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On the whole, the fantasy community suffers from an incurable case of gerontophobia, the deep-seated fear or hatred of the elderly.
As detailed in an earlier piece on ageism and veteran wideouts (e.g. Steve Smith, Pierre Garcon and Marques Colston), owners are squandering profitable draft day opportunities by circumventing proven commodities for the upside allure of shiny new toys like Melvin Gordon, T.J. Yeldon, Amari Cooper and Kevin White. Some investments in youth (e.g. Ameer Abdullah) are completely warranted and encouraged. Others, meanwhile, are wishful (e.g. Breshad Perriman), reaches which are sure to end unpleasantly.*
[Yahoo Sports Fantasy Football: Sign up and join a league today!]
In football years, the following players may seem old and wrinkly, but this year they’re sure to bathe in the Fountain of Youth:
Danny Woodhead, SD, RB (125.6 ADP, RB49) – The NFL’s Saul Silver should have PPR players riding high. Two years ago he was a fixture in San Diego’s offense, a slippery dual threat that picked apart defenses in all facets. Though he saw action on only 41.3 percent of team snaps, he was the essence of efficiency totaling 1,030 yards and eight touchdowns on 182 touches (76 receptions). Derailed early last year after suffering a broken leg in Week 3, the now healthy water bug is primed for a bounce back. Reportedly “fast and healthy” at OTAs, he recovered smoothly. With first-round pick Gordon in town, the vet will only see sporadic work on early downs. However, because of his superior blocking and receiving skills, he’s sure to be a cog, as Chargers beat man Michael Gehlken described, in passing situations. Going well into the double-digit rounds even in PPR exercises, Philip Rivers' binky is a viable top-30 RB candidate.*
Eric Decker, NYJ, WR (126.6 ADP, WR50) – Really the only reliable option at Geno Smith’s disposal, Decker struggled mightily in his first season in the Big Apple. Constant double-teams coupled with an ultra-conservative offense and occasionally incompetent QB, greatly hindered his contributions. Still, despite the numerous obstacles, he churned out an employable WR3 line. His 74-962-5 output ranked No. 29 among WRs. Compared to last fall’s frigidity, the Jets’ situation is considerably warmer. Rex Ryan is now grounding-and-pounding in Buffalo, Brandon Marshall is in the mix and Geno has allegedly made significant strides. In Chan Gailey’s spread system, Decker will benefit. Reduced pressure alone should help him shake off the shackles. Drops and random turf monsters were problematic last year, but he still managed to post a respectable 67.3 catch rate and ranked No. 24 in overall rating according to Pro Football Focus. His receptions and yards should remain stable, but a TD boost (7-9 scores) is entirely likely. He’s a crazy good deal at his 126.0 ADP (WR50).
Vernon Davis, SF, TE (148.3 ADP, TE15)*– Last year, Davis invited supporters to his posh beachside residence for a weekend of fun and frivolity. Sadly, when owners showed up, they soon discovered he was deceased, an un-revivable lump of statistical sterility. After a studly 2013 (52-850-13), VD infected the masses in the follow-up. Often glued to the line as a run-blocker, he was the forgotten man in Greg Roman’s conservative offense. Early nicks and scrapers and a lengthy contract dispute were partially to blame, but his ONE red-zone target in 13 games was inexplicable (21 in ’13). Davis is no spring chicken at 32, but new offensive coordinator Geep Chryst vows to inject new life in his flat-lined career. The TE reportedly worked his tail off this offseason to get back on track. Admittedly feeling “like a rookie again” physically, he’s shown vintage form in OTAs and in training camp. Colin Kaepernick’s inaccuracy doesn’t inspire much confidence, but the Niners’ projected yielding D does.* If the staff’s renewed commitment to Davis materializes, the field-stretcher could return to the 50-800-7 range, at a minimum.
