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Arizona Cardinals: This is a tough call, even though we
think Arizona will probably win the division, we just can't get too excited about Kurt Warner
anymore. With the way Denny Green played musical quarterbacks last year, who knows what
will happen this year. The receivers are a different story. Larry Fitzgerald and
Anquan Bolden are the most potent combination in the NFC, but whether Warner will be the Warner
of old remains to be seen. Stay away from the running backs in the draft as well. It's
hard to believe a team with so many questions is the favorite to win the division.
Atlanta Falcons: One word. Michael Vick.
He remains a hybrid at quarterback, but who cares? As long as he is putting up huge numbers we
don't really care where he gets them. Lot's of people are sold on Alge Crumpler at
tight end, but we think there are much better tight ends to be had.
Baltimore Ravens: We might consider taking quarterback Kyle Boller in a backup role with his new
receiver corps. Even though his progress has been slower than we thought it should be. Then there is the obvious
Jamal Lewis is always taken near first in the draft and the Ravens defense remains a good bet.
Buffalo Bills: No more Drew Bledsoe in Buffalo is not necessarily a bad
thing for fantasy fans. We think J.P. Losman can do the job and is definitely worthy of
being your second quarterback with the dangerous weapons he has around him. WR's Eric Moulds
and soph sensation Lee Evans make for a nice pair of wideouts and with Willis McGahee
the skill positions grade out very well.
Carolina Panthers: Jake (not the snake) Delhomme threw for an impressive
29 TD's last year and Stephen Davis is ready to go again after his microsurgery, and
DeShaun Foster looks to be the featured back now. That's a great one two punch of speed
and power.. Steve Smith remains underrated at WR and in leagues where returners count is a
legitimate double threat.
Chicago Bears: Well, throw last year away. The Bears were not good to
fantasy players last year at all, but this year looks to show some real promise. Ex Carolina
WR Mushin Muhammed has put up big numbers in the past and 2nd round pick Mark Bradley
from Oklahoma is the deep threat the Bears have been lacking. However the WR's have the
dubious distinction of relying on QB Rex Grossman who is unproven to say the least.
First round draft pick Cedric Benson is another story altogether who should put up some nice
numbers in the Bears power running offense while protecting Grossman.
Cincinnati Bengals: This could be a fun year for offensive players out of Cincy.
Jump quick at WR Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh if possible and of cource there
is RB Rudi Johnson who has busted completely out. Stay away from Peter Warrick as he
seems to be over.
Cleveland Browns: This new offense is led by coordinator Maurice
Carthon who has never called plays before. The only real interest here is in rookie WR
Braylon Edwards, but we doubt that even he can be that good from a fantasy standpoint with
Trent Dilfer doing the passing.
Cleveland Browns: This new offense is led by coordinator Maurice
Carthon who has never called plays before. The only real interest here is in rookie WR
Braylon Edwards, but we doubt that even he can be that good from a fantasy standpoint with
Trent Dilfer doing the passing.
Dallas Cowboys: The Tuna is not known for his fantasy players
and we don't expect that this year will change that. Drew Bledsoe's best fantasy years
are in the distant past. We do like 2nd year RB Julius Jones though in Parcell's
controlled offense he could be worth a lot of yardage points.
Denver Broncos: Tatum Bell is the latest feature back in
Shanahan's seeming running back factory, but keep your eyes on rookie Maurice Clarett as the
season moves on. QB Jake Plummer is a home run or strike out prospect, we can't
recommend him due to his lapses. If he ever puts it together he could be very good. PK
Jason Elam should start for anyone.
Detroit Lions: This is as interesting a situation as you will
find. The signing of former 49ers QB Jeff Garcia by his old coach makes us
uncomfortable with having Joey Harrington as our fantasy QB. The WR's are worth a look at
though with R Mike Williams and speedster Roy Williams making a very potent duo.
Green Bay Packers: Old reliable is back, but we have to start
questioning when the drop off gets extreme. Brett Favre still remains a threat after 30
TD's in '04. He just loves to throw touchdowns to WR Javon Walker so if you are going
to draft Favre make Walker your first WR choice to go along.
Houston Texans: The young RB Dominick Davis has been
flashy so far with 1188 yards and 4T's in '04. WR Andre Carr is consistent but by no
means a superstar. QB David Carr has lots of potential, but has yet to show it.
Indianapolis Colts: There is no fantasy trio better than
Manning, Harrison, and James, and there may never be again. The value to be
found is in the other Colts receivers like Brandon Stokely and Reggie Wayne.
Jacksonville Jaguars: New coordinator Carl Smith who will
bring along Norm Chow's offensive philosophy from USC will be going downfield and owners who
do not realize it will miss out on some sleepers. QB Byron Leftwich should show a marked
increase in fantasy numbers and WR Jimmy Smith and Rookie Matt Jones. RB Fred
Taylor has great stats, but if you are short roster spots be careful as he has had durability
problems.
