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FANTASY FOOTBALL OUTLOOK
August 29, 2010
by Jay Goldberg

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2011 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. Ryan ATL As the Monkees (through Diamond) might sing, "I'm A Believer"; their passing game will be top notch this year.
3. Rivers  SD This could be the year where his playoff success catches up with his stats.
4. Brady NE Fourth is still good, but I have a feeling their running game with the two rookies will be a bigger part of their offense this year.
5. Manning IND There is risk here because of his injury; but until he is definitely out I cannot drop him out of the top five.
6. Brees NO There are a lot of weapons for an accurate passer.
7. Roethlisberger PIT He likes to throw and his top option may be the fastest player in the league.
8. Romo DAL The most reliable options on the explosive Cowboys' offense are receivers.
9. Flacco BAL Lee Evans is a perfect fit for the big-armed Flacco.  His fantasy line will be helped by finally having a reliable deep threat to throw to.
10. Vick PHI The worst part of his play last year was towards the end of the season.  He has also had moments where he has looked bad in preseason.  I think he takes a step back this year.
11. Schaub HOU If his running game wasn't so dominate he would be higher on this list.
12. Henne MIA He has gotten an undeserved bad rap.  He has had his moments and would have been better in a reasonable offensive system.  It looks like he has that this year and he has excellent NFL quarterback skills.  Look for a breakout year from Henne.
13. McNabb MIN Between Peterson and a young quarterback (Ponder) on hand, his play on the field may be better than in the boxscore; and there is a risk of benching if the team doesn't win to get Ponder on the field.
14. Kolb ARZ He'll be okay, but to be a top fantasy player he needs more players than Fitzgerald to throw to.
15. Freeman TB Freeman's stock is rising, however, he isn't quite top ten yet.
16. Manning NYG Something just doesn't seem right in G-MAN-TOWN this year.  Manning regressed last year and I have a sneaking suspicion that trend may continue this year.
17. Stafford DET If you nknew he'd stay healthly, he'd be higher on the list.
18. Campbell OAK I'm a fan.  His ranking is because the Raiders have three good runners including the rookie Jones.
19. Hasselbeck TEN When needed, he'll come up with some big games, but Tennessee and Hasselbeck will be just fine if the running game dominates.
20. Sanchez NYJ He is still inconsistent, but will have his moments.
21. Cutler CHI Martz must not like him.  His decision-making regarding who to play at wide receiver seems puzzling at times.  Also his offensive line doesn't help him either.
22. Bradford STL He played well as a rookie and should show improvement in nyear two.
23. Orton DEN He'll do okay, but Coach Fox loves to run.
24. McCoy CLE His play on the field will be better than in fantasy football.  His receivers need seasoning and/or upgrades.
25. Garrad JAC A puzzling player.  He has some great moments and some huh moments.  If the team starts losing there will be pressure to play Gabbert.
Caution - Cassel, KC - I'm not sure he is the long term answer.
Caution - Beck, WAS - There are legit reasons he hasn't grabbed a starting job before this year.
Caution - Smith, SF - He is what he has shown in the past.  a new coach will not change anything. 
Caution - Dalton, CIN - I had a fourth round grade on him; he was over-drafted. 
Caution - Moore, MIA - Henne will succeed.  The only way he gets on the field is by injury.
Caution - Gabbert, JAC - He isn't ready; when he gets his chance he will not be putting up good stats.
Sleeper - Grossman, WAS - At some point he will replace Beck and will provide solid fantasy stats.
Sleeper - Newton, CAR - He will start off slowly, but when it starts to click, and it will, he may be a better fantasy football player than actual football player this year.
Sleeper - Mallett, NE - If you have a keeper league just take note that he will be the best quarterback to come out of the 2011 draft class.
Sleeper - Gradkowski, CIN - When Dalton needs to be pulled because he looks totally over-matched, Gradkowski will come in and people will see why Green was so highly regarded in the draft.
Sleeper - Kaepernick, SF - The combination of losing and Smith's play will result in Kaepernick getting a shot this year.  He is a talented and smart kid who will grow week to week and could help your fantasy football team down the stretch.
Sleeper - Taylor, BAL - One of the better athletes to come out of the draft, he showed he is also a good quarterback in the preseason.  If Flacco goes down, he will surprise many, but not me.

