Underrated fantasy Players heading into next season (1 Viewer)

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Extremely bored at work and tyring to compile a list of some players who I think may be underrated heading into next season and who you can get value on. Add any players you think fit this bill.

QB- Matt Schuab... has one of the best WR's in the league, and had one of the best weekly averages top 5 to 6 in most leagues this year. If he can stay healthy (which is a question mark) he can be very good value after all the big/usual names will be drafted ahead of him.

RB-Joseph Addai/Ryan Grant... I think many fantasy footballers are down on these 2 guys. Addai had a horrible year, but he is still a good rb with a descent track record. He is also only 25 years old and I don't think the Colts were as down on their rb's as they are on other postions. I am pretty sure he will get another crack at being the guy and at worst it is a time share with Rhodes again.

Grant had a slow start due to a nagging hamstring injury but had a pretty good finish and Rogers and company have shown they are pretty good on the offensive side of the ball.

WR-D. Mason....He is clearly Flacco's first read and having watched him play lots this year he has not yet lost that step. He is trusted by Flacco and another year under Flacco's belt and you could project another year like this last one which is good value considering where you can draft him.

D. Branch... If this guy could remain healthy (a huge IF) he could have a bit of fantasy value, especially if Crabtree does not go to Seattle

S. Holmes... This guy had a down year, but so did big ben and the consistency of the passing game... if that offensive line can pass block better Holmes (the deep play guy) will benefit greatly.... especially since Nate (the other speedster) seems that he will be lost in free agency.

B. Edwards.... He did not lose his elite speed and atheltic ability... I will give him a pass for this year even though he had some terrible drops. The guy is a freakish athlete and had a very bad season. It is not yet a trend though and I am guessing he will have a very big year. The guy is still only 25 and has a 1300 yard 16 TD season the year before last.

TE... G. Olsen became one of the most consistent receivers with the Bears at the end off the season. He had 3 TD's in the last 4 weeks and is a very good red zone option. He continues to get better and will only be 23 at the start of next season. He has very good receiving skills out of the TE position

 

[fsufan]

nice thread

what about LT?

 

[Couch Potato]

nice threadwhat about LT?

Not enough info yet. We need to see where he's playing first. If still in SD, we need to see what they do to improve weak OL and whether they keep Sproles or let him move on.If LT goes to another team, of course a lot would depend on other considerations on that team.So, as I said, not enough info yet.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

nice threadwhat about LT?

If LT remains in SD I think he may great value in redraft for sure.... the guy is a lock for 1200-1500 yards and 10 plus TD's in the Chargers offense. But I am guessing in most drafts there are plenty of people that know this and he won't be underrated. If he does renegotiate which I assume he will, you can lock up another very good fantasy season. He may give up more touches then he ever has, but he will still be very good fantasy wise. In a down year where many assume he has hit the wall (even though he was playing hurt) he had 1450 combined yards and 12 TD's. He is not the LT of old, but still a very good RB.

 

[Matt Waldman]

Without checking stats, here's some players who come to mind:

Torry Holt - tough year all around for him coming off injury and the Rams offensive woes. I don't expect a return to greatness, but I think he's a guy people will forget about.

Roy Williams - this will probably be a guy who really gets more attention if T.O. leaves Dallas and won't belong on the list. But right now...

Ray Rice - I know McGahee will still be in town in 2009, but I still like Rice and believe he will develop into a guy that could beat out McGahee sooner than later.

Mark Clayton - Carter_Can_Fly makes a nice point about Mason, but Clayton shows flashes of what the Ravens expected from him. It's still not too late for him to develop, especially with a maturing Flacco.

Trent Edwards - pre-Arizona game, Edwards had some impressive games in terms of completion percentage and managing the game as a 2nd year QB. One thing that I believe cannot be overstated is the value of continuity and the Bills do have that in their favor. If their OL Peters can stay healthy and add another weapon into the offensive arsenal, I think Edwards will become a productive player.

