Top 10 Most Underrated Fantasy Players

By

Rick Briggs, Asylum Fantasy Sports

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We all know the hype of players. There are thousands ofoutlets telling you who to draft; especially in the early rounds. Seasoned Fantasy Owners know that championships are won in the middle rounds.  Of course you know that Dez Bryant, Le’Veon Bell and Aaron Rodgers are great picks. Problem is: everybody else knows it too, and if you stopped your draft in round 3 or 4, I would find it pretty difficult to pick the top three teams. But rounds 5 through 10 are the meat and potatoes of your team. Sure, you laid a good foundation with your top three or four picks, but if you build a straw house on top of it, you are doomed. Recognizing some diamonds in the rough is the key to success. I am going to lay out my top ten most underrated players going into 2015. These are the guys you should grab in the middle rounds that will pay dividends for you.

1. Terrance Williams – Lost in the Dallas carnival of Jerry Jones, Tony Romo and Dez Bryant, there was a second year man who quietly made a difference. Terrance Williams is a third year man in 2015, which is the oft-hyped “breakout year”, but with Williams it could be. It has been the Bryant/Witten show, but Jason Witten is aging and declining. Get this: Williams played in 18 games last year including the playoffs. He scored 11 touchdowns. He has great Yards per Reception at 16.8, and he can certainly find the end zone. Williams’ biggest concern is the lack of receptions. This is where I think most owners will undervalue him and here’s why:

1. Tony Romo is healed and healthy in 2015. The back nerve problem is gone. Romo knows his chance is now. Look for him to be passing more in 2015. Why?
2. DeMarco Murray is gone. The line is still great, but Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar won’t be called upon to do what Murray did, and I will never believe Darren McFadden ever could. The Cowboys will be airing it out even more and Williams will be the clear-cut number 2.
3. Witten’s role is clearly diminishing and he is aging. Gone are the 100 catch years for Witten. This future Hall of Famer will see less work and Gavin Escobar, another third year man, will see more action.

Terrance Williams will not be a star WR1 by any means, but if you are looking for depth; a solid WR3 or flex, he could pay well in 2015.

