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FANTASY FOOTBALL OUTLOOK - August 23, 2007 by Jay Goldberg

QB   RB   WR   TE   K   DL   LB   DB 

Depth charts from Ourlads

Quarterback Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Manning IND With no proven backup for Addai, Gonzalez on board, and defensive personnel losses, it could be bombs away for Indy this year.
2. Brees NO The Saints have a high-flying offense and a questionable defense which will equal big games for Brees
3. Brady NE Brady has his best weapons ever and if Maroney goes down or cannot carry a full load, they will have to go to Sammy Morris.  This will be Brady's best fantasy year to date.
4. McNabb PHI Health is the only issue, and yes it is a major concern.  However I look for him to stay healthy and I love the addition of Curtis.
5. Palmer CIN Palmer is an accurate, talented quarterback on a team whose big plays will come from the passing game and will have to score to win games.
6. Bulgar STL A very consistent fantasy quarterback.  Bulgar has good weapons and is a soild #1 option at quarterback.
7. Romo DAL If Romo can limit the interceptions he could be as good a fantasy quarterback as any quarterback not named Peyton Manning.
8. Hasselbeck SEA Hasselebeck is quickly becoming a better quarterback than fantasy quarterback.  However, with the improved level of play in the NFC West, he may be forced to throw more often late in games.
9. Roethlisberger PIT Big Ben was not as bad as most think he was last year.  He had two terrible games coming back from injuries, but many of his other interceptions were balls off receivers hands and throws made in games playing catch up from far behind.  He will be very undervalued this year.
10. Losman BUF Of all the young quarterbacks being looked at to take a major step this year, I believe the one who will take the biggest step is Losman.  It won't hurt that they will be playing catch up often, have Lee Evans who can go the distance on any play, and will be relying on a rookie runner.
11. Kitna  DET Detroit will be an improved team this year and Kitna has tremendous weapons to throw to.  The risk is that he throws too many interceptions and finds his way to the bench.
12. Manning NYG Look for Eli to play better in the second of the year this year.  The Giants will be playing from behind often, and Manning has the weapons to put up good numbers.
13. Leinart ARZ The new coach will establish the run more than in the past.  Don't look for an explosive year from Leinart, but look for a steady, consistent year and an increase in his TD to interception ratio.
14. Rivers SD I'm not sure Rivers will take a big step this year.  They won last year even with some poor overall stat days from Rivers (he was clutch which helps in thye NFL but not in fantasy football) and that may be the case again this year.
15. Young TEN I think Young will be a NFL star, but the offensive weapons around him don't instill confidence in me in the Titan offense.
16. Delhomme CAR Delhomme will play well enough to ward off Carr all year but will continue to be a streaky fantasy football play.  A good fantasy backup since he has the potential for a big game (and the big play with Steve Smith).
17. Garcia TB I have a sneaky feeling that the Bucs may be better than many think this year.  Garcia should be a reliable, albeit second tier fantasy option.
18. Pennington NYJ Pennington does just enough to win games which makes him an inconsistent fantasy football option.  However, he is better than many streaky players to have on your roster because you can play matchups with him to predict when he could be used.
19. Favre GB Something tells me this is the year Brett gives way to Aaron Rogers.  Favre has become a difficult player to use in fantasy because you cannot predict when his clunkers will come, and they are coming more frequently.
20. Leftwich JAC I always liked his skills, smarts, and leadership abilities.  He has just had trouble staying healthy and has not had a reliable receiver since Jimmy Smith retired.  Leftwich is a big risk/big reward selection.
21. Smith SF Prove it!  That is my position on Smith.  Most will have him rated higher but I need to see it again before I trust my fantasy team to him.
22. McNair BAL McNair is now a game manager rather than stat stud and while that is good for the Ravens, it is not the best situation for your fantasy team.
23. Grossman CHI The Bears believe and that is enough to ensure that you'll get a starter on a team with a lot of speed at receiver and, in my opinion, a suspect full time starter at running back.
24. Harrington ATL Joey just may surprise in his latest stint as a starter.  With almost no expectations, no player pushing him, and less pressure than in his other stops, he could produce decent fantasy stats.
25. Croyle KC While Croyle have an excellent arm and good accuracy, as a first time starter, he will have his up and downs.  However, with a stud running back (Johnson), a top tight end (Gonzalez), a rookie receiver I like a lot (Bowe) and a couple of young receivers with deep speed (Hannon, Webb), Croyle is an intriguing sleeper.
Heartbreaker - Cutler, DEN - I'm not as sold on Cutler as Mayock and Jaws.  I think he will be very inconsistent and have some great fantasy games and some clunkers, particularly with Denver's strong running game.  And I do not believe that anyone will be able to predict when he goes off and when he blows up.
Sleeper - Ramsey, DEN - Is the third time the charm?  This is the third year in a row I have Ramsey as a sleeper.  Denver needs to win now and if Cutler gets banged up, I look for Ramsey to step in and be superb.  
Sleeper - Lemon, MIA - Never his strong point anyway, Green looks like he can't throw the long ball at all.  With Chambers and Ginn that's not a good thing.  Look for Lemon to take over week six in Cleveland after two poor Green games against Oakland at home and Houston on the road.
Sleeper - Rogers, GB - The Pack has a tough schedule, will lose often, and Rogers will finally take over for Favre and put up good fantasy stats.
Disappointment - Schaub, HOU - This is more a knock on the Texans' offensive line than on Schaub.  He will be in for a long year.

