QB
The best QB in the league. While Rodgers is widely considered to be a hair below Andrew Luck in most experts' fantasy rankings, there is full confidence at LFB HQ that Rodgers can rank in fantasy where he does on Sundays, #1. The loss of Jordy Nelson is obviously a huge blow to his receiving corps, but there is plenty of talent to target, including a personal favorite in Randall Cobb. Rodgers' steady hand will be key to guiding an otherwise youthful squad.
RB
Carlos Hyde
TJ Yeldon
Todd Gurley
Tre Mason
Darren McFadden
Darren Sproles
Matt Jones
Early draft strategy left LFB in search of RB talent capable of carrying the load vacated by a lack of an early round back. A youthful group of backs supplemented by the experienced pair of Darren's look to be up to the challenge. The leader of the group is a man familiar to MFFL managers, Ohio St. alum Carlos Hyde. This talented runner showed glimpses of a promising future last season as the backup to the ever consistent Frank Gore. This year, the job, and 49er run game, is all Hyde's. Skill and opportunity line up for a potential break out year for LFB's preseason top dog. If Hyde is to get meaningful help at the RB spot it is likely to come from a couple of uber talented SEC rookie backs. TJ Yeldon and Todd Gurley burst on to the collegiate scene together three years ago and look to do the same this year in the LFB backfield. Yeldon leaves the comfortable home of the Crimson Tide running attack for the rehab project that is the Jacksonville offense. However, TJ has been handed the reins to the ground attack and looks to capitalize on the opportunity. Lesser RB's have shown inconsistent success in that offense, now its time for a real back to takeover. Finally, in what likely looked like a Rams homer pick (and very well may have been), Gurley comes to LFB. He won't be ready for week 1, but look for Todd to follow in the footsteps of former Rams rookie backs Zac Stacy and teammate Tre Mason and explode onto the scene around week 5 after beginning the season as a non-factor. The difference here is the immense talent Gurley possesses. Healthy again after a torn ACL and running in an offense constructed to play to his strengths, Gurley could be a top back for the second half of the season. In the meantime, Tre Mason looks to carry the load in St. Louis. A talented back in his own right, Mason is an explosive back with sneaky power.
Rounding out the backfield are a few backs with potentially growing roles. Darren McFadden has gone from a hyped potential superstar to oft injured disappointment after many years in the black hole that is the Oakland Raiders. Presumably healthy, McFadden is now running behind the best OL in the league. Rumors are he may end up starting and hopes around LFB HQ are that he shows some of his old promise for his new team. In a similarly positive offensive environment lies Darren Sproles. The diminutive veteran currently sits behind two talented but injury prone runners in one of the league's best offensive systems. Its hard to keep the little guy off the field and he might just find a new role as a part-time slot receiver. He might need some breaks but the upside still lies with the little guy. Finally, rookie Matt Jones looks to find a role in Washington. The bruising former Gator has excelled in preseason and looks to push Alfred Morris for carries. If he can build on his early success, Jones might very well be able to carve himself a meaningful role in no time.
WR
Dez Bryant
Brandin Cooks
Jarvis Landry
Devin Funchess
DeVante Parker
A pair of explosive pass catchers from offensive juggernauts top a young but hungry WR corps. Leading the way is 1st round pick Dez Bryant. The passionate Cowboy WR has consistently rung up top flight numbers for a few years now. These efforts have placed Bryant squarely in the conversation for the league's best pass catcher. Along with his competitiveness, one of Bryant's elite traits is his ability to high point the ball and reel in passes above DB's. Dallas frequently makes use of this skill in the red zone, hopefully leading to a large TD total again for Dez. Paired with the powerful Bryant in the LFB starting lineup is the shifty Cooks. Brandin looks to be the top target for Drew Brees after a successful (if abbreviated) rookie season and the departure of Jimmy Graham. Look for Cooks to catch plenty of balls while also providing the game breaking big play.
Following the two lead receivers is the consistent Jarvis Landry. Landry proved to be a reliable option for Ryan Tannehill last season and the two look to build on that chemistry moving forward. With some new weapons in Miami, look for Landry to keep hold of his top spot while having some added space to work in with the new deep threats stretching defenses. Dolphins and LFB teammate DeVante Parker should pair well with Landry. The ultra talented rookie from the despised University of Louisville has gamebreaking talent but first move get back to speed from an offseason injury. A slow start may be in the cards but the talent will play and a big second half could be in order for Parker. Finally, another east coast rookie looks to make waves in Carolina. Devin Funchess looked to be the second half of an imposing WR pair, but an injury to Kelvin Benjamin moves the spotlight to Funchess. Greg Olsen will take some pressure off Funchess as he settles into the NFL, but the passing game in Carolina leaves many targets to be had and the talent void out wide leaves Funchess with a promising opportunity.
TE
Jason Witten
The reliable veteran in a youthful attack. Playing in a friendly offense and seemingly always open, Witten should produce consistent points from the TE spot. His contributions on the blocking end don't translate to the fantasy world, but the running game behind that stellar OL should open the middle of the field for Witten to work his magic. He has been doing it for years and doesn't appear to be slowing down just yet.
K
Adam Vinatieri
Coming off arguably the greatest season ever for an NFL kicker, Vinatieri may show some slippage and actually miss a couple kicks. However, kicking for the Andrew Luck lead offense in a domed stadium, Vinatieri looks to be a steady source of points. The ball should be flying all around Lucas Oil Stadium, and that includes between the goalposts.
DEFENSE
Miami Dolphins
A solid defense lead by Cameron Wake last season, Miami looks to take another step forward following the signing of controversial but all world DT Suh. A potentially terrifying pass rush supported in the back end by Brent Grimes looks to generate havoc and limit opponents. The schedule opens with the dysfunctional Redskins and includes two matchups each with the Tyrod Taylor Bills and Geno Smith Ryan Fitzpatrick Jets. Look out for a big year out of South Florida.
Overall, this looks to be a youthful but promising roster. The march through the East and back to the Championship Game is a long, difficult road but the legs will be fresh and the energy high. This year's edition of La Flama Blanca is ready to roll.
