Having participated in fantasy football leagues for a number of years, there are a variety of set ups one can use to build a winning team.  Like any player I have my preferences for building a team, my go to players that I love to have every year and my own bias.  I have put all those aside in my rankings to give you, our reader, the best possible advice I could give.

Ranking factors listed below are in no particular order.  I have listed these so you can see things from the same perspective I do so whether you agree or disagree, you will at least understand where I am coming from.

  • Style of play the team typically employs under their current staff.  If no staff history is available, then personnel on the roster will play a slightly bigger role.  Player experience in said system may also play a role in certain instances.

  • Quality of the players surrounding ranked player.  How will a player’s teammates impact his performance?  Will they help or hurt him?

  • Past performance.  Track records mean something.  They usually dete

rmine the first 4-5 rounds at the very least.  For some they are everything.

  • Quality of a player’s team.  Does a good running back typically lose carries because his team is always playing from behind?  Does he make up for it by catching the ball?  Does an average receiver become a great fantasy receiver because his team is always losing and he is racking up catches as a result?

For me, the most important fantasy factor to remember is that fantasy drafts aren’t always about who the best player available is; its about who can accumulate the most stats.  For example, no one alive will convince me that Peyton Manning isn’t the best player in the NFL but you’ll never see me taking him first overall unless it’s a Points Per Completion league.  Understand your leagues scoring.

One final note before I start: All rankings assume that the league format is not Points Per Reception (PPR) since most leagues are not.  Adjust your Wes Welker’s and Brandon Marshall’s accordingly if your league is a PPR league.

Quarterbacks

  1. Drew Brees – Tom Brady and Peyton Manning fans everywhere are swearing at me but the truth is Brees has a spectacular team around him with an assortment of weapons that can rival anyone.  His running game takes some pressure of him and it’s a luxury Brady simply does not have.   Brees is a picture of consistency much like Manning and without the injury history of Brady in recent years.  I am a bit more cautious of him then in recent year though due to the fact that following the trade of LT Jamaal Brown Bees’ new starting Left Tackle is the unproven Jermon Bushrod.

Prediction: 4500 yards 33TD 13INT

  1. Peyton Manning – His resume, his style of play, the weapons available to him dictate this ranking..  A healthy Anthony Gonzalez will only help.  Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon gained valuable experience this past year while Gonzalez was out.  A bitter Super Bowl loss should only fuel the fire of the league’s best player and as scary as it seems, he could actually be better.  Defenses everywhere can’t be happy.

Prediction: 4200 yards 32TD 15INT 1Rushing TD

  1. Aaron Rodgers – Yep, I did it.  The guy has started to lay the groundwork as the next great fantasy QB and his consistency over the last two years is just fine.  He threw at least 1 TD in 15 of 16 games last year and 2 in 10 of 16 games.  Let someone else overdraft a bigger name like Tom Brady, Brett Favre or Donovan McNabb.   Rodgers has an impressive assortment of weapons including some just entering their prime like Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones and JerMichael Finley to go with proven vets like Donald Driver and Donald Lee and an improved offensive line.

Prediction: 4300 yards 31TD 10 INT 4 Rushing TD 225 yards rushing

  1. Phillip Rivers – This ranking is dependent on Vincent jackson’s availability after the first three games of the season.  If Jackson isn’t ready to go I might leapfrog Tom Brady over Rivers.    Antonio Gates, Malcolm Floyd, Legadu Naanee and backs Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles provide solid targets behind Jackson and I wouldn’t expect Rivers stats to suffer too much without Jackson.  The offensive line worries me a bit though.

Prediction: 4100 yards 29TD 10INT

  1. Tom Brady – Adding Torry Holt will only help, but how much is unknown.  Losing Wes Welker hurts though reports vary on when he will be ready.  Randy Moss and Torry Holt aren’t getting younger .  It’s not all doom and gloom for the Pats though.  Julian Edelman looks to be a find, though I’m not convinced he is as good as Welker who has spectacular burst in short area’s.  The Pats cleaned up at TE in the draft and free agency with Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, and Alge Crumpler.  Gronkowski in particular could be a seam busting TE while Hernandez takes on more of an H-back role.  If Brady’s knee holds up again his stats should be just fine.  I expect Pats fans to kill my rating of Brady this low but this is about winning fantasy leagues not about Super Bowls and stat wise Brady only has 1 30 TD season.

