Joseph Ochoa
The 2015 NFL regular season kicks off Thursday night when the New England Patriots take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition, fantasy football will officially be underway as well. With that in mind, here are some fantasy predictions for the NFL season.
Biggest bust: QB Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
While the Panthers quarterback has finished in the top 10 in fantasy scoring on multiple occasions during his first four seasons, Newton was dealt a major blow to his fantasy stock when his top receiver from 2014, Kelvin Benjamin, suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Including the fact he’s been the most hit quarterback since entering the league in 2011, things do not bode well for the former Heisman Trophy winner in 2015.
Best rookie: RB Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers
While recent history has given me pause on most Wisconsin running backs, i.e., Ron Dayne and recently released Montee Ball, I suspect Gordon will be the exception to my rule. Both Dayne and Ball were heavily used running backs while playing for the Badgers, accounting for over 5,000 career rushing yards, while Gordon was seldom used during his first two seasons and did his most production during his final year in Madison.
Biggest fantasy sleeper: QB Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles
Many experts have stated Bradford is one of the most accurate quarterbacks…when he’s healthy. With the help of an offensive line that made Nick Foles a viable starter, last year’s leading rusher DeMarco Murray on the field and a spread offense similar to the one Bradford played in college, this could be a recipe for points galore.
Running back who will struggle: Alfred Morris, Washington football franchise
The Washington running back is going to have his hands full with Kirk Cousins as his starting quarterback; Morris is now a second running back at best. Since rushing for the second most yards in 2012 with 1,613 yards, Morris’ yards total has dropped off the following two years with 1,275 yards in 2013 and 1,074 yards in 2014. With Cousins at the helm, Morris will be more than likely to see eight-man fronts this season.
Best alternate wide receiver: Andre Johnson, Indianapolis Colts
The only reason I consider Johnson a No. 2 fantasy wide out is his age. Johnson was able to produce for the Texans despite having the likes of Matt Schaub, David Carr and Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing him the ball. The 34-year-old will now have Andrew Luck throwing him the ball. With an offense that tallied over 5,000 passing yards last season, this offense will give the former all-pro a renaissance year.