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 Philadelphia Eagles.
Must Own
LeSean McCoy, RB: McCoy is in the perfect situation for a fantasy RB. Chip Kelly runs more plays than any coach ever, and that led to McCoy getting 314 carries, and 2,146 total yards from scrimmage. A threat in the run and the pass, he's the SWN pick for No. 1 overall.
Jeremy Maclin, WR: The Eagles let DeSean Jackson walk to a division rival this offseason after a career year, which means they likely have a ton of faith in what Maclin can bring to the table. There might not be a single player in the NFL who can match Jackson's top speed, but Maclin is a crisp route runner with sure hands, and he's not too shabby going deep as well. His chief issue will be staying on the field.
Riley Cooper, WR: I'll be the first to admit I'm not a huge believer in Cooper's talent, but he connected well with QB Nick Foles last season, and there's just not that many pass-catchers on the roster. He's a bench option/bye week fill in until he proves otherwise.
Cody Parkey, K: I admit I don't know who this is. Kickers are often as good as their situation, and this team scores a bunch. If the name kickers are gone grab Parkey.
Sleepers (Best format)
Nick Foles, QB (Standard): Foles is going in Round 6, so he would typically belong in the "must own" category, but I don't think he warrants it. His stats were phenomenal last season, but Kelly's offense, while very good, won't catch teams by surprise anymore. He's an elite QB2 for sure, and may well prove to be a QB1. Owners are better off looking at a number of QBs going later, such as Cam Newton, Tony Romo and Jay Cutler.
Darren Sproles, RB (PPR): The former Saints PPR monster is in another great situation, but it's unclear how much burn he'll get. If McCoy gets hurt I don't see Sproles taking over full-time, and it's hard to take someone as good as McCoy off the field. Therefore, I can't place him in the must-own category. I think he'll be quite productive, although nowhere near his prime.
Zach Ertz, TE (PPR): Ertz is a pass-catcher first and foremost, and part of Philly's lack of depth at wide receiver is because they have some capable tight ends and plan on running them out there at the same time. Ertz isn't the best all-around TE on the team, but he'll be the most fantasy relevant.
Deep Finds (Best format)
Chris Polk, RB (Standard): As mentioned in the Sproles portion, if McCoy goes down Polk is the candidate to assume his workload with Sproles sprinkled in. He's a pure handcuff, but after 314 carries in 2013, he should be owned by McCoy owners.
Brent Celek, TE (Standard): Outside of 2012 Celek has been a solid source of touchdowns in Philly, and he is listed ahead of Ertz on the depth chart. If there's an injury to Ertz at any point, Celek might be a borderline Top 10 TE.
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