Fantasy: 9 bold predictions for 2015

Bold predictions can land anywhere on the spectrum, from embarrassingly timid to downright insane.

Sadly, we aren't actually peering into a crystal ball to see into the future. We're taking into account everything we know about players and teams to formulate some very possible outcomes for the fantasy season, however unexpected they might be.

Every second of video watched, every morsel of information we've come across, everything that's happened in the past, and everything that's happening in the present factors into these nine bold predictions for 2015.

Ryan Tannehill will throw for 4,500 yards, 35 TDs

Tannehill's numbers have gone up in each of his three NFL seasons, but they're about to increase dramatically. Tannehill is entering his second year in Bill Lazor's uptempo attack, and the Dolphins made sure he had all the weapons he needed to take this offense to the next level. Jordan Cameron, Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings, and first-round pick DeVante Parker will join Jarvis Landry to form a quality receiving corps. While Tannehill may never be considered an elite passer, he has everything he needs to be a top-five fantasy quarterback this season. - Justin Boone

Peyton Manning will finish outside the top 20 quarterbacks

The glorious reign of perhaps the greatest fantasy football quarterback of all time is about to flame out. Manning's arm strength is sapped and his footwork has started to go, too. No longer will he succeed in fending off Father Time with his football intellect. Gary Kubiak's Broncos will orchestrate a run-heavy attack that turns Manning into little more than an Alex Smith-esque game manager. - David P. Woods

Darren McFadden will finish as a top-10 fantasy RB

McFadden will make fantasy owners regret spending a third-round draft pick on Joseph Randle when he seizes the starting job with a big performance in Week 1 and never looks back. The Cowboys will try to manage McFadden's touches at first, but eventually unleash him as a true feature back behind their otherworldly offensive line. With a little luck, he'll manage to stay healthy and top 1,200 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. - Woods

Danny Woodhead will have a better fantasy season than Melvin Gordon

First-round pick Melvin Gordon has reportedly been having trouble with pass protection, leaving the door wide open for Woodhead, who is one year removed from putting up more than 1,000 total yards and eight touchdowns for the Chargers. His contributions can sometimes go unappreciated, since he's doing most of his work on passing downs, but Woodhead was a major part of San Diego's attack in 2013, and it appears he'll resume that role this season. - Boone

Todd Gurley will amass 1,000 total yards in the 2nd half of the season

The first running back selected in this year's draft will reportedly have a limited role early in the season as he continues to work his way back from a torn ACL. The fact that Gurley has a chance to suit up in any capacity for the opener is exciting. The 21-year-old has the kind of transcendent talent that could ignite the St. Louis offense once he's healthy, which should come later in the year. After the team's Week 6 bye, Gurley will have a chance to show the league what he can do, and the fantasy owner who took a chance on him will finally be rewarded. - Boone

Larry Fitzgerald will lead the NFL in touchdown catches

With most of the fantasy football world salivating at John Brown's upside, Fitzgerald will prove he's still the best receiver on the Cardinals and enjoy a renaissance of sorts with more than 1,000 yards receiving and a league-high (and career-best) 16 touchdown receptions. Buoyed by a strong campaign from Carson Palmer, Fitzgerald will evolve into a red-zone monster and terrorize opposing defenses near the goal line. - Woods

Mike Evans' touchdown total will fall from 12 to 2

Evans looked like a man among boys in his rookie season, but he's in for a significant step back this year - and it won't be his fault. Evans' unsustainable touchdown production will fall back to earth for several reasons, including more coverage from No. 1 cornerbacks, a healthy Vincent Jackson stealing targets, and an erratic rookie quarterback running for his life behind what may be the NFL's worst offensive line. - Woods

Jeremy Maclin will reach double digits in touchdowns

After not throwing a single touchdown to a receiver in 2014, Alex Smith will establish some end-zone chemistry with Maclin. The former Eagle reached 10 scores twice in his career, but accomplishing the feat as a member of the Chiefs is a much more difficult task. Maclin has looked energized in the preseason, and is ready to deliver a 1,200-yard, 10-touchdown campaign with his new club. - Boone

Martellus Bennett will be fantasy's No. 1 tight end

Bennett led all tight ends with 90 receptions last season. He also flirted with 1,000 yards and scored half a dozen touchdowns. With Brandon Marshall in New York and rookie Kevin White potentially sidelined for the entire season, Bennett will continue to play an important role in the Bears' passing game. The Black Unicorn saw the second-most targets among tight ends a year ago with 128 - a number that could rise in 2015. Bennett could also benefit from the arrival of offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who frequently featured tight end Julius Thomas in the red zone in Denver. - Boone