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FANTASY FOOTBALL OUTLOOK
August 2, 2008
by Jay Goldberg

Roto World     Mastermind     Pro Football Weekly     KFFL     NFL.com Injuries

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Quarterback Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Brady NE As long as Brady has Moss to throw to he will be towards the top in TD throws and yards since there is no better deep threat in the NFL than Moss.  His accuracy is a given.
2. Brees NO McAllister is iffy and Bush's big plays come in the passing game.  With Shockey added to the mix the Saints offense will continue to be a pass-first offense.
3. Manning IND Early reports are that Harrison looks healthy.  It doesn't matter that Manning will most most (if not all ) of the preseason, he will have his typical, impressive year from both a football and fantasy perspective.
4. Romo DAL This team loves to throw and Romo is very good at it.  He will need one of the younger kids to step up (Hurd?), but I believe that will happen.  If Dallas drafted Chris Johnson instead of Felix Jones, Romo would have topped this list.
5. McNabb PHI A blast from the recent past?  A predict a healthy season for McNabb and the further emergence of Kevin Curtis as a top receiver.
6. Rodgers GB Apparently, Packer GM Thompson is not the only person who thinks Rodgers will be a star and better for the Pack short and long term.  I had Rodgers ahead of Smith in the draft and believe he will be a top flight NFL quarterback.
7. Palmer CIN The Bengals will continue to struggle this year which means a lot of pass attempts for the talented Palmer.
8. Roethlisberger PIT He helps with the "under" categories (int %, ypp, comp %) and will see a bump in passing yards with Sweed added to the mix.
9. Anderson CLE Anderson has great weapons. The only things holding him back from a top five ranking is his penchant for throwing interceptions and Brady Quinn chomping at the bit to take over.
10. Bulgar STL Bulgar fell off the fantasy map a bit last year, but will rebound.  Playing from behind and the fast, quick, cuts on a dime rookie Avery should be good for a padding his stats late in games.
11. Hasselbeck SEA There could be a drop in Hasselbeck's fantasy production this year due to an erosion of receivers (Branch hurt, Hackett gone) and an improved running game.
12. Manning NYG Coming off his Super Bowl high, Eli will have his best year.  While the Giants have three good running backs, their competitive division will keep games close and the ball in the air.
13. Delhomme CAR Jake was having one of his better years before getting injured.  This ranking is a combination of confidence in his recovery, and people overrating the rookie running back Stewart.
14. Young TEN I look for a big year from Vince Young.  Crumpler will give him a quality tight end and I love the kid Hawkins who makes incredible catches and will gain Young's confidence since he will not have to make perfect throws to get completions.
15. Cutler DEN I'm a little worried because the Commish hasn't ruled on Marshall's suspension yet and he is needed badly for Denver to have an effective passing attack.
16. River SD The hardest part of having Rivers as your fantasy QB is that you never know when LT is going to have one of those games where he dominates offensive yards on the ground.  However, with Chambers around all year, Rovers now has excellent tools all around.
17. Garrad JAC Whose going to be their receivers?  If they get consistent wide receiver play than Garrad is a solid play.  If one of their receivers has a break out year, he could outplay this ranking.
18. Campbell WAS CAmpbell is an improving quarterback.  I don't think the Redskins are in the same class as the other three teams in their division so will be forced to throw more than they want too.
19. Garcia TB The key here is will he last the year?  Between age and 90,000 quarterbacks there is a chance he won't finish what he starts.
20. Edwards BUF Edwards is an interesting player as a QB3.  He will be accurate and with Evans around will get his share of big plays.
21. Kitna DET Perhaps more than any other QB, Kitna's ranking could take a hit this year.  The Martz offense is gone, and the team wants to run more.  My guess is that the rookie Smith will just be okay, forcing Kitna to throw in long down and distances and will find the bench as the year wears on.
22. Leinart ARZ Will he finally get it?  Will Boldin still be on the team?  Will, the Cards be better erved with Warner?  Too many questions to rely on Leinart.
23. Russell OAK He will play, he has a big arm and he will be playing from behind a lot.  He will also be inconsistent as he gains experience.  Russell is a player to take a flyer on as a fill in since he will have some big weeks.
24. Jackson MIN Look for Jackson to take a step forward this year.  However, he will be a game manager, not a big-time fantasy producer.
