FBGUYSCPG001.

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 EDITOR’S NOTE
There’s More Where
This Came From...
W
elcome to our 2009 Edition of
the Footballguys Strategy Guide.
We are completely stoked about
this new CD format but I’d be lying if I
said I wasn’t at least a little conflicted. On
one hand, we’re bummed to be leaving the
print media for the magazine where we’ve
been recognized as one of the best fantasy
magazines in the country. But with rising
printing costs, mailing costs, and a decline
in print advertising, we felt the need to
change course here. And like everything we
do at Footballguys, when we change gears,
we go full throttle. Instead of creating a
print magazine, we have opted to produce
this CD that will include not only the
magazine, but a ton of additional extras like
our popular Draft Dominator Application.
And to show the world we are serious about
the fantasy football business, we will be
distributing more than 150,000 of these into
the marketplace. We’ll have “Footballguys
Street Teams” helping us distribute these
across the land spreading the word about all
that is Footballguys.
So instead of seeing this as the end of
our print magazine, we’re looking at it as
the beginning of our logical next step as we
better serve our customers. Instead of using
tons of paper to print these magazines,
we’re able to have the magazine on this
CD in full color, along with a bunch of
other cool features, and offer it for $3
which is less than half of what most fantasy
magazines cost. So thank you very much for
giving us a shot here. Like everything we
do, we’ll give you our very best shot.
As I thought about the introduction,
I kept thinking about … icebergs. Yeah
icebergs. My 4th grade son tells me that 90
percent of an iceberg is below the surface.
What you can see on top is actually a very
small part of what’s there. That’s an image
that’s been on my mind the last few months
as we’ve been faced with the task of taking
50,000+ pages of Footballguys.com online
content we produce and squeeze it into a
magazine. What we get to show you in this
magazine is just the proverbial “tip of the
iceberg” of all we do. It’s been a challenge
to condense tens of thousands of pages into
just a couple hundred, but I feel pretty good
about what we’ve got for you here.
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2 EDNOTE.indd 2
by Joe Bryant
presents
2009 Fantasy Football
Strategy Guide
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF:
JOE B RYANT
DAVI D DODDS
MANAGING WRITER:
In addition to giving you tons of great CLAYTON G RAY
information for your draft, it’s our goal for SENIOR EDITOR:
JASON WOOD
the magazine to give you a taste of what
we do with the website. For instance, we STATISTICIAN:
have a few Player Spotlights and Face-offs DOUG DR I N E N
in the magazine. On the website, we’ll have ART DIRECTOR:
KEVI N U LR ICH
more than 200 of these. In the magazine,
each player will have four or five sentences CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS:
DAVE BAKE R
written about him. On the website, every SIG M U N D B LOOM
player has entire sections and tabs of ANTHONY BOR B E LY
J E N E B RAM E L
content (career stats, game logs, news, M I KE B ROWN
overview, outlook, game summaries, etc) JOE B RYANT
devoted to them. Our website has more free DAVI D DODDS
COLI N DOWLI NG
information than many premium sites have MARC FALETTI
paid content. Our message board had more WI LL G RANT
J E FF HASE LEY
than 2 million posts last season. In other B R UCE H E N DE RSON
words, it’s a pretty big iceberg. BOB H E N RY
I don’t say these things to brag. I say M I KE H E R MAN
AN DY H ICKS
them to give you a picture of what kind of CECI L LAM M EY
asset Footballguys can be as you set out to MARC LEVI N
BOB MAGAW
dominate your league. Let our staff of 60+ J E N MAKI
football fanatics spend a thousand hours JOH N NORTON
a week creating the content and tools you J E FF PASQU I NO
AARON R U DN ICKI
need to win – so you have a life spending CH R IS SM ITH
time with your family or maybe even CHASE STUART
J E FF TE FE RTI LLE R
getting some work done. MAU R I LE TR E M B LAY
Regular Footballguys readers know I MATT WALDMAN
like to get to the bottom line. So here goes. MAR K WI M E R
JASON WOOD
The owners of this company have been DAVI D YU DKI N
involved with Fantasy Football more than
19 years. We know what fantasy owners CONTACT INFO:
FOOTBALLG UYS.COM
want and we know what it takes to win. We 9117 HAI LES AB B EY LAN E
run our business in a professional manner KNOXVI LLE, TN 37922
WE B: HTTP:/ /WWW.FOOTBALLG UYS.COM
– whether it’s the website or this magazine. E MAI L: B RYANT@FOOTBALLG UYS.COM
Plus, you can take us with you to the office COVER PHOTO
as our message board keeps a PG-rated Maurice Jones-Drew
(Icon Sports Media, Inc)
standard for language and content. But
most importantly, we give our customers
F+W MEDIA, INC.
the tools and information to DOMINATE Chairman & CEO: David Nussbaum
Senior VP, Manufacturing & Production: Phil Graham
THEIR LEAGUE. Fantasy owners that Executive V.P., Interactive Media: John Lerner
subscribe to Footballguys are outrageously Director, Information Technology: Mike Kuehn
successful. And with that said, it’s our F+W MEDIA, INC. MAGAZINE GROUP
sincere hope that 2009 is your best fantasy President: David Blansfield
Group Publisher: Jeff Pozorski
football season yet. Thanks for allowing us Conference Director: Sara Dumford
Circulation Director: Deb Westmaas
to be a part of it. Newsstand Director: Susan Rose
Joe Bryant
Owner – www.footballguys.com
5/26/09 8:39:28 AM
 CONTENTS
Odds and Ends
2 Editor’s Note
Opening Words from Our Owner

4 NFL Depth Charts

A Quick Look at All 32 Teams News
32 NFL Team-by-Team Schedules 11 Injury Recap
Each Team’s 2009 Schedule The Injuries to Know About

34 NFL Week-by-Week Schedules 14 Coaching Changes

A Weekly Look at the 2009 Schedule An Examination of the New Coaches

237 Target Stats 20 Offseason Player Movement

Digging Beyond the Box Scores A Summary of Free Agent Moves

248 Random Shots 26 Preseason Watch List

A Different Kind of View of the NFL Hot Topics to Follow This Preseason

250 Parting Shots

Our Owner Closes the Magazine
Player and Team Pages
90 Rookie Reviews
A Quick Look at the New Talent
Cheatsheets, Rankings and
Projections 96 Quarterbacks
Drew Brees Leads the Huddle
36 Offensive Line Preview
A Quick Rundown of the Trenches 108 Running Backs
Adrian Peterson Rushes to the Top
42 Expert Rankings
Consensus Staff Lists at Every Position 122 Wide Receivers
Larry Fitzgerald Receives the Honor
56 Cheatsheets
Performance, PPR, Basic, Auction, Dynasty, & IDP Lists 138 Tight Ends
Jason Witten Gets the Nod
62 Top 220 Players
Complete With ADP & Comments on Top 100 145 Kickers
Stephen Gostkowski by a Toe
66 Projections
Forecasts for the Entire 2009 Season 152 Individual Defensive Players
A Comprehensive Look at Each Team IDPs

Strategy 170 Team Reports

A Two-page Look at Each NFL Team
8 Navigating Injuries
An In-depth Examination of Injuries

76 Principles of Value Based Drafting Spotlights and Face-offs

Another Look at the Foundation of Footballguys 99 Jay Cutler Spotlight
How Will He Perform in Chicago?
80 Value Plays
Our Staff Consensus List of Players to Target 103 Matt Cassel Face-off
Another QB in a New City
85 Overvalued Players
Our Staff Consensus List of Players to Avoid 111 Matt Forte Face-off
Can the Second-year Back Succeed Again?
167 Defensive Team by Committee
Advanced Strategy for Selecting Defenses 115 DeAngelo Williams Spotlight
He Was Enormous in 2008
234 From the Gut
Taking a Break from the Numbers 128 Chad Ochocinco Face-off
Different Name, Same Game?
238 The Perfect Draft
How to Dominate on Draft Day

244 Mock Draft

Strategy Thoughts from 12 Staffers

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FOOTBALLGUYS.COM 3

3 TOC.indd 3 5/26/09 5:15:56 PM

 NFL Depth Charts by Bob Henry

A
t Footballguys.com we take fantasy football seriously.
Our depth charts are updated on a daily basis during
the regular season and throughout most of the offsea-
son as well. The depth charts presented here represent an abbrevi-
ated format of our full depth charts that appear on the web site.
Please visit www.footballguys.com to view the full version of our
NFL depth charts, including individual defensive players (IDPs)
and a more complete listing of backups at each position.

Baltimore RAVENS Arizona CARDINALS

QB: Joe Flacco, Troy Smith, John Beck, Drew Willy
RB: Willis McGahee, Ray Rice (3RB), Cedric Peerman, Jalen
Parmele
FB: Le’Ron McClain, Jason Cook
WR: Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, Marcus Smith, Deme-
trius Williams, Yamon Figurs (PR), Marcus Maxwell, Eron
Riley
TE: Todd Heap, L.J. Smith, Davon Drew, Quinn Sypniewski
K: Steve Hauschka, Graham Gano
QB: Kurt Warner, Matt Leinart, Brian St. Pierre, Tyler Palko
RB: Tim Hightower, Chris Wells, Jason Wright, LaRod Ste-
phens-Howling
FB: Tim Castille
WR: Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston (KR/
PR), Early Doucet, Jerheme Urban, Sean Morey
TE: Leonard Pope, Ben Patrick, Anthony Becht, Steven
Spach
K: Neil Rackers

Buffalo BILLS Atlanta FALCONS

QB: Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Gibran Hamdan, Matt Baker QB: Matt Ryan, Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley, John Parker
RB: Marshawn Lynch (susp), Fred Jackson, Dominic Wilson
Rhodes, Xavier Omon, Bruce Hall RB: Michael Turner, Jerious Norwood (KR), Jason Snelling,
FB: Corey McIntyre Thomas Brown
WR: Terrell Owens, Lee Evans, Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish FB: Ovie Mughelli
(PR), James Hardy, Steve Johnson WR: Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, Harry Douglas (PR),
TE: Derek Schouman, Shawn Nelson, Derek Fine, Jonathan Brian Finneran, Aaron Kelly
Stupar, Travis McCall TE: Tony Gonzalez, Justin Peelle, Jason Rader, Ben Hartsock
K: Rian Lindell K: Jason Elam

Cincinnati BENGALS Carolina PANTHERS

QB: Carson Palmer, J.T. O’Sullivan, Jordan Palmer, Billy Farris
RB: Cedric Benson, Brian Leonard (3RB/FB), Bernard Scott
(3RB), Kenny Watson, DeDe Dorsey, Marlon Lucky
FB: Daniel Coats (TE), Jeremi Johnson, Fui Vakapuna
WR: Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, Chris Henry,
Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell, Antonio Chatman, Quan
Cosby
TE: Reggie Kelly, Ben Utecht, Chase Coffman
K: Shayne Graham, Dave Rayner
QB: Jake Delhomme, Josh McCown, Matt Moore, Hunter
Cantwell
RB: DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Mike Goodson,
Jamall Lee
FB: Brad Hoover, Tony Fiammetta
WR: Steve Smith, Muhsin Muhammad, Dwayne Jarrett, Ryne
Robinson, Kenneth Moore, Marcus Monk, Larry Beavers
TE: Dante Rosario, Jeff King, Gary Barnidge
K: John Kasay, Rhys Lloyd

Cleveland BROWNS Chicago BEARS

QB: Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson, Brett Ratliff, Richard
Bartel
RB: Jamal Lewis, Jerome Harrison, James Davis, Noah Herron
FB: Lawrence Vickers, Charles Ali
WR: Braylon Edwards, Donte Stallworth, Brian Robiskie,
David Patten, Josh Cribbs (KR/PR/QB), Mohamed Masso-
quoi, Syndric Steptoe, Mike Furrey
TE: Robert Royal, Steve Heiden, Martin Rucker, Brad Cieslak
K: Phil Dawson
QB: Jay Cutler, Caleb Hanie, Brett Basanez
RB: Matt Forte, Kevin Jones, Garrett Wolfe, Adrian Peter-
son
FB: Jason McKie, Jason Davis
WR: Devin Hester (PR), Earl Bennett, Juaquin Iglesias,
Rashied Davis, Johnny Knox (KR/PR), Derek Kinder
TE: Greg Olsen, Desmond Clark, Michael Gaines, Kellen
Davis
K: Robbie Gould

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4 DEPTH CHARTS.indd 4 5/26/09 8:41:18 AM

 Denver BRONCOS Dallas COWBOYS
QB: Kyle Orton, Chris Simms, Tom Brandstater QB: Tony Romo, Jon Kitna, Stephen McGee, Rudy
RB: Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter, Lamont Carpenter
Jordan, J.J. Arrington (KR), Darius Walker, Ryan Torain RB: Marion Barber III, Felix Jones, Tashard Choice,
(inj), Kestahn Moore Alonzo Coleman, Keon Lattimore
FB: Peyton Hillis FB: Deon Anderson, Asaph Schwapp, Jamar Hunt
WR: Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal (PR), Brandon WR: Roy Williams, Miles Austin, Patrick Crayton, Sam
Stokley, Jabar Gaffney, Kenny McKinley, Chad Jackson Hurd, Isaiah Stanback (KR), Manuel Johnson, Kevin
TE: Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Richard Quinn, Ogletree
Jeb Putzier TE: Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett, John Phillips
K: Matt Prater K: Nick Folk, David Buehlr

Houston TEXANS Detroit LIONS

QB: Matt Schaub, Dan Orlovsky, Alex Brink
RB: Steve Slaton (3RB), Chris Brown, Ryan Moats,
Arian Foster, Jeremiah Johnson
FB: Vonta Leach
WR: Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, David Anderson,
Andre Davis, Jacoby Jones (PR), Darnell Jenkins,
Glenn Martinez
TE: Owen Daniels, James Casey (HB/FB), Anthony
Hill
K: Kris Brown
QB: Daunte Culpepper, Matthew Stafford, Drew
Stanton
RB: Kevin Smith (3RB), Maurice Morris, Aaron Brown
(3RB/KR), Aveion Cason (KR), Antone Smith
FB: Jerome Felton, Terrelle Smith, Jon Bradley
WR: Calvin Johnson, Bryant Johnson, Ronald Curry,
Derrick Williams (PR), Keary Colbert, John Standeford
TE: Brandon Pettigrew, Casey Fitzsimmons, Will
Heller, Dan Gronkowski
K: Jason Hanson

Indianapolis COLTS Green Bay PACKERS

QB: Peyton Manning, Jim Sorgi, Curtis Painter
RB: Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, Mike Hart, Chad
Simpson (KR), Lance Ball
FB: None
WR: Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Austin Col-
lie, Roy Hall, Pierre Garcon (PR), Taj Smith
TE: Dallas Clark, Gijon Robinson, Jacob Tamme, Justin
Snow
K: Adam Vinatieri, Pat McAfee
QB: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, Brian Brohm
RB: Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson (3RB), Kregg
Lumpkin, DeShawn Wynn, Tyrell Sutton
FB: Korey Hall, John Kuhn, Quinn Johnson
WR: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson
(KR), James Jones, Ruvell Martin, Brett Swain
TE: Donald Lee, Tory Humphrey, Jermichael Finley
K: Mason Crosby

Jacksonville JAGUARS Minnesota VIKINGS

QB: David Garrard, Cleo Lemon, Todd Bouman, Paul
Smith
RB: Maurice Jones-Drew (SD/3RB), Chauncey Wash-
ington, Rashad Jennings, Alvin Pearman (KR)
FB: Greg Jones, Montell Owens
WR: Torry Holt, Mike Walker, Dennis Northcutt (PR),
Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard, Troy Williamson, Tiquan
Underwood
TE: Marcedes Lewis, Greg Estandia, Richard Angulo
K: Josh Scobee
QB: Sage Rosenfels, Tarvaris Jackson, John David
Booty, Sean Glennon
RB: Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor, Albert Young,
Ian Johnson
FB: Naufahu Tahi
WR: Bernard Berrian (PR), Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin
(KR/PR), Bobby Wade, Aundrae Allison (KR), Glenn Holt
TE: Visanthe Shiancoe, Jim Kleinsasser, Garrett Mills,
Jeff Dugan
K: Ryan Longwell, Taylor Melhaff

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4 DEPTH CHARTS.indd 5 5/26/09 8:41:39 AM

 N F L D E P T H C HAR TS

Kansas City CHIEFS New Orleans SAINTS

QB: Matt Cassel, Tyler Thigpen, Brodie Croyle, Ingle
Martin
RB: Larry Johnson, Jamaal Charles (3RB), Kolby
Smith (inj), Javarris Williams, Jackie Battle, Dantrell
Savage
FB: Mike Cox
WR: Dwayne Bowe, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram,
Devard Darling, Jeff Webb, Quinten Lawrence,
Terrance Copper
TE: Brad Cottam, Sean Ryan, Tony Curtis
K: Connor Barth, Ryan Succop
QB: Drew Brees, Mark Brunell, Joey Harrington,
Patrick Cowan
RB: Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, Lynell
Hamilton, P.J. Hill, Herb Donaldson
FB: Heath Evans, Darian Barnes, Olaniyi Sobomehin
WR: Marques Colston, Lance Moore (PR), Devery
Henderson, Adrian Arrington, Robert Meachem, Sky-
ler Green, Courtney Roby (KR)
TE: Jeremy Shockey, Billy Miller, Dan Campbell
K: Garrett Hartley

Miami DOLPHINS New York GIANTS

QB: Chad Pennington, Chad Henne, Pat White (WR/ QB: Eli Manning, David Carr, Rhett Bomar, Andre
RB) Woodson
RB: Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Patrick Cobbs RB: Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw (KR), Andre
(KR), Lex Hilliard, Anthony Kimble Brown, Danny Ware, Allen Patrick
FB: Lousaka Polite, Chris Brown FB: Madison Hedgecock
WR: Ted Ginn, Greg Camarillo (inj), Davone Bess WR: Domenik Hixon (KR/PR), Hakeem Nicks, Steve
(PR), Brandon London, Ernest Wilford, Patrick Turner, Smith, Mario Manningham, Ramses Barden, Sinorice
Brian Hartline Moss, David Tyree
TE: Anthony Fasano, David Martin, John Nalbone TE: Kevin Boss, Travis Beckum (HB), Michael Mat-
thews, George Wrighster
K: Dan Carpenter
K: Lawrence Tynes

New England PATRIOTS Philadelphia EAGLES

QB: Tom Brady, Kevin O’Connell, Matt Gutierrez,
Brian Hoyer
RB: Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk (3RB), Sammy Morris,
Laurence Maroney, BenJarvus Green-Ellis
WR: Randy Moss, Wesley Welker (PR), Joey Gallo-
way, Greg Lewis, Brandon Tate (KR) (inj), Sam Aiken,
Matt Slater (KR)
TE: Ben Watson, Chris Baker, Alex Smith, David
Thomas
K: Stephen Gostkowski
QB: Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, A.J. Feeley
RB: Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy, Lorenzo
Booker, Marcus Thigpen, Walter Mendenhall
FB: Leonard Weaver, Kyle Eckel, Dan Klecko (DT)
WR: DeSean Jackson (PR), Kevin Curtis, Jason Avant,
Reggie Brown, Jeremy Maclin (KR), Hank Baskett,
Brandon Gibson
TE: Brent Celek, Matt Schobel, Cornelius Ingram
K: David Akers, Sam Swank

New York JETS St. Louis RAMS

QB: Mark Sanchez, Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge, Chris
Pizzotti
RB: Thomas Jones, Leon Washington (3RB/KR/PR),
Shonn Greene, Danny Woodhead
FB: Tony Richardson, Jehuu Caulcrick, Brannan
Southerland
WR: Jerricho Cotchery, Chansi Stuckey, Brad Smith, David
Clowney, Wallace Wright, Marcus Henry, Huey Whittaker
TE: Dustin Keller, Bubba Franks, Andrew Davie (LS),
Rob Myers, J’Nathan Bullock
K: Jay Feely
QB: Marc Bulger, Kyle Boller, Keith Null, Brock Berlin
RB: Steven Jackson, Antonio Pittman, Kenneth Darby
(3RB), Chris Ogbonnaya (3RB), Sam Gado
FB: Mike Karney, Chris Massey (LS), Jerome Johnson
WR: Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Laurent Robin-
son, Derek Stanley, Brooks Foster, Travis Brown, Tim
Carter
TE: Randy McMichael, Joe Klopfenstein, Daniel Fells,
Billy Bajema
K: Josh Brown

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6 FOOTBALLGUYS.COM

4 DEPTH CHARTS.indd 6 5/26/09 8:41:56 AM

 N F L D E P T H C HAR TS

Oakland RAIDERS San Francisco 49ers

QB: JaMarcus Russell, Jeff Garcia, Andrew Walter,
Bruce Gradkowski
RB: Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas, Michael Bush
(FB), Gary Russell, Louis Rankin
FB: Lorenzo Neal, Oren ONeal, Luke Lawton, Marcel
Reece
WR: Chaz Schilens, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Johnnie
Lee Higgins, Javon Walker (inj), Louis Murphy, Todd
Watkins, Arman Shields
TE: Zach Miller, Tony Stewart, Brandon Myers
K: Sebastian Janikowski
QB: Shaun Hill, Damon Huard, Alex Smith, Nate
Davis
RB: Frank Gore, Michael Robinson (FB), Glen Coffee,
Thomas Clayton, Kory Sheets
FB: Moran Norris, Zak Keasey
WR: Michael Crabtree, Isaac Bruce, Josh Morgan,
Brandon Jones, Jason Hill, Arnaz Battle, Dominique
Zeigler
TE: Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Bear Pascoe
K: Joe Nedney

Pittsburgh STEELERS Seattle SEAHAWKS

QB: Ben Roethlisberger, Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon,
Mike Reilly
RB: Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore (3RB), Rashard
Mendenhall, Justin Vincent, Stefan Logan
FB: Carey Davis, Frank Summers
WR: Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Limas Sweed,
Mike Wallace, Shaun McDonald, Dallas Baker, Martin
Nance
TE: Heath Miller, Matt Spaeth, David Johnson, Sean
McHugh (FB/TE)
K: Jeff Reed, Piotr Czech
QB: Matt Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace, Mike Teel, Jeff
Rowe
RB: Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett (SD), Justin Forsett (KR),
Devin Moore, Tyler Roehl
FB: Owen Schmitt, Justin Griffith, David Kirtman
WR: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, Deion
Branch, Deon Butler, Jordan Kent, Ben Obomanu,
Logan Payne
TE: John Carlson, Cameron Morrah, John Owens
K: Olindo Mare, Brandon Coutu

San Diego CHARGERS Tampa Bay BUCCANEERS

QB: Philip Rivers, Billy Volek, Charlie Whitehurst
RB: LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles (KR/PR),
Gartrell Johnson, Jacob Hester, Michael Bennett,
Curtis Brinkley
FB: Mike Tolbert, Billy Latsko
WR: Chris Chambers, Vincent Jackson, Malcom
Floyd, Craig Davis, Legedu Naanee, Kassim Osgood,
Demetrius Byrd
TE: Antonio Gates, Brandon Manumaleuna, Kris Wil-
son (FB), Kory Sperry
K: Nate Kaeding
QB: Luke McCown, Byron Leftwich, Josh Freeman, Josh
Johnson
RB: Derrick Ward (3RB), Earnest Graham, Clifton Smith
(KR), Josh Vaughan, Kareem Huggins, Cadillac Williams
(inj)
FB: B.J. Askew, Jameel Cook
WR: Antonio Bryant, Michael Clayton, Dexter Jackson
(PR), Maurice Stovall, Sammie Stroughter, Cortez Hank-
ton, Amarri Jackson
TE: Kellen Winslow Jr, Jerramy Stevens, John Gilmore,
Ryan Purvis
K: Matt Bryant, Mike Nugent

Tennessee TITANS Washington REDSKINS

QB: Kerry Collins, Vince Young, Patrick Ramsey, Alex
Mortenson
RB: Chris Johnson (3RB/KR), LenDale White, Chris
Henry, Javon Ringer, Quinton Ganther, Rafael Little
FB: Ahmard Hall, Casey Cramer
WR: Justin Gage, Nate Washington, Kenny Britt,
Lavelle Hawkins, Justin McCareins, Chris Davis (PR),
Mark Jones (KR/PR), Paul Williams, Dudley Guice
TE: Bo Scaife, Alge Crumpler, Jared Cook, Craig
Stevens
K: Rob Bironas
QB: Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, Colt Brennan,
Chase Daniels
RB: Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts (3RB), Rock Cartwright
(KR), Marcus Mason, Anthony Alridge, Dominique Dorsey
FB: Mike Sellers, Jonathan Evans
WR: Santana Moss (PR), Antwaan Randle El, Devin
Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, James Thrash, Roydell Wil-
liams, Jaison Williams
TE: Chris Cooley, Fred Davis, Todd Yoder, Eddie Wil-
liams (HB/FB)
K: Shaun Suisham

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4 DEPTH CHARTS.indd 7 5/26/09 8:42:08 AM

 HOW TO NAVIGATE THE
INJURY REPORT
By Dr. W. David Hovis, M.D. and Dr. Jene Bramel, M.D.
with Joe Bryant
SHOULDER INJURIES
Acromioclavicular joint (AC) shoulder separation. This is
also known as a separated shoulder. This injury occurs as a
“S tay healthy.” If you listen to opposing players talk
after a game, that’s the parting phrase you’ll hear
repeated. And for good reason – avoiding serious
result of a hit or blow to the top part of the shoulder, depressing
the scapula (shoulder blade) and tearing the ligaments between
the scapula and clavicle (collar bone). The classic case where
injury is a key to success.
you see this injury is when a QB is sacked and driven to the turf
But in a game like football, few players dodge the injury
shoulder first. These don’t usually require surgery and length of
bullet for long. There will come a time when your player
rehab depends upon severity and player position. For example,
is injured. To succeed in fantasy football, you’ll need to
a quarterback with an AC separation on his throwing shoulder
understand the basics of the different injuries, and more
will obviously be a more serious injury than a similar injury to
importantly, what kind of timeframe the injured player is
a wide receiver.
looking at before returning to action.
Treatment and
To find answers to these questions, we consulted experts. Dr.
Return to play: For
David Hovis is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in Sports
less severe Grade 1
Medicine. He’s a Team Physician for the United States Alpine
injuries, return to play
Ski Team and he served as the Assistant Team Physician for
may be immediate,
the Denver Broncos. He’s published numerous articles and has
especially with a pain
made many national presentations covering Sports Medicine
killing injection. More
with a particular focus on knee and shoulder injuries. He was
severe injuries with
gracious enough to give us the inside scoop on navigating the
Grade 2 or Grade 3
injury report. Dr. Jene Bramel is a member of our Footballguys
damage may take six
staff, but his real job is at an Urgent Care Unit where he often
weeks or even more.
diagnoses and treats the types of injuries discussed here.
Dislocated shoulder
with anterior
SPRAINS VS. STRAINS instability. The most common shoulder dislocation in football
A sprain refers to a stretching injury to a ligament. is out the front, or anterior. Dislocations occurring traumatically
Regardless, of the anatomic location, sprains are generally in this direction often tear the labrum in the front part of the
graded 1, 2, or 3, depending on severity. A Grade 1 sprain shoulder, leaving the shoulder at risk for recurring dislocations.
is simply a stretch injury to the ligament without significant Treatment and Return to play: For return to play, surgery
tearing of fibers and no instability. Grade 1 sprains heal without is usually required to repair the torn labrum. The subsequent
surgery. A Grade 2 sprain denotes a partial tear to the ligament rehab is about four months, which means these are often season
and while mild instability is possible, these injuries generally ending injuries.
heal without surgery. Grade 3 sprains are complete tears of Note the big difference
the ligament. Instability exists and treatment depends upon between a shoulder
anatomic location. Surgery is often required, depending on separation and a shoulder
where the injury occurs. dislocation.
A strain is a stretching injury to a muscle or tendon.
Hamstring or groin pulls are strain injuries. Strains can be
graded as well, just like sprains. A Grade 1 muscle strain
will be fairly minor, a Grade 2 strain would be a partial tear
of the muscle and a Grade 3 strain would be a complete tear
of the muscle belly. As we all know from following players
with hamstring injuries, these problems can be nagging and
extremely troublesome. The pressure of returning too quickly
from injury can often entrap the player in a cycle of rehab
followed by re-injury.
Let’s take a look at some injuries and how they’re treated.

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8 NAV INJURIES.indd 8 5/27/09 12:53:46 PM

 KNEE INJURIES
There are two types of cartilage in the knee, meniscal
cartilage and articular cartilage. The great majority of knee
cartilage injuries involve the meniscal cartilage. There are
four major ligaments and several smaller ligaments around the
knee. The major ligaments, in descending order of frequency of
injury, are: medial collateral ligament (MCL), anterior cruciate
ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and lateral
collateral ligament (LCL). MCL and ACL injuries comprise the
majority of knee ligament injuries.
Meniscal tear. Think of the meniscal cartilage as a “shock
absorber” between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin
bone). Isolated meniscal tears are the most common knee
injury in football. They are easily and commonly treated with
arthroscopic resection (surgery). Making two or three tiny
incisions on the front part of the knee, a camera and instruments
can be inserted to clean out, or resect, the torn cartilage. The
procedure is quick and players begin rehab immediately.
Treatment and Return to play: Recovery times for meniscal
tears vary widely. Return to play usually depends on return of
muscle strength and also depends heavily on the individual.
Quick healers with minor tears may return to action quickly, but
most players take longer to return. Often, arthroscopic surgery
is necessary to repair torn meniscal cartilage. Most players take
four weeks to return after surgery, as Reggie Bush did in 2008.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. If you were going to
design a sport to create ACL tears, you would be hard-pressed
to do better than football. The
ACL controls stability to the knee
by limiting anterior translation or
shifting of the knee and coupling
rotational motion of the knee.
When the player plants his foot
to cut and change direction, the
ACL is placed under stress as it
controls and couples the motion. If
the stress is too much, the ligament
can tear in a non-contact injury.
Add to this scenario a blow from
the side as in a linebacker tackling
a running back, and the prevalence of ACL injuries goes way
up. A healthy anterior cruciate ligament is a requirement to
effectively cut side-to-side on the field.
While there are some players who have navigated the
football field for a whole career with an ACL deficient knee
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8 NAV INJURIES.indd 9
(John Elway had torn ACLs in
both knees his whole career),
today, a torn anterior cruciate
ligament almost always
means reconstruction. ACL
reconstruction is performed
by taking a tendon graft either
from the player’s own knee or
from donated tissue in a tissue
bank and routing it through drill
holes in the bone to the exact
location of the once-healthy
ACL. The graft is generally
fixed with screws on either side.
Treatment and Return to play: It’s interesting that for ACL
injuries, a great majority of them are Grade 3 or complete
tears. In other words, when you hear “ACL Injury,” there’s
a very good chance we’re talking about a serious injury. Six
months or longer is often required for a player to return from
reconstructive ACL surgery. There are anecdotal stories of
athletes returning to play in the same season but often with
negative consequences. Jerry Rice reinjured his knee after
returning in the same season with a very accelerated rehab
program. If a player has an ACL reconstruction, this should
be considered a season-ending injury. In fact, there is rampant
speculation that a player may take up to 18 months to fully
return to his pre-injury form.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear. The MCL is subject
to injury from a blow to the side of the knee. Offensive
linemen are particularly prone to MCL injuries and most are
prophylactically (not a word I get to write every day) braced to
help prevent injury. In general, the braces are too restricting to
be tolerated by most agility and speed players, but for lineman
and less mobile QBs, it’s a common protective precaution.
(Peyton Manning has worn a protective knee brace on his left
knee for several years.)
Treatment and Return to play: An injured medial collateral
ligament often heals without surgery and responds well to
bracing and rehab. Return to play depends on the grade of
injury and player position. Most quarterbacks, receivers and
running backs will return within two weeks with a Grade 1
sprain, as Indianapolis TE Dallas Clark did early in 2008. For a
Grade 3 or complete tear, it can take up to six weeks to return.
Houston QB Matt Schaub’s month long recovery from a torn
MCL in 2008 is the norm.
9
5/27/09 12:53:58 PM
 H O W T O N AV I G AT E T H E I N J U R Y R E P O R T
FOOT AND ANKLE INJURIES
High ankle sprain. High ankle sprains are different from
traditional sprained ankles in that the damaged ligaments
are between the tibia and fibula, the lower leg bones that run
from the knee to the ankle. The stout ligaments, called the
“syndesmosis” or “syndesmotic ligaments” hold these bones
together and can be stretched with a twisting mechanism of
injury about the ankle. If severe enough, the ligaments can
completely tear (Grade 3 sprain) and the fibula can even break.
The most recent high profile instance of such a severe injury
was that of Terrell Owens in 2004.
Syndesmotic injuries
tend to heal more slowly
than more common lateral
ankle sprains. Treatment is
determined by the stability
of the ankle. If the ankle is
stable, then the high ankle
sprain can be treated in a
cast or immobilizing boot.
If the ankle is unstable, then
“syndesmotic screws” can be
placed between the tibia and
fibula to hold the bones in
proper alignment while the
syndesmotic ligaments heal.
Obviously, this would indicate
a more serious injury with a
longer recovery time.
Treatment and Return to play: For a Grade 1 or 2 high
ankle sprain, a player can likely return in two to four weeks. If
surgery is required, he can be out up to 12 weeks. Again, the
fitness and motivation of the athlete can determine in large part
how quickly he returns. For some athletes with little to play for,
surgery following a high ankle sprain can end their season.
Turf toe. Turf toe is a hyperflexion injury of the big (great)
toe. That means the big toe bends too far. Usually it’s too far
backward. This can produce a sprain of the capsule on the
plantar (bottom) surface of the foot. Turf toe injuries are named
due to the increased frequency with which these injuries are
seen on artificial turf. Studies have shown that up to 87 percent
of the turf toe injuries occur on artificial turf. The disparity
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8 NAV INJURIES.indd 10
is expected to decrease with the introduction of more player-
friendly Field Turf, but turf toe injuries are expected to continue
to be a common problem.
Treatment and Return to play: A Grade 1 sprain of the
capsule is treated symptomatically and a rigid shoe insert
often allows an immediate return to the field. “Treated
symptomatically” means treating the symptoms of the
injury, pain or swelling and so on. Grade 2 and 3 injuries are
associated with increasing pain and usually require one to two
weeks of rest, anti-inflammatories and icing. The rigid orthotics
in the shoe usually allows return to play at that time. Also note
that turf toe is similar to hamstring injuries in that it’s one of
those nagging types of injuries. Players often try to return too
quickly and wind up injuring themselves even more. Darren
McFadden’s frustrating rookie season is a prime example
of how difficult a turf toe injury can be to treat and return
effectively in the same year.
STAPHYLOCOCCAL INFECTION
Infection has always been a known risk after a surgical
procedure. In recent seasons, however, staph infections have
approached epidemic proportions in NFL locker rooms. The
problem first made headlines after multiple members of the
Cleveland Browns were infected over a short period of time. In
2008, both Tom Brady and Peyton Manning had post-surgical
complications blamed on a staph infection. The severity of these
infections can be highly variable. Some minor infections may
go unreported. More severe infections after major operations
could set recovery times back by months. Invasive staph
infections continue to steadily increase in frequency among the
general public. Despite the best efforts of team training and
medical staffs, these infections are likely to continue to be a
problem in the NFL in coming seasons.
MRIS AND GAME-TIME DECISIONS
With the advancement in MRI diagnostics today, team
physicians have a tremendous ability to diagnose injuries. MRIs
show damage to the muscles, ligaments and tendons which an
X-ray does not show well. When a player is injured, an MRI
can be administered immediately and the results will be known
right away. The team will often withhold that information until
a course of action is determined, but they know what they’re
dealing with very soon after the injury occurs.
Often times, an athlete’s playing status won’t be determined
until just before kickoff. This is the dreaded “game-time
decision.” In a great many cases, this decision has been made
well before game time, but the team doesn’t want to show
its hand. In these cases, the best bet is to watch a player’s
participation in practice (or lack of it) through the week. Every
team is different and one of the primary in-season tasks we
perform at Footballguys is deciphering the signals regarding
who will play and how effectively. Knowing that Jeff Fisher’s
“Questionable” is different from Andy Reid’s “Questionable”
or knowing which coaches enforce a fairly strict “practice to
play” rule can make all the difference. That knowledge and
experience with the coaches, plus the injury information here,
should help shed some light as you navigate the sometimes
tricky path of the injury report. Best of luck and here’s hoping
all your guys “stay healthy.”
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/27/09 12:54:11 PM
 by Mark Wimer

INJURY RECAP
P
ro football players often suffer injuries
that linger from one season into the next.
Below is a review of the most significant
injuries that fantasy relevant skill position players
are afflicted with entering the 2009 training
camps. For the latest and most complete injury
news (and other news), check out the player
pages and news blogger at Footballguys.com.

+ QUARTERBACKS +
Cleveland QB Derek Anderson did not have
offseason surgery on the knee injury he suffered
last season. The injury healed naturally.
New England QB Tom Brady is
participating fully in the team’s offseason
workouts and is working without limitations on
his surgically repaired knee (ACL, September
2008). He is expected to be at full speed for
training camp.
Buffalo QB Trent Edwards is rehabbing a
shoulder injury but should be ready for the start
of training camp.
Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck said his
offseason weight training regimen has been
successful (April 7th), and he participated fully
in the team’s first minicamp in April. So far, his
injured back looks to be at 100 percent.
Cincinnati QB Carson Palmer avoided

further surgery on his injured right elbow early
this year and as of April 26 was said to be ready
to participate full speed in offseason OTAs. He’s
said to have a “chip on his shoulder” and is eager to prove
he’s back to 100 percent.
Cleveland QB Brady Quinn was reportedly near 100
percent recovered from finger surgery as of February 2009. “It
feels great,” he said. “It’s amazing. This is what I was born to
do and it feels great to be throwing again. I’m pain-free and
everything was 100 percent successful.” Quinn should be at full
speed for training camp.
Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers played through a sprained
throwing shoulder since week 4 of 2008, but did not require
offseason surgery as of mid-May.
San Francisco QB Alex Smith threw in minicamps during
April but was seen holding his sore throwing arm shoulder
(surgically repaired last November). It remains to be seen if he
can get to 100 percent healthy in time for training camp.
Arizona QB Kurt Warner had surgery in mid-March
to repair a torn labrum in his left hip. As of May 4, he was
participating in minicamp on a limited basis and appears to be
on schedule to return to full participation by training camp.
ICON SMI
Darren McFadden
+ RUNNING BACKS +
Denver RB J.J. Arrington was unable to participate in May
mini-camp as he continues to recover from a torn meniscus
cartilage in his knee. He may be on the bubble if he can’t get
into action soon.
Dallas RB Marion Barber’s dislocated pinkie toe (an issue
at the end of last season) is apparently healed – he’s been doing
strenuous offseason workouts with no reported problems.
New Orleans RB Reggie Bush is said to be recovering well
from his late December knee surgery (microfracture surgery/
knee cartilage repair). The team hopes he’ll be ready to go for
the start of training camp.
NY Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw suffered a minor ankle
sprain while stepping off a street curb on April 2. He resumed
full participation in OTAs on April 21.
Chicago RB Matt Forte reports that the sore toe that
bothered him at the end of 2008 has completely healed during
the offseason.
Tampa Bay RB Earnest Graham suffered a high ankle

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11 INJURIES.indd 11 5/26/09 9:03:58 AM

 I N J U RY R E CAP
sprain with ligament damage back in November
of 2008, but he is expected to be able to participate
in OTAs/training camp. On May 8 his agent Drew
Rosenhaus asserted that Graham is fully healed.
Indianapolis RB Mike Hart is said to be “on schedule”
for returning from a torn ACL (suffered last October). He
may be on the bubble with the Colts since they drafted Donald
Brown.
Dallas RB Felix Jones is apparently 100 percent recovered
from his surgically repaired turf toe (November 2008 surgery
on ligaments attached to his left big toe). He has been running
and cutting in workouts and looks solid.
Tennessee RB Chris Johnson reported in early April that
his injured ankle was 95 percent healed and that he expects to
participate in minicamps and training camp at 100 percent. He’s
been working out extensively with a speed and performance
expert.
Cleveland RB Jamal Lewis is recovering from an
arthroscopic procedure on his ankle performed in February – no
rookie RBs were picked in the 2009 Draft, so the Browns are
presumably comfortable with Lewis’ health.
New England RB Laurence Maroney believes he is 100
percent recovered from his troublesome shoulder injury of last
October. We’ll see when training camp rolls around.
Oakland RB Darren McFadden is said to be 100 percent
recovered from an arthroscopic shoulder surgery performed in
January. He should be fine for training camp.
Baltimore RB Willis McGahee revealed in May he had
arthroscopic surgery on an ankle, not on the knee that has been
troubling him in the past (as the team first indicated, in error).
He expects to be fully recovered for the start of training camp
in late July.
Pittsburgh RB Rashard Mendenhall has participated in
offseason sessions and minicamps and looks fully recovered
from last September’s broken shoulder.
Kansas City RB Kolby Smith did not participate in the
first minicamp as his sprained knee is still an issue early in the
offseason.
New England RB Fred Taylor suffered a minor wrist
(sprained left wrist) injury in early May while lifting weights.
He should be fine well before training camp opens.
San Diego RB LaDainian Tomlinson participated fully in
May minicamps and appears 100 percent recovered from the
groin injury that sidelined him during the playoffs at the end
of last season. “No, I wasn’t restricted and I did everything.
Of course you are always concerned because it is the first
time back on the field and especially after being injured. But I
wasn’t restricted at all and it was great.” Tomlinson commented.
Denver RB Ryan Torain suffered an ACL tear in early
November and wasn’t able to participate in May mini-camps.
He’ll likely begin the season on the PUP list.
Philadelphia RB Brian Westbrook talked about his
recent arthroscopic knee surgery on April 9th and said for the
first time in years, he doesn’t feel any pain heading into an
offseason. He should be ready for the start of training camp.
+ WIDE RECEIVERS +
St. Louis WR Donnie Avery played 2008 with a cracked hip
– he was told at the end of the season he’d need 8-10 weeks of
rest to heal. He should be ready for training camp.
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11 INJURIES.indd 12
NY Giants WR Ramses Barden suffered a hamstring injury
during minicamp in early May. The injury isn’t considered
serious, but nagging hamstring injuries have dogged more than
one WR so we’ll keep an eye on his recovery.
Arizona WR Anquan Boldin was sent for an MRI after
reporting a hamstring injury at the mandatory 3-day minicamp
in early May. It appears the “hamstring” complaint may have
had more to do with his contractual squabble with the team than
an actual injury, however.
Seattle WR Nate Burleson is running pass patterns again
without any problem. Burleson, eight months removed from
reconstructive knee surgery, is catching “everything thrown
his way” and is said to be running effortlessly. He should
participate fully in training camp.
Seattle WR Deion Branch had arthroscopic knee surgery
after the 2008 season and was seen in street clothes at the
teams’ first minicamps. The team hopes he’ll be ready for
training camp.
San Diego rookie WR Demetrius Byrd (seventh round pick,
once considered a first round prospect), is recovering from a
serious car accident suffered just days before the NFL draft.
He’s been released from the hospital and continues his rehab.
Miami WR Greg Camarillo is recovering from late-season
ACL/meniscus surgery in his knee. He hopes to be ready for
training camp, but that goal may be tough only six months
removed from knee surgery as of mid-May.
New Orleans WR Marques Colston is recovering well from
arthroscopic knee surgery. The Saints hope he’ll participate
at some point during their OTAs, targeting a June return. He
should be 100 percent for training camp.
San Francisco WR Michael Crabtree is recovering from a
foot injury. He is expected to get in the mix by the end of May
and should be ready for training camp.
Dallas WR Patrick Crayton had arthroscopic ankle surgery
in January, but he is expected to be healthy for training camp.
Philadelphia WR Kevin Curtis had sports hernia surgery
in mid-April (a follow-up to last year’s surgery, performed in
August 2008). Curtis is expected to be up to speed by training
camp, hopefully.
San Diego WR Craig Davis is expected to be 100 percent
for training camp after rehabbing a groin injury that landed him
on IR last year.
Arizona WR Larry Fitzgerald played with a broken left
thumb and torn cartilage in his left hand between his middle
and ring fingers during 2008. “My hands are so messed up right
now,” he said in February. “I’m just glad I don’t have to catch
a ball again for a couple months. I can mend up.” Fitzgerald is
expected to be fine for training camp.
Buffalo WR James Hardy is coming off a torn ACL suffered
last season and may not be ready for the start of training camp
as of mid-May 2009. He said in March (two months after knee
surgery) that he hopes to play in the last preseason game.
Oakland rookie WR Derrius Heyward-Bey sat out of
Sunday, May 10th’s workout due to a sore hamstring. The injury
isn’t considered serious but does bear watching as nagging
hamstring injuries are the sort of injury that can dog a player.
Green Bay WR James Jones battled a torn PCL throughout
last season, but he is expected to be fine for training camp.
Washington WR Malcolm Kelly is recovering from
offseason (March) knee surgery. He may not be ready for the
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/26/09 9:04:20 AM
 I N J U RY R E CAP
start of training camp. Fellow 2008 draft pick Devin Thomas
was coming along nicely in mini-camp, but then injured his
hamstring. The team hopes Thomas will be able to participate in
June OTAs.
Baltimore WR Derrick Mason underwent surgery to fix the
scapula and the labrum in his left shoulder in March, and may
miss all of training camp as a result: “It turned out to be more
than we anticipated,” he said in early May. “But great doctors
find a way to mend you back.” He expects to be in the Week 1
starting lineup, but he turns 35 this year and his recovery may
not go as smoothly as planned. Missing training camp may
mean that he’ll get off to a slow start in 2009.
Denver WR Brandon Marshall continues to recover from
early April hip surgery. He may not be ready for the start of
training camp, although in recent comments he indicated his
hip is feeling “great.” The Broncos are installing a new offense
during the offseason and minicamps, and Marshall won’t get
any reps in the new system until training camp.
New Orleans WR Lance Moore tore the labrum and
dislocated his left shoulder working out in mid-April. He had
surgery to repair the damage but may be iffy for the start of
training camp as of mid-May. The team is hopeful he’ll be
ready for the start of regular season.
Washington WR Santana Moss missed May minicamp due
to shin splints – he’s expected to be fine for training camp.
St. Louis WR Derrick Stanley suffered a torn ACL and
cartilage damage in his knee during mid-December and
underwent surgery to repair the damage. It is unclear if he’ll be
ready for training camp.
New England WR Brandon Tate (#83 pick in the 2009
Draft) is recovering from ACL and MCL (October 2008) injuries
in his knee. He may not contribute to the Patriots this season.
Washington WR James Thrash missed May minicamp due
to a neck injury of unspecified type. He is expected back for
June minicamps.
Pittsburgh WR Hines Ward is recovering from offseason
shoulder surgery (torn rotator cuff). He won’t participate in
OTA/minicamps but is expected to be back for training camp.
Oakland WR Javon Walker surprised the Raiders in early
May by revealing he had further knee surgery on the right
knee originally repaired in 2007 (while he was with Denver)
– the team didn’t know about the procedure until a mandatory
minicamp, when Walker was unable to participate. HC Tom
Cable doesn’t expect Walker to be ready for the start of training
camp, but he looks very dicey for 2009.
Baltimore WR Demetrius Williams recently indicated his
80 percent recovered from a late-October/early-November
Achilles/ankle injury/surgery. He has been running in practices,
but still walks with a limp so we’ll see if he’s 100 percent by
training camp.
Dallas WR Roy Williams is apparently over his late-season
plantar fascia foot injury and the Cowboys are reportedly
“elated” with his progress this offseason in the team’s offensive
system.
+ TIGHT ENDS+
NY Giants rookie TE Travis Beckum suffered a broken leg
as a senior in college, but is expected to be fine for the start of
training camp.
Cincinnati TE Chase Coffman (#98 pick in the 2009 Draft)
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11 INJURIES.indd 13
is coming off a broken foot suffered in the Alamo Bowl. It’s
unclear if he will be able to participate in training camp.
San Diego TE Antonio Gates sat out May minicamp due to
soreness in his injured big toe, and lingering effects from a late
season high ankle sprain. “I don’t know how I got through last
season,” Gates said. “The toe bothered me for months and then
I hurt the ankle. But, somehow, I made it through.” The toe is
said to be “structurally” fine, but pain management is obviously
part of the package for Gates with this injury. He should be
ready for training camp.
Baltimore TE Todd Heap was still struggling with his sore
back as of minicamps. It remains to be seen if he’ll be able
to participate fully in OTAs and minicamps, let alone training
camp.
Cleveland TE Steve Heiden had ACL and MCL surgery in
December – he probably won’t be ready for training camp and
may not contribute much for the first half of the season.
Philadelphia rookie TE Cornelius Ingram may need
additional surgery to repair a damaged ACL in his knee. If so,
he’ll probably sit out the 2009 season.
St. Louis TE Randy McMichael, who broke a bone in his
lower right leg Sept. 28 vs. Buffalo (also tearing a tendon in
his leg), and landed on IR as a result. As of May 8, agent Drew
Rosenhaus asserts that McMichael is 100 percent recovered and
ready to play ball in 2009.
Oakland TE Zach Miller had offseason sports hernia
surgery (he disclosed this in early May). He may not participate
in June practices, but is hopeful to be in action for training
camp. Keep an eye on how Miller progresses once training
camp begins as groin injuries are notorious for causing
continuing problems even after surgical intervention (see
Philadelphia Kevin Curtis above, and Baltimore L.J. Smith,
below).
Detroit TE Brandon Pettigrew had a minor issue with a
tight hamstring in his first practices with Detroit, but he was
held out more due to an abundance of caution rather than an
actual injury.
Carolina TE Dante Rosario underwent lower back surgery
in early May. He may be ready for training camp, but that is up
in the air as of mid-May.
New Orleans TE Jeremy Shockey is said to be fully healed
from last season’s sports hernia and is “anxious” to have a big
year with the Saints in 2009.
Baltimore TE L.J. Smith sat out of early May practices due
to ongoing groin problems due to his sports hernia surgery
performed a couple of years ago. He’s battled pain from the
injury/procedure for years now.
Arizona TE Steven Spach had surgery to repair the ACL,
MCL and meniscus in his knee in late January. He’ll have a
hard time getting on the field for the start of regular season.
Baltimore Quinn Sypniewski was signed to a one-year, $1
million contract in early April despite missing last season with
an ACL injury (suffered last April). He appears to be recovered
from the injury.
+ PLACE KICKER +
Dallas PK Nick Folk underwent hip surgery on
May 5. The team is hopeful he’ll be back up to
speed for training camp.
13
5/26/09 9:04:31 AM
 Coaching
2009
& Philosophy Changes
by Jason Wood
T
he NFL is a demanding league, and the coaching carou-
sel never stops spinning. This offseason was particularly
tumultuous. Nine teams hired new head coaches, and
two more – Oakland and San Francisco – removed the interim
tags from 2008 midseason coaching replacements.
Four teams replaced Super Bowl winning head coaches:
Denver (Mike Shanahan), Indianapolis (Tony Dungy), Seattle
(Mike Holmgren), and Tampa Bay (Jon Gruden). The Broncos
looked outside the organization for Shanahan’s replacement, but
the other three teams promoted from within.
Although the head coaching turnover is what grabs headlines,
the changing landscape among assistant coaches remains vitally
important to NFL fans and fantasy football owners. This year, an
astounding 21 defensive coordinators were replaced; in one case,
by the team’s head coach (Wade Phillips in Dallas). That’s clearly
a sign of the times, as defenses struggle to keep up with explosive
offenses the NFL rules committee seems to be so intent on pro-
ducing. On the offensive side, 11 new coordinators are in place.
Just remember, the smartest hires in February can look like the
worst in December; and the guys everyone assumes will struggle
are just as likely to emerge from the pack.
Arizona Cardinals
Head Coach: Ken Whisenhunt
Offensive Coordinator: Russ Grimm & Mike Miller (replace Todd Haley)
Defensive Coordinator: Bill Davis (replaces Clancy Pendergast)
What to expect on offense: The Cardinals offense won’t
look much different this year under the watchful eyes of Russ
Grimm and Mike Miller. Whisenhunt will call the plays on
game day, and work closely with Grimm and Miller to game
plan. Grimm, who has worked alongside Whisenhunt for a long
time in Pittsburgh and Arizona, will serve as the run game coor-
dinator. Miller, the WR coach last season, will be the passing
game coordinator. Expect a renewed emphasis on the ground
game. The team drafted Chris “Beanie” Wells in order to inject
life and balance into the playcalling.
What to expect on defense: Hopefully, improvement. The
Cardinals made the Super Bowl last year despite allowing
almost 27 points per game defensively. Clancy Pendergast was
let go in favor of Bill Davis, the Cardinals linebackers coach.
Although it’s hard to argue change was warranted, it’s unclear
whether Davis will have more success. Davis struggled as the
49ers defensive coordinator before joining the Cardinals staff,
and the Cardinals haven’t done much to improve the defensive
roster.
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14 COACHING.indd 14
Baltimore Ravens
Head Coach: John Harbaugh
Offensive Coordinator: Cam Cameron
Defensive Coordinator: Greg Mattison (replaces Rex Ryan)
What to expect on defense: Fans have to be nervous about
the state of the Ravens vaunted defense. Rex Ryan, a fixture
on the defensive staff since joining the team in 1999, has taken
the Jets head coaching job, and brought a number of assistant
coaches with him. The Ravens promoted linebackers coach
Greg Mattison, a surprising move after just one season on the
staff. Mattison has 36 years of collegiate coaching experi-
ence but had never coached in the NFL before last season. He
and John Harbaugh coached together under Jack Harbaugh in
the 80s, so there is a trust level there. Realistically, Mattison
won’t change much about the scheme; an aggressive 3-4 defen-
sive front. He has enormous shoes to fill, but his cupboard is
stocked with groceries.
Carolina Panthers
Head Coach: John Fox
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Davidson
Defensive Coordinator: Ron Meeks (replaces Mike Trgovac)
What to expect on defense: One of the more surprising
coaching changes this offseason for a number of reasons. Mike
Trgovac had been with Carolina for seven seasons, coming
aboard with John Fox. Despite a late season defensive swoon,
the Panthers offered Trgovac a contract extension but ultimately
he opted to depart. Meeks steps in after his own seven-year
stint in Indianapolis; where his defenses were known for being
undersized but productive. Meeks will continue to run a 4-
3 defensive front that emphasizes consistent pressure on the
outside. It’s less clear whether Meeks plans to implement the
Cover-2 – a hallmark of the Tony Dungy coaching tree that will
depend on what Meeks sees from his players in camp.
Cleveland Browns
Head Coach: Eric Mangini (replaces Romeo Crennel)
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Daboll (replaces Rob Chudzinski)
Defensive Coordinator: Rob Ryan (replaces Mel Tucker)
What to expect on offense: We know that the organization
will run through Eric Mangini, and very little will be said by
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/26/09 1:19:42 PM
 other coaches or the team’s players to the media. That said,
Mangini will let the offense run through Brian Daboll, who
takes over the role of offensive coordinator for the first time
in his NFL career. Daboll spent two seasons in NY as the QB
coach and was the Patriots WR coach for five seasons before
that. Daboll will implement a version of Charlie Weis’ pro-style
offense, which figures to give Brady Quinn a leg up in the
quarterback race. The hallmark of the Weis offense is diversity,
and Daboll will want to bring an air of unpredictability to the
playcalling.
What to expect on defense: Mangini replaces Romeo
Crennel in Cleveland just as he replaced Crennel as the Patriots
defensive coordinator years ago. Mangini will be the archi-
tect of this defense and, schematically, it will look the same.
Mangini is a devout disciple of the 3-4 defensive front and
eschews exotic blitz packages. While Mangini will call the
shots, Rob Ryan will have a heavy hand; he’s too talented not
to. Landing Rob Ryan is a coup for a defense that struggled
under the old regime. Mangini wanted to hire Ryan to run the
Jets defense in 2008, but the Raiders wouldn’t let him out of his
contract. Ryan outlasted three head coaches in Oakland, and is
known for getting the most out of his players.

Dallas Cowboys
Head Coach: Wade Phillips
Offensive Coordinator: Jason Garrett
Defensive Coordinator: Wade Phillips (replaces Brian Stewart)

What to expect on defense: Wade Phillips took over the

playcalling from Brian Stewart last year and it became an easy
decision to let the DC go this offseason. Interestingly, Jerry
Jones opted not to hire a replacement, instead letting Phillips
handle both roles. Being an NFL head coach is a daunting task,
as is being the defensive play-caller. Needless to say, Phillips is
going to have to rely heavily on his defensive assistants during
the week to help game plan.
ICON SMI
Josh McDaniels
tor. Nolan was inconsistent as the 49ers head coach but has
vast experience as an NFL coordinator; serving as DC with the
Giants, Jets, Redskins and Ravens. The Broncos will need to be
patient, as their personnel isn’t ideally suited for a 3-4 yet.

Denver Broncos Detroit Lions

Head Coach: Josh McDaniels (replaces Mike Shanahan)
Offensive Coordinator: Mike McCoy (replaces Rick Dennison)
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Nolan (replaces Bob Slowik and Jim
Bates)
What to expect on offense: Make no mistake, the Broncos
are trying to build Patriots West and owner Pat Bowlen is hop-
ing Josh McDaniels can replicate the success of New England’s
offense. Whether McDaniels is up to the task remains to be
seen, but he will need to prove that any QB can execute his
system after trading Jay Cutler away. McDaniels will call an
attacking style of offense that changes its looks to fit the oppos-
ing defenses each week. Offensive coordinator Mike McCoy
comes over from Carolina where he served as the passing game
coordinator and QB coach. About the only other certainty with
the offense is that Knowshon Moreno, Brandon Marshall and
Eddie Royal should be important cogs.
What to expect on defense: The Broncos were among the
worst defenses in the league last year and are making sweeping
changes, including moving from a 4-3 front to a 3-4 front. The
Broncos were smart to land Mike Nolan as defensive coordina-
Head Coach: Jim Schwartz (replaces Rod Marinelli)
Offensive Coordinator: Scott Linehan (replaces Jim Colletto)
Defensive Coordinator: Gunther Cunningham (replaces Joe Barry)
What to expect on offense: Jim Schwartz is a defensive
minded coach and he’s going to rely heavily on Scott Linehan
to build the offense around first overall pick Matt Stafford.
Linehan brings a wealth of experience to his new role, serv-
ing as the Rams head coach over the last three seasons and the
offensive coordinator in Minnesota and Miami prior to that. He
emphasizes a north-south approach and will transition the team
away from the zone-blocking scheme utilized by the former
coaches. In the passing game, Linehan believes in using mul-
tiple sets and taking shots downfield. Daunte Culpepper, who
may start to open the season, enjoyed his most productive sea-
sons in Minnesota with Linehan as his coach.
What to expect on defense: Jim Schwartz will have a strong
hand in rebuilding the 0-16 Lions defensively, but he’ll rely
on Gunther Cunningham to do the heavy lifting. Cunningham
is a fiery guy, known for expletive-laden tirades as much as
he is for his defensive schemes. Even though Cunningham is

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 2 0 0 9 C OAC H I N G A N D P H I L O S O P H Y C H A N G E S
best remembered for his dual stints in Kansas City, it was his
time in Tennessee coaching alongside Schwartz that landed
him this job. Cunningham has promised an aggressive, blitz-
happy defensive approach, and will look to use man coverage
much more than he did in Kansas City under Herm Edwards.
The defense will be built around the linebacking corps of Ernie
Sims, Julian Peterson, Larry Foote and Jordan Dizon.
Houston Texans
Head Coach: Gary Kubiak
Offensive Coordinator: Kyle Shanahan
Defensive Coordinator: Frank Bush (replaces Richard Smith)
What to expect on defense: The Texans fired Richard Smith
after another uninspiring defensive campaign and promoted
from within, naming Frank Bush to his first defensive coordina-
tor post. Bush coached the defensive line the last two seasons
and plans on using more deception, and running a lot of differ-
ent blitzes out of the base 4-3 formation. In addition to adding
wrinkles to the existing playbook, Bush has to integrate a num-
ber of projected new starters. He expects to put more players in
the box to stop the run, and that will put pressure on the defen-
sive backs to cover downfield. Bush also wants his defensive
lineman to push upfield; he never wants them going sideways.
Indianapolis Colts
Head Coach: Jim Caldwell (replaces Tony Dungy)
Offensive Coordinator: Clyde Christensen (replaces Tom Moore)
Defensive Coordinator: Larry Coyer (replaces Ron Meeks)
What to expect on offense: A seismic changeover occurred
this offseason as HC Tony Dungy, OC Tom Moore and OL
Coach Howard Mudd all retired. Dungy was the least surpris-
ing, and the Colts had his replacement formally in place. Jim
Caldwell takes over the head reins, and Clyde Christensen
will transition to OC following eight seasons as an offensive
assistant. On one hand, Tom Moore was the only OC Peyton
Manning’s ever known, on the other hand, for years Manning
has been taking three plays into the huddle and making the call
himself. It’s tough to say how the players will react to the loss
of Dungy, Moore and Mudd, but don’t underestimate the pre-
paredness and resiliency of this veteran group.
What to expect on defense: While the Colts defense had a
reputation for giving up big chunks of yardage under former
DC Ron Meeks, the fact remains that Meeks’ defenses were
among the stingiest and most aggressive in the AFC under his
watch. Regardless, Meeks opted out after Tony Dungy retired,
and the Colts have brought in Larry Coyer as his replacement.
Schematically, Coyer is cut from the same Cover-2 cloth that
Dungy and Meeks are, but he had the tendency to blitz more
while calling the defensive plays in Denver a few seasons ago.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Head Coach: Jack Del Rio
Offensive Coordinator: Dirk Koetter
Defensive Coordinator: Mel Tucker (replaces Gregg Williams)
What to expect on defense: When Mike Smith left to take
the Falcons head coaching job, the Jaguars thought they had
found the best replacement possible in Gregg Williams. While
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14 COACHING.indd 16
Williams has carved out an impressive career in a number of
NFL stints, he simply wasn’t a good fit with Jack Del Rio and
the Jaguars. Mel Tucker joins the Jaguars staff from Cleveland,
where he served as defensive coordinator last season and
coached defensive backs from 2005-2007. Tucker’s inexperi-
ence, particularly in a 4-3 scheme signals that Jack Del Rio will
be taking a more hands on approach this year.
Kansas City Chiefs
Head Coach: Todd Haley (replaces Herman Edwards)
Offensive Coordinator: Chan Gailey
Defensive Coordinator: Clancy Pendergast (replaces Gunther Cunningham)
What to expect on offense: Todd Haley takes over for Herm
Edwards fresh from a run to the Super Bowl as the Arizona
Cardinals offensive coordinator. Haley opted to retain Chan
Gailey as offensive coordinator, signaling that he’s serious
about the holistic requirements of the head coaching position.
Retaining Gailey doesn’t mean the offense won’t look differ-
ent this year. The team traded for QB Matt Cassel, and you
can be sure the Chiefs will throw the ball more than they did
under Herman Edwards. It’s unlikely the Chiefs have the offen-
sive personnel to run the 3- and 4-WR sets Haley utilized in
Arizona, but they should have a more effective rushing attack
now that Larry Johnson is back in the team’s good graces.
What to expect on defense: The Chiefs are going to run
a 3-4 front this year and drafted Tyson Jackson with the third
overall pick to expedite the transition. The Chiefs don’t have
the linebackers in place to fully leverage the flexibility of a 3-4
defense, so expect Clancy Pendergast to play a relatively close
to the vest scheme in his first season. Pendergast joins Haley
from Arizona, where he served as defensive coordinator until
being fired after the Super Bowl. Chiefs fans have a right to be
skeptical about Pendergast’s appointment, the Cardinals finished
no better than 26th in points allowed over the last four seasons.
New England Patriots
Head Coach: Bill Belichick
Offensive Coordinator: Vacant (no one replaces Josh McDaniels)
Defensive Coordinator: Dean Pees
What to expect on offense: For those who argue Josh
McDaniels wasn’t a product of Bill Belichick’s system, the fact
the Pats aren’t going to hire a coordinator in his place should
give them pause. Can you really be irreplaceable when the team
doesn’t bother to replace you? Offensively things won’t change
in New England regardless of who calls the plays. As long as
Tom Brady is healthy, the Pats will have a potent offense.
New Orleans Saints
Head Coach: Sean Payton
Offensive Coordinator: Pete Carmichael (replaces Doug Marrone)
Defensive Coordinator: Gregg Williams (replaces Gary Gibbs)
What to expect on offense: When Doug Marrone decided
to accept the head coaching position at Syracuse University,
the Saints wasted no time in promoting Pete Carmichael to
offensive coordinator. Carmichael has been the team’s QB
coach the last three seasons and has an excellent working rela-
tionship with Drew Brees. Sean Payton will continue calling
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 2 0 0 9 C OAC H I N G A N D P H I L O S O P H Y C H A N G E S
the plays, but Carmichael will be more involved in the game-
planning now.
What to expect on defense: Payton’s tenure has been charac-
terized by explosive offenses paired with meandering defenses.
Gregg Williams hopes to change that by bringing the most
aggressive zone-blitzing scheme to the Big Easy. Williams
has been defensive coordinator in Jacksonville, Tennessee and
Washington and will be asked to get more out of the Saints
front seven. Williams likes to use a lot of man coverage so he
can blitz from all over the field, but the Saints defensive backs
aren’t particularly well suited to play on an island.
New York Giants
Head Coach: Tom Coughlin
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Gilbride
Defensive Coordinator: Bill Sheridan (replaces Steve Spagnuolo)
What to expect on defense: Giants fans knew this day
was coming, but they hoped it wouldn’t be so soon. Steve
Spagnuolo, whose arrival in New York coincided with the
team’s return to elite status, has taken the head coaching job
in St. Louis. The Giants opted to promote from within, nam-
ing linebackers coach Bill Sheridan to the post. Sheridan has
enormous shoes to fill, but benefits from an absolutely stacked
roster. His main job will be maintaining the status quo, while
integrating new pieces like Michael Boley, Rocky Bernard and
Chris Canty.
New York Jets
Head Coach: Rex Ryan (replaces Eric Mangini)
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Schottenheimer
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Pettine (replaces Bob Sutton)
What to expect on offense: New head coach Rex Ryan is
a defensive guy through and through, and he was impressed
enough with incumbent OC Brian Schottenheimer to retain his
services. Schottenheimer is a disciple of both the West Coast
offense and the Air Coryell offense and leverages a power run-
ning attack to set up downfield passing. The biggest question
for Schottenheimer is getting the team’s young QBs ready to
play, as either first rounder Mark Sanchez or inexperienced
Kellen Clemens will be under center.
What to expect on defense: One word – aggression. Ryan’s
defenses in Baltimore were ferocious, combining unbridled
aggression with world-class preparation and scouting. Even
though Ryan’s defenses look chaotic, it’s actually the disci-
plined roles each man maintains that allow for such attacking
play. The Jets will likely undergo a bit of a transition period,
but this is a team loaded with quality defensive personnel. Plus,
the additions of LB Bart Scott, S Jim Leonhard and CB Lito
Sheppard will speed up the process. Mike Pettine will serve as
Ryan’s right hand man, just as he did in Baltimore coaching the
outside linebackers.
Oakland Raiders
Head Coach: Tom Cable (replaces Lane Kiffin)
Offensive Coordinator: Ted Tollner (replaces Greg Knapp)
Defensive Coordinator: John Marshall (replaces Rob Ryan)
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What to expect on offense: The Raiders are going to play
Al Davis’ style of ball, and he’s going to put coaches in place to
make sure of it. Tom Cable took over as interim head coach last
year, and the team’s play improved under his watch. An offen-
sive line coach by nature, Cable will try to bring consistency
and toughness to the zone-blocking scheme. He will call the
plays but rely heavily on Passing Game Coordinator Ted Tollner
and QB coach Paul Hackett for game-planning. Tollner, a jour-
neyman coordinator if there ever was one, has experience in
both the West Coast offense and the Air Coryell system.
What to expect on defense: Rob Ryan outlasted three
Raiders head coaches and has finally moved on to Cleveland
as his contract had run out. John Marshall has big shoes to fill,
but the Raiders defense ranked 24th and 26th in points allowed
over the last two seasons. Marshall has nearly 30 years of NFL
coaching experience, including stints as defensive coordinator
in San Francisco, Carolina and Seattle. The Raiders will use a
4-3 defensive front under Marshall, and will play a read-and-
react 2-gap system.
San Diego Chargers
Head Coach: Norv Turner
Offensive Coordinator: Clarence Shelmon
Defensive Coordinator: Ron Rivera (replaces Ted Cottrell)
What to expect on defense: The Chargers fired Ted Cottrell
last October and promoted LB coach Ron Rivera. Rivera had
been a successful defensive coordinator in Chicago before wear-
ing out his welcome by flirting with too many head coaching
opportunities. Rivera is a versatile coach and acquitted himself
well last year in a 3-4 scheme. But he prefers a 4-3 front and the
Chargers are going to mix up their front seven looks this year to
encompass Rivera’s experience calling both schemes.
San Francisco 49ers
Head Coach: Mike Singletary (replaces Mike Nolan)
Offensive Coordinator: Jimmy Raye (replaces Mike Martz)
Defensive Coordinator: Greg Manusky
What to expect on offense: Mike Singletary has far more
notoriety for his achievements as a player than he does in his
brief coaching career. Singletary is going to heavily rely on
his assistants in his first full season as the 49ers head coach.
Offensively, Jimmy Raye will call the shots. Raye is from the
Coryell School, but he’s much more conservative than Mike
Martz. The good news is Raye has been an NFL offensive
coordinator for six different teams. The bad news is he’s lasted
less than two seasons per stop. Raye’s first order of business is
choosing a quarterback - no easy feat with this roster.
What to expect on defense: On the surface, not much has
changed in San Francisco. Manusky was Mike Nolan’s defen-
sive coordinator and Singletary was a defensive assistant, too.
So what’s changed from this time last year? Nolan is gone
and so is the propensity to play a complex hybrid system that
morphs back and forth between 3- and 4-man fronts. Once
Singletary took over last year, Manusky ditched the hybrid
approach for a pure 3-4 and simplified the playbook. The result
was a nearly 10-point improvement in points allowed. Expect
more of the same in 2009.
17
5/26/09 1:21:11 PM
 2 0 0 9 C OAC H I N G A N D P H I L O S O P H Y C H A N G E S
Seattle Seahawks
Head Coach: Jim Mora (replaces Mike Holmgren)
Offensive Coordinator: Greg Knapp (replaces Gil Haskell)
Defensive Coordinator: Gus Bradley (replaces John Marshall)
What to expect on offense: The Seahawks enjoyed a lot
of success running a traditional West Coast offense, and that
won’t change under the new coaches. Greg Knapp has a long
history of working with Jim Mora – both were coordinators
in San Francisco and then Knapp was Mora’s OC in Atlanta.
While Knapp continues to advocate a WCO passing attack, he
developed an affinity for the zone-blocking scheme while in
Atlanta and will implement the scheme in Seattle. He believes
in using a committee of RBs and emphasizes offensive balance
above all else.
What to expect on defense: Gus Bradley is the latest in a
long line of Monte Kiffin disciples to land a defensive coor-
dinator position. Bradley coached the Bucs’ linebackers in
2007-2008 and has been called a “head coach in waiting” by his
mentor. Bradley will run a version of the Cover-2, just as his
predecessor did, but expect the team to play a more aggressive
1-gap front than the 2-gap system Marshall advocated. Bradley
also expects his defensive backs to play the QB and react rather
than play the man.
St. Louis Rams
Head Coach: Steve Spagnuolo (replaces Scott Linehan)
Offensive Coordinator: Pat Shurmur (replaces Al Saunders)
Defensive Coordinator: Ken Flajole (replaces Jim Haslett)
What to expect on offense: Steve Spagnuolo is a defen-
sive-minded coach through and through, which means he’ll
rely heavily on his new OC Pat Shurmur to right an offense
that ranked 30th in points scored last season. Shurmur worked
with Spagnuolo in Philadelphia, where Shurmur has served as
the Eagles QB coach for the last seven years. You can expect
Shurmur to implement an offensive system evocative of the
Eagles, but he’ll try to attain more balance to take advantage
of Steven Jackson, the team’s best offensive weapon. Key to
any improvement comes with rebuilding the offensive line and
second overall pick Jason Smith needs to perform immediately.
What to expect on defense: When Spagnuolo became
the DC in New York after serving under Jim Johnson in
Philadelphia, many wondered if he could replicate the Eagles
success defensively. Not only was Spagnuolo an apt pupil, he
overtook his mentor in many ways. A lot of coaches talk about
attacking the opponent, but few follow through as aggressively
as Spagnuolo did in New York. Now granted, he had the weap-
ons in New York on the defensive line, but there’s no question
he’ll turn the Rams into a blitz-happy unit in short order. Ken
Flajole, a well respected defensive assistant in Carolina, will
handle the DC duties.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Head Coach: Raheem Morris (replaces Jon Gruden)
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Jagodzinski (replaces Bill Muir)
Defensive Coordinator: Jim Bates (replaces Monte Kiffin)
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18
14 COACHING.indd 18
What to expect on offense: Jeff Jagodzinski left his role as
the Packers offensive coordinator for the head coaching position
at Boston College. Two seasons later, he’s back in the NFL after
being fired by BC for interviewing with the New York Jets. It’s
no surprise that Jagodzinski landed on his feet in Tampa Bay,
where he will be tasked with taking the Bucs offense in a new
direction. Although Jagodzinski has roots in the West Coast
offense, he pulls elements from a number of different schemes
and is loathe to label his style of playcalling as WCO. He will
emphasize a zone-blocking scheme and hopes to use the run to
set up downfield passing off play action.
What to expect on defense: The pairing of Jim Bates and
Raheem Morris is a curious one. Both are advocates of 4-3
fronts, but that’s roughly where the similarities end. Morris is a
Tampa Cover-2 guy through and through, believing the defen-
sive tackles need to get upfield and pressure the passer. Bates
prefers his tackles to stand their ground and plug holes, letting
the linebackers flow to the gaps. Morris will probably look for
Bates to have input on the front seven specifically, while he
focuses more on the defensive backfield, where he’s most expe-
rienced. With the youth movement afoot, there is more uncer-
tainty in Tampa Bay than there’s been in a long, long time.
Tennessee Titans
Head Coach: Jeff Fisher
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Heimerdinger
Defensive Coordinator: Chuck Cecil (replaces Jim Schwartz)
What to expect on defense: The Titans smartly promoted
from within to replace Jim Schwartz, who took the Lions head
coaching job. Cecil has been a Titans assistant coach since
2001, coaching the defensive backs for most of his tenure.
Don’t expect much to change under Cecil, save for the recogni-
tion that no defense is going to be as stout without the services
of DT Albert Haynesworth as they were with him.
Other Notable Coaching Changes
• Bob Sanders (BUF) – Defensive Line Coach
• Richard Smith (CAR) – Linebackers Coach
• Rod Marinelli (CHI) – Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line
• Joe DeCamillis (DAL) – Special Teams Coordinator
• Rick Dennison (DEN) – Offensive Line Coach
• Mike Priefer (DEN) – Special Teams Coordinator
• Mike Trgovac (GB) – Defensive Line Coach
• Shawn Slocum (GB) – Special Teams Coordinator
• Russ Purnell (JAX) – Special Teams Coordinator
• Gary Gibbs (KC) – Linebackers Coach
• Bill Muir (KC) – Offensive Line Coach
• Dave DeGuglielmo (MIA) – Offensive Line Coach
• Scott O’Brien (NE) – Special Teams Coordinator
• Bob Sutton (NYJ) – Defensive Line Coach
• John Fassel (OAK) – Special Teams Coordinator
• Rob Chudzinski (SD) – Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends
• Joe Barry (TB) – Linebackers Coach
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/26/09 1:21:33 PM
 our
See how y p
ks u
team stac sive
xclu
with the e
EAM
RATE MaYtioTn on
applic
ys.com.
Footballgu
 Offseason
Player Movement
Intro/Lead - Michael Brown
Quarterback - Jason Wood
Running Back – Jeff Pasquino
Wide Receiver - Mark Wimer
Tight End - Jeff Pasquino
Offensive Line - Chris Smith
Kicker/Returners - Mike Herman
Individual Defensive Players -
Aaron Rudnicki
E
very year, some journeyman
turns into a star simply because
he’s got a new address. Is it
due to a new system? The weather?
Something in the water? The answers to
these are: probably, probably not, usu-
ally.
Some situations may upgrade a player
for obvious reasons. For instance, if
someone was a backup before but now
he’s going to start, the chances are pretty
good that he’ll be more valuable. But
how do we know which players will turn
into stars? And how do we know how
the stars (I’m looking at you, Jay Cutler)
will respond to a change of scenery?
That’s where we come in.
We’ve broken down each key situa-
tion by position to give a comprehensive
look at all that has gone on this offsea-
son in the fantasy world. Our team of
writers has managed to steal playbooks
for all 32 teams to see exactly how
these players will be utilized. And even
if certain aspects of that last sentence
are complete fabrications, just know
that you’re in good hands here with our
evaluation and analysis.
Even if you don’t take our suggestions
to the bank, be aware that all of these
players are in the unique position of
having just about everything you knew
about them basically tossed out the
window. We simply can’t guarantee with
any certainty how one player adjusts or
adapts to his new surroundings, espe-
cially this early in the offseason. But
that’s what makes this part of fantasy
football so much fun. It’s also why
you’d do well to read what is below, and
then follow up with us on our website
throughout the summer months to see
exactly how each player is adjusting.
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20
20 OSMOVEMENT.indd 20
ICON SMI
Derrick Ward
worked wonders when he was in Arizona.
QUARTERBACK The bad news is that Kansas City doesn’t
have many proven weapons, particularly
1. Jay Cutler - Chicago (from Denver)
following the trade of future Hall of
What happened: Once it became clear
Fame TE Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta.
that new head coach Josh McDaniels
coveted Matt Cassel to run his offense,
3. Sage Rosenfels - Minnesota (from Houston)
the coach and Cutler didn’t see eye to
What happened: After three seasons
eye. Bears GM Jerry Angelo pulled the
backing up Matt Schaub in Houston,
trigger on a bold move that gives the
Rosenfels was traded to Minnesota
Bears their best signal caller in decades,
to compete for the starting role with
if not ever.
Tarvaris Jackson.
What it means: Bears fans will now
What it means: Rosenfels is a gun-
find out if they really have been a
slinger who brings a startlingly different
quarterback short of a title these last
approach to the position than Jackson.
few years. Cutler will solidify the posi-
On one hand, Rosenfels completes a high
tion and should dramatically improve
percentage of passes. On the other hand,
Chicago’s passing attack.
he’s a turnover machine (29 intercep-
tions in 453 attempts). If he wins the
2. Matt Cassel - Kansas City (from NE)
job, Rosenfels could be a fantasy sleeper
What happened: Cassel stepped in
in leagues that don’t penalize turnovers
for an injured Tom Brady last year and
harshly. Of course, all of this goes out the
played quite well. Scott Pioli obtained
window if Favre comes to town.
the rights to Cassel, who will serve as
the cornerstone of the Chiefs rebuilding
4. Byron Leftwich - Tampa Bay (from Pittsburgh)
effort.
What happened: Leftwich played
What it means: Cassel will be the
well in limited action last year as Ben
unquestioned starter for a team in des-
Roethlisberger’s backup, and parlayed
perate need of offensive cohesion. The
that into a two-year contract with Tampa.
good news is that head coach Todd Haley
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/26/09 11:23:42 AM
 What it means: With a new coach,
several other veteran quarterbacks on the
roster, and a rookie first rounder in tow,
Leftwich has precious little time to make
his mark. Rookie Josh Freeman realisti-
cally needs some seasoning, so Leftwich
could emerge as the opening week starter
and, if he plays well, could hold onto the
job for much of the season.
5. Kyle Orton - Denver (from Chicago)
What happened: The Bears didn’t hesi-
tate to send Orton packing for the chance
to bring Jay Cutler aboard. He’ll now
compete for the starting job against Chris
Simms in Denver.
What it means: Most assume Orton
will win the job in Denver, which would
make him an attractive sleeper given the
likes of Brandon Marshall and Eddie
Royal at his disposal. But Orton is hardly
a pedigreed passer and must earn the job
against a healthy and focused Simms.
6. Chris Simms - Denver (from Tennessee)
What happened: Last year, Simms
quietly served Tennessee well as a
backup, and signed with Denver to be
Jay Cutler’s backup. But with Cutler’s
trade to Chicago, new Head Coach Josh
McDaniels has promised an open compe-
tition between Simms and Kyle Orton.
What it means: While Simms hasn’t
done enough to bet on his success, he
always possessed the size, mechanics
and temperament to earn a starting role.
Orton should be considered the favorite,
but he’s by no means assured of win-
ning the job. If Simms emerges, he has
the supporting cast to put up respectable
numbers.
7. Jon Kitna - Dallas (from Detroit)
What happened: The Cowboys strug-
gled when Tony Romo was sidelined last
season, so they made acquiring Kitna
a priority to insulate against a similar
occurrence in the future.
What it means: Kitna has been a Top
10 fantasy quarterback for three different
teams and gives the Cowboys the safety
valve they sorely missed in 2008. Just as
importantly, he has chemistry with wide-
out Roy Williams, having thrown to him
in Detroit during both of Kitna’s 4,000-
yard passing seasons.
8. Jeff Garcia - Oakland (from Tampa Bay)
What happened: After two seasons
starting in Tampa, the new regime decid-
ed to go in a different direction. Garcia
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
20 OSMOVEMENT.indd 21
landed in one of the few places he might
actually see the field. Oakland is Garcia’s
fifth team in six years.
What it means: Garcia isn’t the kind
of veteran who comfortably mentors a
younger player willingly, and he still
believes he should start. Make no mis-
take – the Raiders have every intention of
playing JaMarcus Russell. But you can
never predict what’s going to happen in
Oakland. Garcia won’t hesitate to press
for a chance at the first sign of discontent
with his young teammate.
OTHER NOTABLE QUARTERBACKS
WHO CHANGED TEAMS:
Kyle Boller - Saint Louis (from Baltimore)
Ryan Fitzpatrick - Buffalo (from Cincinnati)
Damon Huard - San Francisco (from Kansas City)
J.T. O’Sullivan - Cincinnati (from San Francisco)
Dan Orlovsky - Houston (from Detroit)
Patrick Ramsey - Tennessee (from Denver)
Brett Ratliff - Cleveland (from NY Jets)
Note: As of press time, Brett Favre was still
unsigned but was possibly contemplating a come-
back with the Minnesota Vikings.
RUNNING BACK
1. Derrick Ward - Tampa Bay (from NYG)
What happened: The Bucs added
Derrick Ward as a free agent, awarding
him a four-year contract.
What it means: Tampa Bay’s running
back stable got pretty thin in a hurry.
Warrick Dunn was not re-signed and
Cadillac Williams blew out his knee
again late last year and may be lost for
2009. Although he’ll share carries with
Earnest Graham, Ward looks to be the
favorite to start and to repeat a 1,000-
yard season.
2. Fred Taylor - New England (from Jacksonville)
What happened: The Patriots signed
the veteran Jaguar to a two-year deal.
What it means: New England loves to
use a committee approach to running the
ball, and they certainly love veteran con-
tributors looking to go on one last cham-
pionship run. Taylor will compete with
Laurence Maroney for the bulk of the
work, and both are likely to share touches
with Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris.
3. Maurice Morris - Detroit (from Seattle)
What happened: The long-time
Seahawk inked a three-year deal to join
the Lions.
What it means: After Kevin Smith,
the tailback depth chart gets very thin in
Detroit. The Lions are bolstering their
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offense with additional weapons, so if
Smith needs to share time or gets injured,
the job would be Morris’s to lose.
4. Dominic Rhodes - Buffalo (from Indianapolis)
What happened: Rhodes signed a two-
year deal with the Bills after his second
go-round with Indianapolis last season.
What it means: Buffalo is preparing for
a suspension of as many as three games
for starter Marshawn Lynch. That would
promote Fred Jackson to a starting role
and leave the backup role vacant. Enter
Rhodes, who is a strong secondary back
and is used to a committee approach.
5. Leonard Weaver - Philadelphia (from Seattle)
What happened: The Eagles added
Leonard Weaver via free agency, signing
him to a one-year contract.
What it means: When Correll
Buckhalter left for Denver, Philadelphia
was devoid of talent after starter Brian
Westbrook. So, they went out and signed
Weaver. Weaver has good hands and can
rush inside, and also stepped up when
injuries afforded him more playing time.
Weaver’s role, however, is likely to be
diminished once rookie LeSean McCoy
learns the Eagle offense.
6. LaMont Jordan - Denver (from NE)
7. Correll Buckhalter - Denver (from Philadelphia)
8. J.J. Arrington - Denver (from Arizona)
What happened: Denver added three
backs to form a new group of potential
rushers during the free agency period
prior to the NFL Draft.
What it means: New head coach Josh
McDaniels appeared to be repeating his
previous approach from New England,
gathering several backs to put together a
large, running back committee. All that
changed on Draft Day, however, as the
Broncos used their first pick to select
Knowshon Moreno from Georgia. They
will likely insert him as their primary ball
carrier. Barring an injury or a holdout, all
three backs may not see much in the way
of playing time for Denver in 2009.
OTHER NOTABLE RUNNING BACKS
WHO CHANGED TEAMS
(INCLUDES FBS):
Heath Evans - New Orleans (from New England)
Noah Herron - Cleveland (from New York Jets)
Jason Wright - Arizona (from Cleveland)
Note: As of press time, four high-profile run-
ning backs (Warrick Dunn, Edgerrin James, Rudi
Johnson, and Deuce McAllister) remained unsigned.
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 O F F S E AS O N P L AY E R M O V E M E N T

Johnson. OTHER NOTABLE WIDE RECEIVERS

WIDE RECEIVER What it means: Though he was given WHO CHANGED TEAMS:
Bobby Engram - Kansas City (from Seattlee)
a shot to be a featured receiver in San
1. Terrell Owens - Buffalo (from Dallas)
Francisco, he put up mediocre numbers
What happened: After Owens was Note: As of press time, Plaxico Burress, D.J.
(45/546/3). Now he joins an 0-16 team
released by the Cowboys, he surprisingly Hackett and Marvin Harrison, and Amani Toomer
that figures to start a rookie quarterback
signed to play for the Bills. remained unsigned.
for most of the year.
What it means: Owens will team with
Lee Evans to form an impressive start-
6. Brandon Jones - San Francisco (from Tennessee)
TIGHT END
ing duo, but will he be able to be a good
What happened: Jones was an unrestrict- 1. Tony Gonzalez - Atlanta (from Kansas City)
teammate this year? Historically, he
ed free agent who was signed by the 49ers. What happened: The Falcons
behaves fairly well in his first year in a
What it means: Jones historically had addressed their glaring need for a pass-
new city. If he’s got his attitude where it
trouble staying healthy in Tennessee, but he catching tight end by trading their 2010
needs to be, Owens can still be a domi-
did set career highs in targets (62), recep- second-round draft choice to the Chiefs
nant player.
tions (41) and yards receiving (449) while for Gonzalez.
playing in all 16 games. He’ll get the same What it means: Gonzalez is a future
2. T.J. Houshmandzadeh - Seattle (from Cincinnati)
shot that Bryant Johnson got last year – to Hall of Fame tight end and is coming off
What happened: Houshmandzadeh was
be a starter – but it remains to be seen if a 96-catch season. Matt Ryan now has
an unrestricted free agent and got a huge
Jones is up to the task. Roddy White and Gonzalez to go along
deal to play for Seattle.
What it means: Houshmandzadeh was with Michael Turner in what appears to
7. Nate Washington - Tennessee (from Pittsburgh) be a very formidable offense for 2009.
one of the best receivers in this year’s
What happened: An unrestricted free
free-agent pool. Despite working with
agent, Washington got $9 million in 2. Kellen Winslow - Tampa Bay (from Cleveland)
sub-par quarterback talent for parts of the
guaranteed money from Tennessee to join What happened: Cleveland traded
last three years, he still caught at least 90
their squad. away its young and talented tight end for
passes each season. It remains to be seen
What it means: Washington is an undisclosed future draft picks.
how he’ll transition from the Bengals’ to
upgrade for the Titans and could flourish What it means: The Bucs needed
the Seahawks’ system, but he is expected
if he gets on the same page with Kerry options in their passing attack, and
to be their top receiver in 2009.
Collins. However, the Titans’ style of Winslow should instantly add a strong
offense doesn’t typically produce top-tier second option to complement WR
3. Laveranues Coles - Cincinnati (from NYJ)
fantasy wide receivers. They were 27th in Antonio Bryant. Whoever wins the quar-
What happened: After the Jets
passing offense in 2008 with Collins at terback job in Tampa should be looking
released Coles, he got a four-year deal
the helm (2,819 pass yards) and 28th in for Winslow quite a bit, especially in the
to join Cincinnati. He’ll attempt to
passing touchdowns, with 13. red zone.
fill the void left by the departed T.J.
Houshmandzadeh.
8. Jabar Gaffney - Denver (from NE) 3. L.J. Smith - Baltimore (from Philadelphia)
What it means: Coles is a hard work-
What happened: Gaffney was an unre- What happened: Free agent L.J. Smith
ing player who landed in a potentially
stricted free agent and followed coach signed a one-year deal with the Ravens.
good spot (depending on whether Carson
Josh McDaniels from New England to What it means: The writing is on the
Palmer returns to full health). If Palmer
Denver. wall for Todd Heap in Baltimore. Heap’s
struggles again this year, though, Coles
What it means: Gaffney usually plays health is waning and he was used mostly
will have a hard time making an impact
a solid 16 games and snagged 38/468/2 as a blocker last year, so Smith becomes
fantasy-wise.
receiving from Matt Cassel last year. He the receiving tight end in the Ravens
should be a viable third receiver for the offense. It is uncertain if Smith can
4. Torry Holt - Jacksonville (from St. Louis)
Broncos. rekindle his career and get back to being
What happened: Holt was released by
the Rams and signed with Jacksonville a Top 10 fantasy tight end, especially in a
9. Joey Galloway - New England (from TB) run-first Ravens offense.
for three years.
What happened: Galloway was
What it means: Holt has been a lead-
released by the Bucs after an injury- 4. Chris Baker - New England (from NY Jets)
ing NFL wideout for many years, but
marred season. New England decided What happened: Baker signed a
he’s starting to show all the mileage on
that the 37-year old may still have some five-year deal with New England in free
his legs. He’ll be a veteran leader for the
gas in the tank and signed him. agency.
Jaguars, but the drop-off to 64 recep-
What it means: Galloway is just one What it means: The Patriots needed
tions and three touchdowns last year with
season removed from a string of three depth behind Ben Watson, who has
Saint Louis was an ominous sign. Still, a
consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. He missed an average of three games a year
change of scenery could rejuvenate him.
probably won’t approach those numbers the past three seasons. Watson has also
as New England’s third receiver, but he seen his catches and yards per catch
5. Bryant Johnson - Detroit (from San Francisco)
might have some decent games left in the drop in each of the last two seasons,
What happened: Johnson was an
old legs. so additional help was warranted. With
unrestricted free agent and signed with
Detroit to play second-fiddle to Calvin Tom Brady expected back, Baker has

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 O F F S E AS O N P L AY E R M O V E M E N T
decent upside to be a serviceable fantasy
backup.
5. Robert Royal - Cleveland (from Buffalo)
What happened: The Browns traded
Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay and added
Royal via free agency.
What it means: Cleveland looks to be
a team in turmoil with so many changes
on offense for 2009. Royal may have the
inside track to start at tight end but is
unlikely to be a major contributor as a
receiver.
OTHER NOTABLE TIGHT ENDS WHO
CHANGED TEAMS:
Alex Smith - New England (from Tampa Bay)
Anthony Becht - St. Louis (from Arizona)
Dan Campbell - New Orleans (from Detroit)
Michael Gaines - Chicago (from Detroit)
Will Heller - Detroit (from Seattle)
Tony Curtis - Kansas City (from Dallas)
OFFENSIVE LINE
1. T Jason Peters - Philadelphia (from Buffalo)
What happened: The Bills traded their
former franchise LT to Philadelphia
because of a contract dispute. The Eagles
gave up three picks (including the 28th
overall pick this season) for the rights to
Peters.
What it means: Peters has become
one of the more dominant left tackles in
the game. He has the speed and quick-
ness to deal with the speed rushers and
the strength to punish defenders in the
running game. He is an upgrade for the
Eagles over longtime starter Tra Thomas.
2. C Jason Brown - Saint Louis (from Baltimore)
What happened: The Rams needed a
lot of offensive line help and landed a
huge piece in revamping it this offseason
when they inked Brown.
What it means: Brown is a talented,
young center who will become the leader
of an offensive line looking to improve
this season. He is just 25 and entering his
fifth season in the league. Having played
in all 16 games each of the last two sea-
sons, he is a great player to re-build a
team around.
3. T Stacy Andrews - Philadelphia (from Cincinnati)
What happened: It is going to be the
Andrews brothers show in 2009 after
Stacy signed a six-year deal to join his
brother Shawn on the right side of the
Eagles offensive line.
What it means: Andrews has played in
29 of 32 games over the last two seasons
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20 OSMOVEMENT.indd 23
and is a large, punishing lineman. He
doesn’t have great quickness and can be
exposed by speed rushers but his addi-
tion, along with fellow newcomer Jason
Peters, ensures the Eagles offensive line
will be big and physical in 2009.
4. C Matt Birk - Baltimore (from Minnesota)
What happened: The Ravens lost tal-
ented young center Jason Brown to the
Rams in free agency this offseason, but
somewhat made amends by signing vet-
eran center Matt Birk to a four-year deal.
What it means: Birk has 11 years of
experience. While he may not be the
player he once was, his veteran savvy and
talent will definitely fill the hole in the
middle of the Ravens offensive line.
5. G Derrick Dockery - Washington (from Buffalo)
What happened: Dockery played well,
but the Bills could not justify his salary
and released him. The Redskins had a
hole at the guard position and welcomed
Dockery back with open arms.
What it means: He has played with the
other starting linemen in the past, and he
will have an easy transition back into the
Redskins fold.
6. T Marvel Smith - San Francisco (from Pittsburgh)
What happened: Smith was a very
good player early on in his career, but
a nagging back injury has derailed his
productivity. Now he is looking to regain
his reputation as a top tackle with a new
franchise.
What it means: If Smith can put injury
woes behind him, he can step into a start-
ing role and do a good job. It is just as
likely, however, that his bad back will
persist for the rest of his career, limiting
his effectiveness.
7. C Samson Satele - Oakland (from Miami)
What happened: A few weeks after
signing Jake Grove, the Dolphins traded
their gifted, young center Samson Satele
to the Raiders for a draft choice.
What it means: Satele had shoulder
surgery to repair a torn labrum but
should be back to full health by the start
of the season. He is a strong, intelligent
player and the Raiders will be very happy
to have him manning the interior of their
offensive line.
8. C Jake Grove - Miami (from Oakland)
What happened: Grove was unable to
stay healthy throughout his five seasons
in Oakland, and the Raiders allowed him
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to leave and sign with Miami.
What it means: He is a very talented
player, and the Dolphins believe his
upside outweighs the likelihood for
injury. The Dolphins gave up a talented
young center in his own right in Samson
Satele, so Grove needs to play exception-
ally well and stay healthy this season.
9. T Tra Thomas - Jacksonville (from Philadelphia)
What happened: Jacksonville suffered
through horrible injury woes along the
offensive line last season. In an attempt
to stabilize the offensive line and return
to dominance, the Jaguars picked up
Thomas.
What it means: Thomas is getting a
little long in the tooth at 34, but should
still have another good season or two and
is certainly an upgrade at the right tackle
position.
10. T Orlando Pace - Chicago (from St. Louis)
What happened: The Bears signed
formerly-elite lineman Orlando Pace in
an attempt to shore up a weakness at left
tackle.
What it means: At the top of his game,
Pace was truly dominant. He has been
injury prone for a few seasons now, how-
ever, and has not been as effective as he
was early in his career. Still, his arrival
alone is a boon for the offensive line as
he’ll give them a strong, veteran pres-
ence. Pace has had a Hall of Fame career,
and if he can come even close to his past
production, he could have a Pro Bowl
season for the club.
OTHER NOTABLE OFFENSIVE LINE-
MEN WHO CHANGED TEAMS:
T Khalif Barnes - Oakland (from Jacksonville)
G Mike Goff - Kansas City (from San Diego)
C Geoff Hangartner - Buffalo (from Carolina)
T Daniel Loper - Detroit (from Tennessee)
T Frank Omiyale - Chicago (from Carolina)
T Erik Pears - Oakland (from Denver)
G Duke Preston - Green Bay (from Buffalo)
T Kevin Shaffer - Chicago (from Cleveland)
T John St. Clair - Cleveland (from Chicago)
G Floyd Womack - Cleveland (from Seattle)
DEFENSIVE LINE
1. DT Albert Haynesworth - Washington (from Tennessee)
What happened: The league’s most
dominant defensive tackle left the Titans
and signed with the Redskins for seven
years.
What it means: Haynesworth has yet
to play a full 16-game season, but over
the past couple of years he has clearly
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5/26/09 11:24:14 AM
 O F F S E AS O N P L AY E R M O V E M E N T
emerged as one of the best fantasy
defensive tackles in the game. He will
certainly help solidify the interior of the
Redskins defensive line and should make
things much easier for pass rushers like
Andre Carter and rookie Brian Orakpo.
2. DE Antonio Smith - Houston (from Arizona)
What happened: Smith left Phoenix
and signed a five-year contract to play
opposite Mario Williams.
What it means: A former fifth-round
pick with just 15.5 career sacks, Smith
was the best pass rusher available in free
agency this year. Playing opposite Mario
Williams along with the switch from a
3-4 to a 4-3 defense should boost his
numbers and could make him a Top 20
fantasy defensive end.
3. DE Chris Canty - NY Giants (from Dallas)
What happened: The Giants added a
versatile player for their defensive line by
signing Canty from Dallas to a six-year
deal.
What it means: Canty’s numbers in
Dallas were not that impressive (10
career sacks in 64 games), but he is mov-
ing to a much better situation. The Giants
have the league’s best collection of pass
rushers, which should create a lot of one-
on-one situations. Canty could see a lot
of snaps at defensive tackle, but he can
also play end on run downs and the con-
tract he signed should ensure that he gets
plenty of playing time.
4. DE Kenyon Coleman - Cleveland (from NY Jets)
What happened: In a draft day trade,
the Jets shipped Kenyon Coleman and
a package of players and picks to the
Browns for the chance to draft Mark
Sanchez.
What it means: Coleman has been an
effective starter for the past two years
and should make a quick adjustment
playing in the same scheme under Eric
Mangini. Look for him to start at DE on
a strong defensive line. Although he has
limited upside as a pass rusher, Coleman
is a reliable fantasy option due to his sur-
prisingly high tackle numbers.
5. DT Jovan Haye - Tennessee (from Tampa Bay)
What happened: After losing Albert
Haynesworth in free agency, the Titans
signed Haye to a four-year contract.
What it means: Haye broke out in 2007
and finished as the top fantasy defensive
tackle, but he struggled with injuries for
much of 2008. While he doesn’t have
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24
20 OSMOVEMENT.indd 24
near the size or strength of Haynesworth,
Haye is one of the quickest defensive
tackles in the league. The Titans will
likely use a committee approach to try
and fill Haynesworth’s shoes, but Haye
could become a serviceable starter in DT-
required leagues.
OTHER NOTABLE DEFENSIVE
LINEMEN WHO CHANGED TEAMS:
DT Rocky Bernard - NY Giants (from Seattle)
DT Shaun Cody - Houston (from Detroit)
DT Colin Cole - Seattle (from Green Bay)
DT Rod Coleman - New Orleans (from Atlanta)
DE Demetric Evans - San Francisco (from
Washington)
DT Grady Jackson - Detroit (from Atlanta)
DT Tank Johnson - Cincinnati (from Dallas)
DT C.J. Mosley - Cleveland (from NY Jets)
DT Cory Redding - Seattle (from Detroit)
DE Darrell Reid - Denver (from Indianapolis)
DE Darrell Robertson - Kansas City (from New
England)
LINEBACKER
1. ILB Bart Scott - New York Jets (from Baltimore)
What happened: Scott signed a six-
year contract to follow Rex Ryan out of
Baltimore and join him with the Jets.
What it means: Ryan signed Scott
to become a focal point of the new
defense. Scott has often been overshad-
owed by Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs in
Baltimore, but he’ll combine with David
Harris to give the Jets a very strong ILB
tandem. While he may not live up to the
huge contract, Scott should see a bump in
his production and wind up as a Top 20
fantasy LB.
2. OLB Julian Peterson - Detroit (from Seattle)
What happened: Peterson refused to
take a salary cut, so the Seahawks traded
him to Detroit for Cory Redding and a
fifth round pick.
What it means: The Seahawks felt
Peterson’s skills were on the decline and
that he was no longer worth the money
he was due. Peterson should provide
a big boost to the Lions defense. He’s
expected to line up at SLB in the base
package but could also see plenty of time
as a DE in passing situations after aver-
aging eight sacks per year over the last
three seasons.
3. OLB Michael Boley - New York Giants (from Atlanta)
What happened: Boley left the Falcons
to sign a five-year contract with the
Giants.
What it means: Boley was a three-
year starter for the Falcons and enjoyed
a breakout season in 2007. Although he
played SLB in Atlanta and wasn’t always
a three-down player, he’ll likely be
moved to WLB with the Giants and play
in all downs and situations. With all the
talent the Giants have on the defensive
line and an aging Antonio Pierce at MLB,
Boley is in a great situation and could
produce like a LB3 for fantasy owners.
4. ILB Kevin Burnett - San Diego (from Dallas)
What happened: Burnett joins a very
strong LB group in San Diego after sign-
ing a two year contract.
What it means: Although Burnett was
never able to emerge as a starter dur-
ing his four years in Dallas, he proved
to be a very strong nickel linebacker.
The Chargers have not gotten a lot of
production from Matt Wilhelm and Tim
Dobbins at ILB, so they should give
Burnett a chance to win that job. Given
his strength in coverage, there is a good
chance that Burnett could emerge as a
three-down linebacker alongside Stephen
Cooper.
5. OLB Angelo Crowell - Tampa Bay (from Buffalo)
What happened: After spending last
year on injured reserve, Crowell left the
Bills and signed a one-year contract with
Tampa.
What it means: Crowell has been a
very productive fantasy linebacker in
Buffalo, but he may be limited to a two-
down role in Tampa. Initial indications
are that Jermaine Phillips will be moved
from safety to WLB replace Derrick
Brooks, which would leave Crowell at
SLB. He’s an athletic and versatile line-
backer, but he may need some breaks to
become a quality fantasy starter again.
OTHER NOTABLE LINEBACKERS
WHO CHANGED TEAMS:
OLB Tully Banta-Cain - New England (from San
Francisco)
ILB Eric Barton - Cleveland (from NY Jets)
ILB Keith Brooking - Dallas (from Atlanta)
ILB Andra Davis - Denver (from Cleveland)
OLB Cato June - Houston (from Tampa Bay)
OLB Niko Koutouvides - Tampa Bay (from Denver)
OLB Mike Peterson - Atlanta (from Jacksonville)
ILB Pat Thomas - Buffalo (from Kansas City)
ILB Zach Thomas - Kansas City (from Dallas)
OLB Mike Vrabel - Kansas City (from New
England)
DEFENSIVE BACK
1. S Gibril Wilson - Miami (from Oakland)
What happened: One year after sign-
ing a big contract, the Raiders released
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5/26/09 11:24:22 AM
 O F F S E AS O N P L AY E R M O V E M E N T
Wilson and he quickly signed a five-year
contract with the Dolphins.
What it means: Wilson has been one
of the most consistent fantasy defensive
backs in the league over the last five
seasons. Although he is at his best play-
ing up in the box, the Dolphins already
use Yeremiah Bell in that role. Therefore,
Wilson is expected to start out at free
safety. His tackle numbers will likely
take a hit, but he could also see a cor-
responding bump in big plays. He should
remain a top ten safety.
2. S Sean Jones - Philadelphia (from Cleveland)
What happened: Jones left the Browns
to sign a one-year contract with the
Eagles.
What it means: Jones has proven to be
one of the league’s best playmaking safe-
ties, with 14 interceptions over the past
three seasons. Although he played strong
safety in Cleveland, he’s expected to
compete for the free safety spot vacated
by Brian Dawkins. He’ll get competition
for the starting spot from Quintin Demps,
but Jones is a physical presence and a
ballhawk who should be an excellent fit
in the Eagles aggressive defense.
3. S Brian Dawkins - Denver (from Philadelphia)
What happened: The longtime Eagle
left Philadelphia by signing a five-year
contract with the Broncos.
What it means: Dawkins has been one
of the best safeties in the league and a
great leader for the Eagles over the years.
At 35, he’s probably lost a step, but he’ll
be a great addition for a Broncos defense
that struggled to stop anybody last year.
While he may not get as many opportuni-
ties to blitz in Denver, he should remain
a reliable fantasy option as long as he is
healthy.
4. CB Leigh Bodden - New England (from Detroit)
What happened: After a disappointing
season in Detroit, Bodden signed a one-
year deal with the Patriots.
What it means: Bodden finished 2007
as the highest scoring fantasy cornerback
in the league, but struggled in 2008 after
a trade to Detroit. There were reports that
the Patriots offered a multiyear deal, but
it appears that Bodden hopes to turn his
career around with a big 2009 and then
sign an even bigger contract next season.
Bodden is a physical cornerback who
excels in man-to-man coverage, and the
Patriots system should be a great fit.
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
20 OSMOVEMENT.indd 25
5. S James Butler - St. Louis (from NY Giants)
What happened: Butler signed a four-
year contract to be the Rams strong
safety.
What it means: Butler’s production
with the Giants was not that impressive,
but he was often splitting time with oth-
ers. He has ideal size for strong safety
and should see plenty of time up in the
box as O.J. Atogwe patrols the deep sec-
ondary. With rookie James Laurinaitis
playing in front of him, Butler could be
headed for a breakout season.
OTHER NOTABLE DEFENSIVE
BACKS WHO CHANGED TEAMS:
S CC Brown - New York Giants (from Houston)
CB Phillip Buchanon - Detroit (from Tampa Bay)
S Josh Bullocks - Chicago (from New Orleans)
CB Chris Carr - Baltimore (from Tennessee)
S Sean Considine - Jacksonville (from
Philadelphia)
CB Travis Daniels - Kansas City (from Miami)
CB Drayton Florence - Buffalo (from Jacksonville)
CB Domonique Foxworth - Baltimore (from
Atlanta)
CB Andre Goodman - Denver (from Miami)
CB Eric Green - Miami (from Arizona)
CB Jabari Greer - New Orleans (from Buffalo)
CB Anthony Henry - Detroit (from Dallas)
S Renaldo Hill - Denver (from Miami)
CB Corey Ivy - Cleveland (from Baltimore)
CB Eric King - Detroit (from Tennessee)
S Jim Leonhard - NY Jets (from Baltimore)
CB Bryant McFadden - Arizona (from Pittsburgh)
CB Karl Paymah - Minnesota (from Denver)
CB Hank Poteat - Cleveland (from NY Jets)
S Gerald Sensabaugh - Dallas (from Jacksonville)
S Darren Sharper - New Orleans (from Minnesota)
CB Lito Sheppard - NY Jets (from Philadelphia)
CB Shawn Springs - New England (from
Washington)
CB Donald Strickland - NY Jets (from San
Francisco)
KICKER
1. Mike Nugent - Tampa Bay (from NY Jets)
What happened: After suffering a quad
injury in Week 1, Nugent did not play
the remainder of the year. Jay Feely then
kicked well enough to keep the job even
after Nugent was healthy. Nugent made
the decision of which kicker to keep a
relatively easy call by opting to test free
agency.
What it means: The Bucs signed
Nugent to compete with incumbent Matt
Bryant. Bryant, meanwhile, had a strong
scoring year in 2008, although he did
miss some long range kicks, which con-
tinues to be his weak area.
2. Dave Rayner - Washington (from Cincinnati)
What happened: Washington is
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Rayner’s sixth stop in the NFL. He previ-
ously played for Indianapolis, Green Bay,
Kansas City, San Diego and Cincinnati.
What it means: Rayner, whose strength
is on kickoffs, will compete with incum-
bent Shaun Suisham. Suisham struggled
last year and missed 10 field goal
attempts (although some of that has been
attributed to his holder, punter Ryan
Plackemeier - who is no longer with the
team).
Note: As of press time, three high-profile kick-
ers (John Carney, Martin Gramatica, and Matt
Stover) remained unsigned.
RETURNER
1. CB Chris Carr - Baltimore (from Tennessee)
After several years of quantity with
the Raiders, and a year of quality with
the Titans in 2008, Carr landed with the
Ravens. He’ll take over on both kickoff
and punt returns. WR Yamon Figurs
gradually lost both jobs last year due to
injury and ineffectiveness.
2. RB J.J. Arrington - Denver (from Arizona)
Eddie Royal was drafted by the
Broncos last year to be their return spe-
cialist but quickly emerged as a starting
wide receiver. So, his special teams work
was scaled back to just punt returns.
Arrington emerged as a decent threat on
kickoff return with the Cardinals, and
should step into that role for Denver.
3. WR Mark Jones - Tennessee (from Carolina)
Jones has evolved into a journeyman
return specialist. He grew into the role
with Tampa before getting injured. Last
year, the Panthers brought him in after
WR Ryne Robinson was injured. This
year, he’ll take over the job for the Titans
after Chris Carr landed in Baltimore.
4. WR Glenn Holt - Minnesota (from Cincinnati)
Holt will compete for a spot on the
roster as starting kickoff returner and
backup wide receiver. The Vikings have
had a different annual leading kickoff
returner for 11 consecutive years.
OTHER NOTABLE RETURNERS WHO
CHANGED TEAMS:
CB Phillip Buchanon - Detroit (from Tampa Bay)
RB Correll Buckhalter - Denver (from Philadelphia)
WR Bobby Engram - Kansas City (from Seattle)
CB Ellis Hobbs - Philadelphia (from New England)
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh - Seattle (from
Cincinnati)
RB Derrick Ward - Tampa Bay (from NY Giants)
25
5/26/09 11:24:31 AM
 by Jason Wood, Senior Writer

2009 Preseason
2009

Watch List 2009

J
ust because games aren’t being
played doesn’t mean there isn’t
a tremendous amount of football
activity afoot. Between scouting,
the draft, free agency, mini-camps,
training camp, preseason games and the
occasional holdout or trade demand,
there’s almost always something worth
discussing or analyzing regardless of the
time of year.
At Footballguys.com we strive
to provide fantasy leaguers with all
the relevant information in a timely
manner, and we’ll give you our honest
assessments every step of the way.
Below you’ll find a compilation of
some of the situations we’re watching
as the preseason turns into training
camp. With new developments arising
daily, remember that this is merely a
STARTING POINT. To find up-to-date
information and analysis that looks at
these situations and hundreds more,
be sure to visit www.footballguys.com
and take advantage of our Daily Email
Updates, industry-best News Blogger,
best-in-class message boards and our
thousands of pages of analysis and
statistical data.

ICON SMI
Matthew Stafford

Quarterback Situations to Watch
• How good can Trent Edwards be
(Buffalo)? — Edwards completed almost
66 percent of his passes last year and
now gets Terrell Owens added to his
arsenal. With the promise of a no huddle
offense, can Edwards become a reliable
fantasy starter?
• Was Delhomme’s contract
extension a good idea (Carolina)?
— Jake Delhomme had one of the worst
playoff games in league history and
was then rewarded with a hefty new
extension. Does the 34-year old justify
his new deal?
• Is Jay Cutler the missing piece
(Chicago)? — Bears fans have long
believed they were a QB short of a Super
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26
Bowl. Jay Cutler is the best QB they’ve
had in a long time, if not ever, will he
really be the missing piece?
• Can Palmer stay healthy
(Cincinnati)? — Carson Palmer missed
the majority of last season with a torn
elbow ligament but avoided Tommy John
surgery. Will that decision come back to
haunt him?
• Is Romo as good without Owens
(Dallas)? — The Cowboys believe
waiving Terrell Owens was addition by
subtraction, but the fact is QBs enjoy
their career seasons with him in the
lineup. Can Romo find new weapons and
remain a top fantasy passer?
• Kyle Orton or Chris Simms
(Denver)? — The consensus believes
Kyle Orton will start, but Chris Simms
is healthy and will give him a run for his
money.
• When does Stafford play (Detroit)?
— Matthew Stafford will start sooner
rather than later, but will he get the green
light in Week 1?
• Will Tom Moore’s retirement affect
Manning? (Indianapolis)? — Peyton
Manning lost the only OC he’s known
in the NFL to retirement. Will there be a
period of adjustment to worry about?
• Will we see the Garrard of 2007 or
2008? (Jacksonville)? — Garrard’s TD
rate was cut in half last year and his sack
total doubled, with the additions of WR
Torry Holt and two new bookend rookie
tackles put him back on track?
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26 watch list.indd 26 5/27/09 12:55:43 PM

 • Is Matt Cassel a franchise QB
(Kansas City)? — The Chiefs traded for
Matt Cassel and plan to rebuild around
him. Is he really a special QB or a
byproduct of the Patriots way?
• What do the Dolphins have
planned for Pat White (Miami)?
— Chad Pennington has security after
a stellar 2008 season, but the Fins have
plans for Pat White. How many reps do
they plan on giving him?
• Favre or Rosenfels or Jackson
(Minnesota)? — The Brett Favre soap
opera continues, but even if he doesn’t
suit up, Rosenfels and Jackson will wage
an intense battle for the job.
• Is Brady healthy (New England)?
— About all we know of Tom Brady’s
offseason is that he married the world’s
most famous supermodel. But far more
important is to know whether he’s fully
recovered from last season’s injury.
Would the Pats have traded Matt Cassel
if there were lingering concerns?
• Can Manning find his new Plax
(New York Giants)? — Manning isn’t
the same without Plaxico Burress, and he
has to build rapport with a collection of
young receivers this year or risk further
regression.
• Does Sanchez play immediately
(New York Jets)? — Mark Sanchez is
the future of the New York Jets, but is
he the present? Kellen Clemens doesn’t
think so.
• Was JaMarcus Russell worth the
first pick (Oakland)? — JaMarcus
Russell quietly played good football at
the end of the season, but overall his
book remains unwritten. Will he finally
emerge this year as a true franchise
cornerstone?
• Shaun Hill vs. Alex Smith (San
Francisco)? — New OC Jimmy Raye
has to figure out the QB pecking order
quickly. Alex Smith took a pay cut to stay
in the fight, but will it matter?
• Is Hasselbeck’s back okay
(Seattle)? — A bulging disc robbed Matt
Hasselbeck of more than half the season,
yet he opted against surgery to repair it.
Is there a risk of recurrence, and if so, do
the Seahawks have a backup plan?
• Will Bulger flourish in the WCO?
— Mark Bulger needs a bounce back
year. New OC Pat Shurmur is bringing
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26 watch list.indd 27
the Eagles pass-happy WCO to St. Louis,
will that make Bulger relevant again?
• The QB pecking order (Tampa
Bay)? — Josh Freeman, Byron Leftwich,
Luke McCown and Josh Johnson all
think they should start, which one is
right?
• Can Vince Young dig himself out
of the dog house (Tennessee)? — The
Titans re-signed Kerry Collins to start,
but he’s still a short-term option. Can
Vince Young do enough to at least
resume his QB2 role?
• Can Jason Campbell look past
this offseason (Washington)? — Jason
Campbell has to wonder what he ever did
to Daniel Snyder. With overtures about
trading for Jay Cutler and drafting Mark
Sanchez, can Campbell maintain his
confidence and prove he should be the
team’s starter beyond 2009?
Running Back Situations to Watch
• Will Beanie have to share carries
(Arizona)? — The Cardinals drafted
Beanie Wells in the first round, and he
should be the starter from day one. But
will they make him share carries with
Tim Hightower or the other backups?
• What can Michael Turner do for
an encore (Atlanta)? — Michael Turner
ran for 1,699 yards in his first season
in Atlanta on a league high 376 carries.
Can he do more with less this year? Can
any back handle that kind of workload
repeatedly?
• Who’s going to get the carries
(Baltimore)? — The Ravens have
worked out Le’Ron McClain at fullback
this offseason, which would suggest the
Ravens plan on spreading out the carries
again between him, Ray Rice and Willis
McGahee. Will the picture become
clearer as camp progresses?
• Will Marshawn Lynch come back
to a committee (Buffalo)? — Lynch
faces suspension for a gun possession
charge, and Fred Jackson and Dominic
Rhodes will do everything in their power
to earn significant playing time in his
stead. When Lynch returns, will the job
be his or will he have to share?
• How much time will Jonathan
Stewart get (Carolina)? – Stewart
was impressive last year but paled in
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comparison to DeAngelo Williams. Will
the Panthers maintain their roughly 60/40
split or is Stewart in line for a different
workload?
• Will Matt Forte get as many
touches (Chicago)? — Forte was
impressive as a rookie but wore down at
the end of the season. With Jay Cutler in
town, will the Bears run less as a team,
and will they follow through on their
promise to use Kevin Jones more?
• Cedric Benson: Franchise Back
(Cincinnati)? — The Bengals released
Chris Perry, signed Benson to a new
deal and didn’t draft anyone until the
sixth round. Is Benson really their
answer at tailback?
• Is Jamal Lewis entrenched
(Cleveland)? — Jamal Lewis
disappointed last season and the new
coaches owe him nothing, but is there a RB
on the roster that poses a credible threat?
• Will the Boys use a three-headed
monster (Dallas)? — Tashard Choice
ran hard last year, Felix Jones is healthy
and a home run threat on every play, and
Marion Barber is the starter with a mega-
contract. Will Dallas go back to Barber
being the main man, or will they use all
three talented runners liberally?
• Will Knowshon Moreno be the
workhorse (Denver)? — The Broncos
stockpiled RBs this offseason and
appeared ready to mimic New England’s
committee approach, but then they used
the 12th overall pick on Moreno. Will
they give him 20 touches a game or make
him share time?
• Do the Lions believe in Kevin
Smith (Detroit)? — Kevin Smith was
one of the few bright spots last year,
but the Lions reportedly wanted Beanie
Wells in the April draft. They also signed
Maurice Morris. Do they think Smith can
be a full-time workhorse?
• Can Ryan Grant put it all together
(Green Bay)? — Grant ran for more than
1,200 yards last year but averaged less
than four yards and only scored five TDs.
Can he match his 2007 TD and YPC
numbers with his 2008 workload?
• Will Steve Slaton handle the
monster workload (Houston)? — Steve
Slaton had an amazing rookie season, but
some wonder if he can handle a heavier
workload. Yet the Texans have no one on
the roster worthy of sharing touches.
27
5/27/09 12:55:57 PM

• How much work will Donald
Brown take from Joseph Addai
(Indianapolis)? — The Colts drafted
Donald Brown in the first round, and
he’ll definitely play a large role. The
question is how will he eat into Joseph
Addai’s workload?
• Is Maurice Jones-Drew ready to be
THE man (Jacksonville)? — MJD has
been an all-purpose weapon for years,
but this year he’s in line for a dramatic
increase in his workload following the
release of Fred Taylor. Is he up to the task
or will the Jags need to find someone to
pair him with?
• Has Larry Johnson mended fences
(Kansas City)? — With a new regime
aboard, Larry Johnson seemed a good
bet to be cut or traded. Yet his quiet
offseason appears to have appeased the
new brass, and LJ now looks to be a
focal point of the offense.
• Does Ronnie Brown have to share
the load with Ricky Williams (Miami)?
— Ronnie Brown is ultra-productive as
both a runner and receiver when he’s
healthy. But he’s always nicked up it
seems, and Ricky Williams played hard
in 2008. Will the Fins make them share
the role again?
• Is 2,000 yards within reach for
Peterson (Minnesota)? — When you
run for 1,760 yards as a second-year
player, is 2,000 yards really out of
the question? If anyone can do it, it’s
Peterson especially if the Vikings can get
the QB situation settled.
• Is Fred Taylor the new Corey Dillon
(New England)? — The Patriots have a
trove of RBs on the roster, but none have
Fred Taylor’s career numbers. Will the
Pats give Taylor a major role as they did
with Corey Dillon?
• Will Pierre Thomas build off his
strong second half (New Orleans)?
— The Saints cut Deuce McAllister and
ignored RB in the draft; which bodes
well for Pierre Thomas. Can he build off
his late season heroics or will we look
back on them as a fluke?
• Can Ahmad Bradshaw replace
Derrick Ward (New York Giants)?
— Derrick Ward ran for 1,000 yards as
a backup, can Ahmad Bradshaw step in
and provide the necessary complement to
bruising Brandon Jacobs?
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2 0 0 9 P R E S E AS O N WAT C H L I S T
• Will the Jets appease Thomas the short yardage hammer last year while
Jones and Leon Washington (New York Chris Johnson did everything else. Are
Jets)? — Thomas Jones wants a new those roles constant?
deal. Leon Washington wants a new deal.
• Will Clinton Portis outperform his
Rookie Shonn Greene wants to take their
ADP again (Washington)? — Every
jobs. Will NY get their vet tandem signed
year it’s the same old story. Teams bet
and sealed?
Clinton Portis will wear down and then
• Is Darren McFadden a go-to he goes out and puts up another monster
weapon (Oakland)? — McFadden ran season. Is it possible to be drafted too
for less than 50 yards in all but one game low nearly every year of your career?
last year, but he should be healthy and
ready for a larger role this season. Is he a
Wide Receiver Situations to Watch
major weapon or a fantasy tease?
• Is Brian Westbrook still an elite RB
• Can the Cardinals bring Anquan
(Philadelphia)? — Brian Westbrook saw
Boldin back into the fold (Arizona)?
his YPR and YPC drop last season, and
— The trade rumors were rampant this
his ability to stay on the field is always
offseason, but it appears the Cardinals
a worry. Is Brian Westbrook nearing the
want to keep Boldin for another run at
end of his time as one of the NFL’s most
the title. Can they make peace in the
explosive runners?
absence of a new long-term contract?
• Does Rashard Mendenhall play
• How will Roddy White adjust to
a big role (Pittsburgh)? — Rashard
Tony Gonzalez (Atlanta)? — Roddy
Mendenhall was supposed to be a short
White was Matt Ryan’s top option in
yardage bell cow last year before getting
2008. Will the addition of a HOF tight
hurt. Will he lock down an important role
end make things easier for him, or will
this year or can Fast Willie Parker eek out
he need to adjust to fewer targets?
another solid season?
• Are the Ravens happy going to war
• Will LaDainian Tomlinson have
with this WR corps (Baltimore)? —
to share carries (San Diego)? —
The Ravens were rumored to be pursuing
Tomlinson had to redo his deal to stay in
Anquan Boldin, yet they ignored the
San Diego and has plenty of competition
position in the draft. Are they confident
for touches. Will LT have the chance to
in the guys behind Derrick Mason?
regain his 20-carry form?
• Will Terrell Owens presence help
• Is Glen Coffee going to spell
Lee Evans (Buffalo)? — We know
Frank Gore from time to time (San
Owens will get his, and that he’ll help
Francisco)? — Frank Gore is the
Trent Edwards. But will T.O.’s presence
centerpiece but third round rookie Glen
help or hurt Evans?
Coffee needs to contribute, as well. Will
the 49ers integrate Coffee immediately? • Can Muhsin Muhammad keep
fighting father time (Carolina)?
• Can Steven Jackson stay on the
— Muhsin Muhammad had 923 yards
field (St. Louis) — Jackson has missed
receiving last year at 35 years old.
eight games in the last two seasons,
Is there any reason to worry he can’t
keeping him from a spot atop the fantasy
maintain that level as a 36-year old?
elite. Is this the year he regains his
premiere form? • Defining the WR pecking order
(Chicago) — The Bears have a
• How will Earnest Graham and
gunslinger now, but Jay Cutler needs
Derrick Ward split the touches (Tampa
people to throw to. Will Devin Hester
Bay)? — The Bucs wasted little time
start? Is Earl Bennett ready to emerge?
this offseason signing Derrick Ward to a
Will the rookies contribute?
long-term deal following his 1,000-yard
season in New York. Is Ward the clear • Integrating Laveranues Coles
cut starter or will the Bucs find a role for (Cincinnati) — The Bengals lost T.J.
Earnest Graham, too? Houshmandzadeh in free agency but
signed Laveranues Coles to a multi-year
• Are Chris Johnson and LenDale
deal. Will he quickly integrate into the
White satisfied with their two-headed
fold, and how will Chad Ochocinco
approach (Tennessee)? — White was
handle his new running mate?
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/27/09 12:56:08 PM
 2 0 0 9 P R E S E AS O N WAT C H L I S T

• Do the Browns intend to keep

Braylon Edwards (Cleveland)? — The
new Browns regime wasted little time
trading away Kellen Winslow but haven’t
accepted any of the offers for Braylon
Edwards. Are they content to keep him,
and if so, will he be the focal point of the
new offense?
• Do the Cowboys have someone
worthy to start (Dallas)? — Roy
Williams will be asked to replace T.O.,
but beyond that there are lots of question
marks. Patrick Crayton is better suited
for the slot, but that means Miles Austin
or someone else needs to clearly establish
himself in camp.
• Adjusting to a new offense
(Denver) — Brandon Marshall and Eddie
Royal have major adjustments to make,
including a new coaching staff, new
playbook and most importantly a new
quarterback. How will they handle the
transition?
• Who starts alongside Calvin
Johnson (Detroit)? — Calvin Johnson
proved last year he’ll produce in any

situation. But who starts opposite CJ this
year is very much in question. Bryant
Johnson, Ron Curry, Adam Jennings and
Derrick Williams all have designs on the
job.
• Will Donald Driver have to share
more time (Green Bay)? — GM Ted
Thompson believes Driver remains
an elite talent, but the Packers have a
number of talented young receivers who
deserve playing time, too. Will Driver
remain a full-time starter?
• Does Kevin Walter have a higher
ceiling (Houston)? — Kevin Walter
delivered a Top 20 season last year, but
many believe he’s capable or more than
60 catches and 899 yards. Does he have
more upside or was 2008 a career year?
• Can Anthony Gonzalez replace
Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis)?
— Anthony Gonzalez regressed in his
second season, yet he will be counted on
to replace Marvin Harrison in the starting
lineup. Is Gonzalez up to the task?
• Is Torry Holt still an impact
receiver (Jacksonville)? — Torry Holt
was cut by the Rams and signed with
Jacksonville – filling a desperate need for
the Jaguars. But is Holt still an impact
receiver or have age and injury caught up
to him?
TJ Houshmandzadeh
• Who starts opposite Dwayne
Bowe (Kansas City)? — The
rebuilding Chiefs lost Tony Gonzalez
and they need a number of receivers
to emerge as complements to Dwayne
Bowe. Does Bobby Engram have gas
left in the tank? Is Mark Bradley an
NFL starter?
• Sorting out the pecking order
(Miami) — The Dolphins drafted two
receivers and have Ted Ginn, Davone
Bess, Greg Camarillo and Brandon
London all vying for roles. No one’s job
should be considered secure entering
camp.
• Will Percy Harvin start
immediately (Minnesota)? — The
Vikings need Percy Harvin to provide
offensive versatility, and he will be on the
field quickly. But is he a polished enough
receiver to start in Week 1?
• Who fills Jabar Gaffney’s spot
(New England)? — Jabar Gaffney
played a lot more offensive snaps than
the typical WR3 but left for Denver in
the offseason. Is Joey Galloway a lock to
fill that role or will a younger receiver
surprise?
ICON SMI
• How long will Lance Moore be out
(New Orleans)? — Lance Moore was
set to test the free agent waters after a
breakout season, but he tore his labrum
lifting weights and now must play under
a one-year deal in New Orleans. How
long will his rehab take?
• Replacing Plaxico and Toomer
(New York Giants) — The Giants need to
replace both Plaxico Burress and Amani
Toomer - no small feat. Will Steve Smith
and Domenik Hixon hold down the jobs
or will rookies Hakeem Nicks and Ramses
Barden push for time immediately?
• Who is going to catch the ball
besides Jerricho Cotchery (New York
Jets)? — Jerricho Cotchery is the
clear cut WR1, but the Jets have major
question marks beyond him. Is David
Clowney or Chansi Stuckey ready to start
full-time?
• Who starts in Oaktown (Oakland)?
— Javon Walker had another knee
operation and seems unlikely to
start. Is rookie first rounder Darrius
Heyward-Bey polished enough to start
immediately, and can Chaz Schilens hold
off Johnnie Lee Higgins?

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26 watch list.indd 29 5/27/09 12:56:18 PM


• What do the Eagles have planned
for Jeremy Maclin (Philadelphia)? —
The Eagles didn’t draft Jeremy Maclin
19th overall to sit him on the bench,
but where does he fit? Is he a starter
opposite DeSean Jackson or better suited
for the slot?
• Does Limas Sweed earn a role
(Pittsburgh)? — Ward and Holmes are
the starters, but there’s an opportunity
for Limas Sweed to step into the role
vacated by Nate Washington. Can he
win the coaches over, or will veteran
Shaun McDonald fill the slot?
• What does Vincent Jackson do
for an encore (San Diego)? — Vincent
Jackson broke out last year with 1,098
yards and seven TDs. Was that the start
of great things, or will we look back on
that as his career best?
• How good can Michael Crabtree
be (San Francisco)? — The 49ers re-
signed Isaac Bruce and signed Brandon
Jones, but then Michael Crabtree fell
into their laps on draft day. Crabtree
should start immediately; will he live up
to the mountainous expectations?
• Can T.J. Houshmandzadeh
be the top Hawk (Seattle)? — T.J.
Houshmandzadeh has lived in Chad
Ochocinco’s shadow for a long time but
is now set to be the Seahawks new top
receiver. Is he ready for the attention that
brings from opposing defenses?
• Who starts opposite Donnie Avery
(St. Louis)? — Donnie Avery is an
emerging star, but someone needs to
start alongside him. Will it be Laurent
Robinson, Keenan Burton or Derek
Stanley?
• Will Bryant and Clayton earn
their new paydays (Tampa Bay)?
— Antonio Bryant resurrected his career
last season and was franchised, and
Michael Clayton was given a monster
new contract in spite of pedestrian
numbers. Can they live up to their new
contracts or will these deals be ridiculed
this time next year?
• Have the Titans done enough at
WR (Tennessee)? — The Titans signed
Nate Washington in the offseason and
then drafted Kenny Britt in the first
round. Are those additions enough
to improve the Titans weak link on
offense?
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2 0 0 9 P R E S E AS O N WAT C H L I S T
• Is Devin Thomas or Malcolm Kelly
ready to contribute (Washington)? —
Antwaan Randle El shouldn’t be starting,
but the Redskins need at least one of
last year’s rookie WRs to emerge in their
second season.
Tight End Situations to Watch
• Will Tony Gonzalez adjust to his
new surroundings (Atlanta)? — Tony
Gonzalez finds himself starting anew in
his 13th season. Will he be able to step
into the same kind of go-to role as an
Atlanta Falcon?
• Defining Todd Heap and L.J.
Smith’s roles (Baltimore) — Todd
Heap is great when healthy, and L.J.
Smith started for most of his career in
Philadelphia, where John Harbaugh
coached before Baltimore. How will the
Ravens divide the touches between these
two talented but inconsistent players?
• Does Greg Olsen emerge as an
elite playmaker (Chicago)? — Greg
Olsen was a Top 10 fantasy TE last year
despite starting only seven games. This
year, he’ll start right away and have Jay
Cutler throwing him passes. Watch out.
• Replacing Kellen Winslow
(Cleveland) — The Browns cut ties
with Kellen Winslow and can’t possibly
replace him with any one player. Will
the combination of Robert Royal, Steve
Heiden and Martin Rucker be enough?
• Can Jason Witten lead the league
in receptions (Dallas)? — With Terrell
Owens gone, Jason Witten is almost
assured of being the most targeted TE
in the league. Might he lead the NFL in
receptions?
• Does Tony Scheffler have a future
with the Broncos (Denver)? — Tony
Scheffler has allegedly been on the
trading block ever since Josh McDaniels
took over. If they don’t trade him, will
they make use of his receiving prowess
or has the sun set on his time as a
Bronco?
• Are expectations too high for
Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit)? —
Brandon Pettigrew was the cream of the
rookie TE crop, and his future is bright.
But are expectations too big for the
rookie on a team desperate to erase the
memories of an 0-16 season?
• How do you replace Tony Gonzalez
(Kansas City)? — You simply can’t
replace a HOF tight end, but the Chiefs
will need to start someone in his old
spot. Will Brad Cottam, Sean Ryan, Tony
Curtis or Jake O’Connell get the nod?
• Is Visanthe Shiancoe legit
(Minnesota)? — Visanthe Shiancoe
came out of nowhere to post a Top 5
fantasy finish in 2008, was that a sign of
things to come or a fluke born out of his
seven TDs in 42 catches?
• Defining roles for the new
additions (New England)? — The
Patriots never sit idly by, and this year
they targeted upgrading the TE position
by signing Chris Baker and trading
for Alex Smith. How will they fit into
the rotation, and does this mean Ben
Watson’s days are numbered?
• Can Jeremy Shockey re-establish
himself (New Orleans)? — Jeremy
Shockey missed four games and was
hobbled for most of last season. Will
full health and a training camp to work
with the offense allow him to reestablish
himself as an elite TE?
• Finding depth beyond Dustin
Keller (New York Jets) — Dustin Keller
is going to catch a lot of passes this year,
but the Jets are woefully undermanned
at the position. Right now Bubba Franks
and undrafted free agent J’Nathan
Bullock are the most likely backups.
• Can the veterans hold off
Cornelius Ingram (Philadelphia)? —
Matt Schobel and Brent Celek wouldn’t
start for many teams and are the weak
links in a stellar offensive cast. Can
rookie Cornelius Ingram overtake them
this season?
• How is Antonio Gates’ ankle
(San Diego)? — Antonio Gates wasn’t
himself last year rehabbing a bum toe,
and then hurt his ankle come playoff
time. He admitted to lingering pain
in the ankle at mini-camp. Is that an
ominous sign for the league’s most
explosive TE?
• Kellen Winslow gets a new lease
on life (Tampa Bay) — Winslow was
traded to Tampa Bay and then signed to
a monster new deal. Will the fire still
burn bright in his new digs, and how
good can he be now that he’s back in
Florida?
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/27/09 12:56:29 PM
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 2009 NFL Team Schedules
All Times Are Eastern

ARIZONA CARDINALS CAROLINA PANTHERS DALLAS COWBOYS HOUSTON TEXANS

Sep 13 San Francisco 4:15pm Sep 13 Philadelphia 1:00pm Sep 13 @ Tampa Bay 1:00pm Sep 13 NY Jets 1:00pm
Sep 20 @ Jacksonville 1:00pm Sep 20 @ Atlanta 1:00pm Sep 20 NY Giants 8:20pm Sep 20 @ Tennessee 1:00pm
Sep 27 Indianapolis 8:20pm Sep 28 @ Dallas 8:30pm Sep 28 Carolina 8:30pm Sep 27 Jacksonville 1:00pm
Week 4 Bye Week 4 Bye Oct 4 @ Denver 4:15pm Oct 4 Oakland 1:00pm
Oct 11 Houston 4:15pm Oct 11 Washington 1:00pm Oct 11 @ Kansas City 1:00pm Oct 11 @ Arizona 4:15pm
Oct 18 @ Seattle 4:05pm Oct 18 @ Tampa Bay 1:00pm Week 6 Bye Oct 18 @ Cincinnati 1:00pm
Oct 25 @ NY Giants 8:20pm Oct 25 Buffalo 4:05pm Oct 25 Atlanta 4:15pm Oct 25 San Francisco 1:00pm
Nov 1 Carolina 4:15pm Nov 1 @ Arizona 4:15pm Nov 1 Seattle 1:00pm Nov 1 @ Buffalo 1:00pm
Nov 8 @ Chicago 1:00pm Nov 8 @ New Orleans 4:05pm Nov 8 @ Philadelphia 8:20pm Nov 8 @ Indianapolis 1:00pm
Nov 15 Seattle 4:15pm Nov 15 Atlanta 1:00pm Nov 15 @ Green Bay 4:15pm Week 10 Bye
Nov 22 @ St. Louis 4:05pm Nov 19 Miami 8:20pm Nov 22 Washington 1:00pm Nov 23 Tennessee 8:30pm
Nov 29 @ Tennessee 1:00pm Nov 29 @ NY Jets 1:00pm Nov 26 Oakland 4:15pm Nov 29 Indianapolis 1:00pm
Dec 6 Minnesota 4:15pm Dec 6 Tampa Bay 1:00pm Dec 6 @ NY Giants 4:15pm Dec 6 @ Jacksonville 1:00pm
Dec 14 @ San Francisco 8:30pm Dec 13 @ New England 1:00pm Dec 13 San Diego 4:15pm Dec 13 Seattle 1:00pm
Dec 20 @ Detroit 1:00pm Dec 20 Minnesota 8:20pm Dec 19 @ New Orleans 8:20pm Dec 20 @ St. Louis 1:00pm
Dec 27 St. Louis 4:05pm Dec 27 @ NY Giants 1:00pm Dec 27 @ Washington 8:20pm Dec 27 @ Miami 1:00pm
Jan 3 Green Bay 4:15pm Jan 3 New Orleans 1:00pm Jan 3 Philadelphia 1:00pm Jan 3 New England 1:00pm

ATLANTA FALCONS CHICAGO BEARS DENVER BRONCOS INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Sep 13 Miami 1:00pm Sep 13 @ Green Bay 8:20pm Sep 13 @ Cincinnati 1:00pm Sep 13 Jacksonville 1:00pm
Sep 20 Carolina 1:00pm Sep 20 Pittsburgh 4:15pm Sep 20 Cleveland 4:15pm Sep 21 @ Miami 8:30pm
Sep 27 @ New England 1:00pm Sep 27 @ Seattle 4:05pm Sep 27 @ Oakland 4:15pm Sep 27 @ Arizona 8:20pm
Week 4 Bye Oct 4 Detroit 1:00pm Oct 4 Dallas 4:15pm Oct 4 Seattle 1:00pm
Oct 11 @ San Francisco 4:05pm Week 5 Bye Oct 11 New England 4:15pm Oct 11 @ Tennessee 8:20pm
Oct 18 Chicago 8:20pm Oct 18 @ Atlanta 8:20pm Oct 19 @ San Diego 8:30pm Week 6 Bye
Oct 25 @ Dallas 4:15pm Oct 25 @ Cincinnati 1:00pm Week 7 Bye Oct 25 @ St. Louis 1:00pm
Nov 2 @ New Orleans 8:30pm Nov 1 Cleveland 1:00pm Nov 1 @ Baltimore 1:00pm Nov 1 San Francisco 1:00pm
Nov 8 Washington 1:00pm Nov 8 Arizona 1:00pm Nov 9 Pittsburgh 8:30pm Nov 8 Houston 1:00pm
Nov 15 @ Carolina 1:00pm Nov 12 @ San Francisco 8:20pm Nov 15 @ Washington 1:00pm Nov 15 New England 8:20pm
Nov 22 @ NY Giants 1:00pm Nov 22 Philadelphia 8:20pm Nov 22 San Diego 4:15pm Nov 22 @ Baltimore 1:00pm
Nov 29 Tampa Bay 1:00pm Nov 29 @ Minnesota 1:00pm Nov 26 NY Giants 8:20pm Nov 29 @ Houston 1:00pm
Dec 6 Philadelphia 1:00pm Dec 6 St. Louis 1:00pm Dec 6 @ Kansas City 1:00pm Dec 6 Tennessee 1:00pm
Dec 13 New Orleans 1:00pm Dec 13 Green Bay 1:00pm Dec 13 @ Indianapolis 1:00pm Dec 13 Denver 1:00pm
Dec 20 @ NY Jets 1:00pm Dec 20 @ Baltimore 1:00pm Dec 20 Oakland 4:05pm Dec 17 @ Jacksonville 8:20pm
Dec 27 Buffalo 1:00pm Dec 28 Minnesota 8:30pm Dec 27 @ Philadelphia 1:00pm Dec 27 NY Jets 4:15pm
Jan 3 @ Tampa Bay 1:00pm Jan 3 @ Detroit 1:00pm Jan 3 Kansas City 4:15pm Jan 3 @ Buffalo 1:00pm

BALTIMORE RAVENS CINCINNATI BENGALS DETROIT LIONS JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Sep 13 Kansas City 1:00pm Sep 13 Denver 1:00pm Sep 13 @ New Orleans 1:00pm Sep 13 @ Indianapolis 1:00pm
Sep 20 @ San Diego 4:15pm Sep 20 @ Green Bay 1:00pm Sep 20 Minnesota 1:00pm Sep 20 Arizona 1:00pm
Sep 27 Cleveland 1:00pm Sep 27 Pittsburgh 4:15pm Sep 27 Washington 1:00pm Sep 27 @ Houston 1:00pm
Oct 4 @ New England 1:00pm Oct 4 @ Cleveland 1:00pm Oct 4 @ Chicago 1:00pm Oct 4 Tennessee 1:00pm
Oct 11 Cincinnati 1:00pm Oct 11 @ Baltimore 1:00pm Oct 11 Pittsburgh 1:00pm Oct 11 @ Seattle 4:15pm
Oct 18 @ Minnesota 1:00pm Oct 18 Houston 1:00pm Oct 18 @ Green Bay 1:00pm Oct 18 St. Louis 1:00pm
Week 7 Bye Oct 25 Chicago 1:00pm Week 7 Bye Week 7 Bye
Nov 1 Denver 1:00pm Week 8 Bye Nov 1 St. Louis 1:00pm Nov 1 @ Tennessee 4:05pm
Nov 8 @ Cincinnati 1:00pm Nov 8 Baltimore 1:00pm Nov 8 @ Seattle 4:05pm Nov 8 Kansas City 1:00pm
Nov 16 @ Cleveland 8:30pm Nov 15 @ Pittsburgh 1:00pm Nov 15 @ Minnesota 1:00pm Nov 15 @ NY Jets 1:00pm
Nov 22 Indianapolis 1:00pm Nov 22 @ Oakland 4:15pm Nov 22 Cleveland 1:00pm Nov 22 Buffalo 1:00pm
Nov 29 Pittsburgh 8:20pm Nov 29 Cleveland 1:00pm Nov 26 Green Bay 12:30pm Nov 29 @ San Francisco 4:05pm
Dec 7 @ Green Bay 8:30pm Dec 6 Detroit 1:00pm Dec 6 @ Cincinnati 1:00pm Dec 6 Houston 1:00pm
Dec 13 Detroit 1:00pm Dec 13 @ Minnesota 1:00pm Dec 13 @ Baltimore 1:00pm Dec 13 Miami 1:00pm
Dec 20 Chicago 1:00pm Dec 20 @ San Diego 4:05pm Dec 20 Arizona 1:00pm Dec 17 Indianapolis 8:20pm
Dec 27 @ Pittsburgh 1:00pm Dec 27 Kansas City 1:00pm Dec 27 @ San Francisco 4:05pm Dec 27 @ New England 1:00pm
Jan 3 @ Oakland 4:15pm Jan 3 @ NY Jets 1:00pm Jan 3 Chicago 1:00pm Jan 3 @ Cleveland 1:00pm

BUFFALO BILLS CLEVELAND BROWNS GREEN BAY PACKERS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Sep 14 @ New England 7:00pm Sep 13 Minnesota 1:00pm Sep 13 Chicago 8:20pm Sep 13 @ Baltimore 1:00pm
Sep 20 Tampa Bay 4:05pm Sep 20 @ Denver 4:15pm Sep 20 Cincinnati 1:00pm Sep 20 Oakland 1:00pm
Sep 27 New Orleans 4:05pm Sep 27 @ Baltimore 1:00pm Sep 27 @ St. Louis 1:00pm Sep 27 @ Philadelphia 1:00pm
Oct 4 @ Miami 4:05pm Oct 4 Cincinnati 1:00pm Oct 5 @ Minnesota 8:30pm Oct 4 NY Giants 1:00pm
Oct 11 Cleveland 1:00pm Oct 11 @ Buffalo 1:00pm Week 5 Bye Oct 11 Dallas 1:00pm
Oct 18 @ NY Jets 4:15pm Oct 18 @ Pittsburgh 1:00pm Oct 18 Detroit 1:00pm Oct 18 @ Washington 1:00pm
Oct 25 @ Carolina 4:05pm Oct 25 Green Bay 1:00pm Oct 25 @ Cleveland 1:00pm Oct 25 San Diego 1:00pm
Nov 1 Houston 1:00pm Nov 1 @ Chicago 1:00pm Nov 1 Minnesota 1:00pm Week 8 Bye
Week 9 Bye Week 9 Bye Nov 8 @ Tampa Bay 1:00pm Nov 8 @ Jacksonville 1:00pm
Nov 15 @ Tennessee 1:00pm Nov 16 Baltimore 8:30pm Nov 15 Dallas 4:15pm Nov 15 @ Oakland 4:05pm
Nov 22 @ Jacksonville 1:00pm Nov 22 @ Detroit 1:00pm Nov 22 San Francisco 1:00pm Nov 22 Pittsburgh 1:00pm
Nov 29 Miami 1:00pm Nov 29 @ Cincinnati 1:00pm Nov 26 @ Detroit 12:30pm Nov 29 @ San Diego 4:05pm
Dec 3 NY Jets 8:20pm Dec 6 San Diego 4:05pm Dec 7 Baltimore 8:30pm Dec 6 Denver 1:00pm
Dec 13 @ Kansas City 1:00pm Dec 10 Pittsburgh 8:20pm Dec 13 @ Chicago 1:00pm Dec 13 Buffalo 1:00pm
Dec 20 New England 1:00pm Dec 20 @ Kansas City 1:00pm Dec 20 @ Pittsburgh 1:00pm Dec 20 Cleveland 1:00pm
Dec 27 @ Atlanta 1:00pm Dec 27 Oakland 1:00pm Dec 27 Seattle 1:00pm Dec 27 @ Cincinnati 1:00pm
Jan 3 Indianapolis 1:00pm Jan 3 Jacksonville 1:00pm Jan 3 @ Arizona 4:15pm Jan 3 @ Denver 4:15pm

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32 SCHEDULES.indd 32 5/22/09 3:11:11 PM

 MIAMI DOLPHINS NEW YORK GIANTS PITTSBURGH STEELERS SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Sep 13 @ Atlanta 1:00pm Sep 13 Washington 4:15pm Sep 10 Tennessee 8:30pm Sep 13 St. Louis 4:15pm
Sep 21 Indianapolis 8:30pm Sep 20 @ Dallas 8:20pm Sep 20 @ Chicago 4:15pm Sep 20 @ San Francisco 4:05pm
Sep 27 @ San Diego 4:15pm Sep 27 @ Tampa Bay 1:00pm Sep 27 @ Cincinnati 4:15pm Sep 27 Chicago 4:05pm
Oct 4 Buffalo 4:05pm Oct 4 @ Kansas City 1:00pm Oct 4 San Diego 8:20pm Oct 4 @ Indianapolis 1:00pm
Oct 12 NY Jets 8:30pm Oct 11 Oakland 1:00pm Oct 11 @ Detroit 1:00pm Oct 11 Jacksonville 4:15pm
Week 6 Bye Oct 18 @ New Orleans 1:00pm Oct 18 Cleveland 1:00pm Oct 18 Arizona 4:05pm
Oct 25 New Orleans 4:15pm Oct 25 Arizona 8:20pm Oct 25 Minnesota 1:00pm Week 7 Bye
Nov 1 @ NY Jets 1:00pm Nov 1 @ Philadelphia 4:15pm Week 8 Bye Nov 1 @ Dallas 1:00pm
Nov 8 @ New England 1:00pm Nov 8 San Diego 4:15pm Nov 9 @ Denver 8:30pm Nov 8 Detroit 4:05pm
Nov 15 Tampa Bay 1:00pm Week 10 Bye Nov 15 Cincinnati 1:00pm Nov 15 @ Arizona 4:15pm
Nov 19 @ Carolina 8:20pm Nov 22 Atlanta 1:00pm Nov 22 @ Kansas City 1:00pm Nov 22 @ Minnesota 1:00pm
Nov 29 @ Buffalo 1:00pm Nov 26 @ Denver 8:20pm Nov 29 @ Baltimore 8:20pm Nov 29 @ St. Louis 1:00pm
Dec 6 New England 8:20pm Dec 6 Dallas 4:15pm Dec 6 Oakland 1:00pm Dec 6 San Francisco 4:15pm
Dec 13 @ Jacksonville 1:00pm Dec 13 Philadelphia 8:20pm Dec 10 @ Cleveland 8:20pm Dec 13 @ Houston 1:00pm
Dec 20 @ Tennessee 1:00pm Dec 21 @ Washington 8:30pm Dec 20 Green Bay 1:00pm Dec 20 Tampa Bay 4:15pm
Dec 27 Houston 1:00pm Dec 27 Carolina 1:00pm Dec 27 Baltimore 1:00pm Dec 27 @ Green Bay 1:00pm
Jan 3 Pittsburgh 1:00pm Jan 3 @ Minnesota 1:00pm Jan 3 @ Miami 1:00pm Jan 3 Tennessee 4:15pm

MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEW YORK JETS ST. LOUIS RAMS TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Sep 13 @ Cleveland 1:00pm Sep 13 @ Houston 1:00pm Sep 13 @ Seattle 4:15pm Sep 13 Dallas 1:00pm
Sep 20 @ Detroit 1:00pm Sep 20 New England 1:00pm Sep 20 @ Washington 1:00pm Sep 20 @ Buffalo 4:05pm
Sep 27 San Francisco 1:00pm Sep 27 Tennessee 1:00pm Sep 27 Green Bay 1:00pm Sep 27 NY Giants 1:00pm
Oct 5 Green Bay 8:30pm Oct 4 @ New Orleans 4:05pm Oct 4 @ San Francisco 4:15pm Oct 4 @ Washington 1:00pm
Oct 11 @ St. Louis 1:00pm Oct 12 @ Miami 8:30pm Oct 11 Minnesota 1:00pm Oct 11 @ Philadelphia 1:00pm
Oct 18 Baltimore 1:00pm Oct 18 Buffalo 4:15pm Oct 18 @ Jacksonville 1:00pm Oct 18 Carolina 1:00pm
Oct 25 @ Pittsburgh 1:00pm Oct 25 @ Oakland 4:05pm Oct 25 Indianapolis 1:00pm Oct 25 New England 1:00pm
Nov 1 @ Green Bay 1:00pm Nov 1 Miami 1:00pm Nov 1 @ Detroit 1:00pm Week 8 Bye
Week 9 Bye Week 9 Bye Week 9 Bye Nov 8 Green Bay 1:00pm
Nov 15 Detroit 1:00pm Nov 15 Jacksonville 1:00pm Nov 15 New Orleans 1:00pm Nov 15 @ Miami 1:00pm
Nov 22 Seattle 1:00pm Nov 22 @ New England 4:15pm Nov 22 Arizona 4:05pm Nov 22 New Orleans 1:00pm
Nov 29 Chicago 1:00pm Nov 29 Carolina 1:00pm Nov 29 Seattle 1:00pm Nov 29 @ Atlanta 1:00pm
Dec 6 @ Arizona 4:15pm Dec 3 @ Buffalo 8:20pm Dec 6 @ Chicago 1:00pm Dec 6 @ Carolina 1:00pm
Dec 13 Cincinnati 1:00pm Dec 13 @ Tampa Bay 1:00pm Dec 13 @ Tennessee 1:00pm Dec 13 NY Jets 1:00pm
Dec 20 @ Carolina 8:20pm Dec 20 Atlanta 1:00pm Dec 20 Houston 1:00pm Dec 20 @ Seattle 4:15pm
Dec 28 @ Chicago 8:30pm Dec 27 @ Indianapolis 4:15pm Dec 27 @ Arizona 4:05pm Dec 27 @ New Orleans 1:00pm
Jan 3 NY Giants 1:00pm Jan 3 Cincinnati 1:00pm Jan 3 San Francisco 1:00pm Jan 3 Atlanta 1:00pm

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS OAKLAND RAIDERS SAN DIEGO CHARGERS TENNESSEE TITANS
Sep 14 Buffalo 7:00pm Sep 14 San Diego 10:15pm Sep 14 @ Oakland 10:15pm Sep 10 @ Pittsburgh 8:30pm
Sep 20 @ NY Jets 1:00pm Sep 20 @ Kansas City 1:00pm Sep 20 Baltimore 4:15pm Sep 20 Houston 1:00pm
Sep 27 Atlanta 1:00pm Sep 27 Denver 4:15pm Sep 27 Miami 4:15pm Sep 27 @ NY Jets 1:00pm
Oct 4 Baltimore 1:00pm Oct 4 @ Houston 1:00pm Oct 4 @ Pittsburgh 8:20pm Oct 4 @ Jacksonville 1:00pm
Oct 11 @ Denver 4:15pm Oct 11 @ NY Giants 1:00pm Week 5 Bye Oct 11 Indianapolis 8:20pm
Oct 18 Tennessee 4:15pm Oct 18 Philadelphia 4:05pm Oct 19 Denver 8:30pm Oct 18 @ New England 4:15pm
Oct 25 @ Tampa Bay 1:00pm Oct 25 NY Jets 4:05pm Oct 25 @ Kansas City 1:00pm Week 7 Bye
Week 8 Bye Nov 1 @ San Diego 4:05pm Nov 1 Oakland 4:05pm Nov 1 Jacksonville 4:05pm
Nov 8 Miami 1:00pm Week 9 Bye Nov 8 @ NY Giants 4:15pm Nov 8 @ San Francisco 4:15pm
Nov 15 @ Indianapolis 8:20pm Nov 15 Kansas City 4:05pm Nov 15 Philadelphia 4:15pm Nov 15 Buffalo 1:00pm
Nov 22 NY Jets 4:15pm Nov 22 Cincinnati 4:15pm Nov 22 @ Denver 4:15pm Nov 23 @ Houston 8:30pm
Nov 30 @ New Orleans 8:30pm Nov 26 @ Dallas 4:15pm Nov 29 Kansas City 4:05pm Nov 29 Arizona 1:00pm
Dec 6 @ Miami 8:20pm Dec 6 @ Pittsburgh 1:00pm Dec 6 @ Cleveland 4:05pm Dec 6 @ Indianapolis 1:00pm
Dec 13 Carolina 1:00pm Dec 13 Washington 4:05pm Dec 13 @ Dallas 4:15pm Dec 13 St. Louis 1:00pm
Dec 20 @ Buffalo 1:00pm Dec 20 @ Denver 4:05pm Dec 20 Cincinnati 4:05pm Dec 20 Miami 1:00pm
Dec 27 Jacksonville 1:00pm Dec 27 @ Cleveland 1:00pm Dec 25 @ Tennessee 7:30pm Dec 25 San Diego 7:30pm
Jan 3 @ Houston 1:00pm Jan 3 Baltimore 4:15pm Jan 3 Washington 4:15pm Jan 3 @ Seattle 4:15pm

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PHILADELPHIA EAGLES SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Sep 13 Detroit 1:00pm Sep 13 @ Carolina 1:00pm Sep 13 @ Arizona 4:15pm Sep 13 @ NY Giants 4:15pm
Sep 20 @ Philadelphia 1:00pm Sep 20 New Orleans 1:00pm Sep 20 Seattle 4:05pm Sep 20 St. Louis 1:00pm
Sep 27 @ Buffalo 4:05pm Sep 27 Kansas City 1:00pm Sep 27 @ Minnesota 1:00pm Sep 27 @ Detroit 1:00pm
Oct 4 NY Jets 4:05pm Week 4 Bye Oct 4 St. Louis 4:15pm Oct 4 Tampa Bay 1:00pm
Week 5 Bye Oct 11 Tampa Bay 1:00pm Oct 11 Atlanta 4:05pm Oct 11 @ Carolina 1:00pm
Oct 18 NY Giants 1:00pm Oct 18 @ Oakland 4:05pm Week 6 Bye Oct 18 Kansas City 1:00pm
Oct 25 @ Miami 4:15pm Oct 26 @ Washington 8:30pm Oct 25 @ Houston 1:00pm Oct 26 Philadelphia 8:30pm
Nov 2 Atlanta 8:30pm Nov 1 NY Giants 4:15pm Nov 1 @ Indianapolis 1:00pm Week 8 Bye
Nov 8 Carolina 4:05pm Nov 8 Dallas 8:20pm Nov 8 Tennessee 4:15pm Nov 8 @ Atlanta 1:00pm
Nov 15 @ St. Louis 1:00pm Nov 15 @ San Diego 4:15pm Nov 12 Chicago 8:20pm Nov 15 Denver 1:00pm
Nov 22 @ Tampa Bay 1:00pm Nov 22 @ Chicago 8:20pm Nov 22 @ Green Bay 1:00pm Nov 22 @ Dallas 1:00pm
Nov 30 New England 8:30pm Nov 29 Washington 1:00pm Nov 29 Jacksonville 4:05pm Nov 29 @ Philadelphia 1:00pm
Dec 6 @ Washington 1:00pm Dec 6 @ Atlanta 1:00pm Dec 6 @ Seattle 4:15pm Dec 6 New Orleans 1:00pm
Dec 13 @ Atlanta 1:00pm Dec 13 @ NY Giants 8:20pm Dec 14 Arizona 8:30pm Dec 13 @ Oakland 4:05pm
Dec 19 Dallas 8:20pm Dec 20 San Francisco 1:00pm Dec 20 @ Philadelphia 1:00pm Dec 21 NY Giants 8:30pm
Dec 27 Tampa Bay 1:00pm Dec 27 Denver 1:00pm Dec 27 Detroit 4:05pm Dec 27 Dallas 8:20pm
Jan 3 @ Carolina 1:00pm Jan 3 @ Dallas 1:00pm Jan 3 @ St. Louis 1:00pm Jan 3 @ San Diego 4:15pm

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FOOTBALLGUYS.COM 33

32 SCHEDULES.indd 33 5/28/09 3:05:55 PM

 Week 1
2009 NFL Schedule
Time (ET) Houston at Arizona 4:15 PM Jacksonville at NY Jets 1:00 PM Philadelphia at NY Giants 8:20 PM
Thursday, September 10 New England at Denver 4:15 PM Cincinnati at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM Monday, December 14
Tennessee at Pittsburgh 8:30 PM Indianapolis at Tennessee 8:20 PM Denver at Washington 1:00 PM Arizona at San Francisco 8:30 PM
Sunday, September 13 Monday, October 12 Atlanta at Carolina 1:00 PM
Miami at Atlanta 1:00 PM NY Jets at Miami 8:30 PM Kansas City at Oakland 4:05 PM Week 15 TIME
Denver at Cincinnati 1:00 PM • Bye: Chicago, Green Bay, New Orleans, Dallas at Green Bay 4:15 PM Thursday, December 17
Minnesota at Cleveland 1:00 PM San Diego Seattle at Arizona 4:15 PM Indianapolis at Jacksonville 8:20 PM
Jacksonville at Indianapolis 1:00 PM Philadelphia at San Diego 4:15 PM Saturday, December 19
Detroit at New Orleans 1:00 PM Week 6 TIME New England at Indianapolis 8:20 PM Dallas at New Orleans 8:20 PM
Dallas at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM Sunday, October 18 Monday, November 16 Sunday, December 20
Philadelphia at Carolina 1:00 PM Houston at Cincinnati 1:00 PM Baltimore at Cleveland 8:30 PM New England at Buffalo 1:00 PM
Kansas City at Baltimore 1:00 PM Detroit at Green Bay 1:00 PM • Bye: NY Giants, Houston Arizona at Detroit 1:00 PM
NY Jets at Houston 1:00 PM Baltimore at Minnesota 1:00 PM Miami at Tennessee 1:00 PM
Washington at NY Giants 4:15 PM NY Giants at New Orleans 1:00 PM Week 11 TIME Cleveland at Kansas City 1:00 PM
San Francisco at Arizona 4:15 PM Cleveland at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM Thursday, November 19 Houston at St. Louis 1:00 PM
St. Louis at Seattle 4:15 PM Carolina at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM Miami at Carolina 8:20 PM Atlanta at NY Jets 1:00 PM
Chicago at Green Bay 8:20 PM Kansas City at Washington 1:00 PM Sunday, November 22 San Francisco at Philadelphia 1:00 PM
Monday, September 14 St. Louis at Jacksonville 1:00 PM Washington at Dallas 1:00 PM Green Bay at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM
Buffalo at New England 7:00 PM Arizona at Seattle 4:05 PM Cleveland at Detroit 1:00 PM Chicago at Baltimore 1:00 PM
San Diego at Oakland 10:15 PM Philadelphia at Oakland 4:05 PM San Francisco at Green Bay 1:00 PM Cincinnati at San Diego 4:05 PM
Tennessee at New England 4:15 PM Pittsburgh at Kansas City 1:00 PM Oakland at Denver 4:05 PM
Week 2 TIME Buffalo at NY Jets 4:15 PM Atlanta at NY Giants 1:00 PM Tampa Bay at Seattle 4:15 PM
Sunday, September 20 Chicago at Atlanta 8:20 PM New Orleans at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM Minnesota at Carolina 8:20 PM
Carolina at Atlanta 1:00 PM Monday, October 19 Buffalo at Jacksonville 1:00 PM Monday, December 21
Minnesota at Detroit 1:00 PM Denver at San Diego 8:30 PM Indianapolis at Baltimore 1:00 PM NY Giants at Washington 8:30 PM
Cincinnati at Green Bay 1:00 PM • Bye: Dallas, Indianapolis, Miami, Seattle at Minnesota 1:00 PM
Houston at Tennessee 1:00 PM San Francisco Arizona at St. Louis 4:05 PM Week 16 TIME
Oakland at Kansas City 1:00 PM NY Jets at New England 4:15 PM Friday, December 25
New England at NY Jets 1:00 PM Week 7 TIME Cincinnati at Oakland 4:15 PM San Diego at Tennessee 7:30 PM
New Orleans at Philadelphia 1:00 PM Sunday, October 25 San Diego at Denver 4:15 PM Sunday, December 27
St. Louis at Washington 1:00 PM Chicago at Cincinnati 1:00 PM Philadelphia at Chicago 8:20 PM Buffalo at Atlanta 1:00 PM
Arizona at Jacksonville 1:00 PM Green Bay at Cleveland 1:00 PM Monday, November 23 Kansas City at Cincinnati 1:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Buffalo 4:05 PM San Diego at Kansas City 1:00 PM Tennessee at Houston 8:30 PM Oakland at Cleveland 1:00 PM
Seattle at San Francisco 4:05 PM Indianapolis at St. Louis 1:00 PM Seattle at Green Bay 1:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Chicago 4:15 PM San Francisco at Houston 1:00 PM Week 12 TIME Baltimore at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM
Baltimore at San Diego 4:15 PM Minnesota at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM Thursday, November 26 Houston at Miami 1:00 PM
Cleveland at Denver 4:15 PM New England at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM Green Bay at Detroit 12:30 PM Jacksonville at New England 1:00 PM
NY Giants at Dallas 8:20 PM Buffalo at Carolina 4:05 PM Oakland at Dallas 4:15 PM Tampa Bay at New Orleans 1:00 PM
Monday, September 21 NY Jets at Oakland 4:05 PM NY Giants at Denver 8:20 PM Carolina at NY Giants 1:00 PM
Indianapolis at Miami 8:30 PM New Orleans at Miami 4:15 PM Sunday, November 29 Denver at Philadelphia 1:00 PM
Atlanta at Dallas 4:15 PM Tampa Bay at Atlanta 1:00 PM St. Louis at Arizona 4:05 PM
Week 3 TIME Arizona at NY Giants 8:20 PM Miami at Buffalo 1:00 PM Detroit at San Francisco 4:05 PM
Sunday, September 27 Monday, October 26 Cleveland at Cincinnati 1:00 PM NY Jets at Indianapolis 4:15 PM
Washington at Detroit 1:00 PM Philadelphia at Washington 8:30 PM Arizona at Tennessee 1:00 PM Dallas at Washington 8:20 PM
Green Bay at St. Louis 1:00 PM • Bye: Denver, Detroit, Tennessee, Seattle, Seattle at St. Louis 1:00 PM Monday, December 28
San Francisco at Minnesota 1:00 PM Jacksonville, Baltimore Chicago at Minnesota 1:00 PM Minnesota at Chicago 8:30 PM
Atlanta at New England 1:00 PM Carolina at NY Jets 1:00 PM
Tennessee at NY Jets 1:00 PM Week 8 TIME Washington at Philadelphia 1:00 PM Week 17 TIME
Kansas City at Philadelphia 1:00 PM Sunday, November 1 Indianapolis at Houston 1:00 PM Sunday, January 3
NY Giants at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM Houston at Buffalo 1:00 PM Kansas City at San Diego 4:05 PM Indianapolis at Buffalo 1:00 PM
Cleveland at Baltimore 1:00 PM Cleveland at Chicago 1:00 PM Jacksonville at San Francisco 4:05 PM Jacksonville at Cleveland 1:00 PM
Jacksonville at Houston 1:00 PM Seattle at Dallas 1:00 PM Pittsburgh at Baltimore 8:20 PM Philadelphia at Dallas 1:00 PM
New Orleans at Buffalo 4:05 PM St. Louis at Detroit 1:00 PM Monday, November 30 Chicago at Detroit 1:00 PM
Chicago at Seattle 4:05 PM Minnesota at Green Bay 1:00 PM New England at New Orleans 8:30 PM Atlanta at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM
Miami at San Diego 4:15 PM San Francisco at Indianapolis 1:00 PM New Orleans at Carolina 1:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati 4:15 PM Miami at NY Jets 1:00 PM Week 13 TIME New England at Houston 1:00 PM
Denver at Oakland 4:15 PM Denver at Baltimore 1:00 PM Thursday, December 3 San Francisco at St. Louis 1:00 PM
Indianapolis at Arizona 8:20 PM Oakland at San Diego 4:05 PM NY Jets at Buffalo 8:20 PM Pittsburgh at Miami 1:00 PM
Monday, September 28 Jacksonville at Tennessee 4:05 PM Sunday, December 6 NY Giants at Minnesota 1:00 PM
Carolina at Dallas 8:30 PM NY Giants at Philadelphia 4:15 PM Philadelphia at Atlanta 1:00 PM Cincinnati at NY Jets 1:00 PM
Carolina at Arizona 4:15 PM St. Louis at Chicago 1:00 PM Green Bay at Arizona 4:15 PM
Week 4 TIME Monday, November 2 Detroit at Cincinnati 1:00 PM Washington at San Diego 4:15 PM
Sunday, October 4 Atlanta at New Orleans 8:30 PM Tennessee at Indianapolis 1:00 PM Tennessee at Seattle 4:15 PM
Detroit at Chicago 1:00 PM • Bye: Cincinnati, Kansas City, New England, Denver at Kansas City 1:00 PM Baltimore at Oakland 4:15 PM
Cincinnati at Cleveland 1:00 PM Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Washington New Orleans at Washington 1:00 PM Kansas City at Denver 4:15 PM
Seattle at Indianapolis 1:00 PM Tampa Bay at Carolina 1:00 PM
NY Giants at Kansas City 1:00 PM Week 9 TIME Houston at Jacksonville 1:00 PM Postseason
Baltimore at New England 1:00 PM Sunday, November 8 Oakland at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM Saturday, January 9, 2010
Tampa Bay at Washington 1:00 PM Washington at Atlanta 1:00 PM San Diego at Cleveland 4:05 PM AFC and NFC wild-card playoffs NBC
Tennessee at Jacksonville 1:00 PM Arizona at Chicago 1:00 PM San Francisco at Seattle 4:15 PM
Oakland at Houston 1:00 PM Baltimore at Cincinnati 1:00 PM Dallas at NY Giants 4:15 PM Sunday, January 10
NY Jets at New Orleans 4:05 PM Houston at Indianapolis 1:00 PM Minnesota at Arizona 4:15 PM AFC and NFC wild-card playoffs CBS & FOX
Buffalo at Miami 4:05 PM Miami at New England 1:00 PM New England at Miami 8:20 PM
St. Louis at San Francisco 4:15 PM Green Bay at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM Monday, December 7 Saturday, January 16
Dallas at Denver 4:15 PM Kansas City at Jacksonville 1:00 PM Baltimore at Green Bay 8:30 PM AFC and NFC divisional playoffs CBS & FOX
San Diego at Pittsburgh 8:20 PM Detroit at Seattle 4:05 PM
Monday, October 5 Carolina at New Orleans 4:05 PM Week 14 TIME Sunday, January 17
Green Bay at Minnesota 8:30 PM San Diego at NY Giants 4:15 PM Thursday, December 10 AFC and NFC divisional playoffs CBS & FOX
• Bye: Atlanta, Philadelphia, Arizona, Tennessee at San Francisco 4:15 PM Pittsburgh at Cleveland 8:20 PM
Carolina Dallas at Philadelphia 8:20 PM Sunday, December 13 Sunday, January 24
Monday, November 9 New Orleans at Atlanta 1:00 PM AFC and NFC championship games
Week 5 TIME Pittsburgh at Denver 8:30 PM Green Bay at Chicago 1:00 PM CBS & FOX
Sunday, October 11 • Bye: Buffalo, Cleveland, Oakland, St. St. Louis at Tennessee 1:00 PM
Cleveland at Buffalo 1:00 PM Louis, Minnesota, NY Jets Denver at Indianapolis 1:00 PM Sunday, January 31
Dallas at Kansas City 1:00 PM Buffalo at Kansas City 1:00 PM AFC-NFC Pro Bowl at Dolphin Stadium,
Minnesota at St. Louis 1:00 PM Week 10 TIME NY Jets at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM Miami Gardens, Fla. ESPN
Oakland at NY Giants 1:00 PM Thursday, November 12 Miami at Jacksonville 1:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia 1:00 PM Chicago at San Francisco 8:20 PM Detroit at Baltimore 1:00 PM Sunday, February 7
Pittsburgh at Detroit 1:00 PM Sunday, November 15 Seattle at Houston 1:00 PM Super Bowl XLIV at Dolphin Stadium,
Washington at Carolina 1:00 PM Buffalo at Tennessee 1:00 PM Cincinnati at Minnesota 1:00 PM Miami Gardens, Fla. CBS
Cincinnati at Baltimore 1:00 PM New Orleans at St. Louis 1:00 PM Carolina at New England 1:00 PM
Atlanta at San Francisco 4:05 PM Tampa Bay at Miami 1:00 PM Washington at Oakland 4:05 PM
Jacksonville at Seattle 4:15 PM Detroit at Minnesota 1:00 PM San Diego at Dallas 4:15 PM

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34 FOOTBALLGUYS.COM

32 SCHEDULES.indd 34 5/22/09 3:11:34 PM

 WE’RE NOT ADVOCATING OVERKILL,
but a Footballguys subscription does give you a
certain unfair advantage over your leaguemates.

