens but get the more stable Marcus Pollard.
D - Signed DE Patrick Kerney, SS Brian Russell and FS Deon Grant.
All of the questionable defenses combined with these improved offenses should provide you with a hotbed of solid fantasy players. The Rams offense looks solid after adding some weapons on the offensive side. With possibly his first real quarterback throwing to him and the surrounding cast, you have to like Randy McMicheal in this offense.
A new attitude and some very sound coaching in Arizona should give great value to many of the players on this offense. You have no doubt heard it all before but Matt Leinart has commented on an obvious chemistry change flowing through the locker room ever since the new coaching staff arrived.
San Fransisco spent some serious cash on defense and has upgraded at wide receiver (that is if Darrell Jackson can stay healthy). Plus the cat is out of the bag and you can count on Frank Gore being gone very early in your draft this year.
Seattle barely won it last year and they look to be moving backwards. Unless veteran leadership and much improved o-line play can keep this ship afloat, I have a feeling you shouldn’t put to much stock in players on this team.
I’ll be back in a few days to give you my notes on the AFC North.
Tags: Arizona Cardinals, Fantasy Football, NFC West, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams