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With tonight concluding the 2010 NFL pre-season, this will likely be our last update for fantasy tight ends before the season begins in one week (unless we are feeling overly ambitious). In other words, this will definitely be our last fantasy TE update before the start of the season.

Throughout the season, we will provide weekly rankings based on matchups, injuries, byes, etc. In addition, we will update our position rankings, in general terms, on a monthly basis to help you evaluate trade proposals and such.

For now, here are our top 20 fantasy tight ends entering the 2010 NFL season:

1. Antonio Gates, Chargers: Despite only ranking sixth among tight ends in targets (114), Gates led tight ends -- and set a career-high -- in receiving yards (1,157) in 2009. With Vincent Jackson out for three (or more) weeks, Gates should see more targets in 2010.

2. Dallas Clark, Colts: What's not to like? With a line of 100-1106-10, Clark ranked first in receptions, second in yards and third in touchdowns among tight ends.

3. Vernon Davis, 49ers: Davis finally broke out last year. So much so that last season (78-965-13) was essentially better than his two previous seasons combined (83-867-6).

4. Brent Celek, Eagles: Two of Celek's three 100-yard games came in the only two in which quarterback Kevin Kolb started. Perhaps that overstates the Kolb-Celek chemistry, but it's not hard to picture an improvement upon his breakout campaign (76-971-8).

5. Jason Witten, Cowboys: Witten had a "down" year of 94 passes for 1,030 yards (and only two touchdowns). Many tight ends (or wide receivers) would love to have a "down" year like that. I guarantee that Witten will have more than two touchdowns in 2010. Otherwise, I refund 110% of your cost for this advice. I'm confident; make that double your cost.

6. Jermichael Finley, Packers: In his final eight games (including the Packers' post-season game), Finley finished with 44 receptions for 575 yards and four touchdowns. Despite missing three games, Finley still finished in the top ten in receiving yards among TEs in his second season.

7. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons: Arguably the greatest tight end ever. Gonzalez had more targets (135) than any other tight end and finished with 83 receptions for 867 yards and six touchdowns in 2009.

8. Owen Daniels, Texans: In an injury-shortened half-season, Daniels caught 40 passes for 519 yards and five touchdowns. His pace (80-1038-10) would have ranked him fourth in receptions, third in yards and tied for third in TDs among tight ends.

9. Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings: Shiancoe has never surpassed 596 yards in one season, but he has been a touchdown machine over the past two seasons (18 TDs).

10. Zach Miller, Raiders: Only seven TEs had more receiving yards than Miller (805) had in 2009. In his three seasons, his receptions (44 to 56 to 66) and yards (444 to 778 to 805) have increased every season.

Continue reading "(Updated) 2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends (TEs)" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With teams getting ready for their pre-season finales tomorrow night, here are my (updated) Top 50 Fantasy WRs for 2010:

1. Andre Johnson, Texans: For me, this is (still) a no-brainer. Johnson, who was the third overall pick in 2003, has posted back-to-back 100-reception, 1,500-yard seasons.

2. Calvin Johnson, Lions: After a stellar sophomore campaign (78-1331-12) with Dan Orlovsky as his quarterback, MegaTron battled nagging injuries in 2009 and even missed two games. Provided he stays healthy, however, the sky is the limit in 2010 for this gifted athlete.

3. Randy Moss, Patriots: Moss has scored 47 touchdowns over the past three seasons, however, all five of his 100-yard games last year came in the first nine weeks of the season. Whether or not you questioned his motivation in the second-half last year, Moss is entering his contract year and is looking as good as ever.

4. Reggie Wayne, Colts: Only three players (two receivers) finished the season with at least 100 receptions, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. If you own Wayne, hope for a few Colts' early-season losses so Wayne plays more than a half in your fantasy championship game.

5. Miles Austin, Cowboys: The list? Andre Johnson and Wes Welker. The topic? Receivers who had more yards than Austin in 2009. The biggest concern for Austin will be the competition for targets with Jason Witten, Dez Bryant, Roy Williams and the running game.

6.Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: Over the past three seasons, Fitzgerald has caught a combined 293 passes for 3,932 yards and 35 touchdowns. With Kurt Warner retiring this off-season, however, the person (either Matt Leinart or Derek Anderson) getting him the ball is a huge downgrade.

7. Brandon Marshall, Dolphins: Marshall has had 100+ receptions and 1,100+ yards for three consecutive seasons. Marshall has a fat new contract and should be happy. Then again, he's a head case as his punting reinactment illustrated earlier in camp.

8. Roddy White, Falcons: Only Andre Johnson (171) had more targets than did White (165) in 2009. In the past three seasons, White has been consistent: 83, 88 and 85 receptions as well as 1,202, 1,382 and 1,153 yards, respectively. Even better, he set a career-high in TDs (11) in 2009.

9. DeSean Jackson, Eagles: Despite his size, Jackson is one of most explosive big-play receivers in the league. He ranked second in yards (18.5) per reception and first in the league in receptions of 40 yards or more (10).

10. Greg Jennings, Packers: From weeks 4-14, Jennings had only one 100-yard game. In his final four games (counting playoffs), Jennings had three 100-yard games.

Continue reading "(Updated) 2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers (WRs)" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Through three pre-season games, here are my (updated) Top 40 Fantasy RBs for 2010:

1. Chris Johnson, Titans: 2,006 yards. 11 straight 100-yard games. While those numbers would be nearly impossible to repeat, Johnson can take it to the house on any given play with his 4.24 speed. Plus, Johnson is now greedy (not hungry): "I graduated from hungry to greedy, and all I want is more.”

2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings: In three NFL seasons, Peterson has rushed for 1,300+ yards and 10+ touchdowns every year. His fumbling issues are well-documented, but he also had his best season as a receiver (43 receptions for 436) in 2009. And with Sidney Rice out for roughly half of this season, those receiving numbers should increase.

3. Ray Rice, Ravens: Rice led RBs in receptions (78) and receiving yards (702) in 2009. He was one of only two backs to have over 2000 yards from scrimmage.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: In his first season as the featured back, Pocket Hercules delivered with 1,391 rushing yards, 374 receiving yards on 53 receptions and 16 combined touchdowns. Although he denies he's had knee surgery, he has been shut down for the rest of the pre-season.

5. Michael Turner, Falcons: An ankle injury in week 10 essentially wiped out the rest of his season, but he was getting into a groove before the injury (428 rushing yards on 47 carries (9.1 YPC) and three touchdowns in 2 1/2 games). In his 27 games as a Falcon, Turner has rushed for more touchdowns (27) than he has receptions (11).

6. Frank Gore, 49ers: With two first-round picks in the 2010 NFL Draft, the 49ers drafted two offensive linemen (Trent Williams and Mike Iupati), which is obviously a benefit to Gore. In addition to rushing for over 1,000 yards in the past four years, he has also averaged 52 receptions per season during that span.

7. Steven Jackson, Rams: With the Rams' lack of offensive weapons to complement Jackson, opposing defenses know what is coming. Yet Jackson still finished second in the NFL in rushing in 2009 despite being hampered by back issues for the second half of the season.

8. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: Starting in week four, Mendenhall rushed for 1,068 yards and seven TDs in the final 13 games of the season. (That's a 1300-yard pace.) Fortunately, the rumors of a broken arm were false.

9. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: Despite missing three games last year, Williams has rushed for 2,632 yards and scored 27 touchdowns (25 rushing and two receiving) in the past two seasons. His only drawback? Backfield mate Jonathan Stewart has rushed for close to 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns during that same span. Williams is in a contract year.

10. Shonn Greene, Jets: The Jets replaced one thirty-something back with another, but it's Greene's team now (even if LaDainian Tomlinson isn't aware of that). And with arguably the league's best line in front of him, Greene could have a monster season.

Speaking of Shonn Greene, he's one of the five players listed for our Week 1 Fantasy Football Contest.

Continue reading "(Updated) 2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs (RBs)" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

His campaigning worked.

When the Cowboys face the Dolphins in their pre-season finale, rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant will be on the field.

Tonight Bryant tweeted (via Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News), "Back in action Thursday night!!!!!"

Bryant, who is recovering from a high-ankle sprain, said Saturday night of his route-running before the game that "everybody liked what they've seen and we're just moving forward."

According to Mock Draft Central, Bryant is currently the 33rd wide receiver drafted in fantasy drafts based on average draft position (ADP).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When the Donovan McNabb era begins in Washington on September 12th, coach Mike Shanahan isn't sure whether the team's signal-caller will be under center or holding a clipboard.

"I really don't know for sure," Shanahan said Sunday, per the Associated Press. "That's why it's day by day. We'll see how it goes."

McNabb, who sprained his ankle in the team's second pre-season game, hasn't practiced or played since then and he won't play in the team's final pre-season game on Thursday.

As a precaution, neither will Rex Grossman, the team's back-up quarterback.

The Redskins face five tough opponents in their first six weeks: Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Green Bay and Indianapolis. Those five teams combined for a 56-24 record in 2009. (They also play St. Louis in Week 3.)

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Detroit Lions have placed defensive end Jared DeVries on injured reserve (IR), per Tim Twentyman of The Detroit News.

Reports that Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew had knee surgery were denied by his agent.

After running routes yesterday at practice, Cowboys rookie Dez Bryant said (via the Dallas Morning News), "I know for a fact that I'm going to be ready for Washington. I know for a fact. I feel great, I feel fine."

According to Forbes magazine (via the Detroit Free Press), three of the top four most valuable NFL franchises play in the NFC East.

As pointed out by Pro Football Talk, Cardinals demoted quarterback Matt Leinart is in the process of burning bridges in Arizona.

The X-rays taken of Indianapolis MLB Gary Brackett's right hand came back negative.

Meanwhile, Colts running back Joseph Addai suffered a minor concussion in last night's pre-season game against the Packers yet he said that he "just got a little dizzy" but he "was cool.”

Vikings rookie cornerback Chris Cook will start against the Seahawks in their pre-season game on Saturday.

The NFL has fined Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks and Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor $10,000 each for their fight in their pre-season game last weekend.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees was given the "Good Guy" Award, per the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

It's confirmed that Rams receiver Donnie Avery will miss the season with a torn ACL.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

FYI: Today we have updated our fantasy football cheat sheet.

Want to see who is #1? Click here.

Want to see who is #48? Click here.

How about #119? Click here.

Ok, we'll stop with the cheap attempts to get you to click the link. If you click the link, we will be grateful. If you don't click the link, however, we will understand. But we want you to have the link. So here's the link.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

To prevent rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh from being double-teamed too often, Lions defensive coordinator says teams have "to find him first. We're going to move him around. He's smart enough to play all the positions."

The Jets are on the verge of a long-term extension with center Nick Mangold.

In his return to Denver (as a Detroit Lion), tight end Tony Scheffler said, "It felt good, man. It was good to be back here, good to win the game. But I didn't expect the boos."

According to Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, it's not how start but how you finish.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said that Brandon Jacobs' injury (that made him a scratch for last night's game) "came out of nowhere." And the injury is "nothing serious," according to GM Jerry Reese.

Meanwhile quarterback Eli Manning will return (with a baseball cap on instead of a helmet) to the practice field on Monday.

Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung will miss the next two-to-four weeks due to an ankle sprain, per NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.

Vikings quarterback Brett Favre has addressed his teammates twice this week and said, "I did feel -- more so than last year, believe it or not -- I needed them to know I'm all in."

In addition, Favre is getting more money to be "all in."

It's unlikely that Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh (shoulder) will return before the team's regular-season opener.

Teammate Keith Brooking says of his shoulder injury, "We did X rays and it was a Grade 1 so there's no separation in there. It's a very minor deal."

