The Philadelphia Eagles are coming into the 2013 season looking shiny and brand new with head coach Chip Kelly taking over for Andy Reid after a decade and with Michael Vick back at quarterback, fantasy owners are hoping for a big game in the debut of Kelly's offense, with names like DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Brent Celek likely to benefit the most on Monday night.
Vick likely will be the best fantasy star for the Eagles on Monday night, as he played well in the preseason and looks primed to run the new offense from Kelly. He is a definite START on Monday night, as everyone remembers what he did a few years ago on MNF on ESPN. While Vick is not the quarterback he used to be, he still should put up solid fantasy numbers and if he doesn't turn the ball over as much as he did last year, he could be a factor for the Eagles against the Redskins.
Vick doesn't run as much as he used to and he could get some extra yardage in the new offense, but it really is about him getting the ball to receivers and if the Redskins secondary plays like it did last season, it could be a very productive night for Vick. Last season Vick had 2362 yards passing and 12 touchdowns and if he plays all season he should easily eclipse those numbers, especially if he keeps Nick Foles at bay as his backup.
Amazingly enough, the Vick Monday night football game referred to in the earlier paragraph was of course against the Redskins. Vick has not been able to duplicate that night into sustained success all season since it went down, but perhaps the fact that it is opening night for the team and it's the Redskins again will make Vick feel young. The offense will be moving fast and that could be a benefit for Vick, as the offensive line is still a work in progress and the fast moving and him moving out of the pocket will help keep the pressure off from players like Brian Orakpo, who is returning from an injury.
With Jeremy Maclin lost for the season, there is no better player to use than DeSean Jackson and he is a 100 percent START against the Redskins. Jackson is one of the most explosive receivers in football and he should get way more looks than usual without Maclin in the fold and he could be a very productive player this season. Jackson is coming off some injury issues so some owners may be worried, but against a below average secondary, it will be a nice game for Jackson to get some solid points.
LeSean McCoy may benefit the most from Kelly's offense, as he is a pass catching back that has excellent speed and strength and he could be a huge fantasy scorer in 2013 for all owners. Bryce Brown is a smart handcuff to have in case McCoy is injured, but for the most part he should be a player that owners can pencil in each week. McCoy has been one of the most consistent players in fantasy over the past few years and he previously had a 20 touchdown season that he could come close to again.
Vick: Hard start, especially since it's the first game of the season
Jackson and McCoy: START them both, big numbers most likely on MNF.
Celek: SIT. Might not get as many looks as he will later in the season and the Skins have a solid linebacker core.