Fantasy Football Question of the Day 7/26

Starting July 25 until August 26 my friends Uly Velez, Josh Bede, and I will ask each other one fantasy football related question a day and give our individual answers to it. Feel free to check out my other fantasy football related posts on my blog, including questions from previous days. 

What is one safe fantasy football prediction you're willing to hang your hat on most pertaining to your respective team (Me and the Eagles, Uly and the Giants, Josh and the Raiders)? What is one bold prediction?

Charles:

My safe prediction for the Eagles that I'm most willing to hang my hat on is that Alshon Jeffery will have at least 8 TDs. Let's start with the fact that Alshon is on a 1 year "prove it" contract so he will be pushing himself to play better than he ever has. Then take into account that the Eagles' offense finished 26th in red zone offense last year meaning none of the weapons now have proven to be consistent red zone weapons. And finally, consider that Carson Wentz tends to miss his target high when he's off but that shouldn't be as much of an issue when throwing to Alshon who is arguably one of the top 3 WRs when it comes to attacking the ball in the air, and it just makes too much sense that Jeffery will be the primary target in the red zone for the Eagles. Injury of course is a concern as usual, but if healthy it's hard to not see Jeffery getting at least 8 TDs.

My bold prediction for the Eagles is that Nelson Agholor will finish with more fantasy points than Jordan Matthews. One of the most talked about topics out of OTAs has been how much improved Agholor has looked. He's always had the skill but now he's finally showing more confidence. Drops haven't been an issue like they have been in years prior. They've also given him more reps in the slot in place of Matthews who's been absent so far. Keep in mind also that Matthew's future with the team is questionable. There have been no talks about extending his contract and some people believe that has something to do with his absence. It might even be possible that he's traded before the season starts. But even if he's not, if the team doesn't see a future with Matthews beyond this season, it's very likely that the team will start integrating Agholor into that slot role with Matthews, and if he plays well then his opportunities will increase as the season goes on. I know we're only talking about practice so far (what up AI) and it's a totally different thing to expect Agholor to do well during real games, but I think it is something to take note of.

Josh:

For my safe prediction for the Raiders, see my answer to yesterday's question with Lynch. If you want a different one then it would be that Cooper and Crabtree will both be top 20 WRs. Cooper will up his redzone work but not at Crabtree's expense as he's still the best red zone threat.

My bold prediction for the Raiders is that Derek Carr will finish as a top 3 fantasy QB. He finished just outside the top ten last year with missing the end of the year. Combine that with the progress he has made each year, the progress of Cooper, and the added weapons of Lynch, Cook, and Paterson. I fully expect his touchdowns to rise. Last year the raiders scored a lot of TDs from inside the 5 yard line, so I believe mid-40s are very much coming this year. Also consider that even though Carr is an above average athlete he didn't have a single rushing Td last year. 

Uly:

My safe prediction for the Giants is that both OBJ and Brandon Marshall finish top 5 and top 20 respectively in fantasy scoring.  OBJ will have another star talent receiver playing next to him which could lead to bigger opportunities against different looks of defense trying to contain all of the offensive weapons the Giants have now. Marshall has never played with a talent like OBJ and will benefit from getting the lesser of the two corners, and less double teams.  In the redzone is where Marshall will make his living giving Eli that big body target he has been missing since Plaxico.

My bold pick for the Giants is that we go from having one of the worst rushing offenses to Perkins being a top 10 back. With the addition of Marshall and Engram to go along with Sheppard and OBJ, there will be plenty of running lanes available. In the limited play time Perkins had last year he flashed that he was the best back on the roster, and kept his feet moving on hits. I think another year in the system, the added threats at receiver, and Marshall's superb run blocking will only help Perkins reach new heights.