We’re going division by division in this blog space this summer leading up to the preseason and focusing on the fantasy stories to watch and which players could become more and less valuable before all-important drafts. We’ve covered the NFC East and continue with the NFC North.
Big changes: Quarterback weaponry is the big story in this division, as Detroit Lions starter Matthew Stafford lost his Hall of Fame wide receiver to what many view as premature retirement, while Green Bay Packers ace Aaron Rodgers gets his star receiver back after a missed season. Minnesota Vikings youngster Teddy Bridgewater needed outside help and figures to have received it with a hotshot rookie, but fantasy owners likely remain skeptical about fantasy repercussions. And then there’s Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears, no longer the gunslinger he used to be, now taking relative care of the football. That’s just no fun for us. Anyway, Calvin Johnson sure had a mighty run as fantasy’s most esteemed wide receiver, and Stafford will need to be content and somehow as productive throwing to Golden Tate and Marvin Jones, among others. Is that enough? Well, I don’t believe so! The return of Jordy Nelson should make life considerably easier for Rodgers and Randall Cobb, and perhaps aid interesting running back Eddie Lacy as well. One wide receiver door closes, another one opens.
Big motivation: Speaking of Lacy, one would think he would come to training camp on a mission to prove he can return to top-five running back status. Lacy was precisely that his first two NFL seasons, as the Alabama product piled on the touches, yards and touchdowns. His game wasn’t sexy, but there seemed little risk and Lacy was the de facto No. 1 selection for many leagues, which might seem ridiculous today, but it’s true. Now he’s not. Lacy gained weight and naturally got slower, production fell, coaches and teammates bristled and now, in what could be his last campaign in Green Bay, it’s a pivotal year. We’ll see if he’s up to the challenge, but knowing what’s on the line and his inherent skill level, you can make the case for second-round draft status here. Of course, Lacy isn’t the only division running back with something to prove. Adrian Peterson is 31 years old! Everyone run away! Except we’re not, since many will make him the first running back off the draft board. Chicago’s Jeremy Langford sure wasn’t so special his rookie year, and there are other suitors for snaps there. Detroit is one big mess. Lots to watch this summer in this division at running back.
Potential stock fluctuation: Focus on the Lions here, for a myriad of reasons. Stafford is, of course, fully capable of producing big numbers even sans Megatron. He’s just not likely to approach top-10 status in drafts, nor will any Lions be coveted. Certainly no running backs on this team are worthy of top-20 consideration. No wide receivers fit the bill as well, though the case can be made with Tate. And through two seasons we haven’t seen much from tight end Eric Ebron. But give it a chance, fantasy owners! In terms of volume of passes, few can compete with Stafford. Someone has to run the ball, with sophomore Ameer Abdullah likely leading the way, and former New England Patriots 1,000-yard rusher Stevan Ridley saying he’s rejuvenated. The Packers will score. The Vikings will run and defend. The Bears will not run and defend. What are the Lions? Don’t be shocked when summer coach talk convinces fantasy owners to invest.
Division report
Fantasy MVP: Rodgers and Peterson will be expected to produce big numbers, but I have to pick the running back. No sign of decline and we can all find passers in Round 8. Don’t be shocked if Lacy is just as valuable.
Fantasy LVP: Based on value and expectations, Langford seems awfully overrated and he’ll be drafted generously. Also, I don’t see Bridgewater and his young wide receivers amounting to much statistically with Peterson still the clear focal point. Invest with caution.
Relevant options to lose starting job: Langford and Abdullah aren’t safe. Lacy should bounce back.
Top fantasy rookie: I’ll go with Chicago’s Jordan Howard here over Laquon Treadwell. Nothing personal, but each is probably overrated for fantasy.
Intriguing rookie way off the radar: Don’t see one, really. Howard was a fifth-round pick, but by now all fantasy owners should know him and his opportunity. Minnesota receiver Moritz Bohringer? Probably not. How about Green Bay’s Trevor Davis? Fast enough and sure-handed, it’s not like the other Packers wide receivers after Nelson/Cobb have distinguished themselves. Enough with Davante Adams!
Sophomore to watch: Gotta be Chicago receiver Kevin White, and not solely because he was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. He’s really good. Lions bulldozer Zach Zenner should also be in play.
They’ll play 16 games: Peterson and Nelson will. No worries. And Lacy, too. Think positive. And all four quarterbacks.
They’ll not play 16 games: Lions running backs and Bears wide receivers. There’s risk there.
Division champ: Packers and Vikings win 11 each.