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FANTASY
FOOTBALL OUTLOOK
August
29, 2010
by
Jay Goldberg
Roto
World
Mastermind
Pro
Football Weekly KFFL
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RB WR TE
K IDP
Quarterback
Rankings
Based
on 900 Football Link's rules
| RANK |
PLAYER |
TEAM |
COMMENT |
| 1 |
Rodgers |
GB |
Talent plus tools equals top spot in
fantasy football. |
| 2. |
Brees |
NO |
Will be neck and neck with Rodgers
for top fantasy quarterback all year. |
| 3. |
Schaub |
HOU |
With Tate hurt, Slaton slumping and
questions about Foster; Schaub will put up big numbers. |
| 4. |
Manning |
IND |
His corps of receivers keeps getting
better and better. |
| 5. |
Flacco |
BAL |
Look for Flacco to take a big-step
forward in fantasy football this year with Boldin and Pitta on
board. |
| 6. |
Brady |
NE |
Brady is still lurking around the top
the top of the fantasy football quarterback list. |
| 7. |
Romo |
DAL |
This spot assumes they can pass
protect for him. |
| 8. |
Rivers |
SD |
With or without you; the Chargers'
passing game will soar, with or without you Vincent Jackson. |
| 9. |
Ryan |
ATL |
White and Gonzalez offer Ryan some
top options in the passing game. |
| 10. |
Cutler |
DEN |
It may take a little time, but the
Martz offense will help bring out bring out good fantasy numbers
for Cutler. |
| 11. |
Roethlisberger |
PIT |
Don't sleep on this quarterback
because he is missing the first four games. |
| 12. |
McNabb |
WAS |
He would be higher if he had better
wide receivers to throw to. |
| 13. |
Stafford |
DET |
With Calvin Johnson, Burleson and
Scheffler to throw to; plus a lot of playing from behind; look
for Stafford to be better in fantasy football than the Lions
will be on the field. |
| 14. |
Palmer |
CIN |
With T.O. and a tight end (finally),
if Palmer doesn't get back to fantasy football stardom this
year, he never will. |
| 15. |
Henne |
MIA |
The youngster has a big-time arm and
Marshall to throw to; he'll take a giant step this year. |
| 16. |
Favre |
MIN |
A repeat of last year; (in our best
Seinfeldian - I don't think so). |
| 17. |
Manning |
NYG |
I look for the Giants' running game
to get back on track which will mean fewer yards for Eli. |
| 18. |
Young |
TEN |
He will be better on the field this
year than in fantasy football. |
| 19. |
Hasselbeck |
SEA |
The steady pro will have a steady
fantasy football year and be a reliable bye week fill in. |
| 20. |
Orton |
DEN |
Confidence and scheme can only get
you so far; he needs a stud receiver to move up this list. |
| 21. |
Delhomme |
CLE |
Look for a bounce-back year from
Jake; he will be solid all year but not a fantasy football stud. |
| 22. |
Kolb |
PHI |
Having him this far down my list lets
you know that I think he will be a bit of a disappointment this
year. |
| 23. |
Edwards |
BUF |
Last year I had big expectations for
him; luckily he gets a chance to prove himself again. |
| 24. |
Campbell |
OAK |
He will give the Raiders there best
quarterback play in years; of course that isn't saying that
much. |
| 25. |
Sanchez |
NYJ |
In the beginning of the year he won't
throw much as the Jets will run, run, run; but what happens when
Greene gets banged up and LT shows he is done? |
| Caution
- Cassel, KC - He could even lose his starting job. |
| Caution
- Leinart/Anderson, ARZ - Both will disappoint at some time and
the team will turn to a rookie late in the year to try to
salvage their season. |
| Caution
- Smith, SF - He is not a quarterback a team can ride into
prominence. |
| Caution
- Vick, PHI - Even if he gets a shot if Kolb falters, he is no
longer a starting caliber NFL quarterback. |
| Caution
- Moore, CAR - The Panthers like to run and he has Clausen
biting at his heels. |
| Caution
- Tebow, DEN - Orton is better than many think, Tebow is not as
good as Denver thinks. |
| Sleeper
- Carr, SF - If you are looking for a backup who may get a
starting gig earlier rather than later, Carr could be that guy. |
| Sleeper
- Croyle, KC - A sneaky pick to get a starting job, now if he
gets it he needs to stay healthy. |
| Sleeper