Vernon Gholstson said of the fight Rob Turner was asked (by Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine) to start with him: “Fighting? We can do that if necessary. But my job is always to try to become a better football player and try to help this team win…They saw how I responded. I ain’t scared of no fight.”

"Man, that one was pretty special," was how Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford described the 20-yard touchdown that he connected on with Calvin Johnson.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan says of Albert Haynesworth: "The days of him playing without practicing are over." (Discuss in our forums)

Jaguars receiver Mike Sims-Walker said he had "a little chip on my shoulder" going into last night's pre-season game.

The Rams signed wide receiver Danario Alexander.

The Colts have lost cornerback Jordan Hemby for the season due to a torn ACL.

A healthy Leon Washington scored on an 11-yard touchdown yesterday.

Seattle has reached a deal with wide receiver Brandon Jones.

Bears coach Lovie Smith said of Brian Urlacher's calf injury: ''It shouldn't be anything major."

Jay Cutler was sacked five times.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said of his touchdown-saving tackle last night: “Preseason, whatever it is, how do you just let a guy go? I don’t think it was anything special, it was just reaction.”

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With a full week of NFL pre-season games under out belt, here are my (updated) Top 25 Fantasy QBs for 2010:

1. Drew Brees, Saints: No quarterback has passed for more yards (9,457) or touchdowns (68) than Brees over the past two seasons. The only reason he had a four-year low of 4,388 passing yards last year was the Saints rested him in week 17 to get ready for their Super Bowl run.

2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers: Like Brees, Rodgers has thrown for 4,000+ yards in each of the past two seasons. Unlike Brees, Rodgers put up solid rushing stats (523 yards and nine touchdowns in the past two years).

3. Peyton Manning, Colts: In 12 NFL seasons, Manning has reached the 4,000-yard milestone ten times including the past four seasons. The two he missed: 3,739 (rookie season) and 3,747 (2005). Considering he's only been sacked 24 times in his past two seasons, he's about as safe of a pick as possible.

4. Tony Romo, Cowboys: Only Matt Schaub and Peyton Manning threw for more yards and only Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers threw fewer interceptions (among full-season starters) than Romo in 2009. And, for a change, Romo finished the season strong: 1,859 yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions in final six regular-season games.
5. Matt Schaub, Texans: Schaub led the NFL in passing yards (4,770) despite being without his stud tight end (Owen Daniels) for half of the year.

6. Tom Brady, Patriots: In his first full season back from the knee injury, Brady threw for nearly 4,400 yards and 28 touchdowns. The big question for 2010 is the status of Wes Welker's knee although his rehab has been going remarkably well.

7. Philip Rivers, Chargers: He's one of four QBs that have passed for 4,000 yards in each of the past two seasons and only Brees has thrown more TDs during that stretch. Without Vincent Jackson for three games (suspension) and possibly ten or more games (holdout), there's a good chance his fantasy production will fall short of his abilities.

8. Joe Flacco, Ravens: With new weapons in the passing game (free agents Anquan Boldin and Donte' Stallworth as well as rookies Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta and David Reed) and improved health, Flacco should easily exceed his 2009 numbers of 3,613 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Enter our free 2010 Fantasy Football Contest by making your Week 1 entry here.

9. Jay Cutler, Bears: Without Martz, Cutler passed for 3,666 yards and 27 TDs despite a career-high in interceptions (26). If Martz can help Cutler reign in the turnovers, he could be in for a huge season. Either way, Cutler said of Martz: "He makes you want to come to work every day."

10. Eli Manning, Giants: With a core group of young receivers (Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, etc.), Eli set career highs in yards (4,021) and TDs (27) in 2009.

11. Donovan McNabb, Redskins: With a downgrade in weapons in the passing game, it will be difficult for McNabb to duplicate his 16-game pace (he missed two games) in 2009 of 4,060 yards and 25 TDs.

12. Kevin Kolb, Eagles: With weapons like DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek, it wouldn't surprise me to see Kolb finish in the 10-12 range of fantasy quarterbacks (and even ahead of McNabb) in 2010 with the Eagles' pass-first offense.

13. Matt Ryan, Falcons: Despite his sophomore slump, partly due to injury (missed two games and most of another), Ryan has weapons such as Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez at his disposal and should be poised for a bounce-back year. And in 14 games, he still threw 22 touchdowns.

14. Brett Favre, Vikings: Regardless of whether Favre texted teammates or not, most expect him to return for another season. But it depends largely on the health of his ankle. And duplicating last year's phenominal success (4,202 yards, 33 TDs, 7 INTs) seems nearly impossible, especially with Percy Harvin battling migraines and Sidney Rice recovering from his hip injury.

15. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers: Only Brees and Schaub had more passing yards per game than Big Ben (288.5) in 2009. Although an announcement hasn't yet been made, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said that Roethlisberger has exceeded what was expected of him so expect his suspension to be reduced to four (from six) games.

16. Matthew Stafford, Lions: The Lions added Nate Burleson, a big upgrade as their No. 2 receiver, via free agency and MegaTron is healthy again. Last year, Stafford led the NFL in pass attempts per game (37.7).

17. Chad Henne, Dolphins: The off-season addition of Brandon Marshall should help Henne continue to develop in his second season as a starter. In the second half of 2009, Henne threw for 1,888 yards but he also threw 11 interceptions and only eight touchdowns.

18. Carson Palmer, Bengals: Palmer threw for only 1,262 yards, seven TDs and six interceptions in the final eight games of 2010. Regardless of all the "Batman" & "Robin" nonsense, the Bengals are a run-first (and defensive-minded) team with a quarterback that has some question marks.

19. Jason Campbell, Raiders: Last year, Campbell posted career highs in passing yards (3,618) and TDs (20). It will be difficult to surpass those numbers in Oakland considering the lack of weapons in their passing game.

20. Alex Smith, 49ers: Although Smith played in only 11 games, his per-game stats equate to a pace of 3,418 yards and 26 touchdowns over a full 16-game season. Plus, the Niners have decent weapons in the passing game: Vernon Davis (one of the league's top three tight ends), Michael Crabtree (the top-rated receiver heading into last year's rookie class) and Frank Gore (who has averaged 52 receptions over the past four years).

21. David Garrard, Jaguars: Garrard has quietly been a steady fantasy producer over the past two seasons. As a back-up QB on your fantasy team, hope that your starter has his bye when Garrard is at home (over 2,000 yards and 12 TDs at home last year).

22. Vince Young, Titans: This is still a run-first team, but VY can make plays with his legs. During the Titans' 7-1 run from weeks 8 to 15, Young threw 10 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

23. Matt Cassel, Chiefs: Only three quarterbacks were sacked more times than Cassel (42), who will look to improve upon his 2009 numbers (2,924 yards and 16 touchdowns).

24. Mark Sanchez, Jets: Typical of rookie quarterbacks, Sanchez had an up-and-down season. In four games with 3+ interceptions, he threw two touchdowns and 15 interceptions. In his other 11 games, he threw 10 touchdowns and only five interceptions. The addition of Santonio Holmes, who will serve a four-game suspension to start the season, should help Sanchez make progress in his second season.

25. Matt Moore, Panthers: With Jake Delhomme out of the picture (and the threat of Jimmy Clausen taking over), Moore will get an opportunity to build on his 2009 success (61.6% completion, 8 TDs, 2 INTs). That said, how long is his leash? (Vote on our poll: Who will the Panthers' starting QB in week 17?)

Also, check out our other 2010 Fantasy Football rankings (which will be updated this week): Top 40 RBs | Top 50 WRs | Top 20 TEs

Follow us on Twitter (Twitter.com/EDSFootball) or on Facebook (Facebook.com/EDSFootball).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

While this isn't a noteworthy "news" item, Ian Rappaport of the Boston Herald notes that Mrs. Tom Brady, Brazilian supermodel Giselle Bundchen, paid her husband a visit at today's practice.

Yes, I know it's not really football news. But ...

As a rule of thumb, it's never a bad idea to post a picture of Brazilian supermodel when the opportunity presents itself. Or when it doesn't present itself, too.

So, here's said picture:

That makes me wonder whether Kim Kardashian paid a visit to Cowboys practice to watch boyfriend and Cowboys receiver Miles Austin today.

While I have no idea, here's a photo of Kardashian:

Ah, I love talking football.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The NFL pre-season gets underway a month from Thursday (Hall of Fame game between Cowboys and Bengals).

Over the next month, we will release our rankings keeper rankings, point-per-reception (PPR) rankings and our top 150 cheat sheets as well as in-depth player analysis and projections. For now, here is our updated list of the top 20 tight ends for fantasy football:

1. Antonio Gates, Chargers: Despite only ranking sixth among tight ends in targets (114), Gates led tight ends -- and set a career-high -- in receiving yards (1,157) in 2009. With the three-game suspension (and potential holdout beyond that) of Vincent Jackson, Gates should see more targets in 2010. Therefore, I swapped Gates and Dallas Clark in the updated rankings.

2. Dallas Clark, Colts: What's not to like? With a line of 100-1106-10, Clark ranked first in receptions, second in yards and third in touchdowns among tight ends.

3. Vernon Davis, 49ers: The wait is over. Davis finally broke out. Last year's numbers (78-965-13) were essentially better than his two previous seasons combined (83-867-6).

4. Brent Celek, Eagles: Two of Celek's three 100-yard games came in the only two in which Kevin Kolb started. It's hard to not picture an even better season than what he produced in his breakout campaign (76-971-8).

5. Jermichael Finley, Packers: In his final eight games (including the Packers' post-season game), Finley finished with 44 receptions for 575 yards and four touchdowns. Despite missing three games, Finley still finished in the top ten in receiving yards among TEs in his second (and breakout) season.

6. Jason Witten, Cowboys: Witten had a "down" year of 94 passes for 1,030 yards (and only two touchdowns). Many tight ends (or wide receivers) would love to have a "down" year like that. By drafting Dez Bryant in the first round, the Cowboys have another weapon competing for targets.

7. Owen Daniels, Texans: In an injury-shortened half-season, Daniels caught 40 passes for 519 yards and five touchdowns. His pace (80-1038-10) would have ranked him fourth in receptions, third in yards and tied for third in TDs among tight ends.

8. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers: Considering the weakness of the Buccaneers' receiving corps, he's the only legitimate weapon in the Bucs' passing attack. Last year, Winslow ranked fourth among tight ends in targets (127).

9. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons: Arguably the greatest tight end ever. Gonzalez had more targets (135) than any other tight end and finished with 83 receptions for 867 yards and six touchdowns in 2009.

10. Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings: Shiancoe has never surpassed 596 yards in one season, but he has been a touchdown machine over the past two seasons (18 TDs).

Continue reading "(Updated) 2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends (TEs)" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The NFL pre-season gets underway a month from Thursday (Hall of Fame game between Cowboys and Bengals).

Over the next month, we will release our rankings keeper rankings, point-per-reception (PPR) rankings and our top 150 cheat sheets as well as in-depth player analysis and projections. For now, here is our updated list of the top 50 wide receivers for fantasy football:

1. Andre Johnson, Texans: For me, this is (still) a no-brainer. Johnson, who was the third overall pick in 2003, has posted back-to-back 100-reception, 1,500-yard seasons.

2. Calvin Johnson, Lions: After a stellar sophomore campaign (78-1331-12), MegaTron battled nagging injuries in 2009 and even missed two games. Provided he stays healthy, the sky is the limit for this gifted athlete.

3. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: Over the past three seasons, Fitzgerald has caught a combined 293 passes for 3,932 yards and 35 touchdowns. But it's an understatement to say Matt Leinart (or Derek Anderson) is a downgrade from Kurt Warner, who retired this off-season.

4. Randy Moss, Patriots: All five of his 100-yard games came in the first nine weeks and his attitude and motivation were questioned by some down the stretch. But he has scored 47 touchdowns over the past three seasons. It's hard to question that production.