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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.  Should be an unanimous number one pick in all leagues.
2. Jackson STL Moved into the top tier last year.  Runs, catches, and scores.
3. Gore SF Had a great year last year and there is no reason not expect more of the same this year.
4. Johnson KC The wear and tear may start to catch up with him, but not this year.  However, with KC not being as good as in prior years his carries may drop significantly.
5. Addai IND He's the only proven guy on one of the best offenses in the league.
6. Henry DEN It wouldn't surprise me if he tops this list by year end.  While he is a tough guy he does get injured more than most and can go through bouts of fumble-itis.
7. Parker PIT Quietly (or maybe not so quietly), Parker is becoming a top tier running back.
8. Westbrook PHI He player 15 games last year and if he can go 16 this year he could be a fantasy football monster.
9. Alexander SEA Look for a rebound year from the now healthy Alexander.
10. Johnson CIN A great runner, a consistent TD scorer, but lacks breakaway speed and is not a significant factor in the passing game.
11. Jacobs NYG A big back with very good speed.  He will be the surprise fantasy back of 2007.
12. Jones NYJ Always an underrated back and an underrated fantasy option.  The Bears will miss him more than they think.
13. Norwood ATL Norwood has tremendous speed and with Dunn getting older and the team expected to have a poor year, he should establish himself as the starter in Atlanta.
14. Williams TB Look for a bounce back year from the Cadillac.  He may even catch some passes this year.
15. Brown MIA He has a good mix of size and speed and has no one really pushing him for his starting job in Miami.
16. Lynch BUF A young up and coming offense gets another piece of the puzzle in Lynch.  He can run and catch.
17. Bush NO He is a better player than fantasy contributor because of all the weapons he plays with in New Orleans.
18. James ARZ Look for the Cards to run more often this year.  However, James lacks breakaway speed so he will need a lot of carries to get his fantasy stats.
19. Maroney NE At first look he could be top ten.  However, he has never carried a full load so he has to prove to me he can.  A great pick as your #2, but a genuine risk as your #`1.
20. Peterson MIN It may take some time before he takes over as the primary ball carrier for the Vikings, but when he does he will be great.  However, a team with a solid vet in Taylor and a poor passing offense could make running tough going early and nonexistent late while playing catch-up.
21. Bell DET Look for Bell to keep the starting job even when Jones gets healthy.
22. Williams CAR It's only a matter of time before either Foster gets hurt or Williams wins the starting job on merit.  But with Foster around it's a risk.
23. Drew JAC He had a great fantasy year last year but is a risky pick if taken too high because of the presence of Taylor.
24. Jones DAL Trying to figure out the Dallas running back situation is tough.  However, I'll lean towards Jones pulling away from Barber in terms of both playing time and fantasy production.
25. Jordan OAK At least for the first four weeks Jordan has a chance to win the job outright.  IF he doesn't dump him and grab Rhodes.
Heartbreaker - McGahee, BAL - he is not as good as he (and the Ravens) think he is.  He lacks breakaway speed and could lose goal line touches to Anderson.
Heartbreaker - Green, HOU - he had a nice comeback year for Green Bay last year, but age and new team will relegate him to inconsistent fantasy status.
Heartbreaker - Foster, CAR - Between injury and Williams, despite having some very good moments, Foster will end up on the short side of carries in Carolina by year end.
Sleeper - Brown, TEN - White and Henry do not overly impress me.  Look for Brown to have a great year this year before going back to an injury-plagued running back next year.
Sleeper - Morency, GB - Everyone is talking up Jackson in Green Bay.  I think Morency will be the better back.
Sleeper - Betts, WAS - Look for Betts to lead the Redskins in rushing this year.  After he establishes himself as their #1 back, he will be an excellent fantasy play.
Sleeper - Peterson, CHI - Someone has to pick up the pieces when Benson doesn't live up to his hype.  It won't be the rookie, Wolfe.
Sleeper - Barclay, CLE - First he has to win a roster spot, which may not be easy.  However, he could be the next Jones-Drew if he sticks.
Disappointment - Lewis, CLE - Between diminished skills, playing from behind, and a drop off in his offensive line from his Baltimore days, Lewis is in for a long season.
Disappointment - Benson, CHI - When Benson was drafted I said, "Almost every year a runner selected in round one disappoints.  This year it will be Benson."  I still believe that.
Disappointment - Portis, WAS - Part of this may be because of his comments on dog fighting, but a bigger part is his injury history and the continued emergence of Betts.  Look for Portis' role in the Redskin offense to be reduced.
Disappointment - White, TEN - White is not the next stud NFL running back.  He is the next Ron Dayne, which is okay, but not fantasy football material.

