The beauty of the NFC South is there is always some sexy team within the division, contending in a showy kind of way. This season, is it the upstart Falcons who added some secondary help to shore up a passing defense that could be the difference between making the playoffs to getting to the Super Bowl? What about the Saints? Is the Bounty-Gate scandal just a small bump in the road which still leads back to another division title, or will the scandal consume the Saints, affecting their play? Now that the Panthers have their quarterback, do they have the defense that can dominate the division? How about the Buccaneers? Will a new coaching staff along with some key free agent signings transform the team to the contender it once was? What we do know is last season, three of the four of these teams were winning a majority of their ball games in the last five weeks of the season.
From a fantasy football perspective, it should jump out at you that the position players in the NFC South are poised to do well on the fantasy football gridiron in 2012 because they have some of the more favorable schedules in the league. The NFC South has been a pass-happy division for some time now. Going into the 2012 season, the NFC South has the easiest fantasy football passing schedule for quarterbacks among all divisions with games against the AFC West, and some combination of various teams that struggled in defending the quarterback position in fantasy football from the NFC North or the NFC East. This makes top quarterback picks Drew Brees, Cam Newton, and Matt Ryan all the more attractive to fantasy footballers in their upcoming drafts. As for Josh Freeman, the stage is certainly set for a bounce-back season even if it is as a QB2 as opposed to a QB1 in fantasy football.
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 fifteen 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.
With the penalties that were handed down relating to the bounty-gate scandal, there was a genuine concern that what was a football juggernaut, could look like a shell of itself once the 2012 season kicked off. It didn’t help that one of the Saints top wide receivers, and one of the league’s best offensive guards were lost to free agency. The Saints finished last season 13-3 with their only three losses on the road, and one of their losses to a division rival. The Saints obviously have one of the best offenses in the NFL.
| Points | Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | |
| Offense | 34.2* | 467.1 | 334.2 | 132.9 |
| (2)** | (1) | (1) | (6) | |
| Defense | 21.2 | 368.4 | 259.8 | 108.6 |
| (13) | (24) | (30) | (12) |
*Top number is average per game in 2011.
** Bottom numbers in parenthesis is the team’s ranking among all 32 NFL teams in 2011.
On defense, the Saints weren’t very good last season, having dropped from a top-five unit against the pass to one of the worst in the NFL. This makes the ‘pay for play’ program a real head-scratcher as it apparently didn’t work in terms of elevating the defensive unit’s overall play. The Saints defensive unit was not a good one in fantasy football last season. This past off-season, the Saints needed to address the tackle, corner back, and linebacker positions in order to try to keep pace with their opponents.
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| G Ben Grubbs | Ravens |
| NT Brodrick Bunkley | Broncos |
| LB Chris Chamberlain | Rams |
| LB Curtis Lofton | Falcons |
| LB David Hawthorne | Seahawks |
While we have little doubt the Saints would get it done, it was a relief to see the Saints successfully re-sign fantasy football darling WR Marques Colston, especially since WR Robert Meachem left in free agency to the Chargers. With G Carl Nicks signing with the Buccaneers, the Saints did well to sign G Ben Grubbs in his stead. In advance of the fallout from the bounty-gate scandal, the Saints took prudent steps to add three linebackers to the fold. Even though the Saints addressed some of their needs above, the Saints really do need to address their pass defense if they can, and add another wide receiver. With no draft pick until the third round of this year’s draft, the Saints were expected to sign some more free agents.
Draft Picks
| Round | Draft Pick | Pick | Overall |
| 3 | DE Akiem Hicks | 26 | 89 |
| 4 | WR Nick Toon | 27 | 122 |
| 5 | SS Corey White | 27 | 162 |
| 6 | G Andrew Tiller | 9 | 179 |
| 7 | T Marcel Jones | 27 | 234 |
The Fantasy Greek expected the Saints draft rank to be low if only because the Saints would miss out on the top talent, players who would be projected starters. But, unfortunately, the Saints seemed to reach with three of their five picks, picking up players who likely will need some work before breaking into the starting line-up. While WR Nick Toon was a nice addition, he was placed on injured reserve. Overall, the Saints draft was affected by the bounty gate scandal. The Saints signing of Drew Brees saved the team.
