Daily Fantasy Football News July 2ndby Michael Pichan (@FantasyNomad)
Adrian Peterson--RB Vikings
Orange Peanuts...
Adrian Peterson was rated as the number one player on NFL Network's "The Top 100 Players of 2013" countdown ahead of Broncos QB Peyton Manning. No surprise here, and for any of you who have already begun mock drafting, AP has been the consensus number one overall Fantasy pick, as well.
Matt Ryan--QB Falcons
In comparing Matt Ryan's fifth year stats to that of Peyton Manning in his fifth year, you would see that Ryan had a higher completion percentage, more passing yards, yards per game, touch downs, yards/attempt, and fewer interceptions, (and by a subsequent margin in most all categories). I have seen Colin Kaepernick, Russell Wilson, and even the injured RGIII go off the board before the consistent, yet seemingly under-appreciated Matt Ryan. Play it safe and target Matt Ryan at the end of the fourth round, and if he continues on the path he is on you could be looking at a Top-5 Fantasy QB for 2013.
Bernard Pierce--RB Ravens
Ravens back-up running back Bernard Pierce' carried the ball 108 times in 2013 with 78 of them coming in the final eight games, including two 100-yard performances, one against the Giants in Week 15 and the other against the Colts in the playoffs. Pierce's production has affected Ray Rice's pre-season ranking, slightly. Rice is going off the board between picks 3 through 5 in most Mock Drafts I have partook in. As for Pierce's value, he makes for a nice late round hand-cuff, just be careful not to reach too far for him as his production will likely be spotty this season despite the nice late season numbers he posted last year.
Alex Smith-QB Chiefs
Chiefs star running back gives a glowing review of new Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, who Charles called a Super Bowl-caliber passer. "I think he is. He's got a great arm," Charles told Around The League. "He's been winning most all of his career. I think he wants to prove people wrong: That he is a good quarterback, that he can stay consistent." Smith should make for a solid QB2 option this season as his prospects for Fantasy production should increase under Chiefs new head coach Andy Reid, in large part because Smith will have better, more versatile offensive weapons at his disposal with his new team.
Greg Olsen--TE Panthers
Tight end Greg Olsen was the second leading receiver on the Panthers last season in terms of yards (843), receptions (69), targets (104), and led the team in receiving touchdowns with five. Olsen had his best season since 2009 when he played with the Bears despite dealing with the well documented off-field issues surrounding his daughter's health. The Panthers did little to improve their receiving core, and thus it seems safe to say that Olsen could put up similar, if not better, numbers this season. In addition to all the stats above, Olsen had the second highest yards per route run of tight ends (60% of targets) in the NFL last season behind Saints tight end Jimmy Graham. Based on my recent Mock Drafts it appears that you can target Olsen around picks 95-100, giving you what will likely a great draft day discount.
  • Michael Pichan is the host of multiple RotoInfo.com Radio Network Shows, frequent guest on Sirius/XM Fantasy Sports channel, contributor of written Fantasy advice and insight for Rotoinfo.com, and FSWA member. If you have any questions or comments feel free to post in comment section and/or e-mail him at thefantasynomad@gmail.com. Also follow him on Twitter @FantasyNomad for up-to-date Q&A and fantasy information. And check out his New Live Daily League Show: Daily Fantasy Happy Hour every M, T, and F 4-5pm.