Prediction:  4300 yards 27TD 14INT 1 Rushing TD 75 yards rushing

  1. Tony Romo – The only thing that separates Romo from being in the top 5 is his knack for throwing too many interceptions.  The Dallas offense is loaded with weapons which means this could be the year Romo emerges as an elite fantasy option.  Tough to say anyone actually has more weapons but ultimately Romo’s decision making behind an aging offensive line could be the difference between a good and great year for Romo and the Cowboys.

Prediction: 3900 yards 28 TD 18INT 1 rushing TD

  1. Carson Palmer - Palmer slumped hard down the stretch last year suffering from a loss of accuracy and a loss of arm strength.  However, I’m also putting part of the blame on his supporting cast which has been upgraded now to include Antonio Bryant and draft picks Jermaine Gresham (more about him later) and Jordan Shipley.  With Chad Ochocinco, Andre Caldwell and a new and improved Cedric Benson, Palmer should revert back to form this season.

Prediction: 4000 yards 26TD 12INT

  1. Matt Schaub – Schaub had an outstanding fantasy campaign last year finally playing all 16 games and emerging as a borderline elite fantasy QB.  One elite fantasy year does not leap him over the players ahead of him.  I still have questions about his ability to stay healthy for 16 games and not get benched on occasion both of which have happened to Schaub in the past.  Still, with more weapons around him then ever I expect a pretty good season barring injury as the Texans are close to turning the corner.

Prediction:  4200 yards 25 TD 14INT

  1. Brett Favre – As much as I like Brett Favre the player, I’m just not sure he has another 4200 yard/33 TD career in him at this stage.  Sure he has good targets in Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian, and Percy Harvin, a stellar running game and a good offensive line but even in spite of all that the questions about his age, health, and psyche after the brutal playoff loss has to be accounted for.  He should be adequate as a fantasy starting QB but I wouldn’t expect the spectacular at this point.

Prediction: 3500 yards 22 TD 15 INT

  1. Eli Manning – You can argue for a handful of other players here but none         have the combination of supporting cast, potential and history that Eli does.  He still throws too many interceptions for my liking and the cold winter weather has at times affected QB’s in Giants Stadium but hes generally a lock for 3500 yards and 20+ TD.  With an improved Hakeem Nicks, as well as young vets like Mario Manningham, Steve Smith, Ramses Barden, Kevin Boss and Travis Beckum I could see Manning having a big year.

Prediction: 3700 yards 24 TD 18 INT 1 Rushing TD

Sleeper:  Chad Henne – He’s got a great offensive line, one of the top three in the NFL and now he’s got Brandon Marshall to throw to.  Last year, one of the things that hurt Henne’s stats were turnovers, both the inability of the defense to cause them and give the Phins any kind of field position and Henne’s penchant for throwing interceptions when trailing…. specifically 3 late in the second Bills game.  Surrounded by Marshall, Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, Greg Camarillo (the leagues only 50 catch/0 drop player), TE Anthony Fasano, and running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams Henne has a variety of weapons.  He could very easily finish with 4000 yards and 25 TD.

The Best of the Rest:

12:  Ben Roethlisberger – Would probably have been 9th if not for the suspension looming.  That’s nearly half the fanasty season.  Draft him late and be rewarded late in the year.  Just make sure you get a QB to cover yourself for the first half of the season.

13: Donovan McNabb – Trade to Washington may help him long term but the lack of weapons hurts him short term.

  1. Joe Flacco – Addition of Boldin will help.  Derrick Mason back for another year and a solid receiving back all complement Flacco well.

  2. Matt Ryan – Very good QB in real life but fantasy status leaves a lot to be desired.  Secondary options behind White and Tony Gonzalez.

  3. Kevin Kolb – Can he handle the burden of Andy Reid’s pass first offense?  Has accuracy but lacks arm strength, which may hinder him from using him DeSean Jackson as the homerun threat he’s been.

  4. Vince Young – looked good down the stretch.  But it is yet to be seen if he can be a consistent fantasy option.

  5.  Matt Stafford – Young kid with loads of potential and a premier WR at his disposal.  An improved line will help his development more then anything at this point.

  6. Jay Cutler – Decision-making always holds him back.  Now lack of targets does as well.

  7.  Matt Cassel – Not a whole lot different then Jason Campbell as I discovered last year but more upside.

Running Backs

  1. Maurice Jones-Drew – The guy does it all.  While I question his ability to last much past 30 in the NFL he did just fine in his first year as the primary back.  With 312 carries and another 50+ catches, another handful of returns/kickoffs and few other weapons of significance around him MJD holds the top spot.