Fantasy Football Players
Drew Brees (468 comp./657 att., 5,476 yards, 46 TDs, 14 INTs, 1 FMBL) led the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns in 2012. Besides this, Brees broke the single season passing record held by Dan Marino since 1984. No question, the Saints offense is built around Brees and he will throw to whatever receiver is open. Brees should be drafted in Round 1 of your fantasy draft, arguably as the second best QB in fantasy football, and with one of the first six fantasy football draft picks.
In the past, The Fantasy Greek has described the Saints wide-receivers as deep and versatile with no one receiver necessarily being Brees’ favorite. This changed in 2011. The Fantasy Greek described tight end Jimmy Graham as a fantasy football sleeper in 2011 and called on fantasy footballers to consider him as one of the last No. 1 tight-ends, with upside, to be drafted in fantasy football, as early as Round 7, or as late as Round 10. If you drafted Graham, you were handsomely rewarded to the tune of 99 receptions, 1,310 yards, and 11 touchdowns. In 2012, Graham should once again be Brees’ favorite receiver and finish top-five among all receivers (including wide-receivers) in fantasy football. Graham should be drafted in Round 2 of all fantasy football drafts.
After Graham, Marques Colston (80 recpts., 1,143 yards, 8 TDs) remains Brees’ most dependable other receiver. Even though Colston has only had two complete seasons as a pro, Colston has still managed to have 1,000-plus yards receiving in five of he past six seasons. Colston should be drafted in Round 5 of fantasy football drafts as a solid WR2 fantasy football wide-receiver with an expectation of 1,000+ yards receiving and 8 TDs. With Robert Meachem leaving for the Chargers, there is suddenly a void to the tune of roughly 40 receptions, 600 yards receiving, and 6 TDs that is up for grabs and will need to be reallocated among the other wide receivers including Lance Moore (52 recpts., 627 yards, 8 TDs) and Devery Henderson (32 recpts., 503 yards, 2 TDs). Both Lance Moore and Devery Henderson merit consideration in fantasy football drafts. Moore is draftable in Round 10 and Henderson in Round 11. Keep an eye on Joseph Morgan who missed last season due to injury. Brees and Morgan have shown a connection at times during the pre-season.
Believe it or not, when you talk about the Saints running game, you have to talk about fantasy football starlet, Darren Sproles (87 rushes, 86 recpts., 1,313 APY, 9 TDs, 0 FMBLs) who can just do it all. In PPR leagues, Sproles is a “King” as his 173 touches makes clear. For fantasy football purposes, consider Sproles a solid RB2 draftable in Round 4. The Saints drafted RB Mark Ingram (122 rushes, 11 recpts., 520 APY, 5 TDs, 1 FMBL) in the first round of last year’s draft for the purpose of stepping up a running attack that was riddled with injury. Unfortunately, Ingram missed six games due to injury too. Pierre Thomas (110 rushes, 50 recpts., 612 APY, 6 TDs, 6 games) became the team’s primary back again. In a full season, Ingram would have easily topped Thomas. Ingram has the makings of a solid RB3 in fantasy football, so log as he stays healthy while Thomas is more of an RB4. In fantasy football drafts, Ingram is draftable in Round 8 and Thomas is draftable in Round 12. Chris Ivory has had his share of playing time over the years but it has been as a fantasy football injury reserve and nothing more.
The Saints DST was not particularly impressive by fantasy football standards last season, and there is nothing to believe that the defense will be. The Sainst DST should be undrafted in fantasy football. K Garrett Hartley won the kicking battle in camp. Given his share of injuries and issues over the past few seasons, what helps his fantasy football stock is the fact he kics for one of the best, high scoring teams in the NFL. Hartley should be drafted in the final round of fantasy football drafts.
