Washington Redskins Fantasy Preview

Who's the Skins #2 WR, and does it even matter?
The Redskins have come to be known as the "off-season champs" of the NFL, with regular season results that leave a lot to be desired. The Skins are coming off an 8-8 season that resulted them dead last in the NFC East. Dan Snyder wasn't happy and opened up the checkbook once again. Enter the $100 million dollar man, Albert Haynesworth. The problem for the Skins, and fantasy players, isn't the defense. The Redskins offense struggled to score 16.6 points per-game last season, good for 4th last in the NFL. The Skins were hoping their two 2nd round picks, Devin Thomas and Malcom Kelly, would help jump start the offense. Kelly was hobbled with injuries all season, and rumors circulating DC was Thomas was too entrinched with the DC nightlife to learn the playbook. Those two and Randle El are in a battle for the #2 spot, behind speedy Santana Moss. The Skins are hoping one of the young kids will solidify the #2 spot, putting Randle El in the slot. However, the biggest issue in Washington is the offensive line. The unit is aging, injury-prone, lacks depth, and isn't very good. Not good. All these things, put up big red flags on the Skins fantasy prospects.

Best Bet:
Chris Cooley-There is a lot to like about the Lord of the Rings look-a-like besides his talent. First, Jim Zorn's West Coast offense doesn't take many chances down field. Secondly, remember when I said the Skins offensive line isn't that good. Cambell may be under duress this year alot, and Cooley will see tons of targets. He was a bit of a fantasy disappointment last season with only 1 touchdown, but he finished 2nd and 3rd in TE receptions and targets, respectively. The Skins can't possibly be as bad as they were in the redzone last year, and if a WR steps up, Cooley will see less double teams. He's outside the "Big-4" TE's, but won't require an early round pick.

Buyer Beware:
Clinton Portis-Stop me if I'm repeating myself, but the Skins line isn't very good. Portis also has a problem staying healthy. Granted, Portis was a beast for the first half of last year, and is good in the redzone. However, I'm concerned about wear and tear. In the first two rounds theres safer options, and higher upside.

Sleeper:
Jason Cambell-This seems to against all my previous logic, but unlike Dan Snyder, Vinnie Cerato, and Redskins nation; I like Jason Cambell. The Skins may not have a high powered offense and a struggling offensive lines, but there's a lot of things I like about Jason Cambell. He's in the same offensive system for consecutive years for the first time since high school. Cambell is a little tenative with football, but doesn't make many mistakes with the football. Most importantly, there's tons of motivation. He's received multiple votes of no-confidence from Redskins brass, and it's a contract year. Maybe a breakout year?