eDraft is gearing up for the upcoming fantasy football season, getting you ready for your draft boards and planning. We'll take a look at each position, examining which players should improve in 2015 and those who will take a step back. Today we take a look at four receivers set to take a step back in 2015.
Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning did wonders for Sanders last season. His numbers in 2014 (104 receptions, 1,404 yards and nine touchdowns), surpassed his numbers from his past two seasons combined (111 receptions, 1,366 yards and seven touchdowns).
It was a phenomenal season and if you drafted Sanders in the mid-rounds, you stole a top-five receiver last season. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase had the perfect offense to put up fantasy numbers, but the situation in Denver isn't so perfect this season. While Manning may have been hurt last season, causing his passes to look even more like dead ducks, his declining abilities are a real thing. The 39-year-old is losing his touch on passes and the chance at getting hurt is even higher given how suspect Denver's offensive line is.
Those circumstances alone are bad for Sanders' fantasy value, then you throw in Gary Kubiak calling plays, Denver will not rely on the passing game so heavily this season. Kubiak will increase the targets of Denver's tight ends, spreading the ball around more, and give an uptick to carries for the running backs. Someone will draft Sanders early; don't be the person to make that mistake.
Steve Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Unexpected seasons are usually followed by disappointments; it's just the law of average in fantasy football. Smith was a 36-year-old receiver just released by the receiver-desperate Carolina Panthers. He landed in Baltimore looking to tear up every opponent he faced and he did that for the most part. Smith had his best season since 2011, finishing with 79 receptions for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns.
The issue for Smith isn't the offense or Joe Flacco, it's simply the fact that he is 36 and was already starting to show signs of wearing down in the second half of the season. Add in a handful of playoff games and the clock is ticking on Smith's body. It's why the Ravens are going to be cautious with him this season, limiting his snaps and saving him for later in the year.
Baltimore may have to restrain Smith to the sidelines due to his competitiveness, but a playoff team needs to put themselves in the best position to compete in the postseason. That means limiting Smith's snaps and production, to the disappointment of some fantasy owners.
Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City Chiefs
Oh Jeremy, you just had to reunite with Andy Reid and join forces with Alex Smith. Reunions are nice for a while, you see an old friend and enjoy your time, but it comes at the cost of your production and having fun at wide receiver.
Maclin's numbers last year were outstanding, 85 receptions, 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns as the focal points of Chip Kelly's offense. But now Maclin goes from a 10-touchdown season to a team where the entire group of receivers finished with zero touchdowns. Again, Alex Smith is the Chiefs' quarterback and he's not exactly the best fit for Maclin.
If you are drafting Maclin this year, you are just hoping the Chiefs discover a new quarterback or Maclin is traded. Neither are going to happen, so you shouldn't draft Maclin. Find options with more upside who could do big things or you can cut during the season and roll the dice on a new add.
Mike Wallace, Minnesota Vikings
Wallace is confident he can repeat his 10-touchdown season from last year. He will stretch the field in Norv Turner's offense, providing the big play weapon that are always fun for the "WOW" moments. If he were catching passes from Ben Roethlisberger or Aaron Rodgers it's good news, but not so much with Teddy Bridgewater.
I'm a big believer in Bridgewater, but his big weakness is his arm strength and touch on the deep ball. It's something he struggled with in college and still had issues with as a rookie, it's going to take time for him to improve and even be a reliable deep thrower. The Vikings will have Adrian Peterson back this season and he will be the focus of the offense. When Minnesota throws the ball, Bridgewater will first be looking towards guys like Charles Johnson, Jarius Wright and Kyle Rudolph.
Minnesota will take chances deep with Wallace, but not nearly to the level Wallace thinks they will. Wallace is just far too risky of a play on a weekly basis for you to rely on as a key fantasy contributor.