[Fantasy Draft Guide:*Safest Bets*|*Busts; |*Sleepers; |*Breakout Candidates*|*Top Rookies]
Larry Fitzgerald, Ari, WR (95.6 ADP, WR39) – How quickly the mighty have fallen. Two years ago, Fitz saved face off coming off a horrific 2012, a season in which he finished No. 76 in fantasy points per snap (0.18) and No. 56 in points per game at WR. In sync over 16 games with Carson Palmer that fall he was a fixture inside the red zone churning out an 82-954-10 line. Slated to rekindle the romance from the previous year, Fitz and Palmer were expected to be nearly inseparable last year. Prior to the QB's season-ending knee injury they indeed were. Over six games, the pair connected 28 times for 418 yards and a touchdown. Extrapolate that over a full 16-game slate (75-1114-3) and Fitz would’ve ranked No. 28 in per game among WRs. Instead, due to the rotation of repulsiveness at QB after Palmer’s injury, the wideout landed outside the top-50 in overall WR worth. Expected to man the slot exclusively in Bruce Arians’ fast-paced no-huddle offense, he and the Red Baron should get back on the same page, especially if Michael Floyd, who is dealing with dislocated fingers, misses action early on. John Brown is the buzziest receiver in the desert, but the 8-time Pro Bowler can still bring the heat.
Sam Bradford, Phi, QB (117.6 ADP, QB15) – Based on the precedent set, Bradford would make Darren McFadden seem durable. Since being selected No. 1 overall by the Rams in 2010, the tattered QB has missed 31 total games, including all of 2014. Though he was on pace to establish career bests in yards (3,856) and touchdowns (32) in 2013, his finest fantasy finish was the year prior when he ‘altered the Earth's tilt’ as the 19th most valuable passer. However, no longer wading in the muck of the Mississippi, the chronic underachiever may finally deliver on his QB1 promise. Chip Kelly, as crazy and potentially racist as he may be, is an offensive genius. The breakneck speed in which his teams play often leaves opponents winded and confused. As a result, players, even previously inept ones, in his system typically post fruitful numbers. Mark Sanchez of all people notched 0.45 points per dropback and ranked No. 16 in per game average under the Chipster last year. Bradford, who recently said he’s “really happy” with how his knee feels, should better his predecessor. The injury risk is palpable, but on a team likely to rank top-five in pass attempts, he owns 4,000-yard, 30-TD upside.*
Want to bull rush Brad? Follow him on Twitter*@YahooNoise. And don't forget to catch the Yahoo Fantasy Crew on the season-debut of 'Fantasy Football Live' August 11-13 at 6:30 PM ET on NBCSN.*
As detailed in an earlier piece on ageism and veteran wideouts (e.g. Steve Smith, Pierre Garcon and Marques Colston), owners are squandering profitable draft day opportunities by circumventing proven commodities for the upside allure of shiny new toys like Melvin Gordon, T.J. Yeldon, Amari Cooper and Kevin White. Some investments in youth (e.g. Ameer Abdullah) are completely warranted and encouraged. Others, meanwhile, are wishful (e.g. Breshad Perriman), reaches which are sure to end unpleasantly.*
[Yahoo Sports Fantasy Football: Sign up and join a league today!]
In football years, the following players may seem old and wrinkly, but this year they’re sure to bathe in the Fountain of Youth:
Danny Woodhead, SD, RB (125.6 ADP, RB49) – The NFL’s Saul Silver should have PPR players riding high. Two years ago he was a fixture in San Diego’s offense, a slippery dual threat that picked apart defenses in all facets. Though he saw action on only 41.3 percent of team snaps, he was the essence of efficiency totaling 1,030 yards and eight touchdowns on 182 touches (76 receptions). Derailed early last year after suffering a broken leg in Week 3, the now healthy water bug is primed for a bounce back. Reportedly “fast and healthy” at OTAs, he recovered smoothly. With first-round pick Gordon in town, the vet will only see sporadic work on early downs. However, because of his superior blocking and receiving skills, he’s sure to be a cog, as Chargers beat man Michael Gehlken described, in passing situations. Going well into the double-digit rounds even in PPR exercises, Philip Rivers' binky is a viable top-30 RB candidate.*
Eric Decker, NYJ, WR (126.6 ADP, WR50) – Really the only reliable option at Geno Smith’s disposal, Decker struggled mightily in his first season in the Big Apple. Constant double-teams coupled with an ultra-conservative offense and occasionally incompetent QB, greatly hindered his contributions. Still, despite the numerous obstacles, he churned out an employable WR3 line. His 74-962-5 output ranked No. 29 among WRs. Compared to last fall’s frigidity, the Jets’ situation is considerably warmer. Rex Ryan is now grounding-and-pounding in Buffalo, Brandon Marshall is in the mix and Geno has allegedly made significant strides. In Chan Gailey’s spread system, Decker will benefit. Reduced pressure alone should help him shake off the shackles. Drops and random turf monsters were problematic last year, but he still managed to post a respectable 67.3 catch rate and ranked No. 24 in overall rating according to Pro Football Focus. His receptions and yards should remain stable, but a TD boost (7-9 scores) is entirely likely. He’s a crazy good deal at his 126.0 ADP (WR50).