- Flynn, GB - If Rodgers goes down, this kid has the talent to
get good numbers in the Packers' offense. |
| Sleeper
- Grossman, WAS - He seems to have finally grown into a solid
NFL quarterback; if McNabb gets injured he will play very well
in relief. |
| Sleeper
- Skelton, ARZ - The quarterback of the future in Arizona, the
future could start this year. |
| Sleeper
- Jackson, MIN - When Favre is benched (injury or performance),
Jackson will get good fantasy stats. |
TOP
Running
Back Rankings
Based
on 900 Football Link's rules
| RANK |
PLAYER |
TEAM |
COMMENT |
| 1 |
Peterson |
MIN |
Most will have Johnson on top, but I
believe as Farve's play drops off, the Vikings will rely on
Peterson more and more. |
| 2. |
Johnson |
TEN |
Just a dynamic player who can take it
the distance every time he touches the ball. |
| 3. |
Rice |
BAL |
Yards on the ground, yards in the
air; Rice is a fantasy football neast. |
| 4. |
Jackson |
STL |
A great player with nobody of
consequence playing behind him. |
| 5. |
Jones-Drew |
JAC |
The little-big-man will be featured
more than ever with a big drop off to his
backup. |
| 6. |
Gore |
SF |
The one player Smith will help in
fantasy; his play will result in San Fran relying on the run as
much as possible. |
| 7. |
Mendenhall |
PIT |
Mendenhall takes a big step towards
the elite running backs in both fantasy and the NFL this year. |
| 8. |
Turner |
ATL |
The Falcons need a big year from
Turner to overtake the Saints and they'll get it. |
| 9. |
Williams |
CAR |
Look for Williams to continue to hold
off Stewart and to have an explosive year. |
| 10. |
Grant |
GB |
With the effectiveness of the passing
game i9n Green Bay, the running lanes will look like Moses
parting the red sea for Grant. |
| 11. |
Mathews |
SD |
The rookie will be the featured back
in San Diego and he won't disappoint. |
| 12. |
Wells |
ARZ |
The Cardinals' passing game will take
a major step back this year so the running game will step to the
forefront; and do you really see the team riding Hightower to
the playoffs? |
| 13. |
Bradshaw |
NYG |
Look for the Giants to get back to
being a successful running team and for Bradshaw to be their
lead back. |
| 14. |
McFadden |
OAK |
McFadden will win the starting job,
sooner rather than later and become the featured player in the
Raiders' offense. |
| 15. |
Best |
DET |
Best may be inconsistent game to
game, but at the end of the year he will have solid numbers. |
| 16. |
Brown |
MIA |
There is always a risk of injury, but
Brown is a talent who the Fins will rely on. |
| 17. |
Stewart |
CAR |
Williams will get the better numbers,
but Stewart will be a solid fantasy back as well. |
| 18. |
Forte |
CHI |
After a poor sophomore season, Forte
will bounce back with a solid 2010. |
| 19. |
Hardesty |
CLE |
Hardesty is a talented back who is a
nice sleeper. |
| 20. |
Greene |
NYJ |
Based on my ranking, I'm obviously
not as high on Greene as most; he is a good back but let's see
him stay healthy and do it over a full season. |
| 21. |
McCoy |
PHI |
Mr. McCoy, I know Brian Westbrook and
you're no Brian Westbrook; also Philly runs reluctantly. |
| 22. |
Benson |
CIN |
It will only take one stumble or
injury for the super talented Scott to get on the field and earn
significant time. |
| 23. |
Charles |
KC |
Very talented back who I thought was
best suited as a part time runner and with the addition of
Thomas Jones, apparently so do the Chiefs. |
| 24. |
Addai |
IND |
With Brown pushing him and his
history of injuries this is a bit of a risk, but Addai is a key
component of a top offense. |
| 25. |
Spiller |
BUF |
A home-run hitter on an offense that
badly needs one, he will get lots of opportunities and has great
speed and quickness. |
| Caution
- Jones, DAL - Sorry 60's Monkees' fans; I'm not a
Believer. |
| Caution
- Hightower, ARZ - He may start the season as the #1 back, but
that won't last long. |
| Caution
- Foster, HOU - I'm not convinced he is anything more than a
solid backup. |
| Caution
- Jacobs, NYG - No longer the Giants' lead back. |
| 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