1. Latavius Murray – Latavius is the other Murray. A big back that can run. He’s a little too tall for my liking at 6’3”, but at 225 pounds, he can be bruising as well. Murray averaged 5.2 yards per carry to Darren McFadden’s 3.4. On top of that, in just over one half the carries, Murray had 90 yard run to DMac’s 25 for longest run; and he had (4) 20+ yard runs to McFadden’s 1. He is behind such backs in current ADPs as Carlos Hyde, Alfred Morris and Lamar Miller; sitting at 4.08. This guy has way more upside. Oakland has beefed up its O-Line; Derek Carr looks like the real deal, and let’s face facts: Roy Helu and Trent Richardson will not be threatening to take his job. Roy Helu is a good pass catcher and Marcel Reese is still at Fullback, but Murray will get his chance to establish himself as the Number 1 running back. The Raiders are improved and with the AFC West not looking quite as explosive, Murray could be that great RB2 or flex you are looking for.
2. Ryan Tannehill – Lots of owners love to take the top tier quarterbacks. You know the guys who jump on Rodgers, Peyton or Brees. Then there’s the run at Big Ben, Romo, Rivers, Brady, Newton and so on. But I have a guy for you that just happens to be one not talked about much. The savvy owners have their eye on him, so watch him around the ninth round. Tannehill threw for over 4,000 yards, with 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was second to Lamar Miller in rushing and he now has three fine young receivers in Jarvis Landry, Ken Stills and DeVante Parker who will mesh with the talented quarterback. Additionally, the veteran presences of Greg Jennings along with new Tight End Jordan Cameron, the Dolphins have plenty of weapons. Tannehill is in line for a 4,500 yard season, and considering you can get him in the ninth round; those are good dividends.
3. Owen Daniels – Many owners will be tracking the progress of Julius Thomas as he landed the largest guaranteed money to a Tight End ever. But do they remember when Dallas Clark wasn’t a Colt? Catch what I’m throwin’ here? Dallas Clark, Julius Thomas and now Owen Daniels. Here’s 32 year old tight end who signed a nice deal with Denver. He’s capable, tough and in a great offense for shorter passes. You will benefit by passing on a Julius Thomas and reeling in Daniels for a tight end. Current ADPs have him below such guys as Zach Ertz and Julius Thomas. He’s not being ignored, but where would Julius Thomas be ranked if still in Denver? Look to get Daniels in the middle of the 8^th round or so.
4. Giovani Bernard – With all the Jeremy Hill hype, many folks are forgetting Bernard. This is not to say he is a forgotten man, but current ADPs have him 3 rounds behind Hill. This isn’t even mentioning the fact that Jonathan Stewart is ahead of him! Here’s a guy that was on pace to rush for about 860 yards last year, and the Bengals will do what they can to keep both on the field. He has great hands and can get the job done. Because he has great hands he will be an asset to any team in PPR formats. He will warrant enough playing time for a flex spot and if Hill goes down, the upside is tremendous. He should be available in most leagues in the late fifth or early sixth rounds.
5. Eric Decker – Remember Decker in the Denver season? His ADP plummeted when he went to the Jets, and rightly so. But he put together a 74 catch, 962 yard season. He scored a modest 5 touchdowns, but it was the Jets, right? Well, bear in mind that Brandon Marshall is in New York now, Geno Smith is a year more seasoned, and Ryan Fitzpatrick is there is case he bombs. Look, nobody is going to confuse either quarterback with Dan Marino, but both can throw it. As an owner, interceptions aren’t what you are worried about here. The run game is still suspect, but with Marshall drawing top coverage all the time, Decker will benefit from this. Look for an 85 catch, 1,000 yard season with 6-8 touchdowns. Keep your eye on him, but he is going in the late tenth and early eleventh rounds. That’s a steal in my book.
6. Mohamed Sanu – Andy Dalton was erratic last year, and AJ Green had a down year with injuries. But bear in mind that the Bengals have a top defense, an established two-headed monster in the backfield, and a now healthy Green. Sanu can catch and throw, and he put together a nice season last year. Now comes the good news: He is currently a full round behind Marlon Brown! He is 5 rounds behind Torrey Smith. Smith had more touchdowns, but Sanu had more receptions and slightly more yards. Smith is in a new offense with an inconsistent and underwhelming quarterback. Say what you want but if I can get this guy to supplement my roster in case of injury or even a flex, I will take him! Right now he is going in the late fourteenth round. He is currently behind Dwayne Bowe, Jaelen Strong and Josh Huff for crying out loud!
7. Derek Carr – I am not touting the Raiders; I grew up a Raider-hater in the 70’s. But I have to call ‘em as I see ‘em. This kid is good and I am betting he will be a top 12 quarterback in 2015. Translating this from current ADPs, where he is 26^th at the quarterback position, he will be a steal. The Raiders have beefed up the offensive line, and the running game will be just fine. The Raiders don’t have what you might consider a stellar receiving corps, but Michael Crabtree, Rod Streater and newly drafted Amari Cooper will be plenty good enough. Last year’s stats of 3,270/21/12 are extremely respectable for the young kid. I see the Raiders making some noise this year and Carr will be a big part of it. Draft him as your second quarterback if you want, but considering he is behind Sam Bradford, Teddy Bridgewater, Marcus Mariota and Tim Tebow (yes, Tebow), you’ll be getting a bargain. I’m telling you, this kid is the real deal!!
8. Steve Johnson – Here’s a guy who was stuck in Buffalo, then went to a floundering offense in San Francisco, but now is in San Diego. Steve Johnson is coming off a knee injury, but looks explosive so far. He should eclipse Malcom Floyd as the WR2 in San Diego. That being said, with Phillip Rivers as the quarterback, how can you not expect things to improve for Johnson? Currently, he is right above Sanu in the ADPs, and this is another bargain receiver. We know you have plenty of wide outs to pick from, but when down in the late rounds like this, you can grab PRODUCERS! The Chargers will be throwing and throwing a lot. Even if Johnson is the WR3 for a spell this season, picking him up in the 14^th round is still good value.
9. Marquis Colston – Many owners are done with Colston, and I can’t say I blame them. He has been erratic at times and downright terrible other times, but consider the following: Marquis Colston has had six 1,000+ yard seasons and Jimmie Graham has moved to Seattle. Colston has been over 900 yards the last two years and with Graham gone, look for his touchdowns to rise slightly. The Saints glory days are behind them, but who has a better report’ with Drew Brees than Colston? Kenny Stills is gone, and you will have to draft Brandin Cooks 7 ½ rounds before Colston. Brees will make sure the 32 year old gets plenty of looks. Look, it is a bad division and the Saints can certainly win it. Grab Colston as a WR3 or 4 and you just may end up starting him before the year is out. He is currently going at the end of the tenth round.

We had the pleasure of covering the Hall of Fame weekend in Canton, Ohio. We met and interviewed the class going into the hall and many other members who were there for the festivities. During our down time, we shot some shorts and put together material and things of that nature.

When the ceremony was over with, the last thing on the agenda was covering the first pre-season game of the year. Of course we know this is pretty much a meaningless game, but it was the ONLY NFL game being played and the chance to get the season under way and capture some post-game interviews was appealing.

