TEAM PREVIEW: Carolina Panthers

8-8 in 2009

The Carolina Panthers put together a decent 8-8 season last year, mainly because of their ground game, but I don't expect the same this year. I am just not impressed by the Panther's roster outside of DeAngelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart. Losing Julius Peppers should also prove to be big.

The Panther's offense is centered heavily around Williams and Stewart. The offensive line is pretty solid with 2 former first round picks anchoring the tackle spots. The QB is a major question mark. Matt Moore finished up the season pretty well, but it is difficult to say what the Panthers will get out of him this year. If Jimmy Clausen gets thrown into the mix it could be a long year down in Carolina. Steve Smith is still a very good WR but I would not say he is elite any more. Without the presence of another strong talent opposite him, teams are able to double Smith and attempt to take away the deep ball. I expect the Panthers to be able to run the ball but I don't think it will allow them to win enough games.

The defense has taken two blows in the offseason; the first being Julius Peppers going to the Bears, and the second was losing Thomas Davis to an ACL injury. I don't think the D-Line will be very good this year which does not bode well for the rest of the defense. The secondary is sub par which should leave the Panthers open to some big plays. The only real bright spot is Jon Beason, but he can't do it all. In 2010 I think there will be a lot of points scored on this Panthers defense, which is definitely not good for a run first team.

The Panthers do not have an overly difficult schedule, nevertheless I don't think they are good enough to compete for a playoff spot this year. They are definitely in rebuilding mode and I think they're defense will be their Achilles heel.

-Prediction: 5-11 in 2010

FANTASY ANALYSIS: Denver Broncos

In his rookie season Knowshon Moreno flew under the radar and posted some nice totals, even with Correll Buckhalter in the mix. Moreno runs hard and proved he could play and play well in his first season in the NFL. The one thing that could hurt Moreno this season is the loss of Brandon Marshall. When he was on the outside teams had to key on him leaving a lot more room for Moreno to run free. However, the loss of Marshall means the Broncos will rely more on Moreno to carry the offense. I think for his second season Moreno should see improvement in his stats, but more importantly, overall consistency for the season. Look for Moreno as your 2nd back, probably coming off the board around the late 2nd to 4th round depending on the size of the league.

-Projection: 1,100 yards rushing, 7-9 TDs; 30-40 receptions, 300 yards receiving, 1 TD

Kyle Orton had a respectable 2009, but I do not see more of the same in 2010. He loses his number 1 target in Marshall, and has Brady Quinn waiting in the wings if he does not play well. I have never really been sold on Orton and he is one of the QBs I have stayed away from in recent years. He is not a terrible late-round pick as a backup but that is about all Orton is worth.

Projection: 3,100-3,300 yards passing, 15-18 TDs, 12 INTs

Eddie Royal's statistics took a complete nose dive last season after a very impressive rookie campaign. Taken way too high in many drafts, Royal was a complete disappointment in 2009. 2010 could be a bounce back year for him. With Brandon Marshall in Miami, Royal could become Orton's favorite target this season. Royal should see more passes come his way, and needs to show up this year to prove 2008 was no fluke. I see Royal bouncing back after 2009 and could end up as a good 3rd WR. Look for him to go late and I would target him initially as a backup.

-Projection: 65 receptions, 850 yards, 6 TDs

Demaryius Thomas was an exceptional player at Georgia Tech. He has a chance to come in and start right away which makes him even more attractive. Thomas has great size and speed and should fit right into this Broncos offense. Thomas will have even more value in keeper/dynasty leagues as well. If you can grab him late he should be a nice fill in and should continue to improve as the season progresses.

-Projection: 60 receptions, 800 yards, 5 TDs

D.J. Williams had a very solid season for a fantasy LB in 2009. Posted 100 solo tackles, and was pretty consistent throughout the year. He should be in for another solid season with a good Broncos defense. If you wait on picking a fantasy LB, Williams is a great choice who you should be able to get pretty late in most drafts.

-Projection: 135 total tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 5 passes defended

Elvis Dumervil took full advantage on playing in a 3-4 defense last season. He posted a ridiculous 17 sacks last season, and his numbers could come close to that again this season. Although undersized, he does a great job of getting off blocks and the outside LB position in a 3-4 defense suits him perfectly.

-Projection: 50 total tackles, 13-15 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 4 passes defended

TEAM PREVIEW: New York Giants

8-8 in 2009

If there was ever an example needed of teams completely falling apart in a season, the New York Mets and Giants could write the entire book just in the last few years. The Mets blew a 7 game lead in the division in 2007, and the Giants went a dismal 3-8 down the stretch last season after starting off 5-0. In the toughest division in football I have to think the Giants will finish in the bottom 2 of the NFC East.

Say what you want but I am not sold on Eli Manning. Although he has a Super Bowl ring, I give the credit to his defense on that one. Nevertheless the Giants do have a pretty solid team. The offensive line the Giants sport is one of the best in the business and it makes the whole offense look better. The Giants really need Jacobs in they want to be successful. He is a bruising back the makes defenses put more guys in the box, which really can open up the passing game. With the emergence of Steve Smith last year the Plaxico Burress void seems to be filled for now. I look for Hakeem Nicks to have a pretty good year with Smith drawing a lot of coverage. This offense should be pretty good this year, but I just don't see it being good enough to get them to the playoffs in the very talented NFC East.

The Giants defense has some question marks that need to be addressed. The D-Line is in question because it is unclear what the Giants will get out of Osi Umenyiora, and Jason Pierre-Paul is a rookie with a lot of ability, but still a rookie. The linebackers are nothing special. The safety positions are pretty solid but outside of Antrel Rolle, there is not a whole lot of talent at CB. The Giants defense could be the biggest work in progress this year, which is the reason I have a hard time seeing them getting to the playoffs.

The NFC East always plays each other tough and I think it will be more of the same this year. The schedule will be tough for the Giants and like I said before Eli Manning does not do much for me. Plus as an Eagles fan I have to hate the Giants.

-Prediction: 8-8 in 2010

FANTASY ANALYSIS: San Franciso 49ers

Frank Gore had a great season for fantasy owners last year, posting his best totals since '06 and he even missed 2 games. I think the presence of Glen Coffee behind Gore is actually beneficial because it will give the Miami product some rest when needed. Gore is much too talented to keep off the field and expect the 49ers to use him a lot this year. Without a proven QB the 49ers will need to run the ball to set up the pass and the presence of Michael Crabtree will keep defenses a little more honest than in the past. Gore will most likely go in the area of pick 5 and he is deserving of the high pick. I expect another very good year out of Frank Gore, and even at 27 he has some very good value in keeper/dynasty leagues.

-Projection: 1,400-1,500 yards rushing, 10-12 TDs; 45 receptions, 400 yards receiving, 2 TDs

Michael Crabtree sat out the first 5 games last season which made his stats look weaker than they actually were. He caught less than 4 balls only twice in 11 games last season, and with a full camp and preseason under his belt, Crabtree could be a pleasant surprise for the 49ers and fantasy owners alike. He is the best WR on the 49ers and will get a lot of looks in the passing game. I like Crabtree as a number 2 fantasy WR but he is even more attractive as a 3rd WR. Crabtree should have a great year and if Alex Smith steps up Crabtree will see immediate benefits.

-Projection: 70-80 receptions, 1,100 yards receiving, 8 TDs

Vernon Davis broke out last season in a big way after 3 seasons of sub par production. He was the top scoring fantasy TE and finished the year with 13 TDs. With Crabtree asserting himself in the offense, Davis should once again have a big year. He has all the physical tools, most notably incredible speed. As with Crabtree, Davis's production hinges on Alex Smith having a good year. I would say Davis will go in the top 5 for TEs and could go as high as the number 3 TE. If you like taking a TE early Davis is a good bet for another strong season.

-Projection: 65-75 receptions, 900-1,000 yards receiving, 10 TDs

I have to say the jury is still out on Alex Smith, but a few have already walked out the door. He has never been able to put everything together after a successful career at Utah. This season may be the last shot for Alex Smith. He needs to prove he can manage games and stop making ill-advised throws. Now that he has some weapons in Crabtree, Davis, and Gore there is no time left for excuses. With the 49ers getting better and being in a bad division I think Smith steps up this year. He does not need to be spectacular, just much smarter than in the past. He is not a bad option as a backup if you get him late, plus he plays in one of the worst divisions in football.

-Projection: 3,500-3,750 yards passing, 24 TDs, 16 INTs; 125 yards rushing, 1 TD

Patrick Willis is far and away the best fantasy LB in football. He is an absolute tackling machine. Simply put he does it all. Willis is always on the field, and he makes big plays. He should certainly be the first LB off the board as far as IDP's go and I think the first overall IDP. If your league is 1 point per tackle target Willis. The stats will be there.

-Projection: 150-170 total tackles, 3 INTs, 9 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles

Taylor Mays's fantasy stock will be interesting to watch this year. I want to see how the 49ers will use him on defense. Mays has the size of a LB and can hit like a truck. I would not draft Mays but watch him closely to see how he progresses and what kind of stats he puts up. Could also be great as a keeper for a defensive position.

-Projection: 75 total tackles, 1 INT, 7 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles

TEAM PREVIEW: Tennessee Titans

8-8 in 2009

It was tough to find a hotter team in the last 10 weeks of the season in 2009. The Titans got off to an 0-7 hole they were never able to climb out of. Vince Young ressurected the Titans last year once he took over for an inept Kerry Collins. Chris Johnson showed what a superstar he could be last season, and he could once again carry the Titans offense this seaason.

The Titans offense focus is Chris Johnson. Johnson can do it all and is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball, no matter where he is on the field. With Vince Young turning in a solid performance once he was inserted back into the starting role I think the Titans can make some noise this season. The WR corps is made up of players who are not stellar but will make plays when needed. Kenny Britt needs to prove he can be a go-to receiver and this is his year to do it. If Young and Britt can step-up this year the Titans will give opposing defenses a hard time trying to stop multiple threats, the biggest being Chris Johnson.

On defense the Titans strength is their secondary. The defensive backs and safetys are all playmakers but the supporting front 7 needs some work. The Titans had a great pick in Derrick Morgan out of Georgia Tech who should bolster the d-line immediately. The linebackers are not a group that jumps out at you on paper, but the addition of Will Witherspoon should add a nice veteren presence after losing Keith Bulluck. The Titans defense should not be great but I do not think they will be bad either. If they can keep this team in games the offense could steal a few wins with the playmakers they have.

The Tennessee Titans biggest problem is being in the same division as the high-powered Colts and Texans. The Texans keep getting better with their explosive offense and improving defense. The Titans have a tough schedule and 2 very good teams in their division. In a weaker division they could post 9-10 wins. This year unless the defense really steps up I see the Titans as a good team, just not good enough.

-Prediction: 8-8 in 2010

FANTASY ANALYSIS: Chicago Bears

Matt Forte was quite possibly the biggest disappointment in fantasy last year. After an impressive rookie campaign, Forte was getting taken in the first round and performed like a late-round backup. I think he can bounce though. He has all the talent, and even in a down year, Forte still managed 57 receptions for almost 500 yards. For where he seems to be getting drafted Forte, could be one heck of a steal for fantasy owners. If you can wait long enough and get him as your 2nd RB or even backup I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Forte's value also increases in PPR leagues big time.

-Projection: 1,100-1,200 yards rushing, 8 TDs; 45-55 receptions, 450 yards receiving.

Jay Cutler will consistently throw for a ton of yards and his fair share of TDs, but he will also consistently throw INTs. Cutler is a gunslinger in true form. He loves to try to fit the ball into tight coverage and his stats reflect this. This season he has Mike Martz as his coordinator and it should help as well. Personally, I stay away from Cutler because he is so erratic but in the end he will score you points. In leagues where you don't lose points for INTs Cutler is even more valuable. Certainly not a bad option, who you can grab late, if you want to bolster up your other skill positions.

-Projection: 4,200 yards passing, 27 TDs, 20 INTs; 125 yards rushing, 1 TD

Johnny Knox, Devin Aromashodu, Earl Bennett, Devin Hester...none of these receivers are overly impressive but all should do about the same as far as stats go. Cutler loves to spread the ball around and it will benefit everyone on the bears offense. I would feel comfortable with any of these WRs as a backup and can fill in nicely if one gets hot.

-Projections: 45-65 receptions, 750 yards, 5 TDs
I think each will be right around this, maybe one breaks out for a good year (my guess would be Aromashodu)

Greg Olsen was extremely inconsistent last season, as most lower-tier TEs are. His value is also hurt with Mike Martz as the coordinator. TEs do not have good track records under Martz and with the 4 WRs previously mentioned I would take Olsen as nothing more than a backup.

-Projection: 40 catches, 550 yards receiving, 5 TDs

Chester Taylor makes this list because he does catch so many passes. He has some value in deep leagues if they are PPR. Should see his share of 3rd down work and might even get moved around the field to find some open space. If you need another back take him late and see how the Bears use him.

-Projection: 600 yards rushing, 3 TDs; 35 receptions, 450 yards receiving 3 TDs

Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, and Julius Peppers all have fantasy value as IDPs. Urlacher will be 1 year removed from wrist surgery and still has a lot left in the tank. Him and Briggs are tackling machines and should both post 100+ tackle seasons. Peppers signed a huge deal with the Bears and needs to show he was worth it. For leagues with DL spots Peppers is near the top of the list. Don't be afraid to take any of these players as your IDPs.

TEAM PREVIEW: Jacksonville Jaguars

7-9 in 2009

The Jaguars are a team that screams "middle of the pack" for the upcoming season. Aside from Maurice Jones-Drew, who is one of the best backs in the league, there are no real superstars on the Jags roster.

The offensive can move the ball because MJD is such a powerful runner and does it all well. The offensive line is nothing special. David Garrard is mediocre at best. And the WR core has Mike Sims-Walker. He is a very good WR but I don't see him as a game changer. If the Jags lose MJD they will be in for a very long season on offense. The Jaguars should finish somewhere towards the middle,, maybe a little lower, in overall offensive production this season.

On defense, the addition of Kirk Morrison was huge. He was a stellar linebacker for the Raiders last year and produce yet again this season. Reggie Nelson saw a drop off in statistics last year, but with the additions of Kirk Morrison and Aaron Kampman, we could see more interceptions and passes defended. The defense is similar to the offense in that they are not an overly impressive unit but they can get the job done when needed. Should be right around the middle in terms of defensive stats in the league.

The Jaguars had an extremely confusing draft. I had never even heard of Tyson Alualu before he was drafted 10th overall. The Jags must have seen something in him that they liked a great deal because he did not seem to be on any big boards before the draft. I will wait and see if Alualu can play but I think there were better ways the Jags could have gone.

Overall, I don't see the Jaguars making too much noise this year. The division they play in does not help either. The Texans have gotten very good, the Titans have Chris Johnson, and the Colts are the Colts. Probably a last place finish this season and disappointment for the Jags.

-Prediction: 5-11

FANTASY ANALYSIS: Miami Dolphins

Brandon Marshall is easily the first Dolphis player to look at in terms of fantasy value. 3 straight years of 100+ reception seasons speaks for itself. Henne is an accurate passes with a tremendous arm and both should mean another big year for Marshall. There are no contract grumblings this year either so look for Marshall and Henne to gel in training camp and the preseason. This could end up being quite the tandem for years to come.

-Projection: 95 receptions, 1,200 yards, 10 TDs

Even with the injury last season I have to put Ronnie Brown ahead of Ricky Williams. Brown will be a risk-reward type of back this year because of his injury history and the presence of Williams. However, before he got hurt last year he was putting up a solid season. 3 games of 2 TDs going into week 5 is not to bad either. If your willing to take the risk on Brown, the end result could look very good. Wait on him though as I don't see him worth a high round pick.

-Projection: 1,000 yards rushing, 7 TDs; 15 receptions, 200 yards receiving, 1 TD

Ricky Williams filled in very nicely for Brown last season after he got injured in week 10. His production did start to drop off during the last few weeks of the season and it makes me wonder if it was because of the increased workload. Williams did prove he has something left in the tank but I believe the Dolphis trust Brown a little more as an every down back. In deep leagues Williams can provide a great deal of value, and owners who draft Brown may want to grab Williams as his handcuff.

Projection: 650-800 yards rushing, 6 TDs; 30 receptions, 275 yards receiving, 1 TD

Chad Henne got his opportunity last season to show he can play in the NFL after Chad Pennington went down. Adding Brandon Marshall to the fold could allow Henne to take a big step forward in his development. Last year he had at best a 3rd WR on most teams and he lost Ronnie Brown 10 games in. The Dolphis are an improving team and I see Henne making big strides in 2010. Needs to cut down his INTs but in a keeper/dynasty league I think he is worth grabbing as a back up and for possibly next season.

-Projection: 3,500-3,700 yards passing, 20-23 TDs, 14 INTs

Anthony Fasano's TD totals fell off the perverbial cliff last year with almost the same amount of catches as yards. He is a big target at 6'4" and with Henne having another year under his belt it should benefit Fasano's numbers. The presence of Brandon Marshall should allow for more open looks in the red zone to. Could be a steal as a number 2 if he can bounce back from a disappointing 2009.

Projection: 35-45 receptions, 450 yards, 6 TDs

If you need a LB in your league Channing Crowder could be an option. Saw a huge drop in production during the 2009 season after 113 total total tackles in '08. Take a wait and see approach, I would not draft him but don't let Crowder fall completely off your radar.

-Projection: 75-100 total tackles, 1 INT, 1 Sack

TEAM PREVIEW: Buffalo Bills

6-10 in 2009

The Buffalo Bills are a very interesting team coming into 2010. On paper I think they look like a very solid team. If you look closely they have only 2 glaring holes (and they are big ones) at the QB and offensive line position. The biggest problem with these deficiencies is the QB and O-line can make or break an otherwise solid team.

The Bills had 2 extremely capable running backs in 2009, and the addition of C.J. Spiller just makes their backfield even stronger. Who knows if Marshawn Lynch will still be there come week one but if he is those three will be a hand full for opposing defenses. Fred Jackson showed last year what kind of talent he is, and I could see the Bills utilizing Jackson and Spiller in many different formations to get them into open space. Both are above average receivers out of the backfield and can wreak havoc if given the chance. The WRs are not superb but can hold their own. With a more solid option at QB their play could even be elevated a notch. Than comes the likes of Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Brian Brohm. None are overly impressive. Edwards and Fitzpatrick were extremely inconsistent last season so look for Brohm to push both for a chance to start this season. If the offensive line can keep whatever QB is under center on his feet the Bills offense can be a pretty good unit in 2010. (easier said than done though)

I like the Bills defense a lot this year. In 2009 they were an overachieving unit with young talent all over the field, who just flew around and made plays. Drafting Alex Carrington should provide some much needed depth, with Aaron Schobel and Aaron Maybin as the starters. Paul Posluszny will man the middle after posting 111 total tackles, and 3 interceptions in only 12 games last year. The Bills also have an incredible secondary. It is a pool of talent that showcases young speed with a nose for the football, especially Jairus Byrd. If the offense can sustain some drives and not hang the defense out to dry, the Bills will be tough to score on.

As much as I like the Bills this year, they play in one of the toughest divisions in football. The Jets have arguably the best team on paper and the Dolphins and Patriots still must be dealt with as well. If they have decent QB play they could finish around the same as last year. Their schedule is not unbearable but it is not an easy one either which makes this so difficult.

Prediction: I will go with 6-10 yet again. (A solid QB could net 8 wins with this team though)

MOCK DRAFT: Pick 14 - Rashard Mendenhall

At pick 14 I feel very safe with Rashard Mendenhall. He is still very young and with Rothleisberger's "mishaps" the Steelers will lean heavily on Mendenhall's services at least until Big Ben comes back.

Coming into his 3rd season out of Illinois, Mendenhall could be in for quite the breakout campaign. He averaged 4.6 YPC last season, which as a feature back is more than coaches and fantasy owners alike can ask for. He is also in a great situation with really only Johnathan Dwyer behind him as competition. However, he is a rookie and needs to work on his pass blocking skills as most rookie backs do. I see a big season for Mendenhall and the Steelers will need him to carry the team most of the season.

Taking Andre Johnson with my last pick, makes taking Mendenhall here feel a little better. I don't like him in the top 12 and Shonne Green at 14 scares me because of the threat of LT getting some of the goal line carries. I also think Mendenhall is a great keeper and has some of his best years to come.

-Projection: 1,250-1,400 rushing yards, 10 TDs; 35 receptions, 350 receiving yards, 1 TD

MOCK DRAFT: Pick 13 - Jamaal Charles

There are so many directions I could go here. I like Jamaal Charles, Peyton Manning, Shonn Greene, and Jonathan Stewart here. I really like Stewart, but his action is always going to be limited with DeAngelo Williams in the same backfield. Shonn Greene has a perfect situation, but I don't want to hop on that bandwagon just yet, especially because my team at this position already selected a similar situation with Ryan Mathews. Peyton Manning is annually gold, but I don't want to go quarterback here just yet. Alas, I arrive at Jamaal Charles, one of my many man-crushes for this season.

I pick Charles here because I didn't pick Chris Johnson last year. And if there's one thing that I learned from that its this: Don't shy away from picking a dynamic playmaker because you are worried about fatter men stealing his carries. Nobody finished the second half of last season stronger than Charles; he capped off a stellar season with a 259 yard, 2 TD rushing bombshell in the last week. Jamaal Charles is the lifeblood of the Chiefs and look for them to ride his back for any offensive success they may share. He should receive between 20 and 25 touches each week, with a few targets in the passing game.

Charles is a stud, and if all goes well, Ryan Mathews and Jamaal Charles serve the backbone for my dynasty for the next several years.

Projections: 1,450 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs, 45 receptions, 325 receiving yards, and 2 receiving TDs.

MOCK DRAFT: Pick 12 - Reggie Wayne

With the 12th pick I have a hard time passing on Aaron Rodgers but I think there are more quarterbacks who can post consistent numbers than wide receivers. Since this draft is based on our current PPR league (and its a keeper league) I feel comfortable with taking Reggie Wayne over Randy Moss at 12. I think Moss is in for another great season but the question mark surrounding Wes Welker's knee scares me off a little bit.

Since 2003 Wayne has started every game (knock on wood) and has been consistent year in and year out. He has a gunslinger in Peyton Manning, and the presence of offensive weapons around him gives him more chances to get open against 1-on-1 coverage. Wayne is entering his 10th season and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. I would expect another stellar season out of him.

At 12 there are no running backs I am overly excited about, so that's why I took a second WR. Coming back I think I can find a player that might be a slight drop off but I am content with Larry Fitzgerald and Reggie Wayne as my 1,2 punch at WR.

-Projection: 90-100 receptions, 1,200-1,300 yards, 9 TDs

MOCK DRAFT: Pick 11 - Drew Brees

After selecting Steven Jackson with the last pick in the first round, I'm going to start the run on quarterbacks by selecting Drew Brees. Brees put up a monumental season last year, finishing with an NFL record 70.6% completion percentage. He's thrown 34 TDs in each of the last two seasons and at age 31, looks to have many more outstanding seasons ahead of him.