5. Brandon Marshall, Dolphins: Marshall has had 100+ receptions and 1,100+ yards for three consecutive seasons. With a fat new contract, the random temper tantrum seems unlikely. For now.

6. Reggie Wayne, Colts: Only three players (two receivers) finished the season with at least 100 receptions, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. If you own Wayne, hope for a few Colts' early-season losses so Wayne plays more than a half in your fantasy championship game.

7. Roddy White, Falcons: Only Andre Johnson (171) had more targets than did White (165) in 2009. In the past three seasons, White has been consistent: 83, 88 and 85 receptions as well as 1,202, 1,382 and 1,153 yards, respectively. Even better, he set a career-high in TDs (11) in 2009.

8. Miles Austin, Cowboys: The list? Andre Johnson and Wes Welker. The topic? Receivers who had more yards than Austin in 2009. The addition of rookie Dez Bryant, who was drafted by the Cowboys in the first round, will take away some targets for Austin in 2010. If it's any consolation (more so for Austin in real life than for you as his fantasy owner), his new girlfriend is Kim Kardashian.

9. Sidney Rice, Vikings: A waiver-wire pick-up for many last year, Rice had more receiving yards than all but three receivers in 2009. Assuming a Favre return, Rice should have another monster season in 2010.

10. DeSean Jackson, Eagles: Despite his size, Jackson is one of most explosive big-play receivers in the league. He ranked second in yards (18.5) per reception and first in the league in receptions of 40 yards or more (10).

Continue reading "(Updated) 2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers (WRs)" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The NFL pre-season gets underway a month from Thursday (Hall of Fame game between Cowboys and Bengals).

Over the next month, we will release our rankings keeper rankings, point-per-reception (PPR) rankings and our top 150 cheat sheets as well as in-depth player analysis and projections. For now, here is our updated list of the top 40 running backs for fantasy football:

1. Chris Johnson, Titans: 2,006 yards. 11 straight 100-yard games. While those numbers would be nearly impossible to repeat, Johnson can take it to the house on any given play with his 4.24 speed. The question is: Will he do so for his $550,000 salary? On a positive note, a compromise to the contract situation may be reached before the start of the season, per Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean.

2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings: In three NFL seasons, Peterson has rushed for 1,300+ yards and 10+ touchdowns every year. His fumbling issues are well-documented, but he also had his best season as a receiver (43 receptions for 436) in 2009.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: In his first season as the featured back, Pocket Hercules delivered with 1,391 rushing yards, 374 receiving yards on 53 receptions and 16 combined touchdowns. My only concern? MJD had two games with single-digit rushing attempts. What if that happens against Washington in week 16?

4. Ray Rice, Ravens: Rice led RBs in receptions (78) and receiving yards (702) in 2009. He was one of only two backs to have over 2000 yards from scrimmage.

5. Michael Turner, Falcons: An ankle injury in week 10 essentially wiped out the rest of his season, but he was getting into a groove before the injury (428 rushing yards on 47 carries (9.1 YPC) and three touchdowns in 2 1/2 games). In his 27 games as a Falcon, Turner has rushed for more touchdowns (27) than he has receptions (11).

(Note: although these rankings are not based on a point-per-reception scoring, I will release my PPR rankings within the next two weeks.)

6. Frank Gore, 49ers: With two first-round picks in the 2010 NFL Draft, the 49ers drafted two offensive linemen (Trent Williams and Mike Iupati), which is obviously a benefit to Gore. In addition to rushing for over 1,000 yards in the past four years, he has also averaged 52 receptions per season during that span.

7. Steven Jackson, Rams: With the Rams' lack of offensive weapons to complement Jackson, opposing defenses know what is coming. Yet Jackson still finished second in the NFL in rushing in 2009 despite being hampered by back issues for the second half of the season.

8. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: Starting in week four, Mendenhall rushed for 1,068 yards and seven TDs in the final 13 games of the season. (That's a 1300-yard pace.) With Fast Willie in D.C. now, a repeat (or even an improvement) of that pace seems likely.

9. Ryan Grant, Packers: As the runner for one of the league's best aerial assaults, Grant should continue to see a lot of seven-men fronts and open lanes to run. Only four RBs rushed for more yards (1,253) and TDs (11) than Grant in 2009.

10. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: Despite missing three games last year, Williams has rushed for 2,632 yards and scored 27 touchdowns (25 rushing and two receiving) in the past two seasons. His only drawback? Backfield mate Jonathan Stewart has rushed for close to 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns during that same span.

Continue reading "(Updated) 2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs (RBs)" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The NFL pre-season gets underway a month from Thursday (Hall of Fame game between Cowboys and Bengals).

Over the next month, we will release our rankings keeper rankings, our top 150 cheat sheets as well as in-depth player analysis and projections. For now, here is our updated list of the top 25 quarterbacks for fantasy football:

1. Drew Brees, Saints: No QB has passed for more yards (9,457) or touchdowns (68) than Brees over the past two seasons. The only reason he had a four-year low of 4,388 passing yards last year was the Saints rested him in week 17 to get ready for their Super Bowl run.

2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers: With back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons under his belt, it wouldn't surprise me if Rodgers finished 2010 as the top-ranked fantasy passer partly due to his rushing numbers (316 yards and five touchdowns in 2009).

3. Peyton Manning, Colts: In 12 NFL seasons, Manning has reached the 4,000-yard milestone ten times including the past four seasons. The two he missed: 3,739 (rookie season) and 3,747 (2005). Considering he's only been sacked 24 times in his past two seasons, he's about as safe of a pick as possible.

4. Tom Brady, Patriots: Although Wes Welker may not be ready to go week one, he is "happy" about the progress of his rehab. And with Randy Moss, Julian Edelman, Torry Holt and a pair of pass-catching rookie tight ends (Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez), Brady should be in for a big year.

5. Tony Romo, Cowboys: Only Matt Schaub and Peyton Manning threw for more yards and only Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers threw fewer interceptions (among full-season starters) than Romo in 2009. With rookie Dez Bryant, who cornerback Mike Jenkins said will be a "big-time receiver" someday, joining an offense that includes Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Roy Williams and Felix Jones, Romo is poised for a monster season in 2010.
6. Matt Schaub, Texans: Schaub led the NFL in passing yards (4,770) despite being without his stud tight end (Owen Daniels) for half of the year.

7. Brett Favre, Vikings: The summer of mowing the lawn and throwing to high-schoolers has begun for Favre. While the 40-year-old QB may not be able duplicate last year's tremendous success (4,202 yards, 33 TDs, 7 INTs), it's realistic to expect something close to 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns with his supporting cast in Minnesota.

8. Philip Rivers, Chargers: He's one of four QBs that have passed for 4,000 yards in each of the past two seasons and only Brees has thrown more TDs during that stretch. With Vincent Jackson serving a three-game suspension and possibly holding out through the first ten games, Rivers' fantasy value takes a big hit (he was fourth in my late-May rankings).

9. Joe Flacco, Ravens: With new weapons in the passing game (free agents Anquan Boldin and Donte' Stallworth as well as rookies Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta and David Reed), Flacco should easily exceed his 2009 numbers of 3,613 yards and 21 touchdowns.

10. Eli Manning, Giants: With a core group of young receivers (Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, etc.), Eli set career highs in yards (4,021) and TDs (27) in 2009.

Continue reading "(Updated) 2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks (QBs)" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Today Cowboys receiver Miles Austin signed his one-year tender offer as a restricted free agent, per Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News.

Unless Austin and the Cowboys work out a long-term deal, which is the goal of both parties, the team's No. 1 receiver (based on performance but not salary) will earn $3.168 million in 2010.

"It's not that big of a deal to me," Austin said. "It is what it is. I'm here to work, that's what I do. I'm not trying to lose any more money ... Hopefully something can work out. Obviously I love Dallas. Yeah, I'm excited for the season. I'm excited to play hard."

After his record-setting perfomance (250 yards) in week five against the Chiefs, Austin hasn't looked back.

"He is confident now," [coach Wade] Phillips said, according to Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "The only thing he lacked was confidence. Once you catch 80 something balls, you have that confidence. He is a star receiver. But he is not pompous. He is determined to keep doing better."

Despite catching only five passes for less than 100 yards in the first quarter of the season, Austin finished third in receiving yards (1,320) and tied for fourth in touchdowns (11) in the NFL last year.

Austin enters 2010 as a top-ten fantasy wide receiver although the addition of Dez Bryant to the offense hurts Austin's fantasy value some.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Dallas Cowboys, who released safety Ken Hamlin this off-season, were one of the teams rumored to be in the market for ball-hawking safety O.J. Atogwe, who became a free agent less than 24 hours ago.

That said, Cowboys owner (and general manager) Jerry Jones said (at least, publicly) that he isn't interested.

"I'm ready to go to our season with the safeties we have," Jones said, per the Cowboys' website.

Alan Ball, who started four games at free safety last year, is most likely to start over Mike Hamlin, who will compete with Ball.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It is his physical running style that has earned Dallas Cowboys running Marion Barber the nickname "Marion the Barbarian."

This off-season, however, Barber has slimmed down.

According to running backs coach Skip Peete (via Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News), Barber has shed ten pounds from last season's playing weight and has regained some lost speed.

"He's leaner and looks quicker than he's been,'' Peete said today. "It's noticeable. I'm excited to see what he does when we get to camp.''

Barber, the team's fourth-round pick in 2005, had his lowest touchdown total (seven) since his rookie season. And in the post-season, Barber rushed 11 times for only 18 yards.

With rumors that Felix Jones could emerge as the Cowboys' back with the larger workload, I moved Jones (23rd) ahead of Barber (26th) on my fantasy football rankings update on May 24th. Depending on how the weight-loss impacts Barber's performance, that could change again.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cowboys receiver Patrick Crayton says that "you want to be wanted," but he's "not sure" if he is or isn't in Dallas.

Therefore, while appearing on the Ben and Skin Show on ESPN 103.3 Radio in Dallas, Crayton admitted that the Cowboys have been informed that he wants a release (via TIm McMahon of ESPNDallas.com).

He wants the release so that he has the opportunity to catch on with another team as quickly as possible. However, he believes that the Cowboys won't release him (at least yet), because he's viewed by them as "the insurance guy. And I think from now on that'll be my nickname. I'm insurance."

In 2009, Crayton was third on the team in receiving (622 yards) behind Miles Austin and Jason Witten.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Much speculation has surrounded the pecking order of the Dallas Cowboys running backs.

Who will start? Who will get the majority of the workload? Et cetera.

Regardless of which running back will be the starter or, more importantly, get the largest workload, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones likes what he's seeing from Marion Barber this off-season, per Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News.

"I know this: He looks quicker," Jones said. "I think that is going to make him even more effective. He's just in great shape. He looks as good out here just in these initial practices as I've seen him look in his career. You could easily go from there and look at what his role might be, and it'd certainly be on par with anything he's done."

In my updated fantasy football rankings, I moved Felix Jones up a few spots and Barber down a spot as I expect Jones to ultimately be the guy who gets a greater share of the workload as the season progresses (if not from the start).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Too often in the NFL, it's diva wide receivers making all the headlines. And usually for the wrong reasons.

But in the world of me-first athletes, Cowboys receiver Miles Austin is the anti-diva.

Austin splashed onto the scene with a record-setting performance (250 yards on 10 receptions) against the Chiefs last year and only Houston's Andre Johnson and New England's Wes Welker finished with more receiving yards on the season.

In other words, Larry Fitzgerald had less (than Austin). So did Brandon Marshall. And Randy Moss. And...well, you get the picture.

That said, Austin, who is due a big payday, isn't caught up in his contract and defers to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and David Dunn, his agent, when asked about the topic.