Prediction: 310 Carries 1250 yards 13 TD 55 catches 600 yards 3 Receiving TD 3 TD on KR/PR returns

  1. Chris Johnson -  The NFL’s most dangerous player should have another stellar year.  He’s still the primary focus for the Titans offense and plays behind a good run blocking line.  Vince Young’s improvement as a passer will only help push defenders off the line of scrimmage.  Took 358 carries last year proving his durability.

Prediction: 325 carries 1400 yards 12 TD 48 catches 445 yards 1 TD

  1. Adrian Peterson – If Brett Favre takes a step back as I expect Peterson’s workload may increase.  He fought through soe nagging injuries last year but no one keeps themselves in better shape then AP.  With a huge line in front of him and weapons to stretch the defense on the outside Peterson should have a big year.

Prediction: 325 carries 1550 yards 16 TD 25 catches 210 yards 1 TD

  1. Michael Turner – Took a step back after an impressive 08 campaign during which he took 377 carries.  The problem is that many backs who take 375+ carries in a season do not stay healthy enough the next year to do so again.  Most of them fail to even hit 1000 yards as was the case with Turner last year.  For that reason you can freely interchange Chris Johnson with Turner if you see fit since Johnson nearly hit that number last year but my rankings are based on players being reasonably healthy.

Prediction: 340 carries 1475 yards 15 TD 10 catches 85 yards

  1. DeAngelo Williams – Maybe the most gifted back in the league I see Carolina returning to a very ground oriented gameplan with youngsters Matt Moore and Jimmy Claussen expected to see most of the snaps.  Williams was rattled by injuries after an awesome 2008 campaign where he amassed 1500 yards and 18 TD.  Backup Jonathan Stewart may prevent him from repeating a performance that good but Williams is a dynamic force who alters games with a punishing running style and elusiveness in the open field.  With a good offensive line in front of him I see good things ahead for him.

Prediction: 256 carries 1350 yards 13 TD 25 catches 225 yards 2 TD

  1. Steven Jackson – Jackson misses more time then you would like from a first round pick but his productivity is undeniable.  Even with a terrible supporting cast he racked up 1400 yards and hundreds of bruised defenders along the way.  One of the best and most physical backs in the NFL I would love to see what he could do with an actual team around him.  Rookie Sam Bradford will lean on him heavily which could be a very good thing if Jackson can stay healthy.  With an improved offensive line Jackson should have another good season.

Prediction: 310 carries 1375 yards 9 TD 65 catches 600 yards 2 Receiving TD

  1. Ray Rice – I am not as high on him as many are but I still like him a ton.  The addition of Anquan Boldin means his receptions should drop..  He has enough depth behind hi where he shouldn’t be overworked so injuries shouldn’t be a problem but I’m not sure I see him averaging 5.3 YPC again.

Prediction: 260 carries 1250 yards 8 TD 50 catches 520 yards 2 TD

  1. Frank Gore – Much like Jackson injuries hold him back a slot or two.  He will once again though be the heart and soul of the 49er offense.  With a full year of Michael Crabtree stretching defenses on the outside and more steady play from Alex Smith like he showed down the stretch Gore should see less 8 men fronts.

Prediction: 245 carries 1275 yards 8 TD 48 catches 400 yards 1 Receiving TD

  1. Ronnie Brown – In the past Brown has seen more 8 and 9 man fronts then the rest of the NFL combined as Miami’s vertical game scared no one.  Adding Brandon Marshall’s big play potential should help Brown more then anyone.  Now if one of the leagues most talented and versatile backs could just stay healthy a big year could be in store.  Brown’s injury history is the only thing that prevents him from having more then 1 1000 yard season.  In a contract year and knowing how much Parcells cant stand injury prone players will there be some extra motivation on Brown’s part?  The bet here is yes.

Prediction: 260 carries 1175 yards 10 TD 40 catches 380 yards 1 TD

  1. Knowshon Moreno – Moreno had a solid rookie year with over 900 yards and 7 TD.  He will look to improve upon that without Brandon Marshall.  While I could foresee a bit of a platoon much like with Ray Rice last year, it could be a breakthrough year for Moreno if things break right.  While the AFC West is a division on the rise, the best defense in the division still belongs to the lowly Raiders which Moreno could have a field day within the division.

