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It has been 6 years since the New Orleans Saints were on top of the NFC. Since then, New Orleans has made the playoffs a couple of times, but has never gotten past the divisional round. So what makes the 2015 Saints any different? Well, they’ve gotten back to the basics. Look out NFC, the Saints are coming.

Trading the Burden that was Jimmy Graham: Yeah, I know. He’s probably the best pass catching tight end in the league. But when you take a closer look at what Jimmy Graham brought to the table, you’ll realize that he wasn’t as great as he’s portrayed to be. Graham was a liability in the running game, and anytime the Saints ran the ball, he came off the field. This made the Saints’ offense predictable. Graham was also easily eliminated from the game, and for a player of his significance that’s unacceptable. He struggled greatly against physical teams. He totaled one catch for eight yards in a playoff game against Seattle. C’mon man. Drew Brees also seemed to have tunnel vision whenever Graham was on the field, which is why his interception totals have been so high as of late. Brees had his best game of 2014 against the Steelers, throwing for over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Graham was bothered by a shoulder injury, and had no catches. Fans and spectators alike also seem to forget that the Saints drafted Graham the year after they won the Super Bowl. They’ve done it without him once; they can do it again.

Getting the Offensive line back up to par: When the Saints won the NFC in 2009 they had arguably the best offensive line in football. Carl Nicks, Jahri Evans, and Jermon Bushrod completely mauled defenses. But after losing Nicks to Tampa Bay and Bushrod to Chicago, the Saints have struggled up front. Those days are over. The Jimmy Graham trade brought Max Unger to New Orleans, an all-pro center that wrecks havoc in the running game. The Saints also spent a 1^st round pick on an extremely big and athletic tackle in Andrus Peat. Peat can get out in front of backs in the screen game extremely well, and he only gave up two sacks total in his senior campaign at Stanford. The Saints also return tackle Terron Armstead who showed he has the potential to possibly be a top left tackle in this league for years to come. Armstead, like Peat, is extremely athletic and can get out and run. Look for the Saints’ screen game to be highly effective in 2015. Finally, the addition to Peat allows the Saints to get rid of a liability in Zach Strief. The veteran is serviceable, but not at right tackle where he has spent his last few seasons. If the Saints kick Strief inside to guard, they’ll be a force to deal with. The Saints have the potential to do some real mauling up front in 2015.

Resurrection of the Running Game: Drew Brees and the Saints’ passing game seem to get all the recognition when New Orleans’ past success is discussed. But if you look back to 2009, the Saints were ranked in the top 10 in rushing. The past few years have been far from that, as the Saints have been getting caught up in the passing game. But look for things to change in 2015. The strengthening of the offensive line will do wonders, but also the addition of C.J. Spiller. The Saints have been desperate to find someone of Spillers’ magnitude for a while now. And he’s the perfect guy to pair with Mark Ingram, creating a running back duo that looks to rush for over 2,000 yards combined. It can easily be done in 2015. Spiller also will fill the void left by Darren Sproles, as he can catch balls out of the backfield and take it the distance. Expect that to happen a couple of times on the fast track in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The Secondary gets more Physical: When the Saints were on top of the NFC a few years back, they showcased one of the most physical secondaries in the league. Now, fast forward to 2015 and the secondary that the Saints have put together resembles the one from years past. They return stud corner Keenan Lewis, a 6’1 guy that Rob Ryan puts on an island game in and game out and he delivers. They also signed former Seahawk and Patriot corner Brandon Browner, a 6’3 guy who can cover the best of receivers. Now that the Saints have two quality press man corners, Rob Ryan has more wiggle room with his blitz packages. Ryan will also be able to allow ball hawking free safety Jairus Byrd to roam and play center field a lot more. Byrd was a disappointment in New Orleans in 2014 until his season was cut short due to injury. But it all goes back to having good corner play. A safety like Byrd is only as good as his two corners allow him to be. The Saints also struggled to get pressure on the quarterback in 2014, which is strange since they returned two double-digit sack guys from 2013 in Cameron Jordan and Junior Gallette. But again, the secondary wasn’t good enough to allow those guys to get to the passer. It’s possible we might be calling the Saints’ secondary the, “Legion of Boom 2.0,” in 2015.

The Schedule: @Cardinals

                           Buccaneers

                           @Panthers

                           Cowboys

                           @Eagles

                           Falcons

                          @Colts

                          Giants

                          Titans

                          @Redskins

                          Bye

                          @Texans

                          Panthers

                          @Buccaneers

                          Lions

                          Jaguars

                         @Falcons

The Saints only face four teams that made the playoffs in 2014, and three of those games are in New Orleans. I know, the Saints struggled at home last year which was odd, but I wouldn’t bet on that happening two years in a row. With this schedule, along with the changes the Saints have made, I see them being the favorite to win the NFC in 2015.

It has been 6 years since the New Orleans Saints were on top of the NFC. Since then, New Orleans has made the playoffs a couple of times, but has never gotten past the divisional round. So what makes the 2015 Saints any different? Well, they’ve gotten back to the basics. Look out NFC, the Saints are coming.

Trading the Burden that was Jimmy Graham: Yeah, I know. He’s probably the best pass catching tight end in the league. But when you take a closer look at what Jimmy Graham brought to the table, you’ll realize that he wasn’t as great as he’s portrayed to be. Graham was a liability in the running game, and anytime the Saints ran the ball, he came off the field. This made the Saints’ offense predictable. Graham was also easily eliminated from the game, and for a player of his significance that’s unacceptable. He struggled greatly against physical teams. He totaled one catch for eight yards in a playoff game against Seattle. C’mon man. Drew Brees also seemed to have tunnel vision whenever Graham was on the field, which is why his interception totals have been so high as of late. Brees had his best game of 2014 against the Steelers, throwing for over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Graham was bothered by a shoulder injury, and had no catches. Fans and spectators alike also seem to forget that the Saints drafted Graham the year after they won the Super Bowl. They’ve done it without him once; they can do it again.

Getting the Offensive line back up to par: When the Saints won the NFC in 2009 they had arguably the best offensive line in football. Carl Nicks, Jahri Evans, and Jermon Bushrod completely mauled defenses. But after losing Nicks to Tampa Bay and Bushrod to Chicago, the Saints have struggled up front. Those days are over. The Jimmy Graham trade brought Max Unger to New Orleans, an all-pro center that wrecks havoc in the running game. The Saints also spent a 1^st round pick on an extremely big and athletic tackle in Andrus Peat. Peat can get out in front of backs in the screen game extremely well, and he only gave up two sacks total in his senior campaign at Stanford. The Saints also return tackle Terron Armstead who showed he has the potential to possibly be a top left tackle in this league for years to come. Armstead, like Peat, is extremely athletic and can get out and run. Look for the Saints’ screen game to be highly effective in 2015. Finally, the addition to Peat allows the Saints to get rid of a liability in Zach Strief. The veteran is serviceable, but not at right tackle where he has spent his last few seasons. If the Saints kick Strief inside to guard, they’ll be a force to deal with. The Saints have the potential to do some real mauling up front in 2015.

Resurrection of the Running Game: Drew Brees and the Saints’ passing game seem to get all the recognition when New Orleans’ past success is discussed. But if you look back to 2009, the Saints were ranked in the top 10 in rushing. The past few years have been far from that, as the Saints have been getting caught up in the passing game. But look for things to change in 2015. The strengthening of the offensive line will do wonders, but also the addition of C.J. Spiller. The Saints have been desperate to find someone of Spillers’ magnitude for a while now. And he’s the perfect guy to pair with Mark Ingram, creating a running back duo that looks to rush for over 2,000 yards combined. It can easily be done in 2015. Spiller also will fill the void left by Darren Sproles, as he can catch balls out of the backfield and take it the distance. Expect that to happen a couple of times on the fast track in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The Secondary gets more Physical: When the Saints were on top of the NFC a few years back, they showcased one of the most physical secondaries in the league. Now, fast forward to 2015 and the secondary that the Saints have put together resembles the one from years past. They return stud corner Keenan Lewis, a 6’1 guy that Rob Ryan puts on an island game in and game out and he delivers. They also signed former Seahawk and Patriot corner Brandon Browner, a 6’3 guy who can cover the best of receivers. Now that the Saints have two quality press man corners, Rob Ryan has more wiggle room with his blitz packages. Ryan will also be able to allow ball hawking free safety Jairus Byrd to roam and play center field a lot more. Byrd was a disappointment in New Orleans in 2014 until his season was cut short due to injury. But it all goes back to having good corner play. A safety like Byrd is only as good as his two corners allow him to be. The Saints also struggled to get pressure on the quarterback in 2014, which is strange since they returned two double-digit sack guys from 2013 in Cameron Jordan and Junior Gallette. But again, the secondary wasn’t good enough to allow those guys to get to the passer. It’s possible we might be calling the Saints’ secondary the, “Legion of Boom 2.0,” in 2015.