Vernon Davis, SF, TE (148.3 ADP, TE15)*– Last year, Davis invited supporters to his posh beachside residence for a weekend of fun and frivolity. Sadly, when owners showed up, they soon discovered he was deceased, an un-revivable lump of statistical sterility. After a studly 2013 (52-850-13), VD infected the masses in the follow-up. Often glued to the line as a run-blocker, he was the forgotten man in Greg Roman’s conservative offense. Early nicks and scrapers and a lengthy contract dispute were partially to blame, but his ONE red-zone target in 13 games was inexplicable (21 in ’13). Davis is no spring chicken at 32, but new offensive coordinator Geep Chryst vows to inject new life in his flat-lined career. The TE reportedly worked his tail off this offseason to get back on track. Admittedly feeling “like a rookie again” physically, he’s shown vintage form in OTAs and in training camp. Colin Kaepernick’s inaccuracy doesn’t inspire much confidence, but the Niners’ projected yielding D does.* If the staff’s renewed commitment to Davis materializes, the field-stretcher could return to the 50-800-7 range, at a minimum.
[Fantasy Draft Guide:*Safest Bets*|*Busts; |*Sleepers; |*Breakout Candidates*|*Top Rookies]
Larry Fitzgerald, Ari, WR (95.6 ADP, WR39) – How quickly the mighty have fallen. Two years ago, Fitz saved face off coming off a horrific 2012, a season in which he finished No. 76 in fantasy points per snap (0.18) and No. 56 in points per game at WR. In sync over 16 games with Carson Palmer that fall he was a fixture inside the red zone churning out an 82-954-10 line. Slated to rekindle the romance from the previous year, Fitz and Palmer were expected to be nearly inseparable last year. Prior to the QB's season-ending knee injury they indeed were. Over six games, the pair connected 28 times for 418 yards and a touchdown. Extrapolate that over a full 16-game slate (75-1114-3) and Fitz would’ve ranked No. 28 in per game among WRs. Instead, due to the rotation of repulsiveness at QB after Palmer’s injury, the wideout landed outside the top-50 in overall WR worth. Expected to man the slot exclusively in Bruce Arians’ fast-paced no-huddle offense, he and the Red Baron should get back on the same page, especially if Michael Floyd, who is dealing with dislocated fingers, misses action early on. John Brown is the buzziest receiver in the desert, but the 8-time Pro Bowler can still bring the heat.
Sam Bradford, Phi, QB (117.6 ADP, QB15) – Based on the precedent set, Bradford would make Darren McFadden seem durable. Since being selected No. 1 overall by the Rams in 2010, the tattered QB has missed 31 total games, including all of 2014. Though he was on pace to establish career bests in yards (3,856) and touchdowns (32) in 2013, his finest fantasy finish was the year prior when he ‘altered the Earth's tilt’ as the 19th most valuable passer. However, no longer wading in the muck of the Mississippi, the chronic underachiever may finally deliver on his QB1 promise. Chip Kelly, as crazy and potentially racist as he may be, is an offensive genius. The breakneck speed in which his teams play often leaves opponents winded and confused. As a result, players, even previously inept ones, in his system typically post fruitful numbers. Mark Sanchez of all people notched 0.45 points per dropback and ranked No. 16 in per game average under the Chipster last year. Bradford, who recently said he’s “really happy” with how his knee feels, should better his predecessor. The injury risk is palpable, but on a team likely to rank top-five in pass attempts, he owns 4,000-yard, 30-TD upside.*
Want to bull rush Brad? Follow him on Twitter*@YahooNoise. And don't forget to catch the Yahoo Fantasy Crew on the season-debut of 'Fantasy Football Live' August 11-13 at 6:30 PM ET on NBCSN.*