LestersLegends.com

.
We continue on with our early fantasy football rankings. This time we take a look at the 2013 fantasy football team defense landscape.
.
1. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks allowed the fewest points last year, yielding just 15.3 points per game. They finished fourth in the league with 306.2 yards per game allowed. Adding Antoine Winfield’s veteran presence to an outstanding secondary anchored by Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas makes this an elite unit. Cliff Avril, who recorded 9.5 sacks last year for the Detroit Lions, gives them even more beef up front.
.
2. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers finished just behind the Seahawks with 17.1 points per game allowed. They ranked third in total defense with 294.4 yards per game allowed. Patrick Willis anchors the defense, while Aldon Smith, who recorded 19.5 sacks last year, is a total menace.
.
3. Houston Texans
The Texans took a slight step back defensively last year, but still finished in the top ten in both scoring defense (20.7 ppg) and total defense (323.3 ypg). Their struggles were primarily in pass defense, but the addition of future first ballot Hall of Famer Ed Reed should help. Having a healthy Brian Cushing will also be huge. Oh, and they still have J.J. Watt.
.
4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens will miss the leadership of Reed and Ray Lewis, but they reloaded. A clerical error allowed Elvis Dumervil to slip out of the Denver Broncos’ grasp. Baltimore snatched him up to pair with Terrell Suggs, who should be healthy after missing half of the season with an Achilles injury. Michael Huff came over from the Oakland Raiders to soften the blow of Reed’s departure.
.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers led the league in total defense with 275.8 yards allowed per game. They ranked sixth in scoring defense (19.6 ppg). Troy Polamalu’s health will be the key to their success or lack thereof.
.
6. Denver Broncos
The Broncos will miss Dumervil, but they still have Von Miller terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. Denver finished second in total defense (290.8 ypg) and fourth in scoring defense (18.1 ppg).
.
7. Chicago Bears
Da Bears finished third in scoring defense (17.3 ppg) and fifth in total defense (315.6 ypg). A lot of their success last year was predicated on their ability to turn turnover into touchdowns. That isn’t something you can bank on every year.
.
8. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals finished sixth in total defense (319.7 ypg) and eighth in scoring defense (20.0 ppg). Geno Atkins (12.5 sacks) and Michael Johnson (11.5 sacks) form an underrated one-two punch.
.
9. New England Patriots
The Patriots bend (373.3 ypg), but don’t break (20.7 ppg) on defense. Their offense tends to make opposing teams one-dimensional.
.
10. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons had similar numbers as the Patriots (365.6 ypg, 18.7 ypg), which isn’t surprising since they have a potent offense of their own. They added Osi Umenyiora and rookie Desmond Trufant to bolster their defense.
.
.
Also check out:

.

.
Obviously a brilliant Pro Bowl appearance is not a good measure of future success, but his five catches for 122 yards and a touchdown en route to the MVP honors gave a glimpse into his potential.
.
There were times during the season when Rudolph flashed that same brilliance, particularly as he scored five touchdowns in the first six games. After 25 receptions on 41 targets during that stretch, Rudolph basically went into the Witness Protection Program. He was nowhere to be seen the next three games, catching just two passes on two targets for 17 yards.
.
Just when fantasy football players began to jump ship, he scored in the next three games, averaging 56.7 yards along the way. Clearly he was back.
.
Week 12 proved to be a trap as Rudolph wasn’t even targeted for the third time in seven games. Percy Harvin didn’t even play in the game against the Chicago Bears. Something called Micheal Jenkins led the Vikings in targets that day.
.
Rudolph scored one more touchdown over the final three games, but averaged just 27 yards.
.
Rudolph finished the season with 53 catches for 493 yards and nine touchdown. Clearly Rudolph has it going on in the red zone, but he was nowhere in the neighborhood of elite tight ends when it comes to receiving yards.
.
There is reason to believe that he can make the leap.
.
The Vikings brought in Greg Jennings. Not only should he help quarterback Christian Ponder’s development, he should stretch the field, giving Rudolph more room to work in the middle of the field. As good as Harvin is, he is best in the same space the Rudolph tends to work in.
.
Rudolph’s success is tied to Ponder, which is a bit scary, but as the fifth or six tight end coming off the board in most fantasy draft, he should be a solid value pick.
.
.
Also check out:

.

