Last minute decisions can often make the difference in Fantasy Football. This is especially true going into week one. who do you start, who do you sit…who do you take a chance on. With only preseason to base this decision on, rookies are often left out of the mix.
To make this decision blindly for all rookies however would be a mistake. To hastily make this decision for Lance Kendricks could be an even bigger one. As I touched on in a previous article, Kendricks has gone from a potential sleeper with a late-round pick to someone Fantasy owners should consider as a starter.
While it was just the preseason, Kendricks showed plenty of promise, and it’s clear Bradford plans to use him often (he had four targets against the Jaguars and TD’s in the final two preseason games, both with the 1’s). Many other Fantasy Football experts are jumping on the Kendricks bandwagon as well. Not merely suggesting he be drafted, but suggesting he be starting in week one against the Eagles.
If your line-up needs a last minute tweak don’t just take my word for it, (though you should and it’s kind of rude that you’re not) listen to what some others are saying and start Lance Kendricks.
Where the other experts weigh in on starting Lance Kendricks:
Ramsondemand.com
@Dr_Ram_ breaks down the Eagles’ defense. Check out what he has to say about their pair of rookie linebackers:
“Casey Matthews is their starting Mike backer and is smallish at 6’1 230pounds, he is a 2 down backer who plays pretty well on running plays, he is a downhill guy, who reads and reacts pretty fast and fills. He is susceptible to the play action pass and a liability in coverage. Another rookie, Brian Rolle, comes in for Matthews on obvious passing downs, he is pretty fast and athletic, but he’s small at 5’9 227 pounds. I think this is an obvious weakness and attack point for Josh McDaniels. I would put my rookie Lance Kendricks against their two rookies at linebacker any day of the week and more than twice on Sunday.”
@Dr_Ram_ also grades their safeties poorly, with the loss of Mikell. Could add up for a big day for the rookie TE. Of course it’s a huge gamble to play him week 1, but one that could pay off.
Yahoo Fantasy Projection:
3 out of 5 stars: Tough to rely on but Eagles have historically struggled with athletic TE and he had a great summer.
ESPN Fantasy Projection:
He was quite the sparkplug during the preseason, and make no mistake, he will be utilized in the regular year, even so soon as Week 1. Kendricks could get work in two-/three-tight end sets, and if you need a deep sleeper …
Rotowire.com
Kendricks caught three passes for 73 yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville in the Rams final preseason game. Spin: Sold yet? Kendrick accumulated his numbers while Sam Bradford was on the field, with the highlight being a 44-yard touchdown catch. Kendricks has conclusively shown strong chemistry with Bradford all preseason, and is looking like one of the strongest TE2 options in the NFL.
@PFF_MikeClay:
“I rank him 11th. Great play vs. PHI”
@EvanSilva
“Worth keeping in mind that the Eagles annually struggle against TE’s. No reason to think they’ve fixed that.”
“I don’ think it’s Crazy. Concerned that Kendricks may play ~60% of snaps 6 targets max”
FFSpin.com
Despite all the offseason acquisitions made by the dream team, Philly’s LB corps will be a source of problems all season. They allowed a league worst 10 FPG to opposing TEs last season giving rookie Lance Kendricks a chance to surprise in his NFL debut. The 2nd round pick from Wisconsin led the Rams in receiving in the pre-season finishing with 11 catches for 155 yards and three scores. We expect a pass heavy approach under first year OC Josh McDaniels giving Kendricks a chance to shine.
