2010 NFL Fantasy Football Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

Kevin Kolb enters 2010 as the Eagles starting QB, replacing six-time pro bowler Donovan McNabb. 

During 11 seasons in the city of brotherly love, D-Mac posted a career 92-49 record while averaging 222 yards per game. Entering his fourth NFL season, Kolb inherits a Philadelphia offense that averaged 27 points per game in 2009 and ranked 11th in the NFL averaging 358ypg.

The Eagles will likely rely on more of a short passing game under Kolb which should greatly benefit tight end Brent Celek, as well as second year wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. The most dynamic player on offense is wide receiver DeSean Jackson who finished 2009 as the sixth-most productive fantasy wide receiver with 1,167 yards and nine touchdowns. 

The changing of the guard doesn’t stop at quarterback for the Eagles, as LeSean McCoy enters his second season as the clear cut favorite in the backfield with the departure of Brian Westbrook this off season.

The Eagles running game struggled in 2009, ranked 22nd, and averaging only 102 yards per game as both Westbrook and McCoy battled injuries.

There are some concerns whether the 5′10, 195lb. McCoy can take the pounding of an every down back. He does, however, make for a high end RB2 due to his above average receiving skills (40 catches for 308 yards in his rookie season). In four games as the starter in 2009, McCoy posted double-digit fantasy points. His fantasy value takes a slight hit as the Eagles signed Mike Bell (New Orleans). Fullback Leonard Weaver also figures to steal some red zone carries.

In conclusion, the Eagles offense should continue to post elite fantasy stats, despite having first year starters at quarterback and running back.

Kolb makes for a decent gamble once the top ten quarterbacks are off the board, and LeSean McCoy should provide consistent yardage totals making him a strong RB2. The home run ball might not be as prevalent for DeSean Jackson, as Kolb doesn’t have as strong an arm as Donnie Mac. This might make him slightly overvalued on draft day, but he remains one of the best game-breakers at the receiver position.

The 25 year old Celek enjoyed a breakout season in 2009, as finished second among tight ends last season in catches of 20 yards or more.  He is a Kolb favorite and figures to finish 2010 as a top five option at the tight end position.

FANTASY FOOTBALL SPIN

Stud — Wide receiver DeSean Jackson should remain a top fantasy receiver for the foreseeable future, but one area of caution is his reliance on the deep ball.

Under Kevin Kolb, the Eagles are expected to emphasize shorter passes, giving their dynamic receivers a chance to gain yards after the catch. Jackson had eight touchdowns of 50 yards or more last season (tied for the NFL record).

Despite two uninspiring performances against Dallas to close the season, I fully expect Jackson to post another 1,200 yard season with at least 10 TDs making him an ideal pick late in the second or early in the third round as a top wide receiver.

Dud — Wide receiver Jason Avant was signed to a five year, $18 million contract in the off season. The 27 year old  is coming off a career year with 41 catches for 587 yards and three touchdowns.

Yet, he had very few impressive performances (in week ten he had eight catches for 156 yards), and his inconsistent production makes him no more than a WR4 or WR5.

I fully expect Jeremy Maclin to emerge in 2010, making Avant at best the Eagles' fifth receiving option behind D-Jax, Celek, Maclin, and LeSean McCoy.

Sleeper — Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin has a chance to excel in his second NFL season with the Eagles implementing a shorter passing game and DeSean Jackson drawing double coverage. He is a high end WR3 and with the upside to justify taking the University of Missouri alum in the seventh or eighth round of ten-team drafts.

The 2009 first round pick battled a foot injury last season, but showed his potential during a playoff game loss to Dallas when he posted seven receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown.  In his rookie season, Maclin had 56 catches for 773 yards and four touchdowns. If he can stay healthy, a 1,000 yard season could be in his future based on Andy Reid’s pass happy offensive philosophy.

For views on the Eagles offense from three other leading fantasy football site, see the full version of this article at http://www.ffspin.com/?p=1905