Preseason 2009

May 12, 2012 stevenlourie Fantasy Football

Some places have giant Draft Kits. I believe that all you need to know is who to draft early, who to draft late, and how to draft a good QB2 based on your QB1. All that of is compiled here in one printer friendly page. Just print it out and dominate.

Rosters shrink from 75 to 53 Saturday, which means more players will lose jobs today than any other day of the year. Most of these players didn’t have any fantasy value to begin with, but there’s always a few exceptions.

RB Dominic Rhodes

The Breakdown: Those expecting Rhodes to be fantasy valuable with Marshawn Lynch suspended are in for a rude awakening. The Bills cut Rhodes Saturday.

What’s next: Rhodes is 30 years old, but he’s a decent pass catcher. He could catch on somewhere as a depth guy or a pass catching back, but he has no fantasy value.

QB Jeff Garcia

The Breakdown: He shouldn’t have been on a fantasy roster anyway; the Raiders announced that JaMarcus Russell would remain the starter a few weeks ago. If he’s on your roster, get rid of him now. He’s not even on the Raiders roster anymore.

What’s next: He could sign midseason as a veteran backup. He’s not going to get a starting job anywhere else unless someone gets hurt and even if he does get a starting job, don’t rush and pick him up. He’s 39 and had a very pedestrian season last year.

WR Justin Harper

The Breakdown: Harper is one of my favorite unknown players, but the former 7^thround pick, who I believed at one point had a shot to crack the Ravens week 1 starting lineup, is one of 3 wide receivers cut by the Ravens today. The Ravens will only carry 4 wideouts next season for some reason.

What’s next: He should catch on somewhere because of his athleticism, but shouldn’t do anything fantasy wise this year. He remains one of my favorite unknown players and hopefully he gets a shot to show what he’s got in the future.

WR David Tyree

The Breakdown: The former Super Bowl hero was not draftable, but his release is still notable considering he helped the Giants in a big way in Super Bowl XLII less than 20 months ago.

What’s next: He’s been battling injuries since the Super Bowl so there won’t be a huge line of people waiting to sign him, but he should catch on somewhere sooner or later.

QB Brian Brohm

The Breakdown: 2008 2^nd round pick Brian Brohm was cut today after really not impressing the coach staff in Green Bay over the past year. You have to be pretty bad to turn the same coaching staff from wanting to use a 2^nd round pick on you to not wanting to give you a roster spot in less than 18 months.

What’s next: Because of his youth, he’ll catch on somewhere else. I’m actually not as down on Brohm as most are and I think he could catch on somewhere down the line.

QB John David Booty

The Breakdown: Booty is the quarterback cut by the Vikings, not, as popularly believed, Tarvaris Jackson. This is significant because Jackson could have actually caught on somewhere and been a decent backup (and a decent backup is an injury away from being a starter and possibly fantasy relevant), while Booty is likely a career practice squadder.

What’s next: Booty was really only drafted because it said USC-QB by his name. I don’t think he’ll be anything in this league.

TE Alex Smith

The Breakdown: Some believed that, if Benjamin Watson could not return from injury, Smith would be the pass catching tight end to compliment Chris Baker. Now it appears that Baker would serve both roles in the event that Watson cannot play as Smith was sent packing Saturday by the Pats.

What’s next: He’s not a star, but he’s a decent player and should catch on somewhere eventually.

I’ll do one more of these before the season, to update you on any remaining position battles, plus injuries. During the season, I’m going to do it a little differently. I’ll give you some players to considering picking up, as well as a weekly injury report.

Guys who get hurt

RB Jonathan Stewart

Stewart hasn’t played all preseason and is still out indefinitely with an achilles injury. I highly doubt that he’ll play week 1 and he remains questionable for the entire season at this point. He’s a huge injury risk at this point. Let someone else take him. Rookie Mike Goodson is going to get a lot of carries in Stewart’s absence and DeAngelo Williams should match or exceed his carry total from last year.

QB Kurt Warner

Warner looked awful in his final preseason game after looking mediocre in his first 2. Normally that’s not too big of a concern, but Warner is an injury prone 38 year-old coming off of hip surgery. I’m lowering him on my cheat sheet, as well as Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald and raising Chris Wells. If Warner struggles, the Cardinals, who want to focus on the run more already, will run a lot more which means more carries for Wells and less catches for Fitz, Boldin, and Steve Breaston.

Rookies

WR Hakeem Nicks

He has looked brilliant in limited action all preseason and should get a starting job for the Giants sooner rather than later. He could lead the team in yards and touchdowns at the end of the season so, while he won’t do much for you now, he’s worth a late round flier.

WR Jeremy Maclin

I’ve completely flip flopped on the Maclin/Kevin Curtis debate this preseason. First, I believed it would be Curtis who would start and Maclin, the rookie with no pro style experience, who would sit. However, Maclin has impressed me, as well as the Eagles coaching staff this preseason, to the point where they are considering cutting Kevin Curtis. Maclin will be Philly’s #2 this season opposite DeSean Jackson which gives him some late round value.

WR Marko Mitchell

Mitchell, a 7^th round pick, has impressed the Redskins in training camp. While the starting job opposite Santana Moss in Washington will be between Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, and reports are that they’re leaning towards Kelly, Mitchell could have that job before the end of the season. I’m not saying he’s draftable, but keep your eye on him. He’s my pick to be that late round pick that surprises everyone and becomes a star within a few years. If Marques Colston can do it, so can he. The only reason the 6-4 Mitchell dropped in the draft was an injury which he appears to have shaken off.

WR Jarrett Dillard

Dillard has lost the starting job to Mike Sims-Walker so Dillard’s fantasy sleeper value is gone.

RB James Davis

Davis got all the work with the first team in the final preseason game, and then was benched with the rest of the first team to get rest for the regular season. I’d be surprised if Davis wasn’t starting week 1. He’s my sleeper of the year at this point,

WR Brian Hartline

So much for fantasy sleeper. Hartline has lost his starting job.

Guys in position battles

RB Steve Slaton

The Texans have announced that Chris Brown will get the goal line carries for Houston, not Slaton. This lowers Slaton’s fantasy value a little, but not much. He’s still worth a mid-late first round pick and he’s still more valuable that his ADP. As for Brown, he really only has value if Slaton gets hurt or in touchdown leagues.

RB Edgerrin James

James only had 2 carries in the final preseason game. He only has 2 carries all preseason after signing midway. Julius Jones should start the season, but I still can’t see James not being the starter at some point. He’s more talented than Jones, even if he is old.

RB Larry Johnson

It seems that things have improved between Johnson and the Chiefs coaching staff since mid summer and Johnson will be the starting back week 1. He’s injury prone, but he’s healthy at this point and actually looked good in the preseason.

Guys you’ve never heard of

WR Sam Aiken

Aiken had 5 catches for 93 yards for the Patriots last week. The Patriots don’t have a player picked out to be Joey Galloway’s successor at wide receiver so keep your eye on this talented wideout in 2010 and beyond.

For printer friendly, click here

The difference between value picks and sleepers are value picks are guys that are getting glossed over from whatever reason and thus available 2-3 rounds later than they should be. Sleepers are guys that have the potential to be worth a lot more than their draft range, but might not reach that potential.

Two notes:

Should be drafted does not mean that you should draft them there. It means that that player has the value of a player drafted in that range, but you can probably still get them later. Take them 1 or so rounds ahead of where they are drafted on average, and 2 or 3 rounds ahead if you think the guy you are drafting with know what they are doing and/or read my site.

Draft range and should be drafted is based on 10 team leagues

Mid-late round value picks

RB Ray Rice (Baltimore)

Average draft range: Late 8th-early 9th

Should be drafted: Late 5th-early 6th

Rice is going to be the #1 back on the depth chart for Baltimore this year, due to Willie McGahee’s age and injury problems, as well as LeRon McClain moving back to fullback. McGahee and McClain are still going to cut into Rice’s carries. Rice averaged 4.2 YPC last year and Baltimore is still going to run a lot because I’m not sure they’re fully ready to use Joe Flacco as a 500-550 throw quarterback yet. He should get more than 200 carries and at around 4 yards per carry, maybe more depending on how he improves as a runner in his 2nd year, he should get 800+ yards. He caught 33 balls last year for 273 yards and that should improve to somewhere around 50 balls for 400 yards this year as he gets more work. Flacco likes to check down and will look for Rice often. McGahee and McClain and McClain will split goal line carries so 5-9 200 pounds Ray Rice won’t get into the end zone that often. Don’t expect more than 4 or 5 touchdowns.

RB Donald Brown (Indianapolis)

Average draft position: Late 8th-early 9th

Should be drafted: Late 6th-early 7th

The Colts are calling it a timeshare between Brown and Addai at this point. However, Brown is a rookie so he has nowhere to go but up. The fact that Brown already has so much trust from the Colts’ coaching staff is a great sign. Had 58 yards on 5 carries in the preseason opener against Minnesota’s tough defense. Brown is the Indy back you want, not Joseph Addai. Brown is an 8^th round pick on average. He’s worth a 7^th at least, maybe a 6^th because he does catch passes too.

QB Jake Delhomme (Carolina)

Average draft range: 14th round

Should be drafted: 11th round

Even though he gave the ball and the game away in the playoffs last year, I still like Delhomme as a sleeper. He has a great supporting cast and he’s another year removed from his elbow surgery. He still will be inconsistent and that’s a risk you’ll have to take, but if you can get his 3200-3500 yards and 18-20 touchdowns in the 10th or 11th round, go for it.

WR Kevin Walter (Houston)

Average draft range: Late 9th-early 10th

Should be drafted: 7th round

6-3 Kevin Walter had 899 yards and 8 touchdowns last year. If both Slaton and Schaub stay healthy this season, this offense will be that much better and those stats will approach 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s a real fantasy sleeper. The only thing I don’t like about him is that he’s a 27, soon to be 28 year old receiver who has never had 1000 yards or 10 touchdowns in any season, and only has 2 seasons of 800 yards or more. He also has to share the end zone Andre Johnson, but nonetheless, the potential is there for 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns.

TE Heath Miller (Pittsburgh)

Average draft range: 14th round

Should be drafted: 12th round

Miller no longer has to contend with Nate Washington for receptions over the middle and Ben Roethlisberger’s shoulder is no longer hurt so he can go back to being that 500-600 yard 5-7 touchdown guy this season. If you forgot to take a tight end in the earlier rounds or you didn’t because you were busy gobbling up RB/WR sleepers, you can do a whole lot worse than Miller, a consistent performer.

Mid-round sleepers

QB Shaun Hill (San Francisco)

Average draft range: Not drafted

Should be drafted: Late 12th-early 13th

I don’t have a lot of quarterback sleepers just because I feel you should go with safe backup quarterbacks, who have easy matchups on your QB1’s bye week, and also that you should never carry 3 quarterback. However, after Singletary took over and ran with him as his guy, Hill was 166 for 265 (62.6%) for 1873 yards, 12 touchdowns and 8 picks. Spread that out over a whole season and you’ve got about 3600-3700 yards, 24 TDs, 16 INTs. Add in the fact that he now has a capable receiver, Michael Crabtree, to throw to, and you’ve got yourself a fantasy sleeper. I would not be afraid to take this guy in the 12th round, especially if my QB1 had a 4th week bye, Matt Ryan, Donovan McNabb, Kurt Warner, and Jake Delhomme. Hill plays St. Louis’ miserable defense week 4. He is currently going in the 13th or 14th round. I might also take Hill as a QB2, if my QB1 were someone I was unsure about who I could replace with Hill, in case Hill gets hot or my QB1 gets cold. Jake Delhomme is the best of both worlds here.

QB Jason Campbell (Washington)

Average draft range: 16th round

Should be drafted: 13th round

Campbell is finally going into his 2nd season with the same offensive coordinator, so you have to think that the 3245 yards and 13 touchdowns he had last season are going up. Add in the fact that he’s motivated in his contract year, and also after the team tried to trade him/draft Mark Sanchez, and the fact that Washington’s 3 rookie receivers from last year are now no longer rookies, and he could have 3500 yards, 15-18 touchdowns. He’s getting drafted in the 16th round on average. If you draft Peyton Manning or Tony Romo, both of whom have a bye week 6, Campbell is a good QB2 as he faces Kansas City during week 6. Also if you draft Matt Schaub, bye week 10, Campbell plays Denver week 10. Schaub is injury prone so pairing a sleeper like Campbell with him makes a lot of sense. Campbell has borderline QB1 potential.

RB Fred Jackson (Buffalo)

Average draft range: Late 11th-early 12th

Should be drafted: 8th round

Jackson is Buffalo’s starter for weeks 1-3, so he’s a borderline RB2 for the first 3 weeks. He rushed for 100 yards against New England to end last season and he’s very interesting in flex leagues, where he could give you 3 starts to start the season. After that, he could keep his job, depending on how he performs in the first 3 weeks, but more likely he’ll become a backup again. Still, he’ll give you 3 starts in flex leagues, 2 in regular leagues as he faces Tampa Bay and New Orleans in week 2-3, with the potential to be a season long starter, so the 11th round is way too late for this guy to be available. Also, if he gives you 300+ all purpose yards in the first 3 weeks and he doesn’t keep his job, you could always trade him to Mr. Inept Fantasy Owner (admit it, you’ve all seen him) for someone who can help you during weeks 4-17.

RB Jerious Norwood (Atlanta)

Average draft range: Late 14th-early 15th

Should be drafted: 9th round

Jerious Norwood is going to get more involved in Atlanta’s offense for two reasons. One, there is no way that Michael Turner is going to be given 376 carries again next season. Two, Atlanta is going to pass more, with the addition of Tony Gonzalez and Matt Ryan going into his 2nd year, and they’ll likely want Norwood, a pass catcher, in there more often. The 25 year old Norwood has a career YPC of 5.8, but has never gotten more than 103 carries. Expect him to eclipse that number this season and rush for 600-700 yards. He caught 36 bals for 338 yards last season in limited time so we could see that go closer to 400 yards this season, with Norwood getting more playing time, Atlanta passing more and Tony Gonzalez opening holes over the middle for Norwood. 1000+ all purpose yards is very good for someone available in the 13th in most leagues.

RB James Davis (Cleveland)

Average draft range: Not drafted

Should be drafted: 7th round

Jamal Lewis is really not impressing new coach Eric Mangini and there’s actually a chance that Davis is the starting back or at least has a large role on the team week 1. He’s worth a late round flier at this point because I believe, like Greene, he will be the starter for the Browns sometime this season. Fantasy teams don’t really have him on their radar because Davis was a mere 6th round pick in the 2009 NFL draft, but, as he showed at Clemson, he’s the real deal if given a shot.

RB Ricky Williams (Miami)

Average draft range: 16th round

Should be drafted: 12th round

He’s 32, but he’s also Ronnie Brown’s only good backup and the favorite to get 20 carries a game when Ronnie Brown gets hurt again. Ronnie Brown has not had good history in terms of injuries, so Williams is a fantasy sleeper. He could be a borderline RB2 if Brown gets hurt and that’s all you really want from a late round pick, upside.

RB Laurence Maroney (New England)

Average draft range: Late 13th-early 14th

Should be drafted: 11th round

Honestly, I have no idea if he’s healthy or not. Bill Belicheck has a way of keeping that kind of thing a secret. If he is, he’s going to get around the 180 carries he averaged from 06-07, as he’ll split carries with Fred Taylor. He averaged 790 yards rushing from 06-07, so he could be a nice late round sleeper, as a borderline RB3 depending on the matchup.

RB Jamaal Charles (Kansas City)

Average draft range: Late 14th-early 15th

Should be drafted: Late 12th-early 13th

Larry Johnson isn’t on good terms with the new management in Kansas City and he could be cut before the season starts. Charles could end up getting 225+ carries if that happens and if he gets that many carries, 900+ yards would not be out of reach. Even if Johnson stays, he could get hurt or benched again and in that case, Charles becomes a borderline RB2 for a few weeks.

RB Glenn Coffee (San Francisco)

Average draft range: 16th round

Should be drafted: 10th round

The Niners’ new offensive coordinator is a former running backs coach and the passing game has a lot of questions so the Niners are going to run a lot. Frank Gore has never proven that he can handle all of the load, so as they switch to a run heavy offense, rookie Glenn Coffee is going to get a lot of the carries. They didn’t draft him in the 3rd round to sit him on the bench. Gore has also once had more than 300 carries and that was in 2006, before he started to break down due to injuries. Coffee should get 150-200 carries and that should get him 600-800 yards rushing. Gore is not a goal line back so Coffee will likely get the goal line carries so expect 8-10 TDs. He’s not a threat in the passing game, but 600-800 yards, 10 TDs, plus the potential that he could be a top 15-20 running back if Gore gets hurt again, is more than you can ask for in the late rounds.

WR Donald Driver (Green Bay)

Average draft range: Late 10th-early 11th

Should be drafted: 8th round

He may be boring and 34, but he’s consistent. He’s had 1000+ yards in 7 of the last 8 seasons and he’s part of one of the most explosive passing offenses in the league. I don’t see why he can’t get at least 900 yards and 5 touchdowns which makes him a nice WR4, who can be a WR3 depending on the matchup. He’s not being drafted like one.

WR Chris Henry (Cincinnati)

Average draft range: Late 10th-early 11th

Should be drafted: 8th round

Henry is not suspended to start this season, which is always a good sign. He’s also been unstoppable on the field and is looking like the guy who will start opposite Ochocinco in Cincinnati’s high powered offense. He’s tall so he’s an end zone threat as well. Laveranues Coles, meanwhile, had no catches last week and does not look promising going into next season.

WR Steve Smith (NY Giants)

Average draft range: 16th round

Should be drafted: 11th round

Someone has to be the #1 option for the Giants this year right?…right? Smith has been the most impressive receiver for the Giants in the preseason and he’s in his 3^rdyear, so he’s worth a look in the mid-late rounds.

WR Josh Morgan (San Francisco)

Average draft range: 14th round

Should be drafted: Late 11th-early 12th

He’ll start for the 49ers and he’ll probably be Shaun Hill’s favorite target as Michael Crabtree is a rookie without pro offense experience and Vernon Davis is awful. As the talented top target for an average offense, 800 yards and 6 touchdowns aren’t out of the question which makes him someone who can start for you depending on the matchup.

WR Earl Bennett (Chicago)

Average draft range: 15th round

Should be drafted: 12th round

Bennett has looked like Jay Cutler’s favorite target so far in the preseason and why not, the two were teammates at Vanderbilt and have good chemistry. Cutler and Hester, on the other hand, have not gotten along as well. Bennett is a really good sleeper at this point.

WR Hakeem Nicks (NY Giants)

Average draft range: Late 14^th-early 15^th

Should be drafted: 12^th round

WR Bobby Engram (Kansas City)

Average draft range: Not drafted

Should be drafted: 13th round

He’s injury prone, but he’s going to be the slot receiver for Kansas City’s pass heavy offense, which happens to be led by a weak armed quarterback who loves to throw it to his slot receiver. He had 1147 yards in 2007, and he could get you 70 receptions for 800 yards seeing as he’s talented and Matt Cassel will want to throw to him a lot so he’s worth the late round injury/age risk. He’s value is higher in PPR leagues and lower in touchdown leagues.

TE Jared Cook (Tennessee)

Average draft range: Undrafted

Should be drafted: 14th round

Cook led the Titans in receiving last week and has looked good in the preseason. Tennessee is a very tight end friendly offense, just ask Bo Sciafe. However, its looking like Cook will be top dog on the Tennessee tight end depth chart very soon so he’s the Tennessee tight end you want. He’s definitely worth a late round flier.

TE Jermichael Finley (Green Bay)

Average draft range: Not drafted

Should be drafted: Late 12th-early 13th

2008 3rd round pick Jermichael Finley could be the starting tight end for the Packers this season. That’s not certain at the moment, but the possibility makes him an interesting sleeper. The Packers are going to pass a lot with Aaron Rodgers at the helm and Finley should at least get borderline TE1 stats if put into the starting lineup. He has big time pass catching abilities, better than last year’s starter Donald Lee, and fits this offense perfectly. Keep your eye on him as a late round flier.

TE Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit)

Average draft range: 16th round

Should be drafted: Late 14th-early 15th

I don’t like the idea of taking TE2s, but his upside is too good to not take in the late rounds. He’s as talented as Dustin Keller was last year in terms of catching the ball and if the Lions air it out as much as they have in years past, Pettigrew could get 500-600 yards and 5-6 touchdowns, which would be TE1 status and could make him an interesting trade bait.

RB Mike Goodson (Carolina)

Average draft range: Not drafted

Should be drafted: 11th round

The Panthers have announced that due to Jonathan Stewart’s achilles injury, Goodson could be used more often in the early weeks of the season. If Stewart misses any games, a real possibility at this point, Goodson would take over Stewart’s carries making him a decent RB3 for a few weeks as Carolina has a great offensive line and the defense will be more worried about DeAngelo Williams. This guy is not even drafted in most leagues so he’s a huge steal at this point. Stewart’s stock falls everyday he misses practice and everyday rookie Goodson impresses.

WR Louis Murphy (Oakland)

Average draft range: Not drafted

Should be drafted: Late 14^th-early 15^th

If you draft any Raider wide receiver, not normally a good idea, make sure its this one. Murphy, despite being a rookie, has been the Raiders most impressive wide receiver this preseason and should get a starting job if Tom Cable isn’t too busy punching his assistants in the jaw to move Murphy up the depth chart. Murphy should be worth a late round flier and is not getting drafted in most leagues at this point.

Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning (Indianapolis)

2. Tom Brady (New England)

3. Drew Brees (New Orleans)

4. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay)

5. Phillip Rivers (San Diego)

6. Tony Romo (Dallas)

7. Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia)

8. Kurt Warner (Arizona)

9. Matt Ryan (Atlanta)

10. Carson Palmer (Cincinnati)

11. Matt Schaub (Houston)

12. Jay Cutler (Chicago)

13. Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh)

14. Brett Favre (Minnesota)

15. Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle)

Running Backs

1. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota)

2. Matt Forte (Chicago)

3. Maurice Jones Drew (Jacksonville)

4. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina)

5. LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego)

6. Chris Johnson (Tennessee)

7. Michael Turner (Atlanta)

8. Steve Slaton (Houston)

9. Steven Jackson (St. Louis)

10. Clinton Portis (Washington)

11. Brandon Jacobs (NY Giants)

12. Knowshon Moreno (Denver)

13. Kevin Smith (Detroit)

14. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia)

15. Ryan Grant (Green Bay)

16. Frank Gore (San Francisco)

17. Marion Barber (Dallas)

18. Ray Rice (Baltimore)

19. Chris Wells (Arizona)

20. Cedric Benson (Cincinnati)

21. Pierre Thomas (New Orleans)

22. Thomas Jones (NY Jets)

23. Derrick Ward (Tampa Bay)

24. Larry Johnson (Kansas City)

25. Ronnie Brown (Miami)

26. Darren McFadden (Oakland)

27. Reggie Bush (New Orleans)

28. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo)

29. Donald Brown (Indianapolis)

30. Ahmad Bradshaw (New York)

Wide Receivers

1. Randy Moss (New England)

2. Andre Johnson (Houston)

3. Calvin Johnson (Detroit)

4. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona)

5. Roddy White (Atlanta)

6. Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis)

7. Marques Colston (New Orleans)

8. Greg Jennings (Green Bay)

9. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City)

10. TJ Houshmanzadeh (Seattle)

11. Steve Smith (Carolina)

12. Anquan Boldin (Arizona)

13. Roy Williams (Dallas)

14. Wes Welker (New England)

15. Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson (Cincinnati)

16. Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay)

17. Terrell Owens (Buffalo)

18. Braylon Edwards (Cleveland)

19. Santonio Holmes (Pittsburgh)

20. Santana Moss (Washington)

21. Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis)

22. Derrick Mason (Baltimore)

23. Lee Evans (Buffalo)

24. Vincent Jackson (San Diego)

25. Torry Holt (Jacksonville)

26. Kevin Walter (Houston)

27. Eddie Royal (Denver)

28. DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia)

29. Bernard Berrian (Minnesota)

30. Donald Driver (Green Bay)

Tight ends

1. Jason Witten (Dallas)

2. Tony Gonzalez (Atlanta)

3. Antonio Gates (San Diego)

4. Dallas Clark (Indianapolis)

5. Greg Olsen (Chicago)

6. Chris Cooley (Washington)

7. Kellen Winslow (Tampa Bay)

8. John Carlson (Seattle)

9. Zach Miller (Oakland)

10. Owen Daniels (Houston)

11. Heath Miller (Pittsburgh)

12. Visanthe Shiancoe (Minnesota)

13. Jeremy Shockey (New Orleans)

14. Jermichael Finley (Green Bay)

15. Brent Celek (Philadelphia)

Some background, unlike previous drafts of mine that I have posted, this is not done with random people in a mock draft lobby on espn or with other fantasy experts, this is done with people I know personally. 14 team standard ESPN league.

ROUND 1

1 Adrian Peterson, Min Team Sarmiento

2 Matt Forte, Chi Team lourie

3 Michael Turner, Atl Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

4 Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac Tom Brady Is God

5 Steven Jackson, StL Team Morgan

6 DeAngelo Williams, Car Turn My Swag On

7 Chris Johnson, Ten Team Valladares

8 Frank Gore, SF Team Durstenfeld

9 LaDainian Tomlinson, SD Team YAY AREA

10 Drew Brees, NO Spongebob and Company

11 Larry Fitzgerald, Ari Team Brady Killerz

12 Tom Brady, NE Team Zanger

13 Andre Johnson, Hou Team Oakland

14 Calvin Johnson, Det Team Reinhardt

My pick: Forte actually has the least amount of questions of any back this year. He’s the safest fantasy player and my #2 fantasy back.

Best pick: Pretty standard first round, but I like the pick of LT at 9.

Worst pick: Frank Gore hasn’t been worthy of a 1^st round pick since 2006 and now he has the extremely talented Glen Coffee, who could steal his goal line carries, to contend with in the backfield. You can do a lot better at 8.

ROUND 2

15 Randy Moss, NE Team reinhardt

16 Brandon Jacobs, NYG Team Oakland

17 Clinton Portis, Was Team Zanger

18 Matt Ryan, Atl Team Brady Killerz

19 Steve Smith, Car Spongebob and Company

20 Peyton Manning, Ind Team YAY AREA

21 Steve Slaton, Hou Team Durstenfeld

22 Kurt Warner, Ari Team Valladares

23 Marion Barber, Dal Turn My Swag On

24 Greg Jennings, GB Team Morgan

25 Roddy White, Atl Tom Brady Is God

26 Brian Westbrook, Phi Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

27 Reggie Wayne, Ind Team lourie

28 Marques Colston, NO Team Sarmiento

My pick: I normally take a lot of sleepers and upside guys, so it was good to get a consistent WR1, to pair with my consistent RB1. Wayne is the type of guy that you know what you are getting from him every night, assuming Peyton Manning is healthy which is a safe assumption to make. Wayne also hasn’t missed a game since 2001, his rookie season.

Best pick: Getting Peyton Manning at 20 is pretty good value, as is Moss at 15. Both are my highest rated fantasy players in their respective positions. However, Steve Slaton, who I have rated as a late 1^st round pick was drafted here in the mid 2^nd round of a 14 team league, so I think that’s the best pick.

Worst pick: Matt Ryan with the 18^th overall pick? Before Peyton Manning? Brady Killerz justification for his pick “Ryan is legit.” Yea, not that legit and even if he is, he’d be available about 30-40 picks later. Kurt Warner, and his bad hip, at 22 is also questionable.

ROUND 3

29 Aaron Rodgers, GB Team Sarmiento

30 Kevin Smith, Det Team lourie

31 Ronnie Brown, Mia Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

32 Jay Cutler, Chi Tom Brady Is God

33 Philip Rivers, SD Team Morgan

34 Anquan Boldin, Ari Turn My Swag On

35 Pierre Thomas, NO Team Valladares

36 Terrell Owens, Buf Team Durstenfeld

37 Dwayne Bowe, KC Team YAY AREA

38 Thomas Jones, NYJ Spongebob and Company

39 Ryan Grant, GB Team Brady Killerz

40 T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea Team Zanger

41 Brandon Marshall*, Den Team Oakland

42 Tony Romo, Dal Team Reinhardt

My pick: Knowshon Moreno is my highest rated player left on the board, but ESPN has him rated as the 60^th best player on the board and I don’t think, based on early indications, that I’m drafting against the most fantasy savvy people. Moreno is also coming off of an injury and has missed 2 preseason games, though he’ll be ready for the season, so I take Smith, my 2^nd highest player, and hope I can get both him and Moreno.

Best pick: Aaron Rodgers was the 2^nd best fantasy quarterback last year. Granted, it was in a year where Peyton Manning had injury problems and Tom Brady essentially missed the whole season, but Rodgers was also in only his first year as a starter. 29 is good value for him and that stood out above the rest of the bad picks in this round.

Worst pick: Yes, the Matt Ryan selection was my first indication that I wasn’t dealing with the most fantasy savvy group of guys, but this round really solidified that believe. Ronnie Brown hasn’t played a full season as a feature back since high school and he goes 31st. Jay Cutler is going to a conservative Bears offense and he goes 32^nd. Thomas Jones will be essentially splitting carries with Leon Washington and Shonn Greene and he goes 38^th. Brandon Marshall might not play this year and he goes 41^st. Tony Romo chokes during the fantasy playoffs every year and he goes 42^nd.

ROUND 4

43 Marshawn Lynch*, Buf Team reinhardt

44 Wes Welker, NE Team Oakland

45 Darren McFadden, Oak Team Zanger

46 Tony Gonzalez, Atl Team Brady Killerz

47 Michael Vick*, Phi Spongebob and Company

48 Joseph Addai, Ind Team YAY AREA

49 Roy E. Williams, Dal Team Durstenfeld

50 Braylon Edwards, Cle Team Valladares

51 Willie Parker, Pit Turn My Swag On

52 Vincent Jackson, SD Team Morgan

53 Ray Rice, Bal Tom Brady Is God

54 Jason Witten, Dal Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

55 Knowshon Moreno, Den Team lourie

56 Antonio Gates, SD Team Sarmiento

My pick: I got Moreno. I was so happy. Moreno is my RB3 with RB2 value and RB1 upside. He could be a top 10 fantasy player at the end of the year and getting him at 55 in a 14 team league is amazing.

Best pick: I was actually hoping that Rice would slip to me in the 5^th round, giving me a kickass RB4/trade bait. However, Tom Brady is God, who will make a number of good picks over the course of the draft, snatched him at 53. Rice is RB2 caliber and should be the feature back in Baltimore’s conservative offense this year.

Worst Pick: Spongebob and Company could not make this draft, for whatever reason, but he (they?) did set their pre-draft rankings and informed me of this. What he did not inform me of was the fact that he would be setting these pre-draft rankings while drunk. That’s the only reason I see that Vick, who won’t even play until week 3, has missed 2 years while in jail, and is not the starting quarterback for his team, goes 47^th overall. And Vick is Spongebob’s QB2. He drafted Brees back in the first. I was not a fan of the Willie Parker and Joseph Addai selections, but Vick is way worse.

ROUND 5

57 Jonathan Stewart, Car Team Sarmiento

58 Chad Ochocinco, Cin Team lourie

59 Matt Schaub, Hou Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

60 DeSean Jackson, Phi Tom Brady Is God

61 Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG Team Morgan

62 Dallas Clark, Ind Turn My Swag On

63 Owen Daniels, Hou Team Valladares

64 Donovan McNabb, Phi Team Durstenfeld

65 Bernard Berrian, Min Team YAY AREA

66 Larry Johnson, KC Spongebob and Company

67 Chris Wells, Ari Team Brady Killerz

68 Hines Ward, Pit Team Zanger

69 Derrick Ward, TB Team Oakland

70 Steelers D/ST, Pit Team Reinhardt

My pick: With 3 running backs, I decided it was either WR or QB for me. At quarterback, I had the choice between Donovan McNabb, who is decent, Matt Schaub, who is injury prone, and Carson Palmer, a sleeper of mine that I felt I could get in the 6^th round. I went with Palmer’s #1 option here, Ochocinco, so that I could cash in double when the pair resume their dominance this year.

Best pick: By default it has to be Chris Wells, because there was a lot I just didn’t like this round. Wells will be used a lot this year, especially if Warner is as hurt as he looks.

Worst pick: I thought a lot of things were mediocre this round, but the selections of Jonathan Stewart, who could miss the year, and Larry Johnson, who could be suspended, were big mistakes, as was the selection of the Steelers’ D. You don’t take a defense in the 5^th round, no matter how deep the league is or how good the defense is.

ROUND 6

71 Reggie Bush, NO Team reinhardt

72 Matt Cassel, KC Team Oakland

73 Lee Evans, Buf Team Zanger

74 Eddie Royal, Den Team Brady Killerz

75 Giants D/ST, NYG Spongebob and Company

76 Vikings D/ST, Min Team YAY AREA

77 Santonio Holmes, Pit Team Durstenfeld

78 Ravens D/ST, Bal Team Valladares

79 Antonio Bryant, TB Turn My Swag On

80 Titans D/ST, Ten Team Morgan

81 Chris Cooley, Was Tom Brady Is God

82 LenDale White, Ten Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

83 Cedric Benson, Cin Team lourie

84 Kevin Walter, Hou Team Sarmiento

My pick: I was ready to take Palmer when it occurred to me that Sarmiento already had a quarterback and likely wouldn’t take Palmer. I could have been wrong and Sarmiento could have taken Palmer as his QB2, crazier things have happened, leaving me with a choice between Ben Roethlisberger and Brett Favre, but Satmiento has drafted pretty well so far so I believed I could get Palmer at 86. I took Palmer’s backfield mate instead. Cedric Benson has a questionable past, but in the present he’s a starting running back for one of the best offenses in the league.

Best pick: I don’t know why Antonio Bryant is rated so low by ESPN. He has missed the whole preseason, but he’s practicing again and should start week 1. He has WR2 potential this year. I was targeting him until Turn My Swag On took him at 79, which I really thought was a nice selection. Santonio Holmes and Kevin Walter were nice pickups as well.

Worst pick: Not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 fantasy defenses went in the 6^th round. The worst of the 4 is going to surprisingly be the Titans’ defense. Not having Albert Haynesworth knocks this defense from elite to above average. If you’re going to take a defense this early, make sure its an elite one.

ROUND 7

85 Anthony Gonzalez, Ind Team Sarmiento

86 Carson Palmer, Cin Team lourie

87 Santana Moss, Was Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

88 Tim Hightower, Ari Tom Brady Is God

89 Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ Team Morgan

90 Ben Roethlisberger, Pit Turn My Swag On

91 Donald Driver, GB Team Valladares

92 Greg Olsen, Chi Team Durstenfeld

93 Jamal Lewis, Cle Team YAY AREA

94 Zach Miller, Oak Spongebob and Company

95 Felix Jones, Dal Team Brady Killerz

96 Jeremy Shockey, NO Team Zanger

97 Darren Sproles, SD Team Oakland

98 Devin Hester, Chi Team Reinhardt

My pick: If he’s healthy, he’s golden. If he plays all 16 games this year, Palmer should have another 20+ touchdown 4000+ yard season and with the 86^th pick, that’s excellent value.

Best pick: Greg Olsen could be the 3^rd rated fantasy tight end at the end of the season if things go right. Cutler loves to throw to tight ends and Olsen has amazing skills for such a big guy. Getting him at 92 is amazing value.

Worst pick: I don’t think Sproles is even fantasy relevant in non-PPR leagues. He’s fast but he’s also 5 foot 5 and Norv Turner has promised that, if he stays healthy, LT will see the ball 20 times per game. That doesn’t leave a lot left over for Sproles. Jamal Lewis won’t be Cleveland’s starting back by week 4. He might not even start week 1 after James Davis’ preseason breakout.

ROUND 8

99 Lance Moore, NO Team reinhardt

100 Fred Taylor, NE Team Oakland

101 Donald Brown, Ind Team Zanger

102 Eli Manning, NYG Team Brady Killerz

103 Torry Holt, Jac Spongebob and Company

104 Kellen Winslow, TB Team YAY AREA

105 Derrick Mason, Bal Team Durstenfeld

106 Laveranues Coles, Cin Team Valladares

107 Earnest Graham, TB Turn My Swag On

108 John Carlson, Sea Team Morgan

109 Chester Taylor, Min Tom Brady Is God

110 Steve Breaston, Ari Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

111 Fred Jackson, Buf Team lourie

112 LeSean McCoy, Phi Team Sarmiento

My pick: I was pissed when Carlson went off the board. As a rookie he had 627 yards and 5 touchdowns. Now he’s a year older and has his quarterback fully healthy so he has nowhere to go but up. I wanted him as my starting tight end, but that didn’t work out. I shouldn’t complain after all the luck I’ve had to this point. Fred Jackson is a fine pick as well. He is going to start weeks 1-3 while Marshawn Lynch serves his suspension. After week 3 I could trade him to one of the inept owners in this league who doesn’t realize he’s not starting anymore and get myself a real fantasy piece.

Best pick: While I wanted Carlson, Derrick Mason is a consistent wideout who should get you 1000 yards this year. Props to Durstenfield for taking him with the 105^th overall pick.

Worst pick: Nothing awful, but Laveranues Coles isn’t going to be a starter this year at wideout so I don’t see the point of taking him 106^th overall.

ROUND 9

113 Eagles D/ST, Phi Team Sarmiento

114 Chris Henry, Cin Team lourie

115 Le’Ron McClain, Bal Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

116 Josh Morgan, SF Tom Brady Is God

117 Ted Ginn Jr., Mia Team Morgan

118 Kyle Orton, Den Turn My Swag On

119 Brett Favre, Min Team Valladares

120 Julius Jones, Sea Team Durstenfeld

121 Stephen Gostkowski, NE Team YAY AREA

122 Sebastian Janikowski, Oak Spongebob and Company

123 Steve Smith, NYG Team Brady Killerz

124 Bears D/ST, Chi Team Zanger

125 Domenik Hixon, NYG Team Oakland

126 Percy Harvin, Min Team Reinhardt

My pick: As I made my Chris Henry pick I said, “and the 4^th Bengal I will drafted tonight is…” Naturally people laughed. However, the Bengals, assuming Palmer is healthy, will regain their status as an elite offense. Their play Cleveland twice, and the Lions, Jets, and the AFC West. Having their starting quarterback, two starting wide receivers, and starting running back is hardly laughable.

Best pick: After the run on defenses in the 6^th, credit Sarmiento for waiting and still getting an elite unit in the 9^th. The Eagles defensive unit is banged up, but they will still create a lot of sacks, a lot of turnovers, and they have the best special teams in the league. Josh Morgan is a nice sleeper as well.

Worst pick: Where do I begin? Le’Ron McClain is a fullback. Kyle Orton had one of the worst INT:ATT ratios in the league last year playing for a conservative offense. Now he goes to Denver’s air it out offense. He should be 20 picks this year and fewer touchdowns than that. Stephen Gostkowski is at least a good kicker, but Sebastian Janikowski is a Raider. If you are going to reach that much for a kicker, make sure he’s not a Raider. Another laughable pick by Spongebob. Percy Harvin had fantasy value when the Vikings were considering using more wildcat, but I doubt that will still be the case with Favre in town.

ROUND 10

127 Kevin Boss, NYG Team reinhardt

128 Jets D/ST, NYJ Team Oakland

129 Donnie Avery, StL Team Zanger

130 49ers D/ST, SF Team Brady Killerz

131 Heath Miller, Pit Spongebob and Company

132 David Garrard, Jac Team YAY AREA

133 Dolphins D/ST, Mia Team Durstenfeld

134 Ryan Longwell, Min Team Valladares

135 Willis McGahee, Bal Turn My Swag On

136 Joe Flacco, Bal Team Morgan

137 Glen Coffee, SF Tom Brady Is God

138 Patrick Crayton, Dal Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

139 Matt Hasselbeck, Sea Team lourie

140 Trent Edwards, Buf Team Sarmiento

My pick: I was thwarted twice this round. First, the tight end I wanted, Heath Miller was taken. I still need a tight end at this point. However, I decided to wait on that and take my backup quarterback. Joe Flacco has an easy matchup during Carson Palmer’s bye week and Flacco is becoming a favorite sleeper of mine. However, Team Morgan thwarted me there for the 2^nd time tonight. However, even though he faces Dallas’ defense during Palmer’s bye week, I decided to take Hasselbeck as my QB2 because I actually have him rated higher than Flacco. I believe between Palmer and Hasselbeck, both of whom have injury histories, I should get one good starting quarterback.

Best pick: Flacco and Glen Coffee are great guys to have on your bench. Both could break out this year and become real factors. David Garrard is extremely underrated and so is Donnie Avery, who is way ahead of schedule in his return from injury and should start week 1.

Worst pick: I don’t like either the Niners’ or the Dolphins’ defense this year, especially not in round 10.

ROUND 11

141 Robbie Gould, Chi Team Sarmiento

142 Visanthe Shiancoe, Min Team lourie

143 Bobby Engram, KC Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

144 Patriots D/ST, NE Tom Brady Is God

145 Jason Elam, Atl Team Morgan

146 Sammy Morris, NE Turn My Swag On

147 Rashard Mendenhall, Pit Team Valladares

148 Kevin Curtis, Phi Team Durstenfeld

149 Chris Chambers, SD Team YAY AREA

150 Panthers D/ST, Car Spongebob and Company

151 Joe Nedney, SF Team Brady Killerz

152 Ricky Williams, Mia Team Zanger

153 Dustin Keller, NYJ Team Oakland

154 Rob Bironas, Ten Team Reinhardt

My pick: Allow me to perform a magic trick. I will turn the 142^nd pick into a starting caliber fantasy tight end. Shiancoe had 600 yards and 7 touchdowns last year and those numbers should only go up with the addition of Brett Favre this year.

Best pick: Rashard Mendenhall could start week 1…and week 2, and week 3, etc. Willie Parker has injury problems and Mendenhall, who was drafted to be Parker’s successor, could be feature back for Pittsburgh this year. Not bad in the 11^th round. I will give Valladares some credit…actually a lot of credit. Granted, he wasn’t actually here at this point, his internet crashed, but still, nice pick.

Worst pick: Sammy Morris is buried on New England’s depth chart at running back and Kevin Curtis could be cut. I can’t decide which pick is worse.

ROUND 12

155 Michael Crabtree, SF Team reinhardt

156 Jerious Norwood, Atl Team Oakland

157 Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oak Team Zanger

158 Leon Washington, NYJ Team Brady Killerz

159 Muhsin Muhammad, Car Spongebob and Company

160 Justin Gage, Ten Team YAY AREA

161 David Akers, Phi Team Durstenfeld

162 Jake Delhomme, Car Team Valladares

163 Nate Kaeding, SD Turn My Swag On

164 Chargers D/ST, SD Team Morgan

165 Devery Henderson, NO Tom Brady Is God

166 Mason Crosby, GB Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

167 James Davis, Cle Team lourie

168 Tony Scheffler, Den Team Sarmiento

My pick: James Davis will start for the Browns sooner rather than later. Getting a starting running back in the 12^th round of a 14 team league is nice.

Best pick: Norwood has looked good in limited action in his career and I like this to be the year he finally getting more playing time in Atlanta. Leon Washington might be the most valuable Jets’ running back at the end of the year this year, so the upside is good there. Team Morgan once again thwarted my plans, this time my plan to take the Chargers’ defense so nice pick there.

Worst pick: Nothing awful this round, but Michael Crabtree shouldn’t be drafted. He’s not even under contract. Darrius Heyward Bey is under contract, but that’s about all you can say for him. He reportedly can’t catch the football.

ROUND 13

169 Cadillac Williams, TB Team Sarmiento

170 Redskins D/ST, Was Team lourie

171 Jason Campbell, Was Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

172 Michael Bush, Oak Tom Brady Is God

173 Laurence Maroney, NE Team Morgan

174 Chad Pennington, Mia Turn My Swag On

175 Nate Burleson, Sea Team Valladares

176 Shonn Greene, NYJ Team Durstenfeld

177 Joey Galloway, NE Team YAY AREA

178 Adam Vinatieri, Ind Spongebob and Company

179 Nick Folk, Dal Team Brady Killerz

180 John Carney, NO Team Zanger

181 Neil Rackers, Ari Team Oakland

182 Brandon Pettigrew, Det Team Reinhardt

My pick: I needed a defense. Albert Haynesworth will improve the Redskins’ sack total with his presence alone so close to 40 sacks is reasonable for them. This is a defense that was good at stopping teams last year, but not at creating sacks or turnovers. The addition of Haynesworth and a full season of DeAngelo Hall should fix those problems slightly.

Best pick: Other than myself, Team Morgan is having the best draft this year, which is surprising because this was his first draft and midway through he was confused as to what BE stood for, but I will give credit where credit is definitely due. Maroney is listed on top of the Patriots’ depth chart. Though Bill Belicheck often lies, Maroney is nonetheless the most talented runner on the team and starting, or at least getting a large chunk of the carries, for that offense gives him great fantasy value.

Worst pick: Nothing awful, but I don’t see how taking the Raiders’ 3^rd string running back is smart. Michael Bush had one good game last year, but will be buried this year.

ROUND 14

183 Tashard Choice, Dal Team reinhardt

184 Michael Jenkins, Atl Team Oakland

185 Nate Washington, Ten Team Zanger

186 Packers D/ST, GB Team Brady Killerz

187 Justin Fargas, Oak Spongebob and Company

188 Shaun Hill, SF Team YAY AREA

189 Brady Quinn, Cle Team Durstenfeld

190 Bo Scaife, Ten Team Valladares

191 Sidney Rice, Min Turn My Swag On

192 Mark Bradley, KC Team Morgan

193 Anthony Fasano, Mia Tom Brady Is God

194 Correll Buckhalter, Den Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

195 Earl Bennett, Chi Team lourie

196 Isaac Bruce, SF Team Sarmiento

My pick: I needed a WR4 and Bennett had the most upside of any wideout. He could lead Bears wide receivers in yards this year.

Best pick: Shaun Hill is a nice sleeper and Anthony Fasano is a starting caliber tight end in round 14.

Worst pick: The Packers play defense? Also, Correll Buckhalter is nothing but a decoy this year. Knowshon Moreno is the feature back in Denver and Buckhalter will fight with like 18 other backs for #2 on the depth chart.

