Bloggin Hood’s 2018 Fantasy Football Preview – Jacksonville and Kansas City’s Depth Chart

Every year, thousands of fantasy players win their leagues. Not only do they receive a giant trophy, they also receive a champion’s pay check and the right to mock the rest of their league mates until next season. Few things in life are more rewarding than winning, but even fewer top winning when you’ve done nothing but start virtual players. Truly, it’s the reason many of us get out of bed in the morning.

However, for every winner, there are hundreds of thousands of losers. Some of these poor unfortunate souls finish in second place. Others just miss the playoffs. But a select few come in dead last. These outcasts are mocked by even the next to last place finisher, forced to suffer through unending punishments and shamed to the point of severe confidence loss. There’s a reason you see a bunch of Viagra commercials during the NFL season. That will put those images of people sitting in adjacent tubs outside in a whole new light.

The 2018 Bloggin Hood Fantasy guide doesn’t look to help the first place winner. No, that’s not the Bloggin Hood way. Instead, we intend to give to the poor(poorly informed) by taking knowledge through tons of research(the rich). Now, who actually did this research? Why me, Bloggin Hood of course. If you don’t trust my work, go ahead suck a rock, or kick lemons. Do it in reverse and see if I care.

The Blogging Hood Fantasy guide is not for the faint of heart. The word count would make George RR Martin blush, mostly because he’s forgotten how to write. This year, we’re not even stopping at one preview. Welcome to Part 1 of the 2018 fantasy guide – Team Previews.

Over the next 16 weekdays, right until the last day in July, we’ll be looking at two NFL depth charts for potential breakouts, busts, and deep names to consider. What we will not be doing in part one is addresses ADP, or any actual rankings. I haven’t looked at any of that stuff yet. At this point in the year, it’s irrelevant. If you’re drafting in July, it means you’re baseball team has probably tanked to 12^th place. It’s way too early to hone in on ADP. We’ll save that for part two.

If you followed the Bloggin Hood Fantasy Baseball guide and find yourself in 12^th place, no refunds.

Without further ado, let’s dissect two team’s depth charts, as per rotoworld.com.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Wild Bortles waiting for the right moment to throw that backbreaking INT

Plenty of people were surprised by the Jaguars’ success last season. These same people struggle with pattern recognition and obvious trends. The Jaguars had either drafted or signed half of the good defensive players in the NFL – the Rams have recently signed up the rest. The only way the team would fail is if they scored 0 points on offense. And try to score zero they did.

The Jaguars used an impressive strategy of run the ball as much as possible and never let Blake Bortles throw unless he had to. To the team’s credit, this formula almost lead them to a super bowl berth. When it looked as though the Jags would enter the Kirk Cousins lottery, or maybe even trade for Eli Manning, they instead extended Bortles, in a baffling, possibly franchise damning move. Maybe the Jags know something we don’t. Maybe they decided to not throw the ball at all this season. Based on their offensive losses, they might. Both Allen’s, Hurns and Robinson are gone, and what’s left is a group of exciting no names, and a few overrated receivers. Perfect for Bortles’ success.

QBs

Blake Bortles – Despite the bashing Bortles has already received in his team preview, as well as on the internet and TV for years, he does deserve credit. Only four teams made the Championship round, and his team beat the heavily favored Steelers at home. It brings back memories of Mark Sanchez. Ok, I don’t think this is a compliment anymore.

Bortles has a reputation as a great fantasy QB, stemming from 2015, where he was a garbage time maven. Bortles selflessly let his team trail by multiple scores, and then poured on meaningless stats at the end of the games, delighting fantasy owners. Unfortunately, as the Jags look to be competitive, garbage time no longer exists. Bortles’ opportunities dwindled, and his fantasy value was saved a bit by his running ability. This isn’t a guy you want to be starting weekly, especially with that defense and the lack of receiving talent. He’s streamable – reports are the Jags schedule is weak – but not a weekly play. Look for Bortles to make the playoffs so you can bet heavily against him.

RBs

Leonard Fournette – I have to be honest with you readers. I’m not a Fournette guy. I know he’s talented, but how good is he really? Fournette always seems hurt, playing in 13 games and hobbled in a few others. He averaged less than 4 yards per carry, and while you can blame the QB play for that, guess who’s still behind center this year. I think the most concerning issue with Fournette is when he was hurt, the team ran the ball just as effectively. If he was such a game changer, this wouldn’t happen. Volume reigns king in fantasy, and that’ll make Fournette an RB 1 for even the biggest doubter, but I don’t see him on any of my rosters. When he’s my next RB, I’m guessing I’m go WR. I anticipate Fournette outside of my top 10 at the position.