"Jerry is the guy you need to speak to about that,'' Austin said, per David Moore of the Dallas Morning News. "I'm doing my part and that's working hard and trying to get better to help the team.''

And there is no threat of Austin's contract situation becoming a distraction when training camp or the season nears.

"No, not at all,'' Austin said. "I mean, like I said, I'm just in here to work. I'm going to let Dave Dunn deal with all that type of stuff. I'm just working to get better."

"To be honest with you, work is work,'' Austin said. "When I was an undrafted free agent, I think I got like $10,000 to get here, and I was working just as hard as I am now."

In the final 12 games of the 2009 regular season, Austin caught 76 passes for 1,239 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Despite singing Austin's praises, I knocked him down two spots to number 10 in yesterday's update of my fantasy football rankings for receivers due to the buzz surrounding rookie receiver Dez Bryant.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Although we are more than two months away from the start of NFL training camps, we have already updated our initial fantasy football rankings from April 22nd.

Here are my (updated) Top 20 Fantasy TEs for 2010:

1. Dallas Clark, Colts (previous 1): What's not to like? With a line of 100-1106-10, Clark ranked first in receptions, second in yards and third in touchdowns among tight ends.

2. Antonio Gates, Chargers (previous 2): Not really the #2 fantasy TE; more like the 1(a). Gates led tight ends -- and set a career-high -- in receiving yards (1,157) in 2009.

3. Vernon Davis, 49ers (previous 3): The wait is over. Davis finally broke out. Last year's numbers (78-965-13) were essentially better than his two previous seasons combined (83-867-6).

4. Brent Celek, Eagles (previous 4): Two of Celek's three 100-yard games came in the only two in which Kevin Kolb started. It's hard to not picture an even better season than what he produced in his breakout campaign (76-971-8).

5. Owen Daniels, Texans (previous 6): In an injury-shortened half-season, Daniels caught 40 passes for 519 yards and five touchdowns. His pace (80-1038-10) would have ranked him fourth in receptions, third in yards and tied for third in TDs among tight ends.

6. Jason Witten, Cowboys (previous 5): Witten had a "down" year of 94 receptions for 1,030 yards (and only two touchdowns). Many tight ends (or wide receivers) would love to have a "down" year like that. By drafting Dez Bryant in the first round, the Cowboys have another weapon competing for targets.

7. Jermichael Finley, Packers (previous 7): In his final eight games (including the Packers' post-season game), Finley finished with 44 receptions for 575 yards and four touchdowns. Despite missing three games, Finley still finished in the top ten in receiving yards among TEs in his second (and breakout) season.

8. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers (previous 8): He's a bozo, but he has talent. And considering the weakness of the Buccaneers' receiving corps, he's the only legitimate weapon in the Bucs' passing attack.

9. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (previous 9): Arguably the greatest tight end ever. While Gonzalez is no longer the clear-cut top tight end in fantasy, he provides excellent value near the bottom of the top ten.

10. Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings (previous 10): Shiancoe has never surpassed 596 yards in one season, but he has been a touchdown machine over the past two seasons (18 TDs).

11. Chris Cooley, Redskins (previous 11): Cooley missed nine games last year due to a broken ankle, but he had 83 receptions for 849 yards in his last full season (2008).

12. Zach Miller, Raiders (previous 13): Only seven TEs had more receiving yards than Miller (805) had in 2009. In his three seasons, his receptions (44 to 56 to 66) and yards (444 to 778 to 805) have increased every season. And Miller should benefit from having quarterback Jason Campbell, a huge upgrade over JaMarcus Russell.

13. Heath Miller, Steelers (previous 12): Miller set career highs in receptions (76) and receiving yards (789) in 2009. How much will Ben Roethlisberger's six-game suspension affect his production in 2010?

14. John Carlson, Seahawks (previous 15): Carlson has been respectable but not spectacular in his first two NFL seasons(55-627-5 and 51-574-7, respectively), but he enters 2010 with a four-game touchdown streak.

15. Greg Olsen, Bears (previous 14): Typically, tight ends don't flourish in a Mike Martz offense. Olsen posted solid season totals (60-612-8) but he had less than 10 yards in four games.

16. Dustin Keller, Jets (previous 16): I expected Keller to have a breakout season in 2009, but 2010 could be his year as he had a highly productive 2009 post-season (12-181-3 in three games).

17. Jeremy Shockey, Saints (previous 17): In 26 games over two seasons as a Saint, Shockey has only 98 combined receptions for 1,052 yards and three touchdowns. In the Saints' get-the-ball-to-the-open guy offense, his average of 40.3 and 40.6 yards per game over the past two seasons are the two lowest of his eight-year career.

18. Kevin Boss, Giants (previous 18): In the final three weeks of his season, Boss finished with 15 receptions for 176 yards and one touchdown. That was an average of 58.7 yards per game during that span. He had 391 yards in his first 12 games for an average of 32.6 ypg. Boss had ankle surgery last week, but he should be ready for training camp.

19. Brandon Pettigrew, Lions (previous 19): Before suffering a season-ending ACL injury in week 12, Pettigrew had 15 receptions for 165 yards and two touchowns in his previous three games. That said, the addition of Tony Scheffler somewhat dims Pettigrew's outlook for the 2010 season.

20. Jermaine Gresham, Bengals (previous unranked): Gresham significantly upgrades the Bengals at the tight end position. In my rookie rankings, I had Gresham a notch ahead of New England's Rob Gronkowski.

Also, check out our other 2010 Fantasy Football rankings: Top 25 QBs | Top 40 RBs | Top 50 WRs

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Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Although we are more than two months away from the start of NFL training camps, we have already updated our initial fantasy football rankings from April 21st.

Here are my (updated) Top 50 Fantasy WRs for 2010:

1. Andre Johnson, Texans (previous 1): For me, this is (still) a no-brainer. Johnson, who was the third overall pick in 2003, has posted back-to-back 100-reception, 1,500-yard seasons.

2.Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (previous 2): Over the past three seasons, Fitzgerald has caught a combined 293 passes for 3,932 yards and 35 touchdowns. But it's an understatement to say Matt Leinart (or Derek Anderson) is a downgrade from Kurt Warner, who retired this off-season.

3. Calvin Johnson, Lions (previous 5): After a stellar sophomore campaign (78-1331-12), MegaTron battled nagging injuries in 2009 and even missed two games. Johnson, who has worked out with QB Matthew Stafford four times per week since March, is optimistic about the team's offense in 2010.

4. Randy Moss, Patriots (previous 3): All five of his 100-yard games came in the first nine weeks and his attitude and motivation were questioned by some down the stretch. But he has scored 47 touchdowns over the past three seasons. It's hard to question that production.

5. Reggie Wayne, Colts (previous 6): Only three players (two receivers) finished the season with at least 100 receptions, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. If you own Wayne, hope for a few Colts' early-season losses so Wayne plays more than a half in your fantasy championship game.

6. Brandon Marshall, Dolphins (previous 4): Marshall, who had hip surgery that will keep him out until training camp, has had 100+ receptions and 1,100+ yards for three consecutive seasons.

7. Roddy White, Falcons (previous 7): Only Andre Johnson (171) had more targets than did White (165) in 2009. In the past three seasons, White has been consistent: 83, 88 and 85 receptions as well as 1,202, 1,382 and 1,153 yards, respectively. Even better, he set a career-high in TDs (11) in 2009.

8. DeSean Jackson, Eagles (previous 9): Despite his size, Jackson is one of most explosive big-play receivers in the league. He ranked second in yards (18.5) per reception and first in the league in receptions of 40 yards or more (10).

9. Sidney Rice, Vikings (previous 10): A waiver-wire pick-up, Rice had more receiving yards than all but three receivers in 2009. Assuming a Favre return, which seems (even more) likely after Friday's ankle surgery, Rice should have another monster season in 2010.

10. Miles Austin, Cowboys (previous 8): The list? Andre Johnson and Wes Welker. The topic? Receivers who had more yards than Austin in 2009. The addition of rookie Dez Bryant, who was drafted by the Cowboys in the first round, will take away some targets for Austin in 2010.

11. Marques Colston, Saints (previous 11): Colston is the best receiver in the league's most explosive offense (31.9 points and 403.8 yards per game). Quarterback Drew Brees spreads the ball around, however, as Colston had less than five receptions in half of his games.

12. Greg Jennings, Packers (previous 12): From weeks 4-14, Jennings had only one 100-yard game. In his final four games (counting playoffs), Jennings had three 100-yard games.

13. Vincent Jackson, Chargers (previous 13): Jackson spent four days in jail this off-season after a second DUI arrest is likely facing a suspension by the league. In addition, Jackson, who is a restricted free agent, is currently not attending the team's voluntary workouts. That said, Jackson had his best season (68-1167-9) in 2009.

14. Anquan Boldin, Ravens (previous 14): The physical receiver should be a perfect fit into his new offense as he settles in as the Ravens' No. 1 receiver.

15. Chad Ochocinco, Bengals (previous 15): Ochocinco bounced back in 2009 with 72 receptions for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns. However, quarterback Carson Palmer threw for only 1,262 yards, seven TDs and six interceptions in the final eight games of 2010. Ochocinco's splits: 1st half (44-639-5) vs 2nd half (28-408-4). Coincidence?

16. Steve Smith, Panthers (previous 16): With the exception of 2004 (played only one game), 2009 was the first season where Smith fell short of 1,000 yards since 2002. That said, he did play better with Matt Moore (not Jake Delhomme) under center.

17. Hines Ward, Steelers (previous 17): Ward, who said he will retire if he wins a third Super Bowl this year, had 95 receptions (tied for second-most in his career) and 1,167 (second-most) last season.

18. Steve Smith, Giants (previous 18): Smith finished fourth in the NFL in targets (157) in 2009 and set career highs in receptions (107), yards (1,220) and TDs (seven). Smith had four (or more) receptions 15 times and at least 40 yards receiving every week.

19. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs (previous 25): The Chiefs' passing attack should improve with the addition of Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator. Despite a down (suspension-shortened) season, Bowe had 995 and 1,022 in his previous (first) two NFL seasons.

20. Derrick Mason, Ravens (previous 20): With Boldin in the mix, it's hard to envision Mason finishing 13th in the league in targets (like he did in 2009).

21. Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars (previous 21): MSW's strong start (minus a missed game due to a missed curfew for a bootie call) was followed up with an equally weak ending to his second season. In his final six games, Sims-Walker had only 16 receptions for 175 yards and one touchdown (or 3.8 fantasy points per game during that stretch).

22. Michael Crabtree, 49ers (previous 23): Despite being the second receiver drafted in 2009, Crabtree led all rookies in receiving yards (56.8) per game. Plus, he had four (or more) receptions in nine of his 11 games played. Imagine if he had attended training camp and learned the whole offense.

23. Hakeem Nicks, Giants (previous 26): Of rookies, only Michael Crabtree (56.8 yards per game) averaged more receiving yards per game than Nicks (56.4 ypg). Only Austin Collie caught more TDs (seven). And only Mike Wallace had more 40-yard catches (six) than Nicks.

24. Wes Welker, Patriots (previous 24): Despite missing two games, Welker led the NFL in receptions (123) and finished second in receiving yards (1,348). Welker's 2010 fantasy value (and future position on this list) will largely be determined by how quickly and fully he returns from off-season ACL surgery. So far, Welker is "happy" with the progress of his rehab.

25. Donald Driver, Packers (previous 27): Although he just turned 35 in February, Driver had his sixth consecutive season with at least 70 receptions and 1,000 yards in 2009.

26. Santonio Holmes, Jets (previous 19): After a breakout campaign (79-1248-5) in 2009, Holmes will serve a four-game suspension in 2010 and moves to a run-first offense with a second-year (but developing) quarterback.

