This 2015 fantasy football season is yet to begin, however here's an early look at some players who took a different course in 2014 giving us reason to be skeptical or perhaps avoid them altogether this year.
1. Cam Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers
Newton definitely didn’t play out as a reliable QB1 in 2014, which makes him suspect entering into the 2015 fantasy season. With his pass completion rate dropping over three percent from his 2013 season and watching him over-throw tons of passes this past year, Newton’s fantasy numbers dropped. Where he makes a decent backup quarterback, I’d avoid drafting Newton expecting starter quality for 2015.
2. Nick Foles, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
Foles settled down to fantasy reality in 2014 coming off of a stellar 2013 year. While he should return injury-free in 2015, we don’t have an exact word yet from the Eagles’ camp as to whether Foles will retain the starting gig. Additionally, reports are surfacing that the Eagles may attempt to trade up in draft picks to try to secure potential rookie quarterback, Marcus Mariota from Oregon. If the Eagles aren’t fully confident in Foles, should we be?
3. Peyton Manning, Quarterback, Denver Broncos
With news just breaking that Manning intends to return for 2015 pending his physical results, he may not be the fantasy quarterback you will want to spend a precious first-round draft pick on. Manning looked like he hit the black diamond ski slope towards the end of 2014 meaning he went downhill at an extreme rate, which should cause some serious red flags. While Manning shouldn’t be ignored altogether, he definitely should be avoided as a first overall pick.
4. Rashad Jennings, Running Back, New York Giants
Jennings started what looked like a successful season as the Giants’ lead back and a fantasy football RB1/2. However, at nearly 30-years-old, the injury-prone back started to show some signs of wear during the mid-season missing multiple games due to various injuries. With now second-year back Andre Williams filling in adequately while Jennings was injured, it would stand that the Giants will likely utilize a running back committee to keep Jennings healthy. He makes a sketchy draft pick that I would avoid in 2015.
5. Andre Ellington, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals
Not exactly knocking socks off in his first season to star in the premier running back role for the Cardinals, Ellington’s stock now takes a dive in 2015. While we can probably expect to see Ellington featured as the No. 1 back, the lack of touchdowns he managed in 2014 with only three is cause for concern. Finishing 2014 with only a 3.3 yard per carry number is also reason to look elsewhere in 2015.
6. LeSean McCoy, Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles
Those who dropped everything to obtain McCoy as their first draft pick in 2014 got robbed. With the direction the Eagles took last year and how much they incorporated their other running backs into play will have us all doubting McCoy’s future fantasy potential in 2015. With only five rushing touchdowns scored all season, possibly long-gone are the days of drafting McCoy as your trusted RB1.
7. Brandon Marshall, Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears
Finally starting to show signs of his age as his level of play diminished was Marshall in 2014. About to begin his 10th NFL season, Marshall may not be able to bring those WR1/2 fantasy numbers in 2015 that he did in seasons past. Riddled with injuries and working under an inaccurate Jay Cutler certainly didn’t help. Approaching the 2015 fantasy season should have those considering drafting Marshall quite leery.
8. A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Green had an off season in 2014 to say the least. Even when he wasn’t dealing with his toe injury, Green struggled to reward the WR1 fantasy numbers that his owners expected. Coming from a 2013 season where Green had 1,426 yards and 11 touchdowns saw Green in 2014 managing only six touchdowns and 1,041 yards. With Andy Dalton throwing for nearly 900 less passing yards in 2014 and the rise of the Bengals’ run game, Green might be the guy you want to avoid should the opportunity to draft him come your way.
9. Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver, Detroit Lions
2014 had Johnson taking a steep dive in fantasy value from previous seasons. Whether it was injuries, or the addition of wide receiver Golden Tate to the Lions, or a combination of both, Johnson definitely didn’t play out to be worth the No. 1 pick fantasy owners spent on him. Moving forward, there are other wide receivers who present less risk when targeting one to fill your WR1 slot. If you must draft Johnson, expectations for him in 2015 should be lowered.
10. Julius Thomas, Tight End, Denver Broncos
Thomas has followed the same pattern over the last two fantasy seasons. He starts out strong with multiple touchdowns, then he fizzles out of the picture after missing a few games due to injury. When he returns, he really doesn’t see much action. In 2014, all Thomas’ touchdowns came by Week 10. Additionally, late in the season, the Broncos switched to a heavy run game and Thomas only saw 63 receiving yards in three games. With changes in the way the Broncos’ utilize their offense in 2015, and Thomas becoming a potential free agent, his days of being chosen as a TE1 are likely over.