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2011 Running Back Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Peterson MIN Peterson will lead in rushing this year both in fantasy football points and in real football.
2. McFadden OAK Look for McFadden to take another step this year.
3. Rice BAL Yards on the ground, yards in the air; Rice is a fantasy football beast.
4. Charles KC I expect Matt Cassel and Thomas Jones to take a step back this year so the Chiefs will rely even more on this talented runner this season.
5. Mendenhall PIT Mendenhall has been "steady-good."  This year I expect him to be "steady-very good."
6. McCoy PHI With Jackson unhappy and Macklin getting over his medical condition, I look for McCoy's workload to increase, especially early.
7. Johnson TEN This rating reflects the major risk associated with Johnson this year. Missing as much time as he did greatly increases the chances of injury, whether major or a series of minor ones.
8. Jones-Drew JAC He's a bit lower this year because of potential injury concerns.
9. Gore SF Gore is a very good player, but you'll never know when the 49ers will be trailing big early taking them out of the running game.
10. Turner ATL The Falcons will have a potent offense so you'll not only get meaningful stats from Turner, but also run-out-the-clock yards.
11. Forte CHI Forte gets yards both on the ground and in the passing game.
12. Foster HOU I need to see it again before I buy pay the high price he'll cost in fantasy football.  I also actually believe Tate is a more talented runner.
13. Starks GB Look fro Starks, not Grant to wind up being the primary back for the Packers.  It may not happen game one, but it will soon enough.
14. Williams CAR If it weren't for Stewart, he would be top five.  He's that good of a runner.
15. Jackson STL Just a hunch that time and wear and tear will start to catch up with him this year.
16. Jacobs NYG My gut tells me he will be the most productive running back on the Giants this year.
17. Bush MIA A combination of Bush performing better than many think as a lead back and Thomas not being the type of back Miami thought he was when they drafted him will result in a very good year for Bush both fantasy-wise and on the field.
18. Wells ARZ He will be a good play for rushing yards and touchdowns, but may not provide much in the passing game.
19. Mathews SD A solid back, Mathews will play more and more as the season wears on.  However, he will not get third down work or goal line work early.
20. Hillis CLE Hillis will be a solid weekly play but may never carry a week for you.
21. Green NYJ Once again the Jets will try to feed Green.  While he has good skills, something seems to be holding him back from breaking out big time.  I expect that to continue.
22. Ingram NO Ingram will have a solid year on the field but will have to share with Thomas.
23. Jones DAL Don't look for the breakout year everyone expects from Jones.  He is what he is; a part time back who is very effective in that role.
24. Blount TB A poor man's Beanie Wells.  He will get vyards and touchdowns but will do even less in the passing game than Wells.
25. Jackson BUF The only risk here is that as they lose the coaching staff plays Spillner to see what they have (or do not have).
Caution - Bradshaw, NYG - I look for Jacobs to take over the majority of the rushing attempts this year.
Caution - Hightower, WAS - Just like in Arizona, I look for Hightower to start as the main man and give a good performance or two out of the gate, but eventually his limitations will appear again and he will give way to one of the two more talented backs on the Skins' roster.
Caution - Lynch, SEA - With the losing I expect for the Seahawks, Leon Washington may actually emerge as the better play.
Caution - Grant, GB- Starks is the better back at thos point in time and he will end up playing more than Grant this year.
Caution - Tolbert, SD - It's just a matter of time before Mathews starts dominating playing time.
Caution - Thomas, MIA - Drafted to be all that, he isn't, especially as the power runner Miami envisioned when they drafted him.
Caution - Benson, CIN - A very replaceable starting running back with off-the-field issues.  Between performance and behavior this could be the year the Bengals start phasing him out.
Caution - Bush, OAK - He is more likely to lose carries to the speedy rookie Jones than he is to cut into McFadden's carries. 
Sleeper - Helu, WAS - I loved him in the draft and I love him behind Hightower, a player who shows skills, but is more of a top back-up than a difference-making starter.
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 - Tate, HOU - I know this is blasphemous (and no, this isn't a rumour), but I think Tate is a more talented running back than Foster.