.
Now that the NFL draft is behind us we can start exploring the 2013 fantasy football kicker landscape.
.
1. Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots
Gostkowski led the NFL last year with 153 points. He was third in 2011 with 143 points. The Patriots figure to have a potent offense once again. Gostkowski should be in line for another banner season.
.
2. Matt Bryant, Atlanta Falcons
Bryant finished second in the league with 143 points. He’s been in the top ten in each of the past three seasons. The addition of Steven Jackson should make the Falcons even more powerful.
.
3. Blair Walsh, Minnesota Vikings
Walsh finished fourth in the league with 141 points. He nailed 10 field goals from 50 yards and beyond. He led the NFL as a rookie with 35 field goals.
.
4. Matt Prater, Denver Broncos
Prater finished seventh in scoring with 133 points. Peyton Manning really made a difference in the Broncos’ offense. They should be even better this year with Wes Welker on board.
.
5. Alex Henery, Philadelphia Eagles
Henery finished 16th and 20th in scoring in his two seasons. My expectations are high for him as I feel their offense will be explosive under Chip Kelly.
.
6. Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens
Tucker finished eighth in scoring as a rookie. He made 14 field goals from 40 yards and beyond. He was perfect in the postseason and should be among the best kickers in 2013.
.
7. Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders
Janikowksi has kicked at least 30 field goals in each of the past three seasons. He has 59 field goals of 50 yards and beyond since 2006.
.
8. Dan Bailey, Dallas Cowboys
Bailey finished 10th in scoring with 124. He finished fifth in 2011 with 135 points. With 61 field goals in two seasons he is a strong bet in 2013.
.
9. Lawrence Tynes, New York Giants
Tynes finished second in the league with 145 points. His 33 field goals were tied for second in the league.
.
10. Phil Dawson, San Francisco 49ers
Dawson scored 116 points last year for the Cleveland Browns. The 49ers should provide him many more opportunities.
.
.
Also check out:

.

.
Now that the NFL draft is behind us it is time for fantasy football nuts to start breaking down the rookies. Here’s the LestersLegends’ look at the 2013 NFL rookie tight end class.
.
1. Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals
Eifert caught 50 passes last year at Notre Dame for 685 yards and four touchdowns. He will team with Jermaine Gresham to give the Bengals a potent tight end set. Eifert is a really nice option in dynasty leagues, but will take some time to develop as a rookie. He will likely go undrafted in re-draft leagues. I expect him to scored six touchdowns given his size and jump ball ability. He’ll likely be feast or famine.
.
2. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce caught 45 passes last year for 722 yards and eight touchdowns for the Cincinnati Bearcats. He has good size, speed and blocking ability. There are some character concerns, which should be the only thing that prevents him from seeing a heavy dose of snaps. He has the potential to be even better than Eifert. Kelce has value in dynasty leagues, but can be avoided in re-draft ones.
.
3. Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles
Ertz averaged five touchdowns per season in his three years at Stanford. He took advantage of Coby Fleener’s departure to the tune of 69 catches for 898 yards and six touchdowns. Ertz has good long-term potential, but Brent Celek and James Casey are blocking his path.
.
4. Gavin Escobar, Dallas Cowboys
Escobar averaged 661.5 yards and 6.5 touchdowns in the past two years at San Diego State. He will team with Jason Witten to provide the Cowboys’ version of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. He could eventually take over for Witten, but it could be a few years.
.
5. Vance McDonald, San Francisco 49ers
McDonald averaged 462 yards and five touchdowns over the past three years at Rice. He is playing behind Vernon Davis, but should see the field plenty. I expect consistency to be an issue.
.
.
Also check out:

• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Quarterbacks
• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Running Backs
• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football TE Rankings

.

.
Now that the NFL draft is behind us it is time for fantasy football nuts to start breaking down the rookies. Here’s the LestersLegends’ look at the 2013 NFL rookie wide receiver class.
.
1.  Tavon Austin, St. Louis Rams
Austin caught 215 passes over the past two seasons for 2,475 yards and 20 touchdowns. He should hit the ground running, working the slot for the Rams. He will also be used out of the backfield and in the return game. He will likely be an immediate WR3 in PPR leagues. His speed and versatility should translate to the pro game. Think Percy Harvin and Randall Cobb.
.
2. DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
Hopkins gives Andre Johnson, on paper anyway, his best running mate to date. He was a beast last year, catching 82 passes for 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns. With opposing defenses focusing on Johnson, Arian Foster and Owen Daniels, Hopkins should have a productive rookie season. I’d consider him a WR4 at best. He’s an attractive option in dynasty leagues.
.
3. Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota Vikings
Patterson is raw, but he’s a freak athlete. He also doesn’t have a difficult path to playing time. He is explosive when he gets his hands on the football, often resembling a running back. Patterson will be used a lot like Percy Harvin, touching the ball in the passing, running and return game. He had 778 yards receiving and 308 yards rushing last year. He is likely a WR5 in fantasy leagues. He gets a bump in leagues that reward points for return yardage.
.
4. Aaron Dobson, New England Patriots
Dobson is expected to start in New England. He easily has the best quarterback of any wide receiver taken in the first three rounds. He was quiet during his four years at Marshall, averaging 599.5 yards per season. He did scored 12 touchdowns in 2011. He has the makings of a player that is more productive at the NFL level based on his landing spot.
.
5. Robert Woods, Buffalo Bills
Woods took a step back from the 1,292 yard and 15 touchdowns he provided as a sophomore, but he still managed to catch 76 passes for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is expected to start right away on the outside as Stevie Johnson moves to the slot. Kevin Kolb’s presence at quarterback limits his initial value. Long-term, he has a good chance to grow with fellow rookie E.J. Manuel.
.
.
Also check out:

• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Quarterbacks
• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Running Backs
• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Tight Ends
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football TE Rankings

.