ROUND 15

197 Hakeem Nicks, NYG Team Sarmiento

198 Brent Celek, Phi Team lourie

199 Samkon Gado, StL Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

200 Kerry Collins, Ten Tom Brady Is God

201 Ladell Betts, Was Team Morgan

202 Jamaal Charles, KC Turn My Swag On

203 Jeremy Maclin, Phi Team Valladares

204 Vernon Davis, SF Team Durstenfeld

205 Mike Sims-Walker, Jac Team YAY AREA

206 Derek Anderson, Cle Spongebob and Company

207 JaMarcus Russell, Oak Team Brady Killerz

208 Deion Branch, Sea Team Zanger

209 Kevin Faulk, NE Team Oakland

210 Danny Ware, NYG Team Reinhardt

My pick: A few rounds ago I turned the 142^nd pick into a TE1. Now I will turn the 198^th pick into another TEI. I normally don’t like taking backup tight ends, but Brent Celek is too good to pass up. I can mix and match him with Shiancoe.

Best pick: Hakeem Nicks could be the Giants’ #1 option by week 8. That’s plenty upside for the 197^th pick.

Worst pick: Kevin Faulk and Danny Ware only have value in PPR leagues and Samjon Gado and Ladell Betts only have value if Stephen Jackson and Clinton Portis, respectively, get hurt.

ROUND 16

211 Matthew Stafford, Det Team reinhardt

212 Maurice Morris, Det Team Oakland

213 Terry Glenn, Dal Team Zanger

214 Dominic Rhodes, Buf Team Brady Killerz

215 Selvin Young, Den Spongebob and Company

216 Mark Clayton, Bal Team YAY AREA

217 James Jones, GB Team Durstenfeld

218 Keenan Burton, StL Team Valladares

219 Cowboys D/ST, Dal Turn My Swag On

220 John Kasay, Car Team Morgan

221 Kris Brown, Hou Tom Brady Is God

222 Texans D/ST, Hou Aaron Rodgers is a GOD

223 Lawrence Tynes, NYG Team lourie

224 Peyton Hillis, Den Team Sarmiento

My pick: I took Tynes, but then dropped him and picked up Shayne Graham because I decided I liked Graham better. If you’re keeping score at home that’s 5 Bengals for me.

Best pick: Tom Brady is God is the only other team that waited until the last round to take their starting kicker and he got the kicker I wanted. Morgan took a kicker, but took a K2, which is a rookie mistake. Backup kickers aren’t necessary.

Worst Pick: Zanger left after the 15^th round satisfied and set it to auto draft. I don’t know what’s funnier, the fact that he has Terry Glenn on his roster now or that ESPN’s computers actually still had Terry Glenn in their computers as a viable fantasy option. Glenn hasn’t played in over 2 years.

Guys coming off injury

QB Tom Brady

Brady is back at practice after his “shoulder injury.” It appears to be no big deal and he’ll probably start this week, though I wouldn’t be surprised if they held him out just to be safe. Brady has looked good in 2 of his 3 starts since returning from knee surgery and has more upside than any other quarterback this year.

Guys who get hurt

QB Matt Cassel

I already was down on Cassel, but he now has a knee injury that will force him to miss at least 2-3 weeks, possibly more. Cassel is still being drafted as QB1 in some leagues. He’s nothing but a backup at this point.

WR Roy Williams

Williams’ shoulder injury doesn’t appear to be too serious, so I’ll leave him on my wide receiver board in exactly the same place until further notice.

RB Knowshon Moreno

Moreno didn’t play this week against the Bears, but he warmed up with the team, which means he would have played it is were a regular season game. Barring setbacks, he should be good to go for week 1. He provides late 2^nd round value, with great potential, in the 4^th round.

RB Brandon Jackson

Jackson is out indefinitely. This is good news for Ryan Grant as now he has no one to vulture carries. Grant is still a mediocre runner, but he’s got a great offense around him and no one to steal his carries so I’m moving him up.

WR Steve Breaston

Despite the fact that he’s a 3^rd year receiver, I highly doubt that Breaston will match his 2008 totals, unless either Fitzgerald or Boldin miss large amounts of time. Both Breaston and his quarterback have had injury problems, and the Cardinals are going to run more this year, so there’s a very slim chance that Breaston is anything more than a WR5 this year, barring injuries to a starter.

RB Jerious Norwood

Norwood has a knee injury and will miss the preseason finale for the Falcons. I still love his upside and steal value late in the draft, especially in PPR leagues, though.

TE Ben Utecht

Utecht will miss the entire season with a concussion. Utecht is the 2^nd Cincinnati tight end to go down for the year this preseason so, by default, Daniel Coats will be the starter. However, Coats is a former fullback who will probably only be the blocking tight end. If you want a Cincinnati tight end, not a bad idea because of how pass heavy the Bengals offense is, rookie Chase Coffman is the one. He’ll be the pass catching tight end for the Bengals. He has upside in the late rounds of deep drafts.

WR Antonio Bryant

Bryant returned to the practice field so everything appears on track for Bryant to make his scheduled return week 1. This has been my believe all along, so nothing changes here. I am just letting you know.

Rookies

WR Hakeem Nicks

Nicks exploded for 144 yards for the Giants last week, despite not starting. The Giants have shown no interest in starting the rookie, for whatever reason, but he could win the starting job for the Giants later this season. He has a lot of talent and thus a lot of potential late in the season. It might not be a bad idea to take him and stash him on your bench.

RB Chris Wells

After his great game last week, in which Wells showed no lingering effects from his leg injury, Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt is seriously considering making the rookie a week 1 starter. Even if he isn’t a week 1 starter, he will start at some point this year. Pass catching back Tim Hightower is going to get a lot of playing time in Arizona’s pass heavy offense, but there’s no denying Wells’ ability on the ground. If Kurt Warner struggles due to his hip injury, Wells will get a lot of carries this year and even if Warner doesn’t struggle Wells is the Arizona back you want in all formats excluding PPR.

Guys in position battles

RB Leon Washington

Washington is getting a lot of the carries for the Jets in the preseason and coach Rex Ryan is going running back by committee so while Thomas Jones is the listed starter, he doesn’t have a ton of value. Expect Washington to get about 150 carries this year, with a bunch of receptions, making him a nice PPR option. Jones, who is also getting up there in years, isn’t going to do anywhere near as well as he did last year when Washington was a mere 3^rd down back. Rookie Shonn Greene could still his goal line carries too which would be a big blow to Jones’ stock.

As the season gets closer these will become more frequent.

Also updated

Mid-late round Value Picks/Sleepers

Cheat Sheet

Drafting a QB2

Guys coming off injuries

QB Tom Brady

Tom Brady looked good week 1, average week 2 in limited actions, and good again week 3. The only problem was he left with a shoulder injury on his throwing arm. They’re calling it a sore shoulder, which shouldn’t be a problem. Bill Belicheck said after the game that Brady did not leave because of the shoulder soreness and that the soreness is just part of the everyday “bumps and bruises” from a physical game. While we must take everything Belicheck ever says with a grain of salt, my stance on Brady is still the same. He’s the upside pick. Drew Brees and Peyton Manning are the safe picks. None of the three should be drafted until the 2^nd round.

QB Tony Romo

Romo appears to have shaken off the injuries that plagued him last year and is having a great preseason. He still has some questions in terms of his receivers, can Roy Williams be the #1 option, who will start opposite him, but Romo deserves a move up my board. The only thing with Romo is that he tends to choke come fantasy playoff time so you might want to draft him, get a few good weeks out of him and trade him while he’s hot.

Guys who get injured/suspended

WR Brandon Marshall

Marshall, who I was already low on, has been suspended indefinitely, following his antics during practice. Marshall reportedly knocked down passes in a drill in which he was supposed to catch passes, punted the ball away from everyone, didn’t hustle into the locker room, and all around acted like a 6-year-old. He might not play at all this season for the Broncos so the only way he has any fantasy value is if he is traded and following his outbursts in practice, a trade might be a hard thing for the Broncos to pull off. Eddie Royal moves up my board as he now becomes the Broncos’ best receiver. He could catch 90-100 of Kyle Orton’s signature 6-8 yard passes making him extremely valuable in PPR leagues. He still has some value in regular leagues, but he isn’t going to get a ton of yards out of the 90-100 catches, maybe 900-1000, and he’s not an end zone threat.

WR Terrell Owens

Owens hasn’t played in the preseason with an injured toe. He’s on the wrong side of 35, playing with the worst quarterback he’s ever played with, playing for a team with an awful offensive line, and now he has this injury, which could linger. He’s not a lock for 1000 yards or 10 touchdowns, as strange as that may sound.

WR Bernard Berrian

Berrian has been limited in practice throughout the preseason with a hamstring problem. It shouldn’t cost him any games during the season, but it is costing him time in practice to build chemistry with new quarterback Brett Favre. Berrian’s stock goes down a little and Sidney Rice, who I already like as a sleeper, sees his stock go up because while Berrian has been missing practice, Rice, Minnesota’s #2 option, is building chemistry with Favre.

QB Ben Roethlisberger

Roethlisberger showed no signs of any problems due to his injured foot in his 3^rd preseason game going 15-19 for 168 yards. Draft him as you would have a week ago.

Rookies

RB Knowshon Moreno

Knowshon might not be full speed by week 1 and he might not even play in the week 1 game. I still love him as a value pick in the 4^th round and he still has a lot more value than his ADP, but I’ll move him down my board a little bit.

WR Brian Hartline

The Dolphins 2009 4^th round pick Hartline has been starting for the Dolphins in the preseason, opposite Ted Ginn. Ginn would still be the deep threat, but Hartline is the endzone threat and the possession receiver in an average offense which means a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns, making him a nice sleeper. He could get you 600-700 yards and 6-8 touchdowns and considering that most fantasy owners have never heard of him, that makes him a huge sleeper. Chances are that you can get this guy in the 14^th or 15^th.

RB Bernard Scott

The Bengals coaching staff is being confusing with rookie Bernard Scott. Week 1, he looks great, week 2 he doesn’t get a carry and Brian Leonard looks great, week 3, he looks great again. Neither Leonard nor Scott are draftable at this point because Cedric Benson is getting all the first team reps in practice and in games, but Cedric Benson isn’t exactly known for his ability to hold down a starting job. It still remains to be seen who of Scott and Leonard would get the bulk of the carries if Benson can’t produce.

WR Brian Robiskie

Robiskie hasn’t seen as much playing time in the preseason as I would have thought. He likely won’t start for the Browns to begin the season so, at the moment, he possess no fantasy value.

RB Mike Goodson

RB Chris Wells

Wells played in his first game this preseason and showed no effects of the ankle injury that caused him to miss 2 games. He still split carries with Tim Hightower, but he proved that he can still be fantasy relevant while splitting carries.

WR Louis Murphy

Guys in position battles

RB Derrick Ward

The Bucs are going to give more carries to Cadillac Williams this season, meaning that Earnest Graham and Derrick Ward will get less carries than I has projected. Ward is still an RB3 and Graham still has value because he’ll get the goal line carries. As for Cadillac, he don’t think he’ll get enough carries to be fantasy relevant, but you never know. He is a former 1^st round pick.

RB Thomas Jones

Just when I started to like Jones’ fantasy stock, is it announced than Leon Washington will get a lot of carries for the Jets this year. Jones should still get endzone carries and the bulk of the carries, but he won’t match last year’s numbers as long as Washington and even rookie Shonn Greene are stealing his carries.

TE Jermichael Finley

Finley has the inside track to the starting tight end job for the Packers week 1. Even if he doesn’t win the job, the Packers use a lot of 2 tight end sets so he’ll get action. Finley is a pass catching tight end in a pass heavy offense and fits the scheme very well which makes him a borderline TE1. He’s not even being drafted in most leagues.

RB Rashard Mendenhall

With Willie Parker out with back and hamstring injuries, Mendenhall is getting all the work with the first team. Mendenhall was drafted to replace Parker eventually. It seems that now may be that time. I imagine Mendenhall will be the week 1 starter and get the majority of the carries for the Steelers this season. He’ll be a solid RB3 for your team. Willie Parker, on the other hand, is being over drafted in the 7^th round. Let someone else reach for him.

RB Edgerrin James

James didn’t play for the Seahawks during the 3^rd week of the preseason. He just signed so I’m not too surprised, but this may mean that he won’t be the week 1 starter. Move him down your draft board a little bit and move Julius Jones up a little.

Guys you’ve never heard of

RB Danny Ware

Ware is playing the wind, pass catcher, role for the Giants in the preseason. He won’t get a ton of carries, and he’s only draftable in PPR leagues, but he could cut into the receiving yard total of Ahmad Bradshaw moving Bradshaw down my board a little bit.

RB Mike Bell

Bell is getting a lot of New Orleans’ carries this preseason and reportedly will get some carries during the regular season as well. While I don’t think Bell will get enough carries to be fantasy relevant, he will cut into Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush’s carries. Thomas is affected most because Bush’s fantasy value comes from his receiving yards.

Other

QB Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers is going into his 2^nd season as a starter and his 1^st season without Brett Favre mania, so a breakout season is not out of the question. He has looked flat out sick in the preseason, more impressive than any other quarterback, with the exception of maybe Peyton Manning. He has one of the best overall receiving corps in the NFL. He had 4038 yards and 28 touchdowns last season and I wouldn’t be surprised if both of those went up this year. He has 3^rd round value and you can get him in the 4^th in most leagues which is a pretty significant steal in the early rounds.

Also updated

Mid-late round Value Picks/Sleepers

Cheat Sheet

Guys coming back from injury

Tom Brady

Brady didn’t look Brady esque in his week 2 game. It was still only his 2^nd game back from injury, but it was concerning. Brady still has more upside than Brees and Manning, but they are much safer picks. Manning, on the other hand, has looked amazing in the preseason.

Matt Hasselbeck

Hasselbeck looked fine in his 2^nd preseason game and appears 100% after all the injuries he had last year. However, Walter Jones is out indefinitely and Sean Locklear, who moved from right to left tackle after Jones’ surgery, gave up two sacks in last week’s game. Ray Willis shifts from guard to right tackle as well and Chris Spencer, the starting center, is also out with a tear in his thigh muscle, which will force rookie Max Unger into the starting lineup earlier than they’d like. I don’t care who you are, if you don’t have good protection, you won’t be your best, especially if you are as old and frail as Hasselbeck. He still has high upside, but I’m not sure I’d be comfortable with him as my starting fantasy quarterback.

Brian Westbrook

Brian Westbrook will likely play next week so it appears he’ll be ready for the start of the season. However, the Eagles still drafted a running back in the 2^nd round in LeSean McCoy and have so far said nothing but good things about the rookie. McCoy will steal more of Westbrook’s carries than Westbrook owners would like and if Westbrook gets hurt again, the Eagles might not let him play hurt as they would have in years past. Westbrook isn’t worth much more than a late 2^nd, early 3^rd round pick and will likely be drafted before that, maybe even in the first round if someone in your league is still living in 2007.

Guys who get injured

Benjamin Watson

Watson didn’t play again in the Patriots preseason game. My former fantasy sleeper is looking fantasy irrelevant at this point due to this injury.

Brandon Marshall

Last week I said good things about Marshall after he was cleared on battery charges and 100% after injuring his hip. However, in the next week, Marshall has criticized the Broncos on several occasions for the way they have handled just about everything ever. Marshall didn’t travel with the team to Seattle either. Think Terrell Owens from 2005. Let someone else draft this mess. Eddie Royal is the Broncos wideout you want. He’ll catch a lot of passes as the short yardage guy for the Broncos because Kyle Orton’s arm is really weak.

Donnie Avery

Avery, who was supposed to miss the first 2 or 3 weeks of the season with a foot injury, could play next week for the Rams and is back at practice. He’ll resume his role as the Rams #1 option, which is saying something, even if not much. Laurent Robinson, who was the #1 guy in Avery’s absence, gets moved to #2 and thus becomes fantasy irrelevant.

Braylon Edwards

Edwards hurt his knee before the preseason and is still showing some pain in his preseason games. He’s also been lazy and not finishing plays again. Maybe even money is not enough to cause him to bounce back or maybe he just forgot it was his contract year, but whatever the case, I’m moving him down some.

Rookies

Bernard Scott

Scott looked good in the Bengals week 1 game, but didn’t get a single carry last week. Brian Leonard, who is ahead of Scott on the depth chart, looked really good so Scott doesn’t have a lot of fantasy value at the moment. Keep your eye on him though, he could be the Bengals starting running back, or at least part of a RBBC by the end of the season.

James Davis

Davis had 116 yards on 12 carries in the Browns last preseason game. That gives me enough reason to believe that the 6^th round pick with start for the Browns week 1, making him a huge fantasy sleeper.

Glen Coffee

Coffee looked amazing last week with 129 yards on 16 carries. Mike Singletary seems to love him after using a 3^rd round pick on him, so there’s no reason to believe that he won’t at least get a good chunk of the carries for the Niners this season, especially near the goal line. This fantasy sleeper of mine is looking good. Really good.

Shonn Greene

Greene has 2 carries last week for the Jets. Its looking less and less likely that Thomas Jones will be traded and the Jets don’t seem ready to give the job to Greene just yet. Jones moves up my board, Greene moves off my sleeper list.

Jared Cook

Guys you’ve never heard of

Earl Bennett

Justin Harper

Harper, one of my favorite sleepers, has looked really good for the Ravens so far. He’ll likely start week 1, but he’s still just a #2 option in a conservative offense. That being said, you can do a lot worse with a late round pick than taking Harper, who should catch a bunch of touchdowns this year.

Guys in position battles

Chris Henry

Steve Smith

Someone has to be the #1 option for the Giants this year right?…right? Smith has been the most impressive receiver for the Giants in the preseason and he’s in his 3^rd year, so he’s worth a look in the mid-late rounds.

Edgerrin James

James’ stock goes up simply because he now has a job. However, he’ll likely get the majority of the carries for the Seahawks this year, including the endzone carries following the release of TJ Duckett. He’s not a fantasy stud, but he’s worth a look around round 9 or 10. Julius Jones is not. He loses his starting job which was the only thing he had going for him. Jones is not a very talented back.

Kevin Curtis

Curtis only had 1 catch last week. He may still be the same guy who was a fantasy stud in 2007, but he can’t do much for the Eagles bench. He’s not worth a pick in most leagues.

Guys coming back from injury

QB Tom Brady- Everything looked fine for Brady in his preseason opener. He had been my #1 quarterback based on the assumption that he was 100%. Now that assumption looks like fact. Don’t be afraid to take Brady in the early 2^nd round. 4000+ yards and 32-36 touchdowns is likely for him with a low interception total once again. That puts him a few slots above Drew Brees and a few more above Peyton Manning. All 3, though, are 2^nd round quarterbacks though in my mind.

QB Carson Palmer- It’s been some of the good and bad with Palmer over the last week or so. He looked fine in his preseason opener after a bad elbow injury that cost him most of last year. However, he has a high ankle sprain that will force him to miss the 2^nd preseason game. He should be good to go for the regular season, but he has had injury problems in the past. I think he has huge potential this year, but you need to be able to put your backup in at a moment’s notice if Palmer is your QB1.

WR Chad Ochocinco- Ochocinco looks 100% after his first preseason game, which makes Ochocinco underrated in some ways. In some leagues he’ll still be there in picks 45-50 which is amazing. However, he is a wide receiver which means, as he showed last year, his value is tied to his quarterback and his quarterback has a high ankle sprain. Chad’s injuries from last year are gone though which is still good news.

WR Brandon Marshall- He looked fine even with his hip injury and he was also acquitted of his battery charges. He still won’t match last year’s numbers with Kyle Orton at quarterback and he’s upset with his team, but I’ll move him up a little because he won’t be suspended and he’s not hurt as badly as I thought.

QB Matt Hasselbeck- Hasselbeck didn’t play a lot in the preseason opener. I’m not sure what to make of that, but reports say his back and all the other injuries from last year are fine. I still want to see him in action first, but if you’re the type of guy who likes to hold off on drafting a quarterback until late, Hasselbeck should be a solid starter for you, provided you have faith in your backup.

Guys who get injured

QB Kurt Warner- I’m reading this straight from the ESPN.com injury report, “Warner’s surgically repaired left hip hurts only when he stands or walks, John Clayton of ESPN.com reports.” So as long as he doesn’t need to do any of that he should be fine. In all seriousness, I don’t like Warner’s health going into next year. If your legs aren’t right, it does after you as a quarterback. Knock him and his receivers down a few slots and that includes Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, who already has the Madden curse on him, is not a first round wide receiver if Matt Leinart is the quarterback or if Warner doesn’t play well. He’s still my 3^rd rated wide receiver simply because I can’t knock Fitzgerald lower than Calvin Johnson just because Fitzgerald has quarterback issues. Johnson obviously has quarterback issues of his own. However, Fitzgerald is not worth more than a mid 2^nd round pick.

WR Terrell Owens- Owens has a toe injury. This wouldn’t be a huge deal with Owens weren’t already old. He’ll be good for 1000+ yards if he plays more than 15 games, but that + no longer means 200 more yards than 1000. 1030-1070 is a probable range.

RB Jonathan Stewart- Stewart has an Achilles injury that is severely limiting him at the moment. He was already the 2^nd back in Carolina’s running back combo with DeAngelo Williams. Move Stewart down, in spite of the fact that’s he was a 2008 1^st round pick and move Williams up as I no longer think that they can deny Williams the carries he had last year with Stewart hurt.

RB Matt Forte- Forte was not in the lineup during the Bears’ first preseason game. Don’t make too much of this, this was a precautionary move. Forte and his hamstring should be good to go for week 1 which means Forte is still a top 5 pick lock.

RB Andre Brown- Brown, who was supposed to fill the pass catching (wind) role in New York’s earth wind and fire running game, is out for the season. Ahmad Bradshaw will likely fill the wind role, as well as his fire (speed) role. He should get as many carries as Derrick Ward had last year, which makes him a RB3 with 1000+ all purpose yards potential. Don’t be afraid to take him in the 6^th round.

TE Cornelius Ingram- Ingram is out for the season after tearing the same ACL he tore in college. Brent Celek should now start all 16 games for the Eagles. Fantasy owners can feel safe going with him as a TE1 knowing that Ingram won’t be able to see playing time.

WR Chaz Schilens- Schilens was projected to be a starter for the Raiders, which would have given him some fantasy value, even if not very much. However, he broke his foot and will miss about 4 weeks of the season and this type of injury could linger. Stay away.

WR Donnie Avery- Avery got hurt and will miss the first few weeks of the season. Laurent Robinson and Keenan Burton will start in his absence. Both could be interesting plays for the first few weeks of the season, even if St. Louis is awful overall.

Rookies

QB Mark Sanchez- The 5^th overall pick thrilled fans in his first preseason game and should be the week 1 starter, though it has not been announced. He’s still a rookie for a run heavy offense though, so don’t expect anything huge out of him. He can be a solid QB2 if you matchup bye weeks with Sanchez’s easy weeks and he does have a lot of potential so he is draftable at this point in standard leagues.

WR Michael Crabtree- Crabtree must have hired Scott Boras as his personal assistant because he’s content to hold out into the season and beyond. He’s undraftable this point. Josh Morgan, who I have liked as a sleeper for a long time, will be the #1 receiver for San Francisco and Isaac Bruce is the favorite for the #2 starting job. Only Morgan is draftable though.

RB Knowshon Moreno- Moreno has a minor MCL sprain which shouldn’t cost him any time in the regular season. Though injuries can linger, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Moreno is still being drafted way lower than he should be so he’s still a 4^th round steal.

TE Brandon Pettigrew- Pettigrew has been hurt for about 2 weeks and missed the first preseason game for the Lions. He still has TE1 potential in the late rounds, especially if Detroit airs it out 33 times like they did against Atlanta in the opener, but know that the injury is there.

WR Jeremy Maclin- I had Kevin Curtis as a sleeper going into this season because I felt his injuries were behind him and that he would win the starting wide receiver job opposite DeSean Jackson. However, Maclin was the more impressive wideout for Philadelphia. The Eagles are going to spread it around and Maclin is only a rookie receiver, but if he cracks the starting lineup, he could put up sleeper numbers in this pass heavy offense, along with a few runs on end arounds. Curtis would then be considered undraftable. However, I need to see more from Maclin to make me stay away from Curtis.

WR Percy Harvin- The person who’s fantasy stock is hurt most by Brett Favre’s return is Harvin, believe it or not. Harvin’s potential is based on the potential that Minnesota does some sort of crazy wildcat offense with Harvin as the focus. With Favre in town, the offense will be a gun sling offense and Harvin is merely a slot receiver at best. He has no fantasy value.

RB Donald Brown- The Colts are calling it a timeshare between Brown and Addai at this point. However, Brown is a rookie so he has nowhere to go but up. The fact that Brown already has so much trust from the Colts’ coaching staff is a great sign. Had 58 yards on 5 carries in the preseason opener against Minnesota’s tough defense. Brown is the Indy back you want, not Joseph Addai. Brown is an 8^th round pick on average. He’s worth a 7^th at least, maybe a 6^th because he does catch passes too.

WR Hakeem Nicks- Nicks was a fantasy sleeper of fine because I believed he was the best receiver on the Giants’ team. Apparently they don’t think so. Nicks did not take the field until the 2^nd half of the Giants’ first preseason game. However talented he is, he can’t produce if he’s on the bench. Monitor the Giants’ wide receiver position closely. He may not be a factor now, but if he ever gets a starting job this year, he could help your team.

WR Kenny Britt- Britt I was not so high on. However, he was good in Tennessee’s game last week with 5 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. He could win the starting job opposite Justin Gage, with Nate Washington in the slot, which would give him some fantasy potential as a late round flier.

WR Brian Robiskie- Robiskie is a sleeper of mine. He has yet to win the starting job opposite Braylon Edwards and only had one catch in his first preseason game. However, his only competition at this point seems to be fellow rookie Mohamed Massaquoi, who only had 1 catch in the same game. I still expect Robiskie to win the job and give you good value in the late rounds. He has the best fantasy potential of any rookie receiver in my mind at this point, but the 1 catch game could cause some concern.

RB Glen Coffee- Coffee is a sleeper of mine as well. He lived up to it in his first game leading the team in carries and having a YPC above 5. He’s not going to break a lot of 20+ runs, but he is consistent and should get a high amount of carries this season, especially if Frank Gore gets hurt. He could be the goal line back as well.

WR Ramses Barden- With Nicks not getting a lot of attention in the preseason, Barden is playing, especially in goal line situations. He’s the tallest receiver on the team and should fill Plaxico Burress’ role as goal line receiver making him an interesting option in touchdown leagues. I have to see him produce in the preseason first before I would draft him though.

TE Jared Cook- The Titans traded up for Cook last April. He has Vernon Davis’ measurables and his head in screwed on a little better than Davis’. He showed in his first preseason game that he could win the starting tight end job for Tennessee’s tight end friendly offense. Still, I have to see him do more in the preseason before I would advise drafting him, but in deep leagues, he could be an interesting sleeper option.

RB Mike Goodson- Goodson showed excellent speed in his first preseason game. Jonathan Stewart is having injury problems so Goodson could fill his role early this season. With his running ability and this great offensive line, that could make him an RB3 for a few weeks. Keep your eye on Stewart’s health.

RB Bernard Scott- Scott got a bunch of carries for the Bengals in their first preseason game. Though I like him this year, Cedric Benson could be Cedric Benson esque again for the Bengals this year and in that case, Scott could steal a bulk of the carries. He’s a pass catching back in a pass heavy offense so taking a flier on him late in your draft is not a bad idea. Keep your eye on him.

WR Julian Edelman- Edelman filled in for Wes Welker, who was out with undisclosed injuries (don’t you just love Bill Belicheck’s injury reports) in New England’s first preseason game. He was Welker esque. The former college quarterback could fill Welker’s role if Welker gets hurt sometime this season, so keep your eye on him.

Guys in position battles

Willie McGahee- Rice got a lot of the first team work in his first preseason game so I still like him as the feature back in Baltimore. He’s worth a 5^th round pick, but could be available in the 7^th. However, McGahee still has some fantasy value, if he stays healthy. He got the goal line carries, instead of fullback Le’Ron McClain. Watch to see if this trend continues.

Chris Baker- Benjamin Watson is a fantasy sleeper of mine, but he didn’t play in the Pats’ first preseason game with “undisclosed injuries.” Baker, meanwhile, got 2 touchdowns. Whoever wins this job is a fantasy sleeper simply because they are a starter in the New England offense. Move Baker up your board a little bit at this point.

Guys you’ve never heard of

Sam Hurd- The battle for the Cowboys #2 receiver was supposed to be between Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin. However, Hurd came out of nowhere in the first preseason game to have a big game. If he wins the starting job, as the 3^rd option after Roy Williams and Jason Witten, Hurd becomes fantasy relevant in this Romo friendly offense.

Brett Favre signing

Brett Favre- Favre has a few things working for him and a few things working against him. He is still Brett Favre, he has Adrian Peterson to take some pressure off of him, he won’t have to worry about playing in snow all that much this season in the Metrodome, and he has 16 years of experience in the West Coast offense. However, he doesn’t have enough time to get chemistry with his receivers, he has a partially torn rotator cuff, he threw 22 picks last year, and he’ll be 40 this season. He’s still a borderline QB1 and should have a better year than last year, but don’t be the one to reach for him based on the name.

Adrian Peterson- You’d think Peterson only cements his status as the #1 fantasy player with a capable quarterback to take the pressure of him, but I’m not sure. Favre has thrown the ball at least 500 times in 15 of the last 16 seasons. Peterson had 363 carries last year. I don’t think Minnesota’s offense is going to be good enough to get 900+ plays in this season, between Favre’s 500+ throws, Peterson’s 363 rushes, and backup running back’s carries. Something’s got to give. Favre has shown in the past that he’s self centered, so I doubt he’ll take a cut in amount of throws just because Adrian Peterson is the most talented running back in the NFL. Peterson goes from clear cut #1 pick to having some competition from Matt Forte, Steve Slaton, Maurice Jones Drew. In PPR leagues, Peterson is my 4^th ranked back after Forte, Slaton, and MJD.

Bernard Berrian: Berrian was set for a cut in his numbers this year because he had too high of a yards per catch last year and won’t match it. The only way he would have matched last season’s totals is with an increase in targets or a better quarterback. He now has his better quarterback. Expect 900+ yards and 5-7 touchdowns.

Sidney Rice: Rice, the 3^rd year receiver, has great potential if he wins the #2 wide receiver job. He had great potential coming out as a rookie, but he was only 20. He is more mature now and his stock only goes up with the addition of Favre. Take a late round flier on him.

Visanthe Shiancoe- The Vikings tight end also gets a increase in production with the addition of Favre. He should at least match last year’s numbers, with the exception of touchdowns, which could be stolen away by 6-4 Sidney Rice. Expect 600+ yards and 4-6 touchdowns.

If you’re expecting this tip to be about Gene Simmons and his giant tongue, you’re out of luck. KISS=Keep it simple stupid and it is a great tip for fantasy owners at this time of year. The NFL Preseason is going on right now and people with upcoming fantasy drafts are looking very closely. Every 20+ yard catch, every 20+ yard completion, every touchdown, every 15+ yard run is reason to move someone up your fantasy board. Right? Wrong. Preseason stats rarely matter. Save yourself some time and look at these 5 types of players this preseason.

Guys coming back from injury: For these guys, the preseason does matter. If Tom Brady has a bad preseason it actually is cause for concern. If Carson Palmer looks 100% it is reason to move him up your fantasy board. These guys coming back from injury, however good they were before, have to prove themselves again before you can truly feel safe using an early pick on them, especially with running backs. Fortunately, Chad Ochocinco, Tom Brady, Carson Palmer, and Matt Hasselbeck, all of whom had bad injuries last year that sapped production and/or forced them to miss time, have looked close to their old selves in the preseason thus far.

Guys who get injured: This one is obvious so I almost don’t have to put this down, but if a guy gets hurt in the preseason, so does his fantasy stock. Injury reports are our friends. Unless they are coming from Bill Belicheck, they are most likely accurate. There’s a big difference between a guy going out with a knee sprain and a guy going out with an ACL tear.

Rookies: While players coming back from injury have to prove themselves all over again, rookies have to prove themselves. Period. Looking at wide receivers is most helpful because they normally have the toughest transition. Keep your eye on Jeremy Maclin, Kenny Britt, Hakeem Nicks, and Darrius Heyward Bey, as well as Michael Crabtree if he ever signs. All 5 of those guys were receivers taken in the first round and their preseason can actually be a telling sign of whether or not they will have success in their first season in the league.

Guys in position battles: Here you should not pay attention to the stats as much as who’s getting the reps on the field, especially during weeks 3 and 4. If a player gets a week 3 or week 4 start in the preseason, he’ll likely get the week 1 start. If you believe in the ability of a player who is trapped in a position battle, watch to see if he’s on the field a lot in the preseason. Pay attention to Chris Baker vs. Benjamin Watson in New England. Watson is a fantasy sleeper of mine, but Baker got 2 touchdowns week 1 and Watson didn’t play. Whoever wins this job could be a fantasy sleeper simply because they play for New England.

Guys you’ve never heard of: The preseason is a great time to see the abilities of players you’ve never heard of, for three reasons. One, they could get playing time this season if there’s an injury, allowing you to pick them up off of waivers, two, they could get playing time in future season and if you plan on playing fantasy football in the future its good to know the abilities of players that other drafters haven’t heard of, and three because if they’re getting preseason reps, they could win a starting job and if they do that, you could get them for cheaper in fantasy drafts because other drafters haven’t heard of them either.

This is a fantasy football mock draft that I did on ESPN.com. It has the picks, my reasoning for my picks, and my comments on the picks of others. If you think you were in this ESPN Mock Draft room with me, send me an email, stevenlourie at yahoo dot com, just because I think that would be a totally legit thing to have happen to me. Just saying. Anyway, enough babbling, here’s the good stuff. My picks in bold.

ROUND 1
1	Adrian Peterson, Min	Team Thomas
2	Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac	Team l
3	Michael Turner, Atl	Team Smith
4	Matt Forte, Chi	Team lourie
5	Chris Johnson, Ten	Team Lavallee
6	Larry Fitzgerald, Ari	kc garcia
7	LaDainian Tomlinson, SD	Team Mendez
8	Steven Jackson, StL	Team gellert
9	DeAngelo Williams, Car	Team Downs
10	Andre Johnson, Hou	Team clifford

My pick: I tried for at least 10 minutes to get in a league where I could have 4th pick. I think 4th is the pick you want to have this year. Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones Drew, and Matt Forte are the top 3 fantasy players this year, in my opinion. They are the top tier and better than everyone else. However, some idiot always takes Michael Turner in the top 3, which means you can still get a top tier back at 4. Drafting at 4, allows you to draft 7th in the 2nd round, giving you a good chance of getting a top tier wide receiver, Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, or Calvin Johnson. In this league, I was able to get Matt Forte with the 4th pick. Forte is my 2nd ranked back, just behind Adrian Peterson and just ahead of Maurice Jones Drew.

Best pick: I’m not allowed to pick my own pick here, even though I think they are all great. I like LT at 7. I think that’s a bit of a steal, even if not a huge steal. There are rarely steals in the first.

Worst pick: I could say Michael Turner, but I’ll say Larry Fitzgerald here. He’s a good receiver, but you can get equal or slightly less production from someone like Randy Moss or Calvin Johnson a whole round later. Plus, Fitzgerald’s quarterback will be playing hurt at 38 years old which is never a good sign.

ROUND 2
11	Drew Brees, NO	Team clifford
12	Frank Gore, SF	Team Downs
13	Randy Moss, NE	Team gellert
14	Steve Slaton, Hou	Team Mendez
15	Calvin Johnson, Det	kc garcia
16	Marion Barber, Dal	Team Lavallee
17	Tom Brady, NE	Team lourie
18	Peyton Manning, Ind	Team Smith
19	Brandon Jacobs, NYG	Team l
20	Greg Jennings, GB	Team Thomas

My pick: I thought that when I got the 4th pick that I would be able to get a top tier wide receiver in the 2nd, but that didn’t happen. Time to adjust. Tom Brady is not a bad consolation at #17. I couldn’t get a top tier wide receiver, but I could get a top tier quarterback.

Best pick: Steve Slaton is my 4th ranked back. If Turner hadn’t been taken in the top 3, I would have taken Slaton at 4 in a heartbeat. Obviously getting him at #14 was a steal. He’s put up 10 pounds of muscle and appears to be a 3 down back that can help you in every area of the game. Mendez has best pick two rounds running now.

Worst Pick: Frank Gore at #12 was a huge reach. He’s my 15^th rated running back. He’ll be giving a lot of his carries to Glenn Coffee and running behind the same offensive line as last year so his stats can only go down from the last year. He’s also injury prone and doesn’t score touchdowns.

ROUND 3
21	Clinton Portis, Was	Team Thomas
22	Reggie Wayne, Ind	Team l
23	Steve Smith, Car	Team Smith
24	Roddy White, Atl	Team lourie
25	Anquan Boldin, Ari	Team Lavallee
26	Marques Colston, NO	kc Garcia
27	Brian Westbrook, Phi	Team Mendez
28	Terrell Owens, Buf	Team gellert
29	Kevin Smith, Det	Team Downs
30	Thomas Jones, NYJ	Team clifford

My pick: Knowshon Moreno was my top ranked back here, but I needed a wide receiver. I have to hope that Moreno, who is ESPN’s 60^th rated player, will still be available in the 4^th. If not, I already have Forte and a few good mid round options. Wide receiver is more important here as I don’t have one. White is my 5^th ranked wide receiver.

Best pick: Nothing really stood out, but Portis seems like way too consistent of a back to be available at 21. He could get hurt, but you can say that about every other running back in the NFL.

Worst pick: I’m not huge on Thomas Jones because he hasn’t even won his starting job yet and because he and rookie Shonn Greene are so similar in their skill sets, if Jones loses the job, he could slip to 3^rd string, with Leon Washington, the speedster and pass catcher, keeping the 2^nd string job. However, Jones could be traded. Seattle has interest and if that happens, the only red flag on him is his age. Still though, I don’t like the selection here in the 3^rd because of the risks.

ROUND 4
31	Braylon Edwards, Cle	Team clifford
32	Dwayne Bowe, KC	Team Downs
33	Pierre Thomas, NO	Team gellert
34	Roy E. Williams, Dal	Team Mendez
35	Ryan Grant, GB	kc garcia
36	Ronnie Brown, Mia	Team Lavallee
37	Knowshon Moreno, Den	Team lourie
38	Marshawn Lynch*, Buf	Team Smith
39	T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea	Team l
40	Aaron Rodgers, GB	Team Thomas

My Pick: Moreno was still available so I obviously took him as my RB2. He is going to have a huge year. Moreno has been praised by coach Josh McDaniels, who used the 12^th pick on him less than 4 months ago and should be the every down back for the Broncos, who have a great offensive line. He’s a pass catcher too and Kyle Orton likes to check down so he should have 1500+ all purpose yards.

Best pick: Nothing really stood out that much, but I like TJ Houshmanzadeh in the late 4^th round. He’s finally the #1 option in an offense that suits him. He should be a lock for 1000 yards.

Worst Pick: Not only will Smith not be able to use Lynch for the first 3 weeks of the season because of his 3 game suspension, Lynch could lose his job or significant playing time to talented backup Fred Jackson if Jackson impresses in Lynch’s absence.

ROUND 5
41	Vincent Jackson, SD	Team Thomas
42	Philip Rivers, SD	Team l
43	Tony Gonzalez, Atl	Team Smith
44	Jason Witten, Dal	Team lourie
45	Wes Welker, NE	Team Lavallee
46	Kurt Warner, Ari	kc garcia
47	Antonio Gates, SD	Team Mendez
48	Tony Romo, Dal	Team gellert
49	Brandon Marshall, Den	Team Downs
50	Derrick Ward, TB	Team clifford

My Pick: Ray Rice is the best player left on my board, but I think he can be had next round. He’s ESPN’s 69^th ranked player so I think its safe to go elsewhere here, especially considering I already have 2 running backs. Witten is a great pick up here. I think he has a better shot to get 1000+ yards this season than anyone else available with the exception of Wes Welker, who won’t catch the amount of touchdowns that Witten will. Witten is also a tight end which gives him more value.

Best pick: Phillip Rivers is my 4^th ranked quarterback so he’s a steal here in the 5^th. Team 1 makes a great selection here.

Worst pick: Vincent Jackson is a good player, but I think there were other, better options here. I don’t like his unusually high yards per catch average from last season. If he only gets 59 catches again, I doubt he’ll get anywhere near 1000 yards.

ROUND 6
51	LenDale White, Ten	Team clifford
52	Matt Ryan, Atl	Team Downs
53	Jonathan Stewart, Car	Team gellert
54	Chad Ochocinco, Cin	Team Mendez
55	Dallas Clark, Ind	kc garcia
56	Darren McFadden, Oak	Team Lavallee
57	Ray Rice, Bal	Team lourie
58	Antonio Bryant*, TB	Team Smith
59	DeSean Jackson, Phi	Team l
60	Joseph Addai, Ind	Team Thomas

My pick: Luckily Rice was not drafted, so he’s a no brainer here. He’s getting all the reps with the first team in training camp so he should be the starter on week 1 and the rest of the season for the run heavy Baltimore Ravens. He’ll also catch you some passes so he’s a great value here in the 6^th round.

Best pick: Chad Ochocinco might not have the best character but that hasn’t affected his production on the field in the past. The only reason he had a down year last year is because he played hurt and Carson Palmer didn’t play because of injury. Now, he and Palmer are both 100% again so he’s a nice risk in the 6^th round with high upside.

Worst pick: The award for first team to take a player that wasn’t on my Cheat Sheet (yes, I actually use that thing) goes to Clifford. Lendale White will be getting some of Chris Johnson’s carries because he’s lost weight and he’ll get you some touchdowns, but he is a 2^nd string running back and 2^nd string to an extremely talented Chris Johnson. 51 is too high for him.

ROUND 7
61	Larry Johnson, KC	Team Thomas
62	Reggie Bush, NO	Team l
63	Willie Parker, Pit	Team Smith
64	Santonio Holmes, Pit	Team Lourie
65	Lee Evans, Buf	Team Lavallee
66	Matt Schaub, Hou	kc Garcia
67	Donovan McNabb, Phi	Team Mendez
68	Owen Daniels, Hou	Team gellert
69	Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG	Team Downs
70	Chris Wells, Ari	Team Clifford

My pick: ESPN leagues use 2 running backs, 2 wide receivers, and one RB/WR, but I still need a WR2. Holmes is the highest rated wide receiver on my list. He has a shot at 1000 yards this year and has a low ceiling based on his past production.

Best pick: Nothing stood out here, but, even with his injury, I like Chris Wells’ upside. We saw a lot of good rookies last season. Wells is more talented than Tim Hightower so he’ll eventually be the starter in Arizona, unless he gets hurt again.

Worst pick: Nothing stood out as bad, but I don’t like Willie Parker. He’ll lose a lot of carries to Rashard Mendenhall. He won’t catch you passes or score touchdowns either. This was too early for him.

ROUND 8
71	Greg Olsen, Chi	Team Clifford
72	Chris Cooley, Was	Team Downs
73	Bernard Berrian, Min	Team gellert
74	Jay Cutler, Chi	Team Mendez
75	Eddie Royal, Den	Kc garcia
76	Steelers D/ST, Pit	Team Lavallee
77	Cedric Benson, Cin	Team lourie
78	Santana Moss, Was	Team Smith
79	Donald Brown, Ind	Team l
80	Jamal Lewis, Cle	Team Thomas

My pick: I like the depth in the wide receiver class more than the depth in the running back class, so I’ll take a RB4 here over a WR3. Benson is the starter for Cincinnati and appears motivated in training camp. Carson Palmer will open up lanes for him and he should get 275+ carries so 1000 yards is very, very possible, which is great value in the 8^th round.

Best pick: I love the selection of Greg Olsen in the 8^th. Jay Cutler loves to throw it to his tight ends and Olsen is in his 3^rd year. He’s going to have a big breakout year at tight end.

Worst pick: I can’t say I hate any picks in this round, but I don’t like Jamal Lewis. I don’t think he’ll have a starting job in about a month. I may be wrong though.

ROUND 9
81	Hines Ward, Pit	Team Thomas
82	Giants D/ST, NYG	Team l
83	Titans D/ST, Ten	Team Smith
84	Anthony Gonzalez, Ind	Team lourie
85	Donald Driver, GB	Team Lavallee
86	Kevin Walter, Hou	kc garcia
87	Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ	Team Mendez
88	Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oak	Team gellert
89	Matt Cassel, KC	Team Downs
90	Steve Breaston, Ari	Team clifford

My pick: I need a wide receiver here. There’s no more putting it off. Gonzalez is the #2 receiver for Indy’s pass heavy offense and he’s in his 3^rd year. He’s very solid value in the 9^th round.

Best pick: Finally, someone is giving Kevin Walter credit other than me. He had 800+ yards and 8 touchdowns last season with Matt Schaub missing 4 games. If Schaub is fully healthy, 900-1000 yards and 9-10 touchdowns is very possible.

Worst pick: I hate seeing Tennessee’s defense go 3^rd off the board in the 9^th round. They’ll miss Albert Haynesworth more than they know. However, there was actually worse pick. Who does Team Gellert think they are?! Al Davis?! Heyward Bey can’t catch the football. He can run, but he can’t catch and his quarterback reportedly showed up to training camp resembling Fat Albert. This is probably the worst pick of the draft here.

ROUND 10
91	Percy Harvin, Min	Team Clifford
92	Ben Roethlisberger, Pit	Team Downs
93	Vikings D/ST, Min	Team gellert
94	Julius Jones, Sea	Team Mendez
95	Fred Jackson, Buf	kc Garcia
96	Carson Palmer, Cin	Team Lavallee
97	Derrick Mason, Bal	Team Lourie
98	Le’Ron McClain, Bal	Team Smith
99	LeSean McCoy, Phi	Team l
100	Devin Hester, Chi	Team Thomas

My pick: I need another wide receiver, but I’m not worried because there’s a lot of depth in the WR4-5 range. I did this draft before Derrick Mason’s finger injury. I’m not sure if it will cost him any time, but if I did this draft knowing about that injury, I may have felt safer taking Devin Hester, but I don’t regret this decision. Mason’s retirement last month was pretty much an impulsive reaction to the death of his good friend and former quarterback Steve McNair, but he has put that behind him and is in training camp now ready to continue his reign as the best player no one’s ever heard of.

