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FANTASY
FOOTBALL OUTLOOK
August
16, 2009
by
Jay Goldberg
Roto
World
Mastermind
Pro
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Quarterback
Rankings
Based
on 900 Football Link's rules
| RANK |
PLAYER |
TEAM |
COMMENT |
| 1 |
Brady |
NE |
Brady will be back on top of the
quarterback fantasy football rankings this year. Adding in
Galloway to Moss and Welker is just plain scary. Galloway
will have a lot of single coverage and he still has top speed. |
| 2. |
Brees |
NO |
The Saints' running game and defense
are just average, making this a pass first offense that will
have to score points to win. Oh yeah, and Brees' passing
ability doesn't hurt either. |
| 3. |
McNabb |
PHI |
No matter how much Andy Reid wants to
run he just can't resist passing. With Curtis expected to
be healthy and Macklin added, this team has better weapons at
receiver than given credit
for. Look for a big year from McNabb. |
| 4. |
Rodgers |
GB |
Rodgers is a very good quarterback
with a talented and deep receiving corps. In addition,
conference-mates the Lions and the Bears were easy to pass
against last year, and the Vikings have a tough defense to run
against. |
| 5. |
Rivers |
SD |
I'm not one of the football analysts
who expect a return to dominance by Tomlinson. The
Chargers success will be on the back of Philip Rivers. |
| 6. |
Manning |
IND |
Wow, out of the top five! A
change in coaches, a receiving corps trending in the wrong
direction and the addition of a dynamic runner in Brown are all
factors in my projected slight drop in fantasy production for
Manning. |
| 7. |
Edwards |
BUF |
To make his bold move into the top
ten of fantasy football quarterbacks Edwards will have to stay
healthy. However, a spread offense, a smart kid from
Stanford, Owens and Evans at wide receiver, an excellent
receiver out of the backfield in Jackson, and the potential of a
major bonus in rookie tight end Nelson as the season progresses
may even mean that I'm undervaluing Edwards. |
| 8. |
Palmer |
CIN |
Even without T.J. the Bengals have
some good weapons at receiver. In addition, I'm not sold
on Cedric Benson as a number one back so the Bengals will put
the up more than they are planning. In addition, they will
be playing from behind quite a bit. |
| 9. |
Romo |
DAL |
Romo's slight drop in fantasy
rankings is more of a prop to the Cowboys' runners than a knock
on Romo or him missing T.O. Romo will be effective and a
solid quarterback, but not the unleashed gunslinger of the past. |
| 10. |
Schaub |
HOU |
Schaub is another quarterback who has
to stay healthy to justify his ranking in the top ten. He
has one of the best receivers in football in Johnson and a
reliable, underrated tight end in Daniels. In addition,
they will finish last in their Division so will be playing a lot
of catch up. |
| 11. |
Ryan |
ATL |
The only thing holding Ryan back from
a top five ranking is the fact that they are a good team who
have a top running back who can and will shorten the game.
With Gonzalez added to White and Jenkins, He has tremendous
skill players to throw to. |
| 12. |
Hasselbeck |
SEA |
Look for a come back year for
Matt. With T.J. added and Burleson back, he has the
weapons to excel. I also question how effective the
Seahawks running game will be. |
| 13. |
Roethlisberger |
PIT |
Big Ben may not be among the yardage
leaders, but he will contribute big-time to the passing
categories (YPP< completion %, etc.) ands help win points
there. |
| 14. |
Warner |
ARZ |
Call this a hunch. I just have
a sinking feeling that Warner will have some big fantasy moments
(how can he not with that receiving corps) but that his age may
finally start to catch up with him this season, and he may have
bouts of ineffectiveness and time on the bench due to
injuries. We'll see. |
| 15. |
Orton |
DEN |
Yes, I have Orton ranked higher than
Cutler in my fantasy football rankings. Unless he
implodes, McDaniels will put Orton in position to succeed.
He did a masterful job with Cassell last year. |
| 16. |
Campbell |
WAS |
Despite
what management believes, Campbell is not the problem in
Washington. He is a solid quarterback with whom a team can
win. With Portis on the downside of his career (yards per
rush was very poor the second half of last year and he is no
longer a big play waiting to happen), Campbell will need to
throw for his team to move the ball. They will also be
playing from behind quite a bit in the NFC East. |
| 17. |
Rosenfels |
MIN |
If I knew for a fact that he would
win the job he might have been ranked at #15. I expect him
to win and he is a capable quarteback with a great running back
and big-play receivers in Berrian and the rookie Harvin. |
| 18. |
Manning |
NYG |
Manning is a solid quarterback.
However, the Giants like to run (and are very good at it) and he
needs to find a ne go-to receiver. |
| 19. |
Cutler |
CHI |
Now we'll see if Cutler made his
receivers or his receivers made him. Cutler often forces
the ball into tight spots and former teammate Marshall was the
perfect receiver for a quarterback a gunslinger because he came
away with the majority of those balls. Look for Cutler,
whose young receivers are a couple of years away from
contributing consistently, to struggle this year, get moody, and
possibly turn off some of his teammates. |
| 20. |
Hill |
SF |
I like Hill as a quarterback.