The Schedule: @Cardinals

                           Buccaneers

                           @Panthers

                           Cowboys

                           @Eagles

                           Falcons

                          @Colts

                          Giants

                          Titans

                          @Redskins

                          Bye

                          @Texans

                          Panthers

                          @Buccaneers

                          Lions

                          Jaguars

                         @Falcons

The Saints only face four teams that made the playoffs in 2014, and three of those games are in New Orleans. I know, the Saints struggled at home last year which was odd, but I wouldn’t bet on that happening two years in a row. With this schedule, along with the changes the Saints have made, I see them being the favorite to win the NFC in 2015.

It has been 6 years since the New Orleans Saints were on top of the NFC. Since then, New Orleans has made the playoffs a couple of times, but has never gotten past the divisional round. So what makes the 2015 Saints any different? Well, they’ve gotten back to the basics. Look out NFC, the Saints are coming.

Trading the Burden that was Jimmy Graham: Yeah, I know. He’s probably the best pass catching tight end in the league. But when you take a closer look at what Jimmy Graham brought to the table, you’ll realize that he wasn’t as great as he’s portrayed to be. Graham was a liability in the running game, and anytime the Saints ran the ball, he came off the field. This made the Saints’ offense predictable. Graham was also easily eliminated from the game, and for a player of his significance that’s unacceptable. He struggled greatly against physical teams. He totaled one catch for eight yards in a playoff game against Seattle. C’mon man. Drew Brees also seemed to have tunnel vision whenever Graham was on the field, which is why his interception totals have been so high as of late. Brees had his best game of 2014 against the Steelers, throwing for over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Graham was bothered by a shoulder injury, and had no catches. Fans and spectators alike also seem to forget that the Saints drafted Graham the year after they won the Super Bowl. They’ve done it without him once; they can do it again.

Getting the Offensive line back up to par: When the Saints won the NFC in 2009 they had arguably the best offensive line in football. Carl Nicks, Jahri Evans, and Jermon Bushrod completely mauled defenses. But after losing Nicks to Tampa Bay and Bushrod to Chicago, the Saints have struggled up front. Those days are over. The Jimmy Graham trade brought Max Unger to New Orleans, an all-pro center that wrecks havoc in the running game. The Saints also spent a 1^st round pick on an extremely big and athletic tackle in Andrus Peat. Peat can get out in front of backs in the screen game extremely well, and he only gave up two sacks total in his senior campaign at Stanford. The Saints also return tackle Terron Armstead who showed he has the potential to possibly be a top left tackle in this league for years to come. Armstead, like Peat, is extremely athletic and can get out and run. Look for the Saints’ screen game to be highly effective in 2015. Finally, the addition to Peat allows the Saints to get rid of a liability in Zach Strief. The veteran is serviceable, but not at right tackle where he has spent his last few seasons. If the Saints kick Strief inside to guard, they’ll be a force to deal with. The Saints have the potential to do some real mauling up front in 2015.

Resurrection of the Running Game: Drew Brees and the Saints’ passing game seem to get all the recognition when New Orleans’ past success is discussed. But if you look back to 2009, the Saints were ranked in the top 10 in rushing. The past few years have been far from that, as the Saints have been getting caught up in the passing game. But look for things to change in 2015. The strengthening of the offensive line will do wonders, but also the addition of C.J. Spiller. The Saints have been desperate to find someone of Spillers’ magnitude for a while now. And he’s the perfect guy to pair with Mark Ingram, creating a running back duo that looks to rush for over 2,000 yards combined. It can easily be done in 2015. Spiller also will fill the void left by Darren Sproles, as he can catch balls out of the backfield and take it the distance. Expect that to happen a couple of times on the fast track in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The Secondary gets more Physical: When the Saints were on top of the NFC a few years back, they showcased one of the most physical secondaries in the league. Now, fast forward to 2015 and the secondary that the Saints have put together resembles the one from years past. They return stud corner Keenan Lewis, a 6’1 guy that Rob Ryan puts on an island game in and game out and he delivers. They also signed former Seahawk and Patriot corner Brandon Browner, a 6’3 guy who can cover the best of receivers. Now that the Saints have two quality press man corners, Rob Ryan has more wiggle room with his blitz packages. Ryan will also be able to allow ball hawking free safety Jairus Byrd to roam and play center field a lot more. Byrd was a disappointment in New Orleans in 2014 until his season was cut short due to injury. But it all goes back to having good corner play. A safety like Byrd is only as good as his two corners allow him to be. The Saints also struggled to get pressure on the quarterback in 2014, which is strange since they returned two double-digit sack guys from 2013 in Cameron Jordan and Junior Gallette. But again, the secondary wasn’t good enough to allow those guys to get to the passer. It’s possible we might be calling the Saints’ secondary the, “Legion of Boom 2.0,” in 2015.

The Schedule: @Cardinals

                           Buccaneers

                           @Panthers

                           Cowboys

                           @Eagles

                           Falcons

                          @Colts

                          Giants

                          Titans

                          @Redskins

                          Bye

                          @Texans

                          Panthers

                          @Buccaneers

                          Lions

                          Jaguars

                         @Falcons

The Saints only face four teams that made the playoffs in 2014, and three of those games are in New Orleans. I know, the Saints struggled at home last year which was odd, but I wouldn’t bet on that happening two years in a row. With this schedule, along with the changes the Saints have made, I see them being the favorite to win the NFC in 2015.

It has been 6 years since the New Orleans Saints were on top of the NFC. Since then, New Orleans has made the playoffs a couple of times, but has never gotten past the divisional round. So what makes the 2015 Saints any different? Well, they’ve gotten back to the basics. Look out NFC, the Saints are coming.

Trading the Burden that was Jimmy Graham: Yeah, I know. He’s probably the best pass catching tight end in the league. But when you take a closer look at what Jimmy Graham brought to the table, you’ll realize that he wasn’t as great as he’s portrayed to be. Graham was a liability in the running game, and anytime the Saints ran the ball, he came off the field. This made the Saints’ offense predictable. Graham was also easily eliminated from the game, and for a player of his significance that’s unacceptable. He struggled greatly against physical teams. He totaled one catch for eight yards in a playoff game against Seattle. C’mon man. Drew Brees also seemed to have tunnel vision whenever Graham was on the field, which is why his interception totals have been so high as of late. Brees had his best game of 2014 against the Steelers, throwing for over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Graham was bothered by a shoulder injury, and had no catches. Fans and spectators alike also seem to forget that the Saints drafted Graham the year after they won the Super Bowl. They’ve done it without him once; they can do it again.

Getting the Offensive line back up to par: When the Saints won the NFC in 2009 they had arguably the best offensive line in football. Carl Nicks, Jahri Evans, and Jermon Bushrod completely mauled defenses. But after losing Nicks to Tampa Bay and Bushrod to Chicago, the Saints have struggled up front. Those days are over. The Jimmy Graham trade brought Max Unger to New Orleans, an all-pro center that wrecks havoc in the running game. The Saints also spent a 1^st round pick on an extremely big and athletic tackle in Andrus Peat. Peat can get out in front of backs in the screen game extremely well, and he only gave up two sacks total in his senior campaign at Stanford. The Saints also return tackle Terron Armstead who showed he has the potential to possibly be a top left tackle in this league for years to come. Armstead, like Peat, is extremely athletic and can get out and run. Look for the Saints’ screen game to be highly effective in 2015. Finally, the addition to Peat allows the Saints to get rid of a liability in Zach Strief. The veteran is serviceable, but not at right tackle where he has spent his last few seasons. If the Saints kick Strief inside to guard, they’ll be a force to deal with. The Saints have the potential to do some real mauling up front in 2015.

Resurrection of the Running Game: Drew Brees and the Saints’ passing game seem to get all the recognition when New Orleans’ past success is discussed. But if you look back to 2009, the Saints were ranked in the top 10 in rushing. The past few years have been far from that, as the Saints have been getting caught up in the passing game. But look for things to change in 2015. The strengthening of the offensive line will do wonders, but also the addition of C.J. Spiller. The Saints have been desperate to find someone of Spillers’ magnitude for a while now. And he’s the perfect guy to pair with Mark Ingram, creating a running back duo that looks to rush for over 2,000 yards combined. It can easily be done in 2015. Spiller also will fill the void left by Darren Sproles, as he can catch balls out of the backfield and take it the distance. Expect that to happen a couple of times on the fast track in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The Secondary gets more Physical: When the Saints were on top of the NFC a few years back, they showcased one of the most physical secondaries in the league. Now, fast forward to 2015 and the secondary that the Saints have put together resembles the one from years past. They return stud corner Keenan Lewis, a 6’1 guy that Rob Ryan puts on an island game in and game out and he delivers. They also signed former Seahawk and Patriot corner Brandon Browner, a 6’3 guy who can cover the best of receivers. Now that the Saints have two quality press man corners, Rob Ryan has more wiggle room with his blitz packages. Ryan will also be able to allow ball hawking free safety Jairus Byrd to roam and play center field a lot more. Byrd was a disappointment in New Orleans in 2014 until his season was cut short due to injury. But it all goes back to having good corner play. A safety like Byrd is only as good as his two corners allow him to be. The Saints also struggled to get pressure on the quarterback in 2014, which is strange since they returned two double-digit sack guys from 2013 in Cameron Jordan and Junior Gallette. But again, the secondary wasn’t good enough to allow those guys to get to the passer. It’s possible we might be calling the Saints’ secondary the, “Legion of Boom 2.0,” in 2015.