Prediction: 280 carries 1225 yards 8 TD 25 catches 200 yards 1 TD

Sleeper: LeSean McCoy – In Andy Reid’s pass heavy offense your running backs better be able to catch the ball and McCoy can.  While some would call the pick of McCoy as a sleeper “gutless” I disagree.  His value may come from some gaudy receiving games more then his running games.  In a division loaded with stout defensive fronts as usual, McCoy could see heavy work in the screen game and short passing game a la Brian Westbrook.  1100 yards rushing/700 receiving/12 TD total is very possible

**Best of The Rest: **

  1. Matt Forte – Was very conflicted as to where to put him.  Love his ability as a back, cant stand the nonsense supporting cast.  Should see plenty of 8 man fronts as teams dare Cutler to throw to the correct team.  1000 yard/50 catch/10TD campaign likely.

  2. Steve Slaton – I still view him as the Texans’ back with the most upside at least for this year.  He could very easily revert to his 08 form if his fumble woes are cured.  He’s high risk/high reward but somewhere in the mid rounds he presents a very interesting dilemma.

  3. Rashard Mendenhall – The loss of Willie Colon makes a weak offensive line even weaker.  Like Mendenhall but the OL and injuries have held him back in the past.  If healthy could hit 1300 yards but his TD total is in question behind steal of the draft Jon Dwyer and Mewelde Moore.

  4. Clinton Portis – I fully expect Mike Shanahan to resurrect his career but the days of 1400 yard seasons are done for Portis.  However, I do think he has enough left in the tank to hit 1000 yards/7TD in Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme.  The addition of first round pick Trent Williams should only help Portis’ cause

  5. Ryan Mathews – Love this kid’s ability to see the field.  I think this is the next premier back in the NFL but let’s give him some time before I go anointing him.  A weak offensive line may hold him back.  Catches well so may see extra value in PPR leagues

  6. Ryan Grant – One of the leagues more consistent performers he should be counted on as a RB2 on a good team for fantasy purposes.  While he isn’t really a home run threat he breaks many tackles and usually hit 1000/7TD.

  7. Jamaal Charles – I like his upside a lot, just don’t like the offensive line in front of him a whole lot.  Braden Albert is best suited to LG in my opinion and there is a clear weakness on the interior line which could prevent him from reaching his full potential.

  8. Brandon Jacobs – Injuries are always a concern with Jacobs as his banging style often leads to injuries to others and himself.  When healthy, he is a great weapon to wear teams down.  More then ever the NYG may take a running back by committee approach with hopes of keeping him healthy and few teams have depth like the Giants at running back with Bradshaw and recovering youngster Andre Brown, a steal in the 5th round last year who finds creases in the mold of Derrick Ward.  Could be big force by the goalline if healthy.

  9. Marion Barber – I doubt he can ever be the force he once was because his physical style will probably prohibit him from lasting long.  Being in a committee style should actually help him.  Pencil him in for 800 yards and 7TD.

  10. Shonn Greene – Should get all the carries he could handle since LaDanian Tomlinson is pretty much washed up in my opinion but he’s never stayed healthy himself.  Would have been easy for me to put Benson here but I think the clock has struck midnight there.  Greene will run behind one of the top three lines in the NFL but I suspect injuries will play as role for him as they did the last 3 years (2 at Iowa).

  11. Jonathan Stewart – Too good to leave off the list.  Even in a secondary role a good bet for 800+ yards and 6 TD.

  12. Joseph Addai – Those questioning the low ranking forget that Indy draft Donald Brown in the first round last year.  Seems like a good bet that Addai will lose some carries.

  13. Michael Bush – A sleeper who should hold off McFadden and hit 1000 yards but I’m not sure he can make an impact in the receiving game or near the goalline.  Ideal flex player/bye week starter.

  14. Pierre Thomas – Value goes up in PPR leagues.  Average running back really.

  15. Montario Hardesty – Rookie already #1 on the depth chart has the ability to be work horse back.  I suspect Jerome Harrison will take 40% of the carries which drops his ranking about 5-7 spot.  I like his long term ability as much as Ryan Mathews and I suggest those in keeper leagues take note.

Wide Receivers – Based on non PPR scoring.

  1. Andre Johnson – The league’s yardage leader for the last 2 years is coming off back to back 1500 yard campaigns.  As long as Schaub stays upright there’s little reason he shouldn’t be in that same range again.

Prediction 105 catches 1520 yards 13 TD

  1. Randy Moss – Ho hum, just another 1200 yard 13 td season for Moss last year.  He’s starting to creep up in age at 33 so this may be the last go round this high in the rankings but he showed no signs of slowing down last year so we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt

Prediction: 75 catches 1200 yards 12 TD

  1. Reggie Wayne – As long as Peyton Manning is around he’s worthy of a top 5 spot.  I put him at 3 because of the uncertainty regarding Larry Fitzgerald’s and Calvin Johnson’s QB situations.  Both players are more talented then Wayne but neither has a guy to get them the ball consistently.

