The prices for rookies in our Ultimate Fantasy Football game have been unveiled. If you're a bargain shopper, look elsewhere.
Scanning the list of rookies, I struggle to find a player I'd use on my team at the start of the season. Marshawn Lynch is there for $6.9 million. He's more costly than Laurence Maroney ($6.85M) and Travis Henry ($6.75M). Considering there's a touchdown vulture like Anthony Thomas in Buffalo, it's tough to justify using that much cash on Lynch, especially early in the season when the Bills face a tough schedule (DEN, @PIT, @NE).
The same applies to Adrian Peterson ($6.5M). I'll gladly spend $1 million less and take Brandon Jacobs.
It's no better at receiver where Calvin Johnson rings the register for $6.2M. Johnson could be a breakout star by season's end, but for earlier in the season, you're better off with the less expensive, more reliable Hines Ward for $6M. I feel like I'm pitching a Honda Accord over a flashy sports car, but it's the sensible thing to do for you fantasy footballers on a budget.
The only potential players I see down the line are Giants WR Steve Smith ($2M) and Bears tight end Greg Olsen ($2.2M). Also checking in under $3M with some upside are receivers Robert Meachem, Dwayne Jarrett and Craig Davis. With an IPO of $5.5M, Green Bay running back Brandon Jackson could be worth a pickup later in the season, but he must secure the feature role for him to be worth a spot on your squad.
Just like the real NFL teams, you'll have to exercise patience and good sense in how you use this year's rookies. Will you cut costs in other places to squeeze a rookie or two onto your team?
