Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is in Cleveland. What does it mean for the Browns? What does it mean for the New York Giants? How many touches will running back Le'Veon Bell get in his first season with the New York Jets?
It's never too early for a deep dive into the biggest fantasy questions for every team heading into the season. NFL Nation reporters supply the answers to questions posed by ESPN fantasy football analyst Mike Clay.
Skip to a division:
NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West
AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
Will Ezekiel Elliott's targets dip with rookie Tony Pollard in the mix?
The Cowboys have made it known they would like to ease Elliott's workload in 2019, but will they actually follow through? Elliott had a career-high 77 catches last year and has shown the ability to be a big factor in the passing game. The Cowboys envision Pollard in a third-down role with the ability to spell Elliott now and then as a runner, but Elliott's targets won't drop solely because of Pollard. Jason Witten is back as the security blanket quarterback Dak Prescott lacked in 2018. The Cowboys also signed Randall Cobb to handle the slot role left behind by Cole Beasley. Pollard gives the Cowboys another option, but if Elliott's targets go down in the passing game it will be because of the veterans Witten and Cobb. -- Todd Archer
Mike Tannenbaum explains why the Cowboys should be careful with how they structure Ezekiel Elliott's next contract after his latest off-field issue.
New York Giants
Will Golden Tate or Sterling Shepard be targeted more often this season?
Shepard averaged 7.7 targets a game in the four games last season without Odell Beckham Jr. in the lineup. He averaged 6.1 in the 12 games Beckham was on the field. Clearly he became more of a focus without Beckham. That is not likely to change, and that familiarity with Eli Manning should make him the most-targeted Giants receiver this year, even more so than Tate, who averaged five targets a game after being traded to the Eagles midway through last season. -- Jordan Raanan
Philadelphia Eagles
How will backfield touches be distributed?
Jordan Howard and rookie Miles Sanders will share the bulk of the reps. Look for Sanders to take on a heavier workload and assume the job of primary ball carrier as the season progresses. Coach Doug Pederson sees Boston Scott as a guy who can fill the Darren Sproles role. He and Corey Clement are among the other backs vying for snaps. -- Tim McManus
Washington Redskins
Do you expect Derrius Guice to take over as the team's workhorse at any point this season?
Yes, and perhaps early. The key will be how he looks in training camp when he's expected to be full-go after an ACL injury last August. There's optimism in the building for what Guice will be able to do -- and some feel he'll be able to handle a full load right away. Guice can help them in the passing game as well. They still have Adrian Peterson to give Guice a break, but they view the latter as a big-play back. At one point the thought was they would ease Guice back into the lineup, but if he looks good in camp he'll be the guy right away. -- John Keim
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
Do you anticipate a big leap forward for Anthony Miller in his second season?
Miller has spent the offseason recovering from shoulder surgery, but he'll be an important contributor. The Bears did not have a wide receiver catch more than 67 passes last year (Taylor Gabriel), so expecting Miller to have 70-plus receptions is ambitious. But Miller is definitely talented enough to exceed the numbers he posted as a rookie (33 catches, 423 yards and seven TDs). Miller provides value to fantasy owners for the sheer number of times he reaches the end zone. -- Jeff Dickerson
Detroit Lions
Assuming good health, how many touches do you anticipate for Kerryon Johnson?
He's not going to be a 30-carry-per-game back if that's what you're thinking. Coach Matt Patricia has made it clear he wants to manage Johnson's workload. Getting 15-20 touches per game is a good barometer to work with. Don't be surprised if he sees less work early and more carries as the season goes on, too. It's how Patricia used him last year and it's part of his philosophy, not wanting to burn out his best running backs before November and December hit. -- Michael Rothstein
Green Bay Packers
Who do you expect will be this team's Week 1 No. 2 wide receiver?
Geronimo Allison. Remember, he was off to a hot start last season with 19 catches for 289 yards and two touchdowns through four games before injuries wrecked his season. With Randall Cobb gone, Allison will get even more opportunities. Plus, first-year coach Matt LaFleur likes bigger receivers in the slot, so expect Allison to move inside in some formations. Also, keep an eye on second-year receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who should move into the No. 3 role. -- Rob Demovsky
Minnesota Vikings
Should we be worried about Adam Thielen's disappearance during Kevin Stefanski's three games as OC last season?