Prediction: 90 catches – 1350 yards 9 TD

  1. Larry Fitzgerald – Theres a huge difference when you have a future Hall of Famer like Kurt Warner throwing you the ball  and a guy who hasn’t shown much in 4 NFL seasons like Matt Leinart.  If anyone can make the best of a bad situation it’s Mr. Fitz but I’m not sure he can get to that 1400 yard mark like he did for a couple of years alongside Warner.

Prediction 90 catches 1175 10 TD

  1. Brandon Marshall  - I was thrilled when my Phins got one of the games elite receivers in the offseason giving Chad Henne a legitimate game-breaker on the outside.  Marshall is one of the most physical WR’s in the game and excels in all aspects.  He should see plenty of double teams and still wreak plenty of havoc on opposing defenses.

Prediction: 95 catches 1250 yards 9 TD

  1. Calvin Johnson – The man known as Megatron is turning in to a machine.  Like clockwork, his progression working the double team makes him scary and he has the tools to be the best receiver in football.  If Matt Stafford progresses at the same rate his stats could back that up sooner then later.

Prediction 85 catches 1275 yards 7 TD

  1. Roddy White – One of the league’s most underrated fantasy stars for a few years made sure he made everyone notice those 10 TD’s last year.  A reliable player will only become better as Matt Ryan improves.

Prediction: 85 catches 1225 yards 8 TD

  1. Greg Jennings – With one of the games most reliable quarterbacks to get him the ball, Jennings should once again put up great fantasy stats.  I would like to see him get in the end zone more often as the 4 touchdowns last year was a big disappointment and I believe he’s too good to be kept out of paydirt for too long.

Prediction: 80 catches 1200 yards 8 TD

  1. Desean Jackson – No receiver had more catches of 50+ yards last year and Jackson and that’s no coincidence.  Jackson’s blazing speed makes him an impossible matchup.  However, Donovan McNabb’s departure probably hurts him more then helps him because even though he may see the ball more frequently under Kevin Kolb, Kolb possesses a much weaker arm then McNabb potentially taking away some of those deep balls.  It will be interesting to see how it plays out.  Jackson’s value is increased by the fact he’s usually good for a couple of TD’s a year on special teams.

Prediction: 75 catches 1150 yards 8 TD 2 TD on KR/PR

  1. Miles Austin –  Even with the addition of Dez Bryant, I expect Austin to have a stellar season.  Bryant, Roy Williams, and Jason Whitten will keep his catches a tad lower then they otherwise could be but we still except a year worthy of our final WR1 ranking.

Prediction: 75 catches 1150 yards 9 TD

  1. Chad Ochocinco – With his own health and the health of Carson Palmer back last year, Chad was back in form.  Entering this season Chad is 32 and finally has a legitimate target across from him for the first time since T.J. Houshmanzadeh departed.  That will help his YPC average but may decrease his catches a bit.

Prediction: 75 catches 1125 yards 7 TD

  1. Steve Smith – Despite the uncertainty at quarterback for Carolina we still expect good things from Smith.  Despite an offseason injury he is expected to be ready for opening Sunday and he s usually a safe bet for 1000 yards.

Prediction: 80 catches 1100 yards 7 TD

  1. Marques Colston – With Brees throwing him the ball he’s a lock for 1000 yards if he stays healthy.  Probably one of the safer picks in the league.

Prediction: 70 catches 1075 yards 8 TD

  1. Steve Smith – I expect a step back from Smith simply because I expect Hakeem Nicks to seriously cut in to the amount of passes thrown Smith’s way.  On a Giants team with quite a few weapons, he’s still the best of the lot…for now.

Prediction: 80 catches 1100 yards 6 TD

  1. Michael Crabtree – 600+ yards in 1100 games last year as a rookie coming in after a long holdout was impressive.  Convinced he is the real deal.  A true NFL #1 is probably a fantasy #2 because of his QB situation.  Still a player who could easily breakout.

Prediction: 65 catches 1000 yards 7 TD

  1. Kenny Britt – A solid rookie season with 42/701/3TD could get even better.  His offseason has been questionable but I still like him to win a starting spot on a Tennessee team desperate for a primary target.  Big play threat with ideal height/leaping ability at the goal line

Prediction: 60 catches 950 yards 10 TD

  1. Hakeem Nicks – The Giants have a solid depth chart or else I might have him higher on the big board.  Eli Manning’s propensity to spread the ball around also doesn’t help him.