Sleeper - Murray, DAL - Probably the best back suited to play every down in Dallas.  He has size, he is fast and he is a great receiver.
Sleeper - Ringer, TEN - If this kid gets a chance he will produce and pay dividends for fantasy owners.  A must hand-cuff for Johnson this year.
Sleeper - Karim, JAC - With Jones-Drew banged up and Jennings injured in preseason, Karim could find himself on the field more than most think this year.
Sleeper - Jones, OAK - When he moves ahead of Bush behind McFadden, he could be a great fill in because of his big-play ability.  He can take it to the house any time.

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2011 Wide Receiver Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Fitzgerald ARZ New quarterback Kolb will get the ball to Fitzgerald as often as he can in year one together.
2. Johnson HOU The best receiver in football continues to put up big numbers despite no major threat playing opposite him.
3. Marshall MIA I expect big things from Henne this year and that means big games from the talented Marshall.
4. Jackson SD Jackson is by far the most talented wide receiver on the Chargers and Rivers will keep feeding him.
5. White ATL White may have a drop off with Julio Jones now starting, but it won't be as big a drop as some may think.
6. Nicks NYG Nicks is very talented and will be the receiver who can make plays when Eli Manning's accuracy eludes him.
7. Wallace PIT Wallace is now the top option in the Steelers passing game and he can take it the distance at any time.
8. Johnson DET Johnson is a big, talented target who will put up good stats even if Stafford goes down again.
9. Williams TB Williams had a great rookie year and will continue to get better.
10. Jennings GB Even with tight end Finley back and a load of good receivers, Jennings will continue to be the playmaker in the passing game on Green Bay.
11. Harvin MIN Harvin will quickly become McNabb's go to receiver.
12. Evans BAL Evans has always been a very talented receiver with great hands, excellent speed and big-play ability.  Finally away from the Bills, he prove to be a major pleasant surprise in fantasy football.
13. Wayne IND This is not an indictment on Wayne, just uncertainty regarding Peyton Manning.
14. Bowe KC I like Bowe, but I have nagging concerns about Cassel.
15. Johnson BUF Last year wasn't a fluke, however, without Evans to take away double-teams, he will find it more difficult to get open.
16. Austin DAL Romo's favorite wideout will still have to share with the more talented Bryant.
17. Moore NO Look for Moore to be Bree's top option in the passing game this year.
18. Colston NO Colston should lead the Saints' receivers in production, but Meachem could be nipping at his heels.
19. Lloyd DEN I have admired Lloyd's ability to make circus catches for a long time.  I was glad to see him put it all together on the field last year.  While I believe, this ranking reflects a little caution. 
20. Branch NE Branch, not Welker or Ochocinco is the Patriots' receiver to own this year.
21. Sims-Walker STL Who knows who will come out of the crowded pack of receivers in St Louis.  My best guess is Sims-Walker will be the most consistent.
22. Bryant DAL If Romo gets hurt and Kitna starts, he takes a big leap over Austin.
23. Holmes NYJ Holmes will have a better fantasy football year than Burress.
24. Thomas JAC If the Jaguras quarterback situation was better, he could be the next coming of the Panthers' Steve Smith.
25. Manningham NYG The Giants are in for a longer year than many think, resulting in excellent stats for both Nicks and Manningham.
Caution - Jackson, PHI - I don't like the mix of unhappy player who came into the league with character concerns and a quarterback I expect to not live up to his lofty expectations.  Jackson will have his moments but will drive fantasy football managers batty because of his inconsistency week to week.
Caution - Welker, NE - Quickly becoming a better player on the field than in fantasy football.
Caution - Green, CIN - The top rookie wideout drafted in the NFL draft will be handicapped by poor quarterback play.
Caution - Driver, GB - He is still a solid pro but with Nelson, Jones and Cobbs behind him, he time targets could drop.
Caution - Knox, CHI - What a shame.  This is a very talented player who has been benched for Roy Williams and is taking the brunt of Mike Martz having his hissy fit to prove he is still an offensive genius.
Caution - Roberts, ARZ -  Currently starting for the Cards, Doucet is the better receiver and will be second on the team in wide receiver targets.
Caution - Colston, NO -  Between injuries and the depth at receiver, I expect Colston's production to drop this year.