However, I hear management hopes Smith wins the job. The uncertainty
is one reason he is ranked at #20. However, withy Hill
running the team, the 49ers will be fighting for the Divion
title; with Smith they will be fighting to stay out of the
cellar. |
| 21. |
Pennington |
MIA |
Pennington is a poor-man's
Roethlisberger from a fantasy football perspective. He
won't get you yards but he will help your team win the
quarterback categories. |
| 22. |
Garrad |
JAC |
I like what the Jaguars did at
receiver in the offseason. Holt still has a lot in his
tank, and all three receivers they drafted were on my list of
players who will have a better NFL career than many drafted
higher than them. |
| 23. |
Delhomme |
CAR |
The difficulty of Delhomme when it
comes top fantasy is not that he won't have big weeks to help,
it's just that with their running game you will get some fantasy
clinkers thrown into the mix and that will hurt you. |
| 24. |
Flacco |
BAL |
See the comments regarding Delhomme.
Flacco will have some big games and some games where he throws
for 150 yards. If the Ravens drafted a speed receiver
early, I would have moved Flacco up in the rankings because he
throws a great deep ball. However, he doesn't have a
great deep threat. |
| 25. |
Sanchez |
NYJ |
Look for Sanchez to win the starting
job in camp. However, Ryan will protect him and not allow
him to air it out. He has the AFC leading rusher (Jones),
the explosive Washington and the rookie Green to tote the rock. |
| Caution
- Cassel, KC - He isn't in "Kansas", I mean New
England anymore. Don't be fooled by his stats from last
year. |
| Caution
- Leftwich/McCown, TB - No matter how well they play, the Bucs
will turn to Freeman at some point during the year. |
| Caution
- Smith, SF - Even if he wins the job by looking good in
preseason, he will not keep the job; Hill is much better. |
| Caution
- Clemens, NYJ - Even if he wins the job by looking good in
preseason, he will not keep the job; he is not a starting
caliber NFL quarterback. |
| Caution
- Collins, TEN - I like Young; I like Ramsey. Whoever wins
the #2 job could be starting when the Titans make their run in
the playoffs. |
| Caution
- Bulgar, STL - He appears to have lost it; the Rams will regret
not selecting Sanchez in round one. |
| Sleeper
- Henne, MIA - If the Dolphins start losing; or Pennington gets
hurt, the Tuna's quarterback of future is talented and if he
gets on the field he will produce good numbers for fantasy
managers. |
| Sleeper
- Ratliff, CLE - Look for him to be elevated to #2 at some point
during the season and if he gets on the field he may be tough to
put back on the bench. |
| Sleeper
- Young/Ramsey, TEN - I fully expect one of these two to take
over at some point during the year and to become solid fantasy
plays. |
| Sleeper
- Leinart, ARZ - Don't give up on him yet. Warner is old
and between injuries and possibly a bout of poor performance,
Leinart could get an opportunity this year and jump into a great
fantasy football situation. |
TOP
Running
Back Rankings
Based
on 900 Football Link's rules
| RANK |
PLAYER |
TEAM |
COMMENT |
| 1 |
Peterson |
MIN |
I had him ranked #2 at the start of
his rookie year, and now I have him at #1. He is a
superstar, fantasy and real life. |
| 2. |
Gore |
SF |
Gore is talented, but with the
offense that Singletary wants to run, Gore will soar up the
fantasy football rankings. |
| 3. |
Jackson |
STL |
The Rams will run the ball
often. Bulgar's continued slide will help his on-field use
as well. |
| 4. |
Turner |
ATL |
The goal coming into the season is to
limit his carriers. However, that may be easier said than
done. |
| 5. |
Jones-Drew |
JAC |
The little-big-man will be featured
more than ever with Taylor gone and a big drop off to his
backup. |
| 6. |
Williams |
CAR |
His yardage will remain, however, his
TD-production will drop some. But don't kid yourself, he
is a very talented runner but has a fine change-of-pace back
(Stewart) to share the load. |
| 7. |
Johnson |
TEN |
In my top ten before the start of of
rookie campaign, he now makes it to my top ten. Johnson is
a big-play waiting to happen in both the running and passing
game. |
| 8. |
Jacobs |
NYG |
Without Ward around, Jacobs touches
will increase and that's dangerous for his opponents, real or
fantasy. |
| 9. |
Slaton |
HOU |
Slaton's rookie year was no
fluke. He's a perfect fit for the system the Texans run. |
| 10. |
Forte |
CHI |
Another rookie who was in my top 15
at the start of last year, Forte may see his production decline
some as Cutler audibles out of running plays and forces throws
down field rather than dumping the ball off to Forte. |
| 11. |
Westbrook |
PHI |
Between Reid's propensity to throw
and Westbrook's nagging injuries, the uncertainty with Westbrook
makes his ranking lower than where his production will be at the
end of the year. |
| 12. |
Rice |
BAL |
Look for the Ravens to use less of a
time-share at running back and more of a main back (Rice) and
change-of-pace back (McGahee). |
| 13. |
Tomlinson |
SD |
This is the first time in what seems
forever that LT has been out of the top three, let alone the top
