The fantasy football season for 2015 is a couple weeks away and in drafts, some injury value players to watch include Arian Foster, LeSean McCoy, Todd Gurley, Duke Johnson, Tre Mason, Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins, Julius Thomas, CJ Spiller, TJ Yeldon, Mike Evans, Victor Cruz, Roddy White and Julian Edelman.
Fantasy drafts are playing out into this week and into the final preseason game and owners are hoping to avoid major injury going forward. Anyone who had Jordy Nelson as a keeper or a top draft pick is likely devastated about his injury and this list is a look at the opposite side of that. Some of these players are banged up coming into the season and while most of them should be fine moving forward, some fantasy owners could skip these names out of fear they will not be ready to start the season.
So for example, we are NOT, not, not saying McCoy is a "steal" or a sleeper overall, but some owners may skip him a pick or two higher than usual due to his hamstring injury, so in a way that would be a "steal". So if McCoy moves down a pick or two, or a round down, owners should take a look at him. Hamstrings can be rough for players and with Rex Ryan saying McCoy may not be ready for Week 1, some owners could really cash in and get some value for McCoy. So if he slips into the back half of the first round, owners should JUMP on that, as he is expected to have another huge season.
Check here for a list of sleepers and here for some advice on handcuffs for RBs this season in fantasy.
Julius Thomas is down after dealing with a hand injury and he could be out for a month after surgery. While Thomas was likely going to dip in numbers going from Denver to Jacksonville, he will be a steal late if owners leave him sitting in drafts. Thomas could be a great backup in the late rounds and if desperate, a starter down the line. Speaking of the Jaguars, TJ Yeldon is banged up heading out of the preseason, but he could be one of the top sleepers in the league and is worth a look.
The Browns drafted Duke Johnson to compete with Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West on offense and right now he could miss time with a concussion. Johnson is going through the protocol and while he may be ready for Week 1, some owners may ignore him due to the concussion concerns. Johnson could end up as the starter by seasons end depending on how things play out. Victor Cruz is dealing with a calf injury and some owners are letting him slip in drafts due to his knee. A very good value pick if he can stay healthy.
Tre Mason reportedly is questionable for Week 1 while dealing with a hamstring issue and is another good option to watch. Todd Gurley may not be ready to go right away and if Mason slips, he is worth taking because he likely will be the starter once he is healthy. Kelce is dealing with a sprained ankle and he could slip a bit and is considered to be one of the best tight end options this year. Arian Foster will be back eventually, definitely go after him if anyone passes early.
