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http://football.fantasysports.yahoo.com/league/footballers08
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Top 15 Quaterbacks in the NFL
June 9, 2008 --
1. Tom Brady
Fantasy owners are already aware of Tom Brady's stature after setting the single-season record for passing touchdowns (50) last year. So long as Randy Moss and Wes Welker are healthy, Brady should have the potential for anywhere from 35-to-40 touchdown passes in 2008. Just keep in mind that the Patriots threw like crazy last season because of a banged-up running attack (and matchups against terrible secondaries). Their schedule is fairly soft again this season, but teams will try to attack Brady off the snap like the Giants did in Super Bowl XLII, which might result in more rushing by New England. Regardless, Brady is a sure-fire No. 1 Fantasy QB and is worth a first-round pick in all leagues that count passing touchdowns for six points (a top-25 pick in all other leagues).
2. Peyton Manning
If you're looking for as close to a sure thing as there is in Fantasy Football, Peyton Manning is your man. Tossing for over 4,000 yards for the eighth time in nine seasons, Manning's 2007 was solid even without reliable receiver Marvin Harrison playing a full 16-game slate. The emergence of Reggie Wayne and expected progression of Anthony Gonzalez should help Manning get over any talent drop-off Harrison experiences this season. The bottom line is that owners who draft Manning with a pick in late Round 1 or very early Round 2 will have a passer they'll never bench (so no need for a backup Fantasy QB later on -- another ""pro"" to draft Manning).
3. Tony Romo
Dallas QB Tony Romo emerged in 2007 as an elite Fantasy option. In his first full season as a starter, Romo passed for 4,211 yards on 335-of-520 passing, 36 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Romo added 129 rush yards on 31 carries with a pair of rushing scores. In standard-scoring Fantasy leagues, Romo scored higher than everyone except Tom Brady. He has great weapons in Terrell Owens, Jason Witten and Marion Barber and should again have a superior season. Romo will likely be the third quarterback taken in all leagues behind Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, which means he will be drafted in the first two rounds. Not a bad way to go if you whiff on Brady and Manning in your league.
4. Drew Brees
Saints QB Drew Brees is looking to pick up where 2007 finished. After a disappointing start, when Brees had nine interceptions in his first four games, he finished with a career-high 28 touchdowns and 4,423 yards. The 18 interceptions were too high, but Brees' overall production dwarfs that total. He has tremendous weapons in Marques Colston and Reggie Bush, and if a combination from Robert Meachem, Terrance Copper, David Patten, Devery Henderson or Lance Moore emerge as another receiving target, Brees will only get better. Consider Brees a No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a draft pick somewhere between Rounds 2 and 4 thanks to his potential for 30-plus touchdowns and another 4,000-yard season.
5. Derek Anderson
You gotta love the NFL: Derek Anderson went from unknown to Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback and a Fantasy hero plucked off the waiver wire in early 2007. His constant gunning and connecting with Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow helped pave the way for him to throw for nearly 3,800 yards with 29 touchdowns and 19 interceptions with another three scores on the run. Armed with a new contract, Anderson will not only have the task of beating those stats, but will have the added firepower in WR Donte Stallworth to do so. He's just outside of the top-five Fantasy QBs out there, but he has arrived as a reliable No. 1 option so long as the rest of his offensive teammates in Cleveland stay healthy. Expect him to fly off draft boards once the likes of Drew Brees and Carson Palmer get picked on Draft Day, making him a likely pick between Rounds 5 and 6.
6. Ben Roethlisberger
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger used the coaches' decision to throw more in the red zone to his advantage, tossing 32 TDs and making him a legit No. 1 Fantasy QB in 2007. However, his yardage remained less than stellar (particularly for No. 1 Fantasy QBs), and questions about how the club will use their running backs in 2008 make Roethlisberger less of a lock to repeat his 2007 feat. He's still a No. 1 Fantasy QB, but it's possible that his stats don't match what he did in '08, particularly after he received a monster contract extension this offseason. Look for him to go between Rounds 4 and 5 in drafts this summer, but be sure to back him up properly if you draft him.
7. Carson Palmer
When it comes to Fantasy Football quarterbacks, very few rank higher than Carson Palmer. The strong-armed veteran has delivered back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons with at least 26 scores in both years. But he's played this well because he's had the luxury of throwing to one of the most talented receiving corps, something that's on the verge of changing. Chris Henry, the team's No. 3 WR, has been released, and stud No. 1 wideout Chad Johnson has demanded a trade out of Cincinnati. It's possible that Palmer will be left with just T.J. Houshmandzadeh and new tight end Ben Utecht. Furthermore, the Bengals plan to rededicate themselves to their running game in 2008, which might cost Palmer some pass attempts. If ""Ocho Cinco"" stays with the Bengals, then Palmer will remain a top-five Fantasy QB. But if the club sheds themselves of Johnson, Palmer's numbers are sure to take a hit with the likes of rookies Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell and Doug Gabriel trying to replace him (as well as Henry being gone). Ultimately pencil in Palmer as a No. 1 Fantasy QB, going anywhere between Round 2 and Round 5 depending on what happens with Johnson
8. Donovan McNabb
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb came back from another lost season in 2006 to play well in 2007. He wasn't 100 percent recovered from the torn ACL, but he still posted decent stats (3,324 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and just seven interceptions in 2007, adding 236 rush yards on 50 carries and five fumbles lost). McNabb started to run well toward the end of the year and should be in great shape in 2008, which is two years removed from the injury. He gets a couple of new weapons in RB Lorenzo Booker and rookie WR DeSean Jackson along with a healthy TE L.J. Smith, which should improve McNabb's play. Consider McNabb a No. 1 Fantasy option and draft him with a middle-round selection in all Fantasy leagues. As always with McNabb because of his injury history, make sure you get a quality backup in case you need an emergency starter.