10. However, his skills appear to be slipping a bit.
He will still hold his own and be a productive #2 fantasy back. |
| 14. |
McFadden |
OAK |
McFadden will win the starting job,
sooner rather than later and become the featured player in the
Raiders' offense. |
| 15. |
Grant |
GB |
Grant is a good back, not a great
back. His play in 2007 will be his high mark. Look
for Wynn and Jackson to share the load with Grant more this year
than you might expect. |
| 16. |
Barber |
DAL |
It may take three or four games, but
Barber will re-establish himself as a player the Cowboys want to
feed the ball often. |
| 17. |
Jones |
NYJ |
Jones is an underappreciated
player. He is a very good back. However, look for
him to lose touches this year to Green as they fall out of the
race. |
| 18. |
Brown |
IND |
Brown is a perfect mix of
between-the-tackles runner and big-play running back. He
will start off as the change-of-pace to Addai, but as the season
progresses he will become the Colts' primary back. |
| 19. |
Ward |
TB |
It may take a few games, but I look
for Ward to become the Bucs clear number one back over
Graham. Ward, who is an excellent receiver as well as a
good runner, will be a solid fantasy football contributor. |
| 20. |
Brown |
MIA |
Brown is talented but his production
fell off greatly down the stretch. Look for Ricky Williams
to be mixed in more this year and for White, not Brown to
run the wildcat. Brown will be productive, but will not be
a fantasy football star. |
| 21. |
Smith |
DET |
Smith is a good running back, but
with the Lions playing from behind often will have too many
games of limited production. He is still a good fill in. |
| 22. |
Wells |
ARZ |
Wells should win the starting job
early in the season. However, he will be limited because
he is not an accomplished receiver yet and because the Cards
love to throw. |
| 23. |
Parker |
PIT |
Parker will lose carries to
Mendenhall this year and may eventually even lose his starting
job. |
| 24. |
Portis |
WAS |
The good with Portis is that he will
be given the rock, a lot, especially early in the year.
The bad is that his yards per rush was bad in the second half of
last year and his big-play ability appears to be behind him as
well. The Redskins could work in Betts more and more as
the season progresses. |
| 25. |
Lynch |
BUF |
Lynch will not play in the first
three games of the season. What scares me is that his sub,
Fred Jackson, is a good player. Lynch is very good, but
there is a risk of a greater time-share if Jackson explodes on
the scene in the team's first three games. |
| Caution
- Lewis, CLE - He has become a plodder and I do not understand
why he is still being counted on as a starter. |
| Caution
- Hightower, ARZ - He may start the season as the #1 back, but
that won't last long. A 2.8 YPR just doesn't do it.
He could even lose goal line touches to Wells as well as the
starting job. |
| Caution
- Benson, CIN - I'm not convinced he is anything more than a
solid backup. |
| Caution
- Jones, SEA - He will start off as the primary back for the
third year in a row, but lost that role in Dallas and Seattle
the last two years. What's different now? |
| Caution
- Moreno, DEN - I'm always somewhat cautious when measureables
do not add up to what you see on film. He could be solid,
but I'm not sure he will be great. |
| Caution
- Green, NYJ - He may be forced-fed a role as the season
progresses; but he's not as good as Thomas Jones and will not
produce anywhere near him. |
| Caution
- Graham, TB - A possible day one starter who will lose carries
to Ward as the season progresses. |
| Caution
- White, TEN - As Johnson excels, he will be closer to losing
his change-of-pace duties to Ringer than he will be a threat to
Johnson. |
| Sleeper
- Jackson, BUF - A talented kid who will get a chance to show
what he can do in a lead role while Lynch sits for three games. |
| Sleeper
- Scott, CIN - The most talented runner on the Bengals roster. |
| Sleeper-
Jennings, JAC - If Jones-Drew gets banged up, I would expect
this late round rookie to step in and play very well. |
| Sleeper
- Forsett, SEA - It would not surprise me if he supplants Jones
as Seatlte's starting running back. |
| Sleeper
- Ringer, TEN - Much like Choice last year, if this kid gets a
chance he will produce and pay dividends for fantasy owners. |
| Sleeper
- Battle, KC - This is a kid that caught my eye when I was
analyzing the draft a few years back. He has a great
size/speed combo and if Larry Johnson fails he could become the
starter leaving Charles in the change-of-pace role. |
TOP
Wide
Receiver Rankings
Based
on 900 Football Link's rules
| RANK |
PLAYER |
TEAM |
COMMENT |
| 1 |
Johnson |
HOU |
Look for Andre Johnson to top the
receiver ranks in fantasy points this year. He is a
monster talent and there is a big drop off at receiver on the
Texans after Johnson. |
| 2. |
Smith |
CAR |
Smith is too good of a playmaker to
move further down this list. Like Johnson at #1, there is
a big drop off at receiver on Carolina after Smith. |
| 3. |
Houshmandzadeh |
SEA |
How's this for sticking my neck
out. Hasselback has to be giddy with his new toy.
