The NFC East is the toughest division to call year in, and year out. No one would want to be in the same room as a Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, and Redskins fan when talking about this division. Generally speaking, the battle for first is always a barn-burner. And, with the Redskins drafting Robert Griffin III and adding Pierre Garcon in free agency, the Redskins have become a more formidable team. From a fantasy football perspective, there is a lot of talent too — Vick, Romo, Manning and RGIII! McCoy, Murray, Bradshaw, and Wilson! And, Nicks, Cruz, Maclin, Jackson, Bryant, Witten, Austin, Garcon, and Davis!
As you read through the previews below, among other things, you will a player’s projected draft round is based on a twelve team league due to the fact that the fantasy draft pool of players shrinks faster in a twelve team league than in a ten team league. The previews also assume a fourteen round draft, and a roster made up of a QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, WR, TE, DST, and K. We also assume most fantasy football players do not draft a second defense-special teams unit (DST) due to the fact that one can be picked up off waivers for bye weeks. Besides, every season, the top-twelve defensive units have their share of turnover, and so while one DST might be good one season, it may not be good the next. The Fantasy Greek likes drafting defensive units, in the latter rounds of drafts.
When fantasy footballers draft, they must consider the block of players on the board to be drafted in any given round to fill their positional needs, as well as what round each player should be drafted in. This is important because generally speaking, no player should be drafted before it is time. If you let other players reach on their draft picks, you should be able to draft a quality team by comparison.
Hopefully, the previews help in understanding this concept. Enjoy the previews. And, please, don’t forget to post your comments and questions in the chat box below. They are very much appreciated.
At the beginning of last season, it looked like the “Dream Team” the Eagles assembled would not only win the division and make the playoffs, but contend for a Super Bowl championship. And while the Eagles started and finished strong (4-game winning streak), there were many games in between where they simply could not win and their 8-8 record (3-5 home, 5-3 road) reflects this. On the other hand, the Eagles dominated the NFC East with a 5-1 record.
| Points | Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | |
| Offense | 24.8* | 399.1 | 256.9 | 142.2 |
| (8)** | (4) | (9) | (5) | |
| Defense | 20.5 | 324.9 | 212.3 | 112.6 |
| (10) | (8) | (10) | (16) |
*Top number is average per game in 2011.
** Bottom numbers in parenthesis is the team’s ranking among all 32 NFL teams in 2011.
Defensively, the Eagles struggled more so defending the rush. During the off-season, the Eagles were expected to improve the very gut of their offense by improving their linebacker play and building depth at the defensive tackle position. Help at the safety position while making some sense, was not a priority. Offensively, the Eagles need to do a better job protecting Michael Vick, and add depth to the running back and wide receiver position. This past off-season, the Eagles simply needed to plug a few holes and upgrade where they could.
Free Agency Signings/Trade(s)
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| LB Demeco Ryans | Texans |
| C Steve Vallos | Browns |
| LT Demetress Bell | Bills |
Well, the Eagles started by re-signing WR DeSean Jackson (even though there had been talk of trading him at one point in the off-season) to a long term deal. In free agency, the Eagles scored LB Demeco Ryans in a trade with the Texans and immediately quelled their most burning roster need. Even with the signing of LB Demeco Ryans, the Eagles still needed another high-impact linebacker. On the offensive line, the Eagles lost LT Jason Peters for the 2012 season (achilles injury).
Draft Picks
| Round | Draft Pick | Pick | Overall |
| 1 | DT Fletcher Cox | 12 | 12 |
| 2 | ILB Mychal Kendricks | 14 | 46 |
| 2 | DE Vinny Curry | 27 | 59 |
| 3 | QB Nick Foles | 25 | 88 |
| 4 | CB Brandon Boykin | 28 | 123 |
| 5 | T Dennis Kelly | 18 | 153 |
| 6 | WR Marvin McNutt | 24 | 194 |
| 6 | G Brandon Washington | 30 | 200 |
| 7 | RB Bryce Brown | 22 | 229 |
The Eagles had a great draft, top-five in The Fantasy Greek’s estimation. They were able to add solid depth and draft players who should have been drafted earlier. The Fantasy Greek loved the additions of DT Fletcher Cox and LB Mychael Kendricks, both of who should contribute to what is shaping up to be one of the better defenses in the league. Our biggest surprise was to see WR Marvin McNutt fall to the sixth round.