Best pick: Hester is a steal in the late 10^th round. I had him ranked only slightly lower than Mason, my pick, and may have felt safer taking Hester than Mason in the wake of Mason’s injury. Hester is going into his 2^nd full season as a wide receiver and his 1^st full season as a wide receiver with a strong arm to compliment Hester’s amazing speed.

Worst pick: Sorry, but I’m not sure if Harvin will do much for you. He’ll be a slot receiver for a team that focus on the run. He’ll be a 3^rd string back and he’ll play some wildcat, but I’m not sure that all equates to the fantasy points you want from someone at this point.

ROUND 11
101	Kellen Winslow, TB	Team Thomas
102	Kyle Orton, Den	Team l
103	Lance Moore, NO	Team Smith
104	Ravens D/ST, Bal	Team lourie
105	Zach Miller, Oak	Team Lavallee
106	Fred Taylor, NE	kc garcia
107	Earnest Graham, TB	Team Mendez
108	Matt Hasselbeck, Sea	Team gellert
109	Darren Sproles, SD	Team Downs
110	Eli Manning, NYG	Team clifford

My pick: I’ve got a solid bench. Now, I need to focus on getting some more out of my starting lineup. Baltimore is still an elite defense and a steal here in the 11^th round.

Best pick: I’m not in love with any picks here, but Kellen Winslow is solid value as your starting tight end here in the 11^th, even if he is a bit of risk.

Worst pick: Don’t draft Kyle Orton. Just don’t, especially not in the 11^th. Orton threw 12 picks in 465 tries last year in a conservative offense supporting by a good defense. Now, he plays for the Broncos who won’t be able to run a conservative offense because the defense sucks (and sucks would be putting it lightly). 20+ picks is very likely. He doesn’t have the arm to make the throws this team will need him to make when the defense is unable to make any stops.

ROUND 12
111	Josh Morgan, SF	Team Clifford
112	Torry Holt, Jac	Team Downs
113	Felix Jones, Dal	Team gellert
114	Laveranues Coles, Cin	Team Mendez
115	Chester Taylor, Min	kc Garcia
116	Ted Ginn Jr., Mia	Team Lavallee
117	Hakeem Nicks, NYG	Team Lourie
118	Sammy Morris, NE	Team Smith
119	Rashard Mendenhall, Pit	Team l
120	Willis McGahee, Bal	Team Thomas

My pick: Putting the Cheat Sheet away and getting out the list of Fantasy Sleepers. Nicks is an 8^th round pick in my eyes, so I love getting him in the 12^th. He played in a pro style offense in college so he should be able to step in right away for the Giants, who desperately need a possession receiver like Nicks. He’ll be Eli Manning’s favorite end zone target too. He should lead the Giants in receiving yards and touchdowns.

Best pick: Laveranues Coles could have a 1000 yards this year in TJ Houshmanzadeh’s old role in Cincinnati. He’s an above average player who has flown under the radar in his career, but he has talent and he should get a lot of targets from a healthy Carson Palmer and a lot of favorable matchups on the field thanks to Chad Ochocinco drawing double teams opposite him.

Worst pick: Sammy Morris is too far buried on the Pats depth chart. Morris had an average at best year last year when he was a year younger on a Pats team that had major injury problems at running back. Now, the Pats have added Fred Taylor and have a healthy Laurence Maroney, while Morris is 32. He’ll be a fantasy non-factor this season.

ROUND 13
121	Eagles D/ST, Phi	Team Thomas
122	John Carlson, Sea	Team l
123	Jets D/ST, NYJ	Team Smith
124	Jerious Norwood, Atl	Team lourie
125	Trent Edwards, Buf	Team Lavallee
126	Jeremy Maclin, Phi	kc garcia
127	Domenik Hixon, NYG	Team Mendez
128	Bears D/ST, Chi	Team gellert
129	Donnie Avery, StL	Team Downs
130	Patriots D/ST, NE	Team clifford

My pick: Another late round sleeper, Norwood, who has always had talent, but never gotten a shot, is a 9^th round value to me. He’ll catch a lot of passes for a Falcon team that will pass more this year and he should vulture a lot of Turner’s carries as there is no way they’ll give him 370 again this year. Norwood should be good for 1000+ all-purpose yards.

Best pick: Donnie Avery hurt his ankle and could miss the first 2 weeks of the season. He’s also the #1 option for the Rams so there’s no reason he should still be available here. If you are a patient guy, be the one to take Avery while everyone else is scared off. The only reason I didn’t is because, frankly, it didn’t occur to me that he was still available. ESPN has him buried on their rankings because of his injury and he was not someone I was targeting in the 13^th, but a great pickup by Downs.

Worst pick: Not a lot of bad picks here, but I don’t think Edwards is worth a 13^th rounder. However, that’s just me being nit picky. Solid round all around.

ROUND 14
131	Packers D/ST, GB	Team Clifford
132	David Garrard, Jac	Team Downs
133	Jeremy Shockey, NO	Team gellert
134	Panthers D/ST, Car	Team Mendez
135	Chargers D/ST, SD	kc Garcia
136	Laurence Maroney, NE	Team Lavallee
137	Kevin Curtis, Phi	Team Lourie
138	Jake Delhomme, Car	Team Smith
139	Chris Chambers, SD	Team l
140	Muhsin Muhammad, Car	Team Thomas

My pick: Kevin Curtis is back from his hernia injury so he should be in the starting lineup for the Eagles and approach his amazing 2007 numbers. Or not, but it’s the 14^th round, its all about upside. Curtis has the upside here. He’s 2 years and 1 injury removed from an 1100+ yard season.

Best pick: I liked a few, Delhomme, Muhammed, Maroney, but Chris Chambers stood out to me. Like Curtis, he’s 2 years and an injury removed from a great season. He could do that again. He’s definitely worth the risk in the 14^th with his huge upside.

Worst pick: Don’t draft the Packers’ defense. They were one of the worst last season. BJ Raji and Clay Matthews were great picks in the 1^st round of the 2009 NFL draft, but they’re more for the future. Clifford had much better options than the Packers if he wanted a defense.

ROUND 15
141	Brady Quinn, Cle	Team Thomas
142	Danny Ware, NYG	Team l
143	Tim Hightower, Ari	Team Smith
144	Joe Flacco, Bal	Team lourie
145	Justin Gage, Ten	Team Lavallee
146	Nate Burleson, Sea	kc garcia
147	Patrick Crayton, Dal	Team Mendez
148	Bobby Engram, KC	Team gellert
149	Dolphins D/ST, Mia	Team Downs
150	Ricky Williams, Mia	Team clifford

My pick: I don’t love Joe Flacco’s fantasy prospects, but he faces the Broncos awful defense week 8, which is Tom Brady’s bye week. Of course if Brady gets hurt again I’m screwed, but that’s what the waiver wire is for.

Best pick: Hightower should go into the season getting at least the majority of the carries for Arizona, including some end zone carries. That might not last all season, because the Cards drafted Chris Wells in the 1^st round less than 4 months ago, but Wells is hurt now and Hightower is impressing so I love this pick here.

Worst pick: Danny Ware will probably go into the season as the 4^th back on the Giants depth chart, after rookie Andre Brown hops him on the depth chart and moves into the wind role. Even if that doesn’t happen, he’s still behind Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw so his fantasy prospects are almost non existent.

ROUND 16
151	David Akers, Phi	Team Clifford
152	Stephen Gostkowski, NE	Team Downs
153	Ryan Longwell, Min	Team gellert
154	Jason Elam, Atl	Team Mendez
155	Rob Bironas, Ten	kc Garcia
156	Mason Crosby, GB	Team Lavallee
157	Kris Brown, Hou	Team Lourie
158	Nate Kaeding, SD	Team Smith
159	Nick Folk, Dal	Team l
160	Neil Rackers, Ari	Team Thomas

My pick: I need a kicker and, like everyone in this league, I waited until the last round to do so. Brown is one of the most underrated kickers (if there is such a thing) in the league. He plays for the Texans who have an amazing offense. He plays in a dome so the weather won’t bother him at home. And his bye week is week 10, which means I won’t have to shuffle my roster, to get a bye week kicker, until week 10.

Best pick/Worst pick: Honestly no idea. Kickers are all pretty much the same. I’m glad to see that everyone waited until the last round to draft one.

Kurt Warner- Kurt Warner says his surgically repaired hip is only about 85%. This wouldn’t be as big of a deal with Warner wasn’t 38 with a history of injuries.

Carson Palmer- His surgically repaired elbow reportedly looks great. He’s still a bit of a risk based on his history with injuries, but he’s also getting drafted way too low. He’s got great receivers and plays for a pass heavy team. 4000 yards is not out of the question for him.

Matt Hasselbeck- His back is reportedly feeling great and he looks great in training camp. He’s working with the most talented receiver he’s ever worked with in TJ Houshmanzadeh so he’s a nice mid-to-late round pick if you need a quarterback.

Chris Johnson- Lendale White showed up to camp 30 pounds lighter. White will still vulture Johnson’s touchdowns, but also take more of his carries than I originally imagined. Johnson is no longer the #3 fantasy back, but should still be a solid first round pick at about 8 or 9.

Steve Slaton- Slaton has added 10 pounds of muscle to his small frame. If this doesn’t slow him down, it could make him durable enough to play every down, including end zone carries.

Brian Westbrook- Its been a little bit of good and bad for Westbrook over the past few week. Good, he is expected to be ready for week 1. Bad, LeSean McCoy is impressive so the rookie should be on the field more, even if Westbrook is healthy. In an effort to keep Westbrook healthy, we could see Reid see McCoy lot more than I imagined. I wouldn’t take Westbrook in the first round.

Knowshon Moreno- McDaniels called Moreno a 3 down back. Though I believe Moreno would get a lot of work this season, this only confirms that. They don’t have a lot of offensive weapons so Moreno should get close to 300 carries behind a great offensive line. He’s also a pass catcher. He’s got 2nd round pick potential, but can be had in the 4th or 5th.

Chris Wells- I liked Wells as a sleeper, but then he got hurt. Since he’s been hurt, Tim Hightower is reportedly impressing, which means, at best, that the two will be splitting carries, at least to start the season. This is a pass heavy team, which means there won’t be a lot of carries left over for Wells. Hightower may even cut into his end zone carries. 1000 yards and 10 TDs looks unlikely now.

Ray Rice- He’s getting all of the reps with the first team in training camp. He could be an even bigger part of this Ravens offense than I first thought. He could get 1000 yards. He won’t be a touchdown machine with LeRon McClain and Willis McGahee taking his end zone carries, but he will catch passes and he’s going very low in most drafts, like 7th or 8th round. He’s a 5th round pick at this point in my mind.

Larry Fitzgerald- Warner’s not 100%. One of the reasons I don’t like Fitzgerald as a first round pick is because of the situation at quarterback with Warner’s age and health. Don’t use a first rounder on this guy. Draft him below Moss and Andre Johnson at this point.

Steve Smith- He hurt his shoulder. He might not miss playing time in the regular season, but he’ll have to miss the preseason, which could hurt his preparedness. Smith has been an injury risk for years. Don’t be the guy to take him in the 2nd round.

Antonio Bryant- He’s also hurt. He probably won’t miss regular season time, but he’ll miss the preseason, which could hurt him and his chemistry with the team’s new quarterback, whoever they decide that is.

Brandon Marshall- His hip injury will force him out of the preseason and probably limit him some in the regular season. As if there already weren’t enough red flags with him, possible suspension, bad quarterback, unhappy with team, now he’s hurt. Avoid this guy until the 5th round.

Kurt Warner- Kurt Warner says his surgically repaired hip is only about 85%. This wouldn’t be as big of a deal with Warner wasn’t 38 with a history of injuries.

Steve Slaton- Slaton has added 10 pounds of muscle to his small frame. If this doesn’t slow him down, it could make him durable enough to play every down, including end zone carries.

The preseason is starting and fantasy season is too. What has happened since my last fantasy updates to impact the world of fantasy football? Well, actually, a lot. My Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet has been updated as well

Kurt Warner- Kurt Warner says his surgically repaired hip is only about 85%. This wouldn’t be as big of a deal with Warner wasn’t 38 with a history of injuries.

Steve Slaton- Slaton has added 10 pounds of muscle to his small frame. If this doesn’t slow him down, it could make him durable enough to play every down, including end zone carries.

Cedric Benson- He’s reportedly looking good and motivated finally in training camp. Plus, a fully healthy Carson Palmer means more open holes for him. This guy’s not a bad late 5th round option.

TJ Houshmanzadeh- He’s finally the #1 option. He’s in an offense that I think suits him well and now, his quarterback is 100%. Houshmanzadeh is a very safe bet for 1000+ yards in the 4th round.

In general

Rule #1: Have a list of the best players at each position in order of how you would draft them

Its much easier to do some research before hand rather than drafting according to the ESPN (or whatever fantasy service you use) rankings, mostly because those ESPN ones were made in June and aren’t always the best. If you do the research on your own, you can pick up the players you want. If you don’t want to do the research on your own, check out my fantasy rankings. I happen to think they are better than ESPN’s.

Rule #2: Have a list of high upside backups/mid-late round value picks

I’ll talk more about this later, but why draft a guy in the 11th or 12th who is going to get you 4-5 fantasy points per week with no upside, when you can draft a guy who has the potential to be at least a starter for you depending on the matchup. If you don’t want to do the research and pick out your own high upside guys, check out my list.

For quarterbacks

Rule #3: Draft a QB2 based on who has an easy matchup on our QB1’s bye week

With a few exceptions, when you draft a QB1 you can count on him to play 16 weeks, so the most you should need your QB2 for is one week, the week where you QB1 has a bye. So why not do some research and find who has the easiest matchups during the week your QB1 has a bye. Don’t want to do that yourself, no problem, I’ve done it for you. For the few exceptions, read rule #4

Rule #4: If you Jake Delhomme, Carson Palmer, or Matt Schaub make sure you draft a high upside backup

Delhomme has consistency problems and Palmer and Schaub have injury issues. You want to take a backup who can step up and be a QB1 for a few weeks. If your really smart, combine this rule and rule #3 and draft Jake Delhomme and Shaun Hill, who plays St. Louis during Delhomme’s bye week, together, or Schaub and Jason Campbell, who plays Denver during Schaub’s bye week, together. Campbell and Hill, as you can see here, are my two high upside backup quarterbacks.

Rule #5: Don’t draft a QB3

Think about it. What good is one? You have your QB1 and your QB2, who you hope only has to play 1 week. What would the third guy do? There are just so many other, better things that you can do with the pick you want to use on a QB3.

Rule #6: Don’t draft Brett Favre

Nothing against the future Hall of Famer, but drafting him either means breaking rule #5, or risking going into next season having to grab your QB2 from the waiver wire, which in a 10 team league would likely give you a choice of Matt Stafford, Mark Sanchez, or Marc Bulger, and in a 12 team league likely gives you a choice between Kerry Collins, Bryon Leftwich, Pat White, and Sage Rosenfels (yikes!). I would have taken the risk last year, in fact I did in a league in which I broke rule #5 and drafted Carson Palmer, Vince Young, and Favre (needless to say, I did not do very well in that league), but this year, you aren’t taking a risk on the Favre who is coming off of an caliber MVP season as he was last offseason. You’re taking a risk on the Favre who threw 22 picks last season. Its not worth it.

For running backs

Rule #7: Be careful of guys who have a lot of carries the year before

History will show that only 4 of the last 20 guys who led the league in carries had equal to greater stats the next season. 2 of those were the great Emmitt Smith, 1 was a 21 year old Edgerrin James, and the other one was Clinton Portis, who only had 325 carries to lead the league in 2007. In the other 16 cases, the other guys have either gotten hurt, gotten less carries out of fear of injury, or simply not been as effective because their legs are tired. Be careful about where you draft Michael Turner, who led the league in carries. last year.

For wide receivers

Rule #8: Be careful of guys who had an unusually high yards per reception average

History and common sense will show that guys who have been in the league 5 years of longer who have a so called breakout season because of an increase in yards per catch, rather than an increase in targets or catches, will drop back down to earth in the next season because they don’t have as high of a YPC average. The reason for the higher stats with said players is normally a few fluky 50 or 60 yard catches. Bernard Berrian averaged 20.1 yards per catch last season, and his career average is 16.0. If you remember, Berrian had a fluky 99 yard catch last season, which accounted for more than 10% of his yards on the season. Unless Berrian catches more balls this year, which likely won’t happen unless he gets a better quarterback, he is likely to have 48 catches again, only this time at 16 yards per catch. Be careful with him and guys like him. Steve Smith of the Panthers is another good example.

Rule #9: When drafting rookies, take guys who have experience in pro style offenses

They won’t have as hard of a time transitioning to the pros if they played in a pro style offense in college. This is why I like Jarrett Dillard, Jacksonville’s likely #2 receiver, Brian Robiskie, Cleveland’s #2 receiver, and Hakeem Nicks, New York’s #1 receiver as sleepers, but not Michael Crabtree.

For running backs/wide receivers

Rule #10: Only draft high upside backups/handicaps for your starters

I’ve said it before, but why draft a guy in the 11th or 12th who is going to get you 4-5 fantasy points per week with no upside, when you can draft a guy who has the potential to be at least a starter for you depending on the matchup. If you don’t want to do the research and pick out your own high upside guys, check out my list. Handicaps are the only exception. If you draft say Adrian Peterson as your RB1, you can draft low upside Chester Taylor as your RB4 or RB5, because if Peterson gets hurt, Taylor can be put into your starting lineup, in place of Peterson, and you won’t get hurt as badly as you could.

Rule #11: Make sure you don’t draft too many guys with the same bye week

Pretty straight forward. You want to be able to field a complete roster. If you can’t because of byes, that’s bad.

Rule #12: Draft best available

This is going to be a controversial rule, but if you have 3 running backs already, and only one wide receiver, and the guy who you think is the 21st best running back is available and the best wide receiver available is ranked 29th on your board, take the back and fill up your roster later. You can always make trades or keep everyone and mix and match depending on matchups and there will always be injuries. Plus, you can always get someone in the next round or the round after that who can fill your need. The difference between a wide receiver taken in the 6th and a wide receiver taken in the 8th is a lot less than you think. The difference between the 21st best running back and the 28th best wide receiver is a lot more than you think.

For tight ends

Rule #13: Only take Jason Witten before the 7th round

As you can read about in my top 15 tight end list, the difference between Tony Gonzalez, Dallas Clark, Antonio Gates, Greg Olsen, and Chris Cooley is going to be very small this year. Witten is the only tight end that is likely to get 1000 yards. Gonzalez, Clark, Gates, Olsen, and Cooley are all likely to get 800-900 yards this season. Why take Gates or Gonzalez in the 5th or Clark in the 6th when you can take Cooley and Olsen in the 7th.

Rule #14: Never draft a backup tight end, unless he’s a high upside backup, or just too high of a value to pass up

You can always find a backup tight end on the waiver wire. After about the 14th or 15th ranked tight end, they are almost the same for about 10 tight ends. The only TE2s I’d draft are Heath Miller and Benjamin Watson, who in my opinion ate getting drafted too low, or Brandon Pettigrew, who has huge upside. Pettigrew, Watson, and Miller could all become nice trade bait down the line.

For defenses

Rule #15: Have a list of 3-5 defenses that are all about the same, then take one after 50-60% of the defenses on the list are gone

You never want to be the first one to take a defense, even if it means you won’t get Pittsburgh doing so. The top defenses are always very indistinguishable, so make a list of top tier defenses. In my opinion this top tier includes Pitt, the Giants, the Eagles, and Ravens, and possibly the Vikings if the Williams can avoid suspension. If I see 2 or 3 of those are gone when its mine turn to pick, then I pick the best remaining defense. This way I get a top tier defense without having to use too high of a pick to get one, but I also ensure that I do in fact get a top tier defense.

Rule #16: Never draft a backup defense

There just is no need. You can get a good defense off of the waiver wire when you need one. Save you bench for your QB2 and your backup WRs and RBs.

Rule #17: Try to grab a defense with a late bye week

This one goes along with rule #15. You don’t want to drop one of the sleepers on your bench too early in the season, to pick up a bye week defense, and then see someone else pick him up right when he gets hot. I know what you might be thinking, doesn’t Philadelphia, one of my top tier defenses, have a bye week 4. Yes, it does. This is why I like pairing Philadelphia with Fred Jackson. Fred Jackson is going to be Buffalo’s starting running back for the first 3 weeks of the season, with Marshawn Lynch suspended, but he won’t do a lot for you from weeks 4-17. Before week 4, either drop Jackson, or trade him to that clueless fantasy owner who will only look at Jackson’s stats and not the fact that he’s not a starter anymore, and pick up a defense to replace Philly for the week.

For kickers

Rule #18: Never draft a backup kicker

Pretty obvious, why waste a roster spot on a kicker who will play one week, when kickers are all pretty much the same. That’s the one thing you have to know about kickers: they are pretty much random and thus all the same.

Rule #19: A good kicker should have a history of kicking well, kick in a dome for his home games, kick for a good offense, and have a late bye week

While kickers are all the same, there are a few qualifications I have for kickers. Obviously, if they’ve kicked will in the past, they will do it again. If they kick in a dome, there is a smaller chance they will struggle because of weather, with the only way they could struggle because of weather being if it’s a road game. If a kicker kicks for a good offense, there is a higher chance he can score large amount of fantasy points for you. If a kicker has a late bye week, you won’t have to drop one of the sleepers on your bench too early in the season, to pick up a bye week kicker, and then see someone else pick him up right when he gets hot. I like Kris Brown as a kicker because he has hit at least 85% percent of his field goals in each of the past two years, he kicks in a dome, he kicks for Houston’s dynamic offense, and his bye week is 10.

Rule #20: Never draft a kicker before the last round of the draft

Obviously if kickers are almost all the same because they are so random, you don’t want to take one until you absolutely have to.In general

Rule #1: Have a list of the best players at each position in order of how you would draft them

Rule #2: Have a list of high upside backups/mid-late round value picks

For quarterbacks

Rule #3: Draft a QB2 based on who has an easy matchup on our QB1’s bye week

Rule #4: If you Jake Delhomme, Carson Palmer, or Matt Schaub make sure you draft a high upside backup

Rule #5: Don’t draft a QB3

Rule #6: Don’t draft Brett Favre

For running backs

Rule #7: Be careful of guys who have a lot of carries the year before

For wide receivers

Rule #8: Be careful of guys who had an unusually high yards per reception average

Rule #9: When drafting rookies, take guys who have experience in pro style offenses

For running backs/wide receivers

Rule #10: Only draft high upside backups/handicaps for your starters

Rule #11: Make sure you don’t draft too many guys with the same bye week

Pretty straight forward. You want to be able to field a complete roster. If you can’t because of byes, that’s bad.

Rule #12: Draft best available

For tight ends

Rule #13: Only take Jason Witten before the 7th round

Rule #14: Never draft a backup tight end, unless he’s a high upside backup, or just too high of a value to pass up

For defenses

Rule #15: Have a list of 3-5 defenses that are all about the same, then take one after 50-60% of the defenses on the list are gone

Rule #16: Never draft a backup defense

There just is no need. You can get a good defense off of the waiver wire when you need one. Save you bench for your QB2 and your backup WRs and RBs.

Rule #17: Try to grab a defense with a late bye week

For kickers

Rule #18: Never draft a backup kicker

Rule #19: A good kicker should have a history of kicking well, kick in a dome for his home games, kick for a good offense, and have a late bye week

Rule #20: Never draft a kicker before the last round of the draft

Obviously if kickers are almost all the same because they are so random, you don’t want to take one until you absolutely have to.

Like my top 15 fantasy quarterbacks list, my top 30 fantasy running backs list, and my top 30 fantasy wide receiversthis list also happens to be the same list as my “list of guys who if you have anyone else as your TE! you’re screwed list” (name pending). No offense to tight ends 16 on, but if you’re in a 10 or 12 team league, you don’t want the 16th best tight end as your TE1.

1. Jason Witten (Dallas)

He’s the clear cut #1 tight end. He has averaged 1000+ yards over the past two years in Dallas, even though he hasn’t gotten that many targets because a certain receiver with a 2 letter nickname cried conspiracy every time Romo threw Witten’s way. Expect Witten to get more targets than ever before, and thus a higher reception total as Romo really likes throwing his way, and for good reason. Assuming Romo is healthy, Witten is a fantasy stud. Roy Williams is going to be able to take the coverage off Witten over the middle as well as Owens would have, unless Williams doesn’t bounce back from a bad year. Expect 1000+ yards and 5-7 touchdowns, out of him, but more importantly, expect 100 more yards out of him than any other tight end. If you’re sitting there in the middle of the 4th looking at Witten and a few other wide receivers who could get 1000 yards, take Witten just because of the positional value. Wide receivers who get 1000 yards aren’t that rare. Tight ends are. His value overall is even higher on PPR leagues, as he’s had 177 receptions over the past 2 years. He’s the only tight end I’d draft in the first 7 rounds just because he’s head and shoulders above everyone else at his position.

2. Tony Gonzalez (Atlanta)

He’s lead tight ends in yards in each of the past two years, but don’t expect a repeat performance this year. Even ignoring the fact that he’s 33, he’s no longer the feature receiver on his team. He’ll have to battle with Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, and Jerious Norwood for receptions, which is unlike anything he had to deal with in Kansas City. Remember, he just had Dwayne Bowe to deal with in Kansas City. Matt Ryan is a better quarterback than anyone he had in Kansas City last year, but the Chiefs didn’t have Michael Turner. The Falcons aren’t going to air it out 541 times like the Chiefs did last year. Even though I expect them to go to the air more, they actually have a competent ground game, and they won’t trail in as many games, so expecting Ryan to throw more than 500 times is unrealistic and that cancels out his upgrade in quarterback. He won’t have a bad year, but don’t expect more than 900 yards and 7 touchdowns.

3. Antonio Gates (San Diego)

He’s healthy and he’ll have more than the 704 yards he had last year. He also shares the field with a ton of other passing options for a team that is going to run more this year than last year, so expecting the 984 yards he had in 2007 is unrealistic. 800-900 is more likely what he’ll have in terms of receiving yards. He’s still San Diego’s primary end zone threat, although Vincent Jackson could challenge him for that, so he should lead tight ends in touchdowns with 8-10.

4. Dallas Clark (Indianapolis)

He’s not going to get you 11 touchdowns as he did in 2007. At 6-3, he’s just not going of a true end zone threat to do that for you. However, the Colts are going to throw it a lot with Peyton Manning at the helm, and Manning’s #2 receiver is young, and his slot receivers are inexperienced, Clark should be Manning’s 2nd favorite target, and most definitely will be his favorite target over the middle. Expect close to the 848 yards he had last year, with 6-8 touchdowns. Hopefully you are noticing, there is really no difference between Clark, Gates, and Gonzalez statistically, so why take Gates or Gonzalez in the 5th or 6th, when Clark should be there in the 7th round. You’ll notice more of an ambiguity trend among the tight ends coming up.

5. Greg Olsen (Chicago)

Cutler loves throwing it to his tight end, as shown by the fact that even Tony Scheffler has averaged 600 yards receiving over the last two years when Cutler was in Denver. Now in Chicago, Cutler isn’t going to have much choice but to throw Olsen’s way often, especially in the end zone. His other two options are a converted kick returner/cornerback and a running back. Olsen is also in his 3rd year, the year when wide receivers and tight ends tend to break out. All signs point to Olsen having a top 5 TE season this year. He had 574 yards last season. Expect 750-800 this year, as well as 6-8 touchdowns as he’s the closest thing his team has to an end zone target. And yes, notice the ambiguity. He’s going 8th round on average in 10 team leagues.

6. Chris Cooley (Washington)

Playing his first year in a west coast offense, Cooley had a career high in receptions, 83, and yards, 849. He also had only 1 touchdown. The Redskins have a lot of options with the maturation of Fred Davis, Malcolm Kelly, and Devin Thomas, all in their 2nd year, so those numbers in terms of receptions and yards should drop by 8-10, 80-100 respectively, but I see no reason why he shouldn’t get more than 1 touchdown. That was kind of a fluke thing. He should get his career average of about 6 again, maybe a little less.

7. Kellen Winslow (Tampa Bay)

Winslow is going to do better than the 428 yards and 3 touchdowns he had in 10 games last year. He is inconsistent and constantly hurt, but he’s also got great talent and he’s playing in a better overall offense in Tampa Bay this year. I see no reason why he can’t get 700+ yards and 5+ touchdowns. He’s a high upside because of his past production, but also a high risk because of his injury problems.

8. John Carlson (Seattle)

I like Carlson as a sleeper. He had 55 receptions for 627 yards and 5 touchdowns as a rookie, with Matt Hasselbeck hurt most of the season. Hasselbeck is back and Carlson is maturing as a pass catcher. TJ Houshmanzadeh will subtract from his production a little, but I don’t see why he won’t get 700+ yards and 5-7 touchdowns. Notice the ambiguity trend.

9. Zach Miller (Oakland)

The Raiders suck. They did last year too and Miller had 778 yards. JaMarcus Russell can’t be worse this year than last year, so that number should go up. The one issue, he had only 1 touchdown last year, and 3 the year before. Oakland’s offense is a little better with a bit of a better offensive line, a healthy Darren McFadden, and of course Russell can’t be worse than last year (right?), but I can’t see him getting more than 4 touchdowns. The 800+ yard potential is nice though.

10. Owen Daniels (Houston)

Daniels and Miller are pretty much the same tight end in terms of fantasy. Daniels plays on a better team, but he’s also overshadowed by Kevin Walter, and Andre Johnson, who also happen to both be taller than him. Because of that, the 2 touchdowns he had last year were no fluke. Steve Slaton will be involved in the offense more this year, which is good for everyone expect Daniels, because pass catching backs take away from tight end’s receptions. In the last 8 weeks of last season, he had 2 games of 41 or more yards. Those were incidentally the weeks that Slaton got involved more. 700 or so yards with 3-4 touchdowns is likely for him. Chances are he’ll be overdrafted in your league.

11. Jeremy Shockey (New Orleans)

Every year Shockey has been healthy, he’s had at least 600+ yards receiving. He should get that again. He also plays on one of the best offenses in the NFL so he’ll get touchdowns. Expect 600-700 yards and 5-7 touchdowns, barring major injury. He’s definitely a late round sleeper.

12. Heath Miller (Pittsburgh)

13. Benjamin Watson (New England)

He’s healthy. He’s in a contract year. Tom Brady’s healthy and the team brought in Chris Baker so he’s not a blocking tight end any more. You have to like him as the #3 option on the Patriots top passing game, especially when you consider that he’s motivated and healthy. It wouldn’t be crazy to expect the 600+ yards and 3 touchdowns he had in 2007. He’s more of a high upside backup though than a TE1, just because most fantasy players are ignoring him, but he’s the 13th best tight end for next season. Don’t take him until the 2nd to last round though, right before you take your kicker, just because isn’t unnecessary, not because he’s not worth it.

14. Dustin Keller (NY Jets)

He had 535 yards and 3 touchdowns last season, but he has a rookie quarterback this season and he’s going to have to do more blocking this season, as his team is going to run a lot more. His team’s offense is going conservative this season, as opposed to gunslinger, so he won’t be involved in the offense as a receiver as much. View the 535 yards and 3 touchdowns as a maximum for him this season. He’s a borderline TE1, but he’s getting drafted a lot higher.

15. Kevin Boss (NY Giants)

He’s not a good player. But he’s 6-6 and his team’s best end zone target. He’s going to be good in touchdown leagues, but not in normal leagues as 400 yards is the maximum for him. You can expect 5-7 touchdowns though.

Like my top 15 fantasy quarterbacks list and my top 30 fantasy running backs listthis list also happens to be the same list as my “list of guys who if you have anyone else as your WR1 or WR2 you’re screwed list” (name pending). No offense to wide receivers 31 on, but if you’re in a 10 or 12 team league, you don’t want the 31st or 32nd best wide receiver as your WR2.

1. Randy Moss (New England)

If Moss can get 1008 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns with Matt Cassel, a weak armed quarterback favoring chuck downs and 6-8 yard throws, than imagine what he can get with Tom Brady, who actually has arm strength, back at the helm. To think he can get 1493 yards receiving and 23 touchdowns again like he did in 2007 would be ridiculous, but its completely reasonable to expect 1200+ yards and 15+ touchdowns from him. That puts him ahead of any other player at his position.

2. Andre Johnson (Houston)

It was tough to choose between Johnson and Fitzgerald here. Both earned about the same amount of fantasy points last year, Johnson with 1575 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns, and Fitzgerald with 1431 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, I’m taking Johnson here because his offense has a chance to get a lot better, with a fully healthy Matt Schaub and the increased utilization of Steve Slaton, while Fitzgerald’s doesn’t have anywhere to go but down with an injury prone 38-year-old at quarterback and an unhappy wide receiver paired alongside him. A lot of people are putting a ton of stock into Fitzgerald’s postseason run, but what I saw was just someone getting hot at the right time. More often than not, when a player explodes in the postseason, they bounce back to normal the next season.

3. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona)

Even with all that said above, Fitzgerald is still an amazing wide receiver. He’s not the top receiver and he’s not worth the top 5 pick he’s getting in a lot of leagues, but he’s almost certainly a lock for 1200+ yards and 10 touchdowns. All you have to do is look at what he’s done in the past, especially last season, to see that this is a guy with amazing talent at the wide receiver position you will perform for your fantasy team on a weekly basis.

4. Calvin Johnson (Detroit)

He has top receiver talent, but he’s stuck in an awful situation in Detroit. However, in spite of that, he had 1331 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns, which, when you consider that his team didn’t win a game, is an amazing feat. He has two things working for him this year that he didn’t have last year. Daunte Culpepper, assuming he stays healthy and the reports about him finally being in shape are true, is better than any of the garbage he had last season at quarterback. Its also his third year, the year when, like magic, receivers tend to break down. I know its hard to believe that he can improve upon his stats on such a bad team, but this guy is a freak of nature. He can make bad throws turn into receptions and 5 yard receptions turn into 20 yard gains with his freakish athleticism.

5. Roddy White (Atlanta)

Roddy White had 88 catches for 1382 yards last year, despite the fact that Matt Ryan only threw 434 times. The Falcons are giving Ryan more of a role in the offense this season, as Michael Turner was way overworked last year, and thus White’s targets will go up. I see no reason why Ryan won’t throw 500+ times this season and if that happens, White should get 1400+ yards and improve his touchdown total, 7, as well. White is also in a contract year, which means he’ll be motivated.

6. Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis)

The last time Peyton Manning was fully 100% for a whole season, Wayne had 1510 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Last year, Manning wasn’t quite 100% until week 5, and Wayne’s stats “suffered” as he only had 1145 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. I don’t think he’ll match his 2007 stats, because I think that was a bit of a freakish fluke, but he should have something in between 2007 and 2008. 1300-1400 yards and 7-9 touchdowns is not too much to ask for him, in fact those are very close to his ’06 stats. People wonder what Marvin Harrison’s absence will do to him, will he get more targets and thus more receptions, or will he get more double teams and thus less receptions. That’s not even something you have to wonder about. Harrison has been virtually not existent for the last 2 years so expect more of the same. Wayne’s not a touchdown threat at barely 6 feet tall, but as long as he’s Peyton Manning’s #1 receiver, he’ll get plenty of yards.

7. Marques Colston (New Orleans)

Everyone expected great things out of Colston last season as he was a 3rd year receiver and the #1 option in New Orleans’ pass heavy offense. Then he got hurt. However, he came back and had 678 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns in the last 8 weeks of last season, which is very good for someone coming off a thumb injury. Now, 100%, he should at least match those numbers, which over a full season would be 1356 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. He’s the #1 receiver in New Orleans’ high octane offense and at 6-5, he’s definitely an end zone threat.

8. Greg Jennings (Green Bay)

Jennings had 1292 yards and 9 touchdowns last season and as young Aaron Rodgers continues to mature, those numbers should continue to increase a little. 1300+ yards and 10+ touchdowns is too much to ask. What will hold him back a little is the fact that Green Bay has a lot of targets and likes to spread the ball around. If Jennings can’t average 16.2 YPC again like last year, he could be in trouble, but I don’t see why he won’t.

9. Anquan Boldin (Arizona)

Despite missing 4 games with injury last season, he still had 1038 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. Over a 16 game season, that’s 1384 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns. The only reasons why he’s not ranked higher with those potential stats are the fact that he plays in such a way that its almost impossible for him not to get hurt in some way, and the fact that Kurt Warner, his quarterback is 38, injury prone, and likely won’t have quite the season he had last year. Still, I’d be surprised if he didn’t grab 10 touchdowns and get 1100 yards receiving, even with Larry Fitzgerald playing alongside him. Watch for trades as he could be on a different team by next season, and that could change his fantasy potential a little bit, either for the better or the worse.

10. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City)

Bowe had 1022 yards and 7 touchdowns last season despite finishing 2nd in the league in drops. He shouldn’t have as many drops this season, as he is improving with age and maturing, remember last listen was only his 2nd in the league. He’s in his 3rd year, so he should break out, and he finally has a somewhat decent quarterback for a full season. With a better overall offense, he’ll finally be able to use his 6-2 height as a threat in the end zone more often, so his touchdowns will go up. The only bad thing is that Tony Gonzalez is gone so he’ll get more and more double coverage. However, Bobby Engram is a decent option over the middle, so he’ll help take away the double teams, though not as effectively as Gonzalez. Expect 1100-1200 yards and 9-11 touchdowns.

11. Braylon Edwards (Cleveland)

Edwards seems to only be good when he’s in a contract year, has something to prove, or is on Monday Night Football, as he had his 3 best games of the season last season on Monday Night games and his best season in the year everyone started calling him a bust. This year, he has something to prove, after having an awful year last season, and he’s in a contract year. I expect him to approach the 80 receptions and 1289 yards he had in 2007, in order to get a massive contract and then sink back into obscurity. Notice I said approach and not match, just because he’s the only good receiver on his team and will draw a ton of double and triple teams. I don’t expect him to approach the 16 touchdowns he had in 2007, just because the offense overall is not as good. However, he is 6-3 and their only real end zone target, so he should have 10+ touchdowns to go with 1000-1200 yards.

12. Steve Smith (Carolina)

Steve Smith had a great season last season, with 1421 yards in 14 games. Over a 16 game season, that’s 1624 yards, an amazing stat. However, don’t be the one to reach for him because of the season he had last year. Those stats will almost surely fall. Jake Delhomme was healthy all season last year. That is unlikely to happen again. Also, Smith had an unbelievably high yards per catch, 18.2, a stat that is by far a career high for Smith, a veteran of 8 seasons. Expect that to drop down to at least 15, though his career average is 14.4. He’s not likely to get a higher amount of targets this year, and he didn’t have a high drop count last season, so even if he does play a 16 game season, something he hasn’t done since 2005 and has only done twice in his 8 year career, expecting more than 90 receptions from him would be crazy. 90 receptions at 15 yards each is 1350 yards, but then you factor in the fact that neither him or his quarterback have great health record, and you get an estimation around 1200-1300 yards, good, but not worth the 2nd round pick he’s getting. Then, consider his touchdown numbers, at 5-9, he’s only had double digit touchdowns once in his career and had only 6 last season. Unless he grows and/or gets a bunch of long catches, that number isn’t going to be too high this season, especially when you considering 6-5 Dwyane Jarrett’s expected emergence as a red zone threat. Overall expect 1200-1300 yards and 5-7 touchdowns, which is good if you have a pick late in the 3rd round, but I’ve seen him go in the 2nd round based on his season last year. Also consider that he’s quarterback is very inconsistent and that will make Smith’s fantasy production inconsistent as well.

13. Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay)

Bryant had a career year last year, but many aren’t sure about whether he’ll repeat or not. I think he will because, as was the case last season, Bryant is in a contract year, signing his one year franchise tender in the offseason. That means that Bryant will actually have to try again for another season if he wants loads of money (boo hoo). 1248 yards and 7 touchdowns might be a little too much to ask for, considering Tampa’s quarterback situation, but it wasn’t that great last season either. 1200 yards and 6-8 touchdowns is not too much to ask from him and that’s worth a 4th round pick.

14. Roy Williams (Dallas)

Williams is a bit of a wild card. On one hand, he stunk in 10 games with Dallas last season with 19 receptions for 198 yards and 1 touchdown, after coming over midseason from Detroit. On the other hand, he’s a former Pro Bowler, he has had enough time to get familiar with the Cowboys’ offense, and with Terrell Owens gone, Williams is now the #1 option in Dallas’ potent offense, and more importantly is playing his old position once again, flanker. I would take a chance on him in the 4th round and hope that he has a the 1000+ yard season he has the potential to. I believe that all of his struggles last season were due to playing out of position in an unfamiliar playbook, but I could be wrong.

15. TJ Houshmanzadeh (Cincinnati)

Houshmanzadeh is in a perfect situation. Matt Hasselbeck has never had a receiver of Housh’s caliber before, but he’s still made decent receivers look good before. He could make a good one like TJ look great. He’s also finally the #1 option, and he is playing in a west coast offense, that makes very good use of his skills. He should be able to have a 1000+ yard season, and while he won’t do a whole lot for you in terms of touchdowns, he is a guy who gets a lot of receptions, which is an added bonus in PPR leagues, and he’s consistent. Consider him the Anti-Roy Williams.

16. Terrell Owens (Buffalo)

Owens had his worst statistical season of the decade, with the exception of 2005, when he only played 7 games. If you throw out 2005, he had his lowest reception and receiving yards totals since 1999, and his lowest touchdown total since 2003, despite playing all 16 games. You have to think that age is starting to get to Owens, who turns 35 later this season. He joins a weaker passing attack and overall offense this season, and while he’ll be motivated as hell, I don’t think he is going much higher than his 2008 totals. Good thing those 2008 totals included double digit touchdowns and 1000+ receiving yards. He should be good for that again, though not a whole lot more.

17. Wes Welker (New England)

In 2007, with Brady at the helm, Welker had 112 receptions for 1175 yards. In 2008, with Matt Cassel at the helm, he had 111 receptions for 1165 yards. Wonder what he’ll do this year? The only difference between 2007 and 2008, he had 8 touchdowns in 2007, as opposed to 3 in 2008. That total should go back up in 2009, though I don’t think he’ll get 8 again as the 2009 Patriots won’t be quite as dangerous on offense as the 2007 Patriots and Welker is 5-9 and has only once had more than 3 touchdowns in a season. Expect 1100-1200 yards and 4-6 touchdowns. He’s higher on this chart in PPR leagues.

18. Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson (Cincinnati)

Johnson had his worst season since his rookie year in 2001 last season, with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback and numerous injuries to deal with. Carson Palmer is back this season, but there’s no telling how Palmer’s surgically repaired elbow will hold up. Also, Ocho Cinco no longer has TJ Houshmanzadeh drawing the double teams away from him, so he’ll be double teamed more often, which will frustrate him, and when Ocho Cinco is frustrated, you never know what will happen. You can expect 1000+ yards and 8 touchdowns, but he’s always a risk when you draft him.

19. Brandon Marshall (Denver)

Marshall could have the 1295 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns he has averaged for the last 2 seasons this year, but he also could do a lot worse. He could be suspended for 3 or 4 games, due to violations of the league’s personal conduct policy which allows Roger Goddell to suspend you if he doesn’t like you. His quarterback is also no longer Jay Cutler, as Kyle Orton is now the quarterback with Cutler in Chicago. Orton doesn’t have a strong arm, especially not compared to Cutler. Marshall is a deep threat, as is Randy Moss, so we could see a statistical fall that mirrors the one Moss had from ’07 to ’08, when Cassel took over for an injured Brady. He could get 1300 yards, but he could also just as easily get 800 or less, so I’d rather take one of the other 18 receivers on the board, who barring injury are highly likely to have 1000 yard receiving years, rather than take a chance on Marshall. Of course, if Goddell decides not to suspend Marshall, or if he gets traded to a team that has it figured out at quarterback, he shoots up this list to top 10.

20. Santonio Holmes (Pittsburgh)

Holmes has never had a 1000 yard season. But also, in 3 seasons, he has never had less than 821 yards. He’s only 25 and with Big Ben’s shoulder 100% this season, as it wasn’t last season, he has a good shot to get close to 1000 yards, if not more than 1000 yards. And even if he doesn’t, he isn’t going to get less than 800 yards, unless he gets hurt, so if you’re looking for a low floor wide receiver in the 5th round, especially one with high upside, Holmes is your guy. Looking at his career stats in terms of touchdowns, he should get at least 5, and more likely 6-8.

21. Santana Moss (Washington)

Forget about high upside guys, how ’bout low floor guys. Santana Moss hasn’t had less than 790 yards since his 2nd season in the league back in 2002. He is the unchallenged #1 for the Washington Redskins. Jason Campbell is in his contract year and finally going into his 2nd straight season with the same offensive system, so I’m expecting big things from him and his receivers, including #1 option Santana Moss. He had 1044 yards last year and should get 1000+ this year which is more than you can say for most other guys still left on the board. He’s not a touchdown machine though, as he has only had double digit touchdowns once, but he’s available in the 6th round in most drafts and at that point, I’ll take his 1000 receiving yards and 5-7 touchdowns.

22. Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis)

He’s the unquestioned #2 in the Indianapolis offense and he’s in the his 3rd year, the magical year when all high upside wide receivers break out. He was a first round pick in 2007, so the upside is there. Now that he has the opportunity and the experience, he could be ready to shine. He has 1240 yards and 93 receptions in his short career so if he gets 75-80 receptions this year, not unreasonable for the Indy #2, he could get 1000 yards.

23. Derrick Mason (Baltimore)

Derrick Mason might be the most underrated player in the NFL. He has had 1000+ yards in every season this decade with the exception of two. He had 1037 yards receiving last season with rookie Joe Flacco at quarterback, despite the fact that Mason was 34. Flacco is in his 2nd year now and Mason is still his #1 option. Mason has never been all that athletic so the fact that he’s now 35 isn’t going to stop him from having 1000+ yards. He’s not a touchdown machine, but he catches a lot of balls and will get you high reception and yards totals.