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Wide Receiver Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Smith CAR Even when teams game plan against him, he still comes up with big plays.
2. Johnson CIN A big year for Johnson, and he'll make sure we all know it.
3. Williams DET Williams star continues to rise in Martz' offense, especially with the rookie Johnson playing opposite him.
4. Holt STL A quiet, consistent fantasy star.
5. Wayne IND Time for Wayne to out-score Harrison in fantasy football.
6. Owens DAL New coach Phillips will be sure to get the ball to Owens often.
7. Moss NE Forget spreading the ball around, Moss will become Brady's top target on a regular basis.
8. Harrison IND May not be the top fantasy target on his NFL team, but that doesn't mean he won't be on yours.
9. Fitzgerald ARZ The Cards will not throw as often this year, but I expect the bigger impact to be on Boldin not Fitzgerald.
10. Evans BUF He has mad skills, mad speed, mad hands and keeps getting better and better (as does his QB Losman).
11. Holmes PIT I was very impressed with him late in the year and I bet Big Ben felt the same.
12. Johnson HOU Johnson has terrific skills and it has to be better with Schaub, doesn't it?
13. Branch SEA Taking over Jackson's spot in the Seahawk offense will finally project Branch to fantasy stardom.
14. Galloway TB Someone has to catch the throws from Garcia, and if it's Galloway, he still has the speed to go the distance on any throw.
15. Marshall DEN Look for Marshall to develop chemistry with Cutler and become his favorite target.  Walker is still good but is coming off the very emotional Darrent Williams incident.
16. Driver GB Driver will still lead the Pack in catches, but Jennings will start to close the gap.
17. Henderson NO I look for ma drop off from Colston.  Henderson has the speed to become the Saints big-play receiver on a consistent basis.
18. Burress NYG When he concentrates, he can dominate. It's just a guess as to how often that will be.
19. Ward PIT He may play second fiddle to Holmes this year, but it will still be a significant role.
20. Chambers MIA Having Ginn on the field will open things up for Chambers.  How much that will be offset with poor quarterback play remains to be seen.
21. Walker DEN Walker has top 10 skills but a young QB, a developing receiver playing opposite him, and the terrible off-season shooting incident could cause him to have a below expectation year.
22. Boldin ARZ The new coach staff will run more and it will cost Boldin some stats.
23. Cotchery NYJ Look for Cotchery to take over as the Jets top receiver this year.
24. Johnson DET Detroit will throw often and the rookie will make a lot of big plays.
25. Moss WAS Moss remains a dangerous receiver, however, with youth at quarterback his stats will remain below top tier.
Heartbreaker - Glenn, DAL - without Parcell's around to push him, Glenn may spend more time in the trainer's room than in his recent past.
Heartbreaker - Porter, OAK - primed to be a number one receiver again, Porter will come up short of 1,000 yards.
Heartbreaker - Rice, MIN - With the state of affairs in the Viking receiver corps, one might expect Rice to take advantage and have a big year.  While he may have a great game or two, he isn't ready to be a consistent force on the field.
Heartbreaker - Jackson, SF- he will have some big games, and then have some key drops.  The experienced Hasseleback could handle it, but how will the youngster Smith react?  Not well I suspect.
Sleeper - Jennings, GB - look for Jennings to close the gap on Driver, especially if the Packers decide to give the reins to Rogers.
Sleeper - Curtis, PHI - loved him in the draft, loved him on the Rams, love him on the Eagles.  He will be McNabb's #1 receiver and has big-play ability.  Worth a shot as a potential #2 WR.
Sleeper - Berrian, CHI - look for Berrian to overtake Muhammad as the Bears' top receiver.
Sleeper - Roby, TEN - he has speed and good hands and the wide receiver position on the Titans is wide open..
Sleeper - White, ATL - with Harrington, a more accurate thrower than Vick (strange but true), the time may be right for White to finally arrive.
Sleeper - Allison, MIN - keep an eye on the Vikings' receiver situation, Allison won't play early, but when it is his turn to be given a try, he may never leave the lineup.
Sleeper - Hill, SF - another player who won't contribute early, Hill could step to the forefront after the Niners get tired of receivers who drop the ball.  Hill has excellent speed, great hands, and is a tough kid.
Sleeper - Hannon, KC - Hannon is a big-play waiting to happen.  By mid-season the Chiefs starting wide receivers could be Hannon and the rookie Bowe, who is also a player to watch.
Disappointment - Kenneson, KC - he will probably lose his starting job by mid-season.
Disappointment - Williamson, MIN - new eyesight, new year, new hopes and dreams, same result. Don't look for a breakout year from the former top 10 pick.
Disappointment - Muhammad, CHI - a strong, tough player who may start losing snaps to Bradley.  Look for Berrian to be the Bears' top receiver this year not Muhammad.
Disappointment - Horn, ATL - many look at Horn as the number one receiver for Atlanta.  If that happened, with or without Vick the Falcons would have been in serious trouble.  He is past his prime and is now a solid #3 wideout.
Disappointment - Davis, SD - over-drafted, Davis will not be the breakout rookie receiver from the 2007 college draft.

