The Texans: Breaking Away

Posted on June 18, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

(AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

Even though the Texans (12-4) seemed to struggle at the end of the season, missing out on a bye in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, the Texans were still a top team in most major categories but one — pass yards allowed. Most of the Texans free agents are on defense (including starters Connor Barwin, Shaun Cody, and Glover Quinn) with potential depth issues for both the line backers and the defensive backs. The team’s starting right tackle was an unrestricted free agent. Continue reading →

The Buccaneers: Come Together

Posted on June 17, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

The Buccaneers (7-9) finished the 2012 season ranked in the top-half of offenses in 2012. Besides having a decision to make on re-signing Dallas Clark and LeGarrette Blount, the Buccaneers had no free agency issues on offense. On defense, however, the Bucs allowed the tenth most points in the league, and were a league worst in pass yards allowed. The Bucs were No. 1 against the rush, however. The Buccaneers were expected to tackle Continue reading →

The Jaguars: On the Prowl

Posted on June 14, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

The Jaguars (2-14) had one of the worst offenses and defenses in the league in 2013. It all begins with the quarterback position where the Jaguars have yet to truly find a franchise quarterback. It will likely be one more season before they do. In 2012, the Jaguars offensive line was awful, giving up 50 sacks, third most in the league. Adding quality offensive linemen was a must this off-season for the Jaguars, especially with a new coaching staff. After Maurice Jones-Drew, it is unknown whether the current set of rostered running backs can step up if Jones-Drew misses time yet again. Much like the offense, the defense needs help too. Both starting cornerbacks are expected to be free agents and there are needs at linebacker. The Jags should upgrade where they can. The Jaguars entered the off-season as a team with many needs. Continue reading →

The Packers: Staying Dominant

Posted on June 12, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

: (AP Photo/David Stluka)

After a rough start to the season, the Packers (11-5) pulled it together to win the division. The Packers continued to struggle at times in pass defense, and their rush defense was ranked towards the middle of all teams. Notwithstanding the fact that several of the Packers top wide receivers missed several games, the unit finished top ten in passing. In free agency, the Packers only have ten free agents, five of which are restricted. The Packers have a quality team that could take the field tomorrow. That said, the Packers will likely Continue reading →

The Vikings: Looking To Stay On Top

Posted on June 11, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

The Vikings (10-6) finished with a much better record than many expected as they struggled in certain respects. Statistically, the Vikings were ranked No. 31 in pass yards per game. Besides Percy Harvin and Kyle Rudolph, Vikings wide receivers struggled. So, even before off-season reports that Harvin wanted to be traded, the Vikings had an off season need at the wide-receiver position. On defense, the Vikings struggled in pass defense, finishing with the ninth most yards allowed. As for the offense, with both Jerome Simpson and Devin Aromashadu not expected to be re-signed, the Vikings were expected to make a play for one of the top wide receivers available in free agency. In addition, the Vikings needed to re-sign starting Continue reading →

The Cardinals: A Phoenix Rising

Posted on June 9, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

The Cardinals (5-11) had the second-worst scoring offense in the league last season. Besides being last in total yards, the Cardinals were last in rushing yards and the fifth worst in passing yards. In large part, this was due to an underperforming offensive line that had its share of protection problems, allowing 58 sacks, the most in the NFL! Also, the offensive line had problems opening up holes for an injury ridden running back group. The expectation is that this will all change in 2013. Continue reading →

The Browns: Keeping The Faith

Posted on June 7, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

The Browns (5-11) biggest problem in 2012 was getting points on the board. Despite the nay-sayers, Brandon Weeden was certainly an upgrade at the quarterback position as was Josh Gordon at the wide receiver position. Still, offensively, the Browns can do better in both pass and rush offense. The Browns looked like a team that would add another quarterback in free agency, by way of a trade, or in the draft. A big-time, wide receiver that could help open up the field with Gordon (whether in the slot or otherwise) was a top need of the offense entering the off-season. With the tackle positions looking set, Continue reading →

The Steelers: Action, Not Words

Posted on June 6, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

: (AP Photo/Tom Hauck)

Much like the Ravens, the Steelers (8-8 ) looked like a team in transition mostly because big-play wide receiver Mike Wallace wasn’t expected to return, and there was no clear-cut No. 1 running back to speak of. It’s hard to see either Antonio Brown or Emmanuel Sanders as the deep threat that Wallace was. Likewise, even in a committee situation Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman struggled at times. Indeed, the Steelers offense ranked seventh in least rush yards per game. Entering free agency, the Steelers had a need at both positions whether they cared to admit to it or not. With TE Heath Miller Continue reading →

The Panthers: Gathering Pieces

Posted on June 5, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

After a terrible start, the Panthers salvaged their season, finishing 7-9, once the offense opened up. As play during the course of the regular season made patently obvious, the Panthers were still searching for a compliment to wide receiver Steve Smith. The Panthers looked like they were ready to part ways with DeAngelo Williams after signing Jonathan Stewart to an extension. Otherwise, there were no real roster issues on offense. The Panthers just needed to play better under Cam Newton. Continue reading →

The Chiefs: Building Chiefs Kingdom

Posted on June 4, 2013 by The Fantasy Greek

Tackle Eric Fisher from Central Michigan stands with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected first overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Radio City Music Hall in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Andy Reid does not inherit a bad team, but an underperforming team. While the Chiefs (2-14) boasted a top-five rush offense, their pass offense was the worst in the league. The Chiefs averaged a basement dwelling average of 13.2 points scored per game. By these measurements, adding QB Alex Smith in a trade with the 49ers and re-signing WR Dwayne Bowe were two very important moves for the Chiefs. It immediately addressed two areas of great need before free agency even started. By re-signing Bowe, the Chiefs basically signed one of the top free agent wide receiver prospects before anyone else had the chance. In trading for Smith, the Continue reading →