The short answer is yes, a little bit, but don't freak out before reading further. Thielen's production dipped considerably after he notched eight straight 100-yard games to start 2018. Outside of a 125-yard performance in Week 12, he averaged 46 receiving yards per game after the bye. Some of that is related to the way opponents doubled both Thielen and Stefon Diggs, but typically that came via bracket coverage. The way the Patriots and Seahawks used two defenders in man coverage pretty much exclusively on those two was far less common but effective. Thielen will still be a fantasy maven in 2019, but with the recommitted effort to running the ball and the way Stefanski will utilize Diggs, Kyle Rudolph (let's predict he stays in Minnesota) and Irv Smith Jr., Thielen's targets will be down. -- Courtney Cronin
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
Do you expect Calvin Ridley to open 2019 as the team's No. 2 wide receiver?
Yes, I do believe Ridley will be the No. 2 wide receiver behind Julio Jones, and that's not a discredit to veteran Mohamed Sanu. Ridley is such a great route runner and a tireless worker. And coach Dan Quinn always talks about players making a significant jump from their rookie season to Year 2. Ridley had 64 catches last season, which was two behind Sanu and fourth-most on the team behind Jones, tight end Austin Hooper and Sanu. -- Vaughn McClure
Carolina Panthers
Do you expect Christian McCaffrey again to play over 90 percent of the snaps?
No, but it should be close. The team's goal is to reduce McCaffrey's snap count even though McCaffrey insists his offseason workout program has prepared him to take on as much or more than last year. Here's the twist: Coach Ron Rivera had hoped to find a back who could do much of what McCaffrey does as an all-around player. That didn't happen. Rivera also said McCaffrey has a chance to become the third player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards receiving and rushing in the same season. That requires a lot of snaps. -- David Newton
New Orleans Saints
How confident are you in a second-year leap from Tre'Quan Smith?
He should be better, but I can't confidently predict he will become a reliable fantasy option. Smith flashed his potential with two 100-yard games last year. But he also showed a lot of inconsistency and caught eight passes over his final seven games, including the playoffs. Now Ted Ginn Jr. is back healthy, and the Saints added TE Jared Cook. So Smith is going to have to prove he can master the offense and earn the coaches' trust if he is going to become a consistent factor. -- Mike Triplett
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Should we be worried about O.J. Howard's production with wide receiver-friendly Bruce Arians running the offense?
While Arians hasn't been known to use the tight end a lot, he has said on multiple occasions that he never has had a tight end like Howard. Quarterback Jameis Winston was targeting Howard on seemingly every possession during OTAs. He could become the underneath safety valve that former slot receiver Adam Humphries was, while also having the opportunity to go deep. "This offense is tight end friendly," Howard said. "The opportunities are coming." -- Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Which rookie wide receiver will make the biggest 2019 impact?
It's tough to predict who will make the biggest impact since little is known about how Kliff Kingsbury's version of the Air Raid will work. As it stands, rookie receiver Hakeem Butler should have the biggest impact because of his size and athleticism -- especially in the red zone. The much-heralded Andy Isabella will have to crack a lineup of like-sized slot receivers to get reps, but fellow rookie KeeSean Johnson has looked crisp with his routes and catching abilities. -- Josh Weinfuss
Los Angeles Rams
How involved will Darrell Henderson be if Todd Gurley's health isn't a problem?
Coach Sean McVay said Henderson is the change-of-pace running back the Rams have been in search of the past couple of seasons (McVay wanted to use Lance Dunbar in the role in 2017, but he had nagging injuries). So, you can expect that even if Gurley has no issues with his knee, Henderson will play a role. However, Henderson is joining an already-prolific offense that also features three standout receivers, so coupled with a healthy Gurley that could amount to a limited role for the rookie. -- Lindsey Thiry
San Francisco 49ers
Who will lead this backfield in touches?
The Niners' crowded backfield includes Jerick McKinnon, Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida, so this is a tough question at this stage of the offseason. Much will depend on how McKinnon comes back from a torn ACL; assuming he does, he should be a major factor in the passing game. Breida is probably more suited to handle the load as a runner, particularly outside the tackles. Which brings us to Coleman, who is probably the best and most proven at being able to do a little bit of everything. That proven versatility plus his nose for the end zone and durability should give him the leg up to lead this group in touches, but the 49ers plan to make sure all three are involved. -- Nick Wagoner
Seattle Seahawks
Do you expect a big increase in targets for Tyler Lockett?
