Fantasy Football Fix: Stars do their best work behind big, ugly linemen

Published 2:50 pm Monday, July 21, 2014

Fantasy football is all about individuals. Flashy and selfish is what every owner annually seeks out. But don’t forget that nothing — not even USA soccer goalkeeper Tim Howard — can save your prima-donna skill players faster than a big, ugly offensive line.

Here’s some well-protected talent for your fantasy consideration:

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Beneficiaries of this stout line: QB Robert Griffin III, RB Alfred Morris, WRs DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon

It’s simple — the Redskins failed to protect their franchise quarterback last season and as a result, Washington fans painfully watched Kirk Cousins take over under center for the final three games of a 3-13 season. Missed blocking assignments became the norm in Washington, but the organization has pulled some strings to put a smile back on Griffin’s face. General Manager Bruce Allen acquired guard Shawn Lauvao through free agency before drafting a pair of offensive linemen in May. These additions along, with the removal of the unit’s weak link (center Will Montgomery), should firm up the interior. Pro Bowler Trent Williams returns at left tackle to anchor what’s expected to be one of the top pass-blocking lines in the league.  If his pockets are safe on Sundays, Griffin will put on a show with his talented targets. TE Jordan Reed might be a hidden gem.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Beneficiaries: QB Tony Romo, RB DeMarco Murray, WR Dez Bryant, TE Jason Witten

The Cowboys’ offensive line might be too much for its own good. I’ll bet linebacker Sean Lee, who will likely watch this season unfold through that $40 million video board, wouldn’t dispute that notion. Dallas opted to improve on its already sturdy offensive line by selecting guard Zack Martin in the opening round of this year’s draft. And the 308-pound rookie couldn’t even make it through OTAs without recording his first pancake block, which placed Lee on the IR back in May. What’s bad for the Dallas defense is great for Romo and company, who averaged nearly 28 points per game behind those five men up front last year. Now return those five and replace the biggest weakness with Martin. Whaddaya got? How about lots of Dallas cheerleader end zone dances, which is good for everyone.

DENVER BRONCOS

Beneficiaries: QB Peyton Manning, RB Montee Ball, TE Julius Thomas, WRs Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker and Emmanuel Sanders

Denver returns four starters from a line that allowed just 18 Manning sacks last season. Buffalo and Houston had two quarterbacks each to total as many or more sacks than Manning in 2013. That ranked the 17-year veteran 33rd in sacks allowed. Getting one of the league’s top left tackles, Ryan Clady, back from an early-season foot injury wont hurt a bit. As you can see, I have every non-offensive line Bronco starter listed above. With a healthy Manning, they all produce in 2014. So draft these guys.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Beneficiaries: WR A.J. Green, RBs Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill (rookie)

There is a new offensive coordinator (Hue Jackson) in Cincinnati, and he wants to lean on the AFC North’s best offensive front. Jackson has a history of orchestrating run-heavy offenses and there is no reason to assume he will stray from that this year. Jackson has experimented with different combinations of starters this offseason. Signing Marshall Newhouse, who has experience inside and out, gives him that flexibility. But regardless of the lineup he settles on, this group will be experienced and good. Bernard, 22, totaled more rushes of 25 or more yards than anyone in the league last season with eight. However, his carries inside the 10-yard line were basically nothing; that’s where we can expect the 233-pound Hill to earn his keep.

More beautifully ugly fronts: New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers.

Next week: Stars trapped behind shaky fronts.