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Tight End Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Gates SD Moves to the head of the class by himself.
2. Gonzalez KC Still a top player and will also be the security blanket for a young QB.
3. Davis SF Should become Smith's top target and a big-play tight end.
4. Shockey NYG If he remains healthy he'll be a beast.
5. Cooley WAS An underrated, reliable fantasy tight end.
6. Winslow CLE Still some concern over his health.
7. Heap BAL Solid, dependable pro who may get more looks as Williams and Clayton come on.
8. Miller PIT This is the year he moves into the upper echelon of tight ends.
9. Crumpler ATL Will take a bit of a hit with the Falcons troubles but Harrington can throw to his tight ends.
10. Witten DAL Good thing TDs are not as important in this league.
11. Watson NE A great talent but the Pats have a lot of weapons for Brady to choose from.
12. Clark IND A bit of a risk with Gonzalez now available to play in slot.
13. Daniels HOU Falcon quarterbacks are used to throwing to their tight end, so he could become a favorite of Schaub's.
14. Lewis JAC A big target with good skills, he could be in store for a nice year.
15. Smith PHI Injuries are a concern as is the number of weapons at McNabb's disposal.
16. Sciafe TEN Someone has to catch passes on the Titans, why not this talented tight end.
17. Scheffler DEN Came on late and had a nice report with Cutler.  May start slowly because of Graham.
18. Miller OAK Will get the starting nod on a team with a bad line.  Could get a lot of balls as an outlet receiver.
19. Pollard SEA The Seahawks like to use their tight ends and Pollard is their guy this year.
20. Smith TB Stevens on hand may cause concern at first look, but deeper thought shakes that thought out of my mind.  Smith is a nice talent and Stevens is erratic on and off the field.
Heartbreaker - Johnson, NO - an excellent receiver who just can't stay healthy.  No reason to expect a full year in '07.
Heartbreaker - Troupe, TEN - a great talent on a team looking for a player to become the go-to guy, Troupe will once again flash talent but lose playing time to the more reliable Sciafe.
Sleeper - Anderson, MIA - he should overtake Martin as their starting tight end early in the year and Coach Cameron loves throwing to his tight ends
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 - Coates, CIN - This undrafted rookie free agent could just be the best receiving tight end on the Bengals..
Sleeper - Rosario, CAR - has a chanced to finally give the Panthers a receiving option at h-back/tight end. 
Disappointment - Martin, MIA - many will jump on the Fins starting tight end because of Coach Cameron's affinity to throwing to tight ends (see Gates), but he is a replaceable starter, and could be replaced by Anderson.
Disappointment - Franks, GB - he won't see the field as much as he has in the past.
Disappointment - McMichael, STL - the fact that a coach that loves throwing to tight ends (Cameron) ran him off may be offset some by a former coach who liked throwing to him (Linehan), but with Jackson and Holt as better options and the young and talented  Klopfenstein behind him, this could be the start of the decline of McMichael as a starting fantasy football tight end.