9. Marc Bulger
If you like trends, then this could be a good year for Rams QB Marc Bulger. In 2005, he only played eight games due to injury. In 2006, he played all 16 games and had a big year. Last year, he was hurt again and appeared in only 12 games. If the past is any indication, 2008 could be a return to prominence. But before you take Bulger as your starter, keep in mind the Rams offensive line still needs help, and Bulger lost one of his trusted receivers in Isaac Bruce this offseason. He still has Torry Holt, but Drew Bennett, Reche Caldwell, Dane Looker and rookies Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton are now the complementary options. They aren't going to scare many opposing defenses. Bulger still has the talent to be a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback -- especially when you consider his track record at home and the addition of new offensive coordinator Al Saunders -- but when you draft him, get a quality backup. He should be drafted somewhere between Rounds 5 and 8.
10. Matt Hasselbeck
If Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck can duplicate his stats from 2007, he would be a lock as a Top 5 Fantasy option. But Hasselbeck's hot stats last year were a direct result from the Seahawks' ineffective running attack, something that's been corrected for '08. Additionally, Seattle's receiving corps has dwindled this offseason, especially with WR Deion Branch expected to miss several games rehabbing from a torn ACL. Hasselbeck has the ability to pass for 22-plus touchdowns and close to 3,500 yards every season, but don't expect him to repeat his 2007 feat. He's a middle- to low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick between Rounds 5 and 7.
12. Jake Delhomme
Jake Delhomme has the chance to be a dominant Fantasy QB in 2008. The Panthers added receivers D.J. Hackett and Muhsin Muhammad to go with stud Steve Smith, which gives Delhomme the best WR corps he's ever had. That bodes well, but the question with Delhomme will be his health. He is coming off Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, which cost him most of the 2007 season. If he is able to bounce back, Delhomme could eventually be your starter. But if he's slow in recovery, Delhomme will likely take up space on your bench. Go into the draft with Delhomme as a No. 2 Fantasy option with the upside of being a solid No. 1 if things go his way. He's worth taking in the middle-to-late rounds in all leagues this summer.
13. David Garrard
Following up on his breakout 2007 season, and armed with a hefty contract extension, Jaguars QB David Garrard appears to be a good low-end No. 1 Fantasy starter. While his passing numbers aren't dazzling, his lack of turnovers and rushing production make him a top-12 option. Moreover, the Jaguars overhauled their receiving corps this offseason, bringing in potential stud WR Jerry Porter along with iffy-handed speedster Troy Williamson to aid in Garrard's passing game. True, Jacksonville will still be a rushing team in 2008, but spending a middle-round pick on Garrard and platooning him with another passer you take a round or two later isn't a terrible move.
14. Eli Manning
Giants QB Eli Manning silenced all his critics with his Super Bowl victory last year. Now he must prove to Fantasy owners he can win a Fantasy title. Manning has always been on the cusp of a starting Fantasy option, but that won't change even with the ring. Manning has great weapons in Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Shockey, Steve Smith and Amani Toomer. And Manning has averaged 23 passing touchdowns the past three seasons. But he also throws too many interceptions, which limits his Fantasy value, and the Giants remain a run-first team. Go into the season with Manning as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option worth a pick around Round 10. You'll want to make sure you also draft a solid backup for the weeks Manning faces tough competition or falters. He will win you some games and hurt you others, so be prepared.
15. Aaron Rodgers
The Brett Favre era is over in Green Bay, and the job now belongs to Aaron Rodgers, who has sat behind Favre for three seasons. Rodgers is ready for the job (as evidenced by his play at Dallas last season) and should do well with a solid supporting cast around him. Fantasy owners should go into the season cautiously optimistic. Don't draft Rodgers to be your No. 1 option because of his inexperience (only 59 attempts in his career) and his injury history (he's been hurt barely playing). But he should be considered a sleeper and a great backup. Take Rodgers as one of the first No. 2 Fantasy QBs in the later rounds of drafts. If he turns out to be half as good as Favre, then you have a very nice QB option to lean on.
every thing here is from the nfl.com website
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Top 15Runningbacks in the NFL.
June 9, 2008 --
1. LaDainian Tomlinson
Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson is essentially the perfect Fantasy running back: He hardly ever gets hurt, he's topped 1,500 total yards in each of his seven seasons, he's had at least 10 total touchdowns every year, with at least 18 in his last four seasons. Without question, he's the top option you could want in Fantasy Football in 2008, worth the No. 1 overall selection in every league. Enjoy it, because next season when he's 30 and has eight full seasons and over 2,600 carries under his belt, all bets are off.