TJ Yeldon – My bashing of Fournette might make you think I love TJ Yeldon. I don’t. I mean, Yeldon is fine as a change of pace back, and he might earn the pass catching role as Forunette doesn’t have the best hands. Those traits alone have value. He’s also the popular handcuff choice behind Fournette especially with the sketchy injury history. Just don’t expect big things from Yeldon if he gets a few starts. There’s a guy nipping on his heels I’d much rather own personally.

Corey Grant – I know, I know, he barely played last year. But am I crazy saying I think this guy would be a compelled late round flier based on the little  work we’ve seem. When Grant gets the ball, it seems like good things happen, and that’s not by chance. I know it was only 30 carries, but Grant averaged over 8 yards an attempt. He also contributed in the playoffs when he got opportunities. The real question is, why didn’t the Jags give him more work? They have stated they want him more involved, and with little in the passing game, I like Grant as a sleeper. He deserves the second most backfield touches on this team. Whether he gets them or not is a different story. And all it’ll take is another foot/leg injury for Fournette to unleash Grant.

WRs

Marqise Lee – I’ve always been a fan of Lee, whether it’s deserved or not. I liked him out of USC, but as the tradition goes, nobody from USC ever lives up to their hype. Lee had two years of obscurity before having a decent third year, and good follow up fourth season He’s never going to be a #1 on an NFL team, but he’s the defacto one on the Jags. A 700-800 receiving season is likely, and he should lead the team in targets. Somebody of the remaining 4 options will emerge, but until then, Lee is a middling WR3 option in the right matchup. Somebody has to catch passes.

Donte Moncrief – Moncrief has been a walking injury his whole career, and after a promising sophomore season, he never really put it together with the Colts. Part of the problem was the collapsing infrastructure. The other part is Moncrief might just not be that good of a receiver. He may ultimately serve as the team’s goal line threat. He’s 6’2” and had 7 TDS on 30 catches in 2016. I don’t think he’s a player you should be drafting though. If you want a Jags wide out whose not Lee, firstly God bless you. Secondly, shoot for upside instead.

Dede Westbrook – In the 2017 preseason, Westbrook blew up and looked poise to force himself into a prominent role on the team. Then, as all the Jags WRs began to drop like flies, Westbrook joined them, missing the first 9 games. He actually recorded 27 catches for 339 yards, not bad for a rookie season. Logically, Westbrook should gain that prominent role he had. The only problem is he might end up only being the #3 on the team.

Keelan Cole –  Cole benefited from the teams dearth of injuries and had a pretty explosive rookie season, including back to back 100 yard weeks toward the end of the season. Cole should probably be the #2 receiver on the team, but with Moncrief, Wesbrook and DJ Chark, his opportunities may be limited. I expect Cole to get the first crack as the #2 job and then it’s his to lose. You don’t really want the second option on a Blake Bortles led offense. You don’t really want any of the options. But, again, somebody has to catch passes for yards on an NFL roster. Westbrook has as much of a chance as anyone. Now that’s compelling.

DJ Chark – Chark is a second round pick and even though the players above him haven’t proven much, it’ll be tough for him to do anything this season. Still, you wouldn’t have expected guys named Dede and Keelan to contribute in 2017, so keep Chark’s name in mind.

TE

It’s really a poo poo platter at TE. For now, you can completely avoid this position, unless Mercedes Lewis comes back for another season. Then you can laugh at the Jags while avoiding the position.

Kansas City Chiefs

“Who the Hell is Kareem Hunt?” – Andy Reid Probably

I have a feeling Andy Reid must have dirt on the Kansas City Ownership Team. How else could you explain him keeping his job after yet another playoff implosion? It doesn’t stop there though. He also misused a star running back, again. I mean, at this point, it’s practically Reid’s signature move. He falls in love with the passing attack so much, he forgets the main weapon on the team. Also, don’t think he force feeds his star receiver – he finds a way to avoid any weapons for huge stretches at a time. Truly, the miraculous thing is how good Reid’s offenses are every year, despite his forgetfulness as a coach. It’s like watching a man with a broken leg run the 100 meter dash and still have a fast time. It’s compelling.

The biggest change to the offense is Patrick Mahomes. Alex Smith is gone to Washington and Mahomes, last year’s draft pick, will take the reigns with an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. He’s actually one of the most important swing players in fantasy. His failure will crush a lot of high ranked options.

Oh, they also brought in Sammy Watkins. He still plays football, though if you watched every snap last season, you might not have noticed.

QBs

Patrick Mahomes – With only one game to go off of, it’s tough to rank Mahomes. He did play pretty well in his first game, and few teams have the weapons the Chiefs have. It’s easy to make fun of Andy Reid, but it’s rare his teams don’t score, so Mahomes will likely be a top 12 QB. The question is if drafters have the guts to pick him this aggressively? Personally, I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t mind Mahomes being a platoon player on my team, preferably with a QB who has a good early schedule so I can se how Mahomes adjusts. I do think you’re being irresponsible if you just start Mahomes week 1 as a plug and play. There’s too many good QBs for that.