Jerome Harrison - This is a guy who could as easily get cut in a new regime as he could take another step towards surprising fantasy owners. I really liked his skill sets in college and he shows flashes of it in the pros when he's on the field.

Jason Hill - Many of you know I'm enamored with this prospect, but so was Mike Martz and I think he's seen a good receiver or two in his day. Nolan wasn't as thrilled about Hill because Hill was dealing with nagging injuries. He made strides in year two and I'm optimistic about year three.

 

[MAC_32]

Off the top of my head...

Lee Evans - at this point most fantasy owner's have probably been burned by him at least once, I think he'll come at a cheap WR3 price and would outproduce those expectations

Santonio Holmes - post hype breakout?

Run DMC - injuries plagued most of rookie season

Mark Clayton - will the coaching staff open up the playbook more in Flacco's 2nd year? If so I think the play making Clayton is the benefactor

Mike Walker - if his knee ever gets better I think he'll emerge as the #1 Jax has longed for since Smith retired

Kevin Walter - 2008 was not a fluke, I believe many will treat it like one

Matt Schaub - a plethora of weapons and still a young and developing defense, he's been very productive when healthy

Marion Barber - I'll be interested to see how he'll be valued, I think it's possible he falls to round 2, he shouldn't

Sidney Rice - he's a threat in the red zone, if healthy maybe he can develop into a reliable possession WR between the 20's too. Bringing in a QB that doesn't suck would certainly help though.

Jordy Nelson - I think his PT will only increase and with the potential impending disaster of the Packers going 3-4 they may be playing from behind. A lot. This team is built to be a passing team anyway.

Matt Hasselbeck - I think they'll bring in Crabtree, I'll be curious how much that will effect his stock. It should, but Crabtree being a rook I'm not certain it will.

Stephen Jackson - still borderline elite in PPG on a very bad team, frustrated 2007 and 2008 owners will probably pass on him, he can only get better

Players to watch - Leon Washington (how will the new regime utilize him?), Ronnie Brown (two years removed from the torn ACL will the coaching staff lean on him more? or will Stick Williams continue to loom?), everything Browns (way too early to speculate who because not everyone may be back, I see many over correcting their expectations of them after over valuing them this season), what Denver does to address the backfield - if anything, San Fran WR's Josh Morgan + Jason Hill, Buffalo's #2 WR (Steve Johnson?), if Favre calls it quits the potential Ratliff/Clemens competition - I expect them to address WR in the draft and they have the weapons to throw to already, Malcom Floyd, Brent Celek, Miles Austin, the #2 competition for RB on the Giants, Malcom Kelly, Justin Forsett, Donnie Avery/Keenan Burton

 

[Ralph Furley]

Keep a close eye on Antonio Bryant, dude came on strong last year.

 

[MAC_32]

Keep a close eye on Antonio Bryant, dude came on strong last year.

I'd be worried about a letdown after he gets paid, definitely someone to watch though. Cheap enough and in a good situation, he'd be worth the risk.

 

[higgins]

Torry Holt - tough year all around for him coming off injury and the Rams offensive woes. I don't expect a return to greatness, but I think he's a guy people will forget about. Jason Hill - Many of you know I'm enamored with this prospect, but so was Mike Martz and I think he's seen a good receiver or two in his day. Nolan wasn't as thrilled about Hill because Hill was dealing with nagging injuries. He made strides in year two and I'm optimistic about year three.

I don't think I can agree with the above two -- both of them will be under a new offensive coordinator, many of whose offense/schemes can't be learned effectively within a few months.I agree 100% on RRice, though.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Keep a close eye on Antonio Bryant, dude came on strong last year.

The problem is his huge games and circus catch was recognized by many fantasy footballers as well. In fact he may be overrvalued a bit.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

The problem with being overly high on Jason Hill is San Fran will continue to be a more balanced team between the run and pass. Also, right now they have I. Bruce, A. Battle, B. Johnson, J. Hill, J. Morgan and V. Davis as part of their passing attack. Is Hill good enough to seperate himself from this bunch and become a viable fantasy player going forward. In dynasty worth a flier, but in redraft not so much.