27. Steve Breaston, Cardinals (previous 22): One of the main reasons the Cards were willing to trade Boldin to Baltimore, Breaston has performed well as part of the high-flying Cardinals offense. That said, how high will it fly with Leinart at the helm.

28. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles (previous 30): After a solid rookie campaign (55-762-4), Maclin should continue to develop in 2010.

29. Percy Harvin, Vikings (previous 31): Assuming a return by Brett Favre, my only concern about Harvin is the migraine issues he has. Although he's a tough player, he was often a game-time decision. He led rookie receivers in receiving yards (790) and was tied for second in touchdowns (six).

30. Mike Wallace, Steelers (previous 29): Wallace, a big-play receiver who led the NFL in yards (19.4) per reception, will see an expanded role within the offense now that Santonio Holmes is now playing football in Jersey.

31. Pierre Garcon, Colts (previous 28): Garcon led NFL receivers with 21 post-season receptions for 251 yards and two touchdowns. Granted only the Colts, Jets and Saints played three playoff games, Garcon is poised for a strong 2010.

32. Kenny Britt, Titans (previous 32): Britt is a big (6-foot-3, 218 pounds), athletic receiver and should continue to improve in his second season.

33. Devin Aromashodu, Bears (previous 33): In the final five games of the season, Aromashodu ranked 15th in the NFL in targets (41). And he caught 22 passes for 282 yards and four touchdowns in the final four games of the season. With Mike Martz calling the plays, I expect big things from Aromashodu in 2010.

34. Nate Burleson, Lions (previous 34): As the Lions' No. 2 receiver across from MegaTron, Burleson will only see single coverage. In 13 games last year, he finished with 812 yards and 62.5 yards per game average would have projected to 1,000 yards flat over a 16-game season.

35. Robert Meachem, Saints (previous 36): Meachem needs to be more consistent, but the former first-round pick had a second-half split of 32-426-6. That said, he disappeared in the post-season (4-25-0).

36. Chris Chambers, Chiefs (previous 37): In the final eight games of the season, Chambers finished with 33 receptions for 538 yards and two touchdowns.

37. Davone Bess, Dolphins (previous 38): As the "anti-Lee Evans," Bess caught three (or more) passes in every game. Although he only scored two touchdowns, Bess finished with 76 receptions and 758 yards in his second season. The addition of Brandon Marshall should aid the development of Bess, who will get less attention from defenses.

38. Austin Collie, Colts (previous 42): Collie tied Minnesota rookie Percy Harvin for the lead among rookies in receptions (60) and no rookie receiver had more touchdowns (seven) than Collie.

39. Mario Manningham, Giants (previous 39): In two seasons, he's only played 21 total games. But Manningham had a nice second season (57-822-5).

40. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos (previous unranked): Due to his alma mater, size and athleticism, Thomas has been compared to Calvin Johnson. While that may be an unfair comparison, the first-receiver drafted should begin his NFL career as his team's No. 1 receiver.

41. Santana Moss, Redskins (previous 35): Although Jason Campbell played reasonably well last year, Moss should benefit from the upgrade at QB with Donovan McNabb under center even though he finished with 70 receptions for 902 yards in 2009. Being linked to the Anthony Galea-HGH scandal, however, could lead to a league-imposed suspension. If so, Moss would drop further in our rankings.

42. Dez Bryant, Cowboys (previous unranked): Although Roy Williams says there "ain't no such thing as me sitting on the bench," Bryant will be the team's second-most productive fantasy receiver. Even cornerback Mike Jenkins says that he will be a "big-time receiver" someday.

43. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks (previous 40): Although he finished with 79 receptions (tied for 13th in the NFL), Houshmandzadeh is a possession receiver that doesn't have much upside above his 2009 numbers (911 yards, three touchdowns).

44. Braylon Edwards, Jets (previous 41): With Santonio Holmes in New Jersey (for up to 12 games), the 2007 version (80-1289-16) of Edwards seems as likely as the 2007 version of Derek Anderson (3,787 yards and 29 TDs).

45. Early Doucet, Cardinals (previous 43): His two-game post-season (14-145-2) was close to his nine-game regular-season numbers (17-214-1). As the team's No. 3 WR in 2010, he should continue to build upon his post-season success.

45. Antonio Bryant, Bengals (previous 45): Injuries set back Bryant in 2009 (39-600-4 in 13 games) after a career-year (83-1,248-7) in 2008.

46. Jerricho Cotchery, Jets (previous 46): Cotchery was the favorite target of Mark Sanchez in 2009. That's likely to change when Santonio Holmes comes off suspension. In either case, Cotchery posted four-year lows in receptions (57) and yards (821) in 2009.

47. Roy Williams, Cowboys (previous 47): Despite his seven touchdowns, 68 receivers had more receptions and 55 receivers had more yards than Williams. Then again, he's shown us a 1,310-yard season (2006), too. There is a little bit of buzz around Williams in the Cowboys' off-season workouts, but I'm taking a wait-and-see approach.

48. Lee Evans, Bills (previous 44): In half of his games, Evans had two or less receptions. In half of his games, Evans had 35 yards or less. No thanks. You can have him.

50. Malcom Floyd, Chargers (previous 50): Floyd had his best game of the season in his last one (nine catches for 140 yards) and his second half (32 catches for 496 yards) was considerably better than his first half (13 catches for 280 yards).

Also, check out our other 2010 Fantasy Football rankings: Top 25 QBs | Top 40 RBs | Top 20 TEs

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Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Although we are more than two months away from the start of NFL training camps, we have already updated our initial fantasy football rankings from April 19th.

Here are my (updated) Top 40 Fantasy RBs for 2010:

1. Chris Johnson, Titans (previous 1): 2,006 yards. 11 straight 100-yard games. That's virtually impossible to repeat, but with 4.24 speed, Johnson can take it to the house on any given play. Provided he doesn't hold out (at least, for more than training camp).

2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (previous 2): I would love to get AD as the second running back. Too many other weapons in Vikes' offense (assuming a Favre return, which seems like a lock after ankle surgery) and only one football to take over "Every Coach's Dream" for the top spot.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (previous 3): Is MJD dynamic? Absolutely. Could he be the most productive RB in fantasy? Possibly. But, for inexplicable reasons, MJD will have games with 6 or 8 carries. What if that's week 16?

4. Ray Rice, Ravens (previous 4): Rice led RBs in receptions (78) and receiving yards (702) in 2009. He was one of only two backs to have over 2000 yards from scrimmage.

5. Michael Turner, Falcons (previous 5): The good news? Turner didn't take the punishment of another 394-carry (counting playoffs) season in 2009. The bad news? It was because of his ankle injury. With good health (knock on wood), The Burner should be a top-five fantasy back in 2010.

6. Steven Jackson, Rams (previous 6): With the Rams lack of offensive weapons to complement Jackson, opposing defenses knew what was coming. Yet Jackson still finished second in the NFL in rushing, which is more remarkable considering the back issues he had last year. This off-season, Jackson had back surgery, but he expects to be ready for training camp.

7. Frank Gore, 49ers (previous 8): With two first-round picks, the 49ers drafted two offensive linemen (Trent Williams and Mike Iupati). And just as importantly for his fantasy value, they didn't draft running back C.J. Spiller (who was selected by the Bills).

8. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers (previous 7): Starting in week four, Mendenhall rushed for 1,068 yards and seven TDs in the final 13 games of the season. (That's a 1300-yard pace.) With Fast Willie in D.C. now, a repeat (or even an improvement) of that pace seems likely.

9. Cedric Benson, Bengals (previous 9): As a back I recommended to target in 2009 fantasy drafts, Benson led the NFL in rushing for a good part of the season. Benson will be the featured workhorse again in 2010.

10. Ryan Grant, Packers (previous 10): As the runner for one of the league's best aerial assaults, Grant should continue to see a lot of seven-men fronts with lanes to run. He's a steady producer that's often overlooked on draft day.

11. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (previous 11): One of the league's top backs although the Panthers have the league's best back-up RB, he has rushed for 2,632 yards and scored 27 touchdowns (25 rushing and two receiving) in the past two seasons.

12. Beanie Wells, Cardinals (previous 12): With the retirement of Kurt Warner and departure of Anquan Boldin (to Baltimore), the Cardinals will likely rely more on their running game in 2010. And Wells, who had 338 rushing/receiving yards in his last four games, should be ready to capitalize.

13. Ryan Mathews, Chargers (previous unranked): Mathews will be the top-ranked rookie running back. Not only does he have the skills (NCAA's second-leading rusher), Chargers coach Norv Turner expects Mathews to get around 250 carries in 2010. Only nine running backs had more in 2009.

14. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs (previous 12): Charles tore it up in the second half (968 rushing yards, 158 receiving yards and eight total TDs) including a record-setting performance in the finale, but the Chiefs have added Thomas Jones, who rushed for a career-high 1,402 yards in 2009. And Charles and Jones don't seem to be selfish, which is great for the Chiefs and bad for fantasy.

15. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers (previous 14): We saw what The Daily Show could do without DeAngelo Williams in the lineup: (440 rushing yards in final three games). Barring an injury to Williams, however, Stewart will get less than 50 percent of the available touches, which keeps him from reaching his full potential.

16. Shonn Greene, Jets (previous 15): The Jets replaced one thirty-something back with another, but it's Greene's team now. And with arguably the league's best line in front of him, he should have a monster season.

17. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos (previous 17): Moreno led all rookies in rushing (947 yards) and finished 16th overall even though he failed to go over the 50-yard mark in seven of his 16 games. He should be more consistent in 2010.

18. Pierre Thomas, Saints (previous 18): With the off-season departure of Mike Bell, Thomas should get more carries in 2010 than given in 2009 (147). In 14 games, he finished with 1,095 (793 rushing and 302 receiving) yards in 2009 and averaged 5.4 yards per rushing attempt.

19. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins (previous 19): When healthy, he's elite. However, he's missed 20 games in his five-year career. Therefore, his best season was 2006 when he finished with 1,008 rushing yards. Feeling lucky?

20. LeSean McCoy, Eagles (previous 21): The days of Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook are over in Philly. In the eight games that Westbrook missed in 2009, McCoy rushed for 473 yards and four TDs and caught 22 passes for 163 yards. A combined rushing/receiving total of 1,300+ seems reasonable for 2010.

21. Joseph Addai, Colts (previous 22): In 2009, Addai never rushed for more than 79 yards in a game and averaged only 3.8 yards per carry. That said, he finished with 13 total touchdowns in 15 games and had scores in ten of those games. Plus, his 51 receptions tied for sixth among running backs.

22. Brandon Jacobs, Giants (previous 23): After back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Jacobs rushed for only 835 yards despite getting a career-high 224 carries. Even worse, his TD production dropped from 15 in 2008 to five in 2009. While there's a chance that Ahmad Bradshaw could get more of an even split of carries in 2010, it's hard to imagine a back with Jacobs' combination of size and speed not bouncing back in 2010.

23. Felix Jones, Cowboys (previous 26): Jones, who is a big-play threat, could become the starter in 2010. In two playoff games, Jones rushed for 217 yards on 30 carries (average of 7.2 YPC).

24. Ricky Williams, Dolphins (previous 24): He proved he can post big numbers if (or when) Ronnie Brown misses action. But these numbers -- 751 combined yards and seven TDs in nine games -- came with Brown in the lineup.

25. Fred Jackson, Bills (previous 20): When he received the bulk of work (over Marshawn Lynch), Jackson flourished as one of only 15 running backs to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark helped by a 212-yard performance in the season finale. He also finished tenth among RBs in receptions (46). The main question is how will the Bills use first-rounder C.J. Spiller?