Fantasy Football Players
Any and all fantasy footballers lucky enough to have Michael Vick (3,303 pass yards, 18 pass TDs, 14 INTs, 76 rushes, 589 rush yards, 1 rush TD, 4 FMBLs) on their fantasy football team when he has played injury free, and has scored a bunch of rushing touchdowns, knows exactly how valuable he is to the Eagles, and to fantasy football. When he excels like he did in 2010, Vick is a top-five fantasy QB despite missing three and one-half games that season. However, in 2011, Vick’s interceptions sky-rocketed, from six to fourteen, and Vick’s rushing touchdowns plummeted, from nine to one. This pre-season, Vick reminded us fantasy footballers that he is injury prone. Even though drawing one of the tougher passing schedules, Vick is still a top-ten fantasy football option, draftable in Rounds 4 or 5. With the way rookie Nick Foles filled in for the injured Vick in the pre-season, Foles should get the back-up job.
The Eagles arguably have one of the best set of young receivers in the NFL — DeSean Jackson (58 recpts., 7 rushes, 1,002 APY, 4 TDs, 1 FMBL), Jeremy Maclin (63 recpts., 859 yards, 5 TDs, 1 FMBL), and TE Brent Celek (62 recpts., 811 yards, 5 TDs). Out of the three, Jeremy Maclin has the most value. His 2011 statistics are skewed due to the fact that he missed three games in 2011. Had he played every game in 2011, Maclin was on pace to post 1,057 yards receiving, 6 touchdowns, on 78 receptions. Maclin and Jackson will likely be drafted too early in fantasy football, based on name recognition only. Maclin is draftable as a high-end WR3 in Round 6, while Jackson is draftable as a solid WR3 in Round 7. The numbers don’t support drafting them higher. As for Celek, he has the makings of a low-end TE1, draftable in Round 10. As for some of the other Eagles wide-outs, like Riley Cooper (injured-collar bone), Jason Avant, and rookie Marvin McNutt, none is worth a fantasy football draft pick at this time. However, rookie Marvin McNutt is a player to monitor as he showed a lot of potential coming out of college.
Running back LeSean McCoy was a fantasy football stud last season posting 1,624 all-purpose yards, 20 touchdowns, and one fumble on 321 touches, all the while missing one game. McCoy is a hands-down top-three draft pick in standard scoring leagues, and PPR leagues, where passing TDs count for 4-points each. He is a top-eight draft pick in leagues where passing TDs count for 6-points each. Dion Lewis is McCoy’s back-up and while he may get some touches from time-to-time, his only value is as a hand-cuff for McCoy.
As to the Eagles DST, this is the same defense that while struggling for a big part of the season, played lights out at the end of last season. The Eagles DST is a top-five defensive unit, draftable in Round 10. Alex Henery (24/27 FGs, 46/46 XPs) had a bit of rough rookie season, but is still kicking for one of the best offenses in the league. In this offense, Henery is in position to post 30+ field goals and 50+ extra points. This puts him in the to-five range. While many fantasy footballers will likely avoid him in fantasy football, Henery makes for great value pick in the last round of fantasy football drafts.
2012 Strength of Schedule – By Position
| QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF |
| 24 | 13 | 25 | 15 | 20 |
32 = Most Unfavorable Schedule
1 = Most Favorable Schedule
2012 Schedule
| Week | Opponent | W/L |
| 1 | at Browns | |
| 2 | Ravens | |
| 3 | at Cardinals | |
| 4 | Giants | |
| 5 | at Steelers | |
| 6 | Lions | |
| 7 | BYE | ——- |
| 8 | Falcons | |
| 9 | at Saints | |
| 10 | Cowboys | |
| 11 | at Redskins | |
| 12 | Panthers | |
| 13 | at Cowboys | |
| 14 | at Buccaneers | |
| 15 | Bengals | |
| 16 | Redskins | |
| 17 | at Giants |
Projected Fantasy Draft Round
| Player | Round(s) |
| Michael Vick, QB | 4-5 |
| LeSean McCoy, RB | 1 |
| Dion Lewis, RB | Undrafted |
| Jeremy Maclin, WR | 6 |
| DeSean Jackson, WR | 7 |
| Jason Avant, WR | Undrafted |
| Riley Cooper, WR | Undrafted |
| Marvin McNutt, WR | Undrafted |
| Brent Celek, TE | 10 |
| Alex Henery, K | Last Rd. |
| Eagles DST | 10-11 |
The Eagles – The Bottom Line
It’s no lock that the Eagles will win the division. Every season, there is an NFC East team that surprises all of us. Still, the difference between the Eagles and the other teams in the division is that the Eagles have Michael Vick. The Eagles also have one of the best defenses in the league. With the way the Eagles finished last season, and a healthy Michael Vick, there is no reason to expect anything less than a 9-7 to a 10-6 finish as the Eagles put it together to make a run at the Super Bowl. Michael Vick will have to have his best season as a Pro for the Eagles to do this.