- Portis, WAS - I'm not on board with a re-birth to fantasy football
prominence just because he's back in Shanahan's system. |
| Caution
- Westbrook, PHI - He'll be a tease with an excellent game or
two, but he won't get enough time behind Gore. |
| Caution
- Harrison, CLE - He has looked very good when given opportunities;
but the coaching staff just doesn't seem to believe in him as
their answer at running back. |
| Sleeper
- Williams, TB - He held off Ward and he will hold of Huggens. |
| Sleeper
- Scott, CIN - The most talented runner on the Bengals roster. |
| Sleeper-
Washington, SEA- While best served as a change-of-pace back, he
is clearly the best weapon at running back for the Seahawks. |
| Sleeper
- Johnson, WAS - As a bigger back who can make one-cut and go,
he may find himself the lead back in Washington sooner rather
than later. |
| Sleeper
- Choice, DAL - Probably the best back suited to play every down
in Dallas. It just may happen this year. |
| Sleeper
- Ringer, TEN - Much like Choice, if this kid gets a
chance he will produce and pay dividends for fantasy owners.
A must hand-cuff for Johnson. |
| Sleeper
- Jones, KC - He has been counted out before and has come
through with big years; he won't be the stud of the recent past
but he will be better than many think. |
| Sleeper
- Starks, GB - If he wasn't banged up in camp he would have been
on more lists than mine; look towards him as a spec pick at
mid-season. |
| Sleeper
- Ball, DEN - I'm not impressed with the backs in front of him,
plus they all have injury histories; so if he gets a chance he
could be a nice surprise. |
TOP
Wide
Receiver Rankings
Based
on 900 Football Link's rules
| RANK |
PLAYER |
TEAM |
COMMENT |
| 1 |
Johnson |
HOU |
The best receiver in football on a
team that loves to throw. |
| 2. |
Moss |
NE |
Moss in a contract year withy Brady
looking to remind everyone he is the best quarterback in
football means big stats for him this year. |
| 3. |
Boldin |
ARZ |
Boldin becomes the go-to guy for
Flacco who takes a giant step forward in fantasy (and the NFL)
this year. |
| 4. |
White |
ATL |
White is quietly becoming one of the
top receivers in the NFL; he will have a big year in 2010. |
| 5. |
Marshall |
DEN |
He is a great talent, and so much
better than Henne's other options that even with a couple of
drops he will forced-fed the ball all year. |
| 6. |
Floyd |
SD |
The Jackson situation doesn't look
like it is going to be resolved; Floyd will fill the void just
fine. |
| 7. |
Garcon |
IND |
A while back Harrison passed the
reins of number one to Wayne but before the title was officially
passed there were years of similar stats; it's happening again
here and expect Wayne to officially be #1, but Garcon to
out-produce him fantasy-wise. |
| 8. |
Austin |
DAL |
Of course Austin's ranking in top ten
assumes that Dallas can block somebody. |
| 9. |
Smith |
CAR |
He's the real playmaker, not T.O.; he
would put up stats even if Randy Fasani (how's that for an obscure
Carolina Panthers reference) was throwing to him. |
| 10. |
Nicks |
NYG |
Look for Nicks to emerge as the
Giants' top receiver and one of better receivers in the league. |
| 11. |
Fitzgerald |
ARZ |
Sorry Larry, quarterback problems
will hurt your production this year. |
| 12. |
Jennings |
GB |
Rodgers favorite target will get big
numbers but will have to share with many others. |
| 13. |
Jackson |
PHI |
Jackson is a big-play waiting to
happen and Philly loves to throw the ball. |
| 14. |
Knox |
CHI |
Top receiver in a Martz offense;
enough said. |
| 15. |
Wayne |
IND |
Wayne may fall behind Garcon a bit,
but he'll remain a solid fantasy football play. |
| 16. |
Wallace |
PIT |
Wallace will be the top receiver in
Pittsburgh this year. |
| 17. |
Owens |
CIN |
Owens seems to want it more than
Ochocinco and should be the better fantasy football producer. |
| 18. |
Colston |
NO |
Colston should lead the Saints'
receivers in production, but Meachem could be nipping at his
heels. |
| 19. |
Welker |
NE |
Brady loves throwing to Welker who
appears to be healthy. |
