Fantasy Analytics: Rookie QBs & TEs

With preseason activities gaining momentum, there is a definite need for quality rookie analysis as it pertains to the world of fantasy football. In an attempt to meet this need, Fantasy Football Analytics has partnered with No-Offseason.com on a 3-piece series, providing you the information you need to know before acquiring any of these rookies in dynasty leagues or deep keeper leagues. This first segment covers the quarterback and tight end positions and assigns each player discussed a letter grade for their dynasty league/deep keeper league value. Please be aware that these grades represent the long-term value of the players in question and not only the 2008 season. Read more

Matt Ryan To Start Week 1?

The Falcons signed QB Matt Ryan to a monster six year deal worth more than $70 million on Tuesday, and the speculation has already begun regarding whether or not he’ll start Week 1. Seasonal owners shouldn’t target Ryan in 2008 either way, but he’ll certainly be more exciting to follow than Chris Redman.

Will Rookie QBs Have Fantasy Value?

Many folks close to NFL teams, as well as several analysts have already come out and said that guys like Baltimore Ravens first round pick Joe Flacco, and Miami Dolphins second round pick Chad Henne, have a good chance at starting for their respective teams sometime in 2008. The question I want to clear up is - do any of this year’s rookie QBs have a shot at fantasy stardom? Read more

Matt Ryan Is Fourth QB In Mini-Camp…

No surprise here, but rookie QB Matt Ryan opened up mini-camp as Atlanta’s fourth QB, splitting reps with D.J. Shockley, behind Joey Harrington and Chris Redman.

Redman will start the season, and Harrington is horrible, so he’s unlikely to play at all. Ryan should jump Harrington on the depth chart in training camp, and potentially start by mid-season. Shockley should be released prior to Week 1.

Matt Ryan To Atlanta Falcons…

Well, the plan is now clear for the Atlanta Falcons - Chris Redman will start at QB until Matt Ryan is ready to take the reigns.

This pick wasn’t going to be an offensive linemen after Miami took Jake Long, so now Atlanta at least has hope for the future at the signal caller position.

Stay tuned, as the Falcons need to draft offensive linemen and defensive linemen during the remainder of this draft.

Put Ryan on the dynasty radar for now, though we don’t expect fireworks to go off any time soon, as he has a lot to learn, and Atlanta needs to add to their offensive line before putting him in the ballgame and getting him concussed.

Falcons Leaning Towards Matt Ryan…

ESPN’s Rachel Nichols is reporting that she “thinks” the Falcons are leaning towards taking BC QB Matt Ryan third overall after her conversation with Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff.

Chad Pennington To Be Dealt…

There are many sources that believe the Jets could deal Chad Pennington on draft day. The Jets are definitely eyeing Matt Ryan with the sixth overall pick, and are likely to select a potential starting signal caller early on even if they pass on Ryan.

Since the squad only carries two QBs, either Pennington or Kellen Clemens would likely go, and Pennington has more trade value at this point.

Discuss this in our forums.

Jets Taking A Look At McFadden…

We still think the Oakland Raiders will take him with the fourth overall pick, but it’s starting to seem like if they don’t, the Jets could be potential takers at sixth overall. We also hear that the Jets are very interested in Boston College QB Matt Ryan, as Ryan recently told Sirius NFL Radio that he spent several hours in an “X’s & O’s Chalkboard Session” with Jets staff including GM Mike Tannenbaum, head coach Eric Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

Matt Ryan Could Fall To Ravens…

NFL organizations and draft prognosticators are anticipating a situation where Boston College QB Matt Ryan falls to the number eight overall pick to the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens desperately need some hope at QB, so this would be perfect for them. We wouldn’t be surprised to see them trade up to get Ryan if it looks like K.C. is going to take him at five, or the Jets at six.

Mocking Matt Ryan

T-Minus 27 days until one of my top five favorite days of the year - the first day of the NFL Draft.  It’s like Christmas in April.  Running down to see what gifts are under the tree, except it’s in the form of Roger Goodell calling out names and Mel Kiper and Todd McShay analyzing picks.  The draft is not only chalked full of compelling stories, but the addition of certain players to various teams always creates a fantasy impact that all owners need to begin anticipating immediately.  Read more

Ryan Draws Interest From `Phins & Jets

Boston College QB Matt Ryan has worked out for the Dolphins and Jets, and is expected to also visit Kansas City.  The fact that all of these teams select within the top 10 of the NFL Draft gives us confidence he’ll be selected very high.  We like Ryan as a solid pro prospect that could have some fantasy value by 2009 or 2010.

Sage Rosenfels, Texans QB
No-Offseason.com
Word is that Rosenfels may still be traded to the Minnesota Vikings sometime before the NFL Draft.

Willie Parker, Steelers RB
No-Offseason.com
The Steelers are confident that Parker will return at 100 percent from his broken fibula, but have hedged their bet by adding Mewelde Moore and retaining Najeh Davenport.

Hines Ward, Steelers WR
No-Offseason.com
Ward will be 100 percent after undergoing a knee scope.  Mike Tomlin is encouraged by what he’s seen.

Mark Bradley, Bears WR
No-Offseason.com
Mark Bradley thinks he’ll be the Bears “go to” receiver in 2008.  Well, he definitely has a shot at it.

Tom Brady, Patriots QB
No-Offseason.com
Word out of Foxborough is that Tom Brady’s ankle will easily be 100 percent by minicamps.

Rod Marinelli, Lions Head Coach
No-Offseason.com
Marinelli says he’s targeting RB, OT, DE and LB as the positions he’ll focus on drafting in April.

Chad Pennington, Jets QB
No-Offseason.com
It looks like Pennington will not only remain a Jet in 2008, but he’ll have a legit chance to start as well.

2008 NFL Combine Breakdown

There’s plenty of buzz this time of year revolving around the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. For an obsessive NFL fan/writer like myself, the annual event in Indianapolis is like Christmas in February. In this addition of Finger On The Pulse, we take a look at the impact of this year’s combine with regards to the potential fantasy value of several players heading into 2008. For fantasy owners in deep leagues that may draft prior to the NFL Draft in April (yes, leagues like these are becoming more and more common), it’s never too early to start assessing the potential fantasy value of these future NFL rookies.

Read more