2012 Strength of Schedule – By Position
| QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF |
| 4 | 5 | 9 | 1 | 29 |
32 = Most Unfavorable Schedule
1 = Most Favorable Schedule
2012 Schedule
| Week | Opponent | W/L |
| 1 | Redskins | |
| 2 | at Panthers | |
| 3 | Chiefs | |
| 4 | at Packers | |
| 5 | Chargers | |
| 6 | BYE | ——- |
| 7 | at Buccaneers | |
| 8 | at Broncos | |
| 9 | Eagles | |
| 10 | Falcons | |
| 11 | at Raiders | |
| 12 | Forty-Niners | |
| 13 | at Falcons | |
| 14 | at Giants | |
| 15 | Buccaneers | |
| 16 | at Cowboys | |
| 17 | Panthers |
Projected Fantasy Draft Round
| Player | Round(s) |
| Drew Brees, QB | 1 |
| Darren Sproles, RB | 4 |
| Mark Ingram, RB | 8 |
| Pierre Thomas, RB | 12 |
| Chris Ivory, RB | Undrafted |
| Jimmy Graham, TE | 2 |
| Marques Colstin, WR | 4 |
| Lance Moore, WR | 10 |
| Devery Henderson, WR | 11 |
| Joseph Morgan, WR | Undafted |
| Garrett Hartley, K | Last Rd. |
| Saints DST | Undrafted |
The Saints – The Bottom Line
When it originally looked like bounty-gate would destroy the team’s hopes of having even a decent season, the Saints remained a cohesive unit, adjusting to the adversity th scandal has caused. The Saints are built around scoring. So long as they are scoring, the Saints are winning. While this will not be an easy season, there is no reason the Saints cannot finish 12-4. The Saints will be battling the Falcons all season long for division dominance.
Last season, The Fantasy Greek commented that it was the Falcon’s “defense’s ability to keep opponents off the score board that served them best.” Last season, the team faltered in this all important defensive category and fell from fifth to eighteenth. Defensively, the Falcons struggled against the pass. Yet again, the Falcons were a pass defense away from going deep in the playoffs and to the Super Bowl. In the case of the Falcons, finishing 10-6 as they did in 2011 is not only doable, it is expected. The Falcons downfall was a division record of 3-3 which only emphasizes that there is parity in the NFC South. Yet the Falcons were one of the hottest teams in the AFC as they went 5-0 to finish the season.
| Points | Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | |
| Offense | 25.1* | 376.6 | 262.0 | 114.6 |
| (7)** | (10) | (8) | (17) | |
| Defense | 21.9 | 333.6 | 236.6 | 97.0 |
| (18) | (12) | (20) | (6) |
*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 investing in one of the best rookie wide receivers in 2011, the Falcons should have been looking in the off-season to make a splash on the defensive side of the ball. There are several key free agents that may need to be replaced especially on the offensive line. There were times QB Matt Ryan was pressured and it likely made a difference in the win-loss columns.
In the off-season, besides placing the franchise tag on CB Brent Grimes, the Falcons lost LB Curtis Lofton to the Saints and WR-KR Eric Weems to the Bears. There were no glaring holes in the roster except for a back-up center. The Falcons needed to build depth. The Falcons did well to re-sign DE John Abraham and WR Harry Douglas as they made no other significant moves in free agency leading up to the NF draft. Right before the draft, the Falcons traded for CB Asante Samuel, which immediately addressed one of their positions of need. For the draft, addressing the offensive line became the top priority.
Draft Picks
| Round | Draft Pick | Pick | Overall |
| 2 | C Peter Konz | 23 | 55 |
| 3 | T Lamar Holmes | 28 | 91 |
| 5 | FB Bradie Ewing | 22 | 157 |
| 5 | DE Jonathan Massaquoi | 29 | 164 |
| 6 | SS Charles Mitchell | 22 | 192 |
| 7 | DT Travian Robertson | 42 | 249 |
The Fantasy Greek loves the Falcons first pick, C Peter Konz. The highest ranked center in this year’s draft, Konz was a great value pick as Konz had first round value. The Falcons scored SS Charles Micthell who fell to them in the sixth round. While The Fantasy Greek feels the Falcons could have done more in this year’s draft, the Falcons did draft players who should have been drafted and who could blossom into starters with time.
Fantasy Football Players
In 2011, Matt Ryan (4,177 yards, 29 TDs, 12 INTs, 37 rushes, 84 yards, 3 FMBLs) broke the 4,100+ yards passing mark and nearly tossed 30-plus touchdowns. With two of the top wide receivers in the league, and predicated on an offensive philosophy which is supposed to be pass fist this season, Matt Rayn looks like quarterback about to make his mark on the fantasy football landscape. The Fantasy Greek likes Matt Ryan to be a top quarterback this season and he can be drafted in Round 4 of all fantasy football drafts.