25. Ryan ATL As a rookie he will be up and down and is not a sure thing to start from game one. Atlanta also has three solid running backs (including the rookie Brown).  But they will be playing from behind a lot so if Ryan is playing he will get a lot of "garbage time" yards.
Heartbreaker - Favre, TBD - Whether he breaks your heart by not coming back, or breaks your heart by coming back and reverting to his play of two and three years ago, this appears to be a heartbreak year for fantasy owners of Favre.
Heartbreaker - Schaub, HOU - Schaub is starting to have the look of a player who will look very good in spurts, but find a way to disappoint whether thru injury, bad decisions, or poor play.
Sleeper - Henne, MIA - The Tuna's quarterback of choice since he was drafted by the new regime, Henne could find the field this year and produce surprisingly well since the Fins have a good running attack with Williams, Brown and even Parmele.
Sleeper - Hill, SF - I liked what I saw last year which is more than I can say for most of Smith's career.  If he gets on the field he will be in a Martz offense.
Sleeper - Grossman, CHI - Maybe now that no one is expecting anything from Grossman, he will settle down and play decent ball.  Don't laugh, it could happen.
Disappointment - Smith, SF - Martz' offense needs a smart quarterback and Smith that is Smith's strength, but I just don't think he is good enough to last as the 49ers starter.
Disappointment - Clemens, NYJ - I felt he was drafted too high and have seen no reason think differently.  His long term NFL potential is as a quality backup, not a top-flight starter.
Disappointment - Beck, MIA - Hey drafting a singer whose first song of note was "Loser", oh, this is a different Beck.  Could have fooled me.  Beck is another quarterback over-drafted who is better served as a long-term backup than a starter.

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Running Back Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Tomlinson SD The top fantasy football player.  But no longer an unanimous number one pick in all leagues.  Peterson is nipping at his heels and is the top pick in dynasty leagues.
2. Peterson MIN The rookie was great in year one and, it's frightening to think, could be even better in year two.
3. Gore SF Gore is the best all around back Martz has had since Faulk.  He will put up great running/receiving combo numbers.
4. Westbrook PHI The diminutive one is getting better and better.  A two-way threat running and receiving.
5. Jackson STL A great player, but he needs to get into camp.
6. Lynch BUF A terrific rookie campaign, look for Lynch to be more involved in the passing game this year.
7. Addai IND Quietly becoming one of the best and most reliable running backs in the league.
8. Barber DAL Barber will be the guy in Dallas this year, especially when Jones doesn't turn out to be the explosive alternative that Dallas was hoping he'd be.
9. Jacobs NYG Don't get scared off by the number of good backs in Giants' camp.  Jacobs will be the guy, Bradshaw the change-of-pace, and Ward (if he's not traded) Jacobs backup.
10. Johnson KC I'm not as confident in Johnson as I have been in the past.  Partly due to the offensive line, partly due to Croyle (I think he'll be fine) and partly due to Johnson himself.
11. Turner ATL With a young (Ryan) or ineffective (Redman?) quarterback under center, Turner will be called on often.
12. Portis WAS This is a cautious ranking since it wouldn't surprise me if this is the year Portis started to decline.
13. Grant GB I'm not totally convinced he's the superstar some (including apparently him based on his holdout) think he is.  Let's see him do it again.
14. Forte CHI Should have the best year of all rookie running backs.  He can run up the middle, has more speed than many think, and catches the ball very well.
15. Jones NYJ The re-built offensive line will result in a productive year for Jones
16. Young DEN The Broncos may say that they question Young as a full time back, but he's the best they have and the offense is always runner-friendly.
17. Jones SEA Look for Julius to start pulling away from the pack as Seattle's go-to runner as the season progresses.
18. James ARZ  James lacks breakaway speed so he will need a lot of carries to get his fantasy stats.
19. Johnson TEN A better "Reggie Bush" than the real Reggie Bush, as the season progresses Johnson will get more and more involved in both the running and passing games.  Oh yeah, and his 4.24 forty speed will be good for some very long plays, a good thing in fantasy football.
20. Fargas OAK Fargas will not give up his role in Oakland's offense easily.  He is a talented, tough, fast running back who will get the most carries in Oakland this year.
21. Bush NO A better receiver than runner right now, he will put up numbers will may never be a fantasy football star.
22. Jones-Drew JAC One of these years Taylor will slow down allowing Jones-Drew to be the clear fantasy option in Jacksonville.  This may just be the year.