The reason why I select Brees over Aaron Rodgers is simple. I don't trust the Green Bay Packers' offensive line to keep Rodgers healthy. While he hasn't missed any playing time yet, the over-hyped savior was sacked 50 times last year. Compound that with his rushing totals, you'll notice that this guy gets hit a lot. Brees on the other hand, has Peyton Manningesque protection and pocket awareness. He's got more weapons than North Korea and is a surefire bet to surpass 4,000 yards and 30 TDs each season for the foreseeable future.

Oh and don't worry about the Madden Curse. Losing your fantasy league won't mean much when you're going to die in 2012 anyway.

Projections: 4,350 passing yards, 35 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD.

TEAM PREVIEW: Cleveland Browns

5-11 in 2009

The Cleveland Browns are the worst team in the league. They will finish as the worst team in the league. Joshua Cribbs is a football player, but he's not the answer at wide receiver. Jake Delhomme is light-years past his prime. He did his best Jamarcus Russel impression he could last season (with an infinitely more talented supporting cast, mind you). Delhomme finished 2009 with 8 TDs, 18 INTs, and a 55% completion percentage in just 11 games. He's pathetic, and will somehow wind up being the highest paid NFL quarterback this season due to contract loopholes.

Delhomme sucks, and the Browns are best off keeping Joshua Cribbs in the wildcat to find any sort of success.

With Joe Thomas anchoring the offensive line, there will be some pretty good blocking up front for the run game and the occasional play-action pass. But the overall talent on offense is pretty weak, especially at the all-important quarterback position.

On the defensive side of the ball, Cleveland is merely mediocre. They have a few solid players in D'Qwell Jackson, Shaun Rogers, Eric Wright, but mediocre players everywhere else. Rookie Cornerback Joe Hayden has potential though. Still, this defense will likely get picked apart.

The Browns have a brutal division, (Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals) an awful schedule, and are and awful team.

Projection: They'll finish in last place in the NFL next year at 2-14. I'm not being harsh. They're really this bad.

FANTASY ANALYSIS: Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have an incredibly bleak fantasy outlook for this coming season. If you keep reading you will see why (don't worry it won't take long)

The only player to consider as a starter for your team is, well... no one!!

Jerome Harrison had a few great games at the end of last year but now there is Montario Hardesty breathing down his neck. Harrison has good hands out of the backfield and will catch some passes, which will increase his value in PPR leagues. With both being relatively young Harrison and Hardesty could have some good years ahead of them, but it doesn't seem to be coming this season. The Browns have a terrible offensive line and Jake Delhomme is an INT machine. Unless you get them late or want to keep one of these two backs there is not much more need for them than a 3rd or 4th back to possibly fill in for you in a buy week.

-Projections (both): 750-900 rushing yards 6 TDs; Harrison-40 catches 300 receiving yards 1 TD (with Hardesty not being worth projecting)

I put Mohammad Massaquoi here because in a deep/keeper league he can be utilized as a backup and maybe even a keeper. He is a burner, but with the Browns question marks at QB, he is hardly an attractive option. Unless your desperate I would pass on Massaquoi.

-Projections: 50 receptions, 650-750 receiving yards

That would be it...told you it was a short one.

The "Mikeys" - Final Nominations

Here are my final 4 choices for each category, in no particular order.

The winners will be posted soon...

Best Athlete:
Terrell Owens - Absolute beast of an athlete in his short time here. Single handedly kept the Eagles in the Super Bowl after coming back early after a fractured leg.
Randall Cunningham - Was a great scrambling QB with a monster arm, one of the first successful mobie QBs ever.
Donovan McNabb - Had all the tools but never delivered the final prize. 2 sport athlete at Syracuse. 14 second scramble against the Cowboys in 2004...nuff said.
Julius Erving (thanks Jack) - Could jump out of the building, famous finger roll was a defining moment.

Fattest:
Hollis Thomas, Max Jean-Gilles, LeVon Kirkland, Mike Patterson

All were and are extremely large humans. Kirkland gets the nod because I have never seen a fatter middle linebacker.

Biggest Pretty Boy:
Jeff Carter, Pat "The Bat" Burrell, Terrell Owens, Darren Dalton

All have the air of entitlement on the field, some worse than others.

Biggest Bust (Draft or Free Agent):
Eric Lindros - Put up great numbers and made it to a cup in his time here. He makes this list for me because I don't think he lived up to his potential. Plus we traded Peter Forsberg for him. I would take Forsberg over Lindros any day of the week (He also won the Cup with Colorado)
David Bell - Signed a monster deal to come to the Phillies and was just awful. His defense was average and he was not a good hitter. Way overpaid and overhyped.
Elton Brand and Chris Weber - Just overall terrible signings. Both over the hill players who didn't and won't live up to giant contracts that handcuffed the Sixers so bad.

Most Clutch:
Danny Briere - Is there anyone who elevates his game come playoff time? Scores timely goals in the playoffs as opposed to the regular season when it looks like he is lost.
Jimmmy Rollins - Has had some big hits in recent memory. Winning the game against the Rockies and Dodgers in the playoffs against two of the better closers in baseball. Recent game winning hits in 2010 as well.
Brian Westbrook - In his time here when the Eagles needed a spark he was the one to provide it. Two moments immediatly come to mind; punt returned for TD against the Giants for the win and falling at the 1 to seal a game against the Cowboys.
Brad Lidge (2008) - Perfect 48 for 48 in save opportunities, including 7 for 7 in the playoffs. Hasn't been the same since then but what a magical year that was so I will give him the nod.

Toughest:
Ian Laperriere - Introduced his face to the puck not once but twice. First time came back into the game. Second, played a few weeks after being diagnosed with a brain contusion. Do I really need to add anymore?
Dave "The Hammer" Schultz - Fought anyone...literally anyone. "The Hammer" imposed his will around the NHL, and boy could he fight.
John Runyan - Started 192 games in a row. That is unheard of in the NFL but more so for a lineman. Was a true iron man and you had to keep your head on a swivel if you were standing around the pile.
Aaron Rowand - Introduced his face first hand to a metal fence. During the game it was a huge play, bases-loaded and 2 outs. Saved the game and broke his jaw and a few other bones in his face. Gets my respect for it and the pick here.

Best Coach:
Fred Shero - Turned a ragged bunch of no-names into champions. Came up with some of the most puzzling words of encouragement
Charlie Manuel - Brought a championship to Philly for the first time in 25 years. Knows how to manage even if you can't understand what he is saying. Always gives his players a chance to succeed.
Andy Reid - Love him or hate him, the winningest coach in Eagles history.
Larry Brown - Took the Sixers to a championship with sub par talent, minus Iverson. Had they not run into the Lakers the might have had a shot at winning it too. Continues to win wherever he goes and is one of the most respected in the business

Most Philly:
Scott Hartnell - Quite possibly the grittiest player on the Flyers right now. He does all the little things and busts his butt every shift on the ice. Doesn't seem to care about his stats as much as he does winning.
Mike Richards - Plays hard night in and night out. Never says more than he has to. Plays a great two-way brand of hockey and does everything in his power for the win.
Chase Utley - Utley does it all. He does all the little things right and plays with the same intensity every night. This is one of the reasons I think his 2nd half of the season is never as strong as his 1st half. Heart and soul of the Phillies.
Brian Dawkins - Was a warrior in the Eagles secondary and would lay his body on the line every single play. Still one of the most feared hitters in the NFL.

Most Hated:
Terrell Owens - Ripped apart a Super Bowl caliber team because of his diva attitude. Not surprising he can't find a team right now.
J.D. Drew - Never wanted to play for the Phillies and he made it quite clear from day one. Showed no class in handling it either. All I have to say is look out for batteries.
Sydney Crosby - Simply put...cry baby. Gets an incredible amount of calls to go his way. Certainly doesn't help that he plays for the Penguins but I think he would be hated no matter what team he played on.
Tony Romo - Plays QB for the Cowboys. We don't really need any other reasons to hate him.