The Schedule: @Cardinals

                           Buccaneers

                           @Panthers

                           Cowboys

                           @Eagles

                           Falcons

                          @Colts

                          Giants

                          Titans

                          @Redskins

                          Bye

                          @Texans

                          Panthers

                          @Buccaneers

                          Lions

                          Jaguars

                         @Falcons

The Saints only face four teams that made the playoffs in 2014, and three of those games are in New Orleans. I know, the Saints struggled at home last year which was odd, but I wouldn’t bet on that happening two years in a row. With this schedule, along with the changes the Saints have made, I see them being the favorite to win the NFC in 2015.

It has been 6 years since the New Orleans Saints were on top of the NFC. Since then, New Orleans has made the playoffs a couple of times, but has never gotten past the divisional round. So what makes the 2015 Saints any different? Well, they’ve gotten back to the basics. Look out NFC, the Saints are coming.

Trading the Burden that was Jimmy Graham: Yeah, I know. He’s probably the best pass catching tight end in the league. But when you take a closer look at what Jimmy Graham brought to the table, you’ll realize that he wasn’t as great as he’s portrayed to be. Graham was a liability in the running game, and anytime the Saints ran the ball, he came off the field. This made the Saints’ offense predictable. Graham was also easily eliminated from the game, and for a player of his significance that’s unacceptable. He struggled greatly against physical teams. He totaled one catch for eight yards in a playoff game against Seattle. C’mon man. Drew Brees also seemed to have tunnel vision whenever Graham was on the field, which is why his interception totals have been so high as of late. Brees had his best game of 2014 against the Steelers, throwing for over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Graham was bothered by a shoulder injury, and had no catches. Fans and spectators alike also seem to forget that the Saints drafted Graham the year after they won the Super Bowl. They’ve done it without him once; they can do it again.

Getting the Offensive line back up to par: When the Saints won the NFC in 2009 they had arguably the best offensive line in football. Carl Nicks, Jahri Evans, and Jermon Bushrod completely mauled defenses. But after losing Nicks to Tampa Bay and Bushrod to Chicago, the Saints have struggled up front. Those days are over. The Jimmy Graham trade brought Max Unger to New Orleans, an all-pro center that wrecks havoc in the running game. The Saints also spent a 1^st round pick on an extremely big and athletic tackle in Andrus Peat. Peat can get out in front of backs in the screen game extremely well, and he only gave up two sacks total in his senior campaign at Stanford. The Saints also return tackle Terron Armstead who showed he has the potential to possibly be a top left tackle in this league for years to come. Armstead, like Peat, is extremely athletic and can get out and run. Look for the Saints’ screen game to be highly effective in 2015. Finally, the addition to Peat allows the Saints to get rid of a liability in Zach Strief. The veteran is serviceable, but not at right tackle where he has spent his last few seasons. If the Saints kick Strief inside to guard, they’ll be a force to deal with. The Saints have the potential to do some real mauling up front in 2015.

Resurrection of the Running Game: Drew Brees and the Saints’ passing game seem to get all the recognition when New Orleans’ past success is discussed. But if you look back to 2009, the Saints were ranked in the top 10 in rushing. The past few years have been far from that, as the Saints have been getting caught up in the passing game. But look for things to change in 2015. The strengthening of the offensive line will do wonders, but also the addition of C.J. Spiller. The Saints have been desperate to find someone of Spillers’ magnitude for a while now. And he’s the perfect guy to pair with Mark Ingram, creating a running back duo that looks to rush for over 2,000 yards combined. It can easily be done in 2015. Spiller also will fill the void left by Darren Sproles, as he can catch balls out of the backfield and take it the distance. Expect that to happen a couple of times on the fast track in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The Secondary gets more Physical: When the Saints were on top of the NFC a few years back, they showcased one of the most physical secondaries in the league. Now, fast forward to 2015 and the secondary that the Saints have put together resembles the one from years past. They return stud corner Keenan Lewis, a 6’1 guy that Rob Ryan puts on an island game in and game out and he delivers. They also signed former Seahawk and Patriot corner Brandon Browner, a 6’3 guy who can cover the best of receivers. Now that the Saints have two quality press man corners, Rob Ryan has more wiggle room with his blitz packages. Ryan will also be able to allow ball hawking free safety Jairus Byrd to roam and play center field a lot more. Byrd was a disappointment in New Orleans in 2014 until his season was cut short due to injury. But it all goes back to having good corner play. A safety like Byrd is only as good as his two corners allow him to be. The Saints also struggled to get pressure on the quarterback in 2014, which is strange since they returned two double-digit sack guys from 2013 in Cameron Jordan and Junior Gallette. But again, the secondary wasn’t good enough to allow those guys to get to the passer. It’s possible we might be calling the Saints’ secondary the, “Legion of Boom 2.0,” in 2015.

The Schedule: @Cardinals

                           Buccaneers

                           @Panthers

                           Cowboys

                           @Eagles

                           Falcons

                          @Colts

                          Giants

                          Titans

                          @Redskins

                          Bye

                          @Texans

                          Panthers

                          @Buccaneers

                          Lions

                          Jaguars

                         @Falcons

The Saints only face four teams that made the playoffs in 2014, and three of those games are in New Orleans. I know, the Saints struggled at home last year which was odd, but I wouldn’t bet on that happening two years in a row. With this schedule, along with the changes the Saints have made, I see them being the favorite to win the NFC in 2015.

It has been 6 years since the New Orleans Saints were on top of the NFC. Since then, New Orleans has made the playoffs a couple of times, but has never gotten past the divisional round. So what makes the 2015 Saints any different? Well, they’ve gotten back to the basics. Look out NFC, the Saints are coming.

Trading the Burden that was Jimmy Graham: Yeah, I know. He’s probably the best pass catching tight end in the league. But when you take a closer look at what Jimmy Graham brought to the table, you’ll realize that he wasn’t as great as he’s portrayed to be. Graham was a liability in the running game, and anytime the Saints ran the ball, he came off the field. This made the Saints’ offense predictable. Graham was also easily eliminated from the game, and for a player of his significance that’s unacceptable. He struggled greatly against physical teams. He totaled one catch for eight yards in a playoff game against Seattle. C’mon man. Drew Brees also seemed to have tunnel vision whenever Graham was on the field, which is why his interception totals have been so high as of late. Brees had his best game of 2014 against the Steelers, throwing for over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Graham was bothered by a shoulder injury, and had no catches. Fans and spectators alike also seem to forget that the Saints drafted Graham the year after they won the Super Bowl. They’ve done it without him once; they can do it again.

Getting the Offensive line back up to par: When the Saints won the NFC in 2009 they had arguably the best offensive line in football. Carl Nicks, Jahri Evans, and Jermon Bushrod completely mauled defenses. But after losing Nicks to Tampa Bay and Bushrod to Chicago, the Saints have struggled up front. Those days are over. The Jimmy Graham trade brought Max Unger to New Orleans, an all-pro center that wrecks havoc in the running game. The Saints also spent a 1^st round pick on an extremely big and athletic tackle in Andrus Peat. Peat can get out in front of backs in the screen game extremely well, and he only gave up two sacks total in his senior campaign at Stanford. The Saints also return tackle Terron Armstead who showed he has the potential to possibly be a top left tackle in this league for years to come. Armstead, like Peat, is extremely athletic and can get out and run. Look for the Saints’ screen game to be highly effective in 2015. Finally, the addition to Peat allows the Saints to get rid of a liability in Zach Strief. The veteran is serviceable, but not at right tackle where he has spent his last few seasons. If the Saints kick Strief inside to guard, they’ll be a force to deal with. The Saints have the potential to do some real mauling up front in 2015.

Resurrection of the Running Game: Drew Brees and the Saints’ passing game seem to get all the recognition when New Orleans’ past success is discussed. But if you look back to 2009, the Saints were ranked in the top 10 in rushing. The past few years have been far from that, as the Saints have been getting caught up in the passing game. But look for things to change in 2015. The strengthening of the offensive line will do wonders, but also the addition of C.J. Spiller. The Saints have been desperate to find someone of Spillers’ magnitude for a while now. And he’s the perfect guy to pair with Mark Ingram, creating a running back duo that looks to rush for over 2,000 yards combined. It can easily be done in 2015. Spiller also will fill the void left by Darren Sproles, as he can catch balls out of the backfield and take it the distance. Expect that to happen a couple of times on the fast track in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The Secondary gets more Physical: When the Saints were on top of the NFC a few years back, they showcased one of the most physical secondaries in the league. Now, fast forward to 2015 and the secondary that the Saints have put together resembles the one from years past. They return stud corner Keenan Lewis, a 6’1 guy that Rob Ryan puts on an island game in and game out and he delivers. They also signed former Seahawk and Patriot corner Brandon Browner, a 6’3 guy who can cover the best of receivers. Now that the Saints have two quality press man corners, Rob Ryan has more wiggle room with his blitz packages. Ryan will also be able to allow ball hawking free safety Jairus Byrd to roam and play center field a lot more. Byrd was a disappointment in New Orleans in 2014 until his season was cut short due to injury. But it all goes back to having good corner play. A safety like Byrd is only as good as his two corners allow him to be. The Saints also struggled to get pressure on the quarterback in 2014, which is strange since they returned two double-digit sack guys from 2013 in Cameron Jordan and Junior Gallette. But again, the secondary wasn’t good enough to allow those guys to get to the passer. It’s possible we might be calling the Saints’ secondary the, “Legion of Boom 2.0,” in 2015.