| 20. |
Bowe |
KC |
Bowe is clearly the most talented
weapon on the Chiefs and will be featured regularly. |
| 21. |
Sims-Walker |
JAC |
A talented receiver but he may see
double-teams all year. |
| 22. |
Crabtree |
SF |
I would love to see what he could do
with a better quarterback. |
| 23. |
Murphy |
OAK |
Oakland will be playing catch-up
often and Campbell can throw. |
| 24. |
Meachem |
NO |
If healthy, I look for Meachem to
significantly close the gap on Colston to be the Saints top
wideout. |
| 25. |
Ward |
PIT |
Not a spectacular play, but always a
steady one. |
| Caution
- Britt, TEN - I don't see the breakout coming this year. |
| Caution
- Hester, CHI - He will quickly become option #3 for Cutler. |
| Caution
- Breaston, ARZ - Not only battling poor quarterback play, but
battling Doucet as well. |
| Caution
- Harvin, MIN - Harvin will make some big plays, but you'll have
no idea in what games they will occur. |
| Caution
- Branch, SEA - Will eventually lose starting job either due to
injury or due to the play of Butler or Tate. |
| Caution
- Thomas, DEN - Redshirt year for rookie because of injury
and unexpected good play by other receivers. |
| Caution
- Jarrett, CAR - Not long for his starting job. |
| Caution
- Thomas, WAS - Hasn't taken control of a situation in need of
talent, he may be a washout. |
| Sleeper
- Camarillo, MIN - Farve will love this gritty receiver who is
always where he is suppose to be and who catches everything
thrown his way. |
| Sleeper
- Williams, TB - This rookie will have a good year in part because
of his talent, in part because there aren't many other options
in the passing game. |
| Sleeper
- Robinson, STL - Looked good early last year before getting
hurt and now Avery isn't around. |
| Sleeper
- Evans, BUF - Evans is as talented as any receiver in the
league and if Edwards gets his act together as I expect, Evans
could be back to fantasy football significance. |
| Sleeper
- Tate, NE - Someone for keeper leagues to stash in case Moss
leaves next year. |
| Sleeper
- Cotchery, NYJ - While Edwards and Holmes are the flashy names,
Cotchery is Sanchez' safety blanket and he is just a darn good
football player. |
| Sleeper
- Thomas, JAC- A more athletic, faster, quicker Wes Welker. |
| Sleeper
- LLoyd, DEN - He has always had the ability to make phenomenal
catches, I expect him to take advantage of this unexpected
chance to start. |
| Sleeper
- Zeigler, SF - This kid has great hands and runs excellent
routes, he will win the third receiver role with the 49ers and
out-produce starter Morgan. |
| Sleeper
- Hawkins, TEN - When the dust settles in Tennessee, they may
finally realize that Hawkins is a gamer who deserves a key role
in their offense. |
TOP
Tight
End Rankings
Based on 900
Football Link's rules
| RANK |
PLAYER |
TEAM |
COMMENT |
| 1 |
Finley |
GB |
Look for a new name atop the tight
end fantasy football list when the 2010 season ends. |
| 2. |
Gates |
SD |
No Jackson may mean a few more looks
and a few more TDs for Gates. |
| 3. |
Davis |
SF |
Smith drops back to pass; check down
to Davis; rinse, repeat; oh yeah, and the occasional use of his
speed downfield. |
| 4. |
Gonzalez |
ATL |
He still has a lot left in his tank. |
| 5. |
Celek |
PHI |
He will become Kolb's best friend. |
| 6. |
Witten |
DAL |
More and more talented targets on the
Cowboys makes me a little nervous, but just a little. |
| 7. |
Clark |
IND |
I believe his stats will be more like
2008 than 2009. |
| 8. |
Miller |
OAK |
Miller finally has a
NFL-starting-caliber quarterback, and one who likes to throw to
tight ends. |
| 9. |
Gresham |
CIN |
I didn't love him as much as others
in the draft, but while Ocho and TO may play verbal ping ping
asking for the ball, Gresham may just become Palmer's favorite
target. |
| 10. |
Winslow |
TB |
Too talented a player to be held back
by a young quarterback. |
| 11. |
Cooley |
WAS |
McNabb has always had good rapport
with tight end, having a younger, talented backup in Davis,
however, could cut into his production. |
| 12. |
Carlson |
SEA |
Ready to take the next step up the