 

[Adebisi]

Tom Brady.

 

[brewer]

D. Branch... If this guy could remain healthy (a huge IF) he could have a bit of fantasy value, especially if Crabtree does not go to Seattle

I've never understood the love for Branch. 26 TDs in 86 games and a 13 yards per reception average just don't excite me. Add in the injury factor and I'll pass thanks.

YR	TM      G	TRG	REC	YD	Y/R	TD2002	NE  	13	64	43	489	11.4	22003	NE	15	104	57	803	14.1	32004	NE	9	51	35	454	13.0	42005	NE	16	125	78	998	12.8	52006	SEA	14	101	53	725	13.7	42007	SEA	11	85	49	661	13.5	42008	SEA	8	59	30	412	13.7	4TOT		86	589	345	4542	13.2	26

 

[Reaper]

* Check out the Mock Draft Forums and the on going drafts for where some of these guys are going in pretty much "expert" drafts.

I took LT as RB 8 and I also thought there was value in Roy Williams at WR 30

I see value right now in the Dallas passing game overall but, come real draft time I'm, sure everyone wil be excited about Dallas again.

Kurt Warner still seems to be a value (QB10) - But, at this point who knows - is there a chance he retires with a W?

 

[5-ish Finkle]

As much hate as we've seen in these parts about Marshawn Lynch you'd be inclined to believe everyone thinks you should run out and pick up Fred Jackson at all costs.

But it probably means Lynch is going to be underrated.

 

[Haberdasher]

Reggie Bush will probably drop like a stone after the news of his surgery and the emergence of Pierre Thomas. My guess is that in PPR leagues Bush will give insane value for where you will be able to get him.

 

[Matt Waldman]

The problem with being overly high on Jason Hill is San Fran will continue to be a more balanced team between the run and pass. Also, right now they have I. Bruce, A. Battle, B. Johnson, J. Hill, J. Morgan and V. Davis as part of their passing attack. Is Hill good enough to seperate himself from this bunch and become a viable fantasy player going forward. In dynasty worth a flier, but in redraft not so much.

I think Hill is more promising than Battle and Johnson. I think Jason Hill has skill sets that compare quite favorably to Isaac Bruce if he reaches his ceiling of potential. Like a lot of people who initially drank the Davis Kool-Aid I thought he would transform his enormous physical potential into more than what he has. Maybe Singletary helps Davis get the best out of his abilities, but right now I'd say Hill is an underrated player I'd prefer to take late in a draft over a guy you usually get in rounds 15 or 16 who hasn't done much for 3-4 years and his ceiling is 600-800 yards as opposed to a breakout year of 1000-1100 or a Brian Johnson or Battle. The big question is the type of offense and the QB. I'm not as concerned about learning a new offense as much as it is the type of offense. I don't believe it's as big of an adjustment as it is just going from college to pro. T.O. has produced well in his first seasons with Philly and Dallas. Burress did well coming from Pittsburgh to New York. Moss from to NE. I also really like Mike Walker of the Jags, who MAC_32 mentioned. Very complete receiver who flashed skills vs. Pittsburgh that people expected from him. Health willing, he's another guy I'd prefer to get late.

 

[bigcorn]

Chad Johnson. whether he stays in cincy or not.

 

[travdogg]

Run DMC - injuries plagued most of rookie season

I like him too. I think he's going to be an excellent value if he falls past round 3(which he likely will), especially in PPR leagues. I see him being a 60 catch RB if he stays healthy.I'd add Matt Jones, he seems to have established himself as the Jags #1 WR and will likely be underrated since his end of the year totals don't look great until you remember he only played 10-11 games due to injury/suspension. I'd be thrilled to get him as a WR3.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Tom Brady.

+1Randy Moss. If Brady's healthy, why would you take Fitzgerald, AJ, or Calvin Johnson ahead of him?

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Keep a close eye on Antonio Bryant, dude came on strong last year.

Now that Chucky's gone, I think he'll be overrated. His value was tied to Chucky and his history with heavy targets to his #1 WR.