26. Marion Barber, Cowboys (previous 25): Double-digit touchdowns are no longer a lock, Felix Jones may be the featured guy in 2010 and MBIII struggled to stay healthy last year. Therefore, he's the second-best fantasy running back on the team in 2010.

27. Jerome Harrison, Browns (previous 18): By drafting Montario Hardesty (who has since impressed coach Eric Mangini) in the second round, Harrison will have to share the workload with the rookie. But in the final three weeks of the season, Harrison had 561 yards and five touchdowns on 106 carries. Then again, he had only 88 carries for 301 yards and no scores in his other 11 games played. So, I guess we'll see.

28. Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers (previous 31): Cadillac had a solid (and, more importantly, healthy) season. His best month of the season was his last as he rushed for 301 yards in four December games with an average of 4.7 yards per carry.

29. Matt Forte, Bears (previous 30): This consensus top-five pick in 2009 was arguably fantasy football's biggest disappointment. With newcomers Mike Martz and Chester Taylor in town, 2010 is likely to be more like 2009 (929 rushing yards) than 2008 (1,238 rushing yards) for Forte.

30. Thomas Jones, Chiefs (previous 27): Thirty-something running backs tend to see precipitous declines in production. Despite setting career-highs in rushing yards and touchdowns, Jones will back up Jamaal Charles in 2010.

31. LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets (previous 28): L.T. called his game film from last year "misleading." But he's gone from 1,474 yards (315 carries) to 1,110 yards (292 carries) to 730 yards (223 carries). Despite moving to a team with arguably the best offensive line, the trend is fairly obvious.

32. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants (previous 29): Bradshaw averaged 1.1 yards per carry more than Jacobs and scored two more touchdowns despite getting 61 fewer carries. Bradshaw had off-season surgery on his feet and ankle, but he says that he feels "10 times better."

33. C.J. Spiller, Bills (previous unranked): Like the guy that tops this list, Spiller is a big-play threat with world-class speed that can take it to the house on any given play.

34. Ben Tate, Texans (previous unranked): Steve Slaton says that he's "100 percent." That said, the Texans traded up to draft Ben Tate, who ranked third on my list of rookie running backs for fantasy football. If I were a betting man, I would put my money on Tate being the Texans' leading rusher in 2010.

35. Jahvid Best, Lions (previous unranked): The Lions moved back up into the first round to select Best. With a healthy Kevin Smith or not, it appears as though Best will get a larger workload than Smith.

36. Michael Bush, Raiders (previous 34): Bush led the Raiders in rushing in 2009 with 589 yards. With Justin Fargas no longer in the mix, there will be more carries for Bush and Darren McFadden. Despite McFadden's potential, Bush has produced (career 4.6 yards per carry) when given a chance.

37. Montario Hardesty, Browns (previous unranked): Hardesty has impressed the coaching staff in Cleveland with his physical running style and ability to pick up the offense and should push Jerome Harrison for carries in 2010.

38. Kevin Smith, Lions (previous 33): After off-season knee surgery, Smith might not be ready (or 100 percent) for the start of the season. Smith had 747 rushing yards and 415 receiving yards in 13 games in 2009, but the addition of Jahvid Best obviously hurts his fantasy value.

39. Steve Slaton, Texans (previous 36): There are plenty of concerns: fumbles lost, off-season neck surgery (although he says he's "100 percent") and Houston drafting Ben Tate. But in 11 games last year, Slaton still racked up 854 combined yards and scored seven touchdowns. That's a pace of 1,242 yards and ten touchdowns. Plus, he had 1,659 combined yards and 10 TDs in his 2008 rookie campaign.

40. Justin Forsett, Seahawks (previous 32): It looked as though the new regime led by coach Pete Carroll would give Forsett a fair shot to win the role as the featured back over Julius Jones. Although the Seahawks didn't draft competition for Forsett, they traded for LenDale White, who played for Carroll at USC, and for Leon Washington, who's one of the league's most versatile backs (when healthy). For now, I'm going to keep Forsett ahead of the other Seattle backs, but that could change.

Also, check out our other 2010 Fantasy Football rankings: Top 25 QBs | Top 50 WRs | Top 20 TEs

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Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Although we are more than two months away from the start of NFL training camps, we have already updated our initial fantasy football rankings from April 5th.

Here are my (updated) Top 25 Fantasy QBs for 2010:

1. Drew Brees, Saints (previous 1): No QB has passed for more yards (9,457) or touchdowns (68) than Brees over the past two seasons. In fact, his 4,388 passing yards was his worst performance over the past four seasons due to missing week 17 to rest for the playoffs. That said, most fantasy owners don't care about week 17 anyways.

2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (previous 2): After back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons, it wouldn't surprise me if Rodgers finished 2010 as the top-ranked fantasy passer and made Packer fans (or, at least, fantasy owners) ask, "Brett who?"

3. Peyton Manning, Colts (previous 3): A student of the game? More like a coach on the field. 4,000+ yards and 25+ TDs should be a lock. Given the Colts' disregard for making history, the potential of locking up the division early and playing for one half in week 16 again is perhaps Peyton's biggest flaw as a fantasy quarterback.

4. Philip Rivers, Chargers (previous 4): He's one of four QBs that have passed for 4,000 yards in each of the past two seasons and only Brees has thrown more TDs during that stretch. Expect even more passing in the post-LT era.

5. Tom Brady, Patriots (previous 5): Although Wes Welker may not be ready to go week one, he is "happy" about the progress of his rehab. And with Randy Moss, Julian Edelman, Torry Holt and a pair of pass-catching rookie tight ends (Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez), Brady should be in for a big year.

6. Tony Romo, Cowboys (previous 7): His impressive play down the stretch along with the emergence of Miles Austin provides plenty of momentum for 2010. The Cowboys drafted Dez Bryant, who cornerback Mike Jenkins said will be a "big-time receiver" someday, and Roy Williams claims that he and Romo are "connecting like Montana and Rice."

7. Matt Schaub, Texans (previous 6): Schaub led the NFL in passing yards despite being without his stud tight end (Owen Daniels) for half of the year.

8. Brett Favre, Vikings (previous 8): As expected, Favre took the first step in returning for another season by having ankle surgery on Friday. With the weapons in the Minnesota offense, 3,800+ yards and 25+ touchdowns seems reasonable for the 40-year-old.

9. Eli Manning, Giants (previous 11): With a core group of young receivers (Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, etc.), Eli set career highs in yards (4,021) and TDs (27).

10. Donovan McNabb, Redskins (previous 10): McNabb's 16-game pace (he missed two) in 2009 was 4,060 yards and 25 TDs. Replicating that production over a full season in Washington will be difficult considering the downgrade in weapons in the passing game. (Also, Santana Moss could face a league suspension with his alleged ties to the Anthony Galea-HGH scandal.)

11. Joe Flacco, Ravens (previous 13): First, the Ravens acquired Anquan Boldin and Donte' Stallworth. Then, they drafted two pass-catching tight ends (Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta). Flacco should exceed his 2009 numbers of 3,613 yards and 21 touchdowns.

12. Jay Cutler, Bears (previous 12): Without Martz, Cutler passed for 3,666 yards and 27 TDs despite a career-high in interceptions (26). If Martz can reign in the gunslinger from throwing unnecessary drive-ending interceptions, he just might take a big step forward.

13. Matt Ryan, Falcons (previous 14): Despite his sophomore slump, partly due to injury (most of three games), Ryan has weapons such as Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez at his disposal and should be poised for a bounce-back year. And in 14 games, he still threw 22 touchdowns.

14. Kevin Kolb, Eagles (previous 15): With weapons like DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek, it wouldn't surprise me to see Kolb finish in the 10-12 range of fantasy quarterbacks in 2010 with the Eagles' pass-first offense.

15. Carson Palmer, Bengals (previous 16): Palmer threw for only 1,262 yards, seven TDs and six interceptions in the final eight games of 2010. That needs to be better. But the Bengals have added new receivers Antonio Bryant, Matt Jones and rookies Jordan Shipley and Dezmon Briscoe in addition to significantly upgrading their tight end position by drafting Jermaine Gresham with their first-round pick.

16. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (previous 9): Only Brees and Schaub had more passing yards per game than Big Ben (288.5) in 2009. The problem is you won't get their per-game production until he serves his six-game (possibly four-game) suspension. Plus the team's leading receiver from 2009 was traded to the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick.

17. David Garrard, Jaguars (previous 17): Garrard has quietly been a steady fantasy producer over the past two seasons. As a back-up QB on your fantasy team, hope that your starter has his bye when Garrard is at home (over 2,000 yards and 12 TDs at home last year).

18. Jason Campbell, Raiders (previous 24): Last year, Campbell posted career highs in passing yards (3,618) and TDs (20). It will be difficult to surpass those numbers in Oakland considering the lack of weapons in their passing game. But that's not Campbell's fault.

19. Matthew Stafford, Lions (previous 22): The Lions added Nate Burleson, a huge upgrade at the WR2 position, in free agency to help last year's top pick. He and MegaTron have been working together four days a week since March to work on their chemistry. Last year, Stafford led the NFL in pass attempts per game (37.7) and considering the Lions are still a year away, it's likely that Stafford will be airing the ball out in 2010 as well.

20. Matt Cassel, Chiefs (previous unranked): With Charlie Weis calling the plays, Cassel will look to build upon his 2009 numbers (2,924 yards and 16 touchdowns). In addition, the Chiefs drafted Dexter McCluster, who is in the mold of Darren Sproles and should give the Chiefs another weapon in the passing game. A potential drawback? Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones have more 2009 rushing yards than any RB tandem in the NFL even if they compiled those yards on separate teams.

21. Vince Young, Titans (previous 18): It's been an interesting ride for Young, who once again appears to be the franchise's QB of the future. This is still a run-first team, but VY can make plays with his legs. During the Titans 7-1 run from weeks 8 to 15, Young threw 10 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

22. Alex Smith, 49ers (previous 20): Vernon Davis broke out. Michael Crabtree showed up. Smith got a second chance (after agreeing to a paycut will on his honeymoon, mind you.). Will he take another step forward in 2010?

23. Chad Henne, Dolphins (previous unranked): Since our first quarterback ranking, the Dolphins acquired Brandon Marshall. Although Marshall had a third hip surgery and won't be able to practice until training camp, the significant upgrade in the Dolphins' receiving corps should help Henne make big strides in 2010.

24. Mark Sanchez, Jets (previous unranked): The addition of Santonio Holmes to the Jets' offense, which means the Jets will use three-receiver sets more frequently, is a boon to Sanchez. If he can limit (or, better yet, avoid) the three-plus-interception games (he had four last year), Sanchez will finish higher than the 23rd-ranked fantasy quarterback at the end of the season.

25. Matt Moore, Panthers (previous 23): With Jake Delhomme out of the picture (and the threat of Jimmy Clausen taking over), Moore will get an opportunity to build on his 2009 success (61.6% completion, 8 TDs, 2 INTs). That said, how long is his leash? (Vote on our poll: Who will the Panthers' starting QB in week 17?)

Also, check out our other 2010 Fantasy Football rankings: Top 40 RBs | Top 50 WRs | Top 20 TEs

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Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In essence, it's a good problem to have.

As David Moore of the Dallas Morning News points out, all three of the Cowboys' running backs (Marion Barber III, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice) could make the argument that they deserve more carries than what they have received. In addition, that's unlikely to happen while all three are on the same roster and (knock on wood) healthy.

While there may be talk about Jones taking over the starting spot, he is instead focusing on those things that he can control as he says his "job is to get better and make my team better, prepare myself for this upcoming season."

Over the final four games of the regular season, both Barber and Jones had double-digit carries in every game. During that span, Barber finished with 263 yards on 62 carries versus 258 yards on 49 carries for Jones.

In the post-season, Jones had 30 carries for 217 yards. Barber had only 11 carries for 18 yards.