24. Lee Evans (Buffalo)

Lee Evans has had 1000 yards receiving in 2 of the last 3 years. However, I don’t expect him too this year. Trent Edwards is the quarterback and he’s simply not a good enough quarterback to get two talented wide receivers, Evans and Owens, the ball enough for them both to have 1000 yard seasons. Owens is more talented, and will freak out, making the whole Owens experiment a mistake, if he doesn’t get the ball, so I expect Owens will get the majority of the targets, while Evans will get less and thus will have 800-900 yards, with low touchdown totals. He’s 5-10 and has never had a double digit touchdown season. In fact he had 3 all of last year. 6-3 Owens is going to take away from his end zone receptions so don’t expect more than 5 TDs.

25. Vincent Jackson (San Diego)

Jackson had 1000+ yards last season, but I don’t think he’ll match that again. He had an uncharacteristically high yards per catch average, 18.6, and I expect that will fall back to his career average, 17.2, which is still not bad. Jackson only had 59 receptions last year, and will find that tough to do again with Chris Chambers, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Antonio Gates back to limit his production. Expect 50-55 receptions at 17 each, for 850-900 yards. He’s still 6-5, though, so, even though he’s never had more than 7 touchdowns in a season, his touchdown total has high upside.

26. Torry Holt (Jacksonville)

Torry Holt is the unquestioned #1 on a very underrated offense in Jacksonville. He has something to prove this year, so one has to believe he’ll at least beat the 796 yards he had last year. He is going to deal with a lot of double teams, but that hasn’t bothered him before in his career. At 6-0, he’s not a touchdown threat really, but he’s still his team’s best option inside the 20. Expect 800-900 yards and 6-8 touchdowns out of him.

27. Devin Hester (Chicago)

Hester had 51 catches for 665 yards in his first full season as a wide receiver, despite the fact that weak armed Kyle Orton was the quarterback. Now, Jay Cutler is the quarterback and he has the arm strength to hit the speedy Hester downfield. Hester is going to be Cutler’s 3rd option after Olsen and Matt Forte, maybe even 2nd option if Cutler continues to gunsling the way he did in Denver, despite the fact that he has a real defense now. Now, with a year of experience at the position under his belt, and a quarterback who can hit him downfield, Hester should have 900+ yards. He isn’t a touchdown machine at 5-11, but he’ll get more than the 3 TDs he had last year just because the offense as a whole is better. Expect 5-7 TDs.

28. Bernard Berrian (Minnesota)

I don’t like Berrian’s uncharacteristically high YPC, 20.1, from 2008. More often than not, in fact almost always, veterans whose stats improve from one season to the season as a result of an increase in YPC, rather than an increase in catches, drop back down to normal the next year. His career average for YPC is a modest 16.0. If Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels is quarterback for them next year, I doubt he’ll get more than 50 catches, as he had 48 in 2008 for the Vikings. At 16 at catch, that’s about 800 yards, and since he’s not likely to have any more than the 7 touchdowns he had last year, that doesn’t make him a good fantasy option. However, there is a chance that Brett Favre is the quarterback for them next year, and if he is, Berrian should approach 1000 yards again, with 6-8 touchdowns. Keep an eye on the Favre situation, though that shouldn’t be too hard to do.

29. Kevin Walter (Houston)

30. DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia)

Don’t be the one to reach for Jackson in the 7th round. He’s talented, but the Eagles have way too many receivers for one, even one as talented as Jackson, to shine. Don’t expect too much more than the 912 yards and 2 touchdowns he had last year. He’s also known to throw the ball away before scoring so watch out for that.

Like my top 15 fantasy quarterbacks list, this list also happens to be the same list as my “list of guys who if you have anyone else as your RB1 or RB2 you’re screwed list” (name pending). No offense to running backs 31 on, but if you’re in a 10 or 12 team league, you don’t want the 31st or 32nd best running back as your RB2.

1. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota)

This isn’t like last year where you can justify more than one guy to go number #1. Last year it was between LT and AP and maybe Brian Westbrook. This year, Adrian Peterson is the clear cut number #1. Peterson had 1760 yards last year on a 4.8 YPC clip. He’s only 24 and still improving. No one else can say that. The defense now has to respect the passing game for the first time in a while, with the additions of Sage Rosenfels, assuming he beats out coach Brad Childress’ man crush Tavaris Jackson, and also with the addition of Percy Harvin, who gives them a speed threat. Defenses won’t be able to stack the box anymore. Anyone with the #1 pick should take Adrian Peterson before 5 seconds go off the clock. 1700+ yards rushing should be expected, double digit touchdowns again, even though he is not the goal line back. He wasn’t last year either and had 10 touchdowns. Receiving yards should stay at about 200, which he has averaged over his first two years in the league.

2. Matt Forte (Chicago)

He had 1238 yards rushing as a rookie last year and now has a year under his belt and is finally playing with a true quarterback, Jay Cutler, who will both make it so defenses can’t stack the box, raising his YPC from 3.9, and also help Forte as a pass catcher. Forte lead the Bears in receptions last year. The Bears don’t have a true #1 option, so Forte will get a lot of targets on plays where he doesn’t run the ball. 60+ receptions again isn’t crazy which should be him near 500 yards receiving. The Bears will get more red zone opportunities so his 8 touchdowns from last year should go up to about 10 this year. The Bears don’t have a true goal line back so Forte will get the bulk of the goal line carries. 2000 all purpose yards is not completely unlikely for him.

3. Chris Johnson (Tennessee)

The Titans say they are going to give Johnson more work this year. They still have Lendale White but I think coach Jeff Fisher realizes that White likes eating more than football. White will still get some carries, but the Titans run so much that White isn’t going to stop Johnson from getting 300+ carries this year. He had only 251 last year so if his YPC stays at 4.9, and I don’t see why it won’t considering he’s still just as fast, he could get around 1400 or 1500 yards rushing this year. White will still get goal line carries, but he did that last year and Johnson still ran for 9 scores. Expect more of the same with a shot at double digit touchdowns. He might not be targeted enough to get 43 receptions this year, as the Titans actually improved their receiving corps, but Collins still likes to check down and Johnson still has great hands and the ability to break one for a touchdown when he gets the ball in those hands. 200+ yards receiving isn’t unreasonable, with the potential for a few receiving touchdowns as he does have that great speed.

4. Maurice Jones Drew (Jacksonville)

MJD could be unpredictable this year. He’s never had more than 197 carries in a season, but now that Fred Taylor is gone, Jones Drew should break the 300+ carry mark, assuming he doesn’t get hurt doing it, because the Jags are going to run a lot. He has averaged 4.8 yards per carry in his career and even 4.2 yards per carry behind that awful offensive line last year, which has been fixed in a big way. However, how he will react to more carries is the question. He’s only 5-7, even though he is 208 pounds. I don’t think he’ll get hurt too badly., but he won’t average 4.8 yards per carry like most people are expecting. 4.5, 4.6 is more reasonable and at 300+ carries, that still puts him in a good position to run for 1400 yards. He’s going to get the goal line carries so the 12 touchdowns he had last year should either stay at that number or increase due to Taylor’s departure and the improved offensive line. He’s a terrific receiver and should surpass the 500 yard receiving mark again, but I just don’t know if he can handle the load. He could be the #1 back this year, but he could also be a disappointment and either get hurt or struggle with defenses targeting him and only him more. That’s why he’s at #4.

5. Steve Slaton (Houston)

Houston’s offense really took off last season after Slaton was given more work. The Texans don’t have another running back to cut into Slaton’s carries so you have to believe that the 20+ carries per game he was getting towards the end of last season will continue. He had 4 100 rushing yard games in his last 7 games last season and he’ll only get better with experience. He also had 50 catches for 377 yards last season which is a very nice added bonus. Expect 300 carries, at around 4.5 or 4.6 YPC, just because I think his 4.8 from last year will be tough to repeat over 300 carries. Touchdowns should remain in the 9-11 range and receiving carries will approach 400 again because of his team’s strong passing game.

6. LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego)

Let’s take a look at LT’s awful season last year. 1100+ yards rushing, 400+ yards receiving, 12 total touchdowns. Wow that’s awful! In all seriousness, LT wasn’t that bad last year even though he was coming off surgery and the rest of the team around him was banged up. Shawne Merriman is healthy now so the defense will get the offense the ball back more quickly. Chris Chambers and Antonio Gates are healthy now so the passing game is better. There is no way this secondary is as bad as the were last year, which, again means more time for the offense on the field. Darren Sproles is going to cut some into LT’s carries, but not too much as Sproles is not an every down back at all. The cut in carries should only be to about 270 or 280, which is 20-30 less than last year. The increase in YPC should make up for that. LT is still a threat through the air. He’s still going to get the goal line carries. Most importantly, he’s motivated. He knows guys aren’t believing in him. He knows that his contract has been restructured such that, one bad year and he could be done as a running back in the National Football League. Expect him to match or eclipse all of his stats from last year. Expect about 1200 rushing yards, 400 receiving yards, and double digit touchdowns.

7. Michael Turner (Atlanta)

I am aware that he had 1699 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns last year. I am also aware that he had 376 carries. Even ignoring the 370+ carry curse, he is not going to put up those big numbers again because he won’t get those carries again. The Falcons are going to give Matt Ryan more of a role in the offense this year. This means that not only will Turner not run as much, he won’t be in there as much. He is an awful pass catcher, while backup Jerious Norwood is an excellent pass catcher. Expect about 300 carries. He won’t repeat the 4.5 YPC clip from last year again, because of how much he was overworked. That should fall down to 4.2 or so, which at 300 carries is about 1250-1300 yards rushing. His lead hands mean he won’t get over 100 yards receiving so he’s not going to help you there. He’ll get some goal line carries, but not as many as last year as the Falcons now have a tight end who can do something. The touchdowns should fall to about 12-15 with the combination of less carries, tired legs, and the addition of Tony Gonzalez as an red zone target.

8. Steven Jackson (St. Louis)

He was hurt last year and only had 253, thus he only had 1042 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns. That could happen again, but more likely he’ll get closer to 300-320 carries, though he could miss a game or two. St. Louis’ new coach Steve Spagnuolo is going to emphasize the run more this year. The YPC from last year was 4.1 and that should improve to about 4.3-4.5. St. Louis upgraded their awful offense line with Jason Brown and Jason Smith. 300+ carries at 4.5 YPC should be about 1400 yards rushing, assuming he doesn’t get hurt. He’s a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield as well with 379 receiving yards last year. If he’s healthy, expect that to go to 400 or 500. The big question with him is health. If the health issue wasn’t there, he could be a top 5 or 6 back on this list.

9. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina)

He’s not going to do what he did last year. He had 1515 yards and 18 touchdowns on 273 carries. This year, Jonathan Stewart is going to get more carries and Carolina’s schedule is harder. The defense isn’t going to be as good unless something drastic happens in the Julius Peppers situation, which means Carolina will have to throw more. Also, Williams just doesn’t seem like the type of guy who can repeat what he did last year. He could prove me wrong, but he had amazing production for the offensive line last year, which might not happens as much this year. He’ll still be a decent option in the early 2^nd round and get you 1200+ yards, decent production though the air, around 200 receiving yards again, and 12-14 touchdowns. Just don’t be the guy to reach for him with the 5^th pick.

10. Clinton Portis (Washington)

Portis has never broken down all that much despite being a 300+ carry back for most of his career. Expect for one bad injury in 2006, he’s been healthy. Expect for 2006, he has had 1250+ yards in every season. However, there is always a first time for everything and I have a bad feeling that this could be the year Portis slows down. He’s going to be 28 when the season starts and he has 2000+ career carries. All the warning signs are there which he why he ranks so low here. Be prepared, when drafting him, for his YPC to drop below 4 and/or a big injury. If he proves me wrong and stays healthy again, expect more of the same 1300-1400 rushing yards, 10+ touchdowns, and 200-300 receiving yards, just be aware of that if.

11. Brandon Jacobs (NY Giants)

Derrick Ward is gone and, while the Giants will still do the earth, wind, and fire thing with 2009 4^th round pick Andre Brown in Ward’s role, earth, meaning Jacobs, is going to get the bulk of the carries. Barring injury, also a possibility with someone of his size, he should get 260-280 carries this year. He’s not going to average 5.0 YPC like last year, but the Giants have an excellent offensive line so 4.5-4.7 is possible. That’ll be good for 1300+ rushing yards. He’ll still be the goal line guy and may surpass his 15 TDs from last year as Plaxico Burress is gone so the Giants may not have a true goal line receiver. He won’t do anything, like at all, through the air, but with 1300+ yards and 15+ TDs, it won’t matter.

12. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia)

This may look low for someone who has been a fantasy MVP for the last few years. However, he was banged up a lot last year, but played through it. This year, he turns 30 and the Eagles have a capable replacement for him, 2^nd round pick LeSean McCoy. Andy Reid might not let Westbrook play through those injuries this year. Like Portis and Jackson, Westbrook is an injury risk, but unlike Jackson and Portis, I can’t see Westbrook playing 16 games this year. I can’t even see him playing more than 12 games this year. He’s already having preseason surgery to remove bone spurs from his ankle. Even when he is in the lineup, he will split carries with McCoy and the Eagles are going to pass more anyway. I predict about 200-220 carries for him this year, max, which would be about 800-900 yards rushing. He’ll still be a threat through the air, which will make him more valuable in PPR leagues, but expect closer to the 402 yards he caught last year, as opposed to the 771 he caught in 2007. Expect about 1200-1300 total yards and 10-12 total touchdowns. Those aren’t fantasy first round numbers. Don’t be the one to reach for him with the 5^th pick.

13. Kevin Smith (Detroit)

Detroit sucks. They aren’t going to do a lot through the air because Daunte Culpepper is their quarterback, playing behind an awful offensive line with one legitimate, albeit freakishly athletic, receiver. Kevin Smith doesn’t suck. Hopefully new coach Jim Schwartz will realize that and get him more carries. I expect 300+ carries easily for him, and while he won’t get a high YPC behind their awful offensive line, he did have 4.1 last year so a YPC of 3.8-4.0 isn’t unreasonable. At that rate, 1200-1300 yards can be expected along with close to double digit touchdowns. He’s also a threat through the air. He may actually be Detroit’s 2^nd best receiver, unless Brandon Pettigrew can step up big as a rookie. Culpepper is going to need to check down a lot because of the bad line so Smith should be there. He had 286 yards receiving last year and should approach 350 this year.

14. Knowshon Moreno (Denver)

Moreno is a rookie, but he probably has the most talent of any back in the rookie class. He’s running behind a good offensive line for a team that is going to want to emphasize the run because of Kyle Orton’s conservative mentality. Moreno should get 260-280 carries at 4+ per for about 1100-1200 yards rushing. Orton likes to check down as shown by the fact that his leading receiver in Chicago was a running back and Moreno good hands should get him 300-400 yards receiving. He should have 7-10 rushing touchdowns, but that can be tough to judge for a rookie.

15. Frank Gore (San Francisco)

I don’t like Frank Gore. Yes, the Niners are going to run more, but they drafted Glenn Coffee in the 3^rd round and he is probably going to get a good chunk of the carries. Gore shouldn’t get more than 250 carries and because he’s running behind pretty much the same line as the last 2 years, he should repeat the 4.2 YPC he had had in 2007 and 2008, so asking for more than 1100 yards out of him would be ridiculous. He’s not a touchdown threat either as he’s never gotten in double figures in his career. Expect more of the same 5-7 touchdowns and 1100 yards. He has good hands, but Singletary and Shaun Hill don’t seem to think so. After Hill took over as QB and Singletary as coach, Gore only had 62 yards receiving in 6 games. Don’t expect more than 250 yards receiving.

16. Marion Barber (Dallas)

Dallas is going earth, wind, and fire this year too, but unlike Brandon Jacobs, I don’t like Marion Barber. Unlike Jacobs, he is not running behind a great offensive line. Unlike Jacobs, his fire and wind counterparts are very capable of cutting into his carries in a big way. Unlike Jacobs, his quarterback is going to throw more, especially in the end zone. I can’t imagine Barber having as many carries as Jacobs. I can’t even see him matching Jacobs’ 219 carries from last year. Barber is going to get about 200 carries this year, up about 4.1 or 4.2 by per carry, which would only be good for 800 or so yards. The only reason to like him is because he’s going to get a lot of goal line touches so he should have around 11 or 12 touchdowns. Barber is a good pass catcher, but his wind counterpart Tashard Choice is going to be in on most passing downs so Barber isn’t getting anywhere close to his 417 yards receiving from last year.

17. Derrick Ward (Tampa Bay)

Ward rushed for 1025 yards on 182 carries at 5.6 YPC last year behind New York’s amazing offensive line. He is in Tampa now, whose line is, while not as good as the Giants’, still very solid. His carries are going to go up too, no longer stuck behind Brandon Jacobs. He should rush for at least 900 yards. He’s a great pass catcher catching 41 balls for 384 yards last season. He should get about that this year as his quarterback especially if his quarterback is Luke McCown, who likes to check down. The only thing with Ward is that Earnest Graham is going to get the goal line carries so Ward isn’t going to get a lot of touchdowns. He only has 5 in his short career anyway.

18. Chris Wells (Arizona)

Wells is going to get the vast majority of the carries for his team this season, which is more than you can say about most halfbacks available in the 4^th round. The defense will be so concerned trying to slow down Kurt Warner, covering Boldin and Fitzgerald, that Wells should have 1000 yards rushing with ease. He didn’t catch a lot of balls at Ohio State, which means he won’t do a lot in that area. Tim Hightower will. The only issue is his durability. Most rookies backs tend to break down by fantasy playoff time, but in weeks 14-17, Wells faces San Francisco, Detroit, St. Louis, and Green Bay, which will be a cakewalk for him, even if he has started to break down. He’ll get a lot of goal line carries, more so because of how dynamic Arizona’s passing game is. He should have 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns with ease. The only issues are his health concerns and his inability to catch.

19. Pierre Thomas (New Orleans)

Obviously New Orleans has Reggie Bush, but Thomas put on 10 pounds of bulk in the offseason and looked really good towards the end of last season, getting 80 yards or more in 5 of the last 6 games he played. There should be a place on the field for both Bush and Thomas on most plays. Bush can catch, but not much else. Thomas is going to be the primary back and the goal line back. Bush is going to get work and the Saints are still going to air it out a lot like they did last season, but Thomas should be 200 carries or more. He averaged 4.8 YPC last season and while he likely won’t do that again this year, he is still a very talented back and should get 900 yards or so if he’s healthy. He’s going to be the goal line backs as well and thus should have 10+ touchdowns. Bush is going to get most of the catches, so Thomas won’t, but it shouldn’t matter. You have to like his 900 rushing yards and 10+ touchdowns in the middle of round 4.

20. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina)

Stewart is going to get more work in his 2^nd year. The Panthers, even though they have DeAngelo Williams, didn’t draft Stewart 13^th overall to get less than 200 carries so expect 200+ carries from him. Carolina is going to run a lot If he runs the ball 220-240 times, he should get close to 1000 yards. He had 10 touchdowns last year despite having only 184 carries so expect that to go up proportionately. He’s not a pass catcher at all though.

21. Ray Rice (Baltimore)

Rice is going to be the #1 back on the depth chart for Baltimore this year, due to Willie McGahee’s age and injury problems, as well as LeRon McClain moving back to fullback. McGahee and McClain are still going to cut into Rice’s carries. Rice averaged 4.2 YPC last year and Baltimore is still going to run a lot because I’m not sure they’re fully ready to use Joe Flacco as a 500-550 throw quarterback yet. He should get more than 200 carries and at around 4 yards per carry, maybe more depending on how he improves as a runner in his 2^nd year, he should get 800+ yards. He caught 33 balls last year for 273 yards and that should improve to somewhere around 50 balls for 400 yards this year as he gets more work. Flacco likes to check down and will look for Rice often. McGahee and McClain and McClain will split goal line carries so 5-9 200 pounds Ray Rice won’t get into the end zone that often. Don’t expect more than 4 or 5 touchdowns.

22. Ryan Grant (Green Bay)

Grant is working out the whole offseason this year, after holding out for a new contract, which he got, last season. However, I don’t like Grant. He doesn’t score touchdowns. He doesn’t catch. He’s running behind a poor line. He is 26 and only really has one good season under his belt. Brandon Jackson sits behind him and he’s a little bit more talented, in my opinion. Grant isn’t going to run the ball 312 times again this season. Aaron Rodgers will be given the full green light by the coaching staff and the team’s poor defense will make Green Bay air it out a lot. Expect less than 300 carries and the 3.9 YPC to stay about the same because the offensive line is only getting older. He could surpass 1000 yards rushing, but he’s not a touchdown machine at all, only having 4 all last year and he won’t get more than 200 receiving yards, even in Green Bay’s pass heavy offense, because of his lead hands. Then, of course, there’s the possibility that Brandon Jackson cuts heavily into his carries, as Jackson is a better pass catcher. I wouldn’t consider him until late in the 4^th round or early in the 5^th, but he’s not going to be available there. Don’t be the guy to reach for him in the 3^rd.

23. Ronnie Brown (Miami)

I don’t like Ronnie Brown and that may come up to make me look stupid. However, Brown is being given a lot more work this year as his only backup is 31 year old pothead Ricky Williams. That’s not good. Brown has never carried the ball more than 241 times in a season and when he gets lot of work early in a season, see 2007, he gets hurt. I can’t predict injuries but “Ronnie Brown everydown back” spells injury to me. He’ll be good for you until he gets hurt, but I wouldn’t risk more than a 5^th round pick on this guy. His likely injury is a big part of the reason why I expect a disappointing year from Miami and of course it’s part of the reason why I like 31 year old pothead Ricky Williams as a late round fantasy sleeper.

24. Thomas Jones (NY Jets)

Like Brown, Jones could prove me foolish and rush for 1312 yards on a 4.5 clip for 13 touchdowns again. However, he’s going to be 31 years old and he sat out minicamps because he wanted a new contract. Meanwhile, Shonn Greene, who they traded up to get in the 3^rd round of the 2009 NFL Draft, is performing very well and could jump Jones on the depth chart by week 1. Greene is the back of the future, but he could be the back of the present. Jones and Greene are very similar and have similar strengths and weaknesses so if Jones were dropped on the depth chart, he would likely fall to 3^rd in carries, behind pass catcher/speedster Leon Washington. Don’t take a risk on this guy before the 5^th round. Some guys are taking him in the 2^nd or 3^rd. That could be a potentially huge mistake.

25. Darren McFadden (Oakland)

He didn’t play much last year and disappointed as a rookie. However, even with turf toe, he had 4.4 YPC, albeit in limited carries. Justin Fargas, the current #1 back for the Raiders, averaged 3.9 and is getting up there in age. Al Davis loves McFadden, who he drafted with the 4^th overall selection in 2008 and will do everything he can to make sure McFadden gets on the field. He’s turf toe is gone. He is incredibly talented and the offensively line is actually alright this year. He won’t get goal line carries, but he can catch, assuming JaMarcus Russell ever actually checks down (his draft stock goes up if Jeff Garcia wins the job, which is unlikely). The Raiders are a mess but if he stays healthy and is put on the field, McFadden could have 1300 all purpose yards and 6-8 touchdowns which would be nice value in the middle of the 5^th round. He’ll likely still be there in the 5^th unless you’re drafting in a league with Al Davis, in which case he’ll be the first one off the board.

26. Cedric Benson (Cincinnati)

Ok, laugh, get it out now. Cedric Benson is the unquestioned #1 back in Cincinnati. Using Mike Shanahan’s thinking, any back with 2 legs can get 1000 yards rushing if he is given 300 yards and Benson could actually be given that many carries. Last time I checked, he has two legs. He’s not much of a pass catcher, but could get 200+ receiving yards in Cincinnati’s offense. He had 185 yards receiving in 12 games last year with Carson Palmer hurt. Cincinnati’s offense is very good so Benson should get into the end zone a few times. The Bengals don’t really have a goal line back. He should be a solid RB3 could good value in the 5^th or 6^th round. He faces Cleveland’s awful defense twice, Denver’s once, Green Bay’s once, Kansas City’s, Detroit’s and Oakland’s so on certain weeks he could be very good in flex leagues or maybe as a RB2 in regular leagues in certain situations.

27. Reggie Bush (New Orleans)

He would be rated much higher in PPR leagues, as he is basically a wide receiver at running back, but in normal league, he’s not going to get a lot of rushing yards even if he’s healthy, which is unlikely. Pierre Thomas is a very good back so Bush isn’t going to get more than 150 or so carries in any case, so expect less than 600 yards rushing. However, he might end up being one of the top 5 receiving backs in terms of yards this year so he’ll definitely surpass 1000 all purpose yards and get close to 10 total touchdowns. He could be an interesting RB3 in flex leagues, especially if your RB1 or RB2 isn’t a great pass catcher, see Chris Wells.

28. Joseph Addai (Indianapolis)

He’s going to split carries pretty much evenly with 2009 first round pick Donald Brown, which could be alright if he wasn’t playing for a very pass heavy offense. Splitting carries, he won’t get more than 200 carries in Indy’s offense. 180 carries, at a clip of maybe 4 per if he’s healthy, is going to get you about 700 yards rushing. The good thing is that he is the goal line back so he’ll get you touchdowns, and he can catch passes, which is good in Indy’s offense. Expect 1000+ all purpose yards and 10 touchdowns, if, and only if, he can stay relatively healthy. Those numbers will go up or down depending on his health, which right now is iffy.

29. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo)

He’s suspended for 3 games and if he gets that cut to 1 or 2, he’ll shoot up this board. I don’t see that happening though so I’ve penciled him in at #29. If Fred Jackson goes for 100+ yards at least 2 times in those 3 games, like he did in week 17 against New England last year, Lynch could lose his job for good, which makes Fred Jackson a fantasy sleeper. The only reason that Lynch is here at 29 instead of Jackson is the fact that he was a 1^st round pick in 2007. That will give him the benefit of the doubt, but keep your eye on this situation. As I said, if Lynch gets the suspension cut, Jackson won’t have enough time to prove himself and possibly cut into Lynch’s carries or steal his job. Of course if Jackson struggles, Lynch should come back in and rush for 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns, despite the renovations going on with Buffalo’s offensive line. If you want to take the risk, he could be a steal in the 5^th round. Just know that he could end up being a bust in the 6^th just as easily.

30. Julius Jones (Seattle)

Jones isn’t a great runner and he certainly didn’t live up to his contract last year, but Maurice Morris is gone so Jones is going to be the every down back again, which automatically gets him RB3 consideration. Seattle isn’t going to run much, but as an every down back he should get at least 800 rushing yards. He’s not a goal line back, so don’t expect more than 4 touchdowns. He’s a decent pass catcher and should get 200+ receiving yards in Seattle’s west coast offense.

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This top 15 list also happens to be the same list as my “list of guys who if you have anyone else as your QB1 you’re screwed list” (name pending). No offense to quarterbacks 16-32, but if you’re in a 10 or 12 team league, you don’t want the 16th or 17th best quarterback as your QB1 (for reference my 16th best quarterback is Jason Campbell and my 17th best is Eli Manning).

Tom Brady Bye 8

The Patriots receivers and system last season made a 7th rounder look like a Pro Bowler. Now, the receiving corps have added Brandon Tate, Joey Galloway, and Greg Lewis and a healthy Benjamin Watson. I find it hard to believe that Tom Brady won’t be the best fantasy quarterback working with those receiving corps. Also, for the first time in a while, the defense will have to respect the run as Fred Taylor has been added. He had major surgery, but it was on his knee and not his arm. He wasn’t a terribly mobile quarterback before the surgery anyway. He may take a few more sacks and it may take him a little while to get back into the groove as it took Peyton Manning, but he has a great offense around him and should throw for 4000+ yards and 35 touchdowns with ease by the time the season is done. That will make him the top fantasy quarterback.

Peyton Manning Bye 6

Every year, with the exception of his rookie year, Peyton Manning has started every game, thrown for more than 4000 yards and 25 touchdowns and this season shouldn’t be any different. He had a down year last year, but still won the MVP, which is saying something. Marvin Harrison is gone, but he really wasn’t doing much for the team anyway over the last 2 years. Expect 16 starts 4000 yards and 25 touchdowns bare minimum for him next season. The only major knock on him is the fact that his team is normally so good that he doesn’t play more than a drive or two come fantasy playoffs time, but don’t let that stop you from taking him in the first 2 rounds.

Drew Brees Bye 5

Brees threw for over 5000 yards last season, but he won’t do that this year, not just because that is a nearly impossible stat to achieve twice, but because the defense is better. Brees won’t have to throw as much and will probably throw the ball around 550 times, the amount he threw for in 2006, rather than the 650 had he been throwing in 2007 and 3008.. That will cut down on his interceptions, he had 17 last season, 2nd most in his career, but it will also cut down his yards. That being said, he still had 4418 yards in 2006 and now has a great tight end, Jeremy Shockey, assuming he stays healthy. Also, if Reggie Bush can stay healthy the entire season, it will raise his YPA, 8.0 in 2008 and 2006, because the defense will have to respect the run and because Bush is an amazing pass catcher. Unlike Manning, Brees will likely have to play the whole game during fantasy playoff time.

Phillip Rivers Bye 5

Phillip Rivers really broke out last season, despite the fact that he was coming off of a knee injury. This season, he goes into the year 100%. He has a fully healthy Antonio Gates which he did not have last season. He has a fully healthy Chris Chambers. Darren Sproles as emerged as a nice chuck down option. LaDainian Tomlinson is back healthy so the defense will have to respect the run. We could see an increase in his 8.4 YPA as well as an increase in his 34 touchdowns because of how dynamic the offense is again. The offense that this team had in the last 4 weeks of the season, in which Rivers was 80-121 (66.1%) for 1054 yards with 11 touchdowns and 1 interception, could be the offense the Chargers have all this season. Those numbers from those 4 games spread out across a season would give him 44 touchdowns and 4216 yards. Expect slightly less than that, 36-40 touchdowns, 4100 or so yards, with low interceptions, 10-12, over this season, and that’s very, very good.

Kurt Warner Bye 4

Warner is not going to throw the 4583 yards and 30 touchdowns he did last year, but he has a great arm and three amazing receivers, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston. That still makes him a very good fantasy option who deserves some looks in the late 3rd round, early 4th. His team will run more and he will be a year older, but he hasn’t let anything stop him before. The running game will also open up the passing game for him more.

Aaron Rodgers Bye 5

The defense still sucks so Rodgers will still have to air it out, meaning more picks, but more yards. He has a ton of good receivers, including 2 now in their 2nd year, to hit which will help him out tremendously. He should eclipse his numbers from last season now that he has more confidence and the receivers have improved. Expect 4000+ yards, close to 30 TDs, and 15 picks.

Carson Palmer Bye 8

Carson Palmer has always been a good quarterback, but he’s been killed by interceptions. Now, he finally has a good defense supporting him, which means he won’t be playing from behind so much, cutting down on his interceptions. He still has a very good offense around him and should stay healthy as his elbow is 100% healed and the offensive line looks very good. He’ll get 3500 yards for sure, maybe closer to 4000, with 25-30 touchdowns, and interceptions in the mid teens.

Donovan McNabb Bye 4

McNabb needs to have a big year and he knows it. The knee injury is a thing of the past. He has his best supporting cast since the year he took the team to the Super Bowl. I am expecting big things from McNabb. He should eclipse his 2008 totals across the board, with the exception of yards because they will emphasize the run more this season. They still don’t have a goal line back so McNabb will match or eclipse, more likely eclipse because of the improvement around him, his 2008 total of 25 total touchdowns. He is still a threat on the ground, though not nearly as much as he was before. Expect 3600-3800 yards, 27-30 total touchdowns, 10-12 picks, and a completion rate of about 61-63 percent.

Matt Ryan Bye 4

All logic says that Ryan will have a sophomore slump, but I don’t see how he can. He has his top receiver in a contract year, a huge upgrade at tight end, and will be given more throws, he only had 434 attempts last year, now that he is in his 2nd year and now that Michael Turner is coming off a season in which he was given too much work. The ground game is still going to be there as the Falcons will work Jerious Norwood in more. Norwood is better pass catcher than Turner. All signs say that Ryan will at least match, but more likely eclipse his 2008 stats across the board. Close to 4000 yards, 20-25 touchdowns, 12-15 picks, seems realistic for him.

Matt Schaub Bye 10

Just because the Texans no longer have an insurance plan for Schaub, doesn’t mean that he won’t get hurt. That is his one weakness. However, he has three great receivers, Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, and Owen Daniels, and a great running back, Steve Slaton. Once they have Slaton the green light last season, this offense, and Schaub’s stats, took off. In his last 4 weeks, he totaled 1281 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Over a 16 game season that would be over 5000 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 picks. That is not going to happen, but that’s an idea of how good he can be if he’s healthy full time. The health thing is the only problem. Still, I would take this guy in the 7th or 8th and hope he stays healthy because you’re getting a 5th round caliber player if he is.

Jay Cutler Bye 5

Cutler is a great player, but his stats are going to go down this year. He is going to a conservative offense, with average at best receivers, learning a new offense, in a city known for wind and bad quarterbacks. He is going to turn this into a deadly offense, but his stats are not going to great fantasy wise. He won’t get 4500+ yards again, but close to 4000 is still possible. 25 touchdowns seems reasonable again for him, plus or minus 3, as this team lacks a true goal line back. The 18 picks will drop as he actually has a defense this year. But because he won’t get throwing the ball 616 times again, his overall stats will drop.

Tony Romo Bye 6

Bad news for Romo, his team lost its best receiver and will focus more on the run with Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. He won’t sniff 4000 yards and the 36 touchdowns he had in 2007 are not happening because this offense isn’t as good. I think he’ll have a big down year. Expect 20-23 touchdowns, 3500-3700 yards, 14-17 picks. This guy is going way higher than he should. Don’t be the one to reach for him in the 5th or 6th based off of his name.

Ben Roethlisberger Bye 8

Big name, big game, fantasy wise, not so much. Over the past 3 season this is a guy who has averaged 3300 yards and 24 touchdowns, not because he’s a bad player, but because he doesn’t throw the ball all that much. He has never had more than 469 attempts in a season and the return of Willie Parker and Rashad Mendenhall this season means that he likely won’t go much above 469 this year. Expect same old, same old, which isn’t enough fantasy wise. Don’t be the one to reach for Big Ben in the 6th.

Matt Hasselbeck Bye 7

He’s old, he’s injury prone, but he is working with by far the best receiver he has ever worked with in TJ Houshmanzadeh. However, his slot guy who was his safety net in 2007, Bobby Engram is gone and Deion Branch could be cut for cap reasons. He has no running game so he’ll have to do a lot of the work and the defense is not as good as it has been in past years. You’re not getting the Matt Hasselbeck of 2003-2007 if you draft him so don’t be fooled. Expect 3400-3600 yards, 21-25 touchdowns, and 13-16 picks. He is a solid value in the 9th or 10th round, but that’s it.

Jake Delhomme Bye 4

Sometimes, in Fantasy Football, in order to determine who could be possible sleepers for the upcoming season, you have to wait and see who the coaching staff chooses to start at the position. Potential fantasy sleepers can’t do much if sitting on the bench. Here’s a look at the 9 prominent quarterback competitions in the NFL that could impact how you should draft come fantasy time.

New York Jets

Kellen Clemens vs. Mark Sanchez

The Jets didn’t trade away their first two picks along with helpful defensive rotation guys to get a backup. They traded for Sanchez with the intention to start him early. Clemens may get the nod for week 1, but Clemens, a 2006 2nd round pick, has a quarterback rating of 59.3 for his career with 5 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. I would be very surprised if Sanchez is not the starter by week 9, New York’s bye, and there is a very good chance Sanchez is the week 1 starter. Keep your eye on this one for fantasy purposes. Sanchez could be a sleeper if he’s given the week 1 nod as he has great talent and a good supporting cast, but Clemens shouldn’t be anywhere near fantasy rosters, regardless of his position with the team.

Miami Dolphins

Chad Pennington vs. Pat White

This is not your traditional quarterback competition. Chad Pennington is now and will be the starting quarterback throughout the season. However, about 25-30% of the team’s snaps, maybe more, will be given to 2009 2nd round pick Pat White, who will run the wildcat offense for them. Pennington had a great resurrection type season last year, but he played a very, very weak schedule and now will have a much tougher schedule and a guy cutting into his snaps. Pennington has little to no fantasy value right now. Pat White does not either because he will not play all that much. Stay away from both of these guys and don’t be fooled by Pennington.

Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson

Anderson and Quinn both are talented quarterbacks. Anderson was a Pro Bowler in 2007 and Quinn was the star quarterback at Notre Dame. However, Quinn is going to be given every opportunity to win this starting job because he’s a former 1st round pick who has not been given a shot yet and I expect him to win the job. However, he will not have a very good supporting cast around him. Yes, maybe Braylon Edwards may decide to actually catch the football this year seeing as he’s in a contract year or maybe Brian Robiskie steps up big time as a rookie, but Quinn is going to be working with the same supporting cast he had last year before he got hurt. He should produce similar numbers, the potential in Edwards and Robiskie canceled out by the team’s lack of a tight end, as he did last season, when he completed 45 of 89 for 518 yards and 2 touchdowns to 2 picks in 3 games. Spread that out during a whole season, and its not very good. He doesn’t have a good running game supporting him and the defense still sucks. I wouldn’t draft him. If he gets off to a good start then pick him up, but I wouldn’t draft him. Anderson could be interesting if he gets traded. The last time he had a capable supporting cast he was a Pro Bowler. Teams could be looking for quarterback help and if he gets traded, pick him up immediately.

JaMarcus Russell vs. Jeff Garcia

Russell was the #1 pick 2 years ago and insane owner Al Davis is still madly in love with him so he’s going to give him every chance to win this starting job and even if he doesn’t win the starting job, he’ll still be given the starting job. Neither of these guys has much fantasy value if they were to start. Garcia didn’t have a lot of value last season with a good supporting cast, so if he were to become the Raiders’ starting quarterback, he would have little to none. Russell was interesting towards the end of last season, but he is reportedly very out of shape this season and performing horribly in mini camps. Don’t be the one to take a flier on Russell as a backup.

Kyle Orton vs. Chris Simms

Simms is reportedly gaining ground on Orton, but McDaniels didn’t ask for Orton to be put in the Cutler deal to sit him on the bench. McDaniels sees Orton as the perfect fit for his offensive system and is going to give him every opportunity to start. Orton could be interesting in the late rounds. He has a good supporting cast on offense, but the defense is atrocious which means that he’ll be forced to make big throws and he can’t do that. Expect his interceptions to skyrocket and his fantasy value to be very low.

Tavaris Jackson vs. Sage Rosenfels

The Vikings traded for Rosenfels, but don’t be fooled. This is still Tavaris Jackson’s job to lose. The Vikings only gave up a 4th rounder to get Rosenfels so in no way are they obligated to start him. Coach Brad Childress loves Jackson. He drafted him in the 2nd round when many other did not see him as a day 1 pick at all. He started him in the playoffs last year over Gus Frerotte, who was 8-3 as a starter. The Vikings are also reportedly experimenting with the wildcat now that they have Percy Harvin. Jackson’s speed would make him a great candidate for the wildcat. If Jackson is given the job, as I believe he will be, he still won’t have much fantasy value. Rosenfels could have some, but you have to remember that Rosenfels is a guy who had a 79.5 quarterback rating last season, which is mediocre, at best, in limited action throwing to Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, and Owen Daniels. Throwing to Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian, and Visanthe Shiancoe isn’t nearly as good. I wouldn’t draft either of these guys regardless of who starts, but Rosenfels, if he overtakes Jackson on the unofficial depth chart, could be interesting in the late rounds if you take him paired with a guy who has a week 10 bye. Rosenfels would play Detroit week 10.

Daunte Culpepper vs. Matt Stafford

Culpepper has lost weight, about 30 pounds, and really put in a lot of work this offseason. He deserves to be the starter here and I think he will be the week 1 starter, but, barring a failed physical, which sadly is a possibility, Jon Jansen will become a member of the Detroit Lions today. The Lions upper management has a reputation for being not very smart. They have failed their holes with veterans this offseason, veterans who were good a while ago, Anthony Henry, Grady Jackson, Julian Peterson, Larry Foote, etc. The Lions may put Jansen at right tackle, move Gosder Cherilus to left, move Jeff Backus to guard and call it a passable offensive line, which it would not be, and then throw Stafford out to the wolves. For Stafford sake, I hope he does not take more than a few snaps this season, even if they put Jansen in the starting lineup, because he could end up shell shocked like David Carr or Joey Harrington. But, the Lions upper management isn’t very smart and they could throw Stafford out there as soon as week 8, the week after the bye, or worse, week 1. I wouldn’t draft either of these guys, but you should keep your eye on Culpepper early on. He hasn’t been hurt in a while and is reportedly in great shape. He’s throwing to Calvin Johnson which definitely doesn’t hurt.

Luke McCown vs. Byron Leftwich vs. Josh Freeman

In the only three way quarterback battle we have the mysterious veteran who just never has gotten a shot in McCown, the reclamation project in Leftwich, and the 17th pick in the 2009 draft Josh Freeman. I don’t think we’ll see Freeman start week 1. It is unnecessary for this team to start him right away so I don’t think they will. Between McCown, who was promised a shot at the starting job, but not promised the starting job as is a big misconception, and Leftwich, I think they’ll take Leftwich because of his upside. Unlike the Bucs, you shouldn’t take Leftwich, even with his upside. If he gets off to a great start, by all means pick him up, but I wouldn’t draft him. He doesn’t have any really easy games this season, so using him as a week 1 replacement for a consistent starter won’t work. If Freeman is given the job this season, I wouldn’t pick him up, until he proves himself, because I just don’t like their schedule.

Shaun Hill vs. Alex Smith

They call it a quarterback competition but it really isn’t. They just say that because counting a guy out of the quarterback race in June, 4 years after you took him #1 overall, looks awful for you. That is the only reason Smith is still in this “competition.” This is Hill’s job and I love him as a fantasy sleeper. After Singletary took over and ran with him as his guy, Hill was 166 for 265 (62.6%) for 1873 yards, 12 touchdowns and 8 picks. Spread that out over a whole season and you’ve got about 3600-3700 yards, 24 TDs, 16 INTs. Add in the fact that he now has a capable receiver, Michael Crabtree, to throw to, and you’ve got yourself a fantasy sleeper. I would not be afraid to take this guy in the 12th round, especially if my QB1 had a 4th week bye, Matt Ryan, Donovan McNabb, Kurt Warner, and Jake Delhomme. Hill plays St. Louis’ miserable defense week 4. He is currently going in the 13th or 14th round. I might also take Hill as a QB2, if my QB1 were someone I was unsure about who I could replace with Hill, in case Hill gets hot or my QB1 gets cold. Jake Delhomme is the best of both worlds here.

Preseason 2010

May 12, 2012April 8, 2017 stevenlourie Fantasy Football

September 3rd Fantasy Football Update

This is the final fantasy update of the season, unless any unexpected cuts/trades are made.

QB Ben Roethlisberger UP

Ben had his suspension cut by 6 games to 4 on Friday. Ben has looked great this preseason and… (read more)

Hines Ward has to be happy that Ben’s suspension has been cut by 2 games

September 2nd Fantasy Football Update

TE Owen Daniels UP

Daniels has been activiated from the PUP list and looks likely to start the season opener. There are definitely no guarantees that he will play all 16 games, but he’s very talented when… (read more)

Reports say Vincent Jackson has played his last game as a Charger

Fantasy Football Experts Mock Draft: Round 10

Round 10 Pick 1

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: WR Derrick Mason BAL

He’s as solid as they… (read more)

Fantasy Football Experts Mock Draft: Round 9

Round 9 Pick 1

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: WR Lee Evans BUF

He is far better than… (read more)

August 31st Fantasy Football Update

RB Laurence Maroney DOWN

Maroney has yet to see a single carry this preseason. Belicheck loves to mess with fantasy owners, but this is definitely not a good sign. He’ll probably see some carries, but he’ll share… (read more)

Johnny Knox has been the Bears best receiver this preseason

August 24th Fantasy Football (MEGA) Update

QB Tom Brady UP

With Welker back in the lineup, the Patriots and Tom Brady looked to be in 2007 form week 2 against Atlanta. I’m not saying that he’ll throw 50 touchdowns, but having a healthy… (read more)

Sidney Rice could miss 8 weeks after undergoing hip surgery

Fantasy Football Experts Mock Draft: Round 8

Jerome Harrison ran for 561 yards and 5 TDs in the last three games of last season. Plus, the injury to Montario Hardesty allowed Harrison to move into the starting RB spot this off-season. I think the Browns will move the ball better than people think and Harrison… (read more)

Fantasy Football Experts Mock Draft: Round 7

Round 7 Pick 1

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: TE Brent Celek PHI

With essentially a rookie… (read more)

August 19th Fantasy Football Update

WR Donald Driver UP

Driver was in the lineup and looked healthy in his first preseason game this season, after speculation that he could miss time in the regular season. He’s still a 35 year old coming off of knee surgery on both knees so he won’t be player, but I’d feel a lot more… (read more)

Looks who’s back

August 15th Fantasy Football Update

RB Jamaal Charles UP

Charles was so much better than Thomas Jones in his first preseason game, albeit in limited action. Jones looked old on his two carries, managing 2 yards. Charles rushed for 37 yards on 4 carries and looked as good as he did to end last season, showing no signs of… (read more)

Rookie Ben Tate’s likely ankle break is a bad break for his fantasy owners

August 12th Fantasy Football Update

WR Johnny Knox UP

I’m hearing from many sources that the 2^nd year receiver is playing amazingly in camp and looks like the favorite to win the #1 receiver job over Devin Aromashodu and Devin Hester. He won’t be a true #1 because the Bears will throw the ball all… (read more)

Philip Rivers’ blindside could be very exposed this season without Marcus McNeill

Fantasy Football Experts Mock Draft: Round 6

Round 6 Pick 1

Justin Mertes-Mistretta- The Sports Bank

Pick: WR Hines Ward PIT

Consistency is king… (read more)

Fantasy Football Experts Mock Draft: Round 5

Taking a rookie RB, even if he is in a great situation like Mattews, is a bit risky. Addai is a productive back, and perhaps even more important, one that Manning trusts. He can produce on the ground and through the air. Quality RBs are drying up, meaning I wouldn’t… (read more)

August 10th Fantasy Football Update

RB Arian Foster UP

Foster has been working with the first team during camp. I still expect Ben Tate to start the season. They drafted him in the 2^nd round after being clearly discontent with their running game last year so it only makes sense they’d give him the first crack at… (read more)

Moreno is starting to strike me as the type of guy who can’t stay healthy

August 6th Fantasy Football Update

Hey, you know that whole Brett Favre retiring thing. Turns out it was pretty much a hoax. Even though no one in the media heard it straight from his mouth that he was retiring, the entire world went into a panic and assumed he was retiring because of some alleged… (read more)

He’s baaaaack! I think…

Fantasy Football Experts Mock Draft: Round 4

I’m a little hesitant to draft Best this early, because he is so unproven, but my gut feeling couldn’t be any higher on this guy. The Detroit Lions have a plethora of young talent and head coach Jim Schwartz has already said that he wants Best to be the feature back. I… (read more)

August 3rd Fantasy Football Update

Brett Favre has “retired.” However, right after the news, I tweeted “over/under a week before Brett Favre comes back” and it turns out I’m not alone. A large percentage of the football community believes that Favre is not actually 100% retired (like a boy who… (read more)

Please don’t come back Brett. Updating my fantasy rankings is a pain in the ass.