Speaking of wide receivers, did you know Roddy White (100 recpts., 1,296 yards, 8 TDs, 1 FMBL) has never missed a game in his seven year career and has in five of those seasons, totaled 1,000+ yards receiving and 83-plus receptions. What’s more impressive, Roddy White sustained this production even after the Falcons drafted rookie sensation Julio Jones (54 recpts., 959 yards, 8 TDs, 1 FMBL). What’s interesting about Jones is that his rookie production was despite the fact he missed three games due to injury. Had Julio Jones stayed healthy, Jones was on pace for 65 recpts., 1,180 yards, and 10 TDs. Based on Jones production in the pre-season and indications that it will be Jones not White featured in the passing game (White suggested as much this off-season), Julio Jones should be one of the top-5 wide receivers in fantasy football. Julio Jones should be drafted in Round 2 and Roddy White in Round 3 of all fantasy football drafts.
Possibly entering the last year of his storied career, TE Tony Gonzalez (80 recpts., 875 yards, 7 TDs), has been one of the most consistent tight-ends in all of football. While no longer one of the top-5 ranked fantasy football tight-ends, Gonzalez is still a top-10 fantasy football tight-end and will produce for your team, albeit, possibly inconsistently. Indeed, even with Julio Jones in the mix, this should open up the entire Falcons’ offense for Gonzalez whose schedule is tight-end friendly. Consequently, Gonzalez could go out on top this season. You should draft Gonazalez in Round 8 of fantasy football drafts.
In three of the last four seasons, RB Michael Turner (301 rushes, 17 recpts., 1,508 APY, 11 TDs, 0 FMBLs) has touched the football 300+ times per season. In two of the last four seasons, Turner has touched the football at least 346 times. In the past three seasons, Turner has scored 33 rushing touchdowns. Recognizing the team would benefit by a reduced workload, the Falcons have indicated that they expect to scale back Turner’s workload in 2012. While the exact amount is unclear, at a minimum, The Fantsy Greek would expect Turner to be more of a first and second down back than an every down back. That should scale back his touches to about 200 to 250 this season. The Fantasy Greek still likes Turner as an RB2 in fantasy football, draftable in the latter part of Round 3. With Turner’s role being reduced, Jacquizz Rodgers (57 rushes, 21 recpts., 393 APY, 2 TDs, 1 FMBL) is expected to have a larger role in the offense. Rodgers makes for an RB4 in fantasy football, draftable in Round 12 of fantasy football drafts.
The Falcons DST seems to be playing better than it did in 2011. Asante Samuel seems to be making a splash in the pass defense. With a favorable schedule, the Falcons defense has some fantasy football appeal, certainly as a high-end DST2. More than likely, the unit will go undrafted. Matt Bryant (27/29 FGs, 45/45 XPs) is one of the better kickers in the league. In this offense, Bryant should be drafted in Round15 for fantasy football purposes.
2012 Strength of Schedule – By Position
| QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF |
| 2 | 1 | 11 | 12 | 18 |
32 = Most Unfavorable Schedule
1 = Most Favorable Schedule
2012 Schedule
| Week | Opponent | W/L |
| 1 | at Chiefs | |
| 2 | Broncos | |
| 3 | at Chargers | |
| 4 | Panthers | |
| 5 | at Redskins | |
| 6 | Raiders | |
| 7 | BYE | ——- |
| 8 | at Eagles | |
| 9 | Cowboys | |
| 10 | at Saints | |
| 11 | Cardinals | |
| 12 | at Buccaneers | |
| 13 | Saints | |
| 14 | at Panthers | |
| 15 | Giants | |
| 16 | at Lions | |
| 17 | Buccaneers |
Projected Fantasy Draft Round
| Player | Round(s) |
| Matt Ryan, QB | 4 |
| Michael Turner, RB | 3 |
| Jacquizz Rdogers, RB | 12 |
| Jason Snelling, RB | Undrafted |
| Julio Jones, WR | 2 |
| Roddy White, WR | 3 |
| Harry Douglas, WR | Undrafted |
| Tony Gonzalez, TE | 8 |
| Matt Bryant, K | 14 |
| Falcons DST | Undrafted |
The Falcons – The Bottom Line
After a couple of tough schedules two of the past three seasons, the Falcons have a fantasy football friendly schedule this year. In 2012, no matter what anyone thinks, the one phrase that best describes how the Falcons feel is: “Super Bowl or Bust.” Based on what the Falcons have gone through to get to this point, and the up tempo offense we expect to see in 2012, there is no reason the Falcons cannot finish 10-6, and possibly 11-5, this season.
