2015 Philadelphia Eagles Fantasy Outlook

Key Fantasy Relevant Losses:

• LeSean McCoy
• Nick Foles
• Jeremy Maclin

Key Fantasy Relevant Additions:

• Sam Bradford
• DeMarco Murray
• Ryan Mathews

Overview

I’m sorry, but I hate the Eagles.  As a life long, unabashed fan of the now hilariously inept Washington Redskins, I have suffered more indignities at the hands of the Eagles than should be permitted by law.  From the infamous Monday Night Football body bag game, to Steve Spurrier’s seemingly CGI enhanced lip flapping futility, to the Donovan McNabb trade and subsequent Mike Vick fantasy god-like performance in a stupid 59-28 drubbing of the Redskins, I and my fellow Skins fans have been subjected to more humiliation than even the internet should support at the hands of the Eagles.

But, despite these personal misgivings, I recognize the need to stock up on Eagles when it comes to fantasy football. Even following Chip Kelly’s Pawn Stars like offseason, the Eagles will once again sport one of the league’s best offenses.  Several of their players are being undervalued heading into fantasy drafts, so take advantage and snatch up some of these Iggles when the price is right.

Quarterback

This might be the craziest thing I write all season, but I believe Sam Bradford will be starting for a lot of fantasy football championship teams this season.  That’s a bold proclamation for a player that hasn’t seen the field in two seasons. But barring injury, Bradford is poised to takeover 2014’s third best scoring offense, and will be playing for the coach who turned Nick Foles into a household name, and who also made Mark Sanchez not look like, well, Mark Sanchez.

Look, little is known about how the wheels in Chip Kelly’s evil genius football mind turn.  But, they led him to swap Foles for Bradford in a trade that also cost the Eagles a second round draft pick.  It’s clear that Bradford is Kelly’s guy, and it doesn’t matter that many of us don’t understand why.  I’m putting my money on Kelly finally having his guy at QB, and barring injury, that’s good news for his fantasy prospects. Bradford will be available late in drafts, and if you don’t trust him as your starter (yet), stash him on your bench as a potentially valuable trade commodity.  Grade:  B

Running back

It’s strange when a healthy, reigning rushing champ is dropping into the second round of fantasy drafts, but that’s just what is happening to DeMarco Murray.  Look, I get it.  Unleashed last year behind the Cowboys bruising offensive line and new run first mentality, Murray has now been thrown into a completely overhauled offense behind a line that lost some important pieces, such as Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis.  Plus, with Ryan Matthews in the backfield, rumors of the dreaded RBBC are starting to spread.  But, just like Bradford is Kelly’s guy, it certainly appears that Murray is too.

His one cut, downhill style is supposed to be a better fit for Kelly’s offense than LeSean McCoy was, and all McCoy was able to muster in two seasons under Kelly was over 2900 rushing yards.  Sure, Ryan Matthews may take a few carries and Darren Sproles will still be a significant receiving threat, but barring injury I believe Murray will finish as a top 5 RB in fantasy football this year.  I don’t see a ton of value for Matthews or Sproles on a consistent basis unless Murray is injured, and then Matthews will be a must add.  Be grateful if you have a chance to snag Murray late in the first round or early second. Grade:  A

Wide receiver

This is where things get weird.  In two years time, the Eagles receiving corps has gone from one of the most talented and well-known in the league to a collection of young, unproven commodities and Riley Cooper.  Instead of plugging the likes of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin into their starting line up, the Eagles will look to Jordan Matthews to build on a promising rookie campaign and likely serve as their primary receiving threat. From there, the Eagles will hope that their top draft pick Nelson Agholor out of USC can translate the 1300 yards and 12 touchdowns he amassed in his last college season to the pro level.  Josh Huff should push Cooper for the third spot, with veteran Miles Austin (wait, when did that happen?) also in the mix for playing time.

How all of this shakes out is tough to say, but Matthews looks like a good value in the third or fourth round with a bunch of upside. Agholor is worth a flyer late especially in keeper leagues.  I wouldn’t be shocked if Austin ends up seeing a lot of playing time and putting up some sneaky numbers, but he’s not worth drafting at this point.  Grade:  C+

Tight end

The only thing worse for fantasy owners than a RBBC is a TEBC.  The only one that seemed to work was Gronk and Aaron Hernandez in New England, but that didn’t exactly end well.  Philly fans and fantasy owners are left to ponder how things will shake out between Zack Ertz and Brent Celek (hopefully better than Gronk and Hernandez).

Ertz is younger, more athletic, and is coming off a season where he out produced Celek pretty significantly.  But, despite the buzz around Ertz as a possible fantasy sleeper, I can’t get very excited about either of them.  If you’re in a bind you could do worse than Ertz (someone needs to write that rap), but I’m looking elsewhere for my TE.  Grade:  C-

Summary

The uncertainty surrounding the Eagles revamped offense is driving some folks away from them in fantasy drafts, but don’t be scurred! Chip Kelly has run one of the leagues most productive offenses with pieces that he was less than enamored with.  Now he has his guys in Bradford and Murray.  This could all end up being a colossal mess and Kelly will be left holding the bill, but I doubt it.  DeMarco Murray will have less rushing yards than last year but will still be excellent, and is a steal if he falls to you in the second round.  Someone is going to catch passes in Philly and the smart money seems to be on Matthews who could emerge as a strong #1 at a #2 price.  Snag Bradford late and send me your thank you notes later.

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