FANTASY ANALYSIS: Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders really don't have much to offer in terms of fantasy production. They have a mediocre starting quarterback, unproven wide receivers, and their backs share carries. They do have a bright spot on at tight end with Zach Miller.

Miller has Pro Bowl skill, and on a high powered offense, he'd finish in the top 3 for TE's year in, year out. But alas, he's stuck playing on the Raiders. He's a big target with soft hands, and makes the best of his opportunities in the passing game. He's only 25 years old and has seen his numbers steadily increase each year he's been in the league. Jason Campbell has always been kind to his tight ends, so expect Zach Millers production to moderately improve as well. He's a solid fantasy starting tight end that you should be able to grab extremely late; he's roughly the 10th tight end taken in most drafts.

- Projections: 75 receptions, 900 receiving yards, and 5 TD's.

Chaz Schilens is an interesting late round sleeper at wide receiver. He possesses an elite combination of size and speed, similar to Andre Johnson, but he isn't nearly as polished. His route-running and his hands need work, but he is rising up the depth chart. He would make for an interesting play in a deep, keeper league as your 5th or 6th wide receiver. His 2009 stats won't impress many people, but he only played in the last half of the season, and ended the season with an 8 catch, 99 yard performance.

- Projections: 55 receptions, 720 yards, and 5 TD's.

The only other offensive player worth looking at on the Raiders is runningback Michael Bush. Unlike his overpaid, over-hyped cohort Darren McFadden, Bush is productive with the ball, patient in the running lanes, and is careful with the football. He will get their goal line carries and should be their 1st and 2nd down back. It won't take long for Oakland to realize that Michael Bush is the real deal and feed him the ball accordingly. I anticipate a 225+ carry season for the battering ram.

- Projections: 1,000 rushing yards, 7 TDs, 25 receptions, and 150 receiving yards.

On the IDP (independent defensive player) side of things, the most gifted player is Nnamdi Asamugha. But opponents gameplan around avoiding Nnamdi, so his statistics don't portray his performance. He'll be productive, just not in the fantasy realm. The only defensive player worth taking is rookie Rolando McClain. He possesses an ideal combination of strength, speed, talent, and instincts. He's also coming in to play Kirk Morrison's position on defense, so expect him to see a lot of the action, just as Morrison did.

- Projections: 100 solo tackles, 30 assisted tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 INT.

TEAM PREVIEW: Oakland Raiders

5-11 in 2009

Simply put the Raiders were just an all around terrible team in 2009, and I wouldn't be surprised to see much of the same in 2010. Al Davis needs to die already because the Silver and Black are a shell of the fearsome team they used to be. This year's draft may have shown glimpses that Davis is letting go of the reins, or maybe he is dead already who knows. There was alot of talk that the Oakland Raiders would take workout warrior Bruce Campbell with their first round pick. Way, way to early in the draft but I don't think it would have surprised alot of people after some of the drafts the Raiders have had. Instead the Raiders took the extremely intelligent, and talented Rolando McClain in the first round and grabbed Campbell in the 4th round. Campbell is a great prospect but was not a first round talent.

There is a new QB under center in 2010 for the Raiders in the form of Jason Campbell, replacing the bust that was JaMarcus Russell. I was never sold on Campbell when he was in Washington and I think it will be even worse in Oakland. In the past 3 season he has had a completion percentage of 60% or more, but his stats are weak and I am just not impressed by anything he does. On offense the Raiders are anemic, with neither back showing much of anything last season and an offensive line that is sub-par. The WRs are young and have speed but Campbell does not have a big arm and the guys they have are not underneath players. Should be a slight improvement on last years 12.3 points per game, but I think the Raiders are in for another tough year offensively.

The Raiders defense is a bit more respectable than their offense and should continue to improve with Rolando McClain. Nnamdi Asomugha is still one of the top corners in the NFL, and gets paid as such. The Raiders defense has some good pieces in place with the likes of; Richard Seymour, Quenten Groves, Kamerion Wimbley, LaMar Houston, Thomas Howard, and Michael Huff, but the offense is so bad it might not matter. With a solid offense, this defensive squad could be very good but it is tough when you are on the field most of the time, as even the best of players will get worn down. The defense should keep the Raiders in games, and may steal one or two on the season, but the offensive struggles should hamper the defense’s overall ability.

The Raiders have a bear of a schedule, and even without Russell and his Codine syrup, they should be in for another brutal year. Matching the 5 wins in 2009 might be the best they can do but my final prediction is 4-12 for the Oakland Raiders in 2010.

TEAM PREVIEW: Seattle Seahawks

5-11 in 2009

The Seattle Seahawks got better in this draft. There's no denying that. After selecting top prospects LT Russell Okung and FS Earl Thomas, they have definitely added much-needed talent on both sides of the ball. The problem however, is that they are a team far past their prime. Matt Hasselbeck can't cut it under center anymore. While he didn't have a Jake Delhomme-type meltdown last season, he clearly showed that even with a good possession receiver such as TJ Houshmandzadeh, he can't be THE GUY anymore. When Shaun Alexander declined, Matt was able to put the team on his shoulders and finish with an impressive season. But the last two years have shown that Hasselbeck struggles to stay on the field and is relatively ineffective when doing so. He posted two games last season with 4 INTs in each. Those are not numbers you would expect from such a seasoned veteran. And make no mistake: Charlie Whitehurst is not the answer. He is an '04 Hyundai that his owner kept in the garage because he had a sparkling Ferrari and a reliable Volkswagen in the driveway. (Read: Philip Rivers and Billy Volek)

I love halfback Justin Forsett, but the crowded backfield scares me. Julius Jones is far past his prime and Leon Washington is recovering from a serious leg injury. For some odd reason, their most talented runningback, Forsett, stands at third on their depth chart as of now. Look for that to change quickly. Rookie Golden Tate is a slower Percy Harvin clone and should add some playmaking ability to the offensive side of the ball as well.

Their defense is improving and the return of Pro-Bowl middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu should shore up their run defense. Earl Thomas will help a secondary that got picked apart last season.

The biggest issue with the Seahawks is their coach. Pete Carroll sucks. Whenever star college coaches reach the big-leagues, they usually get hit with a reality check. College coaches are successful because they stack their team with talent through recruitment. They beat teams because their individual players are better. On the NFL level, the playing field is much more balanced, so they lose their competitive edge.

Although the Seahawks play in a weak division and have a relatively soft schedule, Steve Spurrier... I mean Pete Carroll... will have a hard time stealing wins from opponents when his NFL coaching knowledge and Seattle's diminishing talent pool are in question.

Prediction: 4-12

MOCK DRAFT: Pick 10 - Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson is a one-man wrecking crew. He bursts through tacklers with full commitment even when games are well out of reach. This guy has a bigger heart than Gaines Adams, and I want him on my football team. He's a constant flow of yardage on the ground, as well as valuable in the passing game: rushing for over 1,000 yards and catching roughly 40 balls and 300 receiving yards every year for the past 5 years (except for that year in 2006 where he hauled in 90 receptions and 806 yards).

He's been an elite back for the last five years and no runningback in the league is more respected by opposing teams. His touchdown totals dropped off last year, but that was more of a product of his offense's ineptitude than his decline.

At age 27, he is slowly approaching the termination age for a runningback, but one should worry more about his injury history. He rarely completes a full season and his carry totals are piling up. He currently sits at 1,548 carries and is in line for one or two more seasons playing at a high level. Make no mistake, the 2010 season may be the swan song for Steven Jackson as we know it, but he should make for a consistent every-down workhorse at the all-important runningback position for you this year.

Steven Jackson is a steal at pick number 10.

- Expect 1,200 Rushing Yards, 4-8 Rushing TDs, 50 Receptions, 400 Receiving Yards, with 1-2 Receiving TDs

FANTASY ANALYSIS: Seattle Seahawks

The fantasy outlook for the Seattle Seahawks is quite bleak.

