Quarterbacks
Starter – Brian Hoyer (49ers)
Backup – Matt Cassel (Titans)
3rd String – Ryan Mallett (Ravens)
Cut in camp – Garrett Gilbert (Panthers)
Some might argue that Mallett has the bigger upside, but to be honest, I don’t trust him enough. Hoyer is my guy as he has proven he can win on numerous occasions. He might be a flawed player, but he is a game manager that can win games in the NFL. Cassel is my experienced backup that could start in a pinch. Gilbert is by far the weakest of the three and misses out.
Running Backs
Starter – Shane Vereen (Giants)
Backup – Danny Woodhead (Ravens)
3rd String – Travaris Cadet (Saints)
4th String/Special Teams – Bishop Sankey (Vikings)
Cut in camp – Trey Williams (Steelers)
The eagle-eyed among you will notice that we have three passing backs with no obvious between the tackles runner. Unfortunately with Sankey being the only semi-legitimate traditional runner we will have to look to pass 50-55 times per game. Vereen and Woodhead are starting caliber players in their roles with Cadet serving as a capable backup after a somewhat resurgent year in San Francisco. Trey Williams is the odd man out here due to his lack of experience and production.