T.J. will be Matt's clear number one option and will have a
giant year. |
| 4. |
Jennings |
GB |
Jennings is an emerging talent paired
with a quarterback on the verge of moving into the top five in
the league. |
| 5. |
Fitzgerald |
ARZ |
While Fitzgerald may be the best
receiver in the league, he still has to share with Boldin and
Breaston, is finally playing with a dangerous running back
(Wells) and has an aging quarterback (Warner). |
| 6. |
Moss |
NE |
With Brady back (and Galloway now
starting opposite him), Moss will dominate once again. |
| 7. |
Marshall |
DEN |
New coach McDaniels will find lots of
ways to get the ball into Marshall's hands. |
| 8. |
Williams |
DAL |
Williams has the talent to be a top
receiver in the league and will successfully become Romo's top
option (yes, even over Witten). |
| 9. |
Wayne |
IND |
Indy will not be as dominate this
year so Manning will put the ball up more often and Wayne will
benefit and have his best fantasy football year to date. |
| 10. |
White |
ATL |
An emerging talent, with Gonzalez
working the middle and becoming the focus of defenses on the
goal line, White will have another excellent fantasy football
year. |
| 11. |
Johnson |
DET |
Johnson is just outside my top ten,
not because of his talent, but because when Stafford takes over
the offense may stall for a bit as he learns. |
| 12. |
Holmes |
PIT |
Holmes will take another big step
this year on his path to becoming a Pro Bowl talent. |
| 13. |
Jackson |
PHI |
Jackson has quickly become McNabb's
favorite receiver, and the Eagles love to throw. |
| 14. |
Evans |
BUF |
While T.O. may be the focus of the
Bills passing game early, as the season moves along, Evans, a
superior player, will emerge as Edwards go to guy. |
| 15. |
Boldin |
ARZ |
Boldin is a tough, talented receiver
who gets targeted often. |
| 16. |
Edwards |
CLE |
Someone has to be the focus of the
Browns' passing game with no Winslow and no Stallworth.
Hopefully Edwards will hold onto more balls this year. |
| 17. |
Ochocinco |
CIN |
Chad still has it, but he's not at
the level he thinks he's at. He will be a solid, but not
top, fantasy football player. |
| 18. |
Owens |
BUF |
When Owens drops key passes and
doesn't finish routes, his quarterback has Lee Evans as his
other option, not Todd Pinkston or Patrick Crayton. Look
for a drop off in Owens production this year. |
| 19. |
Welker |
NE |
With Galloway and Lewis and the
rookie Edleman around, Welker may see his production slip a bit,
even with Brady back. |
| 20. |
Bowe |
KC |
Bowe is clearly the most talented
weapon on the Chiefs and will be featured regularly. |
| 21. |
Boldin |
ARZ |
He could be distracted by his
contract talks, but is good enough to still have a solid year. |
| 22. |
Bryant |
TB |
Last season was a career year for
Bryant. He won't have as much success this year, however,
he is clearly the Bucs top wideout. |
| 23. |
Jackson |
SD |
Jackson will establish himself as
Rivers favorite target this season (yes, ahead of Gates).
He is big physical and fast and will put together his best
season to date. |
| 24. |
Gonzalez |
IND |
Gonzalez is a good young receiver
whose numbers will rise this year. |
| 25. |
Morgan |
SF |
This ranking is based on Hill being
the starting quarterback. If Smith is named the starter,
I'd stay away from all San Fran receivers. |
| Caution
- Colston, NO - I expect Meachem to come on this year so
Colston's production will suffer. |
| Caution
- Driver, GB - Driver is still a very good receiver, but with
Jennings now clearly #1 and a number of talented young receivers
who are improving, Driver could see fewer targets this season. |
| Caution
- Hester, CHI - He is not a #1 receiver despite being on the top
of the Bears' depth chart, He is a dangerous slot receiver
and return man and that's how Chicago should use him. |
| Caution
- Harvin, MIN - Harvin will make some big plays, but you'll have
no idea in what games they will occur. |
| Caution
- Austin, DAL - Big press in the off-season, but won't be a
dependable fantasy football option. |
| Caution
- Bess, MIA - Bess played well and produced when called
upon to start last year. However, he is best served
as a slot receiver. |
| Caution
- Bruce, SF - There is a lot of good young talent at
receiver for the 49ers and they will eat away at Bruce's playing
time as the season progresses. |
| Caution
- Gage, TEN - Gage has looked good in spurts but with Britt
drafted and Hawkins also waiting in the wings, Gage's hold on
his starting job is tenious. |
| Sleeper
- Avery, STL - Avery will start the season on the injured list
so could get overlooked in fantasy drafts. However, he has
great speed and quickness and good hands and is clearly the
Rams' top receiver. |
| Sleeper
- Washington, TEN - Look for Washington to make the most of this
opportunity to start. He has great speed and is a much
better receiver than many think. This was a great fee
agent signing by Tennessee. |
| Sleeper
- Knox, CHI - If Hester isn't a number one on the Bears, who
is? My vote is for the rookie Knox who is a tough kid with
good hands and explosive speed. He could become Cutler's
favorite receiver and if he does, we know Cutler will force
throws to him. |
| Sleeper
- Henry, CIN - Henry has always had the talent, he just couldn't
get his act together. Well so far so good this year.