The Schedule: @Cardinals

                           Buccaneers

                           @Panthers

                           Cowboys

                           @Eagles

                           Falcons

                          @Colts

                          Giants

                          Titans

                          @Redskins

                          Bye

                          @Texans

                          Panthers

                          @Buccaneers

                          Lions

                          Jaguars

                         @Falcons

The Saints only face four teams that made the playoffs in 2014, and three of those games are in New Orleans. I know, the Saints struggled at home last year which was odd, but I wouldn’t bet on that happening two years in a row. With this schedule, along with the changes the Saints have made, I see them being the favorite to win the NFC in 2015.

It has been 6 years since the New Orleans Saints were on top of the NFC. Since then, New Orleans has made the playoffs a couple of times, but has never gotten past the divisional round. So what makes the 2015 Saints any different? Well, they’ve gotten back to the basics. Look out NFC, the Saints are coming.

Trading the Burden that was Jimmy Graham: Yeah, I know. He’s probably the best pass catching tight end in the league. But when you take a closer look at what Jimmy Graham brought to the table, you’ll realize that he wasn’t as great as he’s portrayed to be. Graham was a liability in the running game, and anytime the Saints ran the ball, he came off the field. This made the Saints’ offense predictable. Graham was also easily eliminated from the game, and for a player of his significance that’s unacceptable. He struggled greatly against physical teams. He totaled one catch for eight yards in a playoff game against Seattle. C’mon man. Drew Brees also seemed to have tunnel vision whenever Graham was on the field, which is why his interception totals have been so high as of late. Brees had his best game of 2014 against the Steelers, throwing for over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Graham was bothered by a shoulder injury, and had no catches. Fans and spectators alike also seem to forget that the Saints drafted Graham the year after they won the Super Bowl. They’ve done it without him once; they can do it again.

Getting the Offensive line back up to par: When the Saints won the NFC in 2009 they had arguably the best offensive line in football. Carl Nicks, Jahri Evans, and Jermon Bushrod completely mauled defenses. But after losing Nicks to Tampa Bay and Bushrod to Chicago, the Saints have struggled up front. Those days are over. The Jimmy Graham trade brought Max Unger to New Orleans, an all-pro center that wrecks havoc in the running game. The Saints also spent a 1^st round pick on an extremely big and athletic tackle in Andrus Peat. Peat can get out in front of backs in the screen game extremely well, and he only gave up two sacks total in his senior campaign at Stanford. The Saints also return tackle Terron Armstead who showed he has the potential to possibly be a top left tackle in this league for years to come. Armstead, like Peat, is extremely athletic and can get out and run. Look for the Saints’ screen game to be highly effective in 2015. Finally, the addition to Peat allows the Saints to get rid of a liability in Zach Strief. The veteran is serviceable, but not at right tackle where he has spent his last few seasons. If the Saints kick Strief inside to guard, they’ll be a force to deal with. The Saints have the potential to do some real mauling up front in 2015.

Resurrection of the Running Game: Drew Brees and the Saints’ passing game seem to get all the recognition when New Orleans’ past success is discussed. But if you look back to 2009, the Saints were ranked in the top 10 in rushing. The past few years have been far from that, as the Saints have been getting caught up in the passing game. But look for things to change in 2015. The strengthening of the offensive line will do wonders, but also the addition of C.J. Spiller. The Saints have been desperate to find someone of Spillers’ magnitude for a while now. And he’s the perfect guy to pair with Mark Ingram, creating a running back duo that looks to rush for over 2,000 yards combined. It can easily be done in 2015. Spiller also will fill the void left by Darren Sproles, as he can catch balls out of the backfield and take it the distance. Expect that to happen a couple of times on the fast track in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The Secondary gets more Physical: When the Saints were on top of the NFC a few years back, they showcased one of the most physical secondaries in the league. Now, fast forward to 2015 and the secondary that the Saints have put together resembles the one from years past. They return stud corner Keenan Lewis, a 6’1 guy that Rob Ryan puts on an island game in and game out and he delivers. They also signed former Seahawk and Patriot corner Brandon Browner, a 6’3 guy who can cover the best of receivers. Now that the Saints have two quality press man corners, Rob Ryan has more wiggle room with his blitz packages. Ryan will also be able to allow ball hawking free safety Jairus Byrd to roam and play center field a lot more. Byrd was a disappointment in New Orleans in 2014 until his season was cut short due to injury. But it all goes back to having good corner play. A safety like Byrd is only as good as his two corners allow him to be. The Saints also struggled to get pressure on the quarterback in 2014, which is strange since they returned two double-digit sack guys from 2013 in Cameron Jordan and Junior Gallette. But again, the secondary wasn’t good enough to allow those guys to get to the passer. It’s possible we might be calling the Saints’ secondary the, “Legion of Boom 2.0,” in 2015.

The Schedule: @Cardinals

                           Buccaneers

                           @Panthers

                           Cowboys

                           @Eagles

                           Falcons

                          @Colts

                          Giants

                          Titans

                          @Redskins

                          Bye

                          @Texans

                          Panthers

                          @Buccaneers

                          Lions

                          Jaguars

                         @Falcons

The Saints only face four teams that made the playoffs in 2014, and three of those games are in New Orleans. I know, the Saints struggled at home last year which was odd, but I wouldn’t bet on that happening two years in a row. With this schedule, along with the changes the Saints have made, I see them being the favorite to win the NFC in 2015.

The 2015 New Orleans Saints no doubt underachieved. Coming off of an 11-5 season and a division playoff win against Philadelphia the previous year, fans and spectators alike believed the Saints would only get better. And why wouldn't they? They signed All-pro free safety Jairus Byrd from the Buffalo Bills in free agency, adding him to an already top 5 defense from 2014. They also spent a 1st round pick on Brandin Cooks a receiver out of Oregon State who only led the nation in yards with over 1,800 and a guy who was also voted the best receiver in the country that same year. And of course, All-pro quarterback and future hall-of-famer Drew Brees was returning, and his four straight years of over 4,000 yards passing was nothing to scoff at. So what was the result? A 7-9 record and sitting at home for the playoffs. Time to reload for 2016.

The Jimmy Graham Trade: Maybe one of the most shocking deals that was made at the start of the 2015 offseason was the Saints' decision to trade all-pro tight end Jimmy Graham. The Saints' traded Graham to the Seattle Seahawks for all-pro center Max Unger and a 1st round pick in the 2015 NFL draft. The 31st selection. The trade may have been shocking due to the caliber of player involved, but it was nevertheless the right move to make. Graham had developed a reputation for being soft and disappearing whenever it mattered most. Most notably when he recorded 1 catch for 8 yards in a playoff game against his new team, the Seahawks. 

The trade allowed the Saints to get a lot better at center, a position they've been desperately trying to fill since their Super Bowl run in 2009. Max Unger brings a physicality to the offensive line that's unmatched and he wrecks havoc on defenses in the running game, an aspect of the offense that the Saints struggled at in 2015. When Unger was in Seattle, he helped Marshawn Lynch reach all-pro caliber, and without Unger due to injury, Lynch's yard per carry dropped an entire yard. That's significant. Unger also has all the mental capabilities you look for in a center to pair with a quarterback like Drew Brees. Brees will never have to be concerned with Unger missing a protection or an audible.

The Kenny Stills Trade: Only after 2 years with the team, the Saints dealt wide receiver Kenny Stills to the Miami Dolphins for a 3rd round pick in the 2015 NFL draft and Danell Ellerbe, an outside linebacker. The deal was questioned by many due to the Saints' lack of depth at the receiver position, but the deal was a win for the Saints. Stills, who was a 5th round pick, was an average receiver to say the least. His main attibute was his ability to stretch the field with his speed, but that can easily be replaced. Many Saints fans also believe that without Brees throwing the passes, Stills would have not been as productive. In 2015 Stills had 63 catches for 931 yards and 3 touchdowns. His production also increased due to the injury of Brandin Cooks, a guy that will be returning in 2016. Also, the Saints have confidence in Brandon Coleman, a 2nd year player out of Rutgers that has yet to see the field, and Nick Toon out of Wisconsin who has shown flashes of his big play skill. The Saints turned an average player in Stills who was a 5th round pick in 2013, to a new 3rd round pick in 2015. Kudos to Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis. 

The Ben Grubbs Trade: Just as the Saints have been searching for a center since 2009, they've been searching for solid guard play since they lost Carl Nicks to free agency a few years back. Grubbs is an all-pro guard, and has shown why in certain instances with the Saints, but the 31 year old guard has also shown slight signs of decline. Most notably when Grubbs and his interior line mates allowed 5 sacks to the Atlanta Falcons, a team that ranked 32nd in the league in getting after the quarterback. The Saints received a 5th round pick from the Kansas City Chiefs for the guard, and will now be able to kick Zach Strief inside to guard. Again, kudos to Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis. 