With 50,000 pages of content throughout

the year, Footballguys gives you the must-have
tools required to dominate your league.

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more, it’s not a fair advantage at all.

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RATE MY TEAM app on Footballguys.com.
 OffensiveOvLine
By Chris Smith

GRADING SYSTEM
erview
A Excellent
B+ Very Good
B Good
C+ Fair
C Average
D Poor
F Terrible

Arizona Cardinals
Overall Grade: C+ / Overall Rank 14th

2009 Grades
Run blocking: C Cohesion: A
Pass blocking: B+ Experience: A
Depth: C Potential: B+

Projected Starters
LT Mike Gandy – 16 starts in 2008 / 8th season
LG Reggie Wells – 16 starts in 2008 / 7th season
C Lyle Sendlein – 16 starts in 2008 / 3rd season
RG Deuce Lutui – 16 starts in 2008 / 4th season
RT Levi Brown – 16 starts in 2008 / 3rd season

Key Backups: G Elton Brown, T Elliot Vallejo, T

Herman Johnson [R], C Donovan Raiola

ICON SMI
Steve Hutchinson
Team Notes
• New Additions: T Herman Johnson
• Key Losses: None Projected Starters
• Yet to sign: None
Baltimore Ravens LT Langston Walker – 16 starts / 8th season
Overall Grade: C / Overall Rank 20th LG Kirk Chambers – 4 starts / 6th season

Atlanta Falcons
C Geoff Hangartner – new addition / 5th season
2009 Grades RG Brad Butler – 13 starts / 4th season
Overall Grade: B+ / Overall Rank 8th RT Demetrius Bell – 0 starts / 2nd season
Run blocking: B+ Cohesion: C
Pass blocking: C Experience: B
2009 Grades Key Backups: C/G Seth McKinney, C Eric Wood
Depth: A Potential: B
Run blocking: A Cohesion: B [R], T Jonathon Scott, T Chris Denman, G Andy
Pass blocking: A Experience: B Levitre [R]
Projected Starters
Depth: C Potential: A
LT Jared Gaither - 15 starts in 2008 / 3rd season
LG Ben Grubbs – 16 starts in 2008 / 3rd season Team Notes
Projected Starters • New Additions: G/C - Seth McKinney
C Matt Birk – new addition / 12th season
LT Sam Baker – 5 starts in 2008 / 2nd season (Cleveland), C/G - Geoff Hangartner (Carolina), C
RG Marshall Yanda- 5 starts / 3rd season
LG Justin Blalock – 16 starts in 2008 / 3rd season Eric Wood [R], G Andy Levitre [R]
RT Michael Oher – rookie (first round pick)
C Todd McClure – 16 starts in 2008 /10th season • Key Losses: LT Jason Peters (traded to
RG Harvey Dahl- 16 starts in 2008 / 4th season Philadelphia), C/G Duke Preston (Green Bay), G
Key Backups: G/C Chris Chester, T Adam Terry
RT Tyson Clabo – 16 starts in 2008 / 3rd season Derrick Dockery (Washington)
Team Notes
Key Backups: C/G Ben Wilkinson, G Brett
• New Additions: Center Matt Birk (Minnesota), T
Romberg, T Garrett Reynolds [R]
Michael Oher [R]
Team Notes
• Key Losses: Jason Brown (St. Louis) Carolina Panthers
• Yet to Sign: None Overall Grade: B+ / Overall Rank 9th
• New Additions: Brett Romberg, T Garrett
Reynolds [R]
• Key Losses: None Buffalo Bills 2009 Grades
• Yet to Sign: Harvey Dahl (RFA) Overall Grade: F / Overall Rank 32nd Run blocking: A Depth: B
• Center Todd McClure has not missed a start Pass blocking: A Cohesion: C
since 2001 2009 Grades Experience: B Potential: A
Run blocking: D Cohesion: F
Pass blocking: D Experience: C Projected Starters
Depth: C+ Potential: D LT Jordan Gross – Pro Bowl – 15 starts / 7th season

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 LG Travelle Wharton – 14 starts / 6th season
C Ryan Kalil – 12 starts / 3rd season
Cleveland Browns Team Notes
• New Additions: G Seth Olsen [R], C Blake
Overall Grade: C+ / Overall Rank 15th
RG Keydrick Vincent – 14 starts / 9th season Schlueter [R]
RT Jeff Otah – 12 starts / 2nd season • Key Losses: T Erik Pears (Oakland)
2009 Grades
• Yet to Sign: none
Run blocking: C+ Cohesion: C+
Key Backups: G Jeremy Bridges (likely to sign),
Pass blocking: B+ Experience: A
T Jonathon Palmer, G Mackenzy Bernadeau, T/G
Duke Robinson [R], G Justin Geisinger
Depth: C+ Potential: B+ Detroit Lions
Overall Grade: D / Overall Rank 29th
Projected Starters
Team Notes
LT Joe Thomas – Pro Bowl – 16 starts / 3rd 2009 Grades
• New Additions: T Duke Robinson [R], G Justin
season Run blocking: C Cohesion: B
Geisinger
LG Eric Steinbach – 14 starts / 7th season Pass blocking: F Experience: C+
• Key Losses: T Frank Omiyale (Chicago), C Geoff
C Hank Fraley – 15 starts / 10th season Depth: C+ Potential: C+
Hangartner (Buffalo)
RG Floyd Womack – new addition / 9th season
• LT Jordan Gross re-signs for 6 years ($60
RT John St. Clair – new addition / 10th season Projected Starters
million contract)
LT Jeff Backus – 16 starts / 9th season
Key Backups: G Rex Hadnot, C Alex Mack [R], T LG Manuel Ramirez – 3 starts / 3rd season
Isaac Sowells, T Ryan Tucker C Dominic Raiola – 12 starts / 9th season
Chicago Bears Team Notes
RG Stephen Peterman – 14 starts / 6th season
RT Gosder Cherilus – 13 starts / 2nd season
Overall Grade: D / Overall Rank 26th • New Additions: T/G Floyd Womack (Seattle), T
John St. Clair (Chicago), C Alex Mack [R] Key Backups: T Daniel Loper, G Dylan Gandy, T
2009 Grades • Key Losses: T Kevin Shaffer (Chicago), C/G Seth Damion Cook
Run blocking: C Cohesion: C+ McKinney (Buffalo)
Pass blocking rank: C Experience: B • Yet to Sign: none Team Notes
Depth: C+ Potential: C+ • New Additions: T Daniel Loper (Tennessee), G
Dylan Gandy (Oakland), T Lydon Murtha [R]
Dallas Cowboys
Projected Starters • Key Losses: Edwin Mulitalo (released)
LT Orlando Pace – new addition / 13th season • Yet to sign: none
LG Josh Beekman – 16 starts / 3rd season Overall Grade: B / Overall Rank 11th
C Olin Kreutz – 16 starts / 12th season
Green Bay Packers
RG Roberto Garza – 16 starts / 9th season 2009 Grades
RT– Chris Williams – 0 starts / 2nd season Run blocking: B Cohesion: A
Pass blocking: B Experience: A Overall Grade: C- / Overall Rank 21st
Key Backups: T Frank Omiyale (could start at RT), Depth: B+ Potential: B+
T Kevin Shaffer (could also start at RT), G Dan 2009 Grades
Buenning Projected Starters Run blocking: B Cohesion: B
LT Flozell Adams – Pro Bowl replacement player Pass blocking: C+ Experience: B
Team Notes – 16 starts / 12th season Depth: C+ Potential: B
• New Additions: LT Orlando Pace (St. Louis), LG Cory Procter – 11 starts / 5th season
Kevin Shaffer (Cleveland), Frank Omiyale C Andre Gurode – Pro Bowl – 16 starts / 8th Projected Starters
(Carolina) season LT Chad Clifton – 15 starts / 10th season
• Key Losses: T John St. Clair (Cleveland) RG Leonard Davis – Pro Bowl – 16 starts / 9th LG Daryn Colledge – 16 starts / 4th season
• Yet to Sign: T Fred Miller season C Scott Wells – 13 starts / 6th season
RT Marc Colombo – 16 starts / 8th season RG Jason Spitz – 16 starts / 4th season
RT Tony Moll – 5 starts / 4th season
Key Backups: T Pat McQuistan, G Montrae
Cincinnati Bengals Holland, T Doug Free, G Kyle Kosier (could start), Key Backups: T/G James Meredith [R], T T.J. Lang
Overall Grade: D+ / Overall Rank 24th T Robert Brewster [R] [R], C/G Duke Preston (could start at LG and have
Colledge slide to RT)
2009 Grades Team Notes
Run blocking: C Cohesion: C • New Additions: T Robert Brewster [R] Team Notes
Pass blocking: B Experience: C+ • Key Losses: G Joe Berger (Miami) • New Additions: C/G Duke Preston (Buffalo), T
Depth: C+ Potential: C+ James Meredith [R], T T.J. Lang [R]
• Key Losses: none
• Yet to Sign: Mark Tauscher (should start
Denver Broncos
Projected Starters
LT Andrew Whitworth – 10 starts / 4th season somewhere if not Green Bay)
LG Nate Livings – 6 starts / 4th season Overall Grade: C / Overall Rank 18th
C Kyle Cook – 0 starts / 2nd season
Houston Texans
RG Bobbie Williams – 16 starts – 10th season 2009 Grades
RT Andre Smith – rookie (first round pick) Run blocking: B Cohesion: A
Pass blocking: B Experience: B Overall Grade: B / Overall Rank 12th
Key Backups: G Scott Kooistra, C Jonathon Luigs Depth: C Potential: B
[R], T Anthony Collins, C Dan Santucci 2009 Grades
Projected Starters Run blocking: B Cohesion: A
Team Notes LT Ryan Clady – 16 starts / 2nd season Pass blocking: B Experience: A
• New Additions – C Jonathon Luigs [R] LG Ben Hamilton – 16 starts / 9th season Depth: B Potential: A
• Key Losses – Stacy Andrews (Philadelphia) C Casey Wiegmann – Pro Bowl replacement player
• Yet to sign – G Even Mathis – 16 starts / 14th season Projected Starters
RG Chris Kuper – 16 starts / 4th season LT Duane Brown – 16 starts / 2nd season
RT Ryan Harris – 16 starts / 3rd season LG Chester Pitts – 16 starts / 8th season
C Chris Myers – 16 starts / 5th season
Key Backups: T Brandon Gorin, G Mitch Erickson, RG Mike Brisiel – 16 starts / 4th season
G Seth Olsen [R], C Kory Lichtensteiger RT Eric Winston – 16 starts / 4th season

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Jacksonville Jaguars Team Notes

• New Additions: C Jake Grove (Oakland), G Joe
Overall Grade: B+ / Overall Rank 6th Berger (Dallas), T Andre Gardner [R]
2009 Grades • Key Losses: C Samson Satele (traded to
Oakland)
Run blocking: A Cohesion: B • Yet to sign: None
Pass blocking: C+ Experience: A • Dolphins re-signed RT Vernon Carey with
Depth: A Potential: A lucrative contract to remain in Miami
Projected Starters
LT Tra Thomas – new addition – 12th season
LG Vince Manuwai – 1 start (injured knee) / 7th Minnesota Vikings
season Overall Grade: C+ / Overall Rank 16th
C Brad Meester – 10 starts / 10th season
RG Maurice Williams – injured DNP / 8th season 2009 Grades
RT Tony Pashos – 16 starts / 7th season Run blocking: A Cohesion: B
Pass blocking: C Experience: B
Key Backups: T Eugene Monroe (rookie), T Eben Depth: C+ Potential: A
Britton (rookie), G Uche Nwaneri, G/T Dennis
Norman Projected Starters
LT Bryant McKinnie – 12 starts / 8th season
Team Notes LG Steve Hutchinson – Pro Bowl – 16 starts / 9th
• New Additions: T William (Tra) Thomas season
(Philadelphia), T Eugene Monroe [R], T Eben C John Sullivan – 0 starts / 2nd season
Britton [R] RG Anthony Herrera – 16 starts / 6th season
• Key Losses: T Khalif Barnes (Oakland) RT Phil Loadholt – rookie (second round pick)
• Yet to sign: None
Key Backups: G/T Artis Hicks, T Ryan Cook, T Phil

Kansas City Chiefs Loadholt [R]

Overall Grade: D+ / Overall Rank 23rd Team Notes

• New Additions: T Phil Loadholt [R]
2009 Grades • Key Losses: C Matt Birk (Baltimore)
Run blocking: B Cohesion: B
Pass blocking: C Experience: B
Depth: D Potential: B New England Patriots
Overall Grade: A / Overall Rank 1st
Projected Starters
LT Branden Albert – 15 starts / 2nd season 2009 Grades
LG Brian Waters – Pro Bowl – 16 starts / 10th Run blocking: A Cohesion: A
ICON SMI

Jordan Gross season Pass blocking: B Experience: A

C Rudy Niswanger – 15 starts / 4th season Depth: A Potential: A
RG Mike Goff – new addition / 12th season
Key Backups: G Antoine Caldwell [R], T Rashard
RT Damion McIntosh – 16 starts / 10th season Projected Starters
Butler, C Chris White, T Adrian Jones
LT Matt Light – 16 starts / 9th season
Key Backups: T Colin Brown [R], T Herb Taylor, C LG Logan Mankins – 16 starts / 5th season
Team Notes
Eric Ghiacius C Dan Koppen – 16 starts / 7th season
• New Additions: G Antoine Caldwell [R]
• Key Losses: T Ephraim Salaam (released) RG Steve Neal – 9 starts / 8th season
Team Notes RT Nick Kaczur – 14 starts / 5th season
• Yet to sign: none
• New Additions: Mike Goff (San Diego), T Colin
Brown [R] Key Backups: G/T Russ Hochstein, T Sebastian
Indianapolis Colts
• Key Losses: none Vollmer [R], G Rich Ohrnberger [R], T Ryan
O’Callaghan
Overall Grade: C+ / Overall Rank 17th
Team Notes
Miami Dolphins
2009 Grades
• New Additions: T Sebastian Vollmer [R], G Rich
Run blocking: C+ Cohesion: B
Overall Grade: C- / Overall Rank 22nd Ohrnberger [R]
Pass blocking: A Experience: B
• Key Losses: G Billy Yates (released)
Depth: C+ Potential: B
2009 Grades • Yet to sign: None
Projected Starters Run blocking: B Cohesion: C+
LT Tony Ugoh – 12 starts / 3rd season Pass blocking: B Experience: B
LG Charlie Johnson – 16 starts / 4th season Depth: C Potential: B New Orleans Saints
C Jeff Saturday – 12 starts / 11th season Overall Grade: C / Overall Rank 19th
RG Mike Pollak – 13 starts / 2nd season Projected Starters
RT Ryan Diem – 16 starts / 9th season LT Jake Long – Pro Bowl replacement – 16 starts 2009 Grades
/ 2nd season Run blocking: C Cohesion: B
Key Backups: T Charlie Johnson / G Jamey LG Justin Smiley – 12 starts / 6th season Pass blocking: A Experience: B
Richard / T Dan Federkeil C Jake Grove – new addition / 6th season Depth: C+ Potential: B
RG Ikechuku Ndukwe - 15 starts / 4th season
Team Notes RT Vernon Carey – 16 starts / 6th season Projected Starters
• New Additions: none LT Jammal Brown – Pro Bowl replacement – 15
• Key Losses: none Key Backups: G Donald Thomas, T Andre Gardner starts / 5th season
• Yet to Sign: none (rookie), C Andy Alleman LG Carl Nicks – 13 starts / 2nd season
• Jeff Saturday signed to new contract

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C Jonathan Goodwin – 13 starts / 8th season

RG Jahri Evans (RFA) – 16 starts / 4th season
Oakland Raiders Key Backups: T Kraig Urbik [R], C A.Q. Shipley
[R], G Trai Essex
Overall Grade: D / Overall Rank 28th
RT Jon Stinchcomb – 16 starts / 7th season
Team Notes
2009 Grades
Key Backups: G/C Nick Leckey, G Jamar Nesbit, T • New Additions: T Kraig Urbik [R], C A.Q. Shipley [R]
Run blocking: C+ Cohesion: C-
Jermon Bushrod • Key Losses: T Marvel Smith (San Francisco)
Pass blocking: D Experience: B
• Yet to Sign: none
Depth: C+ Potential: C
Team Notes • Steelers re-signed Max Starks, Chris Kemoeatu,
• New Additions: G/C Nick Leckey (St. Louis) Willie Colon and Trai Essex
• Key Losses: none Projected Starters
LT Cornell Green – 16 starts / 11th season
• Saints re-signed veteran RT Jon Stinchcomb to a
five-year / $22.5 million dollar deal LG Robert Gallery – 16 starts / 6th season San Diego Chargers
C Samson Satele – new addition / 3rd season Overall Grade: B / Overall Rank 13th
RG Cooper Carlisle – 16 starts / 10th season
RT Khalif Barnes – new addition / 5th season
New York Giants
2009 Grades
Run blocking: B Cohesion: B
Overall Grade: A / Overall Rank 5th Key Backups: T/G Erik Pears, T Mario Henderson, Pass blocking: B+ Experience: A
T James Marten, T Marcus Johnson Depth: B Potential: A
2009 Grades
Run blocking: A Cohesion: A Team Notes Projected Starters
Pass blocking: B Experience: A • New Additions: C Samson Satele (trade with LT Marcus McNeill – 14 starts / 4th season
Depth: B Potential: A Miami), T Khalif Barnes (Jacksonville), T Erik LG Kris Dielman – Pro Bowl – 15 starts / 7th
Pears (Denver), T Marcus Johnson (Minnesota) season
Projected Starters • Key Losses: C Jake Grove (Miami), Kwame C Nick Hardwick – 13 starts/ 6th season
LT David Diehl – 16 starts / 7th season Harris (released) RG Kynan Forney – 0 starts / 9th season
LG Rich Seubert – 16 starts / 9th season • Yet to Sign: none RT Jeromey Clary – 16 starts / 3rd season
C Shaun O’Hara – Pro Bowl – 16 starts / 10th • Raiders re-signed dependable right guard Cooper
season Carlisle (terms undisclosed) Key Backups: G Louis Vasquez [R], G Tyrone
RG Chris Snee – Pro Bowl – 16 starts / 6th season Green [R], T L.J. Shelton
RT Kareem McKenzie – 16th start / 9th season
Philadelphia Eagles Team Notes
Key Backups: T William Beatty [R], RG Kevin Overall Grade: B / Overall Rank 10th • New Additions: G Louis Vasquez [R], G Tyrone
Boothe, T Adam Koets, T Guy Whimper Green [R]
2009 Grades • Key Losses: G Mike Goff (Kansas City)
Team Notes Run blocking: A Cohesion: C+ • Yet to Sign: C Jeremy Newberry (UFA)
• New Additions: T William Beatty [R] Pass blocking: B Experience: A • G Kynan Forney re-signs with Chargers
• Key Losses: none Depth: B Potential: A
• Yet to sign: None

San Francisco 49ers

Projected Starters
LT Jason Peters – new addition (Pro Bowl as Bills
New York Jets LT) / 6th season Overall Grade: D+ / Overall Rank 25th
Overall Grade: B+ / Overall Rank 7th LG Todd Herremans – 15 starts / 5th season
C Jamaal Jackson – 16 starts / 6th season 2009 Grades
2009 Grades RG Stacy Andrews – new addition / 6th season Run blocking: C+ Cohesion: C+
Run blocking: A Cohesion: A RT Shawn Andrews- 2 starts / 6th season Pass blocking: D Experience: A
Pass blocking: B Experience: A Depth: C Potential: C+
Depth: C Potential: A Key Backups: T Fenuki Tupou [R], G Max Jean-
Gilles, T Winston Justice, C Nick Cole Projected Starters
Projected Starters LT Joe Staley – 16 starts / 3rd season
LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson – 16 games / 4th Team Notes LG David Baas – 9 starts / 5th season
season • New Additions: T Stacy Andrews (Cincinnati), T C Eric Heitmann – 16 starts / 8th season
LG Alan Faneca – Pro Bowl – 16 games / 12th Jason Peters (trade with Buffalo), T Fenuki Tupou RG Chilo Rachal – 6 starts / 2nd season
season [R], G/C Nick Cole RT Marvel Smith – 5 starts (Pit) / 10th season
C Nick Mangold – Pro Bowl – 16 games / 4th • Key Losses: T William (Tra) Thomas
season (Jacksonville), T Jon Runyan Key Backups: G Joe Toledo, G/C Tony Wragge,
RG Brandon Moore – 16 games / 7th season G/T Adam Snyder, T Barry Simms
RT Damien Woody – 16 games / 11th season
Team Notes
Key Backups: G Matt Slauson [R], G Mike Pittsburgh Steelers • New Additions: T Marvel Smith (Pittsburgh)
Kracilik, G Robert Turner Overall Grade: D / Overall Rank 30th • Key Losses: T Jonas Jennings (released)
• Yet to sign: None
Team Notes 2009 Grades
Run blocking: C Cohesion: B
Seattle Seahawks
• New Additions: G Matt Slauson [R]
• Key Losses: none Pass blocking: D Experience: B
• Yet to Sign: none Depth: C Potential: C Overall Grade: D- / Overall Rank 31st
• Jets re-signed G Brandon Moore to a four-year /
$16 million dollar contract Projected Starters 2009 Grades
LT Max Starks – 11 starts / 6th season Run blocking: C Cohesion: C
LG Chris Kemoeatu – 16 starts / 5th season Pass blocking: D Experience: B
C Justin Hartwig – 16 starts / 8th season Depth: C Potential: C
RG Darnell Stapleton – 12 starts / 3rd season Projected Starters
RT Willie Colon – 16 starts / 4th season LT Walter Jones – Pro Bowl (DNP) – 12 starts / 13th season
LG Mike Wahle – 10 starts / 12th season

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C Chris Spencer – 11 starts / 5th season

RG Rob Sims – 1 start / 4th season Offensive Line Rankings
RT Sean Locklear – 11 starts / 6th season
2008 Rankings (from 1st through 32nd) 2009 Ratings (on a 10-point scale)
Rk Team Rush Yards YPC TDs PA/Sck Yds/PA AvgRk Run Pass Depth Coh Exp Pot Score 2009 Grade
Key Backups: T Max Unger [R], G Mansfield 1 New England Patriots 4 6 7 4 16 26 11 10 6 10 10 10 10 54 A
Wrotto, T Ray Willis 2 Tennessee Titans 5 7 10 2 25 4 4 10 10 2 10 10 10 54 A
3 Washington Redskins 8 8 7 22 24 20 18 10 10 1 10 10 10 53 A
Team Notes 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11 15 18 19 19 13 17 10 6 6 10 10 10 51 A
• New Additions: T Max Unger [R] 5 New York Giants 7 1 1 8 18 16 6 10 6 6 10 10 10 51 A
6 Jacksonville Jaguars 18 18 14 10 19 23 22 10 4 10 6 10 10 48 B+
• Key Losses: Floyd Womack (Cleveland) 7 New York Jets 19 9 5 5 22 13 12 10 6 2 10 10 10 48 B+
• Seahawks re-sign T/G Ray Willis to stay on as #1 8 Atlanta Falcons 2 2 7 3 5 6 1t 10 10 2 6 6 10 48 B+
backup and spot starter 9 Carolina Panthers 6 3 2 1 4 8 1t 10 10 6 2 6 10 48 B+
10 Philadelphia Eagles 17 22 21 14 21 5 15 10 6 6 4 10 10 47 B
11 Dallas Cowboys 25 21 10 22 11 13 15 6 6 8 10 10 8 45 B

St. Louis Rams

12 Houston Texans 16 13 10 11 2 17 7 6 6 6 10 10 10 45 B
13 San Diego Chargers 20 20 18 19 1 10 9 6 8 6 6 10 10 45 B
Overall Grade: D / Overall Rank 27th 14 Arizona Cardinals 32 32 31 18 7 6 20 2 8 2 10 10 8 38 C+
15 Cleveland Browns 24 26 26 31 32 9 29 4 8 4 4 10 8 38 C+
16 Minnesota Vikings 3 5 6 14 15 28 13 10 2 4 6 6 10 38 C+
2009 Grades 17 Indianapolis Colts 30 31 32 19 12 3 21 4 10 4 6 6 6 38 C+
Run blocking: C Cohesion: C 18 Denver Broncos 28 12 2 14 9 1 3 6 6 2 10 6 6 36 C
Pass blocking: C Experience: C+ 19 New Orleans Saints 26 28 21 5 3 2 8 2 10 4 6 6 6 35 C
Depth: B Potential: C+ 20 Baltimore Ravens 1 4 21 5 13 22 10 8 2 10 2 6 6 33 C
21 Green Bay Packers 14 17 18 24 8 18 14 6 4 4 6 6 6 32 C-
22 Miami Dolphins 12 11 14 9 7 11 4 6 6 2 4 6 6 32 C-
Projected Starters 23 Kansas City Chiefs 29 16 2 28 28 19 26 6 2 1 6 6 6 26 D+
LT Alex Barron – 15 starts / 5th season 24 Cincinnati Bengals 21 29 30 31 31 30 32 2 8 4 2 4 4 26 D+
LG Jacob Bell – 13 starts / 6th season 25 San Francisco 49ers 27 27 21 25 10 32 32 4 1 2 4 10 4 23 D+
C Jason Brown – new addition / 5th season 26 Chicago Bears 15 24 26 14 29 12 24 2 2 4 4 6 4 20 D
RG Richie Incognito – 15 starts / 5th season 27 St. Louis Rams 22 25 21 30 26 25 30 2 2 6 2 4 4 18 D
28 Oakland Raiders 10 10 10 28 27 27 25 4 1 4 2 6 2 18 D
RT Jason Smith – rookie (first round pick)
29 Detroit Lions 31 30 28 25 23 31 31 2 0 4 6 4 4 17 D
30 Pittsburgh Steelers 9 23 29 11 13 29 23 2 1 2 6 6 2 17 D
Key Backups: G/T Adam Goldberg, G Mark 31 Seattle Seahawks 22 19 14 25 30 21 27 2 1 2 2 6 2 14 D-
Setterstrom 32 Buffalo Bills 13 14 14 11 17 24 19 1 1 4 0 2 1 8 F

Team Notes Key

• New Additions: C Jason Brown (Baltimore - $20 Rush - Number of rushing attempts Run - Run blocking ability
million guaranteed in contract), LT Jason Smith [R] Yards - Number of rushing yards Pass - Pass blocking ability
• Key Losses: LT Orlando Pace (new era as former YPC - Rushing yards per carry Depth - Quality of reserve linemen
franchise LT has moved on to Chicago), C Brett TDs - Number of rushing TDs Coh - Cohesion of offensive line
Romberg (Atlanta), C Nick Leckey (New Orleans)
PA/Sck - Number of passing yards per sack Exp - Experience of linemen
• T Adam Goldberg and G Mark Setterstrom have re-
signed to remain with Rams, likely as depth players. Yds/PA - Passing yards per attempt Pot - Potential of offensive line
AvgRk - Average rank of all categories Score - Based on all categories

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Overall Grade: A / Overall Rank 4th Tennessee Titans Washington Redskins
Overall Grade: A / Overall Rank 2nd Overall Grade: A / Overall Rank 3rd
2009 Grades
Run blocking: A Cohesion: A 2009 Grades 2009 Grades
Pass blocking: B Experience: A Run blocking: A Cohesion: A Run blocking: A Cohesion: A
Depth: B Potential: A Pass blocking: A Experience: A Pass blocking: A Experience: A
Depth: C Potential: A Depth: D Potential: A
Projected Starters
LT Donald Penn – 16 starts / 4th season Projected Starters Projected Starters
LG Arron Sears – 15 starts / 3rd season LT Michael Roos – Pro Bowl – 16 starts / 5th LT Chris Samuels – Pro Bowl (DNP) – 12 starts /
C Jeff Faine – 16 starts / 7th season season 10th season
RG Davin Joseph – Pro Bowl replacement – 12 LG Eugene Amano – 16 starts / 6th season LG Derrick Dockery – new addition – 7th season
starts / 4th season C Kevin Mawae – Pro Bowl – 15 starts / 16 C Casey Rabach – 16 starts / 9th season
RT Jeremy Trueblood – 16th start / 4th season seasons RG Randy Thomas – 16 starts / 11th season
RG Jake Scott – 16 starts / 6th season RT Jon Jansen – 11 starts / 11th season
Key Backups: T Anthony Alabi, G/C Sean Mahan RT David Stewart – 16 starts / 5th season
Key Backups: T Stephon Heyer, OL Chad Rinehart,
Team Notes Key Backups: G/C Leroy Harris, T Mike Otto, T OL Will Montgomery
• New Additions: none Troy Kropog [R]
• Key Losses: none Team Notes
• Yet to Sign: none Team Notes • New Additions: Derrick Dockery (Buffalo), G
• RFA LT Donald Penn signed his one-year RFA • New Additions: T Troy Kropog [R] Jeremy Bridges
tender at $2.8 million. He hopes to secure a long- • Key Losses: T Daniel Loper (Detroit) • Key Losses: none
range contract in the months ahead. • Yet to Sign: none • Yet to sign: T/G Jason Fabini (UFA)

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 OVERALL

RANKINGS
RANKINGS

Tefertiller
Pasquino

Tremblay
Rudnicki
Haseley
Borbely

Norton

Wimer
Bryant

Bloom

Henry

Wood
OVERALL

Hicks
Gray
Avg

1. RB Adrian Peterson, MIN 1 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1.2

2. RB Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX 2 3 3 4 1 2 3 3 3 2 2 5 3 2 2.8
3. RB Michael Turner, ATL 3 2 6 5 4 3 2 2 2 4 8 4 6 5 4.1
4. RB LaDainian Tomlinson, SD 5 17 5 3 6 5 8 8 9 11 4 2 2 4 6.5
5. RB Steven Jackson, STL 4 5 2 1 12 4 6 7 4 6 3 3 28 10 7.0
6. RB Matt Forte, CHI 6 4 9 17 5 6 4 5 6 5 6 18 11 7 7.9
7. RB Brian Westbrook, PHI 14 7 13 6 10 7 5 6 7 7 12 12 4 13 8.4
8. RB DeAngelo Williams, CAR 7 8 10 19 2 12 10 4 12 3 14 9 7 6 8.9
9. RB Frank Gore, SF 11 9 7 11 7 9 12 21 8 8 10 6 15 11 10.3
10. RB Chris Johnson, TEN 16 6 4 20 9 8 9 10 5 21 13 16 25 23 13.0
11. WR Larry Fitzgerald, ARI 10 11 11 8 13 10 13 11 15 9 38 11 8 12 13.1
12. WR Randy Moss, NE 12 12 8 7 19 13 16 13 20 14 11 10 18 14 13.5
13. RB Steve Slaton, HOU 9 13 14 18 8 16 26 22 14 17 17 8 5 3 13.9
14. RB Clinton Portis, WAS 8 19 20 24 33 11 7 9 13 10 7 7 14 8 14.0
15. RB Brandon Jacobs, NYG 19 10 30 10 15 18 17 19 11 16 5 15 13 9 14.5
16. WR Andre Johnson, HOU 22 14 18 21 16 15 15 12 18 12 23 17 20 15 16.6
17. WR Calvin Johnson, DET 13 15 12 13 22 14 14 28 22 19 21 14 12 19 17.3
18. RB Marion Barber, DAL 25 16 19 16 18 17 11 23 10 13 9 13 30 33 17.5
19. QB Drew Brees, NO 18 24 27 15 20 20 18 15 16 26 20 21 17 18 19.8
20. WR Reggie Wayne, IND 15 20 17 28 29 25 19 14 17 15 37 20 9 31 21.6
21. WR Steve Smith, CAR 17 18 22 25 25 26 20 30 19 23 31 22 32 21 24.2
22. WR Greg Jennings, GB 26 28 16 27 17 29 22 27 24 31 33 28 19 30 25.5
23. QB Tom Brady, NE 20 33 21 12 31 24 41 16 30 27 15 25 -- 28 27.2
24. WR Roddy White, ATL 23 23 26 26 27 27 21 26 33 30 -- 30 22 22 28.0
25. RB Ronnie Brown, MIA 21 27 15 37 11 21 -- 18 29 20 34 40 39 25 28.2
26. WR Anquan Boldin, ARI 31 21 25 14 26 33 29 38 23 25 35 34 34 41 29.1
27. RB Knowshon Moreno, DEN 35 40 38 32 14 23 33 20 27 -- 29 19 24 32 29.4
28. QB Peyton Manning, IND 24 25 28 -- 34 31 24 17 26 33 47 23 27 26 30.2
29. WR Marques Colston, NO 29 29 24 22 30 34 31 29 31 28 50 33 33 20 30.3
30. WR Dwayne Bowe, KC 30 22 35 34 24 30 30 37 25 24 45 45 29 24 31.1
31. RB Ryan Grant, GB 41 36 31 36 21 37 27 24 32 35 24 31 38 46 32.2
32. RB Reggie Bush, NO 32 26 39 31 36 28 32 35 21 36 32 39 23 42 32.3
33. RB Kevin Smith, DET 33 43 33 43 35 19 37 36 35 38 16 24 26 39 32.6
34. RB Larry Johnson, KC -- -- -- 9 32 35 39 -- -- 18 25 27 16 34 33.8
35. RB Marshawn Lynch, BUF 45 38 32 41 37 22 -- -- 28 22 18 36 -- -- 36.8
36. TE Jason Witten, DAL 40 34 48 -- 40 -- 36 47 36 34 30 26 36 35 38.8
37. WR Terrell Owens, BUF 34 -- 37 29 48 38 23 41 -- 39 -- 43 42 29 40.2
38. RB Pierre Thomas, NO 27 37 50 -- -- -- 25 25 -- 48 19 -- -- 16 40.5
39. WR Brandon Marshall, DEN 36 31 36 33 39 48 34 40 45 32 39 48 -- -- 40.5
40. RB Thomas Jones, NYJ 48 -- -- 23 -- 36 38 -- 47 46 41 46 35 17 41.0
41. RB Jonathan Stewart, CAR -- 39 29 44 -- 40 28 -- 41 49 22 44 -- 50 41.5
42. WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, SEA 44 -- -- -- 28 41 42 31 49 41 -- 37 21 -- 41.9
43. WR Wes Welker, NE -- 30 42 30 38 43 43 -- 37 -- -- -- 45 -- 43.3
44. QB Kurt Warner, ARI -- 35 45 -- -- 49 -- 42 34 29 -- -- 47 38 44.2
45. QB Aaron Rodgers, GB 39 32 -- -- 41 -- -- 45 -- 43 -- -- 10 49 44.4
46. WR Braylon Edwards, CLE 38 49 34 -- 43 42 35 50 42 45 -- -- -- 36 44.6
47. TE Antonio Gates, SD 37 42 47 50 45 -- 45 48 50 42 -- 29 31 -- 44.8
48. WR Antonio Bryant, TB 50 50 44 -- 23 47 40 39 -- 40 -- -- 46 -- 44.9
49. QB Donovan McNabb, PHI 47 45 -- -- -- 45 44 44 38 -- 36 42 43 44 45.0
50. RB Darren McFadden, OAK 28 -- 40 49 50 39 -- -- 48 47 28 32 48 -- 45.0

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 WIN $100,000

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 QUARTERBACKS

RANKINGS
N
o matter if you are a Here are the experts that contrib- Rookie-Only Rankings: Sigmund
first-time player or uted to this feature: Bloom, Anthony Borbely, Jene Bramel,
a longtime fantasy Offensive Rankings: Joe Bryant, Jeff Haseley, Bob Henry, John Norton,
shark, it’s always nice David Baker, Sigmund Bloom, Jeff Pasquino, Aaron Rudnicki, Jeff
to compare your efforts to experts Anthony Borbely, Clayton Gray, Tefertiller, Matt Waldman and Jason
in the industry. We asked 23 of our Jeff Haseley, Bob Henry, Mike Wood.
staff experts to rank the positions Herman, Andy Hicks, John Norton, IDP Rankings: David Baker,
you see in these pages. We have cut Jeff Pasquino, Aaron Rudnicki, Jeff Sigmund Bloom, Anthony Borbely,
some of these lists off at 50 play- Tefertiller, Maurile Tremblay, Mark Jene Bramel, Bob Magaw, John
ers, but you can find the full rank- Wimer, and Jason Wood. Norton, Jeff Pasquino, and Aaron
ings at Footballguys.com. Rudnicki.

Terfertiller
Pasquino

Tremblay
Rudnicki
Haseley
Borbely

Norton

Wimer
Bryant

Bloom
Baker

Henry

Wood
QUARTERBACKS

Hicks
Gray

Avg

1. Drew Brees, NO 1 3 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1.4

2. Tom Brady, NE 2 1 4 1 1 2 2 3 2 3 2 1 3 8 3 2.5
3. Peyton Manning, IND 3 2 2 3 6 3 3 2 3 2 4 5 2 3 2 3.0
4. Kurt Warner, ARI 6 5 6 4 5 6 6 7 4 4 3 7 5 6 4 5.2
5. Aaron Rodgers, GB 4 6 3 6 3 4 7 5 7 8 6 8 6 1 7 5.4
6. Donovan McNabb, PHI 5 4 7 7 8 7 5 4 6 5 7 4 4 5 5 5.5
7. Philip Rivers, SD 7 9 5 10 4 5 4 6 10 6 5 9 7 12 8 7.1
8. Tony Romo, DAL 8 7 8 8 10 8 10 9 5 7 11 3 8 4 11 7.8
9. Jay Cutler, CHI 9 10 10 13 11 11 13 11 12 10 10 10 11 14 6 10.7
10. Carson Palmer, CIN 14 8 9 5 14 9 15 12 9 13 13 15 13 7 9 11.0
11. Matt Ryan, ATL 12 17 13 12 9 12 11 13 8 9 9 13 14 13 10 11.7
12. Matt Schaub, HOU 13 14 11 9 7 13 8 17 14 14 8 6 9 20 15 11.9
13. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT 10 13 14 11 20 14 9 8 11 12 12 18 12 15 13 12.8
14. David Garrard, JAX 11 15 12 16 17 17 12 14 17 18 14 14 10 9 16 14.1
15. Eli Manning, NYG 18 12 17 15 16 15 14 10 15 11 17 19 16 18 18 15.4
16. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA 15 11 16 20 15 16 19 23 13 16 15 25 15 10 19 16.5
17. Matt Cassel, KC 16 16 15 17 24 19 17 15 16 15 19 12 23 11 14 16.6
18. Trent Edwards, BUF 17 23 23 23 13 18 18 24 31 21 16 21 22 19 12 20.1
19. Kyle Orton, DEN 24 20 21 14 12 10 16 26 21 19 18 11 27 33 31 20.2
20. Jake Delhomme, CAR 23 18 18 22 18 20 23 21 20 17 25 22 17 23 22 20.6
21. Joe Flacco, BAL 19 24 19 24 19 21 21 18 23 24 23 16 19 24 17 20.7
22. Jason Campbell, WAS 22 25 25 19 23 25 22 19 28 20 22 27 18 16 20 22.1
23. Chad Pennington, MIA 21 21 26 30 25 22 20 20 18 27 21 24 21 17 21 22.3
24. Shaun Hill, SF 20 22 22 18 21 26 27 16 32 23 20 17 28 22 25 22.6
25. JaMarcus Russell, OAK 26 26 20 28 22 28 25 22 22 25 24 34 25 27 23 25.1
26. Marc Bulger, STL 29 19 24 21 29 27 31 27 27 22 26 28 20 25 27 25.5
27. Sage Rosenfels, MIN 30 27 27 25 27 24 26 30 29 31 32 20 30 21 26 27.0
28. Kerry Collins, TEN 28 29 29 27 28 31 30 28 19 28 29 30 26 30 24 27.7
29. Brady Quinn, CLE 31 31 28 26 31 23 29 25 33 29 27 23 24 28 29 27.8
30. Mark Sanchez, NYJ 25 33 32 35 26 30 24 32 24 26 30 26 33 29 28 28.9
31. Byron Leftwich, TB 32 32 35 29 30 29 -- 29 26 -- 31 -- 31 26 33 31.4
32. Daunte Culpepper, DET -- 28 31 33 32 -- 32 31 25 32 -- 31 29 -- 30 31.9
33. Matthew Stafford, DET 27 30 33 31 34 32 34 34 34 -- 28 35 35 32 34 32.6
34. Derek Anderson, CLE 34 34 -- -- 35 -- 33 -- 30 33 -- 32 32 -- -- 34.3
35. Tarvaris Jackson, MIN -- 35 -- -- 33 33 28 33 -- 34 33 -- -- -- -- 34.5

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 RANKINGS
RUNNING BACKS

Tefertiller
Pasquino

Tremblay
Rudnicki
Haseley
Borbely

Norton

Wimer
Bryant

Bloom

Henry
Baker

Wood
RUNNING BACKS

Hicks
Gray
Avg

1. Adrian Peterson, MIN 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1.2

2. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX 2 3 3 3 4 1 2 3 3 3 2 2 5 3 2 2.8
3. Michael Turner, ATL 3 7 2 6 5 4 3 2 2 2 4 8 4 6 5 4.3
4. LaDainian Tomlinson, SD 5 2 13 5 3 6 5 8 8 9 10 4 2 2 4 5.8
5. Steven Jackson, STL 4 4 5 2 1 12 4 6 7 4 6 3 3 17 10 6.0
6. Matt Forte, CHI 6 10 4 8 11 5 6 4 5 6 5 6 14 7 7 7.0
7. Brian Westbrook, PHI 11 5 7 10 6 10 7 5 6 7 7 11 10 4 12 7.6
8. DeAngelo Williams, CAR 7 6 8 9 13 2 10 10 4 12 3 13 9 8 6 8.1
9. Frank Gore, SF 10 9 9 7 9 7 9 12 14 8 8 10 6 11 11 9.3
10. Clinton Portis, WAS 8 8 14 14 16 18 11 7 9 13 9 7 7 10 8 10.8
11. Chris Johnson, TEN 12 13 6 4 14 9 8 9 10 5 16 12 13 15 15 10.6
12. Steve Slaton, HOU 9 11 11 11 12 8 12 15 15 14 13 15 8 5 3 10.9
13. Brandon Jacobs, NYG 13 14 10 16 8 14 14 13 12 11 12 5 12 9 9 11.4
14. Marion Barber, DAL 15 12 12 13 10 15 13 11 16 10 11 9 11 18 19 12.9
15. Ronnie Brown, MIA 14 19 16 12 20 11 17 23 11 18 15 25 23 21 16 17.6
16. Knowshon Moreno, DEN 20 20 21 20 18 13 15 19 13 16 27 23 15 14 18 18.0
17. Ryan Grant, GB 21 18 17 17 19 16 22 16 17 19 18 19 18 20 24 18.6
18. Reggie Bush, NO 18 17 15 21 17 20 19 18 22 15 19 24 22 13 23 18.9
19. Kevin Smith, DET 19 22 23 19 24 19 16 20 23 20 20 14 16 16 22 19.6
20. Larry Johnson, KC 25 15 30 29 7 17 21 22 28 33 14 20 17 12 20 20.4
21. Marshawn Lynch, BUF 22 16 19 18 22 21 18 28 32 17 17 16 21 24 28 21.2
22. Thomas Jones, NYJ 23 21 27 28 15 24 24 21 25 23 21 27 26 19 14 22.5
23. Darren McFadden, OAK 17 25 29 22 26 22 23 33 24 24 22 22 19 23 27 24.4
24. Pierre Thomas, NO 16 30 18 25 38 30 30 14 18 27 23 17 31 31 13 24.6
25. Jonathan Stewart, CAR 31 29 20 15 25 29 26 17 33 21 24 18 25 32 26 24.3
26. Chris Wells, ARI 27 26 22 23 33 27 29 25 19 28 28 30 20 34 25 26.4
27. Willie Parker, PIT 32 24 28 24 23 34 28 26 27 25 25 28 24 22 29 26.2
28. Joseph Addai, IND 29 23 26 26 35 28 20 29 20 22 26 26 29 36 40 27.6
29. Cedric Benson, CIN 26 32 32 30 29 32 36 24 21 39 30 36 28 27 35 30.8
30. Donald Brown, IND 35 34 24 34 27 33 31 31 38 30 32 37 30 26 21 30.6
31. Derrick Ward, TB 24 36 31 36 46 25 27 32 29 26 29 34 44 33 17 31.8
32. Jamal Lewis, CLE 30 27 42 27 21 39 25 35 30 29 31 43 27 30 34 31.4
33. LenDale White, TEN 28 31 40 40 30 35 33 30 36 37 34 47 36 28 30 34.8
34. Felix Jones, DAL -- 37 33 31 43 23 40 34 26 46 41 21 43 42 48 36.3
35. LeRon McClain, BAL 43 35 47 42 32 42 37 27 34 40 -- 35 47 25 31 37.5
36. Willis McGahee, BAL 48 28 37 32 -- 31 41 40 45 32 33 50 35 29 46 37.9
37. Ray Rice, BAL 37 33 25 44 48 26 43 -- 31 34 48 48 40 45 37 39.5
38. Julius Jones, SEA 33 41 48 35 34 36 39 41 -- 38 36 44 49 41 32 40.4
39. Earnest Graham, TB 41 43 34 39 31 47 46 37 40 31 42 31 50 -- 41 40.2
40. Fred Taylor, NE 39 44 39 41 28 40 35 50 37 42 40 -- 33 -- 36 40.5
41. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT 47 40 36 33 36 37 38 44 46 50 38 29 41 47 47 40.1
42. Leon Washington, NYJ 34 45 45 49 -- 38 34 49 44 36 45 41 38 48 33 42.6
43. Jerious Norwood, ATL 44 39 46 46 -- 43 44 -- 39 44 35 42 34 40 42 42.6
44. Darren Sproles, SD 38 46 38 48 45 46 -- 45 35 41 44 39 42 -- 38 43.5
45. Fred Jackson, BUF 42 38 -- 45 39 50 49 36 -- 47 49 33 32 38 -- 43.5
46. Chester Taylor, MIN 36 49 44 38 -- 48 45 42 41 -- 37 -- 45 35 39 44.0
47. Ricky Williams, MIA 40 -- -- -- 50 -- -- 39 -- 45 47 -- 37 37 43 46.8
48. Tim Hightower, ARI -- 47 35 -- 40 45 -- -- 50 35 43 -- -- 44 -- 46.1
49. Justin Fargas, OAK -- 48 -- 47 37 44 -- 48 -- 49 -- -- 39 43 -- 47.2
50. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG 49 -- 43 -- 44 41 48 -- -- -- 46 40 -- -- 45 47.4

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 RANKINGS
WIDE RECEIVERS

Tefertiller
Pasquino

Tremblay
Rudnicki
Haseley
Borbely

Norton

Wimer
Bryant

Bloom

Henry
Baker

Wood
WIDE RECEIVERS

Hicks
Gray
Avg

1. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 2 1 1 1.7

2. Randy Moss, NE 2 1 2 1 1 4 2 4 3 5 3 1 1 4 2 2.4
3. Andre Johnson, HOU 6 3 3 6 5 2 4 3 2 3 2 3 4 6 3 3.7
4. Calvin Johnson, DET 3 4 4 3 3 5 3 2 7 6 5 2 3 3 4 3.8
5. Reggie Wayne, IND 4 5 6 5 10 12 5 5 4 2 4 7 5 2 11 5.8
6. Steve Smith, CAR 5 6 5 7 7 8 6 6 9 4 6 4 6 10 6 6.3
7. Greg Jennings, GB 8 9 9 4 9 3 8 8 6 8 11 5 7 5 10 7.3
8. Roddy White, ATL 7 14 8 11 8 10 7 7 5 11 10 14 8 8 7 9.0
9. Anquan Boldin, ARI 11 7 7 10 4 9 10 10 12 7 8 6 10 12 13 9.1
10. Marques Colston, NO 9 8 11 9 6 13 11 12 8 10 9 12 9 11 5 9.5
11. Dwayne Bowe, KC 10 13 10 13 14 7 9 11 11 9 7 10 13 9 8 10.3
12. Terrell Owens, BUF 12 10 20 15 11 20 12 9 15 18 13 13 12 14 9 13.5
13. Brandon Marshall, DEN 13 11 13 14 13 15 18 13 14 16 12 9 14 33 17 15.0
14. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, SEA 16 12 18 21 24 11 13 16 10 17 15 21 11 7 18 15.3
15. Wes Welker, NE 21 17 12 17 12 14 15 17 21 12 18 15 16 15 22 16.3
16. Braylon Edwards, CLE 14 16 16 12 22 17 14 14 17 14 16 22 23 35 12 17.6
17. Chad Ochocinco, CIN 15 15 19 8 21 19 16 26 16 19 17 19 19 48 15 19.5
18. Antonio Bryant, TB 19 24 17 19 34 6 17 15 13 36 14 30 27 16 19 20.4
19. Eddie Royal, DEN 25 22 15 18 29 31 22 37 25 21 22 11 18 13 33 22.8
20. Santonio Holmes, PIT 22 23 14 16 25 23 21 34 18 13 25 29 20 37 25 23.0
21. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ 20 18 22 27 16 22 19 21 28 27 26 18 25 27 31 23.1
22. Roy Williams, DAL 27 20 26 30 19 16 20 19 20 20 23 35 15 21 37 23.2
23. Santana Moss, WAS 23 28 21 24 26 26 30 24 32 15 29 17 32 31 23 25.4
24. Hines Ward, PIT 26 26 30 25 28 30 29 22 19 24 28 26 22 19 28 25.5
25. Vincent Jackson, SD 24 32 28 23 15 29 23 23 26 39 19 27 17 -- 14 26.0
26. DeSean Jackson, PHI 17 33 32 32 23 27 24 28 24 25 36 24 26 29 16 26.4
27. Laveranues Coles, CIN 28 19 23 20 48 36 28 27 29 31 24 16 29 25 30 27.5
28. Bernard Berrian, MIN 34 31 37 26 17 21 25 33 36 34 21 33 35 24 21 28.5
29. Anthony Gonzalez, IND 33 34 24 22 44 35 27 32 22 22 30 32 24 18 32 28.7
30. Lance Moore, NO 39 25 29 40 18 18 26 36 34 35 27 28 21 17 39 28.8
31. Lee Evans, BUF 31 30 25 34 49 28 32 29 23 23 20 36 31 20 27 29.2
32. Donnie Avery, STL 18 35 27 37 20 24 42 18 39 38 31 23 28 45 24 29.9
33. Donald Driver, GB 30 29 34 29 37 40 33 44 31 26 34 20 33 28 29 31.8
34. Torry Holt, JAX 29 21 36 33 35 37 39 20 27 37 33 46 34 43 20 32.7
35. Michael Crabtree, SF 32 36 31 28 27 45 36 35 41 28 32 31 38 22 35 33.1
36. Derrick Mason, BAL 35 27 35 36 30 43 34 38 42 44 35 25 30 26 26 33.7
37. Devin Hester, CHI 36 40 33 31 33 -- 31 30 37 42 37 40 39 30 -- 37.4
38. Kevin Walter, HOU 41 41 44 39 39 33 35 31 47 30 39 41 49 40 34 38.9
39. Ted Ginn, MIA 37 43 42 41 45 34 40 -- 50 40 38 -- 40 23 36 40.7
40. Steve Breaston, ARI 38 47 38 44 46 25 37 50 43 32 43 38 -- -- -- 42.3
41. Chris Chambers, SD 40 37 40 49 40 -- 38 41 45 33 45 -- 43 -- 40 42.9
42. Mark Clayton, BAL 45 38 41 35 42 48 -- 25 -- -- -- 37 41 -- 45 43.5
43. Kevin Curtis, PHI -- 46 45 45 41 32 46 40 38 43 40 -- -- 44 -- 44.3
44. Deion Branch, SEA -- 39 50 50 36 42 -- 42 33 50 50 -- 36 49 -- 45.4
45. Steve Smith, NYG 44 48 39 38 43 41 -- -- -- 41 49 -- 47 -- 41 45.7
46. Domenik Hixon, NYG 49 44 -- 46 32 -- 47 46 -- 47 41 -- 50 36 -- 46.2
47. Justin Gage, TEN 47 45 -- -- 31 44 48 -- -- -- 42 49 42 -- 42 46.4
48. Muhsin Muhammad, CAR 43 50 43 -- -- -- 49 49 -- 45 47 -- -- 34 38 46.9
49. Hakeem Nicks, NYG 42 -- -- -- -- 38 41 -- -- -- 48 34 46 47 -- 46.9
50. Patrick Crayton, DAL -- 42 -- -- -- -- -- -- 46 -- 44 44 37 39 -- 47.4

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69
 RANKINGS
TIGHT ENDS

Tefertiller
Pasquino

Tremblay
Rudnicki
Haseley
Borbely

Norton

Wimer
Bryant

Bloom

Henry
Baker

Wood
TIGHT ENDS

Hicks
Gray
Avg

1. Jason Witten, DAL 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1.4

2. Antonio Gates, SD 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 2 4 2 1 4 2.1
3. Tony Gonzalez, ATL 3 5 3 5 4 3 3 3 1 4 3 2 3 4 2 3.2
4. Dallas Clark, IND 4 3 4 4 3 5 4 4 5 6 4 3 4 3 5 4.1
5. Kellen Winslow, TB 5 4 5 8 10 4 7 5 6 2 7 6 5 5 3 5.5
6. Owen Daniels, HOU 6 8 10 7 6 6 5 7 4 7 8 5 6 8 6 6.6
7. Chris Cooley, WAS 8 6 6 3 15 8 6 6 9 5 6 7 7 9 7 7.2
8. Greg Olsen, CHI 7 9 9 6 5 7 9 8 12 8 5 8 9 10 8 8.0
9. Zach Miller, OAK 9 10 7 9 8 11 11 16 10 10 10 10 8 11 9 9.9
10. John Carlson, SEA 10 7 11 12 9 12 10 13 7 15 9 11 14 7 10 10.5
11. Dustin Keller, NYJ 11 15 8 11 13 13 8 9 8 9 13 9 10 17 11 11.0
12. Jeremy Shockey, NO 12 11 12 10 7 10 13 11 11 12 11 19 13 13 16 12.1
13. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN 13 14 16 26 11 16 12 12 21 20 16 12 11 6 13 14.6
14. Heath Miller, PIT 15 13 14 16 19 19 15 14 15 14 14 15 12 14 12 14.7
15. Bo Scaife, TEN 14 16 13 17 16 9 16 10 18 13 20 34 16 19 14 16.3
16. Tony Scheffler, DEN 16 12 17 15 14 21 18 23 13 11 12 17 15 20 21 16.3
17. Anthony Fasano, MIA 17 18 22 20 12 15 14 17 14 23 15 18 18 15 15 16.9
18. Kevin Boss, NYG 19 21 32 23 18 17 19 18 16 19 17 14 24 12 20 19.3
19. Vernon Davis, SF 18 19 19 28 23 22 20 15 22 16 18 22 21 22 19 20.3
20. Brent Celek, PHI 24 27 23 13 35 14 23 19 17 18 19 13 20 27 25 21.1
21. Todd Heap, BAL 20 17 18 27 21 18 21 21 23 32 21 32 17 24 17 21.9
22. Randy McMichael, STL 23 26 15 14 20 31 22 25 29 17 22 24 25 25 18 22.4
23. Brandon Pettigrew, DET 25 24 25 18 17 32 17 22 19 26 27 21 19 21 23 22.4
24. Donald Lee, GB 22 25 21 19 25 25 27 27 27 21 23 -- 23 16 24 24.1
25. Marcedes Lewis, JAX 21 20 20 29 22 29 24 20 31 31 24 28 22 18 26 24.3
26. Ben Watson, NE 32 23 27 22 24 20 31 29 25 22 25 -- 27 29 -- 27.2
27. L.J. Smith, BAL 29 22 24 21 34 34 -- 24 30 24 29 31 26 32 27 28.2
28. Desmond Clark, CHI 27 28 -- 33 26 30 30 -- 28 33 26 33 34 30 29 30.6
29. Brad Cottam, KC 33 34 -- 32 -- 23 -- 28 -- -- 28 29 29 33 32 32.1
30. Martellus Bennett, DAL 34 29 -- -- -- 26 34 -- -- -- 30 20 35 -- 22 32.1
31. Billy Miller, NO 35 -- 26 -- -- -- 25 26 33 30 31 27 -- -- 34 32.2
32. Robert Royal, CLE 26 30 -- -- -- 27 28 -- 26 -- -- -- 33 26 35 32.2
33. Daniel Graham, DEN -- 31 -- -- 33 28 29 34 -- -- 33 23 -- 23 -- 32.4
34. Ben Utecht, CIN -- 32 34 30 29 -- -- -- 24 27 -- -- 30 -- -- 32.9
35. Dante Rosario, CAR 31 33 28 25 -- -- -- 35 -- -- 32 -- 31 34 -- 33.4

NFL TRIVIA

????
Question 1: Kurt Warner threw for 4,582 yards last
season at 37 years old. Only two QBs in league his-
tory have thrown for 4,000+ yards at an older age,
can you name them? Answer on page 52

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 RANKINGS

KICKERS
Terfertiller
Pasquino

Tremblay
Rudnicki
Haseley

Herman
Borbely

Norton

Wimer
Bryant

Bloom

Henry
Baker

Wood
KICKERS

Hicks
Gray
Avg

1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 9 1 4 8 1 1 2 1 1 2.3

2. Nate Kaeding, SD 2 7 13 3 6 5 1 1 2 1 5 4 5 7 14 3 4.9
3. Rob Bironas, TEN 6 13 2 11 9 3 2 2 3 5 3 2 14 1 4 4 5.3
4. Mason Crosby, GB 3 5 4 4 4 2 5 12 5 9 12 3 6 3 7 8 5.8
5. Jason Elam, ATL 7 14 6 13 2 7 6 3 8 2 7 10 19 4 8 2 7.4
6. Nick Folk, DAL 12 8 19 6 10 4 9 6 4 8 6 5 2 8 18 10 8.4
7. Garrett Hartley, NO 4 3 15 2 5 10 8 5 28 15 1 11 10 9 12 7 9.1
8. David Akers, PHI 5 10 7 8 7 16 11 10 18 7 2 15 4 5 16 5 9.1
9. Kris Brown, HOU 13 6 10 12 3 11 4 4 16 14 10 6 13 14 6 9 9.4
10. Neil Rackers, ARI 8 4 3 9 8 9 12 17 7 6 11 7 15 11 26 11 10.3
11. Ryan Longwell, MIN 10 17 5 14 24 12 7 8 17 16 4 8 11 6 3 6 10.5
12. Adam Vinatieri, IND 9 2 21 5 14 8 15 14 14 3 20 18 3 12 9 17 11.5
13. Robbie Gould, CHI 15 12 8 22 12 17 14 11 9 12 15 14 7 10 17 12 12.9
14. John Kasay, CAR 14 16 17 16 21 14 13 15 19 18 16 9 16 13 5 14 14.8
15. Shayne Graham, CIN 20 15 12 7 23 19 17 18 13 10 19 13 8 17 13 16 15.0
16. Jeff Reed, PIT 16 11 9 15 11 15 18 16 6 17 17 19 18 16 25 13 15.1
17. Lawrence Tynes, NYG 11 9 16 25 17 6 10 7 26 19 26 12 20 29 2 18 15.8
18. Josh Scobee, JAX 19 18 22 10 19 18 20 24 22 11 13 17 23 22 27 20 19.1
19. Josh Brown, STL 24 32 11 18 27 24 21 26 12 28 14 20 9 15 10 15 19.1
20. Joe Nedney, SF 18 29 25 23 16 21 23 22 10 27 9 24 24 23 11 19 20.3
21. Rian Lindell, BUF 17 27 18 24 13 22 19 21 24 20 21 22 12 27 19 22 20.5
22. Dan Carpenter, MIA 27 26 23 29 29 13 22 19 11 13 18 26 21 24 23 21 21.6
23. Jason Hanson, DET 29 21 14 20 22 26 16 13 20 30 23 23 17 19 32 23 21.8
24. Phil Dawson, CLE 23 23 24 19 20 23 24 25 15 25 22 21 25 18 30 24 22.6
25. Matt Prater, DEN 21 25 29 17 28 20 25 28 21 22 27 16 27 28 15 29 23.6
26. Jay Feely, NYJ 26 20 20 27 15 25 26 23 31 23 24 31 32 30 29 25 25.4
27. Olindo Mare, SEA 28 24 28 21 18 29 30 31 30 24 30 28 31 21 -- 28 27.1
28. Mike Nugent, TB 22 19 -- 26 -- 27 32 29 27 21 -- -- 22 25 21 31 27.1
29. Shaun Suisham, WAS 32 30 30 30 30 30 27 30 23 26 29 29 30 20 22 27 27.8
30. Sebastian Janikowski, OAK 31 31 26 28 25 31 29 27 25 29 25 30 29 26 28 26 27.9
31. Steve Hauschka, BAL 25 22 32 31 32 -- 28 20 32 32 31 32 26 32 31 30 29.3
32. Connor Barth, KC -- 28 31 32 31 28 -- -- 29 31 32 27 -- 31 24 -- 30.6
33. Matt Bryant, TB -- -- 27 -- 26 -- -- -- -- -- 28 25 28 -- -- -- 31.1
34. Brandon Coutu, SEA -- -- -- -- -- 32 31 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 20 -- 32.0
35. Ryan Succop, KC 30 -- -- -- -- -- -- 32 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 32 32.7

NFL TRIVIA

????
Question 2: In 2008, the Cardinals had three 1,000-yard
receivers: Larry Fitzgerald (1,431 yards), Anquan Boldin
(1,038 yards) and Steve Breaston (1,008 yards). This has
happened only four other times in league history; can
you name the teams and receivers? Answer on page 52

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FOOTBALLGUYS.COM 51

42 RANKINGS.indd 51 5/26/09 4:13:15 PM

 DEFENSES

RANKINGS

Tefertiller
Pasquino

Tremblay
Rudnicki
Haseley
Borbely

Norton

Wimer
Bryant

Bloom

Henry
Baker

Wood
DEFENSES

Hicks
Gray
Avg

1. Pittsburgh Steelers, PIT 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 1 2 1 10 1 1 1 2.0

2. Minnesota Vikings, MIN 2 2 4 2 4 6 2 2 3 3 2 2 3 5 2 2.9
3. Baltimore Ravens, BAL 4 4 2 5 2 3 4 5 2 5 5 7 2 6 3 3.9
4. New York Giants, NYG 3 7 3 4 1 2 3 4 7 1 3 9 9 4 6 4.4
5. Philadelphia Eagles, PHI 5 8 5 10 5 4 6 12 4 4 6 1 11 3 4 5.9
6. San Diego Chargers, SD 8 5 9 3 9 5 5 3 9 10 4 3 4 24 7 7.2
7. Chicago Bears, CHI 6 3 6 9 7 8 9 6 8 9 7 14 8 12 8 8.0
8. New England Patriots, NE 7 6 8 7 13 7 7 15 5 8 9 6 6 8 9 8.1
9. Tennessee Titans, TEN 14 13 10 12 12 9 8 7 6 11 12 20 5 2 14 10.3
10. Dallas Cowboys, DAL 16 12 14 6 8 15 11 10 10 6 14 8 19 19 12 12.0
11. Carolina Panthers, CAR 9 9 7 8 15 13 15 9 16 12 18 18 14 10 10 12.2
12. New York Jets, NYJ 10 16 12 20 3 19 10 26 20 14 11 4 12 21 5 13.5
13. Green Bay Packers, GB 11 15 22 11 11 17 14 16 24 7 10 5 10 23 13 13.9
14. Miami Dolphins, MIA 13 11 18 17 10 14 12 11 13 21 13 25 17 9 15 14.6
15. Jacksonville Jaguars, JAX 12 10 17 13 24 10 23 8 23 15 19 13 7 14 20 15.2
16. Indianapolis Colts, IND 15 19 16 22 18 18 17 18 18 18 16 15 23 7 21 17.4
17. Houston Texans, HOU 19 20 20 16 14 21 21 22 21 13 8 22 27 16 11 18.1
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, TB 22 17 11 18 20 27 16 19 14 17 25 19 18 18 22 18.9
19. Buffalo Bills, BUF 18 14 25 23 23 16 22 13 22 22 20 12 20 15 19 18.9
20. Arizona Cardinals, ARI 23 29 13 14 17 20 13 14 12 16 17 23 31 25 25 19.5
21. Washington Redskins, WAS 17 18 21 25 16 22 25 17 11 26 15 26 32 11 26 20.5
22. Oakland Raiders, OAK 21 25 19 21 19 23 26 21 26 25 22 17 16 13 17 20.7
23. Atlanta Falcons, ATL 24 24 15 15 21 12 19 23 19 20 23 29 30 26 16 21.1
24. San Francisco 49ers, SF 20 23 27 19 27 24 28 20 27 19 21 16 25 17 27 22.7
25. New Orleans Saints, NO 26 26 26 26 26 11 24 24 25 24 24 30 13 27 18 23.3
26. Seattle Seahawks, SEA 25 21 24 27 28 28 18 28 15 27 28 11 24 22 24 23.3
27. Cleveland Browns, CLE 29 28 30 24 22 29 27 29 29 28 27 24 22 29 31 27.2
28. Cincinnati Bengals, CIN 28 30 23 30 31 31 20 30 17 31 26 32 29 20 32 27.3
29. Denver Broncos, DEN 30 22 29 32 29 30 30 27 30 23 32 21 15 30 30 27.3
30. Kansas City Chiefs, KC 27 27 31 28 25 25 31 25 31 32 30 27 21 28 23 27.4
31. Detroit Lions, DET 32 31 32 31 30 26 29 32 32 30 29 28 28 32 29 30.1
32. St. Louis Rams, STL 31 32 28 29 32 32 32 31 28 29 31 31 26 31 28 30.1

TRIVIA ANSWERS

????
Answer 1: Warren Moon (he did it twice as a 38 and 39 year old)
and Brett Favre (38 years old in 2007)
Answer 2: •1980 San Diego Chargers (John Jefferson, Charlie Joiner,
Kellen Winslow) • 1989 Washington Redskins (Gary Clark, Art Monk, Ricky
Sanders) • 1995 Atlanta Falcons (Eric Metcalf, Bert Emanuel, Terance
Mathis) • 2004 Indianapolis Colts (Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison,
Brandon Stokley)

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 ROOKIE -ONLY
RANKINGS

Tefertiller
Waldman
Pasquino

Pasquino
Rudnicki

Rudnicki
Average

Average
Haseley
Borbely

Borbely
ROOKIE-ONLY ROOKIE-ONLY

Bramel
Norton

Norton
Bloom

Bloom
Wood
(OFFENSE) (DEFENSE)

1. RB Knowshon Moreno, DEN 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1.2 1. ILB Rey Maualuga, CIN 2 2 1 2 3 1 1.8

2. WR Michael Crabtree, SF 3 1 2 6 1 2 3 3 2 2.6 2. OLB Aaron Curry, SEA 1 1 3 3 1 3 2.0
3. RB Chris Wells, ARI 4 3 3 2 3 3 2 4 3 3.0 3. ILB James Laurinaitis, STL 3 3 2 1 4 2 2.5
4. RB Donald Brown, IND 2 4 4 3 5 4 4 2 4 3.6 4. S William Moore, ATL 4 7 4 6 5 8 5.7
5. RB LeSean McCoy, PHI 5 9 7 5 4 5 9 9 5 6.4 5. S Patrick Chung, NE 5 6 7 5 6 7 6.0
6. RB Shonn Greene, NYJ 9 11 6 4 10 6 7 10 6 7.7 6. OLB Brian Cushing, HOU 20 4 5 4 2 4 6.5
7. WR Hakeem Nicks, NYG 6 7 8 9 9 7 5 11 8 7.8 7. S Louis Delmas, DET 6 9 12 8 21 6 10.3
8. WR Jeremy Maclin, PHI 10 5 5 7 6 8 10 17 7 8.3 8. ILB DeAndre Levy, DET 7 8 6 7 27 10 10.8
9. QB Matthew Stafford, DET 8 6 12 12 7 10 6 7 10 8.7 9. OLB Clint Sintim, NYG 14 10 8 14 14 5 10.8
10. WR Percy Harvin, MIN 11 8 11 11 13 11 12 5 13 10.6 10. DE Aaron Maybin, BUF 19 5 18 9 8 11 11.7
11. WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK 7 10 14 10 11 9 8 16 12 10.8 11. DE Everette Brown, CAR 10 13 13 10 10 14 11.7
12. QB Mark Sanchez, NYJ 12 15 9 8 8 13 11 8 14 10.9 12. DE Brian Orakpo, WAS 9 11 14 13 12 12 11.8
13. WR Kenny Britt, TEN 15 12 10 13 12 12 15 18 9 12.9 13. DE Michael Johnson, CIN 11 12 10 11 15 19 13.0
14. WR Brian Robiskie, CLE 13 14 21 15 14 17 16 12 11 14.8 14. OLB Clay Matthews, GB 16 16 16 17 7 9 13.5
15. RB Andre Brown, NYG 20 17 13 19 22 14 13 -- 20 19.9 15. S Michael Mitchell, OAK 12 14 9 12 22 16 14.2
16. TE Brandon Pettigrew, DET 30 13 17 14 16 16 20 27 26 19.9 16. OLB Larry English, SD 8 15 23 18 9 13 14.3
17. WR Mike Thomas, JAX 16 20 29 21 19 22 14 24 15 20.0 17. CB Malcolm Jenkins, NO 18 21 11 23 17 15 17.5
18. QB Josh Freeman, TB 25 27 16 16 21 15 28 14 22 20.4 18. DE Connor Barwin, HOU 17 17 28 19 11 18 18.3
19. TE Jared Cook, TEN 28 29 22 25 20 23 25 6 23 22.3 19. ILB Jason Williams, DAL 13 27 19 15 23 17 19.0
20. WR Brandon Tate, NE 29 16 32 23 15 18 17 23 35 23.1 20. ILB Gerald McRath, TEN 15 28 22 16 34 20 22.5
21. RB Gartrell Johnson, SD 17 18 38 22 35 20 18 22 25 23.9 21. DE Robert Ayers, DEN 21 22 21 26 29 21 23.3
22. WR Juaquin Iglesias, CHI 34 19 15 31 17 29 21 36 18 24.4 22. ILB Scott McKillop, SF 22 19 29 29 18 28 24.2
23. WR Jarett Dillard, JAX 14 21 19 35 27 19 33 26 -- 26.1 23. DE Tyson Jackson, KC 37 20 17 32 16 24 24.3
24. TE Shawn Nelson, BUF 31 28 35 32 29 25 19 13 33 27.2 24. DE Lawrence Sidbury ATL 27 26 15 24 32 23 24.5
25. RB Rashad Jennings, JAX 23 23 26 26 24 21 -- 21 -- 27.3 25. CB Vontae Davis, MIA 28 23 20 28 19 32 25.0
26. WR Austin Collie, IND 26 34 31 33 28 27 26 25 31 29.0 26. OLB Marcus Freeman, CHI 24 24 33 30 26 26 27.2
27. RB Cedric Peerman, BAL 21 24 24 34 -- 37 -- 19 27 29.8 27. DE Paul Kruger, BAL 30 31 27 33 28 22 28.5
28. RB James Davis, CLE 22 32 23 18 -- 38 23 -- 39 30.8 28. OLB Tyrone McKenzie, NE -- 18 39 22 25 27 28.7
29. RB Bernard Scott, CIN 18 31 -- 27 -- 31 31 20 -- 31.2 29. OLB Cody Brown, ARI 31 29 -- -- 13 -- 32.7
30. WR Mohamed Massaquoi, CLE -- 36 18 28 18 -- -- 31 30 31.6 30. DT Peria Jerry, ATL 36 32 24 36 39 29 32.7
31. RB Glen Coffee, SF 39 -- 27 17 34 36 36 -- 16 31.9 31. DT Jarron Gilbert, CHI 23 38 26 38 40 31 32.7
32. RB Javon Ringer, TEN 19 22 -- -- 33 39 32 -- 21 32.1 32. CB Alphonso Smith, DEN 32 -- 34 39 20 33 33.2
33. TE Chase Coffman, CIN 32 -- -- 24 39 24 -- 28 28 33.1 33. ILB Jason Phillips, BAL 34 25 35 31 37 37 33.2
34. QB Pat White, MIA 38 -- 34 29 23 30 -- 29 36 33.4 34. S Michael Hamlin, DAL -- -- 25 20 -- 34 33.7
35. WR Johnny Knox, CHI -- -- 20 20 37 34 -- 37 32 33.7 35. DT B.J. Raji, GB -- 40 30 37 24 30 33.7
36. WR Mike Wallace, PIT -- 25 30 37 30 -- 22 -- -- 34.2 36. S Chip Vaughn, NO 26 -- 36 21 -- -- 34.3
37. WR Patrick Turner, MIA -- 26 28 36 -- 35 -- 38 24 34.4 37. CB Darius Butler, NE 35 35 31 -- 31 39 35.3
38. RB Mike Goodson, CAR 24 -- -- -- 36 40 35 -- 17 35.1 38. CB Jairus Byrd, BUF -- -- -- 25 -- 25 35.7
39. WR Deon Butler, SEA 36 37 40 39 -- -- 34 34 19 35.7 39. CB Sean Smith, MIA -- 36 -- -- 30 35 37.3
40. QB Nate Davis, SF -- -- -- 40 32 -- -- 15 37 36.6 40. ILB Kaluka Maiava, CLE -- 33 -- 35 -- 36 37.8
41. TE Travis Beckum, NYG 27 -- -- -- -- 26 39 32 -- 36.6 41. OLB David Veikune, CLE 29 -- -- 34 -- -- 37.8
42. WR Derrick Williams, DET -- -- 37 38 25 -- 40 35 34 36.9 42. ILB Jasper Brinkley, MIN 25 -- -- 40 -- -- 38.2
43. TE Cornelius Ingram, PHI 37 -- 39 -- 31 28 -- 33 -- 36.9 43. CB Sherrod Martin, CAR -- -- -- 27 -- -- 38.7
44. RB Arian Foster, HOU 40 30 -- -- -- -- 24 -- -- 37.8 44. CB Asher Allen, MIN 39 30 -- -- -- -- 38.8
45. WR Sammie Stroughter, TB -- 39 -- -- -- -- 29 30 -- 38.2 45. DE Alex Magee, KC -- -- 32 -- -- -- 39.5
46. WR Ramses Barden, NYG -- -- -- -- 26 33 -- 40 -- 38.3 46. OLB Zack Follett, DET -- 37 -- -- 36 -- 39.5
47. TE James Casey, HOU 33 -- -- -- 38 32 -- -- -- 38.8 47. ILB Frantz Joseph 33 -- -- -- -- -- 39.7
48. WR Demetrius Byrd, SD -- 33 33 -- -- -- -- -- -- 39.2 48. CB Victor Harris, PHI -- -- -- -- 33 -- 39.7
49. RB Quinn Johnson, GB -- -- 25 -- -- -- -- -- -- 39.2 49. S Rashad Johnson, ARI -- 34 -- -- -- -- 39.8
50. WR Brian Hartline, MIA -- -- 36 30 -- -- -- -- -- 39.2 50. ILB Dannell Ellerbe, BAL -- -- -- -- 35 -- 40.0

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 RANKINGS
IDP OVERALL / DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Pasquino

Pasquino

Rudnicki
Rudnicki

Average

Average
Borbely
Borbely
IDP DEFENSIVE

Bramel

Bramel
Magaw
Norton

Norton
Bloom

Bloom
Baker
OVERALL LINEMEN

1. ILB Patrick Willis, SF 1 1 2 2 2 1 1.5 1. DE Jared Allen, MIN 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1.5

2. ILB Jon Beason, CAR 2 2 3 4 5 2 3.0 2. DE Mario Williams, HOU 3 2 1 2 1 1 4 3 2.1
3. ILB Barrett Ruud, TB 3 3 1 3 7 3 3.3 3. DE Justin Tuck, NYG 1 5 6 6 3 5 8 2 4.5
4. ILB DeMeco Ryans, HOU 5 6 9 7 1 8 6.0 4. DE Terrell Suggs, BAL 5 3 5 4 7 4 6 4 4.8
5. DE Jared Allen, MIN 4 8 4 19 6 4 7.5 5. DE Julius Peppers, CAR 4 4 4 7 6 3 5 5 4.8
6. OLB D.J. Williams, DEN 16 4 8 5 19 5 9.5 6. DE Osi Umenyiora, NYG 9 8 3 5 5 8 2 6 5.8
7. OLB James Harrison, PIT 15 12 16 1 8 10 10.3 7. DE Trent Cole, PHI 7 7 7 3 4 7 7 7 6.1
8. ILB Jonathan Vilma, NO 8 5 13 14 22 12 12.3 8. DE John Abraham, ATL 8 6 9 9 9 6 9 8 8.0
9. DE Mario Williams, HOU 10 7 5 18 28 9 12.8 9. DE Robert Mathis, IND 6 9 8 12 8 12 11 9 9.4
10. DE Terrell Suggs, BAL 11 18 7 21 32 11 16.7 10. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, TEN 12 17 10 10 14 9 10 12 11.8
11. ILB London Fletcher, WAS 33 10 15 8 17 17 16.7 11. DE Adewale Ogunleye, CHI 15 14 19 11 15 13 3 11 12.6
12. ILB Kirk Morrison, OAK 24 20 18 10 11 21 17.3 12. DE Aaron Schobel, BUF 11 24 11 8 17 10 16 10 13.4
13. DE Julius Peppers, CAR 19 14 12 20 30 13 18.0 13. DE Gaines Adams, TB 16 10 12 14 10 21 14 15 14.0
14. ILB Jerod Mayo, NE 9 9 17 41 20 15 18.5 14. DE Chris Long, STL 24 13 14 15 11 19 12 16 15.5
15. ILB Curtis Lofton, ATL 13 17 14 11 23 40 19.7 15. DE Justin Smith, SF 10 11 13 13 13 39 13 14 15.8
16. ILB Brian Urlacher, CHI 12 29 30 13 12 23 19.8 16. DE Darryl Tapp, SEA 13 18 15 16 24 24 17 17 18.0
17. DE Osi Umenyiora, NYG 27 13 10 42 14 16 20.3 17. DE Will Smith, NO 17 27 16 17 12 16 18 22 18.1
18. OLB Karlos Dansby, ARI 6 21 31 6 10 48 20.3 18. DE Mathias Kiwanuka, NYG 23 12 26 27 28 14 15 18 20.4
19. DE Justin Tuck, NYG 20 19 11 22 45 7 20.7 19. DE Patrick Kerney, SEA 14 23 23 31 20 11 32 13 20.9
20. ILB Ray Lewis, BAL 22 15 20 9 16 49 21.8 20. DE Derrick Burgess, OAK 18 28 18 35 22 18 23 23 23.1
21. ILB DQwell Jackson, CLE 7 23 33 -- 13 6 22.2 21. DT Shaun Rogers, CLE 27 16 27 26 23 29 21 20 23.6
22. DE Trent Cole, PHI 26 33 6 24 35 20 24.0 22. DT Albert Haynesworth, WAS 34 15 30 24 18 17 31 21 23.8
23. OLB Lance Briggs, CHI 21 22 35 25 4 37 24.0 23. DT Darnell Dockett, ARI 28 35 21 19 16 27 20 29 24.4
24. OLB Demarcus Ware, DAL 14 27 29 37 3 -- 26.8 24. DE Dewayne White, DET 30 22 24 28 25 20 19 28 24.5
25. S Adrian Wilson, ARI 17 36 37 16 34 22 27.0 25. DE Andre Carter, WAS 20 25 37 20 19 25 36 19 25.1
26. ILB Lofa Tatupu, SEA 23 11 36 26 21 46 27.2 26. DE Charles Grant, NO 22 33 28 23 21 15 35 35 26.5
27. ILB Paul Posluszny, BUF 44 16 43 39 9 29 30.0 27. DE Derrick Harvey, JAX 38 21 25 22 29 26 26 26 26.6
28. DE John Abraham, ATL 25 40 24 23 46 24 30.3 28. DE Dwight Freeney, IND 25 32 22 21 27 36 25 27 26.9
29. S Eric Weddle, SD -- 24 22 33 38 19 31.2 29. DE Alex Brown, CHI 21 30 20 30 30 32 33 30 28.3
30. ILB E.J. Henderson, MIN 35 28 19 12 -- 50 32.5 30. DE Ray Edwards, MIN 36 20 32 34 31 43 29 36 32.6
31. CB Antoine Winfield, MIN 36 30 49 17 42 25 33.2 31. DE Cliff Avril, DET -- 19 17 18 35 30 -- 44 33.1
32. S Oshiomogho Atogwe, STL 18 49 21 35 50 34 34.5 32. DE Antonio Smith, HOU 26 -- 39 39 33 28 28 25 33.6
33. ILB Stephen Cooper, SD 28 46 28 40 -- 14 34.5 33. DE Leonard Little, STL 39 47 29 36 26 35 22 37 33.9
34. ILB Gary Brackett, IND 34 -- 46 15 25 44 35.8 34. DE Shaun Ellis, NYJ 35 29 45 29 37 45 24 31 34.4
35. S Gibril Wilson, MIA 39 26 39 47 -- 18 36.7 35. DT Kevin Williams, MIN 19 26 46 25 38 -- 37 34 34.5
36. CB Charles Tillman, CHI 37 39 27 -- -- 28 38.8 36. DE Richard Seymour, NE 32 46 38 42 32 -- -- 24 39.5
37. S Yeremiah Bell, MIA -- 50 26 30 -- 26 39.0 37. DE Juqua Parker, PHI 33 31 43 44 36 -- -- 38 40.9
38. DE Adewale Ogunleye, CHI -- -- 34 -- 15 35 39.5 38. DT Tommy Kelly, OAK 40 -- 33 46 34 33 -- 42 41.3
39. OLB Justin Durant, JAX -- 32 32 -- 24 -- 40.2 39. DT Haloti Ngata, BAL -- 38 31 37 45 -- -- 33 42.1
40. ILB Nick Barnett, GB 29 43 -- -- 37 31 40.3 40. DE Aaron Smith, PIT 31 48 34 43 -- -- 49 39 43.3
41. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, TEN -- 41 25 43 -- 36 41.2 41. OLB Tamba Hali, KC 29 34 -- -- -- 48 -- 32 43.4
42. ILB James Farrior, PIT 32 -- -- -- 31 33 41.5 42. DE Charles Johnson, CAR 42 50 35 32 39 50 50 -- 43.6
43. DE Aaron Schobel, BUF -- -- 23 44 -- 32 42.0 43. DE Brian Orakpo, WAS -- -- 44 -- 42 23 42 50 44.3
44. CB Richard Marshall, CAR 38 25 38 50 -- -- 42.2 44. DE Darren Howard, PHI 44 40 -- -- -- 38 47 40 45.3
45. OLB Will Witherspoon, STL -- 31 -- -- 18 -- 42.2 45. DT Tommie Harris, CHI 48 -- 40 -- 47 -- 30 45 45.4
46. DE Robert Mathis, IND 46 34 -- 46 -- 27 42.5 46. DE Aaron Maybin, BUF -- -- 42 -- 50 22 -- -- 46.1
47. ILB James Laurinaitis, STL 45 -- 45 27 41 -- 43.3 47. DE Cullen Jenkins, GB 37 -- -- -- -- -- 27 -- 46.3
48. ILB Bradie James, DAL 31 -- -- -- -- 30 44.2 48. DT Jonathan Babineaux, ATL -- 39 -- 38 -- 41 -- 49 46.4
49. ILB David Harris, NYJ -- 42 44 -- 27 -- 44.3 49. DE Ty Warren, NE 45 -- 36 -- 46 -- -- 41 46.5
50. S Troy Polamalu, PIT -- -- 41 -- 33 43 45.0 50. DT Robert Bernard, NYG -- 36 -- -- -- 31 -- -- 46.6

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 RANKINGS

LINEBACKERS / DEFENSIVE BACKS

Pasquino

Pasquino
Rudnicki

Rudnicki
Average

Average
Borbely

Borbely
DEFENSIVE

Bramel
Magaw

Bramel
Magaw
Norton

Norton
Bloom

Bloom
LINEBACKERS

Baker

Baker
BACKS

1. ILB Patrick Willis, SF 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 1.4 1. S Adrian Wilson, ARI 3 1 6 5 1 1 2 3 2.8

2. ILB Jon Beason, CAR 2 2 2 3 2 4 5 2 2.8 2. S Eric Weddle, SD 2 13 1 2 2 8 3 2 4.1
3. ILB Barrett Ruud, TB 3 3 3 1 3 3 6 3 3.1 3. CB Antoine Winfield, MIN 6 3 4 11 8 2 5 4 5.4
4. ILB DeMeco Ryans, HOU 5 4 6 5 5 7 1 6 4.9 4. S Gibril Wilson, MIA 1 6 3 7 4 12 10 1 5.5
5. OLB D.J. Williams, DEN 6 13 4 4 8 5 16 4 7.5 5. S Oshiomogho Atogwe, STL 7 2 10 1 5 10 6 7 6.0
6. ILB Jonathan Vilma, NO 4 7 5 6 4 14 19 8 8.4 6. CB Charles Tillman, CHI 8 4 7 4 12 16 11 6 8.5
7. OLB James Harrison, PIT 13 12 10 9 9 1 7 7 8.5 7. S Yeremiah Bell, MIA 21 15 11 3 3 5 8 5 8.9
8. ILB London Fletcher, WAS 8 23 8 8 12 8 14 11 11.5 8. S Roman Harper, NO 18 11 9 8 6 9 7 14 10.3
9. ILB Kirk Morrison, OAK 10 17 14 11 11 10 10 12 11.9 9. S Quintin Mikell, PHI 13 12 15 12 7 4 13 10 10.8
10. OLB Karlos Dansby, ARI 16 5 15 17 6 6 9 23 12.1 10. S Troy Polamalu, PIT 9 14 14 9 15 20 1 9 11.4
11. ILB DQwell Jackson, CLE 7 6 17 19 10 25 12 5 12.6 11. CB Richard Marshall, CAR 24 5 2 6 16 15 9 15 11.5
12. ILB Jerod Mayo, NE 20 8 7 10 7 23 17 10 12.8 12. S Bernard Pollard, KC 12 26 16 17 9 11 14 18 15.4
13. ILB Brian Urlacher, CHI 11 9 20 16 17 13 11 13 13.8 13. S Kenny Phillips, NYG 23 18 17 15 14 7 16 23 16.6
14. OLB Lance Briggs, CHI 9 14 16 20 19 16 4 18 14.5 14. S Bob Sanders, IND 10 19 8 14 13 -- 4 16 16.9
15. ILB Ray Lewis, BAL 18 15 11 13 14 9 13 24 14.6 15. CB Cedric Griffin, MIN 37 7 12 18 10 14 25 29 19.0
16. OLB Demarcus Ware, DAL 14 11 18 15 13 19 3 27 15.0 16. S Michael Griffin, TEN 14 9 18 20 19 34 20 19 19.1
17. ILB Curtis Lofton, ATL 25 10 13 7 18 11 20 20 15.5 17. S Michael Lewis, SF 15 16 13 10 18 -- 15 17 19.4
18. ILB Lofa Tatupu, SEA 17 16 9 21 15 17 18 22 16.9 18. S Chris Hope, TEN 11 10 41 23 20 30 12 11 19.8
19. ILB Paul Posluszny, BUF 21 30 12 23 20 21 8 14 18.6 19. S Sean Jones, PHI 4 41 5 22 11 24 -- 8 20.8
20. ILB E.J. Henderson, MIN 12 25 19 12 16 12 37 25 19.8 20. S Chris Horton, WAS 29 34 37 19 17 3 17 20 22.0
21. ILB Stephen Cooper, SD 15 18 29 14 29 22 36 9 21.5 21. S Kevin Payne, CHI 22 33 44 13 24 6 30 13 23.1
22. ILB Gary Brackett, IND 28 24 33 26 21 15 22 21 23.8 22. S Kerry Rhodes, NYJ 5 24 28 25 27 -- 21 12 24.1
23. ILB Nick Barnett, GB 22 19 26 29 24 28 28 16 24.0 23. S Nick Collins, GB 27 23 24 29 26 18 22 32 25.1
24. ILB James Laurinaitis, STL 42 31 31 25 22 18 30 28 28.4 24. S Chris Harris, CAR 20 30 35 27 22 22 23 24 25.4
25. OLB Will Witherspoon, STL 30 45 21 43 23 24 15 30 28.9 25. CB Cortland Finnegan, TEN 32 8 22 24 25 -- 28 21 26.4
26. ILB Stewart Bradley, PHI 41 29 34 31 25 20 38 19 29.6 26. S Chinedum Ndukwe, CIN 41 17 29 21 29 28 26 30 27.6
27. OLB Justin Durant, JAX -- 35 22 18 30 31 21 29 29.6 27. CB Nate Clements, SF 16 28 26 -- 36 21 19 26 27.9
28. ILB David Harris, NYJ 19 46 25 24 28 46 24 26 29.8 28. S William Moore, ATL -- 35 30 16 23 19 24 43 30.1
29. ILB James Farrior, PIT 24 22 40 30 38 -- 26 17 31.0 29. S Brian Dawkins, DEN 17 20 33 33 33 -- 35 22 30.5
30. ILB Bradie James, DAL 23 21 39 28 42 37 45 15 31.3 30. CB Quentin Jammer, SD 25 42 27 48 -- -- 27 28 37.4
31. OLB Chad Greenway, MIN 26 40 28 37 31 30 39 31 32.8 31. S Antrel Rolle, ARI 38 44 39 34 30 37 33 44 37.4
32. OLB Thomas Davis, CAR 38 32 30 36 26 27 41 34 33.0 32. CB Chris Gamble, CAR 31 21 -- 35 21 -- -- 40 37.6
33. ILB Bart Scott, NYJ 34 36 -- -- 22 34 35 23 32 33.4 33. S Brandon Meriweather, NE 30 29 38 -- 43 -- 31 31 38.0
34. ILB Lawrence Timmons, PIT 47 37 32 33 35 33 25 46 36.0 34. S Daniel Bullocks, DET -- -- 20 31 38 -- 29 37 38.5
35. OLB Ernie Sims, DET 27 39 24 45 33 34 47 42 36.4 35. CB Brandon Flowers, KC 35 48 32 -- 28 40 -- 25 38.8
36. OLB Keith Rivers, CIN 37 -- 23 39 40 43 32 35 37.5 36. S Patrick Chung, NE -- -- 21 40 -- 17 32 -- 39.3
37. ILB Channing Crowder, MIA 35 28 42 27 43 49 44 33 37.6 37. S Erik Coleman, ATL 33 38 -- 26 39 39 49 41 39.5
38. ILB Derrick Johnson, KC 36 20 38 34 36 47 -- 43 38.1 38. CB Dunta Robinson, HOU 26 32 -- 42 48 46 -- 27 40.4
39. OLB A.J. Hawk, GB 32 26 44 32 37 41 48 45 38.1 39. CB Terrence McGee, BUF 43 -- 43 44 41 25 -- 34 41.5
40. OLB Aaron Curry, SEA -- 48 27 42 32 29 33 49 38.9 40. CB Kelvin Hayden, IND -- 25 -- -- 31 23 -- -- 41.8
41. OLB Shawne Merriman, SD 39 43 43 -- 41 32 29 39 39.6 41. CB Champ Bailey, DEN 44 27 31 -- -- -- 46 35 42.0
42. OLB Keith Bulluck, TEN 33 33 -- 38 39 36 -- 37 39.8 42. S Ed Reed, BAL 19 -- -- 46 -- -- 18 -- 42.3
43. ILB Antonio Pierce, NYG 31 -- 45 35 44 -- 35 36 41.0 43. CB DeAngelo Hall, WAS 42 45 23 -- -- -- -- 33 43.4
44. OLB Lamarr Woodley, PIT -- 27 48 49 27 -- 49 41 42.9 44. S Louis Delmas, DET -- -- 34 -- 50 27 38 45 43.4
45. ILB Gerald Hayes, ARI 40 42 47 47 49 -- 43 40 44.9 45. CB Marcus Trufant, SEA -- 49 -- 30 45 45 36 42 43.6
46. OLB Julian Peterson, DET -- 34 -- -- 45 -- 27 -- 45.1 46. S Donte Whitner, BUF 39 -- 50 38 40 -- 34 46 43.6
47. ILB Rey Maualuga, CIN 48 -- 35 50 48 38 40 -- 45.1 47. CB Darrelle Revis, NYJ -- -- 25 -- 34 -- 42 47 44.0
48. OLB Thomas Howard, OAK 46 41 37 46 46 50 -- 47 45.5 48. S Madieu Williams, MIN 36 -- 45 41 44 42 43 -- 44.1
49. OLB Aaron Kampman, GB 29 -- -- -- -- -- 31 -- 45.8 49. S Atari Bigby, GB -- 36 19 -- -- 48 -- -- 44.8
50. OLB Calvin Pace, NYJ 50 38 36 -- 47 -- 50 -- 46.8 50. CB Charles Woodson, GB -- 46 48 43 35 -- 40 48 45.3

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 CHEATSHEETS
Performance
QUARTERBACKS (BYE)
1. Drew Brees, NO (5)
2. Tom Brady, NE (8)
3. Peyton Manning, Ind (6)
4. Aaron Rodgers, GB (5)
5. Donovan McNabb, Phi (4)
6. Philip Rivers, SD (5)
7. Kurt Warner, Ari (4)
8. Tony Romo, Dal (6)
9. Jay Cutler, Chi (5)
10. David Garrard, Jac (7)
11. Ben Roethlisberger, Pit (8)
12. Matt Schaub, Hou (10)
13. Matt Ryan, Atl (4)
14. Carson Palmer, Cin (8)
15. Matt Hasselbeck, Sea (7)
16. Matt Cassel, KC (8)
17. Trent Edwards, Buf (9)
18. Eli Manning, NYG (10)
19. Joe Flacco, Bal (7)
20. Shaun Hill, SF (6)
21. Jason Campbell, Was (8)
22. Chad Pennington, Mia (6)
23. Jake Delhomme, Car (4)
24. Kyle Orton, Den (7)
25. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (9)
26. JaMarcus Russell, Oak (9)
27. Matthew Stafford, Det (7)
28. Kerry Collins, Ten (7)
29. Marc Bulger, StL (9)
30. Sage Rosenfels, Min (9)
31. Brady Quinn, Cle (9)
32. Byron Leftwich, TB (8)
33. Luke McCown, TB (8)
34. Derek Anderson, Cle (9)
35. Chris Simms, Den (7)
TIGHT ENDS (BYE)
1. Antonio Gates, SD (5)
2. Jason Witten, Dal (6)
3. Tony Gonzalez, Atl (4)
4. Dallas Clark, Ind (6)
5. Kellen Winslow, TB (8)
6. Owen Daniels, Hou (10)
7. Greg Olsen, Chi (5)
8. Chris Cooley, Was (8)
9. Zach Miller, Oak (9)
10. John Carlson, Sea (7)
11. Dustin Keller, NYJ (9)
12. Jeremy Shockey, NO (5)
13. Visanthe Shiancoe, Min (9)
14. Bo Scaife, Ten (7)
15. Heath Miller, Pit (8)
16. Tony Scheffler, Den (7)
17. Anthony Fasano, Mia (6)
18. Vernon Davis, SF (6)
19. Kevin Boss, NYG (10)
20. Todd Heap, Bal (7)
21. Marcedes Lewis, Jac (7)
22. Donald Lee, GB (5)
23. Randy McMichael, StL (9)
24. Brent Celek, Phi (4)
25. Brandon Pettigrew, Det (7)
26. Robert Royal, Cle (9)
27. Desmond Clark, Chi (5)
28. David Martin, Mia (6)
29. L.J. Smith, Bal (7)
A twelve-team league where each team starts one QB, two RBs, three WRs, one TE, one PK, and one Team Defense/ST.
Passing: 1 point per 20 yards, 4 points per TD, -1 point per interception thrown • Rushing/Receiving: 1 point per 10 yards, 6 points per TD
56
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PTS RUNNING BACKS (BYE) PTS WIDE RECEIVERS (BYE) PTS DEFENSES (BYE)
326 1. Adrian Peterson, Min (9) 253 1. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari (4) 198 1. Pittsburgh Steelers (8)
322 2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac (7) 241 2. Andre Johnson, Hou (10) 192 2. Minnesota Vikings (9)
307 3. Michael Turner, Atl (4) 234 3. Randy Moss, NE (8) 191 3. Baltimore Ravens (7)
306 4. Ladainian Tomlinson, SD (5) 232 4. Calvin Johnson, Det (7) 191 4. New York Giants (10)
303 5. Steven Jackson, StL (9) 229 5. Reggie Wayne, Ind (6) 186 5. Philadelphia Eagles (4)
298 6. Matt Forte, Chi (5) 226 6. Steve Smith, Car (4) 185 6. San Diego Chargers (5)
291 7. Clinton Portis, Was (8) 226 7. Roddy White, Atl (4) 174 7. Chicago Bears (5)
275 8. DeAngelo Williams, Car (4) 222 8. Greg Jennings, GB (5) 173 8. New England Patriots (8)
273 9. Steve Slaton, Hou (10) 210 9. Marques Colston, NO (5) 172 9. Tennessee Titans (7)
269 10. Frank Gore, SF (6) 206 10. Dwayne Bowe, KC (8) 162 10. Dallas Cowboys (6)
267 11. Brian Westbrook, Phi (4) 205 11. Anquan Boldin, Ari (4) 160 11. Carolina Panthers (4)
261 12. Chris Johnson, Ten (7) 201 12. Terrell Owens, Buf (9) 157 12. New York Jets (9)
255 13. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (10) 198 13. Brandon Marshall, Den (7) 154 13. Green Bay Packers (5)
253 14. Ronnie Brown, Mia (6) 187 14. Braylon Edwards, Cle (9) 150 14. Miami Dolphins (6)
248 15. Marion Barber, Dal (6) 186 15. Chad Ochocinco, Cin (8) 148 15. Jacksonville Jaguars (7)
247 16. Darren McFadden, Oak (9) 185 16. DeSean Jackson, Phi (4) 147 16. Indianapolis Colts (6)
238 17. Pierre Thomas, NO (5) 185 17. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea (7) 145 17. Houston Texans (10)
237 18. Reggie Bush, NO (5) 180 18. Wes Welker, NE (8) 144 18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8)
232 19. Kevin Smith, Det (7) 180 19. Donnie Avery, StL (9) 142 19. Buffalo Bills (9)
228 20. Ryan Grant, GB (5) 170 20. Antonio Bryant, TB (8) 142 20. Arizona Cardinals (4)
227 21. Marshawn Lynch, Buf (9) 170 21. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ (9) 139 21. Washington Redskins (8)
224 22. Thomas Jones, NYJ (9) 163 22. Santonio Holmes, Pit (8) 137 22. Oakland Raiders (9)
215 23. Cedric Benson, Cin (8) 161 23. Santana Moss, Was (8) 137 23. Atlanta Falcons (4)
215 24. Derrick Ward, TB (8) 158 24. Vincent Jackson, SD (5) 135 24. San Francisco 49ers (6)
196 25. Larry Johnson, KC (8) 156 25. Eddie Royal, Den (7) 133 25. New Orleans Saints (5)
195 26. Knowshon Moreno, Den (7) 155 26. Hines Ward, Pit (8) 132 26. Seattle Seahawks (7)
189 27. Chris Wells, Ari (4) 138 27. Roy Williams, Dal (6) 130 27. Cleveland Browns (9)
182 28. Joseph Addai, Ind (6) 136 28. Anthony Gonzalez, Ind (6) 129 28. Cincinnati Bengals (8)
181 29. LenDale White, Ten (7) 134 29. Laveranues Coles, Cin (8) 128 29. Denver Broncos (7)
176 30. Jamal Lewis, Cle (9) 131 30. Torry Holt, Jac (7) 127 30. Kansas City Chiefs (8)
142 31. Jonathan Stewart, Car (4) 130 31. Donald Driver, GB (5) 124 31. Detroit Lions (7)
132 32. Willie Parker, Pit (8) 128 32. Lee Evans, Buf (9) 124 32. St. Louis Rams (9)
84 33. Julius Jones, Sea (7) 128 33. Michael Crabtree, SF (6) 122 KICKERS (BYE)
68 34. Leon Washington, NYJ (9) 127 34. Bernard Berrian, Min (9) 121 1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE (8)
65 35. Donald Brown, Ind (6) 123 35. Derrick Mason, Bal (7) 121 2. Nate Kaeding, SD (5)
PTS 36. Darren Sproles, SD (5) 118 36. Devin Hester, Chi (5) 120 3. Rob Bironas, Ten (7)
132 37. Chester Taylor, Min (9) 118 37. Ted Ginn Jr., Mia (6) 115 4. Mason Crosby, GB (5)
130 38. Ray Rice, Bal (7) 117 38. Steve Breaston, Ari (4) 113 5. Jason Elam, Atl (4)
123 39. Fred Taylor, NE (8) 110 39. Lance Moore, NO (5) 110 6. Nick Folk, Dal (6)
114 40. Ricky Williams, Mia (6) 106 40. Kevin Walter, Hou (10) 109 7. Garrett Hartley, NO (5)
109 41. Earnest Graham, TB (8) 103 41. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (10) 105 8. David Akers, Phi (4)
100 42. Fred Jackson, Buf (9) 102 42. Chris Chambers, SD (5) 104 9. Kris Brown, Hou (10)
97 43. Le'Ron McClain, Bal (7) 101 43. Muhsin Muhammad, Car (4) 104 10. Neil Rackers, Ari (4)
96 44. Jerious Norwood, Atl (4) 97 44. Steve Smith, NYG (10) 104 11. Ryan Longwell, Min (9)
88 45. Willis McGahee, Bal (7) 97 45. Mark Clayton, Bal (7) 98 12. Adam Vinatieri, Ind (6)
87 46. Kevin Faulk, NE (8) 96 46. Michael Jenkins, Atl (4) 97 13. Robbie Gould, Chi (5)
86 47. Sammy Morris, NE (8) 95 47. Justin Gage, Ten (7) 94 14. John Kasay, Car (4)
77 48. Rashard Mendenhall, Pit (8) 94 48. Earl Bennett, Chi (5) 92 15. Shayne Graham, Cin (8)
75 49. Felix Jones, Dal (6) 92 49. Domenik Hixon, NYG (10) 91 16. Jeff Reed, Pit (8)
75 50. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (10) 92 50. Plaxico Burress, FA 89 17. Lawrence Tynes, NYG (10)
72 51. LeSean McCoy, Phi (4) 79 51. Isaac Bruce, SF (6) 86 18. Josh Scobee, Jac (7)
70 52. Edgerrin James, FA 74 52. Nate Washington, Ten (7) 85 19. Josh Brown, StL (9)
70 53. Tim Hightower, Ari (4) 74 53. Antwaan Randle El, Was (8) 79 20. Joe Nedney, SF (6)
65 54. Mewelde Moore, Pit (8) 70 54. Chaz Schilens, Oak (9) 79 21. Rian Lindell, Buf (9)
60 55. Brandon Jackson, GB (5) 70 55. Chris Henry, Cin (8) 79 22. Dan Carpenter, Mia (6)
60 56. Jamaal Charles, KC (8) 68 56. Kevin Curtis, Phi (4) 79 23. Jason Hanson, Det (7)
58 57. T.J. Duckett, Sea (7) 66 57. Deion Branch, Sea (7) 76 24. Phil Dawson, Cle (9)
58 58. Michael Bush, Oak (9) 66 58. Jeremy Maclin, Phi (4) 75 25. Matt Prater, Den (7)
57 59. Justin Fargas, Oak (9) 65 59. Miles Austin, Dal (6) 74 26. Jay Feely, NYJ (9)
56 60. Maurice Morris, Det (7) 63 60. Michael Clayton, TB (8) 73 27. Olindo Mare, Sea (7)
51 61. Correll Buckhalter, Den (7) 60 61. Devery Henderson, NO (5) 68 28. Mike Nugent, TB (8)
50 62. Laurence Maroney, NE (8) 57 62. Bryant Johnson, Det (7) 67 29. Shaun Suisham, Was (8)
46 63. Jerome Harrison, Cle (9) 55 63. Dennis Northcutt, Jac (7) 65 30. Sebastian Janikowski, Oak (9)
45 64. Ladell Betts, Was (8) 53 64. Bobby Engram, KC (8) 63 31. Steve Hauschka, Bal (7)
41 65. Justin Forsett, Sea (7) 53 65. Patrick Crayton, Dal (6) 63 32. Ryan Succop, KC (8)
FREE 32 PAGE CAMP UPDATE: http://freeupdate.footballguys.com
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/22/09 3:12:23 PM
 CHEATSHEETS
QUARTERBACKS (BYE)
1. Drew Brees, NO (5)
2. Tom Brady, NE (8)
3. Peyton Manning, Ind (6)
4. Aaron Rodgers, GB (5)
5. Donovan McNabb, Phi (4)
6. Philip Rivers, SD (5)
7. Kurt Warner, Ari (4)
8. Tony Romo, Dal (6)
9. Jay Cutler, Chi (5)
10. David Garrard, Jac (7)
11. Ben Roethlisberger, Pit (8)
12. Matt Schaub, Hou (10)
13. Matt Ryan, Atl (4)
14. Carson Palmer, Cin (8)
15. Matt Hasselbeck, Sea (7)
16. Matt Cassel, KC (8)
17. Trent Edwards, Buf (9)
18. Eli Manning, NYG (10)
19. Joe Flacco, Bal (7)
20. Shaun Hill, SF (6)
21. Jason Campbell, Was (8)
22. Chad Pennington, Mia (6)
23. Jake Delhomme, Car (4)
24. Kyle Orton, Den (7)
25. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (9)
26. JaMarcus Russell, Oak (9)
27. Matthew Stafford, Det (7)
28. Kerry Collins, Ten (7)
29. Marc Bulger, StL (9)
30. Sage Rosenfels, Min (9)
31. Brady Quinn, Cle (9)
32. Byron Leftwich, TB (8)
33. Luke McCown, TB (8)
34. Derek Anderson, Cle (9)
35. Chris Simms, Den (7)
TIGHT ENDS (BYE)
1. Jason Witten, Dal (6)
2. Antonio Gates, SD (5)
3. Tony Gonzalez, Atl (4)
4. Dallas Clark, Ind (6)
5. Kellen Winslow, TB (8)
6. Owen Daniels, Hou (10)
7. Chris Cooley, Was (8)
8. Greg Olsen, Chi (5)
9. Zach Miller, Oak (9)
10. Dustin Keller, NYJ (9)
11. John Carlson, Sea (7)
12. Bo Scaife, Ten (7)
13. Jeremy Shockey, NO (5)
14. Visanthe Shiancoe, Min (9)
15. Heath Miller, Pit (8)
16. Tony Scheffler, Den (7)
17. Anthony Fasano, Mia (6)
18. Vernon Davis, SF (6)
19. Todd Heap, Bal (7)
20. Kevin Boss, NYG (10)
21. Marcedes Lewis, Jac (7)
22. Donald Lee, GB (5)
23. Randy McMichael, StL (9)
24. Brent Celek, Phi (4)
25. Robert Royal, Cle (9)
27. Brandon Pettigrew, Det (7)
26. Desmond Clark, Chi (5)
28. David Martin, Mia (6)
29. L.J. Smith, Bal (7)
Passing: 1 point per 20 yards, 4 points per TD, -1 point per interception thrown • Rushing/Receiving: 1 point per 10 yards, 1 point per reception, 6 points per TD
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
56 CHEAT SHEETS.indd 57
PPR
PTS RUNNING BACKS (BYE) PTS RECEIVERS (BYE) PTS DEFENSES (BYE)
326 1. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac (7) 296 1. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari (4) 292 1. Pittsburgh Steelers (8)
322 2. Matt Forte, Chi (5) 286 2. Andre Johnson, Hou (10) 290 2. Minnesota Vikings (9)
307 3. Adrian Peterson, Min (9) 278 3. Calvin Johnson, Det (7) 279 3. Baltimore Ravens (7)
306 4. Steven Jackson, StL (9) 277 4. Reggie Wayne, Ind (6) 276 4. New York Giants (10)
303 5. Ladainian Tomlinson, SD (5) 274 5. Steve Smith, Car (4) 272 5. Philadelphia Eagles (4)
298 6. Brian Westbrook, Phi (4) 262 6. Randy Moss, NE (8) 270 6. San Diego Chargers (5)
291 7. Clinton Portis, Was (8) 260 7. Roddy White, Atl (4) 258 7. Chicago Bears (5)
275 8. Reggie Bush, NO (5) 255 8. Dwayne Bowe, KC (8) 252 8. New England Patriots (8)
273 9. Frank Gore, SF (6) 255 9. Marques Colston, NO (5) 252 9. Tennessee Titans (7)
269 10. Steve Slaton, Hou (10) 254 10. Greg Jennings, GB (5) 251 10. Dallas Cowboys (6)
267 11. Chris Johnson, Ten (7) 246 11. Anquan Boldin, Ari (4) 246 11. Carolina Panthers (4)
261 12. DeAngelo Williams, Car (4) 245 12. Wes Welker, NE (8) 237 12. New York Jets (9)
255 13. Michael Turner, Atl (4) 242 13. Brandon Marshall, Den (7) 237 13. Green Bay Packers (5)
253 14. Marion Barber, Dal (6) 236 14. Terrell Owens, Buf (9) 229 14. Miami Dolphins (6)
248 15. Ronnie Brown, Mia (6) 226 15. Chad Ochocinco, Cin (8) 228 15. Jacksonville Jaguars (7)
247 16. Darren McFadden, Oak (9) 225 16. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea (7) 227 16. Indianapolis Colts (6)
238 17. Pierre Thomas, NO (5) 220 17. DeSean Jackson, Phi (4) 221 17. Houston Texans (10)
237 18. Kevin Smith, Det (7) 220 18. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ (9) 220 18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8)
232 19. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (10) 216 19. Braylon Edwards, Cle (9) 220 19. Buffalo Bills (9)
228 20. Marshawn Lynch, Buf (9) 211 20. Donnie Avery, StL (9) 219 20. Arizona Cardinals (4)
227 21. Derrick Ward, TB (8) 200 21. Antonio Bryant, TB (8) 214 21. Washington Redskins (8)
224 22. Ryan Grant, GB (5) 191 22. Santana Moss, Was (8) 213 22. Oakland Raiders (9)
215 23. Thomas Jones, NYJ (9) 191 23. Eddie Royal, Den (7) 210 23. Atlanta Falcons (4)
215 24. Cedric Benson, Cin (8) 184 24. Hines Ward, Pit (8) 204 24. San Francisco 49ers (6)
196 25. Knowshon Moreno, Den (7) 180 25. Laveranues Coles, Cin (8) 203 25. New Orleans Saints (5)
195 26. Leon Washington, NYJ (9) 178 26. Santonio Holmes, Pit (8) 202 26. Seattle Seahawks (7)
189 27. Larry Johnson, KC (8) 172 27. Anthony Gonzalez, Ind (6) 200 27. Cleveland Browns (9)
182 28. Joseph Addai, Ind (6) 163 28. Torry Holt, Jac (7) 197 28. Cincinnati Bengals (8)
181 29. Chester Taylor, Min (9) 163 29. Vincent Jackson, SD (5) 195 29. Denver Broncos (7)
176 30. Darren Sproles, SD (5) 155 30. Roy Williams, Dal (6) 194 30. Kansas City Chiefs (8)
142 31. Julius Jones, Sea (7) 152 31. Derrick Mason, Bal (7) 194 31. Detroit Lions (7)
132 32. Ray Rice, Bal (7) 152 32. Donald Driver, GB (5) 191 32. St. Louis Rams (9)
84 33. Donald Brown, Ind (6) 146 33. Lee Evans, Buf (9) 184 KICKERS (BYE)
68 34. Willie Parker, Pit (8) 144 34. Michael Crabtree, SF (6) 182 1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE (8)
65 35. Kevin Faulk, NE (8) 143 35. Steve Breaston, Ari (4) 180 2. Nate Kaeding, SD (5)
PTS 36. Jamal Lewis, Cle (9) 143 36. Devin Hester, Chi (5) 177 3. Rob Bironas, Ten (7)
210 37. Chris Wells, Ari (4) 143 37. Bernard Berrian, Min (9) 176 4. Mason Crosby, GB (5)
200 38. LenDale White, Ten (7) 142 38. Ted Ginn Jr., Mia (6) 174 5. Jason Elam, Atl (4)
196 39. Ricky Williams, Mia (6) 140 39. Kevin Walter, Hou (10) 168 6. Nick Folk, Dal (6)
186 40. Jonathan Stewart, Car (4) 140 40. Lance Moore, NO (5) 168 7. Garrett Hartley, NO (5)
175 41. Fred Jackson, Buf (9) 135 41. Steve Smith, NYG (10) 167 8. David Akers, Phi (4)
166 42. Jerious Norwood, Atl (4) 129 42. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (10) 163 9. Kris Brown, Hou (10)
161 43. Earnest Graham, TB (8) 126 43. Muhsin Muhammad, Car (4) 159 10. Neil Rackers, Ari (4)
157 44. Fred Taylor, NE (8) 124 44. Chris Chambers, SD (5) 157 11. Ryan Longwell, Min (9)
143 45. Willis McGahee, Bal (7) 117 45. Michael Jenkins, Atl (4) 150 12. Adam Vinatieri, Ind (6)
140 46. Le'Ron McClain, Bal (7) 116 46. Mark Clayton, Bal (7) 147 13. Robbie Gould, Chi (5)
139 47. Sammy Morris, NE (8) 110 47. Justin Gage, Ten (7) 144 14. John Kasay, Car (4)
125 48. Felix Jones, Dal (6) 110 48. Earl Bennett, Chi (5) 142 15. Shayne Graham, Cin (8)
123 49. Mewelde Moore, Pit (8) 109 49. Domenik Hixon, NYG (10) 141 16. Jeff Reed, Pit (8)
120 50. Rashard Mendenhall, Pit (8) 106 50. Isaac Bruce, SF (6) 135 17. Lawrence Tynes, NYG (10)
117 51. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (10) 103 51. Plaxico Burress, FA 134 18. Josh Scobee, Jac (7)
108 52. Brandon Jackson, GB (5) 100 52. Antwaan Randle El, Was (8) 131 19. Josh Brown, StL (9)
108 53. LeSean McCoy, Phi (4) 99 53. Nate Washington, Ten (7) 126 20. Joe Nedney, SF (6)
99 54. Jamaal Charles, KC (8) 98 54. Kevin Curtis, Phi (4) 123 21. Rian Lindell, Buf (9)
98 55. Tim Hightower, Ari (4) 89 55. Chris Henry, Cin (8) 121 22. Dan Carpenter, Mia (6)
96 56. Edgerrin James, FA 82 56. Chaz Schilens, Oak (9) 120 23. Jason Hanson, Det (7)
93 57. Maurice Morris, Det (7) 82 57. Deion Branch, Sea (7) 118 24. Phil Dawson, Cle (9)
93 58. Michael Bush, Oak (9) 82 58. Michael Clayton, TB (8) 116 25. Matt Prater, Den (7)
92 59. Justin Fargas, Oak (9) 77 59. Miles Austin, Dal (6) 116 26. Jay Feely, NYJ (9)
91 60. Jerome Harrison, Cle (9) 75 60. Jeremy Maclin, Phi (4) 114 27. Olindo Mare, Sea (7)
84 62. T.J. Duckett, Sea (7) 73 61. Bryant Johnson, Det (7) 108 28. Mike Nugent, TB (8)
81 61. Leonard Weaver, Phi (4) 73 62. Bobby Engram, KC (8) 105 29. Shaun Suisham, Was (8)
81 63. Correll Buckhalter, Den (7) 69 63. Dennis Northcutt, Jac (7) 103 30. Sebastian Janikowski, Oak (9)
73 64. Ladell Betts, Was (8) 68 64. Greg Camarillo, Mia (6) 103 31. Steve Hauschka, Bal (7)
69 65. Justin Forsett, Sea (7) 65 65. Keenan Burton, StL (9) 103 32. Ryan Succop, KC (8)
A twelve-team league where each team starts one QB, two RBs, three WRs, one TE, one PK, and one Team Defense/ST.
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57
5/22/09 3:12:32 PM
 CHEATSHEETS
BASIC
QUARTERBACKS (BYE)
1. Tom Brady, NE (8)
2. Drew Brees, NO (5)
3. Peyton Manning, Ind (6)
4. Aaron Rodgers, GB (5)
5. Philip Rivers, SD (5)
6. Donovan McNabb, Phi (4)
7. Kurt Warner, Ari (4)
8. Ben Roethlisberger, Pit (8)
9. Jay Cutler, Chi (5)
10. Tony Romo, Dal (6)
11. Matt Hasselbeck, Sea (7)
12. Eli Manning, NYG (10)
13. Matt Ryan, Atl (4)
14. David Garrard, Jac (7)
15. Carson Palmer, Cin (8)
16. Matt Cassel, KC (8)
17. Trent Edwards, Buf (9)
18. Matt Schaub, Hou (10)
19. Kyle Orton, Den (7)
20. Shaun Hill, SF (6)
21. Jake Delhomme, Car (4)
22. Joe Flacco, Bal (7)
23. Jason Campbell, Was (8)
24. Chad Pennington, Mia (6)
25. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (9)
26. JaMarcus Russell, Oak (9)
27. Matthew Stafford, Det (7)
28. Kerry Collins, Ten (7)
29. Sage Rosenfels, Min (9)
30. Marc Bulger, StL (9)
31. Brady Quinn, Cle (9)
32. Byron Leftwich, TB (8)
33. Luke McCown, TB (8)
34. Chris Simms, Den (7)
35. Derek Anderson, Cle (9)
TIGHT ENDS (BYE)
1. Antonio Gates, SD (5)
2. Tony Gonzalez, Atl (4)
3. Jason Witten, Dal (6)
4. Dallas Clark, Ind (6)
5. Kellen Winslow, TB (8)
6. Greg Olsen, Chi (5)
7. Chris Cooley, Was (8)
8. John Carlson, Sea (7)
9. Owen Daniels, Hou (10)
10. Zach Miller, Oak (9)
11. Dustin Keller, NYJ (9)
12. Jeremy Shockey, NO (5)
13. Visanthe Shiancoe, Min (9)
14. Bo Scaife, Ten (7)
15. Heath Miller, Pit (8)
16. Tony Scheffler, Den (7)
17. Anthony Fasano, Mia (6)
18. Vernon Davis, SF (6)
19. Kevin Boss, NYG (10)
20. Todd Heap, Bal (7)
21. Marcedes Lewis, Jac (7)
22. Donald Lee, GB (5)
23. Randy McMichael, StL (9)
24. Brent Celek, Phi (4)
25. Brandon Pettigrew, Det (7)
26. Robert Royal, Cle (9)
27. Desmond Clark, Chi (5)
28. David Martin, Mia (6)
29. L.J. Smith, Bal (7)
A twelve-team league where each team starts one QB, two RBs, three WRs, one TE, one PK, and one Team Defense/ST.
58
56 CHEAT SHEETS.indd 58
PTS RUNNING BACKS (BYE) PTS RECEIVERS (BYE) PTS DEFENSES (BYE)
113 1. Adrian Peterson, Min (9) 84 1. Randy Moss, NE (8) 78 1. Pittsburgh Steelers (8)
106 2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac (7) 84 2. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari (4) 72 2. Minnesota Vikings (9)
105 3. Ladainian Tomlinson, SD (5) 84 3. Calvin Johnson, Det (7) 60 3. Baltimore Ravens (7)
101 4. Michael Turner, Atl (4) 78 4. Reggie Wayne, Ind (6) 60 4. New York Giants (10)
101 5. DeAngelo Williams, Car (4) 78 5. Marques Colston, NO (5) 60 5. Philadelphia Eagles (4)
97 6. Steven Jackson, StL (9) 72 6. Andre Johnson, Hou (10) 54 6. San Diego Chargers (5)
96 7. Matt Forte, Chi (5) 72 7. Steve Smith, Car (4) 54 7. Chicago Bears (5)
87 8. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (10) 72 8. Greg Jennings, GB (5) 54 8. New England Patriots (8)
82 9. Clinton Portis, Was (8) 66 9. Anquan Boldin, Ari (4) 54 9. Tennessee Titans (7)
80 10. Brian Westbrook, Phi (4) 66 10. Terrell Owens, Buf (9) 54 10. Dallas Cowboys (6)
80 11. Pierre Thomas, NO (5) 66 11. Roddy White, Atl (4) 48 11. Carolina Panthers (4)
79 12. Steve Slaton, Hou (10) 60 12. Dwayne Bowe, KC (8) 48 12. New York Jets (9)
75 13. Frank Gore, SF (6) 60 13. Brandon Marshall, Den (7) 48 13. Green Bay Packers (5)
74 14. Chris Johnson, Ten (7) 60 14. Braylon Edwards, Cle (9) 48 14. Miami Dolphins (6)
73 15. Ronnie Brown, Mia (6) 60 15. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea (7)48 15. Jacksonville Jaguars (7)
71 16. Reggie Bush, NO (5) 60 16. Chad Ochocinco, Cin (8) 42 16. Indianapolis Colts (6)
71 17. LenDale White, Ten (7) 60 17. Wes Welker, NE (8) 42 17. Houston Texans (10)
68 18. Marion Barber, Dal (6) 54 18. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ (9) 42 18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8)
67 19. Darren McFadden, Oak (9) 54 19. Santonio Holmes, Pit (8) 42 19. Buffalo Bills (9)
62 20. Kevin Smith, Det (7) 54 20. Vincent Jackson, SD (5) 42 20. Arizona Cardinals (4)
62 21. Cedric Benson, Cin (8) 54 21. Hines Ward, Pit (8) 42 21. Washington Redskins (8)
61 22. Larry Johnson, KC (8) 54 22. Roy Williams, Dal (6) 42 22. Oakland Raiders (9)
61 23. Marshawn Lynch, Buf (9) 48 23. Torry Holt, Jac (7) 42 23. Atlanta Falcons (4)
61 24. Thomas Jones, NYJ (9) 48 24. Michael Crabtree, SF (6) 42 24. San Francisco 49ers (6)
52 25. Knowshon Moreno, Den (7) 48 25. DeSean Jackson, Phi (4) 36 25. New Orleans Saints (5)
52 26. Chris Wells, Ari (4) 48 26. Donnie Avery, StL (9) 36 26. Seattle Seahawks (7)
51 27. Jonathan Stewart, Car (4) 48 27. Antonio Bryant, TB (8) 36 27. Cleveland Browns (9)
50 28. Le'Ron McClain, Bal (7) 48 28. Santana Moss, Was (8) 36 28. Cincinnati Bengals (8)
48 29. Ryan Grant, GB (5) 42 29. Eddie Royal, Den (7) 36 29. Denver Broncos (7)
42 30. Joseph Addai, Ind (6) 42 30. Anthony Gonzalez, Ind (6) 36 30. Kansas City Chiefs (8)
41 31. Jamal Lewis, Cle (9) 42 31. Laveranues Coles, Cin (8) 36 31. Detroit Lions (7)
28 32. Donald Brown, Ind (6) 42 32. Donald Driver, GB (5) 36 32. St. Louis Rams (9)
20 33. Derrick Ward, TB (8) 36 33. Lee Evans, Buf (9) 36 KICKERS (BYE)
20 34. Chester Taylor, Min (9) 36 34. Bernard Berrian, Min (9) 36 1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE (8)
19 35. Fred Taylor, NE (8) 36 35. Devin Hester, Chi (5) 36 2. Nate Kaeding, SD (5)
PTS 36. Sammy Morris, NE (8) 36 36. Lance Moore, NO (5) 36 3. Rob Bironas, Ten (7)
48 37. Rashard Mendenhall, Pit (8) 36 37. Derrick Mason, Bal (7) 30 4. Mason Crosby, GB (5)
42 38. Willie Parker, Pit (8) 30 38. Ted Ginn Jr., Mia (6) 30 5. Jason Elam, Atl (4)
36 39. Leon Washington, NYJ (9) 30 39. Steve Breaston, Ari (4) 30 6. Nick Folk, Dal (6)
36 40. Darren Sproles, SD (5) 30 40. Kevin Walter, Hou (10) 30 7. Garrett Hartley, NO (5)
30 41. Ricky Williams, Mia (6) 30 41. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (10) 30 8. David Akers, Phi (4)
30 42. Willis McGahee, Bal (7) 30 42. Chris Chambers, SD (5) 30 9. Kris Brown, Hou (10)
30 43. Felix Jones, Dal (6) 30 43. Muhsin Muhammad, Car (4) 30 10. Neil Rackers, Ari (4)
30 44. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (10) 30 44. Steve Smith, NYG (10) 30 11. Ryan Longwell, Min (9)
24 45. T.J. Duckett, Sea (7) 30 45. Plaxico Burress, FA 30 12. Adam Vinatieri, Ind (6)
24 46. Julius Jones, Sea (7) 24 46. Mark Clayton, Bal (7) 24 13. Robbie Gould, Chi (5)
24 47. Ray Rice, Bal (7) 24 47. Michael Jenkins, Atl (4) 24 14. John Kasay, Car (4)
24 48. Earnest Graham, TB (8) 24 48. Justin Gage, Ten (7) 24 15. Shayne Graham, Cin (8)
24 49. Fred Jackson, Buf (9) 24 49. Earl Bennett, Chi (5) 24 16. Jeff Reed, Pit (8)
24 50. Jerious Norwood, Atl (4) 24 50. Domenik Hixon, NYG (10) 24 17. Lawrence Tynes, NYG (10)
24 51. Kevin Faulk, NE (8) 24 51. Isaac Bruce, SF (6) 24 18. Josh Scobee, Jac (7)
24 52. LeSean McCoy, Phi (4) 24 52. Nate Washington, Ten (7) 24 19. Josh Brown, StL (9)
24 53. Tim Hightower, Ari (4) 24 53. Chaz Schilens, Oak (9) 24 20. Joe Nedney, SF (6)
24 54. Edgerrin James, FA 18 54. Chris Henry, Cin (8) 24 21. Rian Lindell, Buf (9)
24 55. Mewelde Moore, Pit (8) 18 55. Kevin Curtis, Phi (4) 24 22. Dan Carpenter, Mia (6)
18 56. Brandon Jackson, GB (5) 18 56. Deion Branch, Sea (7) 24 23. Jason Hanson, Det (7)
18 57. Michael Bush, Oak (9) 18 57. Jeremy Maclin, Phi (4) 24 24. Phil Dawson, Cle (9)
18 58. Correll Buckhalter, Den (7) 18 58. Antwaan Randle El, Was (8) 18 25. Matt Prater, Den (7)
18 59. Laurence Maroney, NE (8) 18 59. Miles Austin, Dal (6) 18 26. Jay Feely, NYJ (9)
18 60. Leonard Weaver, Phi (4) 18 60. Michael Clayton, TB (8) 18 27. Olindo Mare, Sea (7)
18 61. Kevin Jones, Chi (5) 18 61. Devery Henderson, NO (5) 18 28. Mike Nugent, TB (8)
12 62. Greg Jones, Jac (7) 18 62. Bryant Johnson, Det (7) 18 29. Shaun Suisham, Was (8)
12 63. Jamaal Charles, KC (8) 12 63. Dennis Northcutt, Jac (7) 18 30. Sebastian Janikowski, Oak (9)
12 64. Justin Fargas, Oak (9) 12 64. Bobby Engram, KC (8) 18 31. Steve Hauschka, Bal (7)
12 65. Maurice Morris, Det (7) 12 65. Greg Camarillo, Mia (6) 18 32. Ryan Succop, KC (8)
Passing: 4 points per TD, -1 point per interception thrown • Rushing/Receiving: 6 points per TD
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CHEATSHEETS
QUARTERBACKS (BYE)
1. Drew Brees, NO (5)
2. Tom Brady, NE (8)
3. Peyton Manning, Ind (6)
4. Aaron Rodgers, GB (5)
5. Donovan McNabb, Phi (4)
6. Philip Rivers, SD (5)
7. Kurt Warner, Ari (4)
8. Tony Romo, Dal (6)
9. Jay Cutler, Chi (5)
10. David Garrard, Jac (7)
11. Ben Roethlisberger, Pit (8) 11
12. Matt Schaub, Hou (10)
13. Matt Ryan, Atl (4)
14. Carson Palmer, Cin (8)
15. Matt Hasselbeck, Sea (7)
16. Matt Cassel, KC (8)
17. Trent Edwards, Buf (9)
18. Eli Manning, NYG (10)
19. Joe Flacco, Bal (7)
20. Shaun Hill, SF (6)
21. Jason Campbell, Was (8)
22. Chad Pennington, Mia (6)
23. Jake Delhomme, Car (4)
24. Kyle Orton, Den (7)
25. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (9)
26. JaMarcus Russell, Oak (9)
27. Matthew Stafford, Det (7)
28. Kerry Collins, Ten (7)
29. Marc Bulger, StL (9)
30. Sage Rosenfels, Min (9)
31. Brady Quinn, Cle (9)
32. Byron Leftwich, TB (8)
33. Luke McCown, TB (8)
34. Derek Anderson, Cle (9)
35. Chris Simms, Den (7)
TIGHT ENDS (BYE)
1. Antonio Gates, SD (5)
2. Jason Witten, Dal (6)
3. Tony Gonzalez, Atl (4)
4. Dallas Clark, Ind (6)
5. Kellen Winslow, TB (8)
6. Owen Daniels, Hou (10)
7. Greg Olsen, Chi (5)
8. Chris Cooley, Was (8)
9. Zach Miller, Oak (9)
10. John Carlson, Sea (7)
11. Dustin Keller, NYJ (9)
12. Jeremy Shockey, NO (5)
13. Visanthe Shiancoe, Min (9)
14. Bo Scaife, Ten (7)
15. Heath Miller, Pit (8)
16. Tony Scheffler, Den (7)
17. Anthony Fasano, Mia (6)
18. Vernon Davis, SF (6)
19. Kevin Boss, NYG (10)
20. Todd Heap, Bal (7)
21. Marcedes Lewis, Jac (7)
22. Donald Lee, GB (5)
23. Randy McMichael, StL (9)
24. Brent Celek, Phi (4)
25. Brandon Pettigrew, Det (7)
26. Robert Royal, Cle (9)
27. Desmond Clark, Chi (5)
28. David Martin, Mia (6)
29. L.J. Smith, Bal (7)
Salary cap = $200 per team, minimum bid = $1 • Passing: 1 point per 20 yards, 4 points per TD, -1 point per interception thrown • Rushing/Receiving: 1 point per 10 yards, 6 points per TD
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
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AUCTION
$$$ RUNNING BACKS (BYE) $$$ WIDERECEIVERS (BYE) $$$ DEFENSES (BYE) $$$
34 1. Adrian Peterson, Min (9) 64 1. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari (4) 38 1. Pittsburgh Steelers (8) 5
33 2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac (7) 62 2. Andre Johnson, Hou (10) 37 2. Minnesota Vikings (9) 4
28 3. Michael Turner, Atl (4) 61 3. Randy Moss, NE (8) 36 3. Baltimore Ravens (7) 4
24 4. Ladainian Tomlinson, SD (5) 59 4. Calvin Johnson, Det (7) 35 4. New York Giants (10) 4
20 5. Steven Jackson, StL (9) 57 5. Reggie Wayne, Ind (6) 33 5. Philadelphia Eagles (4) 3
19 6. Matt Forte, Chi (5) 54 6. Steve Smith, Car (4) 33 6. San Diego Chargers (5) 3
16 7. Clinton Portis, Was (8) 49 7. Roddy White, Atl (4) 32 7. Chicago Bears (5) 3
15 8. DeAngelo Williams, Car (4) 46 8. Greg Jennings, GB (5) 31 8. New England Patriots (8) 3
13 9. Steve Slaton, Hou (10) 42 9. Marques Colston, NO (5) 30 9. Tennessee Titans (7) 2
12 10. Frank Gore, SF (6) 41 10. Dwayne Bowe, KC (8) 28 10. Dallas Cowboys (6) 2
11. Brian Westbrook, Phi (4) 40 11. Anquan Boldin, Ari (4) 27 11. Carolina Panthers (4) 2
10 12. Chris Johnson, Ten (7) 39 12. Terrell Owens, Buf (9) 26 12. New York Jets (9) 2
9 13. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (10) 38 13. Brandon Marshall, Den (7) 24 13. Green Bay Packers (5) 2
8 14. Ronnie Brown, Mia (6) 36 14. Braylon Edwards, Cle (9) 22 14. Miami Dolphins (6) 1
7 15. Marion Barber, Dal (6) 35 15. Chad Ochocinco, Cin (8) 20 15. Jacksonville Jaguars (7) 1
7 16. Darren McFadden, Oak (9) 32 16. DeSean Jackson, Phi (4) 20 16. Indianapolis Colts (6) 1
6 17. Pierre Thomas, NO (5) 29 17. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea (7)19 17. Houston Texans (10) 1
6 18. Reggie Bush, NO (5) 28 18. Wes Welker, NE (8) 18 18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8) 1
4 19. Kevin Smith, Det (7) 26 19. Donnie Avery, StL (9) 17 19. Buffalo Bills (9) 1
3 20. Ryan Grant, GB (5) 25 20. Antonio Bryant, TB (8) 16 20. Arizona Cardinals (4) 1
3 21. Marshawn Lynch, Buf (9) 24 21. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ (9) 15 21. Washington Redskins (8) 1
3 22. Thomas Jones, NYJ (9) 21 22. Santonio Holmes, Pit (8) 14 22. Oakland Raiders (9) 1
3 23. Cedric Benson, Cin (8) 19 23. Santana Moss, Was (8) 13 23. Atlanta Falcons (4) 1
2 24. Derrick Ward, TB (8) 17 24. Vincent Jackson, SD (5) 12 24. San Francisco 49ers (6) 1
2 25. Larry Johnson, KC (8) 17 25. Eddie Royal, Den (7) 11 25. New Orleans Saints (5) 1
1 26. Knowshon Moreno, Den (7) 16 26. Hines Ward, Pit (8) 10 26. Seattle Seahawks (7) 1
1 27. Chris Wells, Ari (4) 16 27. Roy Williams, Dal (6) 10 27. Cleveland Browns (9) 1
1 28. Joseph Addai, Ind (6) 15 28. Anthony Gonzalez, Ind (6) 10 28. Cincinnati Bengals (8) 1
1 29. LenDale White, Ten (7) 14 29. Laveranues Coles, Cin (8) 9 29. Denver Broncos (7) 1
1 30. Jamal Lewis, Cle (9) 14 30. Torry Holt, Jac (7) 9 30. Kansas City Chiefs (8) 1
1 31. Jonathan Stewart, Car (4) 13 31. Donald Driver, GB (5) 8 31. Detroit Lions (7) 1
1 32. Willie Parker, Pit (8) 12 32. Lee Evans, Buf (9) 8 32. St. Louis Rams (9) 1
1 33. Julius Jones, Sea (7) 11 33. Michael Crabtree, SF (6) 8 KICKERS (BYE) $$$
1 34. Leon Washington, NYJ (9) 9 34. Bernard Berrian, Min (9) 7 1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE (8) 3
1 35. Donald Brown, Ind (6) 8 35. Derrick Mason, Bal (7) 7 2. Nate Kaeding, SD (5) 2
$$$ 36. Darren Sproles, SD (5) 8 36. Devin Hester, Chi (5) 7 3. Rob Bironas, Ten (7) 2
17 37. Chester Taylor, Min (9) 7 37. Ted Ginn Jr., Mia (6) 6 4. Mason Crosby, GB (5) 2
17 38. Ray Rice, Bal (7) 7 38. Steve Breaston, Ari (4) 6 5. Jason Elam, Atl (4) 2
15 39. Fred Taylor, NE (8) 7 39. Lance Moore, NO (5) 5 6. Nick Folk, Dal (6) 1
11 40. Ricky Williams, Mia (6) 6 40. Kevin Walter, Hou (10) 5 7. Garrett Hartley, NO (5) 1
7 41. Earnest Graham, TB (8) 5 41. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (10) 4 8. David Akers, Phi (4) 1
5 42. Fred Jackson, Buf (9) 5 42. Chris Chambers, SD (5) 4 9. Kris Brown, Hou (10) 1
5 43. Le'Ron McClain, Bal (7) 4 43. Muhsin Muhammad, Car (4) 4 10. Neil Rackers, Ari (4) 1
5 44. Jerious Norwood, Atl (4) 4 44. Steve Smith, NYG (10) 3 11. Ryan Longwell, Min (9) 1
4 45. Willis McGahee, Bal (7) 4 45. Mark Clayton, Bal (7) 3 12. Adam Vinatieri, Ind (6) 1
3 46. Kevin Faulk, NE (8) 3 46. Michael Jenkins, Atl (4) 3 13. Robbie Gould, Chi (5) 1
3 47. Sammy Morris, NE (8) 3 47. Justin Gage, Ten (7) 3 14. John Kasay, Car (4) 1
2 48. Rashard Mendenhall, Pit (8) 3 48. Earl Bennett, Chi (5) 3 15. Shayne Graham, Cin (8) 1
2 49. Felix Jones, Dal (6) 3 49. Domenik Hixon, NYG (10) 3 16. Jeff Reed, Pit (8) 1
1 50. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (10) 2 50. Plaxico Burress, FA 3 17. Lawrence Tynes, NYG (10) 1
1 51. LeSean McCoy, Phi (4) 2 51. Isaac Bruce, SF (6) 2 18. Josh Scobee, Jac (7) 1
1 52. Edgerrin James, FA 2 52. Nate Washington, Ten (7) 2 19. Josh Brown, StL (9) 1
1 53. Tim Hightower, Ari (4) 2 53. Antwaan Randle El, Was (8) 2 20. Joe Nedney, SF (6) 1
1 54. Mewelde Moore, Pit (8) 1 54. Chaz Schilens, Oak (9) 2 21. Rian Lindell, Buf (9) 1
1 55. Brandon Jackson, GB (5) 1 55. Chris Henry, Cin (8) 2 22. Dan Carpenter, Mia (6) 1
1 56. Jamaal Charles, KC (8) 1 56. Kevin Curtis, Phi (4) 2 23. Jason Hanson, Det (7) 1
1 57. T.J. Duckett, Sea (7) 1 57. Deion Branch, Sea (7) 2 24. Phil Dawson, Cle (9) 1
1 58. Michael Bush, Oak (9) 1 58. Jeremy Maclin, Phi (4) 1 25. Matt Prater, Den (7) 1
1 59. Justin Fargas, Oak (9) 1 59. Miles Austin, Dal (6) 1 26. Jay Feely, NYJ (9) 1
1 60. Maurice Morris, Det (7) 1 60. Michael Clayton, TB (8) 1 27. Olindo Mare, Sea (7) 1
1 61. Correll Buckhalter, Den (7) 1 61. Devery Henderson, NO (5) 1 28. Mike Nugent, TB (8) 1
1 62. Laurence Maroney, NE (8) 1 62. Bryant Johnson, Det (7) 1 29. Shaun Suisham, Was (8) 1
1 63. Jerome Harrison, Cle (9) 1 63. Dennis Northcutt, Jac (7) 1 30. Sebastian Janikowski, Oak (9) 1
1 64. Ladell Betts, Was (8) 1 64. Bobby Engram, KC (8) 1 31. Steve Hauschka, Bal (7) 1
1 65. Justin Forsett, Sea (7) 1 65. Patrick Crayton, Dal (6) 1 32. Ryan Succop, KC (8) 1
A twelve-team league where each team starts one QB, two RBs, three WRs, one TE, one PK, and one Team Defense/ST.
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59
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 CHEATSHEETS
IDP

DEFENSIVE BACKS (BYE) PTS DEFENSIVE LINEMAN (BYE) PTS LINEBACKERS (BYE) PTS
1. SS Adrian Wilson, Ari (4) 193 1. DE Trent Cole, Phi (4) 167 1. MLB Barrett Ruud, TB (8) 234
2. FS Eric Weddle, SD (5) 183 2. DE Jared Allen, Min (9) 166 2. ILB Karlos Dansby, Ari (4) 233
3. CB Charles Tillman, Chi (5) 181 3. DE Mario Williams, Hou (10) 158 3. MLB Jon Beason, Car (4) 226
4. SS Yeremiah Bell, Mia (6) 181 4. DE Justin Tuck, NYG (10) 152 4. ILB Patrick Willis, SF (6) 225
5. CB Antoine Winfield, Min (9) 178 5. DE John Abraham, Atl (4) 144 5. MLB Curtis Lofton, Atl (4) 224
6. FS Gibril Wilson, Mia (6) 175 6. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, Ten (7) 143 6. ILB D.J. Williams, Den (7) 224
7. SS Chris Horton, Was (8) 175 7. DE Robert Mathis, Ind (6) 139 7. ILB Ray Lewis, Bal (7) 220
8. SS Troy Polamalu, Pit (8) 174 8. DE Justin Smith, SF (6) 139 8. OLB James Harrison, Pit (8) 216
9. SS Kevin Payne, Chi (5) 174 9. DE Aaron Schobel, Buf (9) 136 9. MLB Kirk Morrison, Oak (9) 211
10. SS Quintin Mikell, Phi (4) 173 10. DE Julius Peppers, Car (4) 136 10. ILB Bradie James, Dal (6) 211
11. CB Richard Marshall, Car (4) 172 11. DE Adewale Ogunleye, Chi (5) 128 11. MLB Jonathan Vilma, NO (5) 209
12. SS Bernard Pollard, KC (8) 172 12. OLB Aaron Kampman, GB (5) 127 12. ILB Lawrence Timmons, Pit (8) 209
13. CB Chris Gamble, Car (4) 171 13. DE Osi Umenyiora, NYG (10) 126 13. MLB London Fletcher, Was (8) 208
14. FS Oshiomogho Atogwe, Stl (9) 170 14. DT Albert Haynesworth, Was (8) 125 14. MLB E.J. Henderson, Min (9) 207
15. SS Antoine Bethea, Ind (6) 169 15. DE Darryl Tapp, Sea (7) 124 15. ILB Stephen Cooper, SD (5) 205
16. SS Sabby Piscitelli, TB (8) 169 16. DE Patrick Kerney, Sea (7) 124 16. OLB Demarcus Ware, Dal (6) 203
17. SS Michael Lewis, SF (6) 168 17. NT Shaun Rogers, Cle (9) 123 17. MLB DeMeco Ryans, Hou (10) 202
18. SS Patrick Chung, NE (8) 166 18. DE Chris Long, Stl (9) 123 18. MLB Paul Posluszny, Buf (9) 200
19. FS Kenny Phillips, NYG (10) 164 19. DE Derrick Burgess, Oak (9) 122 19. ILB D'Qwell Jackson, Cle (9) 200
20. CB Cedric Griffin, Min (9) 163 20. DE Antonio Smith, Hou (10) 121 20. ILB Bart Scott, NYJ (9) 199
21. SS William Moore, Atl (4) 159 21. DT Kevin Williams, Min (9) 120 21. MLB Stewart Bradley, Phi (4) 198
22. FS Eugene Wilson, Hou (10) 158 22. DE Gaines Adams, TB (8) 118 22. MLB Gary Brackett, Ind (6) 198
23. CB Corey Graham, Chi (5) 158 23. DT Tommy Kelly, Oak (9) 117 23. MLB Lofa Tatupu, Sea (7) 197
24. CB DeAngelo Hall, Was (8) 158 24. DE Shaun Ellis, NYJ (9) 115 24. MLB James Laurinaitis, Stl (9) 194
25. FS Kerry Rhodes, NYJ (9) 158 25. DE Cliff Avril, Det (7) 113 25. WLB Justin Durant, Jac (7) 193
26. SS Louis Delmas, Det (7) 157 26. DE Charles Grant, NO (5) 113 26. WLB Lance Briggs, Chi (5) 192
27. CB Brandon Flowers, KC (8) 157 27. DE Will Smith, NO (5) 113 27. ILB Jerod Mayo, NE (8) 192
28. CB Ronde Barber, TB (8) 155 28. DE Richard Seymour, NE (8) 111 28. ILB David Harris, NYJ (9) 189
29. CB Ronald Bartell, Stl (9) 155 29. DT Jason Jones, Ten (7) 111 29. ILB Nick Barnett, GB (5) 187
30. CB Terrence McGee, Buf (9) 153 30. DE Darnell Dockett, Ari (4) 110 30. WLB Thomas Davis, Car (4) 187
31. CB Aqib Talib, TB (8) 153 31. DE Trevor Scott, Oak (9) 109 31. MLB Brian Urlacher, Chi (5) 185
32. CB Quentin Jammer, SD (5) 153 32. DE Aaron Smith, Pit (8) 107 32. ILB Derrick Johnson, KC (8) 184
33. SS Roman Harper, NO (5) 151 33. DE Dewayne White, Det (7) 106 33. MLB Rey Maualuga, Cin (8) 184
34. CB Rashean Mathis, Jac (7) 151 34. DE Darren Howard, Phi (4) 105 34. WLB Will Witherspoon, Stl (9) 184
35. FS Bob Sanders, Ind (6) 151 35. DE Alex Brown, Chi (5) 103 35. ILB James Farrior, Pit (8) 183
36. CB Terence Newman, Dal (6) 149 36. DE Andre Carter, Was (8) 103 36. SLB Chad Greenway, Min (9) 181
37. SS Chinedum Ndukwe, Cin (8) 149 37. DE Antwan Odom, Cin (8) 103 37. OLB Shawne Merriman, SD (5) 180
38. FS Nick Collins, GB (5) 148 38. NT Jay Ratliff, Dal (6) 102 38. WLB Keith Rivers, Cin (8) 178
39. FS Antrel Rolle, Ari (4) 148 39. NT Kelly Gregg, Bal (7) 102 39. ILB Channing Crowder, Mia (6) 177
40. CB Leon Hall, Cin (8) 147 40. DT Kyle Williams, Buf (9) 99 40. WLB Keith Bulluck, Ten (7) 177
41. SS Michael Mitchell, Oak (9) 147 41. DE Marques Douglas, NYJ (9) 98 41. WLB Clint Session, Ind (6) 177
42. CB Brandon McDonald, Cle (9) 147 42. DE Ray Edwards, Min (9) 98 42. WLB Ernie Sims, Det (7) 174
43. FS Brandon Meriweather, NE (8) 146 43. DE Derrick Harvey, Jac (7) 97 43. ILB A.J. Hawk, GB (5) 174
44. CB Dunta Robinson, Hou (10) 146 44. DT Tony Brown, Ten (7) 96 44. WLB Thomas Howard, Oak (9) 173
45. CB Brian Williams, Jac (7) 146 45. DT Tommie Harris, Chi (5) 95 45. ILB Gerald Hayes, Ari (4) 173
46. SS Chris Hope, Ten (7) 145 46. DE Mathias Kiwanuka, NYG (10) 95 46. MLB Antonio Pierce, NYG (10) 170
47. CB Darrelle Revis, NYJ (9) 145 47. NT Kris Jenkins, NYJ (9) 94 47. WLB Mike Peterson, Atl (4) 170
48. CB Cortland Finnegan, Ten (7) 144 48. DE Greg White, TB (8) 93 48. MLB Larry Foote, Det (7) 164
49. CB Tracy Porter, NO (5) 144 49. NT Jamal Williams, SD (5) 92 49. ILB Kevin Burnett, SD (5) 163
50. FS Erik Coleman, Atl (4) 144 50. NT B.J. Ragi, GB (5) 91 50. ILB Keith Brooking, Dal (6) 163
51. SS Tyrell Johnson, Min (9) 144 51. NT Vince Wilfork, NE (8) 91 51. ILB Takeo Spikes, SF (6) 162
52. FS Madieu Williams, Min (9) 144 52. OLB Matt Roth, Mia (6) 90 52. OLB Terrell Suggs, Bal (7) 162
53. FS Ken Hamlin, Dal (6) 143 53. DT Damione Lewis, Car (4) 90 53. SLB Brian Cushing, Hou (10) 160
54. CB Marcus Trufant, Sea (7) 143 54. DE Aaron Maybin, Buf (9) 89 54. WLB Akeem Jordan, Phi (4) 160
55. SS Ed Reed, Bal (7) 143 55. DE Dwight Freeney, Ind (6) 89 55. WLB Jermaine Phillips, TB (8) 160
56. FS Michael Griffin, Ten (7) 142 56. DE Leonard Little, Stl (9) 89 56. OLB Calvin Pace, NYJ (9) 160
57. FS Dawan Landry, Bal (7) 142 57. DT Grady Jackson, Det (7) 88 57. SLB Julian Peterson, Det (7) 158
58. SS Sean Jones, Phi (4) 141 58. DT Cory Redding, Sea (7) 88 58. ILB Eric Barton, Cle (9) 157
59. CB Charles Woodson, GB (5) 140 59. DE Michael Johnson , Cin (8) 87 59. WLB Leroy Hill , Sea (7) 156
60. SS Mike Adams, Cle (9) 138 60. DT John Henderson, Jac (7) 87 60. OLB Adalius Thomas, NE (8) 155
61. CB Kelvin Hayden, Ind (6) 138 61. NT Haloti Ngata, Bal (7) 87 61. ILB Tavares Gooden, Bal (7) 150
62. SS Chris Harris, Car (4) 137 62. DT Sedrick Ellis, NO (5) 86 62. WLB Kawika Mitchell, Buf (9) 150
63. SS Renaldo Hill, Den (7) 137 63. DT Jonathan Babineaux, Atl (4) 86 63. WLB Rocky McIntosh, Was (8) 148
64. CB Nick Harper, Ten (7) 135 64. DT Rocky Bernard, NYG (10) 84 64. ILB Andra Davis, Den (7) 147
65. CB Brandon Carr, KC (8) 135 65. DE Glenn Dorsey, KC (8) 83 65. SLB Aaron Curry, Sea (7) 146

1.5 points per solo tackle, .75 points per assisted tackle, 4 points per sack • 4 points per forced fumble, 4 points per fumble recovery
4 points per interception, 1.5 points per pass defensed • 6 points per touchdown, 2 points per safety

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 CHEATSHEETS
QUARTERBACKS (BYE)
1. Drew Brees, NO (5)
2. Tom Brady, NE (8)
3. Peyton Manning, Ind (6)
4. Aaron Rodgers, GB (5)
5. Jay Cutler, Chi (5)
6. Tony Romo, Dal (6)
7. Philip Rivers, SD (5)
8. Matt Ryan, Atl (4)
9. Donovan McNabb, Phi (4)
10. Carson Palmer, Cin (8)
11. Ben Roethlisberger, Pit (8)
12. Matt Schaub, Hou (10)
13. Eli Manning, NYG (10)
14. Kurt Warner, Ari (4)
15. David Garrard, Jac (7)
16. Matt Cassel, KC (8)
17. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (9)
18. Matthew Stafford, Det (7)
19. Joe Flacco, Bal (7)
20. Brady Quinn, Cle (9)
21. Matt Hasselbeck, Sea (7)
22. Kyle Orton, Den (7)
23. Jason Campbell, Was (8)
24. JaMarcus Russell, Oak (9)
25. Jake Delhomme, Car (4)
26. Shaun Hill, SF (6)
27. Trent Edwards, Buf (9)
28. Marc Bulger, StL (9)
29. Josh Freeman, TB (8)
30. Chad Pennington, Mia (6)
31. Chad Henne, Mia (6)
32. Derek Anderson, Cle (9)
33. Matt Leinart, Ari (4)
34. Sage Rosenfels, Min (9)
35. Kevin Kolb, Phi (4)
TIGHT ENDS (BYE)
1. Jason Witten, Dal (6)
2. Antonio Gates, SD (5)
3. Kellen Winslow, TB (8)
4. Dallas Clark, Ind (6)
5. Tony Gonzalez, Atl (4)
6. Chris Cooley, Was (8)
7. Owen Daniels, Hou (10)
8. Zach Miller, Oak (9)
9. Greg Olsen, Chi (5)
10. Dustin Keller, NYJ (9)
11. John Carlson, Sea (7)
12. Tony Scheffler, Den (7)
13. Brandon Pettigrew, Det (7)
14. Heath Miller, Pit (8)
15. Jeremy Shockey, NO (5)
16. Shawn Nelson, Buf (9)
17. Vernon Davis, SF (6)
18. Jared Cook, Ten (7)
19. Visanthe Shiancoe, Min (9)
20. Bo Scaife, Ten (7)
21. Travis Beckum, NYG (10)
22. Kevin Boss, NYG (10)
23. Brent Celek, Phi (4)
24. Todd Heap, Bal (7)
25. Anthony Fasano, Mia (6)
26. Chase Coffman, Cin (8)
27. James Casey, Hou (10)
28. Cornelius Ingram, Phi (4)
29. Donald Lee, GB (5)RUNNING
A twelve-team league where each team starts one QB, two RBs, three WRs, one TE, one PK, and one Team Defense/ST.
Passing: 1 point per 20 yards, 4 points per TD, -1 point per interception thrown • Rushing/Receiving: 1 point per 10 yards, 6 points per TD
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
56 CHEAT SHEETS.indd 61
BACKS (BYE)
1. Adrian Peterson, Min (9)
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac (7)
3. Steven Jackson, StL (9)
4. Michael Turner, Atl (4)
5. Chris Johnson, Ten (7)
6. Matt Forte, Chi (5)
7. Frank Gore, SF (6)
8. Marion Barber, Dal (6)
9. DeAngelo Williams, Car (4)
10. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (10)
11. Reggie Bush, NO (5)
12. Knowshon Moreno, Den (7)
13. Jonathan Stewart, Car (4)
14. Marshawn Lynch, Buf (9)
15. Steve Slaton, Hou (10)
16. Clinton Portis, Was (8)
17. Brian Westbrook, Phi (4)
18. LaDainian Tomlinson, SD (5)
19. Ronnie Brown, Mia (6)
20. Darren McFadden, Oak (9)
21. Kevin Smith, Det (7)
22. Pierre Thomas, NO (5)
23. Joseph Addai, Ind (6)
24. Chris Wells, Ari (4)
25. Donald Brown, Ind (6)
26. Ryan Grant, GB (5)
27. Felix Jones, Dal (6)
28. Ray Rice, Bal (7)
29. Shonn Greene, NYJ (9)
30. Rashard Mendenhall, Pit (8)
31. LeSean McCoy, Phi (4)
32. Thomas Jones, NYJ (9)
33. Willie Parker, Pit (8)
34. Larry Johnson, KC (8)
35. Derrick Ward, TB (8)
36. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (10)
37. Darren Sproles, SD (5)
38. Leon Washington, NYJ (9)
39. Jerious Norwood, Atl (4)
40. Earnest Graham, TB (8)
41. Willis McGahee, Bal (7)
42. Cedric Benson, Cin (8)
43. LenDale White, Ten (7)
44. Tashard Choice, Dal (6)
45. Jamal Lewis, Cle (9)
46. Tim Hightower, Ari (4)
47. Chester Taylor, Min (9)
48. Fred Jackson, Buf (9)
49. LeRon McClain, Bal (7)
50. Michael Bush, Oak (9)
51. Andre Brown, NYG (10)
52. Justin Fargas, Oak (9)
53. Gartrell Johnson, SD (5)
54. Jamaal Charles, KC (8)
55. Julius Jones, Sea (7)
56. Laurence Maroney, NE (8)
57. Javon Ringer, Ten (7)
58. Rashad Jennings, Jac (7)
59. Bernard Scott, Cin (8)
60. Glen Coffee, SF (6)
61. Mike Goodson, Car (4)
62. Brandon Jackson, GB (5)
63. Cedric Peerman, Bal (7)
64. Mewelde Moore, Pit (8)
65. Ricky Williams, Mia (6)WIDE
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DYNASTY
RECEIVERS (BYE) DEFENSES (BYE)
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari (4) 1. Pittsburgh Steelers, Pit (8)
2. Calvin Johnson, Det (7) 2. New York Giants, NYG (10)
3. Reggie Wayne, Ind (6) 3. Minnesota Vikings, Min (9)
4. Andre Johnson, Hou (10) 4. Baltimore Ravens, Bal (7)
5. Steve Smith, Car (4) 5. New England Patriots, NE (8)
6. Randy Moss, NE (8) 6. Chicago Bears, Chi (5)
7. Anquan Boldin, Ari (4) 7. San Diego Chargers, SD (5)
8. Greg Jennings, GB (5) 8. Dallas Cowboys, Dal (6)
9. Dwayne Bowe, KC (8) 9. New York Jets, NYJ (9)
10. Roddy White, Atl (4) 10. Philadelphia Eagles, Phi (4)
11. Brandon Marshall, Den (7) 11. Tennessee Titans, Ten (7)
12. Marques Colston, NO (5) 12. Carolina Panthers, Car (4)
13. Michael Crabtree, SF (6) 13. Green Bay Packers, GB (5)
14. Wes Welker, NE (8) 14. Jacksonville Jaguars, Jac (7)
15. Braylon Edwards, Cle (9) 15. Arizona Cardinals, Ari (4)
16. Santonio Holmes, Pit (8) 16. Houston Texans, Hou (10)
17. Eddie Royal, Den (7) 17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, TB (8)
18. Chad Ochocinco, Cin (8) 18. Indianapolis Colts, Ind (6)
19. Santana Moss, Was (8) 19. Oakland Raiders, Oak (9)
20. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea (7) 20. Atlanta Falcons, Atl (4)
21. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ (9) 21. Buffalo Bills, Buf (9)
22. Lee Evans, Buf (9) 22. Miami Dolphins, Mia (6)
23. Anthony Gonzalez, Ind (6) 23. Seattle Seahawks, Sea (7)
24. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (10) 24. Washington Redskins, Was (8)
25. Roy Williams, Dal (6) 25. San Francisco 49ers, SF (6)
26. DeSean Jackson, Phi (4) 26. New Orleans Saints, NO (5)
27. Donnie Avery, StL (9) 27. Cleveland Browns, Cle (9)
28. Jeremy Maclin, Phi (4) 28. Denver Broncos, Den (7)
29. Vincent Jackson, SD (5) 29. Cincinnati Bengals, Cin (8)
30. Lance Moore, NO (5) 30. St. Louis Rams, StL (9)
31. Steve Breaston, Ari (4) 31. Kansas City Chiefs, KC (8)
32. Laveranues Coles, Cin (8) 32. Detroit Lions, Det (7)
33. Antonio Bryant, TB (8) KICKERS (BYE)
34. Bernard Berrian, Min (9) 1. Nate Kaeding, SD (5)
35. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oak (9) 2. Rob Bironas, Ten (7)
36. Terrell Owens, Buf (9) 3. Nick Folk, Dal (6)
37. Percy Harvin, Min (9) 4. Stephen Gostkowski, NE (8)
38. Hines Ward, Pit (8) 5. Garrett Hartley, NO (5)
39. Donald Driver, GB (5) 6. Kris Brown, Hou (10)
40. Josh Morgan, SF (6) 7. Mason Crosby, GB (5)
41. Kevin Walter, Hou (10) 8. Neil Rackers, Ari (4)
42. Brian Robiskie, Cle (9) 9. Robbie Gould, Chi (5)
43. Kenny Britt, Ten (7) 10. Shayne Graham, Cin (8)
44. Steve Smith, NYG (10) 11. Jeff Reed, Pit (8)
45. Chris Chambers, SD (5) 12. Josh Scobee, Jac (7)
46. Mike Thomas, Jac (7) 13. Jason Elam, Atl (4)
47. Sidney Rice, Min (9) 14. Adam Vinatieri, Ind (6)
48. Miles Austin, Dal (6) 15. Lawrence Tynes, NYG (10)
49. Brandon Tate, NE (8) 16. David Akers, Phi (4)
50. Ted Ginn, Mia (6) 17. Ryan Longwell, Min (9)
51. Devin Hester, Chi (5) 18. Dan Carpenter, Mia (6)
52. Jordy Nelson, GB (5) 19. John Kasay, Car (4)
53. Torry Holt, Jac (7) 20. Joe Nedney, SF (6)
54. Derrick Mason, Bal (7) 21. Josh Brown, StL (9)
55. Juaquin Iglesias, Chi (5) 22. Rian Lindell, Buf (9)
56. Domenik Hixon, NYG (10) 23. Sebastian Janikowski, Oak (9)
57. Deion Branch, Sea (7) 24. Phil Dawson, Cle (9)
58. Mark Clayton, Bal (7) 25. Jay Feely, NYJ (9)
59. Kevin Curtis, Phi (4) 26. Mike Nugent, TB (8)
60. James Jones, GB (5) 27. Jason Hanson, Det (7)
61. Plaxico Burress, NYG (10) 28. John Carney, FA
62. Devin Thomas, Was (8) 29. Olindo Mare, Sea (7)
63. Matt Jones, Jac (7) 30. Matt Prater, Den (7)
64. Nate Burleson, Sea (7) 31. Steve Hauschka, Bal (7)
65. Mike Wallace, Pit (8) 32. Shaun Suisham, Was (8)
61
5/22/09 3:13:04 PM
 TOP 220
Expert Rankings Comments by David Dodds

B
ased on the Expert Rankings (pages
49-62), we have constructed an Expert
Top 220 List. This list is ordered by our
consensus rank. Average Draft Position (ADP)
has been added as a reference to indicate when
these players will likely be drafted. Difference
(Diff) refers to the difference between our rank
and the ADP list. A positive Diff value indicates
staff expectations to exceed drafted position
(value). A negative Diff value indicates staff
expectations to fall short of drafted position
(over-valued/reach).

Rank ADP Diff Pos Player Comments

1 1 0 RB1 Adrian Peterson, MIN/9 Had 10 games in 2008 where he rushed for 100 yards or more.
2 3 1 RB2 Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC/7 Averaged 4.7 YPC on the road.
3 2 -1 RB3 Michael Turner, ATL/4 Had career highs in rushes, yards and TDs in 2008.
4 15 11 RB4 LaDainian Tomlinson, SD/5 Has never finished worse than the 7th ranked RB.
5 5 0 RB5 Steven Jackson, STL/9 Amassed 1,442 combined yards in just 12 games in 2008.
6 4 -2 RB6 Matt Forte, CHI/5 Was the first rookie RB to eclipse 300 carries since LaDainian Tomlinson did it in 2001
7 8 1 RB7 Brian Westbrook, PHI/4 Scored 14 TDs in 14 games. Has racked up 355 receptions the last 5 seasons.
8 6 -2 RB8 DeAngelo Williams, CAR/4 No RB in the league has more plays of 10+ yards rushing over the last two years .
9 10 1 RB9 Frank Gore, SF/6 Has career averages of 4.7 yards per carry and 8.3 yards per catch.
10 9 -1 WR1 Larry Fitzgerald, ARI/4 Had seven 100-yard games in 2008 despite reaching double digit receptions in a game only once.
11 18 7 WR2 Randy Moss, NE/8 Has reached double-digit TDs in 8 of his 11 seasons.
12 7 -5 RB10 Chris Johnson, TEN/7 Eight of his 11 total TDs occurred at home last year
13 17 4 RB11 Clinton Portis, WAS/8 Excluding his injured 2006 season, He has never finished a season with less than 1262 yards rushing
14 12 -2 WR3 Andre Johnson, HOU/10 Had 76 of his 115 catches at home
15 13 -2 RB12 Steve Slaton, HOU/10 From week 11 on, he amassed 737 yards rushing - 4th most in the league.
16 14 -2 WR4 Calvin Johnson, DET/7 Scored at least one TD in 10 of 16 games last year.
17 19 2 RB13 Brandon Jacobs, NYG/10 Had multiple TDs in 5 games.
18 20 2 WR5 Reggie Wayne, IND/6 Has averaged over 85 receptions the last 5 years.
19 16 -3 RB14 Marion Barber, DAL/6 Had career high receptions, receiving yards and yards per catch in 2008.
20 11 -9 QB1 Drew Brees, NO/5 Had 23 of his 34 TD passes at home last year.
21 23 2 WR6 Steve Smith, CAR/4 Had 18.2 yards per catch - a full 6.7 yards more than the year prior.
22 21 -1 QB2 Tom Brady, NE/8 Looks to rebound from injury.
23 25 2 WR7 Greg Jennings, GB/5 Has had an increase in receptions, yards and fantasy points in each of his first three years in the league.
24 34 10 RB15 Ronnie Brown, MIA/6 Had 10 rushing TDs last year, but four of them came against the Patriots in week three.
25 24 -1 WR8 Roddy White, ATL/4 Had career highs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards in 2008.
26 26 0 WR9 Anquan Boldin, ARI/4 Finished as the 7th ranked WR, despite missing four games due to injury
27 27 0 WR10 Marques Colston, NO/5 Averaged 12.2 FP/gm in games 9-16 last year.
28 62 34 RB16 Knowshon Moreno, DEN/7 Expected to be the starter out of the gate for the Broncos.
29 22 -7 QB3 Peyton Manning, IND/6 Has reached 4,000 yards passing in 9 of his 11 seasons
30 30 0 RB17 Ryan Grant, GB/5 Had impressive 4.9 ypc and 728 yards in his 8 home games.
31 28 -3 WR11 Dwayne Bowe, KC/8 Had nine games with 10+ targets last year.
32 33 1 WR12 Terrell Owens, BUF/9 Has finished in the top 10 seven times in the last nine years, with six of those in the top five.
33 37 4 RB18 Reggie Bush, NO/5 Has amassed a whopping 213 receptions in just 38 professional games.
34 31 -3 RB19 Kevin Smith, DET/7 Had six games with 20+ carries in 2008. All six came in his last eight games.
35 29 -6 WR13 Brandon Marshall, DEN/7 Had 63 receptions and 775 yards in his 8 home games.
36 35 -1 WR14 T.J. Houshmandzadeh, SEA/7 Has at least 90 receptions or more in each of his last three years
37 51 14 RB20 Larry Johnson, KC/8 Had an impressive 4.5 yards per carry in the 12 games he played.
38 32 -6 WR15 Wes Welker, NE/8 Had 14 games of six receptions or more in 2008 all (and without Tom Brady)
39 39 0 RB21 Marshawn Lynch, BUF/9 Was 10th in the NFL in touches last year with 297.
40 38 -2 QB4 Kurt Warner, ARI/4 Had 30 TD passes in 2008. All but one of them were caught by WRs.