Picking the first place finisher in this division is never easy. Picking the second place finisher in this division is awfully difficult.
The Cowboys were again a huge disappointment in 2011 (8-8, 2-4 within the division). On paper, they looked to be one of the most promising teams in the league, a team that should have at least made it to the playoffs. Yet, the Cowboys continued to fall short of expectations, especially the expectations of their fans. 2011 was no different especially when the season came down to one final game against the Giants, a game the Cowboys lost, but many think, should have won.
| Points | Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | |
| Offense | 23.1* | 375.5 | 262.6 | 112.9 |
| (15)** | (11) | (7) | (18) | |
| Defense | 21.7 | 343.2 | 244.1 | 99.1 |
| (16) | (14) | (23) | (7) |
*Top number is average per game in 2011.
** Bottom numbers in parenthesis is the team’s ranking among all 32 NFL teams in 2011.
Defensively, the Cowboys weren’t all bad. In fact, the Cowboys improved in all defensive categories in 2012, especially in points allowed. In 2011, the Cowboys allowed the second most points in the league. When it counted, the Cowboys couldn’t stop the pass which made adding help at the cornerback and safety position one of great need this off-season. Otherwise, the Cowboys needed to add depth to the offensive line because the Cowboys need a healthy Tony Romo to have a chance.
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| G Nate Livings | Bengals |
| G Mackenzy Bernadeaux | Panthers |
| Q Kyle Orton | Chiefs |
| FB Lawrence Vickers | Texans |
| LB Dan Connor | Panthers |
| S Brodney Pool | Jets |
| CB Brandon Carr | Chiefs |
When free agency opened, the Cowboys took immediate steps to pick up some players they could plug into the starting line-up immediately. Clearly, the Cowboys recognized the need, along the offensive line, to protect QB Tony Romo. The Cowboys also made some key defensive signings addressing the gut of the defense as well as their secondary. But, as usual, the Cowboys were expected to make some sort of a big splash at this year’s draft. With the loss of WR Laurent Robinson to the Jaguars and TE Martellus Bennett to the Giants, the Cowboys needed to add some depth. A pick to shore up the offensive line was expected in Round 1. Then, the Cowboys were expected to draft heavily on defense, including in the secondary.
Draft Picks
| Round | Draft Pick | Pick | Overall |
| 1 | CB Morris Claiborne | 6 | 6 |
| 3 | DE Tyrone Crawford | 18 | 81 |
| 4 | OLB Kyle Wilber | 18 | 113 |
| 4 | SS Matt Johnson | 40 | 135 |
| 5 | WR Danny Coale | 17 | 152 |
| 6 | TE James Hanna | 16 | 186 |
| 7 | ILB Caleb McSurdy | 15 | 222 |
Rather than shore up the offensive line, the Cowboys instead traded up to pick CB Morris Claiborne. With Claiborne, free agent additions CB Brandon Carr and S Brodney Pool, the Cowboys secondary suddenly looked formidable. But, was the cost of moving up to get Claiborne too high? As the Cowboys chose not to address the offensive line through the draft, the Cowboys problems protecting Tony Romo could continue into the 2012 season.
Fantasy Football Players
Tony Romo (4,184 yards, 31 TDs, 10 INTs, 22 rushes, 46 rush yards, 1 rush TD) didn’t exactly hurt fantasy footballers, but he was inconsistent at times over the course of the season. From season to season, Romo is actually one of the most consistent fantasy football quarterbacks whereby no more than twenty or so fantasy points separated his performances from year-to-year the past three seasons. Of concern is the Cowboy’s offensive line, a line that gave up thirty-six sacks for 227 sack yards in 2011. This has been a problem that has followed Romo the past couple of seasons, and once again, the Cowboys did nothing to address the issue in the off-season. Still, while it remains an area of concern, Romo remains a low-end QB1 draftable in the later part of Round 4, early part of Round 5 of fantasy football drafts. Should Romo go down to injury like he did two seasons ago, veteran Kyle Orton can get the job done.