"There's great competition between us," Jones said. "We make each other better by going out there and competing during practice, during this off-season, a lot of competition as far as running and lifting and everything like that.

"Like I always say, 11 guys on one team make the play happen. You can't do it by yourself. We're a team and that's how we play. If I don't get as many touches as I think I should have and we win the game, that's how it's supposed to be."

My first ranking (April 19th) of fantasy running backs, which excluding rookies, put Barber at 25 and Jones at 26. When I release my updated rankings on Monday, I will move Jones ahead of Barber by a couple of spots.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After the Dallas Cowboys drafted Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant in the first round, receiver Roy Williams said, "ain't no such thing as me sitting on the bench."

Williams, who was acquired for more than a first-round pick in 2008, has been a disappointment since his arrival in Big D. While he has a 1,310-yard season (2006) on his resume, he only has 794 receiving yards in his 25 games since joining the Cowboys.

Like a diva receiver, he had previously pointed the finger at how quarterback Tony Romo threw the ball "correctly" to the other receivers on the team.

But, according to Williams, the on-field chemistry with Romo has changed.

"... this year, we’re connecting like Montana and Rice," Williams said yesterday, per the Dallas Morning News. "It’s night and day from last year so I know we’re expecting big things for both of us."

In the team's first day of organized team activities (OTAs), Williams made a one-handed grab that prompted owner Jerry Jones to ask, “Did y’all get that on film?”

Per Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins said of Williams yesterday, "Roy came out on fire today. That’s the best I’ve seen Roy since he got here. He looked like a No. 1 receiver."

Jenkins also spoke highly of Bryant, saying the rookie will someday be a "big-time receiver."

I'm taking a wait-and-see approach with Williams for now.

With the weapons in the Cowboys' offense, there may be too few targets for the taste of all the pass-catchers.

But one thing we know, the Cowboys, who invested a lot in Williams, want him to be an elite receiver. And he has been an elite receiver in the past even if it was only for one season. So, maybe the addition of a future "big-time receiver" will be what motivates him enough to live up to his potential.

And maybe, just maybe, Williams will be a surprise in 2010. And this time a pleasant one.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dallas Cowboys receiver Patrick Crayton won't attend the beginning of the team's (voluntary) organized team activities today, per Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News.

"In no way is Patrick sending a message to the Cowboys," said [Crayton's agent Fred] Lyles. "He will fulfill any and all obligations of his contract."

Crayton, who is due to earn $2 million this season, has been granted permission to pursue a trade.

With rookie Dez Bryant ahead of Crayton (and maybe ahead of Roy Williams at some point this season), Crayton would be an expensive option for a fourth receiver (and the fifth option in the passing game counting tight end Jason Witten).

From a fantasy perspective, Crayton's value (as a Cowboy) is fairly limited.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The learning curve for wide receivers (and all players, for that matter) has shortened in the NFL. Perhaps it's due to all of the money rookies earn and the need for them to produce early. Or maybe it's due to the nearly year-round off-season workouts and mini-camps.

In either case, many fantasy owners no longer need to wait for the third season to witness a "breakout year" for a wide receiver.

Here are my top ten rookie wide receivers for 2010:

1. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos: Due to his size, athletic ability and alma mater, the Georgia Tech product has been sometimes compared to Detroit's Calvin Johnson. With the Broncos trading Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins, there will be plenty of opportunities for Thomas to make an impact.

2. Dez Bryant, Cowboys: Bryant, who was viewed as the most talented receiver in the draft, was a draft-day bargain as the 24th overall pick for the Cowboys. From a fantasy perspective, the major difference between Bryant and the other receivers at the top of this list is the competition for targets. The Cowboys already have one of the league's top receivers (Miles Austin), one of the league's top tight ends (Jason Witten) and a guy that should be producing a lot more than he already does (Roy Williams), which likely means less targets for Bryant than his talent warrants.

3. Arrelious Benn, Buccaneers: Heading into the NFL Draft, the Buccaneers had one of the league's worst receiving corps. Arguably they still do. But Benn, who was the 39th overall draft pick, should get an opportunity to play right away and often. In fact, the Bucs traded up a few spots to nab Benn. One bit of caution is Benn's drop in production last year -- 38 receptions for 490 yards and two touchdowns -- at Illinois as a junior.

4. Golden Tate, Seahawks: As a former running back, Tate is dangerous with the ball in his hands. Although he's under six-feet, Tate was highly productive at Notre Dame. Over the past two seasons, Tate caught 151 passes for 2,576 yards and 25 touchdowns. Last season, he finished with at least seven receptions and 113 yards in nine of his 12 games.

5. Mike Williams, Buccaneers: It wasn't talent that caused Williams to last until the 101st overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Despite his off-the-field concerns, Williams finds himself in a similar boat as fellow rookie Benn. The team lacks talent at the position and Williams will get a chance to make a big impact as a rookie. In fact, former scout Daniel Jeremiah tweeted that Williams is a "sleeper rookie of the year candidate."

6. Mardy Gilyard, Rams: The good news and bad news for Gilyard's fantasy stock is that he plays for the Rams. Even if he is third on the team's depth chart at receiver behind Donnie Avery and Laurent Robinson, Gilyard should see plenty of action on Sundays. That said, there is a good chance that quarterback Sam Bradford, the top overall pick, won't see the field until mid-season and, when he does, he's likely to experience the ups and downs typical of a rookie quarterback.

7. Brandon LaFell, Panthers: With a top-flight running game, Steve Smith drawing double teams and the lack of development from the team's other receivers, there is a reasonable chance that LaFell opens the season as the team's No. 2 receiver and to become the recipient of a fair amount of targets. That said, LaFell, who is a big target (6-foot-2, 211 pounds), saw his production decline in his senior season (57-792-11) from his junior campaign (63-929-8) at LSU.

8. Jordan Shipley, Bengals: Shipley was on the six-year plan (due to a few injuries) at Texas. Although he lacks top-end speed, Shipley is quick, runs routes well, has good hands and isn't afraid to go across the middle. He leaves college with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with double-digit touchdowns in each of his past two seasons.

9. Eric Decker, Broncos: Like his fellow rookie teammate (Demaryius Thomas), Decker is a big receiver (6-foot-3, 217 pounds). Although he missed the final five games of the season due to a foot injury, Decker had four 100-yard performances in his first five games last year. During that span, he caught 43 balls for 639 yards and five touchdowns.

10. Emmanuel Sanders, Steelers: With Santonio Holmes traded to the Jets, Sanders should be the team's third receiver behind Hines Ward and Mike Wallace. In last year's offense, Wallace posted solid numbers in that spot. Sanders ran a 4.41 forty (tied for second-fastest for WRs) and had a 39.5 vertical jump (fifth among WRs) at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Check back tomorrow for my top five rookie tight ends for fantasy football. Or see my top five rookie quarterbacks and my top ten rookie running backs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With the 24th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Bryant, who was suspended for ten games last year due to lying to an NCAA investigator, has had some questions about his character. That is why he slipped to this point in the draft.

That said, Bryant has size (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) and speed and it's likely to not take long before he becomes the team's No. 2 receiver behind Miles Austin.

Now the Denver Broncos, who traded with the Baltimore Ravens, are the on the clock with the 25th overall pick.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's never too early to begin preparing for the upcoming fantasy football season -- even if it's nearly five months away.

Here are our 2010 Fantasy Football wide receiver rankings (excluding rookies) based on standard scoring and no point(s) per reception:

1. Dallas Clark, Colts: What's not to like? With a line of 100-1106-10, Clark ranked first in receptions, second in yards and third in touchdowns among tight ends.

2. Antonio Gates, Chargers: Not really the #2 fantasy TE; more like the 1(a). Gates led tight ends -- and set a career-high -- in receiving yards (1,157) in 2009.

3. Vernon Davis, 49ers: The wait is over. Davis finally broke out. Last year's numbers (78-965-13) were essentially better than his two previous seasons combined (83-867-6).

4. Brent Celek, Eagles: Two of Celek's three 100-yard games came in the only two in which Kevin Kolb started. It's hard to not picture an even better season than what he produced in his breakout campaign (76-971-8).

5. Jason Witten, Cowboys: Imagine complaining of a down season for a tight end that catches 94 passes for 1,030 yards. That's what fantasy owners did about Witten, who had only two scores in 2009, but he should be more productive in the redzone in 2010.

6. Owen Daniels, Texans: In an injury-shortened half-season, Daniels caught 40 passes for 519 yards and five touchdowns. His pace (80-1038-10) would have ranked him fourth in receptions, third in yards and tied for third in TDs among tight ends.

7. Jermichael Finley, Packers: In his final eight games (including the Packers' post-season game), Finley finished with 44 receptions for 575 yards and four touchdowns. Despite missing three games, Finley still finished in the top ten in receiving yards among TEs in his second (and breakout) season.

8. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers: He's a bozo, but he has talent. And considering the weakness of the Buccaneers' receiving corps, he's the only legitimate weapon in the Bucs' passing attack.

9. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons: Arguably the greatest tight end ever. While Gonzalez is no longer the clear-cut top tight end in fantasy, he provides excellent value near the bottom of the top ten.

10. Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings: Shiancoe has never surpassed 596 yards in one season, but he has been a touchdown machine over the past two seasons (18 TDs).

Continue reading "2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's never too early to begin preparing for the upcoming fantasy football season -- even if it's nearly five months away.

Earlier this month, we released the early edition of our 2010 Fantasy Football rankings for quarterbacks and the early edition of our 2010 Fantasy Football rankings for running backs. Now we have ranked the receivers based on standard scoring and no point(s) per reception.

Here is our 2010 Fantasy Football wide receiver rankings (excluding rookies):

1. Andre Johnson, Texans: For me, this is a no-brainer. Johnson, who was the third overall pick in 2003, has posted back-to-back 100-reception, 1,500-yard seasons.

2.Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: Over the past three seasons, Fitzgerald has caught a combined 293 passes for 3,932 yards and 35 touchdowns. But it's an understatement to say Matt Leinart (or Derek Anderson) is a downgrade from Kurt Warner, who retired this off-season.

3. Randy Moss, Patriots: All five of his 100-yard games came in the first nine weeks and his attitude and motivation were questioned by some down the stretch. But he has scored 47 touchdowns over the past three seasons. It's hard to question that production.

4. Brandon Marshall, Dolphins: Marshall, who is now the highest-paid receiver in league history, has had 100+ receptions and 1,100+ yards for three consecutive seasons.

5. Calvin Johnson, Lions: After a stellar sophomore campaign (78-1331-12), MegaTron battled nagging injuries in 2009 and even missed two games. Provided he stays healthy, the sky is the limit for this athletic freak so I rank much higher than most will.

6. Reggie Wayne, Colts: Only three players (two receivers) finished the season with at least 100 receptions, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. If you own Wayne, hope for a few Colts' early-season losses so Wayne plays more than a half in your fantasy championship game.

7. Roddy White, Falcons: Only Andre Johnson (171) had more targets than did White (165) in 2009. In the past three seasons, White has been consistent: 83, 88 and 85 receptions as well as 1,202, 1,382 and 1,153 yards, respectively. Even better, he set a career-high in TDs (11) in 2009.

8. Miles Austin, Cowboys: The list? Andre Johnson and Wes Welker. The topic? Receivers who had more yards than Austin in 2009.

9. DeSean Jackson, Eagles: Despite his size, Jackson is one of most explosive big-play receivers in the league. He ranked second in yards (18.5) per reception and first in the league in receptions of 40 yards or more (10).

10. Sidney Rice, Vikings: A waiver-wire pick-up, Rice had more receiving yards than all but three receivers in 2009. Assuming a Favre return, Rice should have another monster season in 2010.