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 TOP 220 Expert Rankings
Rank ADP Diff Pos Player Comments
41 42 1 RB22 Thomas Jones, NYJ/9 Finished as the 5th best RB in 2008, but age is an issue.
42 43 1 TE1 Jason Witten, DAL/6 Has averaged 131 targets over the last two seasons.
43 52 9 WR16 Braylon Edwards, CLE/9 Off year produced just 55 catches and 3 TDs. Looking to rebound.
44 54 10 TE2 Antonio Gates, SD/5 Down year and he still was the 4th best TE in 2008.
45 47 2 RB23 Darren McFadden, OAK/9 Managed 164 rushing yards against KC, but spent most of the year hobbled.
46 36 -10 QB5 Aaron Rodgers, GB/5 Had the fans saying Brett who? Finished as the #2 fantasy QB
47 53 6 WR17 Antonio Bryant, TB/8 Set career highs in targets, catches, yards and TDs in 2008.
48 45 -3 RB24 Pierre Thomas, NO/5 Finished strong with 737 combined yards and 9 TDs in his last 7 games.
49 58 9 QB6 Donovan McNabb, PHI/4 Set a career high in passing yards with 3,916 to finish as the 7th best QB in 2008.
50 55 5 TE3 Tony Gonzalez, ATL/4 Has finished as a top-3 TE nine times.
51 65 14 WR18 Chad Ochocinco, CIN/8 Has averaged 14.6 yards per catch through his career.
52 57 5 WR19 Eddie Royal, DEN/7 Managed 727 yards receiving in his 8 road games as a rookie.
53 49 -4 RB25 Jonathan Stewart, CAR/4 Averaged 4.9 yards per carry and scored 9 TDs in his 9 home games
54 48 -6 WR20 Santonio Holmes, PIT/8 Was named Super Bowl MVP with his 9 catches, 131 yards and a score.
55 76 21 WR21 Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ/9 Becomes WR1 with Coles moving to the Bengals.
56 56 0 TE4 Dallas Clark, IND/6 Set career highs in targets, catches and yards in 2008.
57 67 10 RB26 Chris Wells, ARI/4 Rookie looking to make impact with the Cardinals.
58 44 -14 WR22 Roy Williams, DAL/6 Has just 26 receptions the last 2 sesons, but is expected to be WR1 for the Cowboys.
59 41 -18 QB7 Philip Rivers, SD/5 Set career highs in attempts, completions, yards, TDs and fantasy points.
60 59 -1 RB27 Willie Parker, PIT/8 Has racked up 5,622 combined yards in 65 games.
61 71 10 WR23 Santana Moss, WAS/8 Started red-hot with 658 yards and 5 TDs in first 8 games before fading
62 69 7 WR24 Hines Ward, PIT/8 Amassed 81 receptions, 1043 yards and 7 TDs at age 32.
63 40 -23 RB28 Joseph Addai, IND/6 Unclear how many carries he will lose to rookie Donald Brown
64 50 -14 WR25 Vincent Jackson, SD/5 Had career bests in targets, receptions, yards and TDs in 2008.
65 46 -19 QB8 Tony Romo, DAL/6 Has thirteen 300-yard passing games in 29 starts the lasttwo years.
66 61 -5 WR26 DeSean Jackson, PHI/4 Debuted with back-to-back 100-yard games as a rookie.
67 77 10 RB29 Cedric Benson, CIN/8 Found his groove with 725 combined yards in his last 8 games
68 64 -4 QB9 Jay Cutler, CHI/5 Switches teams, but inherits Devin Hester for deep routes.
69 79 10 WR27 Laveranues Coles, CIN/8 Will be active in the Bengals passing attack in 2009.
70 84 14 RB30 Donald Brown, IND/6 Challenging Addai for carries with the Colts.
71 78 7 TE5 Kellen Winslow, TB/8 Gets a new situation with the Bucs
72 72 0 WR28 Bernard Berrian, MIN/9 Had career high yards, yards per catch (20.1) and TDs in 2008
73 83 10 QB10 Carson Palmer, CIN/8 Looking to rebound to the 4,000 yard passing levels of 2006 and 2007.
74 74 0 WR29 Anthony Gonzalez, IND/6 Looking for bigger role with departure of Marvin Harrison.
75 63 -12 RB31 Derrick Ward, TB/8 Catapulted 15 carry / 215 yard performance in week 16 to starter with Bucs.
76 70 -6 WR30 Lance Moore, NO/5 Scored 8 TDs in his last 9 games
77 66 -11 WR31 Lee Evans, BUF/9 Averaging 16 yards per catch in his career.
78 80 2 RB32 Jamal Lewis, CLE/9 Has 10,107 rushing yards in just 8 seasons
79 60 -19 QB11 Matt Ryan, ATL/4 Amassed 3,440 passing yards as a rookie
80 75 -5 RB33 LenDale White, TEN/7 Had 15 rushing TDs in spot role for the Titans.
81 90 9 TE6 Owen Daniels, HOU/10 Had career highs in targets, receptions and yards in his 3rd season.
82 82 0 WR32 Donnie Avery, STL/9 Had 163 yard effort against New England in week 8.
83 89 6 WR33 Donald Driver, GB/5 Has had five straight 1,000 yard receiving seasons
84 68 -16 QB12 Matt Schaub, HOU/10 Threw for over 3,000 yards in just 11 games.
85 88 3 TE7 Chris Cooley, WAS/8 Had career highs in targets, receptions and yards, but managed just 1 score.
86 95 9 WR34 Torry Holt, JAC/7 Gets fresh start with Jaguars after huge career in St. Louis
87 87 0 WR35 Michael Crabtree, SF/6 Impressive rookie is expected to start immediately.
88 85 -3 QB13 Ben Roethlisberger, PIT/8 Has impressive 7.9 yards per passing attempt for his career.
89 91 2 RB34 Felix Jones, DAL/6 Looking to rebound from injured season.
90 99 9 TE8 Greg Olsen, CHI/5 Gets giant upgrade with Cutler as the new QB.
91 96 5 WR36 Derrick Mason, BAL/7 Has quietly put up seven 1,000 yard receiving seasons in his last 8 years
92 98 6 WR37 Devin Hester, CHI/5 Continues to improve as a WR. Gets Cutler to play catch with.
93 93 0 WR38 Kevin Walter, HOU/10 Had career highs in yards, TDs and fantasy points in 2008.
94 97 3 WR39 Ted Ginn, MIA/6 Had career highs in targets, receptions, yards and fantasy points.
95 86 -9 WR40 Steve Breaston, ARI/4 Managed 1,000 yards receiving on a team with Fitzgerald and Boldin.
96 121 25 QB14 David Garrard, JAC/7 Set career highs in attempts, completions, yards, and fantasy points.
97 73 -24 RB35 LeRon McClain, BAL/7 Managed 7 TDs in his 8 home games in 2008.
98 109 11 WR41 Chris Chambers, SD/5 Looking to rebound to 2007 level.
99 103 4 QB15 Eli Manning, NYG/10 Has now thrown for 3,000+ yards the last four seasons.
100 94 -6 RB36 Willis McGahee, BAL/7 Involved in RBBC for touches.

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 TOP 220 Expert Rankings
Rank ADP Diff Pos Player Rank ADP Diff Pos Player
101 128 27 TE9 Zach Miller, OAK/9 161 192 31 QB26 Marc Bulger, STL/9
102 164 62 WR42 Mark Clayton, BAL/7 162 140 -22 RB49 Justin Fargas, OAK/9
103 105 2 QB16 Matt Hasselbeck, SEA/7 163 181 18 TE17 Anthony Fasano, MIA/6
104 127 23 WR43 Kevin Curtis, PHI/4 164 245 81 WR61 Michael Clayton, TB/8
105 108 3 WR44 Deion Branch, SEA/7 165 178 13 WR62 Devery Henderson, NO/5
106 81 -25 QB17 Matt Cassel, KC/8 166 >250 85 Def11 Carolina Panthers, CAR/4
107 106 -1 RB37 Ray Rice, BAL/7 167 199 32 K2 Nate Kaeding, SD/5
108 104 -4 TE10 John Carlson, SEA/7 168 193 25 QB27 Sage Rosenfels, MIN/9
109 102 -7 RB38 Julius Jones, SEA/7 169 111 -58 RB50 Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG/10
110 135 25 WR45 Steve Smith, NYG/10 170 191 21 WR63 Bryant Johnson, DET/7
111 116 5 QB18 Trent Edwards, BUF/9 171 158 -13 Def12 New York Jets, NYJ/9
112 113 1 TE11 Dustin Keller, NYJ/9 172 >250 79 WR64 Dennis Northcutt, JAC/7
113 133 20 WR46 Domenik Hixon, NYG/10 173 210 37 Def13 Green Bay Packers, GB/5
114 123 9 WR47 Justin Gage, TEN/7 174 166 -8 K3 Rob Bironas, TEN/7
115 100 -15 RB39 Earnest Graham, TB/8 175 242 67 RB51 Kevin Faulk, NE/8
116 153 37 WR48 Muhsin Muhammad, CAR/4 176 159 -17 WR65 Bobby Engram, KC/8
117 119 2 QB19 Kyle Orton, DEN/7 177 190 13 K4 Mason Crosby, GB/5
118 124 6 RB40 Fred Taylor, NE/8 178 227 49 Def14 Miami Dolphins, MIA/6
119 144 25 WR49 Hakeem Nicks, NYG/10 179 213 34 QB28 Kerry Collins, TEN/7
120 134 14 WR50 Patrick Crayton, DAL/6 180 146 -34 RB52 Sammy Morris, NE/8
121 110 -11 Def1 Pittsburgh Steelers, PIT/8 181 162 -19 TE18 Kevin Boss, NYG/10
122 112 -10 RB41 Rashard Mendenhall, PIT/8 182 185 3 WR66 Greg Camarillo, MIA/6
123 138 15 TE12 Jeremy Shockey, NO/5 183 197 14 K5 Jason Elam, ATL/4
124 163 39 WR51 Michael Jenkins, ATL/4 184 232 48 Def15 Jacksonville Jaguars, JAC/7
125 195 70 WR52 Earl Bennett, CHI/5 185 194 9 K6 Nick Folk, DAL/6
126 132 6 Def2 Minnesota Vikings, MIN/9 186 172 -14 QB29 Brady Quinn, CLE/9
127 167 40 QB20 Jake Delhomme, CAR/4 187 189 2 TE19 Vernon Davis, SF/6
128 107 -21 RB42 Leon Washington, NYJ/9 188 237 49 WR67 Keenan Burton, STL/9
129 130 1 TE13 Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN/9 189 160 -29 WR68 Nate Burleson, SEA/7
130 168 38 WR53 Plaxico Burress, FA 190 233 43 K7 Garrett Hartley, NO/5
131 126 -5 Def3 Baltimore Ravens, BAL/7 191 125 -66 RB53 LeSean McCoy, PHI/4
132 114 -18 QB21 Joe Flacco, BAL/7 192 198 6 WR69 Mike Walker, JAC/7
133 118 -15 RB43 Jerious Norwood, ATL/4 193 204 11 K8 David Akers, PHI/4
134 137 3 TE14 Heath Miller, PIT/8 194 >250 57 WR70 Chansi Stuckey, NYJ/9
135 169 34 WR54 Isaac Bruce, SF/6 195 241 46 Def16 Indianapolis Colts, IND/6
136 92 -44 RB44 Darren Sproles, SD/5 196 238 42 K9 Kris Brown, HOU/10
137 147 10 WR55 Nate Washington, TEN/7 197 206 9 QB30 Mark Sanchez, NYJ/9
138 117 -21 RB45 Fred Jackson, BUF/9 198 183 -15 WR71 Joey Galloway, NE/8
139 129 -10 Def4 New York Giants, NYG/10 199 235 36 K10 Neil Rackers, ARI/4
140 156 16 QB22 Jason Campbell, WAS/8 200 203 3 RB54 Edgerrin James, FA
141 184 43 TE15 Bo Scaife, TEN/7 201 176 -25 TE20 Brent Celek, PHI/4
142 202 60 WR56 Antwaan Randle El, WAS/8 202 211 9 K11 Ryan Longwell, MIN/9
143 139 -4 Def5 Philadelphia Eagles, PHI/4 203 >250 48 Def17 Houston Texans, HOU/10
144 115 -29 RB46 Chester Taylor, MIN/9 204 223 19 K12 Adam Vinatieri, IND/6
145 122 -23 TE16 Tony Scheffler, DEN/7 205 234 29 TE21 Todd Heap, BAL/7
146 170 24 Def6 San Diego Chargers, SD/5 206 120 -86 WR72 Percy Harvin, MIN/9
147 149 2 K1 Stephen Gostkowski, NE/8 207 215 8 RB55 Mewelde Moore, PIT/8
148 165 17 QB23 Chad Pennington, MIA/6 208 243 35 QB31 Byron Leftwich, TB/8
149 >250 102 WR57 Chaz Schilens, OAK/9 209 196 -13 RB56 Brandon Jackson, GB/5
150 186 36 WR58 Chris Henry, CIN/8 210 >250 41 TE22 Randy McMichael, STL/9
151 161 10 Def7 Chicago Bears, CHI/5 211 201 -10 WR73 Jordy Nelson, GB/5
152 180 28 QB24 Shaun Hill, SF/6 212 214 2 Def18 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, TB/8
153 154 1 RB47 Ricky Williams, MIA/6 213 224 11 K13 Robbie Gould, CHI/5
154 131 -23 WR59 Jeremy Maclin, PHI/4 214 >250 37 QB32 Daunte Culpepper, DET/7
155 179 24 Def8 New England Patriots, NE/8 215 142 -73 RB57 Jamaal Charles, KC/8
156 148 -8 Def9 Tennessee Titans, TEN/7 216 143 -73 WR74 Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK/9
157 174 17 QB25 JaMarcus Russell, OAK/9 217 244 27 K14 John Kasay, CAR/4
158 101 -57 RB48 Tim Hightower, ARI/4 218 200 -18 QB33 Matthew Stafford, DET/7
159 157 -2 WR60 Miles Austin, DAL/6 219 225 6 TE23 Brandon Pettigrew, DET/7
160 182 22 Def10 Dallas Cowboys, DAL/6 220 >250 31 Def19 Buffalo Bills, BUF/9

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 2009 Player

PROJECTIONS
Offense by David Dodds
IDP by John Norton

A
ll fantasy football magazines
rank players. We are no excep-
tion. In fact, we have provided
Expert Rankings starting on
page 42. But we also project player stats. We
do this because projections are the lifeblood of
everything we do at Footballguys.com. These
numbers drive our Value Based Drafting
applications like the Draft Dominator.
By the time you are picking up this maga-
zine, we will have likely changed these pro-
jections 40 times.
Look carefully at the detail of the data. We
are projecting completion percentages, yards
per attempt, etc. We aren’t regurgitating last
year’s numbers. We look at what changed
within each team and project accordingly.
We spent over 40 hours doing this set of
offensive projections alone. Why does it take us
that long? Because we make sure our numbers
add up to historical norms for the league. We
also factor in Strength of Schedule differences,
three-year weighted team stat averages, player’s
age, situation, and a host of other variables.

We used the following values

to create fantasy points:
Offense:
Passing TD = 4 points
Rushing TD = 6 points
Receiving TD = 6 points
Passing Yardage = 1 pt. / 20 yards
Rushing Yardage = 1 pt. / 10 yards
Receiving Yardage = 1 pt. / 10 yards
Interceptions = -1 point
IDP Scoring:
Tackles = 1.5 points
Assists = 0.75 points
Sacks = 4 points
Interceptions = 4 points
Passes Defensed = 1.5 points
Fumble Recoveries = 3 points
Forced Fumbles = 3 points
Defensive TDs = 6 points

For up to the minute projections on over

1,000 offensive and defensive players,
please visit our website at: http://football-
guys.com
ICON/SMI

Aaron Rodgers

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NFFC ONLINE.indd 1 5/21/09 4:16:01 PM

 2009 Player

PROJECTIONS PASSING STATS RUSHING STATS FANTASY

Quarterbacks CMP ATT YDS TDS INT ATT YDS TDS PTS

1. Drew Brees, NO 380 595 4,373 31 18 22 11 0 325.8

2. Tom Brady, NE 369 565 4,040 30 13 35 70 1 322.0
3. Peyton Manning, Ind 340 541 3,976 28 13 23 28 1 306.6
4. Aaron Rodgers, GB 321 530 3,790 26 15 45 153 2 305.8
5. Donovan McNabb, Phi 338 555 3,774 25 15 42 176 2 303.3
6. Philip Rivers, SD 323 490 3,793 27 13 30 75 1 298.1
7. Kurt Warner, Ari 344 540 3,888 28 16 20 4 0 290.8
8. Tony Romo, Dal 333 525 3,712 23 18 32 96 1 275.2
9. Jay Cutler, Chi 321 530 3,498 23 16 47 162 1 273.1
10. David Garrard, Jac 312 500 3,375 19 14 60 264 2 269.2
11. Ben Roethlisberger, Pit 301 490 3,391 23 17 35 105 2 267.0
12. Matt Schaub, Hou 311 485 3,676 20 18 40 92 1 261.0
13. Matt Ryan, Atl 278 446 3,385 21 15 50 105 1 254.8
14. Carson Palmer, Cin 313 505 3,560 22 15 15 20 0 253.0
15. Matt Hasselbeck, Sea 298 510 3,188 22 14 25 88 1 248.1
16. Matt Cassel, KC 287 515 3,116 20 15 60 198 1 246.6
17. Trent Edwards, Buf 280 450 3,128 20 15 32 106 1 237.9
18. Eli Manning, NYG 279 500 3,125 22 15 20 14 1 236.7
19. Joe Flacco, Bal 280 452 3,074 17 13 55 176 1 232.3
20. Shaun Hill, SF 264 445 3,026 18 16 35 144 1 227.7
21. Jason Campbell, Was 274 465 2,930 16 9 40 200 1 227.5
22. Chad Pennington, Mia 299 470 3,173 18 11 28 48 0 224.4
23. Jake Delhomme, Car 250 436 3,008 19 14 20 28 0 215.2
24. Kyle Orton, Den 262 420 2,881 20 13 25 40 0 215.1
25. Mark Sanchez, NYJ 267 438 2,738 15 14 27 68 1 195.6
26. JaMarcus Russell, Oak 241 420 2,667 14 10 23 94 1 194.8
27. Matthew Stafford, Det 240 435 2,667 16 19 25 50 1 189.3
28. Kerry Collins, Ten 234 410 2,558 15 10 23 37 0 181.6
29. Marc Bulger, StL 246 445 2,715 14 14 20 34 0 181.1
30. Sage Rosenfels, Min 219 365 2,427 15 12 22 70 0 176.4

RECEIVING STATS
Tight Ends REC YDS TDS
FANTASY
PTS
1. Antonio Gates, SD 68 836 8 131.6
2. Jason Witten, Dal 80 936 6 129.6
3. Tony Gonzalez, Atl 73 810 7 123.0
4. Dallas Clark, Ind 72 785 6 114.5
5. Kellen Winslow, TB 66 792 5 109.2
6. Owen Daniels, Hou 66 759 4 99.9
7. Greg Olsen, Chi 60 666 5 96.6
8. Chris Cooley, Was 65 663 5 96.3
9. Zach Miller, Oak 55 644 4 88.4
10. John Carlson, Sea 52 572 5 87.2
11. Dustin Keller, NYJ 54 621 4 86.1
12. Jeremy Shockey, NO 46 529 4 76.9
13. Visanthe Shiancoe, Min 45 513 4 75.3
14. Bo Scaife, Ten 50 505 4 74.5
15. Heath Miller, Pit 45 482 4 72.2
16. Tony Scheffler, Den 38 464 4 70.4
17. Anthony Fasano, Mia 38 460 4 70.0
18. Vernon Davis, SF 34 408 4 65.4
19. Kevin Boss, NYG 36 364 4 60.4
ICON/SMI

20. Todd Heap, Bal 38 418 3 59.8 Antonio Gates

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 2009 Player

PROJECTIONS
Running Backs
RUSHING STATS RECEIVING STATS FANTASY
ATT YDS TDS REC YDS TDS PTS
1. Adrian Peterson, Min 325 1,528 13 25 165 1 253.3
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac 240 1,104 12 55 462 2 240.6
3. Michael Turner, Atl 335 1,508 13 8 51 0 233.9
4. Ladainian Tomlinson, SD 275 1,155 12 42 315 2 231.7
5. Steven Jackson, StL 280 1,162 9 48 413 3 229.5
6. Matt Forte, Chi 280 1,106 9 60 432 3 225.8
7. Clinton Portis, Was 315 1,339 10 34 258 1 225.7
8. DeAngelo Williams, Car 260 1,300 12 23 138 1 221.8
9. Steve Slaton, Hou 265 1,179 9 44 321 1 210.0
10. Frank Gore, SF 245 1,054 8 49 407 2 206.0
11. Brian Westbrook, Phi 215 935 7 57 450 4 204.6
12. Chris Johnson, Ten 230 1,081 8 45 324 2 200.5

ICON/SMI
13. Brandon Jacobs, NYG 245 1,139 11 18 117 1 197.6
Adrian Peterson
14. Ronnie Brown, Mia 225 956 9 39 296 1 186.6
15. Marion Barber, Dal 230 966 7 50 350 2 185.6
16. Darren McFadden, Oak 225 990 7 40 320 2 185.0
17. Pierre Thomas, NO 200 910 10 35 277 1 184.7
18. Reggie Bush, NO 145 595 5 75 608 5 180.2
19. Kevin Smith, Det 235 975 8 40 280 1 179.5
20. Ryan Grant, GB 280 1,148 7 21 137 0 170.5
21. Marshawn Lynch, Buf 220 924 7 41 291 1 169.5
22. Thomas Jones, NYJ 220 968 8 28 179 0 162.7
23. Cedric Benson, Cin 240 900 8 23 173 1 161.3
24. Derrick Ward, TB 200 890 5 42 328 1 157.8
25. Larry Johnson, KC 215 914 9 16 110 0 156.4
26. Knowshon Moreno, Den 200 900 7 25 168 1 154.8
27. Chris Wells, Ari 220 869 8 5 33 0 138.2
28. Joseph Addai, Ind 190 732 6 27 211 1 136.2
29. LenDale White, Ten 165 693 10 8 50 0 134.3
30. Jamal Lewis, Cle 220 814 7 12 78 0 131.2

ICON SMI
31. Jonathan Stewart, Car 165 759 8 10 60 0 129.9
32. Willie Parker, Pit 215 871 5 16 112 0 128.3 Michael Turner
33. Julius Jones, Sea 205 882 4 24 161 0 128.2
34. Leon Washington, NYJ 120 588 3 51 383 2 127.1
35. Donald Brown, Ind 160 640 6 23 168 1 122.8
36. Darren Sproles, SD 115 552 3 37 329 2 118.1
37. Chester Taylor, Min 110 462 4 45 356 2 117.8
38. Ray Rice, Bal 160 656 3 35 273 1 116.9
39. Fred Taylor, NE 150 645 6 14 98 0 110.3
40. Ricky Williams, Mia 130 527 4 34 238 1 106.5
41. Earnest Graham, TB 150 623 4 23 170 0 103.3
42. Fred Jackson, Buf 125 525 3 33 251 1 101.6
43. Le'Ron McClain, Bal 115 437 8 15 98 0 101.5
44. Jerious Norwood, Atl 90 473 3 32 262 1 97.5
45. Willis McGahee, Bal 135 527 4 20 140 1 96.7
46. Kevin Faulk, NE 75 368 2 47 357 2 96.5
47. Sammy Morris, NE 110 484 6 15 110 0 95.4
48. Rashard Mendenhall, Pit 125 494 6 12 83 0 93.7
49. Felix Jones, Dal 100 490 4 18 133 1 92.3
ICON SMI

50. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG 115 546 4 11 76 1 92.2 LaDainian Tomlinson

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 Wide Receivers
RUSHING STATS RECEIVING STATS FANTASY
ATT YDS TDS REC YDS TDS PTS
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari 1 5 0 94 1,250 12 197.5
2. Andre Johnson, Hou 2 10 0 98 1,372 9 192.2
3. Randy Moss, NE 2 10 0 79 1,122 13 191.2
4. Calvin Johnson, Det 3 17 0 88 1,294 10 191.0
5. Reggie Wayne, Ind 0 0 0 90 1,260 10 186.0
6. Steve Smith, Car 5 35 0 87 1,279 9 185.4
7. Roddy White, Atl 2 10 0 84 1,252 8 174.2
8. Greg Jennings, GB 0 0 0 78 1,186 9 172.6
9. Marques Colston, NO 0 0 0 80 1,120 10 172.0
10. Dwayne Bowe, KC 0 0 0 90 1,143 8 162.3
11. Anquan Boldin, Ari 8 48 0 86 1,015 9 160.3
12. Terrell Owens, Buf 2 10 0 72 1,015 9 156.5
ICON/SMI

13. Brandon Marshall, Den 2 10 0 83 1,046 8 153.6

Andre Johnson
14. Braylon Edwards, Cle 0 0 0 70 1,022 8 150.2
15. Chad Ochocinco, Cin 0 0 0 80 1,064 7 148.4
16. DeSean Jackson, Phi 10 60 0 74 1,051 6 147.1
17. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea 1 9 0 82 959 8 144.8
18. Wes Welker, NE 2 10 0 93 1,014 7 144.4
19. Donnie Avery, StL 7 56 0 77 1,009 6 142.5
20. Antonio Bryant, TB 3 27 0 72 1,037 6 142.4
21. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ 2 10 0 81 964 7 139.4
22. Santonio Holmes, Pit 2 10 0 65 943 7 137.3
23. Santana Moss, Was 2 10 0 76 996 6 136.6
24. Vincent Jackson, SD 4 28 0 60 900 7 134.8
25. Eddie Royal, Den 7 56 0 77 916 6 133.2
26. Hines Ward, Pit 0 0 0 72 900 7 132.0
27. Roy Williams, Dal 1 6 0 64 870 7 129.6
28. Anthony Gonzalez, Ind 0 0 0 71 930 6 129.0
29. Laveranues Coles, Cin 2 10 0 75 908 6 127.8
30. Torry Holt, Jac 0 0 0 70 847 7 126.7
ICON/SMI

31. Donald Driver, GB 2 6 0 67 878 6 124.4

Randy Moss 32. Lee Evans, Buf 2 12 0 60 870 6 124.2
33. Michael Crabtree, SF 2 12 0 60 786 7 121.8
34. Bernard Berrian, Min 4 26 0 55 825 6 121.1
35. Derrick Mason, Bal 0 0 0 73 905 5 120.5
36. Devin Hester, Chi 5 40 0 57 804 6 120.4
37. Ted Ginn Jr., Mia 5 40 0 59 814 5 115.4
38. Steve Breaston, Ari 2 10 0 67 824 5 113.4
39. Lance Moore, NO 0 0 0 58 737 6 109.7
40. Kevin Walter, Hou 3 15 0 59 779 5 109.4
41. Hakeem Nicks, NYG 1 5 0 58 742 5 104.7
42. Chris Chambers, SD 1 6 0 53 737 5 104.3
43. Muhsin Muhammad, Car 0 0 0 55 743 5 104.3
44. Steve Smith, NYG 0 0 0 63 737 5 103.7
45. Mark Clayton, Bal 6 39 0 49 706 4 98.5
46. Michael Jenkins, Atl 0 0 0 53 726 4 96.6
47. Justin Gage, Ten 0 0 0 50 695 4 93.5
48. Earl Bennett, Chi 0 0 0 50 680 4 92.0
49. Domenik Hixon, NYG 2 12 0 50 660 4 91.2
ICON/SMI

Greg Jennings 50. Plaxico Burress, FA 0 0 0 45 585 5 88.5

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 2009 Player

PROJECTIONS
Defensive Backs FANTASY
TCK AST SACK INT FF FR PD TD PTS
1. SS Adrian Wilson, Ari 75 21 3 3 2 2 15 1 192.8
2. FS Eric Weddle, SD 88 21 2 2 2 1 6 1 182.8
3. CB Charles Tillman, Chi 77 12 0 4 1 1 19 1 181.0
4. SS Yeremiah Bell, Mia 89 20 0 1 2 2 10 0 180.7
5. CB Antoine Winfield, Min 80 13 2 3 2 1 13 0 178.3
6. FS Gibril Wilson, Mia 78 18 0 4 2 1 11 1 175.0
7. SS Chris Horton, Was 76 24 1 4 2 1 7 1 174.5
8. SS Troy Polamalu, Pit 61 21 1 6 2 2 14 1 174.3
9. SS Kevin Payne, Chi 77 17 1 3 2 1 10 1 174.3
10. SS Quintin Mikell, Phi 71 25 2 2 2 2 9 1 172.8
11. CB Richard Marshall, Car 76 10 1 3 1 0 19 1 172.0
12. SS Bernard Pollard, KC 82 26 1 1 2 1 6 1 171.5
13. CB Chris Gamble, Car 74 9 0 4 0 0 21 1 171.3

ICON SMI
14. FS Oshiomogho Atogwe, Stl 76 9 0 6 2 1 9 1 170.3
Adrian Wilson
15. SS Antoine Bethea, Ind 70 29 2 3 2 1 7 1 169.3
16. SS Sabby Piscitelli, TB 73 22 1 3 1 1 12 1 169.0
17. SS Michael Lewis, SF 78 23 2 1 2 1 7 0 167.6
18. SS Patrick Chung, NE 78 28 1 1 2 1 5 1 165.5
19. FS Kenny Phillips, NYG 71 17 0 4 2 1 9 1 163.8
20. CB Cedric Griffin, Min 78 10 0 2 2 1 14 0 162.5
21. SS William Moore, Atl 78 21 0 1 2 1 7 0 158.7
22. FS Eugene Wilson, Hou 73 21 0 3 1 1 8 1 158.3
23. CB Corey Graham, Chi 74 13 0 3 0 0 13 1 158.3
24. CB DeAngelo Hall, Was 61 12 1 4 2 0 19 1 158.0
25. FS Kerry Rhodes, NYJ 64 25 1 3 2 2 8 1 157.8
26. SS Louis Delmas, Det 75 33 0 1 2 1 4 0 157.5
27. CB Brandon Flowers, KC 74 11 0 2 2 1 13 1 157.3
28. CB Ronde Barber, TB 64 8 2 3 2 1 14 1 155.0
29. CB Ronald Bartell, Stl 65 4 1 4 1 1 15 1 155.0
30. CB Terrence McGee, Buf 63 7 0 4 1 0 19 1 153.3
31. CB Aqib Talib, TB 58 10 0 6 1 0 17 1 153.0

ICON/SMI
32. CB Quentin Jammer, SD 69 11 0 2 1 1 18 0 152.8
Eric Weddle
33. SS Roman Harper, NO 79 8 0 1 2 1 9 0 151.0
34. CB Rashean Mathis, Jac 59 5 1 5 1 0 17 1 150.8
35. FS Bob Sanders, Ind 65 28 0 2 2 2 6 1 150.5
36. CB Terence Newman, Dal 55 9 0 6 1 1 16 1 149.3
37. SS Chinedum Ndukwe, Cin 62 28 0 3 1 1 9 1 148.5
38. FS Nick Collins, GB 62 14 0 4 2 0 13 1 148.0
39. FS Antrel Rolle, Ari 66 15 0 3 1 1 13 0 147.8
40. CB Leon Hall, Cin 54 13 0 4 1 0 21 1 147.3
41. SS Michael Mitchell, Oak 76 24 0 1 1 0 5 0 146.5
42. CB Brandon McDonald, Cle 59 10 0 4 0 1 17 1 146.5
43. FS Brandon Meriweather, NE 60 18 1 4 1 1 9 1 146.0
44. CB Dunta Robinson, Hou 56 10 0 5 1 1 15 1 146.0
45. CB Brian Williams, Jac 67 6 0 3 2 1 11 1 145.5
46. SS Chris Hope, Ten 67 17 0 3 1 1 9 0 144.8
47. CB Darrelle Revis, NYJ 50 13 1 5 1 1 17 1 144.8
48. CB Cortland Finnegan, Ten 60 13 1 3 1 1 15 0 144.3
49. CB Tracy Porter, NO 65 6 0 3 1 1 16 0 144.0
ICON/SMI

50. FS Erik Coleman, Atl 70 14 0 2 1 1 8 0 143.9

Charles Tillman
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 Defensive Linemen FANTASY
TCK AST SACK INT FF FR PD TD PTS
1. DE Trent Cole, Phi 54 19 11 1 4 2 2 1 167.3
2. DE Jared Allen, Min 43 13 17 0 4 2 4 0 166.3
3. DE Mario Williams, Hou 46 12 14 0 4 2 3 1 157.5
4. DE Justin Tuck, NYG 50 13 12 0 2 2 3 1 152.3
5. DE John Abraham, Atl 39 4 15 0 4 1 4 0 144.3
6. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, Ten 47 19 12 0 2 1 2 0 142.8
7. DE Robert Mathis, Ind 41 13 12 0 4 1 3 0 138.8
8. DE Justin Smith, SF 52 23 8 0 2 1 3 0 138.8
9. DE Aaron Schobel, Buf 44 18 9 0 3 1 5 0 136.2
10. DE Julius Peppers, Car 39 10 12 0 3 1 5 0 135.9
11. DE Adewale Ogunleye, Chi 43 13 9 0 3 1 4 0 128.3
12. OLB Aaron Kampman, GB 49 14 7 0 2 1 4 0 126.8
13. DE Osi Umenyiora, NYG 39 14 9 0 3 2 2 1 126.0
ICON/SMI

Jared Allen 14. DT Albert Haynesworth, Was 42 21 7 0 3 2 2 0 124.8

15. DE Darryl Tapp, Sea 48 11 7 0 3 1 2 0 124.5
16. DE Patrick Kerney, Sea 41 9 10 0 2 2 1 0 123.6
17. NT Shaun Rogers, Cle 52 14 4 0 3 1 4 0 122.5
18. DE Chris Long, Stl 44 10 9 0 3 1 2 0 122.5
19. DE Derrick Burgess, Oak 41 19 9 0 3 0 2 0 121.8
20. DE Antonio Smith, Hou 41 10 9 0 3 2 1 0 121.3
21. DT Kevin Williams, Min 44 14 8 0 2 2 1 0 120.0
22. DE Gaines Adams, TB 38 13 9 0 3 1 2 0 117.8
23. DT Tommy Kelly, Oak 43 24 6 0 2 1 1 0 117.0
24. DE Shaun Ellis, NYJ 42 19 6 0 2 2 1 0 114.8
25. DE Cliff Avril, Det 36 11 9 0 3 1 2 0 113.3
26. DE Charles Grant, NO 44 15 6 0 1 2 2 0 113.3
27. DE Will Smith, NO 42 17 7 0 2 0 2 0 112.8
28. DE Richard Seymour, NE 37 20 7 0 2 1 2 0 110.5
29. DT Jason Jones, Ten 42 10 7 0 2 1 2 0 110.5
30. DE Darnell Dockett, Ari 42 10 6 0 3 1 2 0 109.5
31. DE Trevor Scott, Oak 37 14 8 0 2 1 1 0 108.5
ICON/SMI

Mario Williams 32. DE Aaron Smith, Pit 42 17 6 0 1 1 1 0 107.3

33. DE Dewayne White, Det 35 12 8 0 2 1 2 0 105.5
34. DE Darren Howard, Phi 31 9 9 0 3 1 1 0 104.6
35. DE Alex Brown, Chi 41 9 7 0 1 1 2 0 103.3
36. DE Andre Carter, Was 36 13 8 0 1 1 1 0 103.3
37. DE Antwan Odom, Cin 36 16 7 0 2 1 0 0 103.0
38. NT Jay Ratliff, Dal 34 20 6 0 2 1 2 0 102.0
39. NT Kelly Gregg, Bal 43 14 4 0 1 1 3 0 101.5
40. DT Kyle Williams, Buf 41 18 4 0 1 1 1 0 98.5
41. DE Marques Douglas, NYJ 38 17 4 0 2 1 2 0 97.8
42. DE Ray Edwards, Min 38 12 6 0 1 1 1 0 97.5
43. DE Derrick Harvey, Jac 31 6 9 0 2 1 2 0 97.0
44. DT Tony Brown, Ten 39 13 5 0 1 1 1 0 95.8
45. DT Tommie Harris, Chi 35 6 7 0 2 1 2 0 95.0
46. DE Mathias Kiwanuka, NYG 30 13 7 0 2 1 2 0 94.8
47. NT Kris Jenkins, NYJ 39 16 4 0 2 0 1 0 94.0
48. DE Greg White, TB 33 10 7 0 2 0 1 0 92.5
49. NT Jamal Williams, SD 42 14 3 0 0 2 0 0 91.5
ICON/SMI

50. NT B.J. Raji, GB 39 17 4 0 1 0 2 0 91.3

Justin Tuck
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 2008 Player

PROJECTIONS
Linebackers FANTASY
TCK AST SACK INT FF FR PD TD PTS
1. MLB Barrett Ruud, TB 105 39 3 2 2 1 8 1 233.8
2. ILB Karlos Dansby, Ari 93 33 5 2 3 3 11 1 232.8
3. MLB Jon Beason, Car 106 30 0 4 3 1 9 1 226.0
4. ILB Patrick Willis, SF 105 31 2 2 3 1 10 1 224.8
5. MLB Curtis Lofton, Atl 102 39 3 1 2 2 7 1 223.8
6. ILB D.J. Williams, Den 105 48 2 1 2 1 6 0 223.5
7. ILB Ray Lewis, Bal 88 35 4 3 3 2 10 1 220.3
8. OLB James Harrison, Pit 63 32 15 1 5 2 4 1 215.5
9. MLB Kirk Morrison, Oak 101 37 1 2 1 1 7 1 210.8
10. ILB Bradie James, Dal 85 40 7 1 2 2 6 0 210.5
11. MLB Jonathan Vilma, NO 100 36 1 2 2 1 7 0 208.5
12. ILB Lawrence Timmons, Pit 86 46 5 1 1 1 6 1 208.5
13. MLB London Fletcher, Was 94 41 1 2 2 1 8 1 207.8

ICON/SMI
14. MLB E.J. Henderson, Min 93 37 5 1 3 1 4 0 207.3
Barrett Ruud
15. ILB Stephen Cooper, SD 93 32 1 3 2 1 7 1 205.0
16. OLB Demarcus Ware, Dal 63 15 16 0 5 2 4 1 202.8
17. MLB DeMeco Ryans, Hou 92 31 1 2 3 2 7 1 201.8
18. MLB Paul Posluszny, Buf 92 30 1 2 3 1 8 1 200.1
19. ILB D'Qwell Jackson, Cle 88 43 2 2 1 1 7 1 199.8
20. ILB Bart Scott, NYJ 91 37 4 1 2 1 5 0 198.8
21. MLB Stewart Bradley, Phi 93 27 2 1 3 1 7 1 197.9
22. MLB Gary Brackett, Ind 95 38 0 1 2 1 7 1 197.5
23. MLB Lofa Tatupu, Sea 90 28 1 2 2 2 9 1 196.5
24. MLB James Laurinaitis, Stl 97 27 2 1 2 1 5 0 194.3
25. WLB Justin Durant, Jac 93 19 1 2 2 2 8 1 192.8
26. WLB Lance Briggs, Chi 90 18 1 2 2 2 11 1 192.0
27. ILB Jerod Mayo, NE 95 31 1 1 2 2 4 0 191.8
28. ILB David Harris, NYJ 88 36 2 1 2 2 4 0 189.0
29. ILB Nick Barnett, GB 92 32 2 0 1 1 6 0 186.8
30. WLB Thomas Davis, Car 90 23 3 1 1 1 7 0 186.6
31. MLB Brian Urlacher, Chi 85 20 1 2 1 2 12 1 184.5

ICON/SMI
32. ILB Derrick Johnson, KC 87 28 2 1 2 1 7 1 184.0
Patrick Willis
33. MLB Rey Maualuga, Cin 82 48 1 1 2 1 3 1 183.5
34. OLB Will Witherspoon, Stl 84 20 4 1 2 1 7 1 183.5
35. ILB James Farrior, Pit 80 42 3 1 1 1 6 0 182.5
36. SLB Chad Greenway, Min 80 24 6 1 2 1 5 0 180.5
37. OLB Shawne Merriman, SD 55 18 14 1 3 1 5 1 179.5
38. WLB Keith Rivers, Cin 80 40 1 1 2 1 5 1 177.5
39. ILB Channing Crowder, Mia 90 25 1 1 1 1 6 0 177.4
40. WLB Keith Bulluck, Ten 82 26 1 2 2 2 7 0 177.0
41. WLB Clint Session, Ind 92 32 0 0 2 1 4 0 177.0
42. WLB Ernie Sims, Det 85 43 1 0 1 1 3 0 174.3
43. ILB A.J. Hawk, GB 85 34 3 0 1 0 4 0 173.8
44. WLB Thomas Howard, Oak 81 19 1 3 1 1 8 1 172.8
45. ILB Gerald Hayes, Ari 78 28 3 0 2 2 7 0 172.5
46. MLB Antonio Pierce, NYG 81 28 1 1 1 1 7 1 170.0
47. WLB Mike Peterson, Atl 82 29 1 1 1 1 6 0 169.6
48. MLB Larry Foote, Det 82 38 0 0 1 1 4 0 163.5
49. ILB Kevin Burnett, SD 80 29 1 1 1 0 6 0 163.0
ICON/SMI

50. ILB Keith Brooking, Dal 77 36 2 0 1 1 4 0 162.5

Ray Lewis
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 Principles of
W
VBD By Joe Bryant and David Dodds
ant to dominate your league? Then dominate your
draft. This article will show you how to do this with
the draft system that serious fantasy owners across
the country use.
It’s called Value Based Drafting or VBD. Why listen to us
about it? Because we are the guys that started it. We introduced
Value Based Drafting to the fantasy football world back in 1996
when players like Keyshawn Johnson, Eddie George and Marvin
Harrison had yet to play an NFL down. And for the last thirteen
years, we’ve never stopped improving it.
Today, it’s the hot ticket among hardcore owners for one
simple reason: It works.
The system revolves around making detailed statistical projec-
tions for every draftable player. It also involves a fair amount of
data manipulation. That’s if you want to do all the forecasting
and number crunching yourself. The good news is that you can
click over to our website and we’ll do all the work for you.
More on that later.
The Problem: Here’s the trouble with valuing players. It’s
relatively easy to make a list of the quarterbacks and rank them
from 1-40. Same thing with running backs and wide receivers.
Carson Palmer ranks ahead of David Garrard. Matt Forte is
higher than Marion Barber. And Marques Colston squeaks past
Dwayne Bowe. These aren’t that hard.
When it’s your pick in the draft, it’s not tough to say Matt
Forte has a higher value than Marion Barber. But that’s not the
only valuation you’re forced to make. The real world scenario is
that at some point in your draft, you’re forced to draft one player
among the following:
• Solid quarterbacks in the Aaron Rodgers / Donovan
McNabb range.
• Decent running backs in the Thomas Jones / Darren McFad-
den / Pierre Thomas class.
• Quality wide receivers in the Braylon Edwards / Antonio
Bryant / Chad Johnson neighborhood.
• Elite tight ends in the Jason Witten / Antonio Gates zone.
That’s a little tougher situation than deciding if Aaron Rodg-
ers is better than Donovan McNabb.
But if you want to dominate your league, it’s a situation you’d
better be ready for.
With our VBD System you’ll be able to finally place a tan-
gible value on these players that makes sense to you. Always
before, you didn’t really know if a QB throwing 22 TDs / 3,000
yards is more valuable than a RB scoring nine TDs / 1,000 yards
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76 VBD.indd 76
or a WR posting seven TDs / 1,100 yards. Now you’ll know.
The Principle: The value of a player is determined not by the
number of points he scores, but by how much he outscores his
peers at his particular position.
Think about it like this. We are NOT trying to assemble a
group of the highest scoring players with no regard to position.
If that were the case, the best team would be full of quarterbacks
and kickers. We are bound by our starting lineups as to the posi-
tions we must fill. Our team, consisting of a specified number
of players from the specified positions will compete against the
other teams consisting of the same number of players from the
same positions. Think of it in terms of individual matchups pit-
ting your team against another team, position by position.
Here’s an example. For simplicity’s sake, let’s just say your
starting roster is 1 quarterback, 1 running back, 1 wide receiver
and 1 place kicker. In a one game matchup against your buddy,
your quarterback outscores his quarterback 35 to 33 (+2 points).
You’re up 2. Your running back is outscored by his running back
7 to 12 (-5 points). Now you’re down by 3. Your wide receiver
outscores his wide receiver 20 to 5 (+15 points). Now you’re
back up by 12. Your kicker outscores his kicker 22 to 21 (+1
point) This puts you up 13. You win the matchup 84 to 71.
Your Team His Team Points Advantage Cumulative Total
Your QB 35 pts His QB 33 pts +2 for you +2
Your RB 7 pts His RB 12 pts -5 for you -3
Your WR 20 pts His WR 5 pts +15 for you +12
Your PK 22 pts His PK 21 pts +1 for you +13
Total Pts = 84 (Your Team); Total Pts = 71 (His Team)
Listen up now. The point differences at each position, when
totaled, will determine the winner. In this case it was a total
team difference of 13 points. Simple, right?
Now here’s the important question. Let’s say you and the
owner above are going to throw all 8 players back into the pool,
have a draft, fill your 4 man roster and play a 1 game season.
For the sake of argument, these are the only 8 players available
to draft ( 2 quarterbacks, 2 running backs, 2 wide receivers and
2 place kickers ) and you already know they’re going to post the
points I’ve stated. You must draft 1 quarterback, 1 running back,
1 wide receiver, and 1 place kicker. Who would you draft first?
It’s an absolute no brainer. The wide receiver who scores
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/26/09 11:37:51 AM
 20 points MUST be the No. 1 draft pick. The 20-point wide
receiver is by far the most valuable player even though he scored
less points than both quarterbacks and both kickers. Why? Be-
cause he gives you a 15-point advantage at wide receiver while
the better quarterback only gives a 2-point advantage, the better
kicker gives a 1-point advantage and the better running back
gives a 5-point advantage. The wide receiver’s 20 points were
much more valuable than the quarterback’s 35 points and the
kicker’s 22 points because of how the player relates to his peers.
It’s like tic-tac-toe. The season is over once the wide receiver is
taken. If it doesn’t make sense, actually do the draft and see it
yourself. Do not keep reading unless this is crystal clear to you.
When you think about it, this is something you’re probably
already doing at some level already. For example, it’s generally
accepted that owners wait until the later rounds to draft a kicker.
Why? It’s certainly not because they don’t score enough points.
They often lead the league in scoring. The reason that most
kickers are drafted late is that they have low value.
Kickers earn a low value because there are just so many good
ones available. They’re a “dime a dozen” as they say. On the
other hand, someone like Adrian Peterson has few peers. Run-
ning backs who can post his type of numbers are considerably
more “rare”. Therefore, his value goes up.
With us this far? I’ll assume we’re on the same page as to how
value is determined. Now we’re faced with the task of building a
draft list based upon those principles.
The Solution: In seven easy steps, is the following:
1. Project stats for each player you think will be drafted in your league.
2. Determine projected fantasy points based on your scoring system.
3. Determine your baseline and X numbers.
4. Sort your list by X numbers overall and by position.
5. Determine the average draft position of each player.
6. During the draft, multiply X numbers by need factor.
7. During the draft, know when to deviate from VBD philosophy.
Each one of these steps could easily merit its own article but
for now, here’s the summary version for each step.
1. PROJECTING STATS
The hardest part is the first part. In order for the Value System
to work, it requires a firm set of projected stats for every player
in your draft pool. Don’t give us grumbling about how unpre-
dictable football players are or the whining that usually follows
player projection discussion. If you’re going to dominate this
draft (that IS your goal, isn’t it?), it’s absolutely essential that
you have all the pertinent stats for your league projected for ev-
ery player for the entire season. Project these numbers for every
player that you expect to be drafted, not just starters.
We always smile when we hear the number one complaint
against the VBD system --”It’s too haaaaard to make projec-
tions”. First off, if that’s their biggest complaint, we are in pretty
good shape. Secondly, we always counter with, “That’s fine
then. What EXACTLY do you use then to rank your players?”
“Uniform style? Alma Mater? Footwear choice?” Seriously, if
you’re not going to rank a player by how you expect them to
produce fantasy points, you probably are going to be in for a
long season.
It’s not really that much work though. You’re probably doing
these projections already, just not this specifically and prob-
ably not formally. Everyone thinks that DeAngelo Williams will
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76 VBD.indd 77
score more TDs than Willie Parker. Most folks think Carson
Palmer will throw more touchdowns than Matt Ryan (although
it might be closer than you think). Everyone expects Jason Elam
to boot some 50+ yard field goals. Those things we know. What
you must do with your projections is get a handle on exactly
how many more touchdowns you expect an Adrian Peterson to
post than will a Ronnie Brown. It’s not enough to say “he’s bet-
ter”. You must decide how much better.
This becomes critical later because in a real draft, you’re not
comparing Ray Rice to Julius Jones only. You’re comparing Rice
to Domenik Hixon, Kevin Curtis and Dustin Keller perhaps. But
to see how Rice compares to them, you must understand exactly
how he compares to Jones and the other running backs first.
You’ll see why in a moment.
Again, we’ve done all this for you in our VBD and Draft
Dominator applications if you’d like to skip over this time con-
suming step. Both of these applications allow the user to change
any or all of the stat projections it comes loaded with.
2. PROJECTING FANTASY POINTS
OK, stats are projected, now what? Easy. Now you must run
these raw stats through your scoring system and come up with
a projected number of fantasy points you expect each player to
produce.
In other words, let’s say you play in a league where quar-
terbacks earn 4 points for passing touchdowns and 1 point for
every 30 yards passing. If you have Tom Brady projected for
40 TDs and 4,000 yards, Brady would project out to score 293
fantasy points (40 TDs x 4 = 160) + (4,000 yards / 30 = 133)
= 293 Projected Fantasy points. Do this for every player. Rank
each player BY POSITION from highest to lowest number of
projected fantasy points. For right now, keep them separated by
position.
One thing you’ll notice is that hype often doesn’t equate to
fantasy points. And fantasy points are what wins championships.
You’ll often see low profile guys like WR Antonio Bryant who
with his 83 receptions, 1,248 receiving yards and seven touch-
downs last season, really bring some value. On the flip side, you
may be surprised to see big names like Terrell Owens and Randy
Moss produce similar numbers, but with a lot more attention
and hype.
3. DETERMINING YOUR BASELINE
AND X NUMBERS
The next step is determining your “Baseline”. What you’re
looking for in the baseline is a player (or number) that you’ll
compare all the players at that position against. Think back to
the example in the beginning using the eight players in a draft.
This is where the “peer pressure” comes into play. Remember
the goal is to distance yourself ahead of the competition. And
you do that by selecting players who outscore their peers, not
necessarily the players who score a ton of points as you fill a
roster with a specified number of players at specified positions.
So what we need is a way to measure each player against his
peers. We do that by setting a “baseline” player to serve as a
measuring point. Each position player will be either better or
worse than this position’s baseline player.
There are many ways to establish a baseline and the following
are the most popular methods:
• Average starter
• Worst starter
77
5/26/09 11:38:01 AM
 PR I N C I PLES O F VB D
ICON ?SMI
DONOVAN MCNABB vs.
But like most popular things, neither of these choices is the
ideal baseline. After years of experimenting, we have found that
the best baseline is based on the number of players that will be
taken at a given point in a draft. We personally use 100 players
as this basis, but you can play around with other points if you
like. After nine years, we’ve settled on using 100 players for
most leagues. A rather complex formula has been developed
to estimate how many players by position will be taken at the
100th pick of the draft, but suffice it to say it is based on scoring
criteria, number of teams, number of required starters, number
of rounds of the draft and number of flex positions.
There are three easy ways to calculate the number by position
that will be selected based on all of these factors.
1. Look at last year’s draft and count the positions.
2. Compare to a mock draft / average draft list with similar
league structure
3. Let the VBD App calculate this for you.
Using our baseline, we need to value each player. As stated,
we do that by measuring how much better or worse we expect
that player to perform when measured against the baseline
player at his position. Keep in mind, at this point we’re still talk-
ing about keeping all the positions in their own lists. We only
care right now about how one quarterback compares to another
quarterback.
In our sample league consisting of 18 rounds, 12 teams with
the following starters (1 quarterback, 2 running backs, 3 wide
receivers, 1 tight end, 1 place kicker and 1 defense), our pro-
gram tells us approximately the following positions (on average)
will be taken in the first 100 picks:
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76 VBD.indd 78
ICON ?SMI
BRAYLON EDWARDS
15 quarterbacks, 36 running backs, 38 wide receivers, 8 tight
ends, 2 defenses and 1 place kicker.
These represent our baseline players for each position.
Here’s how to get the X number. Simply compare the fantasy
points each player will score to the corresponding baseline
player. In our example, let’s assume that our 15th quarterback
will score 138 fantasy points. His X number by definition is 0.
All players above him will have a positive X number based on
the difference in fantasy points of that player and the baseline
player. Assume Aaron Rodgers projects to 200 fantasy points.
His X number will be 62 (200-138).
In essence, that X number tells you how that player stacks up
against the other players at his position. It tells you how about
the “peer pressure” that player sees. This is the number that
determines value.
4. SORTING YOUR X NUMBERS
Up to this point, we have just lists of players at each position.
Pretty much the standard fare “cheatsheets” you see every-
where. But as we said earlier, there’s a problem with position
lists: If your league is like our leagues, we don’t conduct our
draft by saying, “OK Guys, now we’re going to draft all the
quarterbacks. And when we’re done with that, we’ll draft all the
running backs…” Doesn’t work that way does it? You need to
know how all the different players are valued not just among
their position peers but among each other. We do that by sorting
the X numbers.
It’s a very simple matter of throwing all the players (and their
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5/26/09 11:38:13 AM
 PR I N C I PLES O F VB D

X numbers) in one heap and ranking by the X number. What
you’ll see will likely surprise you. Depending on your league,
don’t be shocked to see some players sort out much higher than
“conventional wisdom” says.
You’ll most likely find that your kickers all have fairly low X
numbers and are usually bunched tightly. This reinforces what
you already know. Even though they may score a lot of points,
they’re all just about the same and you can afford to wait and
snag a good one later.
And there you have it. All the players are ranked by their X
number which means they’re ranked by their value. A key point
is to understand what the list is telling you. It’s ranking the
players by their value, or where they deserve to be drafted. This
is not necessarily the order in which you should draft them (see
items 6-8 below).
5. DETERMINE THE AVERAGE DRAFT
POSITION OF ALL THE PLAYERS
Up to now, everything is based on your value. And this is
good, because you want to draft a team that you solidly believe
will perform. But to ignore all the opinions of the rest of the 15
million people that play fantasy football could have you over-
paying for a few players if you are not careful.
Remember the goal is to maximize value with every single
pick.
An excellent source for average draft value is
fantasyfootballcalculator.com.
They compile many mock drafts by date and allow you to
customize a list based on a few variables. Myfantasyleague.com
also produces lists based on actual league drafts using their soft-
ware. If this sounds like too much work, do not fret - our VBD
App contains all of this data based on the number of teams and
how you score the tight end position.
The reason this data is important is it can provide the right
clues when a player might get selected. If Jerricho Cotchery
projects to number 60 on your overall list (as sorted by absolute
X numbers), but is being drafted at pick 75 on average, you
would be smart to wait on him with your sixth pick. If the aver-
age draft info also tells you Anthony Gonzalez and Laveranues
Coles (who you rate as very similar to Jerricho Cotchery) are
also expected to go around pick 75, you may be able to use this
to your advantage and squeeze out additional value by watching
when they get drafted.
Remember your absolute X numbers represent worth to you.
But if you draft everyone at worth, your draft will be average.
The goal is to squeeze value with every single pick. And that is
done by keeping a pulse on what an average draft is likely to do.
6. MULTIPLY X VALUES BY NEED FACTOR
TO DETERMINE RELATIVE VALUE
With your first round pick, absolute need and relative need
are the same. You need all positions equally. But as the draft
continues, this is not the case. If you start two running backs
and you have taken a running back with your first three picks,
it stands to reason that your immediate need is likely not at run-
ning back. You’ll likely want to veer from your VBD list if it’s
showing your next pick should be a running back.
Again for simplicity, we are going to give a formula that
should work for most leagues. To determine the need factor of a
position at any time in the draft, use the following table:
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Have Start 1 Start 2 Start 3 Start 4 Start 5+
0 of a position 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
1 of a position 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
2 of a position 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.0
3 of a position 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.0
4 of a position 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
So as an example, if you have a quarterback already and you
start only 1, then the need factor is 0.8 for your next QB. Multi-
plying this need factor by the X number will yield the relative X
value for that player for your fantasy team.
This is a major distinction from previous written works
regarding Value Based Drafting. It attempts to translate math-
ematically what we have all done in drafts. You aren’t going to
keep drafting quarterbacks if you can only play 1 each week.
Additional quarterbacks represent value still (for trades, etc), but
for your particular team it is reduced (based on the table above).
Most serious VBD owners have always done this intuitively but
now we’re putting the math behind it.
7. KNOW WHEN TO DEVIATE
FROM VBD PRINCIPLES
One of the biggest misconceptions with Value-Based princi-
ples is that you should use them for the entire draft. This simply
isn’t true. Sure you would like to get value throughout your
draft, but after approximately half of your roster is filled, you
will generally end up with your best team by using your position
lists to address your unique needs. Always look at the best avail-
able player by position, but also make sure that person fills bye
week needs, etc for your roster.
This includes (but is not limited to) the following not based
on X Value:
• Covering bye weeks
• Handcuffing the backup to a key player on your roster
• Looking for favorable match ups for certain tough weeks
For these reasons, we believe the perfect draft will often
abandon strict VBD drafting after all baselines have been passed
(this is generally around pick 120 or so). What exactly does this
mean? It just means that later in the draft, you’ll likely draft
from your positional lists and not from your overall list.
In Summary, if you only remember three things, make it these three:
1. The object of the game is not to score a ton of points, but to
outscore your opponent. You must fill a roster with a specified
number of players at specified positions. The surest way to out-
score your opponent is to build a team of players that outscore
their peers. The players who most distance themselves from the
other players at their respective positions are therefore the most
valuable. Remember the eight-player draft example where you
can’t lose after drafting the 20-point wide receiver.
2. Factors such as the specific number of teams, starting
lineup requirements, frozen players, and scoring system for your
league dramatically affect the values of each player. These fac-
tors can cause the same player in two different leagues to have
dramatically different values.
3. If this seems like a lot of work (and it is) we will do all of
the math for you at Footballguys.com
Think about these principles. Play around with them and see
how they work for you. Once you understand the concepts be-
hind the Value Based Draft System, you’ll be well on your way
to dominating your league.
79

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 Value Plays Consolidated
ICON SMI
Lary Johnson
A
fantasy draft is all about
obtaining the most value with
each selection. There is value
available throughout a draft, and grabbing
it is one of the most important keys to a
successful fantasy team. In an attempt to
point out this value, we asked our staff
to look through the Top 150 players and
identify players that should outperform
their draft position. For each player
chosen by at least two writers, we list their
Average Draft Position (ADP) in a 12-
team league, their rank at their position
and their overall rank. For each player
listed, we asked a writer to offer reasoning
as to why value was present.
The following writers contributed to
this feature: Dave Baker, Sigmund
Bloom, Anthony Borbely, Michael
Brown, David Dodds, Colin Dowling,
Will Grant, Clayton Gray, Jeff Haseley,
Bob Henry, Andy Hicks, Marc Levin,
Bob Magaw, Jeff Pasquino, Aaron
Rudnicki, Jeff Tefertiller, Maurile
Tremblay, Matt Waldman, Mark Wimer,
Jason Wood, and David Yudkin.
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80 Value Plays.indd 80
Player Receiving 12 Votes
QB David Garrard, Jac
ADP - 11.01 / QB20 / #121 Overall
Selected by Bloom, Brown, Dodds, Gray, Henry,
Hicks, Levin, Magaw, Rudnicki, Tefertiller, Tremblay,
and Waldman
Dodds - Last year, while running for his
life behind an injury-riddled offensive line,
Garrard still managed numbers which equat-
ed to the 11th best QB. At QB20, Garrard
represents all upside. The Jaguars reloaded
on the offensive line taking offensive tackles
Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton with their
first two selections. The team also reloaded
at wide receiver bringing in veteran seven-
time Pro Bowler Torry Holt and drafting
speedy/smaller options in Mike Thomas and
Jarrett Dillard. With RB Fred Taylor mov-
ing on, we also should see a shift from the
run-first strategy deployed the last few years.
Also working in Garrard’s favor in 2009 is a
soft schedule that includes these below aver-
age defenses (Seattle, St. Louis, Kansas City,
San Francisco, Miami and Cleveland).
Player Receiving 8 Votes
QB Carson Palmer, Cin
ADP - 7.11 / QB13 / #83 Overall
Selected by Baker, Bloom, Borbely, Dowling, Grant,
Haseley, Magaw, and Waldman
Waldman - Tom Brady is the most popu-
lar rebound QB this year, but the best bar-
gain will be Palmer, who told the media in
March that his elbow is 100 percent and took
steps to prove it on the practice field. From
2005-2007 he was ranked No. 1, No. 6, and
No. 9 among his fantasy brethren. The team
will be cautious with Palmer’s elbow during
the preseason, but Chad Ochocinco’s return
to health, the addition of versatile running
mates Laveranues Coles, TE Chase Coffman,
and FB Brian Leonard should help the
Bengals return to a higher level of productiv-
ity in 2009.
Player Receiving 7 Votes
RB Knowshon Moreno, Den
ADP - 6.02 / RB27 / #62 Overall
Selected by Haseley, Henry, Hicks, Pasquino,
Tefertiller, Tremblay, and Wimer
Tremblay - Talented rookie RBs can
often be productive in the NFL right away.
Moreno is supremely talented and has
landed in about the best situation possible.
Despite all their troubles at the RB position
last year (they finished the season with seven
RBs on injured reserve), the Broncos aver-
aged 4.8 yards per rush in 2008 – third best
in the league. Knowshon Moreno will take
over as the featured RB in Denver and will
be a fantasy gem right off the bat.
Players Receiving 6 Votes
RB Larry Johnson, KC
ADP - 5.03 / RB25 / #51 Overall
Selected by Baker, Brown, Grant, Gray, Waldman,
and Wimer
Grant - Johnson has been banged up the
last two seasons, and it has caused fantasy
owners to lose faith in him. People overlook
the fact that his PPG has been a lot better
than you’d expect from a fifth-round pick.
Will he make it 16 games this season? It’s
hard to say. Even if he misses 25 percent
of the season, Johnson’s PPG will justify a
higher draft position than 51st overall. Grab
Johnson and make sure that he’s covered by
other RBs and enjoy the starter quality PPG
while he’s healthy.
QB Donovan McNabb, Phi
ADP - 5.1 / QB8 / #58 Overall
Selected by Bloom, Dodds, Henry, Hicks, Wimer,
and Wood
Wimer - Donovan McNabb enjoyed a
renaissance season last year, and he enters
2009 happy, healthy, and with a reloaded
roster of pass receivers. The Eagles’ offense
is pass-happy as Andy Reid has plenty of tar-
gets for McNabb to utilize. Plus, Philadelphia
boasts the premier dual-threat RB in the
league in Brian Westbrook. McNabb figures
to be among the Top 5 at his position by sea-
sons’ end – he’s a bargain at QB #8.
WR Chad Ochocinco, Cin
ADP - 6.05 / WR23 / #65 Overall
Selected by Borbely, Dodds, Dowling, Grant, Levin,
and Waldman
Levin - Regardless of whether the Bengals
improve or decline as a team, one thing is
clear – Carson Palmer will be throwing a
significantly greater number of passes to
Chad Ochocinco in 2009 than last year. The
loss of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, replaced by
Laveranues Coles, means Ochocinco is vir-
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/26/09 9:38:27 AM
 tually assured of a return to the 150+ targets
he received from 2003-2007. Ochocinco fin-
ished no lower than WR9 and had three Top
5 finishes over that time period. That’s nice
upside potential for the WR24.
WR Donnie Avery, StL
ADP - 7.1 / WR32 / #82 Overall
Selected by Bloom, Dodds, Gray, Hicks, Wood, and
Yudkin
Wood - Many were surprised when the
Rams made Avery the first rookie off the
draft board last April, yet they were justly
rewarded as he stepped into a starting role.
The Rams were so impressed with his pro-
gression, they released long-time star Torry
Holt. Avery is the clear cut WR1 and should
push for 70 catches and 1,000 yards this
year provided the rebuilt Rams line can keep
Mark Bulger healthy.
TE Greg Olsen, Chi
ADP - 9.03 / TE8 / #99 Overall
Selected by Dodds, Gray, Magaw, Rudnicki,
Tefertiller, and Waldman
Gray - While it can be a bit worrisome
to draft a tight end that is breaking in a new
quarterback, there are few concerns sur-
rounding the Jay Cutler / Greg Olsen combo.
Olsen is used to catching passes and appears
to be growing into his role as a starting
tight end. He finished 22nd and ninth in his
two seasons as a pro despite having to play
catch with the likes of Brian Griese, Rex
Grossman, and Kyle Orton. Now, he gets
a huge upgrade in Cutler (who is used to
throwing to Top 10 TEs), and the consensus
bumps Olsen up only one spot from his 2008
finish. You’re looking at Top 3 potential here,
and that is great value.
QB Matt Hasselbeck, Sea
ADP - 9.09 / QB16 / #105 Overall
Selected by Baker, Dodds, Levin, Magaw, Pasquino,
and Yudkin
Magaw - Sometimes the fantasy football
collective memory doesn’t extend back much
further than the previous season. In his last
three complete 16 game seasons, Hasselbeck
ranked sixth in 2007 and fourth in 2005 and
2003. T.J. Houshmandzadeh was added to a
WR corps decimated by injury last season,
and Nate Burleson and Deion Branch are
healthy again. Second year TE John Carlson
is an emerging player at his position. While
not exactly young (turns 34 in September),
Hasselbeck is hardly a geezer in QB years.
Playing six games in the typically defense-
challenged NFC West is a bonus.
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80 Value Plays.indd 81
TE Jeremy Shockey, NO
ADP - 12.06 / TE15 / #138 Overall
Selected by Borbely, Gray, Henry, Pasquino,
Rudnicki, and Wimer
Borbely - Shockey was traded to the
Saints just before training camp last year
and never seemed to have any chemistry with
Drew Brees. It also did not help that Shockey
battled injuries for most of the season. When
healthy, Shockey is an elite TE and a full
offseason and training camp with the Saints
should help Brees and Shockey get more
acclimated to each other. Shockey is capable
of mid TE1 numbers and with him being
drafted as TE15; it represents great value
with minimal risk.
Players Receiving 5 Votes
WR Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ
ADP - 7.04 / WR30 / #76 Overall
Selected by Bloom, Dodds, Grant, Henry, and Hicks
Dodds - Laveranues Coles is now with
the Bengals leaving Jerricho Cotchery as the
best WR on the Jets by a wide margin. Even
with Coles on the team, Cotchery managed
to finish as the 23rd, 25th and 30th best
WR the last three years. So at an ADP of
WR30, it appears the fantasy community is
discounting the departure of Coles in a big
way. Coles accounted for 356 targets, 216
receptions, 2,594 yards and 19 TDs these
last three years. If Cotchery even sees a 20
percent increase in fantasy production, he
would vault to the 18th-19th best WR. This is
the one no-risk pick you should be making in
your fantasy leagues this year.
WR Donald Driver, GB
ADP - 8.05 / WR35 / #89 Overall
Selected by Grant, Pasquino, Tefertiller, Wimer, and
Yudkin
Yudkin - Driver seems to get drafted
later and later each year, with many people
predicting a big drop-off from the season
before. He’s had five consecutive 1,000-yard
seasons and still sees a ton of targets. The
trend has been for people to forgo the tried
and true for the up and comer at receiver on
draft day, but you know what you get with a
savvy veteran.
WR Torry Holt, Jac
ADP - 8.11 / WR37 / #95 Overall
Selected by Baker, Hicks, Magaw, Rudnicki, and
Wood
Baker - Sure, Torry Holt will be 33 years
old when the 2009 season begins, and his
numbers last year (64/796/3) were the worst
fantasy numbers of his entire career. But
I think everything boiled down to a Rams
squad that was just pitiful. Now he moves to
a better offense in Jacksonville, a fresh start,
and a receiving target that the Jaguars have
been seeking for a long time. I believe Holt
quenches their thirst for an elite wideout and
this will mean a resurgence to excellence for
Holt in 2009.
TE Dustin Keller, NYJ
ADP - 10.05 / TE10 / #113 Overall
Selected by Bloom, Brown, Hicks, Pasquino, and
Wood
Hicks - With only the running backs and
Jerricho Cotchery around to provide any
pass catching experience, second-year man
Dustin Keller will be called upon to plug
any gaps in the passing game and provide
the security blanket that rookie QB Mark
Sanchez requires. Keller caught 48 balls
in his debut season and generally won
rave reviews for his play. Expectations will
be high in 2009, but Keller is more than
capable of moving into the upper echelons of
fantasy tight ends.
Players Receiving 4 Votes
RB LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
ADP - 2.03 / RB11 / #15 Overall
Selected by Baker, Brown, Dodds, and Tremblay
Tremblay - A lot went wrong for
Tomlinson last season, but he still finished
as the #7 fantasy RB (FBG scoring). He
suffered through a painful toe injury that pre-
vented him from cutting off his left foot dur-
ing the first half of the season. That limited
his workload – for the first time in his career
he had fewer than 300 carries. Improved
health in 2009 should put him back in the
top five at his position.
RB Clinton Portis, Was
ADP - 2.05 / RB13 / #17 Overall
Selected by Dodds, Hicks, Levin, and Yudkin
Levin - Portis is an elite fantasy back, he
is the centerpiece of the Redskins’ offense, he
has the credentials of multiple Top 10 finish-
es, and he is still in his prime as an athlete.
Steal this RB1/potential Top 5 RB from the
RB13 spot and do not look back.
RB Pierre Thomas, NO
ADP - 4.09 / RB22 / #45 Overall
Selected by Hicks, Magaw, Pasquino, and Wood
Magaw - While Thomas may not be as
versatile a weapon as his far more high
profile teammate Reggie Bush, he is indis-
81
5/26/09 9:38:45 AM

putably the most gifted pure RUSHER on the
roster. In the last six regular season games,
he rattled off 475 yards and six TDs rush-
ing (chipping in 200+ yards and three TDs
receiving). Prorated over 16 games = com-
bined 1,800 yards and 24 TDs. While highly
unlikely to approach those lofty proration-
fuelled numbers, he is the top rushing option
on the most potent, explosive offense in the
league, and the Saints didn’t bring in a chal-
lenger to usurp his de facto feature role.
RB Chris Wells, Ari
ADP - 6.07 / RB29 / #67 Overall
Selected by Bloom, Henry, Magaw, and Tremblay
Henry - Wells is a physically gifted run-
ner joining a team of physically gifted skill
players. He should excel as long as he stays
healthy and outperforms Tim Hightower in
training camp. Hightower won’t go away
and he’ll get plenty of touches, but Wells
has much more big play potential on a
team loaded with playmakers. With an ADP
around RB29, Wells has starter potential but
you can draft him as your third RB.
QB Matt Schaub, Hou
ADP - 6.08 / QB11 / #68 Overall
Selected by Dowling, Gray, Henry, and Tremblay
Tremblay - Schaub leads what I think will
be one of the more dynamic offenses in the
league this season. Andre Johnson has grown
into a Top notch receiver, and Schaub was
on pace to finish as the No. 4 fantasy QB
last season if he hadn’t gotten injured. Some
are discounting Schaub based on durability
concerns, but I think he’s just suffered some
bad luck in each of the past two seasons and
is no more of an injury risk this season than
the next QB.
WR Bernard Berrian, Min
ADP - 6.12 / WR28 / #72 Overall
Selected by Haseley, Magaw, Waldman, and Wood
Waldman - Receivers with high yards-
per-catch averages on low reception-counts
understandably make fantasy owners ner-
vous, but Berrian doesn’t fit the mold of
one-season wonders. He has increased his
productivity for three consecutive seasons
and last year he lacked the continuity of
one starting QB. Expect Sage Rosenfels to
bring more stability and productivity to the
Vikings offense and the addition of rookie
Percy Harvin will make it more difficult for
opposing defenses to limit Berrian’s produc-
tivity. Berrian ended last year as WR 18, and
I think he should have at least as good of a
year in 2009.
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VA L U E P L AYS C O N S O L I DAT E D
QB Trent Edwards, Buf
ADP - 10.08 / QB18 / #116 Overall
Selected by Gray, Pasquino, Waldman, and Wood
Gray - Trent Edwards must have stolen
lunch money from some of my colleagues
because this is borderline ridiculous. The
guy played in only 14 games last season,
yet he finished as the #23 fantasy QB. In the
offseason, he loses no significant receiver
and adds the fairly productive Terrell Owens,
but the fantasy community only consid-
ers Edwards to be an average backup?
Considering that, over the last decade, the
average starting passer throwing to Owens
finished as the #7.3 fantasy QB (and no
starting QB ranked lower than #20), and this
draft position for Edwards has to be consid-
ered the low end of his 2009 range.
QB Kyle Orton, Den
ADP - 10.11 / QB19 / #119 Overall
Selected by Haseley, Rudnicki, Tefertiller, and
Yudkin
Rudnicki - After spending several years
developing on the bench, Orton emerged
as an effective starting QB in 2008. He did
this despite playing in a rather conservative
offense with some of the worst WRs in the
league to throw to. After the trade to Denver,
he’s likely to take over an offense that has a
much better collection of offensive weapons
and an aggressive coach who got the most
out of Matt Cassel. At this point in the draft,
Orton is a relatively low-risk selection with a
potential high reward.
TE Zach Miller, Oak
ADP - 11.08 / TE12 / #128 Overall
Selected by Bloom, Dodds, Tefertiller, and Yudkin
Bloom - Miller still had a respectable
low-end fantasy starter type season last
year, and that was with him often marooned
at the line of scrimmage to give help to a
feeble pass blocking offensive line. This year,
JaMarcus Russell and the Raiders pass-
ing offense is sure to continue the trend of
improvement started in December of last
season, and Miller should be the main ben-
eficiary. It’s a no brainer to wait on TE if you
can get Miller in the 11th round.
Players Receiving 3 Votes
RB Ronnie Brown, Mia
ADP - 3.1 / RB17 / #34 Overall
Selected by Brown, Haseley, and Waldman
Waldman - All signs point to a breakout
year for Brown. He will be two years removed
from his ACL injury and should average more
than his 2008 tally of 14 carries per game.
Miami is a run-heavy offense, Brown is in
the final year of his contract, and in the six
games before his ACL tear in 2007, he was
the leading fantasy RB. Of backs that have at
least one 370-carry season, their first one is
(on average) in their fifth season. This is Year
5 for Brown. Coincidence? Probably, but I’ll
bite because of his skill, the track record for a
Parcells-style team, and his full recovery.
WR Anthony Gonzalez, Ind
ADP - 7.02 / WR29 / #74 Overall
Selected by Brown, Dowling, and Pasquino
Dowling - Gonzalez at WR29, after play-
ers like Bernard Berrian and Santana Moss,
borders on insanity. With Marvin Harrison
no longer in the picture, Anthony Gonzalez
is going to have plenty of chances to put up
great numbers. And while Gonzalez has a
long way to go before we compare him to the
man he’s replacing, it’s an undeniable reality
that whoever is catching passes in one of the
NFL’s most prolific offenses is going to put
up some great numbers.
RB Cedric Benson, Cin
ADP - 7.05 / RB32 / #77 Overall
Selected by Dowling, Tefertiller, and Yudkin
Yudkin - Benson was part of the Bengals
late season surge, amassing 462 yards
from scrimmage in Cincinnati’s three-game
winning streak to end the season. With the
offense having some key figures healthy
again, Benson should be the beneficiary of
starting on an above average offense. Rudi
Johnson ranked in the Top 10 three times
in recent years, which illustrates that the
Bengals can support a decent ground game.
Players Receiving 2 Votes
RB Steve Slaton, Hou
ADP - 2.01 / RB10 / #13 Overall
Selected by Wimer and Wood
Wood - Fantasy success is about ability
and opportunity. Slaton proved last year
he has plenty of ability (1,659 yards from
scrimmage and 10 TDs) and this offseason
provided him a world of opportunity. The
only other backs on the roster are Chris
Brown, Ryan Moats and a pair of street free
agents. In other words, Slaton is going to get
a boatload of touches week in, week out and
that means he’s a great bet for elite fantasy
numbers.
RB Brandon Jacobs, NYG
ADP - 2.07 / RB14 / #19 Overall
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5/26/09 9:38:57 AM

Selected by Pasquino and Wood
Pasquino - Jacobs is in line to have the
lion’s share of the workload for the Giants.
New York had two 1,000-yard rushers last
season (Derrick Ward and Jacobs), and they
love to control the game on the ground. The
passing game for the Giants will suffer with
inexperienced options at wide receiver after
the Plaxico Burress adventures of 2008, so
expect New York to try to win games running
the ball and playing solid defense. As long as
Jacobs remains healthy, he is a strong RB1
candidate that can be had on the cheap.
WR Dwayne Bowe, KC
ADP - 3.04 / WR11 / #28 Overall
Selected by Brown and Haseley
Haseley - I have a definite interest
in Dwayne Bowe this year. He and Tony
Gonzalez shared the offensive load in the
passing game for the Chiefs last season
(150+ targets each). The trade that sent
Gonzalez to the Falcons leaves a gaping hole
in the Chiefs receiving corps. As of now there
is nobody else who will pick up that slack
except Bowe. Bowe should easily see the
same, if not more production than last year.
If Matt Cassel shows he’s for real, Bowe
could be a very nice Top 5 fantasy surprise.
If Cassel struggles, the Chiefs still have Tyler
Thigpen who would play with a chip on his
shoulder. I can’t find a reason to think that
Bowe won’t be a huge fantasy producer in
2009.
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea
ADP - 3.11 / WR15 / #35 Overall
Selected by Baker and Wimer
Baker – T.J. Houshmandzadeh may be
on the wrong side of 30, but the guy can
still play, as evidenced by his 92 receptions
in that thing they called an offense last
year in Cincinnati. This season, though,
Houshmandzadeh gets a real passer again
in Matt Hasselbeck, and a change of scenery
could be just what the doctor ordered for
another 1,000+ receiving yards and double-
digit touchdowns. That should easily make
him better than a Top 15 WR.
RB Darren McFadden, Oak
ADP - 4.11 / RB23 / #47 Overall
Selected by Dodds and Gray
Dodds - The Oakland RBs accounted
for 2,389 rushing/receiving yards in 2008.
In 2007 they amassed 2,394 rushing and
receiving yards. Oakland’s offensive line
is an above average unit and excels at run
blocking. So when I hear about McFadden
turning heads in camp this offseason, it’s
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80 Value Plays.indd 83
VA L U E P L AYS C O N S O L I DAT E D
hard not to get a little excited about his
chances. He came into the league highly
regarded as the fourth overall pick in 2007,
but injuries derailed his game from the start.
He did manage 164 yards against the Chiefs
in Week 2 though to show he belongs in this
league. At RB23, he represents a goldmine if
he can stay healthy all year.
WR Braylon Edwards, Cle
ADP - 5.04 / WR19 / #52 Overall
Selected by Brown and Dodds
Brown - Yes, he had some problems with
the drops a year ago. But the fact is, he was
able to drop all those long passes because
he was very open. What that tells me is that
his route-running and burst off the line are
fine, and if he can reduce the drops even by
a small amount, then a Top 10 WR ranking
is all but a given. Kellen Winslow is also
gone, meaning Edwards’ targets will likely
increase.
WR Eddie Royal, Den
ADP - 5.09 / WR21 / #57 Overall
Selected by Tremblay and Wimer
Tremblay - Rookie WRs often struggle ini-
tially, but Royal showed excellent quickness,
route-running, and hands from the first time
he took an NFL field. He is also an excellent
runner after the catch and should be a great
fit for Josh McDaniels’ offense. Kyle Orton
may not have Jay Cutler’s arm, but Royal
excels at getting open underneath the cover-
age (similar to Wes Welker) and turning short
passes into worthwhile gains.
RB Derrick Ward, TB
ADP - 6.03 / RB28 / #63 Overall
Selected by Haseley and Tefertiller
Tefertiller - Derrick Ward played very
well for the New York Giants the last couple
of seasons. The Buccaneers invested a good
amount of money in the former unknown
from Ottawa University in Kansas. Tampa
Bay has few options in the backfield and
should rely on Ward to carry the load. His
ability in the passing game will also be a
big asset to the Buccaneers offense. Derrick
Ward is a bargain at this ADP, running
behind the young, talented Buccaneers
offensive line.
WR Lee Evans, Buf
ADP - 6.06 / WR24 / #66 Overall
Selected by Bloom and Magaw
Bloom - It’s understandable to be frus-
trated with Lee Evans. After a breakout
2006, he’s had sporadic stretches of good
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production, only to disappear for even longer
stretches. The arrival of Terrell Owens sig-
nals a possible return to the fantasy elite for
Evans because defenses can no longer gear
their coverage to Evans with impunity. His
Top 10 potential is more than worth it in the
sixth round.
WR Laveranues Coles, NYJ
ADP - 7.07 / WR31 / #79 Overall
Selected by Pasquino and Tefertiller
Pasquino - The Bengals need receivers,
so welcome Laveranues Coles into the mix.
With T.J. Houshmandzadeh gone to Seattle in
free agency and few options to catch the ball
outside of Chad Ochocinco and head case
Chris Henry, Coles is instantly a top option
for the Bengals passing game. Cincinnati
will welcome back Carson Palmer at quar-
terback, and he will be asked to throw early
and often with a below average defense.
Coles finds himself in a great spot to post
big fantasy numbers.
QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pit
ADP - 8.01 / QB14 / #85 Overall
Selected by Hicks and Pasquino
Hicks - Ben Roethlisberger was progress-
ing nicely as a fantasy quarterback, moving
from 20th, to 18th, 12th & fifth in his first
four seasons. Last year he dropped to 17th
as the Steelers imposed their authority on
games. If they repeat last year’s success, then
Roethlisberger will still be a fantasy option,
but history rarely repeats in the NFL. If the
Steelers show any signs of regressing in the
areas in which they excelled in 2008 or other
NFL teams are better equipped to match
them, then it will be Big Ben to the rescue.
Expect results closer to 2007 than 2008.
WR Michael Crabtree, SF
ADP - 8.03 / WR34 / #87 Overall
Selected by Magaw and Wood
Wood - Michael Crabtree is arguably the
most polished receiver to enter the league
in years. Few prospects can match his col-
legiate production, and he actually landed in
an attractive situation where he should start
immediately. While the QB situation is in
flux, Crabtree isn’t the typical rookie receiver
and shouldn’t be drafted as such. As long as
he is signed and in camp on time, Crabtree
should have little trouble finishing as a Top
25 receiver.
WR Devin Hester, Chi
ADP - 9.02 / WR40 / #98 Overall
Selected by Henry and Tefertiller
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5/26/09 9:39:08 AM
 VA L U E P L AYS C O N S O L I DAT E D

Henry - As the 40th WR off the board Top 5 fantasy season on tap – he’s a steal at
around the eighth or ninth round, Hester his current ADP of TE #13. WR Lance Moore, NO
is just the type of player you can swing for ADP - 6.1 / WR26 / #70 Overall
the fences if he’s your fourth WR. With Jay Players Receiving 1 Vote Selected by Tremblay
Cutler throwing to him, he could easily
finish among the Top 30 or so WRs. Just RB Steven Jackson, StL RB LenDale White, Ten
don’t reach for him as anything more than a ADP - 1.05 / RB5 / #5 Overall ADP - 7.03 / RB31 / #75 Overall
high potential player with designs on being Selected by Gray Selected by Dowling
your super sub – he could end up being a
consistent player in lineups this year. RB DeAngelo Williams, Car RB Jamal Lewis, Cle
ADP - 1.06 / RB6 / #6 Overall ADP - 7.08 / RB33 / #80 Overall
RB Ray Rice, Bal Selected by Magaw Selected by Henry

ADP - 9.1 / RB41 / #106 Overall WR Anquan Boldin, Ari RB Donald Brown, Ind
Selected by Bloom and Haseley ADP - 3.02 / WR9 / #26 Overall ADP - 7.12 / RB34 / #84 Overall
Haseley - At first glance the Ravens back- Selected by Gray Selected by Bloom
field is a crowded mess that includes Willis
McGahee, Le’Ron McClain, Ray Rice and WR Wes Welker, NE WR Kevin Walter, Hou
rookie RB Cedric Peerman, who I really like. ADP - 3.08 / WR13 / #32 Overall ADP - 8.09 / WR36 / #93 Overall
However, a second, more detailed look sug- Selected by Gray Selected by Tefertiller
gests that McClain will see plenty of duties
as the team’s fullback and Willis McGahee WR Terrell Owens, Buf RB Willis McGahee, Bal
may be one or two injuries past being as ADP - 3.09 / WR14 / #33 Overall ADP - 8.1 / RB37 / #94 Overall
effective as he once was. That leaves Rice Selected by Hicks Selected by Levin
and Peerman. I like Peerman, but he doesn’t
have the total package that Rice has, not to QB Aaron Rodgers, GB RB Tim Hightower, Ari
mention Rice has a year of experience under ADP - 3.12 / QB4 / #36 Overall ADP - 9.05 / RB39 / #101 Overall
his belt. He knows the offense and knows Selected by Wimer Selected by Levin
how to protect his QB. This could be the year
Rice is given the opportunity to carry the RB Marshawn Lynch, Buf RB Julius Jones, Sea
team. If given that chance, I have no doubts ADP - 4.03 / RB19 / #39 Overall ADP - 9.06 / RB40 / #102 Overall
that he’ll have success. The best part – Rice Selected by Baker Selected by Rudnicki
could be doing this as your RB4.
QB Philip Rivers, SD TE John Carlson, Sea
QB Joe Flacco, Bal ADP - 4.05 / QB6 / #41 Overall ADP - 9.08 / TE9 / #104 Overall
Selected by Brown Selected by Yudkin
ADP - 10.06 / QB17 / #114 Overall
Selected by Grant and Tefertiller QB Tony Romo, Dal WR Chris Chambers, SD
Tefertiller - Flacco finished as QB20 last ADP - 4.1 / QB7 / #46 Overall ADP - 10.01 / WR42 / #109 Overall
season. His development should take a giant Selected by Wimer Selected by Grant
step forward with another offseason to work
with Coach Harbaugh and company. Many RB Jonathan Stewart, Car RB Jerious Norwood, Atl
young passers improve dramatically in year ADP - 5.01 / RB24 / #49 Overall ADP - 10.1 / RB47 / #118 Overall
two. The Ravens will rely heavily on their Selected by Borbely Selected by Rudnicki
big quarterback in 2009. Derrick Mason and
Mark Clayton are adequate options. Plus, WR Vincent Jackson, SD WR Justin Gage, Ten
Flacco has the mobility to pull the ball down ADP - 5.02 / WR18 / #50 Overall ADP - 11.03 / WR44 / #123 Overall
and make a play on the ground. He is agile Selected by Gray Selected by Rudnicki
for a big guy.
WR Antonio Bryant, TB RB Fred Taylor, NE
TE Visanthe Shiancoe, Min ADP - 5.05 / WR20 / #53 Overall ADP - 11.04 / RB48 / #124 Overall
Selected by Haseley Selected by Rudnicki
ADP - 11.1 / TE13 / #130 Overall
Selected by Magaw and Wimer QB Matt Ryan, Atl WR Jeremy Maclin, Phi
Wimer - Visanthe Shiancoe hauled in ADP - 5.12 / QB9 / #60 Overall ADP - 11.11 / WR46 / #131 Overall
42/596/7 last season, ending up as the #5 Selected by Brown Selected by Pasquino
fantasy TE in the land - while catching balls
from the likes of Gus Frerotte and Tarvaris QB Jay Cutler, Chi WR Josh Morgan, SF
Jackson. This year, the team brought in ADP - 6.04 / QB10 / #64 Overall ADP - 12.09 / WR50 / #141 Overall
Sage Rosenfels to compete for the top job in Selected by Wood Selected by Bloom
Minnesota, and I think Rosenfels will win the
job and substantially upgrade the Minnesota WR Hines Ward, Pit RB Sammy Morris, NE
passing attack. Shiancoe stands to benefit ADP - 6.09 / WR25 / #69 Overall ADP - 13.02 / RB53 / #146 Overall
from better QB play, and may have another Selected by Wimer Selected by Yudkin
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80 Value Plays.indd 84 5/26/09 9:39:20 AM

 Overvalued Players Consolidated
Brandon Marshall
T
he flip side of succeeding with value
players is failing with overvalued
players. These are players that will
not put up stats commensurate to their draft
spot, and avoiding them is another of the
important keys to a successful fantasy team.
In an attempt to point out these players, we
asked our staff to look through the Top 150
players and identify players that should under
perform their draft position. For each player
chosen by at least two writers, we list their
Average Draft Position (ADP) in a 12-team
league, their rank at their position and their
overall rank. For each player listed, we asked
a writer to offer reasoning as to why this
player was overvalued.
The following writers contributed to
this feature: Dave Baker, Sigmund
Bloom, Anthony Borbely, Michael
Brown, David Dodds, Colin Dowling,
Will Grant, Clayton Gray, Jeff Haseley,
Bob Henry, Andy Hicks, Marc Levin,
Jeff Pasquino, Aaron Rudnicki, Jeff
Tefertiller, Maurile Tremblay, Matt
Waldman, Mark Wimer, Jason Wood,
and David Yudkin.
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85 Over Value Plays.indd 85
ICON SMI
Player Receiving 8 Votes
QB Tony Romo, Dal
ADP - 4.1 / QB7 / #46 Overall
Selected by Brown, Dodds, Henry, Pasquino,
Rudnicki, Tremblay, Wood, and Yudkin
Brown - Romo already had a couple of
strikes against him going into this season,
and that was before the release of Terrell
Owens and his subsequent signing in
Buffalo. Romo, for all of his stardom, hasn’t
played terribly well in some of the more cru-
cial moments of his career to this point. The
Cowboys have gone from Super Bowl favor-
ites to also-rans in their own division under
his watch, and he has presided over one of
the biggest turnarounds in recent memory as
America weeps that Jessica Simpson fills out
her Daisy Dukes a bit too well these days.
Player Receiving 7 Votes
QB Matt Cassel, KC
ADP - 7.09 / QB12 / #81 Overall
Selected by Brown, Dowling, Haseley,
Rudnicki, Tremblay, Waldman, and Wood
Rudnicki - Cassel certainly had an
impressive breakout season in 2008 but he
was throwing to Randy Moss and Wes Welker
in an offense that allowed Tom Brady to
throw for 50 TDs the year before. Now he
moves on to Kansas City where he has little
else after Dwayne Bowe since the trade of
Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta. The Chiefs will
also be breaking in a new head coach and
start out with a pretty difficult looking sched-
ule over the first few months. Finishing as
QB12 is probably the best case scenario for
Cassel this year but he’s just as likely to fin-
ish outside the Top 20.
Players Receiving 6 Votes
RB Chris Johnson, Ten
ADP - 1.07 / RB7 / #7 Overall
Selected by Dodds, Haseley, Rudnicki, Tefertiller,
Waldman, and Wimer
Waldman - Everything came together for
Johnson as a rookie with the Titans. He got
the right balance of carries per game for his
skills. Johnson’s talent is undeniable, but his
opportunities had a lot to do with a strong
defense led by Albert Haynesworth who is
now a Redskin. Tennessee’s defense won’t do
a complete 180, but they won’t consistently
keep games low scoring. I can’t believe I’m
saying this, but LenDale White appears moti-
vated to make amends for his sloppy work
habits and fumbling away the Titans playoff
victory. Johnson will remain a fantasy starter
but not a No. 1 RB.
WR Brandon Marshall, Den
ADP - 3.05 / WR12 / #29 Overall
Selected by Brown, Dowling, Henry, Levin,
Waldman, and Wimer
Henry - While I love Marshall’s game and
abilities, he’s recovering from offseason hip
surgery and on a short leash due to his legal
woes. Take Jay Cutler away and replace
him with Kyle Orton or Chris Simms, and
Marshall’s just not worth the risk with an
ADP of WR12 – in the third round range.
You’re better off taking your chances with
Wes Welker, Dwayne Bowe or even Braylon
Edwards. Edwards’ hands maybe suspect,
but at least he’s healthy and not a suspension
risk.
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5/26/09 4:00:52 PM
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Players Receiving 5 Votes
RB Matt Forte, Chi
ADP - 1.04 / RB4 / #4 Overall
Selected by Gray, Haseley, Henry, Pasquino, and
Tremblay
Henry - While I love Forte’s game, I don’t
think he’ll get the ball as often as he did last
year. The Bears offensive line lost some pop
when John Tait retired, and Kevin Jones has
looked great in minicamps now that he’s a
year removed from a torn ACL. The Bears
won’t go away from Forte, but it’s unlikely
that he will get 316 carries and 63 catches
again. Still a solid RB1 in fantasy terms, I’d
prefer taking Forte late in Round 1.
RB Joseph Addai, Ind
ADP - 4.04 / RB20 / #40 Overall
Selected by Haseley, Hicks, Pasquino, Tefertiller,
and Wood
Pasquino - The Colts’ actions speak
louder than their words, and no action is
bigger than their drafting of another tailback
in the first round in April. Donald Brown
from UCONN joins Indianapolis and will at
a bare minimum take the role of former Colt
Dominic Rhodes. Addai was a disappoint-
ment last year, and with both the offensive
line coach and the offensive coordinator
leaving the Colts may underperform across
the board this year. Look for Addai to share
the workload and drop out of the Top 25 fan-
tasy rushers for 2009.
WR Roy Williams, Dal
ADP - 4.08 / WR16 / #44 Overall
Selected by Bloom, Dodds, Tefertiller, Wood, and
Yudkin
Yudkin - Williams just did not click at all
with Tony Romo last season, and Williams’
production numbers were terrible. He should
have been aided by defenders cheating to
cover Terrell Owens, but this year Williams
will be the one seeing double coverage.
Unless things change dramatically, Williams
won’t approach the Top 15 receivers.
QB Matt Ryan, Atl
ADP - 5.12 / QB9 / #60 Overall
Selected by Baker, Bloom, Hicks, Tefertiller, and
Wimer
Bloom - Matt Ryan was a fantastic story
last year, but the league seemed to catch up
to him in December. Not only did he finish
the season with some of his worst football of
the year, Ryan is also subject to sophomore
slump that seems to bring down so many
rookie QBs that saw success in their first
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85 Over Value Plays.indd 86
season. Even if he takes that next step this
season, his ADP of QB9 going around the
5/6 turn assumes that he will, so there’s noth-
ing to gain by taking him there.
RB Le’Ron McClain, Bal
ADP - 7.01 / RB30 / #73 Overall
Selected by Bloom, Dodds, Dowling, Pasquino, and
Rudnicki
Rudnicki - McClain was a surprise
breakout player last year, leading the Ravens
in rushing and finishing as a Top 20 fantasy
RB. This year, however, the team has moved
him to fullback to replace Lorenzo Neal, and
the team has two perfectly capable feature
backs in Willis McGahee and Ray Rice.
McClain may wind up as a short yardage
back and steal some TDs, but people drafting
him this high and expecting a repeat of last
year’s performance are probably going to be
disappointed.
TE Tony Scheffler, Den
ADP - 11.02 / TE11 / #122 Overall
Selected by Brown, Dodds, Tefertiller, Tremblay,
and Wimer
Tremblay - Scheffler is one of the more
athletic pass-receiving tight ends in the
league. But even athletic tight ends are no
sure bet to produce strong fantasy num-
bers in a Josh McDaniels offense. Ask
Ben Watson. Moreover, it appears that the
Broncos will try to run the ball more this
season; and with Scheffler relatively ineffec-
tive as a blocker, he may lose playing time to
the Broncos’ blocking TEs, Daniel Graham
and Richard Quinn.
Players Receiving 4 Votes
QB Drew Brees, NO
ADP - 1.11 / QB1 / #11 Overall
Selected by Bloom, Dodds, Grant, and Gray
Dodds - It’s hard not to like Brees. He
gets the most out of his body and has always
over-achieved. And when you could get him
as the fifth best QB, he was a safe selection
that still had some potential to outperform
his ADP. At QB1 (and an ADP of 11 over-
all), all Brees can do is underperform. This
year the quarterbacks are deeper than ever
(Garrard has an ADP of QB20), so even if
Brees was guaranteed to throw for 4,000
yards and 40 TDs, he likely could not justify
an 11th overall selection. Let others reach in
the early rounds for QBs that overachieved
in 2008. Use those early rounds to stockpile
RBs and WRs (the positions that will win
your fantasy league).
QB Kurt Warner, Ari
ADP - 4.02 / QB5 / #38 Overall
Selected by Dodds, Grant, Hicks, and Tefertiller
Grant - I love Kurt Warner as much as
the next guy. I like seeing him succeed when
everyone is expecting him to fail. I even
thought that Leinart would be the guy in
Arizona last year. That being said, Warner
is 38 this season. Expecting him to have
another 4500 yard passing season is asking
a lot. Maybe he has one more year in the
tank. Maybe he can do it again. But at the
top of the fourth round, there are plenty of
other options that will have great production
and value for your team and will not be as
risky as taking Warner.
WR Vincent Jackson, SD
ADP - 5.02 / WR18 / #50 Overall
Selected by Baker, Bloom, Pasquino, and Wimer
Bloom - Jackson benefitted from a lot of
factors coming together last year – a career
year from Philip Rivers, the banged up trio
of Chris Chambers, LaDainian Tomlinson,
and Antonio Gates, and an offense tilted
towards the pass. Surely there will be more
competition for targets this season, and
Jackson still could face a suspension after
his second DUI arrest in January. Count
on someone else to be your WR2 in the fifth
round.
QB Jay Cutler, Chi
ADP - 6.04 / QB10 / #64 Overall
Selected by Levin, Pasquino, Waldman, and Yudkin
Levin - Sure, Cutler finished as the #11
QB in 2007 and the #5 QB in 2008, but that
was with WR Brandon Marshall grabbing
100+ catches, 1,200+ yards and a handful of
TDs. Devin Hester, as Chicago’s #1 receiver,
will be a poor substitute. Expecting QB10
numbers from a QB in this offense is grossly
overestimating Cutler’s ability to make those
around him better.
WR Lee Evans, Buf
ADP - 6.06 / WR24 / #66 Overall
Selected by Dodds, Gray, Pasquino, and Tefertiller
Dodds - In four of his five seasons as a
starter in Buffalo, he has finished 24th or
worse as a wide receiver. This is despite him
not missing a single game during these five
years. In the offseason, the Bills brought in
Terrell Owens making Lee Evans the clear
WR2 on the team now. Owens is a target,
reception and TD hound which will likely cut
considerably into Lee Evans opportunities in
2009. There simply aren’t enough passes to
go around for Lee Evans to catapult much
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higher than his ADP of WR24 without Owens

getting injured. Even with no competition
for touches, Evans managed just thirteen
100+ receiving yard efforts in his first 80
NFL games. I expect more of the same,
except with fewer opportunities.

WR Steve Breaston, Ari

ADP - 8.02 / WR33 / #86 Overall

Selected by Grant, Hicks, Waldman, and Yudkin
Grant - Anquan Boldin isn’t going any-
where this season, and Larry Fitzgerald is as
rock solid as ever. That means for Breaston
to put up WR3 numbers, someone is going
to have to fall to injury, or the Cardinals
are going to have to pass a ton again this
season. Arizona has made solid upgrades to
their running game, especially by drafting
Chris Wells. If anything, they’ll be throwing
the ball less. Drafting Breaston as WR33,
you’re passing on guys with bigger upside
like Michael Crabtree, Donald Driver and
Kevin Walter. Whereas Breaston doesn’t have
much upside beyond WR33 unless something
drastic happens.

Players Receiving 3 Votes

RB Steven Jackson, StL

ADP - 1.05 / RB5 / #5 Overall

Selected by Brown, Haseley, and Wimer
Brown - Every year, some owner drafts
Jackson Top 5. And every year, Jackson fails
to live up to expectations. He has finished

in the Top 5 exactly once, and that was three
seasons ago. His yards per carry average
has now dropped in each of the last three
year, and it’s not as if the Rams made whole-
sale changes across the board that suggest
a turnaround is imminent. Jackson’s final
season ranking in the last four years is 11th,
third, 14th, 13th. The trend is for him to fin-
ish outside the Top 10; don’t pay for him as
if it’s common.
RB DeAngelo Williams, Car
ADP - 1.06 / RB6 / #6 Overall
Selected by Brown, Grant, and Gray
Grant - After two seasons of obscurity
an ineffectiveness, it seemed as if Williams
was about to be replaced by rookie Jonathan
Stewart. Instead, Stewart took the backseat
and Williams exploded for almost 1,700
yards and 20 TDs. This season, will it be
more of the same? Stewart was a 13th over-
all pick. To expect him to sit on the sidelines
again is pretty silly. Stewart is going to push
hard for more carries. Williams and Stewart
will be the best 1-2 punch in the league. But
it will mean Williams will not be worth the
Steve Breaston
sixth overall pick. Let someone else be disap-
pointed.
WR Reggie Wayne, Ind
ADP - 2.08 / WR5 / #20 Overall
Selected by Gray, Haseley, and Wood
Haseley - Reggie Wayne had only six TDs
last year with just two after Week 6. He has
only had two multiple TD games since 2004
and only one since Week 1 of 2007. The
Colts have a new coach this year, and while
I’m not predicting this, Manning eventually
is going to slow down. Reggie Wayne is a
good WR, but is he still an elite one? Since
Week 11 last year, he had as many fantasy
points as the slumping Torry Holt.
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea
ADP - 3.11 / WR15 / #35 Overall
Selected by Brown, Gray, and Tefertiller
Tefertiller - Houshmandzadeh left the
high octane offense of the Cincinnati Bengals
ICON SMI
for the struggling Seattle Seahawks. He goes
from playing across from Chad Ochocinco
with Carson Palmer tossing the ball to being
the only legitimate receiver with the oft-
injured Matt Hasselbeck under center. The
Seahawk offense struggles without much of
a run game and few options in the passing
game. There are several pass receivers that
offer more upside and value as a high-end
fantasy WR2 at this ADP.
WR Santonio Holmes, Pit
ADP - 4.12 / WR17 / #48 Overall
Selected by Hicks, Tefertiller, and Wood
Tefertiller - Holmes played great down
the stretch last season and gave the Steelers
a huge boost in the Super Bowl. But, we
need to remember that Hines Ward was the
team’s WR1 during the season. The former
Buckeye only accumulated 821 receiving
yards and five scores on the season. This was
good for a WR32 finish. And now, after a

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 O V E R VA L U E D P L AY E R S C O N S O L I DAT E D
great Super Bowl, we are drafting Santonio
Holmes higher than he has ever finished?
This is curious with Ward being drafted eight
spots later as WR25.
Players Receiving 2 Votes
RB Michael Turner, Atl
ADP - 1.02 / RB2 / #2 Overall
Selected by Baker and Waldman
Baker - While it may be hard to discount
Michael Turner’s numbers last year, I’m not
nearly as hyped on him this year as many. Yes
– 17 touchdowns and nearly 1,700 rushing
yards are eye-opening, but I personally doubt
he carries the ball 377 times again in 2009.
And while adding Tony Gonzalez may help
the offense, it also could mean less carries for
Turner. As great as last season was for Turner,
it smells like a peak year to me, and I think he
has nowhere to go but down. Do I still like the
guy? Sure. But I can’t see myself drafting him
with the second overall pick.
RB Marion Barber, Dal
ADP - 2.04 / RB12 / #16 Overall
Selected by Wimer and Wood
Wood - I like Marion Barber, but I worry
about his ability to perform as a fantasy RB1
this year, which is what his current ADP
assumes. The league is embracing a commit-
tee system, and the Cowboys have not one,
but two compelling alternatives. Felix Jones
was a big-play threat every time he touched
the ball last year and is healthy. Tashard
Choice proved equally capable of handling
a large role. Expect all three to help Dallas,
but in turn be less-than-ideal fantasy options.
QB Tom Brady, NE
ADP - 2.09 / QB2 / #21 Overall
Selected by Brown and Wimer
Wimer - Tom Brady had a career year
two seasons ago (398/578 for 4,806 yards,
50 TDs and eight interceptions), but he
missed almost an entire year of football
due to his torn ACL – and he is reportedly
expected to wear the knee brace for the rest
of his career. Throwing a ball takes a whole
body motion - we have yet to see what effect
the devastating knee injury has had on
Brady’s passes. I think QB2 is wildly optimis-
tic for a player coming off a serious injury
and who’ll also do without the offensive
coordinator, Josh McDaniels, who helped
craft the phenomenal 2007 season.
QB Peyton Manning, Ind
ADP - 2.1 / QB3 / #22 Overall
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85 Over Value Plays.indd 88
Selected by Gray and Haseley
Haseley - It’s hard to even consider
overvaluing the future Hall of Famer, but
eventually he’ll have to slow down. Last
season, Peyton Manning finished as the sixth
ranked QB, which is his lowest finish since a
ninth place campaign during his rookie year.
Reggie Wayne had a down year, Marvin
Harrison is gone, there are some question
marks at the RB position, and oh by the way,
the Colts have a new head coach and offen-
sive coordinator. I am not saying the Colts
are going to struggle, but they could. Last
year there were times well past Manning’s
recovery from knee surgery, where he just
didn’t look like his old self. He’ll probably
still be the third QB taken in drafts this year,
but something tells me he won’t finish in that
spot.
WR Wes Welker, NE
ADP - 3.08 / WR13 / #32 Overall
Selected by Brown and Wood
Brown - Two seasons ago, Welker caught
112 passes and was the 11th-ranked wide-
out. A year ago, with Tom Brady out, Welker
still managed to snag 111 passes but was
only WR21 on fantasy lists. The problem was
that his scores dropped from eight to three.
Now he’s being taken as the 13th receiver off
the board. Unless you think Brady is going to
step back in and toss another 45-50 scores,
Welker will be hard-pressed to crack the top
13 with his dreadful YPC and lack of scor-
ing.
RB Reggie Bush, NO
ADP - 4.01 / RB18 / #37 Overall
Selected by Tefertiller and Yudkin
Yudkin - Bush has battled the injury bug
so far in his career, and he ended last year
with a knee injury that may have some lin-
gering effects. His games played, touches,
and fantasy scoring have dropped each sea-
son. Bush will need a bigger workload, more
TDs, and to play in a lot more games to rank
in the Top 20 in a standard scoring fantasy
league.
RB Marshawn Lynch, Buf
ADP - 4.03 / RB19 / #39 Overall
Selected by Hicks and Wood
Hicks - In case you have missed the news,
Marshawn Lynch will be suspended for the
first three games of the 2009 season, yet
he is still rated as a fantasy starter? The
rap sheet for Lynch is getting longer every
season and people will still take him as their
starter? The Bills signed Dominic Rhodes
and Fred Jackson continues to impress, yet
people still want to take Lynch as their start-
er? If you want to use a second-round pick
on a guy who misses the first three weeks
of the season, then you are already starting
behind the 8-ball.
QB Philip Rivers, SD
ADP - 4.05 / QB6 / #41 Overall
Selected by Pasquino and Wimer
Wimer - Philip Rivers was a Top 5 fan-
tasy QB last season, largely due to throwing
34 TDs and also crossing the 4000 yards-
passing barrier. However, the Chargers
are planning on emphasizing the running
game this year with a healthy LaDainian
Tomlinson, and Rivers’ #1 receiver last year,
Vincent Jackson, is in legal trouble (DUI
arrest while serving probation on a DUI
conviction). Antonio Gates is struggling with
his chronically injured toe. I don’t see Rivers
repeating a Top 10 finish this season.
RB Larry Johnson, KC
ADP - 5.03 / RB25 / #51 Overall
Selected by Bloom and Dowling
Dowling - As a Larry Johnson fan it pains
me to admit it, but the bloom is off the rose.
He turns 30 during the upcoming season
and has been a shell of himself for the last
two years. As much as we try not to convince
ourselves otherwise, 400-rush seasons (like
Johnson had in 2006) are great predictors of
things going downhill, in a hurry, in future
seasons. Toss in that Johnson is playing for a
new coach who has rarely shown a fondness
for rushing the ball in the past, and Johnson
simply isn’t worth the gamble this year.
TE Antonio Gates, SD
ADP - 5.06 / TE2 / #54 Overall
Selected by Brown and Wood
Wood - Antonio Gates is going to be the
first TE off the board in many drafts, and
almost certainly will be drafted shortly after
someone takes Jason Witten in most others.
While Gates is a viable fantasy starter, it’s
risky to draft him at projected ADP. Gates
admitted to lingering soreness in his ankle
during May mini-camp; and that has to
worry anyone who plans on using an early
round pick on him.
WR Eddie Royal, Den
ADP - 5.09 / WR21 / #57 Overall
Selected by Hicks and Pasquino
Hicks - According to his ADP, Eddie
Royal is expected to duplicate his phenom-
enal rookie season. This is despite losing his
head coach & quarterback. The Broncos will
have a more than likely rejuvenated running
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game following the drafting of first-round Players Receiving 1 Vote WR Laveranues Coles, Cin
pick Knowshon Moreno and the addition of ADP - 7.07 / WR31 / #79 Overall
a slew of capable assistants in free agency. RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac Selected by Gray
With the QB battle between Kyle Orton and ADP - 1.03 / RB3 / #3 Overall
Chris Simms likely to be a huge fantasy Selected by Grant QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pit
regression from Jay Cutler, expect one of the ADP - 8.01 / QB14 / #85 Overall
prime fantasy casualties to be Eddie Royal. RB Steve Slaton, Hou Selected by Gray
ADP - 2.01 / RB10 / #13 Overall
WR Lance Moore, NO Selected by Hicks WR Michael Crabtree, SF
ADP - 8.03 / WR34 / #87 Overall
ADP - 6.1 / WR26 / #70 Overall WR Calvin Johnson, Det Selected by Tremblay
Selected by Borbely and Hicks ADP - 2.02 / WR3 / #14 Overall
Borbely - Moore came out of nowhere last Selected by Rudnicki TE Chris Cooley, Was
year and became a favorite target of Drew ADP - 8.04 / TE6 / #88 Overall
Brees, finishing with over 900 yards and WR Roddy White, Atl Selected by Gray
10 TDs. But last year, Reggie Bush missed ADP - 2.12 / WR7 / #24 Overall
six games, Marques Colston missed five, Selected by Haseley TE Owen Daniels, Hou
and Jeremy Shockey missed four. That adds ADP - 8.06 / TE7 / #90 Overall
up to a load of targets that Moore got last WR Dwayne Bowe, KC Selected by Bloom
year. I expect his numbers to decline sharply ADP - 3.04 / WR11 / #28 Overall
because he will likely be the fourth target in Selected by Tremblay RB Willis McGahee, Bal
the passing game. That is just too risky when ADP - 8.1 / RB37 / #94 Overall
compared to his ADP of WR26. I would RB Kevin Smith, Det Selected by Dodds
rather let another owner draft him. ADP - 3.07 / RB16 / #31 Overall
Selected by Levin RB Tim Hightower, Ari
TE John Carlson, Sea ADP - 9.05 / RB39 / #101 Overall
WR Terrell Owens, Buf Selected by Yudkin
ADP - 9.08 / TE9 / #104 Overall ADP - 3.09 / WR14 / #33 Overall
Selected by Haseley and Pasquino Selected by Bloom QB Matt Hasselbeck, Sea
Pasquino - Carlson was one of very few ADP - 9.09 / QB16 / #105 Overall
glimmers of hope for Seattle last year. The RB Ronnie Brown, Mia Selected by Hicks
team was decimated with wide receiver ADP - 3.1 / RB17 / #34 Overall
injuries along with Matt Hasselbeck missing Selected by Gray WR Deion Branch, Sea
time, so Carlson had to step up and con- ADP - 9.12 / WR41 / #108 Overall
tribute much more than expected in his first RB Thomas Jones, NYJ Selected by Rudnicki
year. Carlson was a Top 10 fantasy tight end ADP - 4.06 / RB21 / #42 Overall
with 55 catches and seven scores, but the Selected by Borbely RB Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG
Seahawks now have TJ Houshmandzadeh, ADP - 10.03 / RB43 / #111 Overall
Nate Burleson and Deion Branch ready to RB Jonathan Stewart, Car Selected by Henry
take more targets. Carlson will have a tough ADP - 5.01 / RB24 / #49 Overall
time getting that many catches and scores Selected by Brown QB Kyle Orton, Den
in his second year with so many other pass ADP - 10.11 / QB19 / #119 Overall
catchers available. WR Braylon Edwards, Cle Selected by Wood
ADP - 5.04 / WR19 / #52 Overall
TE Dustin Keller, NYJ Selected by Wimer WR Percy Harvin, Min
ADP - 10.12 / WR43 / #120 Overall
ADP - 10.05 / TE10 / #113 Overall WR Antonio Bryant, TB Selected by Dodds
Selected by Rudnicki and Wimer ADP - 5.05 / WR20 / #53 Overall
Rudnicki - Keller had an impressive Selected by Pasquino WR Jeremy Maclin, Phi
rookie season and finished as a pretty decent ADP - 11.11 / WR46 / #131 Overall
starter in most leagues. While it would be TE Tony Gonzalez, Atl Selected by Yudkin
reasonable to expect improvement from him ADP - 5.07 / TE3 / #55 Overall
in his second year, the Jets passing game Selected by Grant WR Patrick Crayton, Dal
is a potential disaster. Brett Favre is gone ADP - 12.02 / WR48 / #134 Overall
so the team will be forced to rely on Kellen TE Dallas Clark, Ind Selected by Dodds
Clemens or the rookie Mark Sanchez at QB. ADP - 5.08 / TE4 / #56 Overall
Laveranues Coles has also moved on to the Selected by Pasquino TE Heath Miller, Pit
Bengals, which means Keller should see a lot ADP - 12.05 / TE14 / #137 Overall
more defensive attention. The Jets are going WR Chad Ochocinco, Cin Selected by Gray
to rely heavily on their running game and ADP - 6.05 / WR23 / #65 Overall
defense this year, resulting in fewer quality Selected by Wimer TE Jeremy Shockey, NO
targets for Keller. ADP - 12.06 / TE15 / #138 Overall
Selected by Tefertiller

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 Rookie Review throwing on the move and always a threat to hurt a defense with
QUARTERBACKS his legs.
by Sigmund Bloom 2009 Outlook: Competing with Chad Henne to backup Chad
Pennington
1. Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions - 6’2, 225 Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-25 QB but may not stay at the
Scouting Report: Stafford has the right skill set to weather position
the storm around a rebuilding team and take advantage of the NFL Comparison: Seneca Wallace with an arm
immense talent of Calvin Johnson. He uses his athleticism to
keep the play alive and he’ll take the big hit to make the play.
His arm strength is remarkable, giving him the ability to make DRAFTED QUARTERBACKS
50-yard throws off his back foot. He’ll have to minimize the Pos Pick Player Ht Wt College Team
stretches of inconsistent mechanics and decision making that QB 1.01 Stafford, Matthew 6’2 225 Georgia Lions
QB 1.05 Sanchez, Mark 6’2 227 Southern Cal Jets
plagued him at Georgia.
QB 1.17 Freeman, Josh 6’6 248 Kansas State Buccaneers
2009 Outlook: Lions want to ease him in; probably won’t QB 2.12 White, Pat 6’0 197 West Virginia Dolphins
start until late in the season QB 4.01 McGee, Stephen 6’3 225 Texas A&M Cowboys
Dynasty Outlook: Top 5-10 QB QB 5.15 Bomar, Rhett 6’2 225 Sam Houston St. Giants
NFL Comparison: Jay Cutler & Brett Favre, frustrating QB 5.35 Davis, Nate 6’1 226 Ball State 49ers
moments included QB 6.01 Brandstater, Tom 6’5 220 Fresno State Broncos
QB 6.05 Teel, Mike 6’3 225 Rutgers Seahawks
QB 6.23 Null, Keith 6’3 222 West Texas AM Rams
2. Mark Sanchez - New York Jets - 6’2, 227 QB 6.28 Painter, Curtis 6’3 225 Purdue Colts
Scouting Report: The Jets traded up to snag Sanchez QB 7.23 Edelman, Julian 5’11 195 Kent State Patriots
because of his arm, smooth mechanics, and tremendous intan-
gibles. He’s considered a natural leader on and off the field, and
he can throw well on the run rolling to either side of the field. RUNNING BACKS
Sanchez will need to develop pocket presence and overcome by Cecil Lammey
questions about lack of experience (only 16 starts at USC).
2009 Outlook: Likely starting from day one 1. Knowshon Moreno – Denver Broncos – 5’11, 208 lbs.
Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-15 QB Scouting Report: The Broncos had Knowshon Moreno
NFL Comparison: Tom Brady when he’s good; Rex ranked very high on their draft board, and they are expecting
Grossman when he’s not him to be the feature back for their offense. Denver has added
several RBs this offseason, but none are as versatile or athletic
3. Josh Freeman - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 6’6, 248 as Moreno. The comparison that is tossed around most when
Scouting Report: NFL teams can’t resist an athletic, statu- talking about Moreno is Clinton Portis, and it is an accurate
esque QB with a big arm, and Freeman fits the bill. He’s a one. Like Portis, Knowshon has outstanding vision and the
competitive gamer who is hard to bring down, but he also failed quickness to get to and through the hole in a hurry. He doesn’t
to top 60 percent accuracy or lead his team to a winning record have ideal bulk or speed for an every down RB, but Moreno is
last year in a conference not exactly known for its defense. a game breaker and doesn’t require a ton of carries to make big
2009 Outlook: Will compete with Luke McCown and Byron plays.
Leftwich to start 2009 Outlook: The Broncos will use him on all three downs
Dynasty Outlook: Top 5-25 QB with bust risk with 20+ touches per game.
NFL Comparison: JaMarcus Russell without the college Dynasty Outlook: He is a special back that could be Top 5
heroics in a few years.
NFL Comparison: Clinton Portis with a little less speed.

4. Pat White - Miami Dolphins - 6’0, 197

Scouting Report: After his terrific Senior Bowl and com-
bine, you knew some team was going to take the athletic four-
year starter a round or two earlier than expected, and it makes
sense that it would be wildcat reviving Dolphins. White is short
and slight for an NFL QB, but he has an NFL arm. He’s great at
2. Donald Brown – Indianapolis Colts – 5’10, 210 lbs.
Scouting Report: The Colts have realized that Joseph Addai
works best when he’s not the feature back and thus selected
Donald Brown with the 27th pick in the first round of the 2009
NFL Draft. Brown is a compact runner, with a high-energy

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 playing style. When his shoulders are square to the line of
scrimmage, he can break through to the second level, and he
has deceptive speed in the open field. It might not be long
before Donald Brown is the Colts’ #1 RB and Joseph Addai is
relegated to a change-of-pace role.
2009 Outlook: Will compete with Joseph Addai for carries.
Dynasty Outlook: In this offense, Top 5-10 for many years.
NFL Comparison: Slightly less elusive Thurman Thomas
3. Chris Wells – Arizona Cardinals – 6’1, 237 lbs.
Scouting Report: Chris Wells may have the highest ceiling
of any back in this draft, but questions abound about his desire
and work ethic. The Cardinals needed to get a premier back in
this draft as Tim Hightower is not the fulltime answer. Wells
has outstanding vision, the power to run between the tackles,
and can hurdle defenders in the open field. He is a patient,
downhill runner that can spot cutback lanes before they open,
and he has the elite athleticism to change direction without los-
ing much momentum. There are durability concerns as Wells
seemed to be constantly dinged up at Ohio State.
2009 Outlook: Will be the Cardinals starting RB, but may
lose scoring opportunities to Tim Hightower.
Dynasty Outlook: If healthy and motivated, he will take
advantage of defenses keyed on the passing game and could be
a Top 10 RB for a few years.
NFL Comparison: Jamal Lewis with less power and more
elusiveness.
4. LeSean McCoy – Philadelphia Eagles – 5’11, 210 lbs.
Scouting Report: The Eagles need to keep Brian Westbrook
fresh for the playoffs and want to groom an eventual replace-
ment for him. LeSean McCoy is a perfect fit for their needs.
He gets to top speed in a hurry and can blow by - or through
- unsuspecting defenders. A natural hands-catcher, McCoy
makes for a great checkdown receiver and uses his pad level
plus his forward lean to maximize the yardage gained after con-
tact. When he hits the open field he has so many moves that
he can sometime run out of control, which leads to him getting
tackled instead of making an even bigger play.
2009 Outlook: A nice change of pace for Brian Westbrook.
Dynasty Outlook: Will be groomed to replace Westbrook
and could have five or more Top 10 seasons.
NFL Comparison: Felix Jones with less pop at the point of
attack.
5. Shonn Greene – New York Jets – 5’11, 235 lbs.
Scouting Report: A RB’s greatest attribute is his feet, and
Greene has outstanding footwork when running through trash
at the line of scrimmage. He is a punishing runner that gets
stronger as the game goes on, and he constantly wears down the
defense. On many of his carries it takes more than one defend-
er to bring him down as he loves to fight for extra yardage.
Greene is not as powerful as he should be and tends to lean into
defenders rather than strike them. Weight might become an
issue for Greene if he’s not monitored closely.
2009 Outlook: Could start if Thomas Jones leaves New
York, but more than likely will have to serve as a backup this
year.
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Dynasty Outlook: He could be the nice power option in a
RBBC with Leon Washington.
NFL Comparison: Rudi Johnson with better instincts.
6. Gartrell Johnson – San Diego Chargers – 5’11, 222 lbs.
Scouting Report: With the loss of Michael Turner in
2008, the Chargers were left without a power runner behind
LaDainian Tomlinson. Gartrell Johnson is an aggressive runner
that loves to pound defenders play after play. He is very patient
and does a good job of allowing his blocks to develop in front
of him. Using a good pad level, leg drive, and low center of
gravity Johnson knows how to find his way to the endzone. He
does not have elite speed, however, and can let plays swallow
him up when the lane is not there.
2009 Outlook: Will be the backup to Tomlinson and give
him a breather when necessary.
Dynasty Outlook: Could be the starter for San Diego after
Tomlinson retires and be the lead back in a committee.
NFL Comparison: Marion Barber without the receiving
ability.
7. Andre Brown – New York Giants – 6’0, 224 lbs.
Scouting Report: The Giants lost Derrick Ward in free
agency and wanted to add another piece to the backfield in the
2009 NFL Draft. Andre Brown is an aggressive runner, and he
doesn’t like to go down without a fight. He is also a consistent
receiver out of the backfield, so he’s more than just a 2-down
back. In addition to his natural hands, he is also very good in
pass protection which is extremely important for young backs
looking for playing time. Injuries are a concern, as he’s had
two surgeries on his left foot, and Brown does take some time
to get to full speed.
2009 Outlook: Will compete for the #3 RB spot behind
Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.
Dynasty Outlook: Has the power and receiving ability to be
the lead back in a 2- or 3-headed committee.
NFL Comparison: Kevin Smith with a better stiff arm and
injury concerns.
8. Cedric Peerman – Baltimore Ravens – 5’10, 210 lbs.
Scouting Report: The Baltimore Ravens have a punish-
ing ground game and like to keep their RB corps stacked with
effective runners and receivers. Cedric was known as “Mr.
Versatility” during his time with the Cavaliers. A natural lead-
er, Peerman’s work ethic is contagious to his teammates. He
is quick to the hole and has been known to bust long runs off
from time to time. Durability is a concern, and scouts question
whether ball security will be an issue as well because Peerman
has very small hands.
2009 Outlook: Will be the backup to Willis McGahee,
Le’Ron McClain, and Ray Rice.
Dynasty Outlook: Could become a starter and possibly post
a few Top 10 seasons because of his versatility.
NFL Comparison: Chester Taylor with more speed but less
moves.
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DRAFTED RUNNING BACKS Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-25 WR with bust risk
Pos Pick Player Ht Wt College Team NFL Comparison: Bigger and faster Chris Chambers
RB 1.12 Moreno, Knowshon 5’11 217 Georgia Broncos
RB 1.27 Brown, Donald 5’10 210 Connecticut Colts 4. Jeremy Maclin - Philadelphia Eagles - 6’0, 198
RB 1.31 Wells, Chris 6’1 235 Ohio State Cardinals Scouting Report: Maclin will bring world-class speed and
RB 2.21 McCoy, LeSean 5’10 198 Pittsburgh Eagles decent size to an offense already stocked with burners at wide
RB 3.01 Greene, Shonn 5’11 227 Iowa Jets
receiver. He’ll be one of the most dangerous return threats in
RB 3.10 Coffee, Glen 6’0 209 Alabama 49ers
RB 4.11 Goodson, Mike 6’0 208 Texas A&M Panthers the league. He’ll need to learn the route tree because he played
FB 4.28 Fiammetta, Tony 6’0 245 Syracuse Panthers in a spread offense at Mizzou.
RB 4.29 Brown, Andre 6’0 224 N. C. St. Giants 2009 Outlook: In on passing downs and returns; pushing
RB 4.34 Johnson, Gartrell 5’10 219 Colorado State Chargers Kevin Curtis soon
FB 5.09 Johnson, Quinn 6’1 246 LSU Packers Dynasty Outlook: Top 15-40 WR
RB 5.33 Summers, Frank 5’9 241 UNLV Steelers
NFL Comparison: Bigger Ted Ginn
RB 5.37 Ringer, Javon 5’9 205 Michigan State Titans
RB 6.12 Peerman, Cedric 5’10 216 Virginia Ravens
RB 6.19 Brown, Aaron 6’1 196 TCU Lions 5. Percy Harvin - Minnesota Vikings - 5’11, 192
RB 6.22 Davis, James 5’11 218 Clemson Browns
Scouting Report: Few college players were more dangerous
RB 6.36 Scott, Bernard 5’10 200 Abilene Christian Bengals
RB 7.02 Ogbonnaya, Chris 6’0 220 Texas Rams
with the ball in their hands than Harvin, but even fewer had his
RB 7.03 Williams, Javarris 5’10 223 Tennessee St. Chiefs terrible off the field reputation. Harvin is a work in progress
RB 7.06 Vakapuna, Fui 5’11 244 BYU Bengals as a wide receiver, but he runs like Chris Johnson in the open
RB 7.31 Stephens-Howling, LaRod 5’7 180 Pittsburgh Cardinals field.
RB 7.41 Jennings, Rashad 6’1 231 Liberty Jaguars 2009 Outlook: Wildcat QB and novelty player with some
work in 3- and 4-WR sets
Dynasty Outlook: Top 15-40 WR with bust risk
WIDE RECEIVERS NFL Comparison: Laveranues Coles
by Sigmund Bloom

1. Michael Crabtree - San Francisco 49ers - 6’2, 215
Scouting Report: Unlike most WRs that go in the Top 10 of
the draft, Crabtree isn’t a burner nor does he tower over most
NFL corners. What he does do is attack the ball in the air like a
DB and run angry after the catch like an RB. His ball skills and
hands are so good that it seems like he was born to play WR.
He’ll have to get over a broken foot and character concerns to
fulfill his potential.
2009 Outlook: Competing with Josh Morgan and Brandon
Jones to start
Dynasty Outlook: Top 5-15 WR
NFL Comparison: Shorter Brandon Marshall
2. Hakeem Nicks - New York Giants - 6’1, 212
Scouting Report: The Giants have found their future #1 WR
in Hakeem Nicks. He has extraordinarily soft hands that allow
him to make circus catches, and he’s surprisingly elusive and
strong running after the catch. Nicks plays with a “my ball”
mentality that should help him overcome a lack of great speed
or size.
2009 Outlook: Competing with Domenik Hixon to start
Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-25 WR
NFL Comparison: Thinner Dwayne Bowe
3. Darrius Heyward-Bey - Oakland Raiders - 6’2, 210
Scouting Report: Everyone laughed at Al Davis when he
selected Heyward-Bey #7, but the Raiders could have the last
laugh. His 4.3 speed is legit, and his ability to track and adjust
to the deep ball will make him lethal when JaMarcus Russell
lets one fly. He has inconsistent hands and his game needs some
polish, but Heyward-Bey will be one of the best deep threats in
the league.
2009 Outlook: In on passing downs; pushing Javon Walker/
Johnnie Lee Higgins soon
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6. Brian Robiskie - Cleveland Browns - 6’3, 209
Scouting Report: Robiskie plays exactly the way you’d
expect a WR coach’s son would. He runs crisp routes, catches
everything thrown his way, and uses his big frame naturally to
block out. He won’t win footraces or break ankles in the open
field, but Robiskie should be a terrific #2 possession receiver.
2009 Outlook: Competing with a host of players to start
opposite Braylon Edwards
Dynasty Outlook: Top 20-50 WR
NFL Comparison: Muhsin Muhammad with less strength
7. Kenny Britt - Tennessee Titans - 6’3, 218
Scouting Report: Britt is big, fast, strong, and a whale of a
blocker for a wide receiver. He doesn’t routinely hands-catch
and lets the ball get to his body too often, but he still is the best
talent the Titans have had at wide receiver since Derrick Mason
left town.
2009 Outlook: Competing to start and push Nate Washington
to the slot
Dynasty Outlook: Top 25-50 WR
NFL Comparison: Bigger and stronger Derek Hagan before
his hands turned into skillets
8. Jarett Dillard - Jacksonville Jaguars - 5’10, 191
Scouting Report: Dillard fell to the fifth round because he
doesn’t run in the 4.4s, and he’s less than six feet tall. He’ll be
one of the steals of the draft because his precise routes will cre-
ate separation and his pillow soft hands and 40+ inch vertical
will allow him to make plays that most WRs can’t.
2009 Outlook: Competing for WR2 with Mike Walker and
Mike Thomas
Dynasty Outlook: Top 25-75 WR
NFL Comparison: Slower Greg Jennings
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DRAFTED WIDE RECEIVERS as a receiver. He’s not a supreme athlete, but he was still under-
Pos Pick Player Ht Wt College Team used in the passing game at Oklahoma State.
WR 1.07 Heyward-Bey, Darrius 6’2 210 Maryland Raiders 2009 Outlook: Should start from day one
WR 1.10 Crabtree, Michael 6’2 215 Texas Tech 49ers Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-20 TE
WR 1.19 Maclin, Jeremy 6’0 198 Missouri Eagles NFL Comparison: Daniel Graham with more reliable mitts
WR 1.22 Harvin, Percy 5’11 192 Florida Vikings
WR 1.29 Nicks, Hakeem 6’1 212 North Carolina Giants
WR 1.30 Britt, Kenny 6’3 218 Rutgers Titans 4. Shawn Nelson - Buffalo Bills - 6’5, 240
WR 2.04 Robiskie, Brian 6’3 209 Ohio State Browns Scouting Report: Nelson spent a lot of time split out wide at
WR 2.18 Massaquoi, Mohamed 6’2 210 Georgia Browns Southern Miss, so his prowess as a blocker was a pleasant sur-
WR 3.18 Williams, Derrick 6’0 194 Penn State Lions prise at the Senior Bowl. He’s a fluid athlete with a long frame,
WR 3.19 Tate, Brandon 6’0 183 North Carolina Patriots
and he’s terrific at catching the ball outside of his frame.
WR 3.20 Wallace, Mike 6’0 199 Mississippi Steelers
WR 3.21 Barden, Ramses 6’6 229 Cal Poly Giants
2009 Outlook: Will compete to start on opening weekend
WR 3.23 Turner, Patrick 6’5 223 Southern Cal Dolphins Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-20 TE
WR 3.27 Butler, Deon 5’10 182 Penn State Seahawks NFL Comparison: Shorter Marcedes Lewis
WR 3.35 Iglesias, Juaquin 6’1 210 Oklahoma Bears
WR 4.07 Thomas, Mike 5’8 195 Arizona Jaguars
WR 4.08 Hartline, Brian 6’2 195 Ohio State Dolphins 5. Chase Coffman - Cincinnati Bengals - 6’6, 250
WR 4.24 Murphy, Louis 6’2 203 Florida Raiders Scouting Report: He won’t be useful as an inline TE, or
WR 4.27 Collie, Austin 6’1 200 BYU Colts even an H-back, but Coffman’s hands, ball skills, and toughness
WR 5.04 Knox, Johnny 6’0 185 Abilene Christian Bears catching balls over the middle are tops in this unique class. He
WR 5.05 McKinley, Kenny 6’0 189 South Carolina Broncos is coming off a broken foot and will need to overcome a lack of
WR 5.08 Dillard, Jarett 5’10 191 Rice Jaguars
burst off the line and speed in his routes.
WR 5.24 Foster, Brooks 6’1 211 North Carolina Rams
WR 6.02 Lawrence, Quinten 6’0 184 McNeese State Chiefs
2009 Outlook: Pushing Ben Utecht for snaps on passing
WR 6.21 Gibson, Brandon 6’1 206 Washington St. Eagles downs
WR 6.33 Edison, Dominique 6’2 204 Stephen F Austin Titans Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-20 TE with bust risk
WR 7.15 Byrd, Demetrius 6’0 199 LSU Chargers NFL Comparison: Less athletic Todd Heap
WR 7.20 Johnson, Manuel 5’11 189 Oklahoma Cowboys
WR 7.24 Stroughter, Sammie 5’9 189 Oregon State Buccaneers
WR 7.28 O’Connell, Jake 6’3 250 Miami (OHIO) Chiefs 6. Cornelius Ingram - Philadelphia Eagles - 6’4, 245
WR 7.34 Mitchell, Marko 6’4 218 Nevada Redskins Scouting Report: Like most Florida players, Ingram is a ter-
WR 7.42 Kinder, Derek 6’0 202 Pittsburgh Bears rific athlete and playmaker, but what he did in Gainesville is
WR 7.43 Brown, Freddie 6’3 215 Utah Bengals nothing like what he’ll be asked to do in the NFL. He’s coming
WR 7.44 Underwood, Tiquan 6’1 184 Rutgers Jaguars
off an ACL tear, but he should be a good fit in the Philly pass-
ing offense once he’s healthy.
2009 Outlook: Pushing Brent Celek for snaps on passing
TIGHT ENDS downs
by Sigmund Bloom Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-20 TE with bust risk
NFL Comparison: Randy McMichael
1. Travis Beckum - New York Giants - 6’3, 239
Scouting Report: The Giants got themselves a supersized
slot receiver at the end of the third round. Beckum has eerie
accurate ball tracking and runs strong after the catch. He’s com-
ing off a broken leg, and he’ll need to be more consistent in his
routes and off the field work ethic to hit it big in the Big Apple. DRAFTED TIGHT ENDS
2009 Outlook: Worked into passing sets as the year goes on Pos Pick Player Ht Wt College Team
Dynasty Outlook: Top 5-15 TE TE 1.20 Pettigrew, Brandon 6’5 263 Oklahoma State Lions
NFL Comparison: Dustin Keller TE 2.32 Quinn, Richard 6’4 264 North Carolina Broncos
TE 3.25 Cook, Jared 6’5 246 South Carolina Titans
TE 3.34 Coffman, Chase 6’6 244 Missouri Bengals
2. Jared Cook - Tennessee Titans - 6’5, 246 TE 3.36 Beckum, Travis 6’3 243 Wisconsin Giants
Scouting Report: The most athletically gifted of this strong TE 4.21 Nelson, Shawn 6’5 240 Southern Miss Bills
class of receiving TEs, Cook runs, leaps, and adjusts to the ball TE 4.22 Hill, Anthony 6’5 262 N. C. St. Texans
TE 5.13 Drew, Davon 6’4 256 East Carolina Ravens
in the air like a wide receiver. Questions about his coachabil-
TE 5.16 Casey, James 6’3 246 Rice Texans
ity and one-dimensional game caused him to fall to the third TE 5.17 Ingram, Cornelius 6’4 245 Florida Eagles
rounds. TE 5.25 Nalbone, John 6’4 251 Monmouth (NJ) Dolphins
2009 Outlook: Mixed in on passing downs TE 6.07 Miller, Zach 6’4 233 Nebraska-Omaha Jaguars
Dynasty Outlook: Top 5-15 TE with bust risk TE 6.11 Pascoe, Bear 6’5 251 Fresno State 49ers
NFL Comparison: Slightly less freakish Vernon Davis TE 6.29 Myers, Brandon 6’4 250 Iowa Raiders
TE 6.35 Phillips, John 6’5 251 Virginia Cowboys
TE 7.12 Williams, Eddie 6’1 239 Idaho Redskins
3. Brandon Pettigrew - Detroit Lions - 6’6, 263 TE 7.32 Johnson, David 6’2 260 Arkansas State Steelers
Scouting Report: Pettigrew is like a third offensive tackle as TE 7.39 Morrah, Cameron 6’3 244 California Seahawks
a run and pass blocker, and he has a big frame and great hands TE 7.46 Gronkowski, Dan 6’6 255 Maryland Lions

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DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Pos

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Drafted In First Four Rounds
Pick Player Ht Wt College Team
by Sigmund Bloom DE 1.03 Jackson, Tyson 6’4 295 LSU Chiefs
DT 1.09 Raji, B.J. 6’2 337 Boston College Packers
DE 1.11 Maybin, Aaron 6’4 249 Penn State Bills
1. Brian Orakpo - Washington Redskins - 6’3, 263
DE 1.13 Orakpo, Brian 6’3 263 Texas Redskins
Scouting Report: Orakpo is a weight room beast, maintain- DE 1.16 English, Larry 6’2 274 Northern Illinois Chargers
ing a bodybuilder frame and strength, but with great first quick- DT 1.24 Jerry, Peria 6’2 299 Mississippi Falcons
ness and killer instinct. He’ll need to develop a repertoire of DT 1.32 Hood, Evander 6’3 300 Missouri Steelers
pass moves and learn to play LB on run downs, but he can be DT 2.08 Brace, Ron 6’3 330 Boston College Patriots
an instant game changer on third down. DE 2.11 Brown, Everette 6’2 256 Florida State Panthers
2009 Outlook: SLB on 1st/2nd down, DE on 3rd down DE 2.14 Barwin, Connor 6’4 256 Cincinnati Texans
DE 2.20 Veikune, David 6’2 257 Hawaii Browns
Dynasty Outlook: Top 15-40 LB, Top 7-15 DE
DT 2.24 Moala, Fili 6’4 305 Southern Cal Colts
NFL Comparison: Shawne Merriman without steroid questions DE 2.25 Kruger, Paul 6’4 263 Utah Ravens
DT 2.30 Marks, Sen’Derrick 6’2 306 Auburn Titans
DE 2.31 Brown, Cody 6’2 244 Connecticut Cardinals
2. Everette Brown - Carolina Panthers - 6’2, 256
DT 3.03 Magee, Alex 6’3 298 Purdue Chiefs
Scouting Report: Sometimes a player can’t outrun the DE 3.04 Gilbert, Jarron 6’5 288 San Jose State Bears
‘tweener label on draft day. Brown fell to the second round DE 3.06 Johnson, Michael 6’7 266 Georgia Tech Bengals
despite Top 10 pick type production. He was considered too DE 3.07 Shaughnessy, Matt 6’5 266 Wisconsin Raiders
small to play 4-3 DE and not agile enough to play 3-4 OLB. It DT 3.08 Knighton, Terrance 6’3 321 Temple Jaguars
won’t stop him from making plays with regularity in the NFL. DT 3.17 Miller, Roy 6’1 310 Texas Buccaneers
2009 Outlook: Situational pass rusher DL 3.29 Irvin, Corvey 6’3 301 Georgia Panthers
DT 4.03 Scott, Dorell 6’3 312 Clemson Rams
Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-25 DE
DE 4.05 Melton, Henry 6’3 260 Texas Bears
NFL Comparison: James Harrison DE 4.10 Butler, Victor 6’2 248 Oregon State Cowboys
DT 4.13 Martin, Vaughn 6’3 331 W. Ontario (CAN) Chargers
DT 4.15 Hill, Sammie Lee 6’4 329 Stillman Lions
3. Michael Johnson - Cincinnati Bengals - 6’7, 266
DE 4.17 Moore, Kyle 6’5 272 Southern Cal Buccaneers
Scouting Report: The Bengals landed the next Julius DE 4.20 Williams, Brandon 6’5 252 Texas Tech Cowboys
Peppers/Mario Williams - well, at least on one out of every four DE 4.25 Sidbury Jr., Lawrence 6’2 266 Richmond Falcons
or five plays. Johnson has elite athleticism, a lightning quick DE 4.26 Norris, Slade 6’2 232 Oregon State Raiders
first step, and a basketball player’s vertical and wingspan. If his DT 4.36 Taylor, Terrance 6’0 306 Michigan Colts
motor and effort become more consistent, he’ll be one of the
steals of the draft.
2009 Outlook: Situational pass rusher and maybe some OLB LINEBACKERS
duty by Sigmund Bloom
Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-25 DE with bust risk
NFL Comparison: Mario Williams, when he was back at
1. Aaron Curry - Seattle Seahawks - 6’2, 254
NC State
Scouting Report: The closest thing to a can’t-miss pick in
this draft, Curry is big, athletic, strong, and versatile. He can
4. Connor Barwin - Houston Texans - 6’2, 249 rush the passer, drop into coverage (and have the hands to get
Scouting Report: Barwin led the Big East in sacks during the INT), and flash sideline to sideline range.
his first season as a DE after playing TE, the position he was 2009 Outlook: Starting OLB
asked to play for most of the week at the Senior Bowl. He has Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-20 LB
the athleticism to play some LB and catch some short yardage NFL Comparison: Post-achilles blowout Julian Peterson
TDs a la Mike Vrabel.
2009 Outlook: Situational pass rusher and short yardage TE 2. Rey Maualuga - Cincinnati Bengals - 6’2, 249
Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-30 DE Scouting Report: Rey took a tumble because of character
NFL Comparison: More athletic Mike Vrabel and two-down LB concerns, but he plays with a passion and
fire that fuels a defense, and he’s a big hitter. Maualuga has also
5. Aaron Maybin - Buffalo Bills - 6’4, 256 displayed natural playmaking ability as a pass rusher and in
Scouting Report: Being a one-trick pony can get you drafted coverage during his time at USC.
at #11, provided that one trick is having the best first step of 2009 Outlook: Competing to start at MLB/SLB
any pass rusher in the draft. Maybin bulked up for the pre-draft Dynasty Outlook: Top 5-25 LB with bust risk
workouts, but he was subbed out on run downs at times at Penn NFL Comparison: Junior Seau
State and he’ll need to mature physically before he can be a
three down end. 3. James Laurinaitis - St. Louis Rams - 6’2, 244
2009 Outlook: Situational pass rusher Scouting Report: He was likely a top 10-15 pick if he came
Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-30 DE out last year, but Laurinaitis wasn’t as explosive in his senior
NFL Comparison: Robert Mathis season. He’s an LB with great coverage ability, intangibles, and
football smarts, he’s just not especially powerful, speedy, or
quick.
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2009 Outlook: Starting MLB Dynasty Outlook: Top 12-30 DB

Dynasty Outlook: Top 15-30 LB
NFL Comparison: Paul Posluszny
4. Jason Williams - Dallas Cowboys - 6’1, 241
Scouting Report: The Cowboys first pick wasn’t until the
third round, but they used on the eventual heir to the fantasy
jackpot WILB position in Wade Phillips defense. Williams
played at a small school, but his workout numbers and ability to
fly to the ball were among the best in this class.
2009 Outlook: Backup ILB/special teamer
Dynasty Outlook: Top 15-30 with bust risk
NFL Comparison: untested Lawrence Timmons
5. Larry English - San Diego Chargers - 6’2, 255
Scouting Report: Few players in the draft can claim
English’s toughness, playing most of last year with a broken
thumb and winning back to back MAC top player awards even
though he tore an ACL at the end of 2007 and a pec in the
spring of 2008. He’s physical edge rusher who plays with a
mean streak.
2009 Outlook: Backup OLB
Dynasty Outlook: Top 20-40 LB
NFL Comparison: LaMarr Woodley
NFL Comparison: Shorter Rodney Harrison
3. Louis Delmas - Detroit Lions - 6’0, 202
Scouting Report: The Lions landed the best two way safety
in the draft. Delmas loves to throw his body around to make
big hits, but he’s also athletic enough to cover the deep middle.
There is some question about his level of competition in the
MAC and whether his somewhat slight frame will hold up
under the punishment of his physical playing style.
2009 Outlook: Competing with Gerald Alexander and Daniel
Bullocks to start
Dynasty Outlook: Top 15-40 DB
NFL Comparison: Michael Griffin
4. Michael Mitchell - Oakland Raiders - 6’1, 216
Scouting Report: The Raiders second pick inspired even
more laughter than their first. Mitchell is a destructive force
who put up fantastic numbers at his pro day, but he’s largely
unproven and most expected him to go in the late rounds, not
the second.
2009 Outlook: Competing with Tyvon Branch to start
Dynasty Outlook: Top 10-40 DB with bust risk
NFL Comparison: Bernard Pollard

LINEBACKERS Drafted In First Four Rounds 5. Malcolm Jenkins - New Orleans Saints - 6’0, 204
Pos Pick Player Ht Wt College Team Scouting Report: Jenkins has the size, physicality, and men-
OLB 1.04 Curry, Aaron 6’2 254 Wake Forest Seahawks
tality to be a shutdown corner, the only thing missing is elite
OLB 1.15 Cushing, Brian 6’3 243 Southern Cal Texans
OLB 1.18 Ayers, Robert 6’3 272 Tennessee Broncos
speed. He played some free safety at Ohio State, so there is a
OLB 1.26 Matthews, Clay 6’3 240 Southern Cal Packers plan B, but the Saints plan on keeping him at corner.
ILB 2.03 Laurinaitis, James 6’2 244 Ohio State Rams 2009 Outlook: Competing with Randall Gay and Tracy Porter to start
ILB 2.06 Maualuga, Rey 6’2 249 Southern Cal Bengals Dynasty Outlook: Top 15-50 DB
OLB 2.13 Sintim, Clint 6’3 256 Virginia Giants NFL Comparison: Antrel Rolle
OLB 3.05 Williams, Jason 6’1 241 Western Illinois Cowboys
OLB 3.12 Levy, DeAndre 6’2 236 Wisconsin Lions DEFENSIVE BACKS Drafted In First Four Rounds
OLB 3.33 McKenzie, Tyrone 6’2 243 South Florida Patriots Pos Pick Player Ht Wt College Team
ILB 4.04 Maiava, Kaluka 5’11 229 Southern Cal Browns CB 1.14 Jenkins, Malcolm 6’0 204 Ohio State Saints
ILB 4.18 Arnoux, Stanley 6’0 232 Wake Forest Saints CB 1.25 Davis, Vontae 5’11 203 Illinois Dolphins
LB 4.30 McRath, Gerald 6’2 231 Southern Miss Titans CB 2.01 Delmas, Louis 6’0 202 W. Michigan Lions
SS 2.02 Chung, Patrick 5’11 212 Oregon Patriots
DEFENSIVE BACKS CB
CB
2.05
2.09
Smith, Alphonso
Butler, Darius
5’9
5’11
193
183
Wake Forest
Connecticut
Broncos
Patriots
by Sigmund Bloom
CB 2.10 Byrd, Jairus 5’10 207 Oregon Bills
SS 2.15 Mitchell, Mike 6’0 220 Ohio Raiders
1. William Moore - Atlanta Falcons - 6’0, 221 CB 2.16 McBath, Darcel 6’0 198 Texas Tech Broncos
S 2.23 Moore, William 6’0 221 Missouri Falcons
Scouting Report: Moore played like a franchise safety in
S 2.27 Martin, Sherrod 6’1 198 Troy Panthers
2007, and then he got posterized by deep throws way too often CB 2.29 Smith, Sean 6’4 214 Utah Dolphins
in 2008. He’s an instinctive player who blows up receivers who CB 3.02 Fletcher, Bradley 6’0 196 Iowa Rams
come into his zone with a ballhawk mentality, but sometimes he CB 3.09 Cox, Derek 6’1 189 William & Mary Jaguars
looks like a linebacker miscast in the secondary. CB 3.16 Barnes, Kevin 6’0 187 Maryland Redskins
2009 Outlook: Starting SS CB 3.22 Allen, Asher 5’10 194 Georgia Vikings
Dynasty Outlook: Top 5-20 DB with bust risk CB 3.24 Webb, Lardarius 5’10 179 Nicholls State Ravens
CB 3.26 Owens, Christopher 5’10 181 San Jose State Falcons
NFL Comparison: Roy Williams, both the good and the bad
CB 3.28 Powers, Jerraud 5’9 188 Auburn Colts
CB 3.30 Mouton, Ryan 5’9 187 Hawaii Titans
2. Patrick Chung - New England Patriots - 5’11, 212 S 3.31 Johnson, Rashad 5’11 203 Alabama Cardinals
CB 3.32 Lewis, Keenan 6’0 208 Oregon State Steelers
Scouting Report: Chung is a classic intimidator who punishes
CB 4.02 Washington, Donald 6’0 197 Ohio State Chiefs
wide receivers and running backs alike. He’s at his best playing CB 4.12 Quin, Glover 5’11 204 New Mexico Texans
downhill versus the pass and lining up in the box against the run. FS 4.14 Bruton, David 6’2 219 Notre Dame Broncos
He can be exposed if he’s left on an island in deep coverage. S 4.16 Vaughn, Chip 6’1 221 Wake Forest Saints
2009 Outlook: Competing with James Sanders and Brandon CB 4.19 Moore, D.J. 5’9 192 Vanderbilt Bears
McGowan to start CB 4.31 Toler, Greg 5’11 191 St Pauls Cardinals

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 QUARTERBACKS Intro by Jason Wood Top 7 but have more question marks entering the season.
Carson Palmer needs to stay healthy and overcome the loss

L
ast year, Drew Brees became only the second QB in
NFL history to throw for more than 5,000 yards en
route to the top fantasy ranking. Few were surprised
to hear that Brees was one of three QBs to throw for at least
4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns last season, but they may be
surprised to know the other two were Philip Rivers and Kurt
Warner. This year, Brees, Rivers and Warner are part of a
seven-QB tier atop the QB rankings. Peyton Manning is in
his usual spot as a Top 3 option, and Tom Brady will join him
as long as his knee is 100 percent. Aaron Rodgers, last year’s
breakout star, and veteran Donovan McNabb, who has his
deepest arsenal ever, round out the top slots.
The next tier of QBs could put up numbers rivaling the
QUARTERBACKS
of T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Tony Romo has to prove he can
deliver without Terrell Owens. Jay Cutler has to prove that he
can excel in a new city with a more conservative offensive
approach.
The next group of QBs is really a case of the eye of the
beholder. Some will target Matt Ryan because of his youth and
breakout potential. Others may view the steady veteran hand
of Eli Manning or Big Ben Roethlisberger as the smart play.
You don’t want to reach for the QBs beyond the Top 7, focus
on building your WR and RB depth and then target one or two
mid-level QBs in the seventh to 10th rounds.
Cutler isn’t the only projected starter to change teams this
offseason. The Chiefs acquired Matt Cassel from the Patriots,
the Broncos will start either Kyle Orton or Chris Simms,
Byron Leftwich will compete for PT in Tampa Bay, and Brett

Favre could quite possibly un-retire to play in Minnesota. If

Favre doesn’t sign with Minnesota, Sage Rosenfels may start
over Tarvaris Jackson. QB battles rage in San Francisco and
Cleveland, to the victor goes the spoils. And two rookies, Mark
Sanchez (NYJ) and Matt Stafford (DET) will play sooner than
later.
The QB position is different than WR or RB in that you can
land a Top 5 performer in the middle of your draft if you’re
smart and lucky. For that reason, many owners ignore the
elite at the position and hope to strike gold after building out
their rosters. That strategy can work, but don’t underestimate
the value of a Top 7 passer this year, either. Visit our website
– Footballguys.com – where you can view customized rank-
ings that are tailor-made for your league’s scoring system.

