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2013 2013 Fantasy Football: Exercise Caution With Brandon Marshall


Brandon Marshall

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

By all accounts Brandon Marshall is a top five wide receiver. He has been drafted by round two in most drafts, mock and real, and rightly so. He is the focal point of the Chicago Bears‘ passing attack and has an honest chance to score every time he gets the ball. However, prospective fantasy owners and drafters might want to think twice about whether or not Marshall is worth a first or second round pick.

Recently, some comments generated from the Bears star wide receiver could give reason for fantasy owners to take a moment of pause. This offseason Marshall had his third hip surgery in the last five years which is a high amount for anyone, let alone a seven year pro. Comments coming from the Windy City indicate that Marshall might not be as far along physically as he would like to be.

“I’m not where I want to be right now,” Marshall was quoted earlier this week, adding, “It’s a little frustrating not being where I want to be and maybe being pushed a little bit,” as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. Marshall’s conditioning is the likely the source of frustration as it is nearly impossible to for a player to keep their wind while allowing the proper amount of rest on a recently operated hip. Marshall has been closely monitored throughout the preseason, and coaches have made sure that he has been getting regular rest.

The Bears need Marshall healthy as he is one of the keys to their offense. Without Marshall, opponents will most likely stack the box against Matt Forte and dare Chicago to beat them with Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett and Earl Bennett. This would obviously decrease the fantasy value of Forte and Jay Cutler as long as Marshall is at less than 100 percent.

On the other side of the coin, Marshall has played in two preseason games and has not missed any significant practice time yet, despite the frequent resting periods. With the regular season opener now a little more than two weeks away, the Bears need their primary receiver to be ready but have some time before hitting the panic button.

Fantasy owners, meanwhile, need to think about whether they want to use one of their first few draft choices on a wide receiver who clearly is not 100 percent healthy.

As always, I welcome your comments. If you think I’m wrong, I’m willing to listen. Just back it up with some facts and solid evidence. Thanks for reading and good luck this season.

Dustin Manko is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DustinManko, ”Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

Read more at http://www.rantsports.com/fantasy/2013/08/28/top-15-fantasy-football-idp-rankings/



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