The Mark Ingram Re-signing: A lot of spectators believed that the Saints would let Ingram walk after some would say the tailback has underachieved since entering the NFL out of Alabama. Well, they didn't. Ingram inked a 4-year contract extension worth $16M. Ingram showed flashes of his ability in 2015, and was voted to his 1st pro-bowl as a replacement for Seattle's Marshawn Lynch. Ingram can only improve from here, especially with the addition of a player like Max Unger. Again, Kudos.

The Signing of C.J. Spiller: The Saints have lacked a dynamic running back since they lost Reggie Bush to free agency in 2009. Granted, Darren Sproles was no slouch in replacing Bush in the following years, but Sproles wasn't used in the running game as much as Bush, and as his time went on he became a receiving threat only. Sproles eventually went on to play in Philadelphia, and the Saints also failed to resign Pierre Thomas, so this was definitely an issue the Saints needed to address. And they did. C.J. Spiller is arguably one of the most dynamic running backs in the league, as he can run between the tackles and also catch screens and passes out of the backfield. A trait that is crucial for any running back in a Sean Payton offense. Some questioned the signing due to Spiller's injury history, but he won't be expected to carry the load in New Orleans, and will be a great 1-2 punch with Ingram. Kudos. I see a trend here.

The Signing of Brandon Browner: Aside from Keenan Lewis, the Saints were desperate for a solid corner in 2015. Corey White seemed to always be giving up a game winning touchdown, and Patrick Robinson was just too inconsistent. The Saints addressed the issue however when they inked former Patriots corner Brandon Browner to a 3-year-deal. Browner is a big, physical corner that isn't afraid to tackle. He will be an excellent addition opposite Keenan Lewis, and will allow defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to play his aggressive man-to-man defense. Kudos.

The 2015 Draft: Going into the draft the Saints had a plethora of picks. 9 to be exact. And they made much needed selections with all of them. In the 1st round at 13 the Saints surprised some when they took Andrus Peat, Tackle, out of Stanford. It was a surprise because many believed the Saints would be going pass rusher, especially with someone like Bud Dupree stlll on the board. But Peat was a great selection. The 6'7, 313 pound gaurd will bring a unique athleticism to the Saints' offensive line, most likely at right tackle. Peat is great in the screen game, as he gets to the second level in a hurry, similar to current left tackle Terron Armstead. The Saints' future is bright on the offensive line.

With their second 1st round pick at 31 (From Seattle) the Saints selected linebacker Stephone Anthony out of Clemson. Linebacker was a definite need, but again the selection was questioned because Anthony isn't a pass rusher. What Anthony is though is a smart and tough backer who can run sideline to sideline like nobodys business. The Clemson product is also experienced, as he spent 4 years in college. In his career Anthony had 255 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Anthony will more than likely fill the middle linebacker position for the Saints eventually, after they failed to resign Curtis Lofton in the offseason.

In the 2nd round at pick 44 the Saints finally got their pass rusher. They selected Hau'oli Kikaha out of Washington. His name may be difficult to say, but his production isn't hard to see. In his last two years at Washington the outside linebacker totaled 32 sacks and 19 in 2015. His sack total led the country. Kikaha is relentless when it comes to getting to the quarterback and has a motor that never stops. He has strong hands, and his background in wrestling and martial arts give him an advantage when using his hands to shed blocks. The dominent pass rusher fell due to concerns with an acl injury he sustained in the past. But all signs point to him being at full strength. Quarterbacks beware in the NFC South.

Just like in the 1st, the Saints had two picks in the 3rd round. Pick 75 and pick 78 (from Dolphins). At 75 the Saints selected Garrett Grayson, quarterback out of Colorado State and at 78, P.J. Williams, cornerback out of Florida State. Grayson was a bit of a surprise, since the likes of Bryce Petty out of Baylor was still on the board. But Grayson was no slouch in college. In his four years he threw for over 9,000 yards, 64 touchdowns, and a quarterback rating of 145.3. There's also no rush to get Grayson on the field, as he can sit and learn from Drew Brees. P.J. Williams joins a secondary that has the looks on paper to rival Seattle for the best in the league. The 6 foot corner will join an already size infested secondary, with Keenan Lewis and Brandon Browner both already being over 6 foot. Williams didn't record many interceptions in his career at FSU, only totaling 4, but his physical nature and ability to tackle is what stands out. In 2015 he registered 74 tackles. From the corner position that's nothing to turn your head at. Williams will be a solid corner in the Saints' nickel packages. 

In the 5th round, just like in the 1st and 3rd, the Saints had two picks. Picks 148 and 154 (from Chiefs). At 148 the Saints selected outside linebacker Davis Tull out of Chatanooga. Coming from a small school like Chatanooga, Tull fell to the 5th round, but his combine workout and stats throughout his 4-year career speak volumes to his potential. Tull racked up 37 sacks at Chattanooga and 60 tackles for loss. Tull will provide great depth at the linebacker position, and possibly see more playing time than expected. At 154 the Saints selected defensive tackle Tyeler Davison out of Fresno State. Davison is 6 foot 2, 316 pounds, but can move for his size. In all of his years at Fresno State, he has gotten at least 40 tackles and 2 sacks. The knock on him is that he can only play in a 4 man front, but with Rob Ryan that's okay. As Ryan shuffles between 4-3 and 3-4 personel frequently. Davison provides much needed depth to a position in which the Saints are thin, and can potentially give stud Akiem Hicks a blow when needed. 

In the 6th round the Saints held the 187 pick. And they selected Damian Swann, a cornerback out of Georgia. Swann, just like Williams, Lewis, and Browner, is over 6 foot. The Saints secondary just keeps getting bigger. In 4 years at Georgia Swann recorded 180 tackles and intercepted 8 passes. The Georgia prospect will be a great addition on special teams and may possibly see the field in some dime or nickel packages.

To close out the draft in the 7th round the Saints held the 230 pick. They selected Marcus Murphy, a running back out of Missouri. Murphy was productive in his 4 years at Missouri in both the running game and also the return game. Murphy totaled 924 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in his senior season, and that's nothing to be ashamed of in the dominent SEC conference. Murphy nearly totaled 3,000 return yards and scored 7 touchdowns total on special teams. The Saints don't expect Murphy to contribute much on offense, but for the 32nd ranked team on special teams, Murphy can definitely help in that department. 

The 2015 Saints draft as of now, well, looks very promising. KUDOS.

Wrap up: The Saints will have a new look, and many new faces, as they look to bounce back in 2016. Along with the new additions made in free agency and in the draft, the Saints will also be getting Jairus Byrd and Brandin Cooks back at full strength. After losing both players early in 2015 to injury. The NFC South looks to be wide open yet again, and the Saints' look like a front runner to make a run at the division title. It initally seemed like the Saints were in rebuild mode, but with Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis calling the shots, they only reloaded.  

One of the beautiful things about dynasty leagues is that there is never truly an offseason. The work is never-ending, with one season swiftly rolling into the next.

Regardless of how the 2014 season went, there is work to do. Are you rebuilding, stockpiling draft picks and young talent? Are you already a powerhouse, possibly looking to sell high on a player to replenish your depth? Or maybe you feel like you’re just a couple vital moves -- trading a draft pick or young player away for a win-now piece -- away from having a championship-caliber squad.

No matter where you are, in a dynasty league, there is no time to stand still.

In most leagues, trading is open for a majority of the year, including the spring and summer months, when a player's value can be volatile.

Mark Ingram, Justin Forsett, Jonathan Stewart, C.J. Anderson, Steve Smith, Golden Tate and Brandon LaFell all had productive -- if not outstanding -- seasons in 2014, and all of them could have been had for very little at this time a year ago.

Here are five guys who, for various reasons, are being undervalued in dynasty formats. Some of them are talented players in new locations. Others are established players who are performing a little better than what is being perceived. Either way, here are some players to consider pursuing as we start preparing for 2015.

Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers

A year ago, Allen, 23, was a top-shelf dynasty commodity. A second-year receiver coming off a 1,046-yard, eight-touchdown rookie campaign was gold, going in the second or third round in dynasty startups.

Well, in terms of fantasy production, Allen took a step back in 2014. Before missing Week 16 with an injury, he was on pace for 88 grabs and 895 yards on 8.6 targets per game. Not bad for a second-year player, but not what owners were expecting.

As a second-year wideout, Allen was targeted 16 more times than he was as a rookie,and he actually caught six more balls in 2014. The volume and opportunity were still there.

What was the biggest difference in his two campaigns? Touchdowns and a lack of big plays.

His yards-per-catch numbers dropped from 14.7 to 10.2. That led his yards per game to dip from 69.7 to a lowly 55.9. After finding the end zone eight times as a rookie, he only scored four times a year ago.

Touchdowns can vary for even the best receivers and red-zone targets. Calvin Johnson, possibly a computer-created red-zone weapon, has touchdown totals of 16, five, 12 and eight over the past four seasons. The variance isn't due to injury, either, as Megatron only missed five games in that four-year stretch.

All in all, this is an opportunity to buy low on Allen, a young receiver who is getting targeted heavily in a solid offense. He's even more valuable in points per reception leagues. Plus, Antonio Gates has to slow down at some point (right?), so Allen will have a chance to become the top option for Philip Rivers.