What a difference a year makes and what a difference drafting a game-changing quarterback like Cam Newton makes. Newton took this offense from being the worst in 2011, to a top-5 offense. Newtontook the passing game of the Panthers from the worst in 2011, to one that had to be respected. The Panthers went from a 2-14 record in 2010 to a 6-10 record in 2011. Unfortunately, after a strong start, the Panthers finished the season on a multi-game losing streak. Even though the Panthers kept their opponents out of the end zone, the defense gave up way too much yardage for it to matter. The Panthers will be a source of fantasy football talent, and they could markedly improve in the division this season.
| Points | Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | |
| Offense | 25.4* | 389.8 | 239.3 | 150.5 |
| (5)** | (7) | (13) | (3) | |
| Defense | 26.8 | 377.6 | 246.8 | 130.8 |
| (7) | (28) | (24) | (25) |
*Top number is average per game in 2011.
** Bottom numbers in parenthesis is the team’s ranking among all 32 NFL teams in 2011.
This off-season, the Panthers were able to focus on improving their defense, a unit that was also one of the worst defending the rush. The Panthers have a pretty deep roster, so the point was to upgrade where they could. If the Panthers were to do anything to the offensive line, it was to add a guard.
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| G Mike Pollack | Colts |
| FB Mike Tolbert | Chargers |
| S Haruki Nakamura | Ravens |
| QB Derek Anderson | Free Agent |
| T Bruce Campbell | Raiders |
| S Reggie Smith | Forty-Niners |
The Panthers addressed their offensive line first by signing a guard but they also allowed two of their guards to get signed away in free agency. Many were stunned by the signing of FB Mike Tolbert, who played at times more like a running back when he was with the Chargers. By the time the NFL draft came around, the Panthers were in a good place and their arrow was pointing up.
Draft Picks
| Round | Draft Pick | Pick | Overall |
| 1 | ILB Luke Kuechly | 9 | 9 |
| 2 | G Amini Silatolu | 8 | 40 |
| 4 | DE Frank Alexander | 8 | 103 |
| 4 | WR Joe Adams | 9 | 104 |
| 5 | CB Josh Norman | 8 | 143 |
| 6 | P Brad Nortman | 37 | 207 |
| 7 | FS DJ Campbell | 9 | 216 |
The Panthers scored top NFL draft pick, ILB Luke Kuechly, an immediate starter. However, as to the remainder of the draft, the Panthers seemed to reach a bit, drafting a couple of players at least two rounds earlier than likely expected. The Panthers certainly addressed many of their needs in the draft. But, it is unclear whether the players they drafted will all have an immediate impact.
Fantasy Football Players
Cam Newton (4,051 yards, 21 passing TDs, 17 INTs, 126 rushes, 706 yards, 14 rush TDs, 2 FMBLs) was a surprise rookie superstar. While The Fantasy Greek does not feel that Newton will have a characteristic sophomore slump, The Fantasy Greek does feel that Newton’s game will change in his second season. To put it bluntly, 14 rush TDs for a quarterback simply seems unsustainable. Further, for the sake of his long tem health, Newton should want to leave the running to the running backs and become more of a pocket passer in the pros. So far in the pre-season, that seems to be the case. Newton can certainly pass the ball. While Newton’s rushing numbers will decrease, his passing numbers should increase. For fantasy football purposes, Newton remains a top-five QB talent, draftable at the beginning of Round 2.