Prediction: 60 catches 975 11 TD

  1. Sidney Rice – Had a monster year last year but I’m not sure how Favre’s status will affect him and the players around him.  He could end up much higher on this list or much lower.

Prediction: 65 catches 1000 yards – 5 TD

  1. Dwayne Bowe – Potential for greatness is there if he ever overcomes his inconsistency.  Still drops way too many passes.

Prediction: 65 catches 950 7 TD

  1. Hines Ward – One of my favorite players because he plays the game the right way.  His stats will take a hit though due to age (34) and a QB situation that will hinder him for a part of the year.  If fantasy points were given for monster crackback blocks he’d be #1 on this list.

Prediction: 75 catches 925 yards 7 TD

Sleeper:   Jeremy Maclin – Another eagles receiver with great acceleration who should excel in their short passing game.  His ability to play vertically should lead to a nice YPC average.

Prediction: 60 catches 900 yards 7 TD

Best of The Rest:

  1. T.J. Houshmanzadeh – Would be higher if not for QB questions. Something alike 65/900/6TD well within reach if someone can get him the ball.

  2. Eddie Royal – Basically in a similar situation to Houshmanzadeh.

  3. Antonio Bryant – In a good situation with a reliable QB.  Even as a #2 he should be good for 55-60 catches and 800-900 yards with a handful of TD.  Ideal WR 3 in fantasy format.

  4. Donald Driver – Age is the only reason I dropped him so low.  Could easily end up with yet another under the radar 1000 yard/6TD season.  I suspect Nelson and Jones will cut in to his playing time a bit more then in the past as well.  Falls in the same category as Bryant

  5. Malcolm Floyd – If the situation with Vincent Jackson is as bad as it sounds, and I have no reason to believe it isn’t Floyd will be highly sought after on draft day.  Coming off his best year he could very easily end up as the steal of the draft.  45/776/1 TD should easily become 60-950-5TD minimum if he ends up as SD’s #1.

  6. Percy Harvin – Another victim of the Brett Favre saga.  Addition of Bernanrd Berrian will prevent him from breaking out and having 1000 yard season.  Should be good for 850 and 6 TD

  7. Santana Moss – Should be McNabb’s primary target so stats should see a slight uptick with a better QB getting him the ball.  Health is always an issue but 900/6TD not out of the question.  Solid pick as a WR3 for fantasy, sometimes expecting more though is just setting yourself up for disappointment.

  8. Anquan Boldin – Figure there are only so many passes to go around on run heavy Baltimore team.  Boldin has battled injuries last few years.  High risk/high reward player but usually a safe bet to miss a handful of games.  Figure 12 games/65/850/6TD

  9. Derrick Mason – Boldin will cut in to reception/yardage totals.  Figure 70/800/5TD.  Safe bet as a good WR3 for fantasy

  10. Braylon Edwards – Should be primary target for Mark Sanchez aka the Sanchise.  Unfortunately, The Sanchise has trouble distinguishing uniforms last year which put Edwards at 600 yards.  Expecting slightly better this year.  With 3 very good receivers though not sure any will have great fantasy numbers.  Put Edwards down for 800/5 TD

  11. Jerricho Cotchery – See Edwards

  12. Mike Sims-Walker – Came on strong last year, would be higher if QB play was more reliable.  1000 yards possible, 850/6TD more likely

  13. Mohamed Massaquoi – Sad state of affairs when noodle arm Jake Delhomme is a serious upgrade at QB.  Massaquoi should be #1 target on bad team.  900/5TD possible.

  14. Steve Breaston – His value takes the biggest hit with unreliable Leinart at QB.

  15. Earl Bennett – Someone has to catch Cutler’s missles.  When it’s not the other team my money is on Bennett.  Pencil him for 700/7TD

  16. Devin Aromashadou – Seemed to really connect with Cutler.  Experience is on his side.  Hands have come a long way since being cut from Miami Dolphins under Nick Satan, er Saban.  800/4 TD

  17. Nate Burelson – Detroit should be playing from behind quite a bit again but with young stud Matt Stafford at QB, stat padding is in play.  Burelson should hit 750/5TD

  18. Dez Bryant – By season’s end will be starting over perennial disappointment Roy Williams.  650/5TD sounds about right

  19. Anthony Gonzalez – Would be higher if there were less question marks.  Medium risk, high reward possible.  Im still not convinced he wont beat out Garcon and Collie for second starting spot.  One of the biggest questions on draft could pay off handsomely.  Minimum 500/5 TD with upside at 900/8 TD

  20. Julian Edelman – Should be on your radar in a big way if Welker isn’t ready.  Rumor right now has Welker starting the year on PUP list which puts him out til week 6 minimum.  Don’t be surprised if Edelman holds down starting spot much of the year even with aging Torry Holt on squad.  PPR leagues bump him up 5-7 spots.   If Welker is ready, you know what to do.