Two seasons ago, Miles Austin (43 recpts., 579 yards, 7 TDs) ascended to the top of the fantasy football wide receiver ranks as one of the best wide-out talents in the NFL. Even though Austin missed six games in 2011, he was still projected to be a 900+ yard receiver and post roughly 11 TDs. Still, two seasons ago, Austin saw his numbers fall with the ascension of Dez Bryant (15 games, 63 recpts., 928 yards, 9 TDs, 1 FMBL), and Bryant is now entering his third-season as a wide receiver, a year many wide receivers breakout. Austin will have name appeal in fantasy football drafts but Dez Bryant is the Cowboys wide receiver to draft. Bryant is a borderline top-12 fantasy football wide receiver draftable in Round 4, and Austin is a low-end WR2, high-end WR3 draftable in Round 6. With the departure of Laurent Robinson in free agency to the Jaguars, there is a void in the passing offense left to fill by one of the remaining Cowboys wide receivers among Kevin Ogletree, Danny Coale (R), Dwayne Harris, and Andre Holmes. While The Fantasy Greek had high hopes Coale would fill this role, Coale’s opportunity was derailed due to a pre-season injury, so Kevin Ogletree seems to be the front-runner to earn the additional work. Ogletree is a player to monitor after fantasy football drafts as is the explosive Dwayne Harrison.
TE Jason Witten (79 recpts., 942 yards, 5 TDs, 0 FMBLs) has been the mainstay of the offense the past five seasons. In general, for Witten to post roughly 1,000 yards receiving and 5 TDs each season is not an unreasonable expectation. During his seven year career, Witten has only missed one game. Unfortunately, Witten suffered a spleen injury in the preseason and is at risk of missing at least the season opener. Here’s what we know. Witten appears to have suffered one of the lower grades of spleen injuries which does not require surgery, but rather rest. This is a good thing. Reports are that there is a 50-50 chance that Witten will miss the fist week of the regular season. If that’s the only week Witten misses, isn’t Witten still worth a TE1 designation? Of course. While you have to assess your own risk level as to what chances you are willing to take and then live with the consequences, The Fantasy Greek likes Jason Witten in Round 6 of fantasy football drafts. By the way, back-up TE John Phillips has looked great in the pre-season.
Running back DeMarco Murray burst onto the fantasy football landscape in 2011 with some sensational stats over eight full games, until season ending injury. Over the course of an entire season, Murray was projected to total over 2,000 all-purpose yards. Murray is the Cowboys starter this season. Murray is a top-ten fantasy football running back and can be drafted with one of the last picks of Round 1 in all fantasy football drafts. Felix Jones (127 rushes, 3 recpts., 796 APY, 1 TD, 2 FMBLs) also had an injury mired season. Otherwise, Jones looked great as the lead back for the Cowboys. So long as Murray remains healthy, it is expected that Jones role on the Cowboys will be limited to a change of pace running back and kick-off returner. However, should Murray go down to injury, Jones should become an instant fantasy football starter. For now, treat Jones as an RB5 or handcuff to Murray, draftable in Rounds 13 or 14 of fantasy football drafts.
The Cowboys DST was one of the worst defending the pass last season yet again. This off-season, the Cowboys addressed this issue by drafting Morris Claiborne and signing Brandon Carr. The Cowboys DST looks far better this season. The Cowboys DST could be one of the last defensive units drafted in fantasy football, again due to name recognition, or be on waivers. Kicker Dan Bailey (32/37 FGs, 39/39 XPs) was inconsistent as the five missed field goals reflect. If the Cowboys are scoring (they should be), so should Bailey. While you could draft Bailey in the last round of your fantasy football draft if you like, The Fantasy Greek feels there are better opions right now.