C.J Spiller, RB, New Orleans Saints

Spiller has a black eye in fantasy, having burned many owners over the years. When looking for an opportunity to buy low on talented players, that's the kind of guy that's worth gambling on.

He has two things working for him that should make him attractive: he's extremely talented and his value is pretty darn depleted.

The former Clemson Tiger has always had mouth-watering ability to make plays when put in space. With the Buffalo Bills, he didn't get many chances to do that. Now, after an offseason move to New Orleans, Spiller will team up with, for the first time in his career, a good quarterback and an offensive guru. Sean Payton is a master at taking advantage of his players' abilities, and Drew Brees is the genius pulling the strings.

It seems like a decade ago, but it was just 2012 when Spiller teased the fantasy world with a monster season. He totaled 1,703 total yards and eight scores, seemingly on his way to becoming a fantasy star with his electric open-field ability and dual-threat skills. He was still decent in 2013 (1,102 total yards) but only reached the end zone twice.

There's no sugarcoating it: last season was a nightmare for Spiller. He didn't put up numbers early on, and then a broken collarbone shelved him for two months, effectively ending his season.

New Orleans appears to be in the midst of a change in offensive philosophy. Tight end Jimmy Graham is gone, as is wideout Kenny Stills and pass-catching back Pierre Thomas. The Saints spent a first-round pick on tackle Andrus Peat, who is rated as a superb run blocker, brought in center Max Unger (in the Graham deal) and gave running back Mark Ingram a new four-year deal.

I'm not sure how Spiller fits in with what the Saints will be doing on offense in 2015, mostly because I don't know what the Saints will be doing on offense in 2015. Aside from Ingram, Spiller will be competing for touches with Khiry Robinson, but there are rumors swirling about a possible trade of Robinson to Dallas.

At the minimum, we know that Peyton likes Spiller, as evidenced by the fact they signed him in free agency, and Spiller has talent. I trust Peyton, one of the league's best offensive minds, to be able to do what the Buffalo coaches never did consistently: get Spiller the ball in space and unleash that talent.

Even if you don’t believe in Spiller at all, he could provide value as someone you flip as soon as he has a string of good showings.

Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s easy to become infatuated with youth in dynasty formats, but there’s certainly a place for productive veterans, even if their careers are winding down. Often times, players who fit that billing are some of the most undervalued assets in dynasty, with owners willing to ship out the old, boring player for a shiny new toy.

Jackson is no longer the guy you brag about owning, yet he still produced at a fairly high level a year ago. He racked up his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season, even with the Buccaneers’ train-wreck quarterback. No. 1 draft pick Jameis Winston will probably struggle early, like most rookie quarterback, but I don't think he'll be worse than Josh McCown or Mike Glennon.

Rookie Mike Evans stole a lot of the headlines in Tampa Bay, but Jackson was still a big part of the Bucs' offense. Jackson was targeted at least nine times in 10 of his 16 games. He actually had two more receptions (70) than did Evans (68) for just 49 fewer yards (1,002 to 1,051).

The only thing holding Jackson back is touchdowns, where Evans held a commanding 12-2 edge. Like I said earlier, touchdowns can be random and fickle. Jackson has been a solid red-zone target throughout his career, getting at least seven scores in each of the previous three years. Some of his two-touchdown season can be attributed to plain old bad luck.

Jackson, 32, finished 2014 as the 33rd-best receiver, a low-end WR3, in points per reception leagues. Again, nothing sexy but still productive. He can be counted on for much of the same this season. In dynasty, the asking price can't be much, and he can provide a nice return, especially if last year's touchdown luck evens out.

Ryan Mathews, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Much like Spiller, Mathews has been a perennial fantasy disappointment for most of his career, and as a result, his value is incredibly low for a 27-year-old running back who was a first-round pick in 2010.

Now in Philadelphia after leaving San Diego in free agency this offseason, Mathews -- owner of two 1,000-yard campaigns, most recently in 2013 -- is a backup to 2014 breakout stud DeMarco Murray.

There's no denying Murray's greatness last season, but he did carry the ball an astounding 392 times with 52 additional touches coming on receptions. Before last year, Murray was known as a fragile player, having never played a full 16-game season and missing 11 games over his first three years.

Mathews is a Murray injury away from being the lead dog in a run-heavy, high-scoring offense. Chip Kelly and the Eagles ranked third in points per game a year ago while totaling the seventh-most rushing attempts.

Jarvis Landry, WR, Miami Dolphins

The 2014 crop of rookie wide receivers was legendary. Landry was one of the most consistent producers of the group, and he's also one of the most underappreciated.

Landry, taken in the second round by the Dolphins, finished his rookie season at the No. 31 receiver in points per reception leagues. Working primarily out of the slot, he amassed 758 yards on a team-high 84 grabs, hauling in 75.7 percent of his targets and becoming a reliable intermediate target for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.  

Miami parted with Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline, their two outside receivers from last season. Kenny Stills, Jordan Cameron and draftee DeVante Parker join the fold, but both will be first-year players in offensive coordinator Bill Lazor's scheme. Landry and running back Lamar Miller are the only players on the roster who were targeted more than 37 times in a Miami uniform last year.

It's not a stretch to say that Landry is Tannehill's No. 1 option. Other than Allen, it'll probably cost more to get Landry than anyone else on this list, but he could be a reliable WR2 for the foreseeable future.

One of the beautiful things about dynasty leagues is that there is never truly an offseason. The work is never-ending, with one season swiftly rolling into the next.

Regardless of how the 2014 season went, there is work to do. Are you rebuilding, stockpiling draft picks and young talent? Are you already a powerhouse, possibly looking to sell high on a player to replenish your depth? Or maybe you feel like you’re just a couple vital moves -- trading a draft pick or young player away for a win-now piece -- away from having a championship-caliber squad.

No matter where you are, in a dynasty league, there is no time to stand still.

In most leagues, trading is open for a majority of the year, including the spring and summer months, when a player's value can be volatile.

Mark Ingram, Justin Forsett, Jonathan Stewart, C.J. Anderson, Steve Smith, Golden Tate and Brandon LaFell all had productive -- if not outstanding -- seasons in 2014, and all of them could have been had for very little at this time a year ago.

Here are five guys who, for various reasons, are being undervalued in dynasty formats. Some of them are talented players in new locations. Others are established players who are performing a little better than what is being perceived. Either way, here are some players to consider pursuing as we start preparing for 2015.

Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers

A year ago, Allen, 23, was a top-shelf dynasty commodity. A second-year receiver coming off a 1,046-yard, eight-touchdown rookie campaign was gold, going in the second or third round in dynasty startups.

Well, in terms of fantasy production, Allen took a step back in 2014. Before missing Week 16 with an injury, he was on pace for 88 grabs and 895 yards on 8.6 targets per game. Not bad for a second-year player, but not what owners were expecting.

As a second-year wideout, Allen was targeted 16 more times than he was as a rookie,and he actually caught six more balls in 2014. The volume and opportunity were still there.

What was the biggest difference in his two campaigns? Touchdowns and a lack of big plays.

His yards-per-catch numbers dropped from 14.7 to 10.2. That led his yards per game to dip from 69.7 to a lowly 55.9. After finding the end zone eight times as a rookie, he only scored four times a year ago.

Touchdowns can vary for even the best receivers and red-zone targets. Calvin Johnson, possibly a computer-created red-zone weapon, has touchdown totals of 16, five, 12 and eight over the past four seasons. The variance isn't due to injury, either, as Megatron only missed five games in that four-year stretch.

All in all, this is an opportunity to buy low on Allen, a young receiver who is getting targeted heavily in a solid offense. He's even more valuable in points per reception leagues. Plus, Antonio Gates has to slow down at some point (right?), so Allen will have a chance to become the top option for Philip Rivers.

C.J Spiller, RB, New Orleans Saints

Spiller has a black eye in fantasy, having burned many owners over the years. When looking for an opportunity to buy low on talented players, that's the kind of guy that's worth gambling on.

He has two things working for him that should make him attractive: he's extremely talented and his value is pretty darn depleted.

The former Clemson Tiger has always had mouth-watering ability to make plays when put in space. With the Buffalo Bills, he didn't get many chances to do that. Now, after an offseason move to New Orleans, Spiller will team up with, for the first time in his career, a good quarterback and an offensive guru. Sean Payton is a master at taking advantage of his players' abilities, and Drew Brees is the genius pulling the strings.

It seems like a decade ago, but it was just 2012 when Spiller teased the fantasy world with a monster season. He totaled 1,703 total yards and eight scores, seemingly on his way to becoming a fantasy star with his electric open-field ability and dual-threat skills. He was still decent in 2013 (1,102 total yards) but only reached the end zone twice.

There's no sugarcoating it: last season was a nightmare for Spiller. He didn't put up numbers early on, and then a broken collarbone shelved him for two months, effectively ending his season.

New Orleans appears to be in the midst of a change in offensive philosophy. Tight end Jimmy Graham is gone, as is wideout Kenny Stills and pass-catching back Pierre Thomas. The Saints spent a first-round pick on tackle Andrus Peat, who is rated as a superb run blocker, brought in center Max Unger (in the Graham deal) and gave running back Mark Ingram a new four-year deal.