ladder. |
| 13. |
Daniels |
HOU |
A bit of a risk because he is coming
back from injury. |
| 14. |
Keller |
NYJ |
Has speed, but there are too many
hands looking for the limited receptions from the Jets' offense
for him to be considered a top ten fantasy football tight end. |
| 15. |
Miller |
PIT |
A steady, but unspectacular fantasy
football play. |
| 16. |
Scheffler |
DET |
Look for a fantasy football rebound
from Scheffler now that he has escaped Denver. |
| 17. |
Sciafe |
TEN |
If you draft him, play him early, he
may lose snaps to cook as the year progresses. |
| 18. |
Watson |
CLE |
He has always has talent, it will be
interesting to see how he plays after leaving an offense that
wasn't particularly tight-end friendly. |
| 19. |
Shockey |
NO |
A risk; if he stays healthy he will
outperform this spit; if not he could be minimized in the
offense when he returns from injury. |
| 20. |
Boss |
NYG |
Has turned into a steady player; kind
of a poor man's Heath Miller. |
| Caution
- Olsen, CHI - Forget the off season talk; tight ends are
after-thoughts in Martz' offense. |
| Caution
- Heap BAL - Heap is talented but has two rookies pushing for
playing time. |
| Caution
- Davis, WAS- Cooley is back. |
| 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. |
| Sleeper
- Nelson, BUF - A great keeper-league pick, Nelson 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 after he returns
from his 4 game suspension. |
| 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
- Patrick, ARZ - The era of the wide receiver may be over in
Arizona. Patrick is an underrated tight end talent. |
| Sleeper
- Pitta, BAL - I love this kid's potential. When Heap gets
banged up, Pitta could come in and never leave the field. |
| Sleeper
- Cook, TEN - If not this year, then next year for Cook so he is
a good keeper league pick. He has rare speed and
athleticism for a tight end. |
| Sleeper
- Casey, HOU - An excellent receiver, he could play a big role
in the Texans' offense if Daniels doesn't make it all the way
back. |
| Sleeper
- Harbor, PHI- An underrated handcuff for Celek. |
TOP
Kickers
Based on 900
Football Link's rules
| RANK |
PLAYER |
TEAM |
COMMENT |
| 1. |
Gostkowski |
NE |
Accurate
kicker with big leg kicking for one of the top offenses in the league. |
| 2. |
Kaeding |
SD |
A
great regular season kicker, still has something to prove in the
playoffs. |
| 3. |
Longwell |
MIN |
A
very good kicker and I expect fewer TDs and more FGs from the
Vikings' offense this year. |
| 4. |
Crosby |
GB |
Kicking
on the best offense in the league, he will need to be more
accurate than last year to hold this spot. |
| 5. |
Bironas |
TEN |
From
a pure kicking standpoint, he may be the best in the league. |
| 6. |
Gould |
CHI |
Gould
is a solid kicker, but he is now the kicker for a Martz offense. |
| 7. |
Carpenter |
MIA |
I'm
impressed with him as a kicker and the Miami offense will be
better than many think. |
| 8. |
Prater |
DEN |
Big
leg in thin air. |
| 9. |
Hartley |
NO |
Hurt
in our league because he hasn't shown the ability to hit from
distances. |
| 10. |
Folk |
NYJ |
Look
for a rebound year from this talented kicker. |
| 11. |
Rackers |
HOU |
He
should beat out Brown for the job, if not, gulp this pick will
look very bad. |
| 12. |
Akers |
PHI |
A
very good kicker, however, I'm not sold that the changes to the
Eagles' offense are for the better. |
| 13. |
Buehler |
DAL |
Look
for him to keep his job all year and perform decently. |
| 14. |
Janikowski |
OAK |
The
Raiders' offense will be improved so Janikowski will have a
solid fantasy football season. |
| 15. |
Mare |
SEA |
I look for the Seahawks
offense to rebound this year. |
| 16. |
Tynes |
NYG |
Much
to my surprise, Tynes has grown into a reliable kicker. |
| 17. |
Reed |
PIT |
Solid
kicker on a solid offense, but long field goals at Pittsburgh
are rare. |
| 18. |
Hansen |
DET |
In
this format, he will make up for a lack of opportunities by
kicking a lot of field goals over 45 yards. |
| 19. |
Vinatieri |
IND |
The
Colts score a lot of touchdowns, and he is no longer Mr.