23. Lewis CLE They say he has lost weight and will run outside more this year.  We'll see.
24. Parker PIT Coming off of injury with Mendenhall now on hand, Parker's fantasy value takes a significant hit this year.
25. Williams MIA Just a hunch.  Brown is coming off injury, the Dolphins line is improved, Williams is one talented dude.
Heartbreaker - McGahee, BAL - He is not as good as he (and the Ravens) think he is.  He lacks breakaway speed.  Rookie Ray Rice is the better running back.
Heartbreaker - White, TEN - He had a nice year last year, and will show the same effectiveness this year, but the rookie Johnson is just too enticing to keep on the sidelines too much.
Heartbreaker - Brown, HOU - Brown will look great playing in Houston's zone blocking scheme, then he will get hurt.
Sleeper - Watson, CIN - Once again, Watson could prove to be the Bengals most effective running back despite them wanting it to be Rudi Johnson in a comeback, or Perry who appears to finally be healthy.
Sleeper - Jordan, NE - Maroney is very good but gets nicked up.  After losing his job because of injury, if Jordan gets a chance he will not look to come out.  He is a very talented back who could have a "Marion Barber-type" role with the Pats this year.
Sleeper - Rice, BAL - I like him as a runner more than McGahee.
Sleeper - Bell, HOU - He was a surprise in this system once before with Denver, I look for him to pick up the pieces once Brown gets hurt and Green disappoints.  
Sleeper - Thomas, NO - If McAlister cannot make it all the way back, look for Thomas to be the main ballcarrier with Bush in a support role as a runner.
Disappointment - Brown, MIA - Everyone will remember he was playing great ball before he got hurt.  However, he has had trouble staying healthy, is coming off an injury and may not be back to full strength until next year, and has Ricky Williams on hand.
Disappointment - Green, HOU - Age is catching up with Green.
Disappointment - Jones, DAL - He won't be the consistent big-play option that Dallas is hoping he will be.  By year's end, Tashard Choice could be playing as much as Jones in support of Barber.
Disappointment - Graham, TB - He will probably be fine, but not good enough to not give up time to Dunn, and not good enough for the Bucs to forget about Caddy.

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Wide Receiver Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Moss NE Still the best big-play receiver in the league
2. Owens DAL Without Glenn, the Cowboys' options are narrowing.
3. Wayne IND His status as the Colts' top wideout is cemented with or without a healthy Harrison.
4. Edwards CLE With Stallworth on the other side, the safeties can't cheat on him.
5. Fitzgerald ARZ Becoming the next Torry Holt, doesn't get the pub of other receivers, but gets it done big time year after year.
6. Smith CAR Delhomme is back and he has great chemistry with Smith.
7. Johnson CIN The mouth that roared is still a very talented receiver.
8. Holt STL The consummate pro, Holt is always a solid fantasy play.
9. Johnson HOU With 60 catches for 851 yards and 8 TDs in 9 games, he was on his way to a monster season before getting hurt.
10. Williams DET Forget Johnson, Williams is the star receiver on this team.
11. Holmes PIT Took a big step last year towards superstardom, he completes the journey this year.
12. Jennings PIT Jennings will become Rodgers go-to receiver.
13. Houshmandzadeh HOU T.J. is good in fantasy football as well as fantasy football commercials.
14. Burress NYG Hopefully, he can play as well healthy as he did hurt last year.
15. Marshall DEN His value could go up or down depending upon whether or not he gets suspended and the length of that suspension should he get one.
16. Colston NO The big kid is for real both on the filed and in fantasy football.
17. Johnson SF Johnson should be the best receiver and go-to guy in a Mike Martz offense.  Looki for a career year for this former first round draft pick.
18. Harrison IND A bit of a drop for Marvin, but still a top twenty fantasy football receiver.
19. Welker NE Look for another good year from Welker, but there could be a drop off, especially if Chad Jackson comes on as I expect.
20. Evans BUF A long TD waiting to happen, Evans has top five talent, but has a young QB throwing to him.
21. Boldin ARZ He could be distracted by his contract talks, but is good enough to still have a solid year.
22. Bowe KC His draft position could be tied to how you feel about Croyle.  I think Croyle will be fine so Bowe will have another good year. 
23. Curtis PHI I'm hedging my bet here a little, it wouldn't surprise me if Curtis vaults to top ten status this year.
24. Driver GB While Jennings becomes Rodgers' number one, Driver still has enough left to put up good numbers with the young signal caller.