1. Drew Brees - NO
6-1, 220, age: 30
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 595 380 4373 31 18 11 0 326 1
2008 NO 635 413 5069 34 17 -1 0 372 1
2007 NO 655 443 4428 28 18 52 1 328 4
2006 NO 554 356 4418 26 11 32 0 317 2
The Good - Drew Brees is coming off one of the finest
fantasy seasons ever for a quarterback. More than 5,000 yards
and 30 TDs put Brees in statistical territory only occupied
previously by Dan Marino. He achieved these figures despite
missing his top WR, top RB, and top TE for significant peri-
ods of time throughout the season. With the supporting cast in
New Orleans largely intact and all key players at 100 percent,
there is no logical reason why Brees cannot continue his fanta-
sy success again this season. Having just turned 30, he should
be at the top of his game, and the attack minded Saints offense
is unlikely to change a successful formula.
The Bad - It is often difficult to replicate or even get close
to a year of fantasy excellence. Some of the more recent great
ICON SMI

Peyton Manning QB fantasy years have resulted in disappointing follow ups or

worse. Tom Brady, Daunte Culpepper, Steve Young and Kurt
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 Warner were all hit by the injury bug in the following season, 3. Peyton Manning - IND
while Peyton Manning saw his TDs decline from 48 to 28 6-5, 230, age: 33
and his passing yardage drop by 700 yards. Maybe Brees can year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
buck the trend, but it’s hard to repeat dominant stats in back 2009 PROJ 541 340 3976 28 13 28 1 307 3
to back years. Additionally with ANY improvement by the 2008 IND 555 371 4002 27 12 21 1 304 6
Saints defense, maybe Brees won’t have to throw the ball over 2007 IND 515 337 4040 31 14 -5 3 330 3
600 times a year to keep the Saints in touch with opposing 2006 IND 557 362 4397 31 9 36 4 362 1
offenses. The Good - Peyton Manning has been a Top 3 fantasy QB
The Bottom Line - In his three years with the Saints, Brees seven of the last 11 seasons, so the upside is obvious. He
has clearly established himself as one of the finest fantasy stands a good chance of finishing as the No. 1 QB if the sea-
quarterbacks available. He makes good decisions considering son goes well. An average year for Manning would be 4,150
the Saints’ aggressive approach, although last year’s 17 inter- yards with 30 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. A good year
ceptions is not a career anomaly. While it would be difficult (the average from his five best seasons) would be 4,335 yards,
to match last year, he has been a Top 5 fantasy QB for three 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. That would have made
straight seasons. Brees is easily one of the safest options t the him the No. 2 QB last season behind Drew Brees. Manning
position, but it will cost you a high draft pick. will need some help from his receivers, however, to achieve
that potential. Last year was a down year for Reggie Wayne,
2. Tom Brady - NE and 2007 first-round pick Anthony Gonzalez has yet to fulfill
6-4, 210, age: 32 expectations.
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank The Bad - Manning is as dependable as they come. He has
2009 PROJ 565 369 4040 30 13 70 1 322 2 missed only one snap due to injury in his entire 176-game
2008 NE 11 7 76 0 0 0 0 4 60 career. He started 16 games for the 11th consecutive season
2007 NE 578 398 4806 50 8 98 2 454 1 last year, and made his ninth trip to the Pro Bowl. He is the
2006 NE 516 319 3529 24 12 102 0 271 7
only QB in NFL history to throw for over 3,000 years in each

QUARTERBACKS
The Good - “It was the best of times” - in 2007. We’ve of his first 11 seasons - and he’s hit the 4,000 yard mark in
already seen Tom Brady set the single-season TD passing nine of those seasons. He’s finished as a Top 10 fantasy QB in
record with 50 TDs to go along with 4,800 passing yards. all 11 seasons, and has finished outside the Top 5 only twice:
That translated into an NFL-record 589 points scored for New his rookie year, and last year when a knee injury slowed him
England and an undefeated regular season. The key cogs in the initially. In other words, Manning’s realistic “worst case” sce-
offense are still in place, and New England has added some nario is better than most QBs’ realistic “best case” scenario.
proven veterans to the mix. If collectively the offense stays Expect a Top 5 season out of Manning even if it’s a down year
healthy, opposing defensive coordinators will again be losing for him.
sleep and loading up on Maalox. Pick your poison on who to The Bottom Line - Manning got off to a slow start last
cover - Moss, Welker, Galloway, one of the TEs, or stick guys season after undergoing knee surgery in July. He skipped the
in the box to thwart the run – there are just too many options preseason and wasn’t quite himself during the first few games.
to worry about. After averaging just 15.8 fantasy points per game during the
The Bad - “It was the worst of times” - in 2008. On the sec- first three games, he averaged a much more Manning-like
ond drive of the year, Brady went down for the season with a 20.9 fantasy points per game over the remaining 13 games.
knee injury. It doesn’t get any worse than that. Brady may for- Manning will be drafted as a Top 3 fantasy QB in most
ever hold a dubious record that may not ever be broken: big- leagues and is a decent bet to live up to his draft position.
gest drop-off in TD passes from one season to the next. Given
that Brady is coming back from a serious injury and hasn’t 4. Kurt Warner - ARI
played much since the Pats loss to the Giants in the Super 6-2, 220, age: 38
Bowl (he barely participated in camp last year), he could be year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
rusty and not completely healed. He may have to permanently 2009 PROJ 540 344 3888 28 16 4 0 291 7
wear a knee brace which could hamper his mobility, limit his 2008 ARI 599 402 4582 30 14 -2 0 335 4
scrambling, and reduce his rushing attempts. 2007 ARI 452 282 3409 27 17 15 1 269 10
The Bottom Line - It’s unlikely the Patriots offense will 2006 ARI 168 108 1377 6 5 3 0 88 37
take a nosedive with Brady coming back. Given the arsenal The Good - If Kurt Warner fully recovers from his hip inju-
Brady has to work with, he should be in for another Top 5 ry, receives adequate protection from his offensive line, and
fantasy season if healthy. He has already displayed what could receives sufficient run support to force eight men in the box
happen if all the planets align properly and could lap many on occasion, he is destined for another Top 5 fantasy season.
other QBs in fantasy scoring. However, the Pats have bulked The Bad - Though we rarely predict injury when making
up their running attack and may try to implement more of a projections, acknowledging an existing injury is reasonable.
ball-control offense in order to keep their defense off the field In a worst-case scenario, Warner would struggle in his recov-
more than in recent seasons. That could also lead to a lot of ery, and the Cardinals offensive line and running game would
dink and dunk passes - something Matt Cassel made a living struggle as they did for much of 2008. It is difficult to imagine
on last year and a scheme the Patriots have used at times with Warner, who is nearing the end of his career, overcoming those
Brady. obstacles to repeat as an elite fantasy QB. That said, even if all
goes wrong, he is unlikely to lose his starting spot. The team
invested too much money in him to bench him. He would still

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 be a viable fantasy QB2. of a proven veteran backup at RB.
The Bottom Line - In all likelihood, since it appears almost The Bottom Line - It’s interesting that McNabb enjoyed his
certain that Anquan Boldin will remain in town for another best season in five years last year, considering he was benched
year, Warner will be a solid starting fantasy QB. He plays in a midway through the Ravens game and could conceivably have
spread offense against mostly inferior pass defenses this year. been done as the Eagles starter had Kevin Kolb played better.
He will provide six to nine games of elite fantasy numbers, But that’s ancient history now and McNabb is healthy, happy,
and he should be a solid performer most of the other weeks. and has the deepest collection of offensive weapons in his
career. As long as the rebuilt offensive line gels quickly, there
5. Aaron Rodgers - GB is no reason to expect anything less than a Top 10 fantasy sea-
6-2, 220, age: 26 son with the potential for more.
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 530 321 3790 26 15 153 2 306 4 7. Philip Rivers - SD
2008 GB 536 341 4038 28 13 207 4 346 2 6-5, 228, age: 28
2007 GB 28 20 218 1 0 29 0 18 61 year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
2006 GB 15 6 46 0 0 11 0 3 62 2009 PROJ 490 323 3793 27 13 75 1 298 6
The Good - Aaron Rodgers has helped the Packers organi- 2008 SD 478 312 4009 34 11 84 0 334 5
zation and fans move on from the legend of Brett Favre. He 2007 SD 460 277 3152 21 15 33 1 236 15
had a remarkable season in 2008, throwing for 4,038 yards and 2006 SD 460 284 3388 22 9 49 0 253 9
28 touchdowns. He found success passing the football despite The Good - Philip Rivers exceeded everyone’s expectations
a rushing attack that struggled compared to the 2007 season. last year when he led the league in passer rating and touch-
He has legitimized himself as the starting quarterback of the down passes and was the No. 3 fantasy QB. Rivers broke the
present and future in Green Bay. It’s hard to envision a bet- 4,000-yard barrier for the first time last season, and threw 34
ter season for Rodgers, so the best-case scenario would be a touchdowns compared to just 11 interceptions. Most impres-
repeat of 2008. sively, he had an elite season while finishing just No. 11 in
The Bad - There is really not a worst-case scenario for pass attempts (without any significant rushing statistics). If
QUARTERBACKS

Rodgers barring injuries. The only possible risk is if the the Chargers continue the transition from running team to
offensive line regresses and doesn’t allow him as much time passing team and Rivers gets over 500 attempts in 2009, he
to throw. If the rushing attack does better this season, he may could improve on his 2008 fantasy stats. Vincent Jackson has
throw 50 fewer passes for 400 fewer passing yards. That would established himself as a solid NFL WR1, and Antonio Gates
put him around 3,600 yards and 24 touchdowns as his worst- should be healthy (after struggling through toe and hip injuries
case scenario. in 2008.
The Bottom Line - Rodgers had a wonderful season last The Bad - Rivers had his best year as a pro in 2008, but it
year, and he has a great group of receivers. His numbers could have been an aberration rather than a sign of things to
may take a slight downtick if the rushing attack improves, as come. He lacks the arm strength of many of the other upper-
expected, this season, but he is still likely to throw for 3,800 tier QBs. While Vincent Jackson appears to be coming into
yards and 26+ touchdowns this season. He was the third-best his own, Chris Chambers disappeared over the second half of
fantasy quarterback in 2008 and should finish Top 5 once 2008 and the other WRs (Malcom Floyd and Buster Davis) are
again in 2009. unproven. Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson have been
nagged by injuries and may never be the players they were ear-
6. Donovan McNabb - PHI lier in their careers. If the offense around him regresses, Rivers
6-2, 226, age: 33 could regress to his 2007 season level.
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank The Bottom Line - Rivers is an underdog to repeat his Top
2009 PROJ 555 338 3774 25 15 176 2 303 5 5 performance of a year ago, but is a favorite to finish in the
2008 PHI 571 345 3916 23 11 147 2 304 7 Top 10. The Chargers still have a high-powered offense that
2007 PHI 473 291 3324 19 7 236 0 259 13 should score a lot of points, and QBs on high-scoring offenses
2006 PHI 316 180 2647 18 6 212 3 238 13 are nearly always good fantasy bets. In particular, the Chargers
The Good -McNabb is one of a handful of veteran QBs should continue to enjoy success in the red zone with their
capable of finishing atop the fantasy rankings under ideal bevy of large receivers (Gates, Jackson, and Floyd are like a
circumstances. He’s coming off his best fantasy season since basketball team’s front court), so Rivers should comfortably
2004, throwing for almost 4,000 yards to go along with 23 toss 25+ TDs again. Expect a fantasy finish somewhere in the
TDs and just 11 interceptions. With a strong arm, a rebuilt 4-9 range.
offensive line and complete mastery of the playbook, McNabb
is positioned for a big year. DeSean Jackson should emerge 8. Tony Romo - DAL
as a 1,000-yard threat in his second season. If rookie Jeremy 6-2, 219, age: 29
Maclin can provide an explosive after-the-catch option, year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
McNabb could deliver Top 5 numbers including 4,000 yards 2009 PROJ 525 333 3712 23 18 96 1 275 8
passing and 25+ touchdowns. 2008 DAL 450 276 3448 26 14 41 0 266 10
The Bad - If either Stacy Andrews or Jason Peters struggle 2007 DAL 520 335 4211 36 19 129 2 360 2
as the Eagles’ new tackles, McNabb could suffer undue pres- 2006 DAL 337 220 2903 19 13 102 0 218 19
sure - something that affected his play in 2007. If Brian The Good -To hear some people tell it, Tony Romo flopped
Westbrook suffers further decline, the entire cohesion of the in 2008. Yet, in 13 games he threw for 3,448 yards and 26
Eagles offense could grind to a halt, particularly given the lack touchdowns. He was a Top 10 fantasy passer in spite of miss-
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 Player Spotlight:
QB Jay Cutler
Chicago Bears
by Jason Wood – Senior Writer, Footballguys.com
J
ay Cutler grew up a Chicago Bears
fan, but he never had reason to
think his NFL fortunes would ever
coincide with his childhood fandom.
After all, teams simply don’t let fran-
chise passers go. It’s so rare to find a
true franchise cornerstone that no organi-
zation would be foolish enough to let one
go in his prime. Cutler will be a Denver
Bronco for life. Right?
Yikes, if you’re a Broncos fan read-
ing this let me apologize for the flippant
recap but let’s be honest, this offseason
was shocking. Regardless of where you
place the blame, the simple truth is Josh
McDaniels and Jay Cutler couldn’t co-
exist. The Bears traded two 1sts, a 3rd, a
5th and Kyle Orton for the 26-year old
star. In Chicago expectations are sky
high. For years, Bears fans have thought
they were only a QB away from Super
Bowl contention.
Jay Cutler is the best quarterback
in modern Bears history. Sid Luckman
is a Hall of Famer, and I’m not going to
try to compare his achievements in the
1940s to offensive numbers of today’s
game. But Luckman’s career ended in
1950, which means Jay Cutler is the best
QB the Windy City has seen in almost
60 years. Don’t believe me? Take a look
at the Bears Top 5 passers of the modern
era:
1. Jim Harbaugh (’87-’93) – 89 games, 58.2%
completion, 11,567 yards, 50 TDs, 56 INTs
2. Jim McMahon (’82-’88) – 66 games, 57.8%
completion, 11,203 yards, 67 TDs, 56 INTs
3. Erik Kramer (’94-’98) – 49 games, 58.6%
completion, 10,582 yards, 63 TDs, 45 INTs
4. Billy Wade (’61-’66) – 59 games, 54.5%
completion, 9,958 yards, 68 TDs, 66 INTs
5. Ed Brown (’54-’61) – 98 games, 48.7%
completion, 9,698 yards, 63 TDs, 88 INTs
Compare that to Jay Cutler’s career
numbers:
• Jay Cutler (’06-’08) – 37 games, 62.5%
completion, 9,024 yards, 54 TDs, 37 INTs
But just because Jay Cutler is the
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ICON SMI
best Chicago QB in genera-
tions doesn’t mean he’s a great
bet to lead your fantasy team
to a championship. In fact,
there are a lot of reasons to
think that Jay Cutler will be
more valuable to the Bears
than he will be to fantasy
owners.
The Offensive Line – The
Bears offensive line only
allowed 29 sacks last year
(13th best) and signed Orlando
Pace to improve the left tackle
position this offseason, but
that can’t compare to the
Broncos OL, which allowed a
league-low 12 sacks. accomplished. Turner is infamous for
Receiving Corps – It’s fair to say being an ultra-conservative play-caller
the Bears receivers will look better which doesn’t play into Jay Cutler’s
with Jay Cutler throwing to them, and strengths.
Earl Bennett and the pair of rookies are
particularly attractive sleepers. But it’s Final Thoughts
equally fair to say that Brandon Marshall Jay Cutler is one of the best young
is demonstrably better than any Bears quarterbacks in the league. The fact the
receiver and Eddie Royal may be, too. Bears were able to acquire him, in his
Run/Pass Balance – The Broncos prime, was a coup and sets the Bears up
threw 620 passes last year while the as a title contender for years to come. But
Bears have averaged 500 pass attempts is what’s good for Bears fans necessarily
during Lovie Smith’s tenure. It’s easier what’s good for fantasy owners? Even
to think the Bears will throw more with though Cutler should win more games in
Cutler under center, but realistically he’ll Chicago than he did in Denver, it’s not
still throw fewer than 550 passes. clear he’s going to be a better fantasy
Offensive Coaching – Mike Shanahan player. The Bears run a more conserva-
is a two-time Super Bowl champion and
tive offense, maintain a more balanced
offensive guru, while Bears OC Ron run/pass ratio, have a less imposing
Turner is, shall we say, decidedly less offensive line, and don’t have proven
WRs on the roster. Cutler should ele-
Positives vate the Bears offense to new levels,
• Jay Cutler is a strong-armed, accurate passer but the aforementioned factors should
in his prime
crimp his upside. Cutler could be a
• The Bears have above average receiving options
at TE and RB
Top 5 fantasy passer on talent alone,
• The Bears offensive line is above average, with depth but more likely slots as a rock solid
QB2 who should finish in the 10-12
Negatives range this year.
• Ron Turner is a conservative play-caller
• The Bears wide receivers aren’t as good as the If you’d like access to more than
Broncos
120 other detailed Player Spotlights,
• Expect the Bears to have a more balanced
run/pass ratio be sure to visit Footballguys.com
and become a subscriber.
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99
5/26/09 9:26:11 AM
 ing almost a month with a finger injury. The best case for fringe Top 20 QB, and is a total let down given the price you’ll
Romo is a return to the Top 5, where he finished in 2007. But pay for him.
that will only happen if the Cowboys receiving corps takes The Bottom Line - Palmer has all the potential to be the
shape quickly, which means Roy Williams must approximate comeback kid this year. Ochocinco seems to be minding his
the 1,000-yard receiver he was in Detroit and not the marginal Ps and Qs, and a crafty veteran like Coles can only add to the
contributor he was as a Cowboy last year. Romo is an accu- mix. The big rookie OT helps protect Palmer, and he shakes
rate passer (63.6 percent career completion rate) who loves off the rust early and hits his stride by Game 1. Look for
to throw downfield (8.1 career yards per attempt), and it’s Palmer to return to his Top 10 form and prove to be a solid
entirely possible that he’ll benefit from addition by subtraction addition to any fantasy roster.
(i.e., Terrell Owens).
The Bad - The worst case would be if fantasy owners had 11. Matt Ryan - ATL
to count on Romo in the NFL playoffs, but lucky for us our 6-4, 228, age: 24
fantasy playoffs take place during the NFL’s regular season. year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
In all seriousness, the questions for Romo are more about his 2009 PROJ 446 278 3385 21 15 105 1 255 13
supporting cast than his own ability. Williams has enormous 2008 ATL 434 265 3440 16 11 104 1 241 15
shoes to fill and the rest of the WR corps is far from a sure The Good – Matt Ryan has the potential to be an elite
bet. If they all struggle in their roles, even someone as talented passer, and the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez might put the
as Romo could struggle to be a consistent fantasy star. Falcons’ offense on a par with the best units in the NFL. With
The Bottom Line - Last year Romo missed three games and a year of experience under his belt, Ryan’s confidence and
still finished as the 10th-best fantasy QB. With Owens gone, comfort level will be high from Day 1.
it’s reasonable to expect the team’s passing numbers to take a The Bad - As we saw with Jeremy Shockey in New Orleans
hit, but Romo is far too talented to completely fall off the map. last season, team chemistry is a funny thing that can backfire
Over a full 16-game season, as long as TE Jason Witten and even when a Pro Bowl level talent like Gonzalez is involved.
the talented trio of RBs are healthy, Romo is still a solid bet Ryan could fail to improve if Gonzalez flounders or even
QUARTERBACKS

for Top 10 production. Don’t pay Top 5 prices for Romo, but if throw less (the Falcons’ rushing attack is pretty awesome). If
he falls into the QB10-12 range, he’s not only worth rostering, Roddy White were to miss some time due to injury, there isn’t
he offers tremendous upside. another top-tier receiver on the squad that could fill in.
The Bottom Line - Ryan exploded onto the scene last year,
9. Jay Cutler - CHI leading the Falcons to the playoffs. He had one of the most
6-4, 225, age: 26 impressive rookie seasons in history, completing 61 percent
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank of his passes for 3,440 yards and 16 TDs. The team has added
2009 PROJ 530 321 3498 23 16 162 1 273 9 Gonzalez at the TE position, boasts Roddy White and Michael
2008 DEN 616 384 4526 25 18 200 2 340 3 Jenkins at WR, and has a good pass-catching back in Jerious
2007 DEN 467 297 3497 20 14 205 1 267 11 Norwood. Ryan has a wide array of targets that should allow
2006 DEN 137 81 1001 9 5 18 0 83 40 him to far exceed last year’s 16th-place fantasy ranking.
See Cutler’s full-page Spotlight on Page 99.
12. Matt Schaub - HOU
10. Carson Palmer - CIN 6-5, 237, age: 28
6-5, 230, age: 30 year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank 2009 PROJ 485 311 3676 20 18 92 1 261 12
2009 PROJ 505 313 3560 22 15 20 0 253 14 2008 HOU 380 251 3043 15 10 68 2 221 21
2008 CIN 129 75 731 3 4 38 0 48 41 2007 HOU 289 192 2241 9 9 52 0 144 22
2007 CIN 575 373 4131 26 20 10 0 292 9 2006 ATL 27 18 208 1 2 21 0 14 55
2006 CIN 520 324 4035 28 13 37 0 304 5 The Good - When healthy, Matt Schaub, RB Steve Slaton,
The Good - Palmer returns with a vengeance this season. and WR Andre Johnson form one of the most dangerous trios
All reports from the summer are true and he’s healthier than in the league. Schaub threw for over 3,000 yards last season
ever. Although T.J. Houshmandzadeh is no longer with the in just 10.5 games. He was the No. 5 fantasy QB in terms
team, the Bengals added veteran Laveranues Coles during the of points per game. With another year of starting experience
offseason to make up for the receiving gap. Coles is a solid under his belt, Schaub could reasonably be a Top 5 fantasy QB
veteran who knows how to break apart opposing defenses. this season if he plays 16 games.
This frees up Chad Ochocinco to do what he does best: make The Bad - Schaub is not the safest pick. He missed five
big plays. With the addition of a big OT in No. 6 overall games with a shoulder injury and concussion in 2007 and
rookie pick Andre Smith, Palmer gets some much needed pro- another five with an intestinal illness and a knee injury in
tection. 2008. Moreover, his production depends not only on his own
The Bad - If Palmer is healthy, he’ll be on the field. If he’s health but also on that of Andre Johnson and Steve Slaton. The
on the field, he’ll be throwing. Yet setting the league on fire Texans lack depth at the offensive skill positions, so an injury
with attempts and incompletions isn’t going to win you any to any of its primary weapons will set the whole offense back
fantasy games. In a ‘how bad could it get?’ scenario, Palmer quite a bit.
could try his best, but fail to make a bad team good by him- The Bottom Line - If Schaub stays healthy, he’ll be a
self. The Bengals running game flames out and defenses stack fantasy starter. Andre Johnson has developed into a topnotch
five and six DBs against Palmer. He finishes the season as a offensive weapon, and Schaub can make all the throws asked

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 of him. Of the 10 games he played from start to finish last sea- offensive line was in shambles last season, and Garrard lacked
son, he threw for over 250 yards in eight of them and multiple a go-to receiver. Yet, he still finished as the No. 11 fantasy QB.
touchdowns in five of them. Schaub would likely finish in the Can his downside be any worse than that? Actually, yes. While
Top 7 or so range this year if he stays healthy, but concern the Jaguars’ season was a huge disappointment, the Jaguars’
about his durability will probably drop him just outside the did face more prevent defenses, trailing in the fourth quar-
Top 10 QBs in most fantasy drafts. ter, than they are likely to see this year. If Holt is washed up
and Mike Walker isn’t yet ready for prime time, the Jaguars’
13. Ben Roethlisberger - PIT receiving corps could be worse than it was last year.
6-5, 241, age: 27 The Bottom Line - Garrard should have a fantasy season
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank comparable to last year’s. Holt will provide some help, but he
2009 PROJ 490 301 3391 23 17 105 2 267 11 isn’t the superstar he used to be. The offensive line should be
2008 PIT 468 280 3308 17 15 101 2 240 16 better, but that will probably make a bigger difference in the
2007 PIT 404 264 3154 32 11 204 2 307 6 running game than in the passing game. The Jaguars probably
2006 PIT 469 280 3513 18 23 98 2 246 10 won’t play from behind as often, but if they can better sustain
The Good - Another year and another championship for drives, they’ll have more total offensive plays. All in all, we
Ben Roethlisberger in 2008. However, fantasy owners that can probably expect comparable yardage numbers and 15 to
expected a repeat of his 2007 numbers were sorely disap- 20 TDs.
pointed. Two years ago Big Ben was a Top 6 fantasy QB, but
a new offensive philosophy coupled with a tougher schedule 15. Eli Manning - NYG
made for a barely Top 20 performance in. The Steelers plan to 6-4, 218, age: 28
protect Roethlisberger better this year and give him more time year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
to make plays through the air. Even though Nate Washington 2009 PROJ 500 279 3125 22 15 14 1 237 18
left for Tennessee, the Steelers are expecting Limas Sweed to 2008 NYG 479 289 3238 21 10 10 1 243 14
step in as a deep threat and red zone target. 2007 NYG 529 297 3336 23 20 69 1 252 14

QUARTERBACKS
The Bad - Pittsburgh is not known for an awesome air 2006 NYG 522 301 3244 24 18 21 0 242 11
attack. With their stifling defense they only need their offense The Good - Eli Manning had almost no chance of matching
to move the ball and eat up the clock. Big Ben has only had his 2007 achievements last year. After all, how do you follow
more than 18 TD passes once (32 in 2007) and usually throws up a Super Bowl win and marrying your long-time sweet-
17 TDs on the season. The Steelers will once again be mak- heart? But last year was hardly a disappointment. Manning
ing a championship run, and with that tremendous defense it led his team to a personal-best 12 wins, completed 60 percent
should be more of the same for the passing attack in 2009. of his passes for the first time, and threw at least 21 TDs
The Bottom Line - The Steelers want to win games with for the fourth consecutive season. Perhaps most impressive,
a tough defense and a clock-chewing ground game which Manning cut his interception total in half, throwing just 10
leaves little room for Roethlisberger to put up big numbers picks. Manning’s best case is a Top 5 fantasy finish, some-
unless the team gets in a shootout. Big Ben needs a better thing he accomplished in 2005. In order for that to happen,
offensive line because he took a beating week in and week the group of young receivers led by Domenik Hixon, Steve
out in 2008. Sure, he can make big plays when the called play Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden will need to replace
breaks down, but too often he was running for his life behind Plaxico Burress’ incomparable productivity.
a porous line. Throwing for 20 TDs would be an improvement The Bad - Another season, another December swoon.
for Roethlisberger, and on this Steelers team that could be his Manning may have had legitimate reasons to struggle in
ceiling. December, but that’s little solace for fantasy owners who had
to start him in their league’s playoffs. Without Plaxico Burress
14. David Garrard - JAX to win jump balls, it’s hard to believe Manning won’t regress a
6-1, 237, age: 31 bit in 2009 and that means sub-60 percent passing and 15-20
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank interceptions. That also means Manning is, once again, a qual-
2009 PROJ 500 312 3375 19 14 264 2 269 10 ity fantasy backup but not a worthwhile fantasy starter.
2008 JAX 535 335 3620 15 13 322 2 272 9 The Bottom Line - Manning has the experience and track
2007 JAX 325 208 2509 18 3 182 1 219 16 record to comfortably expect Top 12 to 15 numbers at the
2006 JAX 241 145 1735 10 9 250 0 143 28 worst. The question fantasy owners must ask themselves is
The Good - Since David Garrard took the reins in whether the youth movement at WR can overcome the loss
Jacksonville midway through the 2006 season, his top receiv- of Burress and whether any of that matters in December.
ers have been Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, Dennis Northcutt, Manning should be viewed as an excellent QB2 because he
and Ernest Wilford - not exactly an all-star cast. This season could put up QB1 numbers in any given week, but don’t reach
he’ll have seven-time Pro Bowler Torry Holt in the mix. Holt for him expecting QB1 production.
had a down year in 2008, but he still outperformed each of
Jacksonville’s WRs. If Holt can bounce back and give Garrard 16. Matt Hasselbeck - SEA
a legitimate playmaker to throw to on the outside (and if the 6-4, 220, age: 34
Jaguars’ offensive line can offer him some protection), Garrard year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
possibly could challenge for a spot among the Top 5 fantasy 2009 PROJ 510 298 3188 22 14 88 1 248 15
QBs. 2008 SEA 209 109 1216 5 10 69 0 78 36
The Bad - One might think that, barring injury, 2009 could 2007 SEA 562 352 3966 28 12 79 0 306 7
not be any worse for Garrard than was 2008. The Jaguars’ 2006 SEA 371 210 2442 18 15 110 0 190 22
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 The Good - The Seahawks had a chance to select Mark coaches, so we’ll have to see what type of chemistry he and
Sanchez in this year’s draft but passed on the opportunity, Edwards can develop. If they don’t click early and the season
leaving Matt Hasselbeck with a hold on the starting QB posi- gets off to a bad start, things could spiral downward very
tion in Seattle. He has been a Top 10 fantasy QB when he has quickly. The biggest concern is probably the Bills offensive
stayed healthy. Over the last seven years, Hasselbeck has been line, which will have three new starters this year after trading
nagged by injuries during the even years but has been able to away Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters.
stay healthy during the odd years. If you’re superstitious – this The Bottom Line - In 24 career games, Edwards has only
is an odd year. T.J. Houshmandzadeh gives him a true WR1 for accounted for 21 total TDs, so he hasn’t been a very produc-
the first time since Darrell Jackson left, and the combination tive fantasy option up to this point. In his favor, however, most
of Houshmandzadeh and TE John Carlson will provide a pair young QBs take time to develop, and the Bills have not had
of solid red zone targets. A Top 10 season is well within rea- much talent for him to throw to. Neither of those challenges
son if Hasselbeck can stay healthy. should hold him back anymore as he is at the point in his
The Bad - Hasselbeck is six months older than Peyton career where he should be able to lead an offense and the addi-
Manning – no spring chicken, but the Seahawks are convinced tion of Owens has dramatically upgraded the Bills talent level.
he has at least a few good years left in him. Nonetheless, If the line can play well and Edwards stays healthy all year, he
unlike Manning, Hasselbeck has struggled with injuries in has a chance to be a reliable QB2 this year.
about half of his seasons as a Seahawk. Concern about his
durability will likely drop him down to the QB15-QB20 range 19. Kyle Orton - DEN
in most fantasy drafts this season, and if last year’s back injury 6-4, 220, age: 27
(which plagued him from Week 5 on) continues to give him year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
trouble, he could easily fail to live up to even that discounted 2009 PROJ 420 262 2881 20 13 40 0 215 24
draft position. 2008 CHI 465 272 2972 18 12 49 3 232 18
The Bottom Line - Hasselbeck has a high upside and a low 2007 CHI 79 42 475 3 2 -1 0 34 55
downside. If he stays healthy, he should be good for at least The Good - Kyle Orton comes to Denver from Chicago
QUARTERBACKS

3,300 yards and 22 touchdowns, and perhaps substantially bet- and suddenly finds himself surrounded by superior talent. The
ter than that. But his frequent assortment of injuries over the Broncos have a better offensive line, better wide receivers,
past eight season make him difficult to count on as a starter. and arguably a better ground game than the Bears which could
mean that Orton is primed for a banner year. Add in the fact
17. Matt Cassel - KC that he will now be coached by QB guru Josh McDaniels and
6-5, 230, age: 27 it only enhances his potential production. In 2008 Jay Cutler
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank had a phenomenal season in Denver, but Orton is no Cutler.
2009 PROJ 515 287 3116 20 15 198 1 247 16 While he may not throw for as many yards (Denver could fea-
2008 NE 516 327 3693 21 11 271 2 297 8 ture Knowshon Moreno more than expected) Orton could be a
2007 NE 7 4 38 0 1 12 1 8 70 more efficient QB - especially in the red zone.
2006 NE 8 5 32 0 0 4 0 2 64 The Bad - The Broncos brought in Chris Simms to compete
See Cassel’s full-page Face-off on Page 103. for the QB position and it could be a battle that goes back
and forth throughout the season. Simms has reportedly looked
18. Trent Edwards - BUF very good in mini camp and he has a much stronger arm than
6-4, 220, age: 26 Orton. Head Coach Josh McDaniels may vacillate back and
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank forth between the two until one emerges. Orton looked good
2009 PROJ 450 280 3128 20 15 106 1 238 17 in the first half of the 2008 season, but after an ankle injury
2008 BUF 374 245 2699 11 10 117 3 199 22 (that he, perhaps mistakenly, played through) he looked like
2007 BUF 269 151 1630 7 8 49 0 106 30 a below average QB. Orton should be better protected behind
The Good - Entering his third year in the NFL, Trent the Denver offensive line, but if the pressure gets to him he
Edwards has already started 23 games, but he is still a young usually falters.
QB who should continue to improve as he gains more experi- The Bottom Line - We expect Orton to win the starting job
ence. The Bills have not given him a lot to work with in the in Denver, although it could take him until the end of training
past as they had Lee Evans at WR and not a whole lot else. camp to do so. We’ve seen what Orton can do with average
This year, however, the Bills made one of the offseason’s big- weapons and average protection, so it’s not out of the question
gest headlines when they signed Terrell Owens to a one-year to expect his numbers to match - or perhaps improve upon -
contract. Adding one of the league’s elite receivers should have his 2008 performance.
a dramatic impact on the Bills offense. With two of the best
WRs in the league at his disposal along with a deep group 20. Jake Delhomme - CAR
of RBs to keep the chains moving, Edwards could be on the 6-2, 205, age: 34
verge of a breakout season. year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
The Bad - Although Edwards has shown some promise as a 2009 PROJ 436 250 3008 19 14 28 0 215 23
game manager and has a high completion percentage, he does 2008 CAR 414 246 3288 15 12 21 2 226 20
not take a lot of chances and frequently looks for a checkdown 2007 CAR 86 55 626 8 1 26 0 65 43
when a bigger play might be available. He’s also limited by 2006 CAR 431 263 2805 17 11 12 0 198 21
the conservative nature of the Bills coaching staff. Owens The Good - Jake Delhomme is certainly capable of a big
doesn’t have a great history of getting along with his QBs and season – he threw for 3,800+ yards and 29 TDs in 2004. In his

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 QB - Kansas City
Matt Cassel Face-off
In a Footballguys.com Face-off, two writers provide an in-depth look at a player by examining either his high side or his low side.
Whose argument is stronger? That is left up to you. For dozens more Face-offs, visit Footballguys.com.
The High Side
by Andy Hicks
M M
att Cassel will be one of the more polarizing players in
fantasy drafts this year. There will be many people in every
draft who do not want to touch him. This is to your advan-
tage. The case against Cassel is relatively easy to make:
1) Cassel is a system QB.
2) He had Randy Moss & Wes Welker among others to account for
his “successful” season.
3) He moves from an 11-5 team to a 2-14 team.
4) His new team lost their best receiver.
5) Tyler Thigpen is ready to start at a moment’s notice.
I’m sure that there are more issues that could be dredged
up, particularly from a statistical point of view, but his
passer rating was Top 10 in the league and all of this
was achieved by a player who hadn’t started since
high school. Despite a slow start last year, Cassel
found his groove and ended the season as the
eighth ranked fantasy QB. He threw back-to-
back 400-yard games and passed for at least
three touchdowns in five games. His touch-
down to interception ratio was impressive and
his ability to run the ball added an additional
two touchdowns and almost 300 yards. In short
Cassel did more than was expected of him.
Let’s look at the move to Kansas City and
remove the fear factor.
Last year despite a conservative offense, and let’s verify
that by quoting former coach Herm Edwards “If we score 21 points, I’ll
say, ‘Whoa, we scored a lot of points.’ Twenty-one points – that’s a lot of
points.” Kansas City still ranked in the Top 10 in pass attempts and pass-
ing TDs, higher than New England. The introduction of new head coach,
former Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley, should give a boost to
the offense, particularly the passing game. The Cardinals ranked third in
points scored, with 136 more than Kansas City.
The departure of Tony Gonzalez to the Falcons will hurt, but they
have plenty of other options for Cassel. Dwayne Bowe is quickly mak-
ing a name for himself as one of the best young receivers in the game,
and Mark Bradley came from the scrap heap to become an excellent
complement to Bowe. The Chiefs have good pass-catching backs in Larry
Johnson & Jamaal Charles, and they also have high hopes for the probable
replacement of Tony Gonzalez, last year’s third-round pick Brad Cottam.
A lot of people when rating Cassel don’t seem to account for possible
improvement in a guy who hadn’t played competitively for seven years.
Cassel’s first season as a starter is as good if not better than almost any
other quarterback ever to play the game. His pass completion percentage
was Top 10 all-time for a first season starting quarterback, with mainly
established greats such as Joe Montana, Brett Favre and Tom Brady
ahead of him. Drafting Matt Cassel to be your starting QB would be
ICON/SMI
risky, but as your backup or part of a committee he’ll be very useful.
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103 CASSEL FACEOFF.indd 103
The Low Side
by Cecil Lammey
att Cassel has backed up some of the best QBs in
the game today – Carson Palmer while at USC and
Tom Brady during his time in New England. Many
wondered how he would perform if he was forced into the start-
ing lineup, and in 2008 we got to see that after Tom Brady went
down in Week 1. This offseason Cassel was given the franchise
tag by the Patriots, traded to Kansas City for a second round
pick, and is now the main man for the Chiefs as they begin the
rebuilding process.
Last season Cassel finished as the No. 8 fantasy QB,
and many people are expecting him to do the same
– or even more – this year. As Joe Bryant likes
to say, things change fast around here so
you have to stay on top of the happenings
in the NFL. First off, Cassel likely had a
career year in 2008, and as history tells
us repeatedly, very few players repeat
or improve on their numbers after such
a performance. So why wouldn’t Matt
Cassel at least come close to those num-
bers again? Let’s look into this a little
further.
Last season Cassel struggled in the pre-
season and some thought that he might lose
his roster spot to the Patriots 2008 third-round
pick Kevin O’Connell. The Patriots didn’t feel they
could trust a rookie behind Tom Brady and kept Cassel on the
roster which proved to be their saving grace when Bernard
Pollard rolled up on Brady’s knee. He looked rough the first
several weeks of the season, but Josh McDaniels started to
open things up and by the middle of the year he was running
the offense effectively. However, even with elite talent sur-
rounding him, too often Cassel looked painfully average.
He likes to lock on to his receivers and tends to hold on to
the ball too long which was evident because he was sacked
47 times in 2008. Now he goes to a team in Kansas City that
doesn’t have the same type of weapons as New England, let
alone the same type of offensive line. He goes from throwing
to Randy Moss and Wes Welker to throwing to Dwayne Bowe
and Mark Bradley. That is a huge difference that will show up
in his final numbers. Todd Haley is his new head coach and he
did great things with the Arizona offense – but Cassel is not
Kurt Warner. What is the biggest difference between Cassel
and Warner (or Tom Brady)? It’s quickness when going through
reads and decisiveness when throwing the football. Being with
a new team, with less dangerous weapons, and more pressure
on his shoulders = Matt Cassel struggling to match his numbers
from 2008.
103
5/26/09 9:34:42 AM
 second year back from Tommy John surgery, we could expect 22. Jason Campbell - WAS
improvement after an uneven 2008 season. Steve Smith should 6-5, 228, age: 28
be available for all 16 games this year, which should help year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
Delhomme get off to a better start. If he can put together a few 2009 PROJ 465 274 2930 16 9 200 1 228 21
more outstanding games this season, Delhomme could outper- 2008 WAS 506 315 3245 13 6 258 1 240 17
form his draft spot significantly. 2007 WAS 417 250 2700 12 11 185 1 196 18
The Bad - Delhomme’s numbers could come in below last 2006 WAS 207 110 1297 10 6 107 0 110 33
year’s mark as he plays in a very run-oriented offense these The Good - After seven offensive playbooks in nine sea-
days. It’s hard to see him getting back to his mid-decade form, sons, Jason Campbell has to be happy to enter the 2009 season
despite the big contract. Muhsin Muhammad is aging and the with the same coaches, supporting cast and playbook as last
Panthers didn’t upgrade the WR position during the draft leav- year. After completing a career-best 62.3 percent of his passes
ing a rather thin selection of targets for Delhomme to choose and throwing the fewest interceptions per pass in the league,
from (neither Dante Rosario nor Jeff King impressed from the Campbell has something to build upon. If he can shake off the
TE position last year, either). team’s overtures to replace him and show a willingness to take
The Bottom Line - Delhomme signed a $42.5 million deal more chances downfield, this year, Campbell could surprise
with Carolina ($20 million guaranteed) during the offseason, and be a fringe Top 12 passer. His athleticism and mobility
so he is entrenched as the starter. His numbers last season (258 yards rushing in 2008) add upside beyond what should be
were solid considering he was coming off major elbow sur- solid but not spectacular passing stats.
gery, as he finished at No. 19 among all fantasy QBs (in the The Bad - Campbell must have felt like persona non grata
middle of fantasy QB2 range). That’s a good spot for him as at times this offseason, as the Redskins were linked to Jay
the Panthers love to grind out the game with their running Cutler rumors and then were allegedly interested in draft-
backs, limiting Delhomme’s ceiling as a passer (he’s had fewer ing Mark Sanchez. It’s hard to believe the Redskins view
than 450 passing attempts in each of his last four seasons). Campbell as the long-term answer anymore. If Campbell lets
that fact affect his confidence all bets are off. If the team’s
21. Joe Flacco - BAL
QUARTERBACKS

young receivers fail to improve in their second year, or

6-6, 236, age: 24 Campbell continues to play ultra-conservatively, he could be
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank among the least compelling fantasy options.
2009 PROJ 452 280 3074 17 13 176 1 232 19 The Bottom Line - Campbell is a difficult player to proj-
2008 BAL 428 257 2971 14 12 180 2 227 19 ect this year. Realistically, neither Todd Collins nor Colt
The Good - The theory goes, the biggest leap forward a Brennan should threaten his playing time. But then again,
quarterback will make is between his first and second seasons coaches can make surprising decisions particularly if man-
as a starter. Considering Joe Flacco took his team to within a agement doesn’t feel Campbell has a long-term future in
game of the Super Bowl, a significant increase in productivity Washington. The real key for Campbell will be whether his
would be music to Baltimore’s ears. Flacco will go into the sea- supporting cast develops.
son with three legitimate runners to help the ground game, all
of his receivers back in town, and an additional tight end in L.J. 23. Chad Pennington - MIA
Smith. What’s more, in an interesting twist, the defensive losses 6-3, 225, age: 33
for Baltimore could be Flacco’s gain. If the Ravens play fewer year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
close, smash-mouth style games, the potential could be there 2009 PROJ 470 299 3173 18 11 48 0 224 22
for the team to air it out a bit more. He has already proven that 2008 MIA 476 321 3653 19 7 62 1 264 11
he throws a very good deep ball - why not use it a bit more? 2007 NYJ 260 179 1765 10 9 32 1 128 27
The Bad - Flacco’s numbers were solid, but not eye-pop- 2006 NYJ 485 313 3352 17 16 109 0 231 16
ping, a year ago. Obviously it’s difficult to say anything nega- The Good - The best-case scenario for Chad Pennington in
tive about his performance, but a case can be made that the 2009 is the same production as he enjoyed in 2008. He had an
defense and running game carried the team to the AFC title unbelievable season, but with a killer schedule in front of the
game. It could be argued that the best thing Flacco did was to Dolphins this year, it will be difficult to expect more than what
not mess it all up. While he did make plays and didn’t make he accomplished in 2008.
a ton of mistakes, he’ll also enter his second season with The Bad - Pennington struggles to live up to the spectacu-
expectations now. Had he turned in a typical rookie season, lar 2008 campaign and slides back down to earth. He doesn’t
fans would be looking for improvement. The fact that he had complete 67 percent of his passes and throws for fewer yards.
an unprecedented rookie season means that anything short of In addition the Dolphins fall out of playoff contention thanks
significant improvement might be seen as regression. to a murderous schedule and second-year pivot Chad Henne as
The Bottom Line - The training wheels should come off well as rookie Pat White earn some second half playing time
in 2009 as the Ravens look to find out if Flacco can join the as the Dolphins prepare for the future.
ranks of the elite in Year 2. He’ll likely be given a bit more The Bottom Line - Pennington may struggle to match
freedom within the offense, as he showed signs of that a 3,600+ passing yards this season, but he’ll still have a high
year ago. His counting numbers (yards, touchdowns) should completion percentage and may get a few more touchdown
increase as the team takes to the air a bit more. It wouldn’t be passes. All things considered, he’ll have marginal value as a
surprising in the least to see him enjoy a Ben Roethlisberger- fantasy starter but possibly good value as a backup.
type arc to his career.

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 24. Shaun Hill - SF 27. Sage Rosenfels - MIN
6-3, 226, age: 29 6-4, 216, age: 31
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 445 264 3026 18 16 144 1 228 20 2009 PROJ 365 219 2427 15 12 70 0 176 30
2008 SF 288 181 2046 13 8 115 2 170 27 2008 HOU 174 116 1431 6 10 37 0 89 35
2007 SF 79 54 501 5 1 14 1 51 48 2007 HOU 240 154 1684 15 12 51 1 143 24
The Good - To illustrate Hill’s fantasy potential, if his 2008 2006 HOU 39 27 265 3 1 5 0 25 53
stats were pro-rated over 16 games, he would have been a Top The Bottom Line - Without question, the Vikings were in
6 fantasy QB. Adding hot shot rookie WR Michael Crabtree desperate need of an upgrade at QB. That said, only time will
and FA Brandon Jones to an otherwise intact passing game, tell if Sage Rosenfels is the answer. He does have a swagger
and Hill could be real value in fantasy drafts. about him and has had some success in the past (15 touch-
The Bad - Shaun Hill will need to adapt to another new down passes in 2007). However, he throws too many intercep-
offense in 2009 as he’ll have his sixth different offensive coor- tions and makes some questionable decisions on the field.
dinator in the last six years. Another concern is that Hill has Obviously, he’ll also need Brett Favre to stay retired.
finished the last two years as a starter on 49ers teams that were
out of contention. How will he play in early season games that 28. Kerry Collins - TEN
really matter? With the departure of Mike Martz,the passing 6-5, 240, age: 37
game is also likely to be scaled down under the more conser- year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
vative Jimmy Raye. 2009 PROJ 410 234 2558 15 10 37 0 182 29
The Bottom Line - At the conclusion of 2007, Shaun Hill 2008 TEN 415 242 2676 12 7 49 0 180 25
demonstrated the ability to post solid fantasy stats. He was 2007 TEN 82 50 531 0 0 -3 0 26 57
rewarded with an extended contract and the chance to win the 2006 TEN 90 42 549 1 6 0 0 25 52
starting job outright in 2008. He struggled however to adapt The Bottom Line - Kerry Collins enters this season as the

QUARTERBACKS
to the Martz playbook and it wasn’t until Mike Singletary unquestioned starter in Tennessee. He proved last year that he
took over the head coaching role that Hill was given an could run this offense effectively and may be asked to do more
extended run to close out 2008. As for Hill’s fantasy pros- in 2009. However, the Titans are a run-first team so Collins’
pects this year, with the arrival of Jimmy Raye expect the pri- production will be very limited by the system.
mary focus to be the running game. The drafting of Michael
Crabtree gives him a big play weapon, but is Crabtree going 29. Brady Quinn - CLE
6-4, 225, age: 25
to be a big contributor in his rookie season? There are a lot
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
of questions marks surrounding Hill, but the promise of his
2009 PROJ 295 157 1859 11 9 80 1 142 31
upside is tantalizing.
2008 CLE 89 45 518 2 2 21 0 34 42
2007 CLE 8 3 45 0 0 0 0 2 74
25. JaMarcus Russell - OAK The Bottom Line - Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson will
6-6, 255, age: 24
battle in training camp for the starting job. Even if Quinn
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
wins the job, he’ll spend part of the season looking over his
2009 PROJ 420 241 2667 14 10 94 1 195 26
2008 OAK 368 198 2423 13 8 127 1 184 24
shoulder. This offense may be one of the NFL’s worst and lacks
2007 OAK 66 36 373 2 4 4 0 23 60
playmakers.
The Bottom Line - This is the year that JaMarcus Russell
starts to earn that No. 1 overall draft pick. He started to “get 30. Mark Sanchez - NYJ
6-2, 227, age: 23
it” at the end of the 2008 season, and now with better WRs
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
he should have the best season of his career. Over 3,000 yards
2009 PROJ 438 267 2738 15 14 68 1 196 25
passing with around 15 passing TDs certainly isn’t out of the
The Bottom Line - Mark Sanchez will more than likely
question for the big signal caller.
win the job in training camp. And just as likely, he will proba-
bly fail to wow many people in Year 1. There are precious few
26. Marc Bulger - STL rookie quarterbacks who stepped into starting roles and pro-
6-3, 210, age: 32
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
duced. Barring injury, Sanchez will likely start the majority of
2009 PROJ 445 246 2715 14 14 34 0 181 29 the season and if all goes according to plan he will start show-
2008 STL 440 251 2720 11 13 41 0 173 26 ing signs of progress towards the latter stages of December.
2007 STL 378 221 2392 11 15 13 0 150 21
2006 STL 588 370 4301 24 8 44 0 307 3 31. Byron Leftwich - TB
The Bottom Line - Based on Marc Bulger’s previous 6-5, 240, age: 29

accomplishments, he is worth considering as a low-end QB2 year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
in 12-team fantasy leagues. But with so many unproven play- 2009 PROJ 305 173 1983 9 8 51 0 132 32
2008 PIT 36 21 303 2 0 7 1 30 44
ers he’ll have to rely on, playing in a new system that may take
2007 ATL 58 32 279 1 2 7 0 17 64
a while to jell; he is no better than a late-round flyer.
2006 JAX 183 108 1159 7 5 41 2 97 34
The Bottom Line - Despite a very impressive performance
by rookie Josh Freeman in the preseason, the Bucs should

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96 QBS.indd 105 5/27/09 8:37:30 AM

 decide to hold off on the future and name Byron Leftwich the
starting QB. The team’s best chance to compete in a very com- Other QBs
petitive NFC South is to go with a QB who has experience and
the ability to captain the team - and that’s Leftwich. However, Charlie Batch, PIT
don’t be surprised to see Freeman get time during the year, Charlie Batch was lost for the season in 2008 but regains his
especially if Tampa Bay struggles to win games. job as the No. 2 QB in Pittsburgh because Byron Leftwich is
now in Tampa Bay. Whenever he’s gotten into a game Batch
32. Daunte Culpepper - DET has been an effective game manager but will likely never be a
6-4, 240, age: 32 QB to put up more than average fantasy stats in the Pittsburgh
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank system. If the Steelers don’t protect Ben Roethlisberger better
2009 PROJ 95 49 580 4 4 20 1 49 35 in 2009, we could see Batch fill in for a game or two while the
2008 DET 115 60 786 4 6 25 1 58 38 starter is ailing.
2007 OAK 186 108 1331 5 5 50 3 105 31
2006 MIA 134 81 929 2 3 20 1 59 42 Kyle Boller, STL
The Bottom Line - The Lions were a dreadful team last After five years of jumping between starting and riding the
year and while you cannot pin the blame on Daunte Culpepper, pine in Baltimore, Kyle Boller has found a pretty good spot in
he didn’t really provide a spark when called upon. In 2004, St. Louis. He is behind Marc Bulger, who has played only one
Culpepper threw for 4,717 yards and 39 touchdowns and was 16-game season in his seven-year career. If Boller does get on
considered one of the greatest fantasy players in his era. The the field, he will have a couple of nice targets in Donny Avery
past four years have been embarrassingly bad, but he is just and Randy McMichael.
32. There is a chance the light bulb flickers on and he regains
his past moxie that made him so special. It isn’t likely in Kellen Clemens, NYJ
Detroit however as the Lions have nothing to lose by giving Kellen Clemens had very little success as a starter two
their rookie quarterback all the snaps in 2009. seasons ago, but if the Jets had been unable to move up and
QUARTERBACKS

acquire Sanchez, they were at least willing to go into the

33. Matthew Stafford - DET season with Clemens as their guy. That’s not exactly the most
6-2, 225, age: 21 ringing endorsement of all time, but it at least suggests they
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank were comfortable enough with him to give it a shot. Should
2009 PROJ 435 240 2667 16 19 50 1 189 30 Sanchez hold out for an extended period or falter in the early
The Bottom Line – With the immediate success enjoyed by portion of the season, recent history suggests the Jets would
last year’s rookies Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, Detroit will like- at least give Clemens a legitimate shot to play. He could also
ly be eager to see Matthew Stafford on the field. He doesn’t win the job out of training camp as the Jets attempt to ease
have the benefit of a quality offensive line (like Ryan and Sanchez in.
Flacco did last season), so the instant gratification will prob-
ably not be there. He will likely get hit early and often until he Brett Favre, FA
adjusts to the speed of the game. At press time, Brett Favre’s agent says the QB has no interest
in playing this season. Of course, Favre has met with Vikings
34. Derek Anderson - CLE officials and world-renowned surgeons regarding his injured
6-6, 240, age: 26
shoulder. There are conflicting reports on whether Favre is
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
willing to undergo surgery, but most agree that he is trying to
2009 PROJ 155 79 946 6 5 22 0 68 33
get healthy so he can sign with the Vikings in an effort to gain
2008 CLE 283 142 1615 9 8 55 0 114 32
revenge on the Packers for releasing him last year.
2007 CLE 527 298 3787 29 19 70 3 311 5
2006 CLE 117 66 793 5 8 47 0 56 43
The Bottom Line - Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn will
Josh Freeman, TB
Rookie HC Raheem Morris has shown in press conferences
go into training camp battling each other for the starting job.
and interviews to be very forthcoming when it comes to media
Whoever wins will spend time looking over their shoulder, and
relations and team information. He mentioned that he’ll make
each could see the field for several games this season.
his decision on who will start at QB after the third preseason
game, so obviously, the preseason action will be the determin-
35. Tarvaris Jackson - MIN ing factor on when Josh Freeman’s playing time will begin.
6-2, 225, age: 26
year team patt pcmp pyds ptds int ryds rtds FP FP Rank
Will he be the rookie everyone is talking about in Week 5 or
2009 PROJ 100 57 625 3 2 78 1 55 34 will he succumb to the overwhelming understanding that the
2008 MIN 149 88 1056 9 2 139 0 101 34 QB position in the NFL is miles apart from the previous level?
2007 MIN 294 171 1911 9 12 260 3 164 20
2006 MIN 81 47 475 2 4 77 1 41 47 Jeff Garcia, OAK
The Bottom Line - The 2009 season doesn’t look promising JaMarcus Russell finished the 2008 season on a hot streak,
for Tarvaris Jackson. The club signed Sage Rosenfels and is and the Raiders expect him to continue his progress this sea-
flirting with Brett Favre. Either player would likely start over son. Because of his draft status Russell may have a longer
Jackson. However, if Favre stays retired and Rosenfels turns in leash than other starting QBs, but if he were to go out with
a couple of stinkers, the Vikings would not hesitate to turn to injury Jeff Garcia would step in and run the team effectively as
Jackson. a game manager.

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 Jon Kitna, DAL
Jon Kitna is one of the better NFL backups and someone all
fantasy owners should keep an eye on. If Tony Romo got hurt,
Kitna would be able to step in and put up decent numbers.
Would he be a Top 10 fantasy QB? Not likely. But would he
be someone worth starting particularly against bad defenses?
Absolutely.
Kevin Kolb - PHI
Kevin Kolb had his chance last year, as Andy Reid shocked
the world by handing the ball over to him in the second half of
the Ravens game. But he floundered and was promptly sent to
the bench, reopening the door for McNabb, who put up heroic
numbers and cemented his place as the unquestioned starter in
2009. Kolb remains in the team’s good graces, but he has a lot
to prove to fans and analysts. Kolb isn’t a backup worthy of a
roster spot in 12-team redraft leagues but rather someone to
remember as an injury replacement if the time comes.
Matt Leinart, ARI
Heading into his fifth year in the league, this is a make or
break season for Matt Leinart. He needs to show enough in
practice to warrant the team keeping him after Warner retires.
This year, however, he is not likely to provide much fantasy
value except in dynasty leagues or as Warner’s handcuff in
leagues with exceptionally large rosters.
Josh McCown, CAR
It is most likely that Josh McCown will not see the field for
any significant action in 2009. Of course, there is always the
standard chance of injury, but Jake Delhomme generally stays
on the field (three 16-game seasons in the last five years).
However, if Delhomme starts throwing five INTs with regular-
ity, the Panthers will certainly be forced to turn to McCown. If
McCown were to move under center, look for Carolina to lean
even more heavily on their potent ground attack.
Luke McCown, TB
Luke McCown is in a four-way battle for the starting job in
Tampa Bay. At the moment, it looks like he is on the second
rung behind Byron Leftwich. However, McCown’s window of
opportunity could be slammed shut soon. If he can not win the
starting job this season, McCown will have little role with the
Buccaneers with first round rookie Josh Freeman in town.
Kevin O’Connell - NE
Yeah...well...a year ago, there wasn’t any real reason to write
about Matt Cassel either. Also, a year ago, there was a little
bit of talk that some thought Kevin O’Connell was better than
Cassel. Of course, the Patriots stuck with Cassel, and now he’s
a rich man while O’Connell is the guy all Tom Brady owners
will consider with their last pick.
Chris Simms, DEN
The starting QB battle in Denver may last all the way
through training camp, and as of right now Kyle Orton appears
to have the edge. Chris Simms looked good in practice for the
Titans in 2008, and so far the reports have been very positive
out of Broncos mini camp. If he can win the job, Simms could
be a nice fantasy surprise.
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96 QBS.indd 107
Troy Smith, BAL
Troy Smith will be a solid backup to Joe Flacco, although
his size and playing style couldn’t really be more different. He
was very serviceable when pressed into action late in the 2007
season, but that was nearly two years and one coaching staff
ago. His value for this season is tied directly to Flacco’s effec-
tiveness and health – nothing more.
Tyler Thigpen, KC
While the official team line says there is open competi-
tion for the starting QB spot, this is Matt Cassel’s job. Tyler
Thigpen will be the backup to Cassel in 2009 and should only
see the field if there is an injury to the Chiefs’ new franchise
QB.
Michael Vick, ATL
About two years ago, Michael Vick’s home was raided by
federal agents and his life changed. He will soon be released
to serve 60 days of home confinement and eventually wants to
resume his football career. First he’ll have to be reinstated by
the NFL. At that time, he will almost certainly be released by
the Falcons as they have no desire to take a $9 million cap hit
and have found zero trading partners for his services. Once a
free agent, Vick will be able to sign with any team.
QUARTERBACKS
Seneca Wallace, SEA
Seneca Wallace is certainly not your prototypical NFL
quarterback. He’s only 5’11 and weighs in around 200 pounds.
However, he has shown excellent ability to be a solid backup.
He is perfectly capable of filling in for a few starts if needed,
and he will continue in that role this season. In the last few
years, Matt Hasselbeck’s body has allowed Wallace to see the
field for 28 games (including 12 starts), so it’s reasonable to
expect him to see action again in 2009.
Pat White, MIA
The Wildcat formation is here to stay in Miami and may be
even better than ever this season with the addition of Pat White
who has the perfect skill-set to master the formation. There is
more to White than a ‘slash’ role as he has a live enough arm
to make plays even within a conventional offense, but in 2009
his role will be to step into the ‘Wildcat’ role but under center
and perhaps from the backfield to provide additional options
to guard against.
Vince Young, TEN
Vince Young was injured in Week 1 of last year and never
got his starting job back after Kerry Collins took over. In addi-
tion to dealing with his injury, Young also had to deal with
some depression and emotional issues. He is currently say-
ing all the right things as he hopes to show the team that he’s
finally matured off the field. He first has to beat out Patrick
Ramsey for the backup job in Tennessee and then will have
to wait for his opportunity behind Collins. He wants to regain
his starting job, but that will be hard to do unless Collins gets
injured during the season.
107
5/27/09 8:43:22 AM
 RUNNING BACKS Intro by Jason Wood
T
he running back position is unforgiving and fantasy
owners have to accept the inevitable changing of the
guard. The owner of the first pick this year can’t sim-
ply call out LaDainian Tomlinson’s name and sit back waiting
patiently for his next pick. Tomlinson, while finishing as a
Top 10 RB again, suffered through injuries and had to redo his
contract to stay in San Diego. The new top dog is Minnesota’s
Adrian Peterson who led the league with 1,760 yards rushing
and has a shot at 2,000 yards this season.
There’s been a lot of discussion that the league is moving
toward a running back-by-committee approach, but the num-
bers don’t really bear that out. Last season 16 RBs had at least
1,000 yards rushing - in line with the league average over the
last decade. Also, 12 RBs rushed for 10 or more TDs, slightly
RUNNING BACKS
higher than average. The Bottom Line is that stud, workhorse
ICON SMI
Maurice Jones-Drew
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108 RBS.indd 108
RBs are still en vogue, and as a fantasy owner you need to ros-
ter as many as possible.
Maurice Jones-Drew is the consensus #2 fantasy RB this
year, as he will no longer have to share touches with Fred
Taylor. Michael Turner, last year’s breakout star, joins veterans
Tomlinson and Steven Jackson in the Top 5. A trio of second-
year stars, Matt Forte, Steve Slaton and Chris Johnson, are
expected to deliver RB1 returns again. Curiously, DeAngelo
Williams is being drafted more on the threat Jon Stewart poses
to his carries than for his unbelievable productivity last season
(20 TDs).
This year’s rookie class is sure to have a number of impact
players. Knowshon Moreno (DEN), Beanie Wells (ARI) and
Donald Brown (IND) should all have important roles right
from the start. Free agency doesn’t seem to have another
Michael Turner for us this year, as Derrick Ward is the highest
rated RB to change teams and he slots right outside the Top
30.
The thing to remember this year is that RB depth gives you
flexibility on draft day. You need not overweight RB at the
expense of other positions. Realistically full-time NFL start-
ers are going to fall into the sixth, seventh and eighth rounds.
Do your homework, and consider handcuffing your projected
starters to insulate yourself from inevitable injury. Visit our
website: Footballguys.com where you can view customized
rankings that are tailor-made for your league’s scoring system.
1. Adrian Peterson - MIN
6-0, 220, age: 24
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 325 1528 13 25 165 1 253 1
2008 MIN 363 1760 10 39 21 125 0 248 3
2007 MIN 238 1341 12 28 19 268 1 239 3
The Good - Now in his third season, Adrian Peterson is
ready to erupt into fantasy stardom. In 2009, the offensive line
returns to dominance after an average performance in 2008,
new starting QB Sage Rosenfels plays well, forcing defenses
to honor the pass and Peterson find huge holes to exploit. He
stays healthy throughout the season, once again carrying the
ball 350+ times but averages more than 5.5 yards per carry
and doubles his touchdown output. He finishes with close
to 2000 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns and is the fantasy
MVP of 2009.
The Bad - Barring injuries, the worst-case scenario for
Peterson is a similar performance to the 2008 season with
perhaps 30 fewer carries that go to rookie Percy Harvin and
veteran Chester Taylor.
The Bottom Line - Entering into his third season, Peterson
is poised to become the elite running back that fantasy own-
ers have been waiting for over the past two seasons. He has
been on the verge over his first two seasons, finishing as the
third-best fantasy back in each of those two seasons. However,
with improved offensive line and quarterback play this season,
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/27/09 8:44:38 AM
 Peterson has a real opportunity for a magical season. offense has improved during the offseason with the addition
of Tony Gonzalez, which will help Turner find more room to
2. Maurice Jones-Drew - JAX roam during 2009.
5-8, 205, age: 24
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 4. LaDainian Tomlinson - SD
2009 PROJ 240 1104 12 55 462 2 241 2 5-10, 220, age: 30
2008 JAX 197 824 12 75 62 565 2 223 9 year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2007 JAX 167 768 9 55 40 407 0 172 13 2009 PROJ 275 1155 12 42 315 2 232 4
2006 JAX 166 941 13 61 46 436 2 228 8 2008 SD 292 1110 11 77 52 426 1 226 7
The Good - Maurice Jones-Drew has always made the most 2007 SD 315 1474 15 86 60 475 3 308 1
of his touches. His career 4.8 yards per carry is fifth best 2006 SD 348 1815 28 80 56 508 3 427 1
among active RBs. His career 34 rushing touchdowns already The Good - LaDainian Tomlinson is no stranger to the top
put him on the Top 20 list among active players - in just three of the fantasy RB standings. In his eight years in the league,
years in the league. Jones-Drew has been a solid fantasy he has scored double-digit rushing touchdowns in every single
starter each of his three NFL seasons while having to share the season. While Tomlinson has a lot of mileage on him, he has
backfield with Fred Taylor so far - until now. Taylor is in New generally avoided taking big hits throughout his career, and
England, so Jones-Drew could be in line for 250+ carries for has maintained rigorous offseason and in-season condition-
the first time in his career, which could easily vault him into ing programs with an eye toward increasing his longevity.
the top three among fantasy RBs. If Tomlinson plays the 2009 season in full health, he has a
The Bad - Jones-Drew’s lowest fantasy finish was at #13 chance to return to the top of his game.
among RBs two years ago. He’s been a Top 10 RB in each of The Bad - The trend-line describing Tomlinson’s recent
his other two years while sharing the backfield with Taylor. drop in fantasy points isn’t pretty. Tomlinson has struggled
Just because Taylor is gone, however, does not mean that through nagging injuries over the past couple of years. He’s
Jones-Drew will have the backfield to himself. Rookie Rashad also seen his yards per carry drop steadily over the past two

RUNNING BACKS
Jennings has the talent to help the Jaguars immediately, and seasons and now has Darren Sproles waiting behind him for
fullback Greg Jones could get additional carries as well. work. Tomlinson will turn 30 before the season starts, an age
The Bottom Line - The Jaguars’ running game hit a road at which few running backs have bounced back to reverse pre-
bump last season with all the injuries they suffered along the vious declines in their production.
offensive line. While Jones-Drew still averaged a respect- The Bottom Line - Norv Turner said during the offseason
able 4.2 yards per carry that was nearly a full yard below his that he intends to get Tomlinson more touches than he had last
previous pace. With a rejuvenated offensive line, expect the season. If that comes to fruition, another #7 finish is about
Jaguars’ running game to bounce back; and with Taylor gone, the worst one can reasonably expect out of Tomlinson, which
expect Jones-Drew to play a bigger role and projects for a top makes him a solid pick in the first half of round one - that is,
5 finish. if you don’t have concerns about his ability to stay healthy,
in which case you may want to pass on him in the first round
3. Michael Turner - ATL entirely.
5-10, 237, age: 27
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 5. Steven Jackson - STL
2009 PROJ 335 1508 13 8 51 0 234 3 6-2, 233, age: 26
2008 ATL 377 1699 17 9 6 41 0 276 2 year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2007 SD 71 316 1 7 4 16 0 39 73 2009 PROJ 280 1162 9 48 413 3 230 5
2006 SD 80 502 2 3 3 47 0 67 51 2008 STL 254 1043 7 62 40 379 1 190 13
The Good - Michael Turner could repeat his stellar 2008 2007 STL 237 1002 5 52 38 271 1 167 14
campaign this year and be among the most valuable pure run- 2006 STL 346 1528 13 111 90 806 3 329 3
ners in the league. He’s 27 but has relatively low mileage. The Good - Steven Jackson is the focal point of the Rams’
With the arrival of Tony Gonzalez and Matt Ryan’s continuing offense. They will get him the ball often, both as a runner and
maturation as a passer, teams won’t be able to concentrate 7-8 as a receiver out of the backfield, and he has the individual tal-
men in the box very often. Turner should have a lot of seams ent to put up big numbers. For the Rams to be successful, they
to work with during 2009. will have to rely heavily on their running game, and they play
The Bad – Those 377 carries were a lot of work, folks. If in a conference with a number of weak defenses. If the young
Turner hasn’t been able to rest and recuperate sufficiently dur- talent around him develops some cohesion, Jackson has the
ing the offseason, he could turn in a less-than-magnificent potential to finish atop the fantasy RB standings.
season. One has to regard last year’s stellar performance as The Bad - Jackson has been a Top 10 fantasy RB only once
a ceiling – it’s hard to see him doing much more than he did in his five-year career. When he is healthy, he gets a huge
during 2008. workload - but that has limited his ability to stay healthy. The
The Bottom Line - Michael Turner tore up the NFC in his Rams’ offense is in a state of transition, and while the running
first season as a starter, finishing #2 among all fantasy RBs game should be the strongest part of that offense, the Rams
last year. He posted an outstanding 4.5 yards per carry, rushed may find themselves behind early in games which may limit
for over 200 yards twice and went over 100 yards rushing in their ability to feed Jackson the ball on the ground and also
eight out of 17 games. Turner is the type of fantasy back who limit his scoring chances. Jackson is still practically a lock to
can carry a team to victory on any given week. The Atlanta finish in the Top 20 at his position unless he suffers a major

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FOOTBALLGUYS.COM 109

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 injury that causes him to miss a substantial number of games. 9. Frank Gore - SF
The Bottom Line - Jackson carries a lot of uncertainty 5-10, 220, age: 26
for a first round fantasy pick. If the Rams’ offense jells year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
quickly, Jackson could be the best fantasy RB in the league. 2009 PROJ 245 1054 8 49 407 2 206 10
If the passing game and offensive line struggle, Jackson will 2008 SF 240 1036 6 66 43 373 2 189 14
be unable to propel himself into the Top 10 all by himself. 2007 SF 260 1102 5 69 53 436 1 190 9
Jackson needs help from his teammates to enjoy fantasy suc- 2006 SF 312 1695 8 86 61 485 1 272 4
cess, so your view of his fantasy prospects will depend some- The Good - Frank Gore should be at the peak of his career.
what on your view of how the Rams’ offense will fare as a He is an excellent receiver and goal line back and is an exqui-
unit. site runner in general play. With the departure of Mike Martz,
San Francisco is expected to be more balanced on offense.
6. Matt Forte - CHI Gore presents himself as one of the more solid options towards
6-1, 217, age: 24 the end of the first round in fantasy drafts, and its unlikely San
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank Francisco will use a committee approach.
2009 PROJ 280 1106 9 60 432 3 226 6 The Bad - Gore got hit by the injury bug at a rotten time
2008 CHI 316 1238 8 77 63 477 4 244 4 for fantasy owners in 2008, missing the Week 15 and Week 16
See Forte’s full-page face-off on Page 111. games. Any back can get a sprained ankle, but with his lengthy
injury history prior to joining the NFL one has to wonder if
7. Brian Westbrook - PHI this is the start of a pattern for Gore. Gore also has not had a
5-8, 200, age: 30
10-TD season despite getting almost 340 touches a year over
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
the last three seasons.
2009 PROJ 215 935 7 57 450 4 204 11
The Bottom Line - Frank Gore is one of the better options if
2008 PHI 233 936 9 73 54 402 5 218 10
you need a solid RB at the end of the first round of your draft.
2007 PHI 278 1333 7 120 90 771 5 282 2
He’ll get receptions; he’ll get carries; and he’ll get touchdowns.
RUNNING BACKS

2006 PHI 240 1217 7 109 77 699 4 258 6

The Good - Brian Westbrook has the ability be a 1,000-yard Rookie Glen Coffee may steal some touches but not too many.
rusher and 1,000-yard receiver and certainly any discussion Gore is unlikely to carry you to a title, but he should be a key
of his upside would start there. But at 29 years old, coming contributor if you need consistency each week.
off a season that fell a bit short of expectations, a more real-
istic upside would be a return to Top 5 fantasy status. For that
10. Clinton Portis - WAS
5-11, 205, age: 28
to happen, Westbrook must stay on the field for at least 14
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
games, the Eagles rebuilt offensive line must be effective from
2009 PROJ 315 1339 10 34 258 1 226 7
the start, and Westbrook has to recapture some of the explo- 2008 WAS 342 1487 9 36 28 218 0 224 8
siveness his balky knee robbed from him in 2008. 2007 WAS 325 1262 11 60 47 389 0 236 4
The Bad - The biggest worry for Westbrook is the chronic 2006 WAS 127 523 7 26 17 170 0 111 36
swelling in his knee that kept him from practicing for most The Good - Clinton Portis finished the 2008 season with
of the 2008 season and also limited his effectiveness. If the 1,487 yards rushing and a whopping 342 carries. His 4.3
knee condition persists, or worsens, his days as an elite fan- yards-per-carry average was his best in three seasons, and
tasy player could be over. Westbrook saw marked declines in he had 11 games with either 100 yards from scrimmage or a
his yards-per-rush and yards-per-catch last year. The Eagles touchdown. It’s hard to imagine critics once questioned wheth-
drafted a complementary RB in LeSean McCoy, who will be er Portis could shoulder a full workload. If the Redskins pass-
chomping at the bit to step into a large role if Westbrook can’t ing attack can take a step forward this year, Portis could have
stay on the field. easier lanes and that could mean a Top 5 fantasy finish.
The Bottom Line - Westbrook is one of the more inter- The Bad - Portis hasn’t missed a game since 2006 but has
esting fantasy RBs this year. Many owners will project logged more than 2,000 carries in his career. It’s hard to imag-
Westbrook to return to his 2007 form after having an offsea- ine that someone Portis’ size can continually handle 300+ car-
son to rest his balky knee and get healthy. Others will avoid ries without breaking down, and that’s always a risk because
him at his likely ADP for fear that 2008 was a harbinger of he’s not the kind of back who avoids contact. More impor-
further declines. The truth lies somewhere in between. In PPR tantly, the Redskins passing game made it hard for him to find
leagues, Westbrook remains a safe first round option. In tradi- running room late in the 2008 season, and it’s unclear whether
tional redraft leagues, you have to be more careful because we the team improved in that area this offseason.
may have seen the last of his 1,000-yard rushing days. The Bottom Line - Portis has been a Top 10 fantasy run-
ning back in five of seven seasons, including three as a
8. DeAngelo Williams - CAR Redskin. As long as he remains healthy, you can be sure he’ll
5-10, 217, age: 26
be the centerpiece of the offense. With a willingness to pound
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
the ball inside but the vision to make tacklers miss in the open
2009 PROJ 260 1300 12 23 138 1 222 8
field, few backs are as sure to perform against any level of
2008 CAR 274 1518 18 30 22 121 2 284 1
competition as Portis. As usual, Portis is an elite fantasy back
2007 CAR 144 717 4 38 23 177 1 119 31
2006 CAR 121 501 1 37 33 313 1 93 41
that you can probably draft a few picks later than his value.
See Williams’ full-page spotlight on Page 115.

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 RB - Chicago
Matt Forte Face-off
In a Footballguys.com Face-off, two writers provide an in-depth look at a player by examining either his high side or his low side.
Whose argument is stronger? That is left up to you. For dozens more Face-offs, visit Footballguys.com.
The High Side
by Jeff Haseley
L T
ast year, Matt Forte took the league by storm gaining 1715
total yards with 12 total TDs. He was the first rookie RB
to eclipse 300 carries since LaDainian Tomlinson turned
the trick in 2001. Forte finished seventh in rushing yards, despite
the Bears as a team finishing 24th in the same category. That sta-
tistic emphasizes the fact that Forte was the featured back and it
wasn’t even close. In fact, he had 282 more carries than the next
closest Bears RB (Kevin Jones). Wrap your brain around that.
There is no doubt who the feature back is in Chicago and from a
fantasy standpoint, having a RB with that distinction is hard to find
in the multi-back era.
Will Matt Forte exceed expectations in 2009? Considering he
exceeded nearly all expectations last year, he’s not sneaking up on
anyone this time around. Forte will be drafted as a RB1 this year – that
much we know. In order for him to be a success at that draft
spot, he’ll have to at least match what he did last year.
There are two factors to consider when look-
ing ahead to the Bears 2009 season and how
it affects Matt Forte’s chances of success.
Both involve the trade acquisition of QB Jay
Cutler from Denver.
1. Will the running game improve with
Jay Cutler under center?
Yards per carry average for all seven Denver RBs
last year = 5.17
Yards per carry for Matt Forte last year = 3.9
Was Cutler’s presence the reason for
Denver’s rushing success last year? He is
a downfield passer and that means opposing
defenses will have to honor and respect the deep
ball, thus leaving less defenders in the box to stop the
run. Advantage - running game.
2. Will Forte continue to see passes come his way with Jay
Cutler at QB?
Forte led the team with 63 receptions last year. Will Forte’s
receiving numbers take a dip with Jay Cutler at QB? Probably so.
The highest number of receptions by a Denver RB in the last two
years combined is 38 by Selvin Young.
How effective can Matt Forte be this year? It’s hard to imagine
the offense won’t improve with Jay Cutler at QB. This means more
sustained drives, more plays in the red zone, which leads to an
increase in scoring opportunities. It is fairly safe to say that Forte
will probably not come close to 63 receptions again, but his yards
per carry average should increase from 3.9 YPC. I haven’t even
mentioned the signing of Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Pace. His
presence will help an offensive line that is evolving. The increase in
expected scoring opportunities, combined with being in a one-back
ICON/SMI
system, really emphasizes his potential for success in 2009.
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111 FORTE FACEOFF.indd 111
The Low Side
by Jeff Pasquino
here is an old saying in fantasy football that you
can’t win a fantasy draft in the first round, but you
certainly can lose it. Is that a myth? Looking back at
the past five years, less than 40 percent of all Top 12 running
backs from the prior season repeat. Think about that – the
odds are not just against Matt Forte, but every RB that was a
Top 12 guy last year. So what in particular would make you
shy away from taking him with your first pick?
Forte was a workhorse for the Bears, logging 316 carries
(fourth most of any RB) along with 63 catches (first amongst
RBs). He was such a big part of the Bears’ offense last year
that no other RB had over 109 yards rushing and Forte led
all Bears in receptions. To put it in perspective, Forte was on
the field for 850 out of a possible 1,012 offensive plays
– or 84 percent of the time. No other Bear run-
ning back was over 7 percent. Talk about
being a key part of a team’s offense
– Forte WAS the Bears offense. The
Bears’ coaches recognize this issue,
and they are already saying that a
second back will emerge and give
Forte some much needed relief.
Kevin Jones is looking healthy
and he has been a starter in the
NFL, so he is the best candidate
to give Forte some plays off.
There’s another big reason to
think that Forte won’t be quite the
offensive force that he was last year
– and his name is Jay Cutler. The Bears
invested heavily to improve their anemic
passing attack with the trade to get Cutler,
and then the front office went and drafted three
wideouts in April. Chicago seems ready to commit harder
toward a balanced offense, which should reduce Forte’s car-
ries. Forte racked up over 1,200 yards last year, but he failed
to reach the league average of 4.0 yards per carry and needed
over 300 carries to get there. While an improved passing
game is likely to open up more space for Forte to run, his
number should be called fewer times in 2009 due to a bigger
commitment to the passing game.
Choosing your first fantasy RB is an important decision
as it will heavily influence the strength of the entire team.
Selecting someone with limited upside and good reasons to
expect some downside is a risk I would advise against, so
that is why I would let someone else in your league take Matt
Forte.
111
5/26/09 9:26:57 AM
 11. Chris Johnson - TEN The Good - Brandon Jacobs proved last year that he’s an
5-11, 197, age: 24 all-around powerhouse. He averaged an impressive 5.0 yards
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank per carry for a second consecutive season and added 15 rush-
2009 PROJ 230 1081 8 45 324 2 200 12 ing TDs, turning him from a marginal fantasy back to an elite
2008 TEN 251 1228 9 62 43 260 1 209 11 one. He still has upside considering he could be more involved
The Good - Chris Johnson is super fast, and it didn’t take in the receiving game.
him long to get up to speed in the NFL. He took over the The Bad - What makes Jacobs valuable is also what makes
starting job from LenDale White and was much more produc- him risky. He’s built like a defensive end and runs with reck-
tive with his carries. He has the speed and moves to score less abandon. Without Derrick Ward to spell him, the Giants
from anywhere on the field, and has set the bar very high for may turn to Jacobs even more this year, which would increase
himself in 2009. Johnson is also a solid receiver out of the the beating his body would take. Jacobs missed three games
backfield, and he scored nine rushing TDs despite losing most last year and five games in 2007, so a heavier workload is not
goalline opportunities to LenDale White. This season Johnson necessarily a good thing.
should improve on his rushing numbers because the Titans The Bottom Line - As long as you’re comfortable using
want to get him the ball more. a high draft pick on someone who probably will miss a few
The Bad - The Titans aren’t sure that Johnson can be a games, Jacobs is an attractive option as your RB1 and would
full-time back. They use him in a RBBC with White, but they be a dream option as an RB2 should he fall into the early sec-
drafted Javon Ringer to perhaps spell Johnson when he needs ond round. It’s always tough to count on a runner replicating
a breather. If the rookie flashes some ability the Titans may double-digit TDs, but Jacobs is a great short-yardage back and
decide that they need to get him more carries and thus take he should get more touches this year with Ward in Tampa Bay.
away more from Johnson.
The Bottom Line - Johnson has lofty goals for 2009 - and 14. Marion Barber - DAL
they are goals that are well within his reach. He can be used 5-11, 215, age: 26

on every down and may even be split out wide as a receiver. year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
RUNNING BACKS

His speed makes him a threat to score every time he touches 2009 PROJ 230 966 7 50 350 2 186 15
2008 DAL 238 885 7 61 52 417 2 184 16
the ball so he should have good TD totals even though he loses
2007 DAL 204 975 10 54 44 282 2 198 7
goalline touches.
2006 DAL 135 654 14 32 23 196 2 181 14
The Good – Marion Barber has the talent to put up Top 5
12. Steve Slaton - HOU fantasy numbers, but in order for Barber to realize his poten-
5-9, 197, age: 23
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank tial, a lot of things need to fall into place. One, he has to stay
2009 PROJ 265 1179 9 44 321 1 210 9 healthy and handle more than 200 carries per season. Two, the
2008 HOU 268 1282 9 59 50 377 1 226 6 Cowboys have to be willing to put Tashard Choice back on
The Good - Steve Slaton led all rookies with 1,282 rushing the bench and keep Felix Jones as a true backup. Three, the
yards last season (good for sixth in the NFL). He finished as Cowboys passing attack has to remain potent in the absence of
the No. 6 fantasy RB on the year and improved as the season Terrell Owens.
went along. He enters 2009 as the clear-cut starter, as the The Bad - Fantasy owners hope that 2008 was the worst
Texans did not draft a running back to cut into his workload. case scenario. Despite a career-high 238 carries, Barber had
Slaton should get plenty of touches again this season, and his worst fantasy season since becoming a full-time contribu-
could find his way into the Top 5 if all goes well. tor. He only averaged 3.7 yards per carry, missed time and
The Bad - Slaton is a smaller back, and many worry about only started 13 games. With both Choice and Jones looking
his ability to carry a full workload over the course of a full good in limited playing time last year, the Cowboys could
season. Although Slaton significantly outperformed expecta- decide to use a three-headed committee which would really
tions last year, He has a track record of only one year and it hurt Barber’s fantasy prospects.
could prove to be an aberration. The Bottom Line - Barber may be a buy-low candidate this
The Bottom Line - With his small stature and sparse track year because of his 17th place finish last season. While owners
record in the NFL, most fantasy owners will hesitate to spend have to be mindful of the dual threat Jones and Tashard pres-
a first-round pick on Slaton this year, but he should go near ent, Barber has been too good and is being paid too much not
the top of round two in most 12-team drafts. He has Top 5 to have the largest role in the backfield.
upside and very little downside as long as he stays healthy, as
he will be a huge focal point of the Texans’ offense. Consider 15. Ronnie Brown - MIA
6-1, 223, age: 28
him even money to finish the season as a fantasy RB1 in 12-
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
team leagues.
2009 PROJ 225 956 9 39 296 1 186 14
2008 MIA 214 916 10 43 33 254 0 183 17
13. Brandon Jacobs - NYG 2007 MIA 119 602 4 46 39 389 1 129 27
6-4, 260, age: 27
2006 MIA 241 1008 5 38 33 276 0 158 25
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 245 1139 11 18 117 1 198 13
The Good - Ronnie Brown, now more than a full year away
2008 NYG 219 1089 15 12 6 36 0 202 12 from his knee injury, should run with more explosiveness
2007 NYG 201 1011 4 38 23 174 2 154 21 and elusiveness than he showcased last year. If his body can
2006 NYG 96 423 9 14 11 149 0 111 37 hold up, he should become the 20-touch per game player the

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 Dolphins wanted him to be coming out of college. offense should afford him numerous scoring chances.
The Bad - Ronnie Brown’s durability continues to be a con-
cern for Miami. If the team thinks he can’t handle a full load, 18. Reggie Bush - NO
he won’t get enough touches to be an elite back. Also, the 6-0, 200, age: 24
Dolphins have a first-place schedule this season. If they fall year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
behind in games, they might be forced to the air more often. 2009 PROJ 145 595 5 75 608 5 180 18
The Bottom Line - Brown should have a strong season in 2008 NO 106 404 2 73 52 440 4 120 35
2009. He surprised by returning from injury effectively last 2007 NO 157 581 4 98 73 417 2 136 24
season and this year should have more explosiveness and 2006 NO 155 565 6 121 88 742 2 178 17
confidence on the field. The club really limited his carries The Good - After seven weeks in 2008, Reggie Bush was a
last season, but he is capable of 20+ carries per game when Top 8 fantasy RB. Unfortunately due to injury, it did not last.
healthy and on his game. This year, providing Bush comes back healthy, he could be
undervalued for perhaps the first time ever as a fantasy option.
16. Knowshon Moreno - DEN Before his injury he was on target for over 100 receptions, so
5-11, 217, age: 22 his value in PPR leagues is extremely high. With the Saints
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank passing on a RB in the draft or not signing one in free agency,
2009 PROJ 200 900 7 25 168 1 155 26 the Saints obviously believe that Bush and Pierre Thomas can
The Good - Knowshon Moreno is hyper-competitive and share the workload this season.
wants the ball in his hands during crunch time. He doesn’t The Bad - Microfracture surgery on a knee usually is a ter-
have ideal bulk for an every-down RB, but Moreno is a game- rible thing to hear for a running back. After four injuries to his
breaker and doesn’t require a ton of carries to make big plays. knee, resulting in him missing half of the Saints last 20 games,
HC Josh McDaniels stated that he especially loved Moreno’s one has to wonder whether Bush will ever be able to handle
pass protection. Even though the Broncos have brought in four even a reasonable workload in the NFL. It is also clear that he
RBs through free agency, this is Moreno’s job to lose, and the is never going to be a force between the tackles.

team is expecting him to carry the full-time load in 2009.
The Bad - The Broncos signed Correll Buckhalter, J.J.
Arrington, LaMont Jordan, and Darius Walker to free agent
deals, so they expect to use multiple backs. Moreno would be
the lead back in the committee but could be replaced on short
yardage and goalline situations by LaMont Jordan. He could
also be taken out of the game on certain passing downs for
Arrington.
The Bottom Line - Many expect the Broncos to run a
New England-style offense and that certainly is a possibility.
RUNNING BACKS
The Bottom Line - Bush finds himself at a bit of a career
crossroads this year. Of vital importance will be injury news
and his rehab. A full recovery and Bush could finally put
together that season he’s teased us with - meaning obvious
fantasy stardom. If he cannot handle a full workload and only
plays sparingly then his value will once again be limited, and
he could be relegated to a complementary role.
19. Kevin Smith - DET
6-1, 217, age: 23

However, they didn’t draft Moreno that high for him to simply year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
be a committee back. They anticipate that he will be involved 2009 PROJ 235 975 8 40 280 1 180 19
2008 DET 238 976 8 54 39 286 0 174 18
on every down as a runner and receiver. Moreno is a special
back - the likes that Denver hasn’t seen since the days of The Good - Smith had a very strong second half of the sea-
Clinton Portis. son last year with the Lions - especially considering just how
terrible they were. He rushed for 708 yards in the months of
17. Ryan Grant - GB November and December and averaged almost 22 carries per
6-1, 218, age: 27
game. The best-case scenario for Smith in 2009 is similar pro-
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank duction to his final eight games of a year ago.
2009 PROJ 280 1148 7 21 137 0 170 20 The Bad - The Lions offense could improve this season
2008 GB 312 1203 4 22 18 116 1 162 22 but still struggle for consistency behind rookie QB Matthew
2007 GB 188 956 8 37 30 147 0 158 17 Stafford. The offensive line is a weak point and will likely fail
The Good - In a perfect world, Ryan Grant puts behind his to consistently open holes to run through. New Lion, veteran
somewhat disappointing 2008 campaign and returns to the Maurice Morris from Seattle, could take some of the carries
2007 form that made him one of the more exciting running away from Smith.
backs in the NFL. Last year he had 312 carries but only man- The Bottom Line - With a rookie signal-caller under center,
aged four rushing touchdowns. His lengthy offseason holdout expect the Lions to steal a page from the Falcons book from
probably had a negative impact on his season, so he should last season and establish a strong rushing attack to take pres-
have a more focused 2009. sure away from Stafford. Smith showcased last season that he
The Bad - There is always a chance that the Grant we saw is capable of 20+ carries per game, and he will likely receive a
in 2007 was the anomaly. Without a Hall of Fame quarterback heavy workload even if he does lose some touches to Morris.
in the backfield, defenses were able to concentrate more on
Grant and lessened his impact. 20. Larry Johnson - KC
The Bottom Line - The Packers offensive line is solid, the 6-1, 228, age: 30
passing game is terrific and the rushing attack should be bet- year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
ter than last year. There is no reason for Grant not to increase 2009 PROJ 215 914 9 16 110 0 156 25
last season’s poor yard-per-carry average this season, and his 2008 KC 193 874 5 17 12 74 0 129 29
2007 KC 158 559 3 42 30 186 1 98 40
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 2006 KC 416 1789 17 66 41 410 2 334 2
The Good - Larry Johnson finished the 2008 season as the
22. Thomas Jones - NYJ
5-10, 216, age: 31
29th best fantasy football RB. His season was one to forget year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
outside of a couple of games (specifically his 198-yard per- 2009 PROJ 220 968 8 28 179 0 163 22
formance against Denver). Despite rumors, the Chiefs did not 2008 NYJ 290 1312 13 42 36 207 2 242 5
send him away in a trade and now are set to make him the 2007 NYJ 310 1119 1 34 28 217 1 146 22
feature back once again. We may never see 1,700 yard seasons 2006 CHI 296 1210 6 47 36 154 0 172 21
from LJ again, but a 275 carry - 1,200 yard rushing season is The Good - Thomas Jones has an excellent 2007 campaign
not out of the question. as he shattered his personal TD record with 15 scores. The
The Bad - Johnson wasn’t used much as a receiver in 2008, best 2009 scenario would be for the Jets to continue using him
and that trend should continue this year. He may also lose out as the lead hammer in their RBBC. If rookie Shonn Greene
on some goalline opportunities as the Chiefs try to take advan- eats into Leon Washington’s touches, Jones could once again
tage of Jamaal Charles’ quickness and agility in space. Once produce like a RB1.
again in 2009, the Chiefs could be playing from behind a lot, The Bad – Washington looked like one of the most dynamic
thus relegating LJ to the bench as the team must enter pass- players in the league a year ago. The Jets could be looking for
happy mode. more of a breakaway threat more often this year from their
The Bottom Line - Johnson should get plenty of carries running game since the passing game lost both Brett Favre and
this year for the Chiefs, and he likely will be the primary Laveranues Coles. The big plays will likely have to come on
option when they get inside the 5-yard line. They probably the ground, and there’s no one better equipped to do that than
won’t throw to him more than a couple of times per game, so Washington.
don’t expect a lot of receiving yards from the big back. That The Bottom Line - Jones will still score, but his touchdown
lack of receiving (and operating in a poor offense) puts a lid total will probably fall in between the two he had in 2007 and
on Johnson’s potential. the 15 of a season ago. Greene is expected to fill the goal line
role, which takes away a large portion of Jones’ scores since
RUNNING BACKS

21. Marshawn Lynch - BUF
5-10, 223, age: 23
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 220 924 7 41 291 1 170
2008 BUF 250 1036 8 67 47 300 1 188
2007 BUF 280 1115 7 26 18 184 0 176
The Good - Although Marshawn Lynch has been suspended
for three games to start the season, there still remains a chance
it could be reduced. Also in his favor, the addition of Terrell
Owens at WR should take a lot of defensive attention away
from him and give him more room to run. If the Bills rebuilt
offensive line can run block better than they did a year ago and
Lynch stays healthy, he should be a borderline Top 10 RB.
The Bad - The commissioner has suspended Lynch for the
first three games of the season so he’ll get a late start com-
pared to everyone else. Despite playing in two extra games in
2008 (compared to 2007), Lynch saw his total number of car-
ries drop by 30 last year. With the added depth at RB thanks
to the signing of Dominic Rhodes and return of Fred Jackson,
there’s a good chance the Bills will again use more of a com-
mittee approach this year and limit Lynch’s touches.
The Bottom Line - The suspension will certainly hurt
Lynch’s overall production, but he has a chance to put up
better numbers in fewer games than he did a year ago if the
Owens signing has a positive impact on the Bills offense. The
trade of LT Jason Peters figures to hurt the offensive line, but
he was an average run blocker anyway. The RBBC approach
the Bills used last year should be in place again but Lynch is
too talented to not be the lead back whenever he’s available.
After his suspension, he should make a relatively safe option
as RB2 who could certainly perform like a RB1 down the
stretch.
he’s not really a breakaway threat. He also faltered a bit late in
the season last year, so the Jets could look to limit his touches
while at the same time getting their other dynamic runners on
21 the field.
15
12
23. Darren McFadden - OAK
6-1, 211, age: 22
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 225 990 7 40 320 2 185 16
2008 OAK 113 499 4 39 29 285 0 102 44
The Good – Darren McFadden flashed his playmaking abil-
ity several times throughout his rookie season. This year the
Raiders are expecting even more out of him, and he’s expect-
ing more from himself. He is very dangerous when he gets the
ball in his hands, and the Raiders will use him as their primary
receiver out of the backfield as well.
The Bad - Darren McFadden is not an effective inside run-
ner, so the Raiders will have to use him on plays where they
can get him the ball in space. Defenses will be keyed to stop
the ground game, and they’ll be daring JaMarcus Russell to
beat them. McFadden will not only have to produce against
teams geared to stop him, he will also have to prove that he
can stay injury free.
The Bottom Line - McFadden could see his carries double
from his rookie season as long as he can stay healthy. The
Raiders added weapons to their passing game so opposing
defenses should not be able to just stack the line of scrimmage
to shut down the run. McFadden can rack up yardage in sev-
eral different ways and doesn’t need a ton of touches to have
fantasy-worthy production. Like Reggie Bush, McFadden is
not a traditional back, but a team that is willing to use him in
the right way will be rewarded with very good production.

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 Player Spotlight:
RB DeAngelo Williams
Carolina Panthers
by Jason Wood – Senior Writer, Footballguys.com
W
hen DeAngelo Williams was
drafted in the first round of
the 2006 draft, fantasy owners
were excited at the prospects. The Panthers
wanted to get back to running the ball with
authority and Williams needed only to
outplay DeShaun Foster in training camp.
Yet, things didn’t go according to plan
as Foster had almost 2x the carries while
Williams was relegated to backup duties.
In 2007, it was more of the same as Foster
had 247 carries to Williams’ 144.
Fast forward to the 2008 NFL draft and
the Panthers selection of Jonathan Stewart
with the 13th overall pick. Between the
coach’s insistence on giving DeShaun
Foster more work for two years and then
using a high first round pick on another
RB last year, it’s understandable that fan-
tasy owners doubted whether Williams was
ever going to emerge.
Well, what a difference a year makes.
Williams not only proved his doubters
wrong, but smashed through all reasonable
expectations. He ran for 1,515 yards on
just 273 carries, averaging an impressive
5.5 yards per rush. He led the league with
18 rushing touchdowns and added another
two receiving scores. When the dust
settled, DeAngelo Williams was THE best
fantasy RB in 2008.
You would think a first-place finish
last year would have fantasy owners lin-
ing up to draft Williams this year; and
yet his ADP indicates quite a few people
are skeptical. The critics seem to worry
about two things: 1) Williams’ numbers
are impossible to repeat, and 2) Jonathan
Stewart will force a true time share.
Williams doesn’t have to duplicate
last year’s stats to be a fantasy stud. His
2008 totals were elite, even by historical
standards.
• Only 11 RBs have rushed for 1,500 yards
and scored 20+ TDs in a season
• Only eight RBs have averaged 5.5 yards
per rush on 200+ carries in a season
• Only three RBs have averaged 5.5 YPR on
200+ carries and scored 15+ TDs
By way of illustration, take a look
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
115 WILLIAMS SPOTLIGHT.indd 115
ICON SMI
at the other RBs that have averaged 5.5+
yards per rush on 200+ carries in a season: their top runner 60 percent or more of the
carries – When you’re coming off a 12-4
• James Brooks • Clinton Portis season and you’ve had the success John
• Jim Brown (2x) • Barry Sanders (2x) Fox has over seven seasons as head coach,
• Eric Dickerson • O.J. Simpson (2x) you don’t fix something that’s not broken.
• Adrian Peterson
Why We’ve Probably Seen the Peak
We’re looking at four Hall of Famers,
Williams stands an excellent chance of
the best young RB in the game today and
enjoying many more Top 10 fantasy sea-
two other multiple Pro Bowl runners.
sons, but he’s not a strong bet to repeat his
The important point to remember is that
#1 ranking for a number of reasons.
EVERY ONE of these backs was a fan-
1) His YPR is likely to regress – Only
tasy star for much of their career. So yes,
Jim Brown, Barry Sanders and O.J.
while DeAngelo Williams may never again
Simpson has more than one season with
match last year’s feats, history suggests
5.5+ YPC and 200+ carries
he’s got quite a few Top 10 fantasy seasons
2) His TDs are likely to regress – Only
left in him.
five RBs have had more than one 20+ TD
season
The Jonathan Stewart Factor
3) Carolina has an extremely difficult
Jonathan Stewart is an imposing figure.
schedule – Many know that Carolina plays
At 5’11, 235 pounds with plenty of speed,
a first-place schedule this year, but in fact
Stewart has all the tools necessary to be a
the Panthers have the second hardest sched-
300-carry franchise back. And his rookie
ule based on last year’s win percentages
numbers hint at great things in the future.
He averaged 4.5 yards per rush and scored
Final Thoughts
10 rushing touchdowns, managing to fin-
DeAngelo Williams was the top fantasy
ish as the 24th best fantasy RB. So why
RB last year, yet somehow people seem
shouldn’t you worry about Stewart eating
ill at ease with drafting him as their RB1
into Williams’ touches?
this year. Don’t make the same mistake.
1. Williams’ role steadily increased
Sure, history tells us that the kind of sea-
as the season wore on – In the first four
son Williams had is nearly unrepeatable.
weeks of the season, both Williams and
But that doesn’t mean he can’t or won’t
Stewart averaged 50 rushing yards per
be a fantasy star. The least accomplished
game, but Stewart scored three TDs to
runner to do what Williams did last year
Williams’ zero. In the final month of the
was James Brooks, and he had FIVE Top
season, Williams was averaging 140 yards
10 fantasy seasons. Four others are in the
and 1.8 TDs while Stewart averaged 63
Hall of Fame. The simple fact is seasons
yards and 1.0 TD.
like Williams aren’t flukes, and he is an
2. The Panthers have consistently given
elite talent. The coaches aren’t going
to reduce his touches simply because
Positives there’s a talented backup on the roster.
• A formidable OL returns intact
Jon Stewart is going to get touches, but
• Williams became more dominant as the season
progressed not at the expense of Williams, who is
• Every RB to do what he did has had an elite career the closest thing to a lock for Top 10
numbers as any RB.
Negatives
• Jonathan Stewart is too good to keep off the field If you’d like access to more than 120
• The Panthers have a very difficult schedule other detailed Player Spotlights, be sure
• Stewart’s 2008 numbers will be next to impossible
to visit Footballguys.com and become a
to repeat
subscriber.
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115
5/26/09 9:27:20 AM
 24. Pierre Thomas - NO was a 1,400-yard, seven-TD campaign for the Rams. Similar
5-10, 205, age: 25 numbers would be the best case scenario for Wells.
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank The Bad - The flip side is that Wells could have a first
2009 PROJ 200 910 10 35 277 1 185 17 year like Ron Dayne’s. Wells might not ever start in 2009.
2008 NO 129 625 9 41 31 284 3 163 21 The offensive line might not improve over last year. Wells
2007 NO 50 251 1 23 19 152 1 52 61 might struggle in a split time situation with Tim Hightower. In
The Good - Pierre Thomas grabbed his opportunity with Dayne’s rookie year, he had less than 900 total yards and five
both hands in 2008, once Reggie Bush went down in Week TDs on around 225 carries. Statistics that low, or lower, are
10. In six games, Thomas racked up enough fantasy points to Wells’ downside.
finish the season ranked 22nd. Thomas features in all facets of The Bottom Line - Realistically, Wells will split time with
the game - running, receiving and the goal line. With the trou- Hightower between the 20s, but will not see much goal line
blesome knee of Bush and the retirement of Deuce McAllister work. His load might increase over the season, but he is not
this six-week spell could easily be reproduced for a whole sea- likely to score double-digit TDs with Hightower there, or pass
son, meaning Thomas would be among the fantasy elite. 1,000 rush yards in a spread offense. Keep an eye on training
The Bad - There are two Pierre Thomases: One with Reggie camp reports. If he is an early-season starter, Wells would be a
Bush and one without. The one that exists when Bush is fit borderline RB2.
averaged a full yard less per carry and barely registered on
fantasy radars in 2008. 27. Willie Parker - PIT
The Bottom Line - Pierre Thomas must have been one 5-10, 209, age: 29
happy camper when the Saints didn’t draft a running back or year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
add one in free agency. Even sharing time with Bush, Thomas 2009 PROJ 215 871 5 16 112 0 128 33
has significant value for fantasy owners and given the injury 2008 PIT 210 791 5 11 3 13 0 110 40
2007 PIT 321 1316 2 31 23 164 0 160 16
history of his counterpart, Thomas could be one of the most
2006 PIT 337 1494 13 41 31 222 3 268 5
underrated running backs this season.
RUNNING BACKS

The Good - Even though they are defending Super Bowl

25. Jonathan Stewart - CAR champions the Steelers’ schedule shouldn’t be as brutal in
5-10, 235, age: 22
2009, and Willie Parker would be in for a better year for that
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank reason alone. Improved play from their offensive line will only
2009 PROJ 165 759 8 10 60 0 130 31 help Parker and the ground game. The Steelers also cut Gary
2008 CAR 183 833 10 17 8 47 0 148 24 Russell, so some of the goalline work may go back to Parker
The Good - Jonathan Stewart now has a year of experience this season.
in the NFL and has shown he can thrive in a by-committee The Bad - Rashard Mendenhall was lost for the season, but
situation. If he continues to improve, Stewart could eat into is expected to be the primary backup to Parker in 2009. We
DeAngelo Williams’ touches and add on a few more rushing could see a decline in Parker’s stats because it may evolve into
TDs. If Williams misses time for any reason, Stewart would a three- or four-headed RBBC in Pittsburgh. Mewelde Moore
become an instant RB1 in fantasy leagues. was a more dangerous RB for the team in 2008 and is a much
The Bad - Stewart and the Panthers scored a lot of rushing better receiver. Parker has struggled to stay healthy the last two
TDs last year - if he sheds just a few TDs, his numbers would seasons and the Steelers are set to move on without him if he
be less impressive to fantasy owners. If the offensive line suf- gets hurt again this year.
fers some setbacks in training camp, the big holes that Stewart The Bottom Line - The Steelers want to see if Rashard
exploited to walk into the end zone last year might suddenly Mendenhall can be the feature back and will give him every
be narrower. opportunity to succeed in 2009. Parker’s carries will be
The Bottom Line - Jonathan Stewart is a great comple- reduced if Mendenhall can stay healthy, and Mewelde Moore
ment to Williams. Stewart was still a marginal fantasy starter should retain his role as the third-down / change-of-pace RB.
despite playing second fiddle in Carolina – in basic touchdown That’s a lot of competition for touches.
leagues Stewart was a gem to have. Given the run-first focus
of the Panthers’ offense, it seems likely that Stewart will easily 28. Joseph Addai - IND
be able to post similar numbers during 2009. Remember that 6-0, 205, age: 26

the Panthers rushed the ball 504 times last year. That’s more year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 190 732 6 27 211 1 136 28
than enough work to keep two running backs happy.
2008 IND 155 544 5 39 25 206 2 117 39
2007 IND 261 1072 12 49 41 364 3 234 5
26. Chris Wells - ARI 2006 IND 226 1081 7 50 40 325 1 189 11
6-1, 235, age: 21
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
The Good - Addai finished as the #5 fantasy RB in 2007
2009 PROJ 220 869 8 5 33 0 138 27 when he got about 63% of the touches from the Colts’ RB
The Good - A good analogy for Chris Wells’ skill set is position. Last year he missed time with injuries, but if he can
somewhere between Jerome Bettis and Ron Dayne. While return to his 2007 level of production, a Top 10 season is well
those backs were shorter and heavier, they were college big within reason. The obvious obstacle is that he may not get
backs with burst through the line. If the stars line up, Wells 63% of the touches again now that first-round pick Donald
will be the team’s starter with an improved offensive line and Brown is in the mix. But if the Colts decide to work Brown
a passing game that prevents eight in the box. Bettis’ first year into the rotation slowly, and if Addai performs well enough to

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 make it hard to take him out of games, he could return to fan- the field than on the bench.
tasy prominence. The Bottom Line - Brown will be expected to contribute
The Bad - While most casual observers believe that Addai right away in the high-powered Colts’ offense. The question is
will get a larger share of the workload than rookie Donald whether he’ll (a) take over the lead role by midseason, as some
Brown, that view is not unanimous among well-informed ana- people expect, (b) split the workload with Addai in an even
lysts. Brown has a better size-speed combo than Addai, and if rotation, or (c) play a complementary role as a rookie while
he outperforms Addai early, Brown could take over the lead Addai gets 65 percent to 70 percent of the work. With all three
role as early as midseason. scenarios in play, opinion on Brown may not reach a general
The Bottom Line - Addai and Brown will most likely share consensus, and you can expect to see his draft position vary
the workload during the regular season, keeping each other quite a bit from league to league.
fresh for the playoffs. While the Colts offense is expected to
put up, once again, way more than its fair share of yards and 31. Derrick Ward - TB
points, it will need to be consistently solid to make Addai any- 5-11, 233, age: 29
thing more than a fantasy backup. year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 200 890 5 42 328 1 158 24
29. Cedric Benson - CIN 2008 NYG 182 1025 2 54 41 384 0 153 23
6-0, 225, age: 27 2007 NYG 125 602 3 40 26 179 1 102 37
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 2006 NYG 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 170
2009 PROJ 240 900 8 23 173 1 161 23 The Good - The Buccaneers are hoping that Derrick Ward’s
2008 CIN 214 747 2 26 20 185 0 105 42 part-time success with the Giants will translate to even greater
2007 CHI 197 678 4 27 17 123 0 104 36 success as the primary ball carrier in Tampa Bay. If Ward
2006 CHI 157 647 6 10 8 54 0 106 38 maintains his 5.1 career rushing average, look out as a huge
The Good - With a big new offensive tackle to run behind season would certainly be possible.
and Chris Perry out of the way, Cedric Benson is finally in a The Bad - The Buccaneers may have selected Ward as

RUNNING BACKS
position to redeem himself after several years of being con- their first free agent acquisition in the offseason, but it could
sidered a bust. As the full-time starter, Benson comes into mean that he’s just another body in the their backfield. Earnest
the season ready to run wild. With Palmer back under center, Graham is one year removed from a 10-touchdown season,
defenses can’t stack eight men in the box, so Benson has a so he is more than capable of providing a legitimate one-two
chance to exploit the holes that the offensive line opens for punch in what could be a potent backfield.
him. The Bottom Line - The Buccaneers signed Ward to be a
The Bad - Benson is a classic under achiever, never play- key participant in their 2009 running game. The question is,
ing a full 16 game season or touching the ball more than 240 just how often will the team turn to him? Keen observation in
times in a season and has a 3.7 career yards-per-carry average. camp will be a must in this situation – if he takes to his new
Benson alternately performs just well enough to make you surroundings, Ward could be a surprisingly effective fantasy
want him on your roster, and just poorly enough to make you player this year.
wish he were on somebody else’s.
The Bottom Line - Opportunities abound for the Bengal 32. Jamal Lewis - CLE
offensive players, and Benson is no exception. After setting 6-0, 240, age: 30
career bests in touches and yards, Benson seems poised to year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
finally shake off the label of fantasy bust. All he has to do 2009 PROJ 220 814 7 12 78 0 131 30
is perform. Yet he has squandered such opportunities in the 2008 CLE 279 1002 4 32 23 178 0 142 25
past and could very easily do it this season as well. For 2009, 2007 CLE 298 1304 9 39 30 248 2 221 6
expect Benson to push the envelope that is his career best, but 2006 BAL 314 1132 9 26 18 115 0 179 16
don’t be surprised if that isn’t good enough to crack your start- The Good - Jamal Lewis is getting a little long in the tooth,
ing line up either. but he still has a few carries left in him. The Browns obviously
believe in him this season as they added no one of significance
30. Donald Brown - IND to the backfield. Jerome Harrison will get some looks, but this
5-11, 210, age: 22 is still Lewis’ team. He will be their primary back.
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank The Bad - Lewis’ rushing average is pretty abysmal for a
2009 PROJ 160 640 6 23 168 1 123 35 lead back - he has been over 3.6 YPC only once in the last five
The Good - Rookie running backs tend to adapt faster to years. While he generally plays hurt, Lewis does experience a
NFL life than players at other positions. Joseph Addai will still variety of nicks and bruises. These minor ailments add up and
have a role in the offense, but Donald Brown could get the reduce his overall effectiveness.
majority of the workload right off the bat, in which case he’ll The Bottom Line - The 2007 season looks like a blip on the
have Top 15 potential. (Note that Addai was the 11th best fan- radar now, and it appears that Lewis has fallen into that RB3
tasy RB as a rookie when he took the lead in a shared work- range where he’ll be good enough to have on your roster, but
load with Dominic Rhodes.) not productive enough to start every week. A new offensive
The Bad - While Brown could get the majority of the Colts’ line helps, but with 2600 touches under his belt already, his
RB touches as a rookie, it’s at just as likely that he’ll fill a best years are obviously in the past.
complementary role. Addai is a fairly accomplished NFL run-
ning back, and a player like that generally sees more time on

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 33. LenDale White - TEN formance. Things broke right for him a year ago, though it
6-2, 235, age: 25 wouldn’t be a total shock to see him approach double-digit
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank scores once again. With Willis McGahee almost constantly
2009 PROJ 165 693 10 8 50 0 134 29 banged up and Ray Rice a bit undersized, McClain could get
2008 TEN 200 773 15 10 5 16 0 169 19 just about all of the goal line and short-yardage work.
2007 TEN 304 1108 7 31 20 114 0 164 15 The Bad - McClain’s role might become a bit more special-
2006 TEN 61 244 0 20 14 60 0 30 71 ized this year. He did a fantastic job in short yardage situations
The Good - LenDale White lost his job as the feature back last season, but with the passing game expected to open it up
for the Titans to Chris Johnson in 2008 and will not get it back a bit more and McGahee seemingly healthy from day one,
unless there is an injury situation. White still produced enough McClain could find himself as ONLY the short yardage/goal
to be the #19 fantasy RB because he was a goalline vulture line back. If that’s the case, he’d make for a nice spot starter
for Johnson. He will again be asked to plunge the ball into the but nowhere near a reliable fantasy contributor.
endzone whenever the Titans get close so his fantasy produc- The Bottom Line - McClain was an afterthought coming
tion should be similar to his 2008 numbers. into the season but ended it with over 1,000 yards from scrim-
The Bad - White is not much of a receiver out of the back- mage and eleven total touchdowns, en route to a Top 20 fanta-
field and turns into a non-factor when the Titans have to play sy finish. Considering that just about everything went right for
from behind. him last year and you can’t expect McGahee and Rice’s roles
The Bottom Line - While it’s popular to poke at White’s to be so limited again. The team has a lot invested in Rice in
girth, but he reportedly has shed 23 pounds since last October. particular, so he’ll likely get a few more touches to see what
Before you get carried away, he still weighs 238, which of he can do with them this season. What’s more, McClain isn’t
course means he tipped the scales at 261 pounds in 2008. This sneaking up on anybody this time around.
change comes at a good time for White as the team seems
prepared to move on from him after this season if he does not 36. Willis McGahee - BAL
become more productive. 6-0, 228, age: 28
RUNNING BACKS

year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
34. Felix Jones - DAL 2009 PROJ 135 527 4 20 140 1 97 45
5-10, 207, age: 22 2008 BAL 170 671 7 32 24 173 0 126 32
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 2007 BAL 294 1207 7 49 43 231 1 192 8
2009 PROJ 100 490 4 18 133 1 92 49 2006 BUF 259 990 6 28 18 156 0 151 26
2008 DAL 30 266 3 2 2 10 0 46 73 The Good – Willis McGahee is arguably the most talented
The Good - Felix Jones needs only to pick up where he left runner on the Ravens but has slipped a bit in the minds of fan-
off as a rookie as he was explosive as a tailback, averaging tasy owners recently. He had a decent season a year ago when
a mind-boggling 8.9 yards per rush, and also was a dynamic given the opportunity, but didn’t even lead the team in carries.
kick returner. Unfortunately, Jones’ rookie season lasted just McGahee was the go-to guy at crunch time in the postseason.
six games, and he succumbed to a toe injury that required sur- If that suggests the Ravens trust him above everyone else, then
gery. Ideally, Jones will step back into the same role in 2009 there is no reason to think he can’t return close to 2007 level
and split carries with Barber. If he can do that, and maintain type of production this season.
his explosiveness, Jones could have a Maurice Jones-Drew The Bad - McGahee was passed up on the depth chart by
type of season and be a surprisingly strong fantasy play. unheralded fullback Le’Ron McClain a year ago. If he can get
The Bad – Jones’ injury opened the door for another rookie, beaten out for carries by an almost unknown, then certainly
Tashard Choice, to make an impact. Choice showed that he second-year man Ray Rice is a threat to his job. The two play-
too is capable of playing a major role, and it would be foolish ers together could relegate McGahee to an afterthought in
for the Cowboys to relegate him to the bench. Jones could end most fantasy circles.
up part of a three-man RB rotation in which case all three will The Bottom Line - McGahee enters the season as the
struggle to have consistent fantasy value. “starter”, but what that means is really anybody’s guess. As
The Bottom Line - Jones should back up Marion Barber evidenced by our staff rankings, just about everyone is split on
and get more touches than most RB2s around the league. His how the team plans to use their running backs this year.
ability to hit the home run makes him someone worth drafting.
You can never predict when he’ll break a big run or catch, but 37. Ray Rice - BAL
if you have to play three RBs in most weeks, Jones could be a 5-8, 199, age: 22

daunting option as your RB3 or flex. And obviously if Barber year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
gets hurt, Jones would be a stud-in-the-making. 2009 PROJ 160 656 3 35 273 1 117 38
2008 BAL 107 454 0 43 33 273 0 73 55
35. LeRon McClain - BAL The Good - Willis McGahee’s knee gave him a lot of trou-
6-0, 260, age: 25 ble last season in the early going. And for all of his produc-
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank tion, Le’Ron McClain still averaged fewer than four yards per
2009 PROJ 115 437 8 15 98 0 102 43 carry. Ray Rice, meanwhile, was drafted in the second round,
2008 BAL 232 902 10 30 19 123 1 168 20 produced when the team needed him to, and led the three
2007 BAL 8 18 0 13 9 55 1 13 103 backs in yards per carry. He has excellent skills and should
The Good - Since Le’Ron McClain burst onto the scene have earned himself a greater piece of the rushing pie in 2009.
unexpectedly a season ago, it’s tough to expect a repeat per- The Bad - McClain is still likely going to handle the major-

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 ity of the goal line work, and McGahee is still the de facto diminished due to a quicker, more agile RB.
starter, so Rice’s role could be a bit unclear week-to-week. The Bottom Line - On paper, the 2009 Buccaneers running
While he is the future of the team at the running back spot, for game looks to be a RBBC approach. Both Graham and Ward
2009 he might be nothing more than a change of pace back. If are capable of being heavily involved in the passing game, but
McGahee is working between the 20s and McClain is working Ward appears to have more of an edge due to his 1000-yard
at the goal line, Rice will have nothing more than scraps to rushing performance last year. Expect Graham to occupy a
pick up along the way. complementary role in the offense this year, but his presence
The Bottom Line - Rice is probably going to increase his could still garner significant touches.
total number of touches this season. Rice certainly doesn’t
have ideal size to be a feature back and despite being the 40. Fred Taylor - NE
future at the position, he needs a qualifier. He probably isn’t 6-1, 229, age: 33
going to be an every-down back even when McGahee is gone, year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
so the team would do well to find out just how much of a role 2009 PROJ 150 645 6 14 98 0 110 39
he can handle. 2008 JAX 143 556 1 22 16 98 0 71 56
2007 JAX 223 1202 5 14 9 58 0 156 18
38. Julius Jones - SEA 2006 JAX 231 1146 5 28 23 242 1 175 18
5-10, 205, age: 28 The Good - Fred Taylor seemed to drink from the fountain
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank of youth in 2006 and 2007, averaging over five yards a carry
2009 PROJ 205 882 4 24 161 0 128 32 each year in a job-share situation with Maurice Jones-Drew.
2008 SEA 158 698 2 25 14 66 0 88 49 Taylor should take over as the primary back for New England
2007 DAL 165 585 2 26 23 203 0 91 44 this season. He won’t be a workhorse, but he could still see
2006 DAL 267 1084 4 15 9 142 0 147 27 10-15 carries and maybe more if he got it going in any given
The Good - Julius Jones was part of a committee last sea- game.
son, but with Maurice Morris headed to Detroit, Jones should The Bad - Last year, Taylor’s production took a hit with

RUNNING BACKS
see a greater number of carries in 2009. The Seahawks will some nagging injuries and he looked his age and a step slower.
move to a zone blocking scheme this season, which suits He also suffered from a banged up Jaguars’ offensive line, but
Jones’ one-cut style of running. If Matt Hasselbeck can stay overall his 2008 campaign was not very noteworthy.
healthy and T.J. Houshmandzadeh proves to be an effective The Bottom Line - Taylor landed in a good spot after being
threat on the outside, Jones could see running lanes open up shown the door in Jacksonville. The Patriots will likely use a
for him along with more scoring opportunities. If everything rotation of backs or substitute players based on game situa-
goes right, Jones could creep into the Top 24 at his position. tions and field position. Taylor probably won’t see more than
The Bad - Jones was the Seahawks’ most effective running 10 or 12 carries a game (and not near the goal line) unless the
back last season, but he was generally erratic from week to week. other backs can’t go for some reason. He should play a role,
The Seahawks could still sign a free agent RB like Edgerrin but he probably won’t be a centerpiece any longer.
James or Warrick Dunn, who could come in and steal carries
from Jones. With T.J. Duckett likely to get most of the goal-line 41. Rashard Mendenhall - PIT
work, Jones relies on yardage for his fantasy production. 5-10, 225, age: 22
The Bottom Line - Jones had a much more productive first year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
half of the season (70 fantasy points) in 2008 than second half 2009 PROJ 125 494 6 12 83 0 94 48
(19). While he should see 200+ carries this season, his lack of 2008 PIT 19 58 0 3 2 17 0 8 118
opportunities on the goal line substantially deflates his fantasy The Steelers are hoping that Rashard Mendenhall can take
potential. over for Willie Parker in 2010. This season he should be the
primary backup to the injury-prone RB and is a must handcuff
39. Earnest Graham - TB for Parker owners. With Gary Russell gone the Steelers could
5-9, 215, age: 29 try Mendenhall out as the goalline back even though that’s an
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank area he struggled with in his rookie season.
2009 PROJ 150 623 4 23 170 0 103 41
2008 TB 132 563 4 33 23 174 0 102 45 42. Leon Washington - NYJ
2007 TB 222 898 10 70 49 324 0 182 11 5-9, 199, age: 27
2006 TB 11 59 0 4 1 4 0 6 120 year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
The Good - Earnest Graham was slowed by an ankle liga- 2009 PROJ 120 588 3 51 383 2 127 34
ment injury last year, but all signs point to him being fully 2008 NYJ 76 448 6 60 47 355 2 128 30
healed. Graham is only one year removed from being the 11th 2007 NYJ 71 353 3 51 36 213 0 76 48
ranked fantasy RB and could find himself as a major contribu- 2006 NYJ 151 650 4 31 25 270 0 116 35
tor in the Buccaneers running game, teaming with Derrick Leon Washington will be an excellent option should some-
Ward to give the Bucs a solid one-two punch. thing happen to Thomas Jones. But assuming Jones keeps
The Bad - Graham fell flat in his attempt to assure that his plugging along as he has been, Washington’s role isn’t likely
10-touchdown season in 2007 was not a fluke. Last year, it to increase very much in 2009 as the team also added rookie
was Warrick Dunn who took over the rushing duties for Tampa Shonn Greene. Washington will still be an adept receiver out
Bay, and this year it could be Derrick Ward filling that role. of the backfield and will still fill a role on third downs in pass-
It’s very possible that Graham could once again see his role ing situations. About the only significant increase in playing

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 time could be if the team opts to split him out wide and utilize league. However, Adrian Peterson is poised to be dynamite
his receiving skills more. They have a lot of inexperience at this season, and the addition of rookie WR Percy Harvin could
the wide receiver spot and could use all of the help they can cut into Taylor’s production. Harvin has amazing quickness
get there. and will have a number of plays called for him throughout the
season. Those include a few runs and hitch passes every game.
43. Jerious Norwood - ATL Taylor could finish with fewer touches than last season.
6-0, 204, age: 26
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 47. Ricky Williams - MIA
2009 PROJ 90 473 3 32 262 1 98 44 5-10, 228, age: 32
2008 ATL 94 489 4 54 36 338 2 119 37 year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2007 ATL 102 615 1 39 28 277 0 95 43 2009 PROJ 130 527 4 34 238 1 106 40
2006 ATL 99 633 2 16 12 102 0 86 43 2008 MIA 160 659 4 38 29 219 1 118 38
Jerious Norwood is a fine pass-catching RB who is a perfect 2007 MIA 6 15 0 0 0 0 0 2 142
complement to Michael Turner. He was the 37th-best fantasy Expect more of the same from Ricky Williams this year.
RB in the land last year, making Norwood a viable fill-in The limited carries are helping to extend his career, and he has
player in weeks when the matchup was particularly good, and become a respected veteran in the locker room. He may finish
he’s a spectacular insurance policy for Turner. Norwood is a with fewer carries this season if Ronnie Brown can handle a
threat to take the football to the house on any given play - he bigger workload, but Williams could also get a couple of starts
has killer speed. If the need arises, he could step into the start- should Brown get nicked up.
ing/featured role in Atlanta - his career average rushing the
ball is 5.8 yards per carry, and he has averaged 9.4 yards per 48. Tim Hightower - ARI
reception during his time in the NFL thus far. 6-0, 226, age: 23
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
44. Darren Sproles - SD 2009 PROJ 110 402 4 15 95 0 74 52
RUNNING BACKS

5-7, 180, age: 26 2008 ARI 143 399 10 49 34 237 0 124 33

year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank A possible scenario for Tim Hightower, given his talent at
2009 PROJ 115 552 3 37 329 2 118 36 blocking, catching, and running near the goal line, is that he
2008 SD 61 330 1 34 29 342 5 103 43 is named the starting RB for the Cardinals and sees extensive
2007 SD 37 164 2 12 10 31 0 32 78 time in the red zone. However, he is also likely to lose a sig-
Darren Sproles is a classic boom-or-bust fantasy player. nificant number of plays between the 20s to Wells. That means
He has potential to be the Chargers’ lead back if LaDainian Hightower is in a committee situation this year.
Tomlinson is injured, and the Chargers’ lead back is typically
a fantasy stud. On the other hand, if Tomlinson stays healthy, 49. Justin Fargas - OAK
Sproles will have too many unproductive games (from a fan- 6-1, 220, age: 29
tasy standpoint) to be a worthwhile cog in your lineup. His year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
greatest value will be as a handcuff for Tomlinson owners. 2009 PROJ 115 454 2 12 78 0 65 58
2008 OAK 219 855 1 15 10 52 0 97 46
45. Fred Jackson - BUF 2007 OAK 222 1009 4 32 23 188 0 144 23
6-1, 215, age: 28 2006 OAK 178 659 1 21 13 91 0 81 44
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank Justin Fargas has to stay injury free, and if he does he will
2009 PROJ 125 525 3 33 251 1 102 42 be the change of pace back to the explosive Darren McFadden.
2008 BUF 130 571 3 45 37 317 0 107 41 The Raiders should give him a good number of carries on the
2007 BUF 58 300 0 29 22 190 0 49 65 season, but Fargas won’t be used much as a receiver.
At 28 years old, Jackson is much older than most players
entering their third year in the league. He took an unusual 50. Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG
route to the NFL but has clearly proved that he belongs. The 5-10, 195, age: 23
suspension for Marshawn Lynch is good news for Jackson year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
early on, but the signing of Rhodes probably means an overall 2009 PROJ 115 546 4 11 76 1 92 50
drop in his playing time. Look for both backups to split carries 2008 NYG 67 355 1 6 5 42 1 52 64
for most of the season. If either gets injured, then bump up the 2007 NYG 23 190 1 5 2 12 0 26 85
value of the other considerably. Last year, the enthusiasm for Ahman Bradshaw was over-
done, as Derrick Ward was far too talented and established to
46. Chester Taylor - MIN give up touches. But this year Bradshaw should see 2-3 times
5-11, 213, age: 30 as many touches, and if he can maintain his per carry averages
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank with the increased workload, Bradshaw is a compelling fantasy
2009 PROJ 110 462 4 45 356 2 118 37 sleeper in the event Brandon Jacobs gets hurt.
2008 MIN 101 399 4 55 45 399 2 120 36
2007 MIN 157 844 7 43 29 281 0 154 20 Others:
2006 MIN 303 1216 6 51 42 288 0 186 12
Chester Taylor is a very good back in his own right. In fact, Ladell Betts, WAS
he could likely start for a number of NFL teams around the Ladell Betts should be counted on as Portis’ handcuff and

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 is someone you have to target in the event of a major injury to
Portis. Absent an injury opportunity, Betts is only worth a ros-
ter spot in deeper redraft leagues.
Andre Brown, NYG
Andre Brown is a talented but oft-injured runner. He will
likely start the season as the Giants’ third rushing option
behind Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. However, if the
versatile Brown can remain healthy (he has had two surger-
ies on his left foot), his hard-nosed style could possibly push
Bradshaw for the RB2 spot.
Correll Buckhalter, DEN
Correll Buckhalter is good at everything but not great at
any one thing. He should spend 2009 as the primary backup
to Knowshon Moreno and will see some time on third downs.
His fantasy value shouldn’t be too high if Moreno lives up to
the hype, but Buckhalter will be a valuable handcuff for all
Moreno owners.
Michael Bush, OAK
Many were wondering how Michael Bush would bounce
back after missing essentially two years on the field because
of his broken leg. He proved the doubters wrong with his last
game of the season, and the Raiders will be forced to find him
carries in a crowded backfield. Still, he’s the third option right
now in Oakland.
Jamaal Charles, KC
HC Todd Haley knows that he can’t go to Larry Johnson in
passing situations, and this could be a year where the Chiefs
are forced to throw the ball a lot while they play catch up. It’s
not crazy to project Charles to get a significant number of
touches this season.
Tashard Choice, DAL
Tashard Choice is one of those backups fantasy owners need
to have an itchy trigger finger over. He’s not worth drafting in
10-team redraft leagues, but he’s someone that could actually
be a starting-caliber RB if his role was redefined due to injury
or in a year or two when he gets to test free agency.
T.J. Duckett, SEA
T.J. Duckett showed a great nose for the endzone last season
and scored eight TDs on only 62 carries. If the offense can get
back on track, he could approach double-digit scores.
Shonn Greene, NYJ
Barring injury to Thomas Jones and Leon Washington,
Shonn Greene isn’t going to be a feature back in 2009. He
probably wouldn’t even be a feature back if one of the two got
hurt - it would be more of a timeshare situation than anything.
Thus, his upside is fairly limited for 2009 in terms of being a
consistent fantasy contributor. He should, however, be fun to
watch.
Brandon Jackson, GB
Brandon Jackson has good size and quickness but did not
seize his opportunity for an increased role last year. As such,
Jackson remains the third-down / change-of-pace back while
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108 RBS.indd 121
Ryan Grant will once again handle the majority of the work.
Kevin Jones, CHI
Kevin Jones turns just 27 years of age this year, and he still
has the talent to surprise football fans if he stays healthy. Forte
is without question the starter for the Bears going forward.
However, the opportunity is there for Jones to turn heads in the
preseason and emerge as a viable second option for the Bears
throughout the season. He is the player to take if you want to
handcuff the backup to your first round pick Forte.
Laurence Maroney, NE
Laurence Maroney recently announced that he had a bro-
ken bone in his shoulder last season. That likely impacted his
effectiveness in 2008, but it remains to be seen whether HC
Bill Belichick will give Maroney another run at starting. For
his part, Maroney has averaged a shade over 12 carries a game
but his role has been limited to first and second downs. While
he’s been very effective after the catch, Maroney has generally
been an afterthought in the passing game. The most likely out-
come in New England will be another year of multiple backs
filling specialized roles and no true workhorse.
LeSean McCoy, PHI
RUNNING BACKS
LeSean McCoy should find a role as the RB2 and see sever-
al touches per game, which would make him worthy of a roster
spot. Should Brian Westbrook get hurt, McCoy would be an
immediate starter in most fantasy leagues and an absolute no
brainer in PPR leagues.
Mewelde Moore, PIT
There is a good chance that Mewelde Moore could once
again lead the Steelers RBs in fantasy points scored. He is a
dynamic receiver, an effective runner, and instantly makes an
impact when he comes into the game. However, Moore is a
player that may be best used in a limited role and the Steelers
could have a three- or four-headed RBBC in 2009.
Maurice Morris, DET
Maurice Morris is a dependable veteran running back.
However he doesn’t have much upside and is on the down
slope of his career. He is still capable of stepping into an
offense for a few games and carrying the ball 20+ times, but
he has only nine career TDs. He’ll be a nice second option to
Kevin Smith this season.
Sammy Morris, NE
Sammy Morris may end up the best value of the NE RBs
and the last one drafted. He could produce as a borderline Top
25 running back (if he plays each week) but may be had as the
50th back off the draft board. If he stays healthy, he could see
10 touchdowns this season. That said, this is a very crowded
backfield.
Dominic Rhodes, BUF
There are some rumors that Fred Jackson is unhappy with
his contract situation so he could be a holdout risk if that
doesn’t get settled. That, along with the Marshawn Lynch sus-
pension could give Rhodes an opening. Most likely scenario is
that he’ll split time with Jackson while Lynch sits out.
121
5/27/09 8:46:58 AM
 WIDE RECEIVERS Intro by Jason Wood Larry Fitzgerald is the consensus top option and it can be
argued he’s the most dominant offensive player at any position

L
ast season the WR position came back to Earth a bit
after a monstrous 2007. Only three receivers caught
100+ passes after six accomplished the feat in 2007.
Two receivers had back-to-back, 100+ catch seasons, Wes
Welker and Brandon Marshall, but neither are considered
can’t-miss fantasy prospects this year. Marshall faces possible
disciplinary action, a new coaching staff and a new quarter-
back while Welker only ranked 21st last season as his TD and
yardage totals didn’t keep pace with his prodigious reception
total.
WIDE RECEIVERS
right now. Fitzgerald is joined by Calvin Johnson, Randy Moss
and Andre Johnson atop the rankings. Reggie Wayne, Dwayne
Bowe and Greg Jennings transitioned smoothly to their roles
as their respective teams’ top targets. Anquan Boldin deserves
a mention here, but his contractual issues make him a bit risk-
ier. Steve Smith, Marques Colston and the mercurial Terrell
Owens round out the Top 12.
Target at least two wide receivers in the first five rounds of
your draft, and try your best to roster three of the Top 20-22
receivers. Over the last five years, that’s been the average cut-
off for 1,000-yard receivers (20.4 per season), 70-catches (22.2
per season) and six touchdowns (27.6 per season).
A number of notable receivers changed teams this offseason,
including Owens to Buffalo; T.J. Houshmandzadeh to Seattle;

Laveranues Coles replacing Housh in Cincinnati; Torry Holt

to Jacksonville; and veteran Bobby Engram to Kansas City.
As usual, rookies will have a chance to make their mark,
with Michael Crabtree, Hakeem Nicks and Jeremy Maclin all
expected to play immediately.
Remember, the WR position, more than any other, must be
tailored to your league’s scoring system. A possession receiver
like Derrick Mason may not be a Top 20 option in convention-
al leagues, but in PPR leagues he’s a reliable starter. Visit our
website – Footballguys.com where you can view customized
rankings that are tailor-made for your league’s scoring system.

1. Larry Fitzgerald - ARI

6-3, 223, age: 26
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 1 5 0 94 1250 12 198 1
2008 ARI 0 0 0 154 96 1431 12 215 1
2007 ARI 0 0 0 167 100 1409 10 201 5
2006 ARI 0 0 0 108 69 946 6 131 24
The Good - Currently, Larry Fitzgerald is drafted as a Top
10 fantasy pick and the first WR off the board. To be the No.
1 fantasy WR, Fitzgerald will need Kurt Warner healthy. Any
possible loss of Anquan Boldin would not affect Fitzgerald’s
potential success. He has sufficient help from the other receiv-
ers on the team, he plays in a spread offense, he is in his ath-
letic prime, he is the team’s best weapon, and he is productive
even when double- and triple-teamed.
The Bad - The simple answer to Fitzgerald’s downside
involves losing Warner. While Fitzgerald was productive
with Leinart, he blossomed when Warner was behind center.
Still, we could get a Footballguys.com staffer behind center
in Arizona, and Fitzgerald would still be worth starting every
week.
The Bottom Line - Fitzgerald performed as a top-flight
receiver with or without running game support, with or with-
ICON SMI

Larry Fitzgerald
out Anquan Boldin, and with or without good quarterback
play. If Fitzgerald plays 16 games with Kurt Warner, he is a
virtual lock to be among the fantasy elite.
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 2007 DET 4 52 1 95 48 756 4 111 35
2. Randy Moss - NE The Good – Hopefully, Calvin Johnson and rookie Matthew
6-4, 210, age: 32 Stafford can immediately develop chemistry on the field and
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank become a deadly duo. Even last season with average quarter-
2009 PROJ 2 10 0 79 1122 13 191 3 back play, Johnson finished as the third best fantasy receiver,
2008 NE 2 0 0 126 69 1008 11 167 10 so his downside is around that same level. Johnson has the
2007 NE 0 0 0 159 98 1493 23 287 1 potential to be the top WR in the game.
2006 OAK 0 0 0 97 42 553 3 73 59 The Bad – If Stafford struggles to adapt to the professional
The Good - We saw what Randy Moss could do in a game, Johnson’s statistics could take a drop. However, as
Patriots uniform with a healthy Tom Brady in 2007, and if shown last season, Stafford would have to flop like Ryan Leaf
everything clicks again Moss could approach top-tier numbers. for Johnson to falter.
With Joey Galloway added to the mix and an upgraded run- The Bottom Line - When you look at what Calvin Johnson
ning game, opponents will continue to take a pick-your-poison did last year on a horrible team with mediocre quarterback
approach with who to cover. If Brady has time to throw down- play, it is mind-numbing to think what he may do if Stafford
field and his reconstructed knee is sound, Moss will return to roars out of the gate like Matt Ryan did last year. Johnson is
being an elite fantasy receiver as long as he’s motivated. unstoppable in single-coverage and has the size and ability to
The Bad - Moss is now in his early 30s and some have shred most double-teams. At just 23, Johnson is still improv-
alleged that he has lost a step. As always, there is still a ing his craft and he has a chance to be considered one of the
spread-the-wealth mentality in New England, and teams could finest at his position of all time if he continues to improve on
continue to overplay Moss. It started happening at the end of the field.
the 2007 season and could return this year.
The Bottom Line - Given that Moss is still chasing a ring 5. Reggie Wayne - IND
and the Patriots have a strong chance at getting one, it’s likely 6-0, 195, age: 31
that he will stay motivated throughout the season. He devel-

WIDE RECEIVERS
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
oped a great rapport and chemistry working with Brady, and 2009 PROJ 0 0 0 90 1260 10 186 5
if that magic is still there, he should again be a Top 3 receiver. 2008 IND 0 0 0 131 82 1145 6 150 14
Even without Brady, Moss ended up as the No. 10 fantasy WR 2007 IND 1 4 0 156 104 1510 10 211 4
last year - that would be his floor. 2006 IND 0 0 0 137 86 1310 9 185 3
The Good - After joining the team as Marvin Harrison’s
3. Andre Johnson - HOU sidekick in 2001, Wayne showed steady improvement over
6-2, 221, age: 28 most of his career until he had back-to-back Top 5 fantasy
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank seasons in 2006 and 2007, passing Harrison as the team’s clear
2009 PROJ 2 10 0 98 1372 9 192 2 WR1 by 2007. The Colts offense had a bit of a down season in
2008 HOU 0 0 0 170 115 1575 8 206 2 2008, and Wayne’s stats suffered as well. Most people expect-
2007 HOU 0 0 0 86 60 851 8 133 22 ed another Top 5 finish at the WR position from Wayne last
2006 HOU 3 14 0 165 103 1147 5 146 18 season, and most of the elements that led to those expectations
The Good - Much like Torry Holt, Andre Johnson had mul- are still in place this season.
tiple thousand-yard seasons early in his career without even The Bad - Some of Wayne’s struggles last season were like-
sniffing double-digit touchdowns. In 2008, he went over 100 ly due to Peyton Manning’s early troubles with his knee. But
yards in eight of his 16 games, yet scored multiple TDs only another factor was that the team’s running game was largely
once. He was the No. 2 fantasy WR, but was tied for eighth in ineffective, so opposing defenses were able to devote a lot of
touchdowns. If Johnson can find the end zone at a frequency attention to stopping the passing game.
more commensurate with his overall talent, he could be the top The Bottom Line - We expect Wayne to bounce back from
fantasy WR in the game. his disappointing 2008 performance. The Colts are dedicated
The Bad - Along with Larry Fitzgerald and Randy Moss, to improving their running game (as shown by the first-round
Andre Johnson has almost no downside risk as long as both he selection of Donald Brown), which should open up the pass-
and his quarterback stay healthy. Johnson has been a huge part ing game and allow Wayne to face single coverage more often,
of the offense since Matt Schaub joined the team two years as he did in 2006 and 2007. Wayne is probably more likely to
ago and has averaged a shade fewer than 100 yards a game finish inside the Top 5 than he is to finish outside the Top 10.
over the last two seasons. He is a nearly lock to get 150+ tar-
gets as long as he stays healthy. 6. Steve Smith - CAR
The Bottom Line - Johnson will be one of the first five 5-9, 179, age: 30
WRs selected in just about every fantasy draft this season. If year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
he can break the double-digit touchdown barrier, he would be 2009 PROJ 5 35 0 87 1279 9 185 6
a difference-maker who could carry some fantasy squads by 2008 CAR 5 40 0 128 78 1421 6 182 5
himself. 2007 CAR 9 66 0 148 87 1002 7 149 16
2006 CAR 8 61 1 140 83 1166 8 177 8
4. Calvin Johnson - DET The Good - Steve Smith did well last season but lost game
6-5, 235, age: 24 time due to an off-the-field incident, leading to lower total
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank receptions than usual. If he can play a full 16 games, he might
2009 PROJ 3 17 0 88 1294 10 191 4 get back to the 100+ receptions we saw from him a few years
2008 DET 3 -1 0 151 78 1331 12 205 3 ago. He is an elite NFL receiver with a high motor and a huge
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 desire to excel.
The Bad - Smith has anger management issues and has test-
ed the patience of the Panthers and the league in the past. If
he has another blow-up in 2009, he could sit for a long while
due to suspension. He’s also past the big 3-0 this year and has
been in the league for eight seasons – Smith has reached the
stage in his career where a player’s recuperative powers start to
wane.
The Bottom Line - Steve Smith is a fantasy favorite, with
an astonishing 18.2 yards-per-reception average last season in
route to a Top 5 fantasy finish. He went over 100 yards receiv-
ing during eight games last year and just missed in two other
weeks (96 yards and a TD in Week 5 and 96 yards receiving in
Week 6).

7. Greg Jennings - GB
5-11, 192, age: 26
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 0 0 0 78 1186 9 173 8
2008 GB 0 0 0 140 80 1292 9 183 4
2007 GB 0 0 0 84 53 920 12 164 12
2006 GB 0 0 0 105 45 632 3 81 54
The Good - Greg Jennings finished as the fourth-best fan-
tasy receiver last year. He has developed nice chemistry with
WIDE RECEIVERS

starting QB Aaron Rodgers and set career highs in receptions

and yardage in 2009. He is the first option in the Packers
strong passing attack and the best-case scenario is another fan-
tastic season.
The Bad - Jennings is a very good player, and the Packers
have a very strong passing attack. However, if Ryan Grant
regains his 2007 form, Green Bay could possibly ease up a
little in the air. OK, you caught us, this is a reach - the Packers

ICON SMI
are going to sling the ball around all year. Roddy White
The Bottom Line - There is no reason to anticipate a drop in
his statistics in 2009. Jennings is young and entering the prime in the land last year, far exceeding most peoples’ expectations.
of his career. If the Packers rushing attack thrives this season, Now that Matt Ryan has a year of experience under his belt as
he could see a slight drop but he should still finish as a Top 10 an NFL starter, White should be in a position to at least main-
receiver in 2009 with a ceiling that soars into the Top 5. tain his 2008 numbers. He will turn 28 in November, so he’s
still got a young man’s legs (and recuperative powers).
8. Roddy White - ATL
6-1, 201, age: 28 9. Anquan Boldin - ARI
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 6-1, 216, age: 29
2009 PROJ 2 10 0 84 1252 8 174 7 year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2008 ATL 2 4 0 148 88 1382 7 181 6 2009 PROJ 8 48 0 86 1015 9 160 11
2007 ATL 1 -2 0 137 83 1202 6 156 14 2008 ARI 9 67 0 126 89 1038 11 176 7
2006 ATL 0 0 0 64 30 506 0 51 80 2007 ARI 1 14 0 99 71 853 9 141 19
The Good - There is a good chance that Roddy White could 2006 ARI 5 28 0 152 83 1203 4 147 17
be at 100+ receptions when the season ends, which would land The Good - The best case for Anquan Boldin is easy to
him in the elite tier of receivers in PPR leagues. The addition imagine: The Cardinals pay him what he is asking. Kurt
of Tony Gonzalez to the team should reduce the amount of Warner and Larry Fitzgerald stay healthy and productive all
coverage that White receives from opposing DBs, allowing year. Boldin does not get injured following one those big shots
him to find more soft spots in opposing defenses. he takes on the field. If those things happen, it is easy to imag-
The Bad - Gonzalez is usually at 90+ receptions every year, ine Boldin continuing his incredible career per game averages
so his presence on the field could eat into the number of foot- of 81 receiving yards and 0.5 TDs per game.
balls thrown to the wide receivers, leading to a dip in produc- The Bad - The worst thing that could happen to Boldin is
tion for White. Also, the sophomore slump sometimes afflicts that he sits out a good chunk of the season due to a contract
NFL quarterbacks. If Ryan falters in his second season in the holdout - while that is currently a possibility, it seems unlikely.
league, White might drop back towards the pack at his position The second worst thing would be the loss of Kurt Warner to
rather than improve his numbers. injury.
The Bottom Line - White built upon his fine 2007 cam- The Bottom Line - Currently, it is most likely that Boldin
paign with a stellar 2008 – he was the sixth-best fantasy WR and the Cardinals will agree to an extension and the offseason

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 squabbles will finally end. Barring a collapse of the Arizona The Good - In a shocking turn of events this offseason, the
offense, Boldin should consistently produce as a Top 10 WR. Cowboys released Owens and he quickly signed a one-year
deal with the Bills. Although he ultimately left Philadelphia
10. Marques Colston - NO and Dallas on bad terms, his first years with both teams were
6-4, 223, age: 26 huge successes. Because Owens only signed a single-season
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank agreement, there is reason for optimism that he will keep the
2009 PROJ 0 0 0 80 1120 10 172 9 drama to a minimum and have a very successful season in
2008 NO 0 0 0 88 47 760 5 106 35 order to get one more big payday from a contender next year.
2007 NO 0 0 0 143 98 1202 11 186 8 The Bad - At 35, Owens is reaching an age when the skills
2006 NO 0 0 0 115 70 1038 8 152 14 of a WR can diminish very quickly. Although he managed to
The Good - When an offense can generate over 5000 pass- play in all 16 games last season and was surrounded by plenty
ing yards and more than 30 passing TDs, then the No. 1 guy of talent, his production was sometimes underwhelming. If
should benefit. Despite effectively only playing half a season, that persists and his production continues to decline, there is a
Marques Colston still registered 47 catches for 760 yards. chance that things could get ugly.
Included were four games of 99 yards or more, a multiple The Bottom Line - When healthy and motivated, there are
touchdown game and at least six catches in five games. He is few receivers in the league who are better than Owens. Despite
tough, tenacious and has great hands. the problems he has had in recent years, he has still man-
The Bad - The danger in drafting Colston is that even when aged to pull in 38 TDs over the past three seasons. Owens is
he missed half a season the offense was still able to post excel- extremely well conditioned and known more for his strength
lent numbers. The thumb injury to Colston enabled Brees to and run after the catch ability than his pure speed. It would be
establish a rapport with the other Saints receivers. In other a surprise if a player of his ability did not manage to produce
words, Brees won’t only have eyes for Colston and there will like a WR1.
be frequent games where other receivers get their fill.
The Bottom Line - Colston is one of the safer options when 13. Brandon Marshall - DEN

WIDE RECEIVERS
considering top notch receivers for your fantasy draft. He is 6-4, 230, age: 25
a key component of the top passing offense in the league and year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
won’t cost you as high a draft pick as most of the other elite 2009 PROJ 2 10 0 83 1046 8 154 13
WRs. While Colston probably won’t have as many explosive 2008 DEN 2 -4 0 181 104 1265 6 162 11
games as other top guys, he will be consistent, catch lots of 2007 DEN 5 57 0 170 102 1325 7 180 9
passes and be a reliable threat to reach the end zone. 2006 DEN 2 12 0 38 20 309 2 44 89
The Good - Many expected Brandon Marshall’s stats to
11. Dwayne Bowe - KC jump into the stratosphere after an 18/166/1 game against San
6-2, 220, age: 25 Diego, but it never came to fruition. Jay Cutler often locked
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank onto Marshall during games and defenses recognized that
2009 PROJ 0 0 0 90 1143 8 162 10 when the QB was in trouble he was going to heave it towards
2008 KC 0 0 0 157 86 1022 7 144 16 #15. Even though he was targeted 181 times he only came
2007 KC 0 0 0 117 70 995 5 130 24 away with six receiving TDs because the Broncos frequently
The Good - The Chiefs shipped Tony Gonzalez off to the stalled in the red zone. His numbers could go down - but he
Falcons which should lead to more receptions and production should still be a Top 15 fantasy WR with an increase in TD
for the big WR. This team should also be playing from behind catches.
and passing a lot in 2009. Because of Bowe’s large frame, The Bad - Marshall had offseason hip surgery and another
he makes for a great target in the red zone and may approach off-the-field incident. He’s already received a break from
double digit receiving TDs in 2009. Bowe will play the part commissioner Roger Goodell, but this time - even though the
that Randy Moss did for Cassel in 2008, and he’ll be the new charges were dropped - he could face up to a four-game sus-
Larry Fitzgerald for Todd Haley. pension. Also, as the Broncos go to a more run-heavy offense
The Bad - Without Gonzalez attracting the attention of the he may see his opportunities cut in the red zone. There is a
defense it means more double and perhaps triple coverage real chance that the QB play could be far below average in
for Bowe. Even if the Chiefs have to shift into all-out passing Denver, and if that’s the case, Marshall and the other receivers
mode, a defense could take Bowe almost completely out of the will struggle.
game with good coverage and help over the top. The Bottom Line - If Marshall can stay healthy and out of
The Bottom Line - Bowe will be heavily relied on by his trouble, he should continue to be among the Top 15 fantasy
new QB Matt Cassel. Bowe is the type of player that will work receivers. He is still a premier WR, and the opportunity is there
his tail off for his team, and Cassel should quickly build a for him to be a dominant fantasy force once again. However,
bond and a trust with the talented, young receiver. there are enough obstacles for that outcome that one must be
cautious where they select Marshall in their fantasy drafts.
12. Terrell Owens - BUF
6-2, 213, age: 36 14. T.J. Houshmandzadeh - SEA
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 6-1, 197, age: 32
2009 PROJ 2 10 0 72 1015 9 156 12 year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2008 DAL 7 33 0 140 69 1052 10 168 9 2009 PROJ 1 9 0 82 959 8 145 17
2007 DAL 1 5 0 141 81 1355 15 226 2 2008 CIN 1 9 0 137 92 904 4 115 31
2006 DAL 0 0 0 151 85 1180 13 196 2
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 2007 CIN 5 14 0 169 112 1143 12 188 7 Cleveland isn’t going to trade their most consistent offensive
2006 CIN 3 6 0 133 90 1081 9 163 11 player this season. Braylon Edwards then remains as the clear
The Good - Former Bengal T.J. Houshmandzadeh has had No. 1 WR on a team that is going to be playing catch-up often.
over 90 receptions in each of the last three seasons, and he If the QB battle gets settled early, Edwards will have several
will be the clear WR1 for the Seahawks. Early reports out of weeks to mesh with the new QB and possible lay the ground-
Seattle indicate that Matt Hasselbeck and Houshmandzadeh work to return to the Top 10.
have already gotten on the same page (anticipating cuts, tim- The Bad - Of course there is the chance that the QB contro-
ing of routes, etc). If he can make a smooth transition into Jim versy impacts everyone, and the Browns passing game returns
Mora’s offense in Seattle, a Top 10 season is within reach for to last season’s form where almost half of the passes thrown
Houshmandzadeh. result in an incomplete. In that situation, Edwards could flame
The Bad - Houshmandzadeh will have to learn a new out again and finish in the Top 30 rather than the Top 10.
offense and develop cohesion with a new set of teammates. The Bottom Line - Once the QB controversy is settled
Moreover, he will lack a big play threat lining up across from and the crazy decision to shop Edwards in a trade falls out
him to occupy the defense’s attention. In addition, an injury to of memory, the Browns can head into camp focused on get-
Hasselbeck (who is not known for his durability) would damp- ting the job done right. Edwards only benefits from this as a
en Houshmandzadeh’s prospects this season. Nonetheless, consistent QB helps him return to his top form from 2007.
even the worst case scenario should make Houshmandzadeh Edwards will reward anyone who takes a shot on him this sea-
an adequate WR2 or solid WR3 in twelve-team leagues. son.
The Bottom Line - While Houshmandzadeh’s team situa-
tion in Cincinnati deteriorated last year, he himself has been 17. Chad Ochocinco - CIN
a steady performer in each of the last four seasons. Housh- 6-1, 190, age: 31
mandzadeh should be viewed as a strong WR2 in twelve-team year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
leagues, and while he lacks the upside potential of more 2009 PROJ 0 0 0 80 1064 7 148 15
explosive, big-play receivers, he also presents little risk for his 2008 CIN 0 0 0 97 53 540 4 78 50
WIDE RECEIVERS

expected draft position. 2007 CIN 6 47 0 160 93 1440 8 197 6

2006 CIN 6 24 0 154 87 1369 7 181 4
15. Wes Welker - NE See Ochocinco’s full-page face-off on Page 128.
5-9, 190, age: 28
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 18. Antonio Bryant - TB
2009 PROJ 2 10 0 93 1014 7 144 18 6-1, 192, age: 28
2008 NE 3 26 0 150 111 1165 3 137 21 year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2007 NE 4 34 0 145 112 1175 8 169 11 2009 PROJ 3 27 0 72 1037 6 142 20
2006 MIA 0 0 0 100 67 687 1 75 57 2008 TB 2 22 0 137 83 1248 7 169 8
The Good - As possession receivers go, there aren’t many 2006 SF 0 0 0 91 40 733 3 91 44
better than Welker. He’s one of three players to have back-to- The Good - Antonio Bryant really came into his own last
back seasons with 110 receptions (along with Cris Carter and year with the Buccaneers. From Week 10 through the end of
Jerry Rice). He has also perfected the art of racking up yards 2008, Bryant was fourth in receiving yards and first in WR
after the catch, taking four-yard patterns another eight or nine fantasy points. He had six, 100-yard receiving games, includ-
yards. Welker accumulated a total of 295 targets the past two ing three in his last four outings. The presence of Kellen
years, catching an amazing 75 percent of the passes thrown his Winslow Jr. should keep defenders guessing. Expect both play-
way. Another 100-reception season seems almost like a like ers to feed off each other and be the two primary down-field
given with good health. threats this year.
The Bad - While Welker catches a lot of passes, he doesn’t The Bad - The worst case for Bryant, outside of injury of
get into the end zone very frequently. Even with 111 recep- course, would be for the Buccaneers offense to fall flat with all
tions last year, Welker could not crack the Top 20 fantasy of the new faces in town. It’s hard to foresee the offense sput-
receivers in non-PPR leagues. With 10-20 fewer catches, tering though, simply because they have plenty of weapons.
Welker could fall out of the Top 30 receivers altogether. They have two RBs in Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham, who
The Bottom Line - Welker has settled into a nice niche are excellent pass-catching backs, a definite star TE in Kellen
in New England. While things change quickly in the NFL, Winslow and Bryant, who is doing his own part to turn heads.
Welker is a good bet to stay the course and post similar totals The Bottom Line - The Bucs 2009 passing game looks to
for 2009. His upside is limited in standard-scoring leagues, but be very thin on paper. Their depth chart consists of Bryant,
his value increases in PPR leagues. Winslow and not much else. It’s reminiscent of the Bengals
former receiving corps that included Chad Johnson, T.J.
16. Braylon Edwards - CLE Houshmandzadeh and virtually no one else.
6-3, 206, age: 26
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 19. Eddie Royal - DEN
2009 PROJ 0 0 0 70 1022 8 150 14 5-9, 184, age: 23
2008 CLE 0 0 0 138 55 877 3 106 36 year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2007 CLE 0 0 0 153 80 1289 16 225 3 2009 PROJ 7 56 0 77 916 6 133 25
2006 CLE 3 7 0 123 61 884 6 125 26 2008 DEN 11 109 0 129 91 980 5 139 20
The Good - Let’s assume that the rumors are false and that The Good - Eddie Royal burst onto the scene in the Week

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 1 matchup against the Raiders when he made DeAngelo Hall now gone, leaving Cotchery as the No. 1 guy. Cotchery should
look silly on every play. Even when Brandon Marshall came see his passing targets increase by a large number, and his red
back from his suspension, Royal maintained his fantasy value zone looks should increase as well. He might be able to put
for the season and finished as the No. 20 fantasy WR. This up Top 15 stats even if he doesn’t actually play better simply
season the Broncos could look much different on the field, but because of the volume of passes that will be headed his way.
if they are truly New England West then Eddie Royal = Wes The Bad - Cotchery is something of an enigma for New
Welker. York. Last year was supposed to be his breakthrough year, but
The Bad - The Broncos could be moving to more of a run- instead he regressed to 71 catches and 858 yards. Now that he
heavy offense than people expect and thus the entire Broncos doesn’t have Laveranues Coles around to take some defensive
WR corps could struggle to match their numbers from 2008. focus off of him, the pressure will be on to be “the guy.” Add
Even with more passing (perhaps because the defense puts in the probability of a rookie quarterback playing with him,
them in bad situations) can the Broncos QB - whether it’s Kyle and he could be in for a tough year.
Orton or Chris Simms - perform adequately enough to move The Bottom Line - Cotchery already has a 1,100-yard sea-
the ball through the air consistently? son and two 82-catch campaigns to his credit. His touchdown
The Bottom Line - Eddie Royal is a very important piece total rebounded from two to five a year ago, and that could see
to the Broncos’ offensive puzzle and should finish as a Top another slight uptick this year with Coles gone. Cotchery is
25 fantasy WR in 2009. He’s the perfect security blanket for very talented and adept after the catch and is no slouch in the
a new QB learning a new system. With his run after the catch deep passing game.
ability and soft hands he can rack up yardage - and fantasy
points – in a hurry. 22. Roy Williams - DAL
6-2, 212, age: 28
20. Santonio Holmes - PIT year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
5-11, 190, age: 25 2009 PROJ 1 6 0 64 870 7 130 27

WIDE RECEIVERS
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 2008 DET 0 0 0 39 17 232 1 29 71
2009 PROJ 2 10 0 65 943 7 137 22 2008 DAL 1 13 0 42 19 198 1 27 71
2008 PIT 2 9 0 114 55 821 5 113 32 2007 DET 2 1 0 104 63 836 5 114 33
2007 PIT 5 17 0 85 52 942 8 144 18 2006 DET 2 2 0 153 82 1310 7 173 10
2006 PIT 1 13 0 86 49 824 2 96 41 The Good - The best case for Roy Williams is that he and
The Good - Santonio Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger his teammates and the coaches and the Dallas fans all forget
showed a great on-field rapport in the postseason that was about 2008. The Cowboys paid a king’s ransom for Williams
capped by Holmes winning the Super Bowl XLIII MVP. (first-, third-, and sixth-round picks) and then to Williams
This trend should continue in 2009 even if Hines Ward is (five years for $45 million). This year, Williams is the unques-
healthy. He knows how to come back to his QB when the play tioned WR1 because Terrell Owens was released. Tony Romo
breaks down and can take short passes long distances with his is the best QB Williams has ever played with, so it’s not
run after the catch ability. Holmes should continue to improve impossible to think his 82-catch, 1,310 yard season from 2006
his production in 2009. is within reach.
The Bad - There just isn’t that much opportunity for The Bad - A repeat of last year would be disastrous.
a receiver to be more than an average fantasy option in Williams wasn’t just disappointing after coming to Dallas, he
Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a suffocating defense that they was downright awful. If he gets off to a rough start, the pres-
rely on to set up the ground game that can grind out the clock. sure will mount and he may never recover.
Roethlisberger only threw for 17 TD passes in 2008, and he The Bottom Line - Williams is an elite athlete who has the
should throw for around the same number this season. If Hines strength and hands to be a true No. 1 for the Cowboys. The
Ward can stay healthy it could mean that Holmes is still the tricky part is that at least one fantasy owner in every league
No. 2 WR on a run first team with limited upside. is probably willing to draft Williams with his 2006 season in
The Bottom Line - Holmes had a fantastic postseason mind, but that’s far too high a price to pay. He has that Top 10
and looks to continue that hot streak into 2009. Holmes even potential, but he’s absolutely not worth paying Top 10 value
proved to be a better receiver in the red zone than many had for on draft day.
given him credit for. He’ll be a top target when Roethlisberger
is scrambling around looking for positive yards on a broken 23. Santana Moss - WAS
play. Holmes shouldn’t be a Top 10 fantasy WR in 2009 but 5-9, 185, age: 30
should be a consistent WR2 for his fantasy owners. year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 2 10 0 76 996 6 137 23
21. Jerricho Cotchery - NYJ 2008 WAS 1 27 0 138 79 1044 6 143 17
6-0, 207, age: 27 2007 WAS 3 13 0 115 61 808 3 100 40
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 2006 WAS 7 82 0 101 55 790 6 123 27
2009 PROJ 2 10 0 81 964 7 139 21 The Good - Is there a harder receiver in the league to
2008 NYJ 2 8 0 111 71 858 5 117 30 forecast? After a 1,483-yard season in 2005, Santana Moss’
2007 NYJ 5 38 0 127 82 1130 2 129 25 numbers fell across the board in 2006 and 2007, making him a
2006 NYJ 5 25 0 125 82 961 6 135 23 risky proposition heading into 2008. But just as fantasy own-
The Good - Jerricho Cotchery has been on the cusp of a ers began to discount him, Moss puts together a Top 20 fantasy
breakout season for the last two years. Laveranues Coles is season. As long as Jason Campbell evolves in his second year

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 WR - Cincinnati Bengals
Chad Ochocinco Face-off
In a Footballguys.com Face-off, two writers provide an in-depth look at a player by examining either his high side or his low side.
Whose argument is stronger? That is left up to you. For dozens more Face-offs, visit Footballguys.com.
The High Side
by Colin Dowling
I J
’m positively elated about Chad Ochocinco this season. Why?
Because for all of Chad Ochocinco’s drama, it is simply
unfathomable that he’s being selected as the 23rd wide receiv-
er off the board right now. Drafters have declared that Ochocinco
is barely a WR2 for this season.
HUH?
Between 2002 and 2007 Ochocinco averaged 88 receptions,
1340 yards, eight touchdowns. He had four Top 6 fantasy seasons.
The downside on him this year is pretty easy to identify: He’s
a malcontent, he was limited in 2008 by injury, he may not try
hard anymore for the Bengals. But what no one seems to
be talking about is that two of the biggest factors in
his awful 2008 season are easily remedied. First, his
injuries do not appear to be lingering. Second, and
most important, is best answered with a rhetori-
cal question: did you see who was playing quar-
terback for the Bengals last season? It wasn’t
Carson Palmer, who just happens to be returning
to full health in his own right.
So for all the negatives – and there are some
– the two biggest reasons Chad Ochocinco was
awful in 2008 no longer apply. He’s healthy and his
Pro Bowl caliber quarterback is healthy as well.
And just to make Ochocinco more attractive, consider
that T.J. Houshmandzadeh is now no longer a Bengal. The one guy
who was stealing targets from Ochocinco is now in Seattle.
In Ochocinco we have a former Top 6 receiver who is now
healthy, playing with a great quarterback who is now healthy,
and who has almost no competition for receptions at the receiv-
er position.
Yes, his personal drama may be a distraction. But if there is
one thing to know about Chad Ochocinco it is this: Chad is about
Chad. And Chad is about money. Under no circumstances is a
player with an ego the size of Ochocinco’s ego going to take the
field and laze through the season just to spite his team. His ego
won’t allow it. And for that reason alone he’s worth a pick after
more then 20 other receivers have been selected.
To sum things up, I’ll leave you with another rhetorical question:
of all the receivers being drafted around Ochocinco – DeSean
Jackson, Eddie Royal, Hines Ward, Lee Evans – which one do you
think is in the best situation to be a Top 10 receiver in 2009? The
one with Terrell Owens or Brandon Marshall or Santonio Holmes
lining up across from him? The one with Donovan McNabb
spreading the ball around to a dozen different pass catchers? Or
the one that’s been there before, catching the ball from an All Pro
quarterback, with no other viable options in the receiving game to
steal his targets?
ICON/SMI
Sort of answers itself, don’t you think?
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128 JOHNSON.indd 128
The Low Side
by Mark Wimer
ust two short years ago, Chad Ochocinco was a dominant
wide receiver. He averaged 15.5 yards per catch, and posted
93/1440/8 during 2007. But last year, Carson Palmer’s
elbow injury sidelined the star QB for most of the year, and the
offense fell apart. As a result, Ochocinco’s attitude crashed and
burned.
“In order to get back to being the Chad [Ochocinco] that
everybody feared, he was a guy who worked very, very hard at
his craft. And if you don’t do that, it falls away very quickly and
people forget about you,” Head Coach Marvin Lewis said
about Ochocinco’s 2009 prospects on April 13th.
This is the crux of the question about
Ochocinco during 2009 – will he care enough
to apply himself once again? He was very
ordinary when he didn’t care to (53/540/4
receiving last year during 13 games – he
did not have a single 100+ yard receiving
game, and only got above 60 yards receiv-
ing once). Granted, Ochocinco had a cast of
less-than-impressive quarterbacks to work
with – mainly Ryan Fitzpatrick (221/372 for
1905 yards, eight TDs and nine interceptions),
and a few cameos by Jordan Palmer (7/12 for 41
yards, 0 TDs and 0 interceptions) – but Ochocinco
didn’t impress anybody, either.
There are warning signs that Ochocinco isn’t with Lewis’ pro-
gram. Last season, he was deactivated Week 12 after showing up
to a team meeting groggy and then walking out of the session
early (and having a confrontation with Lewis). He’s already lost
$250,000 in workout bonuses this year for not participating in the
late March/early April offseason conditioning program. Carson
Palmer sounded annoyed with his absence, stating “I’m not wor-
ried about him; I’m worried about the guys we have here. The
guys that want to be here and want to work now are the guys who
are in the locker room right now and are here today.” This isn’t
exactly a picture of a motivated, #1 wide receiver, is it?
Another reason to be concerned about Ochocinco is that he has
crossed the “big 3-0” – he turned 31 on Jan. 9, and after eight
NFL seasons is at the stage of his career when many veteran’s
production drops off seemingly overnight.
The departure of T.J. Houshmandzadeh changes the mix at
receiver. Aging veteran Laveranues Coles has arrived from the
Jets to fill the hole, but it remains to be seen if he can help shake
Ochocinco loose. We’re still not sure that Carson Palmer’s elbow
is back to 100 percent – there are a lot of question marks around
Ochocinco’s prospects entering 2009. I’m staying far away from
Ochocinco this year.
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/27/09 8:35:33 AM
 running Jim Zorn’s offense, Moss could easily match or top With Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson coming into the season
last year’s solid showing. healthy, the Chargers’ WR1 may once again be the third option
The Bad - Moss finished as the 27th- and 40th-best receiver in the offense. Vincent Jackson got his second DUI arrest this
in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, respectively. That’s what you’re offseason (the first was in 2006), but so far there’s been no
facing this year if he regresses, which could happen for a num- word of an impending suspension.
ber of reasons. The QB situation is tenuous as the Redskins The Bottom Line - It appears that Jackson has established
don’t see Jason Campbell as their franchise cornerstone. Two, himself as the Chargers’ top WR, but he is probably a slight
the Redskins have to expect last year’s rookie WRs to contrib- underdog to break the 1,000-yard mark again. He should
ute this year, which means fewer targets for Moss. roughly match his seven TDs from last season, and be a WR2
The Bottom Line - In eight seasons, Moss has finished as (or very strong WR3) in 12-team fantasy leagues.
high as third but outside the Top 25 in five seasons. The only
things keeping Moss from approximating last year’s numbers 26. DeSean Jackson - PHI
would be an injury or major steps forward from either Devin 5-9, 169, age: 23
Thomas or Malcolm Kelly. Expect Top 25 numbers, but don’t year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
overpay, while wanting much more. 2009 PROJ 10 60 0 74 1051 6 147 16
2008 PHI 17 96 1 121 62 912 2 118 29
24. Hines Ward - PIT The Good - DeSean Jackson burst onto the scene with
5-11, 190, age: 33 consecutive 100-yard receiving games to start his NFL career.
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank His solid rookie campaign sets him up for much more given
2009 PROJ 0 0 0 72 900 7 132 26 the natural progression expected of receivers in the West Coast
2008 PIT 1 4 0 126 81 1043 7 147 15 offense. Ideally, Jackson will add consistency and red zone
2007 PIT 3 11 0 113 71 732 7 116 31 productivity to his vast arsenal and, in that case, he could eas-
2006 PIT 2 30 0 126 74 975 6 136 22 ily finish as a Top 15 fantasy receiver.
The Good - Hines Ward’s fantasy production has been up

WIDE RECEIVERS
The Bad - Despite a stellar rookie season, Jackson showed
and down his entire career and his best case scenario is reli- lapses in judgment that some perceived as immaturity. With
ant on his durability. If healthy he should once again be Ben Jeremy Maclin aboard and Kevin Curtis established, Jackson
Roethlisberger’s most trusted target and should easily surpass isn’t guaranteed the top spot; he’ll have to earn it. Since he’s
100 targets. It’s not out of the question to expect Ward to small in stature, Jackson can be outmuscled by physical defen-
compile over 1,000 receiving yards and a handful of TDs. This sive backs.
would make him a fantasy starter, but not a WR1 in most fan- The Bottom Line - History suggests that receivers who put
tasy leagues. up the kind of numbers Jackson did as a rookie are likely to
The Bad - Ward is getting up there in age and may find enjoy very productive careers. There’s no reason Jackson can’t
it difficult to stay injury-free in 2009. He never backs down deliver on a 1,000-yard campaign and once again lead the
from anyone, and this style of play leads to more punishment team statistically. Consider Jackson a Top 25 WR with consid-
and more injuries for the veteran. Santonio Holmes could pass erably higher upside.
him as the main target for Roethlisberger in 2009 as Holmes
seemed to find his groove in the postseason when Ward was 27. Laveranues Coles - CIN
dinged up. 5-11, 192, age: 32
The Bottom Line - Ward is a solid fantasy player when year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
healthy and will continue to be a reliable target for the Steelers 2009 PROJ 2 10 0 75 908 6 128 29
passing game. Pittsburgh wants to give Big Ben more time 2008 NYJ 2 9 0 116 70 850 7 128 24
to throw the football with improved line play, and that could 2007 NYJ 0 0 0 89 55 646 6 101 39
translate into more targets for Ward. 2006 NYJ 2 14 0 151 91 1098 6 147 16
The Good - In his new home in Cincinnati, Laveranues
25. Vincent Jackson - SD Coles assumes the role of WR2 opposite Chad Ochocinco, but
6-6, 235, age: 26 his role is equally important as he’ll be counted on almost as
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank much. T.J. Houshmandzadeh had 92 receptions last season, and
2009 PROJ 4 28 0 60 900 7 135 24 while Coles won’t be expected to replace him one-for-one, the
2008 SD 4 69 0 101 59 1098 7 159 12 expectation is that he’ll be far more productive than ‘typical’
2007 SD 0 0 0 80 41 623 3 80 53 WR2s. A Top 20 campaign would not be out of the question.
2006 SD 3 16 0 56 27 453 6 83 53 The Bad – This is the Bengals we’re talking about. There’s
The Good - Vincent Jackson had a breakout season in 2008. always the chance that Ochocinco burns out early again, and
After finishing outside the Top 50 in each of his first three Coles is left holding the bag on a team with plenty of offen-
seasons in the league, he broke into fantasy WR1 territory last sive question marks. If the revamped offensive line can’t get
season, finishing No. 12 at his position. Jackson’s size-speed on the same page or Carson Palmer and Coles can’t find a way
combo makes him a threat to score both on the deep ball and to connect, it is going to be a long season for the veteran WR.
in the red zone. If last year wasn’t a fluke, Jackson could equal The Bottom Line - With a renewed running game, taking
his 2008 production. advantage of a retooled offensive line, it’s possible that Coles
The Bad - Philip Rivers led the NFL in touchdown passes hit the jackpot by coming to Cincinnati. Expect another Top 30
last season while a banged up Antonio Gates had a career performance from Coles, as he benefits from Chad Ochocinco
low (excluding his rookie season) in touchdown receptions. taking all of the coverage to his side of the field.
Such favorable conditions may not repeat themselves in 2009.
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 ed almost 80 receptions and 10 touchdowns. As he’ll be on the
28. Bernard Berrian - MIN field for most plays this year, Moore will get a chance to dem-
6-1, 185, age: 29 onstrate that 2008 was not a fluke.
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank The Bad - The biggest concern regarding Lance Moore is
2009 PROJ 4 26 0 55 825 6 121 34 his torn labrum and dislocated shoulder while working out in
2008 MIN 4 26 0 95 48 964 7 141 18 the offseason. His status is iffy for training camp and despite
2007 CHI 1 3 0 127 70 948 5 125 26 his success in 2008, he will not walk into a prominent role
2006 CHI 2 5 0 101 51 775 6 114 32 should his return be delayed.
The Good - Despite subpar QB play in 2008, Bernard The Bottom Line - Despite the fantastic unexpected suc-
Berrian had some very good moments and finished as the cess of Lance Moore in 2008, it is hard to imagine a continu-
18th-best fantasy receiver. He failed to surpass the 50-catch ation in 2009. The Saints offense posted absurd numbers, and
mark, but Berrian averaged 20 yards per reception and scored Moore was the prime beneficiary of injuries to key receivers
seven times. Sage Rosenfels appears to be an upgrade at quar- such as Bush, Colston and Shockey. Because of his offseason
terback and Berrian could erupt with a monster campaign that shoulder injury, it will also be necessary to follow Moore’s
would propel him into the Top 15 of his position. progress throughout July & August to determine if he’ll be
The Bad - If Berrian continues to catch only a handful of fully fit or faces a delayed return.
passes per game and his yards per reception take a significant
tumble from the lofty average he put up in 2008, he will disap- 31. Lee Evans - BUF
point many fantasy owners. 5-10, 197, age: 28
The Bottom Line - The Vikings rushing attack is power- year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
ful, and Berrian will often see single-coverage which he can 2009 PROJ 2 12 0 60 870 6 124 32
exploit down the field with speed. There is also the possibility 2008 BUF 1 22 0 102 63 1017 3 122 27
that Brett Favre will show up. 2007 BUF 0 0 0 113 55 849 5 115 32
2006 BUF 0 0 0 137 82 1292 8 177 7
WIDE RECEIVERS

29. Anthony Gonzalez - IND The Good - Evans produced like an elite fantasy WR in
6-0, 195, age: 25 2006, but his numbers dropped off considerably the past two
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank years. The QB play was very inconsistent, the coaches were
2009 PROJ 0 0 0 71 930 6 129 28 conservative, and the other WRs were poor. This year, those
2008 IND 0 0 0 79 57 664 4 90 44 limitations could be gone. Trent Edwards will be entering his
2007 IND 0 0 0 51 37 576 3 76 61 third year as a starter and the signing of Terrell Owens should
The Good - Anthony Gonzalez steps into a starting role in give the offense a lot more confidence.
one of the NFL’s most prolific passing offenses. After recover- The Bad - In an offense that doesn’t pass very often to
ing from a thumb injury, Gonzalez had a four-game stretch in begin with, adding a receiver like Owens to the mix may not
2007 where he caught 20 passes for 347 yards and three TDs. leave enough targets for Evans to even match his production
As a full-time starter in 2009, a Top 20 fantasy season at his from the past two years.
position is well within his reach. The Bottom Line - The Bills now appear to have most of
The Bad - After such an impressive rookie year, Gonzalez the pieces in place for a productive passing attack, minus trad-
was relatively quiet in 2008 after giving back the starting ing away LT Jason Peters. Although Owens will command
flanker position to Marvin Harrison. Gonzalez worked out of plenty of targets, he should also draw much of the coverage
the slot, but he failed to score five or more fantasy points in to his side of the field and Evans is a nightmare for most CBs
11 of 16 games. If he doesn’t show improvement this season, in man coverage. Evans could improve on last year’s numbers
he could finish with about the same stats he did last year, and provide a solid WR2 option for your fantasy team.
which would mean another season in the No. 45 range as a
fantasy WR. 32. Donnie Avery - STL
The Bottom Line - While Gonzalez has Top 20 potential at 5-11, 192, age: 25
his position, he is more likely to finish as a WR3 in terms of year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
his fantasy prospects. Reggie Wayne is still the main receiver 2009 PROJ 7 56 0 77 1009 6 142 19
in Indy, and Gonzalez will play a complimentary role in an 2008 STL 10 69 1 104 53 674 3 98 39
offense that, while still formidable, is not as high-flying as it The Good - With Torry Holt departed for Jacksonville, the
was five years ago. torch has been passed to Donnie Avery, who now becomes
the Rams’ top WR. Avery is a sure bet to lead the team in tar-
30. Lance Moore - NO gets, and he has the YAC ability to thrive in a West Coast-style
5-11, 184, age: 26 offense. With steady play from the Rams offensive line and quar-
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank terback, Avery has the potential for a Top 20 fantasy season.
2009 PROJ 0 0 0 58 737 6 110 39 The Bad - Avery has a one-year track record, and even
2008 NO 0 0 0 119 79 928 10 152 13 that was wildly erratic. He has big-play talent, but the Rams’
2007 NO 2 7 1 50 32 302 2 49 83 offense is in a state of transition, and the whole unit could go
2006 NO 0 0 0 3 1 10 0 1 164 through a difficult learning curve along with Avery.
The Good - Heading onto 2008 Moore was the forgotten The Bottom Line - Avery is a high-upside, high-risk player.
man of the Saints offense. Due to the inconsistency of the He has the speed and ability to make big plays, and is a threat
other WRs when Marques Colston suffered a thumb injury, to score from anywhere on the field, but he is young and incon-
New Orleans decided to give Moore his chance and he record-
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 sistent, and in an offense that may struggle to find its bearings.
Avery should not be counted on as a starter, but after WR30,
his upside potential makes him an attractive fantasy prospect.

33. Donald Driver - GB

6-0, 177, age: 34
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 2 6 0 67 878 6 124 31
2008 GB 2 4 0 115 74 1012 5 132 23
2007 GB 2 4 0 122 82 1048 2 117 30
2006 GB 7 16 0 171 92 1295 8 179 5
The Good - Donald Driver has had five consecutive seasons
with 74+ receptions. He has been the model of consistency
throughout that span, and the only concern is that he is now 34
years old.
The Bad - Father Time will eventually catch up to Driver,
and the young players behind him on the depth charts (Jordy
Nelson and James Jones) are chomping to emerge from his
shadow.
The Bottom Line - Driver will likely remain the second-
best option at the receiver position in Green Bay, but don’t
rule out Jordy Nelson passing him in the depth charts with a
great preseason. Driver’s numbers may take a small hit if the
Packers pass a little less this season, but he will at least remain

WIDE RECEIVERS
a viable fantasy WR3.

