As organized team activities roll on and veterans come into town prepared for a new season, we are already looking at how rosters and depth charts shake out entering the season. Everyone is healthy and there is plenty of high expectations for players and teams. Here I project which players will finish as the leaders in the major statistical areas this season.
Passing
Passing Yards
Peyton Manning, Quarterback, Denver Broncos — 5,213 Yards
While Manning may not set new NFL records in 2014, the Broncos offense will continue to rank right amongst the top in every passing category. Denver lost Eric Decker but added Emmanuel Sanders and Cody Latimer to bolster their wide receiver depth. The offensive line should be improved, giving Manning more time to scan his reads and find the open man. Another 5,000-yard season should be easy for Manning in 2014 as long as he stays healthy.
Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints — 5,118 Yards
It used to be a memorable time when a quarterback would throw for over 5,000 yards in a season but Brees has turned it into a small achievement. Brees has thrown for over 5,000 yards four times in the past six seasons, includin three straight seasons with 5,100 yards or more. Saints coach Sean Payton loves the passing game more than anything, so another 650-plus passing attempts and 5,000 yards should be in order for Brees.
Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons — 4,868 Yards
While Ryan lost much of his luster in 2013 as one of the league's top quarterbacks he played well under poor circumstances. The Falcons' offensive line was an eyesore that gave up a lot of pressure, espcially interior pressure, and Ryan was without Julio Jones for most of the season. While the retirement of Tony Gonzalez will take away a trusted target, Jones return and an improved offensive line is major. Ryan is in for a bounce back season and will prove why he is amongst the best non-elite quarterbacks in the league.
Passing Touchdowns
Peyton Manning, Quarterback, Denver Broncos — 51 Touchdowns
As mentioned before, the Broncos will pass all day long and that can only mean good things for Manning and fantasy football owners. While 50 touchdowns in a season has always been a historic mark, Manning will surpass 50 touchdowns for the second year in a row.
Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints — 46 Touchdowns
Normally, throwing for 46 touchdowns would put you right at the top spot for touchdowns but of course this is a different era. While Brees may fall short of 50 touchdowns thanks to the Saints improved focus on picking up some running touchdowns, Brees will be plenty happy if he finishes the year with 46 touchdowns.
Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback, Green Bay Packers — 39 Touchdowns
Rodgers was well on-pace to have another elite season in 2013 but then the injury bug struck the Packers like a missile. Randall Cobb went down with a broken fibula, Jermichael Finley was lost due to a spine injury and Rodgers was already playing without top offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga. Things only got worse when Rodgers went down with a broken collarbone and missed the next seven games. Fortunately, everyone on the Packers offense is healthy as they prepare for training camp. Then when you add in Davante Adams and Jared Abbrederis, you get one of the best wide receiving groups in the game. Rodgers should once again deliver another MVP-like season, though he will fall short in the voting.
Rushing
Rushing Yards
Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Minnesota Vikings — 1,875 Yards
AP listened to the critics question if he could come back from a torn ACL and he silenced them with a 2,000-yard season in 2012. Now he hears similar skepticism about his age and how much longer he can keep this up for. While 1,266 yards is very good, Peterson knows it was a disappointment by his standards. He came into camp motivated to get back to the 2012 form. If Teddy Bridgewater can quickly take control of the starting job, it will present a real passing threat in this offense. Peterson's presence will open things up for Bridgewater and the play action will become much more effective. Expect Peterson to bounce back strong in 2014 and show why even at the age of 29, he is the best running back in the game.
LeSean McCoy, Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles — 1,684 Yards
McCoy has always been a special talent but it took Chip Kelly's offense for his talents to truly be harnessed and help make him into the league's beat all-around back. We know McCoy is sensational out of the backfield, but he was equally as impressive just carrying the football and making people miss. While the addition of Darren Sproles will take away touches, those will more likely come from in the passing game. The Eagles' offense is already being called faster during OTA's, which can only mean good things for McCoy.
Eddie Lacy, Running Back, Green Bay Packers — 1,573 Yards
The Packers hit gold in the second round last year when they selected Lacy. The rookie posted nearly 1,200 rushing yards last season and carried the team when Rodgers went down with the collarbone. Things should only get better for Lacy with the return of Bulaga to right tackle and a healthy Rodgers behind center. While opposing teams continue to focus on stopping Rodgers, Lacy can take advantage of deep safeties and small cornerbacks to run over.
Rushing Touchdowns
Marshawn Lynch, Running Back, Seattle Seahawks — 13 Touchdowns
The Seahawks might be planning to go with more of a committee approach at running back this season. That would certainly cut into Lynch's yardage and carry totals, but they won't take away his job inside the red zone. Lynch is as physical as they come, he was made for pushing through piles and stretching the ball out across the white line. The Seahawks can march down the field and once they get inside the 20, let Lynch pound the rock for the touchdown.
Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Minnesota Vikings —12 Touchdowns
Peterson's overall numbers took a step back last season but a big reason for that was quarterback play. The Vikings could never move the ball consistently and as a result, there were fewer opportunities for Peterson to work in the red zone. Minnesota's offense will be much improved in 2014, resulting in more trips to the end zone for Peterson.
