NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Must Own:
Toby Gerhart, RB: Gerhart's a definite must-own because he's a starting running back in an offense with little to offer in the passing game. It is being assumed that he will shoulder a massive workload, which is good for fantasy owners, but caution should be exercised.
While Gerhart's a big back, he's never surpassed 110 carries in a season, so suddenly thrusting 250-300 attempts on him seems unwise. Also, his 7.9 yards per carry in 2013 stands out, but so does his 3.4 yards per carry mark in 2012.
He's currently being taken in the later half of Round 4. While that seems too soon, there's no denying some upside there.
Cecil Shorts III, WR: Shorts isn't the most gifted pass-catcher on the planet, but he's a target monster. He was thrown to 105 times in 2012, and was targeted 123 times last season despite being limited to 13 games. Yes, the Jags added WR options in the second round of the draft this offseason, but he remains the No. 1 target, and the receiver most familiar with QB Chad Henne.
Sleepers (Best format)
Marqise Lee, WR (Standard): The Jags took Lee in the second round along with another WR, Allen Robinson. Lee has more upside though-had he entered the draft after his sophomore campaign at USC (118 receptions, 1,721 yards, 14 touchdowns) he would've been a potential Top 10 pick. With Justin Blackmon out indefinitely, Lee may break out.
Blake Bortles, QB (Standard): Anyone who watches football regularly knows that Henne is just a stopgap passer. Bortles looked very good in the preseason-plenty good enough to be the Week 1 starter. Jacksonville is going the cautious route, preferring to avoid a repeat of Blaine Gabbert's failures, but if the Jags go in the tank early Bortles will see the field.
Marcedes Lewis, TE (Standard): Lewis is by no means a heavily targeted player, or even a particularly good one. He is very big though, he's still starting, and he had a 10-touchdown season once. See how things are going early in the year and pounce if you see chemistry between Lewis and Henne.
Deep Finds (Best Format)
Denard Robinson, RB (Standard): The former Michigan QB has no real track record of success in the NFL, but his inclusion here is based on his situation. Robinson's got blazing speed, and underwhelming options in front of him. The path to touches is clear if Gerhart can't cut it, or gets hurt.
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