Caution - Young, DET - Overdrafted in the NFL draft in my opinion, I wince when he is included in the major upgrades for the Lions; I actually like bust-to-date Derrick Williams better than him.
Sleeper - Smith, PHI - While Jackson and Macklin struggle to meet past production this year, if Smith comes back heathly he could become Vick's favorite target.
Sleeper - Berrian, MIN - Prima Donna Favre iced Berrian out after a few drops.  But Berrian always was a drop a couple, but make big plays kind of receiver.  With McNabb now at the helm, a player driven more by team than self, I expect Berrian to rebound with a solid season.
Sleeper - Hankerson, WAS - Look for Hankerson to eventually replace Gaffney as a starter in Washington.
Sleeper - Brown, SD - Rivers will grow to love this kid who doesn't have great speed, but has tremendous hands, runs precision routes and can gain yards after the catch.
Sleeper - Hawkins, TEN - Hawkins has been waiting for an accurate quarterback to show his skills.  His biggest problem is gaining a lot of separation from defenders.  However, if a quarterback has confidence he can throw to tight areas, Hawkins is the guy who will come up with the ball.  He can make highlight reel catches.  Hasselbeck was just what he needed.
Sleeper - Gates, MIA - This speedy receiver, a favorite of mine in this year's college draft, is the ideal compliment to Marshall.  I expect to see him starting by midseason.
Sleeper - Doucet, ARZ- Doucet isn't starting, but he should be second in wide receiver targets on Arizona.
Sleeper - Salas STL - He has the hands and quickness to excel in the Wes Welker role in McDaniel's' offense.
Sleeper - Moore, OAK - Moore has shown well in preseason and could get a long look if Heyward-Bey gets the dropsy's again.

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2011 Tight End Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Graham NO Graham could lead the Saints in receptions this year.
2. Davis SF Will benefit from the dink and dump arms of their quarterbacks.
3. Cook TEN Hasselbeck is a smart quarterback who will recognize the mismatches that Cook will have and will feed him the ball.
4. Witten DAL Romo's security blanket will have another good fantasy football year.
5. Gates SD He may drop a bit as wide receiver Jackson rises, but he will still be a top five fantasy football tight end.
6. Winslow TB As long as he stays healthy he will be an excellent play.
7. Daniels HOU A healthy year will provide healthy stats.
8. Finley GB Many will have him higher, but I believe his injury allowed Jennings to pass him as Rodgers favorite target.
9. Cooley WAS Always underrated, apparently even by me here.
10. Clark IND A bit more of risk these days since it's been awhile since he was near the top of fantasy football tighht ends.  This year you have Manning's injury status to deal with as well.
11. Celek PHI He should be more of a priority for Vick than he was last year.  I think that will happen.
12. Hernandez NE More of a receiver than tight end, he could see a big increase in receptions and yards.
13. Keller NYJ Keller doesn't get featured as much as other tight ends, but he has big-play ability.
14. Gonzalez ATL Slipping in the rankings, Gonzalez is still a factor on the field and in fantasy football.
15. Lewis JAC Another player who would do better with more consistent quarterback play.
16. Kendricks STL Kendricks had an impressive preseason and is worth taking as a number two tight end with a lot of upside.
17. Boss NYG Boss should have his best fantasy football year in an offense that uses its tight end.
18. Pettigrew DET He has played well, but I'm still not convinced he is a top tier tight end.
19. Miller SEA His trade to Seattle really hurt his fantasy football value.
20. Gronkowski NE It's good to be a Patriot.  New England gets its second tight end on this list before many teams gets it first.
Caution - Shiancoe, MIN - He has a rookie (Randolph) nipping at his heels.
Caution - Moeaki, KC - Just read he has a serious injury.  Too bad he was top ten.
Caution - Watson, CLE- The Browns really like Moore.
Caution - Miller, PIT - He is fantasy football cursed with being a great blocker as well as receiver.  I think this may be more of a blocking year than in the past.
Sleeper - Pitta, BAL - I love this kid's potential.  Look for him to separate himself from Dickson.
Sleeper - Fasano, MIA - The new offensive coordinator likes throwing to his tight end.  In Miami, Fasano is it; there is little behind him.
