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To help you build your team here are some players I like this weekend. We take a look at elite players, mid-tier players, and a few value plays to help you build your team.
You need to draft 3 QB's, 3 WR's, 3 RB's, and 1 TE.
QUARTERBACKS
ELITE
Braxton Miller, Ohio State (vs Buffalo) - $192,815
My top-ranked player this week is the exceptional signal-caller for the Buckeyes, Braxton Miller. Expectations are high in Columbus and with all due respect to Miller, this matchup recommendation has as much to do with his superior talent as the easy opponent he will face.
Taylor Martinez, Nebraska (vs Wyoming) - $172,105
Every year it seems Taylor Martinez takes a step forward as a passer. This senior dual-threat QB has increased his passing yards and passing TDs in each of his three seasons and will look to go out a winner in his final year.
MID-TIER
Nick Marshall, Auburn (vs Washington St.) - $129,860
The name “Cam Newton” is being thrown around Auburn when discussing the potential of impact transfer Nick Marshall. I’d argue that comparing Marshall at 21 years old to Newton at the same age, the former is a much more natural passer. He can let it rip within or out of the pocket.
*Munchie Legaux, Cincinnati (vs Purdue) - $136,837
Brendon Kay, Cincinnati (vs Purdue) - $134,990
I’ve listed both Cincinnati quarterbacks since there has not yet been a decision made about who will start. Both players offer differing styles of play in what should be a productive Bearcat offense. Keep an eye for announcement one way or another.
BARGAIN
Devin Gardner, Michigan (vs Central Michigan) - $98,287
This is my must-start player of the week and it’s not even close because of his price point. Gardner could finish among the Top 10 in points scored this week, perhaps even at the end of the year as well. He is a much better passer than former Wolverine Denard Robinson and Gardner can be nearly as electric when he decides to run.
Vad Lee, Georgia Tech (vs Elon) - $83,250
The Yellow Jackets triple option scheme can post big-time numbers for quarterbacks. Despite some good-but-not-great seasons from Ga. Tech in recent years, Lee can run very well. He’ll need to shoulder more of the offense with an inexperienced wide receiver group.
RUNNING BACKS
ELITE
Lache Seastrunk, Baylor (vs Wofford) - $157,500
You’ll have to fork out top dollar for my No. 1 RB and you will be hearing his name quite often in the coming months. Lache Seastrunk finished 2012 with 1,012 on only 131 carries (7.7 yards per carry) and with less competition in the backfield, that yardage total could double.
De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon (vs Nicholls St.) - $123,919
Todd Gurley, Georgia (at Clemson) - $126,653
My chief concern is that De’Anthony Thomas might only play one half in what should an absolute blowout against Nicholls St. If that also worries you, give Todd Gurley a chance in what should be one of the opening weekend’s best games. Both backs should have great Week 1 stats.
MID-TIER
Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska (vs Wyoming) - $104,644
Ameer Abdullah was the Cornhuskers’ leading rusher in 2012. What he lacks in straight-line speed, he makes up for in short-area agility and an innate talent for planting his foot to blast through running lanes. Could be a big day for him.
Fitzgerald Toussaint, Michigan (vs Central Michigan) - $105,980
The 2012 season wasn’t kind to Fitzgerald Toussaint. There were off-field issues and a season-ending broken leg injury. Now in his senior season, he can produce at least 1,000 yards and will be looked to provide leadership and stability to the Wolverines’ offense.
BARGAIN
Byron Marshall, Oregon (vs Nicholls St.) - $59,738
No, that price is not a typo, ladies and gentlemen. Byron Marshall is technically the Ducks’ No. 1 back with De’Anthony Thomas playing more of a H-back role all over the field. When Oregon jumps out to an early lead, my guess is that Marshall will stay on the field well into the third quarter.
James White, Wisconsin (vs Washington St.) - $93,571
Be careful when selecting James White because there are actually two players with that name. One plays at Wisconsin and he’s the one you want. The Badgers are going to use more than one back (the other being Melvin Gordon), so White is not a perfect option; however, there is no denying White will be a big part of their game-plan.
WIDE RECEIVERS
ELITE
Sammy Watkins, Clemson (vs Georgia) - $105,874
Forget about DeAndre Hopkins, the best receiver for the Clemson Tigers last year and this year is Sammy Watkins. Blessed with size, strength and after the catch skills, Watkins will be the offense’s trump card in Clemson, South Carolina.
Josh Stewart, Oklahoma St. (vs Miss. St.) - $125,969
This undersized receiver has excellent hands and can catch anything near his frame. Playing for a typically high-powered Cowboys team could generate tons of receptions and yards.
MID-TIER
Brandin Cooks, Oregon St. (vs E. Washington) - $103,755
Once Brandin Cooks catches the ball; he is looking to burst upfield. His deceptively good speed catches defenders off guard. He should have no problems against a weak opponent.
Mike Evans, Texas A&M (vs Rice) - $96,647
This rising sophomore reminds me of Michael Floyd from his days in Notre Dame. Thick upper body and can shield defenders away from the football. Will be a top target for Johnny Manzel.
BARGAIN
Robbie Rhodes, Baylor(vs Wofford) - $58,090
It’s not often that true freshman light it up in their first game, but Robbie Rhodes is worth a shot. This five-star recruit was Texas’ top player according to 247 Sports. Baylor can really light it up on offense, ranking fourth in the nation a year ago in points scored (44.5).
Kenny Bell, Nebraska (vs Wyoming) - $86,668
Be careful (again) because there are two players sharing this same name. Kenny Bell can do it all, whether it is laying down big blocks, catching deep balls or even taking it the house on a reverse. He reminds me Hines Ward with just a little more speed. Wyoming won’t be able to handle him.
TIGHT ENDS
ELITE
*Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington (vs Boise St.) - $83,524
Due to a broken pinkie finger, Austin Seferian-Jenkins has not yet been cleared to play in Week 1. Right now, he’s 50-50 to play so monitor this situation because he’s hands-down the top player at his position as we enter the 2013 season.
MID-TIER
Kyle Carter, Penn St. (at Syracuse) - $57,277
With 36 receptions for 453 yards and two TDs last year, Kyle Carter is one of the leading underclassmen tight ends out there. The numbers obviously don’t jump off the page and they rarely do at this position. Carter is a safe mid-range option in what should be a competitive game.
BARGAIN
Devin Funchess, Michigan (vs Central Michigan) - $45,589
An exceptional athlete with length and good size, Devin Funchess should factor in heavily for Michigan. This sophomore has NFL talent written all over him, he just needs to put it together first as a blocker and then a receiver.
If you have any questions let me know - good luck!
FF-Justin