2012 Strength of Schedule – By Position
| QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF |
| 21 | 8 | 24 | 14 | 23 |
32 = Most Unfavorable Schedule
1 = Most Favorable Schedule
2012 Schedule
| Week | Opponent | W/L |
| 1 | at Giants | |
| 2 | at Seahawks | |
| 3 | Buccaneers | |
| 4 | Bears | |
| 5 | BYE | ——- |
| 6 | at Ravens | |
| 7 | at Panthers | |
| 8 | Giants | |
| 9 | at Falcons | |
| 10 | at Eagles | |
| 11 | Browns | |
| 12 | Redskins | |
| 13 | Eagles | |
| 14 | at Bengals | |
| 15 | Steelers | |
| 16 | Saints | |
| 17 | at Redskins |
Projected Fantasy Draft Round
| Player | Round(s) |
| Tony Romo, QB | 4-5 |
| DeMarco Murray, RB | 1 |
| Felix Jones, RB | 13-14 |
| Dez Bryant, WR | 4 |
| Mikes Austin, WR | 6 |
| Kevin Ogletree, WR | Undrafted |
| Danny Coale | Undrafted |
| Dwayne Harris, WR | Undrafted |
| Andre Holmes, WR | Undrafted |
| Jason Witten, TE | 6 |
| Dan Bailey, K | Undrafted |
| Cowboys DST | Undrafted |
The Cowboys – The Bottom Line
There has been much ballyhoo that time is running out for the Cowboys to make the playoffs, and then make a Super Bowl run with their present roster of stars. While last season there seemed to be more questions than answers, this season the Cowboys seem closer to assembling a fearsome team. With another tough schedule, the Cowboys have a genuine opportunity to finish 9-7 and contend for the division again. Or, they could fall short once more and finish 8-8.
The Super Bowl Champion New York Giants — Wow! Even though the Giants won the division, and went on to win the Super Bowl, it wasn’t easy. In fact, the Giants didn’t have the greatest of regular seasons and there is every reason to think the Cowboys, not the Giants, should have advanced to the playoffs. Even though the Giants finished 9-7, the Giants were 3-3 against their division rivals. The Giants struggled for much of the regular season until the end, when it mattered most. Based on the Giants defensive stats alone, it’s amazing to think that this team not only won the division, but a Super Bowl title.
| Points | Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | |
| Offense | 24.6* | 385.1 | 295.9 | 89.2 |
| (9)** | (8) | (5) | (32) | |
| Defense | 25.0 | 376.4 | 255.1 | 121.2 |
| (25) | (27) | (29) | (19) |
*Top number is average per game in 2011.
** Bottom numbers in parenthesis is the team’s ranking among all 32 NFL teams in 2011.
After the season, the Giants had numerous players whose contracts were up and about to enter free agency. The Giants lost Super Bowl hero, WR Mario Manningham and long-time battering ram Brandon Jacobs to free agency, not to mention both TE Jake Ballard and TE Travis Beckum were lost to devastating, late season injuries. While over the years, one of the Giants’ strengths has been its offensive line, the unit has been getting up in age and battered by injury. Defensively, the Giants have struggled, especially in pass defense. They needed to add a line-backer and cornerback, as well as depth all over the defense.
Free Agency Signings / Trades
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| TE Martellus Bennett | Cowboys |
| T Sean Locklear | Redskins |
| LB Keith Rivers | Bengals (Trade) |
| CB Antwan Molden | Patriots |
Draft Picks
| Round | Draft Pick | Pick | Overall |
| 1 | RB David Wilson | 32 | 32 |
| 2 | WR Rueben Randle | 31 | 63 |
| 3 | CB Jayron Hosley | 31 | 94 |
| 4 | TE Adrian Robinson | 32 | 127 |
| 4 | T Brandon Mosley | 36 | 131 |
| 6 | T Matt McCants | 31 | 201 |
| 7 | DT Markus Kuhn | 32 | 239 |
The Giants were never going to fill all their roster needs with the seven picks they had in the draft. However, the Giants did what they could to make their picks count. RB David Wilson will have an immediate opportunity to contribute to the offense with Brandon Jacobs gone, and Ahmad Bradshaw injury prone. The Fantasy Greek loved the Giants addition of WR Reuben Randle. While Randle may have a slow start, Randle could be on the lips of fantasy footballers as the season progresses. While the Giants did a couple of good things in the draft, the Giants may not have effectively addressed some of their needs.
Fantasy Football Players
Among all the diversity the Giants seemingly have from year-to-year, Eli Manning (4,933 yards, 29 TDs, 16 INTs, 4 FMBLs) took a huge step toward becoming an elite quarterback in 2011. Manning improved upon his 2010 numbers to the tune of 931-plus yards and 9 less interceptions. Manning even quelled some of the good-Eli and bad-Eli performances we have seen in the past (not completely though) since 2009. Manning has become a top-seven fantasy football quarterback for 2012 draftable in Round 4.