DeAngelo Williams (155 rushes, 16 recpts., 971 APY, 7 TD) disappointed many fantasy footballers last season. With Jonathan Stewart (142 rushes, 47 recpts., 1,174 APY, 5 TDs) being a potential free agent after this season, it was believed that Stewart could breakout. Certainly, the off-season acquisition of FB-RB Mike Tolbert, formerly of the Chargers, certainly suggested that Stewart could be moving on after 2012. But, before camp, Stewart was resigned long term. Now, it could be that Williams is expendable and he now becomes the Panthers running back that could break out. Whatever the case, The Fantasy Greek feels Williams makes for a solid RB3, draftable in Round 9, and feels Stewart makes for a high-end RB4, draftable in Round 11. Mike Tolbert has been described as a pure blocking full-back for the Panthers, and Tolbert seems to be filling that exact role. Tolbert should not be drafted in fantasy football drafts.
2011 was a re-birth for wide-receiver Steve Smith who followed up one of his worst seasons (2010) as a pro (46 recpts., 554 yards, 2 TDs, 2 FMBLs), with one of his best seasons as a pro (79 recpts., 1,394 yards, 7 TDs). This was primarily due to the arm of Cam Newton. In fantasy football, Smith is a low-end WR1 draftable in Round 3. Brandon LaFell (36 recpts., 613 yards, 3 TDs) is entering his third-year as a pro, a year many wide-receivers typically breakout. So far, reports have been positive that LaFell is progressing accordingly. For purposes of fantasy football, LaFell is draftable as a low-end WR4 in Round 11. Louis Murphy and Armanti Edwards round out the next best wide receivers on the team and are worth monitoring after fantasy football drafts to see if either steps up in the passing game.
TE Greg Olsen (45 recpts., 540 yards, 5 TDs) showed some chemistry with Cam Newton last season. But, the chemistry was far and few in between. Still, based on the Panthers schedule, Olsen could step up in the passing game. Until he does, Olsen is best drafted in Rounds 14 to 15 as a TE2.
The Panthers DST struggled last season even though defense is Head Coach Ron Rivera’s specialty. The Panthers should be better this season. Still, the Panthers DST should go undrafted for fantasy football in 2011. Kicker Justin Medlock has been signed to try to reinvigorate a kicking game that was inconsistent and unpredictable last season. Until Medlock proves himself, Medlock should not be drafted for fantasy football purposes with so many better kicking options out there.
2012 Strength of Schedule – By Position
| QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF |
| 3 | 7 | 13 | 4 | 7 |
32 = Most Unfavorable Schedule
1 = Most Favorable Schedule
2012 Schedule
| Week | Opponent | W/L |
| 1 | at Buccaneers | |
| 2 | Saints | |
| 3 | Giants | |
| 4 | at Falcons | |
| 5 | Seahawks | |
| 6 | BYE | ——- |
| 7 | Cowboys | |
| 8 | at Bears | |
| 9 | at Redskins | |
| 10 | Broncos | |
| 11 | Buccaneers | |
| 12 | at Eagles | |
| 13 | at Chiefs | |
| 14 | Falcons | |
| 15 | at Chargers | |
| 16 | Raiders | |
| 17 | at Saints |
Projected Fantasy Draft Round
| Player | Round(s) |
| Cam Newton, QB | 2 |
| DeAngelo Williams, RB | 9 |
| Jonathan Stewart, RB | 11 |
| Mike Tolbert, FB-RB | Undrafted |
| Steve Smith, WR | 3 |
| Brandon LaFell, WR | 11 |
| Louis Murphy, WR | Undrafted |
| Armanti Edwards, WR | Undrafted |
| Greg Olsen, TE | 14-15 |
| Justin Medlock, K | Undrafted |
| Panthers DST | Undrafted |
The Panthers – The Bottom Line
This is a team that continues to improve under head coach Ron Rivera. The building blocks are there. However, while the schedule is fantasy football friendly, the Panthers play teams that they will likely should lose to, strictly in the passing game. Nonetheless, the Panthers are close and they will win a few games others think they should lose. A 7-9 or 8-8 finish is doable.