2. Brian Westbrook
Eagles RB Brian Westbrook continues to improve, and 2007 was his best year in the NFL. In 15 games, Westbrook had 1,333 yards on 278 carries (4.8 avg.) with seven touchdowns, adding 90 catches for 771 yards (8.6 avg.) and five scores. Aside from his receiving touchdowns, every other stat you just read was a career-high. Want more proof that Westbrook is getting better? He notched a career-best 11 rushes for 20 or more yards and 104 runs and catches combined for first downs. In total, Westbrook averaged 5.7 yards on 368 total touches. Best of all, Westbrook had at least 20 touches in 13 of the 15 games he played in, and he only missed one game due to injury. Westbrook should continue to be the No. 1 option in the offense and is a tremendous Fantasy RB. He should be one of the Top 5 players drafted at his position and a lock for the first round in all drafts.
3. Adrian Peterson
Could Vikings RB Adrian Peterson have had a better debut than what he did in 2007? He easily won rookie of the year with his stellar performance, when he emerged from a tandem with Chester Taylor to be a dominant Fantasy RB. That will remain the same in 2008 when Peterson should be one of the Top 5 picks in every Fantasy draft. He has the talent to gain 2,000 total yards and reach double digits in touchdowns, and Peterson has worked this offseason to improve his receiving skills. Injury will always be a concern with Peterson; he missed two games with a sprained knee as a rookie. But he plays behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, and that will contribute to him having another outstanding year.
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Top 20 Wide Recivers in the NFL
1 Terrell Owens DAL He'll be on his best behavior for a year. TD per game
2 Steve Smith CAR 10 games w/ 85 or more receiving yards. Unstoppable 1-on-1
3 Chad Johnson CIN Only questions are Palmer injury & what he does to celebrate
4 Marvin Harrison IND Loss of Edge puts him center stage again. Consistency rules
5 Torry Holt STL Averaged nearly 1,400 yards and 10 TDs over last three
6 Randy Moss OAK Still hit 1,000 yards w/ 8 TD despite injury and sputtering O
7 Anquan Boldin ARI Average of 6 catches and 80 receiving yards in 40 career games
8 Larry Fitzgerald ARI Scored in 10 different games and 10 w/ 80 or more rec yards
9 Santana Moss WAS Lloyd & Randle El adds hurt somewhat. Have to catch him
10 Hines Ward PIT Great rapport w/ Big Ben puts him back among elite
11 Chris Chambers MIA Daunte offers upgrade. Sky is the limit for Saban offense
12 Darrell Jackson SEA Full season of health puts him in the upper echelon
13 Reggie Wayne IND TDs down in '05, but still 1,000 yards. Rises w/ James loss
14 Plaxico Burress NYG 1,200 & 7 TD in '05. Only bigger things w/ Eli maturation
15 Javon Walker DEN No. 2 option behind R. Smith. Big contract means knee is ready
16 Joey Galloway TB Scoreless in 5 of last 7. Will need big growth by QB
17 Roy Williams DET With health and consistency at QB, could be a monster
18 Joe Horn NO Health and more consistent QB gets him closer to '03-'04 #s
19 Houshmandzadeh CIN 5 or more catches in 12 games last season
20 Andre Johnson HOU Finally added a true No. 2 receiver. Can Carr find time to throw?
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Top 20 Tight Ends in the NFL
1 Antonio Gates SD 3 years & 25 TD, but will he click with Rivers?
2 Jeremy Shockey NYG Career-highs in catches and TDs. Eli maturing
3 Tony Gonzalez KC Will he be called upon to block again?
4 Todd Heap BAL Maturation of Clayton can only help to open field
5 Chris Cooley WAS 3 TDs in Week 15 to pad stats, but frequent target
6 Alge Crumpler ATL Still Vick's No. 1 target, waiting on young WRs
7 Jason Witten DAL Strong down stretch w/ 4 TD in final 6
8 Heath Miller PIT Big Ben favorite has the goods to be a great one
9 Randy McMichael MIA Only 1 TD after Week 5. Drops plague him
10 Jerramy Stevens SEA Huge run down stretch. Hungry to be along elite
11 Jermaine Wiggins MIN 69 grabs but only 1 score. Bigger red zone target this year
12 L.J. Smith PHI Loss of TO means he'll need to step it up
13 Ben Troupe TEN Started strong & then battled injury. Big jump in '06
14 Dallas Clark IND 37 rec. in '05, always dinged. Larger role this year
15 Ben Watson NE Ability to work downfield gets more looks
16 Zachary Hilton NO 35 grabs in place of Boo. Brees uses TE, so possible sleeper
17 Vernon Davis SF Big rookie w/ good hands. Will be a Smith favorite immediately
18 Jeb Putzier HOU Kubiak bringing him along to HOU is intriguing
19 Kellen Winslow, Jr. CLE Remember how highly coveted he was? Ready by June
20 Alex Smith TAM Gruden likes the TE. 41 grabs as a rookie. Good hands
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