25. White ATL An emerging talent, White will need a quarterback to consistently get him the ball.
Heartbreaker - Porter, JAC - Porter is a player who has moments where he looks great, but hasn't been able to put a 1,000 yard season together.
Heartbreaker - Jackson, SD - He is a good young talent who will have some big games but is behind Gates and Chambers in the pecking order.  He will be a better player than fantasy producer.
Heartbreaker - Johnson, DET - A great physical specimen, many will look for a breakout year, however, this will be one year too early.  The Lions' commitment to running and Roy Williams around as a proven number one will make Johnson come up short of expectations stat-wise.
Heartbreaker - Coles, NYJ - Everyone is raving that he is 100% healthy again.  However, Cotchery has overtaken him in terms of on-field talent and the Jets' QB situation is average at best.
Sleeper - Hawkins, TEN - An extremely talented young receiver who makes terrific catches, landed on a team in dire need of a number one receiver.  Hawkins won't start there, but he could end up there.
Sleeper - Stallworth, CLE -  With all the talent on the field, I can see one or two big plays a game from Stallworth.  This could finally be his first 1,000 yard season.
Sleeper - Taylor, SEA -  With Branch likely on the shelf for the start of the season, Taylor could crave a role beyond just a fill-in for Branch.
Sleeper - Sweed, PIT - Big Ben wanted a tall receiver and he got a good one in Sweed, who was a steal for Pittsburgh.
Sleeper - Shields, OAK - A deep sleeper, Shield is fast, quick, athletic and has good hands.  Also, Walker is not sure thing to bounce back and Curry has a history of injuries.
Sleeper - Colbert, DEN - After a good rookie season, he disappeared.  He is in an ideal spot to shine, especially id Marshall gets suspended.
Sleeper - Avery, STL - Avery has tremendous big play ability and very good hands.  Avery becoming a big-time player is not a yes-no question, but a when question.  It's a bit of a long shot, but it could be this year.
Sleeper - Hill, SF - Hill has excellent speed, great hands, and is a tough kid and is playing in a Mike Martz offense.  If Bruce gets hurt or ages quickly, or if Johnson falters, Hill could explode on the scene.
Disappointment - Walker, OAK - The poor kid hasn't been the same since the Williams' shooting.  I truly hope I'm wrong on this one.
Disappointment - Berrian, MIN - "Don't Get Me Wrong", he isn't fully a Chrissie Hynde Prentender, but isn't the stud he's going to be expected to be.
Disappointment - Bruce , SF - Many will jump to draft him figuring he's reunited with Martz and due for big things.  However, I believe he is on board to help the young receivers learn the system through example, as he is to contribute on the field.  Look for him to start early and eventually give way to a younger player such as Jason Hill.
Disappointment - Kelly, WAS - Can catch the ball very well, but like some recent big receivers, just doesn't have the speed to be a starter in the NFL.
Disappointment - Simpson, CIN - Over-drafted, Simpson will be outplayed short and long term by fellow rookie Andre Caldwell.

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Tight End Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Witten DAL Witten has moved to the head of the fantasy football tight end class.
2. Gonzalez KC Still a top player and will also be the security blanket for a young QB.
3. Gates SD His injury status needs to be followed.  He has great talent.
4. Winslow CLE Only negative is his history of injuries.
5. Cooley WAS The most consistent of the second tier of tight ends.
6. Shockey NO If Brees is smart he will go to him often early to keep him involved and happy.
7. Scheffler DEN A young tight end who is next in line as a top receiving threat.
8. Daniels HOU A solid second tier tight end.
9. Crumpler TEN Look for a rebound year on  team without a top receiver.
10. Clark IND Still a favorite of Manning's.
11. Keller NYJ Keller figures to play in the slot as well as at tight end.  He should be the most productive of the rookie tight ends.
12. Lewis JAC The Jaguars will need him to take the next step with their average group of receivers.
13. Boss NYG The Giants will get by just fine without Shockey.
14. Olsen CHI The Bears a another team with questions at receiver, and a good young tight end.  Look for Olsen to increase his production this year.
15. Miller OAK Miller had a fine rookie year and should follow it up with another good year.
16. Miller PIT With Sweed around, Miller may see his TDs decline some.
17. Heap BAL He's still a top talent, but injuries and inexperience at quarterback will hurt him.
18. Lee GB Lee may see some stat slippage with the young quarterback.
19. Smith TB I'm waiting for a breakout season from this talented kid.  If ot doesn't come this year, it may never come.
20. Davis SF I know Martz says he'll involve the speedy tight end, but I'll believe it when I see it.  Martz rarely uses his tight ends.