Justin Forsett has by far the most value on the Seahawks roster and when he gets his touches he is a productive back. Now there are a good amount of other backs I would take ahead of Forsett, but if he solidifies starting status I would be much more comfortable drafting him. His yards per carry really stands out at 5.4. For whatever reason the Seahawks decided after 22 carries, 130 yards and 2 TDs, he shouldn't see many touches. I was not high on Forsett until I looked into his stats. Could have a great year with LenDale White getting cut and Julius Jones on the decline. Take him for a good backup and play him when he has a good match-up.

-Projection: 1,000 rushing yards, 5-8 TDs; 45 catches, 400 receiving yards, 2 TD

The next player I would look to is T.J. Houshmandzadeh. He has never been a great YAC guy but he still manages to catch alot of balls. Plays bigger than 6'2" and can go up and grab the high ball. Still not thrilled with him though, his best days look to be behind him. Look at him as a backup with some added value in PPR leagues.

-Projection: 60-70 catches 800-900 yards, 5 TDs

Golden Tate looks to be one of the more NFL ready WRs to come out of a draft. He has excellent speed, soft hands, and plays bigger than 5'10". One other positive is the pro style of offense Notre Dame ran. Tate is used to running NFL like patterns and can find the open areas well. Should make an immediate impact given the lack of WR talent on the roster. May go through some growing pains early but look for good progression. Also he is great for a keeper/dynasty league and would make a nice 4th or 5th WR option.

-Projection: 50 catches, 650 yards, 5 TDs

John Carlson has put up good numbers for a TE in his first 2 years with the Seahawks. He is a big target for his QB and there is no real competition on the roster. If you wait until real late Carlson is not a bad selection as your starter but as a backup I would feel more comfortable.

-Projection: 50-60 catches, 600 yards, 5-8 TDs

The last player I would look at on the Seahawks roster would be Matt Hasselbeck. He put up a half decent season last year but at 34 I would stay away from him. In deep leagues he could work fine as a backup but his TD/INT ratio is far to high for my liking. Not a whole lot of weapons on offense either with a questionable offensive line. High risk, low reward; buyer beware.

-Projection: 2,800-3,000 yards, 15-20 TDs, 15-20 INTs

Bordem: The "Mikey's" - My Take

I am bored so I am going to write a post for all of you out there to debate.

This post will be the nominees with a future post narrowing it down to the final 4 for each category and finally the winners.

Not my own, this comes from Mike Missanelli on 97.5 The Fan

-Top 4 Philly sports athletes
-Current and at least 1 old school guy
-Categories: Best Athlete, Fattest, Biggest Pretty Boy, Biggest Bust (Draft or Free Agent), Most Clutch, Toughest, Most Philly, Most Hated


Best Athlete Nominees:
Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Terrell Owens, DeSean Jackson, Brian Dawkins, Randall Cunningham, Reggie White, Jayson Werth, Jimmy Rollins, Simon Gagne, Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, Allen Iverson, Andre Iguodala

Fattest Nominees:
Hollis Thomas, Corey Simon, Max Jean-Gilles, Shawn Andrews, William Perry, Old Ryan Howard, Mike Patterson, Levon Kirkland

Biggest Pretty Boy Nominees:
Jeff Carter, Peter Zezel, Pat Burrell, Darren Dalton, Curt Schilling, Terrell Owens, Bobby Taylor (makes it because he was afraid to tackle anyone)

Biggest Bust Nominees:
Eric Lindros, Joni Pitkanen, Kevin Curtis, Freddie Mitchell, Rodney Peete, Marlon Byrd, Scott Rolen, David Bell, Elton Brand, Chris Weber, Derrick Coleman

Most Clutch Nominees:
Danny Briere, Simon Gagne, Claude Giroux, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, Brian Westbrook, Brian Dawkins, David Akers, Chad Lewis, Brad Lidge (2008), Lenny Dykstra, Tug McGraw

Toughest Nominees:
Ian Laperriere, Chris Pronger, Scott Hartnell, Dan Carcillo, Bobby Clarke, Dave Schultz, Ron Hextall, Aaron Rowand, Pete Rose, Brian Dawkins, Donovan McNabb, Jerimiah Trotter, Jon Runyan, Chuck Bednarik

Best Coach Nominees:
Andy Reid, Buddy Ryan, Dick Vermeil, Charlie Manuel, Jim Fergosi, Peter Laviolette, John Stevens, Fred Shero

Most "Philly" Guy Nominees:
Scott Hartnell, Chris Pronger, Mike Richards, Bobby Clarke, Ron Hextall, Aaron Rowand, Roy Halladay, Chase Utley, John Kruk, Tommy Green, Pete Rose, Stewart Bradley, Trent Cole, Brent Celek, Brian Dawkins, Reggie White, Jon Runyan

Most Hated Nominees (Suggestions Welcome):
In Philly: Eric Lindros, Scott Rolen, Terrell Owens
Outside Philly: Sidney Crosby, Tony Romo, Alex Rodriguez

FANTASY ANALYSIS: Kansas City Chiefs

Simply put, the Kansas City Chiefs suck. Last year we watched as the fool's Cassel came tumbling down. Matt Cassel proved two irrefutable facts last year. One: That anyone can look like a good quarterback when you're throwing to uber-receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker behind an offensive line made of stone. Two: That some idiot out there is desperate/stupid enough to overtrade and overpay such a fluke of a quarterback. Alas, all hope is not lost for the Chiefs offense this year however.

Behold Jamaal Charles. He's my pick for a player to make the biggest Chris Johnson type leap this year. Over the last 8 games of the season, he averaged (over fairly consistent production) over 100 yards and 1 TD per game. Consider the fact that he only received 6 carries or fewer over the first 8 games. Also consider that the Chiefs won 3 of their total 4 wins... during the last 8 games of the season. Even with the addition of Thomas Jones, only a fool can ignore the fact that "giving the ball to Jamaal gives you the greatest chance to win." Jones will poach goal-line carries, but he's going to have to break down eventually (especially behind an inferior offensive line than what he had in New York). He's only 24 as well, so he's a strong pick in keeper/dynasty drafts.

- Projections: 1,450 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs, 45 receptions, 325 receiving yards, and 2 receiving TDs with the upside for even more.

Thomas Jones might see some value if picked later in the draft. He'll be 32 this year, two years after the runningback deathmark. His carries will drop significantly from the load he was receiving with the Jets, but he will still be the team's short yardage back, and work in to spell Charles. He's not a bad 4th runningback for your fantasy squad and has a strong chance to score any week.

- Projections: 600 rushing yards, 10 rushing TDs with irrelevant receiving totals.

As I proclaimed before, the KC aerial attack will struggle mightily this season, even with Chris Chambers acclimation to the offense and all-purpose rookie Dexter McCluster. Stay away from Cassel as anything but a 2nd quarterback in deep leagues. Chris Chambers doesn't posses the elite speed he once had to make up for his small stature. Dwayne Bowe was a one-year fluke and doesn't have the commitment to stay out of Todd Haley's doghouse. He will not justify how high he is being selected in drafts, so stay away. The only player with much upside in the passing game is RB/WR McCluster, but he likely won't become fantasy relevant until the next year or so.

On the defensive side of the ball, Kansas City has some upside for a couple of their secondary players: Eric Berry and Brandon Flowers. Flowers is the safer bet; at the cornerback position, he puts up a respectable number of tackles each season (roughly 60 solo tackles each year), and he hauled in 5 interceptions last year. He's only 24 so look for him to keep improving.

- Projections: 60 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 6 INTs, 2 forced fumbles, 21 passes defended.

Eric Berry is a rookie, but more NFL-ready than any safety in recent memory. Although there is such a limited body of work to reference, he has the ability to make tackles and be a game changer with the ball in the air. These skills should extrapolate to a high tackle, respectable turnover totaled season.

