NFL fantasy football: Denarius Moore can thrive in 2012
NFL.com Staff | Tags: Three and out, Coby Fleener, Denarius Moore, Dwayne Allen, Matt Ryan
Give me Moore: NFL.com’s Steve Wyche believes Oakland Raiders wideout Denarius Moore is “someone to keep an eye on.” Though the Tennessee product had only 33 receptions in his rookie campaign, as Wyche points out, those receptions resulted in “618 yards and five touchdowns. That’s 18.7 yards a catch.” Moore’s success can be directly attributed to the arrival of quarterback Carson Palmer. In the six games played before Palmer took the helm, Moore amassed just 208 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 16 yards per catch. In seven games with the veteran under center, Moore racked up 410 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 20.5 yards per catch. Now that Moore and Palmer will have had a full offseason to work on their chemistry, he is on the list of second-year wideouts fantasy football owners should target. Consider him a No. 3 or 4 wide receiver in fantasy football drafts, with the potential to outperform his status.

Denarius Moore could become Carson Palmer’s favorite target. (Gary A. Vasquez/NFL)
Two good: NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal believes Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen – and not Coby Fleener – will be the starter in 2012. He believes “there is enough playing time for both of them to have a big role right away,” but Allen is considered to be “a little more pro-ready.” At the end of the day, the Colts are hoping to have a good problem on their hands. Utilizing two tight ends has become more of a focus for offenses, and Fleener’s history with Andrew Luck at Stanford is sure to carry over to the NFL. Fleener is considered a borderline No. 1 tight end in current NFL.com fantasy football rankings, but temper your expectations as he faces challenges that typically confront rookies.
Bold bird: NFL Fantasy LIVE expert Jason Smith made the bold prediction that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan will “explode to the next level” this season. Smith also added that, “Ryan has the best wideout tandem in the game (with receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones) and will complete around 40 touchdowns and notch 5,000 yards passing.” Running back Michael Turner is projected to be one of this season’s fantasy football busts, and Ryan’s fantasy stock should rise as the Falcons pass the ball more. Still, the Boston College product hasn’t finished better than eighth in total fantasy points at his position the last two years, so it’s better to be cautious and select him as a No. 2 quarterback.
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