Heartbreaker - Milner, ATL - Milner looks the part and may be the Falcons' most talented tight end, but that won't result in him being a factor in fantasy football.
Heartbreaker - Shiancoe, MIN - The Vikings signed him to a big contract because he had all the tools, but will come up short once again.
Sleeper - Barnidge, CAR- While King was solid, Barnidge is an intriguing receiver and could force his way onto the field.
Sleeper - Patrick, ARZ - He has the best overall tools of all Arizona tight ends.  Pope is a big target, but Patrick is a better blocker and a steady receiver.
Sleeper - Cottam, KC - If you are looking for a sleeper for dynasty leagues, I love Cottam who will eventually take over for Gonzalez and keep up the tradition of a top tight end in K.C.
Sleeper - Mills, MIN - Mills is a good receiver and could get on the field if Shaincoe doesn't improve.
Sleeper - Tamme, IND - The Colts usually have a productive second tight end and my money is on Tamme this year.
Disappointment - Martin, MIA - Will probably lose his starting job to Fasano.
Disappointment - Utecht, CIN - Many see him as a sleeper, I think he'll be fine, but there won't be enough balls to go around, especially after Caldwell comes through as a third receiver.
Disappointment - McMichael, STL - He is being talked up this preseason, but I thyink he is in decline and I like the young and talented  Klopfenstein who could finally live up to his potential this year.

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Kickers
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Folk DAL Terrific young kicker, with distance and accuracy on a potent offense.
2. Gostkowski NE The Pats offense can be unstoppable and Gostkowski is a good kicker.
3. Crosby GB Packers may have to settle for more field goals this year.
4. Dawson CLE The Browns offense should be even better this year.
5. Vinatiere IND He had some uncharacteristic moments last year, but is still top drawer.
6. Graham CIN A solid kicker on a good offense.
7. Kaeding SD An underrated kicker.
8. Scobee JAC Is getting better every year and this Jags offense lacks a home-run hitting receiver so he should have plenty of field goal opportunities.
9. Bironas TEN Has terrific leg strength and is one of the best long field goal kickers in the game.
10. Mehlhaff NO A talented rookie on a dynamic offense.
11. Kasay CAR A solid veteran who will get more opportunities with Delhomme back.
12. Akers PHI At one time was a top kicking option.  I think he'll be one again this year.
13. Reed PIT Is accurate, but hard to get long field goals at home.
14. Longwell MIN The Vikings may move the ball but have difficulty getting sustaining long drives allowing for numerous field goal opportunities for Longwell.
15. Hansen DET Been around forever, still a very effective kicker.
16. Rackers ARZ A bit inconsistent, but can kick long ones.
17. Brown STL Won't get as many opportunities with St. Louis.
18. Nugent NYJ Improved last year and will get his share of opportunities.
19. Tynes NYG Surprisingly effective last year for the Giants.
20. Bryant TB A solid kicker.

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DL Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Allen MIN With the two big bodies inside, Allen could lead the league in sacks.
2. Kampman GB Gets sacks and tackles and has become very consistent.
3. Williams HOU Had a big sophomore year and I look for more of the same this year.
4. Cole PHI Quietly becoming a top sacking/pursuit end.
5. Kerney SEA Had a rebirth last year in terms of sacks and with all the other sackers on the team should have a repeat this year.
6. Taylor WAS Still a dominate player.
7. Umenyiora NYG May be a bit tougher without Strahan, but he's up to the task.
8. Vanden Bosch TEN Always plays hard and usually puts up good stats.
9. Tuck NYG He may out sack Umenyiora, and he gets his share of tackles.
10. Burgess OAK Fell off a bit last year, but should rebound.
11. Dumervil DEN Worst case he'll be a top wildcard.
12. Adams TB I look for a major jump from Adams this year to double-digit sacks.
13. Peppers CAR He has to rebound, right?
14. Schobel BUF Another player too good not to rebound to at least ten sacks.
15. Abraham ATL Would be higher if he could stay healthy
16. Smith NO The team defense may finally be improving which will help his sack numbers.
17. Long STL Should lead rookie linemen in sacks.
18. Dockett ARZ The rare 3-4 end who gets sacks.
19. Little STL Was injured last year, should be back to normal stats this year.
20. Mathis IND Sacks fell off last year, no sure thing to rebound.
21. Hali KC With Allen gone, will lead team in sacks, but isn't as good as Allen.
22. Crowder DEN A young player I expect to take a big step this year./
23. Ogunleye CHI A steady old pro.
24. Carter WAS The addition of Taylor should ensure that his rebirth lasts at least another year.
25. Ellis NO If comes close to the dominate force he was at the Senior Bowl, he'll be tough to handle and get tackles and sacks.