Now, by October, Mahomes might be entrenched as a must have fantasy player. Consider how much ragging Alex Smith took yearly, and then remember he was always competent fantasy QB. You could argue as a veteran, Smith was put in a system where he didn’t fail. You could also easily argue Mahomes has more talent than Smith, and will be used in the same system. So while I wouldn’t start Mahomes week 1, I’d love to have him with a Rivers or Roethlisberger for the enormous upside.

RBs

Kareem Hunt – Kareem the dream had the most frustrating rushing title season in NFL history. Hunt’s first NFL carry was a fumble. His next 46 were legendary. Hunt managed at least 100 yards in his first 3 games, including a 246, 3 TD debut. He had 6 TDs in his first three games and was the best player in fantasy at the time. Then, the next ten weeks were brutal. Hunt’s skills remained the same, but he wasn’t scoring TDs and some games, he wasn’t involved. Inexplicity, Hunt received 11 carries or less in 4 of those games, and fantasy owners began to consider benching him. Fortunately, Hunt rebounded for the playoffs, scoring a TD in each of the final four weeks and looking like the early season monster he was. So what do we expect this year?

Hunt is definitely a first round pick, and a mid range RB 1. Despite catching 55 passes, Andy Reid wants to use him more in the passing game. Personally, I’ll trade a few carries a game for an extra reception or two. Hunt does his best damage in space, so the receptions could be key. I’m not worried about the other backs on the roster stealing to much work. My main concern is Andy Reid forgetting about his back and only giving him ten touches. If he was guaranteed a regular workload from a sane coach, Hunt and David Johnson is a real debate.

Spencer Ware – In 2016, Ware was pretty solid, if not spectacular overall, and was in line to be the starting back. There was plenty of Kareem Hunt hype, but it seemed like fantasy hyping the next player more than anything. Then, Ware suffered multiple knee ligament tears, and that was the end of the season. If he was healthy, Hunt might never have been a sensation. Now, unfortunately for Ware, he seems to be struggling with his recovery. Ware doesn’t seem 100%, and the team added veteran backs. Now, I wouldn’t draft Ware in any format until I see him look healthy. He could have had value even with Hunt as the main back.

Charcandrick West – Looking at West’s numbers, I thought he was much more involved last year. Instead, he had 18 carries and 27 catches. He did have 4 TDs, though only two came during Hunt’s TD drought (both in week 5). I don’t think West is more than Depth for the Chiefs, and a potential handcuff for Hunt, especially if Hunt’s pass catching role truly does expand. I’d prefer seeing West get a few more carries to keep Hunt rested.

WRs

Tyreek Hill – Hill was fairly inconsistent, but a 75 catch 1,100 yard season matters, especially with Alex Smith. Mahomes has a much bigger arm, so there’s the potential for a lot more from Hill. However, I wouldn’t go calling him a WR1 just yet. The inconsistency is still there, and Hill relied a lot on big plays for his production. Don’t assume that all of those big plays repeat itself. There’s a chance Hill could actually big a better receiver this year but have less fantasy impact. If you can get Hill as your WR2, go for it. He could easily be a WR 1, but a lot of that depends on how quickly Mahomes develops. It also depends on how Andy Reid decides to use the following player.

Sammy Watkins – Watkins has been a grave disappointment in his career. Most of this is due to injuries, but his performance with the Rams last year will forever be a head scratcher. Watkins was set to be the WR1 in the offense, and Jared Goff made huge strides in his second year. The offense clicked and nearly everyone produced, except Watkins, who might as well not had shown up. Watkins managed to score 8 TDs, but only caught 39 balls and still felt irrelevant.

Andy Reid has promised to use Watkins all over the field, and not just be a decoy fly route runner. This sounds nice in theory, but I need to see some health and consistency out of Watkins before I buy in again. Is he worth a later round pick? Of course. But not much more than that, and I have a feeling the hype will be much higher than that. Watkins is a guy I’m willing to be wrong about. After all, isn’t Tyreek a proven, younger version of Watkins at this point?

TEs

Travis Kelce – What could have been. If Kelce didn’t get hurt in the fist half of the playoff game against the Titans, the Chiefs probably win. Ehh, then again, Andy Reid might have discovered a new way to lose, so who knows?

Kelce has been a premier pass catching TE for the four seasons he’s been in the league. However, I have to wonder if some of that volume will be spread to Sammy Watkins. The team hasn’t had two quality receivers in the 4 years Kelce has been on the roster. Until last year, he’s never been much of a goal line threat, something Watkins picked up in LA. I’d expect Kelce’s role to stay about the same, maybe losing out on about 10-15 targets. He’s still a premier TE, one of the first 2-3 that should come off the board, meaning he’s way too expensive for me. If you play in a PPR league and like consistency, Kelce is a good safe choice.