Definitely. Lockett averaged 6.33 targets in the three games Doug Baldwin missed last season compared with 3.92 targets in his other 13 games. It would be natural for Russell Wilson to look Lockett's way more often now that he's Seattle's clear-cut No. 1 option in a receiver corps that has a lot of youth. The question is this: If Lockett operates more out of Baldwin's old position in the slot, will he have as many opportunities for big plays as he did last season while playing mostly on the outside? The development of rookies DK Metcalf, Gary Jennings and John Ursua figures to have some bearing on Lockett's usage and production. -- Brady Henderson
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
How do you expect touches to be distributed in the Bills' crowded backfield?
That is still anyone's guess. Frank Gore (foot/ankle) and T.J. Yeldon (groin) were sidelined for the first two weeks of OTAs while LeSean McCoy and third-round pick Devin Singletary split first-team reps. When Gore and Yeldon returned this week, Gore also received time with the first team. How Singletary fares with the top group could go a long way toward determining if the Bills need to keep all of their veterans in McCoy, Gore and Yeldon. GM Brandon Beane suggested during a radio appearance in May that Gore could challenge McCoy for the starting job, adding to the uncertainty. -- Mike Rodak
Miami Dolphins
Should we anticipate a big second-year leap from Mike Gesicki?
He won't turn into Zach Ertz or George Kittle overnight, but we should expect improvement from Gesicki. The 2018 second-round pick had big struggles with physicality, blocking and winning one-on-one battles as a rookie, and this offseason he added 13 pounds with hopes of correcting those issues. Gesicki will benefit from the additions of Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick as both quarterbacks are better at utilizing the middle of the field than Ryan Tannehill. At minimum, Gesicki should double his production from a year ago (22 catches, 202 yards), and if everything goes right he could triple those numbers. Somewhere in the middle -- say 50 catches, 500 yards -- might be a reasonable expectation. -- Cameron Wolfe
New England Patriots
Do you expect wide receiver N'Keal Harry to immediately play an every-down role as a rookie?
It might not be every down, but it should be a lot. The Patriots, in part due to a lack of other top-flight options at wide receiver, are counting on big things from Harry. One example that reflects this: Tom Brady, who has not taken part in voluntary workouts, invited Harry to his residence so the two of them could begin their working relationship. -- Mike Reiss
New York Jets
Should we be worried about coach Adam Gase limiting running back Le'Veon Bell's usage and production?
If you expect him to average 27 touches per game, as he did for the Steelers in 2017 (a career high), the answer is yes. Gase won't use him that much, especially not early in the season when Bell still is building his endurance. But let's not kid ourselves; Bell still will be a focal point on offense. They're not paying him $28 million for the first two years of his contract to be a decoy. Look for him to average about 20 to 22 touches per game. -- Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Can we expect consistent production from tight end Mark Andrews with Hayden Hurst also in the fold?
No. The Ravens will lead the NFL in rushing attempts this season, which makes it difficult to make any projection in the passing game. Andrews was a favorite target for Lamar Jackson last season, but he had only three games with 50-plus receiving yards in Jackson's seven starts. Now, Hurst is fully healthy and it wouldn't be a shocker if he becomes the No. 1 tight end. Hurst was the team's best tight end in last year's training camp before suffering a stress fracture in his foot. -- Jamison Hensley
Cincinnati Bengals
Is there any hope of a John Ross breakout with a new coach and in his third season?
Absolutely. Ross said these OTAs have been some of his best weeks since he got in the league, and his confidence seems to be at a high. Ross has been getting a lot of first-team work during OTAs, and the coaches have been moving him around. He'll certainly get his chance and, barring injury, will be the No. 3 receiver behind Tyler Boyd and A.J. Green, which means he should see a lot of playing time. -- Katherine Terrell
Cleveland Browns
Do you anticipate a big drop in production for Jarvis Landry now that Odell Beckham Jr. is in the fold?
Not necessarily. Beckham very well might be a top-five fantasy wideout, with big touchdown numbers catching passes from Baker Mayfield. But Landry has thrived as a possession receiver throughout his career and could prove especially valuable in PPR formats, thanks also in part to Mayfield's accurate arm. -- Jake Trotter
Pittsburgh Steelers
Who will finish second in targets for the Steelers?
