Welcome to the first - “10th Yard” report! I have won multiple fantasy championships in multiple years. Was my competition sub-par? Perhaps. However, perhaps I have some skill (last year I won all 7 leagues I was in), and perhaps I can shed some light on some different things that would help you in your own league.
With a lull in the news coming from the NFL these days, (before camps start in earnest later this summer), let’s take a look-see at the Strength of Schedule (SOS), and see if there are any nuggets to be gleaned. Please note, this does not mean that you should draft your fantasy players based solely on their S.O.S. So much changes in an off-season. New faces in new places. Hey, old teams in new places! Yet, we can make some reasonable assumptions based on last years performances, and to try to gauge the start of the 2017 fantasy season.
So, here are some nuggets. For the sake of brevity, (remember, they are just nuggets, not a whole gold mine), I will post one position group at a time.
Let’s start with RBs
Among rookie RB's, nobody has a better schedule to start the season than Mccaffrey. Oh wait, NO RB has a better schedule to start the season than the Carolina Panthers RB's! Mccaffrey is a dynamic weapon. How he will be used, and his time share in the offense remains to be seen, but he has the very best chance to get off to a great start in the NFL with a schedule like this.
He’ll be staring off in SF (who were the worst against the run last year)
Moving on to a home game hosting BUF (3rd worst against the run)
Next, another home game hosting NO (4th worst run D in the league last year)
Gurley’s rookie season oozed with potential. He burst on the scene with stats that made everyone think he was a dynasty lynch-pin. In only 13 games, 229 carries for 1,106 yards (4.83 yards per carry) 10 touchdowns and 21 catches for 188 yards. But, he followed with a disappointing sophomore performance last year. 885 yards (3.18 yards per carry) on 278 carries and six touchdowns, 43 catches for 327 yards. What will he do in 2017? Like Mccaffrey, he is getting the best of opportunities to get 2017 started on the right foot.
He’ll be staring off hosting IND (6th worst against the run)
Followed by another home game vs. WAS (5th worst against the run)
Next, is SF (the worst run D in the league last year)
Another rookie that will have a great opportunity to get off to a hot start is Dalvin Cook. Some touted him as the best/most complete back from this year’s rookie class. In his last year of college he averaged 6.1yds per carry, he had 19 TDs, and 33 Rec’s/488yds. Remember, The Vikings moved up in the draft to select Cook. Also, the Vikings offensive line should be improved this season.
He starts off hosting NO (4th worst run D in the league last year)
Next, is a road game against PIT (7th worst against the run)
Followed by a home contest against TB (9th worst against the run)
Howard burst on the scene last year finishing second in the NFL in rushing yards on the year (1,313), and boasting an impressive 5.2 per carry. He also had 29 receptions for 298 yards. All this despite not being the starter at the beginning of last season. The Bears passing game has several questions marks, which could result in Howard again being the primary focus of the offense in 2017.
He starts off hosting ATL (10th worst against the run)
Next, is a road game against TB (9th worst against the run)
Followed by a home contest against PIT (7th worst against the run)
Jay Ajayi had one of the more remarkable seasons last year. Despite being on the inactive list in Week 1, he finished the season with 260 carries for 1,272 yards (4.89 yards per carry), eight touchdowns and 27 catches for 151 yards. Ajayi’s success had much to do with the the Dolphins offensive line. When it was intact, he thrived, with two games of at least 200 rushing yards. He added another 200 yard rushing game in Week 16. Miami’s offensive linemen from last season have four starters returning, which should help Ajayi to continue to produce.
He starts off hosting TB (9th worst against the run)
Next, is a road game against LAC (8th worst against the run)
Next, is another road trip vs. NYJ (13th worst against the run, but will the Jets even be competing? Serious doubts)
Extra point - In week 4, Ajaji will face NO (4th worst against the run)
Next, QB's