Fantasy Football Tip: KISS

Yeah, not that KISS

Fantasy Football Position Battles

Below is a list of positional battles that will have significant fantasy consequences this season, thus making them extremely important to monitor in training camp.

Jonathan Stewart/DeAngelo Williams

Both backs are… (read more)

If Fred Davis wins the starting tight end job in Washington he’d be a nice sleeper

Fantasy Players Coming Off Injuries

Below is a list of key fantasy players coming off of injuries. These players are one you should play extra special attention to during the Pre-Season.

Tom Brady

Brady had shoulder, finger… (read more)

If Steven Jackson shows he’s healthy in the preseason, his stock would shoot up

Fantasy Football Experts Mock Draft: Round 3

Round 3 Pick 1

Ryan Lester- Lester’s Legends

Pick: RB Ryan Mathews SD

Mathews is stepping into… (read more)

Fantasy Football Experts Mock Draft: Round 2

I have to confess, I have an absolute man-crush on Miles Austin. While some may be wary of drafting him this early, I have no qualms. He was able to put up 80+ catches, over 1300 yards and double digit touchdowns despite only starting 3/4’s of the season. It’s scary… (read more)

July 30th Fantasy Football Update

RB Cedric Benson UP

Benson reportedly will not be suspended by the league following his recent arrest. This is a big surprise for me, but nonetheless it does move Benson back up my board. He’s still an… (read more)

Donald Driver is still not practicing after two offseason knee surgeries

Fantasy Football Experts Mock Draft: Round 1

I believe Peterson, Chris Johnson, and Maurice Jones-Drew are pretty much on the same level. I expect Chris Johnson to see a decrease in his workload after such a heavy one last year. MJD proved he could be the feature back, but doesn’t get enough help. Meanwhile… (read more)

QB2 Cheat Sheet

Bye Weeks

Good ideas in bold

Week 4

QB1s on bye: Tony… (read more)

July 9th Update

WR Vincent Jackson DOWN

I had Jackson lower than normal already due to the possibility that he might get suspended. Now he actually has been suspended, for 3 games. Add in his bye week, and he’ll be missing 4 weeks out of your 13 or 14 week regular season. If you spend a 3^rd round… (read more)

Vincent Jackson’s suspension makes him a less valuable fantasy player

Drafting a QB2

Before reading this, it would be a good idea to brief yourself on my Fantasy Quarterbacks article

Drafting a backup quarterback is an often overlooked, but it can actually have a huge impact on your fantasy team. With any luck, you’ll only have to use your backup quarterback… (read more)

Matt Stafford is a huge boom or bust type player for 2010

June 29th Update

WR Donald Driver DOWN

Driver had two knee surgeries in the offseason and is still not practicing. This might not be a big deal if he was 25, but he’s 35. Driver already started to drop off in production late last season and now he’s pretty badly hurt, not practicing, and won’t heal like… (read more)

Cedric Benson’s future isn’t looking too bright

Sleeper Cheat Sheet

Mid Round Upside Picks

WR Chaz Schilens- OAK

ADP: 154th

WR Malcom Floyd- SD

ADP: 88… (read more)

Fantasy Football: Late Round Value Picks

I have broken my sleepers into 4 categories this year. Mid Round Upside Picks, Mid Round Value Picks, Late Round Upside Picks, Late Round Value Picks. A Late Round Value Pick, as I will list here, is anyone available in the late rounds (13^th-16^th) of a 12 team… (read more)

Former Ram Torry Holt may be old and boring, but don’t sleep on him this year

Fantasy Football: Late Round Upside Picks

I have broken my sleepers into 4 categories this year. Mid Round Upside Picks, Mid Round Value Picks, Late Round Upside Picks, Late Round Value Picks. A Mid Round Upside Pick, as I will list here, is anyone available in the late rounds (13^th-16^th) of a 12 team draft, that has… (read more)

Buccaneer rookie receiver Arrelious Benn has big fantasy upside this year

Fantasy Football: Mid Round Value Picks

I have broken my sleepers into 4 categories this year. Mid Round Upside Picks, Mid Round Value Picks, Late Round Upside Picks, Late Round Value Picks. A Mid Round Value Pick, as I will list here, is anyone available in the mid rounds (8^th-12^th) of a 12 team draft, that… (read more)

People seem to have forgotten about Lee Evans, playing will Buffalo will do that

Fantasy Football: Mid Round Upside Picks

I have broken my sleepers into 4 categories this year. Mid Round Upside Picks, Mid Round Value Picks, Late Round Upside Picks, Late Round Value Picks. A Mid Round Upside Pick, as I will list here, is anyone available in the mid rounds (8^th-12^th) of a 12 team draft, that… (read more)

Chaz Schilens has good upside this year now that he has a capable quarterback

Positional Cheat Sheet

For printer friendly, click here

Quarterbacks

Tier 1

1. Aaron… (read more)

Fantasy Football Top 100: Cheat Sheet

1. Adrian Peterson

2. Chris Johnson

3. Maurice Jones Drew

4. Ray… (read more)

Fantasy Football Defenses

I am not going to do an official fantasy defense ranking. This is how I draft my fantasy defense. I make a list of 4 or 5 teams that I view as elite defenses and then, if when my pick comes up, more than half of those defenses are gone, I take one of the remaining. This… (read more)

Darrelle Revis is a huge reason why the Jets’ have a very good fantasy defense

Top 30 Fantasy Wide Receivers

This top 30 list also happens to be the same list as my “list of guys who if you have anyone else as your WR1 or WR2 you’re screwed list” (name pending). No offense to wide receivers 30+, but if you’re in a 10 or 12 team league, you don’t want the 31st or… (read more)

Andre Johnson is pretty clearly the #1 fantasy wide receiver for 2010

Top 30 Fantasy Running Backs

This top 30 list also happens to be the same list as my “list of guys who if you have anyone else as your RB1 or RB2 you’re screwed list” (name pending). No offense to running backs 30+, but if you’re in a 10 or 12 team league, you don’t want the 31st or… (read more)

Chris Johnson’s durability after a big season with his small frame is a concern

Top 15 Fantasy Tight Ends

This top 15 list also happens to be the same list as my “list of guys who if you have anyone else as your TE1 you’re screwed list” (name pending). No offense to tight ends 16 on, but if you’re in a 10 or 12 team league, you don’t want the 16th or 17th best… (read more)

Vernon Davis is talented, but he’ll have some trouble remaining the #1 tight end

Top 15 Fantasy Quarterbacks

Drew Brees may have a ring, but Rodgers is the king of all fantasy quarterbacks

Fantasy Rookie Rankings

QB Jimmy Clausen

Of the 5 quarterbacks to play a significant portion of their rookie year in recent years, 2 (Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco) had success in their first year. Now, in real life, there’s nothing wrong with your rookie quarterback throwing 20 picks as rookies (Matt Stafford, Mark… (read more)

Fantasy Football Offseason Stock Report

Matt Forte DOWN

Matt Forte was awful last year, with a YPC of 3.6, but at least you could say he got the ball often with 258 carriesa and 57 catches. With Chester Taylor now in town, that’s not going to happen again. Plus, they didn’t fix the offensive line either, a major… (read more)

Larry Fitzgerald is talented, but is his quarterback?

Preseason 2011

May 12, 2012 stevenlourie Fantasy Football

Top 15 Quarterbacks

Top 30 Running Backs

Top 30 Wide Receivers

Fantasy Tip: Drafting a backup quarterback

Fantasy Tip: Drafting a defense

Fantasy Football Rules

Top 100

Positional Rankings

Sleepers

Drafting a backup quarterback

Fantasy Footballl 2009

May 12, 2012 stevenlourie Fantasy Football

Back in August I made a bunch of sleeper picks of fantasy football players for my Draft Kit and as I was looking back at them a few days ago with the fantasy season coming to a close, there were some I definitely was able to pat myself on the back after, but also my fair share of sleepers gone wrong. This is all ok though because, with sleepers, even if less than 50% of them pan out, you can still win your league because you just drop your duds and replace them with emerging studs from the waiver wire to go with your stud sleepers that did pan out and your sure things from the first few rounds.

5 studs

Ray Rice- Baltimore

1952 total yards (683 receiving), 8 touchdowns (1 receiving), 3 fumbles lost

Initial Write up: Rice is going to be the #1 back on the depth chart for Baltimore this year, due to Willie McGahee’s age and injury problems, as well as LeRon McClain moving back to fullback. McGahee and McClain are still going to cut into Rice’s carries. Rice averaged 4.2 YPC last year and Baltimore is still going to run a lot because I’m not sure they’re fully ready to use Joe Flacco as a 500-550 throw quarterback yet. He should get more than 200 carries and at around 4 yards per carry, maybe more depending on how he improves as a runner in his 2nd year, he should get 800+ yards. He caught 33 balls last year for 273 yards and that should improve to somewhere around 50 balls for 400 yards this year as he gets more work. Flacco likes to check down and will look for Rice often. McGahee and McClain and McClain will split goal line carries so 5-9 200 pounds Ray Rice won’t get into the end zone that often. Don’t expect more than 4 or 5 touchdowns.

Today’s reaction: Even I may have been a little conservative with his upside. I said 1200 total yards and he’s at 1952 and counting right now. He became a PPR god with 74 receptions and a pretty damn good RB1 in normal leagues. He’s a first round pick in 2010.

Heath Miller- Pittsburgh

71 receptions, 733 yards, 5 touchdowns

Initial Write up: Miller no longer has to contend with Nate Washington for receptions over the middle and Ben Roethlisberger’s shoulder is no longer hurt so he can go back to being that 500-600 yard 5-7 touchdown guy this season. If you forgot to take a tight end in the earlier rounds or you didn’t because you were busy gobbling up RB/WR sleepers, you can do a whole lot worse than Miller, a consistent performer.

Today’s reaction: Again, I was too conservative with his upside. I said he’d have a nice bounce back season, Miller has surpassed his career high in receptions by 23 and his career high in yards by 167 and he’s not done yet. His huge breakout season went largely unnoticed as he’s still not a household name and he’s actually only owned in about 82% of all leagues, but with Ben Roethlisberger having a career year as well, Miller was a weekly TE1.

Ricky Williams- Miami

1350 total yards (260 receiving), 13 touchdowns (2 receiving), 2 fumbles lost

Initial Write up: He’s 32, but he’s also Ronnie Brown’s only good backup and the favorite to get 20 carries a game when Ronnie Brown gets hurt again. Ronnie Brown has not had good history in terms of injuries, so Williams is a fantasy sleeper. He could be a borderline RB2 if Brown gets hurt and that’s all you really want from a late round pick, upside.

Today’s reaction: Its pretty sad that I’m able to predict a Ronnie Brown injury that easily, but Brown gets hurt more than almost anyone in the league. After Brown went down, it became the Ricky Williams show in Miami again as a 32-year-old Ricky rushed for 1000 yards for the first time since 2003, and had double digit touchdowns for the first time since 2002.

Jamaal Charles- Kansas City

1155 total yards (294 receiving), 6 touchdowns (one receiving), 2 fumbles lost

Initial Write up: Larry Johnson isn’t on good terms with the new management in Kansas City and he could be cut before the season starts. Charles could end up getting 225+ carries if that happens and if he gets that many carries, 900+ yards would not be out of reach. Even if Johnson stays, he could get hurt or benched again and in that case, Charles becomes a borderline RB2 for a few weeks.

Today’s reaction: I also forgot the part where Larry Johnson sucks and hates gay people and his coaches and really, really likes Twitter, and just is overall crazy and Jamaal Charles is a beast. He didn’t get 225 carries because Todd Haley is an idiot, but he got 861 rushing yards and added 294 more through the air despite not really playing much until late in the season.

Steve Smith- NY Giants

97 receptions, 1163 yards, 7 touchdowns

Initial Write up: Someone has to be the #1 option for the Giants this year right?…right? Smith has been the most impressive receiver for the Giants in the preseason and he’s in his 3^rdyear, so he’s worth a look in the mid-late rounds.

Today’s reaction: Smith did become the #1 option for the Giants and really became an elite fantasy wide receiver from week 1. The Giants faded after about week 6, but Steve Smith didn’t. He set and is currently demolishing the record for most receptions by a Giant in a single season and has a good shot week 17 to get into triple digit receptions.

5 duds

Jake Delhomme- Carolina

Initial Write up: Even though he gave the ball and the game away in the playoffs last year, I still like Delhomme as a sleeper. He has a great supporting cast and he’s another year removed from his elbow surgery. He still will be inconsistent and that’s a risk you’ll have to take, but if you can get his 3200-3500 yards and 18-20 touchdowns in the 10th or 11th round, go for it.

Today’s reaction: What was I smoking in August and where did I get it?

James Davis- Cleveland

Initial Write up: Jamal Lewis is really not impressing new coach Eric Mangini and there’s actually a chance that Davis is the starting back or at least has a large role on the team week 1. He’s worth a late round flier at this point because I believe, like Greene, he will be the starter for the Browns sometime this season. Fantasy teams don’t really have him on their radar because Davis was a mere 6th round pick in the 2009 NFL draft, but, as he showed at Clemson, he’s the real deal if given a shot.

Today’s reaction: He had a shot at the starting job week 1, but he got into a car accident that week and was hurt. He suffered other injuries over the first miserable weeks of his rookie season and before you know it, his rookie year was done. He went on IR on October 3^rd after 9 carries for 15 yards. Jerome Harrison has cemented himself as the #1 back in Cleveland for the future so Davis doesn’t have a ton of value next season.

Bobby Engram- Kansas City

Initial Write up: He’s injury prone, but he’s going to be the slot receiver for Kansas City’s pass heavy offense, which happens to be led by a weak armed quarterback who loves to throw it to his slot receiver. He had 1147 yards in 2007, and he could get you 70 receptions for 800 yards seeing as he’s talented and Matt Cassel will want to throw to him a lot so he’s worth the late round injury/age risk. He’s value is higher in PPR leagues and lower in touchdown leagues.

Today’s reaction: I admitted didn’t put enough emphasis on the old and injury prone part of him. Engram was a depth guy at best this year for a miserable Chiefs team and only had 5 catches for 61 yards before being released on November 8^th. He might not get a shot in the NFL again as he’s going to be 37 in a few days.

Mike Goodson- Carolina

Initial Write up: The Panthers have announced that due to Jonathan Stewart’s achilles injury, Goodson could be used more often in the early weeks of the season. If Stewart misses any games, a real possibility at this point, Goodson would take over Stewart’s carries making him a decent RB3 for a few weeks as Carolina has a great offensive line and the defense will be more worried about DeAngelo Williams. This guy is not even drafted in most leagues so he’s a huge steal at this point. Stewart’s stock falls everyday he misses practice and everyday rookie Goodson impresses.

Today’s reaction: Not only did Jonathan Stewart play every game this season as the 2^nd string running back, Goodson was actually passed by Tyrell Sutton on the depth chart midseason and fell to 4^th string. Goodson got a season high 5 carries week 16 and got 2 yards with them. He only had 4 yards on 9 carries all season. Something tells me he might not be back next season.

Jared Cook- Tennessee

Initial Write up: Cook led the Titans in receiving last week and has looked good in the preseason. Tennessee is a very tight end friendly offense, just ask Bo Sciafe. However, its looking like Cook will be top dog on the Tennessee tight end depth chart very soon so he’s the Tennessee tight end you want. He’s definitely worth a late round flier.

Today’s reaction: Whether it was injuries or falling out of favor with the coaching staff, Cook barely saw the field this season after a strong preseason. He’s a decent breakout candidate in his 2^nd year next year, but 9 catches for 74 yards this season is very disappointing.

Yes, a good fantasy draft is extremely important to your season. But, its not everything. I won my fantasy football league this year despite wasting the #2 selection on Matt Forte, who sat on my bench for most of week 5 on, and a 3^rd round selection on Kevin Smith, who had one of the worst YPC in the league this year behind an awful Detroit offensive line. The point is, guys bust, they get hurt, they aren’t who we thought they were. By far the most important thing to a fantasy team is the waiver wire. For every underperforming star, there is an unknown who exceeds expectations. For every injured star, there is an unknown who steps up in his absence.

In fact, if I could choose between drafting a team and not being allowed any waiver pickups, and everyone else is, and not getting to draft at all, and creating a team of merely guys from the waivers, I’d choose the latter every time. Sure, we’d start off slow, but I could win the championship with that team assuming we got out act together to make the playoffs. In fact, I won’t just say that. I will prove that. I will make a team compiled of simply players that were featured on my fantasy football pickups of the week, a segment where I profile players that for the most part are owned in 30% of all leagues or less that should be owned in most or at least a lot more than they are currently. Since I never featured defenses or kickers on that segment, I won’t put either of those on my list. Instead, I’ll just focus on the 14 other roster slots.

QB Vince Young- Tennessee

1981 total yards (283 rushing), 12 touchdowns (2 rushing), 6 interceptions

First profiled: Week 11

Initial Write up: Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. I’m not saying start him, but if you need a QB2 with upside, go ahead and pick this guy up. He’s been 44 of 62 for 507 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception since taking over as a starter 3 weeks ago. He also has 78 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown and gets Miami and St. Louis during the first two weeks of the fantasy playoffs.

QB Alex Smith- San Francisco

2178 total yards (50 rushing), 17 touchdowns, 12 interceptions

First profiled: Week 8

Initial Write up: Mike Singletary removed Shaun Hill at halftime and put in Alex Smith. Smith responded by almost erasing a 3 score deficit with 206 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. That interception was on a tough throw he almost had to force to give his team a shot to win. He played like the former #1 pick he is and is going to be given a shot to start this week against Indianapolis. He seems comfortable and to have developed an amazing connection with his receivers, especially Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.

RB Rashard Mendenhall- Pittsburgh

1249 total yards (235 receiving), 8 touchdowns (1 receiving), 3 fumbles lost

First profiled: Week 5

Initial Write Up: Mendenhall finally broke out with 165 yards and 2 touchdowns on 29 carries last week against San Diego. If Willie Parker misses another week with turf toe, which is very possible because turf toe is a lingering injury for running backs, Mendenhall could have another big week next week against the Lions. After the Lions he plays the Browns. He should be owned universally.

RB Jamaal Charles- Kansas City

1115 total yards (294 receiving), 6 touchdowns (1 receiving), 2 fumbles lost

First profiled: Week 6

Initial Write up: Larry Johnson is awful. He is averaging 2.4 yards per carry and has 0 touchdowns this season. Assuming Chiefs coach Todd Haley isn’t completely inept (no promises there), he will give the more talented Jamaal Charles more work in the weeks to come. Charles is averaging 5.1 yards per carry this season and catches passes as well so if he gets involved in the offense more, he could be a decent start some weeks depending on the matchup.

RB Laurence Maroney- New England

856 total yards (99 receiving), 9 touchdowns, 4 fumbles lost

First profiled: Week 7

Initial Write up: Fred Taylor is out. Sammy Morris hurt his ankle last week and is questionable going forward. Maroney is the feature back for New England if Morris is out and the Patriots play Tampa Bay, who struggle against the run, next week. Tom Brady is coming off of a huge week so the Bucs are probably going to be focusing on him and Maroney could take advantage of that with a big week next week.

RB Mike Bell- New Orleans

640 total yards (14 receiving), 5 touchdowns, 2 fumbles lost

First profiled: Week 2

Initial Write up: Well, we know who New Orleans will go to on the ground with Pierre Thomas out. Bell had 149 yards on 28 carries for the Saints. He won’t play against Detroit’s miserable ground defense every week and Pierre Thomas isn’t going to be hurt every weak, but if he keeps play like this, the Saints are going to keep going with what’s hot. Thomas probably won’t play this week either so Bell is worth a start this week in flex leagues if you need running back help. Bell should be owned universally.

WR Steve Smith- NY Giants

97 receptions, 1163 yards, 7 touchdowns

First profiled: Week 2

Initial Write up: Smith was Eli Manning’s favorite target in the Giants’ win over the Redskins and could lead Giants wideouts in fantasy points by the end of the season. He’s a 3^rdyear receiver so he’s an excellent candidate to break out this year and Eli looked really comfortable throwing to him.

WR Miles Austin- Dallas

74 receptions, 1230 yards, 11 touchdowns

First profiled: Week 6

Initial Write up: I don’t love Austin as a fantasy player or the Cowboys passing game in general, but there’s no denying the fact that he had an unheard of 250 yards and 2 touchdowns last week, granted it was against Kansas City’s secondary. He won’t be consistent, but the Cowboys are obviously going to try to get him more involved so he could be huge for you.

WR Sidney Rice- Minnesota

77 receptions, 1200 yards, 6 touchdowns

First profiled: Week 7

Initial Write up: Its tough to ignore Rice after his 176 yard game last week. He’s a talented 3^rdyear receiver who seems to get better every week. He’s a goal line threat at 6-4 and Brett Favre seems to like throwing to him. He has surpassed Bernard Berrian as Favre’s favorite target.

WR Mike Sims Walker- Jacksonville

61 receptions, 847 yards, 7 touchdowns

First profiled: Week 5

Initial Write up: Sims-Walker had a huge 31% gain in own %, but he’s still available in over 60% of leagues despite his 91 yard 2 touchdown game. He’s obviously the best wideout on the Jaguars and is a borderline start going forward into the season and certain merits another start next week to see if he can keep up the momentum.

WR Michael Crabtree- San Francisco

45 receptions, 567 yards, 2 touchdowns

First profiled: Week 8

Initial Write up: Speaking of Crabtree, he should be owned in all leagues. He has a great connection with new quarterback Alex Smith and fits the Niners’ offensive perfectly. He had 5 catches for 56 yards, but had a 25 yard catch erased on a penalty. And this was his first game. Pick him up as he has potential to be a WR2 caliber guy weekly.

WR Robert Meachem- New Orleans

43 receptions, 710 yards, 9 touchdowns

First profiled: Week 13

Initial Write up: He has caught 5 touchdowns in the last 4 weeks for the explosive Saints offense so I’d call that a trend and one that you’d want to get in on if you can. He does have 2 weeks in the last 4 of 60 yards of more, but also two clunkers in terms of yards. He’s not my favorite option, but in deeper leagues, he could be worth it, though there is downside if he doesn’t score. However, with the way Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense is moving right now, he is likely to score again.

TE Brent Celek- Philadelphia

69 receptions, 875 yards, 8 touchdowns

First profiled: Week 3

Initial Write up: Celek had 37 yards and 1 touchdown with McNabb under center, even though the Eagles didn’t pass a lot that week and 104 yards last week with Kolb under center. He has looked good in every game he has played thus far in his career, even though he hasn’t played a ton. He is the every down tight end for the Eagles right now and should be a good start every week for you.

TE Heath Miller- Pittsburgh

71 receptions, 733 yards, 5 touchdowns

First profiled: Week 2

Initial Write up: With Nate Washington gone and Heath Miller finally healthy, Miller should get plenty of looks over the middle this season. He certainly did against the Titans with 8 catches for 64 yards. He has been one of the most consistently underrated tight ends over the past few years, not counting last year, and, assuming he stays healthy, he should be able to do so again this year. He’s a TE1 in almost all leagues and should be owned universally.

WR Larry Fitzgerald- Arizona

He put in 2 straight days of full practice on Thursday and Friday and is listed as probable, so he should be good to go for the 2^nd straight week through a knee injury. You want him in your lineup against the lowly Rams.

RB Michael Turner- Atlanta

He hasn’t practiced all week, but there’s still a possibility that he does play. He’s played after a week of no practice before, but after being knocked out of three games this season with that same high ankle sprain, even if he does play this week, there’s a chance that happens once again. Falcons coach Mike Smith is too stupid to realize that if your star player keeps getting knocked out of games with the same injury, maybe, now that you’ve been eliminated from the playoffs, you should sit him. Or maybe he just hates fantasy football and likes to give Michael Turner owners false hope and confuse the owners of backup Jason Snelling. Snelling should see a fair amount of action this week against the Bills 32^nd ranked run defense so he’s worth a start, though there are both clear up and down sides to his possible production this week. Michael Turner is not worth the headache even if he does play so I’d sit him. You don’t want one of your starting running backs to be knocked out after 1 carry again.

12/27/09: Inactive, Snelling is an excellent start against Buffalo’s last place run defense.

QB Matt Ryan- Atlanta

He practiced on a limited basis late in the week and is a game time decision, though he may just be called that to try to catch the Bills off guard this week. He played last week after being a game time decision and I believe, as do others, that he is going to play this week as well. However, with the turf toe, which I do not believe is fully healed, he looked very turnover prone against the Jets last week and he’s a risk against the Bills, who have one of the most opportunistic secondaries in the league. If you do intend to start him however, be sure to check back here tomorrow to make sure he is indeed starting.

12/27/09: Active, but I wouldn’t count on a good week.

QB Trent Edwards- Buffalo

Placed on IR. There shouldn’t have been much reason to have him on your roster recently anyway, but if you’re one of the 26.2% of ESPN leaguers who still own him, get rid of him.

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick- Buffalo

He hasn’t practiced much this week and Brian Brohm has gotten most of the first team reps this week in practice, but they are still calling it a game time decision between Fitzpatrick and Brohm. Even against a weak Atlanta secondary, I don’t think you really want to be starting either of those two games so it shouldn’t matter.

RB Jonathan Stewart- Carolina

He still has that questionable tag, but I would make that much of that. He practiced fine this week through his achilles injury and should play. DeAngelo Williams is not likely to play, so Stewart could get a big increase in carries this week which is nice.

RB DeAngelo Williams- Carolina

After barely practicing this week, he’s doubtful and not expected to play.

12/27/09: Inactive

WR Devin Hester- Chicago

He has been practicing more this week in practice and looks his healthiest since he hurt his calf a few weeks ago, but he’s still listed as questionable for a Monday Night game, so you’re taking a huge risk by starting him. Calf injuries also tend to linger so his explosiveness could be sapped this week, which would be bad for him, plus he plays against Antoine Winfield who is a tough matchup.

WR Eddie Royal- Denver

He won’t play this week. I would strongly hope you won’t relying on him in your fantasy championship or even have him on your roster because he’s having a bad year, but there are still plenty of people who own him.

RB Corell Buckhalter- Denver

He was limited in practice on Friday, but is still expected to play and is listed as probable. He isn’t going to do anything fantasy relevant, but he could take away some carries from Knowshon Moreno, though not that many because he is hurt. Moreno’s still a decent start against the Eagles this week.

WR Pierre Garcon- Indianapolis

He’s out this week with a hand injury. Austin Collie will start opposite Reggie Wayne, who could be blanketed by Darrelle Revis all game, so Collie could have a bunch of targets, as could tight end Dallas Clark.

Colts starters

“We’ll go into it just like we did against Jacksonville, go to try to win this thing, play hard and make adjustments as we go.” –Colts head coach Jim Caldwell

That sounds like a pretty good endorsement for all of the Colts’ starters so Joseph Addai, Peyton Manning, Dallas Clark, get those guys in your lineup. The only one I’d be worried about is Reggie Wayne who will be covered by Darrelle Revis.

QB Tom Brady- New England

He’s got a mess of injuries, but he’s going to play through them and actually could have a decent game against the Jags, who have no pass rush and a secondary full of holes.

WR Lance Moore- New Orleans

Won’t play.

TE Jeremy Shockey- New Orleans

All signs are pointing to Shockey being a 50-50 game time decision. Check back tomorrow. David Thomas could be a decent tight end replacement if Shockey doesn’t play. He really stepped up in Shockey’s absence last week.

12/27/09: Inactive, David Thomas now has some value.

RB Reggie Bush- New Orleans

Expected to play through his hamstring injury, but he only has 8 carries over the last 3 weeks so he’s a huge risk, even against the Bucs defense this week.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw- NY Giants

He didn’t practice much this week either, but is expected to play through his foot and ankle injuries as he has been doing all season. He’s been playing better of late in terms of YPC and touchdowns and he’s a decent flex option this week against Carolina, who is weak on the ground. His production this week will depend on how much or little Brandon Jacobs plays.

WR Hakeem Nicks- NY Giants

He has two good days of practice, Thursday, and Friday, and is listed as probable, so there’s a good chance that he plays. However, he’s not a full time starter and really has been relies on deep balls and touchdowns to get solid fantasy production. Carolina is stingy against the pass and the Giants should have a run heavy attack this weak to destroy the Panthers on the ground so Nicks might not have as many opportunities for deep balls. He’s a risky play.

WR Braylon Edwards- NY Jets

He got Wednesday off because of a knee bruise, but is expected to play on Sunday. Use him as you normally would and know that he’s been inconsistent and is facing a tough Indianapolis secondary this week.

QB Charlie Frye- Oakland

JaMarcus Russell is so bad that the Raiders are going to rush Frye back from a concussion and start him this week against the Browns. Frye isn’t very good either so don’t get any ideas about start him against his old team, no matter how bad against the pass they’ve been this season.

RB Justin Fargas- Oakland

Fargas hasn’t been practicing much this week with a knee injury and has been downgraded to doubtful so its safe to say he doesn’t play, which could mean another week of Michael Bush starting at running back for the Raiders. Bush could have a huge game against the Browns in Fargas’ expected absence.

12/27/09: Inactive

TE Zach Miller- Oakland

He passed some concussion tests and was cleared to practice this week, which he did in limited fashion, but he has not been cleared by doctors for game action yet. He’ll likely be a game time decision depending on how he feels in the morning tomorrow. If you intend on using him, check back here tomorrow to make sure he plays.

12/27/09: Inactive

RB Brian Westbrook- Philadelphia

Andy Reid has said he’ll play this week for the first time since his concussion week 10 and he did practice all week with the first team, but with this game against the Broncos being a fairly meaningless game, I think they are just playing Westbrook to get him into game shape for the playoffs, which means he won’t be used in any way fantasy relevant unless this game becomes a blowout. They’ll want to be very cautious with him as a 3^rd concussion this season could end his career.

WR Hines Ward- Pittsburgh

He has two days of practice under his belt so he’s a good bet to start, but he had a minor setback to his hamstring injury earlier in the week and if he has another one during the game, he might not be able to return. That being said, he’s one of Pittsburgh’s top receivers and is playing a team that he always plays some of his best football against so he’s worth the risk.

RB Rashard Mendenhall- Pittsburgh

The hip contusion he sustained in last week’s game is not serious and he’s practiced fine this week. The only thing that stand between him and a good fantasy day is a tough Baltimore defense, but he did rush for 95 yards against them a few weeks ago.

RB Julius Jones- Seattle

He practice two days with a rib injury, but is still listed as questionable. He’s not a very good runner and he’s now officially splitting carries with the much more talented Justin Forsett, so he’s a very risky start, should be play, against a good Green Bay defense. That being said, I expect him to play.

12/27/09: He’s playing, but I’m not liking the fantasy prospects this week.

RB Steven Jackson- St. Louis

He didn’t practice all week, but that was to be expected. He hasn’t practiced in a while. He should still be on the field this week, but if the coaching staff realizes that the team is 1-13 and nowhere near the playoffs, they might rest Jackson this week, so check back tomorrow just to make sure that the Rams are indeed crazy and starting him once again.

12/27/09: Fully expected to play, but that’s the best confirmation I can give you at the moment. He doesn’t play until the afternoon.

12/27/09: Listed as inactive. Hopefully you can still switch him out.

WR Antonio Bryant- Tampa Bay

After looking murky earlier in the week, Bryant had a good day of practice Friday and is expected to play through his groin injury. However, I can’t guarantee any sort of good game with Josh Freeman at quarterback against the New Orleans Saints.

12/27/09: Active

RB Derrick Ward- Tampa Bay

He was expected to get the bulk of the carries against the Saints this week before his knee started acting up and now that doesn’t look as likely. Even if he plays, his carries could be limited again so he’s a huge risk that I wouldn’t take this week.

12/27/09: Active, but I wouldn’t play him this week.

TE Kellen Winslow- Tampa Bay

Two good days of practice after being limited on Wednesday with a knee injury, if he could play last week, he should be good to go for the rest of the season. Start him with confidence.

QB Jason Campbell- Washington

Jim Zorn has announced that he will start this week despite a shoulder stinger. Use him as you normally would.

I get asked a lot of questions on Twitter about who people should start this week for their fantasy team. I decided, since some of my readers might have some of the same questions, to post some of them up here, along with my answers. I should be getting a lot more as the week goes on and I will post those up here too. If you want a question answered, Tweet Me, or if you don’t have a Twitter, Email Me, and if it’s a question that I think a lot of other people could have, it would anonymously appear up here.

Chris Chambers/Terrell Owens

-i dont like that matchup, bengals r tough against the pass, bills do play the falcons so TO could catch a few deep ones

Laurence Maroney/Jerome Harrison

-i’d go with harrison just cuz he’s on fire rite now and has an easy matchup and just hope mangini doesn’t go back to Jennings

Ben Roethlisberger/Joe Flacco

-Big Ben, see my NFL Picks for why

Terrell Owens/Josh Morgan

-morgan is too inconsistent, start TO

Brett Favre/Tony Romo

-i dont trust favre at the moment, i trust romo a little more

Kenny Britt/DeSean Jackson/Steve Smith (CAR)/Pierre Garcon

-assuming u start three, start britt, jackson, and smith, there’s a good chance garcon doesnt even play, he’s hurt and the colts could be resting

Adrian Peterson/Jamaal Charles/Maurice Morris/Jerome Harrison

-Peterson and Charles, they are locks now no matter the matchup, if u have a flex rb/wr, start Harrison

Bo Scaife/Kellen Winslow

-winslow barring any setbacks with the injury

Alex Smith/Tony Romo

– smith could have a good game, but i’d go with romo, he’s a little safer

Need a question answered? Tweet Me, or Email Me.

RB Jerome Harrison- Cleveland

Available in 89.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

I don’t often compare Bill Belicheck to Eric Mangini because, well, BB has 3 Super Bowls, and Eric Mangini’s claim to fame is setting the record for most complaints filed against a coach over the course of a single season. However, these two do have something in common; they both hate fantasy football. With a passion. After Jamal Lewis went on IR, Jerome Harrison started at running back for the Browns and had a decent week and was big fantasy pickup. The next week, Chris Jennings moved into the starting running back slot and everyone assumed that he was now the starter so obviously a lot of fantasy football players rushed out to pick him up and drop Jerome Harrison. Well, last week, Mangini flip flopped back to Jerome Harrison and he wasn’t just good, he was historical, rushing for 286 yards, 3^rd most in NFL history and 15 fewer yards than he had in the entire season before that game. He also had 3 touchdowns and 2 receptions for 12 yards giving him an astonishing 47 fantasy points in regular leagues and 49 in PPR leagues. Given that Eric Mangini is likely coaching for his job for the rest of the season, I think it’s a pretty safe bet that he starts Harrison again this week. While I highly doubt he gets you 47 points and while I believe that a huge part of his huge week last week was the fact that he was playing the Chiefs, who give up the 2^nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs at 23.6 per game, he does face the Raiders this week, who give up the 4^th most at 22.1 per game. I would not be surprised if Harrison rushed for 100 yards and punched in a score or two.

RB Maurice Morris- Detroit

Available in 97.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

So much for the Aaron Brown, Maurice Morris timeshare, Morris got 17 carries last week against the same Arizona run defense that bottled up Adrian Peterson for 19 yards on 13 carries and had 126 yards and a touchdown, plus 5 catches for 35 yards through the air. San Francisco is his opponent this week and they give up the 13^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs at 17.1 per game so assuming he stays the feature back, he’s worth a flex play this week.

QB Vince Young- Tennessee

Available in 72.9% of all leagues (ESPN)

Another consistent decent week for Vince Young, who is 7-1 since taking over as a starter, with his one loss coming against the Colts, who have beaten everyone this season. Since taking over 8 weeks ago, Young has 1619 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 3 picks, and has also added 243 yards and a score on the ground. San Diego this week doesn’t represent the friendly matchup, 11^th fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing fantasy quarterbacks. However, the Chargers only have 12 interceptions on the season and Young only has 3 picks since taking over, so he won’t hurt you. You could do a lot worse this week.

RB Ryan Moats- Houston

Available in 80.9% of all leagues (ESPN)

Moats has double digit carries in each of his last 6 games with the exception of one game he randomly had zero. Gary Kubiak is completely random with his running backs, but with Steve Slaton out for the season, Moats is the safest bet out of any Houston running back. Moats faces Miami and their 12^th ranked defense against fantasy running backs this week so he’s worth a start in deep leagues.

TE Fred Davis- Washington

Available in 80.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

The Redskins were laugh out loud awful last week against the Giants, but Fred Davis wasn’t catching 5 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown, giving him 5 touchdowns over the past 4 weeks. He’s really matured into the Redskins’ top endzone threat and assuming they get there, he should have a chance for a score, and even if he doesn’t score, his yards totals from the past few weeks are 43, 53, 50, and 65. He also had a 78 yarder earlier this season. That’s not bad.

RB Michael Bush- Oakland

Available in 85.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

Where did this come from? After 8 carries over the past 4 weeks, Bush got 18 carries against the Broncos and made the most of them rushing for 133 yards and a score and contributing an 11 yard reception through the air. If he gets a lot of carries this week against the Browns, who give up the 3^rd most fantasy points to opposing running backs, he could be a nice sleeper, but the 8 carries in the 4 weeks before last show that he’s also a risk as well.

TE Bo Scaife- Tennessee

Available in 92.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

Well, he’s consistent. Since beating the injuries and taking over as the starting tight end week 11, Scaife has 4+ receptions every week and 4+ fantasy points in all weeks except week 11. Deep leaguers might want to start him this week if they need tight end help. He has added value in PPR leagues as well as he has 23 catches in the last 5 weeks. However, for you to actually get a big week out of him as a tight end, he’d need to get into the endzone something he’s only done once this season.

WR Malcolm Floyd- San Diego

Available in 96.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

Another decent week for Floyd, who has at least 3 catches in every week since week 10. He also has at least 4 fantasy points in all weeks but one in that stretch and has 2 games of 6 or more in that stretch as well. Even if you’re unimpressed by the fact that he just won’t hurt you, he faces the Titans this week and they have given up the most points to opposing fantasy wide receivers this season, despite having one of the best shutdown corners in the league, Cortland Finnegan. They have not been able to stop anyone but the opposing team’s #1 option so if Finnegan can some how shut down Vincent Jackson despite the height advantage in Jackson’s favor, Floyd could be targeted a lot and since the Titans have awful coverage in most parts of their secondary, he could find some holes for yards, and maybe even score. The Titans lead the league in touchdowns allowed to opposing wide receivers with 21.

WR Larry Fitzgerald- Arizona

Fitzgerald and his injured right knee were able to practice more and more ever day this week, but he did not go through a full practice and is listed as questionable. He remains confidence he will play, but the Cardinals have all but clinched a playoff spot and play he lowly Lions this week so you couldn’t blame them for sitting Fitzgerald or taking it easy on him. I say its more likely than not that he plays, but check back here tomorrow for the final word.

12/20/09: Will play according to NFL network’s Jason LaCanfora.

RB Tim Hightower- Arizona

Hightower is expected to play through his thumb injury again but since injuring his thumb three weeks ago, he has lost two fumbles. The Cardinals have noticed this and have only given him 8 carries over the last two weeks, so even against the lowly Lions, I wouldn’t count on Hightower doing much. Chris Wells is all but cemented as the feature back in Arizona now.

RB Michael Turner/QB Matt Ryan- Atlanta

Both participated in Friday’s practice in limited action, but are listed as game time decisions. If the Falcons lose this week they are all but eliminated from the playoff race so I think they’ll do everything possibly to get their two biggest offensive weapons out their, even if they don’t announce it until game time to keep their opponent guessing. Check back here tomorrow for the final word though.

12/20/09: Both are in. Ryan may be limited and since I don’t think he was an elite fantasy quarterback, you might be safer starting another option if you have one. Turner is expected to be the lead back so unless he really can’t get anywhere on the ground or he gets hurt again, you can feel safe with him as a RB2.

WR Roddy White- Atlanta

As has been the case for the past few weeks, White is expected to play through his knee injury. The knee injury hasn’t been hampering him much in terms of production and he’s proven that he can put up big numbers regardless of whether Matt Ryan or Chris Redman starts at quarterback.

WR Derrick Mason- Baltimore

He is expected to play through a finger injury despite being limited in practice all week. How much the finger injury will affect his ability to catch the ball is unknown, but I’d take the risk on him against a relatively weak Chicago passing defense.

WR Terrell Owens- Buffalo

Owens has reportedly had the flu this week and that has caused him to miss practice. However, he was seen out and about Friday night doing an autograph signing in Toronto and attending a Toronto Raptors game. I don’t think he’ll miss this game against the Patriots because he is playing for a contract and knows that a big game against the Patriots will definitely help when it comes to dollars and cents this offseason. Check back tomorrow for the final word as he is listed as questionable and the flu can be unpredictable, but you should be fine to roll with him.

12/20/09: Active

RB Jonathan Stewart- Carolina

Stewart tweaked his toe this week, in addition to the injury he has had in his achilles, but he practiced fully both Thursday and Friday and is listed as probable. However, little things like toe injuries can sap the explosiveness out of a running back, plus the matchup against Minnesota isn’t favorable, so I’d sit him this week.

QB Jake Delhomme- Carolina

He’s not going to play.

WR Devin Hester- Chicago

Hasn’t done much more than light running this week because of a calf injury and is expected to miss his 2^nd straight game, though he has not been officially ruled out. He is listed as doubtful which still isn’t promising.

QB Matt Stafford- Detroit

There has not been an official announcement, but Stafford hasn’t practiced all week and is expected to miss this week’s game with a separated non-throwing shoulder. The Lions are being smart here and know that they need to keep him healthy for the future.

RB Kevin Smith- Detroit

On IR, done for the year, his 2010 status is cloudy at the moment.

WR Calvin Johnson- Detroit

He hasn’t done a lot of practicing this week, but he’s listed as a game time decision. He has already dealt with knee problems this season so the Lions may want to be on the safe with him as they are with Stafford and rest him, but we won’t know for sure until tomorrow so be sure to check back tomorrow morning.

12/20/09: Active

WR Percy Harvin- Minnesota

Migraines have been plaguing him again this week, but he did practice on a limited basis Friday and he said he expects to play, but he said the same thing last week and didn’t play. Check back tomorrow and consider him a game time decision.

12/20/09: NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora is saying that he is expected to play so barring any setbacks between now and 8:20 PM ET, Harvin should be in the lineup and you should feel safe using him as normal.

WR Bernard Berrian- Minnesota

He practiced fully Friday and is expected to play through his hamstring injury once again. If Harvin doesn’t play, Berrian could see more targets like he did last week and would be worth a WR3 play in that case.

WR Sidney Rice- Minnesota

Rice has been sick and has missed the last two days of practice, though he practiced Wednesday as normal. The Vikings expect him to be healthy by Sunday, but the questionable tag is a bit concerning. Check back tomorrow.

12/20/09: LaCanfora is saying he will play and since I already felt Rice was leaning towards playing, I think you can safely have him in your lineup against the Panthers.

TE Visanthe Shiancoe- Minnesota

Had a full practice Friday and is expected to play through his bruised ribs and his foot injury, though one more tough hit could knock him straight out of the game, despite the fact that he is proving to be one of the tougher players in the NFL.

QB Tom Brady- New England

He has a load of stuff going on, ribs, finger, and shoulder, and since Bill Belicheck likes to be secretive with injuries, we aren’t quite sure how bad he is hurting, but he’s going to play through and it because he’s Tom Brady he deserves the benefit of the doubt against the Bills this week.

TE Benjamin Watson- New England

After being limited in practice all week with a knee injury, Watson is probable. You probably want to go in a different direction this week because Watson has been very inconsistent this season and this injury only takes away from what little value he has, even as a part of an explosive offense like New England’s.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw- NY Giants

He didn’t practice all week until an early morning practice Saturday. The Giants don’t play until Monday, so if you start him you’re taking a huge risk. Since he has not been playing well since first sustaining the injury, week 6, I don’t think the rest needs to be taken. Keep him on your bench unless you absolutely need him and have another player ready to go in Monday’s game if he misses.

QB Bruce Gradkowski/TE Zach Miller- Oakland

Both are out.

TE Brent Celek- Philadelphia

He’s questionable with a thumb injury after being limited in practice both Thursday and Friday, but multiple sources expect him to play through it. Check back tomorrow morning, even though, he doesn’t play his first game until the afternoon, for the latest because there aren’t going to be a lot of options if you play him and he doesn’t play.

12/20/09: No worries, he’ll play.

RB Brian Westbrook- Philadelphia

Out again, just go ahead and cut him, he’s not going to play in any meaningful way for the rest of the season.

WR Hines Ward- Pittsburgh

He practiced fully both Thursday and Friday and has been bumped up to probable from questionable, always a good sign. This is one of the toughest players in the NFL so he wouldn’t miss this upcoming must win game unless he were really hurt. He’s also one of the most consistent too and should be able to get you fantasy start worthy numbers against the Packers this week.

RB Frank Gore- San Francisco

He was limited a little in practice week a toe injury, but is expected to play. The only thing you have to worry about here is the toe injury sapping his explosiveness and it appeared to late in the game last week. He would feel comfortable rolling with him though, even against the Eagles.

WR Nate Burleson- Seattle

He has a high ankle sprain and won’t play.