 

[bcr8f]

Jordy Nelson - I think his PT will only increase and with the potential impending disaster of the Packers going 3-4 they may be playing from behind. A lot. This team is built to be a passing team anyway.

Impending disaster? Show me the success/failure rates when teams went to the 3-4. Miami did pretty well last year and Capers has a pretty good history doing it.James Jones.

 

[dmac37]

Players already mentioned:

R. Rice- I still believe he will be one of the best long term in this star studded group

Mark Clayton- 2009 could be the start of the changing of the guard with Raven receivers

Schaub- I finally had to adapt a team being a Lion fan. I like what the Texans are doing and Schaub will lead them

Holt- just think he has 2-3 years of being a #2 FF WR after being lost this past year

M. Walker- Garrard should rebound and Walker has the best talent to be a true #1 WR for the Jags

Other Players:

Malcolm Kelly- a big "IF" HEALTHY" I can see him being a Boldin type of WR

Bradshaw- looked great in the 2007 playoff run and only needs a chance to do it long term

Graham- all he does is produce. Dunn is not the answer and Cadillac is a big ?

Winslow- depends on where he plays but still has some of the best hands of any receiver in the game

Digging Deeper:

Hillis- looked to be more than a flash in the pan

M. Hart- lacks the combine skills to be a NFL back but may be just one of those players that gets it done

A. Arrington- could grab the Saints #3 WR in a high power passing offense in 2009 and continue move up

K. Burton- a common theme with many of the WR's I picked- "talented but need to stay healthy"

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Robert Meachem can be had for peanuts after a nondescript second season.

After being injured for his 1st season, this season amounted to his first season with any PT. He showed flashes, and plays in one of the best FFB passing attacks with arguably the best FFB QB in the league. I think he will be forgotten on draft day in redrafts, and undervalued by frustrated owners in Dynasty leagues.

Definitely has bust potential, but also has a pretty high ceiling.

 

[fatkid]

Tom Brady.

+1Randy Moss. If Brady's healthy, why would you take Fitzgerald, AJ, or Calvin Johnson ahead of him?

Add to that whoever is the Patriots Running Back. (I don't know who that is yet) You get a player late, on a top offense, with a coach who will run during the fantasy playoffs when the weather turns cold.You can likely get a combination of Maroney/Morris/Jordan late.

 

[MAC_32]

Jordy Nelson - I think his PT will only increase and with the potential impending disaster of the Packers going 3-4 they may be playing from behind. A lot. This team is built to be a passing team anyway.

Impending disaster? Show me the success/failure rates when teams went to the 3-4. Miami did pretty well last year and Capers has a pretty good history doing it.James Jones.

I don't think the Pack has the personnel to effectively run the 3-4, I think it'll take a massive overhaul this offseason for them to successfully do it. I used the word potentially because it's possible they complete the overhaul, but I certainly wouldn't be betting on it.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

TJ Duckett

Duckett is familiar with Mora/Knapp and he doesn't have a pros pro like Warrick Dunn in front of him. Will be a short yardage vulture and may even get an even or primary slice of carries in a tandem with Julius Jones.

Think Lendale White 2008...

 

[texasbirdfan]

Vincent Jackson

Matt Jones

Malcolm Kelly

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

Adrian Arrington is someone I like that is off the radar at this point. Much will depend on what happens with Lance Moore.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Adrian Arrington is someone I like that is off the radar at this point. Much will depend on what happens with Lance Moore.

Arrington>Meachem?

 

[FUBAR]

Vincent JacksonMatt JonesMalcolm Kelly

The way VJ finished the year, I doubt he'll be underrated in many circles. Unless you expect top 5 type stats. Jones could be.

 

[dmac37]

Adrian Arrington is someone I like that is off the radar at this point. Much will depend on what happens with Lance Moore.

Arrington>Meachem?

Saint homers should know more but this may not be too far fetched considering some of the rumblings that I've heard.

 

[Two Deep]

I thought I saw Ahmad Bradshaw listed but if not.

