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 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Must Own
Doug Martin, RB: Doug Martin was a Top 5 pick last season, but after early struggles culminated in a season-ending shoulder injury Martin's stock has tumbled to mid-to-late Round 2. Lovie Smith is the new head coach, and he favors an old-school running game, which means Martin's workload should remain heavy.
Martin is a true three-down back as well, capable of being a good receiver, so even though his performance in 2013 was below standard, he's a worthwhile pick early.
Vincent Jackson, WR: V-Jax is a prime boom-or-bust player, capable of single-handedly winning owners weeks or losing them depending on how much said owner is counting on him. Boom-or-bust implies unpredictability, but in reality Jackson's production over an entire season is very predictable. He will be in the neighborhood of 65-80 receptions, seven or eight touchdowns, and over 1,000 yards.
Deal with the bad weeks-on the whole he's very fun to own.
Mike Evans, WR: Rookie WRs are tricky assets, but in this case Evans is a lock for production. There's simply not much behind Evans and V-Jax on the depth chart to worry about, and his size, combined with the production he showed at Texas A&M, will make the Bucs incredibly difficult to guard in the red zone. Pick your poison opposing defenses.
Sleepers (Best format)
Bobby Rainey, RB (Standard): Rainey exploded when he filled in for Martin last year, and if Martin is bad his role could increase. The downside is that Rainey's behind a suspect offensive line, although it has been bolstered by G Logan Mankins. Rainey's 3.9 yards per carry indicated a somewhat pedestrian runner, but his nose for the end zone could be of value if something happens to Martin.
Brandon Myers, TE (Standard): Myers bizarrely struggled with the New York Giants last year-Eli Manning usually performs miracles with limited tight ends, but for some reason he didn't connect with the talented Myers. The previous season Myers was a top target in the Oakland passing game, and with the two big receivers on the outside attracting attention he could find wide open spaces over the middle.
Defense/Special Teams: Darrelle Revis may be gone, but he was replaced by a quality CB in Alterraun Verner who had five interceptions last season, and whom Lovie Smith feels will fit his system. LB Lavonte David is a stud, and the mixture of David and Love Smith's scheme could make this a useful unit.
Josh McCown, QB (Two-QB): McCown put up some crazy numbers filling in for Jay Cutler in Chicago last season, but with the Bucs he's downgrading at offensive line, wide receiver, and tight end. That's never good.
Deep Finds (Best format)
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE (Standard): Rookie Seferian-Jenkins is buried on the depth chart right now, but his athleticism could be too great to ignore. If he can solidify his fundamentals, throwing him on the field with Evans and Jackson, plus Martin in the backfield, makes this a terror of an offense in the red zone.
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