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Kickers
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Vinatieri IND The best kicker in the game on the most potent offense in the game.
2. Graham CIN The Bengals will be a high-scoring machine again this year.
3. Kaeding SD One of the best young kickers in the game.
4. Wilkins STL Quietly one of the better kicker options in fantasy football.
5. Brown SEA An improved offense will result in more points this year for Brown.
6. Akers PHI A come back year for Akers.
7. Kasay CAR The old pro can still kick the long field goal.
8. Gostkowski NE On his way to being one of the top kickers in the league and the Pats offense will be potent this year.
9. Elam DEN Playing half his games in Denver doesn't hurt.
10. Stover BAL A reliable kicker on an offense that doesn't always convert field position to touchdowns.
11. Mare NO Finally back on a good offense.
12. Hansen DET K\icking indoors at home and on a potent offense means good fantasy play.
13. Rackers ARZ Good kicker on a team that is transitioning from bombs away to ground chuck means not as many chances.
14. Scobee JAC Improving kicker on another team that doesn't always covert field position to touchdowns.
15. Gould CHI Big play offense that may have trouble sustaining drives could mean long touchdowns and long field goal opportunities.
16. Reed PIT Will get a lot of opportunities as the Steeler offense opens up, but he misses too many resulting in some negative points.
17. Gramatica DAL He should win the kicking job and when he does he will be kicking for an explosive offense.
18. Nugent NYJ Improved last year and will get his share of opportunities.
19. Nedney SF It all comes down to how confident you are in the Niner offense.  Where do I fall?  He is #19 not #9.
20. Lindell BUF Buffalo offense should take a step up leading to more scoring from Lindell.

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DEFENSE COMPLETED AUG 25, 2007

DL Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Kampman GB Sacks and tackles last year; no reason not to expect the same in 2007
2. Taylor MIA With Porter and Roth now in lineup, teams may not be able to always double him.
3. Little STL Added tackles to sacks last year.
4. Peppers CAR Best DE in the game is a star in fantasy football also.
5. Schobel BUF The cornerstone of a young and up and coming defense.
6. Anderson CHI Now a starter will build on great rookie year.
7. Smith NO Keeps getting better and better.
8. McCray JAC With Hayward back and now a full time starter, McCray's sacks will go up.
9. Mathis IND As long as he plays opposite Freeney, he'll continue to put up excellent stats.
10. Burgess OAK Has become a steady, reliable, top fantasy option .
11. Allen KC Just remember he's out the first two games of the year.
12. Suggs BAL It helps his tackle stats that he sometimes plays with his hand off the ground.
13. White DET I keep waiting for a breakout season, maybe it'll come with Detroit.
14. Geathers CIN Took a big step last year, is a terrific pass rusher.
15. Abraham ATL Would be higher if he could stay healthy
16. Umenyiora NYG Has become the best lineman on the Giants.
17. Cole PHI Has become the top sacker on the Eagles.
18. Kerney SEA Now playing with pass-rushing linebackers, look for a stat comeback.
19. Adams TB Youngster will be a premier pass rusher.
20. Warren NE An underrated fantasy option, gets tackles.
21. Freeney IND He should get back to double-digit sacks, but he gets very few tackles.
22. Pryce BAL A nice come back year last year, let me see him do it again.
23. Smith CIN Always contributes to your numbers.
24. Johnson CHI Was a terror before getting injured.
25. Anderson ATL Rookie will get tackles and sacks playing opposite Abraham.
Caution - Williams, HOU - don't expect a breakout year for sacks.
Caution - Sapp, OAK - not sure the vet has another 10 sack season in him.
Caution - Strahan, NYG - even if he comes back, how motivated will he be on a bad team.
Caution - Kearse, PHI - he looked good before getting injured last year, hmmm, heard that before.
Caution - Carricker, STL - may be one of better rookies but not playing a position where he is likely to get stats.
Caution - Hali, KC - not sure he can become a consistent sack guy, would not surprise me if his number went down this year.
Sleeper - Tapp, SEA - could start opposite Kerney and get solid numbers.
Sleeper - Roth, MIA - with Taylor, Porter and Holliday around he could get overlooked and fall into a 10 sack year.
Sleeper - Johnson, CAR - rookie could get the nod later in year, especially if Rucker's fall continues.
Sleeper - Kelly, OAK - may be moved to end and start opposite Burgess.
Sleeper -  Adeyanju, STL - if Hall can't put pressure on QB opposite Little, this kid could get a chance.
Sleeper - Crowder, DEN - with Ekuban out, look for Crowder to eventually move into the starting lineup, not Moss.