The Buccaneers took a huge step backwards in their progress as a team last season. Just when it seemed the Buccaneers were turning things around, the Buccaneers faltered on the shoulders of a defense that couldn’t keep opposing offenses out of the end zone and faltered in the hands of an offense that played well below expectations. The Bucs finished 2011 with a 4-12 record. On a positive note, they won three of their last five games.
| Points | Yards | Pass Yards | Rush Yards | |
| Offense | 17.9* | 319.2 | 228.1 | 91.1 |
| (27)** | (21) | (16) | (30) | |
| Defense | 30.9 | 394.4 | 238.4 | 156.1 |
| (32) | (30) | (21) | (32) |
*Top number is average per game in 2011.
** Bottom numbers in parenthesis is the team’s ranking among all 32 NFL teams in 2011.
The Buccaneers defense was awful, the worst in 2011. Based on fantasy football statistics, it gave up the most fantasy points to running backs entering Week 16. Yet, the Buccaneers more pressing needs are at safety and cornerback. Offensively, we are going to give QB Josh Freeman a mulligan for what was a pretty awful season after having a very promising rookie season. The Buccaneers running game was inconsistent, if not downright bad at times. So, the Buccaneers were expected to look to add a solid running back to pair with LeGarrette Blount. Another offensive lineman would be good too to protect one of the league’s best up-and-coming young quarterbacks.
Free Agency Signings
| Position, Player | Former Team |
| WR Vincent Jackson | Chargers |
| G Carl Nicks | Saints |
| QB Dan Orlovsky | Colts |
| CB Eric Wright | Lions |
| DT Omobi Okoye | Bears |
The Buccaneers did well to add two pro-bowl players in WR Vincent Jackson and G Carl Nicks given their salary cap space. With no free agent running back signing, the position was one of great need entering the NFL draft. The Bucs allowed fifteen players to become free agents.
Draft Picks
| Round | Draft Pick | Pick | Overall |
| 1 | SS Mark Barron | 7 | 7 |
| 1 | RB Doug Martin | 31 | 31 |
| 2 | OLB Lavonte David | 26 | 58 |
| 5 | ILB Najee Goode | 5 | 140 |
| 6 | CB Keith Tandy | 4 | 174 |
| 7 | RB Michael Smith | 5 | 212 |
| 7 | TE Drake Dunsmore | 26 | 233 |
The Buccaneers followed up some strong off-season free agent signings with a very, very solid draft. With the Bucs first three picks, the Bucs scored three talented players in SS Mark Barron, RB Doug Martin, and OLB Lavonte David, all of whom will likely start this season, all of whom met immediate roster needs. While the Buccaneers did not have another pick until the fifth round, they were able to get some good value with two of their four remaining picks. CB Keith Tandy could break into the starting line-up at some point. Pay attention to TE Drake Dunsmore who could get an opportunity to have a significant role in the offense. After all this, the Buccaneers were thought to be primed for a bounce back season.
Fantasy Football Players
In one season, Josh Freeman (3,592 yards, 16 TDs, 22 INTs, 55 rushes, 238 yards, 5 FMBLs) almost destroyed his fantasy football value which went from being a legit, low No. 1 fantasy football starter at the beginning of the 2011 season, to a low-end QB2 that many fantasy footballers may want to avoid for the 2012 season. In sum, while Freeman’s passing yardage increased in 2011, his touchdown total fell by nine and his interception total increased by sixteen. Freeman did not look well passing and at times seemed to telegraph his passes. This off-season, Freeman lost twenty pounds and looks to be in great game shape. The addition of Vincent Jackson in the passing game should help. Freeman looks more composed than he did last season. So, The Fantasy Greek is going to give Freeman a Mulligan for his 2011 performance. Freeman makes for a low-end QB2, with upside, in fantasy football, draftable in Round 12. Freeman’s passing schedule supports a possibility that Freeman bounces back strong.
Besides Freeman, WR Mike Williams (65 recpts., 771 yards, 3 TDs) fell from fantasy football grace too, and the Bucs signed fantasy football starlet Vincent Jackson (60 recpts., 1,106 yards, 9 TDs) away from the Chargers. Besides the one season Vincent Jackson held out, Jackson has averaged more than 1,100-plus yards per season in the past four seasons, and 8 to 9 touchdowns. There is no reason why Jackson could not do the same for the Buccaneers. As such, Jackson makes for a solid WR2, draftable in Round 5 of fantasy football drafts. As for Mike Williams, this is a good season for Williams to bounce back. Treat Williams as a low-end WR4 draftable in fantasy football drafts in Round 10. Arrelious Benn, Sammie Stroughter, and Preston Parker round out the other Buccaneers wide-receivers. None are worth a fantasy football draft pick at this time.