I'm not sure how Spiller fits in with what the Saints will be doing on offense in 2015, mostly because I don't know what the Saints will be doing on offense in 2015. Aside from Ingram, Spiller will be competing for touches with Khiry Robinson, but there are rumors swirling about a possible trade of Robinson to Dallas.

At the minimum, we know that Peyton likes Spiller, as evidenced by the fact they signed him in free agency, and Spiller has talent. I trust Peyton, one of the league's best offensive minds, to be able to do what the Buffalo coaches never did consistently: get Spiller the ball in space and unleash that talent.

Even if you don’t believe in Spiller at all, he could provide value as someone you flip as soon as he has a string of good showings.

Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s easy to become infatuated with youth in dynasty formats, but there’s certainly a place for productive veterans, even if their careers are winding down. Often times, players who fit that billing are some of the most undervalued assets in dynasty, with owners willing to ship out the old, boring player for a shiny new toy.

Jackson is no longer the guy you brag about owning, yet he still produced at a fairly high level a year ago. He racked up his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season, even with the Buccaneers’ train-wreck quarterback. No. 1 draft pick Jameis Winston will probably struggle early, like most rookie quarterback, but I don't think he'll be worse than Josh McCown or Mike Glennon.

Rookie Mike Evans stole a lot of the headlines in Tampa Bay, but Jackson was still a big part of the Bucs' offense. Jackson was targeted at least nine times in 10 of his 16 games. He actually had two more receptions (70) than did Evans (68) for just 49 fewer yards (1,002 to 1,051).

The only thing holding Jackson back is touchdowns, where Evans held a commanding 12-2 edge. Like I said earlier, touchdowns can be random and fickle. Jackson has been a solid red-zone target throughout his career, getting at least seven scores in each of the previous three years. Some of his two-touchdown season can be attributed to plain old bad luck.

Jackson, 32, finished 2014 as the 33rd-best receiver, a low-end WR3, in points per reception leagues. Again, nothing sexy but still productive. He can be counted on for much of the same this season. In dynasty, the asking price can't be much, and he can provide a nice return, especially if last year's touchdown luck evens out.

Ryan Mathews, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Much like Spiller, Mathews has been a perennial fantasy disappointment for most of his career, and as a result, his value is incredibly low for a 27-year-old running back who was a first-round pick in 2010.

Now in Philadelphia after leaving San Diego in free agency this offseason, Mathews -- owner of two 1,000-yard campaigns, most recently in 2013 -- is a backup to 2014 breakout stud DeMarco Murray.

There's no denying Murray's greatness last season, but he did carry the ball an astounding 392 times with 52 additional touches coming on receptions. Before last year, Murray was known as a fragile player, having never played a full 16-game season and missing 11 games over his first three years.

Mathews is a Murray injury away from being the lead dog in a run-heavy, high-scoring offense. Chip Kelly and the Eagles ranked third in points per game a year ago while totaling the seventh-most rushing attempts.

Jarvis Landry, WR, Miami Dolphins

The 2014 crop of rookie wide receivers was legendary. Landry was one of the most consistent producers of the group, and he's also one of the most underappreciated.

Landry, taken in the second round by the Dolphins, finished his rookie season at the No. 31 receiver in points per reception leagues. Working primarily out of the slot, he amassed 758 yards on a team-high 84 grabs, hauling in 75.7 percent of his targets and becoming a reliable intermediate target for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.  

Miami parted with Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline, their two outside receivers from last season. Kenny Stills, Jordan Cameron and draftee DeVante Parker join the fold, but both will be first-year players in offensive coordinator Bill Lazor's scheme. Landry and running back Lamar Miller are the only players on the roster who were targeted more than 37 times in a Miami uniform last year.

It's not a stretch to say that Landry is Tannehill's No. 1 option. Other than Allen, it'll probably cost more to get Landry than anyone else on this list, but he could be a reliable WR2 for the foreseeable future.

The NFL draft has seen its fair share of shocking moments. Moments of frustration with the fans, like when Denver selected Tim Tebow, or when Minnesota selected Christian Ponder. Every team has made a questionable draft pick in recent history, and surprises come out of those picks. Tom Brady being one example, no one expected Tom Brady to be where he is today during his draft. Tom Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft. Brady was the seventh quarterback to be picked and more importantly the only quarterback still playing NFL Football. What made this draft so interesting were the various trade rumors leading up to the draft. Philadelphia was supposed to trade quarterback Sam Bradford to Tennessee for the second pick to draft quarterback Marcus Mariota. You kind of expected for a few trades to take place so teams could get the players they really wanted. But, those things didn’t happen. No trades in the 1^st round were jaw-dropping bomb shells; in fact, it was kind of boring. With that being said, let’s look at some shocking picks made in this year’s draft.  

1. The Rams shocked twitter by selecting Todd Gurley, there was an instant discontent of Ram fans, wondering why they didn’t choose to strengthen the offensive line. Besides, St Louis already has Zac Stacy and Tre Mason. Sure, Gurley has potential to be an elite back in the NFL. But, the Rams offensive line is arguably the reason that former quarterback Sam Bradford has the injury issues that have cause him to miss a ton of games.

2. The Chicago Bears made a surprising pick in the draft. They chose to ignore the defense woes that caused Chicago to be one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They draft Kevin White, a very talented wide receiver. Chicago most likely felt that the play-making position needed some additions with the subtraction of Brandon Marshall. Let’s hope White and quarterback jay Cutler can connect and give Chicago some much needed offensive sparks.

3. The Denver Bronco’s selected Shane Ray. It’s just too ironic that a player who receiver a citation for marijuana possession, goes to a team, in a city, where marijuana is legal. Never mind the offensive line, or protecting your aging superstar quarterback, but drafting your own defensive Ricky Williams is what makes Denver one of those teams that will not win a Super Bowl.

4. The New Orleans Saints made a head-scratcher by selecting linebacker Stephone Anthony from Clemson rather than addressing the need to replace Jimmy Graham’s production. Trading Graham was a huge decision by the Saints, not addressing the role Graham left is irresponsible.

5. The Cleveland Browns took a center in the first round. Without Josh Gordon the Browns desperately need some help in the passing game. I’m not against Cleveland addressing the offensive line, but center Cameron Erving would have been available in the second round.  

6. The Miami Dolphins are showing improvement in the league lately. They’ve had some good picks in the draft. Currently, Miami has holes at linebacker, guard and safety. Strangely, the Dolphins drafted a Jordan Phillips defensive tackle that wasn’t a need, especially after spending $114 million in free agency on Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

7. The Seattle Seahawks picked Frank Clark a defensive end out of Michigan. Frank Clark is a talented player who many experts thought might go undrafted after being kicked off the team in November over a domestic-violence charge in an incident with his girlfriend. The Seahawks have made some shocking picks in recent years, but this is the biggest head-scratcher of them all. Clearly, Seattle hasn’t seen the NBA domestic abuse PSA’s.

8. The New York Giants selected Ereck Flowers, an offensive lineman from Miami. Why? The 9^th pick was a perfect opportunity to roll the dice on a top talent like running back who could have helped quarterback Eli Manning just as much as Flowers.

9. The Oakland Raiders needed a pass-rusher, so they drafted Mario Edwards Jr. with the 35th overall pick. Oakland drafted a guy with a total of eight sacks in three years at Florida State over Mississippi State's Preston Smith, who had nine last year alone.  

10. The St. Louis Rams need a quarterback badly. So, the Rams selected Oregon State's Sean Mannion, who was a turnover machine in college. According to NFL.com, he had 30 fumbles and 54 interceptions in college. He also threw 83 touchdowns, but 37 of those were during his junior year. He’ll be in great company with Nick Foles, Case Keenum and Austin Davis already on the roster.

Atlanta Falcons

1 (8): Vic Beasley - OLB, Clemson

2 (10): Jalen Collins - CB, LSU

3 (9): Tevin Coleman - RB, Indiana

4 (8): Justin Hardy - WR, East Carolina

5 (1): Grady Jarrett - NT, Clemson

7 (8): Jake Rodgers - OT, Eastern Washington

7 (32): Akeem King - DB, San Jose State

Elaboration:

The Falcons were one of the teams expected to get a back early, while their defense was porous with holes. In the first two rounds, they got two extremely athletic and talented prospects, Vic Beasley and Jalen Collins. Beasley is on the lighter side of edge rushers, but he has the pass rushing skills to start at defensive end right away and become one of the more difficult guys to take on. Collins on the other hand, has great size for his position, but is too raw to play early on. He will need some time to develop, but he has all the physical traits teams want in a corner. Putting him opposite standout corner Desmond Trufant, the Falcons have one of the youngest and most physically imposing cornerback tandems. There were rumors that a team was trying to trade up into the first round for Tevin Coleman, but he went through the second round without being picked. The Falcons, with the ninth pick in the third round, were more than happy to have him fall to them. He is strong, fast, and gives every carry his all. He will be an instant starter for the Falcons and can bring back the success they used to have in the running game. Justin Hardy was a solid pick, as he should be able to immediately step in as their slot receiver. He lacks size and speed, but is a reliable target worth taking day three. In the fifth round, they got excellent value in Grady Jarrett, who should be a great fit as a defensive tackle that can both stop the run and rush the passer. Their two seventh-round picks are unlikely to be anything more than backups, but Jake Rodgers has good athleticism for a tackle while Akeem King has tremendous size. Their first five picks were great, practically getting three first-rounders, a second, and a reliable third option. The Falcons will have more work to do on their offensive line and their defense, but this is a good start.