A lot of Manning’s success is directly due to a receiving core that was able to extend plays after the catch. Third-year man, WR Victor Cruz (82 recpts., 1,536 yards, 9 TDs, 1 FMBL) broke out in his second year as a pro for an amazing 18.7 yards per reception. None of the stats Cruz posted in 2011 could be said to be a fluke. Hakeem Nicks’ third-season in the NFL (76 recpts.,1,192 yards, 7 TDs) wasn’t his best, but was still solid. Nicks’ biggest problem as a pro has been staying healthy as he has yet to have a complete season, having missed six games the past three years. Still, Nicks is a special talent. The Fantasy Greek likes both Cruz and Nicks as top-five fantasy football wide receivers for fantasy football draft purposes. Indeed, Cruz can be valued higher than Nicks based on the modern passing game which does not necessarily favor anyone receiver over another. Both are draftable at the end of Round 2 and should certainly be off fantasy football draft boards by the end of Round 3.
The Giants suffered some significant losses by way of free agency — Mario Manningham (39 recpts., 523 yards, 4 TDs) — and by way of injury — TE Jake Ballard (35 recpts., 531 yards, 5 TDs, 1 FMBL) and TE Travis Beckum. Manningham was signed by the Forty-Niners, Ballard was claimed off waivers by the Patriots, and Beckum is on the PUP list and is unavailable for at least six weeks. The Giants signed free-agent Martellus Bennett (17 recpts., 144 yards, 0 TDs) formerly of the Cowboys to help fill the tight-end position and drafted rookie Reuben Randle (2011: 53 recpts., 917 yards, 8 TDs). Wide receivers Jerrel Jernigan and Domenik Hixon are already on the roster. While there is clearly a void to be filled in the passing offense, none of these players have yet to distinguish themselves, and none of these players should be drafted for fantasy football purposes. Rather, monitor their production as one could become fantasy football relevant as the season progresses.
In 2011, running back Ahmad Bradshaw (171 rushes, 34 recpts., 926 APY, 11 TDs, 1 FMBL) had his worst season in terms of overall yardage but his best season in terms of overall touchdowns. Bradshaw missed four games in 2011. Had Bradshaw stayed healthy, Bradshaw could have topped 1,200 all-purpose yards, and scored 14 to 15 touchdowns. As of right now, Bradshaw makes for a low-end RB2 in fantasy football, draftable in Round 4. The Giants filled the whole in their rushing offense created by the departure of Brandon Jacobs by drafting David Wilson (2011: 1,838 APY, 10 TDs). The reports on Wilson have been positive and he sounds like a player that could at a minimum, match Brandon Jacobs production, and at a maximum, serve as compliment to Bradshaw where both share carries and touches on a 50-50 basis. Wilson has upside, and makes for a solid fantasy football RB3, draftable in Rounds 6 to 7. Danny Ware, Da’Rel Scott, and Andre Brown round out the rest of the Giants RBs but none of them are fantasy football relevant at the present time.
The Giants DST used to be one of the most feared units in the NFL. However, they have struggled in recent seasons and have been particularly prone to getting beat in the passing game. The Giants ability to lock down opponents late in the season or into the playoffs is inconsequential. The Giants unit needs to be consistent from Week 1 to Week 17. Again, if the Giants DST is drafted as a low-end DST1 in fantasy football, it will be due to their recent playoff performance and nothing more. The unit is better drafted as a DST2 or left on waivers until they prove themselves. Kicker Lawrence Tynes (19/24 FGs, 43/43 XPs) has many times caused fantasy football players to pull out their hair. This season, there are many more dependable options available for fantasy footballers.