Tight end Vance McDonald, a safety valve over the middle who probably will see his 72-target total from a year ago increase. It's reasonable to expect McDonald to be a focal point in at least five games, depending on the matchups. The emergence of running back Jaylen Samuels as a soft-handed receiver could affect James Conner's pass-catching totals despite his status as the top back. James Washington is having a strong offseason but needs to regain confidence, a process that could take time. The stage is set for McDonald, who has a good rapport with Ben Roethlisberger, to flourish in the Steelers' quick passing game. -- Jeremy Fowler
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Do you expect Lamar Miller to remain the team's lead back throughout the 2019 season?
Miller is expected to start the season as the Texans' lead back, but he could be closer to splitting carries with D'Onta Foreman by the end of the season. Foreman still has a long way to go, but more than a year and a half after tearing his Achilles, the coaching staff will give the 2017 third-round pick every opportunity to prove he can take over as the starter if Houston does not re-sign Miller after the season. -- Sarah Barshop
Indianapolis Colts
Can we trust TE Eric Ebron for consistent production with Jack Doyle now healthy?
First off, Doyle has to get back on the field. He has missed all of the offseason workouts due to hip surgery earlier this year. He's not expected back until the start of training camp at the earliest. There will be plenty of balls to go around once Doyle is healthy again. He's more of a blocking tight end who is used underneath in the passing game. Ebron, who made his first Pro Bowl last season, is more of a pass-catching tight end. He was used more as a hybrid receiver who was a big red zone target for Andrew Luck during his 13-touchdown season in 2018. -- Mike Wells
Jacksonville Jaguars
Can we trust running back Leonard Fournette's efficiency and durability?
No way. Not with the issues about his maturity, commitment and health that ruined his 2018 season. The Jaguars say they still want him to be the centerpiece of the offense in 2019, but they've also put together a contingency plan by signing experienced veterans Thomas Rawls, Alfred Blue and Benny Cunningham and drafting Ryquell Armstead in the fifth round. They're much more prepared in case Fournette flops than they were last season. -- Mike DiRocco
Tennessee Titans
Will 35-year-old Delanie Walker be returning to a similar or reduced offensive role?
Walker should return to prominence, especially with his former position coach, Arthur Smith, taking over as offensive coordinator. The matchup advantage he provides will continue to make him one of Marcus Mariota's favorite targets. Walker looked smooth running routes and didn't show any signs of the ankle injury he suffered in the 2018 season opener. Walker is in tremendous shape, looking slimmer than he did last season. He has shown an edge whenever the question of drafting a tight end has been asked. He's motivated. -- Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Will Courtland Sutton or DaeSean Hamilton have the more productive 2019 season?
They will fit in different ways in the Broncos' new offense, which is sort of an updated version of the Mike Shanahan/Gary Kubiak playbook. At least at the outset, Sutton figures to have more opportunities in the red zone and more snaps overall. Rookie tight end Noah Fant will take some targets away from both players, but initially Sutton is likely to serve as the No. 1 receiver if Emmanuel Sanders (Achilles) is not ready for full duty as training camp draws to a close. -- Jeff Legwold
Kansas City Chiefs
Will Damien Williams pick up where he left off, as the feature back?
The job is Williams' to lose, but he's going to have to produce because the Chiefs have running back depth in Carlos Hyde and Darwin Thompson. The Chiefs aren't so committed to Williams that they'll stick with him regardless. -- Adam Teicher
Los Angeles Chargers
Do you expect Hunter Henry to take on a consistently large role in the passing game?
Henry has looked energized and explosive during offseason work, a year removed from ACL surgery. "It's good to see him running around, having fun and enjoying football again," Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said. "He's healthy." However, the Chargers' medical and training staff probably will take a cautious approach to Henry's workload once the season begins to make sure he gets through 2019 healthy. Keenan Allen, Melvin Gordon and Mike Williams combined for 30 touchdowns last season, and the expectation is they will carry the load for the Chargers once again, with Henry fitting in as the fourth option. -- Eric D. Williams
Oakland Raiders
Do you anticipate workhorse usage for RB Josh Jacobs as a rookie?
No. At least not to start the season. The Raiders re-signed Doug Martin for a reason, and not just to mentor Jacobs. And this has little to do with how much coach Jon Gruden loves veterans. Martin was the Raiders' leading rusher last season, even if he suddenly developed a case of fumble-itis late in the year. His return to Oakland after free-agent signee Isaiah Crowell suffered a torn ACL early in the offseason training program is a sign that Martin will be the bell-cow back ... at least early on. -- Paul Gutierrez