Sleeper - Moore, CLE - He looks like the real deal.
Sleeper - Housler, ARZ - The next in line as a receiver playing tight end.

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2011 Kickers
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1. Bryant ATL Accurate kicker on an offense that will be one of the top offenses in the NFL this year.
2. Kaeding SD A great regular season kicker.
3. Gostkowski NE The Pats put up lots and lots of points.
4. Crosby GB Any offensive player of the Packers is a good player to have.
5. Bironas TEN From a pure kicking standpoint, he may be the best in the league.
6. Rackers HOU Big leg on a potent offense.
7. Vinatiere IND If Manning is sharp and starts from day one move him down a bit, if not there will be more field goals than usual for Indy.
8. Henery PHI The rookie is worth a shot kicking for an offense that can move the ball.
9. Janikowski OAK Remember, we get extra kick points for field goals over 45 yards.
10. Feely NYJ Accurate with a big leg, Arizona will move the ball better but could end up not punching it in.
11. Brown STL A solid kicker for an improving offense.
12. Cundiff BAL Steady kicker on an offense that can move the ball on the ground and in the air.
13. Carpenter MIA Has a big leg and I believe in Henne.
14. Longwell MIN The Vikings will be better than many think.
15. Folk NYJ Has rebounded some, but still not as accurate on long kicks as he was when he was in a groove for the Cowboys.  

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2011 IDP Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

TEAM IDP TARGET INTRIGUING SLEEPER CAUTION
ARZ DB Rhodes
Solid tackle numbers, look for him to improve on his 4 ints from last year		 LB Washington
Averaged about 6 tackles a game in the 11 games he started last year		 LB Scofield
A good wildcard LB prospect, Scofield will get sacks when he captures the starting gig from Porter		 LB Porter
He is not the sack artist he once was and is only holding the spot until Scofield passes him by
ATL DL Abraham
Still a sack machine		 LB Weatherspoon
I loved him coming out of the draft last year and this year he is their starting WILL		 DB Moore
Look for Moore to take a big step towards the top of the tackle list for DBs this year to go along with ints.		 DL Edwards
It wouldn't surprise me if Biermann starts replacing him on passing downs; Biermann didn't have good sack numbers last year but he had a lot of QB pressures
BAL DB Reed
Reed is simply the best wildcard DB in fantasy football		 DL Ngata
With more and more teams playing the 3-4, it's harder to get good defensive lineman		 DB Pollard
The strong safety position in the Ravens defense gets tackles; when Pollard gets the job he will be a fantasy football stud		 LB McClain
The rare starting WILL who is not a fantasy football factor
BUF DL K Williams
Second among DLs in tackles last year, he also gets the occasional sack		 LB Barnett
The former Packer has Posluszny's spot in the defense this year		 DB Wilson
Has put up good stats when he has played; this year he is starting		 LB Merriman
It will take more than a good game or two in preseason to win me back
TEAM IDP TARGET INTRIGUING SLEEPER CAUTION
CAR DL Johnson
Sacks and tackles; one of the best DLs to own		 LB Beason
His tackles, sacks and ints were down a bit last year but I expect him to be back towards the top of the fantasy football LBs this year		 DB Godfrey
He just started to show what he could do at strong safety last year; look for him to have even better stats this year		 LB Anderson
His stats sky-rocketed last year; I expect a drop this year
CHI LB Urlacher
Urlacher had a solid year last year and I expect the same this year		 DL Peppers
I think his drop to 8 sacks last year is a fluke		 DB Wright
Wright is starting at free safety and hits like a strong safety		 LB Briggs
Briggs over-inflated opinion of himself didn't carry over to the fantasy football owners who had him last year
CIN LB Maualuga
Now playing in the middle, look for a monster tackle year for this talented player		 DE Johnson
With Dunlap hurt in preseason, Johnson has looked like a difference-maker as a sacker		 DB Wilson
I liked him when he was starting with the Giants (he was played out of position at free safety in Miami and hasn't recovered) and with only Croker in front of him at strong safety, I think he has a chance to grab that position		 DL Dunlap
He came on strong at the end of last season, but he is currently listed behind Geathers as a starter
