NFC West Fantasy Football Breakdown Recap
In the most recent episode of The Fantasy Footballers Podcast, hosts Andy, Mike, and Jason continue their divisional breakdown with the NFC West. Check out episode #737 for more in-depth analysis, news and notes, this episode’s quick question, and annoying players.
Each projected starter includes their average draft position from Fantasy Football Calculator and is based on .5 PPR, the preferred scoring method of the Ballers.
Los Angeles Rams (13-3)
2018 Offensive Snaps
Projected Week 1 Starters (ADP)
QB: Jared Goff (9.10)
RB: Todd Gurley (2.05), Darrell Henderson (6.11), Malcolm Brown (14.09)
WR: Brandin Cooks (4.06), Robert Woods (4.09), Cooper Kupp (5.03)
TE: Gerald Everett (N/A)
Additions:
RB Darrell Henderson
Subtractions:
Offseason Summary:
By far the most dominating storyline doggedly following the Rams is Todd Gurley’s knee and his health moving into the 2019 season. [Editor’s Note: Matthew Betz’s recently published article gives a full breakdown of the injury implications of Gurley’s knee and the fantasy outlook] This has sparked the debate of whether or not to draft Darrell Henderson and how high you would reach for him as either a Gurley owner or non-Gurley owner. Andy, Mike, and Jason delve into the sustainability of the offense with three top-20 wide receivers and an elite running back on an offense that runs 11-personnel more than any other team in the league. With the creative-minded head coach, Sean McVay, the Rams are an offense with a plethora of fantasy opportunity.
Seattle Seahawks (10-6)
2018 Offensive Stats
Projected Week 1 Starters (ADP)
QB: Russell Wilson (8.09)
RB: Chris Carson (4.12), Rashaad Penny (6.12)
WR: Tyler Lockett (5.04), D.K. Metcalf (9.02), David Moore (N/A)
TE: Will Dissly (N/A), Nick Vannett (N/A), Ed Dickson (N/A)
Additions:
WR D.K. Metcalf
WR Gary Jennings
RB Travis Homer
WR John Ursua
Subtractions:
WR Doug Baldwin
Offseason Summary:
The Seahawks solidified their identity as a run-first and run-heavy offense behind only the Baltimore Ravens in rush attempts but first in the league in total rushing yards. It’s important to note that only 30 yards were accumulated by QB Russell Wilson. With their run, run, run-offense, there is a question surrounding whether or not Chris Carson or Rashaad Penny will emerge as the clear back as well as the option that both could be fantasy productive. The Ballers discuss Wilson’s ADP and his potential fantasy production as well which wide receiver (Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf, or David Moore) will have the coveted targets and should be targeted in this offense.
San Fransisco 49ers (4-12)
2018 Offensive Snaps
Projected Week 1 Starters (ADP)
QB: Jimmy Garoppolo (12.02)
RB: Matt Breida (13.05), Tevin Coleman (6.08), Jerick McKinnon (9.11), Jeff Wilson
WR: Dante Pettis (7.03), Marquise Goodwin (13.11), Deebo Samuel (14.03)
TE: George Kittle (3.10)
Additions:
RB Tevin Coleman
WR Deebo Samuel
WR Jalen Hurd
WR Kaden Smith
Subtractions:
N/A
Offseason Summary:
San Fransico may have the most confusing backfield in the NFL moving into 2019 with several running backs listed on the depth chart. Who gets the nod to start in preseason may give us fantasy GMs a better idea of how to interpret this crowded list of running backs. Head coach Kyle Shannahan has a team full of potential with players such as Jimmy Garoppolo and Dante Pettis returning from injury. In addition to adding to their overwhelming number of running backs, the 49ers have also shored up the wide receiving corps adding Deebo Samuel, Jalen Hurd, and Kaden Smith. The question for the pass catchers is whether or not they can stay healthy and involved in the offense during the season. Garoppolo’s ADP in the early 12th round could be a value pick in your draft and Pettis’ ADP in the 7th round can give you major upside. George Kittle has the flashiest name in this offense from his explosive season last year, but with so many healthy mouths to feed, the Ballers discuss whether or not his draft price is too steep.
Arizona Cardinals (3-13)
2018 Offensive Snaps
Projected Week 1 Starters (ADP)
QB: Kyler Murray (7.10)
RB: David Johnson (1.05), Chase Edmonds (14.06)
WR: Larry Fitzgerald (9.02), Christian Kirk (7.06), Andy Isabella (13.12)
TE: Ricky Seals-Jones, Charles Clay
Additions:
QB Kyler Murray
WR Andy Isabella
WR Hakeem Butler
WR Keesean Johnson
TE Caleb Wilson
Subtractions:
Offseason Summary:
There is no way around the abysmal year for the Cardinals in 2018, no matter how badly Andy wishes the season could be vacated and removed from the record books. Even heading into this upcoming year, the offensive line is still ranked 29th “best” in the NFL. The biggest question mark will be how rookie QB Kyler Murray can maneuver around his new offense and feed the new and current talent such as David Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, and Christian Kirk. If the key players on the Cardinals offense can stay low in the draft, you could be looking at serious fantasy upside if the pace of play increases under Kliff Kingsbury‘s new offensive scheme.
For more information on Kyler Murray, check out Kyler Murray, Rookie QBs & History Can Tell Us by Kyle Borgognoni