The preseason is almost over which means it’s time for fantasy owners to finalize their rosters and make some last-minute moves to start off the season on the right foot. Here are the biggest stories from the end of the preseason.
A New Day
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(AP)
Cam Newton’s night was short against Pittsburgh, but it was a meaningful one nonetheless. First off, Newton threw for his first touchdown pass in the NFL, a 10-yard strike to Jeremy Shockey in the first quarter. Newton only threw five passes last night, three of which were completed, but he looked very solid both in and out of the pocket. Newton took off once for 19 yards, showing his explosiveness and ability to make plays. More important than all of this is that head coach Ron Rivera named Newton the Panthers’ starting quarterback. Newton isn’t a fantasy starter by any means, even in the deepest of leagues, but he may be worth a pick-up as a potential sleeper/keeper pick considering the bevy of weapons that he has at his disposal.
A Titan-ic Deal
Chris Johnson became the highest-paid running back in the NFL yesterday, signing a four-year $53.5M deal with the Tennessee Titans. Combine this with Arian Foster’s hamstring injury, and the depth chart at running back looks a little bit different than it did earlier in the season. Johnson should now be slotted in as the No.2 fantasy running back behind Adrian Peterson. Johnson has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons in the NFL and there is little reason to believe he will not do so this season
Wings clipped
Eagles backup QB Vince Young went down last night with what is being called a hamstring strain. The injury does not have much impact at the current moment, but if it is severe could be devastating in Philadelphia. Michael Vick is the unchallenged starter in Philadelphia, but his playing style is a bit reckless and did miss time last season due to injury. If Young is out for a period of time and Vick does go down, Mike Kafka is the next QB on the Eagles’ depth chart. Again, this isn’t a huge deal yet but something to monitor in the interim.
High and Mighty
Tim Hightower has never shouldered the load as a featured back in the NFL, but this could be a break out year for the former fifth round pick. Hightower is a player who is climbing up people’s draft boards after his impressive preseason (6.8 YPC) and will be the starting RB in Washington under coach Mike Shanahan. Almost any running back Mike Shanhan has touched has turned to gold, and Hightower may be the next one. Even though Ryan Torain is lurking in the shadows, Hightower has improved his rushing total in each of his three NFL seasons and this year should be no different. He’s a potential 1,000 yard rusher in 2011.
