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Examining the recent draft, we are always looking for that next diamond in the rough. We will comb through each skill player selected attempting to predict who will become fantasy Rookie of the Year. And while a handful of rookies will find themselves in the fantasy headlines, the impact can also touch the NFL veterans. Listed below are players trending upward, and a few veterans we are likely to avoid on draft day. Trending Up: Michael Vick -- Of course, much of Vick's upside will be connected to the hiring of offensive juggernaut Chip Kelly as Philadelphia's coach. And the return of Pro Bowl tackle Jason Peters also gains recognition. But examining the NFL draft, the Eagles added two key pieces to thrust Vick's fantasy projections. First was the drafting of Lane Johnson with the fourth overall selection to bookend with Peters. The second was adding powerhouse tight end Zach Ertz. A prolific playmaker at Stanford, Ertz has all the measurable to be great in future years. My guess is the preseason will skyrocket Vick's value. But a projected average draft position in the eighth round is solid value considering the upside. Andy Dalton -- Over the past two seasons, Dalton has developed into a proficient NFL quarterback. He's led the Cincinnati Bengals to the playoffs each season with good decision-making and solid arm talent. The limiting factor for Dalton's fantasy development has been the Bengals dumbed-down version of the West Coast Offense. However, if the drafting of top tight end Tyler Eifert is any indication, the passing game will be expanded in 2013. Dalton exited last season as a mid QB2, but the addition of Eifert will propel his stock into the low QB1 range, meaning an excellent spot starter in a plus matchup. Matt Schaub -- Since his breakout season in 2009, Schaub has been touted as a mid-QB1. But, over the past two years, Schaub has failed to meet expectations. Poor production has him tumbling down the pre-draft rankings. A major downfall has been the lack of talent opposite Andre Johnson. The Texans finally made provisions selecting DeAndre Hopkins in the first round. With the healthy return of Johnson and Owen Daniels, Schuab should have enough team talent to become a low-end QB1. Again, a solid spot starter, and possibly trade bait should he open the season on fire. Be warned that Schaub is a yellow flag injury risk, but solid value with a projected average draft position in the 10th round. Josh Freeman -- There is a lot to like... | undefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefinedundefined Tampa Bay 22, Atlanta 17 Buccaneers Doug Martin capped off his awesome rookie season with another huge outing posting 148 yards on 28 rushing attempts. The Muscle Hamster is a lock as a top five RB next year. Mike Williams quietly had another solid season accumulating 996 yards and nine touchdowns. He should also be mentioned amongst the best red-zone wide receivers in the league adding another short-yardage touchdown in this game. Falcons Yes, the starters played, but no they were not playing at full capacity. I suspect this game was more of a "walk through" after pouring their energy into the past two weeks and clinching home field advantage. The Falcons postseason fantasy value will be contingent on their opponent. New York 9, Buffalo 28 Jets The best news for the Jets is the season is officially over, meaning the rebuilding process can begin. Say goodbye, Mr. Sparano. Bills Yet another of the NFL teams who are about to undergo some radical changes. The misuse of CJ Spiller and reliance on Ryan Fitzpatrick are the two reasons Chan Gailey will likely be fired by the time you're reading this article. Baltimore 14, Cincinnati 23 Ravens This game reminded me of preseason week one as the Ravens starters played two series and sat much of the game. Nothing to see here, move along. Bengals Cincinnati came out relatively slow until a touchdown pass to Marvin Jones just before halftime. Similar to preseason week two, the starters did not return in the second half. Boring. Chicago 26, Detroit 24 Bears For fantasy managers projecting into next season our focus has been on the development of Alshon Jeffery. Brimming with talent, playing alongside strong armed quarterback and with Brandon Marshall demanding added attention, Jeffery will be worthy of late round flier entering the 2013 season as a mid WR4. Lions Calvin Johnson's quest for 2,000 receiving yards fell 36 yards short as Charles Tillman, Tim Jennings and the Bears secondary said, "not on my watch". Still an amazing season for fantasy owners who ignored the Madden Curse and selected Johnson in the first round. Beyond Calvin, this team is not good. No defense, no real running game and more off field issues than a rehab clinic. Jacksonville 20, Tennessee 38 Jaguars The Tim Tebow groundswell in Jacksonville will be reaching tidal wave proportions after Chad Henne tossed three interceptions, two of which were... | 5 Months Tampa Bay Buccaneers Doug Martin exploded for 142 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries and added four receptions for 18 yards to lead the Bucs to a 22-17 upset victory at Atlanta in Week 17. The Muscle Hamster put a spin move on Thomas DeCoud in the open field en route to a 40-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter. With the Bucs nursing a lead, Martin saw an uptick in carries throughout the second half. If not for the trio of impressive QBs, the 31st pick in the draft would likely be considered the rookie of the year favorite. A first-round fantasy lock next summer, Martin closed out his first season with 319 carries, 1,454 rushing yards, 49 receptions, 472 receiving yards, and 12 total scores. | 5 Months Tampa Bay Buccaneers Doug Martin rushed 18 times for 62 yards in Tampa's Week 16 loss to the Rams, adding seven catches for 57 yards. The seven catches were a season-high, while Martin has now surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage nine times on the year. However, his (relative) struggles on the ground remained the story, as Martin was held to 3.4 yards per carry or less for the fourth time in five games. Martin has been a rookie revelation, but is looking like a player in need of the offseason. However, he'll get a Flacons defense with nothing to play for in Week 17, so it's quite possible he'll close out his stellar rookie year on a positive note. | 5 Months Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Bucs have no plans to decrease Doug Martin's workload over the final two weeks of the season even though they've been eliminated from playoff contention. Martin is currently on pace for 312 carries, which would be the fourth most in franchise history. "I think it would be not a good time in our program's development to say, 'Hey, Doug, why don't you go cool off here,'" coach Greg Schiano said. Although Martin is coming off his worst game of the season and will be contending with an improving Rams' run defense Sunday, he's locked in as a high-end RB2 for the fantasy finals. | Week 15 of the 2012 NFL season had its share of fantasy football disappointments. Players like Doug Martin, Roddy White and Ray Rice cost many owners a shot at fantasy glory, and leaving them with nothing but that empty feeling inside.' | Week 15 of the 2012 NFL season had its share of fantasy football disappointments. Players like Doug Martin, Roddy White and Ray Rice cost many owners a shot at fantasy glory, and leaving them with nothing but that empty feeling inside.' | |
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