- Projections: 75 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 5 INTs, 3 forced fumbles, 15 passes defended.

TEAM PREVIEW: Kansas City Chiefs

4-12 in 2009

I thought the Chiefs had a great draft in 2010, where they addressed some major areas of need in taking; Eric Berry, Dexter McCluster, and Javier Arenas, in the first 2 rounds. I think they are getting better but the biggest problem could be at QB, I am not yet sold on Matt Cassel as a starter who can take his team to the playoffs.

On the offensive side of the ball the Chiefs can be in for a year of mediocrity, or explode with some of the players they have. Jamaal Charles came on late last year and showed some speed and strength the Chiefs were lacking last year. The addition of McCluster is interesting because he is listed at WR. This leads me to believe Todd Haley wants to use him as a flex back, moving him around the formations in order for him to have open space to work with. If used effectively Charles and McCluster could become a pretty formidable duo no matter where on the field they line up. Dwayne Bowe needs to show that he can be a top-flight WR similar to that of 2007 and 2008 and that last season was a fluke. Keep an eye on him as this could be where he can make or break the rest of his career. Than there is Matt Cassel. Got a huge payday all on one years work with the Patriots, after Tom Brady went down with a knee injury. He has the size and the arm to be effective in the NFL but he needs to make smarter throws. If Bowe can step up and Charles and McCluster have big years, Cassel could be the reason. He needs to prove that a lifetime backup is worth $10.5 million a year, good luck!

The Chiefs defense saw immediate upgrades when the team drafted Eric Berry and Javier Arenas. Both are great ball players and of any safety in the draft, none have a nose for the football like Berry (14 in 3 years at Tennessee). The rest of the defense could be on the upswing as well, but much of the success this year will hinge on the play of Glen Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. Neither has shown much in their first few years in the league and they must step up their play to make this defense better. As many football fans know, your back 7 or 8 is only as good as your defensive line. The linebackers are good enough with Derrick Johnson manning the middle and the secondary should keep getting better as the year goes on.

The Chiefs schedule is an up and down one. Some tough games (Chargers twice), some toss ups (Raiders and Broncos twice), and some easier games (Bills, Seahawks and Rams). Tough to predict based on some teams improving and others it is tough to tell. The three key players who can turn the tide of the season one way or the other are; Cassel, Dorsey, and Jackson.

-Prediction: 6-10 in 2010 (could get to 7-9 with a win against the Jags in Arrowhead, who will be coming off a Monday night game vs. the Titans)

MOCK DRAFT: Pick 9 - Larry Fitzgerald

I actually like drafting in this spot, there are a few ways to go with this pick. Would have been much easier with Andre Johnson or Ryan Matthews on the board but I can "settle" for Larry Fitzgerald.

Fitz has been a sure thing at the WR position since his first year in the league. With incredible leaping ability he can go up and get any ball in his general area, and his 6'3" frame doesn't hurt either. Fitzgerald also possesses one of, if not, the best set of hands in the league. With a new QB under center some might worry of Fitzgerald's value but the more I look at the body of work he has put together, the numbers should be there no matter who is throwing him the football. This is a big year for Matt Leinart so expect him to do everything he can to get Fitzgerald the ball.

Not having Anquan Boldin has both its pros and cons. Boldin is a great receiver and thus was going to get his catches and TDs. With him gone more of the focus is on Fitz and he could see even more targets than he has in the past. There are also a few talented young guys on the Cardinals roster (Early Doucet and Steve Breaston)who can step in and draw some looks from opposing defenses. On the other hand no Boldin means more double coverage and fewer running lanes. I don't see this being a problem though as there are few corner backs who really match-up well with number 11 due to his size and speed.

In any standard league taking Fitz here is probably a bit of a reach. However, in a PPR and/or keeper/dynasty league you really can't go wrong with Fitzgerald. He turns 27 at the end of August but does not look to be slowing down anytime in the near future. Take Fitzgerald at number 9 and watch him pile up the receptions and yards game in and game out.

-Projection: 95 receptions, 1,300 yards, 11 TDs

MOCK DRAFT: Pick 8 - Ryan Mathews

Some might see a rookie runningback a reach here, but Fresno State product Ryan Mathews is the biggest sure-thing rookie since Adrian Peterson. He's coming into a perfect situation for this 2010 season. He has a veteran, MVP quality quarterback in Philip Rivers directing one of the top offenses in the NFL. And with the team's lifeblood, LaDainian Tomlinson, exit via free agency this offseason and Darren Sproles unveiling his ceiling as a 3rd down runningback last year, Ryan Mathews steps in as the unquestioned starter.

He's an all-purpose player. He'll run between the tackles. He'll run outside the tackles. He'll get the goal-line carries and he has soft hands out of the backfield as well. His only struggle should be adjusting to pass-blocking at the NFL level. Once he makes that necessary leap, look for Sproles to have a harder time finding playing time, even in passing situations.

As a rookie, he lends even more value in a keeper/dynasty league and should be one of the most productive backs in the league for the foreseeable future.

- Expect: 1,200 rushing yards, 8 rushing TDs, 30 receptions, 300 yards receiving, and 2 receiving TDs.

MOCK DRAFT: Pick 7 - Andre Johnson

I can't pass on Andre Johnson at 7. I like him better than a guy like Mendenhall and I think Jackson is on the decline. He is a beastly human and possesses all the skills needed to be a dominant WR in the NFL.

The play of Matt Schaub has made Johnson even more valuable. Schaub has turned into a gunslinger and should continue to do more of the same in 2010. I feel very comfortable with Johnson at 7 especially in a PPR league. He should post another 100+ reception season, validating the high draft choice.

Last season he averaged just under 100 yards a game, 6.5 receptions, and .6 TDs. Nothing wrong with those stats for a WR in a season. As the Texans improve as a team so should Andre Johnson, as I don't see any drop-off in production for the upcoming season.

-Projection: 105 receptions, 1,550 yards, 11 TDs

TEAM PREVIEW: Washington Redskins

4-12 in 2009

As Daniel Snyder loves, the Redskins made a huge splash this past offseason. And for the first time, he actually made some solid moves. Hiring Mike Shanahan, one of my favorite coaches, is a huge boost to a team that lacked solid direction and consistency for the last decade. He passed over the higher ranked Russell Okung in the draft this year, opting for the more athletic Trent Williams. It is this Shanahan mentality that will bring the Redskins success. For too long, they have opted for the best-or-biggest-name players instead of "the right ones." Williams' athleticism lends itself towards Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme and should see success in his first season.

Trading for Donovan McNabb is Washington's greatest acheivment however, ensuring that the Redskins have a man under center who can WIN games for them. While Donovan will have less weapons to work with than he did in Philadelphia, he should carve himself a moderately successful season.

As far as I can tell, the offense has seen nothing but improvement. My issue however, is with the Redskins defense. Currently stashed with the personnel for a SUCCESSFUL 4-3 defense, Snyder opted to bring in Jim Haslett to implement a 3-4 scheme. Washington's defense finished 4th and 10th in 2008 and 2009 respectively (yardage allowed). Looking at the Green Bay Packers transition to a 3-4 defense in 2008, you can draw comparisons. Green Bay finished as the 11th ranked defense in 2007, dropping to 20th in 2008 with the switch of schemes. They rebounded however last season, with their defense finishing 2nd after enduring the growing pains and implementing the appropriate personnel for their scheme.

In short, look for the Redskins defensive production to see a huge dip this year while they are working out the kinks. Haynesworth's reluctance shouldn't make the transition much easer as well. But hope is on the horizon, and their shift may see stark dividends in 2011 onward. McNabb lends legitimacy to their offense but is on the wrong side of his career and should become ineffective by the time the defense whips into shape in the coming years.

-Prediction: 6-10 in a tough division.

