A down season can tank a player’s fantasy rating — just ask these guys. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t make a comeback.
Here’s a look at five players who had a down 2012 but are very likely to rebound in 2013.
LeSean McCoy RB – Eagles
When Chip Kelly accepted the Eagles head coaching job, you could probably see the smile on “Shady’s” face right away. McCoy had a down year last season, putting up only 151 points after putting up 221 and 282 points in 2010 and 2011. McCoy got bashed as a fantasy runner after such a noticeable drop in production but he shouldn’t have. Kelly’s offense is run-heavy and McCoy will be the main benefactor. McCoy should break the 200-point mark fairly easily in 2013.
Matthew Stafford QB – Lions
Stafford also fell off in 2012 after a stellar 2011 season. Stafford scored 365 points in 2012 — a far cry from his 2011 total of 423. His touchdowns also dropped form 41 in 2011 to 20 in 2012, while interceptions remained almost the same, from 16 to 17. The Lions passed a whopping 727 times last year and they should continue that trend in 2012. If Stafford can raise his touchdown total while cutting down on the picks he’ll push 400 points in 2013.
Darren McFadden RB – Raiders
This pick is probably the riskiest one because McFadden can’t seem to stay healthy. He’s missed 23 games in his five years in the league. It’s hard to even get a grip on McFadden’s stats because he’s been hurt so often. He only has one 1,000-yard season (2010) and has never eclipsed 10 touchdowns. If nothing else, McFadden will rebound from being the 28th ranked running back last year, which he was, if he stays healthy. 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns are realistic marks for “Run DMC.”
Carson Palmer QB – Cardinals
The fact Palmer put up decent number at all with the Raiders says something about the USC product’s abilities. En route to putting up 282 points last year, Palmer tossed for 4,018 yards and 22 touchdowns. In new head coach Bruce Arians’ pass-heavy system, Palmer could see his numbers go up. Add Larry Fitzgerald, one of the league’s premier wideouts, and there’s no reason Palmer couldn’t improve on his 2012 numbers.
Dwayne Bowe WR – Chiefs
Bowe was a disappointment in 2013, failing to break even 100 fantasy points in 2012. It was particularly disappointing after Bowe accrued 206 and 147 fantasy points over the last two seasons. Now with a veteran head coach in Andy Reid and capable starting quarterback in Alex Smith, Bowe has some pieces around him to help him out. He’ll also benefit from defenses keying on stopping running back Jamaal Charles. Bowe should be able to hit around 150 in 2013.
Eric Smith is an MMA and fantasy football contributor with Craveonline.com. Follow him on twitter or @EricSmith_SP or email him at ejmith7@asu.edu.
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