Training camp fantasy players to monitor: NFC East

Matchups within the NFC East were a hotspot for fantasy football production in 2015, but it was generally the opposing teams putting fantasy points up on the board. All four defenses struggled, but only two passing games prospered — one as a result of playing from behind.

In 2016, the landscape has changed. The Cowboys have added Ezekiel Elliott to the mix and should have full seasons from Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. The Redskins have added Josh Doctson and the Giants have added Sterling Shepard. The Eagles have completely reinvented themselves. Sam Bradford is still the QB and the skill positions are mostly the same, but new head coach Doug Pederson’s scheme is nothing like the departed Chip Kelly’s offense.

Over the next four weeks, we will preview every division and pinpoint four to five players to track during training camp and the preseason (the AFC East came Wednesday). From now until the start of the season, the only real information we’ll need to gather is about a player’s role and chemistry within his offense. Let’s jump in.

Jordan Matthews, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

I haven’t been shy about my stance on Matthews this offseason — writing about him as someone to fade in rounds 1-5, and I don’t see that changing. One of the key factors in my projection for Matthews is how the new offensive scheme impacts him directly. So when I hear Matthews truthers reference his past stats — all under Chip Kelly — I don’t budge. And yes, I’ve seen the charts of Hall-of-Fame receivers that compare to Matthews in yards and touchdowns through their first two seasons. Situation trumps all in fantasy football, and it’s not an evergreen component to a player’s outlook. In training camp, I think we’ll learn a lot about Matthews’ role within the offense.

The narrative: Is Matthews still the No. 1 option in the passing game?

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