34. Torry Holt - JAX

6-1, 193, age: 33
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank

ICON SMI
2009 PROJ 0 0 0 70 847 7 127 30
2008 STL 0 0 0 119 64 796 3 98 40 Michael Crabtree
2007 STL 0 0 0 149 93 1189 7 161 13
2006 STL 0 0 0 178 93 1188 10 179 6 imagine him being unsuccessful in the pros.
The Good - While Torry Holt had his worst fantasy season The Bad - Several teams shied away from Michael Crabtree
in 2008, he had finished as a borderline WR1 the previous during the draft with unofficial reasons being that they think
year, and at 33 years old, he should still have a few strong sea- he’s a diva in training or were wary of his entourage. Another
sons left. As the clear WR1 for the Jaguars this season, Holt key factor in Crabtree’s drop to the 10th pick was foot surgery
has a very realistic chance to finish somewhere around the No. for a stress fracture that was found after the combine. Also of
20 fantasy WR. concern to those thinking of taking Crabtree is the lack of a
The Bad - Changing teams always means some additional proven quarterback on the 49ers roster.
risk for a fantasy WR. While Holt had a down year in 2008, The Bottom Line - Crabtree is simply a touchdown
he was still targeted 119 times. The last Jacksonville WR to be machine who works hard, has fantastic hands and is the best
targeted that many times in a season was Jimmy Smith. blocking WR in the class of 2009. For this year in redraft
The Bottom Line - Holt’s days of fantasy stardom are likely leagues he will probably be overvalued, so caution needs to be
over, but he’s probably the most reliable WR the Jaguars have exercised when considering him for your roster. Even the best
had since Jimmy Smith. Holt should become a frequent target receivers generally take a year or two to become accustomed
for Garrard while the Jaguars’ younger WRs are brought along to the speed of the NFL.
slowly. Holt can probably be considered a fantasy starter in
leagues that start three WRs. 36. Derrick Mason - BAL
5-11, 193, age: 35
35. Michael Crabtree - SF year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
6-2, 215, age: 22 2009 PROJ 0 0 0 73 905 5 120 35
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 2008 BAL 1 3 0 121 80 1037 5 134 22
2009 PROJ 2 12 0 60 2007 BAL 0 0 0 164 103 1087 5 139 20
786 7 122 33 2006 BAL 1 -4 0 112 68 750 2 87 49
The Good - After a few teams unbelievably passed on The Good - Mason has probably hit his ceiling in each of
him, Michael Crabtree fell into the delighted laps of the San the past two seasons. A realistic upside for Mason would be
Francisco 49ers. Crabtree won’t just be given a starting role, for him to just crack the Top 20. That would involve staying
but if he signs quickly and learns at a reasonable pace he healthy again all season, remaining at the same talent level as
should be starting in Week 1. His dynamic playmaking ability he was a year ago, maintaining the same activity within the
at the college level resulted in huge numbers, and it’s hard to offense, and perhaps grabbing a touchdown or two that he oth-

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 erwise doesn’t usually get. 39. Ted Ginn - MIA
The Bad - It wouldn’t take a colossal drop-off for Mason to 5-11, 185, age: 24
disappear from fantasy relevance. He’s now at the age where year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
we might finally start seeing some signs of a decline. If Mark 2009 PROJ 5 40 0 59 814 5 115 37
Clayton plays up to his potential, he could steal more than a 2008 MIA 5 73 2 93 56 790 2 110 33
few touches that ordinarily would’ve gone Mason’s way. 2007 MIA 4 3 0 71 34 420 2 54 76
The Bottom Line - Most likely, Mason is going to catch The Good - If the Dolphins coaching staff could have their
70-75 balls for around 1,000 yards and five touchdowns or so. way, we’d watch as Ted Ginn improves his route running and
Just draft him where you typically would, probably for excel- consistency and becomes a favorite target of Chad Pennington
lent value, plug him in, and watch him boringly cement his this season. While he was a reach at his NFL Draft position,
WR3 status on your fantasy roster. Ginn seems talented enough to be Miami’s WR1. He simply
has to find the intangibles and become a complete receiver.
37. Devin Hester - CHI The Bad - To fulfill his potential, Ginn need to even out his
5-11, 185, age: 27 performances. Sure, he’ll display the odd flash of brilliance,
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank but he also has too many games with three or fewer receptions.
2009 PROJ 5 40 0 57 804 6 120 36 The Bottom Line - At his currently level of development,
2008 CHI 6 61 0 92 51 665 3 91 43 Ginn would be better served in a complimentary role within an
2007 CHI 7 -10 0 38 20 299 2 41 90
offense. That said however, he does have the quickness to give
The Good - In a perfect world, Devin Hester continues to defenses nightmares if he learns to run crisp routes and make
grow and improve as a starting receiver, and his quickness and plays once the ball is in his hands.
speed help him to create separation down the field. He could
develop some nice chemistry with new Jay Cutler. 40. Steve Breaston - ARI
The Bad - There is a chance that the Devin Hester receiver 6-1, 195, age: 26
experiment reaches its limit, and he simply does not improve year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
WIDE RECEIVERS

at all from what he was able to accomplish over the past cou- 2009 PROJ 2 10 0 67 824 5 113 38
ple of seasons. 2008 ARI 2 8 0 113 77 1006 3 119 28
The Bottom Line - Having Cutler as quarterback will give 2007 ARI 2 8 0 14 8 92 0 10 137
Hester no room for excuses. He finally has a top-tier passer, The Good - Far and away, the best thing that could happen
so now he just has to get open. Cutler should be able to find to Steve Breaston’s 2009 fantasy outlook would be the depar-
Hester on deep patterns, but the WR will need to develop ture of Anquan Boldin. Since that is unlikely to happen (and
more as a route-runner if he is to be a viable fantasy starter. gets less likely with each passing day), Breaston’s ceiling is his
2008 campaign.
38. Kevin Walter - HOU The Bad - The worst situation for Breaston would be the
6-3, 221, age: 28 loss of Kurt Warner at QB. Also, if the team finds its running
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank game, the three-wide set might be utilized a little less often,
2009 PROJ 3 15 0 59 779 5 109 40 which means Breaston’s targets would decrease.
2008 HOU 3 23 0 95 60 899 8 140 19 The Bottom Line - Breaston’s 2008 performance was
2007 HOU 5 30 0 106 65 800 4 107 36
impressive. He caught nearly 70% of his targets for over 1,000
2006 HOU 1 3 0 21 17 160 0 16 116
yards. With Larry Fitzgerald and Boldin around, Breaston is an
The Good - Walter is a big target who makes his presence
extremely long-shot to surpass those numbers. He remains an
felt in the red zone. The Texans’ offense is loaded with other
excellent NFL backup WR and would be a nice fantasy option
weapons (Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton, and Owen Daniels),
if either of the starting WRs were out.
so Walter will nearly always face single-coverage. It’s hard to
imagine him improving on last year’s numbers, which probably 41. Chris Chambers - SD
represent his best-case scenario for 2009. 5-11, 210, age: 31
The Bad - Walter is clearly the No. 4 option in this offense. year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
While that is good enough for decent numbers, there isn’t a 2009 PROJ 1 6 0 53 737 5 104 42
lot of room for error. If Matt Schaub were to miss time with 2008 SD 1 1 0 64 33 462 5 76 52
an injury, the overall numbers of the offense would certainly 2007 SD 2 17 0 63 35 555 4 81 29
suffer and Walter’s looks would likely be among the first to 2007 MIA 1 -5 0 66 31 415 0 41 29
decline. 2006 MIA 8 95 0 154 59 677 4 101 37
The Bottom Line - Walter is unlikely to duplicate his TD If Chris Chambers can stay healthy, regaining the touchdown-
total from 2008, and he is therefore unlikely to repeat as a a-game pace he set in the first five games of 2008 is not impos-
Top 20 fantasy WR. While he has a chance to finish as a sible. If veterans Antonio Gates and Tomlinson, and impend-
WR2 again this season, he will more likely be a weak WR3 or ing free agent Malcom Floyd avoid the nagging injuries that
strong WR4. plagued them last year, Chambers will be no higher than 4A
in the pecking order. Chambers is a solid bye week/injury WR
in non-PPR leagues, but his production will be inconsistent as
long as the Chargers maintain their full compliment of weapons
on offense and get more from their running game this year.

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 42. Mark Clayton - BAL 46. Domenik Hixon - NYG
5-11, 187, age: 27 6-2, 192, age: 25
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 6 39 0 49 706 4 98 45 2009 PROJ 2 12 0 50 660 4 91 49
2008 BAL 6 81 1 82 41 695 3 107 34 2008 NYG 2 26 0 72 43 596 2 74 53
2007 BAL 0 0 0 88 48 531 0 53 77 2007 NYG 1 -8 0 1 1 5 0 -0 197
2006 BAL 7 -30 0 114 67 939 5 121 28 2007 DEN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 197
Mark Clayton will probably improve upon last year’s num- It shouldn’t surprise you if Domenik Hixon starts all 16
bers, but it’s getting awfully difficult to trust him to do much games and leads the Giants in receptions. But it also shouldn’t
more than that. He should be able to hold off the challenges surprise you if he’s displaced as a starter by midseason. He’ll
from those lower on the depth chart, so his starting spot should almost certainly be a starter early in the year but won’t put up
be secure. His fantasy stock will be directly proportional to big numbers consistently. The Giants are going to spread the
how often and effectively the Ravens throw the ball in 2009. ball around, and Hixon is suitable mainly as a fantasy backup
with upside if the younger players flounder.
43. Kevin Curtis - PHI
5-11, 186, age: 31 47. Justin Gage - TEN
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 6-4, 217, age: 28
2009 PROJ 0 0 0 44 546 4 79 56 year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2008 PHI 0 0 0 63 33 390 2 51 78 2009 PROJ 0 0 0 50 695 4 94 47
2007 PHI 0 0 0 135 77 1110 6 147 17 2008 TEN 0 0 0 74 34 651 6 101 37
2006 STL 4 4 0 56 40 479 4 72 60 2007 TEN 0 0 0 85 55 750 2 87 50
Kevin Curtis should begin the season as a starter and put up 2006 CHI 0 0 0 8 4 68 0 7 133
fantasy worthy numbers as a WR3 or utility option, particu- Justin Gage should end the season as the Titans leading
larly in PPR leagues. Fantasy owners will need to monitor the

WIDE RECEIVERS
receiver, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be much of a fantasy fac-
progress of Jeremy Maclin, who is the future at the position tor. If healthy he could break into the Top 32 fantasy WRs but
but probably needs some seasoning, meaning Curtis could be predicting which week to start him in could be an exercise in
a solid buy low candidate. Of course, this assumes Curtis is futility. Gage is good for depth in fantasy leagues but should
healthy after another medical procedure in May. be considered as nothing more than a bye week/injury fill in
receiver.
44. Deion Branch - SEA
5-9, 193, age: 30 48. Muhsin Muhammad - CAR
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 6-2, 217, age: 36
2009 PROJ 0 0 0 42 517 4 76 57 year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2008 SEA 0 0 0 59 30 412 4 65 63 2009 PROJ 0 0 0 55 743 5 104 43
2007 SEA 0 0 0 85 49 661 4 90 48 2008 CAR 0 0 0 108 65 923 5 122 26
2006 SEA 4 30 0 101 53 725 4 100 39 2007 CHI 0 0 0 81 40 570 3 75 63
If Deion Branch is fully recovered from the knee injury 2006 CHI 0 0 0 117 60 863 5 116 30
that set him back in each of the last two years, he could play Muhsin Muhammad proved critics wrong last year and
a prominent role in the Seahawks offense and be a strong re-joined the ranks of fantasy-worthy starters as he almost
fantasy WR3, if not better. But he carries a lot of risk since he finished as starter among fantasy wide receivers. This year,
faces serious competition for playing time from Nate Burleson he will again be the complement to Steve Smith. Muhammad
and Deon Butler. Once 40+ receivers have gone off the board, will never repeat his dynamic 2004 campaign, but he’ll be a
Branch becomes an attractive pick based on his upside poten- solid reserve fantasy wide out if nothing goes wrong for him
tial. health-wise.

45. Steve Smith - NYG 49. Hakeem Nicks - NYG

6-0, 195, age: 24 6-3, 212, age: 21
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 0 0 0 63 737 5 104 44 2009 PROJ 1 5 0 58 742 5 105 41
2008 NYG 0 0 0 82 57 574 1 63 65 Hakeem Nicks most likely starts the season as the WR3
2007 NYG 0 0 0 14 8 63 0 6 150 behind Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon, but he could move
Steve Smith is the odds on favorite to win a starting spot into a starting role at any point. If and when he becomes a
opposite Domenik Hixon, but for how long? The Giants would starter, he’s certainly worth having on your fantasy roster. His
like nothing more than to see Hakeem Nicks and Ramses sure hands and precise route-running make him one of the
Barden command major roles as rookies, so Smith needs to more compelling rookie WRs to target in redrafts.
bring his “A” game and keep the intensity all season long.
Realistically, expect another 50-catch season from Smith with 50. Patrick Crayton - DAL
a few touchdown receptions for good measure. 6-0, 200, age: 30
year team ratt ryds rtds targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 1 6 0 34 442 3 63 65
2008 DAL 1 11 0 70 39 550 4 80 49
2007 DAL 0 0 0 81 50 697 7 112 34

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 2006 DAL 0 0 0 48 36 516 4 76 56
Patrick Crayton doesn’t do anything particularly well. He’s
neither sure-handed nor a precise route runner, and it’s fair to
say the Cowboys coaches would rather someone else emerge
opposite Roy Williams so Crayton can move back to his natu-
ral role in the slot. In five seasons, Crayton has yet to put up
Top 30 fantasy numbers. Don’t bet on that changing in his
sixth season.
Others:
Miles Austin, DAL
Miles Austin has to beat Patrick Crayton out for a starting
role, but the truth is they bring decidedly different skill sets.
Austin averaged 21.4 yards per reception last year and will be
the Cowboys main deep threat this season, regardless of how
many snaps he plays. The key for Austin’s fantasy value is
whether he is named a starter in camp. If so, he’s worth a late
round draft pick because he has the physical talent to emerge
from obscurity and will be catching balls from an elite QB.
Earl Bennett, CHI
The Bears passing attack is going to improve this season. A
decent bet to improve may be 2008 third-round draft choice
WIDE RECEIVERS
Earl Bennett, who was Jay Cutler’s go-to guy at Vanderbilt. He
will definitely earn some playing time this year, and he could
finish with a relatively high ceiling if everything falls into
place.
Davone Bess, MIA
Davone Bess was a great story last year, and he has the con-
fidence of Chad Pennington to pick up third downs and move
the chains. His career beginning seems remarkable similar to
Wes Welker’s start and this time, the Dolphins likely will not
be trading this commodity away. Expect him to post statistics
similar to 2008. However, he will be pushed for playing time
by rookies Turner and Hartline so keep an eye on this situation
during training camp and preseason.
Mark Bradley, KC
Mark Bradley has seemingly gotten his career back on track,
but nothing stays the same in the NFL. If healthy Bradley
could be a nice compliment to Dwayne Bowe, but even though
he’s the No. 2 on the depth chart, his numbers could be small-
er than slot receiver Bobby Engram.
Kenny Britt, TEN
Kenny Britt is a very physical receiver. He plays big in big
games and carried Rutgers in the second half of the 2008 sea-
son. Britt is more of a possession receiver than he is a game-
breaker, but he possesses many attributes that will make him a
fine complimentary receiver in the near future.
Isaac Bruce, SF
At one stage during the offseason it looked like Isaac Bruce
would retire, but he was coaxed back for another year. This
year however he’ll have a group of younger guys looking for
more opportunities and the drafting of Michael Crabtree in
particular is ominous for a guy who will be 37 this year. With
free agent signings, a first-round draft pick and developing
youngsters it is hard to see Bruce being much of a fantasy
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122 WRS.indd 134
consideration.
Nate Burleson, SEA
Nate Burleson was on his way to being a productive starter
and punt returner in Seattle before he suffered a torn ACL in
Week 1. Burleson has looked healthy in OTAs, but he probably
won’t truly test the knee until training camp. Now he is in a
dogfight with oft-injured Deion Branch and rookie third-round
pick Deon Butler to start at split end opposite marquee free
agent pickup T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Plaxico Burress, FA
Plaxico Burress is currently a free agent, and we get almost
daily reports on teams’ interest. If his agent, Drew Rosenhaus,
is speaking, “there are several teams interested” in Burress.
However, if someone close to a team is speaking, that team
is generally “not interested” in the wide receiver. The truth is
that almost every team would be interested if they knew how
Burress’ situation would be resolved both in the courts and at
NFL Headquarters.
Keenan Burton, STL
Keenan Burton entered the early camps as the team’s sec-
ond starter opposite Donnie Avery. His only real competition
will come from newly-signed Laurent Robinson. However,
the starting nod may be more nominal than significant as both
players should get a similar number of looks unless one of
them really excels.
Greg Camarillo, MIA
Greg Camarillo greatly exceeded expectations last season.
He does not have the talent of some of the other players on the
roster, but his hard work and determination may be tough to
dislodge him. In all likelihood, Camarillo will still earn plenty
of playing time but may struggle to catch more than 40 passes
this season.
Michael Clayton, TB
We expect Michael Clayton to finish at or slightly above last
year’s production. Clayton will be the third if not fourth option
in the passing game if you include about 60-70 catches by the
RB combo of Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham. There is
always that thought that he will once again regain the form he
had in 2004, but there are lots of thoughts that never happen.
David Clowney, NYJ
David Clowney will get to compete with Chansi Stuckey
and Brad Smith for a starting spot. Don’t get too excited about
his potential because Jerricho Cotchery is a durable go-to guy,
Dustin Keller is the de facto No. 2 target in the passing game,
and the Jets will likely be starting rookie QB Mark Sanchez.
Still, Clowney might have value in non-PPR league as the best
deep threat on the Jets roster.
Bobby Engram, KC
Bobby Engram will provide Matt Cassel with a reliable
target and give the team a solid possession receiver that can
move the chains. Expect him to catch 40-50 passes in 2009,
for around 500 yards with a few TD catches. If Mark Bradley
is hurt of ineffective we could see Engram’s production rise
- provided that he himself stays healthy.
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/27/09 8:34:19 AM

Malcom Floyd, SD
Malcom Floyd has had great chemistry with Philip Rivers
ever since he caught Rivers’ first NFL TD pass way back in
2004. He has had trouble staying healthy during his career,
but his production in half a season last year is reason to take
notice of how he starts out his 2009 campaign, especially if
he gets to start due to a possible Vincent Jackson suspension.
Floyd is a terrific jump-ball WR and his skill set is similar to
Marques Colston.
Jabar Gaffney, DEN
Brandon Stokley vs. Jabar Gaffney. This will be a battle to
watch during training camp to see who emerges as the slot
receiver. The Broncos could be a more run-heavy offense
in 2009, but they should still run plenty of three-WR sets.
Gaffney may have a slight edge in this competition because of
his familiarity with the offense, but the opportunity for pro-
duction might not be good enough for Gaffney to earn a roster
spot on your fantasy team.
Joey Galloway, NE
While Joey Galloway landed in a good spot, he’s still on his
last legs as an NFL player. There are reasons why only a few
receivers have played at age 38, and Galloway will certainly
have to swim against the tide if he expects to have a solid sea-
son. He may come up with some big plays now and again and
may have a decent game or two, but the chances of him being
a regular fantasy contributor are not great.
James Hardy, BUF
Given that his torn ACL occurred so late in the 2008 season
and the one-year signing of Owens, this is looking like it will
probably be a developmental year for James Hardy. He could
see some time in situational packages near the goalline, but his
best strategy is probably to get healthy and then compete for a
starting spot in 2010.
Marvin Harrison, FA
The Colts released Marvin Harrison after the 2008 season,
and he has clearly lost a step or two. He has received little
interest from the other 31 teams and could soon retire.
Percy Harvin, MIN
The Vikings made a great choice this year by drating Percy
Harvin. Defenses are not going to be able to key on him, and
he is so fast out of the blocks that he should be able to get
past most defenders. He is going to be a hybrid of sorts for the
Vikings, likely lining up both in the backfield and in the slot,
and he should finish the season with at least 80 total touches.
Devery Henderson, NO
Devery Henderson is a wonderful late-round pick for those
who play in survivor leagues, but in week to week matchups
his use needs to be carefully considered. His best value is
perhaps as a bye week replacement. Some owners with con-
siderable strength at other positions could consider playing
Henderson regularly in the hope that he hits a home run, but
more often than not he’ll be a weak play, particularly in points
per reception leagues.
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122 WRS.indd 135
Chris Henry, CIN
The Cincinnati offense should have a solid turn around
this season. The passing lates should open up for all of the
WRs on the Bengals, including Chris Henry. Coles is a qual-
ity guy, but he isn’t going to steal a bunch of targets like T.J.
Houshmandzadeh. That should give Henry plenty of chances
to redeem himself after two years of subpar performance.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK
The fastest receiver in the 2009 NFL Draft class is expected
to be a premier deep threat for the Raiders from day one.
Darrius Heyward-Bey can make amazing catches that not many
receivers can grab, and the Raiders love his size/speed combo.
He should end the season as the Raiders leading receiver, even
though his reception total may only be around 40.
Dwayne Jarrett, CAR
Barring a change in status, Dwayne Jarrett is, as we said
last year, essentially an untouchable in fantasy terms. He has
scored zero TDs over two NFL seasons, and has accumulated
just 192 yards receiving during that time. He will need an
injury to Steve Smith or Muhsin Muhammad to be viable.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Michael Jenkins, ATL
Michael Jenkins was a lot more productive during 2008 than
he was in 2007, going from 10 yards per reception to 15.5 per
grab - his best mark over the past four years. He posted just
one ‘goose-egg’ all year (Week 2, vs. TB), and was usually
in the 50-70 yards receiving neighborhood during the other
games in which he played. Jenkins isn’t a starting-caliber fan-
tasy wideout entering 2009, but he should be a useful guy to
have on your bench for bye-weeks or in case of injury among
your Top 3 players at the position.
Bryant Johnson, DET
Bryant Johnson has been incredibly consistent throughout
the years, and there is no reason to believe his numbers will
drop this season. He will definitely be second-fiddle to Calvin
Johnson in the passing game, but he should help defenses stay
honest and not completely roll coverage over on Johnson.
James Jones, GB
James Jones is a talented receiver, but it is unlikely he will
move past the fourth spot in the depth charts. With three capa-
ble receivers in front of him, it is unlikely he can surpass the
30-reception, 400-yard mark in 2009.
Jeremy Maclin, PHI
The Eagles didn’t use a first round pick on Jeremy Maclin
to sit him. Provided he can show the coaching staff enough
during training camp, he’ll see the field. The question is
whether it will be as a full-time starter or as a WR3 in the slot.
Either way, Maclin will make big plays when he gets the ball
and has room to run. He is also an explosive returner for those
leagues that reward individual return stats.
Josh Morgan, SF
Josh Morgan started the 2008 season as one of the more
hyped rookies. Not bad for a sixth rounder who wasn’t expect-
ed to contribute much when he was drafted. Morgan was
135
5/27/09 8:34:36 AM
 starting to develop nicely when an injury in Week 10 put him
out for the next five weeks. Despite performing well in the
final two games of the season, it remains to be seen whether
Morgan will improve and establish himself as a complement to
the expected stardom of Michael Crabtree.
Jordy Nelson, GB
Jordy Nelson is close to earning a more prominent role
within the Packers passing game. He is a very talented, big and
athletic player and only needs the opportunity to demonstrate
his skills. However, that may not happen this year as Driver is
still a capable receiver at 34. Nelson may become a starting
receiver by 2010 but barring injury this season, he is unlikely
to catch more than 40 passes for 560 yards and three or four
scores on the season.
Dennis Northcutt, JAC
Dennis Northcutt found the fountain of youth late last sea-
son with two 100+ yard/one touchdown games in Weeks 15
and 16. He is a shifty slot receiver/punt returner by trade, but
he was a decent bet to start until the Jags signed Torry Holt. If
Mike Walker gets hurt again, Northcutt could start. Don’t hesi-
tate to use your waiver priority to get him if he picks up where
he left off last year.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Antwaan Randle El, WAS
Every year it seems some fantasy owner will draft Randle El
believing that this is the year he puts it all together. But after
eight seasons of middling performance, the odds of his becom-
ing a consistent fantasy threat are meager at best. He’s a good
guy and a good teammate, but that doesn’t make him a good
player.
Josh Reed, BUF
Josh Reed was an important piece of the Bills offense the
past few years and Edwards clearly feels comfortable looking
for him whenever a play breaks down. Unless the Bills com-
pletely change their offensive philosophy from a running team
to a passing team, however, he should see a reduction in his
already limited fantasy value this year.
Sidney Rice, MIN
Sidney Rice is a tall, athletic receiver with the ability to be
a great player in the NFL. With the dependable veteran Bobby
Wade and rookie Percy Harvin pushing him for playing time,
Rice will have to have a good training camp and start to the
season to earn the trust of the Vikings organization. A realistic
projection of his 2009 potential would be 50 receptions for
700 yards and five touchdowns. Anymore than that would be
a bonus and he is just as likely to finish with 15 receptions
again if he doesn’t improve this season. He is a player to watch
closely in training camp.
Brian Robiskie, CLE
By taking Brian Robiskie in the second round, the Browns
have proven that they are committed to making improvements
on their passing attack from last season. The QB controversy
will be solved by training camp, and Robiskie will have a
golden opportunity to start opposite one of the premier WR
talents in the NFL this year. He won’t put up Rookie of the
Year-type numbers, but it’s not unrealistic for him to put up
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122 WRS.indd 136
respectable totals.
Chaz Schilens, OAK
Chaz Schilens made an impact when he started mid-season
and again at the end of the season after he got over his ankle
injury. He has the size, speed, and athleticism to emerge as
the Raiders’ No. 1 WR while Darrius Heyward-Bey learns
the ropes and Johnnie Lee Higgins plays the slot. Schilens
has been impressing thus far in minicamp, and we could see
Schilens become a key target for JaMarcus Russell.
Chansi Stuckey, NYJ
For now, we can only speculate on what the Jets might do at
WR2. That situation alone could help dictate how to proceed
with Chansi Stuckey for 2009. If there is anyone else around
for competition, he doesn’t exactly have much of a track
record to support his case for playing time. If the only compe-
tition he has is those in camp, his odds for significant playing
time increase exponentially.
Limas Sweed, PIT
Limas Sweed was last seen dropping a sure TD and fak-
ing an injury in the AFC championship game. Early reports
indicate that he’s been developing well this offseason, and
the Steelers will count on him to replace Nate Washington in
three-wide sets. Veteran Shaun McDonald will push him, but
Sweed could have surprising value if Hines Ward misses time
or Santonio Holmes gets in trouble again.
Devin Thomas, WAS
Santana Moss and Chris Cooley will be the top targets in
Washington, but either Thomas or Malcolm Kelly should
displace Antwaan Randle El as a starter. If Thomas wins that
battle, he could be a serviceable end of the roster option.
Javon Walker, OAK
Javon Walker has been a bust for the Raiders since com-
ing over as a free agent from the Denver Broncos. Walker had
more surgery on his knee that he neglected to tell the Raiders
until the start of mini camp. He may miss the entire preseason
because of this latest surgery and may find himself on the PUP
to start the season - or he could just end up getting cut.
Mike Walker, JAC
Mike Walker lost all of 2007 to lingering issues with his
reconstructed left knee. He lost the middle of 2008 to a
sprained MCL in his “good knee” (as he put it). The injury
came right on the heels of a breakout performance of six
receptions for 107 yards vs. Pittsburgh. With the departure of
Matt Jones and Reggie Williams, there is a starting spot open
opposite free agent addition Torry Holt. Walker could seize it
and be solid end of the bench fantasy option.
Nate Washington, TEN
Signing Nate Washington was a priority for the Titans,
and he will get every opportunity to earn his new contract.
Tennessee needs help at the WR position and they’ll look to
Washington more than the Steelers would. Washington’s cur-
rent ADP is WR53, and there is a chance he could outproduce
that number.
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/27/09 8:34:46 AM
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 TIGHT ENDS
Intro by Jason Wood a starter rostered by the ninth or tenth rounds, but take your
time in drafting a backup. The second tier is littered with guys

T
he days of tight end being a fantasy afterthought are who should catch 40+ balls, 400+ yards and some scores. One
long gone. Waiting until the late rounds to draft your last word of advice, remember that rookie tight ends rarely
starter is no longer smart; it’s a recipe for failure. The help fantasy teams. Even Tony Gonzalez (33 catches, two TD)
tight end position has become an integral component of many and Jason Witten (347 yards, one TD) struggled as rookies, so
team’s passing attacks. In 2008, 15 tight ends had 500 receiv- let someone else target Brandon Pettigrew on draft day. Visit
ing yards and nine caught 5 or more touchdowns. If you’re not our website: Footballguys.com where you can view custom-
drafting someone with that as their baseline, you’ll be behind ized rankings that are tailored to your league’s scoring system.
the curve.
Jason Witten is the clear class of this group due to his 1. Jason Witten - DAL
health, stability and potential to lead his team in targets. Some 6-5, 257, age: 27
others face question marks, as Tony Gonzalez and Kellen year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
Winslow moved to the NFC this offseason, and Antonio Gates 2009 PROJ 80 936 6 130 2
continues to rehab from injuries. Despite these questions, all 2008 DAL 121 81 952 4 121 2
three should be off the board within the first five or six rounds 2007 DAL 141 96 1145 7 156 1
if they’re healthy. Dallas Clark rounds out the Top 5 as he’s 2006 DAL 93 64 754 1 81 12
Peyton Manning’s most reliable red zone option. The Good - How many tight ends are guaranteed to lead
their team in targets? How many are devastating blockers?
TIGHT ENDS

If you miss out on this quintet, don’t despair. Proven vet-

erans like Chris Cooley and Owen Daniels and a number of
young TEs, including Zach Miller, John Carlson, Dustin Keller
and Greg Olsen could put up monster numbers. Target having
Jason Witten fits the bill and he’s expected to be an elite fanta-
sy tight end again in 2009. His best case is that Roy Williams
stretches the defense so Witten can work the middle of the
field. If that happens, Witten could match his monstrous 2007
numbers (96 catches, 1,145 yards and seven TDs) which would
make him the top fantasy TE again.
The Bad - The 2006 season marked a nadir in Witten’s
career. His catches and yardage totals were top notch, but scor-
ing one touchdown ruined his shot at a Top 10 fantasy season.
The only way Witten would struggle like that again is if the
Cowboys are inept offensively and rarely get into the red zone.
The Bottom Line - Witten should be the first or second
TE drafted in any league format. He’s Tony Romo’s favorite
target and is guaranteed to be among the top pass catchers at
his position. Witten is light years better than any other receiver
on the roster. He should be off the board by the third or fourth
rounds in all leagues.

2. Antonio Gates - SD
6-4, 260, age: 29
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 68 836 8 132 1
2008 SD 92 60 704 8 118 4
2007 SD 117 75 984 9 152 2
2006 SD 119 71 924 9 146 1
The Good - Before playing his way through multiple inju-
ries in 2008, Antonio Gates had been the No. 1 or No. 2 fan-
tasy TE the previous four seasons. Even hobbled some games,
he finished fourth at his position last year. If Gates is healthy,
he’s the most talented pass-catching TE in the league. He has
the quickness to beat double-teams, makes tough catches in
traffic and can come down with jump balls. Gates has been a
force around the goal line and led the Chargers in receiving
ICON SMI

touchdowns the past five seasons. If healthy, Gates has as good

Jason Witten
a chance as anyone to finish as the top fantasy TE this season.
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 The Bad - Gates played through toe, hip, and ankle injuries find himself back in the 10-15 range among fantasy tight ends.
last year. The wear and tear may have taken its toll and the toe The Bottom Line - Clark may not improve on the career
remains a concern. Originally injured in 2007, it’s limited his year he had in 2008, but he should remain a key part of the
ability to cut and may be a chronic injury. While Gates can offense. He should remain a Top 5 fantasy TE if he can remain
be expected to play through dings, if he’s not 100 percent the healthy for 16 games.
Chargers may turn to other weapons on offense. Worst case,
Gates could drop out of the Top 5 at his position for the first 5. Kellen Winslow - TB
time since his rookie season. 6-4, 250, age: 26
The Bottom Line - Gates is coming off a season marred by year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
injury from beginning to end, but still managed to finish as the 2009 PROJ 66 792 5 109 5
#4 fantasy tight end. It’s impossible not to consider him a Top 2008 CLE 82 43 428 3 61 21
3 TE if he’s healthy. His toe is worth keeping tabs on through- 2007 CLE 148 82 1106 5 141 4
out training camp, but he’s expected to be at full speed by the 2006 CLE 119 89 875 3 106 6
start of camp. The Good - The Buccaneers acquired Kellen Winslow,
Jr. from Cleveland, their biggest move in a busy offseason.
3. Tony Gonzalez - ATL Winslow is a home run threat and will see many passes thrown
6-4, 244, age: 33 his way. The Buccaneers don’t have many other receiving
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank options beyond Winslow and Antonio Bryant, so expect each
2009 PROJ 73 810 7 123 3 to have several targets every week.
2008 KC 154 96 1058 10 166 1 The Bad - Winslow is coming off a down year with
2007 KC 154 99 1172 5 147 3 Cleveland that caused him to miss five games due to injuries.
2006 KC 103 73 900 5 120 3 Perhaps Cleveland saw the writing on the wall with Winslow
The Good - If Tony Gonzalez brings his ‘A’ game, he could and decided that his injury history impacted his play. If he
have 90+ receptions and another Pro Bowl selection. Matt doesn’t have an immediate impact in Tampa, it’s not a stretch
Ryan will benefit from the reps he got last season. Assuming to think that maybe his best games are behind him.
Gonzalez and Ryan are simpatico from the start, the Falcons The Bottom Line - The Bucs are counting on Winslow to

TIGHT ENDS
offense could explode early on and keep rolling throughout the be 100 percent healthy and there is no reason to think other-
season. wise. The Bucs offense will feature plenty of Winslow and
The Bad - Gonzalez could see fewer targets transitioning Bryant, a tandem similar to Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez
to his new surroundings. If so, his fantasy production could last year for the Chiefs. If Winslow can stay healthy he should
drop below the Top 3 TE. As we saw last year with Jeremy reach 65-70 catches or even 80+. Winslow automatically
Shockey, moving to a new team isn’t always an easy thing to upgrades a poor red zone offense and should often have TD-
do. Gonzalez is 33 and at the point where performance could scoring opportunities.
suddenly drop off with nagging injuries.
The Bottom Line - Gonzalez snagged 90+ catches the 6. Owen Daniels - HOU
last two years with Tyler Thigpen, Damon Huard, and Brodie 6-3, 250, age: 27
Croyle. He’s been a Top 3 TE in nine of the past 10 seasons. year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
Now he is playing with Matt Ryan on a stacked offense. 2009 PROJ 66 759 4 100 6
Gonzalez could be poised for another double-digit TD season 2008 HOU 100 70 862 2 98 6
in Atlanta this year. 2007 HOU 94 63 768 3 95 8
2006 HOU 51 34 352 5 65 14
4. Dallas Clark - IND The Good – Owens Daniels has improved his targets, recep-
6-3, 257, age: 30 tions, and yards each season in the NFL, but his TD total has
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank dropped each year. He finished as the No. 6 fantasy TE while
2009 PROJ 72 785 6 114 4 scoring only two touchdowns last year. If he can maintain his
2008 IND 107 77 848 6 121 3 yardage total while getting back to five scores, Daniels could
2007 IND 101 58 616 11 130 5 finish as a Top 3 fantasy TE.
2006 IND 58 30 367 4 61 15 The Bad - Daniels is overshadowed by Andre Johnson and
The Good – Dallas Clark has been a top TE the last two Steve Slaton, and has generally been targeted during
seasons, and last year was his best fantasy season. The Colts Johnson’s off games. Johnson had fewer than five receptions
struggled some offensively last year and did not run the ball six times last season and Daniels averaged 6 receptions for 80
well, so Peyton Manning had to rely on Clark more than ever yards. In 10 games when Johnson caught 5+ passes, Daniels
before. His upside this year is to repeat 2008’s production with averaged 3.4 receptions for 38 yards. If Johnson remains the
a few more TDs, solidly establishing him as an upper echelon go to guy, Daniels’ production could be capped.
fantasy TE. The Bottom Line - Daniels will likely finish in the Top 5-
The Bad - Manning spreads the ball to whoever is open, 10 TEs and has the potential to finish higher with more goal
and he may not target Clark 100+ times like he did past two line looks. He shouldn’t be ranked ahead of Witten, Gates,
seasons. The common denominator in those two seasons is that Gonzalez, Winslow, or Clark. Daniels makes a nice handcuff
the Colts did not have a second serious threat at WR to line for Andre Johnson owners, since Daniels tends to have better
up opposite Reggie Wayne. If Anthony Gonzalez fills that role games when Johnson is less of a factor.
this season, Clark’s targets could fall by 30%, and he could

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 7. Chris Cooley - WAS ished with 0 catches the light finally came on for Miller and
6-3, 265, age: 27 QB JaMarcus Russell. His numbers would have been much
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank better if he had more than one TD grab - a number he should
2009 PROJ 65 663 5 96 8 easily surpass in 2009. The Raiders added more weapons to
2008 WAS 111 83 849 1 91 8 the WR corps, but Miller should remain the No. 1 or No. 2
2007 WAS 110 66 786 8 127 6 target in the passing game. With Darrius Heyward-Bey run-
2006 WAS 95 57 734 6 109 5 ning deep routes it should open up coverage over the middle
The Good - Chris Cooley has been a Top 8 fantasy TE for for Miller to exploit.
four consecutive seasons, and could be the No. 1 TE under The Bad - Miller only caught one TD pass in 2008, and
ideal circumstances. He’s an offensive dynamo and a reli- with all the new additions to the passing game, the opportuni-
able, sure handed weapon. He’s coming off career highs of ties will be spread thin. If Heyward-Bey is an impact rookie, it
83 receptions and 849 yards but only scored one TD. If Jason could end up impacting the number of targets Miller gets this
Campbell can put it all together, Cooley could match last season.
year’s reception totals but with 6-8 TDs as he had done in the The Bottom Line - Miller is Russell’s go to guy and things
prior three seasons. That would make him an elite fantasy should be no different in 2009. After scoring 62, and 84 fan-
option to say the least. tasy points in his first two seasons, Miller’s could reach 100
The Bad - A redux of last year’s low TD total would be the points this season. He should finally break into the Top 10
worst case scenario for someone who should see 100+ tar- where he belongs.
gets. If someone other than Jasom Campbell were to start, the
Redskins passing attack could turn anemic and turn Cooley 10. John Carlson - SEA
into a quality fantasy TE2. 6-4, 255, age: 25
The Bottom Line - Even if WRs Devin Thomas or year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
Malcolm Kelly emerge, no one will replace Cooley as the 2009 PROJ 52 572 5 87 10
over-the-middle weapon. He’s the player Campbell counts on 2008 SEA 80 55 627 5 93 7
for tough first downs and is in his prime. Expect Top 10 pro- The Good - John Carlson led Seattle in receptions, receiv-
duction; hope for Top 5. ing yards, and receiving touchdowns as a rookie last year.
TIGHT ENDS

He’s a lock to start this season and will play a large role in
8. Greg Olsen - CHI the passing game. Carlson has the speed to run seam routes
6-5, 255, age: 24 and is a threat to make a big play down the field. With T.J.
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank Houshmandzadeh occupying the secondary’s attention, Carlson
2009 PROJ 60 666 5 97 7 may have more space in the middle of the field and could sur-
2008 CHI 82 54 574 5 87 10 pass last year’s No. 2 fantasy ranking.
2007 CHI 66 39 391 2 51 23 The Bad - With healthier WRs in town this year, Carlson
The Good - Greg Olsen became a legitimate top-ten fantasy may see many fewer targets. Ten different WRs had catches
tight end in 2008 and is still getting better. He has the ability last season, none of whom played a full 16 games. With
to outrun linebackers and run over defensive backs. Someday Houshmandzadeh, Carlson may be a decoy more often and a
he’ll be a Top 5 TE. His best-case scenario is if he develops a primary target less frequently. If his targets drop from 80 to
rapport with Jay Cutler, becoming a favorite target like Jason 60, he would be just a fantasy backup.
Witten is for Tony Romo. With the questionable receiving The Bottom Line - A second-year player carries more risk
corps in Chicago, Olsen could finish with 80+ receptions for than a veteran, but Carlson’s skills make him a near lock to
900+ yards if everything falls into place. finish in the top half of starting NFL tight ends. He may have
The Bad - Cutler spreads the ball to 5-6 different targets a smaller role this season and is unlikely to repeat his #7 fanta-
and Olsen’s numbers stay similar to last year’s. Unless injuries sy finish, but he should be a worthwhile fantasy starter again.
strike, he is unlikely to finish with fewer than 50 receptions,
600 yards and 4-5 touchdowns. 11. Dustin Keller - NYJ
The Bottom Line - Olsen will elevate from “good” to 6-2, 242, age: 25
“great” in 2009. He has the tools to be an elite player. With a year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
capable QB, Olsen should set career highs in receptions, yard- 2009 PROJ 54 621 4 86 11
age and touchdowns. He’ll share some time with Desmond 2008 NYJ 78 48 535 3 72 14
Clark but expect Olsen to see most of the targets as he begins The Good - The Jets should have a lot of receiving targets
to reach his potential. available with the departure of Laveranues Coles and Chris
Baker, and Dustin Keller could be a prime beneficiary. That’s
9. Zach Miller - OAK without factoring in any improvement from the second year
6-5, 255, age: 24 tight end, who was already a fantasy factor as a rookie. Keller
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank has excellent ball skills and is more of a Dallas Clark-type
2009 PROJ 55 644 4 88 9 than a Bubba Franks-type. In other words, he’s a receiver first
2008 OAK 86 56 778 1 84 11 and a blocker second.
2007 OAK 69 44 444 3 62 16 The Bad - With only Jerricho Cotchery having significant
The Good - Some people expected Zach Miller to finish as experience, defenses may focus more coverage on Keller. He
a Top 10 fantasy TE in 2008 and despite a slow start he nearly won’t sneak up on anyone like he did last year. The Jets pass-
made it. After a Week 3 game against Buffalo where he fin- ing game could take a step backwards. Brett Favre has retired,

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 and if Mark Sanchez or Kellen Clemens struggles, Keller’s 14. Heath Miller - PIT
numbers could decrease across the board. 6-5, 255, age: 27
The Bottom Line - Keller should improve on his rookie num- year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
bers and could be a Top 10 fantasy TE this year. While he’ll likely 2009 PROJ 45 482 4 72 15
see more coverage with Coles gone, he’ll also see more targets. 2008 PIT 65 48 514 3 69 15
His athleticism should create mismatches with many defenders, so 2007 PIT 61 47 566 7 99 7
a significant uptick in productivity isn’t out of the question. 2006 PIT 55 34 393 5 69 13
The Good - Heath Miller set career bests in targets and
12. Jeremy Shockey - NO receptions in 2008 but still finished as the No. 15 fantasy
6-5, 252, age: 29 TE thanks to only three TD receptions. His production could
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank improve with the loss of WR Nate Washington, particularly
2009 PROJ 46 529 4 77 12 if WR Limas Sweed struggles. A stronger start to the season
2008 NO 72 50 483 0 48 27 could push Miller back into the Top 10 this year.
2007 NYG 93 57 619 3 80 11 The Bad - The Steelers run/pass ratio limits the upside
2006 NYG 115 66 623 7 104 7
receiving opportunities for anyone on the roster, including
The Good - A four-time Pro-Bowler, Jeremy Shockey racked Miller. Further, he may be asked protect his QB more this sea-
up 50 receptions in an injury-filled first season with the Saints. son as the offensive line can be downright dreadful at times.
He could again be an elite fantasy TE, as he has the size, speed, Miller could lose red zone targets to Matt Spaeth and Limas
and hands to outmatch opponents and could be undervalued in Sweed, making his ceiling three or four TDs.
fantasy drafts this year, but he’ll have to stay on the field. The Bottom Line - Miller is one of the best TEs in the NFL
The Bad - Injuries have had a big impact on Shockey’s last today. So why doesn’t he produce more like a premier fantasy
few seasons. It would be a surprise for him to return to the TE? Simply put - the Steelers don’t throw enough. He could
upper echelons of fantasy TEs. Many have declined at age 30, end the season near the Top 10, but will be hard pressed to
and Shockey will be 29. The Saints offense thrived with Billy crack it.
Miller. It is possible New Orleans may utilize both this season,
negating the value of both. 15. Bo Scaife - TEN

TIGHT ENDS
The Bottom Line - Can Shockey still be a top fantasy TE? 6-3, 250, age: 28
He should be a major part of a productive offense, but beware year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
of taking him based on his reputation. He averaged less than 2009 PROJ 50 505 4 74 14
10 yards per catch and didn’t score a touchdown last year. Add 2008 TEN 84 58 561 2 68 16
in his injury history, and you must exercise caution before 2007 TEN 78 46 421 1 48 25
taking him too early. If he freefalls on draft day, be ready to 2006 TEN 56 29 370 2 56 16
pounce. The Good - Kerry Collins looked to Bo Scaife often last
year. Scaife used his athletic ability to pile up positive yards
13. Visanthe Shiancoe - MIN after the catch and should again be a reliable target. Tennessee
6-4, 251, age: 29 may pass more this year because the defense might be weaker
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank with the loss of Albert Haynesworth.
2009 PROJ 45 513 4 75 13 The Bad - The Titans have three quality TEs on the ros-
2008 MIN 59 42 596 7 102 5 ter with Scaife, Alge Crumpler, and rookie Jared Cook.
2007 MIN 43 27 323 1 38 32 Crumpler’s best days are behind him but he could be used in
2006 NYG 14 12 81 0 8 67
certain situations. Cook is a playmaker that’s more of a super
The Good - Shiancoe could easily match his numbers sized WR than TE. Scaife will also lose targets to new WRs
from a year ago. If defenses key on Adrian Peterson, Bernard Nate Washington and Kenny Britt.
Berrian and newcomer Percy Harvin, that would allow The Bottom Line - Scaife may not match his numbers from
Shiancoe plenty of room to get open in the secondary. last season if the passing game focuses on wide receivers. He
The Bad - The Vikings have increased options on offense should again finish as a Top 20 TE, but he’s a fantasy backup
this season, and Shiancoe’s production could take a hit as a with limited upside.
result. With such a powerful running attack, there are only so
many passes available to catch. 16. Tony Scheffler - DEN
The Bottom Line - Shiancoe set career bests in receptions, 6-6, 260, age: 26
yards and touchdowns, but some of that success stemmed from year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
mediocre play at the receiver position. The WR corps should 2009 PROJ 38 464 4 70 16
improve this season, and that should keep Shiancoe from 2008 DEN 60 40 645 3 82 12
matching last year’s Top 10 finish. 2007 DEN 65 49 549 5 85 10
2006 DEN 37 18 286 4 53 20
The Good - Tony Scheffler remains in Denver, but his quar-
terback Jay Cutler has moved on to Chicago. So what do the
Broncos and Scheffler do now? They’ll apparently find a way
to utilize Scheffler to his fullest capability. He creates matchup
problems and can do damage in the middle of the field.
The Bad - The Patriots’ system didn’t feature a pass-catch-

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 ing TE while Josh McDaniels was the OC. New England’s very good fantasy TE. The departure of Mike Martz should
tight ends only received 64 targets last year. Also, the Broncos result in Davis being used in more passing situations. The new
want to feature Knowshon Moreno, meaning more time offensive scheme emulates Kansas City’s, and if Davis can be
for blocking TEs like Daniel Graham and Richard Quinn. half as good as Tony Gonzalez, then fantasy owners may get
Scheffler could really miss Cutler. a pleasant surprise. Davis is adequate as both a receiver and
The Bottom Line - Scheffler needs to stay healthy to endear blocker and should play the majority of snaps.
himself to the new regime in Denver. The system may limit his The Bad - Mike Singletary means business and will not
production, and if so, Scheffler owners could be in for a long tolerate any of Davis’ antics. He may have the body of an elite
season. All things considered, it is difficult to imagine him TE, but he doesn’t appear to have the head for it. He had either
matching last year’s numbers. zero or one catch in 10 games last season and was often a fan-
tasy liability.
17. Anthony Fasano - MIA The Bottom Line - Davis’ stats declined from his 50-catch
6-5, 255, age: 25 performance in 2007. He’ll need to rebound to justify his hefty
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank price the 49ers paid in drafting him. Fantasy scoring doesn’t
2009 PROJ 38 460 4 70 17 reward great blocking, so he’ll need to be more active in the
2008 MIA 53 34 454 7 87 9 passing attack to be fantasy relevant again. He is capable of
2007 DAL 21 14 143 1 20 49 more, so it could be worth a late round flyer.
2006 DAL 24 14 126 0 13 59
The Good - It’s conceivable that Anthony Fasano elevates 20. Brent Celek - PHI
his play to such a level that he becomes the favorite target 6-4, 250, age: 24
of Chad Pennington. Then, much like Tony Romo and Jason year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
Witten in Dallas, Fasano becomes the first player in the quar- 2009 PROJ 35 382 3 56 24
terback’s progression and sets career highs, finishing as a Top 2008 PHI 38 27 318 1 38 32
5 tight end. 2007 PHI 22 16 178 1 24 44
The Bad – Last season was a surprising success for Fasano The Good – Brent Celek should start in Week 1 and will
and the Dolphins. However, Fasano’s high finish among TEs have plenty of chances to work the middle of the field and
TIGHT ENDS

was based mostly upon his seven TDs. If he regresses to three move the chains. If he can maintain the intensity he showed in
or four, he becomes just another mediocre backup. last year’s playoffs (19 catches for 151 yards in three games),
The Bottom Line - Fasano is likely to post similar numbers he will be worth rostering as a fantasy backup.
but could become a go-to guy in the passing attack. With ques- The Bad - Celek is really a starter by default. He’s lim-
tions surrounding the receiving corps, the Dolphins best option ited physically and wouldn’t start for many NFL teams. If
may be Fasano, who displayed last season he can run crisp Cornelius Ingram is everything the team hopes he is, Celek
routes and get open. could find himself as a backup by midseason.
The Bottom Line - It would be shocking to see Brent Celek
18. Kevin Boss - NYG put up Top 10 fantasy numbers and should be thought of as
6-7, 250, age: 25 nothing more than a TE2 in 12-team leagues.
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 36 364 4 60 19 21. Todd Heap - BAL
2008 NYG 55 33 384 6 74 13 6-4, 250, age: 29
2007 NYG 14 9 118 2 24 43 year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
The Good - Kevin Boss caught six touchdowns last year 2009 PROJ 38 418 3 60 20
despite only catching 33 passes. That should be considered his 2008 BAL 64 35 403 3 58 23
upside. He’s a reliable red zone target and should remain in the 2007 BAL 34 23 239 1 30 38
mix near the goal line. 2006 BAL 116 73 765 6 112 4
The Bad - Boss may have replaced Jeremy Shockey, but he The Bottom Line - It’s tough to envision Heap as an elite
didn’t replace his productivity. Boss isn’t a special athlete, but tight end again. He seems to have a role within the offense
he found ways to get first downs and touchdowns. If the cadre similar to other run-first teams. Last season, he had five games
of receivers develops as planned, Boss could see his TDs cut in with either zero or one catch. In the previous five seasons, he
half, while still catching 30 receptions. never had fewer than two catches in a game. That speaks vol-
The Bottom Line - Boss is entrenched as the starter, and umes as to what his current role is.
he’ll catch at least 30 passes and 3 TDs. Coming off a TE13
fantasy ranking, Boss is worth having on a roster as a backup. 22. Randy McMichael - STL
6-3, 247, age: 30
19. Vernon Davis - SF year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
6-3, 253, age: 25 2009 PROJ 35 389 3 57 23
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 2008 STL 21 11 139 0 14 53
2009 PROJ 34 408 4 65 18 2007 STL 67 39 429 3 61 17
2008 SF 49 31 358 2 49 26 2006 MIA 96 62 640 3 82 11
2007 SF 85 52 509 4 75 14 The Bottom Line - McMichael may be overlooked this
2006 SF 42 20 265 3 45 22 season, but he does have potential in the Rams’ new west coast
The Good - Vernon Davis has the size and speed to be a offense. As a late-round flyer, McMichael has more upside

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 potential than other tight ends drafted around the same time. 28. Desmond Clark - CHI
6-3, 255, age: 32
23. Brandon Pettigrew - DET year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
6-6, 263, age: 24 2009 PROJ 35 340 2 46 27
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 2008 CHI 73 41 367 1 43 30
2009 PROJ 30 327 3 51 25 2007 CHI 66 44 545 4 78 12
The Bottom Line - Pettigrew will be an acceptable bye 2006 CHI 80 45 626 6 99 8
week/injury TE in deep leagues at best, but expecting more in The Bottom Line - Clark is a serviceable veteran, but Olsen
his rookie season would be foolish. could see the bulk of the tight end targets this season. Clark
may have more real life value than fantasy value.
24. Donald Lee - GB
6-3, 249, age: 29 29. Brad Cottam - KC
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank 6-7, 270, age: 25
2009 PROJ 35 396 3 58 22 year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2008 GB 50 39 303 5 60 22 2009 PROJ 24 262 2 38 33
2007 GB 63 48 575 6 94 9 2008 KC 11 7 63 0 6 73
2006 GB 21 10 150 0 15 55 The Bottom Line – There are times when a team trades or
The Bottom Line - There’s little reason to believe Lee’s releases a Pro Bowl player because they have a young stud
numbers will look different than the past two seasons. His ready to take over. There are other times when a team sheds
yards-per-reception will likely increase, but that would be that player because they aren’t going to use that position. This
natural flow back to his career average. is the latter.

25. Marcedes Lewis - JAX 30. Martellus Bennett - DAL

6-6, 255, age: 25 6-6, 259, age: 22
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 35 403 3 58 21 2009 PROJ 22 240 2 36 34

TIGHT ENDS
2008 JAX 72 41 489 2 61 20 2008 DAL 27 20 283 4 52 24
2007 JAX 57 37 391 2 51 22 The Bottom Line - Bennett is one of the few backup tight
2006 JAX 21 13 126 1 19 46
ends that could project as an impact fantasy player. He would
The Bottom Line - Lewis likely won’t see enough targets be a legitimate Top 10 fantasy prospect with an injury to
to be considered as a fantasy starter. He’s a marginal fantasy Witten. It’s hard to justify drafting a backup TE, but he’s some-
backup in 12-team leagues. one to consider if he ends up as an NFL starter.
26. Ben Watson - NE Others:
6-3, 253, age: 29
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank
2009 PROJ 26 265 2 38 32
Chris Baker, NE
The Patriots signed Chris Baker to a five-year deal in the
2008 NE 47 22 209 2 33 33
first 12 hours of free agency after the Jets let him go to avoid
2007 NE 49 36 389 6 76 13
2006 NE 92 49 643 3 82 10
paying a hefty roster bonus. Baker is a good two-way TE who
The Bottom Line - Watson has been a recent disappoint- might be able to usurp targets from the inconsistent fantasy
ment, and it’s possible that this will be his final year with the tease Ben Watson. He’ll probably catch a handful of short TDs
Patriots. He’s become somewhat of an afterthought and is fre- and he could get back in the Top 20.
quently benched in favor of a third wide receiver.
Chase Coffman, CIN
27. L.J. Smith - BAL Chase Coffman was taken in the third round and is likely
6-3, 258, age: 29
the best receiving tight end on the roster. While Carson Palmer
year team targets rec cyds ctds FP FP Rank and the Bengals have made little use of the position in the
2009 PROJ 28 288 2 41 29 past, T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s targets will be dispersed some-
2008 PHI 64 37 298 3 48 28 where. Rookie tight ends can sometimes be overwhelmed,
2007 PHI 44 22 236 1 30 39 but there’s opportunity here. If Coffman can handle the NFL
2006 PHI 80 50 611 5 91 9 game, he should pass Reggie Kelly and Ben Utecht on the
The Bottom Line - Smith will probably grab a handful of depth chart.
scores, but relying on him for consistent production would not
be advised. Starter Todd Heap has struggled to produce the Alge Crumpler, TEN
last two seasons, so why would his backup become a relevant In his first season with the Titans, Alge Crumpler post mar-
fantasy performer? ginal numbers. He’s no longer the fantasy force he once was in
Atlanta. However, he’s valuable to the Titans as a reserve TE
and mentor to young players like Jared Cook. Unfortunately
he can’t earn fantasy points as a mentor and should only be
rostered in deep leagues.

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 Derek Fine, BUF
Tight ends often take time to adjust to the NFL, and Derek
Fine has a year of experience over rookie Shawn Nelson. His
familiarity with the offense and blocking ability should give
him an edge, but at some point Nelson should overtake him.
Jermichael Finley, GB
When he left Texas, Jermichael Finley was considered a fan-
tastic pass catcher for such a big target, but somewhat imma-
ture. He got on the field late in the season and saw action split
out wide, making a few big plays in Weeks 16 and 17. He’ll
likely pass Tory Humphrey this year to play opposite Donald
Lee when the Packers go with two TEs, but his upside is still
limited to a bye week/injury play.
Daniel Graham, DEN
Daniel Graham won’t match his output from 2008 because
he will be asked to block more. It’s doubtful the Broncos will
run as many bubble screens as last season. He may get a few
red zone targets, but he’ll be a non-factor in fantasy leagues.
Steve Heiden, CLE
Old man Heiden keeps blocking and receiving with ter-
rific effort, and he has ended up outlasting Kellen Winslow
in Cleveland. He was a Top 20 TE when Winslow missed
significant time in his first two seasons. Now, Heiden will be
TIGHT ENDS
competing for targets with a similarly solid, but unspectacular
player in Robert Royal and second-year receiving specialist
Martin Rucker, which will likely keep him from getting back
in the Top 20 this season.
Jeff King, CAR
Jeff King regressed to a disappointing 21/195/1 receiving
(after 46/406/2 in 2007). He has likely lost the starter’s role
to Dante Rosario, so King isn’t a lock to post fantasy-worthy
numbers in 2009. He’ll need to earn the top job back.
David Martin, MIA
David Martin’s role within the Dolphins offense should
not change this season. Even if Anthony Fasano earns a big-
ger role, Martin will still get targets and produce in dual tight
end sets. His numbers may decline slightly, but he’ll still be
a valuable player in Miami and have some fantasy value as a
marginal TE2.
Billy Miller, NO
Billy Miller had his best season since he ranked as TE7 with
Houston in 2002. Given Jeremy Shockey’s injury history and
the potent Saints offense, there may be room for Miller to have
another good season. He’ll be waiver wire material but could
be worth a look if an opportunity arises.
Shawn Nelson, BUF
With Robert Royal’s release, the Bills starting TE job will be
up for grabs during the preseason. Shawn Nelson may be the
most talented TE on the roster, but he’s the least experienced.
If Nelson is slow to adjust, a player like Derek Fine may hold
him off until next year. Even if Nelson starts, he probably
won’t be an effective fantasy option with Terrell Owens and
Lee Evans around.
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Ben Patrick, ARI
Ben Patrick wasn’t highly heralded coming out of Delaware
in 2007, but he has to be gaining Kurt Warner’s trust after he
caught a crucial fourth quarter TD on fourth down in 2007 and
outfought a defensive player for a one-yard TD in the Super
Bowl. He has the talent to be at least a marginal fantasy TE,
but he’s stuck in an offense with the best starting WR tandem
in the league.
Leonard Pope, ARI
Leonard Pope has never turned into the size/speed mismatch
the Cards envisioned when they took him in the third round of
the 2006 draft. The 2007 campaign was a decent year for Pope
with five touchdowns, but he failed to score last year. He’s a
stiff athlete, and he’ll face stiff competition for a roster spot
now that the Cards signed Anthony Becht in free agency.
Gijon Robinson, IND
The Colts unearthed yet another undrafted free agent gem
when they signed Gijon Robinson in 2007. He’s a hybrid H-
back/FB/TE, custom-made for the Colts offense. Robinson
had a few outbursts late in the season, with four- and six-catch
games in December. He should be the first name fantasy GMs
think of if Dallas Clark misses time this year, as long as he’s
not passed on the depth chart by Jacob Tamme.
Dante Rosario, CAR
Dante Rosario tripled his reception total in 2008 yet still
ended up with paltry totals. With those numbers, he is not a
viable fantasy TE. He may top the depth chart in Carolina, but
Rosario is a marginal fantasy option.
Robert Royal, CLE
Robert Royal has a chance to turn it on in Cleveland as HC
Eric Mangini utilized the TE position a fair amount in New
York. Royal will be an important part of the Cleveland offense,
and while he won’t be a solid fantasy starter, he could be
drafted. Royal could finish the season with his best stats yet,
perhaps even as high as the TE15 range.
Alex Smith, NE
The Bucs deemed the former third round pick expendable
after they traded for Kellen Winslow, and they were able to
recoup a 2010 fifth round selection from the Pats for his ser-
vices. Smith has a big frame and good hands, but he doesn’t
have the speed to be a downfield receiving threat. He’ll prob-
ably split targets with Chris Baker and Ben Watson in a pass-
ing offense that doesn’t focus on the tight end.
Ben Utecht, CIN
The Bengals finally made a move to turn the tight end into
a quality target for Carson Palmer by signing Ben Utecht last
offseason, but he couldn’t beat the injury bug and once again
missed multiple games. He should benefit from the return
of Carson Palmer, but he wasn’t very productive even when
Palmer was in. Now third round pick Chase Coffman will be
breathing down his neck for playing time.
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/27/09 8:52:15 AM
 KICKERS
Intro by Mike Herman

“Ability is nothing without opportunity.” - Napoleon Bonaparte

A
lthough football is a team sport, kickers are com-
monly considered an exception - it is simply the
kicker and his leg against the ball and the goalposts.
That oversimplification disregards the line blocking, the long-
snapper, and the holder. It also doesn’t account for the fact
that return teams, the defense, and especially the offense all
set up the scoring opportunities for the kicker. Even the most
accurate kicker is worthless, from a fantasy perspective, if he
doesn’t get a chance to kick. While most fantasy teams involve
selecting an individual kicker, it is helpful to understand team
history of kicking. The table on Page 146 shows the annual
kicker scoring rank of each team over the past 15 years, with
Top 5 finishes highlighted in yellow and Top 10 finishes in
green. It accounts for all kicking points scored by a team in a
given year, even if they utilized multiple kickers.

KICKERS
The following rankings and associated projections reflect
a consensus opinion from the staff at Footballguys. The
commentary reflects the opinions of Mike Herman, Staff
Kickologist. We offer these to help aid you in slotting players.

1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
2009 NE 31 37 83.8% 43 7 1 51 136
2008 NE 36 40 90.0% 40 9 1 50 148
2007 NE 21 24 87.5% 74 3 0 45 137
2006 NE 20 26 76.9% 43 2 1 52 103
After having been first in 2004, the Patriots finished 19th
in kicker scoring in both 2005 and 2006. In 2007 they jumped

ICON SMI
back up to second thanks to their ridiculous number of touch-
Stephen Gostkowski
downs. Last year they again ranked second, thanks to a large
(although not ridiculous) number of field goals. They once
again scored 100+ kicking points. The last time they failed to Vanderjagt’s 86.5 percent and just ahead of Robbie Gould’s
do so was 1995. Although Gostkowski was very accurate last 85.9 percent. He has been accurate on his limited long range
year, hidden within his big year were two missed chip shots. attempts, going 6 of 9 from 50+ yards. Each of the last two
He has quickly proven to be one of the better kickers on kick- years he made 46 PATs, which were actually the fewest of
offs. Teams scoring over 140 kicking points have dropped an his pro career. Many teams would love to be able to score
average of 40 points the following year (minimum 17, maxi- 46 touchdowns. The Chargers have ranked in the Top 10 in
mum 74). Item to watch this summer: the overall offensive kicker scoring in four of Kaeding’s five years in the NFL. He
after the departure of Josh McDaniels. has averaged 121.4 points a year, highest in the league during
that span. The offensive coaches and players are back again
2. Nate Kaeding, SD in 2009, so odds are that Kaeding can sustain that pace for at
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS least another year.
2009 SD 30 34 88.2% 44 6 1 53 134
2008 SD 27 32 84.4% 46 3 1 57 127 3. Rob Bironas, Ten
2007 SD 24 27 88.9% 46 7 1 51 118 Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
2006 SD 26 29 89.7% 58 7 1 54 136 2009 Ten 31 36 86.1% 39 9 3 55 132
Last year Kaeding reached 100-career made field goals, 2008 Ten 29 33 87.9% 40 15 1 51 127
qualifying him for the NFL’s all time accuracy list. His cur- 2007 Ten 35 39 89.7% 28 9 4 56 133
rent 86.1 percent puts him at number two, trailing Mike 2006 Ten 22 28 78.6% 32 4 1 60 98

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 Bironas finally landed his deserved big payday this offsea-
son, with a 4-year, $12 million contract. During 2006, there
had been hints of things to come. Bironas’ long field goal was
a 60-yard game winner against division rival Indianapolis.
After a slow start, he jumped to 8.0 ppg in the second half.
In 2007 Bironas hit a career high 89.7 percent on field goals,
including 13 of 15 from 40+ yards. He broke the single game
NFL record by hitting 8 of 8 field goals in one game. The
Titans ranked third in kicker scoring as Bironas tallied 133
points. The accuracy and scoring continued in 2008, and the
Titans ranked seventh in kicker scoring. In today’s NFL it’s
difficult to string together three consecutive Top 10 finishes in
kicker scoring, however, the Titans and Bironas are in position
to do just that.

4. Mason Crosby, GB
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
2009 GB 29 36 80.6% 43 6 4 54 130
2008 GB 27 34 79.4% 46 5 3 53 127
2007 GB 31 39 79.5% 48 9 3 53 141
In his first two years in the league, Mason has seen plenty
of field goal opportunities. As a result, the Packers have
ranked first and seventh in kicker scoring. Of Mason’s four
misses from under 40 yards, one hit the upright and two were
blocked. He has left room for improvement on 40+ yard kicks
in terms of consistency, although he has demonstrated his
range by making some 50+ yarders. For 2009, history suggests
KICKERS

that the Packers cannot maintain their current pace of field

goal tries. What happens to kicker scoring in the second year
after having been number one? Looking at the two teams that
were number one prior to Green Bay (they continued to fall)
- the Cardinals dropped from first to eighth to 17th while the fourth in kicker scoring for their first Top 10 finish since
Bears dropped from first to seventh to 15th. 1998. Last year they promptly dropped back out, tumbling to
26th place. The scoring opportunities just weren’t there for
5. Jason Elam, Atl Folk, as the Top 3 offense from 2007 dropped to the middle of
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS the pack. The Wade Phillips coaching regime is back for year
2009 Atl 29 33 87.9% 41 8 1 51 128 number three in 2009, hoping to rediscover the first year’s suc-
2008 Atl 29 31 93.5% 42 10 1 50 129 cess. They do have a new special teams coordinator, although
2007 Den 27 31 87.1% 33 9 1 50 114 that tends to have more bearing on the real world Folk, while
2006 Den 27 29 93.1% 34 6 1 51 115 the offensive coaches have more impact on the fantasy Folk.
During his 15 years in Denver, Elam scored at least 100 Last year Folk’s kickoff numbers were down, which explains
points every year, averaged 119 points per year, made at least why the Cowboys drafted David Buehler this year. The athletic
one 50+ yard field goal every year and finished in the Top 10 USC kicker is best known for his powerful kickoffs and his
in kicker scoring 13 times. When he joined the Falcons last bench pressing prowess at the Combine. Folk had hip surgery
year via free agency, the success continued, and the team fin- in early May but is expected to be ready for training camp.
ished sixth in kicker scoring. That ended a five-year drought.
Not only is Elam showing no signs of slowing down, he 7. David Akers, Phi
appears to be getting better. His field goal percentages each Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
of the last three years were the best of his career. The Falcons’ 2009 Phi 28 34 82.4% 40 6 1 52 124
offense also got better last year, despite the fact they had a 2008 Phi 33 40 82.5% 45 8 2 51 144
rookie quarterback and a rookie coaching staff. The team 2007 Phi 24 32 75.0% 36 1 1 53 108
placed the franchise tag on punter Michael Koenen this year, 2006 Phi 18 23 78.3% 48 6 0 47 102
once again freeing Elam from kickoff duties. After five consecutive years ranked in the Top 10 in kicker
scoring, the Eagles ranked only 21st, 20th, and 23rd from
6. Nick Folk, Dal 2005 to 2007. Last year they jumped up to third, thanks to a
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS slightly better field goal percentage by Akers and plenty of
2009 Dal 28 33 84.8% 42 8 1 54 126 field goal opportunities. The numbers could have been even
2008 Dal 20 22 90.9% 42 10 2 52 102 better if not for three blocked field goal attempts. Akers also
2007 Dal 26 31 83.9% 53 7 2 53 131 showed that he was not too old to kick with career highs in
kickoff yardage and touchbacks. Despite the strong 2008, the
During Folk’s rookie year of 2007, the Cowboys ranked season ended on a negative note for Akers with several missed

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 four years. In 2006 the club made coaching changes, and
Brown dropped back down to 30th. Things finally started com-
ing together the last two years, and the Texans ranked 14th and
12th in kicker scoring. Brown’s 87.9 percent on field goals last
year was his career best percentage. His 124 points matched
his previous career best which occurred during his final year
with Pittsburgh in 2001. Of those points, 52 came during the
first half of 2008 season. The pace picked up a little in the
second half as Brown scored 72 points. The pieces are still in
place to replicate the last two years and possibly even improve
in 2009.

10. Neil Rackers, Ari

Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
2009 Ari 26 32 81.3% 40 6 2 53 118
2008 Ari 25 28 89.3% 44 6 1 54 119
2007 Ari 21 30 70.0% 47 5 3 52 110
2006 Ari 28 37 75.7% 32 7 1 50 116
In 2005 and 2006, the Cardinals’ offense was good enough
to get into field goal range and Rackers benefited. They
ranked first and right in kicker scoring those years. In 2007
and 2008, the Cardinals’ offense was good enough to get into
the end zone and Rackers points slipped a little. They ranked
17th and 15th in kicker scoring those years. Rackers still has
one of the strongest legs in the NFL, as evidenced by his
numerous touchbacks on kickoffs and long range field goal
ICON SMI

attempts. Unfortunately, he has missed most of those longer

KICKERS
Neil Rackers attempts the last three years. Item to watch this summer: the
overall offensive after the departure of offensive coordinator
opportunities in the NFC Championship game. Duplicating the Todd Haley.
Top 5 finish in 2009 will be difficult, as teams scoring over
140 kicking points have dropped an average of 37 points the 11. Ryan Longwell, Min
following year (minimum 17, maximum 74). Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
2009 Min 26 31 83.9% 38 7 2 53 116
8. Garrett Hartley, NO 2008 Min 29 34 85.3% 40 6 6 54 127
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS 2007 Min 20 24 83.3% 39 10 1 55 99
2009 NO 26 31 83.9% 44 8 1 51 122 2006 Min 21 25 84.0% 27 4 0 49 90
2008 NO 13 13 100.0% 28 4 0 47 67 After moving from Green Bay via free agency in 2006,
Since releasing John Carney prior to the 2007 season, Longwell has been very consistent, missing only a handful of
the Saints tried Olindo Mare, Martin Gramatica, and Taylor field goals each year. The four he did miss in 2006 were all
Mehlhaff at kicker. None were the answer. Midway through from 46+ yards, the four in 2007 were all from 48+ yards, and
last season they tried out five kickers and appear to have found of the five he missed last year, three were from 47+ yards and
the answer in Hartley. He was perfect on all his field goal the other two were blocked. After the Vikings finished 28th in
and PAT attempts and did very well on kickoffs. Head coach kicker scoring in 2006 and 24th in 2007, they jumped up to
Sean Payton noted that he, the staff, and the other players have seventh last year. It was their first Top 10 ranking since Gary
confidence when Hartley kicks. The Saints offense emerged Anderson’s perfect season in 1998. The offensive coaching
in 2006, and they finished tenth in kicker scoring with 115 staff is back in 2009 for their fourth year. The Vikings signed
points. In 2007 things went wrong and they finished 30th Taylor Mehlhaff at the end of last year. He’ll get a shot at
with only 87 points. Last year they scored 119 points on the being a kickoff specialist, although Longwell’s improvement to
strength of PATs and ranked 19th. Item to watch this summer: acceptability in that department makes that a long shot.
the overall offensive under newly promoted offensive coordi-
nator Pete Carmichael. 12. Adam Vinatieri, Ind
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
9. Kris Brown, Hou 2009 Ind 24 29 82.8% 42 8 0 48 114
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS 2008 Ind 20 25 80.0% 43 4 2 52 103
2009 Hou 27 33 81.8% 39 7 3 52 120 2007 Ind 23 29 79.3% 49 0 0 39 118
2008 Hou 29 33 87.9% 37 8 2 53 124 2006 Ind 25 28 89.3% 38 9 0 48 113
2007 Hou 25 29 86.2% 40 7 5 57 115 Vinatieri has had two consecutive sub par years in terms of
2006 Hou 19 25 76.0% 26 11 0 49 83 field goal percentage, including five misses from under 40
The Texans ranked 31st in kicker scoring in their inaugural yards. On a brighter note, last year he made two field goals
year back in 2002. Brown gradually climbed up to 18th after from 50+ yards, ending a five year drought in that category.

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 14. Shayne Graham, Cin
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
2009 Cin 24 28 85.7% 38 7 1 52 110
2008 Cin 21 24 87.5% 15 9 0 45 78
2007 Cin 31 34 91.2% 37 6 0 48 130
2006 Cin 25 30 83.3% 40 6 2 51 115
After four years near the top in kicker scoring (fifth, third,
10th, and fifth), the Bengals plummeted to 31st last year.
Although Graham was accurate as usual, he simply didn’t
get many scoring opportunities. He also missed two games
with a groin injury. Dave Rayner filled in. Graham is the
fourth most accurate kicker in NFL history with an 85.64
percent career field goal percentage, and he has been per-
fect on PATs during seven of his eight years in the league.
The team kept him for at least another year by placing their
franchise tag on him for 2009. Although Graham will prob-
ably score more this year than during last year’s disaster, it
is unrealistic to expect the high level of production of the
preceding four years.

15. Jeff Reed, Pit

Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
2009 Pit 23 27 85.2% 39 6 1 51 108
2008 Pit 27 31 87.1% 36 8 1 53 117
2007 Pit 23 25 92.0% 44 4 0 49 113
2006 Pit 20 27 74.1% 41 4 1 50 101
When the Steelers previously won the Super Bowl in 2005,
KICKERS

they ranked seventh in kicker scoring. They dropped to 22nd

the following year. In 2007 during Mike Tomlin’s first year
at the helm, they climbed up to 16th. Last year their kicking
ICON SMI

points were up a little, although they dropped two notches to

Adam Vinatieri
18th in rank since kicker scoring was up around the league.
Coming off another Super Bowl victory and heading into
He also kept his streak alive of scoring at least 100 points 2009, the coaching staff and roster remain relatively intact.
every year. It didn’t look promising after he had only 37 points Reed has made the most of his attempts the last two years, but
in the first half of the season, but the Colts offense regrouped, the scoring opportunities have been somewhat limited as the
and Vinatieri had 66 points in the second half. Despite the Steelers’ success has come from the defense rather than the
changes in the coaching staff this year, the offense will have offense. Unless that changes, scoring for Reed should once
continuity as the team promoted from within. Vinatieri and the again remain in the same ballpark.
Colts may not be the juggernaut of old, but they should be able
to improve upon their 2008 numbers. 16. John Kasay, Car
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
13. Robbie Gould, Chi 2009 Car 23 27 85.2% 37 8 2 52 106
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS 2008 Car 28 31 90.3% 46 11 1 50 130
2009 Chi 25 29 86.2% 37 9 0 49 112 2007 Car 24 28 85.7% 27 6 2 53 99
2008 Chi 26 29 89.7% 41 8 0 48 119 2006 Car 24 27 88.9% 28 8 4 54 100
2007 Chi 31 36 86.1% 33 12 0 49 126 Kasay’s field goal percentages the last three years have
2006 Chi 32 36 88.9% 47 12 0 49 143 been among the best of his career. He has been perfect on
Gould’s 85.94 percent career field goal percentage puts field goals under 40 yards in four of the last five years.
him at third on the all-time accuracy list, behind only Nate Kasay’s kickoff numbers declined two years ago, so the team
Kaeding and Mike Vanderjagt. Although he has proven to be added kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd who subsequently led the
accurate from short and medium range, he still really hasn’t league in touchbacks. The Panthers appear perfectly willing
been tested from long range. In his four years in the NFL, he to keep two kickers on the roster. The biggest problem for
has attempted only two field goal attempts from 50+ yards, Kasay has been the inconsistency of the Panthers’ offense.
missing both of them. Contrary to the kicker stereotype, Gould Over the past decade, they have tended to go from one
is a team player. After two consecutive Top 10 fishes in kicker extreme to the other. Consequently, they have ranked fifth in
scoring, the Bears slipped to 15th last year, as the number kicker scoring four different years during that stretch. They
of field goals dropped and the number of PATs increased to have also ranked in the bottom third of the league on four dif-
a more typical distribution. Item to watch this summer: the ferent occasions.
offense with its big offseason acquisitions.

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 17. Lawrence Tynes, NYG 20. Joe Nedney, SF
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
2009 NYG 22 27 81.5% 38 7 1 50 104 2009 SF 24 28 85.7% 26 6 1 52 98
2008 NYG 1 1 100.0% 3 0 0 19 6 2008 SF 29 33 87.9% 34 8 2 53 121
2007 NYG 23 27 85.2% 40 8 0 48 109 2007 SF 17 19 89.5% 22 4 1 50 73
2006 KC 24 31 77.4% 35 7 2 53 107 2006 SF 29 35 82.9% 29 7 1 51 116
After his big overtime NFC Championship kick in 2007, After struggling early in his NFL career and then deal-
Tynes didn’t get a chance to follow-up in 2008. He suffered a ing with numerous year ending injuries, Nedney has been
knee injury during the preseason, and the Giants signed John both accurate and healthy during his four years with San
Carney who would subsequently have the best year of his Francisco. The team signed him to two year contract exten-
career. Tynes would eventually handle kickoffs in two games sion during the offseason. As with any kicker, Nedney relies
and placekicking in one of those, when the coaches felt his on the offense to provide him scoring opportunities. Every
stronger leg would be an advantage in windy conditions. With year the 49ers have had a new offensive coordinator and
Tynes under contract and Carney a free agent, the Giants head their kicker scoring rank has fluctuated accordingly: Mike
into 2009 with Tynes once again the starting kicker. Last year Martz (14th), Jim Hostler (32nd), Norv Turner (eighth), and
the Giants vaulted to number one in kicker scoring. Looking Mike McCarthy (21st). This year it is Jimmy Raye. Item
at recent history, the three previous teams that were number to watch this summer: how does the offense adapt to yet
one in kicker scoring all had a very similar follow-up the year another new system under its seventh offensive coordinator
afterwards. Arizona dropped from first to eighth, Chicago in seven years?
dropped from first to seventh, and Green Bay dropped from
first to seventh. 21. Rian Lindell, Buf
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
18. Josh Brown, StL 2009 Buf 22 26 84.6% 30 6 1 50 96
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS 2008 Buf 30 38 78.9% 34 10 1 53 124
2009 StL 23 27 85.2% 33 6 3 54 102 2007 Buf 24 27 88.9% 24 4 2 52 96
2008 StL 31 36 86.1% 19 10 6 54 112 2006 Buf 23 25 92.0% 33 8 2 53 102
2007 Sea 28 34 82.4% 43 8 3 54 127 Although the Bills finished 12th in kicker scoring last

KICKERS
2006 Sea 25 31 80.6% 36 7 3 54 111 year, they could have been in the Top 10 as they had the third
Brown was a consistently solid fantasy scorer during his highest number of field goal attempts. Lindell’s misses from
five years with Seattle, as they ranked anywhere from sixth long range led to his worst field goal percentage since 2003.
and 13th in kicker scoring. The 21st place ranking with the Only Denver and Washington squandered more kicker scoring
Rams last year was indicative of their up and down pattern. opportunities. At the other end of the range, Lindell has never
Their kicker scoring ranks over the prior 10 years were 26th, missed a PAT in his nine years in the NFL. The team enters its
third, seventh, 26th, first, 24th, first, 12th, fifth, and 26th. fourth year under head coach Dick Jauron, whose teams have
Brown has been perfect from under 40 yards the last two traditionally not produced high scoring kickers. History is
years. He also has the range and accuracy to make long kicks, working against Lindell seeing as many field goal attempts as
with seventeen 50+ yard FGs the last four years. He has prov- he did last year. Most teams see a drop-off, some significant,
en to be a clutch kicker, including two game winners against after a big year in that statistic.
the Rams in 2006. Item to watch this summer: the overall
offensive under new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. 22. Dan Carpenter, Mia
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
19. Josh Scobee, Jac 2009 Mia 21 25 84.0% 31 7 1 51 94
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS 2008 Mia 21 25 84.0% 40 9 1 50 103
2009 Jac 23 28 82.1% 31 7 2 54 100 The last time the Dolphins led the league in kicker scor-
2008 Jac 19 25 76.0% 33 5 4 53 90 ing was in 1992, and they have not finished in the Top
2007 Jac 12 13 92.3% 26 3 0 48 62 10 since 2000. After ranking 23rd in kicker scoring in
2006 Jac 26 32 81.3% 41 14 0 48 119 2006, they dropped to 29th in the disappointing 2007. In
Scobee has always had a strong leg, but his accuracy has rebuilding mode last year they managed to climb back up
varied. He struggled during his first two years in the league to 23rd. Part of that rebuilding occurred during the sum-
but began to show signs of improvement during his third year. mer when Jay Feely was released and the undrafted rookie
Despite missing the first half of his fourth year in 2007, he Carpenter was given the starting job. During the course of
returned in the second half to post his best numbers to date. 2008, he kept a low profile and just did his job on place-
Last year Scobee regressed, including three misses from under kicking and kickoffs, which is exactly what the Dolphins
40 yards. At the same time, the Jaguars’ offense also struggled, wanted. For 2009 he’ll need to do the same since he still
in part due to several injuries along the offensive line. That has to play under the watchful eye of an executive vice
meant fewer kicking scoring opportunities. All this added up president of football operations who isn’t fond of kickers
to a 29th place finish in kicker scoring in 2008. If the offense not named Matt Bahr.
can regroup, Scobee should see more scoring opportunities
than he had last year, however it is unlikely that he’ll bounce
all the way back to the Top 10 numbers of 2006.

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 career. He counterbalances that by occasional missing an easy
one or a PAT attempt. The team isn’t starting from scratch like
they were as an expansion team a decade ago; however in some
ways they are starting anew in 2009. Item to watch this sum-
mer: the overall offensive under the new coaching staff.

25. Matt Prater, Den

Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
2009 Den 21 27 77.8% 25 4 3 57 88
2008 Den 25 34 73.5% 39 5 5 56 114
2007 Atl 1 4 25.0% 1 1 0 45 4
Over the last 19 years, the Broncos have ranked in the Top
10 in kicker scoring 15 times. But the majority of that was
with Jason Elam as the kicker and Mike Shanahan as the
coach, both of whom are now gone. Second year kicker Matt
Prater started strong last year but faded down the stretch.
Rookie head coach Josh McDaniels got off to a rough start
with the highly publicized quarterback drama during the off-
season. On the positive side, Prater showed that he is capable
of producing. McDaniels showed in New England that he is
capable of coaching offense, and the current Denver players
have shown that they can play offense. Item to watch this sum-
mer: Prater’s accuracy and the overall offensive under the new
coaching staff.

26. Jay Feely, NYJ

ICON SMI

Matt Prater Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
KICKERS

2009 NYJ 20 24 83.3% 26 6 1 52 86

2008 NYJ 24 28 85.7% 39 4 2 55 111
2007 Mia 21 23 91.3% 26 7 1 53 89
23. Jason Hanson, Det 2006 NYG 23 27 85.2% 38 6 0 47 107
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
When Mike Nugent was injured during Week 1 last year,
2009 Det 21 24 87.5% 29 7 3 54 92
the Jets signed Feely. When Nugent was healthy enough to
2008 Det 21 22 95.5% 25 6 8 56 88
2007 Det 29 35 82.9% 35 11 3 53 122
kick again, the Jets opted to continue using Feely since he
2006 Det 29 33 87.9% 30 7 3 53 117 was kicking well at that time. Heading into the offseason, the
Hanson has been a fixture with the Lions for all of his Jets had two starting-caliber kickers who would both become
17 years in the NFL and has seen the ups and downs of the unrestricted free agents. Mike Nugent made the decision easier
Detroit offense. In 2007 they had a semi-up year and ranked when he indicated he wanted to test the waters of free agency.
eighth in kicker scoring. Last year was about as down as it The next day the Jets signed Feely to a one year deal. Aside
gets, as the winless Lions gave him very few scoring oppor- from 2005 when they scored only 90 points, the Jets have
tunities and they ended up ranked 30th in kicker scoring. consistently ranked near the middle of the NFL in kicker scor-
Hanson made the most of his chances and along the way, he ing every year over the last decade. The offensive and Feely
moved into first place on the all-time list for career 50+ yard finished on a down note last year as they averaged only four
field goals and into seventh place on the NFL’s all-time scoring kicking points per game over the final five weeks.
list. New offensive coordinator Scott Linehan has previously
served in that same role with the Dolphins and the Vikings. In 27. Olindo Mare, Sea
his first year both teams improved in kicker scoring from near Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
the bottom up to the middle of the pack. 2009 Sea 19 23 82.6% 27 6 1 53 84
2008 Sea 24 27 88.9% 30 5 3 51 102
24. Phil Dawson, Cle 2007 NO 10 17 58.8% 34 2 1 52 64
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS 2006 Mia 26 36 72.2% 22 9 1 52 100
2009 Cle 22 27 81.5% 24 6 2 53 90 When Josh Brown left via free agency last year, the
2008 Cle 30 36 83.3% 18 5 3 56 108 Seahawks signing the free agent Mare and drafted Brandon
2007 Cle 26 30 86.7% 42 7 1 51 120 Coutu in the seventh round. The same two kickers will once
2006 Cle 21 29 72.4% 25 6 1 51 88 again be competing for the job this year. Although Mare won
After years of scoring futility, the Browns jumped to ninth in the job last year, the Seahawks opted to keep Coutu on the ros-
kicker scoring in 2007. Last year they dropped right back down ter. The common assumption is that GM Tim Haskell wanted to
(to 22nd). The offense once again provided Dawson with plenty keep Coutu. Mare is coming off a year in which he was excel-
of filed goal opportunities; however their inability to get in the lent on kickoffs as always, but in which he also rediscovered
endzone led to only 18 PATs, lowest in the NFL. Dawson has his accuracy on field goals. Coutu had a very solid college
long range accuracy, going 10 of 15 from 50+ yards over his career in which he hit 80.3 percent on field goals with a long of

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 58 yards and did not miss a single PAT attempt. Seattle is com- attributed to the holder, the team felt that Suisham had enough
ing off a disappointing year in which they ranked 26th in kicker potential to re-sign him for this year. However, they did not
scoring with 102 points. Items to watch this summer: Coutu vs. simply hand him the job again for 2009. During the offseason
Mare II; and the offense under a new offensive coordinator. they signed journeyman kicker Dave Rayner to compete for
the job. Despite last year’s misses, Suisham has the better field
28. Mike Nugent, TB goal numbers of the two, while Rayner has the better kickoff
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS numbers. The winner will be kicking for a team that hasn’t
2009 TB 18 22 81.8% 28 6 0 49 82 scored many kicking points recently. This decade, the Redskins
2008 NYJ 0 1 0.0% 2 0 0 0 2 have ranked in the bottom half of the league in kicker scoring
2007 NYJ 29 36 80.6% 23 6 1 50 110 in eight of nine years.
2006 NYJ 24 27 88.9% 34 4 2 54 106
31. Steven Hauschka, Bal
or Matt Bryant, TB Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS 2009 Bal 15 19 78.9% 31 5 1 52 76
2009 TB 0 0 n/a 0 0 0 0 0 2008 Bal 1 2 50.0% 0 0 1 54 3
2008 TB 32 38 84.2% 35 5 0 49 131 With Matt Stover showing signs of mortality on longer
2007 TB 28 33 84.8% 34 6 0 49 118
kicks, the Ravens opted not to make an offer to the unre-
2006 TB 17 22 77.3% 22 5 1 62 73
stricted free and decided to look for one player that could
After several injury plagued and erratic years early in his
handle everything: short kicks, long kicks, and kickoffs. The
career, Bryant seemingly found a home in Tampa. Last year,
two contenders both got a late start playing football as they
amidst the tragic death of his son, he had career highs in field
spent their youth playing soccer. Both had a superlative senior
goals made and points scored. Nonetheless, the Bucs decided
year in college. Second year player Steve Hauschka has a
to bring in competition this year. After a rough freshman year,
one year head start, having handled kickoffs and two long
Nugent went on to have a stellar career at Ohio State. After a
field goal attempts for Baltimore last year. Rookie free agent
rough rookie year, he went on to become a solid kicker with
Graham Gano was brought on board just moments after the
the NY Jets. Last year he was injured during the first game,
2009 draft. Whoever wins the job enters a situation with a
and the Jets signed Jay Feely. The Jets decided to stick with
history of success. The Ravens have finished in the Top 10 in
Feely for the remainder of last year, even after Nugent was

KICKERS
kicker scoring in seven of the last ten years. A new coaching
healthy. Nugent decided to test out free agency. Bryant and
staff did not stop the pattern last year as they finished seventh
Nugent will compete for the job that landed the Bucs in the
in kicker scoring opportunities. Item to watch this summer:
Top 10 in kicker scoring each of the last two years. Items to
Hauschka vs. Gano.
watch this summer: Bryant vs. Nugent; and the offense under
a new coaching staff. 32. Connor Barth, KC
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
29. Sebastian Janikowski, Oak 2009 KC 17 21 81.0% 23 4 0 49 74
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS 2008 KC 10 12 83.3% 24 1 0 45 54
2009 Oak 18 23 78.3% 26 5 4 56 80
The Chiefs went through numerous kickers during 2008:
2008 Oak 24 30 80.0% 25 2 3 57 97
they started with a three-way battle between Billy Cundiff,
2007 Oak 23 32 71.9% 28 7 6 54 97
Nick Novak, and rookie Connor Barth. Cundiff was released
2006 Oak 18 25 72.0% 16 3 3 55 70
early on, and Jay Feely was brought in for a couple days near
In 2005, Janikowski’s field goal percentage, his long range
the end of preseason. Novak won the starting job to begin
field goals, and his kickoff distances were all the worst of
the regular season but lasted only six weeks. Then Barth was
his career. In 2006, the Raiders’ offense was one of the worst
re-signed. For 2009 Barth is back; however the new coaching
in the NFL and provided Janikowski with very few scor-
regime brought in competition via the last pick of the draft.
ing opportunities. In 2007 and 2008, Janikowski again had
Ryan Succop had a strong career placekicking, punting, and
poor numbers, although it wasn’t quite as bad as it looked on
kicking off at South Carolina, although an abdominal muscle
paper. Nine of his misses were from 50+ yards, including a
tear affected his senior year numbers. Whoever wins the job
64 yard attempt (which would have broken the NFL record)
will be kicking for a team that finished 32nd in kicker scor-
that hit the upright, and last year’s infamous 76 yard attempt.
ing last year with only 79 points. Item to watch this summer:
The Raiders ranked only 26th and 28th in kicker scoring the
Barth vs Succop.
last two years. Heading into 2009, a new coaching staff and
young team mean that Janikowski will once gain probably
have limited opportunities.
33+. Free Agents
When a kicker gets injured or a young prospect doesn’t pro-
duce, there are plenty of other kickers looking for work in the
30. Shaun Suisham, Was NFL. Established veterans, such as John Carney, Matt Stover,
Year Team FGM FGA Pct XPM 40-49 50+ lng PTS
2009 Was 16 20 80.0% 30 7 0 49 78
or Martin Gramatica, often get the first call. The losers of the
2008 Was 26 36 72.2% 25 11 1 50 103
kicker competitions in Baltimore, Kansas City, Seattle, Tampa
2007 Was 29 35 82.9% 29 10 1 50 116 Bay, and Washington will most likely hit the market. There
2006 Dal/Was 9 11 81.8% 14 1 1 52 41 are also plenty of younger prospects that have been lurking in
After a promising 2007, Suisham had a 2008 to forget, recent NFL training camps.
missing a league high ten field goals. With some of the blame
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 DEFENSE WINS
CHAMPIONSHIPS by John Norton and Jene Bramel

T
he Footballguys team strives to provide the tools that
everyone needs to win championships. In need of team
defense analysis? We have you covered in the team
pages beginning on Page 170. Looking to gain an advantage
DEFENSES
in your Individual Defensive Player league? You are in the
right place. Footballguys has assembled a team of the most
knowledgeable IDP writers on the planet, and we are dedicated
to providing the best tools and analysis available anywhere.
This article only scratches the surface of what our defensive
crew has to offer. We could fill this magazine with nothing
but defense if they would let us, but the offensive guys want
to play too. If there is a player we don’t talk about here, check
out the website and learn all you need to know about him.
From draft day through the fantasy playoffs, if IDP is your
game, we have you covered like no one else. Because when
you win, we win.

ARIZONA CARDINALS
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
331.5 26.6 31 17 13 3
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
NT Bryan Robinson 16 16 4 1 0 0 0 0
DE Darnell Dockett 16 37 12 4 1 3 0 1
DE Calais Campbell 16 24 5 0 1 0 0 1
OLB Chike Okeafor 16 49 10 3.5 1 0 1 3
OLB Clark Haggans 11 18 2 1.5 0 1 0 2
ILB Karlos Dansby 16 94 25 3.5 2 3 2 5
ILB Gerald Hayes 16 68 21 1.5 4 2 0 4
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 16 38 4 0 0 0 4 19
CB Bryant McFadden (Pit) 10 37 4 1 0 1 2 8
FS Antrel Rolle 16 78 11 0 0 0 1 5
SS Adrian Wilson 15 60 15 2.5 2 0 2 5
OLB Cody Brown Rookie, Pick No. 63, Connecticut
DE/OLB Bert Berry 14 15 7 5 2 1 0 3

After suffering through multiple nagging injuries and

scheme changes earlier in his career, LB Karlos Dansby ful-
filled the all-around promise long-time IDP owners had been
expecting from him. Dansby thrived in his second season as
the WILB in Arizona’s aggressive 3-4 hybrid scheme, filling
up his year end stat line with 94 solo tackles (119 total), 3.5
sacks, five FF/FRs and a handful of coverage stats. At age 28,
Dansby is in the prime of his career and should remain one of
the league’s best all-around IDP options at linebacker. Fellow
ILB Gerald Hayes is capable of big numbers, but does not
play enough in the team’s nickel packages to be counted on
as more than a LB4. Be careful before investing in DE/OLBs
Bert Berry or Chike Okeafor. Durability is a major concern for
ICON SMI

Ray Lewis both veteran pass rushers and neither is likely to play enough
effective snaps to be a consistent IDP option. SS Adrian

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 Wilson hasn’t been a big tackle producer in recent seasons,
but his all-around talent makes him a solid DB2 with upside.
Don’t expect FS Antrel Rolle to repeat his 78-solo tackle
performance from 2008, but he remains an above-average big
play safety and a solid target in big play leagues. Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie and Bryant McFadden are solid options in
CB required leagues. Those in big play or coverage friendly
scoring systems should give Rodgers-Cromartie a long look as
a DB3.
scouting report, he could easily finish in the Top 25.
Fantasy Prospects
MLB Curtis Lofton – Primed to explode in every-down
role
DE John Abraham – Double digit sack potential
SS William Moore – Rookie could quickly become stud DB
WLB Mike Peterson – Could regain form with fresh start
FS Erik Coleman – Solid DB3 with some upside

Fantasy Prospects
ILB Karlos Dansby – Stud with LB1 upside BALTIMORE RAVENS
SS Adrian Wilson – Playmaking DB1 safety Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
FS Antrel Rolle – Unlikely to repeat 2008 numbers 261.1 15.2 35 8 26 6
DE/DT Darnell Dockett – Inconsistent, but capable POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
ILB Gerald Hayes – Excellent depth at minimum NT Haloti Ngata 16 43 12 1 0 0 2 6
DE/NT Kelly Gregg Missed 2008 with Injury
DE Trevor Pryce 16 18 9 4.5 0 0 0 2
ATLANTA FALCONS OLB Terrell Suggs 16 53 15 8 2 0 2 9
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD OLB Jarret Johnson 16 45 12 5 2 1 0 3
348.2 20.3 34 8 12 2 ILB Tavares Gooden 4 3 2 0 0 0 0 0
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD ILB Ray Lewis 16 84 32 3.5 1 2 3 9
DT Jonathan Babineaux 16 32 7 3.5 0 1 0 2 CB Fabian Washington 12 28 3 0 0 0 1 15
DT Peria Jerry Rookie, Pick No. 21, Mississippi CB Domonique Foxworth 15 35 3 0 0 0 1 11
DE Jamaal Anderson 15 24 3 2 0 0 0 2 SS Dawan Landry 2 8 3 0 0 0 0 0
DE John Abraham 16 37 1 16.5 4 0 0 1 FS Ed Reed 16 34 7 1 1 2 9 16
WLB Mike Peterson (Atl) 15 69 14 0 0 0 0 0 ILB Jason Phillips Rookie, Pick No. 137, TCU

DEFENSES
MLB Curtis Lofton 16 67 27 1 1 0 0 3 ILB Jameel McClain 11 12 4 2.5 0 0 0 0
SLB Stephen Nicholas 16 16 4 1 0 0 0 2
CB Chris Houston 16 52 9 0 0 1 2 16 The Ravens give us some quality options but the headliner
CB Chevis Jackson 16 26 5 0 0 0 1 5 is future hall of fame ILB Ray Lewis. Once a perennial 100+
FS Erik Coleman 16 80 15 0 2 0 3 6 solo a season guy, Lewis’s tackle numbers have slipped into
SS William Moore Rookie, Pick No. 55, Missouri the mid 80s over the past three seasons but big play ability
SLB Coy Wire 16 28 6 0 0 0 0 1 has kept him in the top 12 in each of those years despite miss-
DE Lawrence Sidbury Jr. Rookie, Pick No. 125, Richmond ing two games in both 2006 and 2007. Over that span Lewis
has put up 11 sacks, seven picks and has had a hand in eight
With long-time leader Keith Brooking gone, second-year forced fumbles. There is some injury risk with the 34-year
MLB Curtis Lofton takes over the defense. He’s strong old but he’s still a Top 12 guy. The Ravens have a lot of faith
against the run and is expected to improve his coverage skills in youngsters Tavares Jackson and Jameel McClain, who
enough to assume an every down role. Lofton’s 2008 numbers will compete to replace Bart Scott at the other ILB position.
look pedestrian on paper, but are extremely impressive when Gooden was injured early in his rookie season so we have
you consider that he sat nearly out nearly all of the team’s little to go on until we see him play. McClain made the most
defensive snaps in nickel packages. If Lofton remains produc- of his limited opportunity in 2008 by recording 12 tackles and
tive in an every-down role, 100 solo tackles and a LB1 finish 2.5 sacks. The winner has the potential to be a contributor as
are well within reach. WLB Mike Peterson left Jacksonville depth or maybe even an LB3. Both of these guys should be on
after a contentious 2008 season and is looking for a fresh the dynasty watch list as even Lewis can’t play forever. Terrell
start as a Falcon. His production has declined significantly Suggs value depends on what position your league software
in the past two seasons and there’s no guarantee his numbers designates him. As a DE he is dependable as they come. He’s
will rebound in Atlanta. Either Coy Wire or Stephen Nicholas never finished worse than No. 14 and has finished among the
will get the call at SLB. Wire bumped Michael Boley from Top 10 in four of the last five seasons, including #2 in 2008.
the lineup in 2008 but Nicholas was atop the depth chart in Ed Reed is the premier big play safety in the league, but he
mini camp. Should he win the job, he could be an every down doesn’t put up enough tackles to have consistent fantasy value.
guy and a sneaky sleeper. DE John Abraham will continue Kelly Gregg is a worthy option for owners who must play inte-
to be a durability concern but remains a threat for double- rior linemen.
digit sacks. He’s a solid target in all formats. DT Jonathan
Babineaux failed to put up the big pass rush numbers expect- Fantasy Prospects
ed of him last season, but will again have big opportunity as ILB Ray Lewis - Quality LB2
the Falcons’ three-technique DT between Abraham and first ILB Tavares Gooden - Sleeper with LB3 potential
round pick Peria Jerry. FS Erik Coleman was very productive ILB Jameel McClain - Sleeper with LB3 potential
last season, but will have to fight rookie SS William Moore DE Terrell Suggs - Stud DE if you can play him there
and Lofton for tackles this season. If Moore plays to his FS Ed Reed - Lacks consistency, generally overvalued

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 CB Richard Marshall 16 68 7 2 0 0 1 4
BUFFALO BILLS CB Chris Gamble 16 83 10 0 1 2 3 18
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
FS Charles Godfrey 16 52 9 1 1 2 1 5
326.1 21.4 24 12 12 3
SS Chris Harris 16 60 10 0 2 1 1 3
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
DE Everette Brown Rookie, Pick No. 43, Florida State
DT Marcus Stroud 16 27 17 1 1 2 0 7
DE Charles Johnson 16 20 5 6 1 1 0 7
DT Kyle Williams 16 38 19 3.5 1 0 0 0
DB Sherrod Martin Rookie, Pick No. 59, Troy
DE Aaron Schobel 5 18 1 1 0 0 0 1
DE Aaron Maybin Rookie, Pick No. 11, Penn State
WLB Kawika Mitchell 16 57 25 4 2 0 2 3
MLB Jon Beason finished among the Top 5 lineback-
SLB Keith Ellison 16 49 24 0 0 1 0 2 ers in most scoring systems last season despite career high
MLB Paul Posluszny 16 87 23 0 1 1 1 6 solo tackle numbers from both WLB Thomas Davis and CB
CB Terrence McGee 14 61 5 0 0 0 3 18 Chris Gamble. Unlike last season, when rookie Dan Connor
CB Leodis McKelvin 16 26 6 0 1 1 2 5 was considered a threat to move Beason outside, there are no
FS Jairus Byrd Rookie, Pick No. 42, Oregon questions about whether Beason is the leader of this defense
SS Donte Whitner 13 50 11 1 1 0 0 7 - expect another Top 5 finish in 2009. DE Julius Peppers had
DE Ryan Denney 16 40 18 4 1 0 0 7 been an inconsistent player on a week-to-week basis for most
S Bryan Scott 16 56 13 1 1 1 0 3 of his career, but he finished 2008 with a career high 14.5
sacks. Peppers remains an enigma, however, and prospective
Paul Posluszny led the Bills with a solid 87 solo tackles IDP owners will be left to wonder whether the highly moti-
in 2008, but those numbers were well short of what we have vated Peppers of 2008 will return this season. Thomas Davis
come to expect from a position with a rich IDP history. He flourished in his new role as an every-down weak side backer
was also light in the big play columns compared to those that last season, putting up an impressive 92 solo tackles and 3.5
have come before him. This position is a proven gold mine, sacks. Davis may not be able to top 90 solos again this season,
and Posluszny is now two years removed from the knee injury but he should again finish among the top OLBs. CB Chris
that may have contributed to the lower numbers. Last year’s Gamble also had an impressive season, with 83 solo tackles,
totals will cause him to slip on draft day, but expect him to 18 passes defended and three INTs. Gamble is a solid target
bounce back and don’t hesitate to grab him as your second LB. again this season but will have stiff competition to remain the
DEFENSES

Aaron Schobel has fully recovered from the foot injury that
landed him on IR last season ending a string of five years with
Top 12 finishes. When healthy Schobel is among the most
consistent fantasy options at the position - he can be counted
on for 40+ solo tackles and is always a threat to reach double-
digit sacks. With a shortage of quality fantasy options at the
position his value will be even higher. Aaron Maybin totaled
12 sacks for Penn State last year and seems a perfect fit as
a bookend to Schobel. It remains to be seen if he will hold
an every down job as a rookie, but he will see the field often
and is a strong sleeper. The Bills use a lot of Cover-2 which
helps to keep Terrence McGee annually among the leagues top
tackle producing corners. He’s a sure starter in corner-required
leagues.
most productive corner on his own team. Richard Marshall
was stuck behind Ken Lucas for three seasons but averaged
over 70 solo tackles a year over that time, making him more
valuable than most starters. He could well finish among the
Top 10 defensive backs this season. Strong safety Chris Harris
slumped behind the two high tackling linebackers, but has
DB2 upside.
Fantasy Prospects
MLB Jon Beason – Stud in all formats
DE Julius Peppers – Solid DL1 despite trade risk
WLB Thomas Davis – Could repeat breakout 2008
CB Richard Marshall – Finally gets chance to play full time
SS Chris Harris – Solid depth option with upside

Fantasy Prospects
DE Aaron Schobel - Quality starter CHICAGO BEARS
DE Aaron Maybin - Sleeper with long term upside Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
MLB Paul Posluszny - Solid LB3 with LB1 potential 334.7 21.9 28 10 22 3
CB Terrence McGee - Starter in corner-required leagues POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
SS Donte Whitner - Cover-2 scheme ruins his value DT Tommie Harris 14 33 4 5 0 1 0 0
DT Marcus Harrison 16 24 4 2 0 0 0 2
DE Alex Brown 16 42 2 6 1 1 1 6
CAROLINA PANTHERS DE Adewale Ogunleye 16 48 14 5 0 0 1 4
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD SLB Hunter Hillenmeyer 13 14 4 1 0 0 0 2
326.1 20.6 37 13 12 2 WLB Lance Briggs 16 91 19 1 1 2 3 11
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD MLB Brian Urlacher 16 79 14 0 0 1 2 10
DT Ma'ake Kemoeatu 14 31 5 0 1 0 0 2 CB Charles Tillman 15 81 12 0 4 0 3 17
DT Damione Lewis 15 33 10 3.5 1 1 0 5 CB Corey Graham 16 77 14 0 1 1 1 8
DE Julius Peppers 16 40 11 14.5 5 0 0 5 FS Craig Steltz 11 18 0 0 0 0 1 1
DE Tyler Brayton 16 35 5 4.5 1 1 0 3 SS Kevin Payne 16 73 15 1 0 0 4 7
WLB Thomas Davis 16 92 21 3.5 2 1 0 6 FS Josh Bullocks 16 34 7 0 1 0 1 6
SLB Na'il Diggs 16 43 11 1 0 0 1 2 CB/S Danieal Manning 15 27 6 0.5 0 0 1 4
MLB Jon Beason 16 110 28 0 0 1 3 8
MLB Brian Urlacher aligned much closer to the line of
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 scrimmage last season, making it easier for opposing offensive
linemen to block him. His tackle numbers reflected it. After
three consecutive seasons of 90 or more solo tackles, Urlacher
managed only 79 in 2008. While it’s also possible that
Urlacher’s range has declined with age, the rumored return to
a more traditional Cover-2 look can only help his numbers.
DE Adewale Ogunleye remains one of the better all-around
ends in the league - though his pass-rush numbers are often
inconsistent from season to season. He’ll remain a solid target,
especially in tackle heavy scoring systems. WLB Lance Briggs
rebounded nicely from his disappointing 2008 finish with 91
solos, three interceptions and 11 passes defended. His value
should remain steady regardless of the defensive play calling.
Long time IDP owners know exactly what they’ll get from CB
Charles Tillman - strong tackle stats, a handful of big plays
in coverage and a couple of games missed due to injury. He
should again finish among the Top 5 corners. SS Kevin Payne
could make the leap into the elite tier of DBs this season,
especially if Urlacher continues to struggle to shed blocks and
make plays in pursuit. Owners in deeper leagues should also
consider DT Tommie Harris, who is productive when healthy,
and CB Corey Graham, who flashed all-around potential last
season and could earn a job opposite Tillman.
Fantasy Prospects
MLB Brian Urlacher – Age beginning to catch up to this
tackles when his 2008 season came to an end. He’s capable of
being very productive but much could change with Maualuga
on board. The safety position also has a lot of potential. The
problem being that there are four possible starters in the mix.
Marvin White was on his way to 70+ tackles before injuring
his knee. Chinedum Ndukwe had an outstanding rookie season
and was very productive last year when healthy. Chris Crocker
was picked up during the season and played well enough to
earn a new contract. SS Roy Williams went to the Pro Bowl
while playing under Zimmer in Dallas. Keep an eye on this
situation throughout training camp. One more guy to watch is
rookie DE Michael Johnson, who the Bengals believe will be
the answer to their pass rush problem.
Fantasy Prospects
MLB Rey Maualuga - Huge potential
WLB Keith Rivers - LB3 with upside
SS Chinedum Ndukwe - Big potential if he wins the job
FS Marvin White - Watch the competition closely
SS Roy Williams - Value depends on playing time
DE Michael Johnson - Dynasty sleeper
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
356.5 21.9 17 8 23 2
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD

DEFENSES
LB2
CB Charles Tillman – Still a Top 5 corner DE Corey Williams 15 33 17 0.5 1 1 0 4
WLB Lance Briggs – Solid LB2 option DE Kenyon Coleman (NYJ) 16 44 10 0 1 0 0 1
DE Adewale Ogunleye – All around end with DL1 upside NT Shaun Rogers 16 62 14 5 0 0 0 4
SS Kevin Payne – Could ascend to elite DB status OLB Kamerion Wimbley 16 52 14 4 1 0 1 2
OLB David Bowens (NYJ) 16 22 19 4.5 2 1 1 3
ILB D'Qwell Jackson 16 96 58 2 0 0 3 6
ILB Eric Barton (NYJ) 16 93 26 1.5 1 1 0 4
CINCINNATI BENGALS CB Brandon McDonald 16 64 11 0 1 0 5 17
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
CB Eric Wright 16 61 5 0 2 3 3 13
325.5 22.8 17 12 12 3
FS Brodney Pool 15 60 5 1 1 1 3 6
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
SS Mike Adams 14 36 8 0 0 1 2 2
DT Domata Peko 16 29 38 0.5 0 0 0 2
OLB David Veikune Rookie, Pick No. 52, Hawaii
DT Pat Sims 11 22 14 1 0 0 0 0
OLB Abram Elam (NYJ) 16 48 21 2 3 0 1 3
DE Antwan Odom 12 19 7 3 2 0 0 2
DE Robert Geathers 11 22 16 2.5 1 1 0 1
MLB/SLB Dhani Jones 16 75 41 0 1 1 1 8 The 3-4 scheme generally doesn’t provide many fantasy
MLB/SLB Rey Maualuga Rookie, Pick No. 38, USC options, and the Browns’ version is no exception. D’Qwell
WLB Keith Rivers 7 24 13 0 1 0 1 1 Jackson had a breakout season in 2008 when reached career
CB Leon Hall 16 61 14 0 0 1 3 24 highs in tackles with 96, picks with three, and sacks with two.
CB Johnathan Joseph 8 31 11 0 1 1 1 13 The next highest tackle total on the team was just 64. Jackson
FS Chinedum Ndukwe 11 43 21 3 0 1 1 4 has become a very solid player but is no lock to repeat. New
SS Roy Williams (Dal) 3 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 head coach Eric Mangini brought a number of players with
FS Chris Crocker 14 35 9 1.5 1 0 1 3 him from the Jets, including ILB Eric Barton who was New
FS Marvin White 12 53 15 0 0 0 1 4 York’s leading tackler. As much as this club may struggle
DE Michael Johnson Rookie, Pick No. 70, Georgia Tech through the transition, the chances of both players nearing
DT Tank Johnson (Dal) 16 13 9 1 1 0 0 0 90 solo stops is very slim. Until we learn what roles these
two will hold it’s impossible to predict which to draft. Nose
The Bengals give us no IDPs that are a sure thing. MLB tackle Shaun Rogers broke out for a career best 62 solo tack-
Rey Maualuga has the most upside and long term value. He’s les and added five sacks on his way to becoming the fantasy
a risk this year, however, because he’s not certain to be an game’s top option among interior linemen in 2008. Before
every-down player as a rookie, and there have been rumors drafting Rogers based on last year’s production consider this,
that he may line up at SLB for a while. Don’t let this scare you it’s extremely rare for a player at that position to put up such
off. The SLB position is generally less complicated, so it’s not gaudy numbers, and exceptionally rare for them to repeat.
unusual for rookies to get their feet wet there. He is the MLB He’s a strong option in tackle-required leagues, but the rest
for the future. WLB Keith Rivers was on pace for 96 solo of us should let someone else take the chance. The Browns

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 other major fantasy contributor in recent years was SS Sean
Jones who has moved on, leaving Mike Adams and former Jet
Abram Elam to compete for the job. Strong safety is tradition-
ally a productive position in this scheme, so the winner of that
job is worthy of sleeper status.

Fantasy Prospects
ILB D’Qwell Jackson - Has LB2 potential
ILB Eric Barton - Has LB2 potential
SS Abram Elam - Worth as depth if he wins the job
SS Mike Adams - Possible DB3 if he wins the job
NT Shaun Rogers - Quality starter in tackle required

DALLAS COWBOYS
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
294.3 22.8 59 14 8 1
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
DE Marcus Spears 16 23 12 1 1 0 0 2
DE Igor Olshansky (SD) 16 21 8 2 0 0 0 0
NT Jay Ratliff 16 33 18 7.5 0 1 0 5
OLB Greg Ellis 16 25 10 7.5 0 1 1 1
OLB DeMarcus Ware 16 69 15 20 6 1 0 2
ILB Bradie James 16 80 36 8 3 2 0 4
ILB Keith Brooking (Atl) 16 71 31 0 0 0 0 3
CB Terence Newman 10 32 5 0 0 1 4 11
CB Mike Jenkins 14 19 0 0 0 0 1 4
DEFENSES

SS Gerald Sensabaugh (Jac) 16 59 11 0 0 0 4 8

FS Ken Hamlin 16 53 21 1 1 1 1 2
ILB Jason Williams Rookie, Pick No. 61, Western Illinois
DB DeAngelo Smith Rookie, Pick No. 143, Ohio State

OLB DeMarcus Ware, along with Pittsburgh OLB James

Harrison, smashed the general belief that 3-4 OLBs struggle

ICON SMI
to hold their value in tackle neutral or tackle heavy scoring
formats. Ware was extremely consistent, notching at least one DeMarcus Ware
sack in 14 of his 16 games and adding nearly 50 additional
solo tackles on his way to a Top 5 finish in most leagues. ILB Bradie James – LB2 with upside
He’ll need to put up similar numbers to hold his value in NT Jay Ratliff – Should hold value in all formats
tackle heavy leagues, but he’s clearly the most sudden edge ILB Keith Brooking – Could surprise if he plays every
rusher in the NFL. ILB Bradie James began earning time in down
the Cowboys’ nickel packages by midseason and had a huge SS Gerald Sensabaugh – Boom or bust DB pick
second half, riding a favorable schedule to 50 solo tackles and
six sacks in his final eight games. He’s unlikely to continue DENVER BRONCOS
that torrid pace into 2009 but is a solid LB2 option in all Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
scoring systems. ILB Keith Brooking put up over 100 solos 374.6 28 26 7 6 2
the last time he played ILB under Wade Phillips in 2002. His POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
range has declined, but he could fulfill the expectations many DE Kenny Peterson 16 15 9 3 1 0 0 1
saw for Zach Thomas last season if he earns an every-down DE Marcus Thomas 16 23 11 0 0 0 1 1
NT Ronald Fields (SF) 16 13 6 0 0 0 0 0
role. Consider him a risky LB3/4 option. NT Jay Ratliff is a
OLB Elvis Dumervil 16 17 7 5 1 1 0 0
strong option in DT-required leagues and should again provide
OLB Robert Ayers Rookie, Pick No. 18, Tennessee
enough pass rush to have value in all leagues. Keep an eye on
ILB Andra Davis (Cle) 16 62 28 0 0 0 1 3
new SS Gerald Sensabaugh. He was unable to seize an oppor-
ILB D.J. Williams 11 68 25 2.5 0 1 0 2
tunity in Jacksonville and rookie Michael Hamlin could work
CB Champ Bailey 9 39 5 1 2 0 1 3
his way into the mix soon. However, Sensabaugh could have CB Andre Goodman (Mia) 16 33 6 0 1 1 5 19
decent value in 2009, especially if Brooking falters. FS Ken SS Renaldo Hill (Mia) 16 62 15 0 0 0 3 4
Hamlin is an inconsistent fantasy option but deserves a late FS Brian Dawkins (Phi) 16 64 11 3 6 1 1 6
flier in big-play oriented scoring systems. CB Alphonso Smith Rookie, Pick No. 37, Wake Forest
S/CB Darcel McBath Rookie, Pick No. 48, Texas Tech
Fantasy Prospects
OLB DeMarcus Ware – Good value in all systems Denver gives us very little in the way of IDP prospects

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 with ILB D.J. Williams being the only sure thing. He was on scoring systems. Rookie Louis Delmas is a heavy favorite to
pace for a second consecutive 100+ solo tackle season before start at free safety and could have good value, as could Daniel
missing five games with an injury last year. He’s an excellent Bullocks if he earns the starting SS job. Both Anthony Henry
player with a knack for getting to the ball carrier. There is little and Phillip Buchanon have had solid tackling seasons in recent
doubt he will lead the club in tackles this year and is likely to years and are worth a look in leagues that require corners.
be a Top 10 linebacker. Beyond Williams there is nothing to
get excited about. Cleveland transplant Andra Davis will line- Fantasy Prospects
up next to Williams on the inside and could have some value, WLB Ernie Sims – LB3 with LB2 upside
but he may prove to be a two-down player. Elvis Dumervil or OLB Julian Peterson – LB3 with big play upside
Robert Ayers might have some value if your league software DE Cliff Avril – Could become solid DL2
has them as defensive ends. As linebackers they will likely be FS Louis Delmas – Rookie with significant upside
very average at best. SS Renaldo Hill could be worth a late MLB Larry Foote – Training camp watch list
round flier. He was fairly productive for Miami at one point MLB DeAndre Levy – Situation to watch in camp
and could find himself in a target-rich environment. Champ
Bailey is an outstanding corner, but without a stud on the other
side, clubs will simply continue to avoid him. Free safeties in GREEN BAY PACKERS
the 3-4 are rarely productive, and at 36 years old there was a Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
reason Philadelphia let Brian Dawkins walk. 334.3 23.8 27 6 27 7
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
Fantasy Prospects DE Cullen Jenkins 4 10 3 2.5 1 0 0 1
DE/NT B.J. Raji Rookie, Pick No. 19, Boston College
ILB D.J. Williams - Probable Top 10 LB
NT/DE Ryan Pickett 16 26 22 1.5 0 0 0 3
SS Renaldo Hill - Possible backup DB
OLB Aaron Kampman 16 46 16 8.5 0 0 0 1
OLB Elvis Dumervil - Minimal value
OLB Clay Matthews Rookie, Pick No. 26, USC
OLB Robert Ayers - Minimal value
ILB A.J. Hawk 16 67 19 3 0 0 0 1
ILB Nick Barnett 9 41 8 0 0 0 0 2
CB Al Harris 12 24 1 0 0 0 0 9
DETROIT LIONS

DEFENSES
CB Charles Woodson 16 50 12 3 1 1 7 17
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
SS Atari Bigby 7 15 6 0 0 0 1 2
404.4 32.3 30 16 4 1
FS Nick Collins 16 60 12 0 0 0 7 15
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
S Aaron Rouse 14 40 14 0 0 0 2 3
DT Grady Jackson (Atl) 15 23 5 2 0 0 0 1
DT Chartric Darby 15 23 9 1.5 0 1 0 0
Long time stud DE Aaron Kampman will move to OLB in the
DE Cliff Arvil 15 18 5 5 4 1 0 0
Packers’ new 3-4 scheme, so it’s unlikely that he’ll remain clas-
DE Dewayne White (TB) 12 28 10 6.5 3 1 1 2
SLB Julian Peterson (Sea) 16 65 21 5 4 1 0 5
sified as a DL in most league management software. He’ll need
WLB Ernie Sims 16 72 41 1.5 0 0 0 1
to make a smooth and very successful transition to have more
MLB Larry Foote (Pit) 16 34 29 1.5 1 0 0 3 than marginal IDP value unless the scoring system is very sack
CB Anthony Henry (Dal) 16 39 11 2 1 2 1 5 heavy. Nick Barnett will likely face more blockers as the strong
CB Phillip Buchanon (TB) 16 48 4 0 1 1 2 6 inside linebacker this season, but should have enough oppor-
FS Louis Delmas Rookie, Pick No. 33, Western Michigan tunity to finish in the Top 25. A.J. Hawk is a solid fit at weak
SS Daniel Bullocks 16 64 30 0 2 1 0 2 inside linebacker and may be in line for his best season yet. FS
FS Gerald Alexander 5 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 Nick Collins exploded with seven interceptions and 15 passes
MLB DeAndre Levy Rookie, Pick No. 76, Wisconsin defended last season, but he only had 60 solo tackles and isn’t
a great bet to repeat his high fantasy finish. The strong safety
There will be a new face in nearly every defensive position position may be more valuable in the new scheme, but neither
this season. Ends Dewayne White and Cliff Avril will return, Aaron Rouse nor Atari Bigby will hold much value if they
with Avril slated to have a larger role in the defense. Though remain in rotational roles. Charles Woodson is expected to move
undersized, if he can stay effective against the run and build on back to corner after taking snaps at SS last season. He’s risky at
the pass rush talent he flashed as a rookie, Avril could become age 33, but his all-around talent will be worth a flier as depth
an every week fantasy start. Ernie Sims was never able to take in DB leagues. He even warrants CB2 consideration in leagues
advantage of the extra opportunity afforded to weak side back- that breakout corner as a position. DE Cullen Jenkins is talented
ers in Tampa-2 defenses, but new head coach Jim Schwartz enough to roster in deeper leagues despite the historically less
has high hopes that he’ll improve with a change in scheme. productive 3-4 DE role. Rookie OLB Clay Matthews is raw and
The middle linebacker position will be an open competition faces an uphill climb in tackle-heavy scoring leagues.
between veteran free agent acquisition Larry Foote and third
round draft pick DeAndre Levy. Foote fits the Schwartz mold Fantasy Prospects
a little better than Levy and may have a slight edge on the OLB Aaron Kampman – Move to OLB hurts
rookie for the starting job entering camp. Neither player will ILB Nick Barnett – Will remain solid LB option
have much upside unless they secure a role on passing downs. ILB A.J. Hawk – Possibly a career season at ILB
OLB Julian Peterson should produce similar numbers to those FS Nick Collins – May not repeat big 2008
he did in Seattle, making him a better option in sack heavy OLB Clay Matthews – Unlikely to put up big numbers

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 there are some signs that point to Cushing overcoming that
handicap. Solid cover skills will likely make him an every-
down player, and there is the fact that last year’s starting SLB
Zach Diles was leading the team in tackles and on pace for 94
solos before breaking his leg in Week 9. With 87 tackles and
26 sacks in the last two seasons, Mario Williams has become
one of the leagues finest every down ends. He should be
among the Top 3 off the board at that position. Williams’ num-
bers could be even better now that the club has added Antonio
Smith at the other end. Smith posted 38 tackles and 6.5 sacks
as a part time starter in 2007 before being lost in the Cardinals
3-4 transition last season. He could be a big surprise. Rookie
rush specialist Connor Barwin is a dynasty special who could
emerge as a starter down the road. With 45 tackles over the
final eight games last year, safety Eugene Wilson belongs high
on our sleeper lists.

Fantasy Prospects
MLB DeMeco Ryans - Solid LB1
OLB Brian Cushing - Rook with big upside
DE Mario Williams - Top 3 DL
DE Antonio Smith - Sleeper with DL2 potential
DE Connor Barwin - Dynasty Special
S Eugene Wilson - Strong sleeper

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
DEFENSES

Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD

310.9 18.6 30 11 15 4
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
DT Keyunta Dawson 14 21 21 0 0 1 0 0
ICON SMI

DT Eric Foster 13 28 7 0.5 0 0 0 1

Mario Williams
DE Dwight Freeney 15 24 4 10.5 4 0 0 0
DE Robert Mathis 15 36 12 11 5 3 0 3
MLB Gary Brackett 12 71 28 0 1 1 0 1
SLB Phillip Wheeler 16 12 2 0 0 0 0 0
HOUSTON TEXANS WLB Clint Session 16 73 20 0 2 0 0 0
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
CB Marlin Jackson 7 41 6 0 1 0 0 1
336.6 24.6 25 10 12 1
CB Kelvin Hayden 10 36 6 0 1 0 3 12
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
SS Bob Sanders 6 25 14 0 0 0 1 2
DT Travis Johnson 15 22 6 1 0 0 0 2
FS Antoine Bethea 16 74 27 0 0 1 2 4
DT Amobi Okoye 14 15 9 1 1 1 0 2
SS Melvin Bullitt 15 59 13 0 1 0 4 9
DE Mario Williams 16 44 9 12 4 0 0 0
WLB Freddie Keiaho 14 79 26 0 0 2 0 0
DE Antonio Smith (Ari) 16 31 10 3.5 2 3 0 0
SLB Brian Cushing Rookie, Pick No. 15, USC
Gary Brackett has averaged nearly 6.5 solo tackles a game
WLB Xavier Adibi 7 27 8 0 0 1 0 0
over the past four years. He’s a contributor in the big-play
MLB DeMeco Ryans 16 86 26 1 2 3 0 4
CB Jacques Reeves 16 48 4 0 1 0 4 19
columns and is as consistent as any IDP in the game. Brackett
CB Dunta Robinson 11 35 3 0 0 0 2 6
was on pace for 100+ solo stops last season before a leg injury
FS Eugene Wilson 12 52 11 0 0 0 2 7 sidelined him for the final month of the regular season. The
SS Nick Ferguson 14 48 11 0 0 0 1 1 Colts OLB positions are fantasy friendly as well. Freddie
S Dominique Barber 12 12 3 1 0 0 0 1 Keiaho led the team in tackles from WLB last year, but he may
DE Connor Barwin Rookie, Pick No. 46, Cincinnati have lost his starting job to Clint Session. Session got the call
at SLB for most of 2008 and put up very solid numbers. There
As a rookie in 2006, DeMeco Ryans piled up 126 solo will be competition for both OLB positions during camp but
tackles and was the #1 fantasy LB. His numbers have steadily the early projections have Session and Phillip Wheeler as start-
slipped over the past two years, and he finished at #13 in ers. Whoever lands the WLB job is likely a 90+ tackle guy.
2008. In his defense, Ryans has played through some nagging A healthy Bob Sanders is a sure Top 10 DB. Unfortunately a
injuries over the past two seasons. He remains one of the top healthy Sanders is a rarity. Last year he suited up for just six
options at the position and should bounce back with a Top games. Grab him late on draft day, but be sure to land Melvin
10 finish in 2009. Brian Cushing projects to line up at SLB, Bullitt as well. In Bullitt’s nine starts last season he aver-
which is normally a killer for fantasy production; however aged better than five solo tackles a game and intercepted four

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 passes. FS Antoine Bethea also prospers when Sanders is out. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Bethea was the Colts’ second leading tackler last season with Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
74 solos. Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney each totaled 10+ 393.2 27.5 10 16 13 3
sacks last year despite sitting out the final two games. Mathis POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
added a solid 36 tackles to his totals and re-emerged as a NT Tank Tyler 16 29 12 0 0 1 0 0
strong fantasy option after a down season in 2007. Freeney on DE Tyson Jackson Rookie, Pick No. 3, LSU
the other hand, continued to see action only in passing situa- DE Glenn Dorsey 16 32 14 1 1 0 0 1
tions and managed only 26 stops. OLB Tamba Hali 15 43 11 3 3 1 0 2
OLB Mike Vrabel (NE) 16 40 22 4 1 1 1 4
Fantasy Prospects ILB Derrick Johnson 14 68 17 1 3 0 1 6
MLB Gary Brackett - Solid LB2 ILB Zach Thomas (Dal) 16 65 29 1 0 1 0 3
WLB Clint Session - Potential 90+ solo tackle guy CB Brandon Flowers 14 62 7 0 1 2 2 13
SS Bob Sanders - Huge injury risk CB Brandon Carr 16 70 3 0 0 2 2 6
DE Robert Mathis - Strong DL2 with upside SS Bernard Pollard 16 78 20 0 2 3 1 1
FS Antoine Bethea - Decent DB3 or quality depth FS Jarrad Page 16 63 22 0 2 2 4 12
S DaJuan Morgan 15 21 2 0 0 0 0 0

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS Bad as the Chiefs were last season, SS Bernard Pollard lead
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD the club with only 78 solo stops. When you look at their roster
330.9 22.9 29 4 13 3 it’s difficult to pick out someone who is sure to succeed. ILB
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD Derrick Johnson would be the most logical assumption, but
DT Rob Meier 15 26 4 2 0 0 0 2 he has never posted more than 83 tackles in his career and
DT John Henderson 14 35 10 3 0 0 0 2 reached just 68 in 14 games last year. At least we can be con-
DE Derrick Harvey 16 16 4 4.5 0 0 1 2 fident that he will have an every-down role. The same can’t be
DE Reggie Hayward 16 22 2 4.5 2 1 0 3 said for Zach Thomas, who at age 36 is not the same player we
SLB Clint Ingram 16 32 5 1 0 0 0 0 remember. He was a two-down player with Dallas and could
WLB/MLB Daryl Smith 14 59 10 2.5 1 0 0 3 be here as well. The SS position is often a productive one in

DEFENSES
MLB/WLB Justin Durant 14 62 8 0 0 0 0 5 3-4 schemes, so Pollard is a strong candidate to repeat. There
CB Rashean Mathis 12 39 1 1 1 1 4 9 were rumors that DaJuan Morgan was going to replace him
CB/S Brian Williams 16 74 8 0 0 0 2 10 last year, but Morgan failed to impress. Corners in this scheme
FS Reggie Nelson 13 48 6 0 0 0 2 4 don’t usually excel in the box scores, but both Brandon
SS Sean Considine (Phi) 16 23 7 0 0 0 0 0 Flowers and Brandon Carr are the type who could. They were
DE Quentin Groves 16 11 2 2.5 1 0 0 1
both drafted by the previous regime to play in a Cover-2. That
scheme requires physical and aggressive corners who like con-
Individually there is not a lot of production to be found tact. Both players are worth a shot in corner-required leagues.
here. With Peterson gone Justin Durant gets his opportunity
to play full time. It’s not yet certain if he will play in the Fantasy Prospects
middle or at WLB, but either way Durant is hands down the ILB Derrick Johnson - Should make a solid LB3
favorite to lead the club in IDP production. Daryl Smith has SS Bernard Pollard - DB2 with DB1 potential
been given more than ample opportunity to prove himself in ILB Zach Thomas - Depth at best
recent years, but the only thing he has proven is that regard- CB Brandon Flowers - Starter in CB-required leagues
less of position he’s an average player with average produc- CB Brandon Carr - Starter in CB-required leagues
tion. Brian Williams posted solid and consistent numbers
as a strong safety in 2008 before injuries at corner forced
him back to that position. Sean Considine is not a starting MIAMI DOLPHINS
caliber NFL safety, so if they can find a corner to relieve Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
him, Williams may go back. Derrick Harvey only posted 4.5 329 19.8 40 12 18 2
sacks last year but that was enough to tie him for the team POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
lead. There was a reason the Jags traded up to take him at #8 NT Jason Ferguson 16 18 4 0 0 0 0 0
last April. He may be poised for breakout season ala Mario DE Kenard Lang 16 25 6 2 0 0 0 3
Williams in his second year. Rashean Mathis is a big play DE Phillip Merling 16 21 6 2 0 1 1 2
threat and a solid starter in corner-required leagues. OLB Matt Roth 16 46 8 6 2 0 0 4
OLB Joey Porter 16 36 11 16.5 3 1 0 1
Fantasy Prospects ILB Channing Crowder 15 92 21 0 1 1 0 6
MLB/WLB Justin Durant - LB3 with upside ILB Akinola Ayodele 16 58 17 0 0 1 2 4
DE Derrick Harvey - Sleeper with big potential CB Will Allen 16 42 8 1 1 0 3 15
CB Rashean Mathis - Starter in corner-required leagues CB Eric Green (Ari) 13 27 5 0 0 0 1 6
CB/SS Brian Williams - Solid DB3 if he lands at SS FS Gibril Wilson (Oak) 16 96 33 0.5 1 3 2 4
SS Yeremiah Bell 16 100 20 1 3 1 0 10
CB Vontae Davis Rookie, Pick No. 25, Illinois
OLB Jason Taylor (Was) 13 42 12 15 3 0 0 3

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 Not only did Yeremiah Bell lead Miami in tackles last sea- Ben Leber in past seasons, but he’s remained productive. He
son, his total of 100 solo stops was second among all NFL should finish in the Top 50 overall in most scoring systems,
defensive backs. Gibril Wilson, however, was not far behind with LB3 upside if he earns a full time role. CB Antoine
with 96 of his own. The burning question among IDP own- Winfield remains one of the best run supporting corners in
ers becomes, which of these guys is going to be the man this the league, and it would be surprising to see him outside the
year? There is no sure answer to this question so let’s look at Top 10. The Vikings’ other corner, Cedric Griffin, has put up
the situation. Bell lined up at SS last season and will continue 80 solos and double-digit passes defended for two straight
to do so. Strong safeties in 3-4 schemes tend to be very pro- seasons making him a Top 10 corner himself. It’s hard to find
ductive and are nearly always more so than free safeties. It is, a team with so many solid IDP options, but SS Tyrell Johnson
however, noteworthy that FS Renaldo Hill was the Dolphins also deserves mention as a potential DB3. With the talent at
third-leading tackler last year. Wilson should continue to be linebacker and corner, however, both Johnson and FS Madieu
productive and will likely eat into Bell’s gaudy numbers, but Williams may not get enough tackle opportunity to finish
the smart money is on Bell to once again finish as a Top 5 DB. among the Top 30 defensive backs at year’s end.
ILB Channing Crowder is the other IDP option in Miami. He’s
the every-down ILB and finished second on the club in tack- Fantasy Prospects
les last season with 92. What hurts Crowder is a glaring lack DE Jared Allen – Top 3 DE
of big plays. He had no sacks, no interceptions and just one MLB E.J. Henderson – Potential LB1 at an LB2 price
fumble recovery in 2008. OLB Joey Porter racked up a career- CB Antoine Winfield – A top corner and likely DB1
best 16.5 sacks last season but only 36 solo tackles to go with OLB Chad Greenway – Solid depth with LB3 upside
them. He can’t be counted on to repeat the sack totals, and his DT Kevin Williams – Could be the top overall DT
career best tackle production was only 61 way back in 2002.
Jason Taylor figures to work mostly on passing downs.
NEW ENGLAND
Fantasy Prospects Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
SS Yeremiah Bell - Top 5 DB 309 19.3 31 8 14 0
FS Gibril Wilson - Solid DB3 at worst POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
ILB Channing Crowder - Decent LB3 or quality depth NT Vince Wilfork 16 45 21 1 0 0 0 1
DEFENSES

OLB Joey Porter - Not consistent enough with tackles DE Ty Warren 13 32 9 2 1 1 0 0

CB Vontae Davis - Rookie corners often wear a target DE Richard Seymour 15 34 18 7.5 0 1 0 1
OLB Adalius Thomas 9 25 10 5.5 0 0 0 4
OLB Pierre Woods 12 25 10 1 0 0 0 1
ILB Tedy Bruschi 13 38 37 0 0 0 0 1
MINNESOTA VIKINGS ILB Jerod Mayo 16 100 28 0 1 1 0 4
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
CB Shawn Springs (Was) 9 31 5 1 0 0 1 7
292.4 20.8 45 13 12 2
CB Leigh Bodden (Det) 16 61 12 0 3 2 1 11
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
FS Brandon Meriweather 16 61 22 2 2 0 4 9
DT Kevin Williams 16 46 15 8.5 1 0 0 4
SS Patrick Chung Rookie, Pick No. 34, Oregon
DT Pat Williams 14 31 13 1 0 1 0 3
S James Sanders 14 43 22 0 0 0 1 3
DE Jared Allen 16 42 12 15 3 0 0 3
ILB Gary Guyton 6 11 4 0 0 1 0 3
DE Ray Edwards 15 34 18 4.5 1 0 0 3
DL Ron Brace Rookie, Pick No. 40, Boston College
WLB Chad Greenway 16 85 30 5 3 0 0 5
SLB Ben Leber 16 47 16 1 1 4 2 7
MLB E.J. Henderson 4 23 4 1 1 1 0 0 Like many 3-4 schemes, the IDP prospects in New England
CB Antoine Winfield 16 81 14 2 4 2 2 11 are slim. There are, however, a couple of pretty good ones.
CB Cedric Griffin 16 80 11 0 4 1 1 14 ILB Jerod Mayo reached 100 solo tackles as a rookie. He
SS Tyrell Johnson 16 24 7 0 0 1 1 2 was the first Patriot to do so since Ted Johnson almost a
FS Madieu Williams 9 38 4 0 0 0 2 3 decade ago. The downside for Mayo was a lack of big play
production as he recovered just one fumble while failing
DE Jared Allen put up 15 sacks for the second straight sea- to record a sack or interception. With a year of experience
son and will be the first or second defensive lineman drafted under his belt Mayo will be more comfortable which should
in nearly every fantasy league this season. Kevin Williams was lead to more impact plays. Patrick Chung will likely come
a top defensive lineman in all scoring systems last year and out of camp as the starter at SS, but whoever lands that job
the second ranked defensive tackle (behind Cleveland’s Shaun should be productive. There is a history of quality production
Rogers) on the strength of 46 solos and 8.5 sacks. Teams from that position. Brandon Meriweather moved there after
should continue to find it very difficult to double team both Harrison was injured last season and over the final seven
Allen and Williams, which should make it more likely that games recorded a mark of 37-12 with a pick, two sacks and a
Williams will repeat his big 2008 season than the three poor pair of forced fumbles. He likely returns to FS this year. OLB
box score seasons from 2005-2007. MLB E.J. Henderson is Adalius Thomas is a candidate to have value but how much
reportedly recovering well from his season-ending foot injury depends on your scoring system. A healthy Thomas should
and should be free to rack up tackles behind his stud DT tan- be good for roughly 60 solo stops and 7-10 sacks. Consistency
dem. He could finish in the Top 10 if he stays healthy. OLB will be an issue but he should be worthy at least as depth.
Chad Greenway has lost some snaps in a nickel rotation with Richard Seymour can be counted on for 35-40 tackles and 6-

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 8 sacks, making him worthy as depth in many leagues.

Fantasy Prospects
ILB Jerod Mayo - Quality LB3 with upside
SS Patrick Chung - Potential to be a top 10 DB
OLB Adalius Thomas - Viable depth in most leagues
DE Richard Seymour - Depth in large leagues

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
339.5 24.6 28 7 15 0
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
DT Sedrick Ellis 13 20 10 4 0 0 0 5
DT Kendrick Clancy 14 26 8 2 0 1 0 3
DE Charles Grant 8 26 7 3 0 0 0 2
DE Will Smith 16 43 18 3 1 0 0 1
WLB Scott Shanle 16 60 27 2 1 0 0 5
SLB Scott Fujita 14 63 18 0 1 0 2 3
MLB Jonathan Vilma 16 98 34 1 2 3 1 6
CB Tracy Porter 5 23 2 1 0 0 1 5
CB Malcolm Jenkins Rookie, Pick No. 14, Ohio State
FS Darren Sharper (Min) 16 60 9 0 0 2 1 5
SS Roman Harper 15 82 7 0 1 0 0 9
DT Rod Coleman Missed 2008 with an injury
CB Jabari Greer (Buf) 10 31 6 0 0 2 1 5
DE Bobby McCray 16 25 4 6 1 0 0 0

DEFENSES
MLB Jonathan Vilma rebounded nicely after recovering
from a knee injury and returning to his preferred 4-3 front
last season. He rode a 98-solo (132-total) tackle season to a
Top 12 finish in most IDP leagues. Though there will be some
turnover at defensive tackle, Vilma should again produce as
a LB1. Defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant could
see improvements in their sack totals under the more aggres-
sive Gregg Williams. Both are solid run defenders and should

ICON SMI
finish among the Top 20 defensive ends. SS Roman Harper Osi Umenyiora
withstood questions about his coverage skills and a possible
three-headed safety rotation last year to finish with 82 solos.
Free agent acquisition Darren Sharper, the return of CB
Tracy Porter from injury and the addition of Jabari Greer and NEW YORK GIANTS
Malcolm Jenkins to improve the pass coverage could allow Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
Harper to return to a more traditional SS role. Should he play 292 18.4 42 5 17 2
in the box more often, Harper will generate both steady tackle POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
numbers and a number of big plays. Porter showed flashes of DT Fred Robbins 14 29 6 5 0 0 0 2
becoming a solid fantasy option before a broken arm ended DT Rocky Bernard 15 43 12 5 1 1 0 1
his 2008 season and should be considered in deeper leagues DE Justin Tuck 16 53 14 13 3 0 1 2
DE Osi Umenyiora Missed 2008 with a knee injury
or those requiring corners. NT Sedrick Ellis should get more
SLB Danny Clark 16 43 27 0 2 0 0 1
three-technique snaps this season and may fulfill his potential
WLB Michael Boley (Atl) 16 63 10 0 0 1 1 9
as a Top 10 fantasy DT. Owners should also watch the off-
MLB Antonio Pierce 15 72 22 1 2 0 0 2
season progress of Jenkins, who could have big upside as a
CB Corey Webster 16 48 2 1 2 0 3 24
starting rookie corner, and Dan Morgan, who will try to stay CB Aaron Ross 15 46 6 0 0 0 3 8
healthy enough to push for an every-down role at OLB. SS Michael Johnson 16 47 25 1 0 1 2 4
FS Kenny Phillips 16 55 12 0 0 0 1 5
Fantasy Prospects OLB Clint Stintim Rookie, Pick No. 45, Virginia
MLB Jonathan Vilma – Back to LB1 form DE Mathias Kiwanuka 16 35 16 8.5 2 2 0 1
SS Roman Harper – Top target with DB1 upside DE Chris Canty 16 26 11 3.5 0 0 0 5
DE Will Smith – Strong DL2 option
DE Charles Grant – Tackle producing DL3 with upside The Giants’ defensive line is full of talent - a situation that
CB Malcolm Jenkins – Strong sleeper if he starts may either boost the production of all its members or divide
the box score spoils around and hurt the value of everyone.

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 DE Osi Umenyiora is back from injury and a strong threat to last season. What he lacked in the tackle column Pace made
hit double-digit sacks again. Teammate Justin Tuck, who may up for with seven sacks, five forced fumbles and four recover-
move inside on passing downs and benefit from single block- ies. He’s not James Harrison, but last year was no fluke. Three
ing from interior offensive linemen, could again finish among years ago Kerry Rhodes was a Top 5 DB, but his tackle pro-
the Top 5 linemen in all scoring systems. Both should be safe duction dropped when he was moved to FS and asked to play
from a downslide in box score production. Mathias Kiwanuka center field. He’s a playmaker so we need to watch what the
and Chris Canty, who would be every-down defensive ends new coaching staff does with him.
for nearly every other team in the league, may not see enough
snaps to be as valuable. MLB Antonio Pierce has struggled Fantasy Prospects
through nagging injuries in each of the past two seasons and ILB David Harris - LB1 upside, LB4 downside
has strong competition for tackles at every level. Given the ILB Bart Scott - LB1 upside, LB4 downside
improvement at OLB this offseason, Pierce will again face OLB Calvin Pace - LB3 or Quality depth
an uphill battle to crack the Top 25 overall linebackers. New S Kerry Rhodes - Sleeper to keep an eye on
outside linebackers Michael Boley and Clint Sintim will help
hold down the tackle numbers of all three backers, but both
have added value in big-play oriented scoring systems. That’s OAKLAND RAIDERS
particularly true of Sintim, who’s slated to play SLB on base Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
defensive downs and fill a pass rushing DE role in the nickel 360.9 24.2 32 8 16 0
defense. FS Kenny Phillips finally gets a chance to play every POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
down this season, but he may not see enough tackle opportuni- DT Tommy Kelly 16 32 25 5.5 0 0 0 0
ties to produce as Gibril Wilson and Brian Dawkins once did DT Gerard Warren 16 31 8 4 1 0 0 1
in this aggressive scheme. DE Derrick Burgess 10 16 8 3.5 1 0 0 2
DE Jay Richardson 16 39 14 3 0 0 0 1
SLB Ricky Brown 7 28 9 0 1 0 0 1
Fantasy Prospects
MLB Kirk Morrison 16 99 36 1 2 0 1 1
DE Osi Umenyiora – Stud DE with Top 3 potential
WLB Thomas Howard 16 80 17 1 2 0 1 5
DE Justin Tuck – Stud DE with Top 3potential
CB Nnamdi Asomugha 15 33 7 0 1 0 1 9
MLB Antonio Pierce – Solid player but poor opportunity
DEFENSES

CB Chris Johnson 15 33 2 0 1 0 3 12
FS Kenny Phillips – Stud in waiting with DB2 upside FS Hiram Eugene 16 46 11 0 1 0 0 3
OLB Clint Sintim – Rookie sleeper with big-play potential SS Michael Mitchell Rookie, Pick No. 47, Ohio
DE Trevor Scott 16 19 5 5 1 0 0 0
SS Michael Huff 16 23 5 0 0 0 0 5
NEW YORK JETS
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
The Raiders give us a consistent Top 10 LB in Kirk
329.4 22.2 41 16 14 5
Morrison, who has posted at least 96 solo stops in each of his
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
three seasons at MLB, and he has become a big play threat as
NT Kris Jenkins 16 38 14 4 1 0 0 2
well. Morrison is on a run of four consecutive seasons as the
DE Shaun Ellis 16 41 18 6.5 2 1 0 0
DE Marques Douglas (Bal) 16 24 12 0 0 0 0 0
Raiders tackle leader and is in line to make it five in a row.
OLB Bryan Thomas 16 39 19 5.5 2 1 0 1
The Raiders give us several other options as well. Thomas
OLB Calvin Pace 16 62 18 7 5 4 0 3 Howard has been a solid LB3 since becoming a Raider in
ILB Bart Scott (Bal) 16 61 21 1.5 2 0 0 5 2006. He’s averaged better than 80 solos and led the leagues
ILB David Harris 11 53 23 1 0 1 0 1 linebackers with six interceptions in 2007. DE Derrick
CB Darrelle Revis 16 45 13 1 1 2 5 16 Burgess led the league with 16 sacks in 2005 and posted
CB Lito Sheppard (Phi) 15 18 3 0 1 0 1 4 at least eight in each of his first three seasons in Oakland.
SS Jim Leonhard (Bal) 16 55 14 1 0 0 1 6 Injuries have slowed him for the past two years, but he should
FS Kerry Rhodes 16 60 24 1 0 2 2 5 be healthy entering camp. Burgess is capable of 40+ tackles
OLB Vernon Gholston 15 5 8 0 0 0 0 0 and double-digit sacks. The Raiders are excited about second
end Trevor Scott, who was second on the team in sacks as a
As a rookie ILB David Harris looked like the next great IDP rookie despite limited opportunity. Scott has turned heads this
star. That never materialized. In fact he was one of the game’s offseason and has the coaches expecting much. Tackle Tommy
biggest busts last year, averaging fewer than five solo tackles Kelly is consistent as it gets at the DT position. Coming off
per game. Meanwhile Bart Scott was a box score disappoint- a knee injury in 2007, he got off to a slow start last year, but
ment for a second consecutive season in Baltimore. At least once he was up to speed, Kelly produced 21 solo stops and 3.5
playing next to Ray Lewis gives Scott an excuse. Someone has sacks over the final eight games. The club stepped up early
to step up here, so does Harris bounce back or does escaping in the draft and selected SS Michael Mitchell. Raider safeties
the shadow of Lewis make Scott shine? One of these guys have consistently put up strong tackle numbers over the years,
is going to be very productive. It’s a situation we will need so keep Mitchell on your short list for sleepers no matter who
to watch throughout training camp. Calvin Pace followed a laughs at Al.
strong 2007 campaign as the Cardinals SLB with an excellent
2008 at OLB in New York. He was among a select few 3-4 Fantasy Prospects
outside linebackers to be deserving of fantasy consideration MLB Kirk Morrison - Solid LB1

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 WLB Thomas Howard - Solid LB3 or quality depth
SS Michael Mitchell - Sleeper in a golden situation
DE Derrick Burgess - Injury issues but DL1 upside
DE Trevor Scott - Quality sleeper prospect
DT Tommy Kelly - Top 5 interior lineman

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
274.3 18.1 48 14 15 4
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
DT Mike Patterson 16 28 14 0.5 1 1 1 1
DT Brodrick Bunkley 16 34 13 2 0 1 0 2
DE Trent Cole 16 59 18 9 2 0 0 2
DE Darren Howard 16 21 5 10 1 1 1 3
SLB Chris Gocong 16 43 16 2 1 1 1 5
WLB Akeem Jordan 16 53 8 0 0 2 0 0
MLB Stewart Bradley 16 86 22 1 1 1 1 6
CB Asante Samuel 15 31 4 0 0 0 4 22
CB Sheldon Brown 16 42 9 1 1 0 1 12

ICON SMI
FS Quintin Demps 16 16 2 1 1 0 0 1
Troy Polamalu
SS Quintin Mikell 16 68 25 2 2 0 3 9
S Sean Jones (Cle) 12 48 8 0 1 0 4 4
WLB Omar Gaither 16 51 8 2.5 1 2 0 6 PITTSBURGH STEELERS
DE Victor Abiamiri 10 5 6 2 1 0 0 3 Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
237.2 13.9 51 9 20 3
Trent Cole is one of the best all-around defensive ends in POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD

DEFENSES
the game, and at age 27, he is in the prime of his career. He’s a NT Casey Hampton 13 13 9 1 0 0 0 1
tackling machine with 108 solo stops over the past two seasons DE Aaron Smith 16 44 16 5.5 0 0 0 4
and has eight or more sacks in each of the past three. He’s as DE Evander Hood Rookie, Pick No. 32, Missouri
dependable as they come. MLB Stewart Bradley performed OLB James Harrison 15 67 34 16 7 0 1 3
very well in his first full season at MLB, finishing with 86 OLB Lamarr Woodley 15 41 19 11.5 2 4 1 2
solo tackles. With the year of experience, his production ILB Lawrence Timmons 16 43 22 5 1 1 1 3
should improve this season making him a solid third starter. ILB James Farrior 16 89 44 3.5 1 1 0 5
Quentin Mikell also was a productive starter, filling up his stat CB William Gay 16 33 8 0 0 0 1 7
line with 68 solo (93 total) tackles, two sacks, three intercep- CB Ike Taylor 16 50 15 0 0 0 1 14
tions and nine passes defended. The value of both Mikell and FS Ryan Clark 14 52 35 0 0 0 1 6
free agent acquisition Sean Jones remains up in the air, how- SS Troy Polamalu 16 54 19 0 0 0 7 17
ever, as both are taking snaps at SS this offseason. If Mikell CB Keenan Lewis Rookie, Pick No. 96, oregon State
can relegate Jones to a reserve role, he’ll again have DB2
value with some additional upside. If Mikell is moved to FS While most 3-4 schemes give us very few quality IDP
with Jones taking snaps at SS, both players may struggle to put options, the Steelers are the exception to that rule. When OLB
up top numbers. The WLB position is also an open competi- James Harrison had a great 2007 season, most of us thought
tion entering camp, though incumbent Akeem Jordan played him a one-year wonder. Harrison proved all doubters wrong
well enough that he should be considered the favorite over when he was named the NFL’s 2008 Defensive MVP and fin-
Omar Gaither. As an every-down linebacker, Jordan will be ished as the fantasy game’s top IDP. His 2008 numbers will be
roster worthy in deeper leagues as bye-week depth. A sleeper nearly impossible to match, but we would be nuts not to count
to eye here is DE Darren Howard who led the club in sacks him as a Top 5 LB this draft season. Harrison stole the head-
with 10 and has the ability to be an every-down player. DT lines, but LaMarr Woodley had an excellent 2008 as well, fin-
Mike Patterson deserves consideration in leagues that require ishing in the Top 12 among outside linebackers. With Harrison
defensive tackles. getting all the attention Woodley could be even better in his
third season. James Farrior has been a solid LB2-LB3 for
Fantasy Prospects years, but the 34-year old may begin to see the numbers fade,
DE Trent Cole – Top 5 DL in all scoring systems especially if young Lawrence Timmons proves to be as adver-
MLB Stewart Bradley – Solid LB3 with marginal upside tised. Timmons takes over for Larry Foote as Farrior’s sidekick
SS Quentin Mikell – Could take a hit if Jones starts on the inside. Maybe the most telling tale here is the reaction
WLB Akeem Jordan – Depth if wins starting job of Foote, who didn’t even put up a fight. In fact he acknowl-
S Sean Jones – Risky unless he wins every-down role edged last year that “the kid is good, I’d get him on the field
DE Darren Howard – Sleeper with DL2 potential too if I were them”. Look for Timmons to soon bypass Farrior
and become the leader both emotionally and statistically. SS
Troy Polamalu is right up there with Ed Reed as the leagues
best big-play safeties. The difference is that Polamalu adds
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 decent tackle numbers to his resume. Don’t hesitate to grab SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
him at the bottom of the DB1 run. Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
349.9 21.7 28 9 15 3
Fantasy Prospects POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
OLB James Harrison - Top 5 LB in any system NT Jamal Williams 16 46 10 1.5 0 0 0 3
OLB LaMarr Woodley - Big play gem DE Jacques Cesaire 16 15 6 2 0 0 0 2
SS Troy Polamalu - Decent DB1, excellent DB2 DE Luis Castillo 15 27 12 1.5 1 0 1 1
ILB James Farrior - Quality LB3 OLB Shawne Merriman 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
ILB Lawrence Timmons - LB3 with huge upside OLB Shaun Phillips 16 52 22 7 1 1 0 4
ILB Kevin Burnett (Dal) 16 29 9 2 1 0 0 3
LILB Stephen Cooper 12 72 26 1.5 0 0 4 6
ST. LOUIS RAMS CB Quentin Jammer 16 75 13 0 3 2 2 9
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD CB Antonio Cromartie 16 60 4 0 0 0 2 9
371.9 21.1 30 14 12 1 FS Clinton Hart 14 45 18 0 0 1 0 8
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD SS Eric Weddle 16 105 22 1 0 1 1 5
DT Adam Carriker 15 22 1 0 0 1 0 0 OLB Larry English Rookie, Pick No. 16, Northern Illinois
DT Ryan Clifton 16 23 8 0 0 0 0 1
DE Chris Long 16 32 8 4 1 1 0 0 A healthy Shawne Merriman is one of the few 3-4 OLBs to
DE Leonard Little 14 16 2 6.5 2 0 0 0 be a strong fantasy consideration in any scoring system. The
WLB Will Witherspoon 16 57 15 1 0 1 1 3 problem is that he’s had trouble staying healthy. Merriman
SLB Chris Draft 12 33 5 0 0 0 0 1 missed all of last season and hasn’t played 16 games in a year
MLB James Laurinaitis Rookie, Pick No. 35, Ohio State since he was a rookie in 2005. He has had plenty of time to
CB Ronald Bartell 16 54 3 1 2 1 3 19 recover from last year’s knee injury and is deserving as a solid
CB Jonathan Wade 16 20 3 0 0 0 1 3 LB2 despite the risk. SS Eric Weddle exploded for a league
FS Oshiomogho Atogwe 16 77 8 0 6 3 5 5 leading (among defensive backs) 105 solo tackles in his second
SS James Butler (NYG) 15 54 14 0 0 1 3 7 season. The numbers may have been aided by the combination
DE Victor Adeyanju 16 40 7 2 0 0 0 0 of injuries, suspensions and slumping play around him, but even
DEFENSES

CB Tye Hill 4 20 0 0 1 0 0 2 if the Chargers return to form, Weddle has established himself
as a fantasy force. He isn’t likely to repeat triple-digit tackles
Safety O.J. Atogwe has been an underappreciated fantasy but should be very productive. ILB Stephen Cooper served
option for years. Early in his career, an above-average number a four-game suspension to open last season and still finished
of big plays buoyed marginal tackle numbers. Last season, with 72 solo tackles and four picks. The Chargers seem to have
Atogwe put up 77 solo tackles and continued to generate big found the centerpiece their defense had been missing since the
plays (nine combined forced fumbles and fumble recoveries, departure of Donnie Edwards. Free agent addition Kevin Burnett
five interceptions). In the new aggressive 4-3 scheme to be could be a factor if he lands an every-down role. Quentin
installed by Steve Spagnuolo, Atogwe compares very favor- Jammer was the team’s second-leading tackler with 75 solos last
ably to Gibril Wilson and Brian Dawkins, who were both year and is a quality option in corner-required leagues.
very strong DB options in this scheme. Will Witherspoon
will be moved to WLB this season after a season-and-a-half Fantasy Prospects
of struggles as the Rams’ MLB. He is a natural at WLB and ILB Stephen Cooper - LB2 with LB1 potential
was very productive at the position as a Carolina Panther. The SS Eric Weddle - Probable Top 5 DB
change should improve his numbers this season. While rookie OLB Shawne Merriman - LB2 with injury risk
James Laurinaitis is unlikely to equal the production of Patrick ILB Kevin Burnett - Sleeper, probable LB3
Willis, DeMeco Ryans or Jerod Mayo in their debut seasons, CB Quentin Jammer - CB1 in corner-required
he’s likely to be handed an every-down role in a situation
with above-average tackle opportunity. He’s safe to draft as a SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
LB3 with upside in tackle-heavy scoring systems. As many Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
young pass rushers have in the past, expect DE Chris Long to 326 23.8 30 6 12 1
improve in his second season - he could blossom into a Top 15 POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
DL. Those in leagues that require corners in starting lineups NT Aubrayo Franklin 16 33 13 1 2 0 0 1
should consider Ron Bartell as a CB2 or strong depth option. DE/OLB Justin Smith 16 49 25 7 1 0 1 3
He’s proven an ability to get his hands on the ball and has no DE Ray McDonald 15 20 7 1 0 0 0 4
significant competition for a starting role. OLB Manny Lawson 14 33 12 3 1 1 0 3
OLB Parys Haralson 16 28 12 8.5 0 1 0 2
Fantasy Prospects ILB Takeo Spikes 16 61 35 1 2 1 3 6
MLB James Laurinaitis – Top prospect among rookies RILB Patrick Willis 16 109 32 1 1 1 1 10
FS O.J. Atogwe – Top-tier DB CB Nate Clements 16 56 7 0 1 0 2 9
WLB Will Witherspoon – Move to WLB will help CB Walt Harris 16 44 10 1 0 0 3 14
DE Chris Long – Poised to step up in second season FS Dashon Goldson 9 18 3 0 0 0 0 1
SS Michael Lewis 16 76 20 2 1 1 0 6
CB Ron Bartell – Strong sleeper in CB-required leagues
CB Tarell Brown 15 26 4 0 0 0 2 3
DE Kentwan Balmer 16 6 1 0 0 0 0 1

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 Patrick Willis will have competition from a handful of has Top 30 potential. Darryl Tapp is the only safe defensive
young linebackers, but he remains the consensus top overall end on the roster with Patrick Kerney’s durability in question
IDP except in leagues with scoring systems heavily skewed and Cory Redding likely to rotate at end on base defensive
toward big plays. He is a very safe bet to top 100 solo tackles downs. Tapp has had two consecutive seasons of more than 40
again in 2009. DE Justin Smith remains a consistent DL2 in solo tackles in a part time role, with 12.5 sacks over that time
all formats, turning in another strong all-around season with frame. He could be a 45-tackle, 10-sack guy if he can hold
49 solos and 7.5 sacks. Expect the same production again this up for 50 or more snaps a game. Last year’s first round pick
year. SS Michael Lewis has also been a consistent performer Lawrence Jackson could figure in here but was not impres-
in San Francisco, totaling over 90 total tackles (76 solo) for sive as a rookie. CB Josh Wilson was productive as a starter in
the second straight season. Lewis and Willis will compete for 2008 but will return to a nickel corner role with the addition
tackles all year long. CB Nate Clements struggled in 2008, of Ken Lucas. Lucas isn’t likely to have much IDP value, but
dropping 20 solo tackles from his 2007 stat line and adding the more aggressive scheme could give a boost to teammate
a relatively poor two interceptions and nine passes defended. Marcus Trufant.
He may rebound in 2009 but is no longer a consensus Top
10 fantasy corner. Dynasty owners have patiently waited for Fantasy Prospects
Manny Lawson to fulfill his pass rushing promise. With two MLB Lofa Tatupu – Aggressive scheme could help
more seasons left on his rookie contract, it’s getting to be OLB Aaron Curry – Stud rookie if not held back by role
now-or-never time for him. The odds on his breaking out with DE Patrick Kerney – Big injury risk with upside
a huge year are long. ILB Takeo Spikes is still a pretty solid DE Darryl Tapp – Top 25 DL with upside
playmaker and a good compliment to Willis. He doesn’t have OLB Leroy Hill – Sleeper if wins every-down role
much upside but can be worthy as a bye-week plug-in when
his match up is good.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Fantasy Prospects Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
ILB Patrick Willis – Consensus top overall IDP 306.1 20.2 29 8 22 4
DE Justin Smith – Consistent DL2 with little upside POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
DT Ryan Sims 15 9 6 1 0 0 0 2

DEFENSES
SS Michael Lewis – Likely Top 25 defensive back
CB Nate Clements – No longer a strong IDP option DT Chris Hovan 15 36 7 1 0 0 0 1
OLB Manny Lawson – Unlikely to breakout DE Gaines Adams 16 27 11 6.5 0 0 2 6
DE Greg White 16 25 7 5 1 0 0 1
SLB Angelo Crowell (Buf) Missed 2008 with an injury
WLB Jermaine Phillips 11 48 11 0 1 1 3 5
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS MLB Barrett Ruud 16 102 35 3 0 1 2 6
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
CB Aqib Talib 15 17 6 0 0 0 4 9
378 24.5 35 11 9 3
CB Ronde Barber 16 67 8 2 0 1 4 12
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
FS Tanard Jackson 16 59 10 1 2 1 1 3
DT Brandon Mebane 16 29 10 5.5 4 1 0 0
SS Sabby Piscitelli 15 40 8 0 1 0 2 8
DT Cory Redding (Det) 13 31 7 3 0 0 0 0
DT Roy Miller Rookie, Pick No. 81, Texas
DE Patrick Kerney 7 15 6 5 2 1 0 3
LB Geno Hayes 9 10 3 0 0 0 0 1
DE Darryl Tapp 16 46 9 5.5 4 1 0 0
OLB Aaron Curry Rookie, Pick No. 4, Wake Forest
OLB LeRoy Hill 12 63 21 1 0 0 0 3 Barrett Ruud topped 100 solos last season and would seem-
MLB Lofa Tatupu 15 69 25 0 1 0 1 4 ingly have little room to improve upon those gaudy numbers.
CB Ken Lucas (Car) 16 53 7 0 0 0 2 10 However, the Jim Bates defensive scheme is notorious for
CB Marcus Trufant 16 60 4 0 0 2 1 13 allowing middle backers to rack up tackles, most recently
FS Deon Grant 16 62 17 0 0 0 2 8 seen during the huge 2007 season turned in by then MLB D.J.
S Brian Russell 16 55 17 1 1 0 0 3 Williams in Denver. With the turnover at OLB, Ruud is a near
SS Jordan Babineaux 14 57 3 0 1 1 1 3 lock to top 100 solos again this season and may finish as the
CB Josh Wilson 16 69 7 1 3 2 4 9 games top IDP. DE Gaines Adams should also thrive in Bates’
DE Lawrence Jackson 16 21 8 2 0 0 0 0 scheme, which will align him well outside the offensive tackle
to improve his edge rush angle. If he can take advantage and
Lofa Tatupu returns as the anchor of the Seattle defense. improve his run defense, he could finish 2008 among the Top
The more aggressive scheme should free him up to attack the 15 defensive linemen. Now that Kevin Carter has moved on,
ball quicker, but his talented OLB teammates might hold back Greg White will finally get his shot at an every-down DE role.
his big upside by limiting his opportunities in pursuit outside His 13.5 sacks in limited action over the past two years sug-
the box. Fourth overall pick Aaron Curry didn’t fall into the gest he might be a good answer for the Bucs and a sleeper for
best role in Seattle. He’ll lineup at strong side linebacker and us. Jermaine Phillips and Angelo Crowell are penciled in at the
is talented enough to assume an every-down role right away, OLB spots entering training camp. Whichever earns an every-
but he will have to contend with Leroy Hill for the all impor- down role will have some value, but will have trouble cracking
tant nickel duties. Hill was re-signed shortly after the draft, the Top 30 linebackers in the new scheme. Sabby Piscitelli will
and his experience gives him a legitimate shot at the every- replace Phillips at strong safety and should have DB3 upside
down job, at least for the short term. The winner of this dual or better. Ronde Barber will soon follow Derrick Brooks into

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 the sunset and will likely pass the title of best Buccaneer fan- Fantasy Prospects
tasy corner to Aqib Talib, who will replace Phillip Buchanon DE Kyle Vanden Bosch - Consistent DL1
at the other corner position. DT Jason Jones - Strong option in DT-required
DT Tony Brown - Starter in DT-required
Fantasy Prospects WLB Keith Bulluck - Depth with upside
MLB Barrett Ruud – Monster upside in new scheme SS Chris Hope - Depth with upside
DE Gaines Adams – DL1 potential this season
OLB Jermaine Phillips –LB3 upside in every-down role
SS Sabby Piscitelli – Big tackle potential WASHINGTON REDSKINS
OLB Angelo Crowell – Likely no more than depth Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD
DE Greg White – Sleeper 288.8 18.5 24 5 13 0
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD
DT Cornelius Griffin 14 16 11 1 0 0 1 1
TENNESSEE TITANS DT Albert Haynesworth 14 41 10 8.5 3 1 0 2
Team Stats YPGA PPGA SK FR INT Def TD DE Andre Carter 16 24 13 4 0 0 0 2
293.6 14.6 44 11 20 3 DE Phillip Daniels Missed 2008 with injury
POS Player G TKL AST Sack FF FR INT PD SLB Brian Orakpo Rookie, Pick No. 13, Texas
DT Jason Jones 13 24 7 5 3 0 0 2 WLB Roger McIntosh 16 60 27 2 2 0 1 5
DT Tony Brown 15 38 14 4 0 2 0 4 MLB London Fletcher-Baker 16 96 37 0.5 1 1 0 6
DE Kyle Vanden Bosch 10 12 12 4.5 3 2 0 0 CB Carlos Rogers 15 49 7 0 0 1 2 24
DE Jevon Kearse 16 27 7 3.5 3 0 0 3 CB Fred Smoot 16 43 11 0 0 0 1 7
OLB David Thornton 15 60 18 0 2 0 0 6 FS LaRon Landry 16 49 16 0.5 2 1 2 11
OLB Keith Bulluck 16 75 23 0.5 1 1 0 6 SS Chris Horton 14 57 19 1 0 1 3 5
MLB Stephen Tulloch 16 64 20 1 0 2 0 2 LB H.B. Blades 16 40 20 0 0 0 0 1
CB Nick Harper 13 68 3 0 1 0 2 14 SS Reed Doughty 4 15 4 0 0 0 0 1
CB Cortland Finnegan 16 58 12 1 0 0 5 17 CB DeAngelo Hall 15 63 11 0.5 0 2 5 21
FS Michael Griffin 16 55 20 1 1 1 7 11
DEFENSES

SS Chris Hope 16 63 15 1 0 0 4 8 MLB London Fletcher remains one of the most consistent
DE Dave Ball 15 19 9 4.5 1 0 1 1
MLB Gerald McRath Rookie, Pick No. 130, Southern Miss
DT Jovan Haye (TB) 15 25 8 0 0 0 0 1
The 2008 Titans were among the leagues best defenses, but
when it comes to IDP the picking is slim here. Former fantasy
stalwart Keith Bulluck regained his title as team tackle leader,
but for a second consecutive season, he fell well short of 80
solos. At least in 2007 he was able to compensate some in the
big play columns, but even those numbers were absent last
year. The production we know Bulluck is capable of can’t be
ignored, but he can’t be drafted as anything more than depth
with upside at this point. Safety Chris Hope was the fantasy
games top DB in 2006 but proved to be a one-year wonder.
He did rebound a little last season when his four picks and
eight passes defended helped pick up the mediocre 63 solo
tackles to make him a decent backup. He should have similar
value in 2009 and does have some upside. DE Kyle Vanden
Bosch returns from a 2008 season in which he missed several
games with a groin injury and was not himself when he did
play. He is by far the top IDP prospect from this unit, averag-
ing nearly 48 tackles and 11 sacks over his first three seasons
with the team. The Titans did manage to provide quality
options for owners in tackle-required leagues last season. Just
because Haynesworth is gone doesn’t mean that will change.
His replacement Jason Jones posted 24 tackles and five sacks
in a part time role and fellow starter Tony Brown contributed
a solid 38-14-4. Both of these guys are strong starters if you
must play tackles. Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper are
quality options for CB-required leagues.
fantasy linebackers in the league. He posted a seventh consec-
utive season with 94 or more solo tackles in 2008, but slipped
in the rankings after failing to add his usual complement of
big plays in pass rush or coverage. He’s now 34 years old, but
his impeccable history of durability suggests he’s got at least
one more season of steady production in him. The addition
of DT Albert Haynesworth and OLB/DE Brian Orakpo has
defensive coordinator Greg Blache thinking of playing less
read-and-react in the front seven and allowing his linemen to
play a more attacking style. That philosophical change could
resurrect the numbers of DE Andre Carter, who put up just 24
solos and four sacks last year. Haynesworth will retain good
value in leagues requiring defensive tackles, but it’s easy to
wonder if his production the last two seasons was motivated
by contract situation. Orakpo could have added value if he
is classified as a DE in your software even though he takes
base defensive snaps at LB. Rocky McIntosh should earn the
start at WLB but may rotate with H.B. Blades in nickel pack-
ages. Durability is also a major concern for McIntosh, who
has a balky knee and shoulder. Early offseason rumors raised
concerns about whether the starting strong safety job was up
for competition. Expect Chris Horton to hold onto the job and
again have DB3 value or better.
Fantasy Prospects
MLB London Fletcher – Consistent LB1
DT Albert Haynesworth – Huge contract could affect motivation
DE Andre Carter – Could rebound alongside Haynesworth
SS Chris Horton – DB3 with upside
WLB Rocky McIntosh – Value depends on nickel duties

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 DEFENSIVE TEAM
BY COMMITTEE by Chase Stuart

F
or seven straight years, Footballguys.com has promoted and Chicago up. Tampa Bay lost Jeff Garcia and Jon Gruden,
the Defensive Team By Committee (DTBC) strategy and may be starting a rookie QB; they dropped in the rankings.
to help fantasy players dominate their leagues. Fantasy On the other side, Philadelphia added bookend tackles Jason
defenses are inconsistent from year to year, so predicting which Peters and Stacy Andrews while drafting flashy talents Jeremy
defenses and special teams (D/STs) will do well is difficult. Maclin and LeSean McCoy; Philadelphia vaulted into the top
Even still, of course, the teams available at the ends of your five of these rankings as a result. The bottom three teams – St.
drafts usually provide less rewards. So how do you get great Louis, Cleveland and Detroit – were terrible in 2008; we don’t
production while saving your most important draft picks? expect their offenses to improve in 2009.
We spend countless hours analyzing team offenses, and
relatively few thinking about team defenses. But an average
defense against a bad offense will do just as well as a great
09 Proj Team 09 Rk 08 Rk
defense against an average offense. Therefore, the key to the 297 New England Patriots 1 4
DTBC system is to find two teams available late in your draft 278 New Orleans Saints 2 1
whose combined schedule features predominantly weak offens- 274 San Diego Chargers 3 3
es. Since you start your defense based on matchups, and your 265 Philadelphia Eagles 4 10
D/ST will usually oppose a weak offense, your D/ST position 261 Green Bay Packers 5 7
will score lots of fantasy points. At least, that’s the plan. 259 Atlanta Falcons 6 6
In 2006, the recommended DTBC pairing ranked third in 259 Indianapolis Colts 7 13
fantasy points per game. Two years ago the DTBC was off the 256 Arizona Cardinals 8 5
charts good, outscoring even the top individual D/ST on a FP/G 246 Carolina Panthers 9 8
basis. Last year, the DTBC was not very good, as both the Bills 245 New York Giants 10 2
and Saints struggled. We let you down in 2008, but that doesn’t 244 Dallas Cowboys 11 19
mean the theory is wrong or that this year is going to be disap- 243 Minnesota Vikings 12 17
pointing. Hopefully, you’ll follow our advice again and you can 241 Tennessee Titans 13 16
ride your DTBC to your fantasy playoffs.
240 Chicago Bears 14 20
When picking a D/ST committee, you should look for four
238 Denver Broncos 15 9
factors:
236 Pittsburgh Steelers 16 21
• A very easy combined schedule
234 Houston Texans 17 12
• Two teams with late average draft positions (ADPs)
• Big play ability – think pass rushers and defensive backs 233 Jacksonville Jaguars 18 23
with good hands 232 Baltimore Ravens 19 14
• Reason to expect improvement in 2009 229 Miami Dolphins 20 11
226 Buffalo Bills 21 24
The first step in creating the DTBC system is to grade the 223 New York Jets 22 18
offenses. I’ve used the Footballguys.com projections to rank the 222 Cincinnati Bengals 23 32
offenses, scoring them the following way: (0.3 x Points scored) 221 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24 15
+ (0.03 x Total Yards) - (2 x Interceptions thrown). Each team’s 218 Seattle Seahawks 25 27
projection is shown in the first column in the table, along with 218 San Francisco 49ers 26 25
their projected rank, and how they ranked under the scoring 216 Washington Redskins 27 22
system in 2008. While most leagues award significant points 208 Oakland Raiders 28 28
for sacks, I don’t factor into the team offensive projections 201 Kansas City Chiefs 29 26
sacks allowed data, as those numbers are particularly difficult 196 St. Louis Rams 30 30
to predict. But don’t worry: we’ll absolutely keep pass rushers 195 Cleveland Browns 31 31
in mind when we select the DTBC. 182 Detroit Lions 32 29
Not surprisingly, the Jay Cutler trade bumped Denver down

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 D E F E N S I V E T E A M BY C O M M I T T E E
After grading the offenses, I went through the NFL schedule
and assigned the corresponding projection for each opponent
that every team played. For example, when the Jets host the
Patriots in Week 2, New York’s D/ST receives 297 points.
However, for road games, an additional five points are added,
so when the Ravens travel to Foxboro in Week 4, Baltimore’s
D/ST gets 302 points. Obviously, you want your committee
to have the lowest possible number of combined points. Bye
weeks are valued at 400 points to avoid combining D/STs that
share the same bye week. After doing this for every game in
every week, we can now rank each team’s schedule and pair up
the defenses to form the best possible committee. One note:
I’m ranking the committees through 16 weeks, as most fan-
tasy leagues don’t play in Week 17.
The 2009 Defensive Team By Committee
Green Bay Packers (ADP: D/ST 12)
• DE Ryan Pickett, NT B.J. Raji, DE Cullen Jenkins
• OLB Aaron Kampman, ILB A.J. Hawk, ILB Nick Barnett,
OLB Clay Matthews
• CB Charles Woodson, FS Nick Collins, SS Atari Bigby, CB Al Harris
Like the other duo in this year’s DTBC, Green Bay now
plays a 3-4 defensive front. The key to any 3-4 defense is the
nose tackle, as Kris Jenkins proved for the Jets last year. There
ICON SMI
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wasn’t a better nose tackle prospect in the draft than B.J. Raji,
and he’s a big body who can help eat up blockers. Ryan Pickett
is a former first round pick with over 100 starts to his name,
but he’s not a household name. The former DT is certainly
large enough to play as a 3-4 end, but that may not be an ideal
fit for him. Expect Pickett to play tackle next to Raji when the
Packers play four down lineman and Pickett will also see some
time at nose while Johnny Jolly plays end. Cullen Jenkins will
man the other end spot, and his above average size and speed
combination makes him a good fit there.
Aaron Kampman had 37 sacks the last three years as a
defensive end, but over 90 percent of those came in nickel and
dime situations. In the base 3-4 defense, Kampman will play
as an outside linebacker/pass rushing specialist, but in nickel
and dime sets he’ll play at end. Either way, expect another
good year out of Kampman. The other pass rusher is rookie
Clay Matthews, the first round pick from USC. Matthews has
experience in the 3-4 and should be a good fit immediately for
the Packers. A.J. Hawk, the former weak side linebacker, shifts
inside in the new 3-4 defense. Hawk’s a natural fit as a 3-4
ILB and his physical style of play should suit him well there.
Rounding out a terrific unit is Nick Barnett, who was a solid
MLB for half a decade for the Pack but was never a big play
guy. With more beef up front, Barnett may finally have fantasy
status that matches his NFL ability. Barnett tore his ACL last
year, but is expected to be fine by opening day.
The secondary features two cornerbacks who debuted twelve
years ago; since then, Woodson and Harris have made seven
Pro Bowls and intercepted 55 passes. While both players have
their best days behind them, they’re still solid cornerbacks for
2009. Nick Collins continues to mature as a player – in 2008 he
intercepted seven passes and led the league in INT return yards
(295) and touchdowns (three). Strong safety Atari Bigby suf-
fered through injuries in 2008, but in 2007 he intercepted five
passes and forced three fumbles.
The most important addition for GB may be off the field.
Green Bay hired Dom Capers to coach the defense, and he
brought in former pass rushing great Kevin Greene to coach
the outside linebackers. There’s no doubt that Capers will have
the Packers playing aggressively in 2009. Whether or not he
produces a good NFL defense is an open question; for fan-
tasy purposes, though, Green Bay should produce a bunch of
sacks, turnovers and some scores this year. As a bonus, Will
Blackmon is one of the better return men in the league, and
he’ll handle both punt and kick return duties. He’ll team with
Jordy Nelson on kick returns, but Blackmon’s most dangerous
returning punts – he’s scored three times on just 44 career punt
returns.
Arizona Cardinals (ADP: #18)
• DE Darnell Dockett, NT Gabe Watson, DE Calais Campbell
• OLB Bertrand Berry, ILB Karlos Dansby, ILB Gerald Hayes,
OLB Chike Okeafor
• CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, FS Antrel Rolle, SS Adrian Wilson,
CB Bryant McFadden
Arizona plays a hybrid 4-3/3-4 defense, but as the team
matures under HC Ken Whisenhunt and transitions at defensive
coordinator (from Clancy Pendergast to Bill Davis), expect
more 3-4 sets in the desert. While it’s difficult to project exactly
who will be playing where in Arizona, the Cardinals have a
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 D E F E N S I V E T E A M BY C O M M I T T E E

bunch of depth on defense and will exploit that advantage • Week 15 – Arizona @ Detroit (187)
this season. Gabe Watson’s the team’s best bet at nose tackle, • Week 16 – Arizona vs. St. Louis (196)
but DT Bryan Robinson will also see extensive playing time. This committee runs the weather gamut, with an opening day
Darnell Dockett should play inside in the 4-3 but will be on matchup in the desert and a night game in the Frozen Tundra
the outside in the Cardinals base defense; he’s a wide body in December. More importantly, you get an amazing seven
that is athletic enough to be a playmaker as a 3-4 end. Calais games against bottom three offenses (St. Louis, Cleveland, and
Campbell stands tall at 6’7, making him a good fit for the Detroit). The toughest two games are when the Packers play the
3-4 defense, but he was inconsistent as a rookie in 2008. He Vikings, a team that, at the least, should have some turnover
displayed terrific talent at the University of Miami and should prone players at QB and RB. With the exception of Carson
only improve as he matures. Palmer, none of the quarterbacks that our defensive combo will
The Cardinals have several options at the outside linebacker have to face are very scary. While this
position. Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor are veteran defensive committee option looks nice,
Team oppFP
pass rushers who have combined for over 100 career sacks. you might want to consider …
GB 3346
Veteran Clark Haggans and second round pick Cody Brown
Pit 3420
(Connecticut) will also help attack the passer. Between the four Grabbing Just One? Min 3425
of them, Arizona should have no problem bringing the heat. On In some leagues, it’s just too costly to
Ari 3427
the inside, Karlos Dansby is good for about 10 big plays a year spend two rosters spots on defenses. In
Cin 3440
– sacks, forced fumbles, recoveries or INTs. Gerald Hayes isn’t larger leagues, it may not be feasible to
SD 3441
a big play guy, but is a sure tackler and solid linebacker in the grab two defenses that you like. If you’re
Cle 3492
middle. only drafting one defense, it still pays to
Sea 3498
As talented as the linebackers are, the strength of the Arizona know the ability level of its opponents.
Hou 3502
defense is the secondary. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie However, this year, it really pays to
Chi 3522
(“DRC”) and Adrian Wilson are going to be perennial Pro know. The Pittsburgh Steelers – the team
Bal 3535
Bowl candidates for the next few years. DRC is already one with the best defense in the NFL – hap-
Oak 3545
of the most athletic defensive players in the NFL and is a ter- pen to have the second easiest schedule
KC 3550
rific playmaker who had four INTs in the second half of the in the league. Pittsburgh plays five games
Det 3554
season and then two more in the playoffs. Adrian Wilson can do against bottom five offenses and then
Ind 3557
it all – get to the passer (eight sacks in 2005, two in the NFC two more against the Bengals. With the
NO 3564
Championship Game), create turnovers and make big plays (his second easiest schedule, you might want
Jac 3566
resume includes both a 99-yard fumble return TD and 99-yard to consider reaching early on the Steelers
Was 3572
INT return TD). Playing alongside these two stars is Antrel defense. Another defensive stalwart,
Phi 3583
Rolle, another terrific athlete who plays “centerfield” for the Minnesota, has the third easiest schedule.
StL 3592
Cardinals. He struggled initially in 2008 as he transitioned The full list is presented at right: Note
SF 3596
from corner to safety, but he was living up to high expectations that both the bye week (which was con-
NE 3597
by the end of the year. Arizona signed yet another ex-Steeler, sidered a 400 point week earlier in the
Den 3614
Bryant McFadden, to play the other cornerback spot. McFadden article) and Week 17 have been removed.
Dal 3629
is just hitting his prime and was one of the more prized free
Ten 3642
agents this offseason. He’s a solid cover corner who played very Backup Options Buf 3645
well down the stretch, and will provide a nice upgrade to the The table below shows some alternate
NYG 3665
Arizona secondary. combinations in case you grab one-half
Atl 3705
If your league combines defense and special teams, Arizona of the committee but are unable to secure
Car 3721
continues to look like a strong sleeper. Whether it’s Steve the other. For example, if you have Green
NYJ 3722
Breaston, Jason Wright, Early Doucet or even DRC on kick Bay but not Arizona, Seattle is a great
TB 3771
and punt returns, Arizona should feature an electric return man backup choice. Note: Some of the stud
Mia 3776
every time the opponent kicks the ball. defenses (Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and
Minnesota) match up well but obviously
The Combined Schedule aren’t expected to be available late. They are therefore not listed
• Week 1 – Arizona vs. San Francisco (218) in the table below.
• Week 2 – Green Bay vs. Cincinnati (222)
• Week 3 – Green Bay @ St. Louis (201) Green Bay with… Points Arizona with… Points
• Week 4 – Green Bay @ Minnesota (MNF) (248) Seattle 3453 Cincinnati 3470
• Week 5 – Arizona vs. Houston (234) Cleveland 3455 Seattle 3503
• Week 6 – Green Bay vs. Detroit (182) Cincinnati 3458 Washington 3503
• Week 7 – Green Bay @ Cleveland (200) Buffalo 3469 Denver 3526
• Week 8 – Green Bay vs. Minnesota (243) Houston 3473 San Francisco 3531
• Week 9 – Green Bay @ Tampa Bay (226)
• Week 10 – Arizona vs. Seattle (218) Lastly, be sure to check out Footballguys.com for an
• Week 11 – Arizona @ St. Louis (201) expanded and updated version of this article in August. The
• Week 12 – Green Bay @ Detroit (Thanksgiving) (187) projections will have been updated many times since then,
• Week 13 – Green Bay vs. Baltimore (MNF) (232) and as a result, the ratings of each offense will have changed
• Week 14 – Arizona @ San Francisco (MNF) (223) since May.
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 ARIZONA C ARDINALS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Kurt Warner
Backups: Matt Leinart, Brian St. Pierre
Starting QB: After a Pro Bowl season in which he led the team
to its first Super Bowl, long-in-the-tooth veteran Kurt Warner looks
to return as the Cardinals’ starter in 2009, but don’t be fooled by his
age. Warner still makes quick reads and strong, accurate throws, and
he is blessed with the best receiving tandem in the
league. That said, there is reason to be concerned
about his hip injury. Warner is taking it slow right
now, but his recovery will need to be 100 percent
for him to be as effective as last year. The two main
concerns with Warner outside of his hip injury are
the offensive line and the potential departure of WR
Anquan Boldin. Warner’s quick release hid many of
the OL issues in 2008. If the OL does not improve
in every facet of pass protection and run blocking,
there may be too much pressure on Warner to per-
form. Without improved OL play, injury and turn-
overs are as likely as a repeat of his phenomenal
2008. On the flip side, if the line improves, Warner
should have another Top 5 fantasy finish.
Backup QBs: Over the last two years, Matt
Leinart has played his way out of a starting role. It
ARIZONA CARDINALS
catching, running), Hightower is simply too important to the team’s goal
line package to consider Wells a superior fantasy force, but Hightower
is, at best, a solid RB2 with the threat of Wells stealing carries.
Backup RBs: The Cardinals jettisoned all their running backs
from last year except Tim Hightower. Marcel Shipp and J.J. Arrington are
gone, replaced by rookies Chris Wells and LaRod Stephens-Howling
and mildly talented Jason Wright. Wells is obviously the best prospect. At
6’3 and 230 pounds, Wells is built to take the pounding of a starting RB.
Even though he is blessed with a nice burst through
the line and a power RB body, until we see him
play against NFL defenses, we do not know if he is
Jerome Bettis or Ron Dayne. Right now, he could
be either. Wells will be hurt a bit by the NFL rule
stating a player may not participate in minicamps
(other than the rookie camp) until his college is
finished with classes. That means he’ll miss most
of the May OTAs. Wright was a moderate talent
with Cleveland. He had some flashes and has good
hands, but is not a serious threat as anything more
than a change of pace back. LaRod Stephens-
Howling is another body who could be transitioned
to the practice squad if roster room becomes tight.
Fullback: Tim Castille is currently the only
fullback on the roster – nice spot to be in if trying
to make the team as a fullback. Not much more to

ICON SMI
is highly unlikely he will steal the role back from say than that as the team does not utilize the full-
Warner. Absent injury, he is not likely to see much Kurt Warner back in the offensive game plan. The team is more
playing time this year. If pressed into action, however, likely to double up Hightower and Wells in the
he would be blessed by a trio of potent receivers in their prime. And, if he backfield than look for offense from the fullback spot.
is the clear starter at any point this year, he should be considered a decent
to solid QB2. Brian St. Pierre is an afterthought at this point but could WIDE RECEIVERS
hold minimal value in dynasty leagues, especially if the owner envisions an Starters: Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston
open competition after Warner retires. Backups: Early Doucet, Jerheme Urban, Sean Morey, Shane
Morales, Justin Brown
RUNNING BACKS
Starter: Tim Hightower Starting WRs: There are insufficient superlatives to describe
Backup: Chris Wells [R], Jason Wright, LaRod Stephens-Howling [R] WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. They are a better pair-
Fullback: Tim Castille ing than Warner enjoyed with Holt/Bruce and probably better than
Manning enjoyed with Harrison/Wayne in their prime. Fitzgerald is
Starting RB: The Cardinals did not get rid of Edgerrin James the franchise. He is young, insanely talented, tough, coachable, a solid
without a significant level of confidence in Tim Hightower. Despite character, happy and paid. Boldin is the same outside of the last two
drafting Chris Wells in the first round, Hightower will begin the camps adjectives. After another offseason of trade speculation, expect the
as the team’s starting running back. He made a big name for himself team to satisfy Boldin with a new contract rather than trade him or let
in 2008 with his short yardage and goal line proficiency. On third or him hold out into the season. Simply put, the team needs Boldin in
fourth and less than two yards, he averaged 2.6 YPC. That means that uniform this season, and that’s what will happen. The guy sacrificed
most of the time he got the first down. Moreover, nine of his 10 rushing his body and his contract to the team for a year, and the team will
TDs came from inside the five-yard line. Hightower was also profi- probably recognize that by the time the season draws near. Boldin
cient in two areas that are difficult for rookie RBs to master – block- proved he can miss significant time and come back and play at a high
ing and receiving. Those two skills alone should insure Hightower the level. Steve Breaston is an excellent third receiver. He is not a Pro
inside track on starting. That said, the offensive line is atrocious, and Bowl player, but he is capable of turning in a handful of nice games.
Hightower will likely be embroiled in a committee with Wells, especial- Backup WRs: This is a deep crew of receivers. The Cardinals
ly while the team drives between the 20s. As a triple threat (blocking, intend to play a lot of spread offense, which is why we list Breaston
as a starter. That means the fourth and fifth receivers hold some value
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED – especially in leagues that require three starting WRs. Early Doucet
did not impress much as a rookie, but he will have a chance to flash
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
his speed and step into a supporting role. Tall and lanky veteran
RB Chris Wells Draft College Arizona Cardinals
RB LaRod Stephens-Howling Draft College Arizona Cardinals Jerheme Urban, on the other hand, had a few decent games while
RB Dan Kreider Free Agent St. Louis Rams Arizona Cardinals filling in for injuries to Anquan Boldin. He is an adequate fourth WR
RB Jason Wright Free Agent Cleveland Browns Arizona Cardinals in this offense and a fantasy WR5 with upside in deeper leagues.
TE Anthony Becht Free Agent St. Louis Rams Arizona Cardinals
TE Dominique Byrd Free Agent St. Louis Rams Arizona Cardinals TIGHT ENDS
Starter: Leonard Pope
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST Backups: Ben Patrick, Anthony Becht, Steven Spach
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
RB Edgerrin James Free Agent Arizona Cardinals Free Agent The tight end has been an afterthought in the Cardinals offense and,
RB Terrelle Smith Free Agent Arizona Cardinals Detroit Lions given the lack of attention the team gave to the OL in the offseason,
RB J.J. Arrington Free Agent Arizona Cardinals Denver Broncos we can expect the TE to be closer to an additional lineman than a

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 by Marc Levin

receiving threat in this offense. Leonard Pope has decent hands and
is a big body, but the Cardinals have two receivers in Fitzgerald and 2008 SEASON STATS
Boldin who create matchup problems for shorter, less powerful CBs. Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
One of the backups is likely to be the team’s best receiving TE, for Kurt Warner 599 402 4582 30 14 18 -2 0
whatever that is worth. Ben Patrick and Anthony Becht are better
receivers than Pope, but they do not block as well – and this team Matt Leinart 29 15 264 1 1 4 5 0
needs blocking. No Arizona TE caught a touchdown in 2008, and it is
likely no more than two or three scores emerge from the group. Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
Tim Hightower 143 399 10 34 237 0
PLACE KICKER Edgerrin James 133 514 3 12 85 0
PK: Neil Rackers
J.J. Arrington 30 188 1 30 254 1
Last year the Cardinals edged up to 15th in kicker scoring, while
Neil Rackers went 25 of 28 (89.3 percent) on field goals. In 2007 Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
they had dropped to 17th, after having been 8th in 2006 and first in Larry Fitzgerald 96 1431 12 Ctgry Avg Rnk
2005. It’s easy to remember that 2005 season when Rackers hit 95.2 Anquan Boldin 89 1038 11 Pts 26.7 4th
percent on field goals, but also easy to forget that he has hit under 80
percent on six of his nine years in the league. Rackers has struggled Steve Breaston 77 1006 3 Yds 365.8 4th
from long range the last three years, hitting only 5 of 18 on 50+ Jerheme Urban 34 448 4 P-Yds 292.1 2nd
yard field goals. He still has the range for the longer kicks, if not Early Doucet 14 90 0 R-Yds 73.6 32nd
the accuracy, and still piles up touchbacks on kickoffs. The last two
years saw a shift to more PATs and fewer FG attempts for Rackers, Tight End Rec Yards TDs
as the offense performed well under the Whisenhunt regime. Heading
into 2009 the team is coming off a tough loss in the Super Bowl and Ben Patrick 11 104 0
has new coordinators on both offense and defense. A slight drop in Leonard Pope 9 77 0

ARIZONA CARDINALS
Rackers’ point production compared to 2008 is reasonable.

