Fantasy Football Movers & Shakers-NFC East

NFC East
Dallas Cowboys-America's team was quiet on the acquisition front during the off season.  The signing of Roy Williams with the Bears just solidifies Dez Bryant's role as the second receiver alongside Miles Austin.  Bryant was clearly more talented than Williams but Williams' contract kept him on the field.  Bryant finds himself with one less receiver to compete for targets with. 

NY Giants-The Giants also did not make any notable acquisitions.  Two departures will open up the door for existing players to step up and have a bigger role.  Steve Smith was allowed to sign with the Eagles and with his injury would not have been available to contribute early in the season anyway.  Mario Manningham expects to have a more prominent role and could eclipse the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in his career.  Manningham will be a value as your WR3. 

The departure of of Kevin Boss thrusts Travis Beckum in as the starting Giants' tight end.  Beckum is not the receiver that the departed Kevin Boss is but he will get the opportunity to step in as the starter this year.  Unless he is a real surprise early in the year and proves to be a viable receiver Beckhum doesn't belong on your team. 

Nnamdi Asomugha

Philadephia Eagles-The Eagles have made quite a splash in free agency signing several players bolstering their chances at making a deep playoff run and Super Bowl title.  Nnamdi Asomugha was the big free agent prize and his presence propels the Eagles defense in to a top five fantasy defense. 

The other signings look to have far less fantasy repercussions.  Ronnie Brown signed and is a capable backup for LeSean McCoy.  McCoy has only missed one game in his first two season, but Brown could be a valuable handcuff pick should McCoy suffer an injury. 

The Steve Smith signing will likely have no bearing on your fantasy roster.  Even if Smith can recover and get healthy he will have a hard time finding his way on to the field.  He finds himself behind DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and possibly Riley Cooper.  Should Maclin's mystery illness be serious and the Eagles suffer another injury then Smith may warrant waiver consideration, but otherwise let someone else take the chance. 



Tim Hightower

 Washington Redskins-The team once recognized for treating free agency as fantasy football was unusually reasonable this off season.  Tim Hightower was acquired and is competing for the starting running back job.  He has had a good camp and performed well in the team's first preseason game.  If Hightower continues to impress in the preseason games his stock will likely rise beyond a draft position of value for a guy who could lose his starting position at any point.  Hightower's history of fumbles and Mike Shanahan's history of turning relative unknowns into 1,000 rushers could spell trouble.  However, if Hightower can keep a grasp on the starting job the Skins' quarterback play is not intimidating and they may rely on the running game to maintain ball control and stay in games this year.