We were happy to have front row seats on the 30 yard line on the Buffalo side when the game started. When it was winding down, I could not wait to head down to the field to get some interviews. Truly, I wanted to get a little player insight, but mostly to get away from the obnoxious fans next to us. I have seen drunken fans, extremely loud fans, angry fans, even the degrading screamer. But there seems to be a new breed of fan that is growing in numbers and it hit me at this Hall of Fame Game. It’s the Gimme Fan. It is not the fan who is seeking an autograph with a sports star. It is not the fan seeking a photo of or with their favorite player. It is not the fan throwing out some verbal support in hopes their star will return a comment, a nod or a high five.

I’m talking about the fans, who by the mere fact of buying a ticket; feel entitled to whatever the players have.  It was prevalent during the game when fans with goofy hats, stupid costumes and odious personalities screamed at the top of their lungs right by the sidelines for players to drop what they are doing and come over for a picture or autograph. They are on the job and working people. It really doesn’t matter what job you have, be it a plumber, a doctor or a busy burger cook at a fast food restaurant; that is your task at hand. You don’t just leave when you feel like it. Additionally, who would feel like walking over to someone who is having a hard time standing acting like a photo op with him is as appealing as having one with the player.

So I’m a little surly. I’ll grant you, fans can scream all they want, so I’ll let it go. But what fueled my fire was after the game. As we gathered waiting for players to head to the locker room, shower and come back out for some interview time, I was appalled at the spectacle made by the remaining fans. Now, I’m not judging all fans by a few bad apples: Hell, I’m a fan! At this point most all of the fans had left. But not the Gimme Fans. As players headed down to the locker room the calls from fans were not asking for a photo. They were not asking for an autograph. They were not shouting words of encouragement or even fan wisdom for the player to react to. It was a DEMAND for something. “Gimme that Gatorade towel!”,  “Gimme those gloves! You don’t need ‘em anymore!” (An actual quote).  I actually heard a demand of “Gimme your shoes man!”

In an age where the players are crucified for being too aloof, because they make so much money and have no connection with the real world or the little people, these fans are as demanding and angry as a hungry infant. It is a breed of fan that is angry and feels they deserve a piece of whatever the athlete has. This is a disgusting display of envy and jealousy that makes me sick. If I buy a ticket to Mumford and Sons, do I deserve that one of them gives me a guitar? It’s ridiculous and they should be ashamed of themselves. Wake up fans! It’s miserable to be around miserable people at a game that should be so fun.

by Chris Goodin

“Pathetic”, “pitiful”, “choker” are three words used to describe Andy “Red Rifle” Dalton in the last two playoff appearances for the Bengals  As fantasy players, who cares about the NFL playoffs?  What matters is his scoring proficiency in the regular fantasy season and playoffs (wks 14,15,16).

He averaged 20.884 fantasy points per game in 2013 which put him as the 5^th highest point producer in all of football last year.  He only had one game of less than 10 fantasy points but managed to counteract that performance with 5 games of 27 or more points, including two in the fantasy playoffs.  In fact, he outscored Drew Brees when it mattered. 

The point is: Dalton gets criticized for his bumbling playoff deficiencies but gets absolutely no respect (Dangerfield reference) when it comes to fantasy circles.  His ADP from the good folks at My Fantasy League in 2013 was 115.33 or an equivalent 10^th round grade.  Comparatively, Cam Newton, who was the 4^th QB drafted in 2013 was selected in the 4^th round and was outscored by Dalton. Some names of QB’s drafted before Dalton: Rodgers, Brees, Manning, Newton, Brady, Ryan, Kaepernick, Stafford, Luck, Griffin, Wilson, Romo and Eli.   

Say what you want about him but his point production can’t be disputed.  In 2014′s early bird drafts, Dalton is currently being taken in the 11^th round at 124.42.  It’s nuts.  Don’t worry about Jason Campbell or A.J McCarron being the starter (at least in 2014).  Snap him up in the 9^th and be smugly satisfied that you snagged a top fantasy point producer.  

Paul Mills

@FFEarlyBird

   It’s been a Fantasy Football argument for quite some time now. The PPR League, vs. The Non-PPR League. Let me just state, that there are valid arguments to be made for both sides. Personally, I find myself in the middle and  simply combat this situation by settling in on a .5 ppr setting.

   The Non-PPR side will usually say that “catching the football” is part of the game, and RB’s catching a little dunk pass should not be rewarded for such a thing.  I actually agree with that; however, the same RB that catches the errant bad pass by a QB under pressure, should be rewarded.

    I hear of people who don’t like the PPR scoring simply because they don’t like the “high scoring” leagues. Huh? I could never understand that. Am I missing something here? The rules, and scoring are always set in stone prior to any drafts I have ever been in. With that said, everybody has to play under the same system. Who cares if the total points every week are on the high side, or the low side?It really makes no difference. 

  Let’s go back to my .5 PPR setting. Another thing I like about it is having fractional points. It makes tie scores almost impossible. I found that when presenting this case to my fellow Fantasy players, whether fans of Standard or PPR, they ultimately agree that the .5 ppr is the way to go.

Good Luck to all of you!