We are just 24 hours away from the beginning of the 2015 season, and I'm already becoming antsy as the weekend approaches. Much like the rest of you, all of my fantasy drafts have already taken place and now its game time, which we've all been waiting for. Let's quickly touch on some of Wednesday's storylines that could possibly affect the way you set your lineups for Week 1.
Rookie running back Tevin Coleman was named the Falcons Week 1 starter earlier in the week which is great news for fantasy owners who selected him in the later rounds of the draft. The first-year back out of Indiana was in a tight competition battle with second-year back, Devonta Freeman. The decision heading into the opening game was likely influenced by the fact that Freeman is battling a nagging hamstring injury which may keep him out of the first contest all together. Coleman is known for his incredible speed (4.39 40-yard dash) and was originally expected to split time with Freeman. While it's still unknown as to how effective Coleman will be, he should have a good shot to solidify his starting spot moving forward if he were to have a productive game against the Eagles. This is certainly a situation to keep an eye on for those who selected the speedster in fantasy drafts.
Dez Bryant (hamstring) was a full-participant in Wednesday's practice which means he's a sure bet to start in the regular season opener, barring any setbacks. Dallas opens up at home against the Giants on Sunday night and the All-Pro receiver could be in for a big night against a defense that has already placed four safeties on injured reserve this preseason. Bryant hauled in 88 passes for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns just a year ago for a Cowboys team that finished at 12-4 and won the NFC East. As long as he can stay healthy in 2015, there is absolutely no reason that he can't repeat those numbers once again.
Duke Johnson (concussion) cleared the league's concussion protocol and returned to practice on Wednesday, which means that he'll likely see some action in the Week 1 opener against the Jets. The Browns selected the rookie running back out of Miami in the 3rd round of the 2015 NFL Draft, 77th overall. Johnson is expected to split time with Isaiah Crowell who's currently listed at the top of the depth chart heading into the season. However, many believe that by mid-season, Johnson could take over the starting spot and emerge as the premier back in a Browns offense that ranked 27th out of 32 teams in points per game in 2014.
Victor Cruz (calf) did not practice on Wednesday and it's unlikely that he'll play in the Week 1 opener in Dallas. The 28-year old receiver wasn't even on the sidelines working with trainers which could suggest that he's farther from 100-percent than most people think. Rueben Randle will fill in as the guy opposite ODBJ in two receiver sets until Cruz returns, and he should see plenty of targets in a Giants' offense that figures to pass a lot while playing from behind. Randle should have a good opportunity to build on a successful 2014 season that saw him catch 71 passes for 938 yards and three touchdowns.
Rookie running back Todd Gurley (knee) is likely to miss the first three games of the regular season as he continues to recover from a Torn ACL that he suffered during his freshman campaign at Georgia. Tre Mason and Benny Cunningham will handle the backfield work in Gurley's absence, but Mason is also dealing with a hamstring injury that might limit him in the regular season opener. The second-year back rushed for 765 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season and figures to split time with Gurley once they're both available.
Eddie Royal (hip) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, but is expected to be on the field in the Week 1 opener against the Packers. Alshon Jeffery (calf) is also banged up, but he too is expected to be ready on Sunday. Royal played with quarterback Jay Cutler back in Denver and should fit right in as the No.2 option alongside Jeffery. When you look back at what Brandon Marshall and Jeffery were able to do together over the last couple of years, you could certainly see a scenario where Royal provides some high end production as defenses will try to key on Jeffery. This will be an offense to keep an eye on over the first few weeks, especially with the lingering health issues.