The 2010 Sports Outlaw All Value Team – Part 2
Last week we took a look at the QB’s, RB’s and Defenses on the Sports Outlaw All Value Team. This week we finish the team off by telling you all about the WR’s, TE’s and K’s you should be looking at to maximize the value on your fantasy team this year as you make your title run.Keep in mind, their Average Draft Position (ADP) from fantasy football calculator will be listed in ( ) behind each player’s name.
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Wide Receivers
- DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia (2.12) – In just his 2nd season Jackson broke through as a top 5 WR last season. Despite his success and ability to go all the way on any play fantasy owners feel his dependence on the big play will lead him to come back to earth this season. That my friends is great news and music to my ears! I think the opposite is true. Jackson may just be scratching the surface of what he is capable of. He can take it deep at any time and is also growing as a WR overall. I expect him to increase his reception numbers this year to the 75 range and look for his TD’s to remain in the same area. Jackson is an early 2nd value that can be had around the 2nd/3rd turn. If you are picking in the top 3, Jackson is the perfect pair for those taking one of the elite RB’s in the first.
- Robert Meachem, New Orleans (7.7) – Meachem took a step forward in his 2nd year, especially in the redzone where he caught 9 TD’s last season. Meachem is a very talented WR who continues to learn the small things that are necessary to be a big time receiver in this league. Drew Brees and Meachem seemed to be on the same page in the redzone and I look for them to build on that success this season. I expect Meachem to emerge as the number 2 receiving threat on the team this year and for him to take a big step in terms on reception and yards. This is a great mid round WR to target that would end up performing like a WR2 for your fantasy team.
- TJ Houshmandzadeh, Seattle (8.7) – Last year I was the one saying to avoid Housh as he moved to a new team and no longer had Ochocinco to take the defensive pressure off of him. Well that turned out to be a good call as he struggled in his first season in Seattle and failed to break 1000 yards for the 2nd straight year. He also only managed to find the end zone 3 times. However, as down on him as i was last year, I am optimistic for a break out season. Pete Carrol will bring a pass focused offense to Seattle and TJ should benefit with more scoring opportunities and should see plenty of opportunities underneathth. His price this year is great as many have cooled on his after the last 2 seasons. A rebound year is coming and TJ is another guy who can perform like a RB2 for the cost of a mid-rounder.
- Devin Hester, Chicago (10.8) – The project of transforming Hester from a dynamic returner to a dangerous receiver is ongoing and now passes to offensive guru Mike Martz. Hester has increased his reception and yards in each of his first 3 seasons. This offensive system would seem to fit Hester’s skills well. He has been working with a former Martz great, isaac Bruce, this offseason on learning the system. I think Hester continues to improve his numbers and takes his greatest leap forward this season. Not saying Hester will be a sure fire starter each week, but in the end, 900 yds and 6 TD’s are realistic numbers and they would more than exceed his 10th round cost.
- Nate Burleson, Detroit (13.05) – Burleson is always a guy I find to be undervalued. He was a nice find deep in drafts last year prior to getting banged up and with his move to Detroit he is falling deep into drafts once again. The Lions look to be putting together a nice group of offensive weapons for 2nd year QB Matthew Stafford. Burleson will benefit from the attention that Calvin Johnson will draw opposite of him and should open him up for a very solid season. Burleson is consistently found still available late in drafts and should have no problem contributing to your team this season.
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Tight Ends
- Jason Witten, Dallas (6.1) – This TE class looks as deep as I can ever recall. Due to this, Jason Witten’s inability to get into the endzone seemed to make him the forgotten man among the top tier of TE’s. Keep in mind this is a guy who still managed to catch 94 balls last year and was targeted 124 times! I think the 2 TD’s is the exception and not the rule with him. With consistent opportunities in a very good offense I like Witten’s potential to return to the top 3 TE’s this year. I am fine with letting everyone jump on other TE’s in the 4th thru 6th round and gladly scoop up Witten as the 5th to 7th TE off the board. Still get an elite talent at a lesser price than some other options.
- Heath Miller, Pittsburgh (13.12) – Miller is not and will never be an elite TE. However, he is a fantastic back-up to lower end starter who is capable of big games and will usually outperform where he is drafted. He is a great value in the late rounds and he carries a very low bust potential. If you find yourself missing out on the top end TE’s you could do worse by going with a committee approach that included Miller.
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Kickers
- Neil Rackers, Houston (15.5) - Kickers are a crapshoot and I don’t suggest picking one until the last 2 rounds. With that strategy in mind, take a look at Rackers. Good kicker on an up and coming offense. Should have plenty of scoring opportunities.
- Nick Folk, New York Jets (15.2) – Defense and a ball control offense can be a kickers best friend at times. Folk had his problems last year but should see plenty of opportunities to give you 3 pts on this team. If he can step up and seize the opportunity he could find himself in position to be a nice find at kicker.
