Fantasy Football - Camp Battles 2015 |
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Camp Battles - Philadelphia WRs Forget about the Eagles RBBC... who’s gonna catch the damn ball? The Eagles offseason has been filled with so much noise. Former players trashed Chip Kelly, the team dealt its best weapon and overstocked its backfield, and Tim Tebow rode into town. Lost amidst the headlines is an emerging receiving corps in need of a standout weapon. Last season, Jeremy Maclin commanded 23.0% of the Eagles’ passing attempts and out-gained every other receiver on the roster by more than 400 yards. He was the clear No. 1 and now he’s rejoined Andy Reid in Kansas City. The Eagles now need a new top target. Could it be 2014 rookie Jordan Matthews, who hauled in eight touchdowns? Or perhaps 2015 top pick Nelson Agholor, who caught more than 100 passes for USC last season? Maybe the best option is Riley Cooper, the only player with much experience? Why Matthews is your best bet: What was a “battle” is quickly becoming a one-horse race. Not only does Matthews bring the best returning stats from last year, but he is having the best camp according to reports. Matthews has played well in the slot and has fans and beat reporters raving. Last year Matthews had three 100-yard games, including the season finale. The Eagles are deeper on the edges, suggesting they’ll need Matthews on the field more often than any of the others in three-receiver sets. Why it’s Agholor: In a deep class of wide receivers, Agholor may make the smoothest transition to the pro game. He caught a ton of balls at USC facing respectable opponents. He took two punts to the end zone in both the 2013 and 2014 seasons, and posted back-to-back 200-yard games last November. He’s a game-breaker and also a steady weapon. Agholor caught a touchdown in the team’s preseason win over Indianapolis and will only get better as the season approaches. Why it’s Cooper: His stock has taken off during the Chip Kelly, with 102 catches and 11 touchdowns over the past two years combined. He’s only a year removed from No. 3 fantasy status and will be just 28 when the season opens. Don’t forget about: Josh Huff What, expecting Miles Austin here? Huff has been seeing serious time in camp and could challenge Cooper and Agholor for reps. Austin has had a good camp, but he’s essentially a speed receiver who lost his speed long ago; Huff is a second-year prospect with plenty to prove. Who fantasy owners should pull for: Matthews If you take the stats from Matthews’ final eight games of 2014 and average it over a full season he’d have 1,118 yards and double-digit touchdowns. He’s ready for primetime. Follow Mike Beacom on Twitter @mikebeacom |
By Mike Beacom