It is looking like Andy Reid will be getting a contract extension soon. Outside of the fact he is one of the game’s best coaches, Reid is the most PPR-friendly fantasy football coach in the NFL. Reid creates dynamic fantasy football players and never gets behind the curve. McNabb and Westbrook alone have helped a slew of fantasy football hopefuls achieve fantasy titles. For his efforts, Reid has a shot to record the 100th win of his head coaching career today. I’ll be pulling for him. Read MoreI’ll also be watching LeSean McCoy. McCoy figures to fill Brian Westbrook’s shoes in the not so distant future. If Reid is extended, McCoy stands a good chance at becoming a beast in PPR formats. The Eagles tinkered with a few packages over the bye week by having Westbrook and McCoy in the backfield at the same time. Although the extra playing time certainly can help McCoy’s value this season, I’m interested in what it might mean to his fantasy future.
I expected Westbrook to be carrying the load in 2010 coming into the season but the signs are starting to appear that he may not be that guy. Reid’s willingness to plug in McCoy in special packages tells fantasy owners several promising things.
1. Andy Reid sees the potential. Westbrook’s potential to get hurt and become a non-factor as well as McCoy’s potential to be effective in Reid’s offense. I’m a firm believer in buying guys who get more opportunities than the rest. More touches and targets do not directly translate into fantasy production but they sure have a positive influence on production.2. Andy Reid trusts McCoy. Most NFL fans have heard commentators talking about a rookie running back’s ability to block in pass protection are the largest obstacle they have to seeing the field in their first year. McCoy is ahead of the curve folks. The former Pitt Panther was playing with the first team while Westbrook recovered from his injuries during the preseason and in week 3. The fact Reid is adding packages with McCoy in mind further illustrates the coach’s faith in him in pass protection.
3. How healthy is Westbrook? There is no doubt Andy Reid choosing to give McCoy carries part of the effort to keep Westbrook healthier as the season progresses. This is why I am most interested in the Philly game today. Westbrook missed the preseason and went 26 carries (before taking a break in week 3. Add another week of rest due to the Eagles’ bye a week ago and you have a running back that is well-rested. Rest is one thing, health is another. Is Westbrook going to have more than 15 touches today? Fantasy owners need Westbrook to be a deciding factor in their lineups going forward this fantasy football season and seeing him get 20+ touches against the Bucs would be a boost to their confidence.4. Schedule. Philadelphia’s travel in the upcoming weeks is rough. The Eagles go from Oakland in week 6 to Washington in week 7.and then get two tough division games at home before playing four of their next five games on the road. Their fantasy playoff schedule from week 14 on is: @NYG, vs. SF, vs. DEN, and @DAL. A healthy Westbrook can perform against any team but an unhealthy Westbrook might not be as useful to fantasy owners. Even if McCoy takes on more carries, he is playing the same tough schedule. However, if he is to be the featured back in Philly’s offense he needs to show he can play against through a tough schedule. This week should let fantasy owners know if McCoy will be a flex option in the next few weeks while those next few weeks will determining McCoy’s 2010 value.
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