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LB Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Ryans HOU Had a great rookie year and teams will be running out the clock on them again in '07.
2. Scott BAL A unique fantasy player who gets tackles, sack, and ints.
3. Bulluck TEN Always near the top of tackles.
4. Merriman SD The best wildcard linebacker in the league.
5. Pierce NYG With Wilson now at free safety and a DE playing SAM, his tackles will go up.
6. Hawk GB Had a very good rookie year and his stats should improve in year two.
7. Edwards KC Back to playing the WILL in the cover two, he could set a record for tackles.
8. Urlacher CHI Wasn't needed to blitz last year, but sacks should come back this year.
9. Thomas MIA Always gets tons of tackles.
10. Thomas NE Playing inside for the Pats on early downs, rushing on passing downs.
11. Henderson MIN Someone has to make tackles on a unit that will be on the field a lot.
12. Peterson SEA A wildcard linebacker that can be used as a regular when needed.
13. James DAL Will be on the field all the time this year.
14. Morrison OAK A tackle-hound for the Raiders.
15. Fletcher-Baker WAS Moving to the Redskins, his tackle stats could take a hit.
16. Ware DAL A solid wildcard linebacker.
17. Tatupu SEA A solid tackle option.
18. Willis SF Super-fast rookie should lead the 49ers in tackles this year.
19. Lewis BAL Overrated by fantasy football managers, he still gets solid stats.
20. Sims DET Year two will show a jump in stats from a good rookie year.
21. Wimbley CLE Another young wildcard linebacker.
22. Posluszny BUF An active rookie who will post good numbers.
23. Dansby ARZ If the Cards play more 3-4, he will be the better play than Hayes.
24. Briggs CHI Playing for his next contract.
25. Peterson JAC Coming back from injury, he should start in middle for Jags and get good stats.
Caution - Brooks, TB - he has to slow down one of these years.
Caution - June, TB - now playing on the strong side in Tampa, don't be fooled by the stats he accumulated playing the weak side in Indy.
Caution - Johnson, CIN - always seems to put up good tackle numbers, an underrated option.
Caution - Williams, DEN - not sure he'll stay in the middle long term and then its back to fantasy afterthought at the SAM.
Caution - Keiaho, IND - playing in June's spot, not sure he can keep job, although there isn't much behind him unless they convert a safety.
Caution - Timmons, PIT - maybe next year.
Caution - Hagans, PIT - usually a good wildcard, there is talk that he will be replaced by Woodley on passing downs.
Caution - Brooking, ATL - a new coaching staff and young athletes behind him could result in Brooking moving to the bench at some point.
Caution - Crowell, BUF - now playing the SAM, he isn't a good enough pass rusher to warrant p-laying with expected dip in tackles.
Caution - Lenon, DET - will begin the year as starting middle linebacker, but may not last the season in that role.
Sleeper - Gaither, PHI - like him before Trotter was released, now love him.
Sleeper - Ruud, TB - youngster finally gets his chance and he'll make the most of it.
Sleeper - Ellison, BUF - starting at WILL with a rookie MIKE who will need time to adjust.
Sleeper - Hartwell, CIN - could be Johnny on the Spot if Brooks doesn't deliver in the middle.
Sleeper - Webster, DEN - I predict he will eventually be moved to the middle with DJ Williams sliding back to SAM.
Sleeper - Beason, CAR - will get his share of tackles at WILL, but could be a monster if moved to the middle if Morgan doesn't stay healthy.
Sleeper - Spencer, DAL - playing opposite Ware, he could flourish like Phillips on San Diego as a wildcard linebacker.
Sleeper - Alston, STL - excellent athlete could force his way onto the field at some point and become team's leading tackler.
Sleeper - Lawson, SF - in year two, he could be a solid wildcard linebacker.