Caution - Roth, MIA - at one time I thought he was going to develop into a sacker, but the new scheme in Miami isn't ideal for him.
Caution - Odom, CIN - he is a solid player, but is not good enough to be a big sack artist when he is the only real threat.
Caution - Freeney - his sacks were trailing off before he got injured.
Caution - Kearse, PHI - he will not find his old self back in Tennessee.
Caution - Merling, MIA - not in a system that's good for stats for defensive ends.
Caution - Moss, DEN - will be outplayed by Crowder and be regulated to a support role.
Sleeper - Howard, IND - could be a surprise sack artist in the Colts' nickel defense, a wildcard candidate.
Sleeper - Harvey, JAC - plays on a line that will minimize his double-teams, but first he has to get into camp.
Sleeper - Parker, PHI - has good pass rush skills and will be on the field aq lot more this year.
Sleeper - Anderson, ATL - after a very disappointing rookie year, look for him top be better utilized by the new staff.
Sleeper -  Johnson, CAR - an underrated player when drafted, if Peppers gets back to usual, Johnson will benefit playing opposite him.
Sleeper - Okoye, HOU - an extremely young rookie last year, he'll take a big leap forward this year.

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LB Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Willis SF A fantasy football and real football stud.
2. Beason CAR Not bad, another second year player at the top of the list.
3. Harris  NYJ Wow, the top three are all second year players.
4. Ryans HOU Is a tackling machine.
5. Sims DET Another very active, very good young linebacker.
6. Merriman SD The top wildcard linebacker.
7. Fletcher-Baker WAS Finally, a veteran in the top ten.
8. Vilma NO Happy to be away from the 3-4, will have a big year for the Saints.
9. Ware DAL Felt he should have been drafted just behind Merriman in the college draft and that has continued in the fantasy draft.  The #2  wildcard.
10. Morrison OAK Quietly became a major factor in fantasy football.
11. Vrabel NE A solid wildcard, who could catch a TD pass or two as well.
12. Barnett GB The heart and soul of the Packers' defense.
13. Henderson MIN Gets tackles and is sent on blitzes as well.
14. Gholston NYJ The next Merriman?  The Jets will settle for the next Ware.  A good young wildcard.
15. Posluszny BUF Should rake up tackles in the middle for the Bills.
16. Urlacher CHI Falling a bit in fantasy football, but still worth owning.
17. Tatupu SEA A solid tackle option.
18. Witherspoon STL Another player who not only gets tackles, but gets more sacks than you'd think.
19. Peterson SEA One of the few wildcard linebackers who won't hurt you if he has to fill in as  a regular.
20. Pierce NYG A steady force for the G-men, and a steady force for your fantasy team.
21. Crowder MIA Someone has to get the tackles for the Fins.  My money is on Crowder.
22. Edwards KC Back in the middle, but age is creeping up on him.
23. Boley ATL The rare SAM worth owning.
24. Dansby ARZ A good across the board stat option.
25. Harrison PIT Had a nice first year as a starter for Pit, he is another player who is a starter as a wildcard, and can fill in as a regular.
Caution - Bruschi, NE - Mayo and Hobson will push for playing time.
Caution - Crowell, BUF - a good option in the past, could be moved to the SAM reducing his tackle stats.
Caution - Porter, MIA - some may think he'll pick up the sack slack with Taylor gone, but not me.
Caution - Bulluck, TEN - swapped with Thornton last year and his stats took a hit.
Caution - Koukouvides - will start the season in the middle for Denver, but will probably not end up there.
Caution - Thomas, DAL - the defense is not set up for him to approach the tackle numbers he got in Miami.
Caution - Bradley, PHI - not sure he is the answer for Philly in the middle.
Caution - Brooking, ATL - moved back outside, has the middle linebacker and Boley to fight off for tackles.