Tight Ends

  1. Antonio Gates – Many will ask why not Dallas Clark, Jason Whitten or Tony Gonzalez here but the logic is simple.  The longer Vincent Jackson is out the more passes heading Gates’ way.   Rivers is going to throw it to someone and Gates is as good a bet as any to be on the receiving end.  He’s coming off a career best 79/1157/8TD and shows no signs of slowing down

Prediction: 85 catches 1200 yards 9 TD

  1. Jason Whitten – Even with the addition of Dez Bryant there’s still going to be plenty of passes thrown Whitten’s way.  He had only two TD’s last year but Wade Phillips has since admitted it was a mistake using Whitten as an in-line blocker far too much in the red zone.

Prediction: 90 catches 1000 yards 7 TD

  1. Dallas Clark – Clark is coming off a career year last year but with the return of Anthony Gonzalez and the emergence of Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie I expect a small step back for Clark.

Prediction:  85 catches 900 yards 8 TD

  1. Vernon Davis – VD finally broke out, no pun intended, with a monster year.  Its scary to think how good he could be if Mike Singletary actually reached this cat.  All the ability in the world, only his QB situation could hold him back.

Prediction: 80 catches 925 7 TD

  1. Tony Gonzalez – People have been predicting his decline for a few years and it doesn’t seem to be happening.  Which is good because he’s the best tight end I have ever watched.  With the lack of receiving targets behind Roddy White, he should plenty of action.  One of the safest TE plays.

Prediction: 75 catches 800 yards 5 TD

  1. Chris Cooley – With no one else to throw to Washington TE’s should be busy.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see Cooley and Fred Davis in the slot quite a bit this year.  Shanahan runs a west coast offense that always incorporated the TE.  Look for Cooley to have a good year after injuries slowed him last year.

Prediction: 70 catches 750 yards 5 TD

  1. Kellen Winslow II – I would rank Winslow higher as I really like Josh Freeman but the thing with Winslow is that even though he should be entering his prime at 26, he’s already had 6 knee surgeries.  He’s a good bet to be hurt at some point and you have to winder if it will affect his performance.  You may be able to grab him later then you should because of his risk/reward situation.

Prediction: 70 catches 825 yards 3 TD

  1. Jermichael Finley – Broke out late last year and I expect it to continue.  Green Bay’s offense is a coordinators nightmare and the seems belong to this guy.

Prediction: 60 catches – 700 yards 5 TD

  1. Dustin Keller – Rex Ryan has said that keller will be a fantasy football steal this year.   He could be a potentially lethal guy down the seems with his speed.  Good hands and an ability to get open could lead to career best stats.

Prediction:  55 catches 650 yards 5 TD

  1. John Carlson – Consistent player with upside.  QB situation also a question.  Talent around him finally could help relax the coverage.

Prediction: 65 catches 675 yards 4 TD

Sleeper: Jermaine Gresham – Usually I don’t give much of a chance to rookie TE’s but Gresham has physical skills in the class of Dustin Keller’s but hes a better route runner.  With Bryant and Ochocinco running outside, Gresham could easily find his way to a 50 catch 600 yard 5 TD campaign.

The Best of The Rest:

  1. Heath Miller – Roethlisberger suspension looms large.

  2. Kevin Boss – Travis Beckum could emerge as the primary pass catching TE for the G-Men.

  3. Brent Celek – Eagles always feature TE near the goalline.  Keep an eye on Cornelius Ingram who missed his rookie season.  Kid has significant skills.

  4. Visanthe Shiancoe – Will see his share of touches in the red zone.

  5. Todd Heap – Injuries are always an issue with this guy but can be productive when healthy.

Team Defenses:

  1. Dallas Cowboys – 2nd in PPGA last year and an offense that keeps them off the field.  Their had one of the highest times of possession in the league and if youre not on the field you cant give up points, generally speaking of course.