TEAM DEFENSE
As was the case in 2007, the Cardinals struggled to keep offenses
from scoring and managed only middle of the league finishes in
sacks and interceptions. However, they finished in the middle of most
leagues’ fantasy rankings on the strength of six combined defensive
and special teams touchdowns. Despite their 2008 Super Bowl run,
Arizona elected to shake up the defense by firing coordinator Clancy
Pendergast. Early reports suggest that the team’s aggressive phi-
losophy and hybrid 3-4 defensive scheme won’t change. That’s good
news for those in leagues with scoring systems that favor big plays
over stingy points and yardage numbers. The Cardinals are still flush
with playmakers at every level. DE/DT Darnell Dockett, LB Karlos
Dansby, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, FS Antrel Rolle and SS
Adrian Wilson are all capable of generating big plays and defensive
points. Consider this group a strong DST2 in leagues that heavily
reward big plays.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Arizona @SF Mia @Was @NYJ Buf Dal bye @Car @StL SF @Sea NYG @Phi StL Min @NE Sea
23-13 31-10 17-24 35-56 41-17 30-24 week 23-27 34-13 29-24 26-20 29-37 20-48 34-10 14-35 7-47 34-21
QB Warner 19-30-197-0 19-24-361-0 16-30-192-1 40-57-472-3 33-42-250-0 22-30-236-1 - 35-49-381-1 23-34-342-0 32-42-328-0 32-44-395-1 32-52-351-1 21-39-235-3 24-33-279-1 29-45-270-1 6-18-30-0 19-30-263-1
(rush stats) 5-(-4) 2-10 2-(-1) 3-(-2) 3-(-3) 1-0 2-(-2)
1 3,79,8 4,62 8,14 2,2 2,11 5,2 56,7 13,5,4 6 5 1,6,7 12 50 16,5,38,14
QB Leinart dnp 1-2-15-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 3-5-28-0 6-14-138-1 5-8-83-0
(rush stats) 2-(-2) 1-8 1-(-1)
78
RB Hightower 8-13 10-24 5-23 6-13 7-37 7-20 - 6-3 22-109 13-22 11-35 11-21 7-7 12-32 5-20 10-17 3-3
(rec stats) 3-21 1-20 3-38 1-5 2-8 4-29 2-18 1-(-1) 6-28 3-34 5-20 2-10
2 1 1 17,2 2 30 4,1 1
RB James 26-100 18-55 18-93 9-29 21-57 9-29 - 7-17 dnp 2-4 1-1 1-(-1) dnp 3-11 dnp 4-19 14-100
(rec stats) 1-0 2-15 5-37 2-21 1-6 1-6
4,2 1
RB Arrington dnp dnp dnp dnp 4-19 1-2 - 0-0 6-62 1-1 8-40 0-0 2-10 5-22 2-23 dnp 1-9
(rec stats) 3-25 1-10 1-7 5-57 3-21 5-38 3-30 7-48 2-18
4/6(rec) (Q) (Q)
WR Fitzgerald 3-31 6-153 7-109 8-122 7-52 5-79 - 7-115 6-81 8-49 10-151 5-71 5-65 6-73 5-52 3-101 5-130
1 62 2,2 2 5 1,7 12 78 5,38
WR Boldin 8-82 6-140 3-25 10-119 dnp dnp - 9-63 6-85 7-92 13-186 11-87 5-63 5-62 6-34 dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-30 2-8 3-19 1-3 1-(-1) 1-8
WR Breaston 3-54 1-18 0-0 9-122 7-77 8-102 - 9-91 2-39 7-121 2-15 6-86 6-45 7-90 4-46 1-6 5-91
(rush stats) 1-4 1-4
(P) 11 6 (Q) 14
WR Urban 0-0 0-0 0-0 5-50 3-10 1-1 - 4-51 1-56 4-38 1-9 5-69 1-3 0-0 3-82 2-36 4-43
14 56 50 16
WR Doucet dnp dnp dnp dnp 6-42 1-3 - 1-5 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 2-11 4-29
(Q) (Q)
WR Morey 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
(Q) (Q) (P) (Q) (Q) (P)
TE Patrick 0-0 4-30 1-19 1-11 2-11 dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 dnp 2-16 0-0 1-17
TE Pope 1-5 1-15 0-0 0-0 1-4 2-12 - dnp dnp 0-0 2-9 dnp 1-25 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-7
(Q)

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 ATLANTA F ALCONS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Matt Ryan
Backups: Chris Redman
Starting QB: Matt Ryan exploded onto the scene during 2008,
generating a playoff run with the Falcons while throwing for 265/434,
3440 yards, 16 TDs and 11 interceptions (with 55/104/1 rushing).
By the end of the year, he was the 16th best
fantasy QB in the land – he threw for more than
300 yards twice last season and for 250 or more
yards five times during the 17 games he played.
Entering 2009, the team has added perennial Pro
Bowler Tony Gonzalez at the TE position and
boasts Roddy White and Michael Jenkins at the
WR position, with a good pass-catching back in
Jerious Norwood also contributing. Ryan has a
wide array of targets to pick from on any given
down. Ryan has a year of NFL experience (and
repetitions) in Atlanta’s offense, which should
help him start out the season more strongly than
he did early in his rookie year. We expect to see
Ryan improve on last season’s numbers and for
him to be among the top starters in the NFL dur-
ing 2009.
Backup QB: Chris Redman is a career
journeyman-level QB, who threw for 0 comple-
ATLANTA FALCONS
tions last year. He is firmly seated on the bench/ Michael Turner
underneath a set of ear phones as long as Matt
Ryan is healthy. Redman last saw action during 2007, when he threw
for 89/149, 1079 yards, 10 TDs and five interceptions for the Falcons
over seven games of action. He’d been out of football since 2004
before rejoining the league with Atlanta in 2007.
RUNNING BACKS
Starter: Michael Turner
Backups: Jerious Norwood, Jason Snelling
Fullback: Ovie Mughelli
Starting RB: Michael Turner tore up the NFC in his first sea-
son as a starter, gaining 377/1699/17 rushing and 6/41/0 receiving to
land at No. 2 among all fantasy RBs last year. He posted an outstand-
ing 4.5 yards per carry during the 2008 campaign, a very high mark
for a player with over 350 carries. He rushed for over 200 yards twice
(Week 1, with 22/220/2 rushing and 1/6/0 receiving and Week 17 with
25/208/1) last season and had over 100 yards rushing in eight out of
17 games. Turner is the type of fantasy back that can carry a team to
victory on any given week. The Atlanta offense has improved during
the offseason with the addition of Tony Gonzalez, which will help
Turner find more room to roam during 2009 – he has one of the most
enviable collections of teammates in the NFL. Look for Turner to be
one of the most productive NFL backs during 2009 – he should be
high on your draft list.
Backup RBs: Jerious Norwood is a fine pass catching RB
(36/388/2 receiving last season, in addition to 95/489/4 rushing) who
is a perfect complement to Michael Turner. He was the 37th-best fan-
tasy RB in the land last year, making Norwood a viable fill-in player
in weeks when the matchup was particularly good, and he’s a spec-
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
RB Verron Haynes Free Agent Pittsburgh Steelers Atlanta Falcons
TE Tony Gonzalez Trade Kansas City Chiefs Atlanta Falcons
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
WR Laurent Robinson Trade Atlanta Falcons St. Louis Rams
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172
172 ATLANTA.indd 172
tacular ‘insurance policy’ for Michael Turner. He went over 100 yards
combined in week 3 (11/75/0 rushing and 1/30/0 receiving, vs. KC)
and week 10 (6/17/0 rushing with 2/88/1 receiving vs. NO). Norwood
is a threat to take the football to the house on any given play – he has
killer speed. If the need arises, he could step into the starting/featured
role – his career average rushing the ball is 5.8 yards per carry, and he
averages 9.4 yards per reception during his time in the NFL thus far.
Jason Snelling has seen spot duty over his three-year career.
Fullback: Ovie Mughelli is a fine lead-
blocking FB, but he’s only generated 73 total
yards rushing during his 4-year NFL career.
Mughelli isn’t a viable fantasy RB.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Roddy White, Michael Jenkins
Backups: Harry Douglas, Brian Finneran
Starting WRs: Roddy White built upon
his fine 2007 campaign (83/1,202/6 receiving)
and increased his stats across the board in his
first season working with Matt Ryan during
2008. He was the sixth-best fantasy WR in
the land last year, far exceeding most peoples’
expectations. He posted 100+ yards receiving
efforts in seven of 17 games, while averaging
ICON SMI
an impressive 15.7 yards per reception. White
is now firmly established as the No. 1 WR in
Atlanta, and there is no reason to expect him
to lose touches during 2009 - White is one of the stars in the NFL
at this point in his career. Now that Matt Ryan has a year of experi-
ence under his belt as an NFL starter, White should be in a position
to maintain or even improve on his 2008 numbers. White will turn 28
in November, so he’s still got a young man’s legs (and recuperative
powers). Michael Jenkins was a lot more productive during 2008
(50/777/3) than he was during 2007 (53/532/4), going from 10 yards
per reception to 15.5 per grab, his best mark over the past four years.
The improvement landed him at No. 41 among all fantasy WRs, mak-
ing Jenkins a valuable WR4 – a guy to start on your other players’
bye weeks or when the Atlanta passing game had a particularly juicy
matchup. He posted just one ‘goose-egg’ all year (Week 2, vs. TB),
and was usually in the 50-70 yards receiving neighborhood during
the other 16 games in which he played. Jenkins isn’t a starting-caliber
fantasy wideout entering 2009, but he should be a useful guy to have
on your bench for bye weeks or in case of injury.
Backup WRs: Harry Douglas made Laurent Robinson expend-
able this year, contributing 23/320/1 receiving to the team during
2008. He is a solid contributor to the Falcons who could end up being
a waiver wire steal if an opportunity to move up in the pecking order
arrives during 2009. Brian Finneran is a long-time Falcon who has
overcome two serious knee injuries (2006, 2007) to return to the rota-
tion, but only managed 21/169/1 receiving. Douglas would be the guy
to watch if something opens up higher in the depth chart during 2009.
TIGHT ENDS
Starter: Tony Gonzalez
Backup: Justin Peelle
Tony Gonzalez has snagged more than 90 catches during the last
two years (99/1172/5 during 2007; 96/1058/10 during 2008) while
working with the likes of Tyler Thigpen, Damon Huard, and Brodie
Croyle. He’s been the No. 1 (as he was during 2008), No. 2 or No. 3
fantasy TE in nine of the last 10 seasons, with one ‘disappointment’
in 2005 when he finished seventh (due to having only two TDs that
year, 78/905/2). Now, he is playing with an exciting playmaker named
Matt Ryan, and he’s joining a stacked offensive attack that is strong
at every position across the board. Here is Gonzalez’s assessment of
his new home: ‘The Chiefs get a high pick, and I get an opportunity
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/26/09 1:18:04 PM
 by Mark Wimer

to play with a team that’s solidified itself as a contender at this point.

I think it’s worked out for both sides.’ Gonzalez could be poised for 2008 SEASON STATS
another double-digit TD season in Atlanta this year. Justin Peele Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
joined the Falcons during 2008 after two years in Miami; he was Matt Ryan 434 265 3440 16 11 55 104 1
rarely utilized in the passing game, though. He’s not likely to get more
opportunities now that Gonzalez is in town.
Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
PLACE KICKER Michael Turner 377 1699 17 6 41 0
PK: Jason Elam Jerious Norwood 94 489 4 36 338 2
Jason Snelling 15 62 0 8 89 0
After two consecutive years of struggling to find a kicker in pre-
season, and then bringing in Morten Andersen early in the regular sea- Ovie Mughelli 5 16 0 8 57 0
son to fix the problem, the Falcons splurged in free agency last year.
Jason Elam returned to the area of his childhood home and family Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
and was fortunate enough to kick in a dome as a bonus. Elam hit 29 Roddy White 88 1382 7 Ctgry Avg Rnk
of 31 (93.5 percent) on field goals, scored 129 points, and led Atlanta Michael Jenkins 50 777 3 Pts 24.4 10th
to a 6th place ranking in kicker scoring. He also continued his streaks
of always scoring at least 100 points and making at least one 50+ yard Harry Douglas 23 320 1 Yds 361.2 6th
field goal every year. For 2009, the young coaching staff and offensive Brian Finneran 21 169 1 P-Yds 208.5 14th
group return intact after their surprisingly successful rookie season. Laurent Robinson 5 52 0 R-Yds 152.7 2nd
All signs are pointing in the right direction. Eric Weems 1 4 0

TEAM DEFENSE
Tight End Rec Yards TDs
There was little to like about the Atlanta defense last season when Justin Peelle 15 159 2
they finished in the bottom third of the NFL in most categories. Ben Hartsock 3 26 0

Only the 16.5 sacks by DE John Abraham kept the 2008 season
from being a total bust for fantasy owners. The Falcons turned over
a number of starting positions this offseason. Gone are NT Grady
Jackson, OLBs Keith Brooking and Michael Boley, SS Lawyer
Milloy and CB Domonique Foxworth. Free agency brought them
only WLB Mike Peterson but Atlanta used seven of their eight draft
picks on defense. First round DT Peria Jerry and intriguing small
school talent DE Lawrence Sidbury were drafted to help Abraham in
pass rush, and S William Moore is expected to become an immedi-
ate replacement for Milloy. Last year’s second round pick, Curtis
ATLANTA FALCONS
Jason Rader 1 26 0
Lofton, will take over the huddle. The team hopes he’ll fulfill his
promise as an every-down player this year. Despite the turnover,
it’s unlikely that the Falcons will make the leap to a viable fantasy
performer this season. They remain short on playmakers and will
again struggle to get off the field quickly. This unit won’t be worth
consideration in fantasy leagues until they show improvement in all
phases of the game.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Atlanta Det @TB KC @Car @GB Chi bye @Phi @Oak NO Den Car @SD @NO TB @Min StL
34-21 9-24 38-14 9-24 27-24 22-20 week 14-27 24-0 34-20 20-24 45-28 22-16 25-29 13-10 24-17 31-27
QB Ryan 9-13-161-0 13-33-158-2 12-18-192-0 21-41-158-0 16-26-194-1 22-30-301-0 - 23-44-277-2 17-22-220-0 16-23-248-0 20-33-250-1 17-27-259-0 17-23-207-0 24-33-315-1 15-23-206-2 13-24-134-0 10-21-160-2
(rush stats) 5-(-2) 6-10 1-15 2-11 4-16 1-1 1-4 4-1 2-(-2) 5-18 3-2 4-(-3) 4-13 6-19 3-2 4-(-1)
62 70 1,22 3 55,8 37,27 16,67 18,5 2/12(run) 8 18
RB Turner 22-220 14-42 23-104 18-56 26-121 25-54 - 17-58 31-139 27-96 25-81 24-117 31-120 18-61 32-152 19-70 25-208
(rec stats) 1-6 1-6 1-(-1) 1-0 2-30
66,5 4,1,2 (P) 2 2 9,28 (P) 1,4,1,16 5 1 1 9
RB Norwood 14-93 6-18 11-75 3-51 4-12 3-31 - 4-5 13-63 6-17 4-18 4-11 4-18 5-18 4-(-7) 6-10 3-56
(rec stats) 2-6 1-8 1-30 4-1 3-9 1-6 5-55 2-20 2-88 3-25 1-5 2-8 4-20 2-24 2-11 1-22
10 12 (Q) 67(rec) (Q) (Q) 8(rec) 8,45
RB Snelling 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 8-47 0-0 1-(-3) 0-0 1-1 2-5 0-0 3-12 0-0
1-11 2-20 1-12 1-2 2-31 1-13
RB Mughelli 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-9 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-5 1-2 0-0 0-0 0-0
1-3 1-6 1-2 (P) 2-23 2-22 1-1 (Q) (Q)
WR White 2-54 4-59 5-119 7-90 8-132 9-112 - 8-113 5-54 5-68 5-102 4-70 6-112 10-164 4-61 3-24 3-48
70 22 3 (Q) 55,8 16 (Q) (Q) 18
WR Jenkins 1-62 0-0 2-19 3-32 3-38 4-58 - 3-50 2-64 6-72 5-55 4-48 1-22 5-69 3-55 4-61 4-72
62 37,27 (Q)
WR Douglas 0-0 2-34 2-10 2-8 0-0 5-96 - 0-0 1-12 0-0 0-0 4-92 3-13 2-45 0-0 1-4 1-6
(rush stats) 1-7 1-33 1-(-8) 1-18 1-(-1)1 2-10 1-2 2-3 1-11 1-4
7(run) 5 (Q) (Q)
WR Finneran 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-10 0-0 3-29 - 3-20 0-0 1-6 4-44 1-9 2-14 2-8 1-4 1-13 1-12
(Q) (Q) 2 (P) (Q) (Q) (Q)
WR Robinson 0-0 4-45 1-7 dnp dnp dnp - dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(O) (D) (D) (P) (Q) (O) (O) (Q) (D)
WR Weems dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
TE Peelle 1-13 0-0 1-7 0-0 2-15 0-0 - 1-17 3-33 1-14 0-0 0-0 3-38 1-9 1-5 1-8 0-0
1 (Q) 18
TE Hartsock 1-17 0-0 0-0 1-7 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 1-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(Q)
TE Rader dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 1-26 0-0 0-0

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 BALTIMORE R AVENS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Joe Flacco
Backups: Troy Smith, Todd Bouman
Starting QB: In 2008, Joe Flacco became the first rookie quar-
terback in league history to win two playoff games. He wasn’t even orig-
inally slated to start, but Troy Smith missed too much time in training
camp with an illness, forcing Flacco into action. He soon showed that
he was the right guy all along. He ran for a 38 yard
touchdown in his first NFL game, and did a solid
job of managing the offense for Baltimore early on.
Despite a one to seven touchdown to interception
ratio through his first five games, he turned things
around statistically the rest of the way. Even though
his final season numbers didn’t wow anybody, he
more than proved that he belonged. While he was
never really asked to shoulder the offensive load, he
showed enough that the Ravens likely believe that
he can if need be. He has a big arm and already
throws one of the best deep balls in the entire
league. He demonstrated considerably better deci-
sion-making as the season went along (just five
interceptions over his final eleven games) and is
BALTIMORE RAVENS
how the carries will shake out. McGahee isn’t likely to be in Baltimore
much beyond this season, but if the coaching staff feels that he gives
them the best chance to win right now, you can be sure he’ll get his
touches. It should be noted that in the postseason, the combined rushes
for Rice and McClain was 33 while McGahee had 39 all by himself.
Backup RBs: Ray Rice was drafted in the second round a sea-
son ago, presumably to be the heir apparent to starter Willis McGahee.
While Rice did get the Week 1 start, there were only two other games
all season long in which he saw 10+ carries.
He was the most effective rusher on a per carry
basis (4.2 YPC) and showed a lot of ability in
the passing game as well, with 33 receptions.
But he gave up a lot of carries to unheralded
FB Le’Ron McClain, who saw by far the most
rushes on the team. Rice is still considered the
running back of the future, but there are even
more players to compete with for carries this
year than there were a year ago. That’s because
the team added Cedric Peerman from Virginia
in the sixth round. Before you discount Peerman,
think back to last preseason and what your opin-
ion was of Le’Ron McClain. With this group,
you almost can’t discount anybody.
Fullback: A year ago at this time, very

poised to jump into fantasy relevance in 2009.

Backup QBs: Troy Smith was possibly in few people would’ve given Le’Ron McClain a

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line to start for the Ravens last season while Joe second thought as a fantasy option. A year later,
Flacco learned the job from the comfort and safety Joe Flacco there is debate as to which of the Ravens run-
of the bench. But an illness in preseason wiped out ning backs is the most valuable – the former first
Smith from consideration for the job, leaving Flacco unchallenged for round pick, the former second round pick, or the fourth round fullback
the starting gig. Smith is still the same athletically gifted player he was at who stampeded his way to 11 touchdowns. McClain started and fin-
Ohio State three years ago, but the problem he now faces is that he’s bur- ished strong a year ago, and only missed out on his first career 1,000
ied on the bench behind an up-and-coming star. Bouman is an unspectac- yard season because of underutilization in the middle of the year. From
ular veteran for a team with two very young quarterbacks on the roster. Week 6 to Week 11 (a six game stretch), McClain had just 35 carries
for 110 yards and 1 touchdown. In his other ten games, he had 196
RUNNING BACKS carries for 797 yards and 9 touchdowns. How he’ll be used this season
Starter: Willis McGahee is a subject of great debate. McGahee and Rice are still on the roster,
Backups: Ray Rice, Cedric Peerman [R] and McGahee was the go-to guy in the postseason. Rice is considered
Fullback: Le’Ron McClain the future of the franchise at the position, yet McClain was by far the
most productive.
Starting RB: Willis McGahee is the starting halfback in name
only. His 170 carries were second on the team to fullback Le’Ron WIDE RECEIVERS
McClain and just 63 more than rookie Ray Rice. He did crack the 100 Starters: Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton
yard mark three times, but he also had less than twenty yards on three Backups: Marcus Smith, Demetrius Williams
different occasions as well. Surprisingly, despite 124 fewer carries in
2008 than in 2007, he scored just one less touchdown. His numbers are Starting WRs: Try as we might, fantasy football owners just
close enough to his career norms that it would seem that he didn’t lose can’t seem to be able to get rid of Derrick Mason. He followed up
anything ability-wise. But his opportunities greatly decreased from an unexpected 1,000 yard season in 2007 with yet another in 2008.
the previous season despite playing only one less game. The reason? Along the way, his 13.0 yards per reception average was his highest
Because of the presence of the aforementioned Rice and McClain. since his 13.7 in 2003. At 35, it’s clear that Mason’s best days are
Rice was the second round rookie that was supposed to be the primary behind him. But with 183 receptions and ten touchdowns combined
threat to McGahee’s job, but it was actually McClain who took the over the last two seasons, it’s just as clear that Mason still is a very
position and made it his. Heading into 2009, it’ll be interesting to see viable option and the clear-cut No. 1 receiver in Baltimore. Lining
up across from Mason is Mark Clayton, who faces an important test
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED in 2009. Clayton experienced early success with 939 yards and five
touchdowns in just his second NFL season. His third year was expect-
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
ed to be a breakout campaign, but an ankle injury derailed that before
QB John Beck Free Agent Miami Dolphins Baltimore Ravens
RB Cedric Peerman Draft College Baltimore Ravens
it ever really began. Healthy again, most expected that 2008 would be
TE Davon Drew Draft College Baltimore Ravens the year he would really break out and establish himself as a top-flight
TE L.J. Smith Free Agent Philadelphia Eagles Baltimore Ravens option. While he did turn in a solid campaign, he didn’t really come
WR Marcus Maxwell Free Agent Cincinnati Bengals Baltimore Ravens close to a breakout performance. This year should really tell us a lot
going forward about what to expect from Clayton. Is he a budding
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST superstar, waiting for his opportunity to shine? Or is he a good, not
great, receiver who will simply be bye week filler in fantasy circles?
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
QB Kyle Boller Free Agent Baltimore Ravens St. Louis Rams
Backup WRs: Marcus Smith didn’t catch a single pass a year
QB Todd Bouman Free Agent Baltimore Ravens Jacksonville Jaguars ago and was thrown to just four times. So it’s a bit difficult to gauge
RB Lorenzo Neal Free Agent Baltimore Ravens Oakland Raiders what kind of an impact he can have going forward with such little
TE Daniel Wilcox Free Agent Baltimore Ravens Free Agent statistical analysis to base it on. He’s still pretty raw but he’s got good

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 by Michael Brown

size and speed and should fit in as the slot receiver in 2009. Williams
was expected to make more of an impact than he actually did in 2008, 2008 SEASON STATS
as his season ended in Week 8 after an Achilles injury that eventually Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
required surgery. Interestingly, that game featured the biggest con- Joe Flacco 428 257 2971 14 12 52 180 2
tribution of his pro career, a 70-yard touchdown grab. Williams has
excellent speed and is the best downfield threat on the team, some- Troy Smith 4 3 82 1 0 9 24 0
thing the Ravens could look to take more advantage of.
Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
TIGHT ENDS LeRon McClain 232 902 10 19 123 1
Starter: Todd Heap Willis McGahee 170 671 7 24 173 0
Backup: L.J. Smith Ray Rice 107 454 0 33 273 0
Lorenzo Neal 12 25 0 7 35 0
Todd Heap experienced a slight uptick in overall production from
2007 to 2008, but nothing close to his halcyon days from 2002-2006.
And despite the increase in overall fantasy points, he was actually sig- Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
nificantly worse on a per-game basis last year than in any other season Derrick Mason 80 1037 5 Ctgry Avg Rnk
since his rookie year. The Ravens have established a new offensive iden- Mark Clayton 41 695 3 Pts 24.1 11th
tity under Cam Cameron, one that utilizes the running backs and receiv- Demetrius Williams 13 180 1 Yds 324.0 18th
ers a lot more. The tight end spot has sort of been relegated to glorified P-Yds 175.5 28th
offensive lineman. The fact that Heap failed to bounce back, coupled Tight End Rec Yards TDs
his increasing age, doesn’t speak well for his ability to have a bounce-
R-Yds 148.5 4th
Todd Heap 35 403 3
back campaign in 2009. He’ll still be one of the top three options in the
passing game, but for a team that established a real run-first identity Daniel Wilcox 5 19 2
last year, the opportunities might be tough to come by. Especially with
the addition of another proven receiver at the tight end spot in L.J.

BALTIMORE RAVENS
Smith. For years, Smith has been a productive receiving tight end in yards, and won the Lou Groza Award. Hauschka and Gano will com-
Philadelphia. Now he joins Baltimore, where even the starter had trouble pete to replace Matt Stover, who was not re-signed.
making very many big plays. Smith is very good after the catch and
could prove to be a viable red zone option, but he’s never been known TEAM DEFENSE
for having the best hands in the world.
Baltimore finished near the top of nearly all important defensive
PLACE KICKER categories in 2008. Second in yards allowed, third in scoring, top three
PK: Steve Hauschka, Graham Gano against both run and pass, but the most telling statistics for fantasy
owners were the league leading 26 interceptions, 31 total takeaways
At N.C. State in 2007, Steve Hauschka had a stellar year, making and six touchdowns. The club lost ILB Bart Scott to free agency
16 of 18 (88.9 percent) field goals, including a perfect 8 of 8 from but have Tavares Gooden waiting in the wings to replace him. They
40+ yards. He was also perfect on all 25 PATs and was named a semi- released former starter Chris McAlister who missed most of last
finalist for the Lou Groza Award. Last year for the Ravens, he handled season anyway, then added veteran Dominique Foxworth and drafted
kickoffs and two long field goal attempts (missing from 53 yards and Lardarius Webb who they believe will eventually start for them. They
good from 54 yards) during the latter half of the year. Graham Gano get DE Kelly Gregg back from injury and used a second round pick
handled kickoffs and punting during most of his career at Florida on OLB Paul Kruger to boost the pass rush that produced the 10th
State, but finally added placekicking to his responsibilities as a senior most sacks in the league. The Ravens have added some young talent
in 2008. He made 24 of 26 field goals, including 5 of 7 from 50+ and lost very little. They may be even better than last year.
2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS
Baltimore Cin bye Cle @Pit Ten @Ind @Mia Oak @Cle @Hou @NYG Phi @Cin Was Pit @Dal Jac
17-10 week 28-10 20-23 10-13 3-31 27-13 29-10 37-27 41-13 10-30 36-7 34-3 24-10 9-13 33-24 27-7
QB Flacco 15-29-129-0 - 13-19-129-2 16-31-192-0 18-27-153-2 28-38-241-317-23-232-012-24-140-0 17-29-248-0 15-23-185-0 20-33-164-2 12-26-183-0 19-29-280-0 10-21-134-1 11-28-115-2 17-25-149-0 17-23-297-0
(rush stats) 4-37 6-(-2) 2-(-1) 2-4 3-12 2-3 4-23 4-2 2-8 6-57 5-3 3-15 4-11 1-5 4-4
38(run) 4 11 70/12(run) 47,28 43,1 10 1,53 4,70 28 13
QB Smith dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-1-43-0 0-0-0-0 1-1-14-0 dnp dnp 0-0-0-0 dnp dnp 0-0-0-0 1-2-25-0
(rush stats) 3-13 1-1 2-6 3-4
RB McClain 19-86 - 17-66 16-63 11-51 2-(-2) 6-17 7-32 14-34 4-19 2-10 18-88 25-86 20-61 23-87 22-139 25-70
(rec stats) 2-24 1-4 3-26 2-12 1-2 3-10 1-1 1-3 1-6 3-31 1-4
RB McGahee dnp - 15-64 13-42 22-64 8-18 19-105 23-58 0-0 25-112 9-18 7-8 dnp 11-32 6-18 8-108 4-24
(rec stats) 1-11 3-19 1-2 4-26 2-47 2-(-1) 1-9 2-7 1-(-8) 2-15 3-21 2-25
(P) 5 (P) (Q) (P) 5 1 (P) (Q) 1,4 (P) (P) 77 13
RB Rice 22-64 - 5-21 1-0 0-0 6-23 7-13 8-64 21-154 7-17 8-19 8-7 11-41 3-31 dnp dnp dnp
3-19 7-64 2-46 3-37 3-22 2-2 (P) 4-18 3-42 4-14 2-9 (D) (Q)
RB Neal 0-0 - 1-2 0-0 2-4 0-0 1-2 0-0 1-2 0-0 0-0 2-4 1-1 0-0 1-2 1-5 2-3
(rec stats) 1-13 1-(-2) 1-4 2-15 1-(-1) 1-6
(P)
WR Mason 4-44 - 4-42 8-137 5-38 6-70 6-87 1-3 9-136 3-41 7-82 3-40 6-91 3-60 3-23 6-66 6-77
(rush stats) 1-3
11 (Q) 28 (Q) (Q) 32 (P) 28 (Q) (P) 13 (P) (Q)
WR Clayton 3-21 - 2-14 0-0 4-37 3-13 1-13 0-0 4-87 3-40 1-10 2-76 5-164 2-19 3-38 4-35 4-128
(rush stats) 1-42 1-(-1) 1-9 1-2 1-17 1-12
WR Williams 1-3 - 3-26 1-6 1-22 6-53 0-0 1-70 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(P) (Q) 70 (Q)
TE Heap 1-5 - 2-32 0-0 4-41 1-13 3-29 2-17 0-0 5-58 3-16 2-26 4-39 2-54 1-24 2-24 3-25
(P) (P) (P) 1,14 4 (P)
TE Wilcox 0-0 - 0-0 1-4 1-1 0-0 0-0 2-13 dnp dnp dnp 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
4 (P) (O) (D) (Q) 1 (P)

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 BUFFALO B ILLS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Trent Edwards
Backups: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Gibran Hamdan
Starting QB: After showing promise during his rookie season,
Trent Edwards entered 2008 as the clear starter. He got off to a great
start while leading the team to a 4-0 record in September but was
knocked out of the game early in Week 5 on a hit to the head from safety
Adrian Wilson. Despite a couple impressive games
against San Diego and Kansas City, Edwards and
the Bills struggled down the stretch and lost nine
of their last 11 games. Edwards is a very accurate
passer as evidenced by his completion percentage of
65.5, which ranked sixth in the league, but the Bills
offense was generally too conservative. His produc-
tion should get a big boost thanks to the addition of
Terrell Owens, but the schedule also figures to be
much tougher this year. If Edwards can stay healthy
and show continued improvement, he should finish
among the middle of the QB2 tier.
Backup QBs: Ryan Fitzpatrick entered
the league in 2005 as an unheralded seventh-
round draft pick out of Harvard. He had an
impressive debut with the Rams, throwing for 310
yards and three TDs while leading the Rams back
that he belongs among the league’s elite RBs. The addition of Terrell
Owens at WR should help open up some running room, but the offen-
sive line has just two returning starters from last year and looks like
a major question mark. Despite the suspension, which could still be
reduced, Lynch looks like a strong RB2 with RB1 upside.
Backup RBs: The Bills enter 2009 with the best RB depth
they’ve had in a long time. Fred Jackson has emerged as a very pro-
ductive backup RB for the Bills the past two seasons. He has started
four games in place of an injured Marshawn
Lynch and shown very little drop-off when
called upon. Jackson doesn’t run with the same
type of power that Lynch does, but he’s a great
change of pace back who works very well out
in space. The Bills went to more of a committee
approach at RB last year, which helped Jackson
double his touches. To give the team better depth
as it deals with Lynch’s suspension, the Bills
signed veteran Dominic Rhodes to an incentive-
laden two-year contract. After a disappointing
season in Oakland, Rhodes was very productive
for the Colts last year while sharing time with
Joseph Addai. He figures to share time with
Jackson during the first few weeks of the season,
and the two will also compete with each other
to determine who the primary backup is once

ICON SMI
from a 24-3 halftime deficit to a 33-27 overtime Lynch returns to the lineup.
win. After a trade to the Bengals, Fitzpatrick Trent Edwards Fullback: Corey McIntire bounced around
saw extensive action in 2008 while filling in for the league and NFL Europe before signing with
BUFFALO BILLS

Carson Palmer. He only managed to throw eight TDs in 13 games but the Bills in Week 5 last year. He replaced Darian Barnes who was
generally showed good accuracy and decision making. Fitzpatrick was released. He’s a prototypical fullback who is unlikely to make much of
also a very active scrambler and finished as the league’s third-leading an impact as a rusher or receiver.
QB rusher with 304 yards. He signed a three-year contract with the
Bills this offseason and should fit in well as an experienced backup
who can step in if needed. Gibran Hamdan originally entered the WIDE RECEIVERS
league as a seventh-round draft pick of the Redskins in 2002. Starters: Terrell Owens, Lee Evans
Backups: Josh Reed, Roscoe Parrish, Steve Johnson, James Hardy
RUNNING BACKS
Starter: Marshawn Lynch Starting WRs: Terrell Owens is one of the best and most con-
Backups: Fred Jackson, Dominic Rhodes troversial players in the league. Coming off a disappointing season that
Fullback: Corey McIntire was filled with drama, the Cowboys decided to release him this off-
season and he signed a one-year contract with the Bills soon after. He
Starting RB: Marshawn Lynch followed up his impressive fills a huge need for the team, but it seems like a strange fit given the
rookie season with a very similar campaign in 2008. Although his conservative nature of the Bills coaching staff. At 35 years old, Owens
rush attempts declined as the Bills moved to more of a committee may have lost a step, but he also has 38 TDs over the past three years
approach with Fred Jackson, he also became much more active in the and his size should make him a very reliable target for Trent Edwards
passing game. Lynch is an explosive talent with the ability to do just inside the red zone. Owens still has the ability to command a lot of
about everything you need him to. He runs extremely hard and often attention from defenses, which should help open things up for Lee
refuses to go down on first contact, which has made him particularly Evans on the other side of the field. Evans is 28 years old and coming
effective when he gets near the end zone. Unfortunately, Lynch has off a frustrating season in which he broke 1,000 yards for the second
had some off-field problems in recent years which resulted in the time in his career but also finished with just three TDs. Evans appears
commissioner suspending him for the first three games of the season. to be the perfect complement to Owens as he’s one of the league’s best
Lynch has shown a lot of promise at this point in his career, but he’ll deep threats and not the type to complain when he’s not getting enough
need to be more consistent and stay out of trouble if he wants to prove targets. This tandem has to be considered one of the league’s best.
Backup WRs: Josh Reed was pretty much the starting WR2 by
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED default in recent years but he’s a much better fit playing from the slot.
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team He lacks ideal speed to gain separation on the outside but changes
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick Free Agent Cincinnati Bengals Buffalo Bills directions quickly, is great running with the ball in his hands, and is
RB Dominic Rhodes Free Agent Indianapolis Colts Buffalo Bills an excellent downfield blocker. The addition of Owens will push Reed
TE Shawn Nelson Draft College Buffalo Bills back to the slot and likely hurt his numbers, but he should still see
WR Terrell Owens Free Agent Dallas Cowboys Buffalo Bills plenty of playing time and remain an effective check down option for
Edwards. Roscoe Parrish is an elite punt returner, but his contribu-
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST tions as a receiver have been disappointing. He has game-breaking
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
speed but is small and lacks the strength needed to play anything but a
QB J.P. Losman Free Agent Buffalo Bills Free Agent situational role. Steve Johnson was a late round pick a year ago who
TE Kevin Everett Free Agent Buffalo Bills Free Agent showed flashes that suggest he could emerge as a productive player.
TE Robert Royal Free Agent Buffalo Bills Cleveland Browns James Hardy was a second round pick a year ago who struggled to
adjust to the level of competition and suffered a torn ACL late in the

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 by Aaron Rudnicki

season. With Owens signed to a one-year deal, there’s a good chance

that both Hardy and Johnson will be competing for a starting job in 2010. 2008 SEASON STATS
Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
TIGHT ENDS Trent Edwards 374 245 2699 11 10 36 117 3
Starter: Derek Fine
Backups: Shawn Nelson [R], Derek Schouman J.P. Losman 104 63 584 2 5 12 70 2

With the offseason release of three-year starter Robert Royal, the Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
Bills will likely go into training camp with an open competition for Marshawn Lynch 250 1036 8 47 300 1
the starting TE job this year. Derek Fine was a fourth-round pick out Fred Jackson 130 571 3 37 317 0
of Kansas last year. He saw limited playing time but looked impres-
sive in a game against the Jets when he finished with four receptions
for 43 yards and a TD. While the players he is competing against are Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs
probably better receivers, Fine could have an edge as a blocker. The Lee Evans 63 1017 3
Bills may have found a long-term starter when they selected Shawn Josh Reed 56 597 1
Nelson in the fourth round of this year’s draft. Nelson will likely need Roscoe Parrish 24 232 1 Team Per Game Stats
to improve his blocking, but he has good size, soft hands, and is the
only player in this group with enough speed to threaten defenses and Steve Johnson 10 102 2 Ctgry Avg Rnk
create mismatches. Derek Schouman is undersized for the TE spot James Hardy 9 87 2 Pts 21.0 23rd
but a good athlete who initially saw time as an H-back. Yds 305.1 25th
Tight End Rec Yards TDs P-Yds 190.0 22nd
PLACE KICKER Robert Royal 33 351 1 R-Yds 115.1 14th
PK: Rian Lindell
Derek Schouman 15 153 1
Several years ago, there were concerns over Rian Lindell’s long Derek Fine 10 94 1
range field goal abilities. He proved the critics wrong over the sub-
sequent three year span. Last year the concerns resurfaced when he
missed seven attempts from 40+ yards. Nonetheless, the Bills finished yards allowed, and finished with the 13th rated pass defense. On the

12th in kicker scoring on the strength of numerous attempts. Lindell
hit 30 of 38 (78.9 percent) on field goals. He also added 34 PATs. In
his nine years in the NFL, Lindell has never missed an extra point.
The coaching staff and most of the offense return for 2009, so it might
seem that they could once again provide Lindell with numerous field
goal opportunities. The past two decades have proven otherwise, as
the large majority of teams were unable to repeat in that category.
TEAM DEFENSE
The 2008 season was a disappointment for a Bills defense that
had grand expectations. They managed middle of the pack rankings
in several categories including a respectable 14th in both points and
BUFFALO BILLS
other hand, the 22nd rated run D left plenty to be desired, and they
floundered in the all-important big play columns finishing in the
bottom half of the league with 24 takeaways while only four clubs
posted fewer sacks. The Bills did very little in free agency to help the
defense, adding only corner Florence Drayton who will likely be the
nickel back. The other significant additions came via the draft where
pass rushing DE Aaron Maybin was picked up in Round 1, and ball
hawking DB Jairus Byrd was selected in the second. The rookies will
contribute right away but the most significant factor here is probably
the return of DE standout Aaron Schobel from injury. On paper the
Bills don’t seem to have made great improvement. They do, however,
have a lot of talented young players on this squad. Don’t be surprised
if they begin to gel by mid-season and finish strong this year.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Buffalo Sea @Jac Oak @StL @Ari bye SD @Mia NYJ @NE Cle @KC SF Mia @NYJ @Den NE
34-10 20-16 24-23 31-14 17-41 week 23-14 16-25 17-26 10-20 27-29 54-31 3-10 3-16 27-31 30-23 0-13
QB Edwards 19-30-215-0 20-25-239-0 24-39-279-1 15-25-197-1 3-3-18-0 - 25-30-261-021-35-227-1 24-35-289-2 13-23-120-2 16-26-148-3 24-32-273-0 10-21-112-0 dnp dnp 17-25-193-0 14-25-128-0
(rush stats) 1-(-1) 1-(-1) 2-9 5-8 4-6 4-17 1-(-1) 3-7 6-38 3-5 2-10 4-20
30 7 14 39 2 (P) 9 (P) 14 18/1(run) 8,17/15,5(run) (D) (D) 3 (Q)
QB Losman dnp 0-0-0-0 dnp dnp 15-21-220-1 - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0-0-0 11-17-93-0 13-27-123-1 24-39-148-3 dnp dnp
(rush stats) 2-2 3-(-2) 5-53 2-17
87/2(run) 2/8(run)
RB Lynch 18-76 19-59 23-83 19-57 13-55 - 19-70 13-61 9-16 14-46 23-119 20-79 16-134 13-31 21-127 11-34 dnp
3-18 1-8 4-31 4-24 3-10 4-22 5-34 3-52 10-58 5-25 1-1 1-4 3-13
21 11 14,3 9 8 18(rec) 1 (P) 2 (Q) (Q)
RB Jackson 10-31 6-17 5-24 7-46 1-5 - 9-33 10-41 7-15 4-14 12-60 9-56 5-8 0-0 7-31 10-43 27-136
(rec stats) 7-83 1-1 3-9 3-32 3-28 1-1 3-25 2-11 2-20 2-13 6-24 3-70 1-0
22 11 8
WR Evans 4-102 4-77 4-65 2-88 2-100 - 8-89 7-116 4-41 2-22 0-0 5-110 7-80 3-23 4-22 2-19 5-63
(rush stats) 1-22
39 87 2
WR Reed 3-37 4-36 6-72 4-47 4-45 - 3-32 2-19 dnp dnp dnp 5-50 5-58 5-58 4-43 9-79 2-21
(O) (O) (D) 8 (Q) (P)
WR Parrish 3-6 1-12 3-42 dnp dnp - 2-19 1-3 3-51 4-31 1-21 0-0 2-9 2-19 1-5 1-14 dnp
(rush stats) 1-9 1-0
(P) 14 (P) (O) (O) (P) (Q) (D)
WR Johnson dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-8 - dnp dnp 1-8 1-15 3-41 0-0 0-0 1-14 2-13 1-3 0-0
(rush stats) 1-6
2 3
WR Hardy 0-0 2-12 0-0 0-0 3-35 - 0-0 2-19 0-0 2-21 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp
7 14 (Q) (O) (O)
TE Royal 6-52 0-0 4-34 1-8 2-8 - 4-53 2-26 5-70 1-6 1-22 3-29 dnp 0-0 1-5 1-8 2-30
30 (Q) (O) (Q)
TE Schouman 0-0 1-11 0-0 1-21 0-0 - 1-18 1-9 0-0 1-14 0-0 3-25 4-44 1-5 0-0 0-0 2-6
17 (P)
TE Fine dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp 0-0 4-43 0-0 1-6 1-14 0-0 0-0 2-23 0-0 2-8
(O) (O) (O) (O) (O) (D) (P) 9

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 CAROLINA P ANTHERS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Jake Delhomme
Backups: Josh McCown, Matt Moore
Starting QB: Jake Delhomme signed a $42.5 million deal with
Carolina ($20 million guaranteed) during the offseason – he’s firmly
in the driver’s seat in Carolina. He came back from a 2007 Tommy
John elbow surgery to toss 246/414 for 3,288 yards, 15 TDs and 12
interceptions last season. His numbers landed him
at No. 19 among all fantasy QBs, in the middle of
fantasy QB2 range. He threw for more than 250
yards in four of his 17 games last year (he was
within six yards of the 300 mark on two of those
occasions). Delhomme should easily post similar
numbers during 2009, although he is no longer a
top fantasy QB due to scheme. The Panthers love
to grind out the game with their running backs,
limiting Delhomme’s ceiling as a passer – he’s
had less than 450 passing attempts in each of his
last four seasons.
Backup QB: Josh McCown last saw exten-
sive action two years ago during a dreary stint
in Oakland (2007) but had minimal stats in two
appearances for Carolina last year. Matt Moore
played in 10 games for Carolina two years ago
CAROLINA PANTHERS
feature-runner DeAngelo Williams – Stewart cranked out 184/836/10
rushing and 8/47/0 receiving last year as a part-time runner. He was
still the 24th best fantasy RB in the land playing second fiddle in
Carolina. Given the run-first focus of the Panthers’ offense, it seems
likely that Stewart will be able to post similar numbers during 2009
as the Panthers rushed the ball 504 times last year. That’s more than
enough work to keep two running backs happy. Mike Goodson was
added in the fourth round. He is a versatile back with good size and
speed and nice hands, but he won’t see much
action barring injury to Williams or Stewart.
Fullbacks: Brad Hoover has played with
the Panthers since 2000, at times carrying the
ball 60+ times, but over the past four years he’s
carried the ball a maximum of 22 times in a sea-
son (with a maximum of 20 receptions). At this
point in his career, he is more of a lead blocker
than a change of pace back. Fiammetta was
considered by most to be the top fullback in the
2009 Draft. He is an excellent blocker and is a
very good receiver.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Steve Smith, Muhsin Muhammad
Backups: Dwayne Jarrett, Kenneth Moore,

ICON SMI
but only managed 63/111 for 730 yards, three Ryne Robinson
TDs and five interceptions. McCown and Moore Steve Smith
will battle for the No. 2 QB position, but neither Starting WRs: Steve Smith is a fantasy
is a threat to Delhomme’s position. favorite, with an astonishing 18.2 yards-per-reception average last sea-
son. He went over 100 yards receiving during eight games last year,
RUNNING BACKS and just missed in two other weeks (96 yards and a TD in Week 5 and
Starter: DeAngelo Williams 96 yards receiving Week 6). He also carries the ball on occasion, with
Backups: Jonathan Stewart, Mike Goodson [R] 5/40/0 rushing last year and 42/273/2 rushing during his career. Smith
Fullback: Brad Hoover, Tony Fiammetta [R] is a driven competitor who pushes all the players around him to excel,
but unfortunately he hasn’t been a model teammate (as ex-teammate
Starting RB: DeAngelo Williams posted career-best numbers Ken Lucas can attest). If he can keep his nose clean this year and play
last season. He went over 100 yards rushing and receiving in eight a full 16-game schedule, he might get back to the 100+ receptions we
of 17 games last season and cranked out a series of multiple-TD saw from him a few years back. He is an elite NFL receiver with a
games in the second half of the year, lifting many fantasy owners to high motor and a huge desire to excel, all qualities that fantasy (and
the playoffs and championships in their leagues. He was the No. 1 NFL) owners appreciate. Muhsin Muhammad proved critics wrong
fantasy running back in the land last year, vastly outperforming his last year and re-joined the ranks of fantasy-worthy starters as he fin-
average draft position. Williams is firmly entrenched as the starter in ished at No. 26 among all fantasy wide receivers. He caught at least
Carolina, though he shares duties with Jonathan Stewart (who also one ball in every game last year and was usually in the 40- to 70-yard
scored double-digit TDs during 2008, with 184/836/10 rushing and receiving range. This year, he will again be the complement to Steve
8/47/0 receiving). The Carolina offense is very run-oriented, with Smith – Muhammad isn’t likely to repeat his dynamic 2004 campaign,
504 rushing attempts last season vs. 414 passing attempts. With over but he’ll be a solid No. 3 fantasy wide out if nothing goes wrong for
500 carries available, it is likely that Williams and Stewart could both him health wise. He’s a guy who keeps himself in top condition and
be viable fantasy players during 2009. Williams is only 26 this year, seems able to defy father time. Also, he took relatively few hits in his
which means he has many productive seasons ahead of him in the years while playing for the Bears, which seems to have added time to
NFL. He had three games over 100 yards rushing in the last five con- his career. The backups and tight ends in Carolina are nothing special,
tests - he still had plenty of gas in his tank then, which bodes well for so Smith and Muhammad figure to command a majority of the balls
his 2009 prospects. that Delhomme throws.
Backup RBs: Jonathan Stewart is a great complement to Backup WRs: Dwayne Jarrett is, as we said last year, essen-
tially an untouchable in fantasy terms. He has scored 0 TDs over two
NFL seasons and has accumulated just 192 yards receiving during
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED that time. He will need an injury to Smith or Muhammad to sniff the
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team starting lineup. Further, unless he vastly improves this year, Jarrett
RB Mike Goodson Draft College Carolina Panthers could be pushed for his No. 3 spot by a pair of unproven reserves in
RB Tony Fiammetta Draft College Carolina Panthers Kenneth Moore or Ryne Robinson.
WR Marcus Monk Free Agent New York Giants Carolina Panthers
TIGHT ENDS
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST Starter: Dante Rosario
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team Backup: Jeff King
QB Brett Basanez Free Agent Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears
RB Nick Goings Free Agent Carolina Panthers Free Agent Last season, Dante Rosario increased his number of receptions
WR D.J. Hackett Free Agent Carolina Panthers Free Agent three-fold over his 2007 numbers and still ended up with only
WR Mark Jones Free Agent Carolina Panthers Tennessee Titans 18/209/1 receiving. He is simply not a viable fantasy football TE. He

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 by Mark Wimer

may top the depth chart in Carolina, but Dante Rosario is a marginal
fantasy TE (at best). Jeff King regressed last season (after post- 2008 SEASON STATS
ing 46/406/2 in 2007). He may have lost the starter’s role to Dante Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
Rosario. He’ll need to earn the top job back in Carolina. Based on Jake Delhomme414 246 3288 15 12 20 21 2
his 2007 campaign, we know King can play well as a receiver, but he
needs to develop more rapport with Jake Delhomme – those 46 recep- Josh McCown 0 0 0 0 0 4 -3 0
tions came from other QBs.
Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
PLACE KICKER DeAngelo Williams 274 1518 18 22 121 2
PKs: John Kasay, Rhys Lloyd Jonathan Stewart 183 833 10 8 47 0
After a 2005 season in which John Kasay’s field goal percentage Brad Hoover 9 18 0 6 39 0
dipped to 76.5 percent, he rebounded in 2006 with 88.9 percent and Nick Goings 9 10 0 3 1 0
followed up in 2007 hitting 85.7 percent. Last year he posted a career
high of 90.3 percent (28 of 31). Despite the improved accuracy, his Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
scoring has been up and down, varying with the offense’s success or Steve Smith 78 1421 6 Ctgry Avg Rnk
lack thereof. The Panthers’ annual kicker scoring going back the years
has been 130, 99, 100, 121, 99, 125, 74, 91, and 122 points. Kasay Muhsin Muhammad 65 923 5 Pts 25.9 7th
used to have a tendency to miss one extra point in most years; how- D.J. Hackett 13 181 0 Yds 349.7 10th
ever he has made them all the last three years. After a stretch of injury Dwayne Jarrett 10 119 0 P-Yds 197.4 19th
plagued years, Kasay has played in all 16 games the last four years. Mark Jones 2 32 0 R-Yds 152.3 3rd
Carolina added Rhys Lloyd as a kickoff specialist last year, and that
allowed Kasy to concentrate on scoring.
Tight End Rec Yards TDs
TEAM DEFENSE Jeff King 21 195 1

The Panthers ranked in the middle of every important statistical
category last season. Not surprisingly, they weren’t an inspiring fan-
tasy option either. The pivotal question here will be whether DE Julius
Peppers signs his franchise tender and stays or succeeds in forcing a
trade. The team’s pass rush would suffer without him and the ripple
effect would be felt throughout the defense. With the second round
selection of Everett Brown the Panthers have done what they could
to prepare for that possibility. On paper this unit appears capable of
holding opponents yardage and scoring in check while generating
plenty of big plays. MLB Jon Beason and WLB Thomas Davis both
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Dante Rosario 18 209 1
flourished in their respective roles last season. Richard Marshall and
Chris Gamble are ball hawking corners with a nose for the end zone
and safeties Chris Harris (eight forced fumbles in 2007) and Charles
Godfrey, are capable of generating big plays. Though this team has
disappointed in the year end rankings for two consecutive seasons,
they should still be considered as a late DST2 pick in all league for-
mats. If they go undrafted, don’t hesitate to pick them up should they
get off to a hot start.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Carolina @SD Chi @Min Atl KC @TB NO Ari bye @Oak Det @Atl @GB TB Den @NYG @NO
26-24 20-17 10-20 24-9 34-0 3-27 30-7 27-23 week 17-6 31-22 28-45 35-31 38-23 30-10 28-34 33-31
QB Delhomme 23-41-247-0 12-21-128-1 17-29-191-0 20-29-294-0 14-22-236-1 20-39-242-3 14-22-195-0 20-28-248-0 - 7-27-72-4 10-19-98-0 21-35-295-0 12-17-177-0 14-20-173-2 17-26-253-1 11-19-185-0 14-20-250-0
(rush stats) 4-3 1-0 1-1 1-(-1) 1-8 2-(-2) 1-0 2-(-2) 2-18 2-0 2-(-2) 1-(-2)
14 56,36 25,47 (P) 39,4 18,65 3 15 16/12(run) 1(run) 38 15 8
QB McCown dnp dnp dnp 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
3-(-2) 1-(-1)
RB Williams 18-86 11-31 10-27 16-57 20-123 11-27 18-66 17-108 - 19-140 14-120 19-101 21-72 19-186 12-88 24-108 25-178
(rec stats) 1-4 1-(-6) 2-17 2-9 1-25 2-8 1-4 2-15 1-3 2-19 3-14 1-6 3-3
10,32/25(rec) 4(rec) 15 69 56,4 5 1,1,1,1 16,36 56 13,5,1,30
RB Stewart 10-53 14-77 7-15 14-52 19-72 6-12 17-68 8-10 - 7-21 15-130 5-15 4-58 15-115 16-52 9-29 17-56
(rec stats) 1-8 1-1 1-3 1-0 1-4 1-3 2-28
1,4 2 8 (P) 18 (Q) (Q) 22 (P) 2,4 2 2
RB Hoover 1-3 1-5 1-3 0-0 0-0 2-2 1-1 1-3 - 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
2-18 1-5 1-4 2-12
RB Goings 0-0 1-(-2) 1-2 0-0 7-10 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
1-3 (P) 1-2 1-(-4)
WR Smith dnp dnp 4-70 6-96 6-96 6-112 6-122 5-117 - 1-9 6-59 8-168 4-105 9-117 9-165 3-47 5-134
(rush stats) 1-(-6) 1-16 1-9 2-21
56 39 18,65 38 15
WR Muhammad 6-56 5-59 3-25 8-147 3-71 4-68 3-43 5-38 - 3-38 1-16 4-40 2-50 3-43 4-70 4-80 7-79
36 47 (P) 3 16 8 (P)
WR Hackett 5-48 1-22 2-37 2-24 0-0 dnp dnp dnp - 1-13 0-0 dnp 0-0 dnp dnp dnp 2-37
(P) (O) (O) (Q)
WR Jarrett 2-36 0-0 dnp dnp dnp 1-4 1-13 2-25 - dnp dnp 2-15 dnp 1-7 0-0 1-19 dnp
(P)
WR Jones 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-19 1-13 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
TE King 1-4 2-29 3-22 0-0 2-17 1-3 1-6 3-41 - 1-9 2-19 2-10 1-9 0-0 1-15 1-11 0-0
15 (P)
TE Rosario 7-96 1-6 2-18 2-18 0-0 3-28 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 3-43 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
14 (Q) (P)
TE Barnidge dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

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178 CAROLINA.indd 179 5/26/09 1:23:44 PM

 CHICAGO B EARS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Jay Cutler
Backup: Caleb Hanie, Brett Basanez
Starting QB: The downward spiral of QB Jay Cutler in Denver
has become a major boon for the Chicago Bears. The Bears have been
looking for a legitimate starting quarterback for decades and they may
have finally found the young leader to carry the offense through the
next decade. Cutler has elite passing skills
although his consistency and mental focus still
needs to see improvement in the years ahead.
Cutler is a gunslinger in the Brett Favre mold,
and he has the swagger to fit the ball into
areas and get completions that most passers
simply cannot get done. He threw for 4,526
passing yards a season ago with the Broncos
and has a career passing rating of 87.1, an out-
standing result for a young player. He also has
54 career touchdown passes against just 37
interceptions. He likely will not throw for as
many yards in Chicago but make no mistake
about it – Cutler is a huge upgrade at the quar-
terback position for the Bears.
Backup QBs: The Bears do not have
an experienced NFL quarterback in behind
Jay Cutler. Caleb Hanie, former Colorado
State Ram is currently the second string quar-
CHICAGO BEARS
not able to capture the form he once had for the Detroit Lions. He had
just 34 carries for 109 yards and did not score a single touchdown. He
does have talent but it appears that injuries have derailed his career.
Garrett Wolfe is undersized and although quick and talented has yet
to have an impact as a pro. His best bet is as a change-of-pace back
going forward, although as Darren Sproles of the Chargers show-
cased last season, smaller does not necessary equate to lesser. Finally,
Adrian Peterson is a serviceable back without the upside most starting
backs have. He has had some nice professional
moments and, in a pinch, will be able to fill in
adequately.
Fullbacks: Jason McKie is a dependable
blocking fullback who managed to score a few
touchdowns last season giving him marginal
value in leagues that only score touchdowns.
However even those few touchdowns are a
crapshoot and he is on the field for his blocking
ability.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Devin Hester, Rashied Davis
Backups: Earl Bennett, Joaquin Iglesias
[R], Brandon Rideau, Johnny Knox [R]
Starting WRs: Without question, the
wide receiver position is the biggest question
mark for the Bears offense in 2009. It appears

terback. While blessed with good size and Devin Hester as well as Rashied Davis will
ICON SMI
confidence, nobody really knows at this point Greg Olsen
get the starting nod, and both are still learning
whether he is a career backup type in the NFL their craft. Hester did manage to become a more
or capable of more if given the opportunity. consistent receiver last year, finishing with 51
We will know how confident the Bears are in Hanie if they go into the receptions for 665 yards and three scores and has the quickness to
season with him slotted in as the No. 2 quarterback. give opposing defenses fits. He didn’t have a 100-yard receiving game
but did manage to grab at least four passes in eight of the 16 games.
RUNNING BACKS Rashied Davis had a couple of nice moments last year and did set
Starter: Matt Forte career marks in receptions and yards. The bad news however is those
Backups: Kevin Jones, Garrett Wolfe, Adrian Peterson career marks were just 35 receptions and 445 yards. From Week 10
Fullbacks: Jason McKie, Jason Davis on, he caught just eight total passes without a touchdown and was
benched for poor play.
Starting RB: The Bears have to be pleased with how well Backup WRs: A third-round pick in 2008, Earl Bennett failed
rookie RB Matt Forte played last season. He finished the season with to catch a single pass as a rookie last season. However, he appears to
316 carries and 1,238 rushing yards on the year. He also caught 63 be the third receiver by default heading into 2009. He has nice size
passes and scored 12 total touchdowns. He did everything the club and some talent, but his lack of production last season is difficult to
needed him to do and then some. His first and second half splits were ignore. Brandon Rideau has great size (6’4) to go along with some
near identical and he has emerged as a 20+ carry per game back for natural talent. The bad news however is he has yet to catch a single
the Bears. He had three 100-yard rushing games, 12 games with 3+ ball in the NFL. The Bears also drafted talented WR Joaquin Iglesias
receptions and scored in ten of the sixteen games. He is blessed with in the third round this year. He is quicker than fast and could compete
great size, surprising quickness and soft hands and is entrenched as for playing time out of the gate this season. Knox is a speedster, but
the starting tailback in Chicago. he’ll need to improve his route running to become anything other than
Backup RBs: Last season, some folks envisioned Kevin Jones a deep threat.
getting some significant playing time in Chicago, but he simply was
TIGHT ENDS
Starter: Greg Olsen
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED Backups: Desmond Clark, Kellen Davis, Michael Gaines
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
QB Brett Basanez Free Agent Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears What the Bears lack at the receiver position, they make up for it at
QB Jay Cutler Trade Denver Broncos Chicago Bears the tight end spot. Greg Olsen finished as the ninth-best fantasy tight
TE Michael Gaines Free Agent Detroit Lions Chicago Bears end in 2008, catching 54 passes and scoring five times. He became to
WR Derek Kinder Draft College Chicago Bears top target for the Bears. He has great size and quickness and he may
WR Johnny Knox Draft College Chicago Bears
become even a bigger part of the offense in 2009. Desmond Clark
WR Juaquin Iglesias Draft College Chicago Bears
is the perfect No. 2 tight end for the Bears. A 10-year veteran, Clark
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST had a lesser role with the club last season but still managed to grab 41
passes. He has had three straight 40-reception seasons. Kellen Davis is
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team an interesting prospect, blessed with great size, who could emerge as
QB Kyle Orton Trade Chicago Bears Denver Broncos a compliment to Greg Olsen once Clark is out of the picture. Michael
QB Rex Grossman Free Agent Chicago Bears Free Agent
Gaines is the team’s blocking TE.
WR Brandon Lloyd Free Agent Chicago Bears Free Agent

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 by Chris Smith

PLACE KICKER
PK: Robbie Gould
2008 SEASON STATS
Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
As a rookie in 2005, Robbie Gould was a serviceable replacement Kyle Orton 465 272 2972 18 12 24 49 3
for Doug Brien. In 2006 he easily held off Josh Huston for the job,
and subsequently emerged as one of the top kickers in the league.
Rex Grossman 62 32 257 2 2 3 4 20
He was 32 of 36 on FGs (88.9 percent), including 12 of 14 from 40+
yards, and totaled 143 points (1st). In 2007 he did nearly as well on Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
field goals hitting 31 of 36 (86.1 percent), again including 12 of 14 Matt Forte 316 1238 8 63 477 4
from 40+ yards, and totaled 126 points (7th). In 2008, he hit 89.7 Kevin Jones 34 109 0 2 5 0
percent (26 of 29) on field goals. They slipped to 15th in kicker scor-
ing however, as the number of field goals dropped and the number of
Adrian Peterson 20 100 0 6 45 0
PATs increased to a more typical distribution. The coaches remain the Garrett Wolfe 15 69 0 0 0 0
same for 2009, but there are several big changes in the offense, which Jason McKie 11 26 2 11 64 1
should increase offensive productivity. Jason Davis 1 0 0 1 12 0

TEAM DEFENSE
Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
The Bears had a solid pass rush, a Top 5 finish in interceptions, Devin Hester 51 665 3 Ctgry Avg Rnk
six combined special teams/defensive touchdwns, and a Top 10 fan- Rashied Davis 35 445 2 Pts 23.4 14th
tasy finish in 2008. Head Coach Lovie Smith changed up his defen- Brandon Lloyd 26 364 2 Yds 295.9 26th
sive front last season and successfully improved against the run, but Marty Booker 14 211 2 P-Yds 191.3 21st
a Bottom 5 pass defense was often the team’s undoing. Smith has
hinted that he may move back toward his Cover-2/Tampa-2 roots in
R-Yds 104.6 24th
2009, which could improve the team’s points against and yardage Tight End Rec Yards TDs
against figures. Veteran DE Adewale Ogunleye will continue to Greg Olsen 54 574 5
be the team’s primary pass rusher, while the back seven will again Desmond Clark 41 367 1

CHICAGO BEARS
be anchored by MLB Brian Urlacher and CB Charles Tillman. The
Bears will still have question marks in the secondary where the
corner and free safety play will need to improve if this defense is keep the Bears a solid fantasy option even if the defense struggles
to return to its once stingy ways. Kick returners Devin Hester and to remain consistent. Expect the Bears to again be one of the first
Danieal Manning will continue to provide added value and should defenses to come off the draft board.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Chicago @Ind Chi TB Phi @Det @Atl Min bye Det Ten @GB @StL @Min Jac NO GB @Hou
29-13 17-20 24-27 24-20 34-7 20-22 48-41 week 27-23 14-21 3-37 27-3 14-34 23-10 27-24 20-17 24-31
QB Orton 13-21-150-0 19-32-149-0 22-34-268-2 18-34-199-2 24-34-334-0 26-43-286-0 21-32-283-0 - 8-14-108-0 dnp 13-26-133-0 18-29-139-0 11-29-153-3 20-34-219-1 24-40-172-2 14-27-142-2 22-37-244-0
(rush stats) 1-10 1-(-1) 6-21 1-0 1-10 1-(-2) 2-7 1-0 1-(-1) 2-(-2) 4-6 1-(-1) 2-2
6,19 19,23,20 9,12 17 18,51 5(run) (D) (P) 7 65,2 2,22 6(run) 3 4,1/1(run)
QB Grossman dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0-0-0 dnp dnp - 9-19-58-1 20-37-173-1 4-7-26-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 2-3 1-1
6/1(run) 5/1(run)
RB Forte 23-123 23-92 27-89 19-43 15-36 20-76 20-56 - 22-126 20-72 16-64 20-132 22-96 21-69 11-34 23-73 13-50
(rec stats) 3-18 3-21 7-66 5-42 4-25 5-34 2-17 1-5 7-54 6-40 2-14 4-29 5-37 5-29 2-28 3-25
50 (P) 6(rec) 1/9(rec) 3 1 5(rec) 13,47 2(rec) 1 3 (Q)
RB Jones 13-45 1-0 3-10 3-16 10-36 2-3 dnp - 1-(-1) 1-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 dnp
2-5 (D)
RB Peterson 0-0 dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 1-7 5-35 1-5 3-19 5-15 2-2 3-17
2-10 1-(-1) 1-8 2-28
RB Wolfe 0-0 0-0 1-38 0-0 8-15 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 2-12 3-5 1-(-1) 0-0 dnp dnp dnp
(D)
RB McKie 2-5 3-7 0-0 1-1 0-0 1-0 0-0 - 2-8 2-5 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 2-13 2-17 1-1 2-8 1-9 3-16
1 1 7(rec) (Q) (D) (D) (O) (Q)
RB Davis dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
1-12
WR Hester 1-7 1-6 dnp 3-27 5-66 6-87 2-22 - 4-42 4-54 1-7 5-57 3-67 5-80 4-46 2-12 6-85
(rush stats) 1-15 1-11 2-32 1-3
(P) (Q) 20 (Q) 12 65
WR Davis 2-10 3-11 3-37 1-34 6-97 4-41 3-24 - 5-64 1-15 1-36 1-10 1-17 2-14 0-0 0-0 2-35
(rush stats) 1-17 1-(-1) 1-(-2)
17 (P) 6
WR Lloyd 2-26 5-66 6-124 2-33 dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp 2-17 1-3 1-24 0-0 2-21 1-16 4-34
19 (Q) (O) (D) (O) (Q) (P) (P) 4
WR Booker 1-7 1-4 0-0 1-23 2-37 3-33 3-79 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp 3-28 dnp 0-0 0-0
(rush stats) 1-3
23 (Q) 51 (P) (P) (O) (Q) (D) (Q)
TE Olsen 2-36 2-7 2-16 4-35 3-87 3-41 6-74 - 2-10 5-40 4-45 0-0 1-7 3-52 8-45 5-49 4-30
19 18 22 3 1
TE Clark 2-46 2-21 2-8 1-4 2-17 5-50 3-59 - 4-36 3-10 1-4 5-40 1-9 2-8 3-11 4-37 1-7
(P) (Q) 2 (P)

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 CINCINNATI B
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Carson Palmer
Backup: J.T. O’Sullivan
Starting QB: Carson Palmer was a top pick going into last
season. Many expected him to have his third consecutive 4,000-yard
season. Instead, Palmer struggled in his first two
games of the season, and never really found his
groove before missing the remaining 10 games of
the season with an elbow injury. Recently, Bengal
Coach Marvin Lewis proclaimed that Palmer was
fully recovered and is ready to redeem himself
after last season’s performance. While newly
acquired WR Laveranues Coles is not nearly
the threat that T.J. Houshmandzadeh was for the
Bengals last season, he and Chad Ochocinco
should give Palmer plenty of options. The addition
of Andre Smith at left tackle should give Palmer
more time to find the open receiver. The lack of a
consistent running game will only help Palmer’s
numbers. Assuming he is fully recovered from his
injuries, Palmer is definitely a top 10 fantasy QB
this season.
Backup QB: J.T. O’Sullivan has that
ENGALS
mand the majority of the carries for Cincinnati this season, he should be
able to crack the 1,000-yard mark and put up some career-best numbers.
Benson was a former No. 4 overall pick, and has never lived up to his full
potential. This season may be his chance to change that.
Backup RBs: Kenny Watson had a great 2008 season, and he
looked like he was ready to take over the starting job in Cincinnati last
year. Yet he took a serious step backwards, averaging just 3.9 yards per
carry. He eventually lost his starting job to Cedric
Benson and barely saw the field down the stretch.
In 2009, he will begin the season battling for the
backup job with rookie Bernard Scott. Scott is
‘only’ a sixth-round pick out of a small school,
but he has shown flashes of talent. The rookie has
potential and he should give Watson a run for his
money to backup Benson. The key to remember
for any Cincinnati running back is that Cedric
Benson is far from a proven talent. If Benson
continues to underachieve, the backups are going
to get their chance to prove themselves.
Fullbacks: The Bengals do not use a true
fullback. Daniel Coats is used more as a tight
end than a fullback. Coats takes over the starting
job from Jeremi Johnson, who touched the ball
just 13 times last season. It’s far more common

ICON SMI
‘always a bridesmaid’ quality to him that makes for the Bengals to use a two-RB set rather than
CINCINNATI BENGALS

him an interesting fantasy sleeper. He’s bounced Carson Palmer a fullback.

around to a couple teams and he’s no threat to
beat out Palmer for the starting job, but he looked like a serviceable WIDE RECEIVERS
fantasy option a few times last season filling in as the starting QB Starters: Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles
for the 49ers. If Palmer goes down, O’Sullivan could be a legitimate Backups: Chris Henry, Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell
fantasy guy. If Palmer is your starting QB, you should consider having
O’Sullivan on your team as backup if there is room on your fantasy Starting WRs: Chad Ochocinco had his worst season in the last
roster. seven years. In the 13 games that he played, Ochocinco was targeted
only 97 times, hauling in just 53 receptions for a little more than 500
RUNNING BACKS yards. For a guy who finished in the top 10 his previous five seasons,
Starter: Cedric Benson Ochocinco finished 50th among fantasy receivers, not even a backup
Backups: Bernard Scott [R], Kenny Watson, Brian Leonard quality WR in most leagues. His main competition for receptions was
Fullbacks: Daniel Coats, Jeremi Johnson T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who has moved on to Seattle. Houshmandzadeh
was replaced by Laveranues Coles, who is a solid WR but will cer-
Starting RB: Cedric Benson is back from the dead – sort of. He tainly not overshadow Ochocinco like Houshmandzadeh did. Expect the
had his best season last year in terms of carries, receptions, yards rushing two of them to get plenty of targets all season. A healthy Carson Palmer
and yards receiving. Had he reached the end zone a little more, Benson should return these guys back to the starter quality players that they
would have been pretty solid as a fantasy back. Over the last three games were in previous years.
of the season, Benson had over 460 yards from scrimmage, one rushing Backup WRs: Chris Henry is never going to win sportsman
TD and almost half of his total fantasy points for the season. This season, of the year. His off-field problems have hounded him these last two
Benson begins as the clear starter. Former first-round pick Chris Perry is seasons and the promising career that he had after 2006 has all but
gone, and Benson remains as the feature back for Cincinnati. Last season, disappeared. He posted career-low stats last year and had only one
the Bengals had over 1,500 rushing yards as a team. If Benson can com- game where he scored more than 10 fantasy points. For Henry to be an
effective fantasy WR, he’ll have to prove himself all over again. Jerome
Simpson was a second-round pick last season (46 overall) who had just
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED
one reception in 2008. The Bengals have high hopes for Simpson this
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team season and he needs to turn it on. Andre Caldwell was a third-round
QB J.T. O’Sullivan Free Agent San Francisco 49ers Cincinnati Bengals pick out of Florida last season who fared a little better than Simpson,
RB Bernard Scott Draft College Cincinnati Bengals but posted just over 125 yards from scrimmage in 2008. Both guys have
RB Brian Leonard Trade St. Louis Rams Cincinnati Bengals
the potential to break out, but need to distance themselves in training
RB Fui Vakapuna Draft College Cincinnati Bengals
TE Chase Coffman Draft College Cincinnati Bengals
camp to beat out the veterans in front of them.
WR Freddie Brown Draft College Cincinnati Bengals
WR Laveranues Coles Free Agent New York Jets Cincinnati Bengals TIGHT ENDS
Starter: Reggie Kelly
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST Backups: Ben Utecht, Chase Coffman [R]
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
Despite tying his career-best with 31 receptions last season,
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick Free Agent Cincinnati Bengals Buffalo Bills
Reggie Kelly had just 200 yards receiving and did not reach the
RB Chris Perry Free Agent Cincinnati Bengals Free Agent
TE Nate Lawrie Free Agent Cincinnati Bengals Free Agent end zone once. That’s a disappointing 6.7 yards per reception with
WR Glenn Holt Free Agent Cincinnati Bengals Minnesota Vikings less than two receptions per game average. Even at his best, Kelly
WR Marcus Maxwell Free Agent Cincinnati Bengals Baltimore Ravens was never a legitimate fantasy TE and will probably not be of much
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh Free Agent Cincinnati Bengals Seattle Seahawks value this season either. Ben Utecht playing for Indianapolis is NOT

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 by Will Grant

Ben Utecht playing for Cincinnati. He too put up brutal fantasy

numbers and never reached the end zone. Rookie Chase Coffman 2008 SEASON STATS
has some potential upside, but is already low on the depth chart of a Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
team that is replete with people looking to prove themselves. Ryan Fitzpatrick372 221 1905 8 9 60 304 2
Carson Palmer 129 75 731 3 4 6 38 0
PLACE KICKER Jordan Palmer 12 7 41 0 2 1 4 0
PK: Shayne Graham
Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
Last year, Shayne Graham missed two games with a groin injury Cedric Benson 214 747 2 20 185 0
and played with the lingering side effects thereafter. It did not appear to Chris Perry 103 269 2 20 71 0
diminish his accuracy. His 87.5 percent (21 of 24) on field goals in 2008 Kenny Watson 14 55 0 3 4 0
raised his career average to 85.64 percent, the fourth highest in NFL his-
James Johnson 9 29 0 6 47 0
tory. He was also perfect on PATS, as he has been in all but one year of
his career. But accuracy couldn’t overcome the significant decrease in DeDe Dorsey 5 8 0 2 49 0
scoring opportunities, and the Bengals wound up only 31st in kicker scor- Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
ing – this after having placed in the Top 10 for four consecutive years.
Although Graham was hoping for a new long term contract, the Bengals T.J. Houshmandzadeh 92 904 4 Ctgry Avg Rnk
kept him out of free agency by placing the franchise tag on him this year. Chad Johnson 53 540 4 Pts 12.8 32nd
Antonio Chatman 21 194 0 Yds 245.4 32nd
TEAM DEFENSE Chris Henry 19 220 2 P-Yds 150.4 30th
Andre Caldwell 11 78 0 R-Yds 95.0 29th
Over the past four years the Bengals have completely overhauled Glenn Holt 3 26 1
the defense. They have gotten young and talented at the same time. Jerome Simpson 1 2 0
The investment of first round picks in corners Johnathan Joseph and

CINCINNATI BENGALS
Leon Hall in 2006 and 2007 got the ball rolling. In 2008 they added Tight End Rec Yards TDs
the best OLB in the draft Keith Rivers and this season arguably the Reggie Kelly 31 207 0
best MLB available in Rey Maualuga. Throw in solid later round Ben Utecht 16 123 0
pickups like tackles Domata Peko and Pat Sims, safeties Chinedum Dan Coats 2 19 0
Ndukwe and Marvin White plus this year’s potential late round steal
Nate Lawrie 2 11 0
DE Michael Johnson, along with a handful of solid free agents and
what you have is the best collection of talent this club has assembled several areas. Most notably the 21st-rated run defense and a pass rush
since their last trip to the Super Bowl. Don’t overlook the key addition that mustered just 17 sacks, but this is not the same old Bengals. It
of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer who led the club to a ranking will take time to build chemistry, but look for this unit to show con-
of 12th in total defense in 2008. There is room for improvement in siderable improvement.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Cincinnati @Bal Ten @NYG Cle @Dal @NYJ Pit @Hou Jac bye Phi @Pit Bal @Ind Was @Cle KC
10-17 7-24 23-26 12-20 22-31 14-26 10-38 6-35 21-19 week 13-13 10-27 3-34 3-35 20-13 14-0 16-6
QB Fitzpatrick dnp 0-0-0-0 dnp 21-35-156-3 dnp 20-33-152-021-35-164-020-32-155-2 21-31-162-1 - 29-44-261-0 20-37-168-1 12-31-124-0 18-26-170-2 16-29-209-0 5-9-55-0 18-30-129-0
(rush stats) 4-41 6-23 4-15 7-42 3-52 5-9 2-8 3-29 3-17 11-29 5-10 7-29
4 5 2,10 26 10 12/1(run) 20
QB C Palmer 10-25-99-1 16-27-134-2 27-39-286-0 dnp 23-39-217-1 dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp 0-0-0-0 dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 3-15 3-23
(P) 17 (P) (Q) 18,10 (Q) (D) (O) (O) (O) (O) (O) (O) (O) (O) (O) (O)
QB J Palmer dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 3-4-11-0 dnp dnp - dnp dnp 0-2-0-1 4-6-30-1 dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-4
RB Benson dnp dnp dnp dnp 10-30 4-6 14-52 13-49 24-104 - 23-42 16-35 10-17 16-57 21-73 38-171 25-111
(rec stats) 1-10 2-20 1-5 6-37 1-4 2-1 2-1 3-88 2-19
7 (P) 2 (P)
RB Perry 18-37 21-64 20-74 12-28 13-31 11-14 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 1-5 2-0 3-11 1-0 dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 1-5 2-(-8) 2-19 5-15 3-19 2-2 1-10 1-(-4) 2-0 1-6 1-12
13 25 (P) (P) (Q) (D) (P) (P)
RB Watson 2-13 4-14 1-5 dnp dnp 0-0 4-17 1-5 1-1 - 1-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 2-3 (P) (Q) (Q) 1-1 (P) (D) (D) (Q) (P)
RB Johnson dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp 3-4 0-0 3-10 3-15
(rec stats) 3-27 3-20
RB Dorsey 0-0 3-10 2-(-2) 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 2-49 (O)
WR Houshmandzadeh 3-44 3-26 12-146 6-50 7-85 7-49 8-58 8-54 7-65 - 12-149 4-20 4-64 8-75 3-19 0-0 dnp
(rush stats) 1-9
(P) 17 18,10 (Q) (P) 26 (P) (P) (P) (P) (P) (P)
WR Johnson 1-22 4-37 3-29 3-28 3-43 5-57 8-52 5-44 5-37 - 4-34 dnp 4-45 5-79 3-33 dnp dnp
(P) 4 5 2,10 (P) (P) (Q)
WR Chatman 0-0 2-16 6-70 2-32 7-55 0-0 2-8 0-0 1-2 - 1-11 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-2 (P) 1-2 (O)
WR Henry dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 1-13 3-44 1-3 2-14 - 1-8 2-25 0-0 2-20 4-54 1-20 2-19
12 20
WR Caldwell dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 dnp dnp - dnp 3-26 0-0 1-6 1-4 1-8 5-34
(rush stats) (D) (Q) (O) (O) (D) (P) 1-4 4-49
WR Holt 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 2-16 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-10
(Q) (P) 10
WR Simpson 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-2 dnp dnp - dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp
(D) (O) (D) (D) (P)
TE Kelly 1-15 3-14 4-22 3-21 1-1 0-0 0-0 4-34 2-8 - 3-24 3-41 1-8 3-7 1-3 0-0 2-9
(P) (P) (P)
TE Utecht 2-10 0-0 dnp 2-10 1-3 4-34 dnp dnp 2-21 - 1-2 3-36 0-0 dnp dnp dnp 1-7
TE Coats 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-11 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-8 0-0 0-0
TE Lawrie dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 (Q) dnp - dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-11
(D) (Q) (D) (D) (P) (O) (D) (P)

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 CLEVELAND B
QUARTERBACKS
ROWNS
Starter: Brady Quinn
Backups: Derek Anderson, Brett Ratliff
Starting QB: When the Browns had the No. 5 overall pick in
the NFL Draft, there was a lot of speculation that they would draft
Mark Sanchez. This led to further speculation that the Browns were
shopping Brady Quinn to a couple teams before the draft. All of that
speculation ended when the Browns traded down
multiple times on draft day, landing multiple
picks and players and giving Quinn a chance to
finally win the starting job. However, his posi-
tion as the starter is by no means secure. Quinn
is going to have to work overtime this summer
to impress new head coach Eric Mangini if he is
to be the starter for Cleveland on Day 1. Keep a
close eye on this over the summer as Quinn could
find himself on another team before the season.
Backup QBs: Many fantasy owners had
high expectations for Derek Anderson last
season. Yet back in August, we warned you that
Anderson was not worth the late fourth-round
pick it was going to take to get him. Anderson
flamed out in a few games and finished the season
on the bench due to injury. He’ll begin the season
CLEVELAND BROWNS
ing fantasy RB. He is a little small to take on an ‘every down back’
role, and has never touched the ball more than nine times in any one
game. Noah Herron is a journeyman back who has never caught on
as a back worth having on your team. James Davis was a sixth-round
flyer pick out of Clemson. Given the question marks on the other
guys, Davis might get the chance to shine, but based on the pre-draft
scouting of him, he’s a long shot to be successful.
Fullback: Lawrence Vickers has never been more than a one
or two touches a game player. In New York,
Mangini did not feature a fullback in his offense,
using the position more for blocking and open-
ing holes for the RB. Don’t expect much of a
change for Vickers this year.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Braylon Edwards, Brian Robiskie
[R], Mohamed Massaquoi [R]
Backups: Josh Cribbs, David Patten, Syndric
Steptoe, Paul Hubbard, Donte’ Stallworth
Starting WRs: Braylon Edwards came
into last year with high hopes. After finishing
third among fantasy WRs in 2007, Edwards fell
victim to Cleveland’s passing woes in 2008 and
turned in a sub-par season, barely qualifying as a

in a battle for the starting job with Quinn. To fur- starter-quality WR in many leagues. This season

ther complicate matters, Peter King of SI.com Jamal Lewis
reports that former Jet backup Brett Ratliff was a
favorite of Eric Mangini when he was in New York. If Ratliff proves to
be a solid backup, it could make Quinn or Anderson expendable.
RUNNING BACKS
Starter: Jamal Lewis
Backups: Jerome Harrison, Noah Herron, James Davis [R]
Fullback: Lawrence Vickers
Starting RB: Jamal Lewis barely cracked the 1,000 yards
rushing mark last season. His four TDs tied a career low for him as
well. Yet he’s still the best RB on the team and the assumed starter for
2009. However, you can expect similar stats out of Lewis as he winds
down his career. Mangini was able to get production out of an older
guy like Thomas Jones in New York. Perhaps Lewis will have one
more solid year left in him. One key stat to be afraid of with Lewis
though: 2,400 carries and over 200 receptions. That’s a lot of mileage
for a guy of his age, and a big obstacle to overcome if he’s going to
have another solid year. Approach with caution.
Backup RBs: Jerome Harrison has steadily improved over his
first three seasons, but not enough to warrant wanting him as a start-
ICON SMI
he has a lot more talent around him and some
impressive rookies to take the pressure off. He
should bounce back this season, although be careful not to expect a
Top 10 finish until the QB controversy is resolved. Opposite of him
will be one of the two rookie WRs that the Browns drafted in the sec-
ond round. The favorite right now has to be Brian Robiskie from Ohio
State. He was taken 36th overall and has the talent to be a starter on
Day 1. Mohamed Massaquoi was taken 14 slots later, and has poten-
tial to be a starter for the Browns as well. However, he was much more
inconsistent in college and will have to work on the mental aspect of
the game if he hopes to start opposite Edwards this season.
Backup WRs: The Browns brought in Donte’ Stallworth last
season with the hope that he could provide some experience to a young,
talented crew. Instead, Stallworth’s off-the-field troubles may have ended
his career. Josh Cribbs was a minor spark for the Browns last season,
but his value is more on the punt and kick return side than on offense.
David Patten returns to Cleveland on the downside of his career. He
still has some gas in the tank, but probably won’t be worth much unless
the rookies flame out or someone goes down to injury. Syndric Steptoe
saw action for most of last season, but still caught less than half the
balls that were thrown to him. Paul Hubbard is a young prospect who
has much to prove before being considered a reasonable fantasy option.

NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED TIGHT ENDS

Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team Starters: Robert Royal
QB Brett Ratliff Trade New York Jets Cleveland Browns Backups: Steve Heiden, Martin Rucker
RB James Davis Draft College Cleveland Browns
RB Noah Herron Free Agent New York Jets Cleveland Browns
TE Robert Royal Free Agent Buffalo Bills Cleveland Browns
Kellen Winslow, Jr. left Cleveland with more bad seasons under his
WR Brian Robiskie Draft College Cleveland Browns belt than good ones. He is primarily replaced by journeyman Robert
WR Mohammed Massoquoi Draft College Cleveland Browns Royal, who is coming off one of his best campaigns. Royal didn’t see
WR David Patten Free Agent New Orleans Saints Cleveland Browns much action his first five seasons, averaging 2-3 targets a game at
WR Mike Furrey Free Agent Detroit Lions Cleveland Browns best. Last year, Royal only reached the end zone once, but proved that
he can be a bigger part of the passing attack. Steve Heiden has been a
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST backup-quality TE from a fantasy prospective, but he does see action
from time to time. Martin Rucker saw a little action last season due
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
to Winslow’s injury, but he won’t see much action this season.
QB Ken Dorsey Free Agent Cleveland Browns Free Agent
RB Allen Patrick Free Agent Cleveland Browns New York Giants
RB Jason Wright Free Agent Cleveland Browns Arizona Cardinals PLACE KICKER
TE Kellen Winslow, Jr Trade Cleveland Browns Tampa Bay Buccaneers PK: Phil Dawson
TE Darnell Dinkins Free Agent Cleveland Browns New Orleans Saints
WR Joe Jurevicius Free Agent Cleveland Browns Free Agent Phil Dawson has been Cleveland’s kicker since they returned to the

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 by Will Grant

league in 1999. Two years ago was their best finish, when they ranked
ninth in kicker scoring (120 points) as the offense came to life. The life 2008 SEASON STATS
was short lived, as they dropped to 22nd last year. Dawson did make Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
30 of 36 (83.3 percent) field goals, however he had only 18 PATs. That Derek Anderson283 142 1615 9 8 25 55 0
was down from 2007 when he made 26 of 30 (86.7 percent) field goals,
but had a career high 42 PATs. It was still better than his poor 2006 Ken Dorsey 91 43 374 0 7 2 0 0
season when he hit (72.4 percent), and scored only 88 points. Dawson Brady Quinn 89 45 518 2 2 5 21 0
is consistent in an unusual way. Most NFL kickers are nearly automatic Bruce Gradkowski 21 7 26 0 3 1 2 0
on short range field goals and their accuracy decreases as the distance
increases. Dawson’s kicking percentages are consistent regardless of the Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
distance. Jamal Lewis 279 1002 4 23 178 0
Jerome Harrison 34 246 1 12 116 1
TEAM DEFENSE
Jason Wright 23 85 0 22 156 1
Another dismal showing by the Browns defense in 2008 prompted Lawrence Vickers 10 31 0 10 78 0
a coaching change. It now falls to former Raiders defensive coordina- Charles Ali 0 0 0 4 13 0
tor Rob Ryan to improve a unit that finished 28th versus the rush,
recorded just 17 sacks and landed 26th in total defense. Ryan was Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs
an interesting selection for the job since he comes from a 4-3 back- Braylon Edwards 55 877 3
ground but will be coaching a 3-4 defense. The lineup will sport sev-
Team Per Game Stats
eral new faces this year. Many of which were brought over with new Syndric Steptoe 19 182 0 Ctgry Avg Rnk
head coach Eric Mangini from the Jets 3-4. Abram Elam will com- Donte Stallworth 17 170 1 Pts 14.5 30th
pete for the SS job, Eric Barton takes over at ILB, Kenyon Coleman Josh Cribbs 2 18 1 Yds 249.1 31st
steps in at DE and David Bowens will compete with second round Steve Sanders 1 18 0 P-Yds 148.8 31st
pick David Veikune at OLB. All these former Jets know Mangini’s

CLEVELAND BROWNS
defense which will help with the transition, but none of them are true
R-Yds 100.3 26th
Tight End Rec Yards TDs
impact players and that’s what the Cleveland defense is really lack-
Kellen Winslow 43 428 3
ing. Veikune could prove to be the guy they need to work opposite
Kamerion Wimbley and improve the pass rush. It looks like another Steve Heiden 23 249 0
long season in Cleveland. Darnell Dinkins 5 41 1
Martin Rucker 2 17 0
2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS
Cleveland Dal Pit @Bal @Cin bye NYG @Was @Jac Bal Den @Buf Hou Ind @Ten @Phi Cin @Pit
10-28 6-10 10-28 20-12 week 35-14 11-14 23-17 27-37 30-34 29-27 6-16 6-10 9-28 10-30 0-14 0-31
QB Anderson 11-24-114-0 18-32-166-2 14-37-125-3 15-24-138-1 - 18-29-310-0 14-37-136-0 14-27-246-0 17-33-219-1 dnp dnp 5-14-51-1 16-26-110-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 4-24 3-6 1-2 4-11 4-(-2) 3-4 2-8 1-0 2-5
2 19 4 22,11 1 3 28,7
QB Dorsey dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-3-0-1 22-43-150-1 11-28-156-2 10-17-68-3 dnp
(rush stats) 1-0 1-0
QB Quinn dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp 23-35-239-0 14-36-185-0 8-18-94-2 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-3 4-18
5,16 (P) (O)
QB Gradkowski dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 2-5-8-1 5-16-18-2
(rush stats) 1-2
RB Lewis 13-62 19-38 12-56 25-79 - 21-88 19-80 20-81 19-49 19-60 18-65 10-58 24-77 7-7 14-32 16-76 23-94
(rec stats) 1-14 3-28 3-21 2-15 1-4 1-18 1-7 1-13 2-24 2-10 1-7 2-3 3-14
(Q) (P) 1 4 2 1
RB Harrison 0-0 1-2 0-0 4-20 - 2-41 3-12 1-(-1) 1-5 5-48 3-80 7-31 2-6 2-2 dnp 1-(-1) 2-1
(rec stats) 1-23 1-19 1-5 2-26 1-9 1-21 1-8 2-6 2-(-1)
19(rec) 72 (Q) (P) (Q) (Q)
RB Wright 1-5 0-0 1-11 5-18 - 1-3 1-2 1-1 1-2 1-1 0-0 0-0 2-11 2-1 0-0 7-30 dnp
(rec stats) 1-9 1-10 1-6 2-18 3-22 3-18 5-40 6-33
(P) 7(rec) (P)
RB Vickers 0-0 1-2 1-4 1-6 - 1-2 1-2 2-10 dnp dnp dnp 0-0 1-2 1-1 0-0 dnp 1-2
(rec stats) 1-3 2-21 1-8 1-6 1-13 (D) (D) 1-4 (Q) 1-3 (Q) 1-(-1) 1-21 (Q) (P)
RB Ali 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 1-(-2) 0-0 0-0 1-1 1-12 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-2
(rec stats) (P) (D) (Q)
WR Edwards 2-14 3-32 3-27 3-22 - 5-154 4-58 2-64 4-86 1-15 8-104 5-85 2-36 3-38 5-102 4-35 1-5
(Q) 4 (P) 11 28
WR Steptoe 1-12 2-16 2-6 2-24 - 1-20 0-0 1-53 2-9 1-7 1-8 1-4 1-3 4-20 0-0 0-0 0-0
WR Stallworth dnp dnp dnp dnp - 2-19 2-24 3-13 dnp 4-48 0-0 1-18 1-4 1-15 1-13 1-4 1-12
(rush stats) 1-(-4)
(D) (Q) (D) (P) 3 (Q) (P) (P)
WR Cribbs dnp 0-0 1-17 0-0 - 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
(rush stats) 1-5 1-0 1-12 1-2 3-48 1-2 2-6 1-0 6-24 5-25 5-32 2-7
(Q) (Q) (P) 1 2(run) (Q) (Q) (P)
WR Sanders 1-18 0-0 0-0 0-0 - dnp dnp dnp 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
TE Winslow 5-47 7-55 2-14 5-54 - dnp 2-17 dnp 5-64 10-111 3-40 1-11 3-15 dnp dnp dnp dnp
2 (Q) (Q) 5,16 (Q) (Q) (O) (O) (O) (D)
TE Heiden 1-9 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 5-59 1-10 3-73 2-25 3-24 0-0 1-5 3-15 4-29 0-0 dnp dnp
(P) (Q) (Q)
TE Dinkins 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 1-22 1-4 1-5 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp 0-0 1-6 1-4 dnp
22 (Q) (Q) (O) (Q) (Q)
TE Rucker dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-9 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-8
(O) (O) (O) (O)

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 DALLAS C OWBOYS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Tony Romo
Backups: Jon Kitna, Stephen McGee [R]
Starting QB: Tony Romo is one of the league’s more produc-
tive passers, but after a third consecutive season that ended short of
expectations, fans and pundits will be looking for him to get over the
hump. Romo struggled with his consistency in 2008 and missed a
month with a broken pinkie finger. As a result,
Romo set career lows for completion percent-
age, yards per attempt, yards per completion and
passer rating. But that really doesn’t tell the story
because the fact is Romo’s career-worst numbers
would be career-best numbers for many NFL
QBs. He still completed 61 percent of his throws,
ranked second in TD%, sixth in yards per attempt
and eighth in passer rating. In 2009 he’ll be
asked to do more with less, as Terrell Owens was
released and Roy Williams will be the Cowboys
new WR1. As a fantasy passer, he remains a solid
QB1 albeit with less upside than in years past.
Backup QBs: The Cowboys struggled in
Tony Romo’s absence last year as veteran Brad
Johnson simply didn’t have many bullets left in
his six-shooter. That shouldn’t be a problem in
Backup RBs: The Cowboys got a lot of praise for drafting Felix
Jones last year to pair with Marion Barber, and Jones justified that
praise early. He scored touchdowns in four of his first five games,
including a 98-yard kickoff return and TD rushes of 33 and 60 yards.
Unfortunately, his rookie season was cut short after a hamstring injury
against Arizona. The silver lining was the chance for Tashard Choice
to make his mark. Choice, the less heralded rookie, was impressive in
his own right, averaging 5.1 yards per rush. Over the final four weeks
of the season, Choice ran for 365 yards and
caught 17 passes; which equates to 1,300 yards
rushing and 68 receptions over a full season.
With Jones and Choice healthy, the Cowboys
should be able to impose their will on oppos-
ing defenses and have a three-pronged balanced
rushing attack that few teams can match.
Fullback: Deon Anderson opens holes for
Barber, Jones and Choice but offers little help
fantasy-wise.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton
Backups: Isaiah Stanback, Miles Austin,
Sam Hurd, Travis Wilson
Starting WRs: Terrell Owens wore out his

ICON SMI
2009 as the Cowboys traded for Jon Kitna, who welcome and now roams in Buffalo. That puts
will serve as an ideal backup. He can not only tremendous pressure on Roy Williams to fill
DALLAS COWBOYS

Tony Romo
play in Romo’s stead, but he is also capable of big T.O.’s shoes, and many people outside of Dallas
passing numbers in his own right. Kitna has started 115 regular season are skeptical. The Cowboys made a splash by acquiring the enigmatic
games and has been a top-10 fantasy QB on three separate occasions, Williams midway through last season, giving him a monster contract
for three different teams (Seattle ’99, Cincinnati ’03, and Detroit ’06). extension in the process. Williams caught only 19 passes in 10 games,
The team further improved their depth by drafting Texas A&M passer averaging just 10.4 yards per catch. He’s going to have to do much
Stephen McGee, who has considerably more long-term potential than better as Tony Romo’s go-to receiver, because there is no one else on
his QB3 predecessor, Richard Bartel. the roster capable of commanding attention from opposing defensive
coordinators. At his best, Williams can be a difference maker. He had
RUNNING BACKS 1,310 yards receiving in 2006 and has the size (6’4, 210 pounds) to
Starter: Marion Barber III make plays in traffic. But it’s been a downhill spiral since then; he
Backups: Felix Jones, Tashard Choice needs a great training camp to calm the critics. The other starting
Fullback: Deon Anderson spot remains in flux, with Patrick Crayton the likely Week 1 starter.
Crayton seemed on his way to carving out a solid career as the Dallas
Starting RB: The 2008 season was supposed to be the year WR3, until Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens were shown the door.
Marion Barber emerged as a full-time franchise back. Julius Jones Crayton has started 26 games over the last three seasons, and has aver-
was sent packing, Barber was given a big contract extension, and the aged more than 40 catches and 500 yards per season. If he starts full
Cowboys were going to rely on him while two rookies backed him up time in 2008, he will need to do more, starting with more consistency
when necessary. Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Make no mis- breaking in and out of his routes.
take, Barber’s workload did increase in 2008, but it would be disingenu- Backup WRs: Miles Austin had 13 catches last season but is a
ous to say his season was an unqualified success. Last year, he ran the sure bet to do much more in 2009. The coaches love Austin’s attitude
ball 238 times and caught a career-best 52 receptions yet scored fewer and work ethic, and think he’s capable of making an impact, particu-
TDs (nine) than he did as a part-time player in 2006 and 2007. Running larly on the outside in 3WR sets. Austin averaged more than 21 yards
behind what many consider a good offensive line, Barber averaged just per catch last year and caught three TDs in limited action. At 6’3, 215
3.7 yards per carry. On a positive note, Barber had at least 100 yards pounds Austin fits the big receiver mold the Cowboys prefer. Isaiah
from scrimmage and/or scored a TD in eight games. The fact is, Barber Stanback is a converted college QB who will have a shot at the WR4
was a solid fantasy RB2, but most expected him to be an RB1. This role in camp. He’s a wild card given his inexperience. Sam Hurd and
year, Barber is healthy and has a renewed sense of purpose, but he also Travis Wilson need big training camps to hold down roster spots.
has given the coaches no reason to increase his workload.
TIGHT ENDS
Starter: Jason Witten
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED Backups: Martellus Bennett, John Phillips [R], Rodney Hannah
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
QB Stephen McGee Draft College Dallas Cowboys Jason Witten is the best tight end in football, and it’s hard to make
QB Jon Kitna Trade Detroit Lions Dallas Cowboys a credible argument to the contrary. His 81 catches and 952 yards last
TE John Phillips Draft College Dallas Cowboys season would have been mind-boggling numbers for most NFL TEs,
WR Manuel Johnson Draft College Dallas Cowboys
but for Witten they were par for the course. With five Pro Bowls in six
years, Witten is one of the few playmaking tight ends who also excel
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST in pass protection. As long as he’s healthy, you can count on elite
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team production in all facets of the game. Martellus Bennett had a strong
WR Terrell Owens Free Agent Dallas Cowboys Buffalo Bills rookie season, catching 20 passes for 283 yards and four TDs. His

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 by Jason Wood

14.2 yards per reception illustrate the rare athleticism Bennett brings
to the position. He could start for many NFL teams, and gives the 2008 SEASON STATS
Cowboys a chance to create mismatches in two-TE formations. Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
Tony Romo 450 276 3448 26 14 28 41 0
PLACE KICKER
PKs: Nick Folk, David Buehler Brad Johnson 78 41 427 2 5 2 -1 0
Brooks Bollinger 17 10 71 1 1 0 0 0
During their 90s dynasty years, the Cowboys ranked in the Top 6
in kicker scoring for eight consecutive years. After that, they ranked Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
in the bottom half each for the next seven years. In 2006 they finally Marion Barber 238 885 7 52 417 2
returned to the upper half, ranking 14th in kicker scoring, and then Tashard Choice 92 472 2 21 185 0
vaulted to fourth in 2007. As a rookie that year, Nick Folk made 26 of
Felix Jones 30 266 3 2 10 0
31 (83.9 percent) field goals and was perfect on all 53 PAT attempts.
His accuracy was even better last year (20 of 22, 90.9 percent), however Deon Anderson 2 3 0 2 7 1
his opportunities decreased and consequently his scoring dropped by 29
points. The Cowboys finished only 26th in kicker scoring. If the offense Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
can stay healthy and effective for 2009, Folk should be able to rebound Terrell Owens 69 1052 10 Ctgry Avg Rnk
as a fantasy kicker. Folk’s reputation coming out of college was as a Patrick Crayton 39 550 4 Pts 22.6 18th
strong leg. He has made two 50+ yarders in each of his two years in Roy Williams 19 198 1 Yds 344.5 13th
the NFL. He didn’t fare as well on kickoffs last year however, and the
Cowboys drafted strong-legged David Buehler out of USC. Miles Austin 13 278 3 P-Yds 236.8 9th
Isaiah Stanback 2 24 0 R-Yds 107.7 21st
TEAM DEFENSE
Tight End Rec Yards TDs
The Cowboys led the league in sacks last season, averaging over Jason Witten 81 952 4
three-and-a-half per game. Four players had seven or more sacks, led Martellus Bennett 20 283 4

DALLAS COWBOYS
by OLB DeMarcus Ware’s league best of 20. Poor finishes in points Tony Curtis 8 32 0
against, interceptions (only eight) and just two combined defensive
and special teams touchdowns kept them from finishing in the top
five in most fantasy leagues. Though Dallas lost underrated DE
Chris Canty and nickel backer Kevin Burnett, the bulk of the defense solid veteran presence in the middle. FS Ken Hamlin and CB Terence
remains intact. Jay Ratliff has played much bigger than his size at Newman anchor the secondary. The aggressive 3-4 front favored by
the nose and should continue to be a disruptive force in the middle. head coach Wade Phillips should keep the pass rush numbers high. If
Bradie James has blossomed into a strong all-around linebacker and the Cowboys can improve their points-against numbers and generate
free agent acquisition Keith Brooking will give the team another more big plays in the secondary, they have Top 5 upside.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Dallas @Cle Phi @GB Was Cin @Ari @StL TB @NYG bye @Was SF Sea @Pit NYG Bal @Phi
28-10 41-37 27-16 24-26 31-22 24-30 14-34 13-9 14-35 week 14-10 35-22 34-9 13-20 20-8 24-33 6-44
QB Romo 24-32-320-1 21-30-312-1 17-30-260-1 28-47-300-1 14-23-176-1 24-39-321-0 dnp dnp dnp - 19-27-198-2 23-39-341-0 22-34-331-1 19-36-210-3 20-30-244-0 24-45-252-2 21-39-183-1
(rush stats) 1-(-1) 3-(-5) 1-(-1) 1-7 4-7 1-0 2-(-3) 4-(-3) 2-14 1-6 4-7 2-2 2-11
35 72,4,17 52 21,10,11 4,57,15 55,14,70 (Q) (O) (O) 25 (P) 75,1,10 (P) 16,7,19 (P) 12 34,1 7,21 (P) (P)
QB Johnson 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 17-34-234-3 19-33-122-0 5-11-71-2 - 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
(rush stats) 1-0 1-(-1)
34 2
QB Bollinger dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 9-16-63-1 - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-1-8-0
8
RB Barber 16-80 18-63 28-142 8-26 23-84 17-45 18-100 25-71 19-54 - 24-114 19-59 10-32 dnp 8-2 2-0 3-13
(rec stats) 3-21 4-51 3-15 2-11 2-8 11-128 1-13 6-29 1-(-1)2 6-39 7-50 1-13 2-24 1-7 2-20
1,1 1/17(rec) (P) 2 70(rec) 1 2 2 (Q) (Q) (Q) (Q)
RB Choice 5-26 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-13 0-0 5-27 - 1-6 6-18 11-57 23-88 9-91 17-90 13-56
(rec stats) 1-2 2-14 1-6 5-78 4-52 7-25 1-8
38 2
RB Jones 9-62 3-10 6-76 0-0 9-96 3-22 dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 1-3 1-7
11 60 33 (O) (O) (O) (O) (O) (O)
RB Anderson 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
(rec stats) 1-6 1-1
(O) (P) (P) (P) 1(rec)
WR Owens 5-87 3-89 2-17 7-71 2-67 4-36 2-31 5-33 5-36 - 5-38 7-213 5-98 3-32 3-38 5-63 6-103
(rush stats) 2-11 1-8 1-6 1-0 1-1 1-7
35 72,4 10 57 8 75 19 12 7
WR Crayton 6-82 2-23 0-0 7-87 1-15 3-84 3-30 1-13 4-46 - 0-0 2-16 2-13 0-0 2-49 3-58 3-34
(rush stats) 1-11
15 55 10 34
WR Williams in Detroit in Detroit in Detroit in Detroit in Detroit in Detroit 0-0 2-10 1-28 - 3-36 3-36 2-51 2-16 1-5 3-12 2-4
(rush stats) 1-13
2 (P) (P) (P) (P)
WR Austin dnp 2-12 2-115 3-45 0-0 1-14 2-43 0-0 0-0 - 2-26 dnp dnp dnp 1-23 0-0 0-0
(O) (Q) 52 (P) 11 14 (O) (O) (O) (Q) (P)
WR Stanback 2-24 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 dnp - dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp
(Q) (P) (P) (O) (P) (P) (P) (P) (P) (O)
TE Witten 6-96 7-110 7-67 7-90 8-79 4-55 6-44 1-8 0-0 - 2-34 1-11 9-115 6-62 5-44 5-87 7-50
(P) 21 (P) 4 (P) (P) (Q) (P) (P) 7 (P) (P) 21 (P) (P)
TE Bennett 0-0 1-20 1-37 1-0 0-0 0-0 2-67 3-21 3-36 - 1-25 1-1 2-35 2-19 1-8 0-0 2-14
34 25 1 16 (Q)
TE Curtis 1-8 2-7 1-6 1-(-4) 0-0 1-4 0-0 1-8 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0

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 DENVER B RONCOS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Kyle Orton
Backups: Chris Simms, Tom Brandstater [R]
Starting QB: Kyle Orton enters the 2009 season as the new
starting QB for the Denver Broncos – if he can beat out Chris Simms.
Orton was playing good football at the beginning of the 2008 season
until an ankle injury in Week 9 sidelined him for a game and a half.
By all accounts Orton should have shut it down
for more time, but he battled back and played
through the injury. Under QB guru and new head
coach Josh McDaniels, Orton could have the
best season of his career. In Chicago he threw for
almost 20 TDs with players like Brandon Lloyd,
Devin Hester, and Rashied Davis. He gets an
upgrade in weapons with the Broncos and will
be protected better by bookend tackles Ryan
Clady and Ryan Harris. The Broncos may want
to feature new RB Knowshon Moreno, but if the
defense doesn’t improve drastically they will be
forced to air it out.
Backup QBs: Chris Simms ruptured his
spleen in a Week 3 game against the Panthers
in 2006 when he was the starter for Tampa Bay.
The rest of that season as well as the entirety of
Starting RB: With the 12th pick in the first round of the 2009 NFL
Draft, the Broncos surprised many by selecting Georgia RB Knowshon
Moreno. This bold pick is an indication that Moreno will be the work-
horse for the Broncos this season. Head Coach Josh McDaniels went out
of his way to complement on Moreno’s complete skill set, highlighting
the fact that he was excellent in pass protection as well as receiving
and running. Moreno is similar to Clinton Portis with his style of play.
Denver hasn’t had a special RB since the days of Portis, and Broncos
fans would certainly love if Moreno can put up
1,500 yard rushing seasons the way Portis did
while in Denver. With questions at the QB posi-
tion the Broncos may be more run-oriented than
the offense that McDaniels ran in New England. A
consistent ground game can also run time off the
clock and keep the Broncos’ suspect defense off
the field.
Backup RBs: The Broncos brought in sever-
al RBs, who many thought would compete for the
starting job. Now, with Knowshon Moreno on the
team, these backs will by vying for backup duty.
Correll Buckhalter is the favorite to win the No.
2 job and could fill in nicely and make some big
plays the same way he did in Philadelphia when he
was backing up Brian Westbrook. J.J. Arrington
is expected to play the “Kevin Faulk” role in the

ICON SMI
2007 was lost due to that injury. He was released backfield. He could play on some passing downs
DENVER BRONCOS

by the Bucs in 2008 but ended up signing with Eddie Royal when Moreno needs a breather. LaMont Jordan
the Tennessee Titans where he backed up Kerry has familiarity with this offense from last season
Collins. The Denver Broncos signed him to a 2-year, 6-million dol- when he was with the Patriots. He could be a nice goalline back for the
lar contract in March of 2009. So far in Denver he has impressed team with his size and power. Ryan Torain still hasn’t fully recovered
coaches at mini camp with his strong arm. Many expect Simms to from his torn ACL and is on the roster bubble.
be the backup behind Kyle Orton, but if he performs well enough in Fullback: Peyton Hillis is not a traditional fullback but rather a
training camp he could win the starting job. Sixth-round pick Tom multi-purpose back that can be used in any number of ways. With all
Brandstater is going to be a project for the same coach that made the RBs already on the roster Hillis may be the forgotten man when it
Matt Cassel a franchise player. He is a big, strong armed QB that can comes to getting carries. However, he showed that he can be a very good
effectively run bootlegs, but he needs to work on reading a defense. receiver out of the backfield and could be a pass catching option on third
downs. Hillis may also beat out LaMont Jordan as the goalline back.
RUNNING BACKS
Starter: Knowshon Moreno [R] WIDE RECEIVERS
Backup(s): Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington, LaMont Jordan, Starters: Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal
Ryan Torain Backups: Brandon Stokley, Jabar Gaffney, Kenny McKinley [R]
Fullback(s): Peyton Hillis
Starting WRs: Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal form one
of the most exciting WR tandems in the league and are both potential
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED Top 25 fantasy receivers. Last year Marshall ranked as the No. 11
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
fantasy WR and Royal checked in at No. 20. Things are quite differ-
QB Tom Brandstater Draft College Denver Broncos ent for the duo entering the 2009 season. QB Jay Cutler was moved to
QB Chris Simms Free Agent Tennessee Titans Denver Broncos Chicago, and at this time it looks like Kyle Orton will be leading the
QB Kyle Orton Trade Chicago Bears Denver Broncos team. Head Coach Josh McDaniels is looking to turn Marshall and
RB Knowshon Moreno Draft College Denver Broncos Royal into Moss and Welker for Patriots West. Orton is not a franchise
RB Correll Buckhalter Free Agent Philadelphia Eagles Denver Broncos QB like Cutler, but under McDaniels this team could become more
RB Darius Walker Free Agent Houston Texans Denver Broncos efficient in the red zone as last year they ranked No. 17 in points
RB LaMont Jordan Free Agent New England Patriots Denver Broncos scored. With a running game led by Knowshon Moreno, the Broncos
RB J.J. Arrington Free Agent Arizona Cardinals Denver Broncos
could have more sustained drives and more success inside the 20-yard
TE Richard Quinn Draft College Denver Broncos
WR Kenny McKinley Draft College Denver Broncos
line. This could translate into more scoring opportunities for Marshall
WR Jabar Gaffney Free Agent New England Patriots Denver Broncos and Royal.
Backup WRs: Brandon Stokley is still one of the best pos-
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST session receivers in the game, but he is getting up there in age. He
was targeted 85 times last year and will still be an important part of
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team the passing game, although his numbers should take a slight down-
QB Jay Cutler Trade Denver Broncos Chicago Bears
turn. One of the reasons for his reduced production could be Jabar
QB Patrick Ramsey Free Agent Denver Broncos Tennessee Titans
RB Michael Pittman Free Agent Denver Broncos Free Agent
Gaffney. He has experience with Coach McDaniels from their time
RB Selvin Young Free Agent Denver Broncos Free Agent together in New England but may only get on the field with the
TE Dan Campbell Free Agent Denver Broncos New Orleans Saints Broncos go with 4-WR sets. Kenny McKinley broke many of Sterling
TE Nate Jackson Free Agent Denver Broncos Free Agent Sharpe’s records while at South Carolina. He is a quick receiver that
WR Cliff Russell Free Agent Denver Broncos Free Agent can get to top speed, but durability is a concern.
WR Darrell Jackson Free Agent Denver Broncos Free Agent

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 by Cecil Lammey

TIGHT ENDS
Starters: Daniel Graham
2008 SEASON STATS
Backups: Tony Scheffler, Richard Quinn [R] Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
Jay Cutler 616 384 4526 25 18 57 200 2
Daniel Graham is known as one of the best blocking TEs in the
league, but in 2008 he flashed some of the receiving ability that made
him a Mackey Award-winning TE in college. Protecting the QB is Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
paramount so Graham may be used less as a receiver than he was Michael Pittman 76 320 4 10 112 0
last season. The Broncos were rumored to have been shopping Tony Peyton Hillis 68 343 5 14 179 1
Scheffler before the NFL Draft. He is the best receiving option out Selvin Young 61 303 1 3 16 0
of all the TEs on the roster and could even line up split out wide.
Richard Quinn was a surprise second-round pick for the Broncos in
Tatum Bell 44 249 2 10 57 0
the 2009 NFL Draft. With only 12 career receptions Quinn was not Andre Hall 35 144 0 3 25 0
a featured part of the Tar Heels offense. He was considered to be the Ryan Torain 15 69 1 0 0 0
second-best blocking TE in this draft behind Brandon Pettigrew. The
Broncos selected him to be the eventual replacement for Graham. Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
Quinn could see some playing time when the Broncos go with two-TE
Brandon Marshall 104 1265 6 Ctgry Avg Rnk
sets in the red zone but shouldn’t be much of a fantasy factor.
Eddie Royal 91 980 5 Pts 26.7 4th
PLACE KICKER Brandon Stokley 49 528 3 Yds 365.8 4th
PK: Matt Prater P-Yds 292.1 2nd
Tight End Rec Yards TDs R-Yds 73.6 32nd
The Broncos decision to go with unproven Matt Prater looked
brilliant during the first half of 2008, as he missed only two kicks and
Tony Scheffler 40 645 3
showed his extremely strong leg. But the misses started piling up and Daniel Graham 32 389 4
the kickoffs started fading in the second half of the year. Prater ended

up hitting 25 of 34 (73.5 percent) on field goals and 39 of 40 on
PATs. The Broncos finished only 19th in kicker scoring despite rank-
ing 8th in opportunities. Prater faces several challenges in 2009. He’ll
face competition for the job. Even if he keeps the job, will the offense
under new coaches and a new system produce scoring opportunities as
well as under the previous regime, and if so how quickly?
TEAM DEFENSE
There weren’t many defenses worse than the Broncos last season
– 29th in total D, 30th in scoring D, 26th against the pass and 27th
versus the run, 26th in sacks and dead last with only 13 takeaways.
Denver tinkered with a 3-4 last year and now that Josh McDaniels
DENVER BRONCOS
is at the helm they are making the switch official. Anytime a team
makes this transition there is both a learning curve and a period
of personnel adjustment. The coaches will try Elvis Dumervil and
rookie Robert Ayers at the all important OLB positions. Although
they seem to have the skill set to make the move, nothing is certain.
In the secondary Journeymen Andre Goodman and Renaldo Hill
will start at corner and SS respectively while the FS position will be
turned over to 36-year old Brian Dawkins. The DL lacks 3-4 type
players as well. In fact the only position that seems solid is ILB
where D.J. Williams will pair with former Browns starter Andra
Davis. This unit can’t be much worse than last year’s but there is no
reason to believe they will be a lot better either.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Denver @Oak SD NO @KC TB Jac @NE bye Mia @Cle @Atl Oak @NYJ KC @Car Buf @SD
41-14 39-38 34-32 19-33 16-13 17-24 7-41 week 17-26 34-30 24-20 10-31 34-17 24-17 10-30 23-30 21-52
QB Cutler 16-24-299-0 36-50-350-1 21-34-264-1 29-49-361-2 23-34-227-0 21-37-192-1 17-26-168-2 - 24-46-307-3 24-42-447-1 19-27-216-0 16-37-204-1 27-43-357-1 32-40-286-1 21-33-172-1 25-45-359-1 33-49-316-2
(rush stats) 5-9 2-6 1-7 2-6 5-16 3-22 3-18 1-2 7-29 1-4 4-24 3-(-2) 8-16 2-9 8-30 2-4
26,48 4,6,14,3 (P) 1,35 16 10 11,11 10 2,1 93,28,11 9 59,36 12,6 7 2,6(run) 25
RB Pittman 7-13 7-30 5-2 4-36 6-39 20-109 20-88 - 7-4 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 1-8 2-45 2-22 3-16 2-21
3,1 1 2 (Q)
RB Hillis 3-14 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 8-24 10-44 17-74 22-129 8-58 dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 1-4 7-116 3-26 2-22 1-11
1(rec) 7,2 6 (P) 1 (P) 18 (P)
RB Young 7-36 8-78 11-65 11-49 10-38 dnp dnp - dnp 1-2 dnp dnp dnp dnp 6-19 7-16 dnp
(rec stats) 1-8 1-7 1-1
5 (O) (Q) (Q) (Q) (D) (D) (Q) (P) (P) (P)
RB Bell dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp 7-34 6-14 0-0 11-52 7-43 5-20 8-86
(rec stats) 1-0 2-16 2-7 1-3 4-31
26,37
RB Hall 10-61 7-31 6-25 4-14 5-13 0-0 2-(-7) - 1-7 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 2-17 1-8
(P) (P) (Q)
(P) (P) (P) 7(rec)
RB Torain dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - 3-1 12-68 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(O) (O) (O) (O) (Q) (Q) 1 (P)
WR Marshall dnp 18-166 6-155 7-77 3-25 9-98 6-77 - 2-27 6-89 6-89 4-84 5-55 11-91 5-48 10-129 6-55
(rush stats) 1-(-1)1 1-7
6 35 16 (P) (P) 11 (P) (P) 12,6 (P) (P) (P) (P)
WR Royal 9-146 5-37 4-11 9-104 3-23 dnp 9-71 - 7-69 6-164 4-34 2-14 5-84 6-42 6-48 5-57 11-76
(rush stats) 2-9 1-6 3-7 1-3 3-13 1-71
26 4 (P) (P) (P) (Q) (P) 2 93 59 (Q) (P)
WR Stokley 2-25 3-47 3-29 7-80 6-52 3-29 dnp - 2-18 2-16 3-26 5-44 2-44 2-19 2-20 3-32 4-47
10 11 (Q) (Q) 36 (Q) (Q) (P)
WR Martinez dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-12 2-20 dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
TE Scheffler 1-72 6-64 4-32 1-26 4-65 dnp dnp - dnp 4-92 0-0 1-12 7-90 5-61 0-0 2-56 5-75
14,3 (O) (Q) (Q) (Q) (P) (P) 25
TE Graham 0-0 2-22 1-21 3-29 1-10 1-11 2-27 - 1-23 3-50 1-9 0-0 6-59 3-32 3-25 3-52 2-19
11 10 (P) 28 9 (P)

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188 DENVER.indd 189 5/26/09 4:09:25 PM

 DETROIT L IONS
QUARTERBACKS Starter: Kevin Smith
Starter: Daunte Culpepper Backups: Maurice Morris, Aveion Cason, Aaron Brown [R]
Backup(s): Matthew Stafford [R], Drew Stanton Fullbacks: Jerome Felton, Terrelle Smith

Starting QB: For the moment, Daunte Culpepper is unof-
ficially the starting quarterback. After coming to the Lions just after
midseason (Detroit was desperate due to injuries to Jon Kitna and
Dan Orlovsky), Culpepper was thrust into the starting line-up. He was
woefully out of shape (tipping the scales in the
290 range) and struggled with consistency. After
five weeks, Culpepper suffered a shoulder sprain
and missed the last three games of the season. He
then took things serious over the offseason and
reported to minicamp in much better condition
(dropping around 30 pounds). He was expect-
ing to be the team’s unquestioned starter and
some had high hopes with him being reunited
with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, with
whom Culpepper experienced career seasons in
Minnesota. However, the 2009 NFL Draft got in
the way. While Culpepper’s experience gives him
an edge on Matthew Stafford, the Lions view the
rookie as their future and are even more clearly
not ready to win now. All they have is future, so
the Stafford era could begin relatively soon.
Starting RB: In a season where little went right for the Detroit
Lions, 2008 rookie Kevin Smith did display the occasional flash of bril-
liance to let Detroit fans know there is at least hope on the horizon. He
is a big back that thrives on 20+ carries per game. In fact, he did carry
the ball at least 20 times in six of the final eight
games of the season and rushed for at least 86
yards six times during that stretch. He rushed for
670 yards and scored four touchdowns during the
second half of the season when the Lions really
began to lean on him to move the ball. With better
players around him, Smith could really become a
strong player for the Lions in 2009 and beyond.
Backup RBs: The Lions brought in veteran
running back Maurice Morris from Seattle this
season to spell starter Kevin Smith. Morris isn’t
flashy but he can move the chains and handle a
20 carry per game workload if called upon. He’ll
likely get 7-10 touches per game with Detroit, giv-
ing Smith some rest when needed. Aveion Cason is
simply around for depth. Aaron Brown had a very
good freshman season with TCU but never elevated

Backup QBs: While an official depth chart
hasn’t been released, the coaching staff seems
ready to bring Matthew Stafford along slowly.
DETROIT LIONS
ICON SMI
his play from there. He may earn some reps down
Calvin Johnson the road but is more likely to play on special teams.
Fullbacks: Jerome Felton should be the

They’ve seen the countless number of franchise rookies that have fal- starting fullback this season. He started six games last season and had
tered after being thrust into starting roles and hope to avoid derailing two carries and nine receptions. He shouldn’t be on anybody’s fantasy
Stafford’s career. In minicamp, Stafford showed normal rookie jitters radar but should continue to improve as a blocker, helping the run-
of being a little too hot on his throws and rushing his movements a ning game to improve. Don’t be surprised if veteran Terrelle Smith
bit. He’ll settle down in subsequent camps and will soon show why he emerges as the starter as he is a very capable blocker.
was taken first overall. He has a great arm and can be very accurate.
As shown by starting in Georgia as a freshman, Stafford is also a cere- WIDE RECEIVERS
bral player and should not be overwhelmed mentally. Drew Stanton Starters: Calvin Johnson, Bryant Johnson
was once considered to be the QB of the future, but he could soon Backups: Ronald Curry, Derrick Williams [R], John
be out of the league. The Lions are now grooming Stafford for the Standeford, Adam Jennings
future and are even considering bringing in another veteran for depth.
Stanton may simply be a guy that just doesn’t make it. Starting WRs: While Kevin Smith emerged as a legitimate run-
RUNNING BACKS ning back during the second half last season, Calvin Johnson is the
true star of this offense. Playing with mediocre quarterbacks through-
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED out last season, Johnson still managed to catch 78 passes for 1,331 and
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
12 touchdowns. Lord only knows what kind of season he could have if
QB Matthew Stafford Draft College Detroit Lions he had a quarterback like Drew Brees throwing him the ball. Johnson
RB Aaron Brown Draft College Detroit Lions is truly an elite talent. Amazing size, good body control and almost
RB Maurice Morris Free Agent Seattle Seahawks Detroit Lions impossible to cover one-on-one, he is only a quarterback away from
RB Terrelle Smith Free Agent Arizona Cardinals Detroit Lions being the best fantasy receiver in the NFL. Bryant Johnson was a
TE Brandon Pettigrew Draft College Detroit Lions good signing by the Lions. He was miscast as a WR1 in San Francisco
TE Dan Gronkowski Draft College Detroit Lions but should thrive as a No. 2 drawing single coverage on an ongoing
TE Will Heller Free Agent Seattle Seahawks Detroit Lions basis. He won’t have big numbers thanks to the presence of Calvin
WR Derrick Williams Draft College Detroit Lions
Johnson, but Bryant Johnson will do enough to keep defenses honest.
WR Bryant Johnson Free Agent San Francisco 49ers Detroit Lions
WR Ronald Curry Free Agent Oakland Raiders Detroit Lions
Backup WRs: The Ronald Curry pickup this offseason was
a very nice move by the Lions, and he may be a surprise this season.
Curry as the third option will be difficult for defenses to handle as
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST they roll their coverage over to stop Calvin Johnson. For a 0-16 team
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team just one season ago, the Lions skilled positions actually look strong.
QB Dan Orlovsky Free Agent Detroit Lions Houston Texans The other backup positions should be decided during training camp
QB Jon Kitna Trade Detroit Lions Dallas Cowboys with many players having a legitimate shot. The most likely candidate
RB Brian Calhoun Free Agent Detroit Lions Free Agent to emerge as the fourth receiving option is rookie Derrick Williams
RB Moran Norris Free Agent Detroit Lions San Francisco 49ers from Penn State. He isn’t a fantastic prospect but has enough quick-
RB Rudi Johnson Free Agent Detroit Lions Free Agent
ness and ability to earn some playing time.
TE John Owens Free Agent Detroit Lions Seattle Seahawks
TE Michael Gaines Free Agent Detroit Lions Chicago Bears
WR Mike Furrey Free Agent Detroit Lions Cleveland Browns TIGHT ENDS
WR Shaun McDonald Free Agent Detroit Lions Pittsburgh Steelers Starters: Brandon Pettigrew [R]
WR Steve Sanders Free Agent Detroit Lions Free Agent Backups: Casey Fitzsimmons, Michael Gaines
WR Travis Taylor Free Agent Detroit Lions Free Agent

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 by Chris Smith

The Lions added Brandon Pettigrew, the top tight end prospect
with the 20th pick in this year’s draft. He is a multi-dimensional tight 2008 SEASON STATS
end that has very good receiving skills and even better blocking abil- Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
ity. At 6’5 and 263 pounds, he will create havoc down the field as Dan Orlovsky 255 143 1616 8 8 7 29 0
he has the athleticism to out-run linebackers and run over defensive Jon Kitna 120 68 758 5 5 6 26 0
backs. In addition, he has the frame to add another 10+ pounds or
Daunte Culpepper 115 60 786 4 6 12 25 1
so without missing a beat. As teams key to stop Calvin Johnson,
Pettigrew may find plenty of open space down the middle of the field. Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
Casey Fitzsimmons and Michael Gaines are capable blocking tight Kevin Smith 238 976 8 39 286 0
ends but don’t add much excitement in the passing attack.
Rudi Johnson 76 237 1 12 88 1
PLACE KICKER Aveion Cason 4 7 0 4 27 0
PK: Jason Hanson Jerome Felton 2 4 0 9 53 0

Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats

After a dismal 2005, the Lions offense and Jason Hanson rebound-
ed the next two years. They finished 7th in kicker scoring in 2006 and Calvin Johnson 78 1331 12 Ctgry Avg Rnk
8th in 2007, up from 32nd in 2005. But in 2008 the Lions were all Shaun McDonald 35 332 1 Pts 26.7 4th
the way back down to 30th, giving Hanson the fewest scoring chances Mike Furrey 18 181 0 Yds 365.8 4th
in the league. He made the most of the chances he did get, going 21 Roy Williams 17 232 1 P-Yds 292.1 2nd
of 22 (95.5 percent) on field goals. the one missed field goal and John Standeford 15 244 0 R-Yds 73.6 32nd
his one missed PAT were both blocked. Eight of his successful field Keary Colbert 12 116 1
goals were from 50+ yards, tying him for most in one season. It also
brought his career total to 41 field goals of 50+ yards, vaulting him Tight End Rec Yards TDs
into first place. During his 17 year career, he has missed only one Michael Gaines 23 260 1
game (back in 2005 with a hamstring injury). It’s safe to assume that Casey Fitzsimmons 12 85 1
Hanson will do his part in 2009, however with a new coaching staff John Owens 8 56 1
the Lions will once again be starting over.