2012 Strength of Schedule – By Position
| QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF |
| 27 | 22 | 27 | 6 | 31 |
32 = Most Unfavorable Schedule
1 = Most Favorable Schedule
2012 Schedule
| Week | Opponent | W/L |
| 1 | Cowboys | |
| 2 | Buccaneers | |
| 3 | at Panthers | |
| 4 | at Eagles | |
| 5 | Browns | |
| 6 | at 49ers | |
| 7 | Redskins | |
| 8 | at Cowboys | |
| 9 | Steelers | |
| 10 | at Bengals | |
| 11 | BYE | ——- |
| 12 | Packers | |
| 13 | at Redskins | |
| 14 | Saints | |
| 15 | at Falcons | |
| 16 | at Ravens | |
| 17 | Eagles |
Projected Fantasy Draft Round
| Player | Round(s) |
| Eli Manning, QB | 4 |
| Ahmad Bradshaw, RB | 4 |
| David Wilson, RB | 6-7 |
| Danny Ware, RB | Undrafted |
| Victor Cruz, WR | 2-3 |
| Hakeem Nicks, WR | 2-3 |
| Ramses Barden, WR | Undrafted |
| Jerrel Jernigan, WR | Undrafted |
| Reben Randle, WR (R) | Undrated |
| Martellus Bennett, TE | Undrafted |
| Lawrence Tynes, K | Undrafted |
| Giants DST | Undrafted |
The Giants – The Bottom Line
This is not an easy schedule for the Giants with several games against some of the top offenses and against some of the top defenses in the league. If the Giants defense can give a full season of premium effort, there is no reason the offense can’t keep them competitive. For now, The Fantasy Greek expects the Giants to finish 8-8, or 9-7, and genuinely challenge the Eagles for the top spot in the division. The Giants have upside but this season is all about execution.
After the 2010 season, the Redskins biggest needs were on the defensive side of the ball where they were consistently among the top-ten worst teams defending all offensive playmaking-positions. With some solid moves and coaching, the 2011 Redskins improved markedly on defense, especially their pass defense. The Redskins rush defense was wanting, and they couldn’t do anything to stop tight-ends. As such, it was no surprise that the Redskins finished last in the division in 2011, with a 5-11 record, 2-6 at home, 2-4 within the division. What was a surprise was that the Redskins started the season strong, but then imploded after some key injuries and a drop-off in quarterback play.
| Points | Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | |
| Offense | 18.0* | 336.7 | 235.8 | 100.9 |
| (26)** | (16) | (14) | (25) | |
| Defense | 22.9 | 339.8 | 222.1 | 117.8 |
| (21) | (13) | (12) | (18) |
*Top number is average per game in 2011.
** Bottom numbers in parenthesis is the team’s ranking among all 32 NFL teams in 2011.
What ultimately hurt the Redskins’ season was the quarterback carousel of Rex Grossman and John Beck, both of whom either underperformed or were mistake-prone when it mattered most. This was the team’s biggest area of need and that was addressed with the Redskins trading for the No. 2 draft pick in this year’s NFL draft, assuring them of picking either Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III.
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| WR Pierre Garcon | Colts |
| WR Josh Morgan | Forty-Niners |
| S Bradon Meriweather | Bears |
| CB Cedric Griffin | Vikings |
| T James Lee | Buccaneers |
| S Tanard Jackson | Buccaneers |
| S Madieu Williams | Forty-Niners |
| CB Leigh Torrence | Forty-Niners |
As events unfolded this off-season, with the Redskins expected to draft Robert Griffin III, the Redskins made a nice signing with Pierre Garcon. By being aggressive in free agency, the Redskins addressed a couple of the holes in their line-up, especially in terms of depth. Yet, the Redskins needed players to protect their first-round draft pick, Robert Griffin III. Depth was also needed along the offensive line and among the linebackers. The Redskins needed another running back for depth purposes.
Draft Picks
| Round | Draft Pick | Pick | Overall |
| 1 | QB Robert Griffin III | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | G Josh LeRibeus | 8 | 71 |
| 4 | QB Kirk Cousins | 7 | 102 |
| 4 | OLB Keenan Robinson | 24 | 119 |
| 5 | G Adam Gettis | 6 | 141 |
| 6 | FB-RB Alfred Morris | 3 | 173 |
| 6 | T Tom Compton | 23 | 193 |
| 7 | DB Richard Crawford | 6 | 213 |
| 7 | CB Jordan Bernstine | 10 | 217 |
Fantasy Football Players
Robert Griffin III (2011: 4,293 pass yards, 37 TDs, 6 INTs) while having a game where he struggled in the pre-season, has also looked every bit the play maker he was drafted to be. Fantasy football players are still looking for the next Cam Newton and many seem to feel that Griffin could be it — maybe. In the meantime, for Griffin to post 3,500 yards passing, 250 yards rushing, 21 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions (on the low side) is not too much to ask for. With that Griffin makes for a solid QB2, draftable in Rounds 8 or 9.