Automatic. |
| 20. |
Succop |
KC |
A
young kicker who had a solid rookie campaighn. |
TOP
IDP
Rankings
Based on 900
Football Link's rules
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| ARZ |
DL Dockett
Good tackle numbers for a DL, sacks should continue to increase |
DB Rhodes
Good player looking to rebound on new team |
LB Porter
Should be back on fantasy football radar as a wildcard
linebacker |
DB Wilson
It's not like a couple of years ago, he is now better on gameday
then in fantasy |
| ATL |
LB Lofton
A tackle-hound who can anchor your fantasy football defense |
LB Weatherspoon
I loved him coming out of the draft this year, the only question
is where he will play |
DL Biermann
Playing opposite Abraham on passing downs makes this talented
pass rusher a nice W/C sleeper |
DB Coleman
He is great when starting and is a solid player, but the team
drafted Moore last year to replace him and he is now healthy. |
| BAL |
LB Lewis
Still a fantasy football force |
DB Landry
With Reed potentially on the sidelines, he may be asked to do
even more |
DB Zbikowski
A big time hitter, he will get first crack to step in for Reed
if he can't go and he will put up good numbers when he
plays |
DB Reed
Injuries have taken their toll on this past fantasy football
star |
| BUF |
DB Byrd
His interceptions as a rookie were no fluke, it was a repeat of
his college days |
DB Whitner
He's now playing where he should have been playing all along,
strong safety |
LB Maybin
He may not start, but with Schobel retiring, he is the best pass
rusher on their roster |
LB Posluszny
The new 3-4 defense means fewer tackles for this headhunter; his
stats will be good but he is no longer a #1 LB |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| CAR |
LB Beason
Even with the move to WILL, he should lead the team in tackles |
DL Johnson
This could be his breakout year |
DB Godfrey
Now a strong safety, his production could approach Harris' when
Harris was a fantasy force |
LB Connor
He may not be a three down linebacker which will cut in to his
production |
| CHI |
DL Peppers
Top defensive lineman are harder to find with all the 3-4
defenses, grab Peppers |
DB Tillman
He may shadow top receivers this year so his numbers should get
back to prior years |
DL Anderson
Now starting opposite Peppers, he has the pass rush ability to
post double-digit sacks |
DB Manning
Had solid tackle stats last year but it's anyone's guess how the
safety positions will play put during the season |
| CIN |
DL Odom
Was having a monster year before he was injured |
LB Johnson
Now a LB, Johnson could be a sleeper as a wildcard, especially
if he gets the starting gig later in the season |
LB Maualuga
At SAM he has limited value, but will replace Jones at MIKE at
some point & become valuable |
LB Jones
I can easily envision Johnson moving to SAM and Maualuga to MIKE
during the season |
| CLE |
LB Roth
Is a fine wildcard linebacker target |
LB Gocong
Has the basic skill set at 3-4 inside linebacker that Bruschi
had |
DB Ward
A rookie starting at weak safety who likes to hit |
LB Jackson
How badly is he injured, I'd feel better if I knew |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| DAL |
LB Ware
A sacking machine who is a top player to target in fantasy
football |
LB James
Many will overlook him because he didn't get the numbers of a
couple of years ago, but he is still a solid fantasy football
player |
LB Lee
A player to keep your eye on, he is a tackling machine and
Brooking's future replacement |
DB Sensabaugh
Injured to start and safeties just don't seem to get consistent
stats on Dallas' defense |
| DEN |
LB Williams
Will lead the team in tackles and be a solid fantasy performer |
LB Ayers
He will get first shot at replacing the injured Dumervil's sack
prouction |
DB Bruton
Could replace Hill at some point during the season as the
starting strong safety |
LB Moss
I don't see him being overly successful as an OLB |
| DET |
DB Delmas
