Three and out: Holdouts need to be monitored
Michael Fabiano | Tags: Three and out, Chris Johnson, frank gore, Kansas City Chiefs, Larry Fitzgerald, San Francisco 49ers, Steve Breaston, Tennessee Titans
Time for our fantasy takes on the NFL news of the day …
CJ2K holdout a real concern: The lockout is over, but fantasy fans now have holdouts to worry about. The biggest involves superstar Chris Johnson, who The Tennessean reports is still planning on holding out for a mega deal. The fact that big names like Darrelle Revis and Steven Jackson suffered injuries after extended holdouts in the past is a cause for some concern over Johnson, who figures to be one of the top three players taken in all drafts. It’s almost impossible to pass on Johnson in Round 1, especially if he slides past the first five picks. But owners who do take him (before his holdout ends) should make sure to land Javon Ringer in the late rounds as insurance.
Gore, Jackson to hold out too: As if CJ2K’s holdout wasn’t bad enough, Frank Gore and DeSean Jackson are also on the same path. Both players, who are represented by Drew Rosenhaus, want new deals before they’ll report to training camp. As is the case with Johnson, Gore and Jackson have major fantasy value but could be at more risk to injury. I’m most concerned about Gore, who is coming off hip surgery and has dealt with nagging injuries for most of his career. With unproven backs like Anthony Dixon and rookie Kendall Hunter behind him, there isn’t a lot of insurance for owners who draft Gore. As for Jackson, I’d draft him as usual — somewhere in the early to middle rounds.
Breaston agrees with Chiefs: Steve Breaston is taking his talents to Kansas City, where he’ll be re-united with coach Todd Haley. The move doesn’t have major fantasy implications, as Breaston’s value doesn’t rise or fall much as a result of the move. His presence does make Jonathan Baldwin less of an option in seasonal leagues, but Breaston’s ability to stretch defenses is good news for Tony Moeaki – he should find more success in the middle of the field and is a popular sleeper. The absence of Breaston in the Cardinals offense does make me a bit concerned about Larry Fitzgerald, who could see constant double and triple teams unless Andre Roberts or Early Doucet step up. Neither has done that to this point.
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