The Redskins made a splashy but prudent move in signing free agent WR Pierre Garcon. Despite the quarterback issues the Colts had last season, Garcon posted a respectable 947 yards receiving and 6 TDs. RGIII and Garcon have shown chemistry in the pre-season. The Fantasy Greek can see Garcon posting over 1,000 yards receiving and 6 to 8 TDs, at a minimum. Garcon is presently a low-end WR2, with upside, draftable in Round 5 of fantasy football drafts. Out of the Redskins remaining receiving options, no other is more intriguing than tight end Fed Davis (59 recpts., 796 yards, 3 TDs) who missed four games last season due to suspension. Had Davis played a full season, Davis would have likely posted over 1,000 yards receiving. Whether Davis has this same type of chemistry remains to be seen. But, the talent is certainly there. Davis is a low-end TE1 and can be drafted in Rounds 8. With a new rookie quarterback, much uncertainty abounds as to which other Redskins wide receivers among, Santana Moss, Leonard Hankerson, Anthony Armstrong, and Josh Morgan could make an impact. Moss and Hankerson are the front-runners but all should start on waivers to begin the fantasy football season.
For a second season in a row, a coaching staff that prides itself on having a strong rushing attack fielded an offense whose rushing attack wasn’t very good. To make matters worse, the Redskins running backs were part of a characteristic Mike Shanahan carousel of starters: Tim Hightower (5 games: 84 rushes, 10 recpts., 389 APY, 2 TDs, 0 FMBL); Roy Helu (15 games: 151 rushes, 49 recpts., 1,019 APY, 3 TDs, 2 FMBLs); and Evan Royster (6 games: 56 rushes, 9 recpts., 396 APY, 0 TDs, 0 FMBLs). To make matters worse, the Redskins recently featured FB-RB Alfred Morris in the rushing game. Hightower is a Fantasy Greek favorite because he is a hard-nosed runner who Shanahan seemed to favor last season until Hightower went down to injury. Then, Helu was featured after Hightower was injured. This season, simply put, who knows who the real starter will be for the Redskins. The best approach is to avoid the Redskins running backs altogether or only take a late round flier on one of them. The Fantasy Greek still feels Hightower is the running back to have on fantasy football teams.
The Redskins DST was much improved in 2011 except for points allowed. While the unit can play at a higher level than billed, the Redskins should not be drafted for fantasy football purposes, especially in a division with so many high-powered offenses. Looks like the Redskins finally settled on kicker Billy Cundiff (28/37 FGs, 38/38 XPs) after he was released by the Ravens. While Cundiff could surprise, he should remain on waivers for fantasy football purposes with som many other good kickers available this season.
2012 Strength of Schedule – By Position
| QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF |
| 16 | 6 | 17 | 29 | 16 |
32 = Most Unfavorable Schedule
1 = Most Favorable Schedule
2012 Schedule
| Week | Opponent | W/L |
| 1 | at Saints | |
| 2 | at Rams | |
| 3 | Bengals | |
| 4 | at Buccaneers | |
| 5 | Falcons | |
| 6 | Vikings | |
| 7 | at Giants | |
| 8 | at Steelers | |
| 9 | Panthers | |
| 10 | BYE | ——- |
| 11 | Eagles | |
| 12 | at Cowboys | |
| 13 | Giants | |
| 14 | Ravens | |
| 15 | at Browns | |
| 16 | at Eagles | |
| 17 | Cowboys |
Projected Fantasy Draft Round
| Player | Round(s) |
| Robert Griffin III, QB (R) | 8-9 |
| Tim Hightower, RB | Last Rd. |
| Roy Helu, RB | Undrafted |
| Evan Royster, RB | Undrafted |
| Alfred Morris, RB (R) | Undrafted |
| Pierre Garcon, WR | 5 |
| Leonard Hankerson, WR | Undrafted |
| Santana Moss, WR | Undrated |
| Fred Davis, TE | 8 |
| Billy Cundiff, K | Undrafted |
| Redskins DST | Undrafted |
The Redskins – The Bottom Line
No question first through fourth place in the NFC East could be separated by one game a piece. But, the Redskins schedule is challenging to say the least. With that, the Redskins could finish 5-11 or 7-9 depending on how this team comes together. One way or another, The Fantasy Greek sees the Redskins arrow pointing up even though it could take one more season to see the team’s building efforts come togther.