CLE LB Jackson
I always like active MIKE's in 4-3 defenses, and Jackson fits that description		 DB Ward
Ward had a good rookie year and looks like he will be a solid DB tackle fantasy football starter for years		 DB Haden
It's hard to predict wildcard DBs early in their careers but I think Haden could become a top one to target year in and year out		 LB Sheard
Not sure why everyone at the NFL draft thought he would be a big time sacker in the NFL
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		 DB Church
The Cowboys haven't had a top tackling option as a DB in awhile; however, when Church beats out Elam, he could stop that trend		 DB Elam
A very replaceable strong safety who could lose his starting gig to Church in-season
DEN LB Miller
Miller should lead the team in sacks and get his share of tackles		 LB Mays
As the starting MLB in a 4-3 defense, Mays could be a surprise tackle-hound		 DB Moore
I love Moore as a wildcard DB who can fill in as a regular		 DL Dumervil
Coming back from injury, Dumervil is a good pass rusher, but now as a DE he will have to against tackles
DET DL Suh
Towards the top in both tackles and sacks amongst DLs 		 LB Tulloch
Behind the Lions' front four, Tulloch should make lots and lots of tackles		 DB Delmas
So far, when healthy, he has been a better player than fantasy football contributor; but I think that changes this year		 LB Levy
He may be listed as the MIKE, but expect Tulloch to play their more often
GB LB Matthews
A solid wildcard linebacker		 LB Bishop
Was a top tackler last year and will be again		 DB Burnett
This second year pro is a keeper, he has a nose for the ball both in the air and on the ground		 DB Collins
A better player on the field than in fantasy football
TEAM IDP TARGET INTRIGUING SLEEPER CAUTION
HOU LB Ryans
When healthy he is a tackling machine		 LB Barwin
Could challenge Williams for the sack lead on the Texans this year		 DB Quinn
A former corner playing strong safety could lead to tackles and ints 		 LB Cushing
His stats could take a hit in the 3-4 defense
IND DL Mathis
Freeney may be the better player on the field, but Mathis is better in fantasy football		 LB Brackett
He's not spectacular in fantasy football, but is very consistent		 DB Lefeged
Bullitt is talented but is injury prone; if Lefeged gets on the field they may never get him off		 LB Connor
Connor played very well down the stretch and is currently the starter; but Ernie Sims is on hand is is an ideal fit for this defense
JAC LB Posluszny
Should lead the Jaguars in tackles		 DB Landry
He was excellent playing second fiddle to Ed Reed, I think he steps it up even more as the top safety		 LB Session
Session looked like he was on the cusp of breaking out before getting injured in Indy		 DL Roth
Roth has been up and down in his career, up as an OLB in a 3-4 and down as a DE in a 4-3
KC DB Berry
Berry had a great rookie year and will be even better in year two  		 LB Hali
Hali has turned into a much better wildcard LB than I thought he would		 LB Studebaker
He starts at OLB across from Hali and could be good in a pinch as a wildcard LB		 DB Lewis
Another good second year player, but he is better on the field than in fantasy football 
TEAM IDP TARGET INTRIGUING SLEEPER CAUTION
MIA LB Wake
I called it right last year, he is a top athlete who can get after the quarterback		 DB Bell
Has become one of the more consistent strong safeties in the league		 LB Burnett
While many will target Dansby as the inside LB to target on Miami, I like Burnett		 LB Misi
I still 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
His second year back from injury should be even better		 DL Robison
Has flashed in pass rushing situations in the past, he gets his chance to start this year		 DB Johnson
Strong safeties with speed and strength are usually good for tackles, but Johnson who is fast and strong just seem to put it together
NE DB Mayo
I think he keeps making tackles after games are over		 DB Chung
A headhunter who could bring back memories of Rodney Harrison		 DL Carter
It appears that the Pats will play more 4-3 and that will return Carter to his strength; a pass rushing 4-3 DE		 DB Brown
He is currently starting at safety, but I'm not confident it will last all season; I like Josh Barrett to eventually start
NO LB Vilma
He will easily lead the team in tackles		 DB Jenkins
I expect a breakout year from Jenkins 		 LB Wilson
Currently a backup, Wilson could eventually start at WILL and become the heir apparent to Vilma		 DL Smith
