NFC West

2012-07-10 12:36:08
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
RealTime Fantasy Sports

Kevin Kolb hopes to start

Rams

The Rams were decimated by injury and poor play last season. St. Louis hopes to put last year's fiasco behind them. New head coach Jeff Fisher is the big addition for the Rams, bringing a new mentality to the team. Fisher has a lot of work to do to get this squad back on the right track but some new additions and getting guys back healthy should help. Fisher gets to see his new team starting July 29 at the Russell Training Center in Earth City, Mo.

Position battle: St. Louis is another team that revamped the receiver position but much is still to be decided when it comes to starters. Danny Amendola will man the slot but the two starting spots are wide open. Rookies Brian Quick and Chris Givens might be the best bets to start but will need to prove they are ready. Others that have a legit shot to start are Greg Salas, Steve Smith and Danario Alexander.

Injury watch: Sam Bradford had an ankle injury that hampered him much of last season. He is healthy but did say that his ankle wasn't 100 percent during offseason workouts. He is about full strength now, though, which is a positive, but it is a bit alarming that he was still hurting a little during the offseason.

Cardinals

Despite inconsistent quarterback play, the Cardinals didn't have a terrible year last season. If the quarterback spot can play at a higher level this year, the Cardinals could challenge for a playoff spot. They have some nice talent on both side of the ball and play in a weak division. The Cardinals quest for a return to the playoffs starts July 25 at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Ariz.

Position battle: Kevin Kolb was supposed to be the answer at quarterback for the Cardinals last season but didn't exactly light it up. And when out hurt, backup John Skelton might have played better than Kolb, which is why the two are competing for the right to start this season. Kolb probably is the more talented of the two and has the big contract so he'll be given first crack at the job but the Cardinals aren't going to just hand it to him. He'll have to play better than Skelton.

Injury watch: Ryan Williams missed all of his rookie season because of surgery to repair a torn patella tendon in addition to meniscus damage. He has a long road back from the injuries but could be ready for the start of training camp. As long as he doesn't have a setback, Williams should be healthy enough to play Week 1. But like some others returning from injury, it might take a bit for Williams to round into form. He could start slow early in the year.

49ers

San Francisco was a bit of a surprise last season but that won't be the case this year. Expectations are high for this squad in 2012. The 49ers boost one of the top defenses in the league and an improving offense. The big area to watch in camp will be at receiver for the 49ers. San Francisco has a lot of new talent at receiver, fighting for playing time. If the passing game can get better, the offense could take a big step forward. The 49ers start camp July 23 at the 49ers Training Facility in Santa Clara, Calif.

Position battle: The 49ers revamped their receiving corps, which means there will be plenty of competition for playing time. Michael Crabtree probably is the most likely to start for the 49ers abut after him, you have Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and rookie A.J. Jenkins vying for the other starting spot. You never know what you will get with Moss at this point of his career but early reports are favorable for him. Manningham was great as a No. 3 the last few seasons with the Giants but might be an even better fit for a starting job. And Jenkins is the future at the position but could be given a little time to learn the position.

Injury watch: Frank Gore isn't returning from a major injury but is a back with an injury history that missed some time last year. He is getting up there in age and has a decent amount of work under his belt for his career. The 49ers could cut back his workload some this year to keep him healthy and fresh.

Seahawks

The Seahawks didn't make a big splash this offseason in hopes of improving but added Matt Flynn at quarterback, creating quite the competition for the coming season. The quarterback spot will be the talk of camp as the Seahawks try to find their starter. Flynn gets his chance to show his stuff starting July 28 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.

Position battle: The Seahawks nabbed Matt Flynn during the offseason, getting another option at quarterback for the coming season. Seattle also used a draft pick on Russell Wilson, who might be the long-term option for the team at the position. Tarvaris Jackson was the starter last season and didn't do too badly in a starting role. Flynn has the most upside of the group, but will need to prove he is ready to take over a starting role. But at this point, you would have to think Flynn is the favorite to start.

Injury watch: Sidney Rice had surgery on both his shoulders during the offseason. Neither surgery was too big of a deal but he has chronic shoulder issues of late, which is somewhat of a concern. He is expected to be ready for camp but the Seahawks could take it easy with him to make sure he is healthy for the start of the year.

If you have any questions or comments, please email Jeff Paur at jeff@rtsports.com

Fantasy Football Player Notes RSS FeedPLAYER NOTES

Zach ErtzMay 24 11:42a

Philadelphia Eagles TE Zach Ertz, the team's second-round draft pick, is unable to participate in organized team activities because of NFL rules until he graduates from college at Stanford.

Tramon WilliamsMay 24 10:52a

Green Bay Packers CB Tramon Williams' (shoulder) nerve damage in his shoulder has drastically healed due to a workout regimen that includes yoga and jump ropes.

Joseph MorganMay 24 10:32a

New Orleans Saints WR Joe Morgan said he'll have to work on his intermediate route running to win the No. 3 receiver spot. Six of his 10 receptions last [ More ]

Greg HardyMay 24 09:22a

Carolina Panthers DE Greg Hardy dropped 15 pounds in the offseason hoping to improve his speed rush. Hardy broke out with 11 sacks in 2012 after having seven combined in his first two years.

Mike WilliamsMay 24 08:42a

Free-agent WR Mike X. Williams (Seahawks) is attempting another comeback after signing with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.