He could overtake Ochocinco as Palmer's top target. |
| Sleeper
- Schilens, OAK - Someone has to catch the ball on Oakland, and
I believe Schilens will be that guy more than any other. |
| Sleeper
- NIcks, NYG - Nicks will probably not start righty away, but he
has very sticky hands and knows how to get open. As the
season progresses, Nicks will become Manning's favorite
receiver. |
| Sleeper
- Clowney , NYJ - Clowney would have been the Jets #3 receiver
last year if he didn't get hurt. He is the perfect
compliment to Cotchery and in time will start opposite him. |
| Sleeper
- Meachem, NO - It's taken longer than I thought it would, but
watch Meachem lead the Saints in receiving yards this
year. He is a dynamic playmaker. |
TOP
Tight
End Rankings
Based on 900
Football Link's rules
| RANK |
PLAYER |
TEAM |
COMMENT |
| 1 |
Witten |
DAL |
Romo and Witten have great on-field
chemistry and there is no T.O. trying to break that chemistry
up. |
| 2. |
Gonzalez |
KC |
Still a top player and will also be
the security blanket for a young QB. |
| 3. |
Keller |
NYJ |
Will be used like a wide receiver as
well as a tight end. |
| 4. |
Winslow |
CLE |
Only negative is his history of
injuries. |
| 5. |
Gates |
SD |
Jackson may pass him as Rivers
favorite receiving option this year. |
| 6. |
Daniels |
HOU |
The #2 option in the passing game for
the Texans. |
| 7. |
Olsen |
CHI |
Cutler loved throwing to Scheffler,
he will also like throwing to Olsen. |
| 8. |
Cooley |
WAS |
The only thing missing in his fantasy
game is touchdowns. That's not major for this fomat but
could be for yours. |
| 9. |
Miller |
OAK |
As close to a sure thing the Raiders
get in the receiving game. |
| 10. |
Clark |
IND |
May get more targets with the
inexperience at receiver after Wayne and Gonzalez. |
| 11. |
Shockey |
NO |
Needs to keep his head on and stay on
the field if he wants to crack the top ten fantasy tight ends. |
| 12. |
Carlson |
SEA |
Had a nice rookie campaign. |
| 13. |
Cook |
TEN |
Should lead a talent class of rookie
tight ends in receptions and yards this year. He is a
rocked up wide receiver with great speed for a tight end. |
| 14. |
Celek |
PHI |
With Ingram hurt, tight end is all
Celek this year for the Eagles and they like to use their tight
ends. |
| 15. |
Davis |
SF |
Singletary is saying the right things
this offseason about including Davis in the offense. We'll
see. |
| 16. |
Lewis |
JAC |
Quietly improving year to year. |
| 17. |
Miller |
PIT |
Between his blocking ability and
young studs Mendenhall, Sweed and Wallace becoming contributors
on offense this tight end with top five fantasy football ability
will once again turn in an average fantasy year. |
| 18. |
Shiancoe |
MIN |
Has to prove to me that last year
wasn't just a career year for him. Until then I will
temper my expectations. |
| 19. |
Baker |
NE |
This former Jets is a better player
than many realize. |
| 20. |
Boss |
NYG |
Who will catch balls for the Giants
remains up in the air. Even Boss has some competition with
Beckum now on board. |
| Caution
- Watson, NE - With Baker and Smith signed in the offseason, it
appears Watson is being phased out. |
| Caution
- Heap BAL - Heap is talented but injury-prone and now has L. J.