RB Steven Jackson- St. Louis

He still has back spasms that have kept him out of practice and is now showing flu like symptoms and may have swine flu. The Rams would have to be crazy to play him in a meaningless game, but they might anyway and if they do, he could actually have a decent game against the Texans because he is a tough player, so check back tomorrow to see if the Rams are crazy, in which case you should start him.

12/20/09: Yup, they’re crazy.

TE Kellen Winslow- Tampa Bay

He was set to play through his knee injury once again this week, but did not practice at all Friday after practicing Thursday, suggesting that he may have retweaked his knee. The Bucs have 1 win this season so if he’s hurt, they might shut him down for the year or at least not play him this week. He’ll be a game time decision.

12/20/09: No announcement has been made yet and its about 10 minutes before the first set off games kickoff. Unless you have another option kicking off in the afternoon, I’d say sit Winslow. There was supposed to be an announcement about 15 minutes ago, but there wasn’t which has me concerned.

QB Vince Young- Tennessee

They are calling him a game time decision with a knee and hamstring injury, but he practiced Friday and should play against the Dolphins, who are starting two rookie corners. He’s a borderline start if he plays, but his play would also make his favorite target Kenny Britt a decent WR3 this week, which he is not if Young does not play. Check here just in case but I’d say 95% chance he starts.

12/20/09: Starting

RB Clinton Portis- Washington

Done for the year after that nasty concussion back during week 9.

12/19/09

These are for Thursday’s games only. Injury reports will be posted Saturday morning for Saturday and Sunday’s games and then updated Sunday morning for Sunday’s games.

QB Peyton Manning/WR Reggie Wayne/WR Pierre Garcon/RB Joseph Addai- Indianapolis

All four have minor injuries, but are expected to play for the Colts this week against the Jaguars so you shouldn’t have any worries about starting them. However, if the Colts run up a big lead or fall behind big, both of which I don’t think they will, they could rest a few of these four, most likely Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne, because they are the stars. Just know that before you start any of these guys, though you should be fine with all.

WR Mike Sims Walker/RB Maurice Jones Drew- Jacksonville

Both practiced Tuesday and Wednesday, so I expect both to play tonight. However, Sims Walker has been hurt over the past few weeks and hasn’t been playing well. MJD is the only one I’d feel safe starting. I wouldn’t feel safe starting MSW.

-12/17/09

RB Quinton Ganther- Washington

Available in 68.8% of all leagues (ESPN)

There was a huge jump on him last week after Jim Zorn named him starting running back, but he’s still available in more than 2/3 of all leagues and he’s presumably going to be the Redskins top back the rest of the season. His last three matchups, the Giants, the Cowboys, and the Chargers could be tough, but he showed a nose for the goal line last week, plus great hands which will get you points every week. Some guys are quality which is nice, but Ganther is going to be quantity with some quality for the rest of the season.

WR Kenny Britt- Tennessee

Available in 71.9% of all leagues (ESPN)

He had every thing go wrong for him last week, a back injury, plus an injury to his quarterback, but he still managed 75 points, though he never got into the endzone, snapping a 3 game touchdown streak. He faces Miami this week and is a good WR3 if Vince Young plays.

RB Chris Jennings- Cleveland

Available in 98.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

After Jamal Lewis went down for the season, I was sure Jennings would be the go to back in Cleveland, but then Jerome Harrison started the next week. However, Jennings started last week against the Steelers after it was revealed that the reason Jennings didn’t start the week before was that he was hurt. Thanks for telling us Mangenius. Jennings appeared to be healthy last week as the rookie ran for 73 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh in the cold. He plays Kansas City this week, then Oakland, so he should be good for both quantity, assuming Mangini doesn’t change his mind again, and quality.

QB Chad Henne- Miami

Available in 94.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Last week I recommended Henne against Jacksonville and I actually picked him up in my main league to start, but chickened out at the last minute and started Carson Palmer…who threw for 94 yards. I still won, but I was mad at myself. Henne exceeded even my expectations last week and appears to be getting better every week as a starting quarterback in the NFL. He has 555 yards and 3 touchdowns, 2 passing, one running, in the last 2 weeks and faces a Tennessee secondary that gives up the 3^rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, though that number is a bit skewed by an awful game against New England week 6, but he should be a decent QB1 this week if you need him for whatever reason like say, your starting quarterback is Carson Palmer.

RB Aaron Brown- Detroit

Available in 99.8% of all leagues (ESPN)

Kevin Smith is done for the season so Aaron Smith and Maurice Morris figure to get the carries in his absence. Brown is younger and more of an unknown as a rookie, so he should get the majority of the carries, though he’s not built to be an every down back. I don’t think he’s a great runner and he faces San Francisco and Arizona in the next two weeks who are both tough against the run, but he’s worth a shot and has some decent upside, just don’t get too crazy about him.

TE Jermichael Finley- Green Bay

Available in 79.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

Another huge week by one of the most underrated players in the game. He’s seemingly on this list every week, but for whatever reason he just surpassed being owned in 20% of all leagues. If you look at a normal scoring system, Finley ranks 18^th in fantasy points among all tight ends, which may not seem like much, but you remember this is a guy who missed 3 games with injury early in the season and didn’t take over as a full time part of the offense until a few weeks ago. He has 228 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in the last four weeks and 149 yards in the last two.

TE Fred Davis- Washington

Available in 93.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

Until last week, the Raiders hadn’t given up a touchdown to an opposing tight end. Last week they gave up two to Fred Davis. Davis had 4 touchdowns in the last three weeks for a Redskins offense that has scored 24 points or more in three straight games after not scoring that much all season prior. If the Redskins continue to move the ball, they will be moving it into Fred Davis’ hands in the end zone more and more as he’s their best end zone threat. He’s also decent in terms of yards averaging about 50 or so per game since Chris Cooley went down and Fred Davis took over week 7. What more can you ask out of a tight end?

TE Bo Sciafe- Tennessee

Available in 91.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

Doesn’t matter who the quarterback is, this guy is getting the ball. After finally getting healthy, Sciafe recorded back to back weeks of 50 yards or more and than, even though Vince Young was hurt at quarterback, he had 43 last week. He plays in a tight end friendly offense and was a pro bowler last year so he’s worth a roster spot if you can afford one for the rest of the season in deep leagues.

RB Maurice Morris- Detroit

Available in 98.6% of all leagues (ESPN)

I expect Aaron Brown to start for the Lions with Kevin Smith out, but Maurice Morris might. He’s a better runner and more durable than Brown so he could be worth a pickup in deep leagues.

RB Ryan Moats- Houston

Available in 80.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

With Steve Slaton out for the year, Moats led the Texans in yards last week with 43 plus a touchdown. Granted, Chris Brown didn’t play much either and Gary Kubiak draws his running backs out of hats, but if we get any indication that Moats could be the main guy down the stretch, he’s worth a pickup. He faces St. Louis and Miami in the next two weeks.

RB Arian Foster- Houston

Available in 99.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

Another random Texan who has a big game, Foster had 88 total yards, 54 through the air, last week against the Seahawks with Steve Slaton on IR and Chris Brown on Gary Kubiak’s naughty list. He too has an easy schedule upcoming so if there’s any indication that he could be more involved in the offense, he’s a good pickup.

12/15/09

RB Tim Hightower- Arizona

Limited in practice with a thumb injury this week as he was last week, but like last week, he is expected to play against San Francisco. As normal, he should get fewer carries and more receptions than Chris Wells, but its hard to like either as long as they are splitting against a good Niners’ run defense. Hightower also fumbled once last week which may have been due to the thumb injury so if your league penalizes you for fumbles, Hightower should be downgraded even less than in normal leagues. He’s a borderline start in PPR leagues and deep leagues and nothing else.

QB Matt Ryan- Atlanta

He hasn’t practiced all week because of turf toe, so he likely won’t play, but his coaching staff says there is a chance he still does play. I wouldn’t get too excited if he does play because turf toe is a very debilitating injury, even for a quarterback whose feet are not his most important body part, and Ryan didn’t even have a very good game against the Saints secondary a few weeks ago when he was healthy, so I doubt he does much against them this time around if he plays hurt.

12/13/09: Out

RB Michael Turner- Atlanta

Hasn’t practiced all week so there’s a good chance that he doesn’t play against the Saints and even if he does, it would be in a limited role most likely. Check back here tomorrow for the final decision as I’ll know more then.

12/13/09: Inactive

WR Roddy White- Atlanta

Questionable with a knee injury, but expected to play through it as he has in past weeks. The injury hasn’t really been slowing him down on the field and White actually had a season high in catches last week with Chris Redman at quarterback.

12/13/09: Active, get him in your lineup

RB Jonathan Stewart- Carolina

Stewart should be good to go through an achilles injury this week once again and could be in line for some more carries, even with DeAngelo Williams likely back from injury, and even if he isn’t, the Panthers are going to run enough with Jake Delhomme out for Stewart to get enough carries to be fantasy relevant against the Patriots.

RB DeAngelo Williams- Carolina

Practiced all week and is set to retake his starting job against an average Patriots run defense. The only issue could be Jonathan Stewart, who had a big week against the Buccaneers in his absence last week, but even if Stewart does get more than his usual share of the carries, the Panthers will likely run enough for Williams to get his carries as well.

QB Jake Delhomme- Carolina

Delhomme won’t play this week against the Patriots, not like you should have been considering start Jake Turnovers Delhomme against the opportunistic Patriots secondary, or against any secondary for that matter.

WR Devin Hester- Chicago

Hasn’t practiced this week with a calf injury and isn’t expected to play this week.

12/13/09: Inactive.

WR Chad Ochocinco- Cincinnati

Ochocinco was a late addition to the injury report after being limited by a knee injury in Friday’s practice. This may surprise you considering how loud everything about this player is, but Ochocinco has quietly been one of the most durable players in the NFL missing only 3 games since his rookie year in 2001. He should be out there against a Vikings’ team that hasn’t exactly been shutting down #1 receiver over the past few weeks, but check back here tomorrow just to be sure.

QB Matt Stafford- Detroit

The Lions have finally realized that they are 2-10 and probably should be resting the talented young Matt Stafford, who has a separated non-throwing shoulder. Stafford won’t play this week and will be given rest, but is expected to start next week. Stafford’s a tough guy, but there’s nothing wrong with a little rest when you’re hurt and your team is 2-10

TE Jermichael Finley- Green Bay

He was limited in two days of practice this week, but returned on Friday and is probable against Chicago, who doesn’t exactly bottle up opposing tight ends. Finley has huge upside, but also some downside, but if he’s your best tight end option, roll with him.

QB Matt Schaub- Houston

Dislocated his left non-throwing shoulder this week and is expected to play with a brace on it. However, one big shot to that side of his body and he could be done for the game so there is that to worry about if you choose to start him.

RB Steve Slaton- Houston

His neck injury was causing numbness down into his hand, possibly contributing to his fumbling problem, so the Texans have shut Slaton down for the season. Drop him in all non-keeper leagues and pick up Chris Brown and Ryan Moats, who figure to split the carries around 60-40, in favor of Brown, in Slaton’s absence.

QB Peyton Manning- Indianapolis

I still find it funny that the Colts are listing Manning as probable with a glute injury when everyone knows he’s going to play anyway, but if the Colts get a big lead against the Broncos, they could sit Manning to rest him so you have to worry about that a little. However, the Broncos are actually a formidable opponent so I don’t think the Colts will get that comfortable.

WR Reggie Wayne- Indianapolis

Basically take that injury report from Peyton Manning and substitute the word Wayne for Manning and foot for glute. He’s going to play, but there’s a small risk he gets benched for rest. As long as he’s Peyton Manning’s #1 option, I want him in my lineup.

RB Maurice Jones Drew- Jacksonville

As he has been in the past few weeks, Mojo Drew is listed as probable with a knee injury and has missed Wednesday’s practice, but no others. The knee injury hasn’t been limiting him on the field and he will play so he’s a good RB1 again this week against the Jason Ferguson less Miami Dolphins.

WR Mike Sims Walker- Jacksonville

In addition to his knee injury, Sims Walker has sustained a quad injury that forced him out of practice this week. He is listed as doubtful, so while there is a chance he plays, I doubt he will. If even he does play, he’ll be really limited. I’d look elsewhere this week.

12/13/09: A surprise active, you might want to look elsewhere though as he’s not expected to be 100% and he hasn’t been playing well lately.

WR Percy Harvin- Minnesota

An illness has kept him out of practice all week but it shouldn’t keep Percy Harvin and his ill football ability (see what I did there) off the field this week. He’s faced sickness and migraines before this season and played through them.

12/13/09: I guess he was a little too ill for his own good. Harvin is inactive.

WR Bernard Berrian- Minnesota

Limited by the same hamstring injury that has been limiting him all season, those things don’t go away quickly. He is expected to play against Cincinnati despite not going through a full practice all week, but he has only gone for 50 yards three times this season so you’re really counting on a touchdown out of him if you start him and with Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin ahead of him on the depth chart, he won’t get a ton of endzone looks at 5-11.

TE Visanthe Shiancoe- Minnesota

A rib cage injury has prevented him from participating in a full practice all week, but he is expected to play. However, this is a guy who needs to get into the endzone to do anything for you, plus one hit to the ribcage and he could be done for the game, so you’re taking a risk by starting him.

RB Adrian Peterson- Minnesota

He should play through a foot and ankle injury this week, but being limited in practice Friday after practicing Thursday is a bit of a concern, so check back here tomorrow for the latest just to be sure.

QB Tom Brady- New England

Very complicated situation here, Brady reportedly has a finger injury, either a broken finger or a bad bruise, based on some close up footage of his finger during last week’s game against the Dolphins in which he was 6 for 15 in the second half. However, he has missed practice twice this week, once because of the birth of his son, and once again because of some rib injuries, which he apparently sustained last week against the Dolphins. To help his fantasy owners out, he gave this statement about his status for this week “I hope so…I always hope I’m going to be fine. Don’t worry about me.” Thanks Tom…that helps. And to make matters worse, his coach is Bill Belicheck who is known for always making up injuries to mess with people. I expect Brady to be in the lineup this week because he’s a tough guy and I think he deserves a fantasy start, but there is the possibility that Belicheck pulls him from the game midway if the game becomes a blowout.

12/13/09: Starting as expected, but how well and how much he plays could effect each other. If he plays well and gets out to a big lead, they could sit him and rest him. If he doesn’t play well, he’ll likely play the whole game.

RB Pierre Thomas/RB Mike Bell/RB Reggie Bush- New Orleans

All should play and all are listed as probable. Thomas is the only one I’d call a strong fantasy start at this point.

12/13/09: Bell is inactive, the rest are active

RB Ahmad Bradshaw- NY Giants

Limited again in practice this week by two bad ankles and a bad foot, but is probable and is expected to play against the Eagles this week. However, he really hasn’t done anything fantasy relevant since he sustained his injuries and Philly stuff the run well, so I wouldn’t start him this week.

RB Brian Westbrook- Philadelphia

Won’t play this week because of a concussion. I doubt he plays in any meaningful way for the rest of the regular season so I’d drop him in all non-keeper leagues.

WR DeSean Jackson- Philadelphia

Expected to play after sustaining a concussion two weeks ago.

QB Matt Hasselbeck- Seattle

His shoulder looked to be a bit of a concern when he missed practice on Wednesday, but he’s been fine the rest of the week and is expected to start against the Texans. He hasn’t been great lately though so you might want to start a better option.

WR Donnie Avery- St. Louis

Avery has been plagued by injuries all season this year and now he has a shoulder injury to deal with. He hasn’t been effective all year, with a few small exceptions so I wouldn’t start him this week against Cortland Finnegan, one of the best shutdown corners in the league.

RB Steven Jackson- St. Louis

Back spasms have kept him out of practice once again this week, but they won’t keep him off the field. He hasn’t practiced in either of the last 2 weeks and has still managed to put up 237 all purpose yards and a touchdown so feel secure in rolling with him this week.

TE Kellen Winslow- Tampa Bay

As has been the case in recent weeks, Winslow will play through a knee injury and is a good start as a tight end this week.

RB Chris Johnson- Tennessee

A knee injury limited him some in practice this week, but a full practice on Friday is a very good sign and he should be in the lineup against a Rams’ defense that doesn’t know how to tackle. Put him in your lineup and watch your points go up.

QB Vince Young- Tennessee

Vince Young hurt his knee in practice on Thursday and didn’t practice on Friday, but he says he will play on Sunday. More realistically he should be a game time decision, which is bad because he plays in the 2^nd set of games this week. You want another option available during that set of games if you start him, otherwise, don’t start him. Even against the Rams, its not worth the risk.

RB Clinton Portis- Washington

Out for the year with a concussion. With Ladell Betts also done for the year, Quinton Ganther has been named the Redskins starting running back over Rock Cartwright and will be a good fantasy pickup for the rest of the season.

12/12/09

A look at the garbage that could be sitting on your fantasy football roster so you can properly dispose of it.

RB Steve Slaton- Houston

Owned in 99.9% of all leagues (ESPN)

Placed on injured reserve because of a neck injury. Drop in all non-keeper leagues.

RB Clinton Portis- Washington

Owned in 86.4% of all leagues (ESPN)

Placed on injured reserve because of a concussion. Drop in all non-keeper leagues.

RB Brian Westbrook- Philadelphia

Owned in 85.4% of all leagues (ESPN)

Not officially on IR yet, but I doubt the Eagles put him in any sort of meaningful role at any point in this regular season because of his concussions.

RB Larry Johnson- Cincinnati

Owned in 68.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

Nothing more than an insurance policy for Cedric Benson as shown by his 2 carries last week. Unless Benson gets hurt again, he’s not worth anything in fantasy circles.

RB Willie Parker- Pittsburgh

Owned in 64.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

Hasn’t had more than 3 points since week 3 and is nothing more than an insurance policy for Rashard Mendenhall.

RB Donald Brown- Indianapolis

Owned in 63.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

Hasn’t had a touchdown, more than 6 carries or more than 5 fantasy point since week 4. The Colts running game starts and ends with Joseph Addai. He’s a decent keeper though in keeper leagues based on Addai’s injury history.

RB Ronnie Brown- Miami

Owned in 61.8% of all leagues (ESPN)

On IR as he has been for weeks. Not sure why he’s still owned in any non-keeper league.

RB Jamal Lewis- Cleveland

Owned in 54.4% of all leagues (ESPN)

Concussions have ended his season and likely his career. He’s not worth a roster spot in any leagues, keeper or non-keeper.

WR Patrick Crayton- Dallas

Owned in 54.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

Roy Williams and Miles Austin have stepped up in Dallas as the top two receivers so Crayton is stuck at third string. That’s not enough for fantasy purposes.

RB Darren McFadden- Oakland

Owned in 52.8% of all leagues (ESPN)

Justin Fargas is still the main back in Oakland, despite the fact that McFadden has returned from injury. Whether it be injuries or lack of blocking or lack of NFL size or translatable NFL skills, McFadden might be the next in the long line of Oakland busts this decade.

RB LenDale White- Tennessee

Owned in 51.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Hasn’t gotten more than 4 carries or 13 yards in a game since week 8. This is all the Chris Johnson show on the ground for the Titans. He has one touchdown on a goal line try in that span, but he’s not even getting those anymore.

WR Eddie Royal- Denver

Owned in 50.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

Certainly liked Jay Cutler a lot more than Kyle Orton, Royal has only 314 yards and no touchdowns this season, but 164 of those yards game in 2 games so there’s major downside for him.

12/9/09

RB Jerome Harrison- Cleveland

Available in 93.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

With Jamal Lewis in IR, Jerome Harrison and not Chris Jennings appears to be the lead back for the Browns. He had 10 carries last week, but only rushed for 35 yards against a tough San Diego defense, but he caught for 62 more and 2 touchdowns. He has a dreadful matchup against the Steelers this week, but after that he gets Kansas City and Oakland.

QB Vince Young- Tennessee

Available in 74.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

He finally lost last week, but looked decent doing it against a good Indianapolis pass defense. Up next are the Rams and the Dolphins so he could be a good starter for you as the fantasy playoffs roll around. He is seemingly on this list every week and will continue to be until more people pick him up. Since taking the starting job he’s completing 62% of his passes, throwing for 200 yards a game, has thrown for 6 touchdowns to 2 picks, and also has 170 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

RB Justin Fargas- Oakland

Available in 90.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

Yeah, he bores me too and he isn’t very good averaging 3.9 YPC, although that might have something to do with the Raiders bad offensive line. However, he’s a starting running back in the NFL and still available in 90% of all leagues. Except what you’ve been getting from him lately 15 carries, 60 yards, with a possibility to do more if he gets into the end zone.

WR Kenny Britt- Tennessee

Available in 85.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Justin Gage is still not in a position to take anything away from him, so Britt remains Vince Young’s favorite target, especially near the endzone. After not getting into the endzone for the first ten weeks of his career, the 6-4 Britt has done in it each of the last 3 weeks and has 216 yards in that span as well.

QB Alex Smith- San Francisco

Available in 70.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

Growing more and more comfortable as the Niners use more and more spread offense, Smith has thrown for 7 touchdowns to 1 pick over the last 3 weeks, and is averaging over 250 yards over that period of time. He gets a weak Arizona pass defense this week, before a tough matchup with the Eagles, followed by a Detroit pass defense that gave up 4 touchdowns to Brady Quinn.

QB Chad Henne- Miami

Available in 95.6% of all leagues (ESPN)

Henne finally got the chance to do something with the ball last week with Ronnie Brown out and Tom Brady as the opposing quarterback and he threw for 335 yards and 2 touchdowns and only one pick. He may have earned more confidence from his coach going forward and they might be throwing more in the future with Brown still out. Jacksonville this week gives up the 6^th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks so if you need a one week filler, Henne could be your guy.

TE Jermichael Finley- Green Bay

Available in 84.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

He has a clear downside, but he has five weeks of 50 or more yards and caught two touchdowns last week so the upside is their too. He faces the Bears this week and they haven’t exactly bottled up opposing tight ends.

TE Fred Davis- Washington

Available in 95.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

He has a touchdown in each of his last 2 weeks and has 274 yards in 6 weeks since Chris Cooley went down with an injury. He does have 2 weeks of 2 points in that span, but the upside is there.

TE Bo Sciafe- Tennessee

Available in 93.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

He has beaten has early season injuries and is putting up good numbers again in the Titans tight end friendly offense as the #1 tight end. This is a pro bowler from a year ago who has 17 fantasy points in the last 2 weeks so he has some upside.

WR Davone Bess- Miami

Available in 96.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Quietly leading the Dolphins conservative offense with 59 catches and 548 yards and just put up 10 and 117 and his first touchdown of the year last week. He plays Jacksonville this week who can’t stop the pass and then Tennessee and Houston who aren’t much better against the pass.

WR Devin Thomas- Washington

Available in 99.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

The talented young wide receiver finally had a break out game with 100 yards on 7 catches and 2 touchdowns and quietly had 4 games of 33 yards or more in his previous 5 before that so we have to take some notice of the 2008 2^nd round pick. He faces Oakland this week against whom all receivers not guarded by Nmandi Ashmouga have good games so there’s some possible WR3 upside in deep leagues. He’s mostly just a guy to take a flier on, especially in keeper leagues.

QB Bruce Gradkowski- Oakland

Available in 99.6% of all leagues (ESPN)

Don’t get too crazy now, there’s a reason why he’s near the bottom of this list. Despite his 308 yards 3 touchdown 0 interception outburst against the Steelers, I still don’t think he’s a fantasy starter capable quarterback, but he faces an extremely weak Cleveland defense week 16 and could be a good start that game. He does have some talent in the receiving corps, Zach Miller, Louis Murphy, Chaz Schilens, Darrius Heyward Bey (er, never mind that last one). Plus, if you have your league championship week 16 and start Bruce Gradkowski against the Browns and win, you get to brag about winning your fantasy league with Bruce Gradkowski as your starting quarterback.

TE Evan Moore- Cleveland

Available in 100% of all leagues (ESPN)

Yeah, I know really reaching, but in his first start since being called up from the practice squad, Moore had 80 yards against the Chargers. The Browns have a decent schedule upcoming with games against the Raiders and Chiefs. He may just be the Cleveland starting tight end by default but he reminds me of Brent Celek who came out of nowhere last season for the Eagles to be a solid fantasy weapon. Still, he’s a Brown and Brady Quinn is his quarterback so you can’t get too excited. Just remember the name.

12/9/09

QB Kurt Warner- Arizona

Warner and Leinart have been splitting first team reps all week. Warner says that because of the concussion he still has some sensitivity to light, so I would not be too hopeful for him starting on Sunday. His game doesn’t kick off until Sunday Night, so if you do start him, you want to have a backup quarterback who starts later than that at the ready, otherwise you may have to pick up Matt Leinart and start him against the Vikings just to get some points out of the position. Unless your backup quarterback is complete crap and you can’t get a solid waiver pickup like Vince Young or Alex Smith, I wouldn’t start Warner unless I owned someone like Joe Flacco, who plays Monday, as my backup.

12/6/09: Outlook is a little better this morning, but he’s not guarantee so he’s still a risk.

RB Tim Hightower- Arizona

Hightower has been limited by a thumb injury all week in practice, but is expected to play despite the questionable label. His thumb injury won’t really hurt his production on the ground, but going against the Williams Wall will. He’s still a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield, unless his thumb inhibits his ability to catch the ball. He’s not a strong start this week.

QB Matt Ryan- Atlanta

Not going to play.

WR Roddy White- Atlanta

White has been limited all week with a knee injury, but he’s played through the injury before in recent weeks and been fine, so I’d still start him this week, though he’s not as much of a strong start with Chris Redman at quarterback as opposed to Matt Ryan.

12/6/09: Will Play.

RB Michael Turner- Atlanta

He’s listed as questionable after reinjuring his ankle last week, but he didn’t practice much if at all this week and NFL.com is reporting that he’s not likely to play. Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood will split carries in Turner’s absence, but they will do it against a strong Philadelphia run defense so I don’t love either of those guys’ fantasy prospects this week either, especially since I don’t know exactly how the carries will be divided up between the two.

12/6/09: Out as expected

RB Jonathan Stewart- Carolina

Just like every week, he will play through his achilles injury. He is a borderline start against a bad Tampa Bay run defense who gets upgraded to a solid RB2 if DeAngelo Williams, who hasn’t practiced all week, doesn’t play.

RB DeAngelo Williams- Carolina

His coach says he’ll play despite a questionable label and not practicing all week with a sore ankle. However, how much he plays and the final decision to start him won’t be made until tomorrow morning, so check back here. You don’t want to get 0 points out of one of your running back slots.

12/6/09: Out against Tampa. Jonathan Stewart makes a great start for you.

RB Cedric Benson- Cincinnati

He has practiced all week after missing the last two weeks and a good portion of the week before that with a hip injury. Bernard Scott hasn’t practiced all week and won’t play so the only real threat to take away carries is Larry Johnson who broke the century mark last week for the first time this season. I think that Benson will get the majority of the carries, but Johnson will be in the mix as well. Benson faces Detroit this week so I see no reason why he shouldn’t be in your lineup.

RB Jamal Lewis- Cleveland

Done for the year. I wonder how he’s celebrating. Chris Jennings is the likely candidate to get carries in his absence, but the Browns suck and Jennings hasn’t ran well this season in limited action. Don’t get too excited yet.

TE Jason Witten- Dallas

He’s practiced fine all week and his foot injury didn’t seem to inhibit him at all last week against Oakland. Start him.

QB Tony Romo- Dallas

Good to go this week against the Giants. Let’s hope no one shows him a calendar.

WR Eddie Royal- Denver

He’ll play through a thigh injury, but his production has been really disappointing this year in his 2^nd season. 164 of his 282 yards have come in two games, he’s yet to score a receiving touchdowns, and he didn’t have a catch last week. There’s serious downside to this player and I don’t even think he should be on any rosters. For some reason he’s still owned in 50% of ESPN leagues.

QB Matt Stafford- Detroit

Stafford has practiced fine this week and is expected to play against the Bengals. In fact, even if he didn’t practice fine, I’d still expect him to be out. He’s showing a lot of toughness as a rookie for a 2-9 team. Cincinnati’s not the best matchup for him though.

WR Calvin Johnson- Detroit

He’s practiced fine this week thanks to an extra rest between the Thanksgiving game and this Sunday’s game. He’ll be in the lineup with Matt Stafford throwing to him, so he’s a good start for you.

RB Ryan Grant- Green Bay

Grant has had some trouble with his shoulder this week in practice, but he played through it on Thanksgiving and he’ll have had a 11 day rest between games because he plays on Monday and last played on Thanksgiving, so I expect him out there. He’s listed as probable.

RB Steve Slaton- Houston

His neck and shoulder injury is causing numbness in his hand and while he’s optimistic about playing and he has practiced, though on a limited basis, this week, he’s not expected to play. He will likely be a game time decision, but there’s less than a 50% chance he plays. Chris Brown would be the feature back in his absence assuming Gary Kubiak doesn’t call some random guy from the practice squad up to start.

12/6/09: Out, Chris Brown’s stock should get a boost.

QB Peyton Manning- Indianapolis

Probable with a glute injury. Peyton Manning has never let anything force him to miss a game in his entire career, so he certainly won’t let a sore butt force him to miss a game for the undefeated Colts.

WR Reggie Wayne- Indianapolis

Wayne is probable with a foot injury, but he has practiced all week and hasn’t missed a game since his rookie year, 2001. He may have been a little limited last week by the foot as he only had 19 yards, though he bailed out fantasy owners with a touchdown. However, he is facing Tennessee this week and they give up a lot of points to opposing fantasy receivers.

RB Joseph Addai- Indianapolis

Practiced all week and should be good to go against the Titans.

WR Mike Sims-Walker- Jacksonville

Limited on Wednesday with a knee injury, as he was last week, but like last week, he practiced the rest of the week without problems. He has a home game this week and his stats are much better at home than on the road where he had 4 fantasy points last week.

WR Maurice Jones Drew- Jacksonville

A bit of a scare for his owners when he missed practiced Wednesday, but he’s been fine the rest of the week, so feel free to roll with him.

RB Kolby Smith- Kansas City

He won’t play this week with an ankle injury and could be done for the season. Chiefs fans and Jamaal Charles owners alike can breathe a sigh of relief.

RB Adrian Peterson- Minnesota

Good to go.

WR Bernard Berrian- Minnesota

He practiced the full week for the first time in months. He had one of his best games of the season last week with 74 yards, but he’s still behind Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice for targets. Start at your own risk.

TE Visanthe Shiancoe- Minnesota

He’s been limited in practice every day this week and should be a game time decision for Sunday night’s game. You probably want to look elsewhere this week.

RB Sammy Morris- New England

He was limited in practice again this week. He returned to the lineup last week and got 5 carries, but don’t even think about starting him until he does something. Laurence Maroney is clearly the feature back in New England right now.

WR Lance Moore- New Orleans

Won’t play. It’s not like the Saints need him anyway.

TE Jeremy Shockey- New Orleans

Limited in practice for the first two days this week, but practiced fully on Friday and is listed as probable. Should be good to go this week.

RB Mike Bell- New Orleans

Limited all week with neck and knee injuries, Bell is still probable and expected to play this week. However, it’s not clear how much because the New Orleans backfield right now is pretty banged up. Check back tomorrow.

RB Pierre Thomas- New Orleans

Limited earlier in the week, but practiced Friday with a wrist injury and should be good to play against Washington.

RB Reggie Bush- New Orleans

His return isn’t looking hopeful right now. He was limited all week after sitting out the last two weeks and is a game time decision. Check back tomorrow.

12/6/09: A bit of a surprise active, but probably won’t play a ton so I wouldn’t start him.

QB Eli Manning- NY Giants

He has some pain in his foot, but he’s a tough player won’t let that stop him. His numbers have been done though since he sustained the injury so start him at your own risk.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw- NY Giants

He missed two days of practice this week with two bad ankle and a bad foot, but practiced both Friday and some on Saturday and despite his questionable label, seems to be on track to play for the Giants. He’s still a game time decision and you should check back tomorrow, but I’d say it’s more than 50-50 that he plays.

RB Justin Fargas- Oakland

Good to go.

TE Brent Celek- Philadelphia

Good to go.

WR DeSean Jackson- Philadelphia

Ruled out with a concussion. Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant will get extra targets in Jackson’s absence against a weak and injured Atlanta pass defense. Both are startable.

QB Ben Roethlisberger- Pittsburgh

Will play.

RB Julius Jones/RB Justin Forsett- Seattle

Jones practiced fine all week with a bruised lung and is set to regain his starting job from Justin Forsett who ran well in Jones’ absence. Forsett tweaked his quad in practice Friday and is listed as questionable, but would likely not have been a factor any way.

RB Steven Jackson- St. Louis

He hasn’t practiced all week with a back injury, but he didn’t practice last week either and still managed 116 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. He’s a game time decision, but I like his chances. Check back here tomorrow for the final verdict.

12/6/09: Will start.

TE Kellen Winslow- Tampa Bay

Limited earlier in the week, but returned later and is expected to play.

WR Justin Gage- Tennessee

Returned to practice for the first time in a month this week, but was limited all week and is listed as questionable. I doubt he plays, but even if he does, it will be in limited action because of his back injury and the emergence of rookie Kenny Britt in his absence.

RB Clinton Portis- Washington

Out.

12/5/09

WR Kenny Britt- Tennessee

Available in 91.9% of all leagues (ESPN)

Since Britt took over for the injured Justin Gage, who might be done for the season, Britt has been Vince Young’s favorite target with 13 receptions, 225 yards, and 2 touchdowns in the last 3 weeks. He’s only a rookie and he’s getting better every week and he has a pretty easy schedule coming up after he plays the Colts this week with St. Louis week 14 and Miami week 15.

RB Justin Fargas- Oakland

Available in 88.9% of all leagues (ESPN)

Even with McFadden back in Oakland, Fargas has been leading the Raiders’ three headed running back committee in yards in each of the last three weeks. He should continue to lead the Raiders in rushing down the stretch and get some goal line looks. He’s not flashy, but he’s a solid player who can get you 4-5 points at least per week and possibly more if he scores.

QB Vince Young- Tennessee

Available in 85.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

Who is this guy? He’s certainly not the train wreck he was last year and he might not even be the solid game manager we thought he was in the Titans first 4 wins. Last week against the Cardinals, he looked like a solid franchise quarterback with 387 yards a touchdown and no picks. He faces St. Louis week 14 and Miami week 15 so he has value down the stretch.

WR Jason Avant- Philadelphia

Available in 98.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

He’s been putting up decent numbers as the 3^rd option in Philly good passing game, but last week DeSean Jackson went down with a concussion and Avant had a huge game with 94 yards. He had 156 yards a few weeks ago, so you know he has upside. The Eagles are likely to sit Jackson with his concussion after they made the mistake of sending Brian Westbrook out there with a concussion and possibly ending his career. Jackson is too valuable to this team’s future. If Jackson indeed sits, Avant will start against a weak Atlanta secondary and could have a startable week this week.

RB Chris Brown- Houston

Available in 98.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

Gary Kubiak can’t seem to make up his mind about his backfield, but Brown has been getting some good carries lately for the Texans, especially near the goal line. He has two straight weeks of 11 carries and scored a touchdown last week. If he continues to get work, as he should, he’ll be worth a start depending on the matchup. He faces 4 mediocre run defenses in the next four weeks with Jacksonville, Seattle, St. Louis, and Miami.

QB Alex Smith- San Francisco

Available in 82.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

Smith has put up 1267 yards, 11 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions since taking over as for Shaun Hill week 6. He is getting better every week as the Niners go to more and more spread and he is a good start week 13 against Seattle, week 16 against Detroit, and week 17 against St. Louis and possibly week 14 against Arizona.

QB Chris Redman- Atlanta

Available in 100.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

Redman took over for Matt Ryan last week after Ryan got hurt and led his team to a victory by going 23 for 41 for 243 yards 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. I know that was against the Bucs, but if you need a starter this week, for whatever reason, you could consider Redman, who has shown in the past that he is the type of solid quarterback that he can count on, against the Eagles.

WR Robert Meachem- New Orleans

Available in 72.8% of all leagues (ESPN)

He has caught 5 touchdowns in the last 4 weeks for the explosive Saints offense so I’d call that a trend and one that you’d want to get in on if you can. He does have 2 weeks in the last 4 of 60 yards of more, but also two clunkers in terms of yards. He’s not my favorite option, but in deeper leagues, he could be worth it, though there is downside if he doesn’t score. However, with the way Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense is moving right now, he is likely to score again.

WR Malcolm Floyd- San Diego

Available in 96.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Not the flashiest guy, but he has 168 yards over the past three weeks and is solidified as a starter for the Chargers high octane passing attack. He does face Cleveland this week. He’s nothing special, but worth a bench spot in deep leagues.

TE Fred Davis- Washington

Available in 96.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

He has three weeks of 5 or more points in the last five since taking over for Chris Cooley who is done for the season. Not my favorite pickup, but he’s worth a shot if you need a tight end. You can do a lot worse, if you were someone who lost Cooley, Owen Daniels, or Brandon Pettigrew to injury.

-12/1/09

For Sunday/Monday’s game. Check back tomorrow for more updates.

QB Kurt Warner- Arizona

Warner has a minor concussion, but practiced all week and said he felt better on Friday than he had all week so even though he’s listed as questionable, I fully expect him to be in the lineup.

11/29/09: Woke up with a bad headache Sunday and is now a game time decision. He doesn’t play until the 2nd wave of games so unless you have another quarterback whose game also kicks off then, or you can easily pick one up, you might want to bench Warner to be safe.

WR Steve Breaston- Arizona

Breaston was limited with a knee injury all week in practice and is listed as probable. This looks familiar, oh wait, that’s because it’s the same exact thing every week and he always plays. Use him as you’ve been using him all year.

WR Roddy White- Atlanta

White went through a full week of practice for the first time in a couple of weeks so we can assume that he’s knee is close to 100% again. He needs to be in your lineup.

RB Michael Turner- Atlanta

He’s been limited all week in practice with that high ankle sprain and is going to be a game time decision. Check back tomorrow morning for updates on whether or not he will play, how much he will play, and whether or not you should start him and/or backup Jason Snelling against a weak Tampa Bay defense.

11/29/09: Active versus Tampa and should start. You should start him as well. Get Jason Snelling on your bench.

TE Todd Heap- Baltimore

He had two full days of practice this week despite a chest injury. Play him as you normally would.

RB Marshawn Lynch- Buffalo

Sadly for Fred Jackson owners, it looks like Lynch is going to play. After a bleak start to the week, Lynch has been able to practice through his shoulder injury and should be able to get his normal work load unless he reinjures his shoulder and has to leave the game.

RB Jonathan Stewart- Carolina

He was given Wednesday off from practice because of his achilles injury which is nothing new, but the fact that he is listed as questionable rather than probably as he normally is raises some concerns. I’m not too concerned though. He should be in the lineup and given his normal workload, 10-15 carries.

11/29/09: Yep, no need to worry. He’s active and I fully believe he’ll get his normal workload.

RB Cedric Benson- Cincinnati

Marvin Lewis seems confident that Benson will play this week, but how much he will play is not known yet. I’ll have some more updates on Benson tomorrow morning and I’ll tell you whether he and/or backup Bernard Scott should be in your starting lineup this week.

11/29/09: He won’t play. Bernard Scott makes another nice start against the lowly Browns.

WR Laveranues Coles- Cincinnati

He missed two days of practice with a sore chest this week and was limited Friday in practice. He’s listed as questionable, but I wouldn’t really count on him being in the lineup. I’ll update you on his status tomorrow because Cincinnati is in the first wave of games. If he missed the game, Andre Caldwell could be worth a start in deeper leagues against the Browns.

11/29/09: He’ll play, but its unknown how much. Either way, I dont think Andre Caldwell is worth a start for you, but Coles could be worth the risk.

RB Jamal Lewis- Cleveland

Lewis has been limited in practice for the last two weeks with an “ankle” injury. More likely he just doesn’t want to practice. Lewis has already retired this season and criticized Mangini for making them practice so much. Cincinnati has a good defense and Chris Jennings could cut into his carries so even if he plays, Lewis is probably not a good fantasy play this week.

RB Steve Slaton- Houston

He missed Wednesday with a shoulder injury, but practiced fine the rest of the week. The bigger concern with him is how much he’ll play. Gary Kubiak seems to just randomly pick names out of a hat for who should get how many carries so Ryan Moats, Steve Slaton, and Chris Brown could all see anywhere from 0-30 carries this week.

QB Peyton Manning- Indianapolis

A glute injury limited Manning some in practice this week, but if you think that Manning is going to let a sore butt prevent him from playing then you deserve to lose your fantasy league. Manning hasn’t missed a game in his career.

RB Joseph Addai- Indianapolis

He practiced fully all week, but is still listed as probable with a knee injury. I’m sure he’ll be out there.

WR Reggie Wayne- Indianapolis

Wayne is almost as tough and durable as Peyton Manning having not missed a game in over 7 years. He missed Wednesday’s practice with a foot injury, but he should play. He practiced fully the rest of the week.

RB Maurice Jones Drew- Jacksonville

He missed Wednesday, but practiced fine the rest of the week through a knee injury. He was upgraded from questionable to probable on Friday which is a good sign that he’ll play.

WR Mike Sims-Walker- Jacksonville

He missed Wednesday, but practiced fine the rest of the week through a knee injury. He was upgraded from questionable to probable on Friday which is a good sign that he’ll play. That’s odd…I remember writing that same thing before…

RB Kolby Smith- Kansas City

Kolby Smith and his 2.3 YPC is probable for this week’s game against San Diego. For some reason, when Kolby Smith is healthy, Haley uses him too much and the much more talented Jamaal Charles too little. Hopefully for Charles owners and Chiefs fans, that won’t be the case this week.

RB Ricky Williams- Miami

He practiced through a chest injury all week and should be able to play through it Sunday against a week Buffalo run defense.

RB Adrian Peterson- Minnesota

An ankle injury limited him in practice all week and he had an illness Friday that prevented him from practicing. He says that he should be fine to play this week, but check back here tomorrow to make sure.

11/29/09: It’s not official, but he’s expected to play according to ESPN.

WR Bernard Berrian- Minnesota

Berrian had his first full practice in over a month this week so I’m sure he’ll play, but with the emergence of Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin, I doubt he’ll do much. He hasn’t caught more than 3 passes in a week since week 4.

WR Percy Harvin- Minnesota

Harvin was added to the injury report yesterday with an illness, but he’s listed as probable and should be able to play tomorrow. He’s played through illness and injury before this year.

WR Randy Moss- New England

Belicheck gives him every Wednesday off and lists him as probable with an undisclosed injury every week. He’ll be in the lineup again this week. No need to worry.

RB Sammy Morris- New England

Morris was limited in practiced Friday with a knee injury, so I don’t think he’ll return this week. Maybe next week, but either way, wait until he gets his job back as starter before you put him in your fantasy lineup. He might not be a bad pickup right now though as people seem to have forgotten him/given up on him.

WR Lance Moore- New Orleans

He didn’t practice Friday, but he has not been ruled out for Monday’s game. Wait until he’s consistently in the lineup and producing before you even think about playing him.

RB Reggie Bush- New Orleans

He was limited this week after missing last week with a knee injury. He doesn’t play until Monday so it’s best to be safe on bench him.

QB Ben Roethlisberger- Pittsburgh

He won’t play this week for precautionary reasons after sustaining a concussion last week against the Chiefs. Dennis Dixon will get the start as backup Charlie Batch is also hurt. Dixon has thrown one pass in his NFL career. Don’t get too excited. Because of this surprise announcement, I updated my pick for the Pittsburgh/Baltimore game.

WR Vincent Jackson- San Diego

He missed practice on Wednesday with a sore rib cage, had some x-rays, and then was back out there Thursday. Unless he gets hit in the ribcage hard and has to leave the game, he should be fine to play this week.

RB Julius Jones- Seattle

He’s a game time decision with a bruised lung. Check back here tomorrow for updates as you’ll want whichever Seattle running back is starting this week, Jones or Justin Forsett, because he will face a weak St. Louis defense.

11/29/09: He’s inactive. Start Justin Forsett versus St. Louis.

RB Stephen Jackson- St. Louis

He hasn’t practiced all week with back spasm, but he has not been ruled out. It’s not looking good for him though. Samkon Gado and Kenneth Darby will get the carries if he can’t play. I’m not too excited about either of those two guys, mostly because I have no idea who the hell they are.

11/29/09: He will play and start for the Rams against a weak Seattle run defense.

WR Antonio Bryant- Tampa Bay

He is expected to play against the Falcons this week despite a knee injury, but he hasn’t done anything fantasy relevant all year.

TE Kellen Winslow- Tampa Bay

He was fine in practice this week and is listed as probable with a knee injury. Start him.

WR Justin Gage- Tennessee

He is out again with a back injury. He might be done for the year.

-11/28/09

The following are for Thanksgiving games only, the rest will be posted Saturday as normal

RB Marion Barber- Dallas

Barber still is listed on the injury report with a thumb injury even though it hasn’t caused him to miss any time. The hamstring injury that was sapping his explosiveness seems to be gone as he had 99 yards on 20 carries last week against the Redskins. Those 20 carries were also a season high. You want him in the lineup against the Raiders.

QB Tony Romo- Dallas

Romo has had a stiff back that has been limiting him some in practice this week but he’s expected to play. It may inhibit him some on long throws, but the Raiders don’t have a very good defense and even with how much he’s been struggling these past two weeks, you want him in your lineup.

TE Jason Witten- Dallas

Witten has a foot injury. He’s listed as questionable, but practiced today so I expect him in the lineup. However, check back here or on my Twitter account tomorrow for the latest. If he plays, you want him in your lineup.

11/26/09: Participated in an early morning practice and is expected to play.

11/26/09: ESPN is reporting that he will start against Oakland.

QB Kyle Orton- Denver

Orton played through an ankle injury last week and has practiced fully all week, but you don’t want him in your lineup. He really struggled after his ankle injury last year and he struggled last week as well. He doesn’t have a strong arm so he really needs good footwork and to have his feet right under him to have a good game and right now that’s not the case.

QB Matt Stafford- Detroit

He’s listed as doubtful with a shoulder injury. He’s a tough kid as he showed last week by throwing the winning touchdown despite grimacing in pain due to an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, but the Lions aren’t going to risk him this week on short rest on Thanksgiving. It’s not like the Lions are going anywhere this season anyway.