Pierre GarconMay 24 08:22a

Updating previous reports, Washington Redskins WR Pierre Garcon (shoulder, foot) underwent minor labrum surgery in January. He has recovered from the surgery and should be ready for training camp.

Danario AlexanderMay 24 01:15a

San Diego Chargers WR Danario Alexander looked fluid in making back-shoulder catches in practice Monday, May 20. He claims he's at full speed, a contrast to his injured May [ More ]

Joe McKnightMay 24 01:15a

New York Jets RB Chris Ivory impressed in practice Wednesday, May 22, and is lining up to be the feature back. Mike Goodson's legal troubles are jeopardizing his future [ More ]

Jared AllenMay 24 01:02a

Minnesota Vikings DE Jared Allen (knee, shoulder), who's a free agent after this year, has 'absolutely no idea' where he'll wind up in 2014. 'Best-case scenario would have been [ More ]

Robert MeachemMay 24 01:02a

If San Diego Chargers WR Robert Meachem has a strong preseason, the club could see if there's an active trade market for him. His $6.875 million cap number, however, [ More ]

B. MeriweatherMay 23 10:02p

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said he expects FS Brandon Meriweather (knee) to be a full participant once training camp begins.

Pierre GarconMay 23 09:52p

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said WR Pierre Garcon (foot) is about 90 percent recovered from his foot surgery and that he expects Davis to sit out until training camp.

Fred DavisMay 23 09:52p

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said TE Fred Davis (Achilles') is about 90 percent recovered from his Achilles' tendon injury and that he expects Davis to sit out until training camp.

London FletcherMay 23 09:52p

Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said he told LB London Fletcher (elbow, ankle) that he could sit out the rest of the organized team activities, but Fletcher told [ More ]

Brian OrakpoMay 23 09:42p

Washington Redskins LB Brian Orakpo (pectoral) and DT Chris Neild (knee) were able to fully participate in organized team activities Thursday, May 23.

Quentin GrovesMay 23 09:22p

Cleveland Browns LB Jabaal Sheard said he believes he can be part of an impactful outside linebacker rotation with LB Barkevious Mingo, LB Paul Kruger and LB Quentin Groves [ More ]

Dion LewisMay 23 09:22p

Cleveland Browns special teams coordinator Chris Tabor said the team is giving CB Buster Skrine and S Johnson Bademosi reps as kick returners during organized team activities. Tabor said [ More ]

Sam BradfordMay 23 09:12p

St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford has been working on routes and throws with WRs Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey during offseason workouts.

Matt JohnsonMay 23 08:52p

Dallas Cowboys FS Matt Johnson said he believes he suffered hamstring injuries last season because he was using too much weight while doing squats in the weight room and [ More ]

Roy MillerMay 23 08:42p

Jacksonville Jaguars DT Roy Miller (knee) was limited to individual drills during organized team activities Thursday, May 23, because of knee tendonitis.

Tony MoeakiMay 23 07:22p

Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Moeaki (knee) is unlikely to be on the practice field until training camp in July. Moeaki has been watching from the sidelines during organized team activities this week.

DeSean JacksonMay 23 06:32p

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly confirmed that he prefers larger and taller players at most positions on his team, but he's in favor of protecting his smaller players [ More ]

Pierre GarconMay 23 04:32p

Washington Redskins WR Pierre Garcon (shoulder) underwent minor labrum surgery in January but has fully recovered. He was held out of team drills during organized team activities Thursday, May 23, as a precaution.

Greg RomeusMay 23 03:43p

The New Orleans Saints have waived DE Greg Romeus.

Scott ChandlerMay 23 03:43p

Buffalo Bills TE Scott Chandler (knee) has been running well at offseason workouts and believes he could be ready for the start of training camp. Chandler has started running [ More ]

Brian UrlacherMay 23 03:32p

Retired LB Brian Urlacher said the Dallas Cowboys were one of the team's that intrigued him if he were to have signed with another team other than the Chicago [ More ]

Trent RichardsonMay 23 03:23p

Cleveland Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski said RB Trent Richardson (leg) will not participate in organized team activities next week and could sit out the team minicamp in early [ More ]

Stephen NicholasMay 23 03:12p

Atlanta Falcons LB Stephen Nicholas (hernia) and LB Sean Weatherspoon (knee) will not be able to participate in organized team activities next week because they are recovering from offseason [ More ]

Jon BeasonMay 23 03:02p

Carolina Panthers LB Jon Beason (knee, shoulder) was able to participate in individual drills during organized team activities Thursday, May 23.

Charles BrownMay 23 02:53p

New Orleans Saints OT Charles Brown (undisclosed) did not participate in organized team activities Thursday, May 23, because of an undisclosed injury. Head coach Sean Payton would not specify [ More ]

Maurice HurtMay 23 02:52p

Washington Redskins OG Josh LeRibeus (groin) and OT Maurice Hurt (groin) did not participate in organized team activities Thursday, May 23, because of groin injuries.

Keenan LewisMay 23 02:42p

New Orleans Saints CBs Keenan Lewis and Patrick Robinson worked with the first-team defense during organized team activities Thursday, May 23. Head coach Sean Payton said people should not [ More ]

RSS Feeds

NFL News:
 
Player Notes:
 
Forum Posts:
 

© 2013 RealTime Fantasy Sports, Inc.
Email Us  ·  Call Us 636.447.1170  ·  Lost Password
Advertising represented by USA Today Sports Media Group