A player as close to Bob Sanders as you can get |
DL Avril
He could become a fantasy factor as a W/C DL as he should lead
DET in sacks |
LB Follett
The starting WILL heading into the season, he could rack up
tackles |
DB Brown
He may get good tackle numbers early, but his troubles in
coverage could also land him on the bench |
| GB |
LB Matthews
A solid wildcard linebacker |
DB Woodson
Can he get ints again; I say yes |
DB Burnett
This rookie is a keeper, he has a nose for the ball both in the
air and on the ground |
DB Bigby
It's more than just his injury keeping him off the field, it's
Burnett |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| HOU |
DB Pollard
Could lead all DBs in tackles this year |
LB Cushing
May get overlooked because of suspension, but put up better
numbers than Ryans |
DL Barwin
Will start off as a pass rusher in the nickel and get good sack
numbers, but could be much more |
DL Williams
Don't get me wrong, he's a good fantasy player, but could get
over-drafted |
| IND |
DL Freeney
A top sacker and one of the best fantasy football players |
DB Sanders
He's back and hitting everything in sight |
LB Angerer
Is Brackett's eventual replacement |
DB Bethea
With Sanders back, his numbers will take a hit (after all
Sanders hits everything) |
| JAC |
LB Morrison
The Jaguars'' defense finally has a tackle-hound |
DL Harvey
He is slowly starting to come around and will be helped with
Kampman playing opposite him |
DB Smith
He looked like a good prospect when he came into the league with
the Steelers and he may finally get a chance to start |
DB Nelson
I keep waiting for him to emerge as a W/C DB, but that hasn't happened |
| KC |
DB Berry
This rookie should get tackles and ints as the Chiefs' starting
strong safety |
LB Williams
I may be one of the few who completely understand him holding
off Johnson |
LB Studebaker
His move to OLB could be a good one and he could eventually
replace Vrable in the starting lineup and be a good wildcard
linebacker |
LB Hali
Hali played well at OLB, but I'm still not sold |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| MIA |
LB Dansby
Tough call between Dansby and DB Bell, you can't go wrong with
either player |
LB Wake
Great athlete with big sack numbers in Canada, could be top
wildcard linebacker |
DB Clemons
Another excellent athlete who will be all over the field |
LB Misi
I don't see him getting enough stats (tackles or sacks) to be a fantasy
football factor |
| MIN |
DL Allen
Great sacker who gets good tackle stats for a defensive lineman
as well |
LB Henderson
Back from injury he is the linebacker to target on the Vikings'
defense |
DB Sanford
He could overtake Johnson at strong safety and get better tackle
stats than Johnson has been accruing |
LB Greenway
His stats will take a hit with the return of Henderson |
| NE |
DB Meriweather
He should be a full time starter, but worst case will be an
excellent wildcard |
DB Chung
A headhunter who could bring back memories of Rodney Harrison |
LB Cunningham
As the season progresses he will play more and more and become a
solid WC LB play |
LB Banta-Cain
May be over-drafted after his career year |
| NO |
LB Vilma
He will easily lead the team in tackles, DB Harper is a nice
option as well |
DB Jenkins
Will start in Sharper's spot while he is injured and could keep
the job full time |
LB Casillas
A new starter at WILL, he could get good tackle numbers |
DL Sharper
He may start off on the PUP and when (if?) he gets back he could
be on the bench if Jenkins plays well |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| NYG |
DL Tuck
One of the better all around DL options in fantasy football,
look for double-digit sacks |
DB Phillips
He was a promising player and fantasy football option prior to
his injury |
LB Goss
The Giants' new middle linebacker, he'll get good tackle stats |
DL Pierre-Paul
With the depth at defensive end he may not see the field much |
| NYJ |
LB Harris
Harris has turned into a top NFL player and a top fantasy