With former TE Kellen Winslow off to the Seahawks (where he was subsequently cut), the Buccaneers brought in TE Dallas Clark (34 recpts., 352 yards, 2 TDs), formerly of the Colts. There was a lot of discussion as to whether Dallas Clark could make an impact in the Buccaneers offense. If Clark is healthy (he seems to be), of course he can make an impact. When Clark was given the opportunity to catch 75+ receptions (like Kellen Winslow last season), Clark posted 848 yards receiving and 6 TDs. The Buccaneers tight-end situation is one to watch as they did draft rookie Drake Dunsmore. 2012, however, could be more of a learning year for Dunsmore as it was for Jimmy Graham his rookie season. Clark makes for a solid TE2 with upside, draftable in Round 12 of fatasy football drafts.
Another rookie running back that should likely make a fantasy football impact this season is the Buccaneers Doug Martin (2011: 1,299 yards, 18 TDs). While LeGarrette Blount seemed to make a case in the pre-season to get significant playing time in the regular season, Martin played more like the lead RB for the Bucs. With the ability to be a three down back, Martin could be one of the surprises in fantasy football and possibly look to post 1,600 APY and double-digit TDs. Martin is draftable as an RB2 in Round 4 of fantasy football drafts. With the Bucs signing free agent DJ Ware just days ago, there is a chance that Ware overtakes Blount on the depth chart at some point this season. At best, Blount is worth a late round draft pick in fantasy football drafts and Ware is simply a player to monitor.
As the numbers above indicate, the Bucs DST was one of the worst in the league. And while the Bucs made some intriguing picks in recent drafts (DT Gerald McCoy, DE Adrian Clayborn, DE Da’Quan, SS Mark Barron) to help improve their defense, the Bucs DST has much to prove before they become fantasy relevant again. As to kicker Connor Barth, he should go undrafted in fantasy football as there are other kickers which are more appealing right now.
2012 Strength of Schedule – By Position
| QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF |
| 1 | 2 | 6 | 22 | 9 |
32 = Most Unfavorable Schedule
1 = Most Favorable Schedule
2012 Schedule
| Week | Opponent | W/L |
| 1 | Panthers | |
| 2 | at Giants | |
| 3 | at Cowboys | |
| 4 | Redskins | |
| 5 | BYE | ——- |
| 6 | Chiefs | |
| 7 | Saints | |
| 8 | at Vikings | |
| 9 | at Raiders | |
| 10 | Chargers | |
| 11 | at Panthers | |
| 12 | Falcons | |
| 13 | at Broncos | |
| 14 | Eagles | |
| 15 | at Saints | |
| 16 | Rams | |
| 17 | at Falcons |
Projected Fantasy Draft Round
| Player | Round(s) |
| Josh Freeman, RB | 12 |
| Doug Martin, RB (R) | 4 |
| LeGarrette Blount, RB | Last Rd. |
| DJ Ware, RB | Undrafted |
| Vincent Jackson, WR | 5 |
| Mike Williams, WR | 10 |
| Arrelious Benn, WR | Undrafted |
| Preston Parker, WR | Undrafted |
| Sammie Stroughter, WR | Undrafted |
| Dallas Clark, TE | 12 |
| Drake Dunsmore, TE (R) | Undrafted |
| Buccaneers DST | Undrafted |
| Connor Barth, K | Undrafted |
The Buccaneers – The Bottom Line
After the Buccaneers made their free agent signings of Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks, many exclaimed that the Buccaneers were much improved and a team that could make the playoffs who didn’t in 2011. So, while there is no question that the Buccaneers became a better team, the question is did the Buccaneers become better than the Saints or the Falcons? The answer to that question is likely “no.” While The Fantasy Greek believes that some of the Buccaneers players will be fantasy football relevant, in terms of real football, The Fantasy Greek is hard-pressed to see the Bucs finish with a record better than 6-10.