Kansas City Chiefs: A fantasy favorite. Bless Priest
Holmes and his 62 TD's over the last three seasons. Larry Johnson is very good as
his backup and will garner more time this year. Meanwhile at age 35 QB Trent Green
continues to get better and of course TE Tony Gonzalez is the best in the NFL. The
Chiefs are a little light at WR but expect 2nd year man Samie Parker to make an impact this
year. If your league has a KR position of course there is always Dante Hall. Just
stay away from the improving defense, it won't be that much better.
Miami Dolphins: You could do worse than picking RB Ronnie
Brown and even though Ricky Williams is back he will be no more than a short yardage back
or trade bait at best. WR Chris Chambers remains a deep threat, and TE Randy
McMichael is very good. other than those exceptions we will stay away for now.
Minnesota Vikings: Time to start the post-Moss era in Minnesota.
Fantasy force QB Dante Culpepper will have to spread the ball around and WR Nate Burleson
had 69 catches and 9TD's last year and will probably improve this year without Moss around. Then
there is rookie WR Troy Williamson who many think was the most polished receiver coming out
this year.
New England Patriots: Everyone wants the Patriots players but we
say let them have them. Yes they are a great team, but in fantasy football that means very
little. QB Tom Brady is serviceable, but not top 5 the same goes for all the WR's.
The only exception remains RB Corey Dillon who remains a fantasy force.
New Orleans Saints: The whole world wants WR Joe Horn.
We don't. We think the combination of Horn's fat new contract and QB Aaron Brooks
inconsistency along with a new offensive coordinator. RB Deuce McAllister appears to be
recovered from last years ankle problems and is worth a look.
NY Giants: It's Eli's team now and if you are stuck with him at
QB your fantasy team is in deep trouble. RB Tiki Barber has to be the first and
possibly only Giant on your draft sheet. TE Jeremy Shockey is still a threat, but we
just don't know how well Eli can get him the ball. This might be a year of Tiki right, Tiki
left, and Tiki up the middle, after all Tom Coughlin is not exactly know for letting a QB light up
the board to begin with, much less one this inexperienced.
NY Jets: We just don't now what's going to happen at QB for the
Jets after Chad Pennington's injury problems last year so we are going to take a pass this
year. RB Curtis Martin remains a serviceable back who will get his yards and scores,
but wont be breaking many long runs anymore.
Oakland Raiders: Randy Moss is the leader in a great
group of wideouts all of which merit your consideration. Jerry Porter and Ronald
Curry are no slouches themselves. The only question is whether Kerry Collins can get them
all the ball.
Philadelphia Eagles: We think WR Terrell Owen will be
playing this year in Philly, the only real question is if he is doing irreparable damage to his
relationship with QB Donovan McNabb. RB Brian Westbrook is the only other true
fantasy threat on the team. This trio could rival Indy's if they can keep their heads on
straight.
Pittsburgh Steelers: There are lots of people expecting a
sophomore slump from QB Ben Roethlisberger, do not count us in that camp. He has so
much more in the supporting cast around him than most 2nd year quarterback's have had. WR Hines
Ward is a great go-to target for him and 1st round draft choice Heath Miller (TE,
Virginia) will give him added flexibility he didn't have at all last year and we would say last year
was pretty good. Duce Staley is worth a slot at RB and "The Bus" is still worth
a later round pick for scoring leagues.
San Diego Chargers: Everyone will be tempted to grab up these
offensive gems after the big breakout in '04. "LT" is a monster back and TE Antonio Gates
caught 13 TD passes last year. Drew Brees looked like the second coming of Joe Montana
last year. The only question is with this much tougher schedule.
San Francisco 49ers: Stay far far away. If you have a
futures league there are a few picks like the obvious QB Alex Smith to be had, but with the current
starters we would not take anyone off this squad.
Seattle Seahawks: This all starts with RB Shaun Alexander
who remains a top back after another huge year in 04. QB Matt Hasselback merits some
consideration as a backup on your team. WR Darrel Jackson is extremely underrated by
most so grab him if you can for a third.
St. Louis Rams: The days of Marshall Faulk are over.
Do not let your heart rule your selections. It's never a bad idea to load up on a WR or two
from the Rams established wideouts. Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce make Marc Bulger
look better than he really is.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cadillac Williams will
arguably make the most impact of any rookie RB this year. QB Brian Griese appears to be
a good fit for Gruden's offense and when he hooks up with WR Michael Clayton will make a nice
fantasy combo to have on your team.
Tennessee Titans: This could be interesting as new offensive
coordinator Norm Chow is a guru and could make QB Steve McNair who has always been
dangerous, we only reluctantly recommend McNair though due to his health issues of late. The
combo of WR Drew Bennett and McNair should make many fantasy owners very happy.
Washington Redskins: The only truly desirable fantasy option on
this team is RB Clinton Portis. QB Patrick Ramsey will start the season but if he does
not play extremely well look to see Auburn's QB Jason Campbell sooner rather than later. |