Caution - Dizon, DET - too small for middle li9nebacker, will be exposed if he starts there.
Caution - Lawson, SF- don't be the manager who "remembers" Lawson is back.  He has never lived up to his billing as a potential big-time sack artist.
Sleeper - Timmons, PIT - last year I said maybe next year, well it's next year.
Sleeper - Barnes, BAL - a better option as a rusher than Johnson, a good player to take a flyer on as a wildcard.
Sleeper - Durant, JAC - speedy, athletic linebacker, will be a tackle hound when he gets on the field full time.
Sleeper - Keglar, TEN - a tremendous mix of speed, athleticism and strength.  May need an injury to get on the field this year, but will be hard to sit down if he gets the chance.
Sleeper - Kehl, NYG - could win a job at WILL and will get lots of tackles if he does.  A good prospect.
Sleeper - Lofton, ATL - should lead rookie linebackers in tackles this year.
Sleeper - Larsen, DEN -  a plugger and a tough kid, could be the Broncos' best option at middle linebacker.
Sleeper - LaBoy, ARZ - similar to Pace, could be a viable option as a wildcard.

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DB Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Sanders IND A 16 game season is on tap, and that means fantasy stardom for Sanders.
2. Lewis SF Has reverted to tackle-hound status.
3. Cromartie SD The best wildcard defensive back.
4. Harper NO A good young safety who gets tackles and ints.
5. Wilson ARZ Coming back off injury, gets stats across the board.
6. Bell MIA As stated earlier, the Fins will have new tackle leaders.  I'm betting on Bell being one of those.
7. Pollard KC The next Rodney Harrison?  He hits like a truck.
8. Whitner BUF A very good football player.
9. Reed BAL No longer a tackle option, he is still a top wildcard.
10. Wilson OAK He got tackles with the G-men, and he'll get tackles with da Raiders.
11. Phillips TB A rare player on the rise, who is a good fantasy tackle guy, who could still be pushed by Sabby Piscitelli, a freakish athlete.
12. Nelson JAC A young Ed Reed.  A good wildcard, who, for now, can fill in as a regular in a pinch.
13. Harris CAR Had a great year last year for the Panthers.
14. Bigby GB Still plays out of control at times, but has big-time potential as a fantasy football star.
15. Trufant SEA Becoming a reliable wildcard who gets his share of tackles.
16. Milloy ATL Steady old pro still has gas in his tank.
17. Clements SF Gets ints and tackles.
18. Bullocks DET Looked like a fantasy star before getting hurt.
19. Winfield MIN The rare corner who gets safety-like tackle stats.
20. Harrison NE I still believe in the old pro.
21. Atogwe STL Was a ball magnet and gets his share of tackles.
22. Rhodes NYJ Look for a stat-rebound year from Rhodes.
23. Bailey DEN Still a solid wildcard choice.
24. Williams MIN A good player who will get stats across the board for his ne team.
25. Landry WAS Would get more tackles as a strong safety, but will still be a fantasy factor at free safety.
Caution - Revis, NYJ- teams will start to attack the other side of the field, limiting his stats.
Caution - Landry, BAL - will be pushed hard in camp by two rookies.
Caution - Ndwuke, CIN - if he makes mistakes of youth, Lewis will be tempted to return to Jackson.
Caution - Huff, OAK - will be playing the deep zone with Wilson on board to play in the box.
Caution - Schweigert, WAS - only he believes he will start over Doughty.
Caution - Polamalu, PIT - a great, great player, an average fantasy option.
Caution - Dawkins, PHI - no longer a good fantasy option.
Caution - Collins, GB - look for Rouse to beat him out for the starting job at some point this year.
Caution - Sharper, MIN - The rookie second round pick, Johnson will be hard to keep on the bench all year.
Sleeper - Goldston, SF - not only will he beat at Roman at some point, he will be a very good player and fantasy option.
Sleeper - Barrett, DEN - I love this kid's potential, although this may be a year too early.
Sleeper - Weddle, SD - a new starter who is a good athlete and playmaker.
Sleeper - Demps, PHI - good enough for Philly to move Dawkins to strong safety.  He is a playmaker.
Sleeper - Godfrey, CAR - should win the free safety job and be a long time starter in the league.
Sleeper - Williams, JAC - Williams looks li9ke he's moving to strong safety.  He'll get tackles at that spot and be a ballhawk as well.
Sleeper - Rouse, GB - a star in the making.
Sleeper