Smith looking over his shoulder. |
| Caution
- Scheffler, DEN- Clearly a talented receiver, Scheffler is a
good case study to see if McDaniels will stick 100% with his
offense or find a way to incorporate a talented kid at a
position not used much as a weapon in his offense. |
| Caution
- Pettigrew, DET - Despite the pre-draft hype, Pettigrew is not
the next Jason Witten. He lacks the deep speed. An
excellent blocker, Pettigrew will be a better football player
than fantasy football option. |
| Caution
- Sciafe, TEN - With the speedy Cook now on the team,. Sciafe
could see a dramatic drop in targets. |
| Sleeper
- Nelson, BUF - A great keeper-league pick, Nelson will be the
best combo tight end to come out of the recent college
draft. He has the speed to stretch defenses, has excellent
hands, and will develop into a solid blocker. This year
look for him to come on as the season wears on. |
| Sleeper
-Barnidge, CAR - The Panthers need a receiving threat at tight
end to take advantage of opposing teams' concentration on Smith
and their running game. Barnidge has the potential to make
big plays. |
| Sleeper
- Miller, JAC - This rookie is a former college quarterback,
Miller is an excellent athlete who could be used as a tight end,
wildcat and even as a receiver in goal line sets. |
| Sleeper
- Coffman, CIN - I keep waiting for the Bengals to trout out a
tight end who can threaten the middle of the field on a constant
basis. Coffman is a big kid with good hands and could be
just that bplayer. |
| Sleeper
- Smith, BAL - When Heap gets hurt, L.J. will step in, keep the
starting job anjd be a productive tight end. |
TOP
Kickers
Based on 900
Football Link's rules
| RANK |
PLAYER |
TEAM |
COMMENT |
| 1. |
Gostkowski |
NE |
Accurate
kicker with big leg kicking for the top offense in the league. |
| 2. |
Elam |
ATL |
To
quote Staind, "It's Been Awhile"(since Elam has been
this high in the rankings). However, the Falcons will have
a great offense and Elam is accurate. |
| 3. |
Akers |
PHI |
The
fact that I have Akers this high means I still think the Eagles
will have trouble punching it in from the goal line. |
| 4. |
Bironas |
TEN |
Just
a terrific kicker who can kick long field goals. Oh, and
he's on an offense without a dominate quarterback so he will get
opportunities for those long licks. |
| 5. |
Folk |
DAL |
Another
good kicker on a team with a good offense. |
| 6. |
Lindell |
BUF |
With
T.O., and rookie tight end Nelson added to Evans, Lynch and
Jackson, plus the spread offense, Buffalo will move the ball
better than ever. |
| 7. |
Kasay |
CAR |
A
reliable pro, if the Williams/Stewart TD-machine falls a bit
short of the tremendous mark it reached last year, Kasay will
have more field goal opportunities. |
| 8. |
Kaeding |
SD |
On
paper, Kaeding always looks top five but often finishes just
outside the top ten. Therefore, I'll continue to split the
difference with his ranking. |
| 9. |
Carney |
NO |
The
only thing holding him back in his ranking based on the rules
here, is that he no longer is a consistent threat for long field
goals. |
| 10. |
Crosby |
GB |
A
rebound in his accuracy on his mid-level kicks would see him
move up these rankings. |
| 11. |
Rackers |
ARZ |
A
continuation of my hunch in a drop off in Arizona this year. |
| 12. |
Brown |
HOU |
A
solid kicker on a good offense, Brown still manages to have some
lapses and when he does, those misses result in him losing the
kicking category for you that week. |
| 13. |
Mare |
SEA |
Wow,
talk about a rebound in fantasy value, I look for the Seahawks
offense to rebound this year. Also Coach Mora plays games
close to the vest so expect a lot of late field goals by Mare. |
| 14. |
Gould |
CHI |
Cutler
will turn field goal opportunities into touchdowns and
interceptions. |
| 15. |
Reed |
PIT |
Solid
kicker on a solid offense, but long field goals at Pittsburgh
are rare. |
| 16. |
Longwell |
MIN |
His
value will increase later in the year
after (if?) the Vikings bench Favre, who I predict will cause
more harm than do good on Minnesota this year. |
| 17. |
Hansen |
DET |
In
this format, he will make up for a lack of opportunities by
kicking a lot of field goals over 45 yards. |
| 18. |
Vinatieri |
IND |
The
Colts score a lot of touchdowns, and he is no longer Mr.