TEAM DEFENSE
There wasn’t much to like about the Lions defense last season.
Although they finished with a respectable 31 sacks, their 4 intercep-
tions were a league low and only Chicago forced fewer fumbles.
Detroit was also last in the league in both yardage and points allowed.
Not surprisingly, the team canned Rod Marinelli and brought in for-
mer Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz as head coach.
Schwartz will move away from the Tampa-2 defense Marinelli pre-
DETROIT LIONS
ferred for a more traditional 4-3 scheme with big bodies at defensive
tackle and a preference for size with speed in the back seven. The
Lions grabbed versatile OLB Julian Peterson in a trade with Seattle
and brought in Larry Foote to compete at MLB and space-eating NT
Grady Jackson to play the nose. Anthony Henry and Phillip Buchanon
were signed to retool the cornerback group. The makeover continued
in the draft with FS Louis Delmas and LB Deandre Levy, both of
whom could start as rookies. Despite the turnover and scheme change,
the Lions are not yet likely to be an option in fantasy leagues.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Detroit @Atl GB @SF bye Chi “@Min @Hou Was @Chi Jac @Car TB Ten Min @Ind NO @GB
21-34 25-48 13-31 week 7-34 10-12 21-28 17-25 23-27 14-38 22-31 20-38 10-47 16-20 21-31 7-42 21-31
QB Orlovsky dnp 2-4-6-0 0-1-0-1 - 13-23-97-1 12-21-150-0 12-25-265-0 21-35-223-0 28-47-292-2 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 23-34-233-0 10-23-125-2 22-42-225-2
(rush stats) 1-0 2-10 2-17 2-2
12 (P) 96 17 17,14 (O) (D) (O) (O) (O) 33 (P) 9,14
QB Kitna 24-33-262-1 21-41-276-3 15-30-146-1 - 8-16-74-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 2-0 1-7 3-19
1,21 47,38 34 (D)
QB Culpepper dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 5-10-104-1 20-35-207-2 8-20-121-2 13-26-134-1 14-24-220-0 dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-(-1) 5-13 2-6 3-7
29/1(run) 15 2 70 (D) (O) (D)
RB Smith 16-48 10-40 3-14 - 8-31 5-62 10-61 4-12 14-37 23-96 24-112 16-86 12-22 22-63 20-88 24-111 28-92
(rec stats) 4-32 4-21 4-25 2-11 1-7 7-50 2-16 1-27 2-23 1-9 2-27 6-31 3-7
3 12 26 (P) 1 1 (P) (P) (P) 1 (Q) 1 (Q) 9 (Q)
RB Johnson 3-14 1-2 14-83 - 5-23 17-38 6-8 8-21 8-19 2-4 5-5 4-16 dnp 1-2 2-2 0-0 dnp
(rec stats) 3-48 3-9 1-4 1-10 2-13 1-5 1-(-1)
34(rec) 11 (P)
RB Cason dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 2-1 1-4 0-0 1-2 0-0
(rec stats) 2-18 2-9
RB Felton 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-4
(rec stats) 1-3 2-12 1-11 (O) (O) (P) (P) 2-17 1-5 2-5
WR Johnson 7-107 6-129 4-40 - 2-16 4-85 2-154 4-57 8-94 2-92 6-65 3-66 5-66 3-84 9-110 4-64 9-102
(rush stats) 1-(-2) 1-7 1-(-6)
47,38 12 (Q) 96 17 17 29 15 (P) 70 33 (Q) 9,14 (P)
WR McDonald 4-29 4-27 2-13 - 1-5 0-0 0-(-7) 5-68 6-65 4-37 3-30 2-21 4-44 dnp dnp dnp dnp
14 (Q) (O)
WR Furrey 2-14 2-22 2-8 - 2-8 0-0 6-89 0-0 4-40 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(D) (O) (O)
WR Williams 3-47 3-48 2-18 - 7-96 2-23 to Dallas to Dallas to Dallas to Dallas to Dallas to Dallas to Dallas to Dallas to Dallas to Dallas to Dallas
21 (P) (Q)
WR Standeford dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 2-48 1-18 1-9 1-5 4-36 3-46 3-82
WR Colbert in Denver in Seattle in Seattle in Seattle in Seattle in Seattle in Seattle in Seattle in Seattle in Seattle FA FA FA 2-32 1-9 1-12 1-11
5
TE Gaines 2-11 0-0 1-15 - 0-0 2-24 2-11 2-28 6-64 2-18 2-21 0-0 1-2 1-27 2-39 0-0 0-0
(Q) 2
TE Fitzsimmons 1-1 3-32 1-4 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp 3-11 1-8 1-14 0-0 1-8 0-0 1-7
1 (P) (O) (P) (P)
TE Owens 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 1-4 0-0 1-10 2-29 0-0 1-7 1-2
1 (Q) (Q) (P)

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 GREEN BAY P ACKERS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Aaron Rodgers
Backups: Matt Flynn, Brian Brohm
Starting QB: When you replace an icon and miss the playoffs,
there is usually a long line of naysayers ready to throw you under the
proverbial bus. Although the Green Bay Packers may have had some
issues in 2008, the play of Aaron Rodgers was not one of them.
Rodgers had a great season in his first campaign
as starting quarterback. He tossed 28 touchdown
passes and just 13 interceptions, completed 63.6
percent of his throws, threw for 4,038 yards and
scored four rushing touchdowns. It is not easy to
replace a legend, but Rodgers looked capable and
confident throughout the year and Favre’s shadow
is not quite so large heading into this season.
Rodgers is an intelligent, accurate quarterback
who has put the team on his shoulders and should
have another strong year.
Backup QBs: The Packers drafted two
quarterbacks in 2008, and both are still compet-
ing for the backup quarterback position. Matt
Flynn earned the backup role last year but
completed only two of five passes for six yards
in limited duty. As a former seventh-round draft
GREEN BAY PACKERS
pick, Flynn’s upside may be quite limited, but
he still has enough ability to beat out last year’s Greg Jennings
second-round pick Brian Brohm, who really
disappointed in Green Bay last year. Brohm does have the accuracy,
poise and intelligence to eventually be a starting quatrerback. It is
definitely a battle to watch at training camp this year to see if either
young player elevates his play.
RUNNING BACKS
Starter: Ryan Grant
Backups: Brandon Jackson, DeShawn Wynn
Fullbacks: Korey Hall, Quinn Johnson [R]
Starting RB: When it comes to RB Ryan Grant’s play last
season, there is some good and bad news. The good news is Grant
proved he is capable of carrying the ball 300 times in a season. He
finished with 312 carries for 1,203 rushing yards and had four 100-
yard rushing games. He has great size and is difficult to tackle once
he gets up a head of steam. The bad news is Grant had just four
rushing touchdowns (one score every 78 carries) which was amongst
the worst in the NFL at the position. He did not appear as capable
of making defenders miss as the 2007 campaign and his YPC went
down by a full yard. He is still likely to get the bulk of the work this
season, and he should finish with 300+ carries and 1,200+ yards.
Backup RBs: Last preseason, Brandon Jackson was generat-
ing some buzz with his size and quickness, but it never really mate-
rialized on game day. He did average 5.5 YPC on just 48 carries and
added an additional 30 receptions. There is a potential of much more
production from this former second-round pick, but it is unlikely he
will wrestle the starting job away from Ryan Grant and his upside
(unless injuries occur) is a 10-touch per game player. DeShawn
Wynn was a forgotten man in this offense last year and will likely
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
RB Quinn Johnson Draft College Green Bay Packers
RB Tyrell Sutton Free Agent Free Agent Green Bay Packers
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
WR Shaun Bodiford Free Agent Green Bay Packers New York Giants
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192
192 GREEN BAY.indd 192
only see significant action if injury strikes a player ahead of him.
However, Wynn did display in 2007 that he could get the job done if
called upon (four touchdowns on 50 carries).
Fullbacks: Korey Hall should retain the starting fullback job
this season, but rookie FB Quinn Johnson will push him hard for
playing time. Johnson, from LSU, is a hard-hitting fullback that
excels in run blocking. He only had 14 carries for 28 yards last year
but did score three touchdowns. Hall is a similar player in that he is
primarily a blocker. So much so in fact, that he
has not registered a single carry in his two NFL
seasons. He does have 15 total receptions and a
touchdown though.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver
Backups: Jordy Nelson, James Jones,
Ruvell Martin
Starting WRs: The Packers are set at
receiver. Greg Jennings had a massive season
last year, cementing his role as the top receiver
on the team. The 5’11, 195-pound speedster
finished with 80 receptions for 1,292 yards and
nine touchdowns and finished as the fourth-best
fantasy player at the receiver position. He has
ICON SMI
developed nice chemistry with Aaron Rodgers
and should continue his productive ways in
years to come. At 25, Jennings is only starting
to reach his prime now. Donald Driver simply continues to amaze.
He had his fifth-straight 1,000-yard receiving season in 2008 and
caught 74 passes. He also managed a respectable five touchdown
receptions and finished as the 23rd-best fantasy receiver. At 34-
years of age, father time is catching up to Driver, but he should have
another couple of seasons with strong production.
Backup WRs: If Driver’s production takes a dip this season,
it will likely be because second-year receiver Jordy Nelson earns a
bigger role. Nelson is a big, strong, quick receiver that the Packers
really like. As a rookie in 2008, Nelson caught 33 passes and scored
twice. He is talented enough to see many passes thrown his way
as WR3 in this offense and will replace Driver in the near future.
James Jones and Ruvell Martin will round out the receiving corps,
and Jones should see the majority of the action between those two
players. Jones saw his production take a big dive in 2008 from his
rookie campaign in 2007, but he has caught 67 passes in two sea-
sons.
TIGHT ENDS
Starters: Donald Lee
Backups: Tory Humphrey, Jermichael Finley
Donald Lee is a good starting tight end. He has enough quick-
ness to get open in underneath passing routes and has scored 11
touchdowns over the past two seasons. He caught 33 passes in
2008. However, most were thrown within five yards of the line of
scrimmage, so he finished with only 303 receiving yards. Four-year
veteran Tory Humphrey accumulated the first stats of his career
last year, finishing with 11 receptions for 162 yards. He had some
nice moments but failed to catch a touchdown pass. He will likely
be surpassed by Jermichael Finley, who has some nice long-term
potential.
PLACE KICKER
PK: Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby was nearly unstoppable from long range dur-
ing his sophomore and junior seasons at Colorado, and very likely
would have been a rare first-day draft selection had he come out
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/26/09 2:46:29 PM
 by Chris Smith

at that time. He stayed for his senior year, struggled, and fell to the
Packers in the sixth round of the 2007 draft. He scored 141 points in 2008 SEASON STATS
his rookie year, placing Green Bay atop the kicker scoring rankings. Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
In his second year he followed up with 127 points and the Packers Aaron Rodgers 536 341 4038 28 13 56 207 4
ranked 7th in kicker scoring. Mason’s 79.5 percent (31 of 39) on
field goals in 2007 and 79.4 percent (27 of 34) in 2008 are below Matt Flynn 5 2 6 0 0 4 4 0
average for an NFL kicker, especially in a time when accuracy was
up across the board. This year the offense and its coaches remain Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
relatively intact. Mason will be working under a new special teams Ryan Grant 312 1203 4 18 116 1
coordinator who was promoted from assistant. Brandon Jackson 45 248 1 30 185 0
TEAM DEFENSE John Kuhn 8 10 1 4 21 2
DeShawn Wynn 8 110 1 3 30 0
Though the Packers were an average defense when measured by Kregg Lumpkin 1 19 0 3 22 0
points and yardage, the unit forced 28 turnovers last season and
scored nine combined defensive and special teams touchdowns. Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
The big plays helped Green Bay to a Top 10 fantasy finish in the
standard FBG scoring system. Surprisingly the Packers offseason Greg Jennings 80 1292 9 Ctgry Avg Rnk
began with the hiring of long-time, 3-4 zone blitz guru Dom Capers, Donald Driver 74 1012 5 Pts 26.2 5th
which confirmed rumors that they would be changing to a 3-4. They Jordy Nelson 33 366 2 Yds 351.1 8th
then spent the off-season shuffling personnel to fit the new scheme. James Jones 20 274 1 P-Yds 238.3 8th
Defensive end Aaron Kampman was moved to outside linebacker Ruvell Martin 15 149 1 R-Yds 112.8 17th
with OLB A.J. Hawk shifted inside alongside Nick Barnett. Green
Bay then addressed two other critical needs in the draft by tak-
ing stud NT prospect B.J. Raji and versatile OLB prospect Clay Tight End Rec Yards TDs

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Matthews, Jr. with their two first round draft picks. There are always Donald Lee 39 303 5
growing pains with such a complete scheme change, but if Raji ful- Tory Humphrey 11 162 0
fills his promise and the defense can get enough pass rush from its Jermichael Finley 6 74 1
new outside linebackers, the Packers could still finish among the Top
10 fantasy defenses. Smart owners should probably let someone else
take the risk of drafting them highly.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Green Bay Min @Det Dal @TB Atl @Sea Ind bye @Ten @Min Chi @NO Car Hou @Jac @Chi Det
24-19 48-25 16-27 21-30 24-27 27-17 34-14 week 16-19 27-28 37-3 29-51 31-35 21-24 16-20 17-20 31-21
QB Rodgers 18-22-178-0 24-38-328-0 22-39-290-0 14-27-165-3 25-37-313-1 21-30-208-0 21-28-186-0 - 22-41-314-1 15-26-142-0 23-30-227-1 23-41-248-3 29-45-298-1 19-30-295-1 20-32-278-1 24-39-260-1 21-31-308-0
(rush stats) 8-35 4-25 5-10 2-8 2-4 6-23 3-8 2-11 1-1 1-1 8-36 5-26 1-4 5-22 2-(-6) 1-(-1)
1/1(run) 29,2,9 1(run) 25,48 44,25,4 (Q) 45,1/1(run) (P) 12 (P) 5 (P) (P) 3,5 (P) 7,4/10(run) 6,5,21 20,9 4 7,17 3,5,71
QB Flynn dnp 0-0-0-0 dnp 2-5-6-0 dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp 0-0-0-0 dnp 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0 0-0-0-0
(rush stats) 2-(-2) 1-0 1-6
RB Grant 12-92 15-20 13-54 15-20 18-83 33-90 31-105 - 20-86 16-75 25-145 18-67 12-39 19-104 21-56 25-61 19-106
(rec stats) 2-(-4) 2-12 1-6 3-19 1-8 3-32 3-20 3-23
(P) (Q) (P) 11 1 4 6 (P) 17(rec)
RB Jackson 7-12 7-61 3-20 1-0 2-11 dnp 0-0 - 1-3 0-0 10-50 2-5 11-80 0-0 1-6 dnp dnp
(rec stats) 3-18 1-2 1-16 2-21 5-12 6-37 4-30 2-18 1-5 1-13 1-6 2-6 1-1
19 (P) (P) (P) (Q) (D)
RB Kuhn 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-3 - 1-2 0-0 2-4 2-1 1-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0
(rec stats) 1-1 1-2 1-13 1-5
1(rec) 1 (P) 5(rec)
RB Wynn dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 1-4 7-106
(rec stats) 1-7 1-7 1-16
(Q) (D) (Q) 73
RB Lumpkin dnp 1-19 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 3-22 (D) (D) (Q)
WR Jennings 5-91 6-167 8-115 6-109 4-87 5-84 3-32 - 3-79 3-37 5-64 8-101 8-91 2-74 3-22 6-38 5-101
25,48 25 45 3 7 21 (P) 4 7
WR Driver 4-38 7-52 4-76 1-8 3-68 6-53 4-35 - 7-136 5-46 4-60 4-43 5-83 3-75 5-65 6-63 6-111
(rush stats) 1-6 1-(-2)
2 44 5 (P) 6 71
WR Nelson 0-0 1-29 4-42 4-31 1-14 4-42 2-19 - 2-34 2-17 1-19 3-21 2-28 3-25 1-9 2-27 1-9
29 (Q) 9
WR Jones dnp 4-29 0-0 dnp 1-9 dnp dnp - dnp 1-5 2-26 dnp 2-12 2-20 4-132 2-27 2-14
(D) 9 (P) (D) (P) (Q) (D) (Q) (P)
WR Martin 1-13 dnp dnp 0-0 3-31 0-0 1-17 - 0-0 0-0 dnp 2-14 4-32 2-17 1-9 1-16 0-0
(Q) (Q) 4
TE Lee 3-10 2-27 5-41 1-6 4-25 2-9 2-23 - 3-22 1-6 6-33 1-8 4-37 3-48 2-8 0-0 0-0
4 12 5 5 20
TE Humphrey 1-7 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-67 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 1-13 2-10 1-29 0-0 1-22 0-0 1-14 0-0
(Q) (P) (P)
TE Finley dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 1-6 0-0 1-4 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 1-35 2-29
3

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 HOUSTON T EXANS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Matt Schaub
Backup: Dan Orlovsky
Starting QB: Matt Schaub joined the Texans in 2007, after hav-
ing backed up Michael Vick in Atlanta during his first three NFL sea-
sons. At 6’5 and 235 pounds, Schaub is blessed with terrific size, but
that hasn’t translated into great durability. In his first two years with the
Texans, Schaub has missed ten games (five each
season) with an assortment of injuries (shoulder,
head, knee). Schaub played admirably as a first-
year starter in 2007 and steadily improved in 2008
as he threw for more yards, more touchdowns,
and led the team to more wins. The team traded
away Sage Rosenfels during the offseason, leav-
ing Schaub as the unquestioned starter. (Rosenfels
had filled in quite capably for Schaub over the
last two years, leading some fans to favor him as
a candidate to start.) If Schaub can stay healthy
for a whole 16-game season, he has the realistic
potential to be a solid fantasy starter.
Backup QB: Dan Orlovsky was the Lions’
most effective quarterback last season, although
that’s not saying much. Orlovsky is eerily similar
to Schaub – they have nearly identical builds, nei-
have been a constant theme in Brown’s career. In his five seasons with
the Tennessee Titans, only once did he play in more than 12 games.
Brown is a talented runner with excellent quickness for his size, but
his upright running style may have contributed to his plentiful injuries.
Brown has averaged 4.3 yards per carry on his career, and the Texans
should be able to use him in both the running game and passing game
as long as he is available. Ryan Moats was drafted by the Eagles in
2005 and showed flashes of talent as a rookie, but saw his playing
time limited in 2006 before he missed the entire
2007 season with a broken ankle. He spent
parts of 2008 on the practice squads of both the
Cardinals and the Texans before being called up
to the Texans’ active roster in the second half of
the season. He was only moderately effective as
Slaton’s backup.
Fullback: Vonta Leach is a lead blocker and
nothing more. He has no discernible fantasy value.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter
Backups: David Anderson, Andre Davis,
Jacoby Jones
Starting WRs: Andre Johnson had
generally been a solid fantasy receiver since he

ICON SMI
ther has tremendous arm strength or rushing abili- came into the league in 2003, but he has really
ty, both have good intelligence and can be accurate Andre Johnson blossomed since Matt Schaub took over the QB
HOUSTON TEXANS

when given time in the pocket. Orlovsky lacks the position from David Carr. Johnson’s 2007 sea-
pocket presence of Schaub, but that may improve with the move out of son was cut short, but in just nine games he caught 60 passes for 851
Detroit. With Schaub an injury risk, Orlovsky could easily see playing yards. In 2008 he proved it wasn’t a fluke: in 16 games he caught 115
time in Houston. The Texans would like him to be as effective off the passes for a league-best 1,575 yards, and finished as the No. 2 fan-
bench as Sage Rosenfels had been. Alex Brink was the Texan’s seventh- tasy WR. Johnson has an outstanding combination of size, speed, and
round draft choice a year ago; he was initially cut before being signed hands. He also runs good patterns and can gain yards after the catch.
to the practice squad. If there’s a knock on him from a fantasy standpoint, it’s that he doesn’t
catch enough touchdowns. He hasn’t yet sniffed double digits in that
RUNNING BACKS category, but when the catches and yards are there, the touchdowns
Starter: Steve Slaton usually come. (Think: Torry Holt.) Lining up across from Johnson is
Backups: Chris Brown, Ryan Moats, Jeremiah Johnson Kevin Walter, who has also benefited from Matt Schaub’s arrival in
Fullback: Vonta Leach town. Walter has caught 60+ passes for 800+ yards in each of the last
two seasons. Despite putting up decent numbers in 2007 (mostly when
Starting RB: Steve Slaton, the team’s third-round draft pick a Andre Johnson was missing from the lineup), Walter was drafted as
year ago, surpassed all realistic expectations, rushing for a franchise a fantasy WR5 or WR6 at best last season, but far surpassed even the
record 1,282 yards. He also set a franchise record (for RBs) by aver- most optimistic expectations as his 8 touchdown receptions (which
aging 4.8 yards a carry. Slaton became the workhorse back for the tied him with Johnson) helped land him in the top 20 at his position.
Texans last year somewhat by default, and many expected the team to Backup WRs: Andre Davis, a former second-round pick
select a running back during this year’s draft to help share the work- by the Browns, is a speed-receiver who has made some big plays
load in 2009. That didn’t happen, which means Slaton will again be (including a 99-yard touchdown reception in 2004) but has been
called on to lead the Texans’ running game, and should get over 300 inconsistent throughout his career. Davis was productive during his
touches again if he can stay healthy. Slaton has excellent speed, and first three years with the Browns, but a toe injury suffered in his third
runs surprisingly tough inside for a smaller back. season may have slowed him for the next two, which he spent with
Backup RBs: Chris Brown was signed last offseason and prob- the Patriots and Bills before coming to Houston. Davis has found a
ably would have gotten a fair amount of playing time, but a herniated niche as a backup with the Texans, but has had some durability issues
disc forced him onto injured reserve before the season started. Injuries (including finger injuries in each of the last two seasons). David
Anderson was a restricted free agent this offseason. The Broncos
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED signed him to an offer sheet, but the Texans matched the offer, bring-
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team ing him back to compete with Davis for the WR3 role. Jacoby Jones
QB Dan Orlovsky Free Agent Detroit Lions Houston Texans was the Texans’ third-round pick in 2007. The team hoped that he’d
TE Anthony Hill Draft College Houston Texans eventually challenge for a starting position, but so far his main contri-
TE James Casey Draft College Houston Texans bution has been as a punt-returner.
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST TIGHT ENDS
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team Starter: Owen Daniels
QB Sage Rosenfels Trade Houston Texans Minnesota Vikings
Backups: Anthony Hill [R], James Casey [R]
RB Ahman Green Free Agent Houston Texans Free Agent
RB Cecil Sapp Free Agent Houston Texans Free Agent
RB Darius Walker Free Agent Houston Texans Denver Broncos Owen Daniels was a second-day draft pick in 2006. He started imme-
TE Mark Bruener Free Agent Houston Texans Free Agent diately, and has improved every season so far. He was the sixth-best fan-
WR Tim Carter Free Agent Houston Texans St. Louis Rams tasy TE a year ago and made his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Daniels is a

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194 FOOTBALLGUYS.COM

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 by Maurile Tremblay

better receiver than he is a blocker, but for fantasy purposes, receiving is

all that matters. The Texans spent two draft picks on tight ends this sea- 2008 SEASON STATS
son, grabbing Anthony Hill in the fourth round and James Casey in the Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
fifth. Hill is a high-upside player with excellent size and receiving skills.
Matt Schaub 380 251 3043 15 10 31 68 2
He has had a variety of injuries over the course of his college career,
including a knee injury that kept him sidelined for nearly all of 2007. So Sage Rosenfels 174 116 1431 6 10 11 37 0
staying healthy may be a challenge for him. Casey is similar to Daniels
in his physical traits. He is a versatile player who can line up in the Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
backfield as well as at TE or H-back. He should be active on Sundays as Steve Slaton 268 1282 9 50 377 1
a rookie due to his utility on special teams.
Ahman Green 74 294 3 11 32 0
PLACE KICKER Ryan Moats 26 94 1 3 14 0
PK: Kris Brown Chris Taylor 14 37 0 0 0 0
Vonta Leach 1 1 1 12 103 0
During his first five years in Houston, Kris Brown hit 70.8 per-
cent, 81.8 percent, 70.8 percent, 76.5 percent, and 76.0 percent on Team Per Game Stats
Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs
field goals. His numbers have improved the last two years. In 2007
he made 86.2 pecent (26 of 29) and last year he hit a career best 87.9 Andre Johnson 115 1575 8 Ctgry Avg Rnk
percent (29 of 33). Brown has the range to hit longer field goals. Kevin Walter 60 899 8 Pts 22.9 17th
Over the last two years he is 7 of 8 from 50+ yards, including a long David Anderson 19 241 2 Yds 382.1 3rd
of 57 yards. His kickoffs have also improved in recent years. He has Andre Davis 13 213 0 P-Yds 266.7 4th
averaged 64 yards and 10 touchbacks a year over the last five years. R-Yds 115.4 13th
Jacoby Jones 3 81 0
Both Brown and the offense have improved the last two years, and
the Texans subsequently ranked 14th and 12th in kicker scoring. The
pieces are still in place to replicate the last two years and possibly Tight End Rec Yards TDs
improve in 2009. Owen Daniels 70 862 2

TEAM DEFENSE
Since their inception the Texans have struggled to get over the
hump defensively. Last season saw them again finish in the bottom
half of the league in every important category. The numbers weren’t
good in 2008 but the club did find players to fill some holes. With
all the offseason attention to the defense, 2009 could be the turn-
ing point. Former first-round picks DE Mario Williams, DT Travis
Johnson and DT Amobi Okoye will be joined by free agent upgrade
DE Antonio Smith and talented rookie pass rusher Connor Barwin
to boost a pass rush that totaled only 25 sacks a year ago. Stud MLB
HOUSTON TEXANS
Joel Dreessen 11 77 0
DeMeco Ryans will be joined by arguably the most talented OLB
in this year’s draft, first-round pick Brian Cushing, to help improve
the 23rd rated run defense and provide more big plays. Houston had
some youngsters step up for them down the stretch last year as well.
Second year players Xavier Adibi at OLB, safety Dominique Barber
and corner Antwan Molden are all expected to start or make a sig-
nificant contribution this year. And finally the resigning of Eugene
Wilson upgrades and solidifies the safety position. We can expect
considerable improvement from this group and possibly even a Top
12 fantasy finish.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Houston @Pit bye @Ten @Jac Ind Mia Det Cin @Min Bal @Ind @Cle Jac @GB Ten @Oak Chi
17-38 week 12-31 27-30 27-31 29-28 28-21 35-6 21-28 13-41 27-33 16-6 30-17 24-21 13-12 16-27 31-24
QB Schaub 25-33-202-2 - 17-37-188-3 29-40-307-0 dnp 22-42-379-2 26-31-267-0 24-28-280-0 11-16-139-1 dnp dnp dnp dnp 28-42-414-1 23-39-284-0 19-36-255-1 27-36-328-0
(rush stats) 2-4 3-12 5-24 4-15 2-1 4-(-2) 1-0 4-7 2-10 4-(-3)
14/4(run) 30,5,8 12/3(run) 2,1 6,7,39 (O) (O) (O) (Q) 58,11 (P) 13 43,3
QB Rosenfels dnp - dnp dnp 21-33-246-1 dnp dnp dnp 21-29-224-1 23-38-294-4 13-18-192-1 24-32-275-2 14-24-200-1 dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 4-16 1-15 2-4 2-0 2-2
5 3,14 60 17 31
RB Slaton 13-43 - 18-116 10-33 16-93 15-58 17-80 15-53 16-62 4-7 14-156 21-73 21-130 26-120 24-100 18-66 20-92
(rec stats) 3-6 4-8 8-83 1-3 1-3 3-9 2-13 8-56 2-17 2-52 3-40 3-15 5-36 5-36
6 30(rec) 1,1 1 20 71 (P) 7,40 (P) 2
RB Green 5-28 - dnp dnp 12-47 8-41 14-62 9-41 dnp 4-19 9-17 13-39 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 4-3 1-2 1-3 1-5 2-4 1-7 1-8
(D) (Q) 1 (P) (Q) (P) 1,2
RB Moats dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 3-17 0-0 7-34 0-0 0-0 2-(-1) 2-6 dnp dnp 12-38
(rec stats) 3-14
(P) 2
RB Taylor 0-0 - 6-15 8-22 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(O) (O) (O)
RB Leach 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0
(rec stats) 1-5 1-5 1-4 1-8 1-9 1-9 1-9 3-48 1-3 1-3
1
WR Johnson 10-112 - 2-29 3-38 9-131 10-178 11-141 11-143 4-62 7-66 4-55 10-116 7-75 4-55 11-207 2-19 10-148
5 12 14 31 11 13 43,3
WR Walter 3-41 - 4-15 8-76 2-36 4-98 3-27 5-70 4-47 4-85 3-79 7-93 2-38 6-146 2-8 2-17 1-23
(rush stats) 1-3 1-7 1-13
14 5,8 (P) 7,39 (P) 60 (P) 17 58
WR Anderson 1-2 - 0-0 0-0 1-4 0-0 0-0 2-28 2-12 4-46 2-26 1-11 0-0 3-34 1-4 1-65 1-9
6 3 (P)
WR Davis 0-0 - 2-60 1-14 1-6 2-28 1-15 dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-10 0-0 2-22 0-0 0-0 3-58
(O) (O) (O) (D) (P)
WR Jones 0-0 - 0-0 1-5 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-31 1-45 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
(rush stats) 1-(-5) (P)
TE Daniels 3-33 - 4-71 7-87 5-47 4-70 6-66 3-21 11-133 1-13 1-14 3-28 2-25 6-65 4-41 7-111 3-37
2,1
TE Dreessen 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 1-11 0-0 1-6 0-0 1-13 1-9 2-11 0-0 1-10 1-4 2-9 1-4 0-0
TE Bruener 0-0 - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0
(O) (O) (O) (O) (P)

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194 HOUSTON.indd 195 5/26/09 2:47:45 PM

 INDIANAPOLIS C
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Peyton Manning
Backups: Jim Sorgi, Curtis Painter [R]
Starting QB: An 11-year veteran, Peyton Manning has thrown
at least 26 touchdowns every season he’s been in the league and over
4,000 yards in all but two seasons (one of which was his rookie year).
Manning is as dependable as they come: he has started 176 consecu-
tive games, and has missed only one snap due to injury in his career.
He started slow last season while recovering from a July knee opera-
tion, but he played through it and finished strong. While Manning has
all the physical tools, his best attribute is his intelligence. The prover-
bial coach on the field, he is quick to recognize and dissect any look a
defense can give him, and he gets the ball to his receivers on time.
Backup QBs: Jim Sorgi was the Colts’ sixth-round draft pick
in 2004. The bulk of his playing time has come at the very end of
the regular season (in 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008) after the Colts
had locked up their playoff seed. While Sorgi has been an adequate
(if unneeded) backup to Peyton Manning, the Colts drafted Curtis
Painter in the sixth round this year to compete with Sorgi. Painter has
good size, a strong arm, and solid mechanics, but he is not much of a
threat to run the ball. It may take him a few years before he develops
the consistency, accuracy, and touch to beat out Sorgi for the number
two job, but he has the long-term potential to do so (and possibly
become the heir apparent to Manning).
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
OLTS
ite to get the majority of the carries this season, that’s not set in stone.
Brown is a tougher north-south runner than Addai, and could get pro-
gressively more reps throughout the season. Competing for the third
RB spot will be Mike Hart, Lance Ball, and Chad Simpson. Hart
tore an ACL last season. The team expects him to be full-go during
training camp, but it sometimes takes longer than that for a running
back to get up to full speed. If he is healthy, Hart might have a role as
the Colts’ goal-line back. The Colts like both Ball and Simpson, but
the roster is too deep at RB for them to expect much playing time.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez
Backups: Austin Collie [R], Roy Hall, Pierre Garcon
Starting WRs: With Marvin Harrison gone, Reggie Wayne
is now the veteran leader of the Colts’ WR corps. Wayne has been
the Colts’ leading receiver over the past two years, and should get
130+ targets again in 2009. While he lacks top-end speed, Wayne is
an exceptional route-runner with good hands and, most importantly,
the complete confidence of Peyton Manning. Wayne caught only six
touchdowns last season, which dropped him to No. 14 in the fantasy
WR standings after two consecutive seasons in the Top 5. But the
eight-year veteran has proven his ability to put up big numbers in
the Colts’ offense, so a bounce-back season is expected. Across from
Wayne will be Anthony Gonzalez, entering his third year. Gonzalez

started ten games as a rookie in 2007, when

Marvin Harrison was out of the lineup, and
RUNNING BACKS had a number of solid outings, including two
Starter: Joseph Addai 100-yard games. In 2008 Gonzalez played out
Backups: Donald Brown [R], Mike Hart, of the slot and became a trusted target on third
Lance Ball, Chad Simpson downs. (On third and fourth downs last season,
Gonzalez caught 26 of the 33 balls intended
Starting RB: Joseph Addai is a complete for him – a remarkable 79% catch rate – for
player who excels as both a runner and a receiver. 364 yards and three touchdowns.) Gonzalez has
He is also a willing and competent blocker. The excellent quickness and hands and, like Wayne,
Colts have not used Addai the way they used to is a dependable route-runner.
use Edgerrin James; they have limited Addai to Backup WRs: Austin Collie was the
fewer than 265 carries each season while using a Colts’ fourth-round draft pick this season. He
rotation of RBs to split the workload. Despite the has good height and was super productive at
effort to keep Addai fresh, he missed four games BYU, averaging 118 receiving yards per game
with injuries last season and may never have been in 2008. Collie will compete for reps out of the
at full strength. As a result, the running game suf- slot position for the Colts. Roy Hall, the Colts’
fered; the Colts averaged only 3.4 yards per carry fifth-round pick in 2007, has an outstanding
ICON SMI

last season as a team (their worst since 1996).
Reggie Wayne
The Colts let Dominic Rhodes go this offseason,
but that doesn’t mean that Addai’s share of the
workload will increase. First-round pick Donald Brown is expected
to fill Rhodes’ role (at a minimum), so Addai should be considered a
member of a rotation, not a workhorse stud.
Backup RBs: The Colts spent their first-round pick this year on
RB Donald Brown out of Connecticut. Brown and Addai should give
the Colts a strong one-two punch out of the backfield. Like Addai,
Brown is a well-rounded back who can run inside or outside, and is
also a fine receiver. Brown is also an intelligent player who should
pick up the Colts’ offense quickly. While Addai is probably the favor-
size-speed combination, but at this point he’s all
potential. He’s been set back by injuries during
his first two years in the league and has only one
career reception. But at 6’2, 229, he makes an enticing redzone tar-
get. Pierre Garcon was the Colts’ sixth-round draft pick last season.
He is a speedy player who will compete for playing time in the slot,
but probably has a better chance at seeing action returning kicks and
punts.
TIGHT ENDS
Starter: Dallas Clark
Backups: Jacob Tamme, Gijon Robinson

Drafted in 2003, Dallas Clark shared TE duties with Marcus

NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED Pollard in his first two seasons before taking over as the starter in
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team 2005. After being slowed by injury in 2006, Clark had somewhat of
QB Curtis Painter Draft College Indianapolis Colts a breakout season in 2007, catching 58 passes for 616 yards and 11
RB Donald Brown Draft College Indianapolis Colts touchdowns, finishing as the No. 5 fantasy tight end – his first season
WR Austin Collie Draft College Indianapolis Colts in the top ten. He then outdid his 2007 performance in 2008, catching
77 passes for 848 yards and finishing as the No. 3 fantasy tight end.
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST Jacob Tamme was the team’s fourth-round draft pick last season;
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team he is a much better receiver than blocker, but saw very little playing
RB Dominic Rhodes Free Agent Indianapolis Colts Buffalo Bills time as a rookie. Gijon Robinson spent the 2007 season on the Colts’
WR Marvin Harrison Free Agent Indianapolis Colts Free Agent practice squad, but was called up to active duty last season. Used as

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 by Maurile Tremblay

an H-back, Robinson saw action in nearly every game last season and
played fairly well, albeit in limited duty. 2008 SEASON STATS
Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
PLACE KICKER Peyton Manning 555 371 4002 27 12 20 21 1
PK: Adam Vinatieri
Jim Sorgi 30 22 178 0 0 5 8 0
During his first year with the Colts in 2006, Adam Vinatieri went
25 of 28 (89.3 percent) on field goals, for the second highest percent- Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
age of his career. In 2007 he made 23 of 29 (79.3 percent) for his sec- Joseph Addai 155 544 5 25 206 2
ond worst percentage of this decade. Last year wasn’t much better at Dominic Rhodes 152 538 6 45 302 3
80.0 percent (20 of 25). Nonetheless, Vinatieri kept his streak alive of
scoring at least 100 points every year. It didn’t look promising after he Chad Simpson 15 45 1 3 30 0
had only 37 points in the first half of the season, but he had 66 points Najeh Davenport 10 31 0 4 54 0
in the second half. The last time the Colts failed to score 100 kicking Mike Hart 2 9 0 1 18 0
points was way back in 1994. During that stretch they have scored as
many as 157 in a year. Cary Blanchard, Mike Vanderjagt, and now Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
Vinatieri have benefited from a steady supply of scoring opportuni-
ties. After ten years in the league, Vinatieri’s career averages are 82.1 Reggie Wayne 82 1145 6 Ctgry Avg Rnk
percent on field goals and 114.6 points scored per year. Marvin Harrison 60 636 5 Pts 23.6 13th
Anthony Gonzalez 57 664 4 Yds 335.5 15th
TEAM DEFENSE Pierre Garcon 4 23 0 P-Yds 255.9 5th
Roy Hall 1 9 0 R-Yds 79.6 31st
The Colts finished 2008 with the seven rated scoring defense and
were No. 6 against the pass. On the other side of that coin was their
24th ranked run defense and middle of the pack numbers in sacks and Tight End Rec Yards TDs

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
takeaways. They addressed the rush defense by adding a pair of 300+ Dallas Clark 77 848 6
pound tackles in the draft. Second-round pick Fili Moala is a high Gijon Robinson 19 166 0
motor guy capable of dominating between the tackles. He should chal- Tom Santi 10 64 1
lenge for a starting job or at least see time in the rotation right away.
Fourth rounder Terrence Taylor is a fireplug who will likely contribute Jacob Tamme 3 12 0
on short yardage. The other change aimed at stopping the run will be
the insertion of 240-pound second-year pro Phillip Wheeler at SLB. the Colts to finish among the Top 12 fantasy defenses last year, but
Beyond Moala, Wheeler and the return from injury of corner Marlin they lacked consistency. They seem destined for a similar finish in
Jackson, the lineup remains the same. Four defensive scores helped 2009.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Indianapolis Chi @Min Jac bye @Hou Bal @GB @Ten NE @Pit Hou @SD @Cle Cin Det @Jac Ten
13-29 18-15 21-23 week 31-27 31-3 14-34 21-31 18-15 24-20 33-27 23-20 10-6 35-3 31-21 31-24 23-0
QB Manning 30-49-257-0 26-42-311-2 15-29-216-2 - 25-34-247-1 19-28-271-0 21-42-229-2 26-41-223-2 21-29-254-0 21-40-240-0 30-46-320-0 32-44-255-1 15-21-125-2 26-32-277-0 28-37-318-0 29-34-364-0 7-7-95-0
(rush stats) 2-0 1-12 4-8 2-(-2) 1-(-1) 1-1 2-1 3-(-2) 2-3 2-1
6 (P) 32 4 7,5 67,22,5 10,19/1(run) 12,9 65,2,17 23,10 13,1 5,2,4 3 41,10,1 55
QB Sorgi dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 22-30-178-0
(rush stats) (P) 5-8
RB Addai 12-44 15-20 16-78 - 17-71 2-3 dnp dnp 17-32 12-34 22-105 16-70 15-57 10-26 dnp dnp 1-4
(rec stats) 1-3 2-13 1-10 1-3 2-10 2-13 4-48 7-31 1-6 2-14 2-55
3,2 1 (D) (Q) (Q) 7/23(rec) (Q) (Q) (Q) 55(rec)
RB Rhodes 2-2 2-5 2-24 - 1-0 25-73 20-73 17-70 4-15 7-28 10-48 7-21 11-35 10-31 20-86 14-27 dnp
(rec stats) 4-30 2-8 1-(-4) 4-41 8-39 1-7 2-24 3-26 5-21 2-6 3-12 4-30 6-62
1 3,1 (Q) 17(rec) 1(rec) 17 1,1 10(rec) (O)
RB Simpson dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp 2-1 4-23 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 7-17 2-4 0-0
(rec stats) 2-24 1-6
2 (Q) (Q) (Q)
RB Davenport dnp dnp dnp - 1-3 dnp 0-0 0-0 1-2 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 dnp 8-26
(rec stats) (Q) 4-54
RB Hart 1-7 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 1-2 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 1-18
WR Wayne 10-86 5-93 3-74 - 7-97 8-118 2-24 3-29 5-65 6-114 7-90 2-34 4-46 5-48 7-104 7-108 1-15
6 32 5 22 (Q) 65 (Q) 41
WR Harrison 8-76 1-16 4-40 - 4-32 3-83 2-11 1-12 4-50 3-37 9-77 6-44 3-27 3-78 2-22 dnp 7-31
4 67,5 10 5 (O)
WR Gonzalez 5-48 9-137 2-37 - 1-3 4-33 5-72 4-27 4-55 4-26 2-35 6-95 2-13 3-27 1-6 4-38 1-12
(Q) 12,9 (Q) 13 2 (Q)
WR Garcon dnp 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp 0-0 3-21
(Q) (Q)
WR Hall 0-0 dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 1-9
(Q) (O) (O) (O) (O) (O) (D) (O) (Q) (Q) (O)
TE Clark 1-8 dnp 4-47 - 5-81 2-17 8-81 7-94 4-63 3-24 5-44 6-30 2-24 4-29 12-142 8-105 6-59
(Q) 10,19 2 4 3 1 (Q)
TE Robinson 0-0 2-15 0-0 - 2-8 1-2 dnp 0-0 1-4 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-3 6-69 1-8 4-51 1-6
(D)
TE Santi dnp 5-29 1-8 - 4-27 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
7 (Q) (P) (Q)
TE Tamme 1-6 dnp dnp - dnp 0-0 0-0 dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-6
(O) (O) (Q)

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 JACKSONVILLE J
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: David Garrard
Backups: Cleo Lemon, Todd Bouman
Starting QB: David Garrard began his career in Jacksonville
spending his first four years as a backup (first to Mark Brunell, then
to Byron Leftwich) before he started the majority of the 2006 season
when Leftwich was injured. The Jaguars decided – just before the start
of the season – to go with Garrard as the starter
in 2007, and he rewarded them with an 11-5 sea-
son and a playoff win over the Steelers. In 2008,
disaster struck along the offensive line (four of
the team’s five starters were lost by the conclu-
sion of the first game) and the team regressed to
5-11. In a season in which nearly everything that
could have gone wrong did, Garrard was still the
#11 fantasy QB, throwing for 3620 yards and 15
touchdowns. With a rejuvenated offensive line,
and a new go-to receiver in Torry Holt, Garrard
should be able to improve on last year’s numbers.
He has a great temperament for a QB, a quick
release, good mobility, and enough NFL experi-
ence to be comfortable in any situation.
Backup QBs: Cleo Lemon has been in the
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
AGUARS
and can handle blitzing linebackers in pass protection. Jones-Drew
averaged 5.7 and 4.6 yards per carry his first two years in the league.
Even running behind a completely dismantled offensive line last year,
he still averaged over four yards a carry. Throughout his NFL career,
Jones-Drew has had a knack for making big plays. He’s scored 38
touchdowns from scrimmage in three seasons. With a revamped OL in
2009 and the backfield more to himself, Jones-Drew is primed for his
best fantasy year yet.
Backup RBs: Although many people fig-
ured Rashad Jennings to go somewhere between
the second- and fifth-round in this year’s draft,
the Jaguars were able to pick him up in the sev-
enth. He was a two-time conference player of the
year at Liberty. He’s a big back (6’1, 230 pounds)
with good power, an effective stiff-arm, adequate
speed, and outstanding college production (over
4,000 yards and 42 touchdowns). He could see a
fair amount of playing time as a rookie since the
Jaguars aren’t averse to using a rotation in the
backfield to keep MJD fresh. Jennings will com-
pete with Chauncey Washington for the number
two role at RB. Washington was the Jaguars’
seventh-round pick last year. He is another back
with good size (5’11, 224 pounds). He got a little

league for six years, mostly as a backup, but he playing time late last season but is mostly an

ICON SMI
did start seven games for the Dolphins in 2007. unknown commodity at the NFL level.
That season went poorly for the Dolphins and for David Garrard Fullbacks: Greg Jones has an outstanding
Lemon, although he did have a 300+ yard game size-speed combination and can play some tailback
against Baltimore. Lemon saw almost no playing time with the Jaguars as well as fullback. He lost the 2006 season due to a knee injury and may
last year since Garrard stayed healthy. Lemon is a mobile quarterback not have completely regained his agility since then. Although Jones got
with a strong arm, but lacks accuracy and good decision-making under only two carries last year, he is a better runner than most fullbacks and is
fire. Many observers thought that Todd Bouman outperformed Lemon a threat to score in goal-line situations.
in last year’s training camp, but the Jaguars stuck with Lemon as their
backup (while Bouman landed in Baltimore backing up Joe Flacco and WIDE RECEIVERS
Troy Smith). The Jaguars have brought Bouman back to compete with Starters: Torry Holt, Mike Walker
Lemon once again in this year’s training camp. Backups: Dennis Northcutt, Mike Thomas [R], Jarett Dillard
[R], Troy Williamson
RUNNING BACKS
Starter: Maurice Jones-Drew Starting WRs: With Matt Jones and Reggie Williams gone,
Backups: Rashad Jennings [R], Chauncey Washington, Alvin the Jaguars will have a new look at the WR position this year. Former
Pearman Ram Torry Holt joins the team after 10 productive seasons in St.
Fullbacks: Greg Jones, Montell Owens Louis. Holt has been remarkably durable throughout his career, having
missed only two games in ten seasons. He’ll be 33 when the season
Starting RB: Maurice Jones-Drew split time with Fred Taylor starts, and last year marked his worst fantasy season as a pro. He
in each of his three seasons with the Jaguars so far, and he has never caught 64 passes for 796 yards (the least since his rookie year) and
carried the ball more than 200 times in a season. With Taylor headed just three touchdowns (the fewest in his career). Can a 33-year-old
to New England, Jones-Drew’s workload should increase in 2009. receiver bounce back to fantasy starting material? Initial indications
He is a quick runner with exceptional balance and surprising power out of the Jaguars’ first mini-camp are good, as Garrard and Holt have
and toughness. He is also an excellent receiver out of the backfield established some chemistry right away. Mike Walker is expected to
occupy the other starting WR spot. Walker was the Jaguars’ third-
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED round draft pick in 2007, but missed his entire rookie season after suf-
fering a knee injury in the final preseason game. He started to come
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
QB Todd Bouman Free Agent Baltimore Ravens Jacksonville Jaguars on early in 2008, leading the Jaguars with 11 receptions in Weeks 4
RB Rashad Jennings Draft College Jacksonville Jaguars and 5 combined. Week 5 marked his first 100-yard game, but a knee
TE Zach Miller Draft College Jacksonville Jaguars injury kept him out of the next four games and when he returned late
WR Jarett Dillard Draft College Jacksonville Jaguars in the season at less than 100 percent his impact was minimal. He
WR Mike Thomas Draft College Jacksonville Jaguars heads into 2009 healthy, and could have a breakout fantasy season.
WR Tiquan Underwood Draft College Jacksonville Jaguars Backup WRs: Dennis Northcutt was the Browns’ second-
WR Torry Holt Free Agent St. Louis Rams Jacksonville Jaguars round draft pick in 2000, and signed with the Jaguars before the
2007 season. He’s been in the league nine years, but has never been
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST a worthwhile fantasy starter (even in leagues that start three WRs).
Northcutt has excellent speed and big-play ability, but his career with
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
RB Fred Taylor Free Agent Jacksonville Jaguars New England Patriots
both the Brown and the Jaguars has been marred by bad drops in key
TE George Wrighster Free Agent Jacksonville Jaguars New York Giants situations. Northcutt will compete with Mike Walker for the starting
WR Jerry Porter Free Agent Jacksonville Jaguars Free Agent job opposite Holt. Northcutt has the edge in experience, but he’ll have
WR Matt Jones Free Agent Jacksonville Jaguars Free Agent to develop greater consistency to beat out the more physically talented
WR Reggie Williams Free Agent Jacksonville Jaguars Free Agent youngster. Mike Thomas was this year’s fourth-round draft pick – the

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 by Maurile Tremblay

first of three WRs selected by the Jaguars. He was a four-year starter

at Arizona and finished as the Pac-10’s all-time leading receiver with 2008 SEASON STATS
259 college receptions. Jarett Dillard was the team’s fifth-round pick; Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
he is another four-year starter (at Rice) and holds the NCAA record David Garrard 535 335 3620 15 13 73 322 2
with 60 college touchdown receptions. Troy Williamson was the sev-
enth overall pick by the Vikings in 2005, but his on-field production
Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
has been disappointing. He has track star speed, so he could help the
Jaguars if he improves his route-running and concentration. Maurice Jones-Drew 197 824 12 62 565 2
Fred Taylor 143 556 1 16 98 0
TIGHT ENDS Greg Jones 2 13 0 13 116 1
Starter: Marcedes Lewis
Backups: Greg Estandia, Richard Angulo Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
Matt Jones 65 761 2 Ctgry Avg Rnk
Marcedes Lewis became a full-time starter in 2007 continued to
Dennis Northcutt 44 545 2 Pts 18.9 24th
improve in 2008. Lewis has great size and athletic ability. He was high-
ly recruited as a basketball player coming out of high school, but chose Reggie Williams 37 364 3 Yds 319.1 20th
football and set a few school records at UCLA. Lewis is a complete TE, Mike Walker 16 217 0 P-Yds 208.2 15th
competent as both a receiver and blocker, but he’s not outstanding in Jerry Porter 11 181 1 R-Yds 110.9 18th
either category. So far, he has been a worthwhile fantasy backup at best. Troy Williamson 5 30 1
Greg Estandia and Richard Angulo are special teamers and blockers.
Tight End Rec Yards TDs
PLACE KICKER
PK: Josh Scobee Marcedes Lewis 41 489 2
Greg Estandia 10 113 0

After injuring his quadriceps before Week 1, Josh Scobee ended up
playing in only eight games in 2007. In half a year’s work, he was 12
of 13 (92.3 percent ) on field goals and 26 of 27 on PATs, for the best
numbers of his NFL career. The strong finish did not carry over into
2008. Last year Scobee made only 19 of 25 (76.0 percent) field goals,
including three misses from under 40 yards. His biggest strength
remains kickoffs, where he has averaged 65.2 yards on kickoffs, and
had 11, 20, 21, 12, and 10 touchbacks. After four years near the bot-
tom of the kicker scoring rankings, the Jaguars climbed to 15th in
2005 and then 6th in 2006. In 2007 they slipped back to 19th with
Scobee and fill-in John Carney’s combined 109 points, and last year
they dropped back down to the bottom at 29th.
TEAM DEFENSE
The Jaguars were supposed to make a lot of noise last season but
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
were instead a huge disappointment. Much of the blame falls on a
defense that was 21st in scoring, recorded only 29 sacks and the sec-
ond lowest takeaway total in the league at 17. This on the heels of the
club using first and second round picks on ends Derrick Harvey and
Quentin Groves who accounted for just seven sacks between them.
The coaching staff must be convinced that these two will improve
in their second year because the only help for the defense this off-
season comes in the form of third-round picks Terrance Knighton
at DT and Derek Cox at corner, and free agent Sean Considine at
safety. Jacksonville really missed Marcus Stroud and they hope that
Knighton can come close to replacing him. Justin Durant will move
into the lineup at linebacker replacing Mike Peterson and Considine is
projected to claim the starting job at SS. With no impact additions the
pressure will be on this group to play much better in 2009.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Jacksonville @Ten Buf @Ind Hou Pit @Den bye Cle @Cin @Det Ten Min @Hou @Chi GB Ind @Bal
10-17 16-20 23-21 30-27 21-26 24-17 week 17-23 19-21 38-14 14-24 12-30 17-30 10-23 20-16 24-31 7-27
QB Garrard 23-35-215-2 17-28-165-1 16-22-167-1 23-32-236-0 18-32-200-0 25-34-276-0 - 25-42-283-0 23-38-229-1 18-25-238-0 13-30-135-1 27-45-317-2 25-35-287-1 19-38-178-1 21-33-238-0 28-41-329-1 14-25-127-2
(rush stats) 3-2 6-32 2-8 7-41 4-12 8-7 7-59 6-23 2-10 3-16 5-11 5-10 3-11 5-31 3-9 4-40
1 16/5(run) 24 30 5,8 7,10 8 18 (P) 4 30,14 28/2(run) 23
RB Jones-Drew 5-13 7-17 19-107 7-32 5-7 22-125 - 12-29 10-33 11-70 17-66 3-4 12-49 12-55 12-48 20-91 23-78
(rec stats) 4-37 3-25 4-59 2-17 6-23 2-23 3-19 2-29 2-21 3-27 9-113 3-22 7-47 4-22 7-71 1-10
2 6 (P) (P) 1 1,46 1 6,1,8 2,1 4(rec) 14(rec) (P)
RB Taylor 9-18 14-49 26-121 10-25 10-19 3-10 - 8-24 5-12 18-80 12-58 6-20 9-67 13-53 dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 1-9 1-5 2-9 3-21 2-6 1-10 1-0 1-17 1-2 1-7 1-6 1-6
(P) (P) (P) (P) (P) 4
41 2 (P)
RB Jones 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-13 - 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 3-13 1-17 2-28 1-15 3-21 1-11 1-5 1-6
1(rec) (Q) (P)
WR Jones 6-80 5-50 4-32 5-71 2-25 7-69 - 8-117 7-69 5-62 dnp 4-37 8-104 3-34 dnp dnp dnp
(P) 16 8 (Q) (P)
WR Northcutt 2-19 3-36 0-0 dnp dnp 3-42 - 5-49 4-29 1-20 2-28 3-33 2-21 1-5 5-127 8-101 5-35
(rush stats) 1-9
(P) (P) 30 28
WR Williams 2-17 4-36 1-11 4-46 0-0 4-21 - 3-42 2-12 1-6 0-0 3-44 5-55 2-16 4-31 1-22 2-16
(rush stats) 1-0
(P) 5 (P) 8 18
WR Walker dnp 0-0 1-8 5-46 6-107 dnp - dnp dnp dnp 2-15 0-0 dnp dnp 0-0 1-18 1-23
(O) (O) (O) (P)
WR Porter dnp dnp dnp 1-6 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 2-38 2-33 2-24 1-14 2-39 1-27 dnp dnp dnp
(O) (Q) (Q) (P) 7 (O)
WR Williamson 2-11 dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 - 1-6 0-0 1-10 dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 1-3 0-0
(rush stats) 1-1
(O) (O) (P) 10 (O) (O) (Q)
TE Lewis 3-29 1-13 2-21 0-0 1-24 3-64 - 3-34 4-38 4-64 1-19 4-41 2-37 4-43 2-7 6-55 1-0
24 30
TE Estandia 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-26 - 0-0 1-14 0-0 0-0 2-28 0-0 0-0 4-36 0-0 1-9
(P) (P) (P) (P)
TE Angulo 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 - 1-5 0-0 0-0 1-14 0-0 dnp 0-0 2-15 2-24 1-4

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 KANSAS CITY C
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Matt Cassel
Backups: Tyler Thigpen, Brodie Croyle, Ingle Martin
Starting QB: Scott Pioli left New England to become the do-
everything GM for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his first order of busi-
ness was to get Matt Cassel in a trade. Cassel never started a game
in college when he backed up Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. His
pro career was following the same path, backing
up Tom Brady for four years. He played poorly
in the 2008 preseason but secured the No. 2 job
and took over in Week 1 when Brady was lost for
the season. Cassel struggled early as a starter, but
each week he seemed to get better and better. The
Patriots just missed the playoffs despite having an
11-5 record. Many thought a QB controversy was
brewing when the Patriots put the franchise tag
on Cassel. Instead, the Patriots dealt Cassel to the
Chiefs for a second-round pick. Now the starting
QB for Kansas City, there will be pressure for
Cassel to duplicate his 2008 performance in New
England.
Backup QBs: Tyler Thigpen played sur-
prisingly well for the Chiefs at times in 2008.
While somewhat limited as a QB he was able to
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
HIEFS
Those talks have died down and it seems like LJ is going out of his way
to make a positive impression on the new regime in Kansas City. He
should be the lead back in a RBBC for the Chiefs in 2009. If he stays
healthy he could be a Top 20 fantasy RB in the new system.
Backup RBs: The new regime is expecting a lot from Jamaal
Charles this season. Charles could play the Kevin Faulk role for this
team and should get plenty of opportunities on passing downs. He is
dangerous in space, and has the speed to take defenses by surprise.
Kolby Smith has been an effective backup when
healthy but presents little upside if pressed into
duty. Javarris Williams is the powerful rookie from
Tennessee State that the Chiefs drafted in the sev-
enth round. He runs with a low pad level, has good
field vision, and shows adequate patience when
running the football. Jackie Battle is a tweener
that can be used as a receiving back. Dantrell
Savage was off and on the Chiefs roster in 2008
and will once again be on the roster bubble.
Fullback: Mike Cox is a bruising lead
blocker that can be used as an emergency receiver
out of the backfield. His fantasy upside is limited
as there are better options in the backfield.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Dwayne Bowe, Mark Bradley

ICON SMI
run Chan Gailey’s pistol offense very effectively. Backups: Bobby Engram, Devard Darling,
He finished the season as the No. 12 fantasy QB Dwayne Bowe Jeff Webb, Terrance Copper, Taurus Johnson
and many thought he would start the season as the
No. 1 QB for KC. When the Chiefs traded for Matt Cassel, it signaled Starting WRs: Dwayne Bowe likes to call himself “D-Show”
the end of Thigpen’s starting days. However, he does have the athleti- and he could certainly put on a show in 2009. He will be asked to
cism and experience to be a quality backup. There was a time when play the Randy Moss role in this new offense. Entering his third year,
Brodie Croyle was supposed to be the QB of the future in Kansas many inside the organization are expecting a breakout year from the
City. He has struggled to stay healthy during his three years with the big receiver. He’s gone from the No. 24 fantasy receiver in his rookie
Chiefs and has thrown only six TDs and eight INTs. With only Ingle season to No. 16 last year. This could be the year that he breaks into
Martin behind him on the depth chart, it appears that Croyle’s job as the Top 15, and because he’s such a great option in the red zone, get-
the No. 3 QB is safe for this year. ting double-digit TDs isn’t out of the question. Mark Bradley sur-
prised many around the league with his out-of-nowhere performance
RUNNING BACKS in 2008. He was certainly on the fantasy radar when he came out
Starter: Larry Johnson of Oklahoma, but injuries and inconsistencies plagued him during
Backups: Jamaal Charles, Kolby Smith, Javarris Williams [R], his time in Chicago. Signed by the Chiefs in Week 7, it didn’t take
Jackie Battle, Dantrell Savage Bradley long to make an impact. In his second game with the Chiefs
Fullback: Mike Cox he caught five passes for 42 yards and one TD. With Dwayne Bowe
drawing double teams consistently, Bradley should be able to exploit
Starting RB: Larry Johnson started the 2008 season on fire, one-on-one coverage. The biggest question with Bradley is whether or
highlighted by his 198-yard effort against Denver in Week 4. However, not he can stay healthy for an entire season.
his season started to slide after that, and he missed several games due to Backup WRs: The Chiefs signed Bobby Engram to work
injury in the middle of the season. He returned in limited duty at first out of the slot and perhaps be a starting receiver if Mark Bradley is
but only scored two rushing TDs over the last half of the season. Earlier injured or ineffective. Engram is getting up there in age, but is one of
in the offseason there were reports of Larry Johnson demanding a trade. the hardest workers in football. A savvy route runner, Engram knows
how to find the soft spot in a zone and should help KC keep drives
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED alive with his sure hands. Devard Darling is a reclamation project
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team of sorts since leaving Baltimore last year. He has deep-threat ability
QB Matt Cassel Trade New England Patriots Kansas City Chiefs as evidenced by his 18.1 YPC in 2007. Jeff Webb was selected in the
RB Javarris Williams Draft College Kansas City Chiefs sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft but has yet to stay healthy and
TE Jake O’Connell Draft College Kansas City Chiefs develop as a consistent WR. Terrance Copper has bounced around
TE Sean P. Ryan Free Agent San Francisco 49ers Kansas City Chiefs from Dallas, New Orleans, and Baltimore and now finds himself in
TE Tony Curtis Free Agent Free Agent Kansas City Chiefs KC. He will be in a fight for a roster spot with Priority Free Agent
WR Quinten Lawrence Draft College Kansas City Chiefs Taurus Johnson. Johnson is a raw speedster with natural talent and
WR Bobby Engram Free Agent Seattle Seahawks Kansas City Chiefs
could develop into a solid backup receiver.
WR Terrance Copper Free Agent Baltimore Ravens Kansas City Chiefs

TIGHT ENDS
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST Starters: Brad Cottam
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
Backups: Sean Ryan, Tony Curtis
QB Damon Huard Free Agent Kansas City Chiefs San Francisco 49ers
TE Tony Gonzalez Trade Kansas City Chiefs Atlanta Falcons The Chiefs made plans for life without Tony Gonzalez when they
TE John Paul Foschi Free Agent Kansas City Chiefs Oakland Raiders picked Brad Cottam out of Tennessee in the third round of the 2008
WR Kevin Robinson Free Agent Kansas City Chiefs Free Agent NFL Draft. With Gonzalez now gone to Atlanta it will be time for

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 by Cecil Lammey

Cottam to shine. He is a big target at 6’7, 270 pounds and moves sur-
prisingly well for such a big man. He does have good hands and can 2008 SEASON STATS
overpower defenders for the football. New Head Coach Todd Haley Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
didn’t feature the TE in his offense in Arizona. In New England the Tyler Thigpen 420 230 2608 18 12 62 386 3
TEs were asked to stay in and block more than go out for passes,
so we’ll see if that holds true now that Scott Pioli is in Kansas City. Damon Huard 81 50 477 2 4 4 13 0
Cottam is very talented but shouldn’t come anywhere near Tony Brodie Croyle 29 20 151 0 0 0 0 0
Gonzalez’s stats from 2008. Quinn Gray 8 7 76 1 0 1 27 0

PLACE KICKER Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
PK: Connor Barth, Ryan Succop Larry Johnson 193 874 5 12 74 0
Jamaal Charles 67 357 0 27 272 1
The incumbent Connor Barth and rookie Ryan Succop will battle
for the kicking job. Barth narrowly lost out to Nick Novak last pre- Kolby Smith 35 100 1 10 52 0
season, but was re-signed for the final 10 weeks after Novak struggled Dantrell Savage 15 53 0 2 0 0
during the first six games. Barth went 10 of 12 (83.3 percent) on field Mike Cox 1 -2 0 8 19 0
goals and was perfect on 24 PATs. Ryan Succop had a strong career
placekicking, punting, and kicking off at South Carolina, although an Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
abdominal muscle tear affected his senior year numbers. He appeared Dwayne Bowe 86 1022 7 Ctgry Avg Rnk
to be fully recovered by year’s end, and the new coaching staff of the
Chiefs thought enough of him to select him with the final pick in Mark Bradley 30 380 3 Pts 18.2 26th
the draft. After some success during the Dick Vermeil years, Kansas Devard Darling 17 247 1 Yds 308.7 24th
City slipped to 16th in Herm Edwards first year in 2006, and then Will Franklin 7 83 0 P-Yds 195.6 20th
plummeted to 31st in 2007 and 32nd last year scoring only 79 points. Jeff Webb 5 46 0 R-Yds 113.1 16th
Whoever wins the job may not be very busy.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Tight End Rec Yards TDs
TEAM DEFENSE
Tony Gonzalez 96 1058 10
The Chiefs are yet another club in the process of converting to a 3- Brad Cottam 7 63 0
4 scheme. Just like all the others they will experience a learning curve
and a period of personnel adjustment. One advantage they have is that traded for Mike Vrabel to play the other OLB spot, but at 34 he is no
their DL is set. Last year’s first-round pick Glenn Dorsey should fit more than a stopgap and an extra coach on the field. Derrick Johnson
very well at one DE and they used this year’s No. 1 on Tyson Jackson and Zach Thomas will man the ILB positions. Johnson may be fine
to play opposite him. The huge, 320+ pound run-stuffer Tank Tyler here but Thomas tried to play ILB in a 3-4 last year in Dallas with less
should be right at home at nose tackle. Unfortunately, that’s where than stellar results. The Chiefs were hurting for talent on defense last
the good fit ends. Tamba Hali will try to transition to OLB. He may year when they finished in the Bottom 4 against the run and pass, in
be fine, but it will take time and there are no assurances. The Chiefs yards and scoring. It may actually get worse before it gets better.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Kansas City @NE Oak @Atl Den @Car bye Ten @NYJ TB @SD NO Buf @Oak @Den SD Mia @Cin
10-17 8-23 14-38 33-19 0-34 week 10-34 24-28 27-30 19-20 20-30 31-54 20-13 17-24 21-22 31-38 6-16
QB Thigpen dnp 14-33-151-1 14-36-128-3 dnp 5-10-37-0 - 5-11-76-0 25-36-280-0 14-25-164-0 27-41-266-0 19-38-235-1 17-31-240-2 15-22-162-1 17-32-187-0 19-28-171-1 20-41-320-3 19-36-191-0
(rush stats) 1-6 1-18 4-16 3-21 4-20 6-22 2-26 3-45 3-29 11-48 6-34 10-40 6-57 2-4
2 15 14(run) 19,11 7 30,34,3 6,5 36,2,45 13 1/3(run) 33,8/8(run) 5
QB Huard 8-12-118-1 2-4-17-1 dnp 21-28-160-0 10-21-86-2 - 9-16-96-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-15 1-(-1) 1-(-1) 1-0
13 10
QB Croyle 11-19-88-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp - 9-10-63-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(O) (O) (O) (O)
QB Gray dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 7-8-76-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-27
3
RB Johnson 22-74 12-22 24-121 28-198 7-2 - dnp dnp dnp dnp 19-67 7-81 24-92 11-36 17-55 12-108 10-18
(rec stats) 1-12 5-0 1-20 2-24 3-18
1 1,16 2 2
RB Charles 5-28 3-7 7-38 2-7 4-18 - 3-17 5-45 18-106 3-8 2-12 2-22 2-5 1-13 4-7 3-15 3-9
(rec stats) 2-6 1-15 3-24 2-1 4-22 4-26 1-4 3-45 1-15 3-12 3-102
(P) (P) 36(rec)
RB Smith dnp 1-3 1-7 2-9 0-0 - 10-20 11-15 10-46 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 4-19 1-8 1-5 2-5 2-15
1
RB Savage 0-0 dnp dnp 0-0 1-0 - 0-0 0-0 2-9 12-44 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 2-0
RB Cox 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-(-2) 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
(rec stats) 2-6 2-4 2-2 1-5 1-2
WR Bowe 5-49 6-90 4-43 7-85 5-57 - 7-86 6-102 2-29 6-72 7-53 3-58 2-27 7-96 6-44 3-28 10-103
13 15 7 6,5 3 1
WR Bradley in Chicago in Chicago 0-0 dnp dnp - 1-8 5-42 4-65 9-81 3-54 2-52 0-0 dnp 0-0 4-57 2-21
11 30 45 (P) (Q) (O) (Q)
WR Darling 1-68 1-10 1-11 0-0 1-9 - 1-11 1-4 0-0 0-0 1-8 2-14 1-2 0-0 2-27 3-69 2-14
33
WR Franklin dnp dnp 0-0 1-8 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-42 1-5 1-4 0-0 3-24 0-0 dnp
(Q)
WR Webb 2-10 0-0 dnp 1-15 1-13 - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-8 dnp dnp dnp
WR Hagans dnp 0-0 1-7 dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-2
TE Gonzalez 6-55 5-39 4-35 3-47 3-17 - 6-97 6-79 7-62 10-113 5-39 10-113 8-110 5-73 6-62 7-64 5-53
2 10 19 34,3 2 13 4 8 5
TE Cottam 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 4-34 1-8 0-0 1-19 0-0 1-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

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 MIAMI D OLPHINS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Chad Pennington
Backups: Chad Henne, QB Pat White [R]
Starting QB: Last season, many football fans believed that
Chad Pennington would start the first half of the season until the
Dolphins fell out of contention and then-rookie QB Chad Henne
would get some playing time. A funny thing happened on the way to
that scenario – Pennington enjoyed a phenomenal
season in leading the Dolphins to a division title.
Pennington’s arm may not be a cannon, but he
proved in 2008 that he can make the difficult
throw into coverage and that timing, rather than
am strength can make a good deep ball. His abil-
ity to spread the ball around the field is second-
to-none as seven players had at least 29 receptions
on the season. He quickly became a team leader
and should be cemented in that role for some time
to come.
Backup QBs: The Dolphins are well-
stocked at the quarterback position. Second-year
quarterback Chad Henne is the anointed future
starting quarterback. He made a huge impression
last season and if Pennington had not emerged,
Henne may have received plenty of playing time
pable in 2002. However, Williams brings a positive attitude to the
team, works hard all the time and is more of a second starter than a
backup to Ronnie Brown as he’ll get 10+ carries per game. He had
eleven games with 10+ carries last year and did have a 100-yard game
(and a 98-yard game). Patrick Cobbs is the change-of-pace running
back and a threat in the passing game. He caught 19 passes for 275
yards last season.
Fullbacks: Lousaka Polite did a good job for the Dolphins last
year. He did have 23 carries for 85 yards but his
job is to block, and he was solid in that role for
the club. Chris Brown is a tight end/fullback
project who is still developing.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Ted Ginn, Greg Camarillo
Backups: Davone Bess, WR Patrick
Turner [R], Brian Hartline [R], Brandon
London, Ernest Wilford
Starting WRs: The weakness of the
Dolphins offense is the lack of production com-
ing from the receiver position. Ted Ginn is
entering his third season. While he improved
last year with 56 receptions for 790 yards, he
appears to be miscast as a top receiver in the
offense. He finished with only two receiving

ICON SMI
last year. Henne is a smart, athletic kid with
natural leadership ability. Finally, in this year’s Ronnie Brown touchdowns, and his slender build is some-
MIAMI DOLPHINS

draft, the Dolphins added an intriguing player in times overmatched by defenders that are more
Pat White. With amazing athleticism and natural talent, White fits physical. He also had two rushing touchdowns and will get plenty of
perfectly into the ‘Wildcat’ formation that the Dolphins utilized so looks this season. The second receiver position appears to be Greg
well last year. He can run the ball as well as some NFL backs but also Camarillo’s to lose right now. He is far from flashy but did catch 55
upgrades the passing option from that formation. White has enough passes for the team a year ago and has decent size and quickness. His
talent to emerge as a legitimate starting quarterback but for now, 11.1 YPR is a concern.
expect plenty of wildcat looks for the rookie. Backup WRs: One of the better stories from Miami last year
was the emergence of undrafted WR Davone Bess from the University
RUNNING BACKS of Hawaii. He was an unknown heading into the season, but his quick-
Starter: Ronnie Brown ness and superb underneath route running proved invaluable, as he
Backups: Ricky Williams, Patrick Cobbs became the third/slot receiver and a favorite of Chad Pennington. His
Fullbacks: Lousaka Polite, Chris Brown upside is likely limited (although the same thing was said about Wes
Welker), but he’ll continue to get many receptions in key situations
Starting RB: Last season, Ronnie Brown rebounded nicely and with hard work could emerge as a very nice player. Two rookie
from his devastating 2007 injury, rushing for 916 yards on just 214 receivers Patrick Turner and Brian Hartline will be in the hunt
carries and had 10 rushing touchdowns. He led the ‘Wildcat’ forma- for playing time along with veterans Brandon London and Ernest
tion that gained so much attention last year and did a great job for an Wilford, who was a huge disappointment last year.
overachieving football team. He still has yet to carry the ball more
than 241 times in one season and has yet to show the durability neces- TIGHT ENDS
sary to carry the ball 20 times per game without wearing down. He Starter: Anthony Fasano
has great size plus explosive quickness when healthy and his knee Backup: David Martin, John Nalbone [R]
should be even stronger this season after exceeding expectations last
year. Expect more of the same from Brown in 2009. The Dolphins found a player when the franchise traded for TE
Backup RBs: Make no mistake about it – Ricky Williams is Anthony Fasano last year. He is a skilled receiving tight end who
not the player he once was. He is not going to come in and dominate caught seven touchdowns for the club last year. His downfield block-
football games as he did for the franchise when he was almost unstop- ing is better than advertised and he can get open down field. He
finished with 34 receptions and a very strong 13.4 YPR average. At
only 25, his best days are still ahead of him. Not to be outdone, vet-
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED eran TE David Martin also had a strong season. He finished with 31
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team receptions and 450 yards and scored three times. His average of 14.5
QB Pat White Draft College Miami Dolphins yards per reception was very impressive. Nalbone looks good both as
TE John Nalbone Draft College Miami Dolphins a blocker and a receiver, but he’ll be challenged to acclimate his game
WR Brian Hartline Draft College Miami Dolphins coming from the small-school competition encountered at Monmouth.
WR Patrick Turner Draft College Miami Dolphins

PLACE KICKER
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST PK: Dan Carpenter
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
QB John Beck Free Agent Miami Dolphins Baltimore Ravens During his senior season at Montana, Dan Carpenter made 19 of
RB Boomer Grigsby Free Agent Miami Dolphins Houston Texans 23 (82.6 pecent) field goals, including 3 of 3 from 50+ yards. When
TE Aaron Halterman Free Agent Miami Dolphins Free Agent the Dolphins signed him after the draft, Jay Feely and Dave Rayner

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 by Chris Smith

were already on the roster. In the end, neither one of them was a
Bill Parcells or Steve Hoffman guy. Both were eventually released. 2008 SEASON STATS
Carpenter made 21 of 25 (84.0 percent) field goals and was perfect Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
on his 40 PATs last year. After ranking 23rd in kicker scoring in Chad Pennington 476 321 3653 19 7 30 62 1
2006, Miami dropped to 29th (89 points) during the Cam Cameron
experiment of 2007. Carpenter’s 103 points last year brought the Chad Henne 12 7 67 0 0 0 0 0
Dolphins back to 23rd in kicker scoring. They have not finished in
the Top 10 since 2000. With everything in place from last year, it Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
would be reasonable to see Carpenter’s totals improve, although the Ronnie Brown 214 916 10 33 254 0
elusive top ten finish is probably further down the line. Ricky Williams 160 659 4 29 219 1
TEAM DEFENSE Lousaka Polite 23 85 0 6 24 0
Patrick Cobbs 12 88 1 19 275 2
The Dolphins were a huge surprise in 2008 and their defense was Casey Cramer 0 0 0 2 3 1
a big reason. The ninth-best scoring defense also had 40 sacks and
30 takeaways, landing them among the Top 10 fantasy units. The one Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
weakness that showed up last season was at 25th-rated pass defense.
The club addressed that shortcoming by adding three potentially new Ted Ginn 56 790 2 Ctgry Avg Rnk
starters in the secondary. Free agency landed Gibril Wilson who is Greg Camarillo 55 613 2 Pts 21.6 21st
among the league’s best safeties, and Eric Green who was previously Davone Bess 54 554 1 Yds 345.6 12th
a starter in Arizona. They then further solidified the secondary in Derek Hagan 3 51 0 P-Yds 227.0 10th
the draft by using their first round pick on corner Vontae Davis and Brandon London 3 30 0 R-Yds 118.6 11th
a second on corner Sean Smith. Davis was arguably the top corner
in this draft. He’s a fast, physical playmaker who has the ability to Ernest Wilford 3 25 0
match up with an opponent’s best receiver. Wilson and Davis should
step right into the starting lineup while Green will compete with Tight End Rec Yards TDs
holdover Will Allen at the other corner. A tougher schedule will make

MIAMI DOLPHINS
Anthony Fasano 34 454 7
it difficult for the Dolphins to improve on last year’s numbers, but David Martin 31 440 3
they have certainly addressed their needs and should remain very pro-
ductive. The return of Jason Taylor will be a big plus. Joey Haynos 2 22 1

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Miami NYJ @Ari @NE bye SD @Hou Bal Buf @Den Sea Oak NE @StL @Buf SF @KC @NYJ
14-20 10-31 38-13 week 17-10 28-29 13-27 25-16 26-17 21-19 17-15 28-48 16-12 16-3 14-9 38-31 24-17
QB Pennington 26-43-251-1 10-20-112-0 17-20-226-0 - 22-29-228-0 19-25-284-1 24-35-295-1 22-30-314-0 23-40-281-1 22-36-209-1 16-22-174-0 24-41-341-1 13-23-166-0 23-29-181-0 12-19-156-0 26-34-235-1 22-30-200-0
(rush stats) 1-6 3-3 4-25 4-(-5) 2-(-1) 2-1 1-7 2-3 3-15 3-0 3-4 2-(-2) 1-2
5,11 17 53,80 7 2 39 3,2,13/7(run) 20 61,19 11,14,14 27,20
QB Henne dnp 7-12-67-0 0-0-0-0 - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0-0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
RB Brown 6-23 11-25 17-113 - 24-125 13-50 13-27 14-43 20-59 10-39 16-101 10-37 15-48 16-70 10-67 8-32 11-57
(rec stats) 3-28 2-19 1-9 1-8 3-43 1-1 1-5 3-30 4-27 1-11 1-10 2-18 1-9 5-21 4-15
1 2,15,5,62 5 6 2 16 3
RB Williams 10-24 11-28 16-98 - 13-39 11-46 4-16 7-16 6-16 12-105 13-49 6-21 12-54 11-40 7-23 12-34 10-50
(rec stats) 4-15 1-1 2-21 1-0 2-4 2-43 1-23 2-21 2-6 2-19 2-2 1-11 6-50 1-3
5 3 51 13(rec) 4
RB Polite dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp 0-0 1-3 1-1 2-4 0-0 0-0 3-20 3-7 2-4 5-29 6-17
(rec stats) 2-17 1-6 2-3 1-(-2)
RB Cobbs 0-0 0-0 3-5 - 0-0 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-23 1-1 2-12 0-0 0-0 2-44 0-0
(rec stats) 1-9 1-5 3-138 5-64 1-14 2-10 3-16 1-5 2-14
53,80(rec) 10
RB Cramer dnp 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 1-1 1-2
(O) (O) (O) 2(rec)
WR Ginn 2-17 1-9 5-49 - 7-55 1-(-1) 4-48 7-175 3-38 4-67 4-51 5-88 4-55 1-18 2-6 4-44 2-71
(rush stats) 1-2 2-42 1-(-2) 1-31
39 40(run) 31(run) 27
WR Camarillo 3-37 4-49 4-60 - 6-68 4-49 6-74 5-35 11-111 4-21 2-34 6-75 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-(-5) 1-6
17 3 (O)
WR Bess 1-8 2-13 1-4 - 3-25 1-10 2-12 2-13 2-28 2-25 3-50 5-87 6-84 9-74 3-25 6-57 6-39
(rush stats) 1-13
7
WR Hagan 0-0 3-51 0-0 - dnp dnp dnp 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
WR London 0-0 dnp dnp - 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-6 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-14 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-10
WR Wilford dnp 0-0 1-15 - 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 2-10 0-0 0-0 dnp
TE Fasano 8-84 0-0 3-66 - 3-47 1-12 2-25 2-17 2-37 1-17 0-0 0-0 1-7 3-36 2-20 3-47 3-39
5 19 2 20 14,14 20
TE Martin 4-53 3-32 1-21 - 1-25 3-31 4-71 2-20 0-0 1-4 1-6 4-60 1-12 2-20 2-66 1-11 1-8
11 61 11
TE Haynos dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-19 0-0 1-3
19

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 MINNESOTA V
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Sage Rosenfels
Backups: Tarvaris Jackson, John David Booty
Starting QB: One of the most glaring shortcomings keeping
the Vikings from a Super Bowl appearance last season was at the
starting quarterback position. The Vikings
made a bold move this off-season in trading
for veteran Sage Rosenfels. The Vikings
gave up a fourth-round pick to get him, and
then signed him to a two-year, $9 million
extension. This appears to be an upgrade
for the team, but it is hard to look past the
six touchdown passes and 10 interceptions
from last season for Rosenfels in limited
action. Also of concern is his lifetime TD to
INT ratio of only 30 to 29. Still, he is a big,
strong passer with decent mobility and has
completed over 65 percent of his passes over
the past few seasons. He does not have to
win games most weeks for the Vikings, just
not lose them and he should be just what
the doctor ordered in Minnesota. Of course,
despite his current stance of being retired, it
seems more than likely that Brett Favre will
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
IKINGS
when needed and capable of 20+ carries per game if called upon. He
has caught 40+ passes in three of the last four seasons. He is a multi-
faceted running back that could start on a number of other teams
around the NFL.
Fullback: Naufahu Tahi is there to block for the talented run-
ning backs on the roster. He will do his job well.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice
Backups: Percy Harvin [R], Bobby Wade,
Aundrae Allison, Glen Holt
Starting WRs: Bernard Berrian had
a difficult season to breakdown in 2008. He
only managed to catch 48 passes, which is a
very low number for a WR1. However, he did
average 20.1 yards per catch and scored seven
times. Some of the blame for the low reception
total likely falls on mediocre quarterback play,
but the club needs him to improve that total
this season. He may be miscast as a primary
receiver but would be ideal as the WR2 in an
offensive scheme. The other starting receiver
currently is Sidney Rice, who caught four
touchdowns last season. However, that is tak-

ICON SMI
soon be the starting QB in Minnesota. ing a ‘glass is half full’ approach to analyzing
Backup QBs: It certainly appears Adrian Peterson his season as he only managed to grab 15 total
that Tarvaris Jackson is destined to be the passes on the season with a horrible 9.4 yards
backup in Minnesota this season. He had a poor effort in the playoff per catch. Both veteran Bobby Wade and new rookie Percy Harvin
game against Philadelphia and that likely sealed his fate for the 2009 will push for playing time and Rice could slide as low as fourth in
campaign. However it should be pointed out that he is young and he the depth chart unless he improves.
did manage to toss nine touchdowns against just two interceptions in Backup WRs: The Vikings added a missing ingredient through
limited duty. He also had two good games to end the regular season the draft this year by selecting Percy Harvin in the first round. He
in 2008, throwing for 230+ yards in both games against the Falcons has a first step that is second to none and his explosiveness will give
and Giants. He is a talented kid, and it is too early to write him off defenses nightmares as they try and prepare for the power running
completely. attack only to be hit with blinding quickness from Harvin several
times per game. He will carry the ball, catch screen passes and cause
RUNNING BACKS havoc all over the field. Great pick for the Vikings. He may beat out
Starter: Adrian Peterson Sidney Rice for the WR2 position in order to have him on the field
Backups: Chester Taylor, Albert Young making plays more often. Bobby Wade had a productive season in
Fullback: Naufahu Tahi 2008. His statistics were almost identical to his 2007 campaign (53
receptions for 645 yards and two touchdowns), and he will slot into
Starting RB: Adrian Peterson is a man amongst boys, literal- the picture somewhere as well. The other receivers are simply role
ly in every sense of the word. He is almost unstoppable at times and players who will have a minimal impact.
only his take no prisoners approach can derail him due to injuries.
Peterson rushed for 1,760 yards last season on 363 carries. At 6’2 TIGHT ENDS
and 217 pounds, he is a load to tackle in open space as he can run Starters: Visanthe Shiancoe
through a defender or around him with his exceptional agility. The Backups: Jim Kleinsasser, Garrett Mills
only concern in regards to his game in 2008 was the nine fumbles.
He will have to cut that number down, but Peterson is only 24 years Visanthe Shiancoe had a breakout season for the Vikings last
old and still maturing as a player. year, setting career highs in receptions, yardage and touchdowns. He
Backup RBs: Peterson is one of those rare running backs that finished as the fifth-best fantasy tight end in 2008; his previous high
come one every few seasons, but the Vikings have a great backup as had been 32nd. It is unlikely he will finish that high again in 2009,
well. Chester Taylor is a quick, powerful running back in his own so expect him to slide back down the ladder this year. However, he
right. He is the perfect compliment to Adrian Peterson, spelling him is a big, strong target over the middle and it is possible he devel-
ops some chemistry with new quarterback Sage Rosenfels and has
another solid campaign. Shiancoe is the clear-cut No. 1 tight end
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED
with veteran Jim Kleinsasser being nothing more than a blocking
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team tight end at this point in his career.
QB Sage Rosenfels Trade Houston Texans Minnesota Vikings
WR Percy Harvin Draft College Minnesota Vikings PLACE KICKERS
WR Glenn Holt Free Agent Cincinnati Bengals Minnesota Vikings
PKs: Ryan Longwell, Taylor Mehlhaff

NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST In 1998, Gary Anderson scored an NFL record 164 points for the
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team Vikings. In the nine subsequent years, they averaged only 99 kick-
RB Maurice Hicks Free Agent Minnesota Vikings Free Agent ing points a year. Last year Ryan Longwell scored 127 points, and
WR Robert Ferguson Free Agent Minnesota Vikings Free Agent the Vikings ranked seventh in kicker scoring for their first Top 10

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 by Chris Smith

appearance in a decade. Longwell has been relatively consistent

since joining the Vikings, hitting 21 of 25 (84.0 percent) field goals 2008 SEASON STATS
in 2006, the 20 of 24 (83.3 percent) in 2007, and 29 of 34 (85.3 Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
percent) last year. He has been perfect from under 40 yards each of Gus Frerotte 301 178 2157 12 15 19 7 1
the last three years, except for two kicks that were blocked last year.
Longwell was at the bottom of the standings on kickoffs in 2006, Tarvaris Jackson149 88 1056 9 2 26 139 0
so he spent the off-season working on them and rebounded the last
two years. That makes the Vikings signing of Taylor Mehlhaff, as a Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
potential kickoff specialist, seem a little odd. Adrian Peterson 363 1760 10 21 125 0
Chester Taylor 101 399 4 45 399 2
TEAM DEFENSE
Naufahu Tahi 0 0 0 16 37 0
In 2008 the Vikings were again a Top 10 defense in any scoring Thomas Tapeh 0 0 0 1 7 0
system. They finished above average in scoring, yardage allowed,
sacks and takeaways. DE Jared Allen and the DT tandem of Pat Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs
and Kevin Williams form three quarters of a line that is devastating Bobby Wade 53 645 2 Team Per Game Stats
against both run and pass. MLB E.J. Henderson returns after a sea-
son-ending foot injury. He was extremely productive in 2007, add- Bernard Berrian 48 964 7 Ctgry Avg Rnk
ing 5.5 sacks to his stout run support play. The unit’s only offseason Sidney Rice 15 141 4 Pts 23.7 12th
departure was veteran safety Darren Sharper, and the Vikings were Aundrae Allison 10 109 0 Yds 330.9 17th
prepared for that as last year’s second-round pick Tyrell Johnson Robert Ferguson 3 25 0 P-Yds 184.8 25th
will step in. Role players like OLB Chad Greenway and FS Madieu R-Yds 146.1 5th
Williams have the talent and instincts to generate big plays along-
side the disruptive talent in the front seven. The Vikings unques- Tight End Rec Yards TDs
tionably deserve consideration as the second or third DST off the Visanthe Shiancoe 42 596 7

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
board, but prospective owners will want to confirm that the ongo- Jim Kleinsasser 6 92 0
ing court case against Pat and Kevin Williams ends favorably this Garrett Mills 5 65 0
summer before drafting them ahead of another top tier defense like Jeff Dugan 2 12 0
Baltimore or the New York Giants.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Minnesota @GB Ind Car @Ten @NO Det @Chi bye Hou GB @TB @Jac Chi @Det @Min Atl NYG
19-24 15-18 20-10 17-30 30-27 12-10 41-48 week 28-21 28-27 13-19 30-12 34-14 20-16 35-14 17-24 20-19
QB Frerotte dnp dnp 16-28-204-1 25-43-266-1 19-36-222-0 18-33-296-1 25-40-298-4 - 11-18-182-1 15-28-151-3 14-20-138-0 12-20-120-1 16-25-210-1 7-10-70-2 dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 4-(-2) 1-0 2-4 3-0 1-(-1) 2-3 5-2 1-1
34 33 86 24,5 8,49,25 3,47 4 99/1(run) (D) (Q) (P)
QB Jackson 16-35-178-1 14-24-130-0 dnp 1-1-8-0 0-0-0-0 dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp 0-0-0-0 dnp 8-10-105-0 11-17-163-0 22-36-233-0 16-26-239-1
(rush stats) 9-65 1-1 2-(-1) 3-3 8-76 1-(-4)
23 (P) (P) 11 41,6,11,59 21,17 54
RB Peterson 19-103 29-160 17-77 18-80 21-32 25-111 22-121 - 25-139 30-192 19-85 17-80 28-131 23-102 28-165 22-76 21-103
(rec stats) 1-11 4-20 4-21 1-9 1-(-5) 1-9 3-33 1-(-3) 2-(-1) 1-15 2-16
3 (Q) 28,3 (Q) 1,54 1 29 16 1 (P) 67
RB Taylor 5-19 4-18 11-44 1-0 3-8 5-21 10-34 - 7-38 10-29 5-11 9-25 10-46 6-27 10-66 1-3 4-10
(rec stats) 3-21 1-(-2) 3-22 2-14 3-33 6-48 3-25 4-84 2-15 2-12 4-19 2-26 4-37 5-26 1-19
(Q) 1 47(rec) 3 21 17 11(rec)
RB Tahi 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
(rec stats) 2-(-2) 2-6 2-9 1-4 1-3 2-6 1-4 2-4 1-(-1) 2-4

RB Tapeh 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 1-7
WR Wade 0-0 3-42 3-35 7-75 8-64 4-71 5-60 - 3-16 3-24 2-12 1-9 1-15 2-19 2-67 5-38 4-98
4 (Q) 59
WR Berrian 3-38 0-0 3-79 5-78 6-110 5-131 6-81 - 2-104 0-0 3-46 1-6 4-122 3-29 1-41 2-18 4-81
(rush stats) 1-3 2-22 1-1
(P) 33 (Q) 86 (Q) 5 (Q) 49 99 41 54 (Q)
WR Rice 2-31 0-0 dnp 1-6 dnp dnp 0-0 - 1-8 1-3 2-22 3-27 1-8 2-21 1-6 0-0 1-9
23 (Q) (Q) (Q) (Q) (Q) 8 (P) 3 6
WR Allison 0-0 2-37 1-5 2-23 1-13 0-0 3-32 - 0-0 0-0 1-(-1) 0-0 dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
(rush stats) 1-1 (P)
WR Ferguson 0-0 0-0 1-9 0-0 0-0 2-16 0-0 - dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp
(P)
TE Shiancoe 3-21 1-23 2-38 4-47 2-16 1-10 4-68 - 1-25 3-4 2-41 3-60 1-20 5-65 1-8 7-136 2-14
34 4 24 25 11 21,17
TE Kleinsasser 0-0 1-12 0-0 1-15 0-0 2-40 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-20 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-5
(Q) (P) (P)
TE Mills 3-49 0-0 1-10 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - dnp dnp 1-6 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(Q) (Q) (D) (Q) (Q)
TE Dugan dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 dnp dnp - 0-0 0-0 dnp 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-9

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 NEW ENGLAND P
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Tom Brady
Backups: Kevin O’Connell, Matt Gutierrez
Starting QB: The Patriots’ 2008 season took a turn for the
worst in their first game when Tom Brady tore his ACL and was
lost for the season. Brady posted 50 TD passes the year before and
led New England to a record-setting 589 points
scored. With Brady shelved due to his knee
injury, the Pats were forced to turn to a backup
for an extended period for the first time in the
Brady era. Matt Cassel answered the call and put
up some impressive numbers later in the season.
New England felt confident enough in Brady’s
recovery and outlook for 2009 that they traded
Cassel in the offseason. Brady will again be
transitioning after the loss of another offensive
coordinator, but that has not been much of an
issue in the past. If Brady is healthy and returns
to form, the Patriots have once again stocked the
talent pool with a plethora of weapons and an
intricate playbook to utilize them. With Brady out
of the picture last year, the Pats relied on the run
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
ATRIOTS
Laurence Maroney, and Kevin Faulk should all see a decent sized
piece of the action. The Pats are notorious for developing custom game
plans and schemes based on their opponents, meaning that any of the
backs could be the flavor of the week and see more action than the oth-
ers. They have already shown that some weeks they could abandon the
run almost entirely. Taylor comes to town after one of his least productive
seasons, due partly to nagging injuries. His YPC fell below 4.0 for only
the second time in his 11-year career, prompting
his release by Jacksonville. Morris has been very
productive with the Pats, maintaining a 4.6 YPC
and scoring a TD every other game on average.
Backup RBs: Maroney has struggled to
stay on the field and has missed 18 games over
the past three seasons. He went on a tear late in
the 2007 campaign but for the most part has been
a 12-carry per game back. Faulk remains a magi-
cian in getting seemingly impossible first downs
and is still a threat in the receiving game. Green-
Ellis did fairly well when his number was called
last year (based mostly out of necessity), but he
likely will not see much action given the stable
of veteran backs. The Pats had only one player
with over 100 carries in 2008 (Morris with 157),

more than they did in season’s past. It’s unlikely yet they still ranked sixth with a stout 2,278 total

ICON SMI
the Pats will be looking to chase scoring records rushing yards. Given that whatever they did last
again, instead opting to keep Brady upright and Tom Brady year worked effectively, there’s little incentive for
on the field. The offense should be more balanced New England to due much differently.
this year. Even so, Brady should be one of the most productive quar-
terbacks in the league and leading a Super Bowl caliber team. WIDE RECEIVERS
Backup QBs: Kevin O’Connell and Matt Gutierrez remain Starters: Randy Moss, Wesley Welker, Joey Galloway
unproven commodities - much like Cassel was last year. The two have Backups: Greg Lewis, Brandon Tate [R], Sam Aiken, Matt Slater
combined for seven career passing attempts. The Patriots have explored
veteran free agent options since Brady got hurt but have not pulled the Starting WRs: Randy Moss and Wes Welker comprise one
trigger on any of them. At the very least, the team can breathe a little of the most formidable receiving tandems in the league, with Moss
easier with the knowledge that it is possible for a backup to succeed in the deep threat and Welker the underneath water bug that frequently
the Patriots’ offensive system. There was a point early last year when moves the sticks. Moss set a league scoring record in 2007, and
Cassel struggled and O’Connell was rumored to have been placed on a Welker has had over 110 receptions in back-to-back seasons as a
fast-track to start later in the season. New England remains confident in Patriot (joining Cris Carter and Jerry Rice as the only receivers to
O’Connell’s long-term NFL potential and would probably turn to him accomplish that feat). With Brady leading the offense again, Moss
if needed. The Pats could still add a veteran quarterback if the price is should return to uber-elite status and see his numbers improve from
right and if he seemed like a good fit and a quick learner. 2008 (although expecting a return to his 2007 totals would be asking
a lot). Welker has had at least five receptions in 29 of 35 games with
RUNNING BACKS New England, and there is no reason to think that his targets or recep-
Starters: Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris tions will drop off much as he has become a steady contributor to the
Backups: Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis offense. Joey Galloway comes to town for what should be his final
rodeo, and with so many other receiving threats, he may have enough
Starting RBs: Just to clarify, the most likely outcome in terms of in the tank to put up respectable WR3 numbers a la Donte’ Stallworth
the New England backfield is a running back by committee approach. or Jabar Gaffney the past few seasons. New England frequently
So no matter who gets tabbed as a starter, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, utilizes a spread offense, multiple receiver sets, and the shotgun, so
Galloway should see a lot of time on the field.
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED Backup WRs: New England acquired Greg Lewis from the
Eagles mostly for receiver depth. That and he played very well against
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
QB Julian Edelman Draft College New England Patriots
the Patriots over the years. Brandon Tate was a first-round talent who
RB Fred Taylor Free Agent Jacksonville Jaguars New England Patriots fell into the third round due to injury. He probably will miss most if
TE Alex Smith Trade Tampa Bay Buccaneers New England Patriots not all of the season and will most likely have to wait until 2010 to be
TE Chris Baker Free Agent New York Jets New England Patriots able to contribute, perhaps taking over for Galloway down the road.
WR Brandon Tate Draft College New England Patriots Sam Aiken had eight catches for 101 yards last season and has seen
WR Greg Lewis Trade Philadelphia Eagles New England Patriots more action on special teams. Matt Slater appears to be predominant-
WR Joey Galloway Free Agent Tampa Bay Buccaneers New England Patriots ly a kick returner and is another special teams guy. Lewis will likely
see the most playing time of the reserves in four-wide formations. It
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST remains to be seen well Aiken or Slater would do in larger roles, as
they have not been in on many offensive plays to date.
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
QB Matt Cassel Trade New England Patriots Kansas City Chiefs
RB Heath Evans Free Agent New England Patriots New Orleans Saints TIGHT ENDS
RB LaMont Jordan Free Agent New England Patriots Denver Broncos Starter: Ben Watson
WR Jabar Gaffney Free Agent New England Patriots Denver Broncos Backups: Chris Baker, Alex Smith, David Thomas
WR Kelley Washington Free Agent New England Patriots Free Agent

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 by David Yudkin

New England had high hopes for Ben Watson since he entered the
league several years ago, but he’s struggled to produce, stay healthy, 2008 SEASON STATS
and hold onto the football. His numbers dipped to 22 receptions, 209 Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
receiving yards, and two TDs, leaving him as an after thought in the Matt Cassel 516 327 3693 21 11 74 271 2
Patriots offense for most of the season. Considering that more than
a third of that production came in a single game against the Jets, Tom Brady 11 7 76 0 0 0 0 0
Watson’s fantasy owners were left holding the bag for most of the
season. With 2009 a contract year for Watson, he will need to revert Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
back to his 2006 form if he wants to stick in New England. With Sammy Morris 156 727 7 17 161 0
Watson’s production on the decline, the Pats brought in Chris Baker Kevin Faulk 83 507 3 58 486 3
from the Jets to give their TE production a boost. But Baker’s totals LaMont Jordan 80 363 4 0 0 0
last year were even worse than Watson’s, even though he’s shown
BenJarvus Green-Ellis 74 275 5 3 37 0
flashes of being a reliable receiver when given a chance in New York.
The Patriots also consummated a trade with the Bucs for Alex Smith. Laurence Maroney 28 93 0 0 0 0
Smith has seen his annual reception total drop each year since he
entered the league in 2005. David Thomas has been considered a Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
deep sleeper the past two years but has not seen the ball very often. Wes Welker 111 1165 3 Ctgry Avg Rnk
It’s unlikely the Pats will roster four tight ends, so one of them will Randy Moss 69 1008 11 Pts 25.6 8th
probably be shown the door. Considering that the Patriots have been Jabar Gaffney 38 468 2 Yds 365.4 5th
using the tight end spot less and less the past few years, there are sev-
eral players fighting for limited targets this year. Sam Aiken 8 101 0 P-Yds 223.1 12th
R-Yds 142.4 6th
PLACE KICKER Tight End Rec Yards TDs

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

PK: Stephen Gostkowski
As a rookie in 2006, Stephen Gostkowski hit 20 of 26 (76.9 per-
cent) on field goals and 43 of 44 on PATs, although two of the missed
field goals and the missed PAT were blocked. In 2007 he hit 21 of 24
(87.5 percent). He once again hit 3 of 5 on 40+ yard field goals. After
finishing 19th in kicker scoring in 2006, the Patriots jumped back up
to second last year thanks to their record setting number of touch-
downs. Last year he made 36 of 40 (90.0 percent) field goals, and the
Patriots once again ranked second in kicker scoring. Gostkowski has
done very well on kickoffs, averaging 64.6 yards with 12, 15, and 17
touchbacks. The Patriots back-to-back Top 5 finishes in kicker scor-
ing is uncommon. Of the teams that achieve that the last two decades,
only a third of them remained there the following year.
TEAM DEFENSE
Despite finishing in the top half of the league in nearly every
important defensive category, the Patriots once again spent both dol-
Ben Watson 22 209 2
David Thomas 9 93 0
lars and draft picks to improve on defense. All the faces will be new
at corner where veterans Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden will be
joined by second round pick Darius Butler as the Top 3. First round
pick Patrick Chung is an intimidating SS in the Rodney Harrison
mold and should claim that job by during camp. Another new starter
will be at OLB where there is a 3-man competition to replace Mike
Vrabel. This may be the one kink in the Patriots armor as they have
no proven replacement. Last season’s third round pick Shawn Crable
spent the season on IR with a shin injury while Pierre Woods and
Tully Banta-Cain are career backups with limited potential. The club
made a run at Jason Taylor but lost out to division rival Miami and the
loss of third round LB Tyrone McKenzie to an early knee injury just
adds to the concern at LB. New England is very deep in the secondary
and second round pick Ron Brace adds quality to an already deep DL.
If they can find an answer at LB and stay healthy there, this perennial
Top 10 fantasy defense should be right there again.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

New England KC @NYJ Mia bye @SF @SD Den StL @Ind Buf NYJ @Mia Pit @Sea @Oak Ari @Buf
17-10 19-10 13-38 week 30-21 10-30 41-7 23-16 15-18 20-10 31-34 48-28 10-33 24-21 49-26 47-7 13-0
QB Cassel 13-18-152-0 16-23-165-0 19-31-131-1 - 22-32-259-2 22-38-203-1 18-24-185-0 21-33-267-2 25-34-204-1 23-34-234-0 30-51-400-0 30-43-415-1 19-39-169-2 26-44-268-0 18-30-218-1 20-36-345-0 6-8-78-0
(rush stats) 4-13 2-7 3-5 4-5 7-29 4-1 7-22 5-20 9-22 8-62 2-14 2-1 7-14 7-18 2-19 3-19
10 5 66 13,27,6 15 13(run) 19,10,16 25,8,29/8(run) 2 7,20,13,9 15,11,76
QB Brady 7-11-76-0 dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
RB Morris 10-53 8-0 9-27 - 16-63 10-26 16-138 dnp dnp dnp 5-14 8-35 10-45 11-36 14-117 15-88 24-85
(rec stats) 5-34 2-7 1-0 4-49 2-14 1-12 2-45
5 1 1 4 (D) (D) (D) (Q) 2 1 29
RB Faulk dnp 3-16 1-6 - 7-32 8-48 4-50 13-60 10-60 5-9 8-38 8-53 6-73 3-16 6-45 1-1 0-0
(rec stats) 4-50 2-6 4-29 3-29 3-6 4-47 5-38 1-9 4-49 6-52 7-48 5-22 6-66 3-27 1-8
2,2 15(rec) 21 7(rec) 15(rec)
RB Jordan 2-6 11-62 6-22 - 5-16 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 4-18 12-97 20-78 20-64
(D) (D) (D) (D) (Q) (Q) (D) (D) (Q) (Q) 49 1,3 2
RB Green-Ellis dnp dnp dnp - dnp 0-0 13-65 9-16 15-57 26-105 2-9 7-20 2-3 0-0 dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 1-9 1-8 1-20
1 2 6 1 1
RB Maroney 10-51 8-16 dnp - 10-26 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(Q) (Q) (D)
WR Welker 6-51 7-72 6-55 - 8-73 9-73 6-63 7-79 7-37 10-107 7-108 8-120 4-30 12-134 6-69 7-68 2-26
(rush stats) 1-19 1-7
6 13 11
WR Moss 6-116 2-22 4-25 - 5-111 3-26 5-69 7-102 6-65 5-53 3-26 8-125 4-45 3-56 5-67 2-87 1-13
(rush stats) 1-2 1-(-2)
10 66 13,27 16 25,8,29 20,9 76
WR Gaffney 0-0 0-0 6-51 - 3-35 1-4 0-0 1-17 1-11 4-36 7-86 5-88 1-2 4-48 0-0 5-90 0-0
(Q) 5 19
WR Aiken dnp dnp 1-9 - 0-0 0-0 1-7 0-0 0-0 2-22 1-43 0-0 0-0 1-6 1-16 1-(-2) 0-0
(O) (Q)
TE Watson dnp dnp 1-6 - 2-11 0-0 3-40 1-13 3-14 1-7 8-88 1-16 1-12 1-2 0-0 0-0 0-0
(D) (Q) 10 2
TE Thomas 2-24 1-14 1-4 - 0-0 1-13 0-0 1-9 3-29 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0

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 NEW ORLEANS S
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Drew Brees
Backups: Mark Brunell, Joey Harrington
Starting QB: Drew Brees should be one of the first quarter-
backs taken in fantasy drafts this year. He is coming off a record-
breaking season where he was one completion away from breaking
Dan Marino’s passing yardage record. Brees has one of the deepest
groups of receivers in the league and can afford
to distribute the ball accordingly. The Saints have
made an effort to improve their defense in the
offseason, so it is reasonable to presume that 600
pass attempts would be an extreme upper limit.
Even if Brees does pass the ball less, he is still
capable of being a prolific scorer for your fantasy
team. If you like to get a QB early, then one of
the safest options you could choose would be
Drew Brees.
Backup QBs: There is a big drop off
from Drew Brees to Mark Brunell and Joey
Harrington. The 39-year old Brunell is currently
favored to play should Brees miss time, but he
is a long way past his best and would not be a
decent fantasy option should he get the chance.
The reason Brunell is currently the #2 is that the
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
AINTS
Backup RBs: Like the quarterback position there is a huge
gap between the starters and the backups here. Mike Bell is the name
most familiar to fantasy owners following his brief spell as a starter
in Denver, but since then he has been average. If any of the younger
guys outperform Bell, then you can bet he’ll be looking for another
club sooner rather than later. Lynell Hamilton, like Pierre Thomas is
an undrafted free agent, but unlike Thomas he’s a big back who could
be a nice replacement for Deuce McAllister. P.J Hill is from this
years undrafted free agent class and displayed
astonishing stupidity by trying to escape from
the Police while drunk behind the wheel lead-
ing up to the draft. If he makes the final roster
then he’ll be worth paying attention to. Herb
Donaldson is a hard running back who was also
undrafted. Any of these four guys could make
the roster and any could be cut. Whichever one
does will be valuable to fantasy owners given
the injury history of Reggie Bush and the high
fantasy output from the Saints offense.
Fullbacks: Heath Evans has spent the last
three-and-half seasons with the New England
Patriots, and like most Patriot backs, got a
chance to touch the football, averaging about
25 carries and five receptions a season. He even
scored three times in 2007 and was the lead back

ICON SMI
#3 is Joey Harrington. Harrington would probably for New England on at least two occasions when
get an extended run should Brees be out for a Drew Brees injury knocked out other players. His impact to
significant period of time, but he has been below the Saints is not likely to be as prominent, but
average at every single one of his NFL stops so far and expecting him he could join the growing list of players the Saints call upon to con-
to turn into a viable fantasy option in New Orleans is unrealistic. tribute. Darian Barnes joined the Saints late in 2008 after brief stints
with three of the four AFC East teams. He has also played for Detroit,
RUNNING BACKS Tampa Bay & Dallas. As a fantasy option he is almost nonexistent. He
Starters: Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas has not had a carry since 2004 and only five receptions since then.
Backups: Mike Bell, Lynell Hamilton, P.J Hill, Herb Donaldson
Fullbacks: Heath Evans, Darian Barnes WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Marques Colston, Lance Moore
Starting RBs: Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas offer that Backup(s): Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Adrian
rare possibility of two backs from the same team being viable fan- Arrington
tasy starters. Pierre Thomas should dominate the carries, while Bush
should dominate the receptions. Both had stretches in 2008 which Starting WRs: Marques Colston is a dominant fantasy option
would put them among the fantasy elite. For the first six weeks of and should be one of the first 12 receivers taken in your draft. He
the season, Reggie Bush ranked as a RB1 with a reception total that overcame a thumb injury which caused him to basically miss half
would have shattered the record for a RB were he not to subsequently the season, to finish the season with 22 receptions, four TDs and
get injured. Pierre Thomas was arguably the dominant fantasy back 306 yards from his final three games. As the No. 1 receiver on the
between Week 11 and Week 16, recording eight touchdowns, 19 No. 1 passing offense in the NFL he actually may be undervalued
receptions and over a hundred yards a game in combined yardage. this season. He is tough, can make any catch and is reliable as a red
Both will be useful to the New Orleans Saints in keeping a balanced zone threat. The Saints like to mix their offense up, so for some plays
offense but will hurt each other as fantasy options. Thomas was clear- Devery Henderson will start. However, for the majority of plays
ly not the same back when Bush was fit, and Bush can’t move the ball Lance Moore should be in on the action. Moore has been success-
as well as Thomas on the ground. Bush has an injury history and has fully developed by the Saints going from an undrafted free agent to
to recover from off season knee surgery placing doubts about his long the 13th ranked receiver in 2008. With 10 touchdowns and almost 80
term viability, so a little caution needs to be exercised before drafting receptions, Moore caught most fantasy owners off guard. Following a
Bush too high. training accident in the offseason, however, which caused severe dam-
age to his shoulder, he could be drafted too early by those not paying
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED attention. If he comes back in time for training camp then his value
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team will still be negated by the return of Colston, but he could still be a
RB Heath Evans Free Agent New England Patriots New Orleans Saints nice choice if his value slips.
TE Dan Campbell Free Agent Denver Broncos New Orleans Saints Backup WRs: Devery Henderson is one of the most danger-
TE Darnell Dinkins Free Agent Cleveland Browns New Orleans Saints ous receivers in the game. Averaging over 20 yards a catch for the
last three seasons, he re-signed with the Saints in the offseason, and
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST more of the same can be expected this season. As a fantasy option
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team his value is limited as he averages two catches a game, but he’s
RB Aaron Stecker Free Agent New Orleans Saints Free Agent capable of numerous big games a season making him perfect for
RB Deuce McAllister Free Agent New Orleans Saints Free Agent survivor leagues. Robert Meachem is an inferior version of Devery
RB Mike Karney Free Agent New Orleans Saints St. Louis Rams Henderson, and to avoid the label of first-round bust he must produce
TE Mark Campbell Free Agent New Orleans Saints Free Agent something this season. Unlike his rookie season he at least got onto
WR David Patten Free Agent New Orleans Saints Cleveland Browns the field in 2008, but after some bright early moments, he once again

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 by Andy Hicks

lost the trust of the coaching staff. Adrian Arrington was placed on
injured reserve in his rookie season, and it remains to be seen whether 2008 SEASON STATS
he can make any impact this year. Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
Drew Brees 635 413 5069 34 17 22 -1 0
TIGHT ENDS
Starter: Jeremy Shockey
Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
Backups: Billy Miller, Dan Campbell
Pierre Thomas 129 625 9 31 284 3
Jeremy Shockey faces a crucial year in 2009. Injuries have Deuce McAllister 107 418 5 18 128 1
limited his play in the last couple of seasons, and his style of play Reggie Bush 106 404 2 52 440 4
lends itself to further injuries. If healthy, he could leap back into the
fantasy elite. Despite his injury problems in 2008 he still registered Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
50 catches. Although he didn’t score, he can usually be relied upon Lance Moore 79 928 10 Ctgry Avg Rnk
to get a few each season so it could be a pleasant surprise if he is
available late in your draft. Even if Shockey is healthy, veteran Billy Marques Colston 47 760 5 Pts 28.9 1st
Miller could still see playing time, but his biggest impact will come Devery Henderson 32 793 3 Yds 410.7 1st
if Shockey is out of the lineup. With Shockey hampered or injured Robert Meachem 12 289 3 P-Yds 311.1 1st
he became a favorite target of Drew Brees in 2008 registering 45 David Patten 11 162 1 R-Yds 99.6 28th
catches. Unless Shockey misses time, Miller shouldn’t be a draft
consideration. Dan Campbell has briefly registered on fantasy Tight End Rec Yards TDs
radars during spells with Detroit, Dallas and the Giants, but it would
Jeremy Shockey 50 483 0
be a shock if that happened this season.
Billy Miller 45 579 1
PLACE KICKER Mark Campbell 12 121 2

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

PK: Garrett Hartley

The Olindo Mare experiment failed in 2007. The Martin Gramatica

band aid didn’t hold up. The Taylor Mehlhaff experiment failed twice
in 2008. Half way through the year, Garrett Hartley won the job
in tryouts over Billy Cundiff, Aaron Elling, A.J. Haglund, and Dave
Rayner. His high school and University of Oklahoma success carried
over when he kicked for the Saints for the final eight games last year.
He was perfect on 13 of his field goal attempts and perfect on all 28
of his PAT attempts. On kickoffs he averaged 65.5 yards and had nine
touchbacks. The Saints ranked 15th in kicker scoring last year with
119 points. Last year’s scoring feature twice as many PAT attempts as
field goal attempts. If that balances out this year, then Hartley could
end up in the Top 10.
TEAM DEFENSE
The Saints likely weren’t drafted as a fantasy defense last year and
did nothing to earn their way off free agent lists during the season.
They finished in the bottom third of the league in points against and
yardage allowed, were barely average in creating sacks and turnovers
and were one of three teams to not score a defensive touchdown. The
team looked to get more aggressive in the offseason, so they brought
in Gregg Williams to replace Gary Gibbs as defensive coordinator.
The Saints also continued to address weaknesses in the secondary,
adding CB Jabari Greer and FS Darren Sharper in free agency and
drafting physical playmaking CB Malcolm Jenkins with the 14th-
overall pick. All three should be significant improvements in coverage
over last season’s starters. The Saints aren’t ready to be drafted as a
starting defense yet, but an improvement in pass rush from veterans
Will Smith and Charles Grant and in pass defense could make this
group into a respectable DST2 or match up play. Watch for improve-
ment early in the season.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

New Orleans TB @Was @Den SF Min Oak @Car SD bye @Atl @KC GB @TB Atl @Chi @Det Car
24-20 24-29 32-34 31-17 27-30 34-3 7-30 37-32 week 34-20 30-20 51-29 20-23 29-25 24-27 42-7 31-33
QB Brees 23-32-343-1 22-33-216-2 39-48-421-0 23-35-363-1 26-46-330-2 26-30-320-0 21-39-231-1 30-41-339-0 - 31-58-422-3 25-36-266-1 20-26-323-0 25-47-296-3 18-32-230-0 24-43-232-2 30-40-351-0 30-49-386-1
(rush stats) 3-(-2) 1-9 1-0 1-(-1) 3-6 1-7 1-(-2)6 2-10 3-(-2) 2-0 1-1 3-(-3)
84,42,39 19 6 5,33,47 17 8,15,2 12,30,1 15,32 47 70,14,16,70 13,20 5,7 2,11 6,3 26,7,9,13
RB Thomas 10-52 6-8 6-15 1-1 0-0 3-18 1-2 3-28 - 6-26 16-88 15-87 11-34 16-102 22-87 13-77 dnp
(rec stats) 2-11 2-29 3-8 5-34 4-56 3-34 1-20 1-7 7-59 3-26
1 5,10 1 4,31 20(rec) 5/7(rec) 42/2(rec) 2 (Q)
RB McAllister dnp 2-10 dnp 20-73 6-13 13-65 9-47 18-55 - 5-18 8-18 5-5 3-13 1-0 dnp 9-61 8-40
(rec stats) 1-10 2-7 1-6 4-30 2-23 1-2 1-3 1-6 5-41
(Q) (P) 1 1 15(rec) 1 3 (P) (P) 2 (P)
RB Bush 14-51 10-28 18-73 10-31 12-29 14-27 9-55 dnp - dnp dnp dnp 3-0 10-80 6-30 dnp dnp
(rec stats) 8-112 7-63 11-75 5-7 7-64 3-40 1-5 5-32 3-26 2-16
42(rec) 23/6(rec) 3/15(rec) (P) (O) (O) (O) (Q) (Q) 5(rec) (P) (O)
WR Moore 2-17 1-7 7-78 7-101 5-31 7-97 3-10 6-90 - 6-76 8-102 5-115 2-15 3-35 5-27 4-36 8-91
5,33 30 32 47 70,14 13 9,13
WR Colston 3-26 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 2-56 - 7-140 3-30 1-70 6-106 3-26 6-84 9-99 7-123
(O) (O) (O) (O) (Q) (P) (P) 70 (P) 11 6,3 26
WR Henderson 1-84 2-6 2-42 1-81 4-104 2-68 3-80 3-34 - 2-33 2-22 1-9 2-33 3-72 0-0 2-96 2-29
(rush stats) 1-7 1-30 1-(-1) 1-(-3)
84 17 12
WR Meachem dnp 1-19 2-86 2-99 2-31 0-0 1-9 0-0 - dnp 0-0 0-0 1-9 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-36
(rush stats) 1-20
19 47 20(run) 7
WR Patten 1-39 5-55 2-12 1-21 dnp dnp dnp dnp - 2-35 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
39 (Q) (O) (D)
TE Shockey 6-54 2-22 8-75 dnp dnp dnp 5-50 1-6 - 2-16 6-39 5-57 4-52 5-64 1-11 5-37 dnp
(O) (O) (D) (P) (P) (P) (O)
TE Miller 0-0 dnp 2-41 3-30 4-61 3-53 4-56 7-82 - 5-65 0-0 4-36 3-26 0-0 3-35 4-38 3-56
16
TE Campbell 0-0 1-12 dnp 1-6 3-39 3-37 1-8 2-14 - 0-0 1-5 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(Q) (P) 2 1

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208 NEW ORLEANS.indd 209 5/26/09 1:52:42 PM

 NEW YORK G IANTS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Eli Manning
Backups: David Carr, Andre Woodson, Rhett Bomar [R]
Starting QB: Although Eli Manning couldn’t replicate his
playoff heroics last season, Giants fans should take solace in the fact
Manning had his best statistical season. Not only did the Giants win 12
regular season games, but Manning also completed 60 percent of his
passes for the first time and averaged 6.8 yards
per pass attempt. Manning has been an iron man,
starting 16 games for four consecutive seasons.
Although his 21 pass TDs was a slight drop off
from prior seasons, Manning only threw 10 inter-
ceptions for an impressive +11 TD-to-INT ratio.
Despite solid growth in 2008, Manning and the
entire Giants offense suffered without Plaxico
Burress, and he may be irreplaceable as a red zone
weapon. With Burress and Amani Toomer gone,
Manning must build rapport with a young and
largely unproven receiving corps. Expect Manning
to produce solid, but not spectacular numbers. He’s
a better real-life QB than fantasy passer, but isn’t
someone you should shy away from as your QB2.
Backup QBs: A year ago the Giants had
a lot of bodies competing for the backup roles,
other 13 games. Jacobs ran for 1,089 yards on 219 carries; averaging
an impressive 5.0 yards per rush. He was an absolute beast in short
yardage, scoring 15 rushing TDs. Armed with a new contract, Jacobs
will be expected to do even more in 2009. With his running mate
Derrick Ward now in Tampa, Jacobs will have to log more than 219
carries and must get more involved in the passing game this year; he
only had six receptions a season ago. Expect Jacobs to be dominant
when he’s on the field, but realize that he is a higher risk of miss-
ing time than other elite runners because of his
physical, attacking style.
Backup RBs: A year ago as many fantasy
owners thought Ahmad Bradshaw would be
Jacobs’ backup. We now know that Ward was not
only the RB2, but in reality was a tandem RB1.
Ward’s productivity will be hard, if not impos-
sible, to replace. No one should expect Bradshaw
to run for 1,000 yards or catch 41 passes, but he
will get every chance to log significant work in
2009. Bradshaw has great speed and is a natural
complement to Jacobs’ bruising style. Assuming
Bradshaw has put his off-the-field issues behind
him, there is no reason he can’t build off last
year’s 5.3 yards per rush on a heavier workload.
Bradshaw hasn’t been used much as a receiver,
but looked good in limited opportunities last year

ICON SMI
but this year things are more established. David (five catches for 42 yards and a TD). Three backs
NEW YORK GIANTS

Carr, another former first overall pick, has found Brandon Jacobs will battle for the third tailback slot. Danny
a home as Eli Manning’s backup. He appeared Ware must contend with rookie Andre Brown
in three games last year and completed nine of twelve passes for 115 and free agent Dwayne Wright. Ware has the experience, but Brown is
yards and two TDs. Carr always had the ability, but it wasn’t clear the more compelling option. A rookie fourth round draft pick, Brown
whether the pounding he took early in his career would make him has great size (6’0, 224 pounds) and is a three-down back who fell into
perpetually gun shy. Luckily for Carr, the Giants field one of the the second day because of two collegiate foot surgeries.
league’s best offensive lines and, as long as he stays upright, Carr has Fullback: Madison Hedgecock has cemented his role as one of
the vision and downfield accuracy to keep the Giants afloat should the leagues’ most bruising FBs, and will again be out in front for Brandon
Eli Manning be sidelined. The QB3 spot comes down to second-year Jacobs and his backups. Hedgecock has limited offensive potential but is
Andre Woodson versus rookie Rhett Bomar. Both are developmental capable of the occasional reception in goal line situations.
athletes with good arms.
WIDE RECEIVERS
RUNNING BACKS Starters: Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith
Starter: Brandon Jacobs Backups: Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks [R], Ramses
Backups: Ahmad Bradshaw, Danny Ware, Andre Brown [R], Barden [R], Sinorice Moss, David Tyree
Fullbacks: Madison Hedgecock
Starting WRs: The long-time starting tandem of Plaxico Burress
Starting RB: What a difference a year makes. Last year, skep- and Amani Toomer is no more, and it’s unclear who exactly takes their
tics wondered whether Brandon Jacobs’ physical style would keep place. The truth is any declaration of who starts this year is premature
him in the trainer’s room more than he saw the field. Jacobs missed until we get through the majority of training camp. But for now, we’re
three games last year, so it remains a concern. But the truth is Giants going to give the edge to Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith. Hixon was
fans and fantasy owners have to be thrilled with what they got in those the surprise of 2008, starting seven games for the Giants after project-
ing as a fringe roster option at the start of the preseason. Hixon is 6’2,
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED 192 pounds and played his college ball at Akron. In his first significant
playing time, Hixon caught 43 passes for 596 yards (13.9 yards per
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
reception) and two TDs. There’s no reason Hixon shouldn’t improve
QB Rhett Bomar Draft College New York Giants
RB Andre Brown Draft College New York Giants
on those numbers with a full training camp as a first unit player. Steve
RB Allen Patrick Free Agent Cleveland Browns New York Giants Smith’s role is less certain, although he has the pedigree. Coming out of
TE Travis Beckum Draft College New York Giants USC as the team’s all-time receiving leader, Smith caught 57 receptions
TE George Wrighster Free Agent Jacksonville Jaguars New York Giants and started four games in 2008 as a second year receiver. Smith is sure
WR Hakeem Nicks Draft College New York Giants handed and makes great cuts; he’s able to get separation despite the
WR Ramses Barden Draft College New York Giants lack of a second gear.
WR Shaun Bodiford Free Agent Green Bay Packers New York Giants Backup WRs: Hixon and Smith shouldn’t feel too comfortable
in their roles as projected starters, because GM Jerry Reese used first
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST and third round picks in the draft on receivers. The Giants selected
UNC’s Hakeem Nicks in the first round, and most expect Nicks to be
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
a long-time starter; the only question being whether he starts in 2009
QB Anthony Wright Free Agent New York Giants Free Agent
RB Derrick Ward Free Agent New York Giants Tampa Bay Buccaneers
or not. Nicks is an all around weapon who attacks the ball. He’s not a
RB Reuben Droughns Free Agent New York Giants Free Agent burner, but projects as an elite possession receiver who already runs
WR Amani Toomer Free Agent New York Giants Free Agent routes with NFL precision. The team will let Nicks compete for a role
WR Plaxico Burress Free Agent New York Giants Free Agent immediately, and it would be surprising if he wasn’t starting at some

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 by Jason Wood

point this season. Ramses Barden is more of a calculated gamble. He

is a monster (6’6, 229 pounds) and physically reminiscent of Plaxico 2008 SEASON STATS
Burress, but Barden is raw and hasn’t been tested against top level com- Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
petition. He could push for playing time in a year or two, or just as eas- Eli Manning 479 289 3238 21 10 20 10 1
ily never make an impact. Last year’s rookie WR Mario Manningham
will also be given a chance to compete, but it’s difficult to handicap his
Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
chances because of the Giants aggressive pursuit of the two rookies.
Brandon Jacobs 219 1089 15 6 36 0
TIGHT ENDS Derrick Ward 182 1025 2 41 384 0
Starter: Kevin Boss Ahmad Bradshaw 67 355 1 5 42 1
Backups: Travis Beckum [R], Michael Matthews, Darcy Johnson
Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
A lot of people thought Kevin Boss would be outmatched as a full- Steve Smith 57 574 1 Ctgry Avg Rnk
time starter once the Giants traded Jeremy Shockey, but Boss proved
the skeptics wrong. Boss isn’t the smoothest route runner or the most Amani Toomer 48 580 4 Pts 26.7 3rd
impressive athlete, but he made plays last season. His 33 receptions for Domenik Hixon 43 596 2 Yds 355.9 7th
384 yards weren’t eye-popping, but his six touchdown receptions led Plaxico Burress 35 454 4 P-Yds 198.6 18th
the team. Boss should continue to provide Manning with a safety valve Sinorice Moss 12 153 2 R-Yds 157.4 1st
in the middle of the field, and he’ll occasionally find a seam in the red
zone for a handful of touchdowns. Rookie Travis Beckum is an inter- Tight End Rec Yards TDs
esting pick because he’s too small (6’3, 239 pounds) to be an effective
Kevin Boss 33 384 6
blocker at the NFL level, but has above average hands and could play
the role of an H-back or slot receiver. Michael Matthews and Darcy Darcy Johnson 4 46 2
Johnson provide blocking services and little else.

PLACE KICKER TEAM DEFENSE

NEW YORK GIANTS

PK: Lawrence Tynes
During his first year with the Giants in 2007, Lawrence Tynes
struggled. Despite Tom Coughlin’s history with kickers, he stuck with
Tynes, who went on to kick the game winner in overtime of the NFC
Championship in dramatic fashion. The Giants rewarded him with a
new contract after the season. Tynes then suffered a knee injury during
the preseason last year, and the Giants signed John Carney. Although
Tynes eventually recovered, Carney was performing so well that the
coaches opted to stick with the hot leg. Tynes did eventually handle
kickoffs in two games and placekicking in one of those, when the
coaches felt his stronger leg would be an advantage in windy condi-
tions. With Tynes under contract and Carney a free agent, the Giants
head into 2009 with Tynes once again the starting kicker. After two
decades with only one Top 10 finish in kicker scoring, the Giants
vaulted to first place last year with 149 points.
The Giants were one of the most talented and deep defensive units
in the league last season. Were it not for a fluky number of fumble
recoveries and only three combined defensive and special teams touch-
downs, they would have threatened to finish among the Top 5 DSTs.
The offseason saw the team import even more talent. DL Chris Canty,
DT Rocky Bernard and OLB Michael Boley were signed in free agency
with versatile OLB/DE Clint Sintim added in the draft’s second round.
The Giants will also get stud pass rusher Osi Umenyiora back from
injury and add talented safety Kenny Phillips to the lineup in an every-
down role. Opposing offenses will have trouble holding off a defensive
line that includes Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka and Clint
Sintim on passing downs, and the back seven has plenty of instinctive
ball hawks to create turnovers and them. The Giants deserve strong
consideration as a Top 3 DST pick this season and may finish as the top
overall fantasy defense in sack and turnover heavy scoring systems.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

NY Giants Was @StL Cin bye Sea @Cle SF @Pit Dal @Phi Bal @Ari @Was Phi Dal Car @Min
16-7 41-13 26-23 week 44-6 14-35 29-17 21-14 35-14 36-31 30-10 37-29 23-7 14-20 8-20 34-28 19-20
QB Manning 19-35-216-1 20-29-260-0 26-43-289-0 - 19-25-267-0 18-28-196-3 16-31-161-0 19-32-199-0 16-27-147-1 17-31-191-1 13-23-153-1 26-33-240-0 21-34-305-1 13-27-123-0 18-35-191-2 17-27-181-0 11-19-119-0
(rush stats) 2-(-1) 1-13 3-(-4) 4-(-1) 1-2 2-(-3) 2-(-2) 4-7 1-(-1)
1(run) 18,10,33 4 32,23 3 6 2 13,5,11 17,1 1 12,2,10 40 1 4
QB Carr dnp 0-0-0-0 dnp - 1-1-5-0 0-0-0-0 dnp dnp dnp 0-0-0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 8-11-110-0
(rush stats) 3-(-3) 2-(-2) 3-15
5 23
RB Jacobs 21-116 15-93 14-35 - 15-136 14-67 17-69 18-47 17-117 22-126 11-73 dnp 21-71 10-52 dnp 24-87 dnp
(rec stats) 1-8 1-2 1-9 1-6 1-6 1-5
1 3,1 7 26,2 12 3,3 1,1 (P) 1 (Q) (O) 2,1,2 (Q) (Q)
RB Ward 9-39 8-58 9-80 - 7-40 10-101 4-19 13-37 12-63 17-53 11-41 20-69 10-30 8-39 14-64 15-215 15-77
(rec stats) 2-21 1-8 3-26 2-10 2-1 3-50 5-43 2-26 3-27 4-54 4-30 5-75 1-2 1-2 1-(-5) 2-14
17 1 (P)
RB Bradshaw 0-0 5-52 2-2 - 11-65 0-0 8-28 0-0 5-20 5-38 9-96 4-9 dnp 5-9 3-8 0-0 10-28
(rec stats) 1-18 1-5 1-5 1-16 1-(-2)
(P) 31/18(rec) (Q) (P) (P) (P)
WR Smith 2-15 2-19 7-60 - 2-27 9-94 4-39 3-45 5-29 1-12 2-17 4-45 2-22 4-47 5-59 3-24 2-20
5
WR Toomer 2-12 6-67 5-64 - 4-64 0-0 3-31 2-39 2-26 5-53 1-9 4-30 5-85 2-25 3-32 2-27 2-16
10 11 12 40
WR Hixon 0-0 3-60 3-29 - 4-102 1-6 1-6 1-17 0-0 0-0 2-25 6-57 5-71 3-30 6-60 4-71 4-62
(rush stats) 1-15 1-11
(Q) 32 (P) (P) (Q) (Q) 23
WR Burress 10-133 5-81 3-45 - dnp 4-58 3-24 3-15 3-34 1-17 3-47 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
33 3 6 (P) 17 (Q) (O)
WR Moss 1-23 dnp dnp - 4-45 dnp dnp dnp 1-2 0-0 0-0 2-20 1-7 1-13 0-0 dnp 2-43
23,5 (Q)
TE Boss 0-0 0-0 3-51 - 2-9 1-24 0-0 4-34 3-30 6-69 0-0 4-48 3-45 1-5 1-23 5-46 dnp
4 2 13 1 10 4 (D)
TE Johnson 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 1-1 0-0 0-0 2-44
1 1

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 NEW YORK J ETS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Mark Sanchez [R]
Backups: Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge
Starting QB: Mark Sanchez is the presumed starter after
being selected with the fifth overall pick in April’s draft. He isn’t very
experienced at the higher levels of football, with little more than a
year’s worth of starting college experience. Still, the Jets felt strongly
enough about him to make a bold trade and move
up twelve spots to select him. During the draft
telecast, he was visibly excited about becoming
a Jet, something that will help endear him to the
New York fans (at least until his first intercep-
tion). Assuming he gets into camp relatively on
time, it would be a pretty big surprise if he is not
able to win the starting gig right away. Even if
it does take him a little while to get going early
on, it shouldn’t be too long before he’s under
center for good. The Jets didn’t make the move
to acquire him just to have him sit on the bench.
As head coach Rex Ryan said, “We wouldn’t have
traded up for Mark if we didn’t think he had the
ability to compete for the starting position”.
Backup QBs: Until the draft, Kellen
Clemens was likely in line to start on the open-
The increasing viability of Leon Washington as a complementary
back more than a straight backup would seem to be more beneficial to
the offense as a whole, and the addition of rookie Shonn Greene could
greatly cut into Jones’ goal line work. Jones is still a very important
part of the offense, but ironically enough that could be the reason his
touches decrease as the team tries to ensure he remains effective late
into the season.
Backup RBs: Leon Washington proved last season that he is
a dynamic complement to Thomas Jones and
is capable of taking one the distance from just
about any spot on the field. His 5.9 yards per
carry average was outstanding, and could earn
him more work this season. He’s an outstanding
receiver, which should solidify his role as the
third down back on the team. The addition of
Shonn Greene, an Iowa rookie drafted in the
third round, could somewhat cut into the produc-
tion of both Washington and Jones. New head
coach Rex Ryan saw how effective a three-head-
ed running back committee was in Baltimore a
year ago, and Greene, at 6’0, 227 pounds could
fill the goal line/short yardage role that Le’Ron
McClain did for the Ravens.
Fullback: Tony Richardson is getting
up there in age (he turns 38 during the season)

ing weekend for the first time in his NFL career.
With the selection of Mark Sanchez in the first
round, however, it appears that Clemens’s starting
NEW YORK JETS
ICON SMI
and isn’t an offensive contributor, statistically
Jerricho Cotchery speaking. He hasn’t had more than twelve car-
ries in a season since 2003 and hasn’t scored a

days may have to wait. He is a former second-round pick so the tal- touchdown since 2005. He was a productive receiver for several years,
ent is there, but the Jets are clearly trying to hit a home run with the but even that has gone by the wayside as he caught just one pass a
Sanchez pick – and they’ll give him every opportunity to live up to year ago. He’ll certainly help in the blocking aspect, but that won’t do
the hype. Clemens would need to clearly outplay Sanchez in training much for his fantasy stat line.
camp to secure the starting gig. Erik Ainge was due to battle Clemens
for the starting gig, though at this point he has really no chance of WIDE RECEIVERS
winning the starting spot. He’ll vie for the backup job, but more than Starters: Jerricho Cotchery, Chansi Stuckey
likely his role will be the No. 3 QB this season. Backups: Brad Smith, David Clowney, Wallace Wright,
Marcus Henry
RUNNING BACKS
Starter: Thomas Jones Starting WRs: Jerricho Cotchery will fill the role of number
Backups: Leon Washington, Shonn Greene [R] one receiver somewhat by default after the defection of Laveranues
Fullback: Tony Richardson Coles to Cincinnati. Over the last few seasons, the two have been sort
of co-number one receivers anyway, so Cotchery at least has some
Starting RB: Thomas Jones is the starting tailback, although experience as something of a go-to guy. He was expected to elevate
he’s expected to share some more of the workload this season. He his game into the fringes of the elite a year ago, especially after devel-
turned in his best pro campaign a year ago, with his highest yards per oping a great rapport with Brett Favre during training camp. But for
carry average since 2003 and career highs in both yards from scrim- whatever reason, it never really came to fruition for Cotchery. The
mage and touchdowns. His fifteen total scores were thirteen more news this past April that the Jets had contacted the agent for Plaxico
than he had the year before. In fact, his previous career high was just Burress also doesn’t speak well about their feeling of Cotchery as the
nine. While it’s entirely possible that Jones is about to enter a late No. 1 receiver, either. Still, for now that’s what he is. After missing his
career resurgence, history tells us that the number of scores was some- entire rookie season, Chansi Stuckey made a splash a year ago with
thing of an outlier and that we should expect that number to decrease. touchdowns in each of his first three career games. He didn’t come
close to maintaining that level of production the rest of the way (zero
touchdowns the last 13 games), but he showed enough to convince the
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED Jets that he’s worthy of a starting gig – at least for the time being. He’s
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team not so far ahead of the backups on the depth chart that his spot is set
QB Mark Sanchez Draft College New York Jets in stone, and he’ll need to turn in a good camp to entrench himself in
RB Shonn Greene Draft College New York Jets the starting lineup.
Backup WRs: After the presumed starters, there’s something
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST of a muddied field of players following them. Brad Smith has very
good skills, but hasn’t been very productive in his limited work over
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
the first three seasons. He’s typically very good once he’s got the ball
QB Brett Favre Free Agent New York Jets Retired
in his hands, but he’s still something of a raw project the team is try-
QB Brett Ratliff Trade New York Jets Cleveland Browns
RB Jesse Chatman Free Agent New York Jets Free Agent ing to mold into a wide receiver. David Clowney caught just one pass
RB Marcus Mason Free Agent New York Jets Washington Redskins last year, his rookie season. The former fifth-round pick played in just
RB Noah Herron Free Agent New York Jets Cleveland Browns three games due to injury, and will look to make more of an impact
TE Chris Baker Free Agent New York Jets New England Patriots this year as he is elevated to No. 4 on the depth chart. The Jets’ No. 5
WR Laveranues Coles Free Agent New York Jets Cincinnati Bengals spot will be filled by someone from amongst the group of sixth-round

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 by Michael Brown

pick Marcus Henry, undrafted free agent Wallace Wright, or per-

haps someone not even on the roster yet. 2008 SEASON STATS
Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
TIGHT ENDS Brett Favre 522 343 3472 22 22 21 43 1
Starter: Dustin Keller
Backup: Andrew Davie, Robert Myers, J’Nathan Bullock
Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
Despite being a rookie, first-round pick Dustin Keller was worthy Thomas Jones 290 1312 13 36 207 2
of starting in stretches for most standard twelve team leagues a year Leon Washington 76 448 6 47 355 2
ago. He had a particularly strong run in the middle of the season in Tony Richardson 10 65 0 1 4 0
which he consistently caught a high number of passes in each game.
He did nothing to dispel the notion that he is one of the league’s
bright young talents at the position, and with the departure of veteran Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs
Laveranues Coles, Keller will be relied upon even more heavily to Jerricho Cotchery 71 858 5
help shoulder the receiving load in 2009. Whether or not it’s a myth, Laveranues Coles 70 850 7
many believe that having a solid tight end greatly helps the progres- Chansi Stuckey 32 359 3 Team Per Game Stats
sion of a young quarterback. With rookie Mark Sanchez expected to
line up under center this season, he could look to Keller even more Brad Smith 12 64 0 Ctgry Avg Rnk
than Brett Favre did. Sanchez will need to use Keller not only as a David Clowney 1 26 0 Pts 25.3 9th
threat down the field, but as a safety valve for when the play breaks Yds 331.7 16th
down in front of him. As of press time, Keller was the only Jets tight Tight End Rec Yards TDs P-Yds 206.4 16th
end we can say with 100 percent certainty will be on the roster. The Dustin Keller 48 535 3 R-Yds 125.2 9th
remaining tight ends on the roster will likely do nothing more than
block for the ground attack. The team will scour the list of available Chris Baker 21 194 0
free agents over the summer, either players already on waivers or play-
ers who get cut by other teams, to try and fill in a bit more depth at TEAM DEFENSE
this spot as none of the current TEs (other than Keller) is an impact
player in any way. New head coach Rex Ryan comes over from the Ravens where he

NEW YORK JETS

PLACE KICKER
PK: Jay Feely
When Mike Nugent was injured during the first game last year;
the Jets signed Jay Feely, who kicked for the remainder of the year
– even after Nugent was healthy again. Last year Feely made 24 of 28
(85.7 percent) field goals. He has been perfect on PATs the last five
years. Twice he has led the league in scoring: in 2002 with Atlanta and
in 2005 with the NY Giants. During his first six years in the league,
Feely did very well on kickoffs; however they have been a subject of
debate the last two years. Last year the Jets ranked 20th in kicker scor-
ing. They ranked near the middle of the NFL in kicker scoring in eight
of the nine prior years. The Jets signed Feely to a one-year deal for
2009, after Nugent went to Tampa Bay as a free agent.
has been the architect of one of the leagues best high pressure defenses.
A new coach usually has to make a lot of changes to bring his style of
play to a team but the Jets transition won’t be so tough. Not only has
New York been using a 3-4 for a couple of years, they have had some
success with it. The Jets struggled against the pass in 2008 while fin-
ishing middle of the pack in yards and points allowed, but they were
among the league leaders in big play production. Totals of 41 sacks, 30
takeaways and five defensive touchdowns landed them among the Top
5 fantasy defenses in many scoring systems. When Eric Mangini left he
took a handful of players with him, Ryan answered by bringing some of
his players over from Baltimore. Free agents Bart Scott at ILB, Marques
Douglas at DE and safety Jim Leonhard will all step right in as starters.
Add former Eagle corner Lito Sheppard and the Jets not only filled the
holes but probably improved the overall talent. Offense got the attention
on draft day, but this is a solid unit. Expect another Top 10 finish.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

NY Jets @Mia NE @SD Ari bye Cin @Oak KC @Buf StL @NE @Ten Den @SF Buf @Sea Mia
20-14 10-19 29-48 56-35 week 26-14 13-16 28-24 26-17 47-3 34-31 34-13 17-34 14-24 31-27 3-13 17-24
QB Favre 15-22-194-0 18-26-181-1 30-42-271-2 24-34-289-1 - 25-33-189-2 21-38-197-2 28-40-290-3 19-28-201-1 14-19-167-0 26-33-258-0 25-32-224-1 23-43-247-1 20-31-137-1 17-30-207-2 18-31-187-2 20-40-233-3
(rush stats) 3-2 2-6 2-5 1-(-1) 2-5 1-(-1) 3-(-2) 1-0 3-1 1-(-1) 1-2 1-27
22,56 2 3,4,13 12,34,2,17,40,24 (Q) 2 18,15 1 7,15 (P) 10,2 2(run) 11 13
RB Jones 22-101 17-70 10-37 18-46 - 17-65 24-159 14-54 12-69 26-149 30-104 27-96 16-138 10-56 20-78 17-67 10-23
(rec stats) 3-2 2-5 2-17 2-23 3-13 1-0 1-6 6-38 2-15 3-21 2-21 3-12 2-4 3-29 1-1
6 7,1/2(rec) 1 7 13,2,6 1 10(rec) 59,29 17 2
RB Washington 6-9 2-28 1-(-1) 7-26 - 5-7 3-19 3-67 7-13 12-54 5-18 8-82 2-4 1-1 1-47 3-14 10-60
(rec stats) 2-17 4-22 2-20 4-17 4-22 3-21 3-34 2-42 4-14 2-17 1-2 3-60 6-31 1-7 6-29
11 60/18(rec) 7(rec) 61,4 47 10
RB Richardson 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 2-15 0-0 0-0 2-13 5-34 0-0
(rec stats) 1-4
WR Cotchery 3-80 1-20 10-76 4-67 - 8-85 1-0 9-102 6-62 1-18 5-87 6-55 4-40 1-10 4-34 6-81 2-41
(rush stats) 1-8 1-0
56 17,40 (Q) (P) (P) 15 (P) (P) (P) (P) 11 (P) (P) (P)
WR Coles 1-5 3-72 6-75 8-105 - 8-61 4-51 7-64 3-40 1-14 5-38 7-88 2-2 1-5 5-82 5-60 4-88
(rush stats) 1-3 1-6
(Q) (Q) 3 (Q) 12,34,2 (Q) (Q) (Q) 15 (P) (P) (P) (P) 2 (P) (P) (Q) (Q) (Q) 13 (Q)
WR Stuckey 2-37 4-43 6-42 2-12 - 0-0 2-48 3-43 0-0 0-0 1-3 1-8 3-30 4-43 0-0 dnp 4-50
(rush stats) 1-1
22 2 4
WR Smith 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 4-29 0-0 0-0 2-14 0-0 1-8 1-10 2-7 dnp 2-3 0-(-7)
(rush stats) 1-17 1-11 4-59 1-1 1-5 1-6 1-17 1-0 1-(-3)
(P) (P) (P) (P) (P) (D) (Q)
WR Clowney dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-26 0-0 dnp
(O) (O) (O) (O) (O) (Q)
TE Keller 0-0 1-19 4-41 1-24 - 0-0 1-6 4-38 2-19 6-107 8-87 6-42 7-77 2-14 3-35 1-2 2-24
13 24 1
TE Baker 2-34 0-0 3-26 1-9 - 1-6 5-42 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-11 0-0 1-7 1-15 1-19 1-12 2-13
(Q) (Q) (P)

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212 NY JETS.indd 213 5/26/09 12:22:23 PM

 OAKLAND R AIDERS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: JaMarcus Russell
Backups: Jeff Garcia, Andrew Walter, Bruce Gradkowski
Starting QB: Believe it or not, JaMarcus Russell was actually
playing really good football at the end of the 2008 season. In the final
three weeks of the season Russell threw for six TDs and only two INTs.
While his rookie holdout held him back in his first season, it seemed
like Russell was finally getting comfortable in the
Raiders offense by the end of last year. The Raiders
have added more playmakers like Darrius Heyward-
Bey and Louis Murphy to an offense in dire need of
help at the WR position. Oakland also brought in Jeff
Garcia to back up Russell, and perhaps take over,
if Russell falters or gets injured. This is the season
when the Raiders expect it to all come together for
the big QB from LSU. They have a capable offensive
line in place, the running backs to keep defenses
honest, and now have some legitimate receiving
options other than TE Zach Miller. Al Davis wants a
vertical offense so we’ll see if Russell can lead this
passing game to Top 20 production in 2009.
Backup QBs: Jeff Garcia isn’t the same
QB he was when he was tearing up the league
across the bay in San Francisco. However, he is
room for at least a few contests a year. He can be an effective RB, but it
will be Darren McFadden’s health that dictates how many carries Fargas
gets per game.
Backup RBs: The Raiders were excited to select the sensational
Darren McFadden in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. His
rookie season was full of ups and downs as McFadden got used to
running the football at the pro level. His best game was against KC
in Week 2 where he had 164 yards rushing and one TD. Near mid-
season, his body began to break down and the
Raiders came to the realization that McFadden
could not be their workhorse back. He still has
a ton of fantasy potential even though he’s the
second back in a RBBC. With his moves in the
open field and receiving ability there will be
plenty of scoring opportunities for him in 2009.
Michael Bush was able to get on the field for
the first time in two years after missing his
entire rookie season recovering from a broken
leg sustained his senior year at Louisville. He
impressed immediately and ended the season
with a monster performance against Tampa Bay
in Week 17 where he ran for 177 yards and two
TDs. He is a huge back but runs more like a
tailback than a power back. He could be a starter
if he was on another team. Louis Rankin is a

ICON SMI
still a reliable leader that a team can count on in change-of-pace back that can’t run between the
OAKLAND RAIDERS

case the starter goes down with an injury. There is JaMarcus Russell tackles but is dangerous on screen passes.
a chance that Garcia could be handed the reigns to Fullbacks: Oren O’Neal will lead the way
the offense if JaMarcus Russell struggles to progress further as a QB. for the Raiders ground game in 2009. Luke Lawton is a versatile back
Andrew Walter was once thought of as the QB of the future in Oakland that can be used as a goalline back. Marcel Reece is a converted TE/WR/
and now will be fighting for a roster spot with Bruce Gradkowski. H-back who gives the Raiders a receiving option from the FB position.
Some think that Gradkowski didn’t get a fair shot in Tampa Bay or None of these players should have a fantasy impact this year.
Cleveland. Even though he has starting experience in the league he is
merely a backup-type QB. WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Chaz Schilens, Darrius Heyward-Bey [R]
RUNNING BACKS Backups: Johnny Lee Higgins, Javon Walker, Louis Murphy
Starter: Justin Fargas
Backups: Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, Louis Rankin Starting WRs: Chaz Schilens ended the 2008 season with a
Fullbacks: Oren O’Neal, Luke Lawton, Marcel Reece couple of TD receptions and showed the ability to make the tough
catch, take a big hit, and control the football. He has been the most con-
Starting RB: Justin Fargas didn’t match his production from sistent WR in mini-camp. With the seventh pick in the first round many
2007 largely due to the fact that he had to share time with Darren expected the Raiders to take Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin if they
McFadden. Fargas is still the lead back in the committee although his were available. However, the Raiders felt that Darrius Heyward-Bey
production may once again slip in 2009. He has been hampered by inju- was a better fit for their offense, and it’s hard to disagree. DHB is a
ries ever since his early college days at Michigan and his pro career has huge 6’3, 210-pound WR that ran the fastest 40-time of any receiver at
been no different. Although he’s not missing as many games as before, the 2009 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He can be a game changer
one can always count on Fargas having a reservation with the training in the NFL with his big-play ability and should be in the starting lineup
by the end of training camp.
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED Backup WRs: Johnny Lee Higgins is a good returner that
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team flashed consistency as a receiver at the end of the 2008 season when
QB Danny Southwick Free Agent Free Agent Oakland Raiders he had three TD receptions in the final three games. Javon Walker has
QB Jeff Garcia Free Agent Tampa Bay Buccaneers Oakland Raiders been a bust for the Raiders since coming over as a free agent from the
RB Gary Russell Free Agent Pittsburgh Steelers Oakland Raiders Denver Broncos. Injuries and inconsistencies have plagued him during
RB Lorenzo Neal Free Agent Baltimore Ravens Oakland Raiders his time in silver and black, and that trend should continue this sea-
TE Brandon Myers Draft College Oakland Raiders
son. Walker had more surgery on his knee that he neglected to tell the
TE John Paul Foschi Free Agent Kansas City Chiefs Oakland Raiders
Raiders until the start of mini camp. Walker may miss the entire pre-
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey Draft College Oakland Raiders
WR Louis Murphy Draft College Oakland Raiders season because of this latest surgery and may find himself on the PUP
to start the season - or he could just end up getting cut. Louis Murphy
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST has elite speed and an excellent size/speed ratio. He can eat up yards
in a hurry with his long stride and has shown the ability to adjust to
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team poorly thrown passes.
QB Marques Tuiasosopo Free Agent Oakland Raiders Free Agent
RB Justin Griffith Free Agent Oakland Raiders Seattle Seahawks
TE Ben Troupe Free Agent Oakland Raiders Free Agent
TIGHT ENDS
TE Fred Wakefield Free Agent Oakland Raiders Free Agent Starters: Zach Miller
WR Ashley Lelie Free Agent Oakland Raiders Free Agent Backups: Tony Stewart, Brandon Myers [R]
WR Drew Carter Free Agent Oakland Raiders Free Agent
WR Ronald Curry Free Agent Oakland Raiders Detroit Lions Zach Miller was on the verge of cracking the Top 10 at his posi-

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 by Cecil Lammey

tion in 2008. He finished the season strongly and ended up as the

No. 11 fantasy TE. As the only consistent receiving option in the 2008 SEASON STATS
passing game defenses keyed on Miller early, and his production Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
slipped. With QB JaMarcus Russell playing better and an improved JaMarcus Russell 368 198 2423 13 8 17 127 1
WR corps, it should mean greater statistical output from Miller.
Andrew Walter 49 22 204 0 3 5 19 0
PLACE KICKER Marques Tuiasosopo 2 1 4 0 0 2 11 0
PK: Sebastian Janikowski
Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
The 2005 season was a year to forget for Sebastian Janikowski, Justin Fargas 219 855 1 10 52 0
with career lows in field goal percentage, long range field goals, and
kickoff distance. Then with the limited scoring opportunities, Oakland Darren McFadden 113 499 4 29 285 0
finished last in kicker scoring with 70 points in 2006. The following Michael Bush 94 419 3 19 162 0
season, Janikowski hit only 23 of 32 (71.9 pecent) field goals, but Justin Griffith 2 2 0 9 85 1
many of the misses were from long range. Despite his accuracy trou- Luke Lawton 0 0 0 6 30 0
bles from long distance, he did have a career-high six field goals from
50+ yards that year. In 2008 his numbers were still below average (24
of 30, 80.0 percent); however his six misses either hit the cross bar Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
from 40 and 46 yards or from ranges (57, 58, 59 and even 76 yards) Johnnie Lee Higgins 22 366 4 Ctgry Avg Rnk
with no expectation of him to convert. Ronald Curry 19 181 2 Pts 16.4 29th
Chaz Schilens 15 226 2 Yds 272.2 29th
TEAM DEFENSE Javon Walker 15 196 1 P-Yds 148.1 32nd
Oakland has finished 31st versus the run for two consecutive Ashley Lelie 11 197 2 R-Yds 124.2 10th
seasons and managed to improve only from 26th in points allowed
in 2007 to 24th last season. Their defensive statistics from last Tight End Rec Yards TDs

OAKLAND RAIDERS
season paint a dismal picture but there are some things to build Zach Miller 56 778 1
on. Only nine clubs were better versus the pass in 2008 and the Tony Stewart 11 81 0
Raiders pass rush ranked 13th with 32 sacks. The question enter-
ing this season is have they done enough to improve or have they
actually regressed? Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has moved during free agency the only reinforcements are safety Michael
on and some of the personnel decisions have left many scratching Mitchell, who was a consensus reach in the second round, and
their heads. Both of last year’s big free agent additions are gone. a trio of rookie defensive ends who are all developmental guys.
DeAngelo Hall was jettisoned during the season followed by the Factor in the coaching change at DC which should bring a some-
team’s second-leading tackler Gibril Wilson who was released after what less aggressive style, and you have a Raiders club that doesn’t
the season despite leading the club in takeaways. After being quiet seem likely to turn it around in 2008.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Oakland Den @KC @Buf SD bye @NO NYJ @Bal Atl Car @Mia @Den KC @SD NE Hou @TB
14-41 23-8 23-24 18-28 week 3-34 16-13 10-29 0-24 6-17 15-17 31-10 13-20 7-34 26-49 27-16 31-24
QB Russell 17-26-180-0 6-17-55-0 9-19-156-0 22-37-277-1 - 13-35-159-1 17-30-203-0 15-33-228-1 6-19-31-1 dnp 15-22-156-0 10-11-152-0 10-28-132-0 9-13-68-2 17-31-242-1 18-25-236-0 14-21-148-1
(rush stats) 4-7 1-3 1-1 2-4 1-11 1-13 2-46 3-3 2-37 1-2
8,4 84/1(run) 63 8 2 (Q) (Q) 4 (P) 56,10 (P) 20,29 3,12
QB Walter dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp 14-32-143-2 dnp dnp dnp 8-17-61-1 dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 4-19 1-0
(Q) (Q) (P) (Q) (Q)
QB Tuiasosopo dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-2-4-0 0-0-0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-11
RB Fargas 18-97 9-43 dnp dnp - 10-35 28-74 12-24 6-23 22-89 17-57 24-107 18-82 12-50 15-70 22-93 6-11
(rec stats) 2-12 2-7 1-9 1-8 1-3 2-9 1-4
(D) (O) (P) 1 (P)
RB McFadden 9-46 21-164 14-42 7-20 - 8-30 8-39 dnp dnp dnp 3-13 10-38 7-13 1-0 12-46 12-46 1-2
(rec stats) 1-11 1-9 3-6 2-17 3-50 2-1 2-14 3-50 2-8 3-68 5-41 2-10
19 (P) (Q) (Q) (Q) (D) (Q) (Q) 1,1 (P) 11 (Q)
RB Bush 0-0 16-90 14-55 14-48 - 3-9 dnp 5-8 3-(-2) 8-30 dnp 2-0 0-0 2-4 0-0 0-0 27-177
(rec stats) 1-5 7-80 1-4 1-9 3-15 5-43 1-6
32 4,67
RB Griffith 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 1-2 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 3-39 2-11 1-20 1-5 1-8 1-2
2(rec)
RB Lawton 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
(rec stats) 2-16 1-(-2) 1-3 2-13 (Q)
WR Higgins 0-0 0-0 1-84 4-35 - 1-35 0-0 2-16 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-22 3-66 3-56 6-52
(rush stats) 1-18 1-9 1-7
84 56 29 12
WR Curry 2-18 0-0 0-0 1-11 - 3-32 0-0 2-13 0-0 dnp 6-73 0-0 1-0 2-15 2-19 dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-1
4 (Q) 10 (D) (D)
WR Schilens 2-29 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 1-9 2-10 3-76 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-4 3-52 3-46
(rush stats) 1-(-2)
(Q) (Q) (Q) (P) 20 3
WR Walker dnp 0-0 2-18 2-34 - 1-7 5-75 2-28 1-7 2-27 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(Q) (P) 8 (O) (O)
WR Lelie 3-37 1-11 1-23 0-0 - 1-11 0-0 1-23 0-0 0-0 0-0 4-92 0-0 dnp 0-0 dnp dnp
8 4 (Q) (D)
TE Miller 4-34 2-24 0-0 5-95 - 3-46 4-57 2-56 2-9 3-42 4-67 3-41 5-79 8-64 5-60 4-70 2-34
63 (Q) (P) (P)
TE Stewart 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 1-7 1-4 1-5 0-0 2-10 2-17 1-5 0-0 1-11 2-22 0-0 0-0
(Q)

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214 OAKLAND.indd 215 5/26/09 4:15:52 PM

 PHILADELPHIA E
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Donovan McNabb
Backups: Kevin Kolb, A.J. Feeley
Starting QB: Donovan McNabb had gone three seasons with-
out finishing as a Top 10 fantasy QB but that all changed last year,
as the Eagles franchise passer threw for a career high 3,916 yards
and 23 TDs en route to a seventh place fantasy ranking. It’s hard
to believe McNabb’s bounce-back season was
almost derailed in a Week 12 benching against
the Baltimore Ravens. It’s quite possible, had
backup Kevin Kolb played well in the second
half, McNabb’s time in Philadelphia might have
come to an end. Instead, he played a full 16-
game season for the first time since 2003, and
the Eagles made it to the NFC Championship
game for the fifth time in 10 years. As long as he
can stay healthy, McNabb is going to be among
the better fantasy options. He knows the offense
inside and out, Andy Reid loves to throw the ball,
and McNabb’s supporting cast appears fortified
for a title run.
Backup QBs: There are defining moments
in life. For Kevin Kolb, one of those moments
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
AGLES
ter of whether he can regain his status as an elite difference maker.
Backup RBs: Barring the addition of another veteran, the
Eagles are dangerously thin at the RB position. The Eagles used a
second round pick in the April draft on LeSean McCoy, who will
need to be a quick study because the Eagles have few options behind
him, particularly if Brian Westbrook gets hurt. At 5’11, 198 pounds,
McCoy is a bit undersized but is a well-rounded runner who doesn’t
shy away from contact. He’s capable of getting to the second level and,
unlike many rookie RBs in this class, has great
hands. For now, Lorenzo Booker is the third
RB, but he did absolutely nothing to distinguish
himself last year, averaging a paltry 2.6 yards
per carry.
Fullback: The Eagles have had a revolv-
ing door at fullback the last few seasons but hope
to have solved that problem with the addition of
Leonard Weaver. Weaver signed a one-year deal to
join the Birds after spending three seasons in Seattle.
Weaver played in a similar offense and should assim-
ilate quickly. While a solid blocker, Weaver’s value
comes from his ability to make occasional plays on
offense. Weaver has averaged 4.5 yards per rush and
9.1 yards per reception thus far in his career, and the
Eagles hope to use him in a variety of ways.

came at the start of the second half of Week 12

ICON SMI
contest against the Ravens last year. McNabb WIDE RECEIVERS
had played miserably, and Reid handed the reins Brian Westbrook Starters: DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis
over to the young second year signal caller out of Backups: Jeremy Maclin [R], Reggie
Houston. Unfortunately, Kolb struggled in completing 10-of-23 passes Brown, Hank Baskett, Jason Avant
with two interceptions and a measly 73 yards. Whether Kolb can suc-
cessfully execute the West Coast offense remains an enormous ques- Starting WRs: The Eagles have not been shy about drafting
tion mark, but the Eagles coaching staff appears to have confidence wide receivers, contrary to popular sentiment. The problem is most
in him. A.J. Feeley, a long-time Eagles backup and emergency starter, of the Eagles choices haven’t panned out, whether it is Todd Pinkston
rounds out the QB roster. or Freddie Mitchell or most recently Reggie Brown. But the team
ended its hard luck last season with the selection of DeSean Jackson.
RUNNING BACKS Jackson is small (5’9, 169 pounds) but plays much bigger. Cut from
Starter: Brian Westbrook the same cloth as the Panthers’ Steve Smith, Jackson is fearless, has
Backups: LeSean McCoy [R], Lorenzo Booker great hands and runs laser-sharp routes. His crisp routes and undeni-
Fullback: Leonard Weaver able after-the-catch ability thrust him into the Eagles lineup faster
than expected. Jackson became the first rookie in almost 70 years to
Starting RB: After two MVP-caliber seasons, Brian Westbrook open the season with back-to-back 100-yard games and ended the sea-
came back to Earth a bit in 2008. After leading the NFL with 2,104 son with 912 yards on 62 catches. If Jackson can correct the inconsis-
yards from scrimmage in 2007, Westbrook failed to crack the Top 10 tencies and lack of focus he showed at times, he should be a perennial
last year with 1,338 yards. He failed to crack the 1,000-yard rushing 1,000-yard threat. It’s unclear whether Kevin Curtis will ultimately
mark and his receiving totals (54 receptions, 402 yards) marked five- start opposite Jackson, particularly if Curtis has another setback fol-
year lows. What Eagles fans and fantasy owners need to ask them- lowing a February procedure on the same sports hernia that hobbled
selves is whether this hearkens to the inevitable fall-off that all great him last season. When healthy, Curtis provides Donovan McNabb
runners endure at some point in their career or whether Westbrook with another 1,000-yard threat and a sure-handed option that can get
can bounce back behind a rebuilt offensive line. It would be unfair yards after the catch.
to characterize Westbrook’s 2008 season as disappointing though, Backup WRs: Donovan McNabb wanted more playmakers and
considering he finished as the 10th best fantasy back in standard scor- the Eagles listened, trading up to the 19th pick in the first round to
ing. He had at least 100 yards from scrimmage or a TD in six games. select Jeremy Maclin. According to some post draft reports, Maclin
Westbrook certainly remains an above average weapon; it’s just a mat- was the top ranked rookie WR on a majority of NFL draft boards
[ahead of Michael Crabtree]. Whether that’s true or not, Maclin was
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED coveted for his explosive open field abilities. Unlike DeSean Jackson,
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team Maclin isn’t a finished product. He must improve his route running
RB LeSean McCoy Draft College Philadelphia Eagles and will need to adjust to the complexity and minutiae that comes with
RB Leonard Weaver Free Agent Seattle Seahawks Philadelphia Eagles the West Coast offense, but he’ll be on the field quite a bit. It’s just
TE Cornelius Ingram Draft College Philadelphia Eagles a question of whether he plays in 3WR sets out of the slot or earns a
WR Brandon Gibson Draft College Philadelphia Eagles starting role as Jackson did a season ago. Rounding out the corps is
WR Jeremy Maclin Draft College Philadelphia Eagles a trio of veterans: Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett and Jason Avant.
The Eagles probably won’t keep all three in which case Reggie Brown
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST will need to reestablish his value. Technically a starter at times last
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team year, Brown has fallen short of expectations and is no longer viewed
RB Correll Buckhalter Free Agent Philadelphia Eagles Denver Broncos as a difference maker. Avant and Baskett are inexpensive, hard-work-
TE L.J. Smith Free Agent Philadelphia Eagles Baltimore Ravens ing veterans who have both made huge plays at opportune moments.
WR Greg Lewis Trade Philadelphia Eagles New England Patriots They’re well suited as backups.