Jamaal Charles, Running Back, Kansas City Chiefs — 11 Touchdowns
Just two years after tearing his ACL, Charles showed why a knee injury no longer means the end of a young running back's career. All it takes is time and after posting 1,500 yards in 2012 but only five touchdowns, Charles showed a nose for the end zone in 2013. Kansas City likes Knile Davis which could cut into Charles' yardage total, but he has proven himself to be money near the end zone as well as in the open field.
Receiving
Receiving Yards
Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears — 1,748 Yards
We saw Jeffery come through on the promise that made him an elite wide receiver prospect in 2012, before drops and concerns over his weight caused a drop into the second round. Jeffrey showed nice flashes as a rookie in 2012 but took a massive step forward last season, finishing with 89 receptions, 1,421 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. While Brandon Marshall will certainly see a lot of targets as well, a healthy Jay Cutler will be the big difference for Jeffery next season as he emerges with 100+ receptions and over 1,700 yards.
Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys — 1,604 Yards
I expect big things from Bryant in 2014—he continued to show more improvement as a route-runner and creating separation from cornerbacks. A big reason I expect Bryant's numbers to increase is a higher completion percentage when Romo throws to him. In 2012, Bryant caught 92 passes on 137 targets while he saw 160 targets in 2013 and only 93 receptions. 160 targets is more than enough to get reception totals into the triple digits, resulting in a nice increase in yards and touchdowns.
Demaryius Thomas, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos — 1,578 Yards
Thomas should have plenty of opportunities to prove himself as one of the top wide receivers in football next year. While Sanders will take some of Decker's reception totals away from last season, we should see more of those targets go Thomas' direction. If he can also cut down on his eight drops last season, that will give him more opportunities to create yards after the catch.
Receiving Touchdowns
Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver, Detroit Lions — 15 Touchdowns
While I don't project Johnson to finish top-three in receiving yards due to the additions of Golden Tate and Eric Ebron, I think we see Johnson explode with 15 touchdowns next season. The Lions will want to spread the ball around with their new weapons, but Johnson will remain the go-to guy in the end zone. Joseph Fauria stole a few from Johnson last year, but now those will be Johnson's for the taking.
Jimmy Graham, Tight End, New Orleans Saints — 14 Touchdowns
Whether he is a tight end or wide receiver, he knows how to find the end zone. Graham led the league in touchdowns last season, marking the second time in three years a tight end led the league. Now he enters a 2014 season with a chip on his shoulder—Graham wants to prove he is one of the best pass-catchers in the game and he should be paid as such. Another 14-touchdown season would certainly help him get closer to elite wide receiver money.
Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys — 13 Touchdowns
Another player who is entering a contract year—Bryant will be focused on not only having a career season but also helping lift the Cowboys to the playoffs. Bryant's numbers actually took a slight cut last season, but has plenty of room to improve in 2014. Bryant will again serve as the Cowboys' top weapon on offense and with an even better offensive line, Tony Romo will have more time to find him in the end zone.
Defense
Sacks
Robert Quinn, Defensive End, St. Louis Rams — 17 Sacks
Quinn was one of the big breakthrough performers of the 2013 season—after coming in with so much hype and potential in the 2011 draft, it all came together for Quinn last season. Now Quinn's challenge will be to continue with his success as offensive coordinators try and scheme away from him. Despite their best efforts, the Rams are too deep on the defensive line to allow multiple matchup problems. So Quinn should still get plenty of chances to wrap up the sacks.
J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Houston Texans — 15 Sacks
For some reason, Watt didn't receive nearly as much attention from the media last season despite another phenomenal season. It might have been a drop from 20.5 sacks in 2012 to 10.5 last year, but Watt was the same dominant player. Watt should receive more attention this season—the Texans will be much improved defensively and with another five sacks, Watt should wrap up another Defensive Player of the Year award.
Jason Pierre-Paul, Defensive End, New York Giants — 13 Sacks
It's been almost three years since Pierre-Paul lit up the NFL and put fear in the eyes of opposing quarterbacks with 16.5 sacks. In the past two seasons, JPP has combined for just 8.5 sacks as health and conditioning have remained a problem. I think we will see a change this year—Pierre-Paul is approaching a contract year and will have that drive to try and land the big payday. With improved conditioning, it should lead to better health and a good chance at a bounce back season.
Interceptions
Richard Sherman, Cornerback, Seattle Seahawks — Nine Interceptions
You would think opposing quarterbacks would just stop throwing his direction, but Sherman recorded eight interceptions for the second year in a row. Sherman has proven himself to be one of the best defensive players in the game and despite how some football fans might feel about him, he is an outstanding player. Now with a Super Bowl ring, new contract and gracing the Madden 15 cover—Sherman will be on a mission to back up his talk and improve upon his play next season.
Casey Hayward, Cornerback, Green Bay Packers — Seven Interceptions
While Hayward might be a surprise name on this list, he finished near the top in interceptions as a rookie (six) before missing most of the 2013 season with a hamstring injury. Now that he is healthy, Hayward can return to the slot where he dominated in 2012. Hayward will certainly be helped out by Sam Shields being back but especially the addition of Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix. Hayward will have the ability to take more chances and could put together a strong season.
Earl Thomas, Free Safety, Seattle Seahawks — Six Interceptions
While Sherman gets all of the attention on the Seahawks defense, the best player on the team might be Thomas. The 25-year-old free safety inspired the rest of the NFL to make the free safety a premium position in the draft, as his outstanding coverage and ball skills. While Sherman may lead the team in interceptions, Thomas can still finish amongst the top in the league in turnovers.