Automatic. |
| 19. |
Scobee |
JAC |
Look
for the Jaguars offense to be improved this year. |
| 20. |
Janikowski |
OAK |
I
doubt Oakland will be held scoreless all season and touchdowns
will be limited. Therefore, Janikowski will get a lot of
opportunities as the Raiders' offense stalls. |
TOP
IDP
Rankings
Based on 900
Football Link's rules
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| ARZ |
LB Dansby
Team's top tackler, gets some sacks, ints too |
DB Rolle
Fairly new to FS, I look for him to add ints to tackles this
year |
LB Haggans
When with PIT I expected him to develop into good W/C LB, now
gets chance |
DB Wilson
It's not like a couple of years ago, he is now better on gameday
then in fantasy |
| ATL |
DL Abraham
A top sacker on a team whose offense is getting better and
better |
DB DeCoud
I liked him coming out of the draft last year, now he gets a
chance to start |
DL Sidbury, Jr
Playing opposite Abraham on passing downs makes this talented
pass rusher a nice W/C sleeper |
LB Lofton
With the tackling machine Peterson on hand, Lofton's stats could
take a dip |
| BAL |
LB Lewis
With Scott on the Jets, the team may play some 4-3 so Lewis'
tackles will increase |
DB Foxworth
Not afraid to mix it up, he may be targeted often and get his
share of ints as well as tackles |
DB Zbikowski
A big time hitter, if he gets a chance to see the field he may
replace Landry as the starter |
DL Pryce
Between injury and lack of sack production, forget his
occasional break-out sack years |
| BUF |
LB Posluszny
He is growing into one of the top tackle hounds of fantasy
football |
DL Schobel
I'm not ready to give up on this one time solid DL producer |
DB Lankster
If he beats out Corner for the nickel, this rookie has a nose
for the ball |
DL Maybin
While he has sack potential, long holdouts usually result in
poor production |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| CAR |
DL Peppers
Hard choice between the sacker Peppers and the tackler Beason |
DB Godfrey
A corner in college, he started at free safety last year and
after a year, will add big plays to his game |
DL Brown
A good pass rusher, he is a nice sleeper as a W/C DL playing
opposite Peppers in the nickel |
DB Harris
On gameday he looks like he is around the ball, but it hasn't
shown up in boxscore |
| CHI |
DB Tillman
Always amongst the top tacklers for cornerbacks, he also gets
some ints |
DB Payne
Had a solid first year as a starter and should be even better
this year |
DL Anderson
Just a hunch that he will resurrect his nickel pass rush role
effectively this year |
DL Harris
A great fantasy option when he's healthy, but hasn't been often
enough |
| CIN |
NONE |
DL Johnson
Has the best chance to develop into a consistent pass rushing
force on the team |
LB Maualuga
At SAM he has limited value, but will replace Jones at MIKE at
some point & become valuable |
DB Williams
With young safeties on the bench, he could be replaced in the
starting lineup |
| CLE |
LB Jackson
Has become a top linebacker to target in fantasy football |
DB McDonald
He had 5 ints last year and is worth looking at as a W/C DB |
LB Veikune
A smart, strong, talented rookie whose fantasy value will grow
throughout the season |
LB Wimbley
I'm not sure he will develop into the sacker the team hoped for
when he was drafted |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| DAL |
LB Ware
A sacking machine who is a top player to target in fantasy
football |
LB James
He added sacks and increased his tackle totals last year |
DB Sensaubaugh
Is the strong safety the Cowboys have been looking for, he is
fast and a big hitter |
LB Brooking
Will not get the tackles of past years and could eventually lose
starting job to rookie Williams |
| DEN |
LB Williams
Will lead the team in tackles and be a solid fantasy performer |
LB Dumervil
Worth tracking to see if he can make transformation to OLB |
DB Smith
The rookie should be the nickel and he is a big-play cornerback |
LB Ayers
I think he may be a tweener for the 3-4 defense, we'll see |
| DET |
LB Sims
Look for Sims to "take off" this year and be amongst
the league leaders in tackles |
DL Avril
He could become a fantasy factor as a W/C DL as he should lead
DET in sacks |
DB Delmas
Look for tackles and ints from this rookie as he presses for
defensive rookie of the year honors |
LB Peterson
With DET playing from behind a lot, he could be dropping in
coverage more than pass rushing |
| GB |
LB Hawk
Be aware that he has been inserted in the position that usually
leads 3-4 defenses in tackles |
DB Collins
Collins became a fantasy force last season and it will continue
this year |
LB Matthews
This rookie has started slowly because of injury, but could be
their best 3-4 LB pass rusher |
LB Barnett
He will not be the tackle hound of old because of his new
position on defense |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| HOU |
DL Williams
Gets decent tackle numbers for a double-digit sack artist |
DB Barber
The new starting strong safety likes to hit and should get solid
tackle numbers |
DL Barwin
Will start off as a pass rusher in the nickel and get good sack
numbers but could be much more |
LB Cushing
A top draft pick who will start but will not generate consistent
fantasy stats |
| IND |
DL Mathis
Gets good sack totals playing opposite Feeney and puts up better
tackle numbers than you think |
LB Session
Looks like a player and should be very active as the starting
WILL |
DB Bullitt
Had a nice year filling in for Sanders and that could happen
again |
DB Sanders
A solid fantasy play when healthy, but too often is on the shelf |
| JAC |
NONE |
DL Harvey
With a full camp under his belt he should have a good sack year |
DB Considine
Based on his time starting in Philly, he is a hitter who is good
in run support |
DB Nelson
I keep waiting for him to emerge as a W/C DB, but that may not
happen |
