Preseason Games Preview 8/17
Players to Watch
New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers
The New York Giants can certainly be characterized as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl this year, with a superb defense and potentially potent offense. The main question: can the Giants rookie receivers step up early and help to replace the production of departed WR Plaxico Burress? Look for Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden to carve out specialist roles in an attempt to make up for this loss of production. Hakeem Nicks (who was one of my personal favorite receivers coming out in last year's draft) is a very capable possession receiver, in the mold of Anquan Boldin, who should be able to provide a solid option for Eli on short-to-intermediate routes. Ramses Barden, a 6'6 225 receiver, should provide value as a redzone option while he works on the finer points of being an NFL receiver. Domenik Hixon and Mario Manningham should constitute Eli's most reliable deep threats. There are no true number 1 options, but if all these receivers can perform well in specific roles, they should be effective as an overall group. Eli Manning once again comes into the year as a fringe-starting quality fantasy option who has the talent for more, but also has deficiencies- i.e. throwing interceptions- which make him better suited as your backup QB. The fact remains that the Giants are a run-heavy offense, so until further notice, Manning's primary role is as a game manager. At running back, Brandon Jacobs is the clear number one and looks poised to have a big year. However, Jacobs is somewhat injury prone and the Giants like to use multiple backs. The departure of Ward, combined with the season ending injury of promising rookie RB Andre Brown, means that Ahmad Bradshaw may be in line for a big year as well.
The Carolina Panthers also are a run-heavy offense and have arguably the best tandem of running backs, D. Williams and J. Stewart, in football. Both should be able to put in solid seasons this year- with the potential to be great if one of the RB's happens to get injured. The overall success of this offense hinges on Jake Delhomme- who is undoubtedly on the downside of his career. If he can turn back time, and put in a solid season, everyone- especially Steve Smith- will benefit and be in line for big year's. If he falters throughout preseason, you might want to move Steve Smith down a bit relative to other enticing receivers like Roddy White, Reggie Wayne, and Greg Jennings. So needless to say, Delhomme is the most important player to watch throughout the preseason.
Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
For the Miami Dolphins, the success of there offense depends on the effectiveness of Ronnie Brown. Is his fantasy value completely dependant on how effective he can continue to be in the wildcat. Or can he finally blossom into the type of 3 down traditional workhorse that his talent suggests he can be. Ted Ginn represents the next best fantasy option, but the weak armed Chad Pennington is not doing him any favors by not having the arm to exploit Ginn's speed on deep routes. Pat White might have some value by performing a multitude of roles in the wildcat as a QB and as a receiver in a traditional offensive formation. His effectiveness bares watching.
The Jaguars have many questions coming into the year. Can David Garrard bounce back? can Jones-Drew hold up as the primary back? does Torry Holt have anything left? I'm inclined to answer those questions as yes, probably, and probably not. These preseason games should be able to give you some better insight into those answers.
(Note: for more complete fantasy previews of the Jaguars and Panthers, access the blog archives)
