It would be hard to identify a team that disappointed as much as the 2012 Philadelphia Eagles. A rough season led to many offseason changes, including new head coach, Chip Kelly. However, with a roster still filled with talent, and a fresh perspective, the Eagles should not be a forgotten team in 2013. While some may be cautious about jumping on the Kelly bandwagon, fantasy owners should not shy away from the Eagles this season. In fact, the departure of Andy Reid, to the Kansas City Chiefs, could be a fantasy blessing to many players in Philly. While there are many different fantasy options to cover, I will breakdown three key players who could really help establish and round out a fantastic 2013 fantasy football team.
LeSean McCoy, Running Back:
Even with a head coach who heavily favored the passing game to the ground game, McCoy consistently proved he was a top back in the NFL. Now, with Reid gone, and a head coach whose college offense produced 4,098 yards rushing against 2,888 yards passing, McCoy should be one of the top-overall picks in the 2013 fantasy draft. McCoy is not only able to break off long runs but he is able a great option in the passing game. Even though the Eagles have a back-field that includes Bryce Brown and newly acquired Felix Jones, I believe there will be plenty of touches to go around. I am extremely high on McCoy in 2013, and if the offense runs through its best player as I expect, the sky is the limit for his fantasy value. Expect McCoy to be one of the running backs selected, and should produce as a true no. one fantasy back.
2013 Stat Projection: 295 rushing attempts, 1,650 yards rushing, 15 rushing touchdowns
Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver:
Maclin had a decent 2012 season, posting 857 receiving yards and catching seven touchdown passes. While DeSean Jackson should be the top fantasy receiver on the Eagles roster, Maclin should produce nicely for fantasy owners. While Kelly’s offense should be centered on the run game, Maclin should still see his fair share of targets in 2013. Fantasy owners can expect Maclin to be a no. two wide receiver, or flex-option in fantasy.
2013 Stat Projection: 65 receptions, 850 yards receiving, 5 receiving touchdowns
Brent Celek, Tight End:
In 2009, Celek proved that if got the targets, he could produce as a top fantasy tight end. However, since that season, Celek has failed to establish himself as a top-tier tight end. While he should get plenty of receptions early on in the season, I expect rookie, Zach Ertz, to slowly eat away at Celek’s targets, and eventually become the top tight end option in Philly. Celek will still provide value in fantasy in 2013, but do not expect him to produce near the level of a no. one tight end.
2013 Stat Projection: 55 receptions, 650 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns
Final Thoughts:
Kicker Alex Henery will be a nice fantasy kicker again this season, but as always, wait until the final rounds to make this selection. The defense should bounce back from a rough 2012 season, but the true fantasy value for the Eagles team defense lies in the special teams. Michael Vick should bounce back nicely in 2013, and will hopefully be able to stay healthy for a full season. A fantasy sleeper for the 2013 Eagles could be Felix Jones, who should get his share of touches if he can beat out Bryce Brown for the no. two spot on the depth chart. Finally, a favorite among fans, receiver Jason Avant could be another sleeper pick for what should be a much improved Philadelphia Eagles football team.