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DB Rankings
Based on 900 Football Link's rules

RANK PLAYER TEAM COMMENT
1 Wilson ARZ Based on last year, earned top spot, but a new coaching staff could impact his stats.
2. Rhodes NYJ A favorite of the new coaching staff and a top fantasy producer.
3. Bailey DEN The top wildcard defensive back, he gets enough tackles to also help as a regular.
4. Hope TEN Led defensive backs in tackles last year.
5. Jones CLE Solid tackle option who gets ints.
6. Whitner BUF Should improve on impressive rookie year.
7. Mathis JAC The next best thing to Bailey as a wildcard.
8. Harrison NE If he's healthy, he's a fantasy football hall of famer.
9. Sanders IND The new Rodney Harrison when healthy.
10. Landry WAS Playing strong safety, rookie should lead the Redskin secondary in tackles.
11. Milloy ATL Expected decline of team could result in more tackles for Milloy.
12. Pollard KC Chief safeties usually get good stats, Pollard new starter as in the box safety.
13. Wilson NYG Could see drop in tackle stats if his move to free safety sticks.
14. Barber TB Gets tackles and ints so can be either a regular or wildcard.
15. Considine PHI Second year starter has bulked up to play the run better.
16. Harper NO Coming back from injury, strong safety will get lots of tackles.
17. Asomugha OAK An emerging wildcard option.
18. Bullocks DET If he moves to strong safety from free safety, he'll be an even better play.
19. Bigby GB A hitter who should win and hold the Packer's strong safety position.
20. Williams CIN Gets tackles and has a nose for the ball.
21. Reed BAL Has had some monster years and some average years in regards to turnovers.
22. Bethea IND Had a solid rookie year and should get better.
23. Page KC The other young safety starter for the Chiefs, he played well down the stretch.
24. Russell SEA A one time a ballhawk, now starting in Seattle look for him to regain that form.
25. Harris CAR An afterthought in Chicago, he could be the Panther's best safety.
Caution - Taylor, WAS - now a free safety, his tackle stats will drop off.
Caution - Landry, BAL - a surprise fantasy star, can he do it again?
Caution - Samuel, NE - he'll be back before game #1, but a repeat fantasy performance is not in the cards.
Caution - E Coleman, NYJ - despite being solid on the field and in fantasy, the coaching staff seems to want Eric Smith to win the job.
Caution - Schweigert, OAK - with Darius now on the roster and Huff a sure starter, the position is too cloudy for me at the present time.
Caution - Polamalu, PIT - a great, great player, an average fantasy option.
Caution - Hamlin, DAL - the Boys gave up big plays last year, but so did Seattle, Watkins may play more than you think.
Caution - Kennedy, DET - needs to play well every week since Bullocks is better at strong safety than weak safety where he'll start the season.
Caution - Demps, NYG - Butler in the starting lineup is not a motivation ploy, Butler is good.
Sleeper - Butler, NYG - starts the year as their string safety and is a good football player.
Sleeper - Houston, ATL - playing opposite Hall, he should get a lot of action and will get tackles and ints.
Sleeper - Simmons, HOU - got tackles when forced to start in past, now starting with injury to Earl.
Sleeper - Lewis, SF - was a fantasy force when with the Eagles, now starting for the 49ers.
Sleeper - Hood, ARZ - another former Eagle now a starter, he is a sleeper as a wildcard defensive back.
Sleeper - Bly, DEN - Williams had great stats playing opposite Bailey last year, Bly will this year.
Sleeper - Nelson, JAC - rookie has a nose for the ball.
Sleeper - E Smith, NYJ - see E Coleman, the coaching staff wants him to start and Coleman always got good fantasy stats.
Sleeper - Lowery, TEN - should beat out Thompson and be a decent fantasy option.
Sleeper - Smith, PIT - second year player could blossom in starting role if he beats out Clark.
Sleeper - Gay, NE - was on his way to being a solid corner before injuries, could be Pat's #2 and be targeted and become a good wildcard.
Sleeper - Doss, MIN - not convinced coaching staff is in love with D Smith; Doss will produce numbers if he replaces him as a starter.
Sleeper - Piscitelli, TB - fast, quick, strong, smart rookie will be a fantasy stud when he eventually becomes a starter.

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