Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
One of the best ways to end up with steals in your fantasy football draft is to hit big on players who are coming off of poor previous seasons, and players who have changed teams in the offseason. Very few players fit this in 2014 more than Atlanta Falcons‘ Roddy White and Washington Redskins’ DeSean Jackson.
White began 2013 with a high ankle sprain, an injury which severely limited his abilities on the field. As soon as White began to look healthy again, the Falcons’ star receiver Julio Jones came down with a terrible injury that would keep him out for the rest of the season. With the Jones injury, White became the only real threat for Matt Ryan and was double-teamed for most of the season, limiting his ability to make plays. White finished with an extremely disappointing 711 yards and three touchdowns.
Jackson, on the other hand, had an explosive 2013. He finished with nine touchdowns and 1,332 yards on 82 receptions in one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. However, the fear is that Jackson’s success was a product of Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles‘ offense rather than his own prowess. With his offseason move to the Redskins, his success is far more uncertain.
When comparing the two receivers coming into 2014, Jackson has far more upside than White does, but with far more risk. With Atlanta expected to at least contend for an NFC Playoff berth, White should have a much better season than in 2013. Jackson, on the other hand, will be at the mercy of the success or failure of Robert Griffin III and Washington’s spastic offensive line.
If you’re a risk-taker, Jackson is the way to go; if you like to play it safe, stick with White.
Taylor Sturm is a Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
