The red zone in the NFL is where fantasy football matchups are won and lost and dynasty value is mined. Championships are built, or torn down, as a team marches towards the end zone. Here is a breakdown of the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings red zone turnover from 2014 and the changes in store for 2015:
Chicago
Biggest 2014 Departure
Brandon Marshall, 17 opportunities
2015 Impact
Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett were already among the NFL leaders in red zone targets (both 20+ in 2014). Other than the returning pair and Marshall, only seven red zone targets went to other receivers and tight ends. This is in addition to Matt Forte’s 54 looks inside the 20. Eddie Royal is an addition in 2015 and Kevin White was a top draft pick. I think both are underrated in redraft and for red zone opportunities. As much as Eddie Royal has been an on-again-off-again dynasty producer, he has slot chops and has easily found work and production despite changing teams of late. I love Martellus Bennett in 2015 and another 20+ red zone chances this year would make him a top-5 tight end lock. Long-term I like Kevin White more than Alshon Jeffery (minority opinion I would guess), but expect Jeffery to see 15+ red zone chances for a third straight season. Temper expectations on Marquess Wilson. He got some run in 2014 and what does the team do months later? Draft Kevin White in the top-10 and sign Eddie Royal. Listen to what NFL teams tell us.