Best Pick: Tevin Coleman - RB, Indiana

Tevin Coleman was often considered the third best back, just behind Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon. With T.J. Yeldon and Ameer Abdullah going ahead of him and the Cardinals and Cowboys passing on running backs, he fell right into the back-needy Falcons' lap.

Worst Pick: Jake Rodgers - OT, Eastern Washington

Jake Rodgers is athletic, but he is also underpowered. He will likely never be anything more than a backup, but what can you expect out of a seventh-round pick. Putting him here just shows how good their draft haul was.

Grade: A+

Carolina Panthers

1 (25): Shaq Thompson - OLB, Washington

2 (9): Devin Funchess - WR, Michigan

4 (3): Daryl Williams - OG, Oklahoma

5 (33): David Mayo - LB, Texas State

5 (38): Cameron Artis-Payne - RB, Auburn

Elaboration:

The Panthers' biggest needs were receiver, offensive line, and strong safety. In the first round, D.J. Humphries was taken just one pick before them, so instead they took Shaq Thompson. Thompson could perhaps work as the 32-year-old Thomas Davis' replacement, but that was less of a need then what else could have been filled. Had they gotten a receiver here, they could have picked up a tackle like Jake Fisher in the second. In the second round, they traded up to get Devin Funchess, a 6-foot-5 wideout/tight end hybrid. With Greg Olsen's spot set in stone, it looks like Funchess will play opposite Kelvin Benjamin for the Panthers. This gives them two big-bodied receivers on the perimeter. He has been plagued with drops though, and he will have to fix that if he is to reach Benjamin-like heights. Daryl Williams is an underrated pick, as the fourth-round selection has starting capabilities. Where he will start is a question though. Guard is probably his best position, but the Panthers failed to pick up another lineman in the draft, so he may stay outside at right tackle. If he stays outside, he will struggle against NFL-level athletes. David Mayo is on the smaller side, at 228 pounds, and has below average athleticism. He is likely a backup and special teamer. Cameron Artis-Payne can be a bruiser, but lacks the speed to be an all-around threat. Thompson is the heir to Davis, while Funchess should work well with Benjamin, and Williams has good interior qualities. This was a decent draft, but they need more speed and should have picked a more pure tackle.

Best Pick: Shaq Thompson - OLB, Washington

Shaq Thompson is a very athletic linebacker than many thought might make a switch to safety. What makes this their best pick as he has the potential to be the perfect replacement for Thomas Davis. He was a bit overdrafted, but no one they drafted was a great pick in terms of value.

Worst Pick: David Mayo - LB, Texas State

All of the earlier picks have some risk associated with them, but David Mayo's lacking physical traits make him a bad pick, even in the fifth round. Overall, there was not much separation between these picks, but it seems harsh to call a potential quality player like Thompson, Funchess, or Williams, the worst pick.

Grade: C

New Orleans Saints

1 (13): Andrus Peat - OT, Stanford

1 (31): Stephone Anthony - ILB, Clemson

2 (12): Hau'oli Kikaha - OLB, Washington

3 (11): Garrett Grayson - QB, Colorado State

3 (14): P.J. Williams - CB, Florida State

5 (12): Davis Tull - OLB, Tennessee-Chattanooga

5 (18): Tyeler Davison - DT, Fresno State

5 (31): Damian Swann - CB, Georgia

7 (13): Marcus Murphy - RB, Missouri

Elaboration:

The Saints could have addressed receiver, tight end, or guard, but their biggest needs coming into the draft were on defense, as made evident by six of their first eight selections being on the side of the ball. Their first pick was a bit of a surprise, as Andrus Peat is a right tackle and they needed a guard. This likely means Zach Strief, who has excelled at tackle in years past, will move inside. Stephone Anthony is a great pick at the bottom of the first, one I got right in my mock draft. He is not as instinctive as you would like for a first-round pick, but his physical traits and aggressive style of play, he will be an immediate upgrade for the Saints. Given a year or two to develop, he could become one of the more feared inside backers. Hau'oli Kikaha was as shocking a pick gets. There were more talented edge rushers on the board, but they went with Kikaha, the most productive of the bunch. He is little small and his athleticism is lacking, but he understands the game well. He can be a decent starter, but he has a low ceiling for a second-round pick. The second quarterback taken off the board, Garrett Grayson looks to be the heir to Drew Brees. His physical traits are nothing more than adequate, just enough, but he captured the eyes of many teams and scouts with his accuracy and anticipation. Some see him as purely a reliable backup, but he has starting potential. The question is how good of a starter can he be. In the third round, it could be hard to pass up on a talented corner like P.J. Williams, but with Keenan Lewis, free agent acquisitions Brandon Browner and Kyle Wilson, and 2014 second-round pick Stanley Jean-Baptiste, this is a crowded group. Lewis and Browner are easily the two best and are more than likely to be the starters on the perimeter, but that's where Jean-Baptiste and Williams best fit. Wilson has was a disappointment for the Jets, but he is the best fit, or least worst, for the nickel position. Perhaps these past two early-round picks were made because Lewis and Browner are 28 and 30, respectively. The other cornerback they got, Damian Swann, it a corner/safety hybrid that is likely just a depth player or special teamer. Davis Tull provides solid depth at outside linebacker, where he can make contributions from time to time due to his relentless style of play. Tyeler Davison is a big, strong man that has solid athleticism. He will need to develop behind the scenes for a year or two, but he can take over at defensive end after that. Marcus Murphy, their final pick, is a smaller guy that can find work on screens, in the slot, and as a returner. Anthony and Davison add some talent to their defense, but beyond that they made a lot of questionable decisions. With all the picks they mustered this offseason, this was a disappointing draft.

Best Pick: Stephone Anthony - ILB, Clemson

This is not an outstanding pick, but it is a solid one. Stephone Anthony is a physical specimen that should be able to develop the intangible aspects of his game over time. He will be an immediate starter for the Saints defense and will be able to make an impact against both the run and the pass.

Worst Pick: Hau'oli Kikaha - OLB, Washington

Andrus Peat drew some consideration here, but ultimately the worst pick for them was Hau'oli Kikaha, who was drafted ahead of the likes of Randy Gregory, Eli Harold, Owamagbe Odighizuwa, and Nate Orchard. He can be a quality rusher in this league, but he has a low ceiling. In the second round, this was a major reach.

Grade: D+

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1 (1): Jameis Winston - QB, Florida State

2 (2): Donovan Smith - OT, Penn State

2 (29): Ali Marpet - C, Hobart & William Smith

4 (25): Kwon Alexander - OLB, LSU

5 (26): Kenny Bell - WR, Nebraska

6 (8): Kaelin Clay - WR, Utah

7 (14): Joey Iosefa - FB, Hawaii

Elaboration:

Quarterback and left tackle were the two positions the Buccaneers were expected to address first, but after that, they just have so many needs that it became hard to pinpoint where they would go. Jameis Winston will be their starting quarterback, and while he will probably struggle early on due to the change in the speed of the game, as most guys do, he should be able to pick it up later in the season. He has guys like Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, while the team's fifth-round pick, Kenny Bell can be a weapon in a year or two. Bell is a little raw in terms of route concepts, but his size, speed, and hands make him a steal in day three. Jackson is getting older and Bell will likely replace him on the outside opposite Evans. The other receiver they got, Kaelin Clay, is likely limited to special teams, as he lacks the burst to make it as a slot receiver. They got two linemen in the second round to shore up their offensive line, but neither guy really has a set position. Dovovan Smith is a little lacking in athleticism for a tackle, but he has the perfect build for guard. However, where their needs lie, it looks like he will start on the left side. As for Ali Marpet, he can play center and guard, but it is more likely guard right now, as Patrick Omameh will struggle if forced to start. Kwon Alexander was an excellent pickup in the fourth round, as Danny Lansanah is 29 years old and on the last year of his contract. Lavonte David is also on a contract year, but the Buccaneers cannot let a talent like that walk away. Joey Iosefa has some running back qualities, but he is more built to be a fullback. If he can grasp the nuances of the position, he may be able to overtake Jorvorskie Lane, who has been just average. Four of the Buccaneers' first five picks should pan out, so this was a pretty good draft haul. Had they gotten a better fit for tackle, this would have been at least an A-, possibly an A.

Best Pick: Kenny Bell - WR, Nebraska

Kenny Bell will not get onto the field too often in his first year, but he will become to team's number two receiver, behind Mike Evans, once Vincent Jackson leaves, be it by release or contract expiration. He will need to work on his routes, but he has great speed and hands.

Worst Pick: Donovan Smith - OT, Penn State

When this pick was initially made, it looked like he would be their starter at right guard, but then they got Ali Marpet in the third, who now projects to start there. The Buccaneers were expected to take a left tackle early in the draft, and it looks like Smith is the guy they expect to play there. Smith's athleticism is well below average and will have a tough time holding up as the blindside protector.

Grade: B+