Has become more of a name than a fantasy football contributor
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 once again		 LB Kiwanuka
There is little behind this former DE who should register as a wildcard LB		 LB Jones
Drafted much later than I had him graded, he is more talented than MLB Goff and will eventually replace him		 DL Ummenyiora
By time he gets back on the field Pierre-Paul could have taken his job
NYJ LB Harris
Look for a bounce back year stats-wise from Harris with him returning to  fantasy football stardom		 LB Westerman
The Jets like to go after the QB and Westerman just may be their best pass rusher		 Db Smith
Smith finally gets a starting spot and he is worth tracking to see what kind of numbers he will put up		 LB Thomas
He may find himself on the bench more than many think with Westerman playing in front of him 
OAK DB Branch
A tackle-hound from the strong safety position, he is starting to add ints to the mix		 LB Wimbley
A solid pass rusher		 DL Shaughnessy
A surprisingly effective pass rusher 		 LB McClain
Disappointing tackle numbers in his rookie year, I don't see a big change coming this year
PHI DL Cole
Now longer an underrated DL option, he gets sacks and tackles		 DB Page
A sneaky play because Coleman gets better tackle numbers, but the rookie Jarrett is pushing Coleman		 LB Rolle
Loved him in the draft, he fell and the Eagles grabbed him; he should be starting at WILL by midseason and will lead the team in tackles from that point forward		 LB Chaney
He put up monster tackle numbers last year in the middle, bit the Eagles see him as a SAM; even if Matthews fails in the middle
TEAM IDP TARGET INTRIGUING SLEEPER CAUTION
PIT LB Woodley
The younger,  better option than Harrison as a wildcard LB		 LB Timmons
Came into his own as a fantasy football option last year		 DL Hood
The best chance to get sacks on a consistent basis on the Steelers DL		 LB Harrison
If he slows down even a little Worilds and Carter are behind him
STL LB Laurinaitis
My confidence in him has been well placed the last couple of years, he's proved to be a tackle hound		 DB Fletcher
Has the look of a budding interception machine		 DL Quinn
He very well could challenge Von Miller for the most sacks by a rookie		 DB Butler
A good player, but he can't stay on the field
SD LB Phillips
He has developed into a very consistent sacker		 LB Butler
Butler is the new young stud in the middle and become their leading LB tackler 		 DB Sanders
Don't sleep on this terrific player; if he stays healthy he will be worth having on your fantasy football team		 LB Spikes
As Butler's tackle stats go up, Spike's will go down 
SF LB Willis
The best tackle guy in the league		 DB Whitner
Whitner takes over as the starting strong safey and he will mop up what gets by Willis		 LB Smith
This rookie needs time to adjust, but is the next big-time 3-4 OLB		 DB Goldson
A fixture in the past, the 49ers have three free safeties vying for playing time
TEAM IDP TARGET INTRIGUING SLEEPER CAUTION
SEA LB Hawthorne
Should lead the team in tackles		 DL Clemons
Last year I said he could surprise and he did, this year it's more of the same		 DB Chancellor
A big safety who hits and has good athleticism; he will come into his own as a starter this year		 LB Curry
Has more name recognition than fantasy football pop
TB DL Clayborn
The rookie should lead the team in sacks		 LB Foster
The rookie should lead the team in tackles 		 DB Grimm
Was playing well before he got injured last year		 DB Barber
This once top fantasy football DB option should now be off your list
TEN LB Ruud
Takes over for Ruud on the field and will take over for Ruud in the box score, which is a good thing for his fantasy football value		 DB Finnegan
His ints slipped last year, but I expect them to rebound; oh, and he likes to hit		 DL Jones
The former DT will play end in the base and kick inside in the nickel ala Justin Tuck		 LB Ayers
Ayers played well in preseason, but I'm not sure he will be able to keep it up once the regular season starts
WAS LB Orakpo
Target him as your wildcard linebacker if you can, his sacks will go up with teams having to concentrate on Kerrigan on the other side		 DB Hall
One of the better wildcard DBs available		 LB Kerrigan
A scrappy player he should get sacks and more tackles than many think		 DL Cofield
A serviceable DL in the past, that won't happen this year as an undersized nose tackle in the Skins' 3-4 defense

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