11/26/09: Will play despite separation of non-throwing shoulder. This kid has guts.

WR Calvin Johnson- Detroit

Johnson has injuries to his knee and his hand and is listed as questionable. However, he hasn’t practiced all week, the Lions don’t want to risk anything happening to him, and the associated press is saying that he’s unlikely to play, so this is not a 50-50 deal. Stay tuned for updates, but be prepared to go without him.

11/26/09: Active for the start of the game.

RB Kevin Smith- Detroit

Smith has a hip injury that has limited him in practice this week, but he’s listed as probable and is expected to play. However, he’s not very good, or at least his offensive line isn’t. He only managed 45 rushing yards against Cleveland last week and hasn’t gone over 20 carries since week 2. He’s doing a lot of work through the air, but he’s a risky start against a good Packers’ defense. Plus, he’s hurt and averaging 3.5 YPC this season only, so they might decide to give Maurice Morris more work this week. He also hasn’t scored on the ground since week 5. Start him at your own risk.

RB Ryan Grant- Green Bay

Grant suffered a neck stinger on the final drive last week, but hasn’t missed any practice. Go ahead and start him.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw/RB Brandon Jacobs- NY Giants

Bradshaw reinjured his left ankle last week and, as expected, won’t play this week. Brandon Jacobs, who hurt his right knee last week, was taking off of the injury report today and should get the bulk of the carries. Danny Ware could see some action behind Jacobs as could rookie Gartrell Johnson, but neither are fantasy relevant this week. Jacobs could have a huge week against a struggling Denver defense.

QB Eli Manning- NY Giants

His foot injury hasn’t caused him to miss any practice time and he is expected to play against a struggling Denver defense this week. He’s a decent start.

-11/25/09

RB Rock Cartwright- Washington

Available in 99.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

Clinton Portis has been ruled out of this week’s game against Philly and Ladell Betts tore his MCL last week and is done for the season likely. That leaves Cartwright to get the bulk of the carries in Washington. He hasn’t done much in his 8 year NFL career with only 181 career carries, but he is going to be getting the ball next week a lot and he catches passes well (45 career receptions for 406 yards). Plus he has an awesome name.

QB Vince Young- Tennessee

Available in 90.6% of all leagues (ESPN)

Not the ideal fantasy quarterback because he doesn’t throw for a ton of yards in Tennessee’s offense, but he’s showing maturity and he’s only thrown 1 pick in his 4 starts this season to go with 3 touchdowns and 623 yards. He also has 151 yards and a score on the ground and he has a ridiculously easy schedule to end the season. He faces a weak Arizona secondary, followed by a tough Colts defense, but then he plays St. Louis and Miami. He has a tough matchup week 16 against San Diego, but finishing things up against Seattle.

TE Jermichael Finley- Green Bay

Available in 91.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

He was one of my favorite pickups before he got hurt and when he came back I took a wait and see attitude. Well, I waited and I saw. Finley had 54 yards on 7 reception against the Niners and plays the Lions’ “defense” this week.

RB Chris Brown- Houston

Available in 98.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

Moats and Slaton keep fumbling so Brown led the team in carries last week with 11. He only had 36 yards, but the team suck with him and he is an end zone threat as well. They might stick with him throughout the season, but you’ll have to wait and see. Don’t start him yet.

WR Kenny Britt- Tennessee

Available in 92.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

Britt got into the end zone last week for the first time in his young career and is starting because of Justin Gage’s back injury. Gage has had some good seasons with Young at the helm so Britt, another tall wide out, could do the same.

WR Brandon Gibson- St. Louis

Available in 99.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

The Rams might have gotten a steal by getting this guy as a throw in from Philly. He looks like a legitimate #2 option down the road and right now is all the Rams have. He has 12 catches for 154 yards in 2 games, but he’s inexperienced and Kyle Boller is his quarterback so you can’t get too excited.

-11/24/09

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WR Steve Breaston- Arizona

Limited in practice with a knee injury again, but that’s been the case all season and he’s still played. He’ll be out there against the Rams who don’t cover that well and, even if they get out to a big lead, the Cardinals have shown that they aren’t afraid to air it out. Breaston could be a decent play. His teammate Anquan Boldin will be out there as well as he was off the injury report this week for the first time this season.

RB Jerious Norwood/RB Michael Turner- Atlanta

Norwood (hip) has been ruled a long shot to play this week while Turner (ankle) appears to be a long shot after not practicing all week. It should be all Jason Snelling this week against the Giants.

WR Roddy White- Atlanta

He’s listed as a game time decision after being limited in practice all week, but that was the case last week and the week before and he still played. He’s Atlanta’s best receiver so they’ll do everything they can to get him out there in a must win game. He had 98 yards against tough Carolina coverage last week despite the same ankle injury. Unless he reinjured it, it’s only getting stronger and you have nothing to worry about here.

TE Todd Heap- Baltimore

He is still experiencing major soreness in his chest after leaving last week’s game and is listed as a game time decision. You may want to look for other options here at this point because Heap has a history of injuries, but check back tomorrow on my twitter and I’ll have an update. If he does play, he should be a decent start.

RB Cedric Benson- Cincinnati

Benson hasn’t practiced all week with a hip injury and is listed as doubtful, but he says he’s a game time decision, which I don’t really believe. The Bengals shouldn’t really need him against the Raiders so there’s no need to rush him back out there no matter how badly he wants to play. Bernard Scott will be the lead back this week against a weak Oakland run defense so if you’re looking for someone good off waivers, he’s your guy.

WR Laveranues Coles- Cincinnati

His head injury is minor and he practiced on Friday. He has been really playing well over the past few weeks so he’s worth a start, especially if the Raiders focus on covering Chad Ochocinco by sticking Nmandi Ashmouga on him.

RB Jamal Lewis- Cleveland

He’s been limited all week in practice with an ankle injury and his midseason announcement of his retirement shows that he doesn’t really care. He’s been playing awful all season, especially last week, and is yet to get into the end zone. He has an easy matchup against Detroit this week, but I don’t trust him. All he has done this season is complain about practice, retire, get hurt, and average 3.6 YPC with no touchdowns.

RB Marion Barber- Dallas

He’s listed as probable with a thumb injury like he has been the last few weeks, but he should be listed as hamstring, sapping explosiveness and causing a reduction in carries. He finally had a good week in terms of YPC last week, but he only got 5 carries. He’s in a 3 way running back share right now and is likely still experiencing the same side effects from his earlier hamstring injury that sapped his explosiveness for most of the season. I wouldn’t start him.

QB Kyle Orton- Denver

He hasn’t practiced all week due to an ankle injury, but has not been completely ruled out of this week’s huge game against the Chargers. However, even if he does play, it will be without his feet completely set under him, which will hurt him. He doesn’t have a strong arm, so it’s all about footwork on his short throws for him and the ankle injury will inhibit that. He played poorly last season after an ankle injury for that reason and he’s playing a defense that has faced him before and he wasn’t playing that well before the injury. Don’t start him.

RB Corell Buckhalter- Denver

He’s expected to play through his knee injury, but he hasn’t gotten that much work these past few weeks so I’m not even sure I want him on my roster unless Moreno gets hurt or benched.

WR Brandon Marshall- Denver

He has a sore neck and back, has for awhile, but that hasn’t stopped him from going crazy the past two weeks with 246 yards. If he has a bad week, it’ll be because of bad quarterback play (either Chris Simms or a hurting Kyle Orton), not because of any injuries of his own.

TE Jermichael Finley- Green Bay

After practicing yesterday, Finley was upgraded to probable from questionable, a very good sign. Wait for him to do something first after missing two games with injury, but the upside is there as he showed before he got hurt.

WR Pierre Garcon- Indianapolis

He’s still listed as questionable, but practiced Thursday and Friday and should be out there this week, though I’m not sure how much. He does have 3 straight 50 yard weeks, so I might give him the benefit of the doubt, especially with Peyton Manning at quarterback who loves to spread it to all four of his receivers, Garcon, Austin Collie, Dallas Clark, and of course Reggie Wayne.

WR Dwayne Bowe- Kansas City

Suspended four weeks in violation of the league’s performance enhancing drugs policy.

RB Ronnie Brown- Miami

Placed on IR, drop him.

WR Bernard Berrian- Minnesota

He’s been limited in practice this week due to the same hamstring injury that has been hurting him all year. He never built up chemistry with Brett Favre in the preseason and he’s currently Favre’s 3^rd option after Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin. Throw tight end Visanthe Shiancoe in the mix and there aren’t a lot of targets left for Berrian. He hasn’t been more than 3 catches since week 4. I don’t know why he’s owned in 70% of all ESPN leagues.

RB Sammy Morris- New England

He’s a game time decision, but he hasn’t played in weeks, so there’s no need to rush him into your fantasy lineup until you see that he’s playing and getting a good share of the carries again.

WR Randy Moss- New England

Moss wasn’t at practice this Wednesday. Belicheck gives Moss every Wednesday off to mess with fantasy owners. Don’t be fooled.

RB Reggie Bush- New Orleans

Bush didn’t make the plane trip to Tampa Bay with the team. Wow, one week after Reggie Bush finally plays well, he gets hurt and doesn’t play! What a surprise!

WR Lance Moore- New Orleans

He won’t play this week. I have no idea why he’s still owned in 40% of ESPN leagues. He’s not doing anything for anyone.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw- NY Giants

Bradshaw no longer has to wear the protective boot on his foot while walking around which is a good sign that the explosiveness he had earlier this season could be back. He faces a weak Atlanta defense and if he gets the carries, he could be a decent flex. If you want to be on the safe side, wait until he snaps out of his funk before starting him, but I have confidence in him.

RB Brian Westbrook- Philadelphia

His entire career is in question after sustaining 2 concussions in about 3 or 4 weeks. He’s not going to play this week, but he could play later this season, but I wouldn’t count on it. He’s 30 years old right now and battling a ton of injuries, so he could hang them up this offseason, which is sad because he’s one of the great players of this decade.

TE Antonio Gates- San Diego

Took Wednesday off to rest his foot again this week, but is expected to be out there again this week. Start him.

RB Julius Jones- Seattle

Out, Justin Forsett will get the start against a tough Minnesota defense. Control your expectations for him this week.

TE Kellen Winslow- Tampa Bay

He was limited in practice Wednesday with a knee injury, but other than that he was fine this week. He’s been one of the few bright spots for the Bucs this season. Start him.

WR Antonio Bryant- Tampa Bay

He might actually play this week after missing the last two with injuries, but he’s been hurt all year and has yet to have a good fantasy week. I’m not even sure I want this guy on my roster.

RB Clinton Portis- Washington

Won’t play due to a concussion. Ladell Betts will get the start and is a nice fantasy play this week.

If a player isn’t listed, assume he will play and not be limited.

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RB Ladell Betts- Washington

Available in 83.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

He rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries against a once stout looking Denver defense in place of Clinton Portis who had a concussion. Portis is reportedly still suffering from blurred vision and with the Redskins’ season all but over (3-6), they are going to air on the side of caution with Portis. Betts will likely start this week against Dallas.

RB Jason Snelling- Atlanta

Available in 99.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Michael Turner has a high ankle sprain so Snelling, who rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries and also chipped in with 32 receiving yards, is likely, but not guaranteed to start this week against the Giants. The Giants are only a middle of the pack run stopping team, so Snelling could be a nice one week fix for you.

QB Vince Young- Tennessee

Available in 93.4% of all leagues (ESPN)

Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. I’m not saying start him, but if you need a QB2 with upside, go ahead and pick this guy up. He’s been 44 of 62 for 507 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception since taking over as a starter 3 weeks ago. He also has 78 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown and gets Miami and St. Louis during the first two weeks of the fantasy playoffs.

RB Justin Forsett- Seattle

Available in 98.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Julius Jones has been ruled doubtful already for this week’s game with a bruised lung, which is a bad sign for him and a good sign for Forsett who had 149 all purpose yards and a touchdown on only 22 touches after taking over for Jones last week. The only problem, he plays Minnesota. However, if Jones misses more time, Forsett gets St. Louis week 12 and he also catches passes.

RB Bernard Scott- Cincinnati

Available in 99.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

Cedric Benson says he’ll play this week, but if he doesn’t then Scott is set to be the lead back against the Raiders, which could mean big things for Scott, who also is a great pass catcher. He only had 33 yards on 13 carries in relief of Benson after Benson went down with a hip injury last week, but he was playing the Steelers.

WR Chris Chambers- Kansas City

Available in 67.8% of all leagues (ESPN)

Dwayne Bowe has been suspended for 4 weeks for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, so Chambers, who has 130 yards and 2 touchdowns since signing with the Chiefs two weeks ago, is set to be the #1 option for the Chiefs. That’s not saying a lot, especially since he plays Pittsburgh, San Diego and Denver before finally getting an inviting matchup against the Bills week 14, but this is the same guy who had 970 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2007 and 1118 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2005.

WR Brandon Gibson- St. Louis

Available in 100.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

Gibson saw the first major field action of his career last week against the Saints and responded with 7 catches for 93 yards. The Rams don’t really have a true #1 option and Gibson was specifically requested as a throw in from Philadelphia when St. Louis sent Will Witherspoon to the Eagles for a 5^th round pick. He has upside in deep leagues, but a clear downside.

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WR Anquan Boldin- Arizona

It looked like a week off was just what the doctor ordered for his nagging ankle injury. He missed a game last week, but has practiced fully all week this week and good have played last week “if it were a playoff game.” Feel free to start him.

WR Steve Breaston- Arizona

Breaston is still dealing with the same knee injury that has been plaguing him all season. He’s been limited in practice all week, but has been that way all season and hasn’t missed a game since week 1. It doesn’t appear that the Cardinals are going to give him a rest this week as he’s listed as probable, but I don’t think I’d roll with him as I did last week because Boldin is back. He’s a decent flex option if you need him because Arizona does pass a lot and Seattle isn’t great at stopping the pass.

WR Roddy White- Atlanta

He’s been limited in practice all week as he was last week with a knee injury, but is still expected to play, despite being listed as a questionable game time decision. However, he only had 3 catches for 27 yards last week against Washington and is facing a tough Carolina secondary this week so he’s not a lock start as he normally would be. If you have wide receiver depth, this might be the week to sit him.

TE Todd Heap- Baltimore

Heap (ankle) practiced fully Friday and is probable to play this week against the Browns. The Browns can’t stop anyone so if he’s your best tight end option, feel free to roll with him.

QB Trent Edwards- Buffalo

The Bills gave him some rest the past few weeks after his concussion but he is expected back against Tennessee, whose secondary has been playing a lot better in the past 2 weeks since Cortland Finnegan returned. I would not start him this week.

WR Terrell Owens- Buffalo

Owens missed 2 days of practice week with a hip injury but returned to do non-contact position drills on Friday. The coaching staff is saying that he’s still a question mark and that likely means he’ll be a game time decision. I’d keep him on my bench. Owens has only once gone over 6 fantasy points this season so you’re not benching the same old Terrell Owens.

RB DeAngelo Williams- Carolina

Williams (knee) missed practice Wednesday, returned Thursday on a limited basis, but sat again Friday and is listed as a game time decision. Carolina has running back depth with Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson so, even if he does play, he won’t get as many carries as he’s used to. Keep this in mind when setting your rosters, but, for now at least, I’d have him in there. Stay tuned though. I don’t have a special segment for Sunday morning injuries, but I do announce the actives and inactives, as well as some other injury news, on my Twitter account Sunday morning, so if you own Williams, you might want to check there tomorrow morning.

RB Jonathan Stewart- Carolina

In case you haven’t noticed, Stewart is on here every week, but plays every week as well. He’s averaging 4.4 YPC and could be in line for a back week this week. He’s facing a poor Atlanta run defense and could reach a season high in carries with Williams a little banged up with his knee injury.

RB Jamal Lewis- Cleveland

Lewis has been limited in practice all week and is not a very good play. He’s obviously mailed it in for his career complaining about how much the Browns practice and announcing his retirement midseason and to an extent I don’t blame him with how bad the Browns have been this season. He’s also facing a tough Baltimore defense and I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns gave Jerome Harrison more carries this week seeing as Lewis is not going to be back next year. Actually I would be surprised seeing as that would be the smart thing for Eric Mangini to do. Either way, don’t start Lewis.

RB Marion Barber- Dallas

I might as well copy and paste what I said last week. He’s listed with a thumb injury, but is going to play through it, but it’s not the thumb you should be worried about. It’s his hamstring which has been limiting his explosiveness since week 3. He did go over the 4 YPC mark last week by averaging 4.2 against the Eagles, but he still only got 12 carries and Tashard Choice was getting the end zone carries. He’s a possible flex option, but I’m not too excited about him.

WR Brandon Marshall- Denver

Marshall is listed with a back injury after missing practice Wednesday, but he did practice the rest of the week so I fully expect him to be out there against Washington. Use him as you normally would. He had a season high 11 catches and a season high 112 yards last week against Pittsburgh.

WR Calvin Johnson- Detroit

He’s been in practice all week for the first time since injuring his knee week 5 and I fully expect him to improve on the 2 catches for 27 yards he had last week in his first game back from injury. I’d have him in my lineup based on upside. He faces a Minnesota secondary that is down their #1 corner as Antoine Winfield will not play this week with injury.

TE Jermichael Finley- Green Bay

Finley won’t play this week with a knee injury which means more targets for Donald Lee and Spencer Havner, but that was the case last week and the two combined for 1 catch for 5 yards. I would not put any Green Bay tight end in my lineup.

QB Aaron Rodgers- Green Bay

Rodgers (foot) is probable for this week’s game against the Cowboys and practiced fully on both Thursday and Friday. If he doesn’t die from being sacked another 6 times this week, he should be a solid QB1 again.

RB Maurice Jones Drew- Jacksonville

MJD owners likely panicked a little when they saw he was limited in practice on Thursday with a knee injury and was listed on the injury report, but he practiced fully yesterday and is probable for this week’s game against the Kris Jenkins-less Jets.

WR Chris Chambers- Kansas City

He’s going to play despite a foot injury, but I highly doubt he’ll put up 19 points again this week seeing as he only had 3 catches last week. The Raiders might use Nmandi Ashmouga on him which could completely take him out of the game. I wouldn’t start him.

WR Bernard Berrian- Minnesota

Berrian is questionable and a game time decision due to another hamstring injury. He never established good chemistry with Brett Favre in the preseason and it has shown on his stat sheet. Despite an easy matchup, I wouldn’t start him. Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice have much better chemistry with Favre.

WR Randy Moss- New England

Moss missed practice Wednesday for non-injury related reasons. I’d be scared, but the same thing happens every week. Bill Belicheck just likes to freak out fantasy football players.

RB Sammy Morris- New England

Morris (knee) made somewhat of a surprise return to practice Friday after missing the past few weeks. However, I can’t see him being involved much in the offense this week. Unless of course Bill Belicheck plans to use him 30 times this week and he hasn’t actually been hurt at all just so he can mess with fantasy football players.

WR Marques Colston- New Orleans

He missed time with the flu this week, but is expected to play this week against St. Louis. You’d have to be an idiot to bench him against St. Louis who can’t cover anyone.

WR Lance Moore- New Orleans

He won’t play this week. You shouldn’t even this guy on your roster anymore. He has not lived up to the preseason hype.

RB Darren McFadden- Oakland

He has had no setbacks in practice following his knee surgery a few weeks ago and should be involved in the running game. However, he has not put up the stats this season for fantasy owners to be optimistic about his upside this year. He’s averaging 3.1 YPC this year and only had 55 all purpose yards week 2 against the Chiefs.

WR DeSean Jackson- Philadelphia

I’m not sure why he’s still on the injury report. Maybe Andy Reid forgot he was there. He has been on there for 3 straight weeks, but has missed no practice nor any games.

RB Brian Westbrook- Philadelphia

He practiced fully with the first team on Thursday and Friday after missing two straight weeks with a concussion. He also has an ankle problem that has flared up so while he should play against San Diego, you need to curb your expectations for him this week. LeSean McCoy owners should be able to go with him as an RB3 if you need to because he should be involved in the running game and the receiving game as well.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson/TE Antonio Gates- San Diego

Both missed practiced Wednesday, but returned Thursday and Friday and are expected to play against Philadelphia. Use as you normally would.

QB Matt Hasslebeck- Seattle

He suffered a sore shoulder last week against Detroit, but stayed in the game and finished the game with 51 throws and a win. His coach says it is a little sore, but there is no structural damage and his practice schedule this week showed that. He was limited Wednesday, but fine the rest of the week and should be good to go this week against Arizona. On the fantasy team in which I pay most attention, I’m starting him this week.

RB Derrick Ward- Tampa Bay

Ward was probable with a knee injury on Thursday, but missed practice on Friday and was downgraded to questionable. Those are bad signs and could mean that he tweaked the knee on Thursday. He’s also the clear #2 back in Tampa Bay so even if he does play, he’s not going to do much for you. Sit him this week and until further notice.

WR Antonio Bryant- Tampa Bay

He hasn’t practiced all week. He’s listed as questionable, but I doubt he plays. He didn’t play last week either.

RB LenDale White- Tennessee

He missed practice this week with the flu, but is expected to play against Buffalo. However, he is no longer the goal line back in Tennessee. He’s not a significant part of the offense. He shouldn’t even be on your roster unless you’re in a really deep league.

WR Justin Gage- Tennessee

Gage made my pickup of the week list this week on Tuesday, but he had x-rays on Wednesday and found that his sore back was actually caused by broken bones in his back. Whoops! He could be done for the season. Kenny Britt will see an expanded role in Gage’s absence.

RB Clinton Portis- Washington

Will not play due to a concussion.

RB Ladell Betts- Washington

Portis’ backup also has his own injury problems. He has been limited by a low ankle sprain this week, but is expected to play. However, he is likely to split time with Rock Cartwright and maybe some random fan they pick out of the crowd. It’s hard to get excited about a Washington running back this week.

QB Jason Campbell- Washington

Campbell (ankle) is listed as probable and has been fine at practice the last two days. However, when you consider that he is an awful fit for the 2-6 Redskins offense and that he is playing a pretty damn good Denver secondary, you start to cringe.

If a player isn’t listed, assume he will play and not be limited.

RB Willie Parker- Pittsburgh

Owned in 74.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

One touch in the last 2 weeks, a 2 yard run, a 3.1 YPC on the season, an upcoming 29^th birthday (today actually), and the emergence of Rashard Mendenhall have left Parker fantasy irrelevant. He hasn’t recorded a fantasy point since week 3, 2 points week 6 were erased by a fumble.

RB Willie McGahee- Baltimore

Owned in 73.2 of all leagues (ESPN)

No fantasy points since week 4 when he had 8, but 6 came on a goal line touchdown. He’s no longer the goal line back in Baltimore. He just turned 28 and has a history of injuries and Ray Rice is running all over the place atop the depth chart.

TE Owen Daniels- Houston

Owned in 61.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

Done for the year with a torn ACL.

WR Eddie Royal- Denver

Owned in 54.8% of all leagues (ESPN)

No touchdowns all year and no week of more than 7 fantasy points. In fact, he’s only twice topped two.

RB LenDale White- Tennessee

Owned in 55.4% of all leagues (ESPN)

Tennessee’s week 1 “goal line” back is no longer getting the goal line touches thanks to Chris Johnson being a complete beast. Two double digit carries games this season, hasn’t topped 7 fantasy points in a week, 3 weeks with more than 4 fantasy points, 4 carries and 3 yards last week, only one touchdown this season.

WR Antonio Bryant- Tampa Bay

Owned in 58.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

Missed the preseason with an injury and hasn’t established any chemistry with any of his three different quarterbacks. He has been playing hurt all year, hasn’t top 62 yards all season, only two double digit weeks, a 0, a 2, a 4, a 5, and a 6 this year. He now has a rookie quarterback for one of the worst teams in the league and an injury.

RB Fred Jackson- Buffalo

Owned in 59.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Huge for the first 3 weeks, but then Marshawn Lynch returned from suspension, no touchdowns all year, hasn’t topped 6 since week 3, last two weeks he has combined for 2 points.

RB Derrick Ward- Tampa Bay

Owned in 53.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

His one 4+ point week since week 1 was last week, but he did it through the air and only had 5 yards on 4 carries, two double digit carries weeks all season, no touchdowns since week 1. Clearly the #2 back to Cadillac Williams.

RB Chester Taylor- Minnesota

Owned in 50.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

Averaging 2.7 YPC, hasn’t had more than 26 yards in a week all season, 1 double digit carry week, 1 touchdown all year, doing all of his work through the air, 209 receiving yards to 123 rushing yards, but only has 22 receiving yards over the last 3 weeks.

WR Mike Wallace- Pittsburgh

Available in 80.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

Wallace hasn’t had less than 47 yards since week 2 and has 3 touchdowns in his last 4 games. He has inherited all of Nate Washington’s targets in the slot and then some. He is on pace for 874 yards and 6 touchdowns this season. He also has 2 runs of 10 yards or more this season. The Steelers are 6^th in the league in passing yards so there should be enough yards to go around for Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and Mike Wallace to be fantasy relevant.

RB Ladell Betts- Washington

Available 96.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

Clinton Portis is not likely to play this week against Denver with a concussion which means that Betts, who had 93 all purpose yards and a touchdown last week after taking over for Portis, could have 15-20 carries next week. That means he could be a borderline start for your fantasy team.

WR Lance Long- Kansas City

Available in 100% of all leagues (ESPN)

I’ll admit I never had heard of this guy before this week, but in his 2^nd career game, Long had 8 catches for 74 yards. He had recently been called up from the practice squad. Bobby Wade and Bobby Engram are both off of the active roster now so Long could be the one catching all of Matt Cassel’s weak armed short throws out of the slot. He had 11 targets last week and 5 the week before. Keep your eye on him. I’m not saying pick him up quite yet, but it was a slow week and he impressed me as a long term wide receiver option in deep leagues.

WR Justin Gage- Tennessee

Available in 83.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

If any wide receiver is benefiting from Vince Young as the starting quarterback, it’s Justin Gage. He has 138 yards in 2 weeks with Young at the helm. Not a huge pickup, but it was a slow week. Bettis and Wallace are the big pickups you want.

Because it was a slow pickup week, I’m going to debut my new segment “why are these guys on your roster?” tomorrow. Basically, I will talk about the guys owned to 50% or more of leagues that should not be owned in most leagues.

WR Anquan Boldin- Arizona

Boldin (ankle) was limited early in the week, but he practiced well Friday and, though he is listed as a questionable game time decision, sources believe he is expected to play. Chicago’s secondary is not as good as Carolina’s so he should manage more than the 23 yards he had last week.

WR Steve Breaston- Arizona

Breaston (knee) practiced Thursday and Friday and is expected to play Sunday against the Bears. Kurt Warner’s numbers in his career are good following games in which he throws 3 or more interceptions and Chicago’s secondary is not as good as Carolina’s so Breaston is a borderline start this week.

WR Roddy White- Atlanta

After missing practice Thursday, White (knee) returned to practice Friday and is expected to play Sunday against Washington. Have him in your lineup.

TE Todd Heap- Baltimore

He was limited earlier this week in practice with an ankle injury, but practiced fully on Friday and should play Sunday against the Bengals. There are certainly better options, but if Heap is your TE1 weekly, play him as you would.

RB Jonathan Stewart- Carolina

Stewart’s achilles appears to be the strongest it’s been all season as he’s practicing earlier in the week than he has all season. I would say start him, but I doubt he gets a lot of carries this week against New Orleans. The Saints offense is such that opposing quarterbacks have to throw more to keep up, a league leading 38.1 times. That’s a lot less carries available for Carolina’s running backs including Stewart.

QB Jake Delhomme- Carolina

He’s listed with a chest injury, but should play. However, starting him would be a big mistake this week. He has to throw a lot to keep up with Drew Brees which should mean a lot more picks for him. He has 13 on the year and the Saints lead the league with 16 interceptions by their defense this season.

WR Devin Hester- Chicago

Hester is listed as questionable with an ankle injury this week, but he practiced fully without limitations on Friday a good sign that he should play against Arizona’s mediocre secondary this week. Hester is having his best season as a pro this season and warrants a start every week, including this one.

TE Greg Olsen- Chicago

After being limited Wednesday, Olsen (ankle) practiced fully Thursday and Friday and is probable for this week’s game against the Cardinals. Olsen hasn’t lived up to the preseason hype, but I like him as a start this week on upside.

RB Marion Barber- Dallas

Barber is expected to play through his thumb injury for the 2^nd straight week, but, as I said last week, Barber is obviously still hampered by the quad injury that forced him out of the lineup week 3. He has not averaged more than 3.8 yards per carry in a given week since week 3 and hasn’t gone over 53 yards since then either. He also only has 6 catches on the year. You’re really banking on him getting a touchdown if you start him and that’s risky.

WR Calvin Johnson- Detroit

Johnson was limited in practice all week with the same knee injury that has forced him to miss the last 2 games. However, he is expected to play against the Seahawks, as is his quarterback Matt Stafford. Stay tuned with updates on him because the Lions may want to sit him another week to be on the safe side with their talented young wideout, but as they showed by throwing Matt Stafford out there last week at less than 100%, they don’t care about protecting their young investments, even with a lost season at 1-6.

RB Kevin Smith- Detroit

He’s practiced for two straight days and Coach Jim Schwartz is “optimistic” that he’ll play against the Seahawks this week. Smith (shoulder) is only averaging 3.1 yards per carry thanks to poor quarterback play and a poor offensive line, but that should go up this week against the Seahawks’ weak run defense.

QB Aaron Rodgers- Green Bay

Rodgers has been dealing with foot and ankle injuries this week thanks to an offensive line that has allowed him to get sacked 31 times in 7 games. He missed two days of practice, likely precautionary, but practiced fully Friday and is probable for their game against the Buccaneers, who he should have a field day on. Rodgers has been an elite fantasy quarterback this year. You want him out there.

WR Donald Driver- Green Bay

Driver missed 2 days of practice with a neck stinger, but he was cleared by doctors to practice Friday and play Sunday so expect him out there against a weak Tampa Bay defense so you should start him.

TE Jermichael Finley- Green Bay

He has been ruled out of Sunday’s game which means more targets for Donald Lee and Spencer Havner.

WR Pierre Garcon- Indianapolis

Garcon is questionable, but didn’t practice Friday, a bad sign. If he doesn’t play, that means Austin Collie could have a huge game against the Texans defense. Anthony Gonzalez will not play either after having another knee surgery.

RB Sammy Morris/RB Fred Taylor- New England

Both are out this week which means more carries for Laurence Maroney.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw- NY Giants

He has been playing through ankle and foot injuries all season, but he has been playing. However, they appear to be worsening as he saw a foot specialist last week. He’s averaging 2.7 and 2.3 yards per carry respectively the last two weeks. I’d bench him until I see a bounce back.

WR Mario Manningham- NY Giants

He didn’t play last week with a shoulder injury, but he is expected to play this week after practicing Friday. He is listed as probable, but with the emergence of Hakeem Nicks at wide receiver, I doubt Manningham sees as much field time as he did early in the season. I wouldn’t start him this week.

WR DeSean Jackson- Philadelphia

He was on this week’s injury report again with a foot injury, but he practiced fine all week. He needs to be in your lineup if you own him. He’s established himself as an elite weapon.

RB Brian Westbrook- Philadelphia

He practiced Thursday, but not Friday, but is expected to play Sunday with a concussion. I don’t think he gets a huge workload so LeSean McCoy is worth another start. I would put Westbrook in my lineup too, but I wouldn’t expect anything huge from him.

TE Antonio Gates- San Diego

Gates (foot) practiced two straight days this week, Thursday and Friday so he is expected to be out there this week.

WR Antonio Bryant- Tampa Bay

He’s a game time decision this week with a knee injury. He hasn’t gone for more than 62 yards this season and is facing a tough Packer defense. I wouldn’t start him.

RB Ryan Moats- Houston

Available in 99.4% of all leagues (ESPN)

Where did this come from? After Steve Slaton was benched after yet another fumble, the Texans rode Moats to a victory. Moats rushed for 126 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23 carries. He also caught 2 passes for 25 yards. It remains to be seen whether or not Moats is the feature back going forward, but I pretty much say pick him up and ask questions later, especially if you’re a Steve Slaton owner.

WR Mike Wallace- Pittsburgh

Available in 84.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

Wallace seems to be picking up all of Nate Washington’s old targets from last season. As the slot guy last year, Washington had 40 catches for 631 yards and a touchdown. Wallace already has 21 catches for 368 yards and 2 touchdowns and has been consistent with at least 47 yards in each of the last 5 weeks. He’s the deep threat and he’ll get some yards on the ground. He’s getting better every week, as a rookie. If anyone glanced over him because he was on bye last week, don’t be afraid to pick him up this week to give you some wide receiver depth.

RB Jamaal Charles- Kansas City

Available in 85.6% of all leagues (ESPN)

Larry Johnson’s suspension is only officially a week, but in addition to his homophobic comments and his negative comments about the Chiefs’ coaching staff, Johnson is only averaging 2.7 yards per carry. If Johnson is benched following his return, Charles stands to benefit the most as he’s expected to be the feature back, with Kolby Smith getting some work here and there, in Johnson’s absence. Charles is averaging 5.0 yards per carry this season and 5.3 in his short career. He also is a good pass catcher.

Update: Apparently a bunch of angry Chief fans think Larry Johnson is such an asshole that they are putting together a petition to keep him from getting the 75 yards he needs to be the franchise’s all time leading rusher. All the more reason to pick up Jamaal Charles.

QB Alex Smith- San Francisco

Available in 90.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

Smith was average in his first start this season against the Colts, but look at his upcoming schedule and their respective ranks against the pass in terms of yards per attempt, Tennessee (29^th), Chicago (11^th), Green Bay (12^th), Jacksonville (22^nd), Seattle (17^th), Arizona (19^th), Philadelphia (4^th), Detroit (30^th), St. Louis (25^th). The Colts, who Smith was 19 of 32 for 198 yards 1 touchdown and a pick against, rank 2^nd. Smith is getting more and more comfortable out there and if the Niners go with more spread, look out, this is the same quarterback that was drafted #1 overall in 2004. He has great chemistry with his receivers, especially Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis.

WR Michael Crabtree- San Francisco

Available in 60.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

As Smith grows and as the Niners schedule gets easier against the pass, Michael Crabtree’s numbers will shoot up even more. Crabtree had 80 yards last week in his 2^nd game as a pro. With an easier schedule, Alex Smith improving, and possibly a switch to more of a spread offense, which he operated under at Texas Tech, coupled with getting into game shape, Crabtree could be a weekly lock to start.

WR Malcolm Floyd- San Diego

Available in 98.6% of all leagues (ESPN)

Chris Chambers was cut Monday making Floyd a full time starter for the Chargers. He’s not going to do a ton for you, but he’s a nice deep threat and the Chargers pass a lot so he could make an interesting flex start depending on the matchup in deeper leagues. He only has 11 catches on the year, but has at least 5 fantasy points or more in 4 of his last 5 games and that only will improve now that he’s a full time starter.

TE Fred Davis- Washington

Available in 98.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

Chris Cooley is likely out for the year so 2008 2nd round pick Fred Davis be the starting tight end in Washington. He’s extremely athletic and fits the offense perfectly. He had 8 catches for 78 yards Monday against Philadelphia after Cooley went down. He is a solid TE2 and has the potential to be a lot more.

WR Steve Breaston/WR Anquan Boldin- Arizona

Both are expected to play Sunday against the Panthers, but both are expected to be limited. Plus, the Panthers are ranked #1 against the pass in the country. I can’t recommend starting either this week, especially not Breaston. Boldin is a decent option if you need him, but nothing more.

RB Jonathan Stewart- Carolina

Same old, same old for Stewart. He’s been limited in practice some this week, but he should play against the Cardinals. However, he has been struggling this year and Arizona has been amazing against the run, so I don’t recommend starting him.

RB Marion Barber- Dallas

Barber is expected to play with his thumb injury, but he hasn’t shown any explosion since injuring his quad a few weeks ago and that’s the type of injury that lends to linger and sap your explosion. He is averaging 3.5 yards per carry over the last 3 weeks and has been given a lot of his carries to Tashard Choice and Felix Jones.

QB Matthew Stafford/WR Calvin Johnson- Detroit

Both are listed as questionable, but Coach Jim Schwartz says, barring any setbacks, that both should start against the Rams. The Rams’ defense is extremely poor and both should have good fantasy weeks.

TE Jermichael Finley- Green Bay

Finley (knee) has missed practice all week, but has not been ruled out for this week’s game against the Vikings, who have the 2^nd most fantasy points given up to tight ends this season. However, I wouldn’t count on him playing. Donald Lee is likely to be the feature tight end if Finley doesn’t play which gives him some fantasy value against the Vikings.

WR Andre Johnson- Houston

Johnson has a bruised lung, which apparently is not as bad as it sounds. He is expected to play against the Bills so you need him in your lineup. Coach Gary Kubiak said he’s “ready to go” and he’s been switched from questionable to probable in the last 24 hours.

WR Reggie Wayne- Indianapolis

Wayne (groin) missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, but returned on Friday and Jim Caldwell expects him to play this Sunday against the Niners. The Niners have had major trouble shutting down their opponents’ #1 options this season so I expect a big game from Wayne.

WR Bernard Berrian/WR Percy Harvin- Minnesota

Both are game time decisions for the Vikings late start, so both are tough starts. Plus, Sidney Rice has emerged as the Vikings top receiver and Harvin and Berrian have taken a backseat to him. I wouldn’t start either.

TE Jeremy Shockey- New Orleans

After being limited in practice Thursday, Shockey (shoulder) returned to practice fully on Friday and is expected to play this week against the Falcons. With the way the Saints’ offense has been playing of late, I can’t recommend sitting him unless you have an elite tight end.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw- NY Giants

Bradshaw (foot) saw a foot specialist this week about the foot injury he has been battling this season and it was revealed that he has a cracked bone on the outside of his foot and he’s a misstep away from a broken foot and needing surgery. I can see that knowledge limiting him this week as he’ll be less likely to be bouncing around on his foot with cut moves and that will hurt his fantasy stock. He’s also been struggling in the past 2 weeks so presumably his injury has gotten more painful, hence why he saw the specialist. The Eagles have a tough run defense so I’d say bench Bradshaw this week.

WR Mario Manningham- NY Giants

Manningham hurt his shoulder this week in practice and is now a questionable game time decision. I would consider benching Manningham even if he were healthy, because his stats have been declining in recent weeks and Hakeem Nicks’ have been increasing. I would say bench Manningham this week. Hakeem Nicks is an interesting play if Manningham is ruled out.

WR DeSean Jackson- Philadelphia

Go ahead and start him. He’s listed as probable and played Friday so I expect him to play barring any setbacks.

RB Brian Westbrook- Philadelphia

Westbrook (concussion) hasn’t practiced all week and is not expected to play. Even if he does, he’ll be limited so he’s not a good start this week. LeSean McCoy is going to get a bunch of carries regardless of whether or not Westbrook plays so he’s a very good start. The Giants aren’t great against the run.

Out: Trent Edwards, Mushin Muhammad, Anthony Gonzalez, Darren McFadden

If a player isn’t listed here, assume he will play and not be limited.

RB Jamaal Charles- Kansas City

Available in 96.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

Larry Johnson is averaging 2.7 yards per carry. Jamaal Charles is averaging 5.0. Yet Johnson has been given 132 carries and Charles 23. Charles is clearly the more talented one, but he’s not getting enough carries. The Chiefs go on bye this week and they might rethink their strategy, seeing as they’re 1-6, and give Charles more work week 9. He’s worth a bench spot. Charles is also 7 years younger so if the Chiefs want to try a youth movement, Charles would benefit. Larry Johnson also recently got some heat for a bunch of comments he’s been making and could get suspended or benched.

WR Mike Wallace- Pittsburgh

Available in 94.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

RB Justin Fargas- Oakland

Available in 92.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

Since McFadden got hurt, Fargas has been leading the Raiders in carries and rushing yards. Cable has said that he prefers Fargas over Bush so Fargas needs to be owned in more leagues, at least in more leagues than Bush who is still owned in more than a quarter of ESPN leagues.

RB Shonn Greene- NY Jets

Available in 97.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

Leon Washington broke his leg and is out for the season. Greene, despite not being the speedster Washington is, is set to take over all of Washington’s carries because of starter Thomas Jones’ age. He had a huge game after Washington got hurt against the Raiders. He had 144 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 carries, granted they were in garbage time and against the Raiders, but the Jets have a rookie quarterback and a conservative coach so the Jets are going to still run a lot. Greene is worth a pickup on potential alone.

QB Alex Smith- San Francisco

Available in 99.8% of all leagues (ESPN)

Mike Singletary removed Shaun Hill at halftime and put in Alex Smith. Smith responded by almost erasing a 3 score deficit with 206 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. That interception was on a tough throw he almost had to force to give his team a shot to win. He played like the former #1 pick he is and is going to be given a shot to start this week against Indianapolis. He seems comfortable and to have developed an amazing connection with his receivers, especially Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.

WR Michael Crabtree- San Francisco

Available of 64.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

Speaking of Crabtree, he should be owned in all leagues. He has a great connection with new quarterback Alex Smith and fits the Niners’ offensive perfectly. He had 5 catches for 56 yards, but had a 25 yard catch erased on a penalty. And this was his first game. Pick him up as he has potential to be a WR2 caliber guy weekly.

TE Fred Davis- Washington

Available in 99.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

WR Hakeem Nicks- NY Giants

Available in 89.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

Nicks has a touchdown in each of the last three weeks and had 114 yards last week. Steve Smith and Mario Manningham are still starting for the Giants, but they might not be able to ignore Nicks’ talent any more. Nicks is also over 6 feet tall, which neither Manningham nor Smith are so they should start to give Nicks more and more playing time, especially close to the goal line. He’s worth a pickup based on upside.

WR Sidney Rice- Minnesota

Available in 71.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

Its tough to ignore Rice after his 176 yard game last week. He’s a talented 3^rd year receiver who seems to get better every week. He’s a goal line threat at 6-4 and Brett Favre seems to like throwing to him. He has surpassed Bernard Berrian as Favre’s favorite target.

TE Jermichael Finley- Green Bay

Available in 84.6% of all leagues (ESPN)

Its becoming clearer and clearer that the Packers intend to use Finley as a pass catching tight end and Donald Lee as solely a blocker. He has back to back good games and a fairly easy schedule upcoming with Cleveland, Minnesota, who is awful against tight ends, and then Tampa Bay.

WR Mohamed Massaquoi- Cleveland

Available in 83.9% of all leagues (ESPN)

Derek Anderson seems to love throwing to this guy. Anderson had 9 completions for 122 yards last week against a good Pittsburgh secondary. Massaquoi caught 5 of them for 87 yards. Anderson, no matter how bad he is playing right now, seems to be Eric Mangini’s guy at quarterback, and Massaquoi has some easier matchups upcoming so he is worth a pickup.

RB Justin Fargas- Oakland

Available in 97.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

Fargas, with McFadden out for Oakland, seems to be the feature back in the Oakland offense, which gives him some value. He’s not the best runner, but he’ll get a lot of work.

RB Laurence Maroney- New England

Available in 84.9% of all leagues (ESPN)

Fred Taylor is out. Sammy Morris hurt his ankle last week and is questionable going forward. Maroney is the feature back for New England if Morris is out and the Patriots play Tampa Bay, who struggle against the run, next week. Tom Brady is coming off of a huge week so the Bucs are probably going to be focusing on him and Maroney could take advantage of that with a big week next week.

RB Mike Bell

Available in 71.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

Bell is back from injury but since he’s coming off of a bye week and since Pierre Thomas is also back from injury, Bell was dropped in a lot of leagues last week. Fantasy owners aren’t going to be jumping out to pick him up, but he still has value. He only had 34 yards last week on 15 carries, but he had success to start the season and Sean Peyton seems to like to give him carries. He should get about 15 carries a week, which could be good for 60-70 yards and he’s the Saints’ goal line back so he could chip in with a few touchdowns.

WR Andre Caldwell

Available in 97.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Don’t rush out and get him if any of the guys on this list above him are available, but in deeper leagues, he could be worth a pickup. He’s grown into Carson Palmer’s 2^nd favorite target and he’s improving every week as a 2^nd year receiver. He caught 6 catches for 57 yards last week.

WR Steve Breaston- Arizona

Its more of the same old with Breaston. He’s been limited in practice with a knee injury, but is expected to play as the 3^rd receiver for the Cardinals. He should be good for 60-70 yards again, but he hasn’t scored a touchdown all year, so keep that in mind before you decide your lineups.

WR Steve Smith- Carolina

Smith (knee) was a surprise addition to the Panthers’ injury report this week after being limited in practice on Thursday, but he practiced fully Thursday and should play against Tampa Bay. Tampa bay’s secondary is gives up the most passes of 20 yards or more in the league so big play threat Smith should have a huge game.

RB Jonathan Stewart- Carolina

He’ll most likely play again, despite being limited with the achilles injury, but he’s been limited in games all year and has not lived up to his fantasy potential. Even against Tampa Bay, I’d say sit him until he does something consistently.

RB Jamal Lewis- Cleveland

Lewis (hamstring) is listed as probable, but should play as he played last week with no problems or setbacks. However, he’s not his old self running the ball and has been very ineffective the past two years. He’s playing a Pittsburgh team notorious for stopping the run.

RB Corell Buckhalter- Denver

Josh McDaniels has confirmed that Buckhalter (ankle) will play on Monday against the Chargers. However, with Knowshon Moreno’s big week last week and Moreno’s continued development as a rookie, I don’t think Buckhalter will see enough action to do anything for your fantasy team

WR Calvin Johnson- Detroit

He’s listed as questionable with that knee injury, but he hasn’t practiced all week and really struggled last week playing hurt. He’s the Lions best player. He’s young and the Lions are going nowhere this year, so I think they’ll err on the safe side and sit him.

QB Matt Stafford- Detroit

Stafford is listed as questionable, as he was last week, with a knee injury, but I think they’ll let Daunte Culpepper play another week. Stafford had really been struggling before the injury and the Lions are 1-4 and in last place, so there’s no reason to rush him out there.

WR Percy Harvin- Minnesota

Harvin (shoulder) did practice on Friday which is a good sign, but he’s still likely a game time decision. He’s not a fantasy cornerstone, despite his big name, so its best to err on the side of caution and sit him this week.