.
Now that the NFL draft is behind us it is time for fantasy football nuts to start breaking down the rookies. Here’s the LestersLegends’ look at the 2013 NFL rookie quarterback class.
.
1. Geno Smith, New York Jets
Geno slid to the second round, which ultimately led to Tim Tebow’s dismissal from the Jets. They say it’s an open competition, but it’s more likely Smith’s job to lose. Mark Sanchez will likely join Tebow on the unemployment line. Although the Jets did not surround him with talent, Smith has the athleticism to be productive.
.
Smith topped 4,000 yards in each of his past two seasons at West Virginia. He threw for 73 touchdown in those years, while throwing just 13 interceptions. He ran for just 336 yards and four touchdowns combined over the past three seasons. Don’t expect to get a ton of fantasy points from Smith with his feet.He should be on the radar in dynasty leagues. He doesn’t hold a lot of value in re-draft leagues.
.
2. E.J. Manuel, Buffalo Bills
I like Manuel’s long-term potential. He has tremendous athletic ability and a strong arm. Manuel hasn’t been as productive as some of the other rookie quarterbacks. He averaged just 3,029 passing yards over the past two seasons, throwing 41 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He has averaged four rushing touchdowns and 230.5 rushing yards over the past two seasons. The ability to add fantasy points on the ground is invaluable for young quarterbacks as they adjust to the NFL game.
.
He will get to learn the system as Kevin Kolb will likely be the initial starter.Manuel could possibly get a shot towards the end of the year as the Bills play their way out of contention. He’ll eventually team with C.J. Spiller to give the Bills a dynamic offense. I like his long-term potential more than any other quarterback in this class.
.
3. Matt Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Barkley will likely enter the season as the third quarterback. Given Michael Vick’s style of play, it’s likely more than one quarterback takes snaps for the Eagles this year.
.
Barkley likely hurt his chances by returning for his senior year, but he was still fairly productive. Granted the 3,273 yards, 36 touchdowns and 15 interceptions last year weren’t nearly on par with the 3,528 yards, 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions he produced as a junior. The way Barkley has been groomed, he should be able to perform at the next level.
.
If Nick Foles struggles and Dennis Dixon is cut loose, it could be Barkley’s job for the taking. Realistically, Barkley will learn this year. With a creative coach and solid weapons, he is a decent option for dynasty leagues.
.
4. Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Glennon threw 31 touchdowns in each of his past two seasons. He threw for nearly 1,000 more yards as a senior, but also threw five more interceptions.
.
Glennon won’t likely make an impact this year unless Josh Freeman struggles or gets injured. Freeman is in a contract year. If things don’t work out, Glennon could be in play for the 2014 starting gig.
.
5. Tyler Wilson, Oakland Raiders
Matt Flynn had to cringe when he found out that he has to look over his shoulder at a Wilson again. I don’t expect this Wilson to overtake Flynn, but there is a chance that he sees the field this year. Both Flynn and Terrelle Pryor are unproven. Wilson averaged 3512.5 yards, 22.5 touchdowns and 9.5 interceptions over the past two seasons.
.
.
Also check out:

• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Running Backs
• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Tight Ends
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football TE Rankings

.

.
Now that the NFL Draft is behind us it is time for fantasy football nuts to start breaking down the rookies. Here’s the LestersLegends’ look at the 2013 NFL rookie running back class.
.
1. Montee Ball, Denver Broncos
Ball should assume the starting role in a very potent offense. Peyton Manning has plenty of weapons in the passing game, but he knows the value of a strong running game. Ball ran for a ridiculous 73 touchdowns over the past three seasons. He had 39 combined touchdowns in 2011. Ball should handle the early downs and the goal line work. He should be a solid RB2 with some upside.
.
2. Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals
Bernard gives the Bengals a dynamic running back. In two years at North Carolina he averaged 1,240.5 rushing yards, 426 receiving yards, 16.5 total touchdowns and 46 receptions. He’ll have to share the load with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, which limits his 2013 value, but he gives Cincinnati more explosiveness. His versatility should keep Bernard on the field.
.
3. Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers
Lacy was expected to be the first running back to come off the board, but some concerns caused him to slide. Green Bay should be a great landing place. He should see plenty of early down carries and in the red zone. He’d likely be ranked higher if the Packers didn’t add Jonathan Franklin as well.
.
4. Le’veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bell should see plenty of opportunities as Pittsburgh struggled to find an answer at running back last year. Bell isn’t an elite talent, but he’s a big back with solid hands. Bell gets a little bump in PPR leagues.
.
5. Johnathan Franklin, Green Bay Packers
The Packers all but ensured they will have a better running attack next year by drafting Lacy and Franklin. Lacy’s presence hurts Franklin’s value, but he should still get his touches. If Lacy’s toe becomes an issue, suddenly Franklin has a ton of appeal.
.
.
Also check out:

• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Quarterbacks
• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Tight Ends
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football TE Rankings

.