  2. New York Jets – 1st in PPGA last year but a questionable offense holds them back.  Just not sold they won’t be constantly put in bad position by a young QB.

  3. Minnesota Vikings – Offense held the ball longer then anyone last year, consistent pass rush and an opportunistic defense that.  Top 1/3rd of the league in PPGA last year will get better with the maturation of some of their young players.

  4. Pittsburgh -  Defense coming off a down year, when was the last time they had two bad years back to back?  Its been a long time.  Blitzburgh will be back.

  5. Baltimore Ravens – Knocked them down a few notches because of offseason losses and injuries.  Fabian Washington and Ladarius Webb huge questions after suffering torn ACL’s last year.   Loss of Justin Bannan among others hurts.  3rd in PPGA last year should still stay in top 5 despite questions at CB.

  6. San Francisco 49ers – Led by Patrick Willis they were 4th in PPGA last year.  Cutting down on the league leading 114 penalties they committed last year will only help.

  7. New England Patriots – Offense spent more time on the field then any team in the league.  May take a slight step back due to age but excellent coaching and a proven track record keep them in the top ten.  Defense led by young stars Jerod Mayo, Brandon Merriweather and Darius Butler is dangerous vs the pass.

  8. Indianapolis Colts – For a defense that gets labeled as soft they always finish in the top 10 in PPGA.

  9. Cincinnati Bengals – Progression of great young corners Hall and Joseph as well as Rey Maluaga and Keith Rivers could boost this unit even higher.

  10. Miami Dolphins – Total revamping of overrated linebacker unit should really boost a fundamentally sound team.  Young corners Vontae Davis and Sean Smith must be the catalysts to improvement along 2nd round pick Koa Misi and free agent acquisition Karlos Dansby who brings a unique skillset to the table.  Mike Nolan’s aggressive scheme will only help.

Sleeper: New York Giants – They aren’t as bad as they played last year.  A unit this talented cant be.  They got crushed by injuries to Kenny Phillips, Aaron Ross, Michael Johnson among others.  A feud between Osi Umenyiora and former defensive coordinator tore the team apart.  Perry Fewell moving to more of a Tampa 2 scheme that will likely use Mathias Kiwanuka in more of a down lineman role (a la what Steve Spagnuolo did in 2008) will put this unit back in the top half of the league.

The best of the rest:

  1. Green Bay Packers – Could be higher if Woodson repeats last year and Al Harris stays healthy.  Not optimistic either will happen but if it does they have a ton of talent.

  2. Chicago Bears – Addition of Julius Peppers to weak pass rush will certainly help.

  3. New Orleans Saints – Super Bowl champs added some talent on that side of the ball in the draft.  Experience will only make players like Tracy Porter better.

  4. Carolina Panthers – Took a step back by with the loss of Peppers but if Greg Hardy works out not only will they not miss him much they will have the steal of the draft by a long shot.

  5. Oakland Raiders – Went heavy on defense early in the draft and acquired both the leader they needed with Rolando McClain and the run stuffer they needed with Lamarr Houston.  Acquiring John Henderson will certainly help.  Unit should finally be on the way up.

Kickers

  1. David Akers – One of the most accurate FG kicker last year wont cost you points.  Probably wont have 2 blocked again on PAT.  Attempted most FG in the league last year.

  2. Sebastian Janikowski – Strongest leg in the league should help you with those 40+50+ yarders in leagues that reward distance.  Better QB play could lead to a few more attempts as well.

  3. Ryan Longwell – Most accurate on FG’s last year and most Pat’s attempted.

  4. Nate Kaeding – Great for fantasy, not great in high pressure spots….like you know, the playoffs.  The Jets thank you card may still be hanging on his fridge.

  5. Dan Carpenter – Accurate, and conservative coaching staff rarely puts him in position to fail on 50+.  8/9 on 40+ last year.

  6. Mason Crosby – Not the most accurate but nearly automatic inside 40.  Big leg is an asset in leagues that don’t penalize heavy for misses.  2nd most PAT last year.

  7. Jeff Reed – Very good last year.  Still no kicker in history of Heinz Field has hit a 50-yard FG or more.

  8. Stephen Gostkowski – Kickers that play for high-octane offenses are usually good bets.  Even better when they are accurate on FG.

  9. Rob Bironas – Consistent year after year

  10. Garret Hartley – Big leg looks to be pretty accurate but cautious of a small sample size last year.  Looked good in pressure spots, which is what you want in a kicker.  Potential to outperform ranking if playoff momentum carries over.