WR Randy Moss- New England

He’s here why I hate Bill Belicheck’s injury reports. Moss was not available for the media portion of Wednesday’s practice, but BB said that had nothing to do with an injury. Then, he was limited in practice on Friday with an undisclosed injury. I think he’ll play and it would be stupid to sit him. Belicheck just hates fantasy owners.

WR Wes Welker- New England

Welker has been finally taken off of the Patriots injury report. Unless Bill Belicheck is planning something major to fantasy with fantasy owners, he should be out there opposite Randy Moss, which means he’ll get a lot of one-on-one coverage against a weak secondary. He could have a huge week.

RB Mike Bell- New Orleans

He’ll play, but I’m not sure how much. The Saints are playing to use a 3 man running back rotation with Bell, Pierre Thomas, and Reggie Bush, but I’m not sure who will get how many carries. If your going to start a New Orleans running back, starting Thomas who has been very good in the last two games since returning from an injury.

QB Eli Manning- NY Giants

Unless the Giants somehow get out to a 31 point lead in the first half against the Saints, Eli will play the whole game. He did not aggravate his foot injury last week. The only reason he was benched is because the Giants were dominating and Tom Coughlin wanted to give his star a rest.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw- NY Giants

Bradshaw (ankle) is expected to play once again this week. I highly doubt he’ll go for 26 fantasy points on 11 carries again because he’s not playing the Raiders, but he is averaging 6.5 yards per carry this year, so he’s a good play no matter what the matchup.

WR Jerricho Cotchery- NY Jets

Cotchery (hamstring) won’t play on Sunday.

WR Chaz Schilens- Oakland

Schilens (foot) has been practicing for the first time all season this week and might play. I do think he has a lot of talent, but wait until he does something before you start him. The Raiders are awful at quarterback. He is worth a pickup though.

RB Willie Parker/RB Rashard Mendenhall- Pittsburgh

Both missed some practice this week, but both are expected to play. Parker is not expected to start, which means that Mendenhall will get the most work this week. The Steelers play the Browns weak defense so Mendenhall could be worth a start if you need hm.

WR Nate Burleson- Seattle

Burleson (back) is expected to play against Arizona this week. He’s been Hasselbeck’s favorite target this year.

WR Antonio Bryant- Tampa Bay

Raheem Morris is saying that Bryant (knee) looks the best he has since OTAs, which is a good sign. The numbers certainly back at that claim as he had 5 catches for 62 yards last week. Expect him to expand on that this week.

RB Clinton Portis- Washington

Portis has been battling all sorts of leg injury the past few weeks, but Kansas City is not great at stopping the run, so you can start Portis, who is expected to play, this week.

TE Heath Miller- Pittsburgh

Available in 69.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

I have been advocating Miller’s pickup for the entire season and I feel that he should be a TE1 in all leagues. He’s by far the most underrated tight end this season. He has 29 catches for 235 yards and 3 touchdowns and is one of Ben Roethlisberger’s favorite targets. He’s on pace for 752 yards and 10 touchdowns, as well as an unheard of 93 catches for PPR leaguers. He’s the fifth rated fantasy tight end in regular leagues, but is still available in more than 2/3 of all leagues.

Saints Defense

Available in 69.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

I know the words Saints, defense, fantasy, and relevant haven’t been used in the same sentence in a long time, but despite only playing in 4 games so far, the Saints are the 4^th rated fantasy defense. They pick off a ton of passes, 10 in 4 games, and already have 3 defensive touchdowns. As an added bonus, in fantasy playoff time, weeks 15-17, they play Tony Romo (the December version), whoever is starting for Tampa Bay, and Jake Delhomme.

WR Miles Austin- Dallas

Available in 97.6% of all leagues (ESPN)

I don’t love Austin as a fantasy player or the Cowboys passing game in general, but there’s no denying the fact that he had an unheard of 250 yards and 2 touchdowns last week, granted it was against Kansas City’s secondary. He won’t be consistent, but the Cowboys are obviously going to try to get him more involved so he could be huge for you.

QB Chad Henne- Miami

Available in 98.4% of all leagues (ESPN)

The Jets defense stopped Tom Brady and Matt Schaub and even slowed Drew Brees some, but they couldn’t stop Chad Henne from going for 241 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 picks on Monday Night Football. He is in a favorable situation in a run heavy offense and will do everything he needs to give the Dolphins a chance to win every week. Likewise, in fantasy football, he’s the type of guy who can be a solid bye week filer and get the job done for you.

WR Jeremy Maclin- Philadelphia

Available in 91.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Maclin certainly loves having McNabb back. He had 142 yards and 2 touchdowns last week with McNabb at the helm, granted it was against the Buccaneers defense. He certainly has huge potential going forward and deserves a spot on your bench.

RB Jamaal Charles- Kansas City

Available in 95.6% of all leagues (ESPN)

Larry Johnson is awful. He is averaging 2.4 yards per carry and has 0 touchdowns this season. Assuming Chiefs coach Todd Haley isn’t completely inept (no promises there), he will give the more talented Jamaal Charles more work in the weeks to come. Charles is averaging 5.1 yards per carry this season and catches passes as well so if he gets involved in the offense more, he could be a decent start some weeks depending on the matchup.

RB Sammy Morris- New England

Available in 61.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

Fred Taylor could be done for the season having after ankle surgery. New England’s backfield is always a toss up because Bill Belicheck has some sort of grudge against fantasy football owners. You never know who he’s going to start on any given day, but with Taylor only and Laurence Maroney struggling, he may have no choice but to give Sammy Morris more work. Morris had 122 total yards last week against Denver and will get what few of the goal line carries Bill Belicheck actually gives to a running back.

TE Jermichael Finley- Green Bay

Available in 94.6% of all leagues (ESPN)

In really deep leagues, you may want to consider Finley. He’s a very talented pass catcher and is steadily getting more work in Green Bay’s high powered offense. He lit up Minnesota, who has been notoriously (in fantasy circles) weak against tight ends, for 128 yards and 1 touchdown during week 4 before the bye. Next three weeks for him, Detroit, Cleveland, and Minnesota again.

WR Steve Breaston- Arizona

Breaston (knee) has been limited in practice all week and seems like a game time decision. He could have a good game if he plays because the Cardinals’ game against the Texans should be a shootout, but I’m not he’ll play at this point. Keep a watch on him.

WR Derrick Mason- Baltimore

Mason (neck) has been limited some in practice this week, but is listed as probable so I expect him to play. He hurt his neck last week against the Patriots and stayed in the game so I doubt he’ll miss any time. Play him if you need him.

RB Jonathan Stewart- Carolina

Stewart has once against been limited with an achilles injury this week, but should play against Washington this week. However, he has struggled this season with 23 carries for 99 yards and no touchdowns and ran for -1 yards on 3 carries in his last game against Dallas. Wait until he does something before you play him.

RB Jamal Lewis- Cleveland

Lewis (hamstring) is expected to play this week after practicing on Friday, but the Browns are 0-4 and proved with the trade of Braylon Edwards that they are perusing a bit of a youth movement. Jerome Harrison had a huge week last week against Cincinnati and should get a good chunk if not the bulk of the carries against Buffalo this week. I wouldn’t play Lewis.

RB Marion Barber- Dallas

Barber has practiced all week despite some tightness in his quad when he played last week. He is expected to play and get the bulk of the carries against Kansas City this week. Kansas City struggles defensively so Barber could have a big game.

WR Roy Williams- Dallas

Williams has been ruled out of Dallas’ game against the Chiefs with a rib injury.

RB Corell Buckhalter- Denver

Buckhalter has been ruled out of the Broncos’ game against the Patriots this week which is great news for Knowshon Moreno, who will be the feature back this week against the Patriots’ lackluster run D.

WR Calvin Johnson- Detroit

Johnson (quad) has been limited in practice this week, but he’s a tough guy and a huge part of the Lions’ offense so there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be in the Lions’ lineup and your fantasy lineup as well.

RB Kevin Smith- Detroit

Smith played last week and hasn’t missed any practice this week, but is still listed on the injury report as probable for Detroit’s game against Pittsburgh. I fully expect him to play, but how he handles Pittsburgh’s defense is a different issue. I would sit him this week if you can.

QB Matt Stafford- Detroit

Stafford is expected not to play this week, though there’s still a possibility he could play. He has been throwing this week, but walking all of his drills, suggesting his knee is still very sore. He’d be playing Pittsburgh if he does play so he’s certainly not worth a start this week. Neither is Daunte Culpepper, who would play in Stafford’s absence.

RB Joseph Addai- Indianapolis

Addai has a hand injury, which doesn’t really effect him all that much at running back. Assuming he can tolerate the pain, he should be able to play fine. He practiced fully Friday so use him as you would any week. Tennessee’s run defense isn’t as strong as it used to be.

WR Wes Welker- New England

Wes Welker is still having pain in his knee as he has had all season. He’s missed 2 games so far, but played last week. I have a feeling he’ll play because the Patriots offense is simply on another level when he’s out there, but he could be a late scratch as he was in week 2. You never know with Bill Belicheck. For all we know, Welker could be dead.

RB Fred Taylor- New England

Taylor had surgery on his ankle and won’t play this week, but he hasn’t been ruled out for the season. Or at least that’s what Bill Belicheck is reporting, which means he might not have even had surgery. The Patriots backfield is too unpredictable to like any of their backs going forward. Sammy Morris, BenJarvus Green Ellis, and Laurence Maroney could all run for 100 yards on any given week.

QB Eli Manning- NY Giants

Eli (foot) took half of the snaps on Friday and then went through a walkthrough on Saturday. He is one of the toughest quarterbacks in the league as evidenced by his speedy return from a separated shoulder in 2007, which was supposed to sideline him a month, but the Giants, at 4-0, might keep him out to be safe with the lowly Raiders coming to town. I would be prepared to sit Manning just in case if I owned him. Surprisingly, David Carr could be worth a start in Manning’s absence. He would be playing the Raiders.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw- NY Giants

Bradshaw has been plagued by an ankle injury for two weeks, but he played through the pain, very well I might add. He didn’t practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday, but those were likely precautionary as he did practice on Friday. I expect him to play and play well and Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw should be able to run all over the Raiders’ D.

WR Jerricho Cotchery- NY Jets

Cotchery (hamstring) hasn’t practiced Friday or Saturday and is going to be a game time decision. This is a complicated situation because he doesn’t play until Monday. If your lineups lock at the start of the first game, don’t start him. If you own him and Braylon Edwards, and you don’t play in a league that locks at the start of the first game, play him if he’s going to play and Braylon Edwards if he isn’t.

RB Darren McFadden- Oakland

McFadden will had surgery on his ankle and will miss at least 2 weeks, but that seems to be a best case scenario.

QB Donovan McNabb/RB Brian Westbrook- Philadelphia

Both McNabb and Westbrook are good to go with week against Tampa Bay’s “defense.” Put them in your lineups.

RB Willie Parker- Pittsburgh

Parker (turf toe) is expected to miss this week’s games against the Lions, which clears the way for Rashard Mendenhall to start again following his breakout performance last week against the Chargers. He should have another good game against the Lions’ week defense.

QB Matt Hasselbeck- Seattle

Hasselbeck has practiced all week and should play against Jacksonville this week. If you absolutely don’t have a better option, feel free to play him because of how bad the Jags’ secondary is, but I do expect Hasselbeck to be somewhat limited and skittish playing behind that poor offensive line.

RB Earnest Graham/RB Derrick Ward- Tampa Bay

Both Ward and Graham have injuries, but that doesn’t matter because of this statement made by Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Greg Olson. Olson said, of Cadillac Williams, that he wants him to be the “full-time guy.” While that’s great for Cadillac Williams owners, its not good for Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham owners. Pay attention to this week’s game against Philly to make sure he stays true to his word, but if he does, it may be time for you to cut Ward and Graham, especially Graham.

WR Antonio Bryant- Tampa Bay

Bryant (knee) has again been limited in practice this week, but I do expect him to play because he did last week. Wait until he does something first before you start him because I’m not convinced he’ll do anything fantasy relevant for the rest of the season.

RB Jerome Harrison- Cleveland

Available in 98.1% of all leagues (ESPN)

The Browns are obviously not going anywhere this season after their 0-4 start and their starting running back, Jamal Lewis, is 30 years old. Don’t be surprised if they go to more of a youth movement at the position and give more and more carries to Jerome Harrison, who had 152 total yards of offense against a good Bengals defense last week with Lewis out with an injury. He’s certainly someone you’d want to add to your bench if you can.

WR Kenny Britt- Tennessee

Available in 90.8% of all leagues (ESPN)

The Titans are also 0-4 and may go to more of a youth movement which would mean more and more playing time for rookie wide out Kenny Britt. Tennessee’s defense isn’t what it used to be so they are forced to pass more to keep up. Britt is not startable every week, but he’s worth a pickup. Britt has 271 yards this season and 107 last week and seems to be getting better by the game.

WR Mike Sims Walker- Jacksonville

Available in 61.4% of all leagues (ESPN)

Sims-Walker had a huge 31% gain in own %, but he’s still available in over 60% of leagues despite his 91 yard 2 touchdown game. He’s obviously the best wideout on the Jaguars and is a borderline start going forward into the season and certain merits another start next week to see if he can keep up the momentum.

RB Rashard Mendenhall- Pittsburgh

Available in 62.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

Mendenhall finally broke out with 165 yards and 2 touchdowns on 29 carries last week against San Diego. If Willie Parker misses another week with turf toe, which is very possible because turf toe is a lingering injury for running backs, Mendenhall could have another big week next week against the Lions. After the Lions he plays the Browns. He should be owned universally.

TE Todd Heap- Baltimore

Heap (back) was limited in practice on Wednesday, but practiced fully Friday and is expected to play against the Patriots. Now the only question is, should you start Todd Heap? Normally I would say flat out no, but he’s been decent this year so if you really don’t have a better option, play him and expect 4-5 points, with the possibility of an extra 6 with a touchdown.

RB Matt Forte- Chicago

Forte (knee) was limited Wednesday, but practiced fully on Thursday and Friday. He should be good to go this week so don’t let one limited practice scare you away from playing Forte this week against Detroit. He should run all over their defense and finally have that breakout game Forte owners have been waiting for.

RB Cedric Benson- Cincinnati

Pretty much the same as above. Benson, who is battling a knee injury, missed Wednesday’s practice, but not Thursday’s or Friday’s and he is expected to play. He should have a huge game against Cleveland’s weak defense.

RB Jamal Lewis- Cleveland

Lewis hasn’t practiced with the team this week and didn’t play last week with that nagging hamstring injury. I don’t expect him to play and even if he did, it would be against the Bengals, who have a better defense than they are given credit for. Jerome Harrison and James Davis are expected to split carries again in Lewis’ absence and while Cincinnati’s defense isn’t as good as Baltimore’s was last week, I still wouldn’t start any Cleveland back.

RB Marion Barber- Dallas

The Cowboys are saying Barber will play display the fact that he’s been limited in practice this week so it appears the Cowboys will do all they can to get their star back on the field. However, he may be limited. Only start him if you have no other choice. Tashard Choice should be moved to the bench with Barber’s return.

RB Felix Jones- Dallas

It has been officially announced that Felix Jones won’t play this week against the Broncos. He isn’t expected to return for a few weeks and the Cowboys are actually considering Chauncey Washington to play the speed role in their running back committee. That shows how serious this injury is.

RB Kevin Smith- Detroit

Smith (shoulder) will be a game time decision, but even if he does play, I doubt he’ll be very effective. Smith is the best player Detroit has and he’s young. They are going to be cautious with him and either limit him or bench him entirely. Leave him on your bench.

WR Dwayne Bowe- Kansas City

Bowe (hamstring) has been limited in practice after missing last week’s game and is a game time decision this week. I hate game time decisions because they force fantasy players, especially those on the west coast, to get up early to set their fantasy lineups. I like knowing who is going to start for me when I go to bed Saturday night. I don’t think he’ll be that effective even if he does play so bench him if you can.

QB Chad Pennington- Miami

Placed on IR. Drop him. Don’t rush to pick up Chad Henne just yet.

QB Brett Favre- Minnesota

Favre has been limited in practice all week with a foot injury, but he also hasn’t missed a game in 274 starts and he’s facing his old team who he wants revenge against. I wonder if he’ll play…

WR Wes Welker/WR Randy Moss- New England

My least favorite part of my injury report interpretation is interpreting Bill Belicheck’s. Both Moss and Welker are listed as game time decisions. Moss hasn’t missed a game this year, but said his back was very sore after playing last week. Welker has missed the past two weeks with a knee injury. All I can really say is tune in game time to see if they’ll play.

RB Pierre Thomas- New Orleans

Thomas played very well in his return last week even though he didn’t actually start, as he eclipsed the 100 yard mark. Though Lynell Hamilton started last week, I expect Thomas to start this week, even though he was limited a little on Wednesday in practice. However, there’s always the chance that Sean Payton picks some random fan to start at tailback again this week. Seriously, has anyone ever heard of Lynell Hamilton?

RB Ahmad Bradshaw- NY Giants

Don’t be alarmed by the protective boot on Ahmad Bradshaw’s ankle. That is only precautionary. He is expected to play this week and he was very good last week with 104 yards on 14 carries. He should do something similar against Kansas City’s miserable defense. He’s worth a start if you need him.

RB Willie Parker- Pittsburgh

Parker is out this week with turf toe and Rashad Mendenhall is expected to start in his place. Mendenhall has never proven to me that he doesn’t suck so I wouldn’t start him this week.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson- San Diego

Tomlinson (ankle) has been practicing this week and is expected to play against Pittsburgh. However, how he’ll deal with Pittsburgh’s defense and how limited he’ll be by the ankle injury are two other problems he has to deal with. Only start him if you need to.

RB Frank Gore- San Francisco

Gore will miss the next 3 weeks, one of them being a bye week, at least for the Niners. Hopefully you listened to my advice on Tuesday and picked up Glen Coffee because its probably too late now. Coffee is worth a start in all leagues this week against St. Louis.

WR Laurent Robinson- St. Louis

Placed on IR. Drop him.

RB Cadillac Williams/RB Earnest Graham/RB Derrick Ward

Tampa Bay’s trio is all battling injuries and its unclear which ones will play. I’ll save both you and I some time. Don’t start any of them. They all suck. Honestly, after their stink performance last week in which none of the three had a 10 yard rushing game, I would not touch any of these three guys.

WR Antonio Bryant- Tampa Bay

Bryant has been hampered by injuries all year and might not play this week. Add that to the fact that he’s a wide receiver who needs a quarterback capable of getting him the ball to do any damage, which he does not have, and you’ve got someone who should be benched again this week for your fantasy team.

RB Lendale White- Tennessee

White has missed practices this week with an illness, but it seems that his illness has passed on gotten significantly better because he practiced fully on Friday. He should play, but he hasn’t been very effective this season even after finally losing all that weight. I wouldn’t start him.

RB Clinton Portis- Washington

Portis (ankle, calf) hasn’t practiced all week and is “fifty-fifty” for this week’s game against the Bucs. He’s obviously hurting based on his miserable performance last week so I wouldn’t start him.

RB Glen Coffee- San Francisco

Available in 70.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Frank Gore is going to be out at least 2 weeks maybe three and his backup Glen Coffee is going to get the bulk of the carries in San Francisco’s run heavy offense. Coffee struggled after taking over for Gore last week, with 54 yards on 25 carries, but it was against Minnesota’s defense. This week, he gets St. Louis’s defense. The Niners are going to be running a lot this week against the Rams because the Rams suck and the Niners will build a big lead over them early. Coffee is a good start this week and could be a good start next week against Atlanta as well.

WR Mike Sims-Walker- Jacksonville

Available in 93.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

It appears the Sims-Walker has taken over Matt Jones’ old role from last season. In only two games this season, the 3^rd year receiver has 187 yards and a touchdown. It appears that Sims-Walker and not Torry Holt is the most valuable Jacksonville receiver.

RB Correll Buckhalter- Denver

Available in 62.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

Buckhalter is averaging 7.4 yards per carry for the Broncos this season. The Broncos haven’t had the toughest schedule this season and they do still have Knowshon Moreno, but Buckhalter is worth a pickup in all leagues. He’s a good start some weeks.

WR Pierre Garcon- Indianapolis

Available in 97.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

Garcon has stepped into Marvin Harrison’s old role in Indianapolis, after Anthony Gonzalez’ injury. He’s not startable yet, but you should pick him up on upside alone and see what he can get you in the future.

RB Tashard Choice- Dallas

Available in 92.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

Felix Jones has already all but been ruled out for next week’s game and Marion Barber might not play either. That would make Choice the feature back for the Cowboys next week. Choice rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown after taking over for Felix Jones on Monday against the Panthers so if he starts next week, he has fantasy start value.

WR Steve Breaston- Arizona

Breaston (right knee) is listed as questionable after missing time in practice this week. The right knee injury didn’t prevent him from catching 5 passes for 87 yards last week, but there’s still a chance that he doesn’t play. Breaston is not an elite fantasy receiver so if you can go elsewhere for wide receiver help, you should.

WR Anquan Boldin- Arizona

Boldin (hamstring) hasn’t had much trouble in practice this week and should be good to go against the Colts. Boldin had 8 catches for 69 yards last week and this week’s game against Peyton Manning and the Colts is going to be a shootout so he should get plenty of targets and plenty of production.

RB Jonathan Stewart- Carolina

Same old, same old with Stewart. He is missing some practices with his achilles injury but will do everything he can to be in cleats and play on Sunday. Even with the injury, he has been fairly productive, 5.0 yards per carry, but the Panthers aren’t giving him the ball as much this year as they were last year with only 20 carries in 2 games. He’s a borderline start but isn’t going to do much for you unless he connects on one of the endzone tries they are giving him.

RB Cedric Benson- Cincinnati

Benson (ankle) has been improving throughout the week which is a good thing to see. He went from no practice Wednesday to limited practice Thursday to full practice Friday and should be good to play Sunday. Whether or not he can run on the Steelers defense is another issue. He’s nothing more than an RB3 at this point this week, even after all he’s done this season.

WR Chris Henry- Cincinnati

Henry (quad) has also improved over the week going from no practice Wednesday to limited practice Thursday to full practice Friday and should be good to play Sunday. However, the Bengals aren’t utilizing him quite as much as they should be right now so bench him until they start doing so. He’s also facing the Steelers.

RB Jamal Lewis- Cleveland

Lewis (hamstring) hasn’t practiced all week and, while he is listed as questionable, the Browns coaching staff is saying there’s a good chance he doesn’t play. If he doesn’t, that means more carries for Jerome Harrison and James Davis, but they’re facing the Ravens so I’d say stay away from all three Cleveland running backs this week.

RB Marion Barber- Dallas

The Cowboys say they are leaning towards holding Barber (quad) out of this week’s game against the Panthers. This is good news for owners of Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. The Cowboys aren’t getting a lot going through the air so far, so they’ll continue to run a lot. Choice and Jones both could get significant carries against the Panthers’ weak defense. Jones is a must start this week and Choice is a borderline start, assuming Barber doesn’t play as expected.

WR Brandon Marshall- Denver

Brandon Marshall has had an illness all week, but has been practicing over the past 2 days and should be good to go against the Raiders. That being said, he still has his mental illness. Marshall has been very ineffective this season with 7 catches in 2 games, most likely due to the fact that, as he said himself, he doesn’t want to be there and doesn’t know the playbook. He’s also facing the toughest one-on-one corner in the league this week in Nmandi Ashmouga. Bench Marshall until he proves he can produce on the field.

WR Kevin Walter- Houston

Walter (hamstring) is expected to make his season debut this week. However, he has been limited in practice all week. He hasn’t played all year and, at his best, he is a WR3. Don’t start him this week.

RB Maurice Jones Drew- Jacksonville

MJD has been limited in practice this week with a knee injury, but is expected to play. Don’t let this injury scare you off of MJD for this week. He’s still a very good start.

QB Matt Cassel- Kansas City

Cassel (knee) is expected to play against Philly this week. However, he was pretty bad in his season debut last week against a mediocre Raiders team. The Eagles have a stacked defense so I can’t see him being much better, especially since his top wide receiver could miss the game. Hopefully you listened to me and didn’t draft Cassel as you’re QB1 because its going to be another week of mediocre for him.

WR Dwayne Bowe- Kansas City

As I alluded to in Cassel’s write up, Bowe might not play this week. He had a hamstring injury flare up during practice on Thursday and on Friday he was limited and wore a wrap on his leg. He’ll likely be a game time decision. Bowe hasn’t been as productive as you would like this season so I think you can get away with sitting him this week, but start him if you have to, just be sure to keep your eye on whether or not he plays.

WR Wes Welker- New England

Bill Belicheck you’re killing me. Week 1 he calls Welker a game time decision and I say, to be safe, bench him. He goes out and has 12 catches for 93 yards. Week 2 I say Belicheck was bluffing and there was no injury at all and to start Welker and Welker doesn’t play. To top it off, Julian Edelman, who I have said over and over will come up huge in Welker’s absence if he ever misses time, did come up huge. Honestly, I have no idea if Welker will play. Pick up Edelmen if you can and pay close attention to the injury reports close to game time. Welker should start if he plays and Edelman makes an interesting start this week assuming Randy Moss plays and Welker doesn’t.

WR Randy Moss- New England

Speaking of Randy Moss, Moss is questionable with a back injury, but I do expect him to play. Keep your eye on the situation, because Bill Belicheck is the hardest coach in the NFL to read in terms of injury reports.

RB Mike Bell- New Orleans

Bell (knee) is listed as out for this week’s game. He wasn’t going to have much value because Pierre Thomas is expected to make his season debut this week, but Bell won’t play at all. Obviously, don’t start him.

WR Lance Moore- New Orleans

Moore is also listed as out for the Saints. I love easy injury reports.

RB Pierre Thomas- New Orleans

Thomas is expected to start for the Saints this week with Mike Bell injured. If he’s fully healthy, and gets anywhere close to the 22.5 carries per game Mike Bell averaged in his absence, he could have a huge game. Expect close to 100 yards and all of the endzone carries. The defense won’t be able to focus on him with Drew Brees tearing it up this season.

TE Jeremy Shockey- New Orleans

Shockey is listed as probable, but has practiced all week and should play. If he’s your best option at tight end, play him.

WR Mario Manningham- NY Giants

Manningham practiced Friday and is expected to play against Tampa Bay. He isn’t going to do what he did last week against the Cowboys, but he’s still a solid pickup and a borderline line at wide receiver depending on your situation, especially against a team like the Bucs.

QB Donovan McNabb- Philadelphia

He isn’t expected to play. Kevin Kolb is an interesting play against the Chiefs.

RB Brian Westbrook- Philadelphia

Westbrook (swollen ankle) is questionable for Sunday’s game. He has a history of playing through injuries and with Donovan McNabb down, it will be extremely important that he plays, but expect Andy Reid to give more carries to LeSean McCoy this week. Westbrook is a start this week and McCoy is an interesting flex option against the Chiefs’ weak D.

WR DeSean Jackson- Philadelphia

Jackson (groin) practiced Friday for the first time all week. This is the same injury that “hampered” him last week when he exploded for 110 yards, so I feel safe telling you to start him.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson- San Diego

LT won’t play this week. Darren Sproles struggled on the ground last week, but got it done through the air so I expect, in some way, he’ll get decent fantasy production for you this week. Sproles is worth a start versus the Dolphins if you need RB help.

RB Frank Gore- San Francisco

Gore has been limited in practice with an ankle injury, but given how he played last week, you’re going to want to have him in your lineup, even against the Vikings.

QB Matt Hasselbeck- Seattle

I would be extremely surprised if Hasselbeck plays this week and even if he does, it will be with a broken rib against the Bears. Don’t start him. Seneca Wallace is a decent option if Hasselbeck misses more time, but don’t play him against the Bears.

WR TJ Houshmanzadeh- Seattle

Houshmanzadeh (back) is expected to play against the Bears. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares without Hasselbeck, but he’s still a start across all leagues.

RB Earnest Graham- Tampa Bay

Graham (hamstring) is questionable against the Giants this week. In case you haven’t noticed, even when Graham plays, he only gets 3 carries in 2 games. I’m not even sure he’s worth a roster spot at this point.

RB Cadillac Williams- Tampa Bay

Cadillac (knee) is also questionable this week against the Giants. He really struggled last week and is playing a good Giants defense so I’d say sit him this week.

WR Antonio Bryant- Tampa Bay

Bryant has not been ruled out of Sunday’s game, but I expect its only a matter of time until he is. Even if he plays, Michael Clayton has been Byron Leftwich’s best option this year so Bryant is not worth a start.

TE Bo Sciafe- Tennessee

Sciafe (knee) has been limited and struggles at practice this week and is a game time decision. Look elsewhere for tight end help.

QB Jason Campbell- Washington

Campbell (ankle) has been limited in practice, but should be ok to play this week. If you need to, start him. He won’t be his normal self (not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing) but he’ll play the Lions so even a quarterback like Campbell, with an injury, should have a field day.

RB Clinton Portis- Washington

Portis has been limited in practice by an ankle injury, but is expected to play. He faces the Lions awful run defense so he’s worth a start this week.

QB Mark Sanchez- NY Jets

Available in 68.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Sanchez isn’t going to do anything spectacular for you, but he won’t turn the ball over and he’ll get you solid production. I think he should be owned in most leagues and if you need a good QB2, Sanchez is your guy.

TE Brent Celek- Philadelphia

Available in 83.3% of all leagues (ESPN)

Celek had 37 yards and 1 touchdown with McNabb under center, even though the Eagles didn’t pass a lot that week and 104 yards last week with Kolb under center. He has looked good in every game he has played thus far in his career, even though he hasn’t played a ton. He is the every down tight end for the Eagles right now and should be a good start every week for you.

WR Steve Smith- NY Giants

Available in 74.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

WR Mario Manningham- NY Giants

Available in 94.6% of all leagues (ESPN)

So much for the Giants not have any good receivers. Both Smith and Manningham exploded last week. Smith is the better pickup in my mind because he’s been more consistent and has more experience, but Manningham is a solid pickup in deeper leagues. Both had over 100 yards last week. Expect WR4 value out of Smith thus forward and high potential with Manningham.

QB Kevin Kolb

Available in 99.7% of all leagues (ESPN)

McNabb is probably not going to play this week, so Kolb, who looked good last week despite having to compete against Drew Brees, is a decent pickup against the Chiefs. If you have quarterback issues, this is your guy.

WR Steve Breaston/WR Anquan Boldin (Arizona)

Both are questionable this week for the Cardinals. Both have been practicing but not full strength. Boldin (hamstring) played last week, but looked sluggish, while Breaston (knee) did not play last week. The more important issue with these two is the hip injury that is sapping quarterback Kurt Warner. Warner looked awful against a San Francisco defense is that was in the bottom half of the league last year in most major categories and did not make any major additions defensively. Jacksonville held Peyton Manning in check last week, so Kurt Warner could struggle against the Jags this week. His potential struggles plus Boldin and Breaston’s injuries are main reasons why the only Arizona wideout you should start this week is Larry Fitzgerald. Only start Boldin if you’re really desperate at the wide receiver position this week.

K Jason Elam (Atlanta)

Elam (hamstring) is likely going to play this week for Atlanta so start him if he’s your kicker.

RB Jonathan Stewart (Carolina)

Stewart (achilles) has been somewhat limited in practice this week, but same was the case last week and he received 11 carries, including the goal line carries. He faces a much easier matchup this week so if he gets the same work this week he could be good for 40-50 yards and a score. He should actually get more work this week if Jake Delhomme can figure out how to take care of the ball so he’s a borderline start in flex leagues.

RB Jamal Lewis- Cleveland

Lewis (neck) will not miss this week’s game. If there ever was a time to start Lewis it would be this week, against Denver’s weak run defense. He is going to play. He should be close to 100%. He plays a weak defense and James Davis hasn’t yet stolen his starting job. Play him this week and see if you can sell him high after this week because his stock will soon fall.

WR Greg Jennings- Green Bay

Jennings (wrist) has been limited in practice this week, but is expected to play against the Bengals. Jennings, even with his injury, is too much of a fantasy stud to put on your bench.

WR Kevin Walter- Houston

Walter (hamstring) practiced fully in Wednesday, but digressed a bit on Thursday and Friday, not practicing fully. He could play and is listed as questionable, but Walter is a WR3 at best anyway so you can afford to wait another week on this guy.

WR Anthony Gonzalez- Indianapolis

Gonzalez (knee) is going to miss at least 6 weeks, but will not need surgery. If you want to be patient, keep him on your bench until about week 7, after the Colts’ bye. If not, go ahead and drop him and pick up another wideout. This injury could linger and slow him down for the rest of the season and until he needs offseason surgery. Wait and see who the Colts start in his place and see how he fares before picking up another Indy wideout.

QB Matt Cassel- Kansas City

Cassel (knee) is a game time decision for his game against the Raiders. Cassel is nothing more than a QB2 in my eyes, even against the Raiders, so just start your other quarterback until Cassel proves himself in Kansas City.

WR Wes Welker- New England

Welker (knee) has reportedly been limited in practice this week. Don’t believe it. That was the word coming out of New England last week and Welker caught 12 passes for 93 yards. Start him this week against the Jets.

RB Pierre Thomas- New Orleans

Thomas (knee) has reportedly been sluggish at practice this week and, though he is listed as questionable, I don’t think he’ll play with the way Mike Bell ran in his absence last week. Bell isn’t playing the Lions this week, but he is still a borderline start unless something comes out at Thomas will play and will start.

TE Jeremy Shockey- New Orleans

Shockey (ankle) has been limited in practice all week and even missed some entire practices. If you have another tight end, you may want to start him this week instead. If not, you could look for a decent one on the waiver wire, Benjamin Watson perhaps, or just stick with Shockey. He should play as he’s listed as probable, but I’m not sure how strong he’ll play with this ankle sapping his running ability.

WR Hakeem Nicks- NY Giants

Nicks (foot) will miss at least 3 weeks, possibly more. Drop him for now but pick him up as soon as he returns to the Giants. There are going to be very few people that will pick him up just to wait on him so you should be able to get him back after you drop him. I still believe Nicks is the most talented Giants wideout and if he gets a shot later this season, look out.

WR Chaz Schilens- Oakland

The Raiders have ruled Schilens (broken foot) out of their week 2 game. We’ll see about next week.

RB Justin Fargas- Oakland

Fargas (hamstring) is going to return to action for the Raiders this week. However, with the way Michael Bush and Darren McFadden ran last week, there isn’t going to be a lot of work for Fargas. Don’t start him. I’m not even sure he’s worth a roster spot at this point, but wait to see what his role is and how sluggish he looks before you drop him.

QB Donovan McNabb- Philadelphia

McNabb hasn’t practiced all week. He’s a tough guy so he’s going to try to be out their with his broken ribs, but I don’t think he’ll play. The majority of the media experts on the McNabb injury, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter, believes McNabb will not play. Kolb would get the start in his absence and he has been practicing with the first team all week, but Kolb has never shown anything in the pros that he’s worth a start or a pickup even if he does play, so don’t pick him up.

WR Limas Sweed- Pittsburgh

Sweed (foot) will miss this week’s game against the Bears. Mike Wallace will play in the slot in his absence, but Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes will still dominate the majority of the catches for Big Ben’s Steelers.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson- San Diego

LT (ankle) has been in a walking boot this week and not practicing. The Chargers have ruled him out of week 2 against the Ravens. Darren Sproles will start in his absence, but I don’t like Sproles as a runner, especially against the Ravens stifling run defense. You can also expect to see rookie Gartell Johnson, who looked good in the preseason, steal some of Sproles’ carries so don’t start him this week.

WR TJ Houshmanzadeh- Seattle

Houshmanzadeh has missed two days of practice this week with back spasms, but they reportedly have subsided so he’ll start this week and if worth a fantasy start against San Francisco.

WR Antonio Bryant- Tampa Bay

Bryant (knee) will miss week 2. Michael Clayton, who has already established a good amount of chemistry with new quarterback Byron Leftwich, stands to gain the most from his absence. Clayton is a borderline start against the Bills after 93 yards last week.

TE Bo Scafie- Tennessee

Scaife (knee) is not expected to play this week against Houston. Rookie Jared Cook should start in his absence and is a borderline line start this week. Cook looked really good in the preseason and the Titans are a very tight end friendly team, as shown by Scaife’s great season last year.

WR Nate Washington- Tennessee

On Washington’s hamstring injury coach Jeff Fisher said that he will play “the number of plays a starter would play.” However, I don’t think that really makes him fantasy startable because of how conservative the Titans offense is and how good Kenny Britt and Justin Gage looked last week.

TE Benjamin Watson- New England

Available in 96.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

I have always liked Watson as a sleeper, assuming he’s in the lineup, because he is a pass catching tight end in a pass heavy offense. However, he wasn’t in the lineup that much this offseason for undisclosed reasons. Wes Welker was also supposed to miss Monday’s game against the Bills with an undisclosed injury, but of course he didn’t, showing once again that we should not trust what Bill Belicheck says about injuries. Watson might not have been hurt at all this preseason. He certainly looked fine with 6 catches for 77 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Bills and as look as he is in the lineup, he should remain one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets.

TE Heath Miller- Pittsburgh

Available in 80.6% of all leagues (ESPN)

With Nate Washington gone and Heath Miller finally healthy, Miller should get plenty of looks over the middle this season. He certainly did against the Titans with 8 catches for 64 yards. He has been one of the most consistently underrated tight ends over the past few years, not counting last year, and, assuming he stays healthy, he should be able to do so again this year. He’s a TE1 in almost all leagues and should be owned universally.

WR Davone Bess- Miami

Available in 98.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

Chad Pennington has a notoriously weak arm. Its not that he’s a bad quarterback as Pennington was the 2008 MVP runner up, but his arm strength isn’t great. Davone Bess is Miami’s Wes Welker, a lot of catches on short gains. Bess is a starter in PPR leagues, after his 7 catch 57 yard performance and deserves a spot on your bench in regular leagues.

RB Mike Bell- New Orleans

Available in 87.9% of all leagues (ESPN)

Well, we know who New Orleans will go to on the ground with Pierre Thomas out. Bell had 149 yards on 28 carries for the Saints. He won’t play against Detroit’s miserable ground defense every week and Pierre Thomas isn’t going to be hurt every weak, but if he keeps play like this, the Saints are going to keep going with what’s hot. Thomas probably won’t play this week either so Bell is worth a start this week in flex leagues if you need running back help. Bell should be owned universally.

WR Michael Clayton- Tampa Bay

Available in 99.5% of all leagues (ESPN)

While Antonio Bryant missed all of the preseason and valuable time building chemistry will new quarterback Byron Leftwich, former 1^st round pick Michael Clayton was emerging as his favorite target. He had 5 catches for 93 yards last week and led his team in targets. Antonio Bryant isn’t the most consistent guy year to year, hence the 1 year franchise tag the Buccaneers chose to give him over a longterm contract last offseason, so Clayton could be the top wideout in Tampa Bay this year and that has to count for something.

WR Steve Smith- NY Giants

Available in 75.2% of all leagues (ESPN)

Smith was Eli Manning’s favorite target in the Giants’ win over the Redskins and could lead Giants wideouts in fantasy points by the end of the season. He’s a 3^rd year receiver so he’s an excellent candidate to break out this year and Eli looked really comfortable throwing to him.

WR Nate Burleson- Seattle

Available in 76.9% of all leagues (ESPN)

The Seahawks offense looked really in sync last week, granted it was against the Rams. The Seahawks have a fairly easy schedule this season and Burleson, the longest tenured Seahawk wide receiver, should be one of Matt Hasslebeck’s favorite targets this year, even with the addition of TJ Houshmanzadeh. The Seahawks don’t have a great running game and play a pass heavy offense so there should be plenty of targets for both Burleson and Houshmanzadeh.

WR Earl Bennett- Chicago

Available in 71.0% of all leagues (ESPN)

Jay Cutler looked bad last week, but he sure liked throwing to his former college teammate Earl Bennett. The Bears don’t have a clear cut #1 wide receiver and its clear that Cutler is comfortable throwing to Bennett. There’s plenty of room for Bennett to build off of his 7 catches for 66 yards, especially when the Bears play weaker defenses than the Packers’.

WR Steve Breaston/WR Anquan Boldin- Arizona

Breaston (right knee) is expected to play Sunday against the Niners, Anquan Boldin (hamstring), meanwhile is a game time decision. Game time decisions are never fun for fantasy owners, since you won’t know whether or not to start him until its probably too late, so I’d say bench Boldin for the week, unless you’re really thin at wideout. Breaston meanwhile, would start in Boldin’s place and thus have the possibility to put up big numbers, but, again, you won’t know if he’ll start until its too late, plus he’s coming off an injury that cost him most of the preseason. Sit him.

RB Jerious Norwood- Atlanta

Norwood (knee) will likely play Sunday versus the Dolphins so he’s a solid RB4, even against Miami’s above average run defense. If you have a running back out with an injury in a flex league or a league with 3 running backs, you can do a lot worse than Norwood, who is an amazing pass catcher for a running back, and has looked great running the ball in limited action in his career.

RB Jonathan Stewart- Carolina

Stewart (achilles) has been practicing this week, finally, and he should play Sunday against the Eagles. However, I’d go elsewhere this week for help at the running back position. Stewart could be good, but they’ll likely ease him back in, giving DeAngelo Williams and Mike Goodson more carries, and Stewart less. Plus, Philadelphia isn’t exactly a slouch against the run.

QB Carson Palmer- Cincinnati

Palmer (knee) will play Sunday against the Broncos. He’s a define start this week because of how weak Denver’s defense is going to be. In fact, the more of Cincinnati’s offense you start this week against Denver the better, they are going to run and pass all over them.

WR Chris Henry- Cincinnati

Henry (thigh) missed a day of practice this week, but he is going to play against the Broncos, though there is no indication whether he will start. Henry was amazing in the preseason and started in the preseason so its only a matter of time before he starts opposite Chad Ochocinco, moving Laveranues Coles to the slot. Coles is still listed as the starter on most online depth charts, but you never know about those.

K Shayne Graham- Cincinnati

Graham (groin) is going to play week 1 against the Broncos, despite missing the preseason. As I said, start as many Bengals as you can this week. Graham also happens to be one of the most accurate kickers in football. If there’s such thing as an elite kicker, it would be him.

WR Roy Williams- Dallas

Williams’ “major” shoulder injury appears to have been nothing and there’s no indication that he won’t play this weekend against the Bucs. He’s a solid WR1 with Romo as his QB going against the Bucs’ weak defense.

QB Kyle Orton- Denver

Orton (finger) will play this week against Cincinnati, even with an injured throwing hand. As if this is not already reason to not only not start him but to not have him on your fantasy roster, here are some more. He had a worse interception rate than Jay Cutler last year and he did so in Chicago’s conservative offense. Imagine how many picks he’ll throw this year when he’ll be counted on time and time again to make big plays because the defense sucks. His top wide receiver clearly doesn’t want to be there. He doesn’t have a good arm. Cincinnati’s defense is actually good. Do I need to say more?

K Jason Hanson- Detroit

Hanson (knee) is the only kicker on Detroit’s roster and will likely play this week after practicing. However, even against New Orleans’ so so defense, Detroit’s offense isn’t going to be strong enough for you to start Hanson.

RB Brandon Jackson- Green Bay

Jackson (ankle) hasn’t practiced this week so he probably won’t play this week against the Bears. Jackson is not fantasy relevant, but he could have stolen carries from Ryan Grant, who, even against Chicago good run defense, is a nice start this week. The Packers are going to space the field with their passing game and open up lanes for Grant.

QB Matt Schaub- Houston

Schaub (knee) practiced all week and is listed as probably which means he should play. He plays the Jets so he’s a borderline start.

WR Kevin Walter- Houston

Walter (hamstring) is a game time decision and since he’s not much more than a WR3 against a defense like the Jets, look elsewhere for wide receiver help.

RB Maurice Jones Drew- Jacksonville

MJD owners need not worry about his shin injury, he should play and play well this week.

QB Matt Cassel- Kansas City

Cassel (knee) will be a game time decision. Sit him this week, in fact sit him most weeks, especially this one. You don’t know if he’s going to play and if he does it will be against the Ravens tough defense. Plus, the Cassel we saw last year will not be the one we see this year, with far less talent around him.

WR Bernard Berrian- Minnesota

Berrian (hamstring) is listed as questionable and has missed some practice this week. I’d recommend sitting him, even against the Browns’ lousy defense. Not only might he not play, but he has missed a lot of practice and a lot of preseason games so he hasn’t built up enough chemistry with new quarterback Brett Favre.

QB Tom Brady- New England

Brady (shoulder) is going to play this week, enjoy the rewards as he lights up Buffalo’s secondary.

WR Wes Welker- New England

Welker (knee) is a game time decision this week, which means you should sit him, unless you’re really weak at wideout. If he misses time, Julian Edelman will play in his place, which is good news for him, but don’t start or even pickup Edelman because you don’t know if he’ll play. Monitor this Welker situation. It could get interesting.

RB Pierre Thomas- New Orleans

Thomas (knee) won’t play against Detroit this week, which means more carries for Mike Bell and Reggie Bush. Both are solid starts this week against Detroit’s awful defense, Bush especially.

TE Dustin Keller- NY Jets

Keller (toe) should play this week and means a fine TE1 if you need him to.

RB Brian Westbrook- Philadelphia

As has been the plan all long, Westbrook (knee surgery) will play week 1. How much he will play and how much rookie LeSean McCoy will play remain to be seen, but for now, Westbrook is a good start against Carolina’s weak run defense. As for McCoy, hold off until you see him in action and you see how much Andy Reid intends to use the rookie.

QB Marc Bulger- St. Louis

Bulger’s hand problem seems to be a thing of the past, now if only he could fix his talent problem. Bulger is not a great quarterback, behind a bad offensive line, with mediocre talent around him. He should not be on fantasy rosters.

WR Antonio Bryant- Tampa Bay

Bryant (knee) is expected to play against Dallas this week so feel free to start him if you own him. This probably won’t be his best week, since he didn’t play all preseason and doesn’t have a lot of chemistry with his new quarterback, but its not like he’s never been on a field with Leftwich before. He and Leftwich played together in training camp, though it’ll take Bryant a few weeks to get up to speed.

If a player is not listed here, assume he’s going to start, and that includes Carolina’s Steve Smith and Denver’s Knowshon Moreno.

2009 Preseason Fantasy Football Content