 

[Two Deep]

Jordy Nelson - I think his PT will only increase and with the potential impending disaster of the Packers going 3-4 they may be playing from behind. A lot. This team is built to be a passing team anyway.

Impending disaster? Show me the success/failure rates when teams went to the 3-4. Miami did pretty well last year and Capers has a pretty good history doing it.James Jones.

You mean the next Sterling Sharpe

 

[travdogg]

TJ DuckettDuckett is familiar with Mora/Knapp and he doesn't have a pros pro like Warrick Dunn in front of him. Will be a short yardage vulture and may even get an even or primary slice of carries in a tandem with Julius Jones.Think Lendale White 2008...

That one looks reasonable right now, but I don't believe for a second that Seattle is going to go into next year with just Jones and Duckett at RB.I see them drafting a guy,probably at the top of round 2, or bringing in a free agent that is better than Jones or Duckett(they wouldn't have to look too hard)

 

[DropKick]

Jordy Nelson - I think his PT will only increase and with the potential impending disaster of the Packers going 3-4 they may be playing from behind. A lot. This team is built to be a passing team anyway.

Impending disaster? Show me the success/failure rates when teams went to the 3-4. Miami did pretty well last year and Capers has a pretty good history doing it.James Jones.

You mean the next Sterling Sharpe

Do you like Jones this much or am I missing the sarcasm?

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

D. Branch... If this guy could remain healthy (a huge IF) he could have a bit of fantasy value, especially if Crabtree does not go to Seattle

I've never understood the love for Branch. 26 TDs in 86 games and a 13 yards per reception average just don't excite me. Add in the injury factor and I'll pass thanks.

YR	TM      G	TRG	REC	YD	Y/R	TD2002	NE  	13	64	43	489	11.4	22003	NE	15	104	57	803	14.1	32004	NE	9	51	35	454	13.0	42005	NE	16	125	78	998	12.8	52006	SEA	14	101	53	725	13.7	42007	SEA	11	85	49	661	13.5	42008	SEA	8	59	30	412	13.7	4TOT		86	589	345	4542	13.2	26

Oh I am well aware of his career stats and understand that he has had a very mediocre career. But you are not the only one who is thinking this. In fact this is why I think he is underrated and worth a flier.As of right now he is the number 1 WR on a team that has a pretty good QB in Hasselback and it appears will be playing from behind quite a bit next season. If you look at the Seahawks WR's as of rigth now you have Engram who is ancient and a slot guy anyway. You have Burlesson who is coming off of an ACL sugery. A sophmore TE who is a good receiver but this may help Branch. And a bunch of other unproven guys beind him. The reason why I thougt Branch may be underrated heading into next season was his descent finish this year.... If you take his average of the last 5 games he played this season and worked it out to a full year he would end the year with 70 receptions for 1011 yards and 12 TD's. Now I don't think he is going to reach those stats, but he may be descent value in the late rounds of a draft. I am not seeing him as a WR 1 type of guy but as a WR 2/3 guy (if all goes well) drafted as a WR 4/5 guy.

 

[Blackjacks]

Mendenhall - He will was drafted in the first round to be better than FWP and I think he will be

Quinn - I think Brady has a great chance to be a top 5 qb next year

B. Edwards - see above........B Edwards has an elite qb and the Browns have alot to provve next year

Schaub - just stay healthy and your top 5

Justin Gage - looked like a stud towards the end of the year, definetly the #1 wr option on the team

 

[Adebisi]

Mendenhall - He will was drafted in the first round to be better than FWP and I think he will beQuinn - I think Brady has a great chance to be a top 5 qb next yearB. Edwards - see above........B Edwards is an elite qb and the Browns have alot to provve next yearSchaub - just stay healthy and your top 5Justin Gage - looked like a stud towards the end of the year, definetly the #1 wr option on the team

So Matt Schaub and Brady Quinn are both top 5... who are the other 3?