football player |
DB Pool
If he can avoid concussions he could get a lot of interceptions
in this defense |
LB Taylor
It's come to this for Jason Taylor, a sleeper, however, he will
start in Pace's place early and will excel in this defense |
LB Pace
He may lose the primary rusher in the nickel to Taylor while
he's out with injury |
| OAK |
DB Branch
A tackle-hound form the strong safety position |
LB McClain
He is taking over Morrison's spot and Morrison always got good
tackle numbers |
LB Scott
Was a difference-maker as a pass rusher after getting the
starting nod |
LB Howard
No longer a starter, he should be off your fantasy football
radar |
| PHI |
DL Cole
Now longer an underrated DL option, he gets sacks and tackles |
LB Sims
The Eagles finally have a linebacker who can make plays sideline
to sideline |
DL Graham
Loved him in the draft, as a starter opposite Cole, look out |
DB Allen
The rookie just might be in over his head as a starter,
especially early in the season |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| PIT |
LB Woodley
Surpassed Harrison in sacks last year, but either will do as a
wildcard linebacker |
DL Hood
When he gets his chance, he could be the rare 3-4 DL worthy of a
spot in fantasy football |
LB Timmons
A talented kid who could lead the team in tackles and get the occasional
sack |
DB Polamalu
He is usually better on field than in fantasy football |
| STL |
LB Laurinaitis
My confidence in him was well placed last year, he proved to be a tackle
hound |
DL Long
This could be the year he finally becomes a consistent sacker |
DB Dahl
He will start in Butler's place early and could keep the job if
he plays well |
LB Carpenter
Looks like he won't win the starting WILL as expected when he
was acquired |
| SD |
DB Weddle
Look for a rebound year from a fantasy football perspective this
year |
LB Phillips
He is always at worst a good backup wildcard linebacker |
DB Stuckey
I like this rookie and when given a chance to start he will be
all over the field making plays |
LB Cooper
His stats fell off as the season progressed |
| SF |
LB Willis
The best tackle guy in the league |
DB Goldston
A solid option at DB, gets tackles and interceptions |
DB Mays
This rookie has speed and strength and could force his way on
the field sooner rather than later |
DB Lewis
Could lose his starting job to Mays during the year |
| TEAM |
IDP TARGET |
INTRIGUING |
SLEEPER |
CAUTION |
| SEA |
LB Tatupu
Back from injury, Tatupu should get lots of tackles |
DL Clemons
He could be a nice surprise as a pass rusher for the Seahawks |
LB Hawthorne
If he starts at WILL, which he should, he could out-produce
Tatupu |
LB Curry
Will be better on the field than in fantasy football |
| TB |
LB Ruud
Has become a top LB play in fantasy football |
DB Jones
After a two-year absence, he's back on the radar for fantasy
football |
DL Miller
A rare defensive tackle who could have a big year playing next
to McCoy who will get most of opposing team's attention
|
DB Barber
This once top fantasy football DB option should now be off your
list |
| TEN |
LB Tulloch
The new leader of the Titans' defense, he is a solid fantasy
football player |
DB Finnegan
A good selection as a #4 DB or a wildcard defensive back |
DL Morgan
The rookie should eventually work his way into the starting
lineup and become a solid player |
LB Witherspoon
He has had some useful seasons in fantasy football in the past,
but this won't be one of them |
| WAS |
LB Orakpo
Target him as your wildcard linebacker if you can |
LB Fletcher-Baker
He is one of the best tackle-hounds in the league and has
achieved good tackle stats in a 3-4 defense in the past |
DB Doughty
With Moore injured he will start the season at free safety;
don't count him out even when Moore comes back |
LB Carter
He had good sack stats last year as a DL, but he is now an OLB
in a 3-4 defense and has not fared well in that system in the
past |
TOP
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