| KC |
LB Johnson
A talented player now playing inside in the 3-4 at the spot that
usually leads team in tackles |
DB Pollard
Look for his team leading tackles to increase this year |
LB Mays
As the team starts losing, he could replace Zack Thomas as a
starter |
LB Hali
Now at OLB, I don't believe he has the athleticism to stay there
long term |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| MIA |
DB Bell
100 solo tackles from a defensive back says it all |
DB Smith
Smith will be targeted and will get good tackle numbers and some
ints |
LB Wake
A big time sack artist in Canada, he could be Johnny on the spot
if Porter slumps |
LB Porter
I just don't think he'll be the sack machine he was last season |
| MIN |
LB Greenway
Tough choice between him and Allen; can't go wrong with either |
DB Johnson
Don't be fooled by his starts last year; he was playing weak not
strong safety |
LB Brinkley
If Henderson doesn't come all the way back from his injury, he
will step in and be a tackling demon |
DB Williams
He has had his fantasy moments in his career but he gets hurt
and is inconsitent |
| NE |
LB Mayo
He should lead the team in tackles and might be allowed to blitz
more in his second year |
DB Meriweather
A talented kid ready to become one of the top safeties in the
league |
DB Butler
As the season progresses he will play more and more and become a
solid WC DB play |
LB Bruschi
Even if he starts he will lose snaps to Guyton |
| NO |
LB Vilma
He will easily lead the team in tackles, DB Harper is a nice
option as well |
DL Ellis
It's rare that a DT is a fantasy option, but I look for him to
grow into the rare DT who gets sacks |
DB Vaughn
A rookie headhunter who could force his way into the starting
lineup at some point |
DL Smith
Between his suspension and declining sacks his best fantasy days
appear behind him |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| NYG |
DL Tuck
One of the better all around DL options in fantasy football |
LB Boley
With no LB who gets high-end tackle numbers, Boley could become
that force for the G-men |
LB Kehl
He will start game one with Boley out and a good showing could
move Clark to the bench |
LB Pierce
His best football, fantasy and otherwise may be behind him |
| NYJ |
LB Harris
While all the buzz is around Scott, Harris could be the better
fantasy play |
DB Rhodes
Always a top talent, in the new defense he could become a
fantasy football star |
LB Gholston
I may be alone, but I believe his athletic ability will take
over and he will become a sack machine |
LB Pace
He starts off out for four games and could lose his job to
Gholston |
| OAK |
NONE |
DB Branch
He is taking over Wilson's spot from last year which was a very
productive position |
DL Ellis
Back at defensive end, Ellis could get double-digit sacks |
LB Morrison
I love the kid as a player, but in the preseason Oakland has
been giving him competition |
| PHI |
DL Cole
An underrated DL option he gets sacks and tackles |
DB Mikell
Emerging as a solid DB who gets tackles, the occasional pick and
the occasional sack |
LB Mays
MLB Bradley led the team in tackles last year and is out for the
season; Mays will be a capable fill in |
DL Howard
He had 10 sacks last year but I expect about half that number
this year |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| PIT |
LB Harrison
A monster on the field; a monster in fantasy football |
LB Woodley
Another big time sacker, he could be even better this year |
LB Timmons
A talented kid who could lead the team in tackles and get the occasional
sacks |
DB Polamalu
He is usually better on field than in nfantasy but had 7 ints
last year |
| STL |
LB Laurinaitis
How's this for confidence in a rookie? He will be a tackle
hound |
DB Butler
I liked him on the Giants and new coach Spagnuolo must also;
look for him to have his best season |
DL Little
If he stays healthy, Sapnuolo knows how to use sack artists |
LB Witherspoon
No longer playing in the middle, his tackle numbers could be
down |
| SD |
LB Merriman
He's back and he's healthy and he'll get lots of sacks |
DB Weddle
Tackling machine who could see an uptick in ints this year |
LB Cooper
Underrated linebacker who gets tackles, sacks and ints |
LB Phillips
The rookie English could share some of his snaps so his sacks
could be down |
| SF |
LB Willis
The best tackle guy in the league |
DL Carter
A rare 3-4 end worth drafting |
DB Goldson
It's his time to shine and I expect him to be a solid fantasy
play |
DB Lewis
Could lose tackles to Goldston and snaps to Smith |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| SEA |
DL Kerney
Back from injury, Kerney is as solid as a DL gets |
LB Hill
Stepping into Peterson's role, Hill will have his best fantasy
football season to date |
DL Reed
Could work his way into the nickel and be a good W/C DL |
LB Curry
Will be better on the field than in fantasy football in year one |
| TB |
LB Ruud
Has become a top LB play in fantasy football |
DL Adams
I expect him to approach double digit sacks this year |
DB Piscitelli
Fast and strong he will get tackles and picks |
DB/LB Phillips
Will start off at SS and move to WILL when Jackson returns, his
play could suffer |
| TEN |
DB Finnegan
Becoming one of the better corners and playmakers in the league |
DL Vanden Bosch
Look for a rebound in sacks this year |
DL Jones
He played well in spots last year and will be on the field more
this year
|
LB Bulluck
You have to go back three years to get to a time where he was
dominate in fantasy |
| WAS |
LB Fletcher-Baker
You can't go wrong with him or DL Haynesworth |
DB Horton
He played big in spots and should be more consistent this year |
DB Barnes
He is an excellent athlete who can run and hit and if he gets on
the field he will make a fantasy impact |
LB Orakpo
If he was at DE I would have him as intriguing or a sleeper, at
SAM he is a nonfactor |
TOP
|