 

[brednbuddah]

Mendenhall - He will was drafted in the first round to be better than FWP and I think he will be

Quinn - I think Brady has a great chance to be a top 5 qb next year

B. Edwards - see above........B Edwards is an elite qb and the Browns have alot to provve next year

Schaub - just stay healthy and your top 5

Justin Gage - looked like a stud towards the end of the year, definetly the #1 wr option on the team

, Quinn - I don't know. Mangini is going from one extreme to another at QB. I have a feeling he may hold him back a bit and rely too much on the run and short passing game (winslow )

Schaub - I agree here. they have the running game now, stud WR, quality TE.

 

[offdee]

You can still get Devin Hester pretty cheaply, but think he's going to make a big jump next year into a solid #2 FF WR.

 

[Cover2]

Sidney Rice

Ahmad Bradshaw

Kellen Clemens

Michael Bush

Brent Celek

Derek Anderson

 

[Jayrod]

Off the top of my head:

Chad Johnson

Braylon Edwards

Reggie Bush

Jason Campbell

Greg Olsen

 

[Blackjacks]

Mendenhall - He will was drafted in the first round to be better than FWP and I think he will be

Quinn - I think Brady has a great chance to be a top 5 qb next year

B. Edwards - see above........B Edwards is an elite qb and the Browns have alot to provve next year

Schaub - just stay healthy and your top 5

Justin Gage - looked like a stud towards the end of the year, definetly the #1 wr option on the team

So Matt Schaub and Brady Quinn are both top 5... who are the other 3?

Which one do you find more questionable?

 

[travdogg]

Off the top of my head:

Chad Johnson

Braylon Edwards

Reggie Bush

Jason Campbell

Greg Olsen

I'd like to hear some reasoning on this one.

 

[Tornacl]

Phillip Rivers - guy had a great year, but no one seems to want him. he'll fall quite a ways further than he should and end up being a good value.

 

[Nugget]

Phillip Rivers - guy had a great year, but no one seems to want him. he'll fall quite a ways further than he should and end up being a good value.

In the WSL's he has been QB3, QB3, and QB3. Seems like if you want him he will cost you. He is only behind Brees and Manning.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Mendenhall - He will was drafted in the first round to be better than FWP and I think he will beQuinn - I think Brady has a great chance to be a top 5 qb next yearB. Edwards - see above........B Edwards is an elite qb and the Browns have alot to provve next yearSchaub - just stay healthy and your top 5Justin Gage - looked like a stud towards the end of the year, definetly the #1 wr option on the team

So Matt Schaub and Brady Quinn are both top 5... who are the other 3?

Schaub was close this year. He was 8th in PPG in my league behind Brees, Rivers, Warner, Cutler, Rodgers, Romo, and P. Manning. If someone had said last January that Rivers and Rodgers were going to be Top 5 and Romo and Manning were not you would have laughed them off too most likely.

 

[David Yudkin]

Tom Brady.

+1Randy Moss. If Brady's healthy, why would you take Fitzgerald, AJ, or Calvin Johnson ahead of him?

Add to that whoever is the Patriots Running Back. (I don't know who that is yet) You get a player late, on a top offense, with a coach who will run during the fantasy playoffs when the weather turns cold.You can likely get a combination of Maroney/Morris/Jordan late.

Assuming Jordan comes back, tyong up three guys to get medicocre productions semes a bit curious.Morris has probably been the most consistent, scoring 10 or more fantasy points 10 times over the past two seasons. Maroney scored 10+ points 12 times in three years. Jordan did it 3 times last year, but all those came in very inclement weather (pouring rain, driving snow, and a wind tunnel). I suspect if all three of them are healthy and active that none of them would be worth starting every week, so you'd pretty much have to guess who would be the one scoring each week.

 

[Boone22]

Kevin Smith - He ended as RB #19 in my non-ppr league despite only starting half the year. Averaged 4.1 YPC on a horrendous Lions team and ended the year as a 20+ carry/game, 3-down RB. If Detroit makes ANY improvement in their defense, offensive line or QB play, Smith could easily end up as a top 15 RB in 2009 (provided the new coach doesn't decide to get "his guy" via the Draft/Free Agency).