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 by Jason Wood

TIGHT ENDS
Starter: Brent Celek
2008 SEASON STATS
Backups: Cornelius Ingram [R], Matt Schobel Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
Donovan McNabb 571 345 3916 23 11 39 147 2
Brent Celek has done more for the Eagles than fans had any reason
to expect. A fifth rounder out of Cincinnati two seasons ago, Celek was
Kevin Kolb 34 17 144 0 4 13 2 0
considered a back of the roster prospect. But injuries and inconsistent
play from L.J. Smith forced Celek into a more prominent role and he Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
did enough to earn 11 starts in his first two seasons. With Smith now a Brian Westbrook 233 936 9 54 402 5
Raven, Celek is the odds-on favorite to start for the contending Eagles. Correll Buckhalter 76 369 2 26 324 2
Celek doesn’t do anything particularly well, but is a smart and attentive
player who has found a role making first down catches in the middle of
Kyle Eckel 24 79 0 0 0 0
the field. Eagles fans hope that his breakout 10-catch performance in Lorenzo Booker 20 53 0 6 11 0
the NFC Championship game is a harbinger of things to come. In case
it’s not, the Eagles drafted his likely successor in Cornelius Ingram. Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
Ingram is an uber athletic pass catcher who fell in this year’s draft DeSean Jackson 62 912 2 Ctgry Avg Rnk
because he missed the 2008 season with a knee injury. Ingram is a for-
Hank Baskett 33 440 3 Pts 26.0 6th
mer University of Florida shooting guard and has a higher ceiling than
any TE in the Reid era. Veteran Matt Schobel rounds out the roster for Kevin Curtis 33 390 2 Yds 350.5 9th
now, but the Eagles may look to upgrade as the preseason progresses. Jason Avant 32 377 2 P-Yds 244.4 6th
Greg Lewis 19 247 1 R-Yds 106.1 22nd
PLACE KICKER Reggie Brown 18 252 1
PK: David Akers, Sam Swank

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
After three straight sub-par years, David Akers rebounded in 2008. Tight End Rec Yards TDs
He hit 82.5 percent (33 of 40) on field goals. Within the seven missed L.J. Smith 37 298 3
kicks, the two short attempts were blocked and three were from 50+ Brent Celek 27 318 1
yards. Akers made 10 of 15 field goals from 40+ yards, after having made Matt Schobel 2 10 0
only two of 10 the year before. His 65.8 yard average on kickoffs and 17
touchbacks were both career highs. Akers played in all 16 games the last
three years after missing four games due to injury in 2005. After five con- against and yardage allowed. They narrowly edged out Baltimore
secutive years in the Top 10 in kicker scoring, the Eagles sagged into the and Pittsburgh for the top overall finish in the scoring system used
20s during 2005 through 2007 before finishing third last year. for FBG rankings. The Eagles lost veteran leader Brian Dawkins in
free agency, but gained veteran CB Ellis Hobbs in a trade with New
TEAM DEFENSE England and playmaking safety Sean Jones via free agency. The team
returns a talented and deep defensive line, led by Trent Cole, who had
The high pressure scheme of Jim Johnson helped the Eagles to 59 solo tackles and nine sacks in 2008. Stewart Bradley and Quentin
perform as one of the most consistent fantasy defenses in the league Mikell will anchor the back seven along with a host of playmakers in
last season, generating 48 sacks and 29 turnovers, seven combined the secondary. Expect this defense to again put up a solid number of
defensive and special teams touchdowns and solid finishes in points sacks and takeaways and finish among the Top 10 fantasy DSTs.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Philadelphia StL @Dal Pit @Chi Was @SF bye Atl @Sea NYG @Cin @Bal Ari @NYG Cle @Was Dal
38-3 37-41 15-6 20-24 17-23 40-26 week 27-14 26-7 31-36 13-13 ;7-36 48-20 20-14 30-10 3-10 44-6
QB McNabb 21-33-361-0 25-37-281-0 24-35-196-1 25-41-262-1 17-29-196-0 23-36-280-1 - 19-34-253-0 28-43-349-1 17-36-194-1 28-58-339-3 8-18-59-2 27-39-260-0 19-30-191-0 26-35-290-1 26-46-230-0 12-21-175-0
(rush stats) 1-3 5-20 2-(-2) 2-(-5) 1-4 6-25 2-6 3-35 1-2 1-7 4-24 5-20 2-8 3-4
5,1,90 6 20 22 (Q) (P) 2,2 (P) 3(run) 22,1 10,7,2 4 5,2,5,8 40 14,10 4,1/1(run)
QB Kolb 5-6-53-0 dnp 2-3-18-1 dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp 0-0-0-0 dnp 10-23-73-2 0-0-0-0 dnp 0-2-0-1 dnp 0-0-0-0
(rush stats) 3-(-3) 3-12 3-(-3) 2-(-2) 2-(-2)
RB Westbrook 19-91 18-58 5-12 dnp 12-33 dnp - 22-167 20-61 13-26 14-60 14-39 22-110 33-131 16-53 12-45 13-50
(rec stats) 2-1 6-45 6-51 6-42 6-35 3-33 3-11 2-(-5) 3-20 6-72 3-14 6-71 2-12
6/1(rec) 1,1/6(rec) (Q) 9 (Q) (O) 16,39 (P) (P) (P) (P) (Q) 1,9/5,2(rec) (Q) 30/40(rec) (Q) (P) (P) (P)
RB Buckhalter 2-5 0-0 10-43 16-66 2-0 18-93 - 4-0 2-2 2-21 1-3 2-16 dnp dnp 6-55 1-2 10-63
(rec stats) 2-15 6-44 2-24 7-85 2-29 1-6 1-44 2-18 3-59
20(rec) 1 1 (D) (D) (P) (P) 4(rec)
RB Eckel dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 6-27 1-2 9-28 0-0 8-22
RB Booker 5-9 0-0 5-11 2-7 0-0 1-5 - 0-0 3-0 dnp dnp dnp 4-21 0-0 dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) (P) 2-8 2-5 1-(-3) 1-1
WR Jackson 6-106 6-110 5-40 5-71 1-8 6-98 - 3-72 2-20 4-61 4-66 5-47 6-76 0-0 5-77 2-14 2-46
(rush stats) 1-1 2-35 2-13 1-1 1-3 3-24 2-3 1-12 1-6 2-(-9) 1-7
22 (P) 9(run) (P) (P) 5
WR Baskett 2-102 2-10 8-85 1-10 0-0 4-38 - 1-8 1-25 1-7 2-74 1-8 5-42 2-16 3-15 dnp 0-0
90 2 7 (O) (Q)
WR Curtis dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - 3-45 6-83 3-25 7-64 2-12 5-59 2-42 4-45 dnp 1-15
(O) (O) (O) (D) (D) (Q) 2 14 (P) (D) (P)
WR Avant 3-45 2-28 2-24 4-29 1-3 1-17 - 0-0 dnp 2-25 3-32 2-23 4-25 1-9 5-101 2-16 0-0
(Q) 10 (P) 8
WR Lewis 5-104 3-36 1-4 1-5 1-22 3-38 - 0-0 2-16 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-7 1-10 1-5 0-0
10 (P)
WR Brown dnp dnp 0-0 6-79 4-84 dnp - dnp 1-22 1-7 1-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp 4-47 1-13
(rush stats) 1-6
(D) (Q) (P) (O) (Q) 22 (P)
TE Smith 5-39 1-10 0-0 dnp 3-26 1-2 - 2-29 dnp 3-36 3-15 1-3 3-32 6-44 2-13 7-49 dnp
5 (D) (Q) 2 (P) (O) (P) 4 (P) (P) (D)
TE Celek 2-15 1-19 0-0 3-21 0-0 0-0 - 2-28 6-131 0-0 3-25 3-26 1-6 0-0 2-9 1-8 3-30
1
TE Schobel 0-0 dnp dnp 0-0 dnp dnp - dnp 2-10 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0

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216 PHILLY.indd 217 5/26/09 2:53:05 PM

 PITTSBURGH S
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Ben Roethlisberger
Backups: Charlie Batch, Dennis Dixon, Mike Reilly
Starting QB: Ben Roethlisberger already has two Super Bowl
rings in his short career, but other than 2007 he really hasn’t been
much of a fantasy force. He threw for 32 TD passes in 2007, and
many expected him to repeat his performance and throw for at least
25 TDs in 2008. With the league’s best defense
Roethlisberger didn’t have to carry the team and
only threw for 17 TDs. Pittsburgh hopes to have
improved pass protection this year because its QB
was battered each and every week behind one of
the league’s worst offensive lines. His athletic abil-
ity, size, and strength allowed him to make plays
out of nothing. However, that week-in and week-
out type of beating will certainly take a toll in the
long run. The Steelers lost WR Nate Washington
to the Titans in free agency, but they expect Limas
Sweed to be a more than adequate replacement.
The same passing game formula should once again
be in place for the 2009 season which makes Ben a
nice QB2 or bye-week QB in fantasy leagues.
Backup QBs: Charlie Batch has proven to
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
TEELERS
could once again not be the leading fantasy back on his team.
Backup RBs: Mewelde Moore was a fantastic pickup for the
Pittsburgh Steelers even though his signing originally went unnoticed.
Moore helped fill in for an injured Willie Parker and was the Steelers
best receiving back. He scored six TDs on the year and was able to
make several big plays throughout the year. He should once again
be the third down back who can put up bigger numbers if his role is
expanded because of injury. Rashard Mendenhall was the Steelers
first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and some
expected him to take over for Willie Parker by
the end of his rookie season. Instead Mendenhall
ended up missing the rest of the season after an
injury in Week 4. When Mendenhall did play he
did not stand out which led to some inside the
organization questioning his motivation. A big-
ger role is there for the taking so we’ll have to
see if Mendenhall can prove the doubters wrong
and live up to his high draft status. At the very
least the Steelers would like to see him become a
goalline threat. Justin Vincent hasn’t looked the
same since his freshmen season at LSU and will
be on the roster bubble in training camp.
Fullbacks: Carey Davis is more of a
traditional FB who can block effectively and

be a capable backup for Big Ben and is the perfect catch a few passes. The Steelers drafted the

ICON SMI
game manager that will not throw the game away. He next Fuamatu-Ma’afala when they selected
missed all of last season with an injury and Byron Ben Roethlisberger Frank “the Tank” Summers in the 2009 NFL
Leftwich took over as the No. 2 QB. Leftwich left Draft. Summers is a big back that can pick up
for a starting opportunity in Tampa Bay, which means Batch should be the tough yards between the tackles and has surprising speed. We could
backup to Big Ben once again. Dennis Dixon is an athletic playmaking see Summers end up being the goalline vulture for the Steelers run-
QB that ran the spread option at Oregon. Dixon is working on becom- ning game now that Gary Russell is no longer on the team.
ing a better passer but could be asked to play some Wildcat QB for the
Steelers in 2009. Mike Reilly is a record-setting QB that played at Central WIDE RECEIVERS
Washington, but he is a project QB that could take several years to develop. Starters: Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes
Backups: Limas Sweed, Mike Wallace [R], Shaun McDonald,
RUNNING BACKS Dallas Baker, Martin Nance
Starter: Willie Parker
Backups: Mewelde Moore, Rashard Mendenhall, Justin Vincent Starting WRs: Hines Ward is one of the toughest WRs in the
Fullbacks: Carey Davis, Frank Summers [R] game today, and every Sunday he gives his full effort. He finished
2008 with another 1,000 yard season (the fifth of his career) and once
Starting RB: Willie Parker’s days as the feature back for the again led the Steelers in targets on the year. He doesn’t appear to be
Steelers are close to coming to an end. He started off the 2008 season slowing down and could have a couple of more seasons with similar
with a bang in a game against Houston where he had 138 yards rush- production. Santonio Holmes made huge strides as a receiver in his
ing and three TDs. The rest of his season was marred with injuries third year. Holmes’ season was capped off by an incredible game-
and inconsistencies. He ended up with the lowest rushing yards, yards winning TD catch that helped him win the Super Bowl MVP. He was
per carry, and attempts since his rookie year. He did have a big game targeted over 100 times on the season and proved to be a trustworthy
against San Diego in the playoffs (146 yards and two TDs), but when receiver for QB Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers are expecting him
Willie plays a tough run defense he cannot rise to the occasion. He to increase his production, and he could perhaps crack 1,000 yards
lost goalline opportunities to Gary Russell, and he lost third downs receiving in a season for the first time in his career.
to Mewelde Moore. If Rashard Mendenhall had stayed healthy, he Backup WRs: Nate Washington is gone, but the Steelers are hop-
might have lost even more carries. This season is shaping up to be a ing that Limas Sweed can take his game to the next level. Sweed was
three-headed committee, and while Willie Parker will be the starter, he singled out by Head Coach Mike Tomlin for having inconsistent hands,
and it’s something that really struck a nerve with the young receiver. He is
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED a huge target, but he doesn’t have the deep speed to challenge a defense.
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
With better concentration Sweed could turn into a nice red zone option
RB Frank Summers Draft College Pittsburgh Steelers for the Steelers. In the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft the Steelers
TE David Johnson Draft College Pittsburgh Steelers selected Mike Wallace from Ole Miss. He has the footwork and speed to
WR Mike Wallace Draft College Pittsburgh Steelers develop into a No. 2 WR but is raw and is still learning the intricacies of
WR Jayson Foster Free Agent Denver Broncos Pittsburgh Steelers the position. Shaun McDonald was signed to compete as a slot receiver
WR Shaun McDonald Free Agent Detroit Lions Pittsburgh Steelers and to contribute as a returner. Dallas Baker has size and long arms but
hasn’t shown much progress as a route runner. Martin Nance was Big
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST Ben’s favorite target when they were at Miami (OH). He is a large receiv-
er but is too slow in and out his breaks to get open consistently.
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
QB Byron Leftwich Free Agent Pittsburgh Steelers Tampa Bay Buccaneers
RB Gary Russell Free Agent Pittsburgh Steelers Oakland Raiders TIGHT ENDS
RB Verron Haynes Free Agent Pittsburgh Steelers Atlanta Falcons Starters: Heath Miller
WR Nate Washington Free Agent Pittsburgh Steelers Tennessee Titans Backups: Matt Spaeth, David Johnson [R], Sean McHugh

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 by Cecil Lammey

Heath Miller missed a couple of games for the first time in his pro
career, and his production slipped from his usual Top 10 status. He 2008 SEASON STATS
caught one more pass than he did in 2007, but he also had four fewer Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
TDs. As long as he can stay healthy for all 16 games his production Ben Roethlisberger 468 280 3308 17 15 34 101 2
should slightly increase from 2008. Miller is a great option in the
red zone and has the athletic ability to do some damage in the deep Byron Leftwich 36 21 303 2 0 4 7 1
middle of the field. He is also very savvy and knows how to push for Dennis Dixon 1 1 3 0 0 2 -3 0
extra yardage and move the chains. Matt Spaeth didn’t have any TD
catches in 2008 but still presents a huge target for his QB. Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
Willie Parker 210 791 5 3 13 0
PLACE KICKER
PK: Jeff Reed Mewelde Moore 140 588 5 40 320 1
Gary Russell 28 77 3 1 -2 0
Jeff Reed hit a career best 92.0 pecent (23 of 25) on field goals Rashard Mendenhall 19 58 0 2 17 0
in 2007. It was a big turnaround from 2006 when he hit only 74.1 Carey Davis 12 35 0 5 27 0
percent on field goals, the second lowest percentage of his career. He Najeh Davenport 2 5 0 0 0 0
again did well last year, making 27 of 31 (87.1 percent) field goals.
He was perfect on field goals under 40 yards in 2007 and missed only
one from that range last year. Reed had always managed to kick fairly Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
well at Heinz Field, a place that has probably cost some kickers their Hines Ward 81 1043 7 Pts 21.7 20th
job. Over the last three years, however, 10 of his 13 missed field goals Santonio Holmes 55 821 5 Yds 311.9 22nd
have been at home. Last year he missed a PAT, his first miss since Nate Washington 40 631 3 P-Yds 206.3 17th
2003. The Steelers have ranked 18th, 25th, and 18th the last three
years in attempted kicking points, limiting Reed’s fantasy value. Limas Sweed 6 64 0 R-Yds 105.6 23rd

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
TEAM DEFENSE Tight End Rec Yards TDs
Heath Miller 48 514 3
Pittsburgh is the birth place of the 3-4 zone blitz defense. It’s an Matt Spaeth 17 136 0
aggressive attacking style of play which at its best, forces offenses to
react to the defensive scheme rather than the other way around. By its Sean McHugh 3 24 0
design the zone blitz is meant to create a lot of big plays. Thus over
the years the Steelers have been one of the most consistently produc- 51 sacks, 29 takeaway and three defensive scores. There were no
tive options in the fantasy game. The 2008 season was no exception immediate impact additions over the offseason, but every starter is
as Pittsburgh sported defensive player of the year James Harrison, returning except ILB Larry Foote. That change only happened because
and was once again among the Top 3 fantasy defenses in any scor- Lawrence Timmons is an upgrade. Some will make an argument for
ing system. It’s hard to beat a unit that finishes first in yards, scoring Baltimore as the first defense off the board but the Steelers have more
and pass defense while coming in second versus the run, recording depth and are a can’t-miss option.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Pittsburgh Hou @Cle @Phi Bal @Jac bye @Cin NYG @Was Ind SD Cin @NE Dal @Bal @Ten Cle
38-17 10-6 6-15 23-20 26-21 week 38-10 14-21 23-6 20-24 11-10 27-10 33-10 20-13 13-9 14-31 31-0
QB Roethlisberger 13-14-137-0 12-19-186-0 13-25-131-1 14-24-191-1 26-41-309-1 - 17-28-216-0 13-29-189-4 5-17-50-1 30-42-284-3 31-41-308-0 17-30-243-0 17-33-179-1 17-33-204-0 22-40-246-0 26-40-331-2 9-14-110-1
(rush stats) 2-17 1-0 4-6 2-3 2-2 2-(-1) 1-3 1-1 1-(-1) 3-13 3-6 5-17 4-21 3-14
16,13 11 (P) (P) 38 1,48,8 (Q) 2,50 65 1(run) (P) (P) 3/8(run) 19,11 6 (P) 4 31,21 (P)
QB Leftwich 0-4-0-0 0-0-0-0 4-7-60-0 dnp dnp - 3-3-34-0 dnp 7-10-129-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 7-12-80-0
(rush stats) 2-0 1-(-1) 1-8
16 5 8(run)
QB Dixon dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-1-3-0
(rush stats) 2-(-3)
RB Parker 25-138 28-105 13-20 dnp dnp - dnp dnp 21-70 dnp 25-115 14-37 16-87 12-25 14-47 18-29 23-116
(rec stats) 1-4 2-9 1-2
4,13,7 (O) (O) (D) (D) 1 (P) (D) (Q) (P) 34
RB Moore 0-0 0-0 1-6 8-13 17-99 - 20-120 19-84 4-(-2) 24-57 1-(-1) 15-56 12-67 5-22 7-16 3-28 4-23
(rec stats) 3-37 3-17 5-14 2-10 3-45 6-48 5-33 4-41 2-9 4-36 2-20 1-10
13,2/2(rec) 32 1,1
RB Russell dnp dnp dnp dnp 6-25 - 4-0 1-8 0-0 0-0 2-10 3-5 3-1 4-6 1-1 0-0 4-21
(rec stats) 1-(-2)
(P) (P) 2 1 3
RB Mendenhall 10-28 0-0 0-0 9-30 dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 1-11 1-6
RB Davis 0-0 1-2 1-1 8-15 dnp - dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-6 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-11
(rec stats) 1-10 1-(-1) (D) (O) 1-4 1-0 (Q) 1-14
RB Davenport dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-3 - 0-0 0-0 1-2 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 dnp 8-26
(rec stats) (Q) 4-54
WR Ward 6-76 5-59 4-34 2-57 7-90 - 4-60 3-30 3-39 9-116 11-124 1-37 5-37 1-2 8-107 7-109 6-70
16,13 11 8 16 (P) 11 21
WR Holmes 2-19 5-94 3-32 3-61 4-65 - 5-89 dnp 3-30 4-29 5-63 5-84 2-28 3-82 3-21 5-93 3-31
(rush stats) 1-10 1-(-1)
38 (P) 5 19 4 31
WR Washington 0-0 0-0 5-51 2-23 6-94 - 2-57 1-65 2-59 3-30 2-14 1-12 3-41 4-58 5-76 3-38 1-13
(rush stats) 1-8 1-6 1-(-6) 1-4 1-6
48 50 65
WR Sweed dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - 1-11 3-28 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-25 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
TE Miller 3-26 2-33 4-63 2-8 5-45 - 2-13 3-52 0-0 dnp dnp 4-44 4-60 3-20 3-26 8-69 5-55
1 (O) (O) 3 6
TE Spaeth 1-6 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 1-6 0-0 1-6 6-53 6-55 0-0 1-4 1-6 0-0 0-0 0-0
(Q)
TE McHugh dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-2 1-15 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-7 0-0 0-0
(O)

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 SAN DIEGO C HARGERS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Philip Rivers
Backups: Billy Volek, Charlie Whitehurst
Starting QB: Philip Rivers has led the Chargers to three playoff
appearances in his three years as a starter. Rivers is known for his quick
release and accuracy, but he has also shown fine leadership skills. His
surrounding talent makes things easier on him since opposing teams
have to focus on containing LaDainian Tomlinson.
Rivers has an unorthodox throwing motion with
a low release point, but it hasn’t presented any
problems for him. Rivers does a particularly good
job of recognizing the blitz and making quick
decisions. He shows exceptional toughness (as
demonstrated when he played in the 2007 AFC
Championship game against the Patriots with a
torn ACL), and has become a vocal leader of the
team. With the running game ineffective at times
in 2008, the Chargers became more of a passing
team, and Rivers finished as the No. 3 fantasy QB
(FBG scoring). A healthy LaDainian Tomlinson
may drop Rivers back down the fantasy standings
a bit, but the Chargers have become Rivers’ team
as much as Tomlinson’s.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Backup QBs: The Chargers traded for Billy
Volek early during the 2006 regular season and he
rose to No. 2 on the depth chart shortly thereafter. Antonio Gates
Volek has started 10 games in his NFL career and
has averaged 279 passing yards per game in those starts. Volek has
decent, but not elite, arm strength and accuracy. He has above-average
experience and past production for a backup quarterback. When pressed
into duty in the playoff game against the Colts in 2007, Volek led the
Chargers on a game-winning touchdown drive. Charlie Whitehurst,
entering his fourth year in the league, was the Chargers third-string
quarterback for most of the past two seasons; he has a good arm,
mechanics and mobility.
RUNNING BACKS
Starter: LaDainian Tomlinson
Backups: Darren Sproles, Gartrell Johnson [R]
Fullback: Jacob Hester, Mike Tolbert
Starting RB: In 2006, LaDainian Tomlinson led the league in
rushing with 1,815 yards, set NFL records for rushing touchdowns
(28) and total touchdowns (31), and was named league MVP. He
started slow in 2007, but rebounded to score 15 times the last 11
games, and won the rushing title for the second consecutive season.
His 2008 season, however, was marked by injury and disappointment.
While Tomlinson did not miss a game, the toe injury he suffered in
the first game slowed him during the first half of the season and he
ended up averaging just 3.8 yards a carry – the lowest since his rookie
year. When healthy, Tomlinson has excellent vision, lateral quickness,
acceleration, body control, patience, power, speed, balance and tough-
ness. However, he will turn 30 before the season starts and has a lot
of mileage on him. His last two seasons have been progressively less
productive than his record-setting 2006 season, and the trend may
continue as he winds down his career.
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
RB Gartrell Johnson Draft College San Diego Chargers
WR Demetrius Byrd Draft College San Diego Chargers
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
TE Scott Chandler Free Agent San Diego Chargers Free Agent
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220
220 SAN DIEGO.indd 220
Backup RBs: Darren Sproles is a nifty, undersized runner with
great acceleration and quickness. He was a more effective runner than
Tomlinson last season (5.4 versus 3.8 YPC), and the Chargers put
the franchise tag on him for the 2009 season. Sproles showed terrific
athleticism and an electric spark whenever his number was called last
year. Nonetheless, while the Chargers will find a way to get Sproles
the ball in the open field in certain personnel packages, he is viewed
as a change-of-pace back rather than an every-down back. So even if
Tomlinson is injured, Sproles would likely share
the workload with rookie fourth-round pick
Gartrell Johnson or with last year’s third-round-
er, Jacob Hester. Johnson is a bruising runner
from Colorado State whose running style has
been compared to that of Marion Barber.
Fullbacks: UDFA Mike Tolbert began
2008 as the Chargers’ starting fullback. After
an exceptional training camp and preseason, he
became less effective during the regular season
before suffering ankle and shoulder injuries that
significantly limited his playing time over the
second half of the season. Last year’s third-round
pick Jacob Hester took over fullback duties from
Tolbert and proved to be a more effective lead
blocker than Tolbert. Hester was inconsistent as a
blocker, but generally used position and leverage
ICON SMI
to seal off his defender from the running lane.
Hester can also play halfback (he averaged 5.0
yards per carry last season), but the drafting of
Gartrell Johnson means that he will probably stay at fullback.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Vincent Jackson, Chris Chambers
Backups: Malcom Floyd, Craig Davis, Legedu Naanee,
Kassim Osgood
Starting WRs: Vincent Jackson had teased fantasy owners
with strong finishes in 2006 and 2007, but waited until 2008 (his
fourth year in the league) to put together a true breakout season. He
has an outstanding combination of size and speed, and with Antonio
Gates struggling through injuries all year, Jackson became Philip
Rivers’ favorite target last season. Jackson is both a red zone threat
and a deep threat. Lining up across from Jackson is Chris Chambers,
whom the Chargers traded for before the midway point in 2007.
Chambers was plagued by dropped balls with the Dolphins earlier in
his career, but has been a reliable, sure-handed receiver since com-
ing to the Chargers. He got off to a fast start in 2008, scoring five
touchdowns in the first five games before he was slowed by an ankle
injury. Chambers had a quiet second half of the season, when he was
outshone not only by Vincent Jackson, but also by Malcom Floyd.
Chambers enters the 2009 season healthy and his starting job should
be safe, but as the Chargers get their younger WRs more playing time
and more targets, Chambers’ production may suffer.
Backup WRs: Malcom Floyd is a big receiver with excellent
hands and overall athleticism. He adjusts well to the ball in the air,
and like Vincent Jackson, is both a red-zone threat and a deep threat.
He gained Philip Rivers’ trust over the second half of the 2008 season,
and may have earned a bigger role in the offense in 2009. While he
struggles against tight man coverage, he is a good fit as a third receiv-
er who can exploit coverage by a defense’s weaker defensive backs.
Challenging Floyd for playing time will be the Chargers’ first-round
pick from 2007, Craig ‘Buster’ Davis. Davis has shown flashes in
prior years’ training camps and has made occasional plays in games.
When he’s been on the field he’s performed well enough, but his avail-
ability has been compromised by almost constant nagging injuries.
Legedu Naanee may be ready for a step up in playing time. He is a
big, versatile receiver with decent run-after-the-catch ability. Kassim
Osgood is a special teams ace.
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/26/09 2:17:04 PM
 by Maurile Tremblay

TIGHT ENDS
2008 SEASON STATS
Starter: Antonio Gates Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
Backups: Brandon Manumaleuna, Kris Wilson Philip Rivers 478 312 4009 34 11 31 84 0
Antonio Gates struggled through last season, nursing a toe that
had been dislocated during the 2007 playoffs, a bruised hip suffered Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
in the first game of 2008, and a high ankle sprain suffered later in the LaDainian Tomlinson 292 1110 11 52 426 1
season. He lacked the explosiveness out of his cuts that he had shown Darren Sproles 61 330 1 29 342 5
in previous seasons, but still ended up with 704 receiving yards and Jacob Hester 19 95 1 12 91 1
a team-high eight receiving TDs. Gates has good size (6’4, 260) and
– when healthy – excellent quickness on underneath routes, as well as
Mike Tolbert 13 37 0 13 171 1
a knack for shielding defenders from the ball with his body. Heading
into 2009, the hip and ankle should be fine, but the toe may not Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
ever heal 100 percent. Gates has a high pain threshold and will play Vincent Jackson 59 1098 7 Pts 27.4 2nd
through injuries that might sideline other players; and as he proved Chris Chambers 33 462 5 Yds 349.0 11th
last season, a wounded Gates can still be a Top 5 fantasy tight end.
Malcom Floyd 27 465 4 P-Yds 241.1 7th
But to be considered a top-flight fantasy stud, Gates will have to show
during training camp that he can cut and push off of his toe without Legedu Naanee 8 64 0 R-Yds 107.9 20th
difficulty. Gates’ primary backup, Brandon Manumaleuna, has good Craig Davis 4 59 0
hands but lacks the speed to get downfield. He is primarily a blocker,
and occasionally a check-down receiver. Kris Wilson is another effec- Tight End Rec Yards TDs
tive blocker, but tends to be used as more of an H-back.
Antonio Gates 60 704 8

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

PLACE KICKER
PK: Nate Kaeding
After connecting on 80.0 percent on field goals in his rookie sea-
son, Nate Kaeding jumped to the top of the class the next three years.
He hit 87.5 percent (21 of 24) in his second year, 89.7 percent (26 of
29) in 2006, and 88.9 percent (24 of 27) in 2007. Last he made 27 of
32 (84.4 percent) field goals. That pulled down his career average to
86.1 percent putting him second on the all-time accuracy list behind
Mike Vanderjagt. Kaeding also was 6 of 9 from 50+ yards. After
missing one PAT his rookie season, Kaeding has been perfect since.
During his career, the Chargers have ranked 7th, 10th, 12th, 2nd, and
10th in kicker scoring. Kaeding scored 607 during his five years in the
NFL, most in the league during that span.
TEAM DEFENSE
The Chargers entered last season with grand expectations but their
Brandon Manumaleuna 15 127 2
season began to unravel right out of the gate. They were without their
best ILB Stephen Cooper for the first four games and were never able
to recover from the loss of Shawne Merriman in Week 1. The end
result was a very forgettable season in which San Diego posted lousy
numbers across the board. Merriman returns from the knee injury and
the club used their first round pick on Larry English to help insure that
they won’t have a repeat. English will compete with Shaun Phillips for
playing time at OLB opposite Merriman and gives the club some much
needed depth in case there is a setback. The other important offseason
additions are free agent ILB Kevin Burnett and DE Vaughn Martin,
whom they selected in the fourth round. Burnett will likely start along-
side Cooper and provide a significant upgrade while the 330+ pound
Martin will contend for playing time at DE this season. (He could also
play some nose tackle down the road.) Last year’s starting strong safety
Clinton Hart will be pushed by rookie sixth-round pick Kevin Ellison.
This is a much better club than last year’s numbers would suggest.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

San Diego Car @Den NYJ @Oak @Mia NE @Buf @NO bye KC @Pit Ind Atl Oak @KC @TB Den
24-26 38-39 48-29 28-18 10-17 30-10 14-23 32-37 week 20-19 10-11 20-23 16-22 34-7 22-21 41-24 52-21
QB Rivers 17-27-217-0 21-33-377-1 19-25-250-1 14-25-180-2 13-28-159-0 18-27-306-0 22-29-208-1 25-40-341-1 - 27-36-316-2 15-26-164-2 24-31-288-0 17-30-149-0 10-22-214-0 34-48-346-1 21-31-287-0 15-20-207-0
(rush stats) 1-(-1) 3-(-1) 3-12 1-(-1) 1-(-1) 1-(-1) 1-5 2-15 4-18 5-19 2-12 3-(-3) 4-11
44,5,24 66,15,48 1,27,6 9 17 49,4,1 14,12 12,12,14 5,8 39,1 8,59,18 4,10 11,15,5,32 12,13
RB Tomlinson 21-97 10-26 26-67 20-106 12-35 20-74 14-41 19-105 - 22-78 18-57 21-84 14-24 25-91 15-39 21-90 14-96
(rec stats) 3-15 2-14 3-20 2-9 5-22 3-44 6-26 5-65 4-39 3-45 3-30 5-42 6-35 2-20
(Q) 2,2 (Q) 13,41 (P) (P) (P) 12(rec) (P) 3 3 3 6 1,4,14
RB Sproles 2-3 7-53 5-38 6-12 6-24 2-9 1-1 1-6 - 3-15 1-0 2-21 0-0 9-30 0-0 2-3 14-115
(rec stats) 2-72 2-39 1-5 1-23 1-8 1-5 3-45 3-15 1-9 2-13 3-34 4-11 3-46 2-17
66(rec) (P) 8,18(rec) 32(rec) 2/13(rec)
RB Hester 0-0 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-28 7-18 1-9 0-0 8-37
(rec stats) 3-16 3-19 1-13 3-24 2-19
1(rec) 4
RB Tolbert 3-6 1-1 0-0 1-11 0-0 5-15 0-0 1-0 - 0-0 2-4 0-0 dnp dnp dnp 0-0 0-0
(rec stats) 3-35 2-68 4-17 1-14 3-37
1(rec) (P) (P) (P) (D) (D) (D) (P)
WR Jackson 3-47 6-73 3-74 3-52 2-56 5-134 4-42 4-60 - 5-83 2-25 2-57 0-0 5-148 6-89 7-111 2-47
(rush stats) 1-31 1-8 2-30
5 4 (P) 12 14 39 59 10 (P)
WR Chambers 1-44 4-83 1-27 2-42 3-30 dnp dnp 5-47 - 0-0 3-21 6-61 1-2 0-0 2-28 2-27 3-50
(rush stats) 1-1
44 15,48 27 17 (D) (D) (Q) (P)
WR Floyd 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp 3-75 4-65 1-21 - 4-76 2-29 2-54 5-59 1-19 5-67 dnp dnp
49 14 5 (P) 4 (O) (D)
WR Naanee 0-0 1-6 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-6 2-7 0-0 - 0-0 1-8 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-29 1-8
WR Davis dnp 0-0 3-43 0-0 1-16 dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(D) (O) (O)
TE Gates 4-61 4-61 2-25 5-58 1-12 4-35 4-55 6-96 - 8-66 2-10 3-28 3-27 0-0 7-78 4-43 3-49
24 (P) (P) 6 9 (P) (P) 1 12 8 15,5
TE Manumaleuna 3-15 0-0 1-5 0-0 0-0 1-4 1-8 1-7 - 0-0 1-17 3-29 0-0 0-0 1-14 1-11 2-17
11 12

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220 SAN DIEGO.indd 221 5/26/09 2:17:21 PM

 SAN FRANCISO 49
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Shaun Hill
Backups: Alex Smith, Damon Huard, Nate Davis [R]
Starting QB: After excellent performances to close out the 2007
and 2008 season, Shaun Hill should be the starter come opening day. He
has a career win-loss record of 7-3 and received his chance to start once
Mike Singletary took over the head coaching role in late October of 2008.
His record as a fantasy option is just as impressive,
with stats good enough to rate as a Top 6 fantasy QB
for the final half of 2008. That was under the Mike
Martz offense however. With Jimmy Raye running
the show in 2009, we should expect a more balanced
offense with the run game as the prime beneficiary.
Hill does still present himself as a reasonable option
if he falls far enough in fantasy drafts and with the
49ers grabbing Michael Crabtree in the first round,
Hill could be a pleasant surprise.
Backup QBs: It is unlikely the 49ers will
carry four QBs on the roster. As all of the probable
backups have significant negatives, it could be anyone
of the three guys that misses out. Alex Smith is a
former No. 1 draft pick, who renegotiated his contract
to remain with the 49ers after two-injury depleted
seasons that followed the gut-wrenching disappoint-
SAN FRANCISO 49ERS
ERS
will seek to protect Gore from burning out and drafted Glen Coffee in the
third round to ease his workload. Those who are thinking about taking
Gore with a first round pick this year might be concerned about his lack
of touchdowns. That may change with the 49ers seeking a more balanced
approach in 2009.
Backup RBs: Frank Gore owners may look in this direction, espe-
cially those who lost him to injury during the fantasy playoffs in 2008.
At the head of the queue should be rookie Glen Coffee. The rookie from
Alabama probably hasn’t developed enough physi-
cally to handle a full workload, but should be com-
petent in relief of Gore. He is a solid runner who
has been well coached and should get the nod ahead
of the established veterans in Michael Robinson
and Thomas Clayton. Robinson averaged about
one carry a game last year with the now departed
DeShaun Foster as the preferred choice. He was
slightly better as a receiver. Clayton enters his third
year as a 49er, most of which has been spent bat-
tling to stay on the roster.
Fullbacks: Moran Norris comes back to the
49ers after spending the 2008 season as a Detroit
Lion. Norris offers little to fantasy owners with 11
career rushing attempts and an average of around
three receptions a year during his eight years in
the NFL. Zak Keasey has offered even less to

ICON SMI
ment of his first two years as a pro. However, Smith the fantasy world with three receptions and two
is in the best position to take over should Hill fail or Frank Gore rushing attempts in three years. In the most recent
get injured. Damon Huard is a journeyman who after incarnations of the 49er offense the fullback has
failing in Kansas City gets an opportunity to provide veteran leadership to rarely seen the ball. This could change under the Jimmy Raye offense, but
his inexperienced rivals. If he were to play, it would be wise not to expect it would be wise to take a wait and see approach first.
too much. Nate Davis was selected in the fifth round of the 2009 draft and
offers significant upside if he adapts to the demands of the NFL. WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Isaac Bruce, Michael Crabtree [R]
RUNNING BACKS Backups: Josh Morgan, Brandon Jones, Jason Hill, Arnaz Battle
Starter: Frank Gore
Backups: Glen Coffee [R], Michael Robinson, Thomas Clayton Starting WRs: The top of the WR depth chart is uncertain fol-
Fullbacks: Moran Norris, Zak Keasey lowing the drafting of Michael Crabtree with the 10th overall pick.
If Crabtree signs quickly then the path for him becoming a starter will
Starting RB: Frank Gore will be looking to rebound from con- almost certainly be made easier. Crabtree was the consensus No. 1
secutive seasons of decreasing production. With new offensive coordinator WR in the draft by a large margin. Crabtree is NFL ready, a dynamic
Jimmy Raye promising to play tough physical football, this should play playmaker and hard worker. Other teams that rated him as a diva may
right into the hands of Frank Gore owners. As one of the more natural eventually regret that decision. Opposite Crabtree is likely to be Isaac
runners in the NFL, the talent of Frank Gore has never been in question Bruce, at least in the early part of the season. Despite turning 37 this
and he’ll be one of the few backs who should play on all downs. The 49ers year, Bruce demonstrated in 2008 that he still had the legs and desire
to perform well. Bruce almost retired in the off season but decided to
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED stick with the 49ers in early April. It would be a surprise however to see
Bruce perform even to last year’s standards. The absence of Mike Martz
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team will hurt Bruce the most. The 49ers will attempt to pass the ball far less
QB Nate Davis Draft College San Francisco 49ers and have a deep group of promising young receivers to call on.
QB Damon Huard Free Agent Kansas City Chiefs San Francisco 49ers Backup WRs: Josh Morgan, Jason Hill and Arnaz Battle
RB Glen Coffee Draft College San Francisco 49ers
have all started at some stage in recent years for the 49ers. Morgan and
RB Jamel White Free Agent Pittsburgh Steelers San Francisco 49ers
RB Kory Sheets Free Agent Free Agent San Francisco 49ers
Hill are still young enough to regain a starting role, but Battle could
RB Moran Norris Free Agent Detroit Lions San Francisco 49ers struggle to win a roster spot. Morgan both impressed and frustrated the
TE Bear Pascoe Draft College San Francisco 49ers coaching staff with his inconsistency, but he flashed some big-play abil-
WR Michael Crabtree Draft College San Francisco 49ers ity and if he improves he could be one to watch out for this year. Hill
WR Brandon Jones Free Agent Tennessee Titans San Francisco 49ers finds himself in a difficult position. He clearly has potential to become
a starting receiver and caught 30 balls once Mike Singletary took over
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST as coach. Others however look to have the edge right now and he’ll
need a bit of luck to appear on fantasy radars this year. A player who’ll
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team definitely be involved somewhere is the former Titan Brandon Jones,
QB J.T. O’Sullivan Free Agent San Francisco 49ers Cincinnati Bengals who signed a five-year contract as a free agent. It’s hard to imagine him
QB Jamie Martin Free Agent San Francisco 49ers Free Agent
in a starting role, but he could find his niche as a No. 3.
QB Kirby Freeman Free Agent San Francisco 49ers Free Agent
RB David Kirtman Free Agent San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks
RB DeShaun Foster Free Agent San Francisco 49ers Free Agent TIGHT ENDS
TE Sean P. Ryan Free Agent San Francisco 49ers Kansas City Chiefs Starter: Vernon Davis
WR Bryant Johnson Free Agent San Francisco 49ers Detroit Lions Backups: Delanie Walker, Bear Pascoe [R]
TE Billy Bajema Free Agent San Francisco 49ers St. Louis Rams

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222 FOOTBALLGUYS.COM

222 SAN FRAN.indd 222 5/26/09 3:42:36 PM

 by Andy Hicks

The performance of Vernon Davis as a receiver was a massive

disappointment for the 49ers in 2008. He had three games with zero 2008 SEASON STATS
catches and only one reception in seven others. This could be the Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
result of Mike Martz using the position ineffectively, or it could be Shaun Hill 288 181 2046 13 8 24 115 2
Davis’ numerous demonstrations of immaturity. The most significant
incident resulted in Davis being sent to the locker room by coach J.T. OSullivan 220 128 1678 8 11 30 145 0
Singletary during a game for causing a totally unnecessary 15-yard
penalty. Davis has always excelled as a blocker, but this year he will Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
need to demonstrate the receiving ability that saw the 49ers spend a Frank Gore 240 1036 6 43 373 2
high first-round pick on him in 2006. He has looked the part on occa- DeShaun Foster 76 234 1 16 133 1
sions and if he puts it all together will be a steal for fantasy owners Michael Robinson 19 50 0 17 202 0
with patience. Backup Delanie Walker has promise to be a capable
fantasy tight end but was another victim of Mike Martz’s scheme. He Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
shouldn’t appear on fantasy radars barring Vernon Davis being absent
for one reason or another. Bear Pascoe was drafted in the sixth round Isaac Bruce 60 833 7 Ctgry Avg Rnk
by the 49ers and will primarily be used as a blocker, although he is a Bryant Johnson 45 546 3 Pts 21.2 22nd
capable receiver if needed. Jason Hill 31 319 2 Yds 311.1 23rd
Arnaz Battle 24 318 0 P-Yds 211.2 13th
PLACE KICKER Josh Morgan 20 319 3 R-Yds 99.9 27th
PK: Joe Nedney
Dominique Zeigler 5 97 0
Joe Nedney posted his second-highest point total ever last year,
as he hit 29 of 33 (87.9 percent) in field goals and was perfect on 34 Tight End Rec Yards TDs
PATs for 121 points. That added up to a 14th place finish in kicker Vernon Davis 31 358 2
scoring for San Francisco Despite having an accurate year (89.5 per- Delanie Walker 10 155 1

SAN FRANCISO 49ERS

cent on field goals), Nedney scored only 73 points in 2007, and the
49ers ranked 32nd in kicker scoring. It was a big drop off from 2006
when he was 29 of 35 (82.9 percent) on field goals with 29 PATs. In
2005, Nedney was voted co-MVP by the 49ers, after he scored the
bulk of their points. He still has the range to hit long field goals, with
at least one 50+ yarder every year he’s played since 1998. Nedney
played in all 16 games each of the last three years. That is noteworthy
considering his track record, including several year ending injuries.
TEAM DEFENSE
San Francisco finished outside the Top 20 in most leagues last
season. Some may see reason to be optimistic based on the 49ers’
12th-best yardage allowed figure and the high likelihood of a major
improvement from the six fumble recoveries they managed last year.
Sean Ryan 3 15 0
Billy Bajema 2 34 0
However, the 49ers stood pat during the offseason, adding no impact
defenders in free agency or the draft. Instead, the team will look for
inspiration from motivational defensive-minded head coach Mike
Singletary. The potential for an improved pass rush exists if Justin
Smith and Manny Lawson can be more consistent on passing downs
and Patrick Willis and Nate Clements give the 49ers a pair of play-
makers in the back seven. Realistically, this team isn’t a sleeper in the
making and is unlikely to become a surprising match up play during
the bye week portion of the NFL schedule. Owners can safely ignore
them as a fantasy option on draft day.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

San Francisco Ari @Sea Det @NO NE Phi @NYG Sea bye @Ari StL @Dal @Buf NYJ @Mia @StL Was
13-23 33-30 31-13 17-31 21-30 26-40 17-29 13-34 week 24-29 35-16 22-35 10-3 24-14 9-14 17-16 27-24
QB Hill dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 15-23-173-0 - 19-40-217-2 15-20-213-0 21-33-303-1 14-23-161-0 28-39-285-1 30-46-233-0 18-34-216-3 21-30-245-1
(rush stats) 2-20 2-12 3-5 1-0 4-0 1-8 3-17 4-45 4-8
2 31,18 2,2/1(run) 18,9 12 4,3 3,48 9/2(run)
QB O’Sullivan 14-20-195-1 20-32-321-0 16-23-189-0 18-36-257-2 14-29-130-3 17-30-199-2 16-28-256-2 13-21-131-1 - dnp 0-1-0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 2-1 4-32 8-32 2-0 6-23 3-31 4-27 1-(-1)
3 6,24 5 16,6,5 30
RB Gore 14-96 19-61 27-130 16-82 12-54 19-101 11-11 18-94 - 23-99 18-106 14-26 24-66 14-52 dnp dnp 11-58
(rec stats) 4-55 5-38 4-32 2-31 4-24 3-16 3-50 7-65 1-6 2-8 1-6 3-23 3-13 1-6
41 2 4 16(rec) 6 5,1 (P) 4(rec) (Q) (Q) (P)
RB Foster 4-11 0-0 2-1 1-9 dnp 3-4 0-0 1-1 - 0-0 10-17 0-0 0-0 16-35 18-76 12-36 9-44
(rec stats) 1-12 1-2 2-40 1-9 1-8 5-25 2-17 3-20
9(rec) 1
RB Robinson 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-5 0-0 3-9 - 3-8 3-11 0-0 0-0 2-5 5-8 1-2 1-2
(rec stats) 1-12 2-26 2-14 2-54 3-7 (P) 1-13 4-33 2-43
WR Bruce 0-0 4-153 2-19 5-54 3-49 2-28 3-47 4-49 - 1-12 1-20 8-125 5-67 6-70 7-71 7-61 2-8
(rush stats) 1-(-3)
6 5 6,5 18 12 3
WR Johnson 3-48 6-78 1-25 0-0 3-27 0-0 0-0 3-30 - 3-17 4-56 4-56 1-16 6-49 5-41 4-60 2-43
3 (Q) 2 3
WR Hill 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-38 - 7-84 3-33 1-22 5-55 4-39 2-14 2-6 4-28
(rush stats) 1-(-4) 1-9
2 (P) 9
WR Battle 1-16 4-44 3-22 7-120 1-9 3-39 2-42 3-26 - dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-18 (O) (O) (O) (Q) (P) (O)
WR Morgan 0-0 1-8 1-18 1-10 2-13 1-25 5-86 0-0 - 4-54 dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0 2-55 3-50
30 (P) 31 (O) (O) (Q) (P) 48 (P)
WR Zeigler dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - 1-22 0-0 2-31 0-0 2-44 0-0 0-0 0-0
TE Davis 3-51 0-0 1-17 1-19 0-0 6-75 1-5 4-29 - 1-18 1-2 1-47 0-0 3-29 5-31 1-17 3-18
18 2
TE Walker 0-0 0-0 3-44 1-21 1-8 0-0 0-0 2-53 - 1-4 dnp 0-0 0-0 1-15 1-10 0-0 0-0
(P) 24 (P) (D) (P)
TE Ryan 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp 2-7 dnp dnp - dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-8 0-0 dnp
TE Bajema 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-5 0-0 0-0 1-29

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 SEATTLE S EAHAWKS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Matt Hasselbeck
Backups: Seneca Wallace, Mike Teel [R], Jeff Rowe
Starting QB: The 2008 campaign was really a wash for Matt
Hasselbeck as he hobbled through the season with a back injury that
forced him to miss nine games and throw for only 1,216 yards and
five TDs. Of course, injuries were handed out like candy in Seattle
last year as only two offensive skill position (T.J.
Duckett and John Carlson) players saw action
in 16 games. Assuming the Seahawks in general
will have better luck in that department in 2009,
Hasselbeck (for the superstitious among us, he
has played 16 games in each of the last three odd
numbered years) has the potential for an excel-
lent season. On the field, the veteran combines a
cerebral calmness with a good arm and generally
makes the correct play. He has three Top 6 fan-
tasy campaigns (again, all in odd numbers years)
and has a very good set of receivers (now led by
newcomer T.J. Houshmandzadeh). Hasselbeck has
appeared fully healthy in the early team camps
and has shown good rapport with his new WR.
Backup QBs: Here we find a QB that is
very dissimilar from Hasselbeck in that Seneca
Of course, the timing of these comments was dismissed by most as a
pre-NFL draft smokescreen. However, the Seahawks backed up those
words by passing completely on the position in the draft. That leaves
Julius Jones as the team’s primary back. Last season, Jones split time
with Maurice Morris and amassed an unimpressive 698 rushing yards
while scoring only two TDs, which was disappointing considering his
on-paper skill set of great speed and good vision. After similar lack-
luster performances in Dallas, the 2009 campaign would appear to be
Jones’ last chance to be considered a starting
back.
Backup RBs: T.J. Duckett has been
ridiculed by some this offseason for his paltry
2.8 yards-per-carry average from 2008. That is
bad, but he did excel as a short-yardage back.
In 30 carries with three or fewer yards needed
for a first down, Duckett converted for 23 first
downs or touchdowns. That’s a nice ratio, espe-
cially considering the injury woes suffered by
the offensive line and the struggles the running
game experienced in general. Based on his eight
scores in a down season for the Seattle offense,
a resurgent Seahawk offense could mean double-
digit scoring opportunities for Duckett this year.
Justin Forsett is a nice prospect that (after being
drafted by the Seahawks in the seventh round

ICON SMI
Wallace is about five inches shorter and 15 in 2008) accumulated no rushing or receiving
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

pounds lighter, possesses an extremely strong arm Matt Hasselbeck stats while bouncing from Seattle to Indianapolis
and excellent running ability, and can sometimes and then back to Seattle, but he did show his
make poor decisions while utilizing improper technique. That aside quickness and cutting ability in punt and kick returns. Assuming
– Wallace has generally been very good in relief of Hasselbeck and the Seahawks do not sign another veteran, Forsett should get a few
is entrenched in that role. However, their flirtation with taking Mark touches in relief of Jones. Devin Moore and Tyler Roehl are a pair of
Sanchez solidifies the belief that Seattle does not envision Wallace as undrafted free agents with decent chances of sticking on the roster.
a starting caliber player. Sixth rounder Mike Teel has good intangibles Fullbacks: The Mohawk-wearing Owen Schmitt definitely
and leadership qualities and a very strong arm. He needs some work plays with intensity and has broken a few of his own facemasks while
on his accuracy and hasn’t shown much ability to progress through his blocking. After the departure of Leonard Weaver, most expected
reads. Teel does not appear ready to play this season, but he should Schmitt to easily assume the starting role, but the signing of veteran
stick with the team over 2008 undrafted free agent Jeff Rowe. Justin Griffith signals that there will be competition. Griffith, while
still not fully healthy with a knee injury, has familiarity with the staff
RUNNING BACKS due to his prior relationship with new HC Jim Mora during their time
Starter: Julius Jones with the Falcons. Griffith could have more fantasy value as Schmitt is
Backups: T.J. Duckett, Justin Forsett, Devin Moore [R], Tyler Roehl [R] more of a blocker than a receiver, but neither player will be a force.
Fullbacks: Owen Schmitt, Justin Griffith
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starting RB: In a bit of a surprise to observers, OC Greg Knapp Starters: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch
said in mid-April that he was happy with Seattle’s current crop of Backups: Nate Burleson, Ben Obomanu, Deon Butler [R],
backs. He added that the team’s zone scheme has a history of giving Jordan Kent, Logan Payne, Courtney Taylor
guys “career best seasons” and pointed out Warrick Dunn’s 1400-yard
season in 2004 and Justin Fargas’ 1000-yard campaign in Oakland. Starting WRs: On paper, the Bengals have an excellent pair of
complementary WRs in T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch.
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED Houshmandzadeh arrives as a free agent from Cincinnati, where he put
up multiple highly-productive seasons (over 90 catches in each of the
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
last three years and over 70 in each of the last five). He has shown to
QB Mike Teel Draft College Seattle Seahawks
RB Devin Moore Free Agent College Seattle Seahawks
be a reliable redzone target (21 total TDs in 2006 and 2007) and has
RB Tyler Roehl Free Agent College Seattle Seahawks already meshed with Matt Hasselbeck in that arena during minicamp.
RB Justin Griffith Free Agent Oakland Raiders Seattle Seahawks Houshmandzadeh doesn’t have great speed, but he is an excellent route
TE Cameron Morrah Draft College Seattle Seahawks runner and uses his size and football smarts to create separation in
TE John Owens Free Agent Detroit Lions Seattle Seahawks tight quarters. He is not afraid of working in traffic (which has lead to
WR Deon Butler Draft College Seattle Seahawks a few nagging injuries) and has great hands. He is an excellent posses-
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh Free Agent Cincinnati Bengals Seattle Seahawks sion receiver and will be a reliable target for Seattle. Branch, on the
other hand, excels as a deep threat. He can explode on the snap and
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST create separation with his quickness and burst. Branch’s only real prob-
lem is his health. He has been plagued by injuries in his seven-year
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
RB Leonard Weaver Free Agent Seattle Seahawks Philadelphia Eagles
career (only one 16-game season) and underwent offseason surgery to
RB Maurice Morris Free Agent Seattle Seahawks Detroit Lions clean up his surgically repaired knee. The team fully expects him to be
TE Will Heller Free Agent Seattle Seahawks Detroit Lions healthy for training camp, but the litany of injuries is a worry.
WR Bobby Engram Free Agent Seattle Seahawks Kansas City Chiefs Backup WRs: Here’s another Seahawk that was bitten by the
WR Koren Robinson Free Agent Seattle Seahawks Free Agent injury bug in 2008. Nate Burleson was set to build upon a quality

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 by Clayton Gray

2008 campaign (nine TDs) when, in the opening game, he was lost
for the year with a knee injury. When the Seahawks run three-WR 2008 SEASON STATS
sets, Burleson will be in that package, so it’s conceivable he will get a Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
large number of starts. However, with the arrival of Houshmandzadeh, Seneca Wallace 242 141 1532 11 3 16 78 0
Burleson’s targets will not match the 95 he saw in 2007. However,
he should be able to create mismatches against nickel corners. Ben Matt Hasselbeck209 109 1216 5 10 11 69 0
Obomanu worked in Branch’s starting job (while Branch rehabbed),
but he looks like a WR4 at best. Deon Butler has an opportunity to Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
return kicks, but barring injury, he won’t work into the regular WR Julius Jones 158 698 2 14 66 0
rotation. Courtney Taylor has been the talk of minicamp, but he’ll Maurice Morris 132 574 0 19 136 2
have to beat out Jordan Kent and Logan Payne for the WR5 spot.
T.J. Duckett 62 172 8 0 0 0
TIGHT ENDS Leonard Weaver 30 130 0 20 222 2
Starter: John Carlson
Backups: Cameron Morrah [R], John Owens Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
Bobby Engram 47 489 0 Ctgry Avg Rnk
Despite a history of not relying heavily upon rookies, we entered
the 2008 season expecting then-HC Mike Holmgren to use John Koren Robinson 31 400 2 Pts 18.4 25th
Carlson often. The rookie was a second round selection (fairly high Deion Branch 30 412 4 Yds 274.1 28th
for a TE) and had little competition. Those expectations were realized Courtney Taylor 9 98 0 P-Yds 163.6 29th
as Carlson played a huge role in the offense and ended the season as Billy McMullen 7 124 0 R-Yds 110.5 19th
Seattle’s top pass catcher. Of course, that’s a low number for a team-
leading receiver, but Carlson did show to have great all-around ability
for a tight end. He catches well, runs nice routes, and is an underrated Tight End Rec Yards TDs
blocker. Cameron Morrah was taken in the seventh round and is a John Carlson 55 627 5

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
very one-dimensional player. He has fairly soft hands and good quick-
ness, but he lacks enough size and strength to even be an adequate
blocker. John Owens is the anti-Morrah with great blocking ability
but hands of stone. TEAM DEFENSE

PLACE KICKER
PKs: Olindo Mare, Brandon Coutu
Brandon Coutu and Olindo Mare will compete for the second
straight year. After struggling on field goals for two years, hitting
26 of 36 (72.2 percent) in 2006 and 10 of 17 (58.8 percent) in 2007,
Mare rebounded last year making 24 of 27 (88.9 percent). He did not
have any lingering issues from the groin and hip injuries suffered the
year before. Although Mare won the job last year and did very well,
the Seahawks also opted to keep Coutu on the roster. Coutu did well
consistently throughout his career at Georgia. He hit 53 of 66 on field
goals. His long field goal each of the last three years was over 50
yards. He did not miss a single PAT attempt.
Aside from a Top 10 finish in sacks, Seattle was well below average
in every major defensive category last season, including Bottom 10
finishes in both points and yardage allowed. Under new head coach
Jim Mora and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, the team will try to
ramp up their aggressiveness this season. It may be difficult for the
team to follow up on its 35 sack season without OLB Julian Peterson,
who was dealt to Detroit for DL Cory Redding. The status of defen-
sive end Patrick Kerney is also a question, given the multiple surgeries
the veteran has undergone in the past 12 months. The Seahawks will
replace Peterson with fourth overall pick Aaron Curry who was the
consensus best outside linebacker in the draft. Even a fully healthy
Kerney and productive Curry aren’t likely to improve this defense
enough to make them roster worthy in fantasy leagues.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Seattle @Buf SF StL bye @NYG GB @TB @SF Phi @Mia Ari Was @Dal NE @StL NYJ @Ari
10-34 30-33 37-13 week 6-44 17-27 10-20 34-13 7-26 19-21 20-26 17-20 9-34 21-24 23-20 13-3 21-34
QB Wallace 0-0-0-0 dnp dnp - 3-6-20-0 dnp 12-23-73-1 15-25-222-0 13-29-169-0 21-38-185-0 dnp dnp dnp 20-28-212-0 15-25-226-0 18-25-175-0 24-43-250-2
(rush stats) 2-6 1-2 2-9 3-47 2-3 3-(-3) 3-14
(D) (P) (Q) 2 43,62 90 3 (P) 14,10,4 2 30,2
QB Hasselbeck 17-41-190-1 18-36-189-2 12-20-172-0 - 11-21-105-1 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 17-29-170-3 12-24-103-2 22-38-287-1 dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-12 2-19 4-17 2-11 2-10
20 10 (Q) (O) (O) (O) (O) 13 (P) 4,10 (P) (P) (D) (Q) (Q) (Q)
RB Jones 13-45 26-127 22-140 - 17-61 12-44 7-42 6-9 10-41 16-88 10-19 2-21 11-37 dnp 4-18 0-0 2-6
(rec stats) 2-17 3-14 1-4 1-13 1-(-5) 2-22 1-4 2-2 1-(-5)
27 29
RB Morris 6-31 dnp dnp - dnp 4-16 6-56 11-16 8-43 1-11 3-2 14-103 6-10 14-39 15-86 29-116 15-45
(rec stats) 2-13 2-12 1-6 3-27 3-10 3-23 2-19 3-26
(O) (O) (Q) (P) 13(rec) 4(rec)
RB Duckett 0-0 2-3 19-79 - 4-14 2-9 1-(-1) 8-1 2-4 1-(-1) 5-5 1-4 3-20 4-16 3-4 1-2 6-13
1 4,1 1 1,2 1
RB Weaver 2-9 5-27 2-5 - 1-(-1) 3-14 0-0 2-13 dnp 0-0 dnp 1-0 1-3 5-32 3-14 3-5 2-9
(rec stats) 2-17 3-20 1-6 4-116 1-5 2-14 1-9 1-4 1-1 4-30
43,62(rec) (Q) (P) (Q) (P)
WR Engram dnp dnp dnp - 8-61 0-0 1-8 3-40 3-20 5-63 2-30 2-34 4-45 4-27 3-46 6-65 6-50
(O) (O) (O) (P)
WR Robinson dnp dnp dnp - dnp 2-23 2-23 4-31 4-105 5-38 2-11 1-14 3-49 0-0 2-28 3-38 3-40
(rush stats) 1-(-4)
(Q) (Q) (P) (P) (P) 90 (P) 3 (P) (P) (P) (P) (P) (P) (Q) (Q)
WR Branch dnp dnp dnp - 3-31 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 4-54 1-11 5-56 4-88 5-76 2-6 6-90
(O) (D) (D) (P) (Q) (Q) (Q) (O) (Q) (P) (P) 14,4 30,2
WR Taylor 2-19 2-20 1-11 - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-7 1-6 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-35 0-0
WR McMullen dnp 3-48 4-76 - 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(O)
TE Carlson 4-52 6-78 2-38 - 0-0 4-22 3-11 1-13 2-30 5-54 3-39 2-14 6-105 8-69 5-76 2-12 2-14
6 2 10 10 2

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 ST. LOUIS R AMS
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Marc Bulger
Backups: Kyle Boller, Keith Null [R]
Starting QB: First off, this is not Dick Vermeil’s offense
anymore – not even close. The last couple of years, the Rams have
been nothing more than a shell of that once vaunted attack. After the
debacle that was the 2008 campaign, a change was obviously needed.
New HC Steve Spagnuolo will install the West Coast
offense and has already stated that the team will rely
heavily upon stud back Steven Jackson. This is both
good and bad news for Marc Bulger. Obviously,
Bulger has the physical potential to excel as a fan-
tasy QB (he has three Top 10 finishes (2003, 2004,
and 2006) as a fantasy QB), but he has struggled
with injuries in recent seasons. In his seven years in
the NFL, Bulger has played only one 16-game sea-
son (2006). The changes in the offense (along with
the lack of multiple, high-quality receiving options)
will not afford Bulger the opportunities to finish in
the Top 10 again, but those moves (along with the
upgraded offensive line) will certainly help him stay
on the field. Early reports from minicamp indicate
Bulger is picking up the offense and has the full
confidence of the new coaching staff.
Backup QB: Kyle Boller spent five years in
Starting RB: After an enormous 2006 campaign (over 2,300
total yards and 16 total TDs), Steven Jackson has struggled with mul-
tiple issues the last two years. He has missed eight games in two years
due to various muscle injuries (quadriceps and groin). The offensive
line has had a tough time both staying healthy and opening running
lanes. Obviously, there are no contract issues, so Jackson will fully
participate in camp. He claims his injury issues were caused at least
partially by his extremely low body fat and is beefing up a bit. The
blocking has been improved by signing center
Jason Brown, fullback Mike Karney, and tight
end Billy Bajema and by drafting tackle Jason
Smith with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.
These changes should afford Jackson the
opportunity to challenge for the top fantasy
RB spot as he has a full package of talents:
speed, quickness, power, vision, and very
good hands.
Backup RBs: Antonio Pittman is a
speedy back who can make a single cut and
then pick up nice yardage. He can fill in as
a spot starter, but is more suited as a change
of pace RB. Ken Darby has been on two
teams in his two years as a pro and is just a
reserve player. Chris Ogbonnaya was taken
in the seventh round. He has nice size, but is a
little slow and couldn’t even outrush QB Colt

ICON SMI
Baltimore as their off-and-on starter (he started 42 Steven Jackson McCoy in 2008. Sam Gado will be lucky to
games as a Raven). He has good size and athleticism make the final roster.
ST. LOUIS RAMS

and possesses a very strong arm. However, he lacks consistency and
seems unable to read through his progressions with any regularity. He
simply lacks the intangibles necessary to excel at this level. Boller is a
solid option as a backup QB, but his shortcomings will prevent him from
mounting a significant challenge to any starting job. Keith Null was taken
in the sixth round and is a very intelligent passer with excellent accuracy
on intermediate and short throws. He does, however, lack arm strength and
faces a big adjustment from the spread offense he ran at West Texas A&M.
Fullbacks: Mike Karney has good size and is generally a good
blocker. As the only natural fullback in St. Louis, he will be counted
upon as the lead man for Jackson. Karney is best when he doesn’t
have to make quick adjustments.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Starters: Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton
Backups: Laurent Robinson, Derek Stanley, Brooks Foster [R]

RUNNING BACKS Starting WRs: Not too long ago, the Rams were stocked at the
Starter: Steven Jackson WR position with Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt consistently turning in
Backups: Antonio Pittman, Ken Darby, Chris Ogbonnaya [R], Sam Gado dominant fantasy seasons. Well, the veterans are gone, and Donnie
Fullback: Mike Karney Avery is now St. Louis’ top receiving threat. Avery flashed excel-
lence in his rookie season, and he has the elite speed, acceleration,
and hands that are required to be a WR1. Of course, he was helped by
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED having Holt playing across from him, so it remains to be seen if Avery
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team is capable of anchoring a WR corps. The Rams obviously believe in
QB Keith Null Draft College St. Louis Rams him, and we expect Avery to lead them in receiving. Keenan Burton
QB Kyle Boller Free Agent Baltimore Ravens St. Louis Rams will get the first shot at starting opposite Avery. Burton lacks elite-
RB Chris Ogbonnaya Draft College St. Louis Rams level speed, but he has good quickness and can make plays after the
RB Mike Karney Free Agent New Orleans Saints St. Louis Rams
catch. Still, he is a work in progress and will need to hold off new-
TE Billy Bajema Free Agent San Francisco 49ers St. Louis Rams
WR Brooks Foster Draft College St. Louis Rams
signed Laurent Robinson.
WR Laurent Robinson Trade Atlanta Falcons St. Louis Rams Backup WRs: Many thought Laurent Robinson would imme-
WR Tim Carter Free Agent Houston Texans St. Louis Rams diately slot into the WR2 spot when he signed this offseason, but the
Rams did not promise him a starting job. He opened minicamps as the
team’s third receiver and could excel in that role. If Keenan Burton
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST falters, Robinson could easily move up the ladder. He has nice speed
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team and is very athletic, but his technique often breaks down in traffic.
QB Trent Green Free Agent St. Louis Rams Free Agent Derek Stanley is a quick, undersized player that is more suited to the
RB Brian Leonard Trade St. Louis Rams Cincinnati Bengals role of returner than receiver. Brooks Foster brings size to the table but
RB Dan Kreider Free Agent St. Louis Rams Arizona Cardinals struggles with consistency.
RB Richard Owens Free Agent St. Louis Rams Free Agent
RB Travis Minor Free Agent St. Louis Rams Free Agent
TIGHT ENDS
TE Anthony Becht Free Agent St. Louis Rams Arizona Cardinals
TE Dominique Byrd Free Agent St. Louis Rams Arizona Cardinals
Starter: Randy McMichael
WR Dane Looker Free Agent St. Louis Rams Free Agent Backups: Joe Klopfenstein, Billy Bajema, Daniel Fells
WR Dante’ Hall Free Agent St. Louis Rams Free Agent
WR Drew Bennett Free Agent St. Louis Rams Free Agent With the outflow of WRs this offseason, Randy McMichael could
WR Joel Filani Free Agent St. Louis Rams Tampa Bay Buccaneers be called upon often in the St. Louis passing game. While he isn’t
WR Torry Holt Free Agent St. Louis Rams Jacksonville Jaguars as dangerous in the passing game as he once was, McMichael is still

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 by Clayton Gray

a force in the middle of the field. Joe Klopfenstein is an adequate

backup, but he is neither strong enough to be a powerful blocker 2008 SEASON STATS
nor agile enough to separate from coverage. Billy Bajema is a good Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
blocker with only seven career receptions. Marc Bulger 440 251 2720 11 13 14 41 0
PLACE KICKER Trent Green 72 38 525 0 6 3 4 0
PK: Josh Brown
Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
While Josh Brown’s field goal percentages fluctuated, his scoring Steven Jackson 254 1043 7 40 379 1
during his first four years with Seattle remained remarkably consis- Antonio Pittman 78 295 0 18 132 0
tent: 114, 109, 110, and 111 points. In 2007 he had his highest scoring
year with 127 points. He hit 28 of 34 (82.4 percent) on field goals. Ken Darby 32 140 0 19 183 0
Brown got plenty of field goal opportunities in his first year with the Travis Minor 13 29 0 5 35 0
Rams in 2008, going 31 of 36 (86.1 percent). He was perfect on kicks Brian Leonard 2 7 0 0 0 0
under 40 yards for the second straight year. He has the leg to hit long
field goals, as evidenced the last four years by going 17 of 26 from Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
50+ yards. He has hit a 54+ yard field goal in each of his six years as
Torry Holt 64 796 3 Ctgry Avg Rnk
a pro. This year the offense will again be under the guidance of a new
offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur who spent the last seven year’s as Donnie Avery 53 674 3 Pts 14.5 31st
Philadelphia’s quarterback coach. Dane Looker 23 271 2 Yds 287.2 27th
Keenan Burton 13 172 1 P-Yds 184.2 26th
TEAM DEFENSE Dante Hall 12 105 0 R-Yds 103.1 25th
The Rams were a terrible fantasy option last season. They finished Derek Stanley 6 119 1
well below the league average in points against and yardage allowed
while scoring only one touchdown. That could change quickly under Tight End Rec Yards TDs
the direction of new head coach Steve Spagnuolo, who will bring Randy McMichael 11 139 0
the distinctive brand of pressure and aggression he learned under

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Joe Klopfenstein 11 123 0
longtime Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. That phi-
losophy should meld well with a defense that has never lacked tal- Daniel Fells 7 81 0
ent. Defensive ends Leonard Little and Chris Long are both capable Anthony Becht 6 39 0
pass rushers. DT Adam Carriker has the ability to be a penetrating
force inside, but has never been used in that role. Will Witherspoon
should be more productive as a free-flowing WLB and rookie James Louis what Gibril Wilson was for the New York Giants and Brian
Laurinaitis could thrive at MLB in this scheme. The secondary has Dawkins was for Philadelphia in similar schemes. The official FBG
two solid playmakers in CB Ron Bartell (three interceptions and 19 DST rankings have the Rams as the consensus worst fantasy pick this
pass breakups in 2008) and safety O.J. Atogwe, who could be for St. season, but don’t be surprised to find them under consideration as a

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

St. Louis @Phi NYG @Sea Buf bye @Was Dal @NE Ari @NYJ @SF Chi Mia @Ari Sea SF @Atl
3-38 13-41 13-37 14-31 week 19-17 34-14 16-23 13-34 3-47 16-35 3-27 12-16 10-34 20-23 16-17 27-31
QB Bulger 14-26-158-0 20-32-177-1 18-31-184-1 dnp - 15-26-136-0 14-19-173-0 18-34-301-1 16-33-186-2 6-13-65-1 34-53-295-2 2-2-11-0 16-35-149-3 22-37-228-1 19-32-207-0 19-36-227-1 19-32-230-0
(rush stats) 1-9 1-(-1) 4-(-2) 3-32 2-5 2-(-5) 1-3
45 21 42 (P) 69 80,3 2 (P) 3 31 30 16
QB Green dnp dnp dnp 17-32-236-1 - dnp dnp dnp dnp 5-10-70-1 dnp 16-30-219-4 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-3 (P) 2-1
RB Jackson 14-40 13-53 23-66 24-110 - 22-79 25-160 dnp 7-17 dnp dnp dnp 21-94 19-64 24-91 32-108 30-161
(rec stats) 3-34 7-37 5-62 5-78 3-32 2-16 1-16 4-3 4-36 2-11 4-54
29 (P) 8,1,56 (Q) (Q) (D) (O) (O) (Q) 3(rec) (P) 6 4,2 (P)
RB Pittman 0-0 1-6 0-0 dnp - dnp dnp 19-83 10-12 13-28 14-95 9-8 6-25 4-26 0-0 dnp 2-12
(rec stats) 1-(-2) 3-22 4-15 2-38 3-4 3-11 2-41
(O) (O) (O) (P) (Q) (P) (P)
RB Darby dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp 0-0 0-0 dnp 4-32 7-26 7-10 2-8 0-0 4-29 5-15 3-20
(rec stats) 8-83 3-29 1-5 5-57 2-9
RB Minor 0-0 0-0 1-(-1) 0-0 - 2-3 5-15 4-8 0-0 dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp 0-0 1-4
(rec stats) (P) 2-20 1-(-2) 2-17 (Q)
RB Leonard dnp dnp dnp 2-7 - 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(P)
WR Holt 1-9 6-76 4-37 4-65 - 5-23 3-51 3-28 6-58 1-5 5-60 4-84 3-30 5-61 4-64 4-55 6-90
45 3 31
WR Avery dnp 0-0 3-24 3-22 - 4-73 5-65 6-163 3-26 2-29 9-93 1-14 0-0 2-18 6-61 5-56 5-40
(rush stats) 1-37 1-(-5) 1-7 1-(-1) 1-13 1-(-5) 1-2 2-11
(O) (P) 37(run) 42 69 (P) 16
WR Looker 1-21 2-29 1-21 2-37 - dnp dnp 0-0 dnp 2-21 2-8 4-46 6-52 2-27 1-9 0-0 0-0
21 (O) 2
WR Burton 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp - dnp 1-4 2-41 0-0 1-28 2-13 2-15 1-23 1-5 1-5 1-30 1-8
(rush stats) 1-0 1-3 1-5
(O) (O) (D) (P) (P) (Q) 30
WR Hall 3-13 2-13 1-8 0-0 - 0-0 1-20 4-47 1-4 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-(-4) 1-0 2-13
WR Stanley dnp dnp dnp dnp - 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-80 1-12 3-21 0-0 0-0 1-6 0-0 dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-0
(Q) 80 (P) (P)
TE McMichael 5-77 2-24 2-12 2-26 - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
TE Klopfenstein 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-8 - 2-10 0-0 0-0 1-3 0-0 1-5 0-0 0-0 2-37 2-25 1-6 1-29
(P)
TE Fells dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-26 3-18 2-25 0-0 1-12 0-0
(P)
TE Becht 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-3 1-8 1-11 1-5 1-5 1-7 0-0 0-0

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 TAMPA BAY B
QUARTERBACKS
Starting QB: Byron Leftwich
Backup QBs: Luke McCown, Josh Freeman [R], Josh
Johnson, Brian Griese
Starting QB: The Buccaneers enter training camp without a
clear cut starter at QB. The battle seems to be between two veterans
and an upstart rookie. Veteran signal callers Byron
Leftwich (who likely has the inside edge) and
Luke McCown will try to hold off rookie Kansas
State rookie QB, Josh Freeman for the starting
job. If you’re not familiar with Freeman, he’s 6’5,
250 pounds and he can throw the heck out of the
football. The Buccaneers thought highly enough
of him to trade up at the 17th overall pick and
make him their first selection in the 2009 draft.
New Bucs coach Raheem Morris, who is a rookie
in his own regard, is itching to pencil in Freeman
as the starter. Morris is very aware of Freeman’s
talent from his stint as defensive coordinator with
Kansas State in 2006. The experience and depth
the team has at QB will bring a healthy competi-
tion to determine the starter, but make no mistake,
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
UCCANEERS
Giants, who boasted a three-RB approach. The thought is that if he can
rush for 1,000 yards as one of three backs, what can he do if he is the
featured back? The early understanding is that Ward will team with
Earnest Graham to give the Bucs a solid one-two punch at RB, but
Ward is bigger and has more talent than Graham. Ward was the first
unrestricted free agent signing by new coach Raheem Morris and GM
Mark Dominik. Don’t be surprised to see Ward have a solid grasp on
the No. 1 spot on the depth chart by the time the
season begins.
Backup RBs: With Warrick Dunn out of
the picture and Derrick Ward in place as a key
free agent acquisition, the Buccaneers will have
Earnest Graham and second-year pro Clifton
Smith fulfilling backup duties at the RB position.
Graham is a capable, yet slightly injury prone back
who is coming off a disappointing season com-
pared to his breakout 2007 campaign that included
10 rushing TDs. Smith stepped in as the team’s
return man in his rookie season and earned a spe-
cial teams Pro Bowl selection for his efforts. The
Bucs also have Cadillac Williams buried on the
depth chart, but he is coming off two serious knee
injuries and it remains to be seen if he’ll bounce

Freeman is Morris’ guy. back to anything close to his once dominant form.

ICON SMI
Backup QB: The Buccaneers have five QBs Fullbacks: Not much to see here. B.J.
on their current roster – Byron Leftwich, Luke Antonio Bryant Askew and Jameel Cook are fortunate to com-
McCown, Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson and Brian bine for two touches in a game.
Griese. The early thinking is that Josh Johnson and or Brian Griese
will be off the team by the time training camp begins. Leftwich is a WIDE RECEIVERS
proven quality backup QB in the league. He had minimal game action Starting WRs: Antonio Bryant, Michael Clayton
last season with Pittsburgh, but he engineered drives and kept the team Backup WRs: Dexter Jackson, Maurice Stovall, Sammie
more than afloat while starter Ben Roethlisberger rested his injuries. Stroughter [R]
Luke McCown did not have a single pass attempt in 2008, but this
will be his third year with the team and he does have NFL game expe- Starting WRs: The Buccaneers released veteran Joey Galloway
rience that other QBs on the roster don’t have. McCown also had a 7.3 in the offseason and re-signed rising star Antonio Bryant and veteran
yards-per-attempt average in five games in 2007, including an impres- Michael Clayton. Bryant is coming off a stellar 2008 season that
sive 91.7 QB rating. saw him really blossom in the second half, catching five of his seven
TDs after week 12. He had six games of at least 100-yards receiving
RUNNING BACKS in 2008, which was fifth-highest among all WRs. Bryant is expected
Starting RB: Derrick Ward to be a major contributor in the offense once again. In releasing Joey
Backup RBs: Earnest Graham, Clifton Smith, Cadillac Williams Galloway, Tampa Bay will turn to veteran Michael Clayton, who is
Fullbacks: B.J. Askew, Jameel Cook mostly known for his impressive rookie season that resulted in a Top
15 fantasy ranking among all WRs. He hasn’t come close to the top
Starting RB: The Buccaneers released several veteran players 25 since then, but 2008 marked the most receptions (38) since his 80-
in the offseason, including long-time RB, Warrick Dunn. These moves catch rookie season. Clayton will likely be the teams third down field
freed up cap space and opened the door for the team to sign free agent option behind Bryant and newly signed TE Kellen Winslow Jr.
RB Derrick Ward. Last year Ward rushed for 1,000 yards with the Backup WRs: Depth is not something the Bucs have a lot of in
their receiving corps this year. Expect the passing game to be centered
on Antonio Bryant, Kellen Winslow, Michael Clayton and even the
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED duo of RBs Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham. Second-year speedster
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team Dexter Jackson figures to have more of a role in 2009. Fourth-year
QB Josh Freeman Draft College Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Maurice Stovall rounds up the depth chart, but he has not had
QB Byron Leftwich Free Agent Pittsburgh Steelers Tampa Bay Buccaneers more than ten catches in a season in his three year career.
RB Derrick Ward Free Agent New York Giants Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TE Kellen Winslow, Jr Trade Cleveland Browns Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TIGHT ENDS
WR Sammie Stroughter Draft College Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR Joel Filani Free Agent St. Louis Rams Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Starting TE: Kellen Winslow, Jr.
Backup TE: Jerramy Stevens, John Gilmore

NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST The Buccaneers bolstered their TE position by trading for and sign-
ing standout TE Kellen Winslow, Jr. Winslow figures to be a major
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team
contributor in the Bucs offensive plans – provided he rebounds from a
QB Jeff Garcia Free Agent Tampa Bay Buccaneers Oakland Raiders
RB B.J. Askew Free Agent Tampa Bay Buccaneers Free Agent
less than acceptable 2008 season that included five missed games due
RB Warrick Dunn Free Agent Tampa Bay Buccaneers Free Agent to assorted injuries. When healthy, Winslow is a very dependable target
TE Alex Smith Trade Tampa Bay Buccaneers New England Patriots that will add a new facet to the Buccaneers offensive game plan that
WR Anthony Mix Free Agent Tampa Bay Buccaneers Free Agent didn’t exactly feature the TE in previous seasons. Look for Winslow
WR Ike Hilliard Free Agent Tampa Bay Buccaneers Free Agent to rebound as a top five fantasy TE in 2009. Veteran Jerramy Stevens
WR Joey Galloway Free Agent Tampa Bay Buccaneers New England Patriots will occupy the team’s backup TE role behind Kellen Winslow Jr.

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 by Jeff Haseley

Stevens, who has been a primary receiving TE in prior seasons will take
a back seat to Winslow, but don’t be surprised if they both see the field 2008 SEASON STATS
at the same time during red zone opportunities. His presence should Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
result in an improvement compared to last year’s dismal red zone pro-
Jeff Garcia 376 244 2712 12 6 35 148 1
duction. The Bucs also have veteran John Gilmore, who is coming off
his best year of his seven-year career. Brian Griese 184 110 1073 5 7 5 -1 0

PLACE KICKER Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
PKs: Matt Bryant, Mike Nugent Warrick Dunn 186 786 2 47 330 0
Earnest Graham 132 563 4 23 174 0
Matt Bryant is coming off back-to-back solid seasons with the
Cadillac Williams 63 233 4 7 43 0
Bucs. In 2007 he made 28 of 33 (84.8 percent) field goals and added
34 PATs. The 118 points placed Tampa at 10th in kicker scoring. Last Clifton Smith 8 40 0 4 24 0
year he made 32 of 38 (84.2 percent) field goals plus 35 PATs, for a B.J. Askew 7 14 2 13 66 0
total of 131 points and a 4th-place ranking. After a strong 2006, Mike
Nugent took a step backwards in 2007 with the Jets, hitting only 80.6 Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
percent (29 of 36) on field goals – although three of the misses were Antonio Bryant 83 1248 7 Ctgry Avg Rnk
from 50+ yards. Last year he suffered a thigh injury during the first Pts 22.6 19th
Ike Hilliard 47 424 4
game, and subsequently watched Jay Feely from the sidelines for the
rest of the year. Although he was healthy enough to kick again later Michael Clayton 38 484 1 Yds 341.0 14th
in the season, the Jets opted to continue using Feely who was kicking Joey Galloway 13 138 0 P-Yds 226.2 11th
well at that time. Nugent to test out free agency, and was signed by the R-Yds 114.8 15th
Bucs. Whoever wins the job will be relying on scoring opportunities Tight End Rec Yards TDs

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

provided by an offense starting anew.
Jerramy Stevens 36 397 2
TEAM DEFENSE Alex Smith 21 250 3
John Gilmore 15 147 1
The Bucs were a Top 5 fantasy performer last season on the
strength of solid finishes in most of the major defensive categories. distinctive brand of 4-3. Also gone are veteran OLB Cato June and
They forced 30 turnovers, scored seven combined defensive and CB Phillip Buchanon. The Bucs added former Buffalo OLB Angelo
special teams touchdowns and ranked in the Top 10 in both yardage Crowell to bolster the front seven and will try former starting SS
allowed and points against. The offseason was full of turnover for this Jermaine Phillips at the WLB position vacated by Brooks. Bates has
unit as longtime defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin left to join his been very successful in most of his many NFL stops, but there are
son at the University of Tennessee and soon-to-be Hall of Fame WLB enough question marks throughout this defense to make it unlikely
Derrick Brooks was released. The Tampa-2 playbook used for more that the Bucs will return to the top five in any scoring system. Expect
than a decade has gone with them, and Jim Bates will install his own no more than solid DST2 upside from this crew in 2009.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Tampa Bay @NO Atl @Chi GB @Den Car Sea @Dal @KC bye Min @Det NO @Car @Atl SD Oak
20-24 24-9 27-24 30-21 13-16 27-3 20-10 9-13 30-27 week 19-13 38-20 23-20 23-38 10-13 24-41 24-31
QB Garcia 24-41-221-1 dnp dnp dnp 13-17-93-1 15-20-173-0 27-36-310-0 27-43-227-0 31-43-339-1 - 23-30-255-0 13-18-165-0 9-23-119-0 24-38-321-0 dnp 21-34-232-2 17-33-257-1
(rush stats) 1-1 1-6 3-6 2-8 2-7 6-21 1-(-1) 7-42 2-6 6-45 3-10
2 (P) (Q) 7 2 47 24 36,24 39 50,15 (Q) 71/7(run) (Q) 58 (P)
QB Griese dnp 18-31-160-0 38-67-407-3 15-30-149-3 13-19-88-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp dnp dnp dnp 26-37-269-1 dnp dnp
(rush stats) 1-(-1) 4-0
5 4,1 9 (Q) (Q) (Q) (Q) (D) (Q) (O) (Q) 20 (Q)
RB Dunn 9-54 12-49 5-31 16-63 11-74 22-115 13-37 1-0 dnp - 20-53 14-90 22-74 10-49 12-40 9-20 10-37
(rec stats) 1-11 3-21 4-27 2-23 3-13 3-18 4-21 2-8 4-65 5-37 3-13 7-50 4-19 2-4
17 (Q) (Q) (Q) 13 (P)
RB Graham 10-91 15-116 12-16 20-111 10-59 5-11 23-52 17-42 19-62 - 1-3 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp
(rec stats) 3-27 1-12 1-3 5-21 2-47 2-13 4-22 5-29
68 1 1 1 (Q)
RB Williams dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp 16-27 4-20 9-22 14-59 8-27 12-78
(rec stats) 1-6 1-0 5-37
(Q) 8 4 9,8
RB Smith dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - 4-21 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-2 0-0
(rec stats) 1-(-1) 1-9 (Q)
RB Askew 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp - 1-1 1-3 0-0 3-9 0-0 1-1 1-0
(rec stats) 3-20 3-1 2-18 2-9 1-9 1-5 1-4
(Q) (D) (O) (O) (O) (O) (Q) 1 (Q) 1
WR Bryant 3-43 0-0 10-138 4-39 7-58 1-13 6-115 6-45 8-115 - 5-59 4-48 3-63 9-200 8-108 6-127 3-77
(rush stats) 1-9 1-13
(Q) 47 (P) 24 39 50,15 20 71
WR Hilliard 6-45 4-41 6-57 2-21 4-29 1-6 1-4 3-23 6-55 - 1-(-1) 2-51 0-0 2-20 3-29 4-24 2-20
(rush stats) 1-0
2 4 7 (Q) (Q) (Q) 36 (P) (P)
WR Clayton dnp 1-6 5-54 3-28 3-26 2-29 3-30 3-23 4-57 - 3-36 0-0 3-29 1-15 3-41 2-23 2-87
(rush stats) 1-4 1-1
(Q) (Q) (Q) (Q) 58
WR Galloway 6-56 2-18 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 3-38 1-22 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp 1-4 0-0
(Q) (O) (O) (O) (O) (Q) (Q)
TE Stevens dnp dnp 5-61 0-0 1-12 2-10 4-55 3-16 0-0 - 6-84 2-29 2-21 5-33 2-27 2-21 2-28
1 24
TE Smith 2-19 2-20 3-33 2-26 1-11 3-43 2-25 2-39 2-12 - dnp dnp 0-0 1-20 1-2 0-0 0-0
9 2 3 (D) (Q) (Q)
TE Gilmore 0-0 2-41 1-3 1-9 0-0 1-7 2-20 0-0 4-40 - 1-4 0-0 1-6 1-5 1-12 0-0 0-0
5 (P)

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228 TAMPA BAY.indd 229 5/22/09 3:14:47 PM

 TENNESSEE T
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Kerry Collins
Backups: Vince Young, Patrick Ramsey
Starting QB: Kerry Collins took over for an injured Vince
Young in Week 1 of the 2008 season and never looked back. Collins
led the team so effectively that even when Young came back he did
not get the starting job back. While he didn’t put up huge numbers
the team won 13 games and Collins did a good
job of managing the flow of the game. The Titans
signed Collins to a two-year, $15-million dollar
deal in February and are looking to him to once
again lead the team to the playoffs. Tennessee
did not rest on their laurels when it came to their
offense in the offseason. They signed WR Nate
Washington to a free agent contract, and in the
first round of the 2009 NFL Draft they selected
WR Kenny Britt from Rutgers. They also drafted
WR Dominique Edison in the sixth round and
signed WR Dudley Guice as an undrafted free
agent. These players will help upgrade the position
and help Collins put up better numbers in 2009.
Backup QBs: Vince Young was once
thought of as the QB of the future in Tennessee
but entering the 2009 season he will be in a fight
ITANS
see an increase in receptions and rushing attempts although he will more
than likely still lose out on goalline carries to White.
Backup RBs: LenDale White can bust off 80-yard TD runs, but
he doesn’t consistently do enough with the carries that are outside of
the red zone. He has a proven nose for the endzone as evidenced by
the 15 rushing TDs that he scored in 2008. White is in a contract year
and is reportedly taking his offseason conditioning seriously. As long
as Chris Johnson is healthy, White shouldn’t get more than 180 carries
with a good percentage coming at the goalline.
Chris Henry has gone from second round pick to
on the roster bubble in only two short seasons.
Javon Ringer had an amazing 380 carries for
Michigan State in 2008 and could be in line to
take LenDale White’s job. Quinton Ganther is a
good special teams player that doesn’t do much
with any carries he receives. Rafael Little could
be used as a Darren Sproles type of player in this
offense but is buried in the depth chart and com-
ing off an injury.
Fullbacks: Ahmard Hall is a battering
ram that plays fullback. He has decent hands and
caught a pair of TD passes out of the backfield in
2008. He could duplicate his 2008 performance
(around 150 yards receiving and two TDs), but
it’s not likely that his production would increase

ICON SMI
for his job. Reports have indicated that Young much if at all. Casey Cramer comes back to the
TENNESSEE TITANS

may finally be serious about his career and has Chris Johnson Titans after spending a year with Miami.
re-dedicated himself this offseason. Chris Simms
was on the roster last year, but he switched places with former Denver WIDE RECEIVERS
backup Patrick Ramsey. Ramsey’s skill set is very similar to Kerry Starters: Justin Gage, Nate Washington
Collins and there are some that have speculated that he could end up Backups: Kenny Britt [R], Lavelle Hawkins, Justin McCareins,
being the No. 2 QB and not Vince Young. Chris Davis, Mark Jones, Paul Williams, Dominique Edison [R],
Dudley Guice [R]
RUNNING BACKS
Starter: Chris Johnson Starting WRs: Justin Gage is a big target that has flashed play-
Backups: LenDale White, Chris Henry, Javon Ringer [R], making ability since he came to the Titans in 2007. He finished the
Quinton Ganther, Rafael Little 2008 season with a bang, and had over 100-yards receiving in each of
Fullbacks: Ahmard Hall, Casey Cramer his final two games. Kerry Collins targeted him 74 times they failed
to connect 40 times so Gage finished the season with only 34 recep-
Starting RB: Chris Johnson was everything that the Titans had tions. The Titans need him to play with consistency, so defenses will
hoped for – and more! He immediately made an impact and provided honor the pass instead of just stacking the line of scrimmage to stop
the type of big-play threat that the running game had been missing. He the run. Nate Washington comes over from Pittsburgh, and the Titans
finished the season with almost 1,500 total yards and 10 TDs which made are hoping that he can become the same deep threat for Kerry Collins
him the 11th ranked RB in fantasy football. He could have easily been Top that he was for Ben Roethlisberger. Washington only scored three TDs
10 – maybe Top 5 – had he not lost carries and goalline opportunities to in 2008, but all came on a hot streak in the first half of the season
LenDale White. Johnson may be unproven carrying the full load but he where he had at least 57 yards receiving and a TD in three consecutive
looked good last season and the Titans may be moving away from White. weeks. Like Gage, Washington needs to drop fewer passes in order to
He is an electric playmaker that has the ability to take it to the house on improve his game.
any play. He doesn’t need a lot of carries to produce and defenses certainly Backup WRs: The Titans have a ton of backup WRs with
have to gameplan for him because of his rare ability. This season he could potential and they are hoping that one or more come out of this group
as solid starting options. With their first round pick in 2009 they
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED selected WR Kenny Britt from Rutgers. He is a big and physical tar-
get that has plenty of speed but also drops too many passes. Lavelle
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team Hawkins has great body control and leaping ability but didn’t play his
QB Patrick Ramsey Free Agent Denver Broncos Tennessee Titans
way on to the field much in 2008. Justin McCareins could be on the
RB Javon Ringer Draft College Tennessee Titans
TE Jared Cook Draft College Tennessee Titans
roster bubble with the number of quality WRs currently behind him
WR Dominique Edison Draft College Tennessee Titans on the depth chart. Chris Davis and Mark Jones are return men that
WR Kenny Britt Draft College Tennessee Titans won’t see many receptions. Paul Williams is a big and athletic player
WR Mark Jones Free Agent Carolina Panthers Tennessee Titans that can’t seem to seize any opportunity to move up. Dominique
WR Nate Washington Free Agent Pittsburgh Steelers Tennessee Titans Edison and Dudley Guice are both hard-working rookies that have
the skills to reach the starting lineup if they fulfill their potential.
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team TIGHT ENDS
QB Chris Simms Free Agent Tennessee Titans Denver Broncos Starters: Bo Scaife
WR Brandon Jones Free Agent Tennessee Titans San Francisco 49ers Backups: Alge Crumpler, Jared Cook [R]
WR Justin McCareins Free Agent Tennessee Titans Free Agent
WR Roydell Williams Free Agent Tennessee Titans Washington Redskins Bo Scaife had great chemistry with Vince Young, but when Kerry

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 by Cecil Lammey

Collins took over in Week 1 against Jacksonville, he didn’t miss a beat.

He is targeted most often when Tennessee needs to sustain drives, eat 2008 SEASON STATS
clock, and keep the chains moving. Scaife signed his franchise tender Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
at the end of April and will have more competition for playing time Kerry Collins 415 242 2676 12 7 25 49 0
then he did last year. Alge Crumpler came over from Atlanta last sea-
son but failed to be much of a fantasy factor with only one receiving Vince Young 36 22 219 1 2 8 27 0
TD and no games with more than 38 yards receiving. Jared Cook is
perhaps the most athletic TE in the 2009 draft class. His athleticism is Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
on par with Vernon Davis, and Tennessee will be looking for ways to Chris Johnson 251 1228 9 43 260 1
exploit that. Cook will never be known as a good blocker, but he can LenDale White 200 773 15 5 16 0
make plays with his run after the catch ability. Quinton Ganther 9 61 0 6 43 0
Ahmard Hall 8 21 0 13 138 2
PLACE KICKER
PK: Rob Bironas
Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
After spending several years in the AFL and in various NFL teams’ Brandon Jones 41 449 1 Ctgry Avg Rnk
training camps, Rob Bironas finally landed a starting job with the Justin Gage 34 651 6 Pts 23.4 15th
Titans four years ago. After modest results his first two years, he had Justin McCareins 30 412 0 Yds 313.6 21st
a breakout season in 2007. Bironas made 35 of 39 (89.7 percent) Lavelle Hawkins 7 68 0 P-Yds 176.2 27th
field goals and added 28 PATs. He improved his long range accuracy,
going 9 of 10 from 40-49 yards and 4 of 5 from 50+ yards. Along the Chris Davis 2 31 0 R-Yds 137.4 7th
way, Bironas broke the single game NFL record by hitting 8 of 8 field Paul Williams 1 7 0
goals in the game at Houston. Last year he hit 29 of 33 (87.9 percent)
field goals and added 40 PATs. After missing two PATs his first year, Tight End Rec Yards TDs
he has been perfect since. His strong leg on kickoffs averaged 67.2 Bo Scaife 58 561 2
yards and had 22 touchbacks last year. The Titans ranked 21st, 21st, Alge Crumpler 24 257 1

TENNESSEE TITANS
and 26th in kicker scoring from 2004 to 2006. The last two years they
Craig Stevens 1 9 0
have ranked 4th and 7th.

TEAM DEFENSE

There was plenty to like about the Titans defense in 2008. They
were among the Top 10 in every important category including second
in points allowed and third in takeaways. This unit returns ten starters,
but the one who isn’t coming back may be the most important. Albert
Haynesworth was the most dominating interior lineman in the league
last year and will be missed greatly. That said, it’s not as if the club
has not prepared. Last year’s second round pick Jason Jones will step
into the lineup after a solid rookie year. He gained experience while
seeing significant action in the rotation and may well have been part
of the reason Tennessee didn’t break the bank to keep Haynesworth.
They also used a second this year on DT Sen’Derrick Marks and
picked up Jovan Haye in free agency to add veteran depth. The Titans
lowest mark last year was a ninth rated pass defense, so they nabbed
Ryan Mouton in the third round to bolster the corner position. This
was a Top 5 defense in 2008, and despite the loss of Haynesworth,
they should finish in a similar position this season.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Tennessee Jac @Cin Hou Min @Bal bye @KC Ind GB @Chi @Jac NYJ @Det Cle @Hou Ten @Ind
17-10 24-7 31-12 30-17 13-10 week 34-10 31-21 19-16 21-14 24-14 13-34 47-10 28-9 12-13 31-14 0-23
QB Collins 2-2-65-0 14-21-128-0 14-26-189-1 18-35-199-0 17-32-163-2 - 11-18-123-0 24-37-193-0 18-37-180-0 30-41-289-0 13-23-230-1 21-39-243-0 11-18-127-0 14-23-155-2 15-33-181-1 20-29-216-0 1-2-0-0
(rush stats) 1-0 3-30 6-2 1-(-1) 2-(-2) 2-(-2) 1-8 4-(-1) 2-(-2) 1-12 2-5
11 9 11 10,12 (P) 13,56,38 6 28,9 34
QB Young 12-22-110-2 dnp dnp dnp dnp - 0-0-0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-1-54-0 dnp dnp dnp 9-13-55-0
(rush stats) 1-4 2-(-2) 5-25
7 (P) (O) (O) (O) (P) (Q)
RB Johnson 15-93 19-109 16-74 17-61 18-44 - 18-168 19-77 24-89 14-8 17-64 10-46 16-125 19-136 13-65 16-69 dnp
(rec stats) 3-34 2-12 2-5 3-14 2-4 2-4 4-19 6-72 2-15 4-24 3-15 2-9 4-30 2-2 2-1
7(rec) 1,6 66 16 3 6,58 25 21
RB White 15-40 18-59 16-49 11-13 3-4 - 17-149 10-13 8-77 10-14 14-52 1-(-1) 23-106 24-99 8-26 15-48 7-25
(rec stats) 1-0 1-7 1-1 1-6 1-2
1 1 2,1 1 (P) 6,2,80 1,1 2 (P) 6,2 3 (Q) 1 (Q)
RB Ganther dnp dnp 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 2-11 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 3-23 0-0 dnp 0-0 4-27
(rec stats) (Q) (Q) (P) 3-40 (P) (Q) 3-3
RB Hall 0-0 3-9 1-1 0-0 0-0 - 1-6 0-0 1-3 1-(-1) 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-3
(rec stats) 1-2 1-5 1-8 1-15 2-5 1-6 2-53 1-28 1-5 2-11
(P) 6(rec) 28(rec)
WR Jones 1-5 2-26 2-21 3-34 3-54 - 0-0 4-40 4-36 8-82 2-23 4-40 1-6 2-18 3-51 0-0 2-13
(rush stats) 1-7 1-28
WR Gage 2-25 5-59 dnp 5-92 dnp - dnp 1-6 0-0 4-47 4-147 1-37 2-40 2-18 3-76 5-104 dnp
11 (Q) (D) (Q) (Q) 12 56,38 9 34
WR McCareins 0-0 2-9 4-90 3-37 0-0 - dnp 2-30 3-42 0-0 dnp 4-43 2-43 1-20 3-36 6-55 1-11
(rush stats) (P) (Q) (Q) (Q) 1-4
WR Hawkins dnp dnp 0-0 dnp 0-0 - 2-11 1-13 1-4 2-26 0-0 1-14 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp 0-0
WR Davis dnp 0-0 1-21 0-0 1-10 - dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 0-0
WR Williams 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp - 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp dnp 1-7
(P)
TE Scaife 6-105 1-6 3-26 3-17 7-72 - 3-48 5-44 4-26 10-78 2-28 3-40 1-8 2-19 3-11 4-26 1-8
9 10
TE Crumpler 1-4 2-16 2-26 0-0 2-15 - 2-38 4-35 0-0 3-35 1-8 1-8 2-22 1-20 0-0 3-30 dnp
11
TE Stevens 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-9
(P)

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 WASHINGTON R
QUARTERBACKS
Starter: Jason Campbell
Backups: Todd Collins, Colt Brennan, Chase Daniel [R]
Starting QB: Jason Campbell can’t catch a break. After learn-
ing a seventh playbook in nine seasons last year, 2009 was supposed to
be different. He was entrenched as the Redskins starter and would be
running the same offense in consecutive seasons. The Redskins young
WR tandem of Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly
would be a year older and hopefully ready to
contribute after uneven rookie seasons. The team
would benefit from playing a last-place schedule.
Yet, entering training camp no one would blame
Campbell for doubting his future with the team.
The Redskins flirted with Jay Cutler, and they
apparently coveted rookie Mark Sanchez. Even
though neither became Redskins, the message was
clear: Jason Campbell isn’t the franchise. But as
fate would have it, Campbell remains the team’s
best QB and its only real chance at a success-
ful passing attack. And were it not for the team’s
aggressive pursuit of alternatives, there is a lot to
like about Campbell. At 6’5, 223 pounds he has
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
EDSKINS
solid 4.3 yards per rush despite playing behind a banged up offensive
line. Portis ran for 100-yards and/or scored in 10 games last year. As
long as the Redskins offensive line can stay healthy, and Jim Zorn can
get the passing game to approximate league norms, there is no reason
why Portis shouldn’t produce at, or close to, Top 10 results yet again.
Backup RBs: In six of seven seasons, Ladell Betts has run for
less than 400 yards and has only scored 11 rushing TDs in his career.
At 30 years old, some may be surprised to see Betts remains Clinton
Portis’ main backup. And yet, it’s what Betts did.
In 2006, subbing for an injured Portis, Betts ran
for 1,154 yards including six 100-yard games.
He’s a straight ahead rusher who grinds out the
hard yardage and doesn’t mind contact. That
kind of mentality is contagious. Another vet-
eran, Rock Cartwright, rounds out the tailback
rotation. Cartwright is a bowling ball (5’7, 223
pounds) who makes his living returning kicks
and only had six offensive touches in 2008.
Considering the team signed Shaun Alexander
last season, it’s entirely possible Washington will
look to add another veteran.
Fullbacks: Mike Sellers caught seven
touchdowns on 12 receptions during the 2005

great size, athleticism and the arm to make every season, which may go down as one of the big-
throw. He started all 16 games in 2008 and com- gest statistical anomalies in leagues history.

ICON SMI
pleted a career high 62.3 percent of his passes, Since then, he’s caught 47 passes and ran 44
and was only intercepted 1.2 percent of the time. Chris Cooley times, but his great value is as a punishing lead
Give credit to Campbell for not throwing a tantrum blocker. The Skins drafted Eddie Williams in
and demanding a trade. It remains to be seen whether he can be a great the seventh round. He will have a chance to make the final 53-man
quarterback, but he’s clearly shown the capacity to be a great teammate. roster.
Backup QBs: Todd Collins will be 38 in November and will
need to hold off Colt Brennan for the backup job. Collins is a steady, WIDE RECEIVERS
intelligent veteran with starting experience, but isn’t going to rock the Starters: Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El
boat or lobby for the starting job. Brennan, on the other hand, would Backups: Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, Billy McMullen, James Thrash
love a shot at the starting gig. He enters his second season with a bet-
ter understanding of the playbook and, hopefully, a sturdier frame. Starting WRs: After consecutive subpar seasons, Santana
Brenna was an ultra productive collegiate passer at the University of Moss proved that he’s still a difference maker. Moss stayed healthy
Hawaii but was considered a developmental pro prospect because he last year and caught 79 receptions for 1,044 yards to go along with six
played in a gimmicky offense in college. While Brennan doesn’t have touchdowns. It was only Moss’ third 1,000-yard season in eight, and it
the strongest arm, he has a quick release and is fearless. ended what looked like a steady decline. No longer the burner, Moss
has evolved his game and is now primarily a guy who makes his living
RUNNING BACKS catching short and intermediate passes and generating yards after the
Starter: Clinton Portis catch. Moss remains the team’s best pass catcher, but would be served
Backups: Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright well by the continued development of Devin Thomas and Malcolm
Fullback: Mike Sellers, Eddie Williams [R] Kelly. Opposing defenses are able to keep a lid on Moss in most cases
because they don’t respect Antwaan Randle El as a threat. Randle
Starting RB: Clinton Portis is the Rodney Dangerfield of All Pro El is arguably one of the least productive starting WRs in the league.
running backs. It seems that every year he’s the forgotten man among Randle El has never had more than 53 receptions or 728 yards and last
elite runners, as fantasy owners expect his play to fall off. And yet, every year’s four TD catches were a career high. He can make the easy grabs
year Portis delivers. Last year was no exception, as Portis finished with but doesn’t make plays on the ball. In spite of limited productivity,
1,487 rushing yards (fourth in the NFL), caught 28 passes and scored Randle El remains the team’s second best option sadly.
nine touchdowns on route to his fifth career Top 10 fantasy finish. Backup WRs: Last year the Redskins took a big step toward
Entering his eighth season, Portis is only 28 years old and has shown no improving an anemic receiving corps with the selections of Devin
signs of slowing down. He logged 342 carries last year and averaged a Thomas and Malcolm Kelly. Both were highly regarded prospects
and are expected to be the foundation of the Redskins WR corps for
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS ADDED years to come. Unfortunately, neither player distinguished himself as
a rookie. Thomas caught 15 receptions for only 120 yards, but has the
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team size (6’2, 215 pounds) to be a red zone threat provided he can show
RB Marcus Mason Free Agent New York Jets Washington Redskins a better understanding of the playbook this year. Kelly battled injury
TE Eddie Williams Draft College Washington Redskins
and only caught three passes last year; but is a polished route runner
WR Marko Mitchell Draft College Washington Redskins
WR Roydell Williams Free Agent Tennessee Titans Washington Redskins
with good hands. The good news for both second year players is that
Washington needs them to contribute and would be more than happy
to see them win starting spots sooner rather than later.
NOTABLE SKILL POSITION PLAYERS LOST
Pos Player Name Type 2008 Team 2009 Team TIGHT ENDS
TE Devin Frischknecht Free Agent Washington Redskins Free Agent Starter: Chris Cooley
WR John Halman Free Agent Washington Redskins Free Agent Backups: Todd Yoder, Fred Davis

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 by Jason Wood

Chris Cooley had his best and worst season in 2008. The good
news is he caught a career high 83 passes and 849 yards. The bad 2008 SEASON STATS
news is Cooley somehow managed only one TD in those 83 recep- Quarterback Atts Comps Yards TDs INTs Rush Yards TDs
tions. How did that happen? Consider it a fluke as evidenced by 27 Jason Campbell 506 315 3245 13 6 47 258 1
TDs he scored in his first four seasons. Cooley is a smooth route run-
ner with excellent hands. Although Cooley isn’t much of a blocker,
Running Back Rush Yards TDs Rec Yards TDs
he’s on the field in most downs and distances and is Jason Campbell’s
security blanket. Fred Davis is another offensive-minded TE who Clinton Portis 342 1487 9 28 218 0
came out of USC with an abundance of self confidence but needs to Ladell Betts 61 206 1 22 200 0
do a lot more as a second year player if he wants to show up in the Mike Sellers 6 24 0 12 98 1
box scores. Todd Yoder is the savvy veteran blocker of the group. His
job is helping to open holes for Clinton Portis. Wide Receiver Rec Yards TDs Team Per Game Stats
Santana Moss 79 1044 6 Ctgry Avg Rnk
PLACE KICKERS
PKs: Shaun Suisham, Dave Rayner Antwaan Randle El 53 593 4 Pts 16.6 28th
Devin Thomas 15 120 0 Yds 320.0 19th
After more John Hall injury woes, Shaun Suisham was brought in James Thrash 9 81 1 P-Yds 189.1 23rd
for the final five games of 2006, and actually provided some stabil- Malcolm Kelly 3 18 0 R-Yds 130.9 8th
ity at the position. In 2007, his first full season in the NFL, Suisham
made 29 of 35 (82.9%) field goals, including 11 of 15 from 40+ Tight End Rec Yards TDs
yards. Last year was not a banner year for Suisham however, as he
Chris Cooley 83 849 1
missed the most field goals in the NFL, going only 26 of 36 (72.2%).
With some of the blame attributed to the holder, the team felt that Todd Yoder 8 50 1

Suisham had enough potential to re-sign him for this year. They also
signed the journeyman Dave Rayner to provide competition. Rayner’s
last full season was 2006 with Green Bay. In 2007 he played part of
the year for Kansas City and later in the year as a kickoff specialist for
San Diego. In 2008 he surfaced in Cincinnati for two games, filling in
for the ailing Shayne Graham. Despite last years misses, Suisham has
the better field goal numbers of the two, while Rayner has the better
kickoff numbers
TEAM DEFENSE
The value of the Washington defense in your league in 2008 was
dependent on scoring system. They were among the best in the league
in yardage allowed and points against, likely making them a Top 10
defense in leagues that favored those stats. The Redskins however,
managed only 24 sacks, 18 takeaways and one touchdown, landing
them among the bottom dwellers in leagues based on big plays. That
included FBG official scoring, in which the Redskins finished 27th
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Fred Davis 3 27 0
overall. Not surprisingly, Washington threw a truckload of money
at the problem this offseason by signing DT Albert Haynesworth.
Haynesworth will clog the middle on rushing downs and may be asked
to draw blockers in the nickel package. His presence should help vet-
eran DE Andre Carter and first-round draft pick Brian Orakpo, who
is likely to play SLB on base defensive downs but put his hand down
in the nickel. An improved pass rush could send the big play numbers
skyrocketing in the back seven, where MLB London Fletcher is an
above average zone defender and safeties LaRon Landry and Chris
Horton have both shown an ability to generate big plays in coverage.
The team’s three top cornerbacks, DeAngelo Hall, Carlos Rogers and
Fred Smoot are also capable of cashing in on the mistakes of opposing
quarterbacks. Despite last season’s poor finish in some leagues, don’t
be afraid to roster Washington as a backup.

2008 WEEK BY WEEK STATS

Washington @NYG NO Ari @Dal @Phi StL Cle @Det Pit bye Dal @Sea NYG @Bal @Cin Phi @SF
16-7 29-24 24-17 26-24 23-17 17-19 14-11 25-17 6-25 week 10-14 20-17 7-23 10-24 13-20 10-3 24-27
QB Campbell 15-27-133-0 24-36-321-0 22-30-193-0 20-31-231-0 16-29-176-0 18-26-208-0 14-23-164-0 23-28-328-0 24-43-206-2 - 22-34-162-1 20-33-206-0 23-38-232-1 21-37-218-2 17-28-167-0 18-33-144-0 18-30-156-0
(rush stats) 3-1 4-26 4-3 6-14 2-19 2-1 3-(-2) 1-5 1-22 6-32 5-38 2-11 2-21 2-28 4-39
12 67 2,17 3,2 18 50 2 8 5 10 6
RB Portis 23-84 21-96 21-68 21-121 29-145 21-129 27-175 24-126 13-51 - 15-68 29-143 11-22 11-32 25-77 22-70 29-80
(rec stats) 2-3 2-19 2-14 2-13 1-14 1-8 1-6 7-73 2-6 2-16 1-15 3-14 1-6 1-11
8,9 3 4 3,2 3 (Q) (Q) (P) (Q) (Q) (Q) (Q) 1 (Q) 4
RB Betts 1-0 6-25 4-23 11-32 9-44 7-32 dnp dnp dnp - 1-1 5-7 1-3 6-3 2-7 7-23 1-6
(rec stats) 1-11 2-8 1-7 2-18 2-27 4-22 3-57 5-43 2-7
(O) (O) (O) (P) 1 (P)
RB Sellers 0-0 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 - 0-0 1-5 0-0 2-16 2-0 0-0 0-0
(rec stats) 1-1 1-4 2-15 4-30 1-20 2-14 1-14
(P) (P) 2(rec)
WR Moss 5-37 7-164 7-75 8-145 0-0 2-22 4-75 9-140 2-14 - 5-29 4-72 4-55 4-48 7-72 5-28 6-68
(rush stats) 1-27
12 67 17 18 50 (Q) (P) 10 (P)
WR Randle El 7-73 4-53 3-23 4-36 3-34 5-87 4-56 3-47 3-22 - 1-24 2-18 4-37 5-47 1-9 1-11 3-16
(rush stats) 1-5
(P) 2 8 (Q) 5 6
WR Thomas 1-5 0-0 1-7 0-0 2-28 0-0 0-0 1-9 3-14 - 3-14 0-0 0-0 3-26 0-0 1-17 0-0
(rush stats) 1-16 1-29 1-8
(P) 29(run)
WR Thrash 0-0 1-8 0-0 2-8 0-0 2-19 0-0 1-29 1-5 - 0-0 0-0 1-4 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-8
(Q) 3
WR Kelly dnp 1-6 dnp dnp 0-0 dnp dnp dnp dnp - dnp 2-12 0-0 0-0 dnp dnp dnp
(O) (Q) (Q) (D) (O) (O) (P)
TE Cooley 1-7 5-72 7-72 4-28 8-109 5-57 4-32 6-74 8-78 - 7-47 5-54 6-71 1-12 6-51 4-28 6-57
(P) 18
TE Yoder 0-0 0-0 2-4 0-0 1-3 0-0 0-0 1-14 0-0 - 0-0 1-4 3-25 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
2 (P) (P)
TE Davis dnp 1-6 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 dnp - 0-0 dnp dnp dnp 1-15 1-6 0-0

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FOOTBALLGUYS.COM 233

232 WASHINGTON.indd 233 5/22/09 3:15:58 PM


ICON/SMI
Gut
From the
by Sigmund Bloom
W
hile this magazine and our
website are both heavily based
on statistics and historical
analysis, one can’t fully succeed on
numbers alone. There are times when you
just know something is going to happen.
It can’t be figured or mathematically
explained, but you know it is coming.
Yes, sometimes, you just have to follow
your gut.
Well, we asked our veteran staffer
Sigmund Bloom to empty his guts. At
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234
234 GUT.indd 234
LaDainian Tomlinson
first, he balked while explaining that he
has a decade-long streak of not throwing
up. Well, after we clarified our question,
he was eager to write out some thoughts
on many players.
QUARTERBACKS
Tom Brady, New England
We lost the opportunity to determine
whether the “real Tom Brady” would
have numbers closer to his record-
breaking 2007 or his historical numbers
when his season was ended in Week 1.
Judging by Matt Cassel’s 2008, people
who take a chance on Brady before we
see how his knee looks in regular season
action will be rewarded. He’s still the
most likely QB to lead the position in
fantasy scoring in 2009.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay
Rodgers might not finish No. 2 again
with a healthy Peyton Manning (and
possibly Brady), but he’s a bona fide
fantasy stud QB. He plays in an offense
stocked with talented receivers that does
not lean on a running back in the red
zone, he showed he’s a threat to run it
in close to the goal line (to the tune for
four rushing TDs), and he showed he can
play through a tough injury when he only
missed two series after separating his
throwing shoulder.
Carson Palmer, Cincinnati
All of the people that want a secure
stud QB will have locked up a Top 7 or
8 option by the time Palmer comes off
the board, which will be a boon to those
who prefer to wait on QB. The risk of his
elbow being off is more than outweighed
by his track record of three consecutive
Top 10 finishes (including a No. 1 and
No. 4 at QB) coming into 2008. The fact
the Bengals are done with the Ravens
and Steelers by Week 11 is gravy.
David Garrard, Jacksonville
Remember when we all thought
Garrard was a budding fantasy QB1
last summer? He did finish in the Top
12 QBs, despite a two-point per game
drop-off from 2007. That decrease in
production is perfectly explainable by
a cheesecloth offensive line. The Jags
addressed the issue by taking the most
NFL-ready pass blocking LT in the first
round, a possibly stalwart RT in the
second, and oh yeah, they added Torry
Holt in free agency, the best WR the Jags
have had since Jimmy Smith. Garrard’s
low profile is the best reason to wait on
QB this year.
Kyle Orton, Denver
Predicting success for Orton isn’t
outlandish if you go back and watch his
games in the first half of 2008 – he was
one of the best QB in the league. Now
he gets to play in a system that produced
the surprise QB1 on 2008, with two
outstanding young WRs, and he’s on
one of the worst defensive teams in the
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/26/09 4:06:19 PM
 league. Worried that Chris Simms may
seduce Josh McDaniels with his ideal
tools? Just take him in the last round of
your draft and drop the loser.
JaMarcus Russell, Oakland
Russell quietly averaged 200 yards and
two passing TDs over the last three weeks
of the season, and his corps of wide
receivers cannot possibly be worse than it
was in 2008. He’ll definitely throw more
than 23 passes a game in 2009. As long
as he develops the way a QB between his
second and third seasons should, Russell
will be a solid backup bye week/injury
QB this year.
RUNNING BACKS
Michael Turner, Atlanta
If you’re sitting in the four or five hole of
the first round, pray that your leaguemates
let Turner fall to you. There just aren’t
that many backs left in the league that are
automatic options inside the 10 – that’s why
he scored in eight of the last nine games.
He could be even better this year if Matt
Ryan avoids the sophomore slump, but he
still found ways to score when Ryan was
struggling down the stretch.
Chris Johnson, Tennessee
All signs point to Johnson being
more involved in the offense this year
– making him the easy target if you are
picking late in the first round. The Titans
coaches have all indicated that they will
work him more in his second season,
especially after his dominant 100-total
yard half vs. the Ravens in the playoffs
before his injury. This will be the season
he joins the fantasy elite.
DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
It’s unreasonable to expect six
touchdowns over 30 yards from any
running back, especially one that doesn’t
get more than 300 carries. Williams’ high
TD and big-play rate will be just as hard
to reproduce as the Panthers’ standout
season that allowed them to pound the
ball with impunity. Taking him in the
early first is a classic example of chasing
last year’s stats.
LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego
I’m not sure how you can pin your
team’s hope to a running back that
finished each of the last two seasons on
the bench with an injury. The Chargers
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234 GUT.indd 235
would be nuts to not give Darren Sproles
10-12 touches a game after what he did
for them in the playoffs, and it would
help avoid a replay of a discouraged
Tomlinson sitting on the bench. Let
someone else draft the name and ignore
the trend.
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans
It’s impossible to ignore Thomas’
production down the stretch - helping
many teams win titles after being a free
agent in a lot of leagues in October. He
dodged a bullet when the Saints didn’t
draft a running back, and now even if
they sign a back, it will be a vet on his
victory lap around the league. The RB1
upside is more than worth the cost of a
non-premium pick.
Donald Brown, Indianapolis
Joseph Addai will begin the season
as the starter, but Brown will get
enough touches for the Colts to see that
he’s the more dynamic, powerful, and
explosive back. Eventually Addai will
get dinged, and in those weeks, Brown
will be a Top 10 RB. Brown is the best
RB Indianapolis has had since Edgerrin
James was in his prime, and he could
easily produce at old Edge’s level if he’s
given a chance.
Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, Le’Ron McClain, Baltimore
Le’Ron McClain is back at fullback
and Willis McGahee had another surgery.
If McGahee didn’t have such a high cap
number, he would probably have his
walking papers, and he’s still going to
have to win playing time by remaining
healthy and staying on coach John
Harbaugh’s good side. Rice is the odds-
on favorite to get the most touches at
RB on one of the best running teams in
the league. McGahee might have some
sporadic strong games like he did in
2008, but he should be traded as soon
as he gets hot. Somebody in your league
will still draft McClain on last year’s
numbers (and he could still get them
if Ravens realize the error of the ways
when they can’t salt away a few games
without McClain’s help and he doesn’t
plow open holes like Lorenzo Neal). Take
Rice if you’re going to take a Raven RB.
Larry Johnson, Kansas City
Johnson is trying to endear himself
to the new regime, but rumors persisted
that he would get cut right up until draft
weekend. He’s not going to be in the
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team’s future plans, and there’s no telling
when they’ll pull the ripcord on phasing
him out in 2009 because they’re in the
middle of a rebuilding effort. Someone
in your league will draft him too high on
the memory of his glory days, which are
too far in the rear view mirror to draft
him as a starter.
Tim Hightower, Arizona
We tend to overreact in both directions
when it comes to young RBs. When
Hightower was the starter last year, some
flocked to him as the next coming of a
stud RB even though his instincts and
efficiency left something to be desired.
Now that Beanie Wells was drafted, he’s
turned into an afterthought. Between
Wells injury history at Ohio State and
Hightower being the better RB for passing
downs and sets (and still the official
starter), the second-year player still has
potential to be an RB you want in your
lineup at some point in the 2009 season.
Fred Taylor, New England
The Patriots’ track record at getting
the last few good seasons out of veteran
running backs is too good to ignore.
Taylor still looked strong last year,
averaging 4.8 yards on his carries in the
second half of the season once the Jags
line got out of crisis mode. Taylor will be
a good bet for 80-100 yards and a TD in
any game the Pats are favored to win.
Julius Jones, Seattle
Jones hasn’t looked like a stud since
W’s first term. I can’t for the life of me
figure out why Jim Mora Jr. and Tim
Ruskell didn’t address RB in the draft.
T.J. Duckett’s old backfield mate Warrick
Dunn is still a free agent, and they’ll likely
be looking him up if they roll into the
regular season with Jones as the starter. If
you do end up with Jones on your roster,
move him on the first good game, just like
the wise people did last year.
Jamal Lewis, Cleveland
You will have to suffer through lots
of mediocre weeks just to catch the few
times Lewis scores a TD or gets over
100 yards (which he failed to do once
last year). He’ll be the kind of player
you can’t cut because he’s a starting RB,
but you can’t play, because his offense is
broken down on the side of the road.
Michael Bush, Oakland
Week 17 stud RBs are always good
235
5/26/09 4:06:30 PM

to snag late in your draft. In 2005, you
would have gotten Willie Parker. Last
year, you would have gotten Pierre
Thomas. Bush ran for 177 yards and
a pair of TDs in Week 17 vs the Bucs.
Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas have
both been injury prone, and Bush could
get goal line carries even if that pair stays
healthy. Talented RB + team that loves to
run + strong finish to the previous season
= RB you want on your roster.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Eddie Royal, Denver
Let’s see – Brandon Marshall is
coming off hip surgery, meaning he’ll
be behind the curve in learning the
McDaniels offense (plus he might face an
early season suspension after another off
the field incident), Royal was clearly just
learning routes and reading coverages
last year, and McDaniels’ offense has a
role for a quick WR that works close to
the line of scrimmage. Should anyone
be surprised if the Virginia Tech product
catches over 100 balls this year?
Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh
I know we don’t usually want to
put too much stock in a Super Bowl
performance, but didn’t it just feel like
Holmes staking his claim to be the
Steelers No. 1 wideout? Nate Washington
got an inordinate amount of the deep
targets last year. If half of them go to
Holmes, he should add at least 300 yards
and four TDs to his modest 2008 stats. If
most of them go to Holmes, he could be
a fantasy WR1 in 2009.
Terrell Owens, Buffalo
For the first time, TO was not signed
to a long-term deal when he hit free
agency. For the first time, TO’s new team
does not have a QB with a big arm or
the scrambling and improvisation ability
to keep plays alive and find Owens
downfield. For the first time in a long
time, TO will not be a fantasy WR1 that
you leave in your lineup every week.
Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis
Gonzalez has converted over 70
percent of his targets into catches. He’s
gained Peyton Manning’s trust on third
down and key game situations. This is
clearly his year to step up into the 75- to
80-catch, 1,100- to 1,200-yard, six- to
eight-TD strong WR2 range. He might
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FR O M TH E G UT
even outproduce Reggie Wayne. Why
isn’t there more optimism about a strong
technician entering his third year and
starting for the first time in a top passing
offense?
Roy Williams, Dallas
Williams has put it all together to have
a good fantasy season exactly once. He
didn’t even look like a starting quality
NFL wide receiver in his first partial
season with the Cowboys, showing no
chemistry with Tony Romo and rarely
flashing the talent that made him a
Top 10 draft pick. We already know
that Jason Witten is the apple of Tony
Romo’s eye, and whether it’s injuries or
underachieving, Williams is unlikely to
change that this year.
Devery Henderson, New Orleans
The Saints were happy enough with
Henderson to sign him to a multi-year
deal, seemingly endorsing him over
2007 first round pick Robert Meachem.
Lance Moore tore his labrum lifting
weights, and while he hopes to be back
for the beginning of the season, healthy
shoulders are almost as important to
wideouts as healthy knees. Henderson
could easily post his first 1,000-yard
season this year, but you wouldn’t know
it by the lack of respect he’s getting in
the fantasy world.
Malcom Floyd, San Diego
How many receivers could post 27
catches, 465 yards, and four TDs on only
37 targets? Every time Floyd gets on
the field with Philip Rivers, good things
happen. He’s over the collapsed lung that
prematurely ended his 2008 campaign.
Vincent Jackson could begin 2009
suspended because of his second DWI
arrest back in January. That could make
Floyd a starter, and if he’s as productive
as he was last year, he might be hard to
get off the field.
Josh Morgan, San Francisco
After showing signs of being a future
star last year, Josh Morgan is dead to
most fantasy players right now because
Michael Crabtree is lining up at his split
end position. The 49ers will eventually
come to their senses and get both of
their two most talented wideouts on the
field even if it’s not the plan right now.
If Morgan hadn’t hurt his groin early last
season, his value this season wouldn’t
seem so debatable, because he would
have been one of the top rookie wide
receivers along with Eddie Royal and
DeSean Jackson.
TIGHT ENDS
Zach Miller, Oakland
Miller was often marooned near the
line of scrimmage to block on passing
downs, he was in the most anemic
passing attack in the league, and he still
was sixth among TEs in yardage last
year. With the natural progression of
Miller and QB JaMarcus Russell entering
their third season (and accompanying
growth in the Raider passing game),
Miller could easily approach 1,000 yards
and greatly increase his TD total from
one (remember Jason Witten had one TD
the year before he was the No. 1 fantasy
TE) this season.
Dustin Keller, New York Jets
After Laveranues Coles left for greener
pastures, it was widely assumed that the
Jets would do something about their No.
2 WR situation. Surely they wouldn’t
leave it up to David Clowney, Brad
Smith, and Chansi Stuckey to compete
for the job? They did, and that can only
mean that Keller will graduate to being
the No. 2 target in the pecking order,
even though he is an oversized slot
receiver masquerading as a TE.
Owen Daniels, Houston
When your team drafts two TEs during
the same offseason that you don’t show
up for OTAs and demand an extension,
it’s not a great sign for your future with
the team. The Texans drafted a solid two-
way traditional inline TE in Anthony Hill,
and a very talented H-back/slot receiver
in the mold of Daniels in James Casey.
Expect a step back from Daniels career-
high receptions and yards totals in 2008.
Randy McMichael, St. Louis
McMichael is set to be the redwood
in the forest of St. Louis passing game
targets, and he’s already caught the eye of
new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.
With Donnie Avery best suited to be a
deep threat, and two unproven wideouts
competing to start on the other side
of Avery, Marc Bulger should lean on
McMichael this year. He was on pace to
catch 44 passes for 556 yards last year,
and that should be his floor for this year
now that Torry Holt has moved on.
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 To Player
QUARTERBACKS
TARGET STATS
RANKINGS
Running Backs Target Rec % Tight Ends Target Rec % Wide Receivers Target Rec %
1. Matt Forte, CHI 77 64 83.1% 1. Tony Gonzalez, KC 154 96 62.3% 1. Brandon Marshall, DEN 181 104 57.5%

Passes Attempted
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, SD 77 52 67.5% 2. Jason Witten, DAL 121 81 66.9% 2. Andre Johnson, HOU 170 115 67.6%
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX 75 62 82.7% 3. Chris Cooley, WAS 111 83 74.8% 3. Dwayne Bowe, KC 157 86 54.8%
4. Kevin Faulk, NE 74 58 78.4% 4. Dallas Clark, IND 107 77 72.0% 4. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI 154 96 62.3%
5. Brian Westbrook, PHI 73 54 74.0% 5. Owen Daniels, HOU 100 70 70.0% 5. Calvin Johnson, DET 151 78 51.7%
6. Reggie Bush, NO 73 52 71.2% 6. Antonio Gates, SD 92 60 65.2% 6. Wes Welker, NE 150 112 74.7%
7. Warrick Dunn, TB 68 47 69.1% 7. Zach Miller, OAK 86 56 65.1% 7. Roddy White, ATL 148 88 59.5%
8. Marshawn Lynch, BUF 67 47 70.1% 8. Bo Scaife, TEN 84 58 69.0% 8. Greg Jennings, GB 140 80 57.1%
9. Frank Gore, SF 66 43 65.2% 9. Greg Olsen, CHI 82 54 65.9% 9. Terrell Owens, DAL 140 69 49.3%
10. Chris Johnson, TEN 62 43 69.4% 10. Kellen Winslow, CLE 82 43 52.4% 10. Santana Moss, WAS 138 79 57.2%
11. Steven Jackson, STL 62 40 64.5% 11. John Carlson, SEA 80 55 68.8% 11. Braylon Edwards, CLE 138 55 39.9%
12. Marion Barber, DAL 61 52 85.2% 12. Dustin Keller, NYJ 78 48 61.5% 12. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN 137 92 67.2%
13. Leon Washington, NYJ 60 47 78.3% 13. Desmond Clark, CHI 73 41 56.2% 13. Antonio Bryant, TB 137 83 60.6%
14. Steve Slaton, HOU 59 50 84.7% 14. Jeremy Shockey, NO 72 50 69.4% 14. Reggie Wayne, IND 131 82 62.6%
15. Dominic Rhodes, IND 59 45 76.3% 15. Marcedes Lewis, JAX 72 41 56.9% 15. Eddie Royal, DEN 129 91 70.5%
16. Chester Taylor, MIN 55 45 81.8% 16. Heath Miller, PIT 65 48 73.8% 16. Steve Smith, CAR 128 78 60.9%
17. Derrick Ward, NYG 54 41 75.9% 17. L.J. Smith, PHI 64 37 57.8% 17. Anquan Boldin, ARI 126 89 70.6%
18. Kevin Smith, DET 54 39 72.2% 18. Todd Heap, BAL 64 35 54.7% 18. Hines Ward, PIT 126 82 65.1%
19. Jerious Norwood, ATL 54 36 66.7% 19. Billy Miller, NO 63 45 71.4% 19. Randy Moss, NE 126 69 54.8%
20. Mewelde Moore, PIT 53 40 75.5% 20. Tony Scheffler, DEN 60 40 66.7% 20. Derrick Mason, BAL 121 80 66.1%
21. Tim Hightower, ARI 49 33 67.3% 21. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN 59 42 71.2% 21. DeSean Jackson, PHI 121 62 51.2%
22. Fred Jackson, BUF 45 37 82.2% 22. Jerramy Stevens, TB 58 36 62.1% 22. Lance Moore, NO 119 79 66.4%
23. Ronnie Brown, MIA 43 33 76.7% 23. Robert Royal, BUF 57 33 57.9% 23. Torry Holt, STL 119 64 53.8%
24. Ray Rice, BAL 43 33 76.7% 24. Kevin Boss, NYG 55 33 60.0% 24. Laveranues Coles, NYJ 116 70 60.3%
25. Thomas Jones, NYJ 42 36 85.7% 25. Anthony Fasano, MIA 53 34 64.2% 25. Donald Driver, GB 115 74 64.3%
26. Pierre Thomas, NO 41 31 75.6% 26. Donald Lee, GB 50 39 78.0% 26. Santonio Holmes, PIT 114 55 48.2%
27. J.J. Arrington, ARI 41 30 73.2% 27. Daniel Graham, DEN 50 32 64.0% 27. Steve Breaston, ARI 113 77 68.1%
28. Jamaal Charles, KC 40 27 67.5% 28. Vernon Davis, SF 49 31 63.3% 28. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ 111 71 64.0%
29. Brandon Jackson, GB 39 30 76.9% 29. Ben Watson, NE 47 22 46.8% 29. Muhsin Muhammad, CAR 108 65 60.2%
30. Darren McFadden, OAK 39 29 74.4% 30. David Martin, MIA 45 31 68.9% 30. Matt Jones, JAX 107 64 59.8%
31. Joseph Addai, IND 39 25 64.1% 31. Steve Heiden, CLE 43 23 53.5% 31. Marvin Harrison, IND 107 60 56.1%
32. Adrian Peterson, MIN 39 21 53.8% 32. Reggie Kelly, CIN 42 31 73.8% 32. Isaac Bruce, SF 107 60 56.1%
33. Ricky Williams, MIA 38 29 76.3% 33. Alge Crumpler, TEN 40 24 60.0% 33. Donnie Avery, STL 104 54 51.9%
34. Jason Wright, CLE 37 22 59.5% 34. Brent Celek, PHI 38 27 71.1% 34. Lee Evans, BUF 102 63 61.8%
35. Clinton Portis, WAS 36 28 77.8% 35. Alex Smith, TB 38 21 55.3% 35. Vincent Jackson, SD 101 59 58.4%
36. Ladell Betts, WAS 35 22 62.9% 36. Michael Gaines, DET 37 23 62.2% 36. Chad Johnson, CIN 97 53 54.6%
37. Chris Perry, CIN 35 21 60.0% 37. Jeff King, CAR 33 21 63.6% 37. Kevin Walter, HOU 95 60 63.2%
38. Darren Sproles, SD 34 29 85.3% 38. Dante Rosario, CAR 31 18 58.1% 38. Bernard Berrian, MIN 95 48 50.5%
39. Earnest Graham, TB 33 23 69.7% 39. Chris Baker, NYJ 30 21 70.0% 39. Ted Ginn, MIA 93 56 60.2%
40. Correll Buckhalter, PHI 32 26 81.3% 40. Ben Utecht, CIN 28 16 57.1% 40. Devin Hester, CHI 92 52 56.5%
41. Willis McGahee, BAL 32 24 75.0% 41. Casey Fitzsimmons, DET 28 12 42.9% 41. Amani Toomer, NYG 89 48 53.9%
42. Jamal Lewis, CLE 32 23 71.9% 42. Martellus Bennett, DAL 27 20 74.1% 42. Bobby Wade, MIN 88 53 60.2%
43. Leonard Weaver, SEA 32 20 62.5% 43. Matt Spaeth, PIT 26 17 65.4% 43. Marques Colston, NO 88 47 53.4%
44. DeAngelo Williams, CAR 30 22 73.3% 44. Gijon Robinson, IND 24 19 79.2% 44. Antwaan Randle El, WAS 87 53 60.9%
45. Tashard Choice, DAL 30 21 70.0% 45. Justin Peelle, ATL 23 15 65.2% 45. Brandon Stokley, DEN 85 49 57.6%
46. Michael Bush, OAK 30 19 63.3% 46. John Gilmore, TB 22 15 68.2% 46. Greg Camarillo, MIA 83 55 66.3%
47. LeRon McClain, BAL 30 19 63.3% 47. Randy McMichael, STL 21 11 52.4% 47. Steve Smith, NYG 82 57 69.5%
48. Patrick Cobbs, MIA 27 19 70.4% 48. Derek Schouman, BUF 20 15 75.0% 48. Mark Clayton, BAL 82 41 50.0%
49. Maurice Morris, SEA 27 19 70.4% 49. Brandon Manumaleuna, SD 19 15 78.9% 49. Michael Jenkins, ATL 81 50 61.7%
50. Antonio Pittman, STL 27 18 66.7% 50. Joe Klopfenstein, STL 19 11 57.9% 50. Roy Williams, DAL 81 36 44.4%

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237 TARGETS STATS.indd 237 5/27/09 12:57:12 PM

 by David Dodds

The
Perfect Draft
T
he Perfect Draft. We have all dreamt of
having it. Some of us have experienced
it. And for those that have....we want
it again and again. And why not? You surely
are not reading this magazine to be average.
You want to dominate your leaguemates. You
want to have such a good roster that others
salivate. You want them all to come to you
when discussing trades. And in this article
I am going to break down how to have that
perfect draft.
Let’s start with the two basic principles of
Value Based Drafting (VBD). I will expound
on them as we go through this.

All Players Have Value

Don’t love anyone. Don’t hate anyone. Get
players that will significantly outperform their
draft position and you will build a winning
team.

Understand What the Average Guy

Thinks
You may believe someone will be the fourth
best WR, but if everybody else does not then
you need to wait to maximize value.

If you don’t follow these principles, you will

not have a perfect draft. If you believe rookie
WRs are always bad or drafting anyone over
30 is an injury risk, then you will not have

ICON SMI
the perfect draft. Throw away the biases. Let David Garrard
value guide your draft. Let others succumb
to prejudices and generalities. You are here to starts 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Def and 1 PK. Fantasy points
win your league. And you do that by getting value with every are calculated as follows:
pick.
How do we define value? Value Based Drafting (VBD) has • Passing TDs = 4 points
shown us that we can compare unlike positions for comparative • Interceptions = -1 points
value. The cornerstone of VBD starts with solid projections. • Rushing/receiving TDs = 6 points
And these projections can be manipulated to form Top 200+ • Passing yardage = 0.05 pts per yard (1 pt per 20 yards)
lists. I have provided my own Top 220 list here (based on my • Rushing/receiving yardage = 0.10 pts per yard (1 pt per 10 yards)
projections) that has been sorted by position. I have highlighted
favorable differences in green to indicate players that may be
bargains on draft day.
QUARTERBACKS
With history as our guide, we know the top quarterbacks
Let’s have the perfect draft.
are almost always drafted too early. And this makes sense. The
The goal is to get you the best possible team and to make
quarterback position generally scores the most points so fantasy
sure you don’t overpay for players that can still be had a
players want to roster a good one. But since most leagues only
few rounds later. What I look for are players that I project
require one starting quarterback there is little pressure on the
significantly better than where they are being drafted. The
remaining quarterbacks after the first six or seven are gone. Just
positional analysis tracks to my projections.
scratch off Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning from
This article assumes a 12 team league using scoring that
your cheatsheets. Someone is likely to overpay for these players
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 TH E PE R FECT D RAFT

in virtually every league across America. Additionally, guys like
Aaron Rodgers, Donovan McNabb, Kurt Warner, Philip Rivers
and Tony Romo are all expected to be picked within the Top 50
selections.
I am going to say this the easiest way I know how. Don’t be
that owner that takes a quarterback in the first four rounds of
your draft. It’s generally a losing strategy unless you can get
the top tier guys (Brees and Brady) in the middle of the third
round or better. If you are one of the owners that gets a QB in
the first four rounds, you will not have the perfect draft. Resist
the temptation and let others grab these stars. How can I say
that with such conviction? Because draft after draft, I have seen
the same thing happen. People overpay for the top quarterbacks,
and then a lull takes place before a mad rush ensues (starting at
the end of Round 7 and continuing through Round 10) for the
quality quarterbacks left. The guys you need are in this second
group, and by waiting you will secure the running back and
wide receiver talent needed to field a dominant team.

Rank ADP Pos Player Rank ADP Pos Player Rank ADP Pos Player

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 TH E PE R FECT D RAFT
Ronnie Brown
The winning strategy is to grab several lesser quarterbacks
and use them in a committee approach based on which player
has the easiest schedule for that week.
The player you should be targeting in most every draft this
year is Jacksonville’s David Garrard. I view him as the 10th
best quarterback this season and place his value as the 73rd best
player in the draft. His average draft position (ADP) suggests,
however, that he will not be drafted until approximately the
121st selection. This means you can safely select him in the
ninth round or later. This should make all the difference in your
ability to field a very deep corps of running backs and wide
receivers.
Let’s look at David Garrard in more detail and why I think
he is the one quarterback that represents significant value this
season:
- Garrard finished as the 11th best QB last season despite
running for his life all season, while playing behind a makeshift
offensive line decimated by injuries.
- He established career bests in passing attempts,
completions, yards, and rushing yards.
- His TDs and yards per attempt numbers were down and
both representative of having a lot less time to throw.
- The Jaguars used their first two selections in the draft to
grab offensive tackles. They also retooled the WR position by
bringing in Torry Holt and grabbing undersized, but talented
WRs in the draft.
- The Jaguars lost Fred Taylor and are thin at RB behind
Maurice Jones-Drew. This should tilt the offense more towards
pass plays in 2009. And with Jones-Drew on the field for more
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238 PERFECT DRAFT.indd 240
plays, expect more dump passes to him as well.
- The Jaguars have an easy schedule against the pass
Other guys that I think should exceed their average
draft position this year:
Matt Hasselbeck, Sea (Value = 99, ADP = 105)
– The Seahawks fell apart last year, but should rebound
in an easy division. The team lacks a real running threat
(Julius Jones scares no one), so expect to see many
multiple receiver packages with this offense. With the
addition of T.J. Houshmandzadeh and the improving
health of both Deion Branch and Nate Burleson, this
offense should be well above average. Hasselbeck’s
passing attempts alone make him a great candidate to
finish in the Top 10 at the position.
Trent Edwards, Buf (Value = 106, ADP =116) – In
his second season with the offense Edwards improved
to a very respectable 7.2 yards per attempt. Adding
Terrell Owens to this team should do wonders for
Edwards’ ability to move the offense. It will also likely
free up more homeruns to speedster Lee Evans who was
double-covered on most plays in 2008.
Your goal in drafts this year is to secure TWO of the
above quarterbacks. And here is how you do that. Wait
until three of the following players get selected among
this group: Carson Palmer, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt
Schaub, Matt Cassel and Eli Manning. Those are your
triggers. When three are off the board, target QBs with
your next two selections. You should be able to secure
two of the above QBs by selecting Matt Hasselbeck
ICON SMI
with the first of these two picks. In most leagues this
first pick should be around the ninth round. Leagues
vary though so pay more attention to the triggers than
the actual round. Then follow that selection with Garrard. Then
taunt the other owners (OK you can skip this part) regarding
how they let you stockpile RBs and WRs and you still have
better QBs than their teams.
If somehow your plan backfires (and you can only acquire
one of the three values at quarterback), look to grab one of
these quarterbacks in the later rounds:
Shaun Hill, SF (Value = 127, ADP = 180) in the 13th round or later
Jake Delhomme, Car (Value = 148, ADP = 167) in the 13th round or later
Mark Sanchez, NYJ (Value = 157, ADP = 206) in the 16th round or later
A deep sleeper at quarterback is whoever takes the field for
the Minnesota Vikings. It was thought to be Sage Rosenfels,
but now rumors are circulating that Brett Favre could get the
job. Both of these players are being drafted so late that you can
target both in deeper leagues and guarantee exceptional value
once the situation becomes clearer.
RUNNING BACKS
The league is changing in front of our eyes. The days of
most teams having a power-back to shoulder 75-80 percent of
the load have been replaced with running back by committees
(RBBC). The NFL is a copy-cat league and general managers
consistently tweak their teams when another has success with
a certain formula. So when some of the most dominant teams
in the league are using RBBC, we have something more than a
coincidence. We have a blueprint that other teams are likely to
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5/26/09 10:14:08 AM
 TH E PE R FECT D RAFT
follow going forward.
I have no idea who the primary ball-carrier will be for the
New England Patriots (Fred Taylor, Maurice Morris, Laurence
Maroney, or Kevin Faulk) or the Indianapolis Colts (Joseph
Addai vs. Donald Brown), yet I know both teams will be very
successful running the ball.
In years past, the goal was to try and lock up RBs with your
first two to three selections. There were not enough RBs to go
around so hoarding these backs was the shark move. It forced
other owners to reach in the middle rounds for players that
would rarely yield production unless the starter was injured or
benched. But with so many teams running RBBC these days,
supply on the second, third and fourth tier backs has actually
increased.
Instead of risking your second and third picks on “lesser
backs” mired in RBBCs, I believe you will construct your
best fantasy roster by selecting your RB1 starter in the first
round and then move on to the elite WRs (that do not come
with question marks). In my opinion, drafting RBs for value in
Rounds 3 through Round 8 should yield the optimal team.
Here are the running backs that I would target for value:
Ronnie Brown, Mia (Value = 19, ADP = 34) – He is now
fully back from his ACL surgery. It’s clear that the Dolphins
want to run the ball, and I expect Brown to improve on his 247
touches in 2009. Even with his limited touches last year, Brown
still managed to finish as the 17th best fantasy back. Look to
get him in the third round.
Darren McFadden, Oak (Value = 28, ADP = 47) – Few are
doubting his talent, but durability issues continue to plague
McFadden. If he can hold it together though, he gets to operate
behind an effective run blocking offensive line. You can pick up
McFadden’s handcuffs (Justin Fargas and Michael Bush among
the last picks in your draft) so this can be a cheap position to
take to own the Oakland rushing attack. Look to get him in the
fourth round.
Pierre Thomas, NO (Value = 30, ADP = 45) – He takes over
Deuce McAllister’s role and has amassed impressive numbers
with his limited attempts. He has averaged 4.9 yards per carry
and 8.7 yards per reception in the 27 games he has played in.
He scored nine combined TDs in his last six games when he
was asked to do more. Look to get him in the fourth round.
Cedric Benson (Value = 45, ADP = 77) – Let’s get this
on record. I actually think this guy is very soft. But the fact
remains he will be the starting RB for the Bengals. And in the
sixth round that is very nice value.
Derrick Ward (Value = 48, ADP = 63) – I expect Derrick
Ward will easily beat out Earnest Graham to be the lead back
for the Bucs. This is great value in the fifth round or later.
Julius Jones (Value = 80, ADP = 102) – Words can’t
describe how much value this is. He is the starting RB for the
Seahawks and has minimal competition for carries. Make sure
you get him on your roster in the seventh round or later for
outstanding depth.
WIDE RECEIVERS
The biggest key to having a great wide receiver corps is
implementing the QB and RB strategies from Step 1 and Step
2 above. By waiting at QB until Round 7 or later and grabbing
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238 PERFECT DRAFT.indd 241
an elite RB in Round 1, you position yourself to nab the top
talent at wide receiver in Round 2 through Round 6. At the end
of Round 6, you should have two or three RBs and three or four
WRs. By the end of the draft, you should have seven to 10 WRs
on your squad. That may seem excessive, but some of these
players will likely bust and depth at WR allows you maximum
flexibility to trade during the season.
Although a team constructed like this may look slightly weak
at RB2, it will provide you with a powerhouse weekly roster by
locking down great WR talent. This will allow you to draft for
value the entire draft and stockpile talent that likely can be used
to trade for a RB that breaks out this season.
Running Backs Steve Slaton, Chris Johnson, Pierre Thomas,
LenDale White, Le’Ron McClain were all after-thoughts last
season (with many going undrafted), yet each provided much
firepower to teams in need.
If any of these players are still around, I would take them
before a top WR in Round 2:
- RB LaDainian Tomlinson
- RB Steve Slaton
- RB Frank Gore
- RB Clinton Portis
- RB Brian Westbrook.
But unless you are drafting at the end of Round 1, it’s
unlikely any of these players will make it to you. If that’s the
case, look to select a premier wide receiver in the second round
from among this list:
- Larry Fitzgerald
- Andre Johnson
- Randy Moss
- Calvin Johnson
- Reggie Wayne
- Steve Smith
- Roddy White
- Greg Jennings.
Here are the other WRs that I would target for value:
Braylon Edwards, Cle (Value = 36, ADP = 52) in the fifth
round or later. He struggled in 2008 but still is clearly the best
WR on the Browns. Winslow is now gone and Donte Stallworth
has big legal problems. This represents a great buy-low moment
for an exceptionally skilled player.
Chad Ochocinco, Cin (Value = 38, ADP = 65) in the fifth
round or later. It was clear Ochocinco was hurt all year. He
toughed through the year, but it’s questionable whether that was
wise. But that decision leads to great value for those paying
attention in 2009.
DeSean Jackson, Phi (Value = 43, ADP = 61) in the fifth
round or later. He flashed moments of brilliance in his rookie
campaign. Look for him to build on that effort and be the best
WR in Philadelphia going forward.
Donnie Avery, StL (Value = 52, ADP = 82) in the sixth
round or later. With Torry Holt now with the Jaguars, Avery is
the default WR1 on a team that is expected to have to throw the
ball a lot while playing from behind.
241
5/26/09 10:14:18 AM
 TH E PE R FECT D RAFT
Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ (Value =
55, ADP = 76) in the seventh round
or later. Laveranues Coles exit leaves
Cotchery with the best bet to see more
targets, catches and redzone looks.
Torry Holt, Jac (Value = 76, ADP
= 95) in the eighth round or later. I
think his proposed demise is a bit
premature. He is not a top 5 WR
anymore, but this late represents
outstanding value.
Donald Driver, GB (Value = 77,
ADP = 88) in the eighth round or later.
All he does is get 1,000 yards every
year. And every year he gets ignored
in the fantasy world. Just grab him
and he will outperform like he always
does.
Hakeem Nicks, NYG (Value = 98, Donnie Avery
ADP = 144) in the 10th round or later.
This is a personal bias, but I think he
will be the best WR for the Giants in 2009. He will compete
with Domenik Hixon for the starting job in camp.
Muhsin Muhammad, Car (Value = 104, ADP = 153) in the
11th round or later. Veteran knows the routes and always brings
value.
Mark Clayton, Bal (Value = 110, ADP = 164) in the 12th
round or later. He has had a very inconsistent career, but there
is talent here. Is this the year it rises to the surface and he
fulfills his potential?
Michael Jenkins, Atl (Value = 113, ADP = 163) in the 12th
round or later. – The addition of Tony Gonzalez ensures Jenkins
will never see double coverage. That alone should yield a few
easy scores.
Earl Bennett, Chi (Value = 116, ADP = 195) in the 13th
round or later. He is having an amazing offseason. I suspect you
will not be able to get him at these levels for much longer.
Plaxico Burress, FA (Value = 120, ADP = 168) in the 14th
round or later. He was let go because of legal issues and even
if he gets past those will likely be suspended by the league too.
But in the 14th round, you are swinging for the guy that can
make the difference in Week 16 for your team. And he could be
that guy if allowed to play.
Antwaan Randle El, Was (Value = 130, ADP = 202) in the
15th round or later. The Redskins have installed an offense that
should be suited for his skill set. This late in the draft, it’s all
about opportunity.
Chaz Schilens, Oak (Value = 135, ADP > 220) in the 16th
round or later. As I write this, he looks to be the top WR in
Oakland. Somebody has to catch the ball there.
Some other WRs will undoubtedly slip in your drafts besides
the above targeted bargain list. In recap, grab 3-4 receivers in
Round 2 through Round 6 and then wait for exceptional value
to emerge at WR because it always does.
TIGHT ENDS
This is a strange year for tight ends. Both Tony Gonzalez
and Kellen Winslow will be playing for new teams this season.
Jason Witten looks like he should have an increased role with
Terrell Owens leaving, but TO was a big reason the middle was
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ICON SMI
open for Witten. These situations have created a logjam of sorts
at the top spots with Jason Witten (ADP = 43), Antonio Gates
(ADP = 54), Tony Gonzalez (ADP = 55), Dallas Clark (ADP =
56) all going before the end of the fifth round. With as deep as
the tight ends are this year, I think it would be a huge mistake
to target any of the Top 4 TEs. All will be taken at a time when
it’s imperative to stock up key RB and WR talent.
But fear not. There are always bargains at the tight end
position late in a draft. In fact once the Top 7 or Top 8 names
come off the board, there is minimal pressure on the TE
position the rest of the draft. It’s no surprise that since TEs
catch a relatively small amount of passes, primarily on short
and intermediate routes (again, excluding the top tier guys),
there usually isn’t a great deal of variance between the fourth-
best TE and the 12th-best, witness:
• 2008 – 4th (118 points), 12th (82 points) = 36 points difference (2.25 per game)
• 2007 – 4th (141 points), 12th (79 points) = 62 points difference (3.88 per game)
• 2006 – 4th (113 points), 12th (81 points) = 32 points difference (2.00 per game)
• 2005 - 4th (119 points), 12th (77 points) = 42 points difference (2.63 per game)
• 2004 - 4th (113 points), 12th (69 points) = 44 points difference (2.75 per game)
• 5 YR AVG -- 4th (121 points), 12th (78 points) = 43 points difference (2.69 per game)
So ultimately, once you get past the big TEs, you're really
debating over approximately two points per week (which is why
it is wise to just wait until the later rounds to select a TE).
The tight end that I will be targeting in most of my drafts
this year is Greg Olsen, Chi (Value = 85, ADP = 99). He gets
a big upgrade at quarterback with the addition of Cutler and
it’s no secret that Cutler loves to involve the TE in the offense.
In Denver, Cutler targeted the position 236 times over the last
two seasons as a starter. In Greg Olsen, he gets a significant
upgrade over Tony Scheffler. Olsen established career highs
in targets, receptions, yards and TDs in 2008 and is poised to
continue that trend in what looks to be a better offense with
more opportunities this season.
About the same time that Greg Olsen will be selected,
Chris Cooley will be taken off the board. Cooley played
under a different offense last year (that better utilizes the tight
end position) and established career highs in targets (111),
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 receptions (83) and yards (849). Had Cooley scored his typical
six TDs a year instead of his lone TD, he would have finished
second in fantasy production. I expect that the coaches will
make their adjustments and make sure he is actively part of the
redzone targets going forward.
Look to grab either Olsen or Cooley in the eighth round.
Kellen Winslow and Owen Daniels will likely get selected
before these players. Use them as triggers when to be positioned
to pounce to get your guy.
Here are the other TEs that I believe will have exceptional
value in the draft:
Zach Miller, Oak (Value = 101, ADP = 128) in the 11th
round or better – This kid has great skills and emerged as
Oakland’s most reliable target in 2008. We expect that trend to
continue this year.
Bo Scaife, Ten (Value = 134, ADP = 184) in the 14th round
or later. He has quietly improved his yards and fantasy points in
each of his first 4 seasons.
PLACE KICKERS
Who cares right? Well...kind of right. Definitely nothing
you should even look at until Round 14 of your draft. But all
drafts are different. In leagues that go after kickers early, just
wait. You can get an adequate PK three rounds after every other
owner has their first.
In leagues that generally draft this position real late, look
towards the top of the kicker list in Round 14. If your top
kicker is available then draft him. Suffice it to say that in a lot
of leagues now, people wait too long to take their kickers. As
a rule of thumb, you can generally maximize kicker value by
taking the fifth to eighth kicker off the board. In waiver wire
friendly leagues (most), don’t be afraid to draft just one kicker
and add others as necessary during the season to cover the bye
weeks and/or exploit matchups.
DEFENSES
Scoring systems generally come into play and define when
defenses are taken.
I suggest you wait until Round 13 to assess what to do about
this position. If Pittsburgh is still on the board, grab them. If the
Steelers are gone though, I would wait until five of these teams
have been selected: Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Baltimore, New York
Giants, Philadelphia, San Diego, Chicago and New England.
This would be my trigger to select a defense with my next pick
(and I would be happy to get any of the defenses not selected,
but still on that short list).
Because owners rank defenses so differently, you can
generally get good value just by simply waiting for it to emerge.
A winning strategy to deploy after the draft for defenses is
simply to look two games ahead in the waiver process. Most
teams will have one or two defenses meaning that half of
the defenses are available as free agent pick ups each week.
By looking two to three weeks ahead at who will be playing
Detroit, St. Louis, Denver, and Kansas City, you likely can
find a cheap defense that should perform well against subpar
offenses. Drop this defense after their “quality game” so that
you can continue to pick up other defenses that will have good
weeks. Because of this strategy, I advise you to draft just one
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238 PERFECT DRAFT.indd 243
quality defense and look to play matchups the rest of the way.
Every year, two or three defenses are predicted to be terrible but
end up playing great.
If you can afford two roster spots for your defense, Chase
Stuart’s Defensive Team by Committee suggests using Green
Bay and Arizona and just playing matchups each week.
VARIATIONS ON THE PERFECT DRAFT
Auction Leagues – The goal is to target all of the players
highlighted in green in the table to build your team around.
Since most of these players will be had at a reduced price, this
should free up money to get couple of elite players.
I would also forego the Top 6 wide receivers in an auction
league and concentrate on locking up many WRs in the 7-15
range when the prices are reasonable. If I was able to conserve
dollars effectively early in the auction I would be inclined to try
and get a Top 4 kicker and a Top 5 defense.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
1. Draft a running back in Round 1. Your draft spot will
determine who you are able to get. If you are lucky enough to
have a shot at two of the Top 10 running backs, order a round
of drinks for your leaguemates and find a good engraver for the
trophy.
2. Use Round 2 through Round 6 to lock up talent at wide
receiver and to get an additional running back. Don’t reach for
RB2. It’s OK to start the year a little weak at this position as
long as you continue to draft for outstanding value. This value
can be packaged later to solidify the RB2 spot on your squad
for your playoff push.
3. Look to grab Greg Olsen or Chris Cooley in the eighth
round. Both should have excellent seasons and come at a nice
discount.
4. Look to grab David Garrard in the ninth round after key
triggers have indicated he could be selected soon.
5. Add value at QB, RB, WR and TE in the middle to late
rounds to protect bye weeks and improve depth.
6. Wait until six to eight defenses have been selected before
grabbing one that represents value. Use the waiver wire to add
depth at defense and play matchups against bad offenses.
7. Wait until six kickers have been selected before grabbing
one that represents value.
Well that is it folks. Hope you all do well in your coming
drafts. Remember, the key is not to just follow the Top 200 list
but to see where it differs substantially from average drafts.
This is how you get value with every pick. And value is how
you build winning fantasy teams.
Note: I know there is more than one way to have a great
draft. I have seen teams take players like Tom Brady early and
run away with titles by picking undervalued players the rest of
the way. I am not going to state that this article is the ONLY
way to be successful in your twelve-team draft. It’s simply one
way to end up with a very competitive team.
One of the hardest things about writing this “generic”
solution is it does not take in the tendencies of the people
you are drafting against. Against weaker competition, you can
usually squeeze in a strong QB in Round 3 through Round 5
and still be deep at RB and WR. Against stronger foes, selecting
a QB early can sometimes kill your depth at other positions.
243
5/26/09 10:14:38 AM
 2009 Footballguys.com
Mock Draft
T
here is a ton of strategy advice in this guide, but it
is useless without proper implementation. In early
May, Footballguys.com called together 12 staffers
to participate in the Fifth Annual Footballguys.com Strategy
Guide Mock Draft. After the draft, each participant was asked
a couple of question regarding their draft strategy. Hopefully,
their answers will assist you in formulating your own draft
attack plan.
Maurile Tremblay
1. Would your strategy have changed if you had a
different draft position in the first round?
Picking from the #1 slot, I always had to wait 23 picks before
it would be my turn again. That meant I had to anticipate runs
at a given position to avoid missing out on players from a
certain tier. I was the first to pick a QB (at the 2/3 turn) and
also the first to pick a TE (at the 4/5 turn). With my top-rated
RB, QB, and TE locked up, I could take a shotgun approach to
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244 MOCK DRAFT.indd 244
the WR position. I think I ended up with a well-rounded team.
2. You picked three rookie WRs. Was that by design?
No. I’m generally not a fan of picking rookie WRs, but during
the later rounds of the draft I like to target the players with the
highest upside remaining, even if there’s a good chance they’ll
bust. The three rookie WRs I got should all get a lot of playing
time immediately and could be this year’s version of DeSean
Jackson or Eddie Royal. I felt they had better upside potential
than any of the veterans who were still available.
Matt Waldman
1. Is there a pick you would like to do over? Why?
Rashad Jennings at 13.02 - I think Jennings has the talent
to see time as the potential No. 2 to Maurice Jones-Drew, but I
should have picked WR Mike Walker. The former UCF receiver
has all the skills to be a quality fantasy starter, and he’s fully
healthy for the first time since his junior year. He would have
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/26/09 9:27:52 AM
 brought great insurance to my WR corps in case one of my
starters doesn’t play to expectations.
2. What is your strategy at the WR position?
For the last three seasons, on average, 17 receivers were
new to the Top 36 from the year before. Ochocinco rebounding
from an injury-ridden 2008 should be one of them. Smith and
Jackson are top options in strong offenses. Bruce remains a
reliable technician, and Clayton had a strong second half in
2008 - promising for 2009. Curry, Morgan, and Sweed are good
athletes in offenses that will need to throw the ball.
Bob Henry
1. What are your thoughts on handcuffs?
Generally, I’m not a fan of the handcuff unless it’s a clear-
cut role and the backup has comparable replacement value.
The main detractor is the roster spot and draft pick to secure
the backup. It makes sense to secure the backup for your stud
RB in later rounds, but not for QBs or WRs in most cases. In
survivor league, handcuffs can be an effective strategy to secure
consistent scoring.
2. Is there a pick you would like to do over? Why?
Grabbing Knowshon Moreno in the third wasn’t planned. I
immediately thought I made a mistake by passing on Brady. I
believe Moreno will have a strong rookie season as the lead
back in Denver. He was a slight reach at 3.03, but sometimes
you have to do that to get the players you want. Of course, if
Moreno ends up in a RBBC then this pick will hurt.
Dave Baker
1. What are your thoughts on handcuffs?
I think handcuffs can be an important part of your team
whenever dealing with a player with an injury history, a
questionable starting status, or someone who has a clear
backup with talent. Generally speaking, I think owners place
too much emphasis on handcuffs, but when handled correctly
they can play an important role. The real problem with
handcuffs, though, is you often have to pick them earlier than
ideal and it can cause problems for rounding out your squad.
2. What is your strategy with drafting wide receivers?
Early on in the draft, my strategy is to go with the flow of
the draft, but as I assemble my squad, I always look closely at
my receivers. More than once, I’ve saved drafts and leagues by
selecting wide receivers. In a redraft league, I often look for
solid veterans when rounding out the unit. The younger guys,
especially rookies, are unlikely to have breakout seasons unless
they are prominent enough to be drafted early. Otherwise, I like
to use the middle rounds to grab a bunch of veteran guys.
Jeff Haseley
1. Which player drafted is most pivotal to the success of
your team?
I’m going with Derrick Ward here. He’s occupying my RB2 slot,
yet there are questions surrounding how much of the load he’ll
receive in Tampa Bay. If Ward exceeds expectations, he’ll be a
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244 MOCK DRAFT.indd 245
solid fantasy producer for my team. If Ward doesn’t provide the
numbers needed, I’ll have to rely on Leon Washington and Tim
Hightower, neither of whom is a starting back on their team. If
this mock draft included a point per reception for RBs I might
be a bit less concerned, but in this case it does not. Derrick
Ward is going to have to come through in order for my team to
compete for the title.
2. Take us through your WR selections. What was your
thought process?
I always try to go fairly strong with my WRs in a draft. In this
draft I selected two WRs in my first three picks. In selecting
two strong WRs early, I could then focus on getting a solid QB
in Round 4 (Aaron Rodgers) followed by my RB2 in Round 5
(Derrick Ward). If you go strong on WR early, you better have
a plan for your RB2 and/or QB1. In my case I was happy that
I landed both Rodgers and Ward. I knew I needed to secure
my WR3 with my next pick. I really wanted to steal Antonio
Bryant, but he was selected eight picks ahead of me. Other
targets (Lance Moore, Lee Evans, Jerricho Cotchery, and
DeSean Jackson) were flying off the board, so I decided to go
with Bernard Berrian. My favorite late-round WR was Mark
Bradley at 13.05. The Chiefs need someone other than Dwayne
Bowe to pick up the slack left by Tony Gonzalez’s departure to
Atlanta and Bradley could be that guy. He had four double-
digit fantasy games last year. If he can rise to the occasion, he
could be the steal of my draft. All in all, I thought I drafted my
WRs fairly well. If there was one player that I could’ve gone
after that just wasn’t in the cards with my draft process it was
Hakim Nicks. He may not be that involved in the offense from
the get go, but I like his potential beginning this year.
Jason Wood
1. Is there a pick you would like to do over? Why?
I took DeSean Jackson at 6.07, and think he was definitely
the best WR on the board at the time. However, the last two
QBs I really wanted as my starter - Jay Cutler and Matt Schaub
- went before my seventh round pick which forced me to reach
for Matt Ryan, the last of my Top 10 QBs. I was really surprised
that none of my QB1s fell to me in the seventh round, yet there
were a number of receivers available in that spot that I ranked
comparably to Jackson.
2. What are your thoughts on handcuffs?
In a shallow league like this one, handcuffs are a luxury you
really can’t afford. It’s one thing if you target a RB2 that you
know, at worst, will be a major part of the offense anyway and
would be a stud if the RB1 got hurt. But there’s just no room on
the roster for a QB2 or a WR3; the waiver wire will be chock
full of viable options.
David Dodds
1. How were you able to carry out your predraft plan?
From a middle position like I had, I like to remain extremely
flexible and look for value to emerge. My general plan was to
have two RBs and three WRs after five rounds unless I could
get Brady in the third or later. I generally wait on QB but feel
Brady represented too much value to pass on him in the third.
245
5/26/09 9:31:25 AM
 2009 M O C K D RAFT

Worst case - I can trade him for a RB or WR in-season, and

that might be how I would play this since I also was able to
select David Garrard. Because I took a QB within my first five
selections, I opted to wait at adding an additional RB so that
I could lead runs instead of constantly picking lesser players.
This led me to having a good base of WRs to build on and also
getting a solid TE in Dallas Clark.

2. What is your strategy at the WR position?

In general, I like to grab a lot of WRs. In the later rounds, I
think the winning strategy is to choose players in good offenses.
My selection of Joey Galloway is exactly that type of player.
In the 15th round I just wanted someone who could be a huge
steal should Moss or Welker miss any time. I also like to pair
players when it’s unclear who the starter will be. I was able to
pair Deion Branch and Nate Burleson late, yet one should play
opposite of T.J. Houshmandzadeh is Seattle. And when your
best RB is Julius Jones, you know the strategy will be to throw
the ball a lot in Seattle.

Will Grant
1. Would your strategy have changed if you had a
different draft position in the first round?
In general, I wait on taking a QB until the seventh or eighth
round. It’s far more important to build your RB and WR corps
than it is to load up on a stud QB. However, given my starting
position (1.08), it made sense to consider taking Brady or
Manning at 3.08. This allowed me to focus on other positions
and leave my backup QB until my last pick. If I would have
drafted earlier, I’d have taken a RB or WR with my third and
fourth round picks.
2. What is your strategy at the WR position?
Since I took a QB in the third round, I was one of the last
teams to take their first WR. To make up the lost ground, I
took a WR with six of the next eight picks, focusing on the best
ICON/SMI
Adrian Peterson
guy available, or guys who had a big upside given their draft
position. In a league that requires three WRs each week, this was
necessary to insure that I had a good mix of guys each week.
Jeff Tefertiller
1. How were you able to carry out your predraft plan?
My strategy was to hoard running backs early in the draft. I
took Fitzgerald in the first just because I saw plenty of running
backs slipping and hoped that one would slide to the 2.04. I
was shocked to see Portis there in second round. I added two
more good backs in the third and fourth rounds. I was waiting
on WR2-4 until the middle rounds and knew that there would
be good options available. I targeted the quarterbacks and tight

Round TREMBLAY WALDMAN HENRY BAKERRB Gore, HASELEYT. WOOD Jordan, rb

1 ➞ RB Peterson, Min RB Jones-Drew, Jac RB Turner, Atl RB Westbrook, Phi RB Tomlinson, SD RB Williams, Car
➞

2 QB Brees, NO WR Smith, Car WR Wayne, Ind RB Lynch, Buf WR Jennings, GB RB Barber, Dal
3 ➞ WR White, Atl RB Grant, GB RB Moreno, Den WR Colston, NO WR Boldin, Ari WR Bowe, KC
➞

4 TE Witten, Dal WR Jackson, SD WR Edwards, Cle RB Addai, Ind QB Rodgers, GB WR Houshmandzadeh

5 ➞ RB Jones, NYJ WR Ochocinco, Cin TE Gates, SD QB Warner, Ari RB Ward, TB RB Wells, Ari
➞

6 WR Moss, Was RB Brown, Ind QB Cutler, Chi WR Ward, Pit WR Berrian, Min WR Jackson, Phi
7 ➞ RB Benson, Cin RB Jones, Dal QB Schaub, Hou WR Holt, Jac RB Sproles, SD QB Ryan, Atl
➞

8 RB McGahee, Bal QB Hasselbeck, Sea WR Walter, Hou WR Mason, Bal RB Washington, NYJ WR Breaston, Ari
9 ➞ WR Ginn, Mia TE Olsen, Chi RB Taylor, NE WR Chambers, SD TE Daniels, Hou TE Cooley, Was
➞

10 RB Graham, TB QB Edwards, Buf TE Keller, NYJ QB Manning, NYG WR Gage, Ten WR Burress, FA
11 ➞ WR Harvin, Min WR Bruce, SF RB McCoy, Phi TE Miller, Oak QB Orton, Den RB Taylor, Min
➞

12 WR Maclin, Phi WR Clayton, Bal WR Austin, Dal RB Fargas, Oak RB Hightower, Ari QB Pennington, Mia
13 ➞ WR Heyward-Bey, Oak RB Jennings, Jac WR Thomas, Jac WR Jenkins, Atl WR Bradley, KC WR Walker, Jac
➞

14 Titans Defense Vikings Defense Chargers Defense TE Miller, Pit TE Scaife, Ten WR Engram, KC
15 ➞ WR Rice, Min WR Sweed, Pit RB Jackson, GB Bears Defense Patriots Defense Jets Defense
➞

16 TE Boss, NYG WR Morgan, SF RB James, FA QB Delhomme, Car RB Brown, NYG RB Buckhalter

17 ➞ QB Quinn, Cle WR Curry, Det PK Kaeding, SD PK Vinatieri, Ind PK Elam, Atl PK Crosby, GB
➞

18 PK Longwell, Min PK Gould, Chi RB Faulk, NE WR Clayton, TB WR Higgins, Oak TE Fasano, Mia

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 2009 M O C K D RAFT

ends who were undervalued and at the end of my tiers. There
were solid passers available later than in past years.
2. What is your strategy at the WR position?
I targeted five receivers with different bye weeks. Fitzgerald
as an anchor in the first allowed me to wait on the other wide-
outs. I am high on Coles and Driver this season. In the ninth
round, I decided to take a risk on a rookie, Hakeem Nicks. As a
WR5, I wanted to shoot for upside.
Colin Dowling
1. Is there a pick you would like to do over? Why?
Given the chance to NOT select Donovan McNabb as early
as I did would be something I’d do over. I had hoped for one of
Brady, Manning, and Brees, but when all three were selected
in a flurry, I admittedly panicked and picked McNabb. Given
the chance to do it again, I’d pass on McNabb (at least at that
point) and target some of the better value quarterbacks like
Schaub, Palmer, and Roethlisberger in a later round. Taking
McNabb early may not turn out so bad, but I have a gaping
hole at receiver which could have - and should have - been
addressed at the time.
2. How do you handle bye weeks? Do the byes change
which players you target?
I almost never consider bye weeks when drafting. I simply
don’t think that the downside of passing on a better player just
to ensure coverage every week is a good gamble. Players get
hurt, fantasy trades can be made, and surprises rise up from
the late rounds or the waiver wire to help out. NOT choosing a
player because his bye week is the same as another player on
your team is silly.
Michael Brown
1. Would your strategy have changed if you had a
different draft position in the first round?
Had I picked in the early part of the first round, I probably
would’ve gone RB-WR-RB. Now that’s not to say I would’ve
definitely done that because you always need to remain flexible,
but it probably would’ve worked out that way. In a 12-team
league, it’s difficult to get a top RB late in the third or early in
the fourth, but there are typically some good RBs available in
the early part of the third round.
2. How do you handle bye weeks? Do the byes change
which players you target?
I go against the grain regarding byes. Most people balance
their rosters with players having byes at different times, but I
never worry about that. The worst case is that all of your key
players are off the same week, right? All that means is that
those players are available for every other week. Would you
rather have 5-10 less points every single week, or have 40 less
points one time but then be at full strength for the rest of the
season?
Anthony Borbely
1. How were you able to carry out your predraft plan?
I have two basic strategies when I draft last in Round 1. First,
I want each of my first six picks to be a RB or WR because, by
the time the 7/8 turn rolls around, those two positions are pretty
thin. Second, I almost always take a QB at the 7/8 turn. Waiting
22 more picks to take one is asking for trouble. Drafting Jamal
Lewis and Antonio Bryant at the 5/6 turn made my draft and it
went pretty much according to plan.
2. How do you handle bye weeks? Do the byes change
which players you target?
If your league uses divisions, try to avoid too many players
on a bye in weeks in which you play a division rival. You cannot
afford to lose a lot of division games, so know when you play
teams in your division and know the players who have byes in
those weeks. I am not suggesting you pass on good players, but
you can take different players within the same tier.

rb DODDSS. Jackson, GRANT TEFERTILLERRB RB DOWLING BROWN BORBELY Round

RB Jackson, StL RB Forte, Chi WR Fitzgerald, Ari RB Johnson, Ten RB Gore, SF WR Moss, NE ➞
➞ 1
WR Johnson, Hou RB Slaton, Hou RB Portis, Was RB Jacobs, NYG RB Brown, Mia WR Johnson, Det 2
➞

QB Brady, NE QB Manning, Ind RB Smith, Det RB Bush, NO RB Johnson, KC RB Stewart, Car 3

➞
h WR Marshall, Den WR Welker, NE RB Thomas, NO QB McNabb, Phi WR Owens, Buf RB McFadden, Oak 4
➞

RB Parker, Pit WR Holmes, Pit WR Royal, Den WR Williams, Dal TE Gonzalez, Atl WR Bryant, TB 5
➞
WR Cotchery, NYJ WR Evans, Buf QB Romo, Dal WR oore, NO QB Rivers, SD RB Lewis, Cle 6
➞

TE Clark, Ind TE Winslow, TB WR Coles, Cin QB Palmer, Cin WR Gonzalez, Ind QB Roethlisberger, Pit 7
➞
RB McClain, Bal RB Mendenhall, Pit WR Driver, GB RB White, Ten WR Avery, StL WR Crabtree, SF 8
➞

RB Jones, Sea WR Hixon, NYG WR Nicks, NYG WR Hester, Chi RB Williams, Mia QB Cassel, KC ➞ 9
WR Branch, Sea WR Crayton, Dal TE Carlson, Sea WR Muhammad, Car RB Bradshaw, NYG WR Smith, NYG 10
➞

QB Garrard, Jac WR Bennett, Chi RB Maroney, NE RB Norwood, Atl RB Jackson, Buf TE Shockey, NO ➞ 11
a WR Curtis, Phi RB Greene, NYJ RB Charles, KC RB Bush, Oak QB Flacco, Bal RB Rice, Bal 12
➞

TE Shiancoe, Min Steelers Defense RB Choice, Dal TE Pettigrew, Det TE Scheffler, Den RB Duckett, Sea 13
➞
Ravens Defense RB Morris, NE Eagles Defense WR Washington, Ten Giants Defense WR Robinson, StL 14
WR Galloway, NE WR Robiskie, Cle TE Celek, Phi PK Gostkowski, NE WR Camarillo, Mia TE McMichael StL 15
➞

➞
WR Burleson, Sea PK Bironas, Ten RB Betts, Was Dolphins Defense WR Johnson, Det QB Hill, SF 16
➞

WR Walker, Oak WR Nelson, GB QB Campbell, Was TE Davis, SF RB Coffee, SF Panthers Defense 17

➞
PK Folk, Dal QB Russell, Oak PK Akers, Phi WR Meachem, NO PK Brown, Hou PK Hartley, NO 18

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 Random Shots
A Twisted Look at the Offseason…
I
wrote the first Random Shots
column some 10 years ago with
no greater purpose than to relieve
the pressure inside my head. There
were simply too many (mostly useless)
thoughts banging into each other. Most
were generated from watching 16 hours
of football every Sunday. It was blogging
back before blogging was a word. (It is a
word, right?)
The interesting thing to me was that
as I published the column each week,
I started receiving lots of replies back
along the lines of “I can’t believe you
saw that?” I thought I was the only one
that thought that was weird, funny, stupid
or just generally “out there.” Pretty soon,
it sort of took on a life of its own and
I had people tell me they were watch-
ing games looking for “Random Shots
moments.” Even with the stalker factor
bumping the redline, it was kind of nice
knowing I wasn’t the only guy thinking
these things.
From there, we went to an every-week
feature during the season and never
looked back. This year, I wanted to do
some of the same sort of thing taking
a look at some of the goofy things
we’ve seen since the regular season
ended. So here goes.
Joe Bryant
Owner – www.Footballguys.com
■ The Cowboys have finally decid-
ed on a name for their new stadium:
“Cowboys Stadium”. I wonder how
long it took them to come up with that
gem. I guess it sounds better than the
more accurate “let’s just use a generic
name to serve as a placeholder until
Jerry can land the overpaying ego
crazed corporate whale”.
■ Matt Millen: Further proof that
no matter how miserably one fails,
there’s always TV to fall back on. If
Millen can land a job with NBC, Ryan
Leaf should be a Sports Center anchor.
■ Lawrence Taylor on Dancing
with the Stars. That was pretty
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248
248 RANDOM SHOTS.indd 248
uncomfortable on multiple levels.
■ Every NFL player has a ridiculously
short window of time to produce. But
wide receivers seem to fall especially
fast. Terry Glenn was a solid player in
2006 with six TDs and 1,058 yards.
Three years later he’s reportedly naked
wandering the hotel halls before being
busted on marijuana possession. No con-
firmation on the rumor Jimmy Smith and
Matt Jones were following him to Jamal
Anderson’s room. Things move fast.
■ The Lions have a logo that is
more fierce. I’m sure that’ll solve all
by Joe Bryant
their problems.
■ 49ers coach Mike Singletary is
a dream for a guy like me that writes
goofy things about football. With Jon
Gruden off the field and into the booth,
we need a guy like Singletary. This off-
season, he was asked by a group of fans
about his commitment to smash mouth
football. Singletary summed up his phi-
losophy saying that he wanted his team
to be “Physical with an F.” You gotta like
that.
■ I like Brian Allee-Walsh of The
New Orleans Times-Picayune paper. But
typing all that for a source seems like
a lot of letters and too many hyphens.
Sorry, this is the kind of thing I worry
about.
■ Dallas Owner Jerry Jones put
a gag order on all Cowboy officials
and coaches at the NFL Combine
in Indianapolis this spring. He was
extremely clear that no one would be
allowed to speak to reporters on any
subject. Jones said, “The way to clear
that (problem) up, because I’m the one
who knows, is we get together and
we all say it, so everybody hears it,
at the same time. So we can find
a way to cut back on some of this
misinformation.”
Translation: Nobody gets to talk
but me.
■ Daniel Kaplan of the Sports
Business Journal reported in
February that the NFL paid former
commissioner Paul Tagliabue $3.6
million in the 12-month period
ending last March 31, even though
Tagliabue had resigned in August
of 2006. It’s assumed it was for a
consulting role. Nice work if you
can get it.
■ I’m not a guy that spends
a lot of time worrying about the
feelings of NFL athletes. But I
seriously feel sort of bad for Sage
Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson.
Have two quarterbacks ever been
forgotten more quickly? Granted,
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/26/09 8:52:58 AM
 they haven’t done a whole lot to make us
remember them but c’mon people.
■ On that subject, as I type this
on May 18, Brett Favre is still very
much retired. His agent Bus Cook said
yesterday there was “no substance” to
the speculation that Favre would play
again. The word just came out today that
Favre is scheduled for surgery with Dr.
Andrews in Birmingham.
■ With that scant bit of
information, my prediction for Favre
in 2009 is simple: He returns as the
Minnesota Vikings starting QB, breaks
Jim Marshall’s consecutive starts
record in a Vikings uniform (which
will be enough to melt every power
line in Bristol, CT) and finishes the
year as the 14th-best fantasy QB in the
league leading the Vikings to a 10-6
record again. For a bonus prediction,
he wins the Nov. 1 game in Lambeau
with a last-second game-winning TD
pass and does a Randy Moss-style
moon shot by the goal post while Ted
Thompson’s head explodes.
■ Hats off to the folks at Deadspin
for pulling this one up from the archives:
New ESPN employee Jon Gruden had
some not too flattering words for ESPN
back in 2007 when an ESPN report
suggested Tampa QB Bruce Gradkowski
might be involved with a point shaving
situation at the University of Toledo.
(Gradkowski was never accused of any
wrongdoing). Gruden said this at the
time, “ I don’t watch ESPN. I don’t
believe half the f****** people on the
channel, personally – no disrespect. But
if Bruce Gradkowski is throwing games
in Toledo, how in the hell does he lead
the NCAA in passing percentages? That
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248 RANDOM SHOTS.indd 249
is a crock. You know, these
reports make me sick
– really. I don’t believe
[there is] any truth to
it, and I’ll go to my grave
believing that. I hope ESPN 3
or 4 has real sources behind this
story, because it has nothing to do
with the kid. He’s a great kid. He wants
to be great. This is very uncharacteristic,
in my opinion, of ‘professional’
journalism.”
I’m sure they’ve worked through all
that now though. They wanted a guy that
speaks directly. I think they’ve found one
in Gruden. Very interested to see how
this plays out.
■ You people talking about having the
Super Bowl in London, just stop it. Right
now.
49ers linebacker Jeff Ulbrich is doing
what he has to do in order to earn a
roster spot on the team. The ten-year
veteran recently accepted a pay cut
from $2.23 million to $950,000 for this
season. “I was getting paid too much for
what I’d be contributing,” he said. You
don’t see a lot of that.
■ New Cleveland coach Eric Mangini
got off to a rough start with defensive
tackle Shaun Rogers. According to Adam
Schefter writing for NFL.com, Rogers
was so upset, he asked the Browns not
to pick up the $6 million option-bonus
payment due to him. Schefter wrote that
Rogers would rather be released after
one season with the Browns, despite
still being owed another $15 million in
guaranteed money.
■ The heinous offense committed
by Mangini that would make Rogers
feel like this? Mangini walked into the
Browns training room and failed to say
hello to Rogers. AND, they later were at
a charity function where both men were
in the green room and neither said hello
to each other. I don’t make these up.
■ Note to Seattle DB Jordan
Babineaux: Move over. Your reign as
longest name on the team is officially
over now that Mr. Houshmandzadeh is
in town.
■ There was a heartwarming story in
the Globe Gazette about how Minnesota
RB Adrian Peterson was donating close
to $150,000 to keep the Northern Iowa
Area Community College football
program alive. Smiles all around. Except
for the fact that Peterson had never said
anything like that and the story was a
case of misunderstanding with no fault
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whatsoever to Peterson. Ouch.
■ Tampa Bay linebacker Geno
Hayes was stabbed in the head with
a pair of scissors by his 19-year old
girlfriend Shevelle Bagley. That
apparently wasn’t enough, and
Bagley went back
and stabbed Hayes
in the neck with a
knife. I understand
true love and all, but
Geno, you’re an NFL
player. You’ve got a
pretty large pool to fish in when it
comes to finding a girlfriend. I’ve got
to believe you can find one that won’t
stab you in the head with scissors.
■ Terrell Owens in Buffalo is going
to be fun. He showed up for voluntary
workouts today. And they gave him the
key to the city. Sweet. Owens had this
gem at the press conference when he
signed, “I beat to my own beat.” I love
me some T.O.
■ Rapper Eminem says that Tony
Romo is one of his favorite quarterbacks.
So at least Romo has that going for him.
■ Everyone pretty much agrees that
the rookie pay scale is out whack. But
in a system where Kellen Winslow is
the highest-paid TE in the history of
the game, I’m not sure it’s working any
better for the veterans.
■ The Dolphins are looking to rename
their stadium Land Shark Stadium. I
wish I were joking.
■ President Barack Obama invited
the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh
Steelers to the White House. NFL
Defensive MVP James Harrison
declined. Harrison had this nugget on
why he didn’t want to go: “This is how
I feel. If you want to see the Pittsburgh
Steelers, invite us when we don’t win the
Super Bowl. As far as I’m concerned,
he (Obama) would’ve invited Arizona if
they had won,” said Harrison. Yes, I think
that’s pretty much how it works, James.
And on that note, we’ll head towards
Week 1 of another season of which I’ve
no doubt will be chock full of enough
Random Shots to keep me busy all year.
If you see one during the game, shoot
it to me at Bryant@Footballguys.com.
Thanks for reading and I hope you have
a gas with whatever you’re doing in life.
Here’s to Football.
J
249
5/26/09 8:53:13 AM
 Parting Shots
Be Honest
W
ell? How’d we do? As I wrote in the intro-
duction, I have the honor of opening this
magazine and also closing it. I made a
bunch of big promises on the front end talking about
all the cool stuff we do and how we’ll give you what
you need to Dominate Your League.
Now that you’ve had a chance to soak it in, I’m inter-
ested in what you think. For ten years, we’ve continually
improved our Footballguys.com website based upon
feedback from our customers. And we’ve done the same
thing with our magazine each year. So if you have an
idea on how we can make this better, please shoot me an
email at bryant@footballguys.com. And if you can spare
30 seconds, we’d be honored if you’d take our magazine
survey here http://www.footballguys.com/magsurvey/.
We want to hear from you.
Next item. As cool as we think this magazine is (and
I think it’s pretty cool), it needs to be updated. As I sit
at my desk and type this on May 18, there are lots of
question marks out there. For instance, we don’t know
whether Brett Favre will play football this year. There
are plenty more issues out there that are FAR from
being resolved. You will absolutely know things in July
as you read this that I didn’t know in May as I typed it.
That’s the nature of the NFL these days. Things move
fast.
Fortunately, we have a solution – actually two solu-
tions. And better yet, they’re simple and they’re FREE.
#1. If you’re reading this magazine you can
receive a free Training Camp Report that cov-
ers all the updated news and situations by visiting
http://freeupdate.footballguys.com. We cover every
team and every situation that you’ll need to know
about. The Training Camp Report will also include
an updated Top 200 list and performance and basic
cheatsheets. It’s all you need to be totally up to date.
#2. Our Free Daily Email Updates will keep you on
top of everything that’s happening all the way up until
the Week 1 kickoff. Each day, we sort through the hun-
dreds of NFL articles out there and bring you the 15-
30 most important stories that you’ll need to know. We
give you the story summary and our opinion on what
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250
250 PARTING SHOTS.indd 250
by Joe Bryant
the story means for your fantasy team trying to read
“between the lines” a bit.
Those two items will put you ahead of most fantasy
football owners in your league. But if you’re really
serious about winning, and want more than just the
Camp Report and Email Updates, we’ve got you cov-
ered there too. A subscription to our Footballguys web-
site gives you access to everything we do all the way
through the Super Bowl. If you like the magazine, I
can say without hesitation that you’ll love the web-
site. As I wrote in the opening, this magazine is just
the “tip of the iceberg” for what we do online. Last
year, we produced over 50,000 pages of content and
it’ll likely be even more comprehensive this season. It’s
a ridiculous advantage. But we’re OK with that.
How good do I think the subscription is? Good
enough for us to put our money where our mouth is.
As we have every year since we started, we’ll be offer-
ing a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. If you don’t
think it’s worth the subscription price, we’ll give you a
full refund, no questions asked.
In one of my favorite all-time Terrell Owens’ quotes,
he was asked for one word to describe himself. Owens
quickly answered, “Confident.” He was then asked for
another word. Owens did not hesitate and said, “Very.”
That’s how we feel about how much you’ll like the
Footballguys subscription.
Thanks again for reading. I’ve long contended that
our Footballguys readers are the best and smartest and
most successful fantasy football owners on the planet.
It’s a huge honor for me and my partner David Dodds
and for all the folks on the Footballguys Staff to be
able to serve you.
Have a great 2009 and I hope all the bounces go
your way. Now get out there and start Dominating.
Joe
FOOTBALLGUYS.COM
5/27/09 12:57:39 PM