MOCK DRAFT: Pick 6 - Michael Turner

The sixth pick in this year's draft is perhaps the least appetizing. You're stuck either taking a second/third tier runningback or reach for a wide receiver like Andre Johnson. Still, when mustering a draft, it's best to take a rock-solid sure thing at the all-important runningback position and try for a sleeper later on. This is where I introduce for you, Michael "The Burner" Turner. After joining the Falcons before the 2008 season, he quickly assured people that he was much more than LT's backup. He bursted onto the season with a monstrous rushing total, amassing over 1,700 total yards and hammered in 17 total scores. He's a battering ram and gets used as such.

Despite injuries, he had a successful year again in 2009. (871 rushing yards in 11 games, 4.9 yards per carry, 10 TDs.)

Make no mistake, you are drafting a RUNNINGback. This guy's hands are more stoned than Ricky Williams at Lollapalooza. He'll likely finish the season under 10 receptions and 100 receiving yards. But he'll average close to 100 yards and a TD per game. And it's consistent production and goal-line carries make him especially attractive at this pick.

In non-PPR leagues, Turner is a stud. Otherwise, he's a valuable core to build your team around. In a RBBC (runningback by committee) league, you can still get yourself solid workhorse at pick 6, though he'll still cede snaps to Jerious Norwood in obvious passing situations.

- Expect: 1,550 rushing yards and 16 TDs with irrelevant receiving totals.

FANTASY ANALYSIS: Washington Redskins

First and foremost I have one thing to say about the Skins...STAY AWAY FROM THEIR RUNNING BACKS. If it comes down to you looking at either; Clinton Portis, Willie Parker, or Larry Johnson for yours #2 back, you can probably just pack it in for this year and start scouting sleepers for next years draft.

Not only would it scare me to take any of these three if they were the feature back of the Redskins, but with all of them there it hurts each one's fantasy value significantly. Larry Johnson showed a bit of a burst with the Bengals last year but it is questionable how he will be used and how much he has left in the tank at 31. I am not even going to post projections but I will say Portis leads in rushing yards, Johnson should get the most TDs and Parker, well who the hell knows with him, after being a non-factor for the Steelers.

Then there is Donovan McNabb. I would put him right in the middle as far fantasy production will go for the 2010 season. He is not very attractive for a keeper league unless you think he has good year left and you'll cut ties after the season. His past few seasons with the Birds were pretty similar and Mike Shanahan will probably commit to the run more than Andy Reid did. Could help McNabb's stats could hurt them, hard to say since there was never much balance for him in his time with the Eagles. Has a burner in Moss, but he is no DeSean Jackson down field. Look for a good year and not a bad option if you wait on a QB or even to have as a backup if you get him late.
-Projections: 3,400 yards, 22 TDs, 11 INTs; 150 rushing yards, 1 TD

Santana Moss is still a WR who can do some damage but inconsistent QB play has hampered his stats the past few years. McNabb should be able to bump up his production and he could get close to 1,000 yards again. Even though he seems to have lost a step, he still has great speed and that is perfect for the arm McNabb possesses.
-Projections: 65-75 catches, 950 yards, 6 TDs

Chris Cooley is a great option for a fantasy TE but Fred Davis is waiting in the wings and Davis's production down the stretch last year will make it hard to keep him off the field. However, I see Cooley bouncing back from injury last year and could remain one of the top 15 TEs in overall points. Not a bad late round pick but don't overdraft him, let him come to you.
-Projections: 60-70 catches, 750 yards, 5 TDs

For IDPs, London Fletcher is far and away the best one on the Skins. He doesn't come off the field and he is a tackling machine. He is getting up there in age but still manages to play every game while consistently totaling well over 100 total tackles.

-Projection: 135 total tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 2 forced fumbles, 6 passes defended

LaRon Landry is a good safety option as well. Aside from those 2 the options are not too many, maybe a late round pick of Rocky Macintosh if your in desperate need of a LB. Otherwise Fletcher and Landry should prove to be solid picks.

FANTASY ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have possibly the weakest selection of fantasy prospects in the entire league. Their running game is in shambles and their passing game has been non-existent. On the more optimistic note, they have young players slotted in most of their offensive skill positions and could form a solid core down the line. Still, its slim pickings on the Bucs fantasy offense in 2010.

Kellen Winslow is easily the Buccaneers best fantasy player. Despite being ship[wreck]ed to Tampa Bay last offseason, Winslow still put up impressive numbers for a tight end, finishing with nearly 900 yards receiving and 5 scores. Look for a modestly improving Josh Freeman to keep Winslow's numbers around that mark, with more upside in the TD margin. Still, with the influx of receiving tight ends in NFL offenses, strong production from the tight end position isn't as scarce as it once was.

- Expect: 80 catches, 850-950 yards receiving, and 6-8 TDs

The aforementioned Josh Freeman is a shaky fantasy selection. His rookie campaign was less than stellar, finishing with 186 passing yards per game, a 10:18 TD-INT ratio, and a 54.6% completion percentage. He will see help from his two new receivers, selected early in the 2nd and 4th rounds, but confidence is lacking in his offensive line's pass protection. I'd stay away from Freeman in anything but a deep backup keeper role. Fantasy dividends won't procure until a year or so.

- Expect: 2,800-3,000 passing yards, 15 TDs, and 15 INTs.

The player with the most room to surprise people is rookie Arrelious Benn out of Illinois. Benn is an intriguing size/speed prospect at 6'2" 220lbs with a 4.40 second 40 yard dash. After a successful collegiate career and an impressive combine performance, Benn was selected early in the second round by the Bucs. If Freeman improves upon last season, look for Benn to make an impact early. It might be worth to take a late round flyer on Benn, especially in keeper/dynasty leagues.

- Expect: 45 catches, 700 receiving yards, 4 TDs.

As far as the running game is concerned, don't expect much out of Derrick Ward and Cadillac Williams. Ward is an overrated back whose numbers were inflated by a terrific offensive line in New York.

- Expect: 300 yards rushing, 1 rushing TD, 25 receptions, 200 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD.

Cadillac is productive when healthy, but knee issues have curtailed an otherwise promising career. Still, he has more upside than Ward and might be worth a late rounder for a 4th RB.

- Expect: 700 yards rushing, 5 rushing TDs, 30 receptions, 300 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD.

On a much more positive note, Tampa Bay has some solid prospects in IDP (Individual Defensive Player) leagues. Middle Linebacker, Barrett Ruud has been a consistent monster the past two seasons. He is especially valuable because of his high tackle totals, accruing over 100 solo tackles in each of the past two seasons. He's definitely a solid option at a LB spot.

- Expect: 100 solo tackles, 35 assisted tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT, 6 passes defended and 1 forced fumble.

The Bucs also have a solid IDP in their secondary with young cornerback, Aqib Talib. Talib gets a respectable number of tackles for the position and has some ball-hawking skills as well, pulling in 9 INTs over the last two seasons. He's an above average option at a DB spot.

- Expect: 50 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 5 INTs, and 12 passes defended.

MOCK DRAFT: Pick 5 - Frank Gore

Not a terribly difficult choice at number 5, Frank Gore has put up some great numbers in the last 4 years and can do so again. The 49ers need to find ways to get him the ball and if they do they will see some big rewards, not only statistically, but for their record as well.

Gore's YPC have increased in each of the past 3 seasons and he has never been below 4yards a clip. His best season came when he had over 300 attempts and I think the 49ers will try to get his totals up around there this year. If this happens watch out we could be in for a monster season from him. He is very adept at catching passes which makes him even that much more valuable in PPR formats.

He is coming into his 6th season and still has a great deal of value in keeper/dynasty leagues. Only small worry is past knee injuries but as long as he stays healthy he is a great pick at number 5.

-Projections: 1,350 rushing yards, 9 TDs; 45 receptions, 400 receiving yards; 2 TDs