Continue reading "2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Earlier this month, we released the early edition of our 2010 Fantasy Football rankings for quarterbacks. Over the next few days, we release our rankings for wide receivers and tight ends.

Here is our 2010 Fantasy Football running back rankings (excluding rookies):

1. Chris Johnson, Titans: 2,006 yards. 11 straight 100-yard games. That's virtually impossible to repeat, but with 4.24 speed, Johnson can take it to the house on any given play.

2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings: I would love to get AD as the second running back. Too many other weapons in Vikes' offense (assuming a Favre return) and only one football to take over "Every Coach's Dream" for the top spot.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: Is MJD dynamic? Absolutely. Could he be the most productive RB in fantasy? Possibly. But, for inexplicable reasons, MJD will have games with 6 or 8 carries. What if that's week 16?

4. Ray Rice, Ravens: Rice led RBs in receptions (78) and receiving yards (702) in 2009. He was one of only two backs to have over 2000 yards from scrimmage.

5. Michael Turner, Falcons: The good news? Turner didn't take the punishment of another 394-carry (counting playoffs) season in 2009. The bad news? It was because of his ankle injury. With good health (knock on wood), The Burner should be a top-five fantasy back in 2010.

6. Steven Jackson, Rams: With the Rams lack of offensive weapons to complement Jackson, opposing defenses knew what was coming. Yet Jackson still finished second in the NFL in rushing.

7. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: Starting in week four, Mendenhall rushed for 1,068 yards and seven TDs in the final 13 games of the season. (That's a 1300-yard pace.) With Fast Willie in D.C. now, a repeat (or even an improvement) of that pace seems likely.

8. Frank Gore, 49ers: Several mock drafts project the Niners selecting Clemson RB C.J. Spiller and if they do, that would knock Gore down a few spots.

9. Cedric Benson, Bengals: As a back I recommended to target in 2009 fantasy drafts, Benson led the NFL in rushing for a good part of the season. Benson will be the featured workhorse again in 2010.

10. Ryan Grant, Packers: As the runner for one of the league's best aerial assaults, Grant should continue to see a lot of seven-men fronts with lanes to run. He's a steady producer that's often overlooked on draft day.

Continue reading "2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Although we are more than five months away from the start of the 2010 NFL season, it's never too early to start thinking about the upcoming fantasy football season.

This week, we will release our first edition of position rankings for 2010. These lists will exclude rookies, however, our post-draft update (late-April or early-May) will include the 2010 rookie class.

In addition to these rankings, we are towards the end of our 2010 Fantasy Football Mock Draft. Visit our page on Blog Talk Radio to listen to the remaining rounds or archived editions of the first nine rounds.

Here are my Top 25 Fantasy QBs for 2010:

1. Drew Brees, Saints: No QB has passed for more yards (9,457) or touchdowns (68) than Brees over the past two seasons. In fact, his 4,388 passing yards was his worst performance over the past four seasons due to missing week 17 to rest for the playoffs. That said, most fantasy owners don't care about week 17 anyways.

2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers: After back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons, it wouldn't surprise me if Rodgers finished 2010 as the top-ranked fantasy passer and made Packer fans (or, at least, fantasy owners) ask, "Brett who?"

3. Peyton Manning, Colts: A student of the game? More like a coach on the field. 4,000+ yards and 25+ TDs should be a lock. Given the Colts' disregard for making history, the potential of locking up the division early and playing for one half in week 16 again is perhaps Peyton's biggest flaw as a fantasy quarterback.

4. Philip Rivers, Chargers: He's one of four QBs that have passed for 4,000 yards in each of the past two seasons and only Brees has thrown more TDs during that stretch. Expect even more passing in the post-LT era.

5. Tom Brady, Patriots: It remains to be seen whether he'll have Wes Welker to start the season. But at least he'll have Giselle.

6. Matt Schaub, Texans: Schaub led the NFL in passing yards despite being without his stud tight end (Owen Daniels) for half of the year.

7. Tony Romo, Cowboys: His impressive play down the stretch along with the emergence of Miles Austin provides plenty of momentum for 2010. Only if Romo could throw the ball "correctly" to Roy Williams like he does to the other receivers...

8. Brett Favre, Vikings: If Favre retires (again), expect an un-retirement to follow (again). The Vikes are stacked with weapons and fell just shy of the Super Bowl. While 4,202 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions shouldn't be expected for the 40-year-old, 3,800+ yards and 25+ touchdowns seems reasonable in that offense.

9. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers: Only Brees and Schaub had more passing yards per game than Big Ben (288.5) in 2009. Of course, his legal mess, which could lead to disciplinary action from the league, increases his riskiness. If he plays 16 games, however, he's a fantasy football bargain.

10. Donovan McNabb, Redskins: McNabb's 16-game pace (he missed two) in 2009 was 4,060 yards and 25 TDs. Replicating that production over a full season in Washington will be difficult considering the downgrade in weapons in the passing game.

Continue reading "2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks" »

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Left tackle Flozell Adams, who was drafted by the Cowboys in 1998, has been part of one post-season victory as a Dallas Cowboy.

That will be his only one.

Both safety Ken Hamlin and Adams were released by the team today, according to the Dallas Morning News.

"I would like to say to all of my fans that I appreciate all the love that you have showed me in Dallas. It was a good run..... Thanks," Hamlin tweeted.

"He has enjoyed his time in Dallas with his teammates and the Cowboys' organization," [Adams' agent Jordan] Woy said. "Now it is time to move on to a new team. Flo feels he has several good years in front of him."

Adams, who was penalized 39 times and allowed eight sacks in 2009, was due a $2.5 million roster bonus in addition to his $5 million base salary. Hamlin, who was due $5.596 million this season, will still receive $1.09 million that is guaranteed money from his contract.

The Cowboys will either move Doug Free or Alan Ball to the left tackle and free safety starting spots, respectively, add someone in free agency or look to fill those spots via the NFL Draft. The Cowboys currently have the 27th pick in the first round.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Let's say that I had a paper or report due on August 7th. It would be fair to say that I would be proud of myself to have it finished by August 6th.

Unlike me, Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, is not a procrastinator.

Smith, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 7th, has already finished his induction speech, according to Jimmy Burch of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

“I never put a whole lot of stock in going into the Hall of Fame because I knew it was such a long process to go through and you just don’t know how your career’s going to turn out … I spent a lot of time focusing on what I needed to do for my team to win Super Bowls,” Smith said. “At the end of the day, the secondary component was achieving personal success.”

We know that Emmitt can rush the football. We know that Emmitt can dance. That said, he isn't widely-recognized as a great communicator.

Not only will Smith be inducted in 2010, so will Jerry Rice, the NFL's all-time receiving leader. Both Rice and Smith rank first and second, respectively, in touchdowns scored.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In some ways, it's an embarrassment of riches.

Not many football teams have a third-string running back that can be an effective starter in the NFL.

“I love being in Dallas, but I just know I should be playing more,” [Cowboys running back Tashard] Choice said Sunday, per Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. “When we lose and I don't get much of a chance, I'm sick.”

That said, the Cowboys have stated that their plan is to retain the services of all three of their running backs including Choice, who has a career average of 5.3 yards per carry.

On Monday, Choice said to Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com, "I only get to actually run the football when the other two guys get hurt, and I don't want the other two guys to get hurt. I want them to play well and be on top of their games."

It wouldn't surprise me to see an even split of carries between the team's other two running backs - Marion Barber III and Felix Jones - in 2010. Or even to see Jones be the featured guy over Barber.

Choice only had more than four carries in three regular-season games in 2009. On the season, Choice had a total of 64 carries for 349 yards and three touchdowns.

With the punishment that backs take and Choice's ability to produce, however, it would make sense for the Cowboys to give Choice a greater share of the workload to keep all three of their backs healthy.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Another round of cupcakes for everybody...

According to sources of ESPN's Ed Werder, the Dallas Cowboys, who hold a 2010 option on coach Wade Phillips, will bring back Phillips to coach the team next season. What's uncertain, however, is whether owner Jerry Jones will extend Phillips' contract a year (or more) beyond 2010.

Before yesterday's 34-3 beatdown at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings, the Cowboys were arguably the hottest team in football after putting together an impressive four-game winning streak including their first playoff victory since 1996.

While yesterday's loss to the Vikings was disappointing for the Cowboys and their fans, the team overachieved based on most pre-season expectations. Most (including me) expected Dallas to finish third in the division.

"His record speaks for itself," quarterback Tony Romo said (via ESPN). "He's done a great job, kept the team together through a lot of tough times this year. He's done a fantastic job as coach of the Cowboys."

Phillips got the first playoff victory of his career last week and as defensive coordinator as well as head coach, he did a great job running the team's defense. The Cowboys finished the season ranked second in defensive scoring (15.6 points allowed per game), ninth in total defense (315.9 yards allowed per game) and seventh in sacks (42).

And during their four-game winning streak, the Cowboys allowed a total of only 24 points including back-to-back shutouts after holding the league's highest scoring offense (then-unbeaten New Orleans) to only 17 points.

Maybe Jerry Jones is right and the Cowboys have a young team that is comparable to the 1991 team that finished 11-5, won one playoff game to end a long drought and then got beat down before going on to win three of four Super Bowls from 1992 to 1995.

But if you ask ESPN's Jim Reeves, he believes that the inability of a Phillips-led squad to coach the team to a Super Bowl, then the Cowboys are about a waste a huge opportunity.

With the contract option, I believe the solution is pretty straightforward for the Cowboys.

If the Cowboys bring back Phillips for 2010 and take a wait-and-see approach about the future beyond the upcoming season, I believe they are making the right choice. If they lock themselves into a longer-term deal with -- and settle for -- Phillips, then they are not.

With a playoff win, a strong finish, a maturing quarterback and a very good young defense, Phillips deserves an opportunity to build on his and the team's 2009 momentum.

That said, expectations for 2010 will be high(er) and if those expectations aren't met, then it would make sense to not bring Phillips back at that point.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

While the NFC playoff seedings are now set, the final AFC playoff teams and seeding will be decided by the Jets-Bengals game tonight.

Here are the NFC seeds:

1. New Orleans: Although the Saints entered the weekend with the top seed already clinched, they enter the playoffs with a three-game losing streak after today's loss to the Panthers.

2. Minnesota: The Vikings bounced back in a big way with an old-fashioned beatdown of the New Jersey Giants by the score of 44-7.

3. Dallas: After back-to-back shutouts of the Redskins last week and the Eagles today, the Cowboys clinched the NFC East title and the #3 seed. They will host the Eagles again next week.

4. Arizona: The Cardinals won the NFC West and will face the Packers again next week. This week, the Packers crushed the Cardinals 33-7.

5. Green Bay: Tough to beat a playoff two weeks in a row. But that's what the Packers will try to do.

6. Philadelphia: If Minnesota had lost and Philadelphia had won today, the Eagles would have been the #2 seed. Instead it's two rematches of today's games in the wildcard round.

Click here to discuss the Jets-Bengals game in our NFL Gameday Forum.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

While most fantasy football leagues conduct their championship game in week 16, some leagues still hold their title game in week 17. That creates the extra challenge of trying to forecast playing time in addition to evaluating matchups.

That said, here are our top five fantasy quarterbacks for week 17:

1. Matt Schaub, Texans (vs Patriots): While they don't control their own destiny like the Jets and Ravens, the Texans need to win to make the playoffs. That means, Schaub will play the entire game. On the season, Schaub has been remarkably consistent with only two single-digit fantasy games and only three games with less than 250 passing yards. Over the past five weeks, the Patriots have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

2. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (at Dolphins): Big Ben is two games off his franchise-record passing performance (503 yards). Over the past five weeks, the Dolphins have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. As the Steelers face a similar scenario as the Texans, you should expect Roethlisberger to play the entire game and light up an inexperienced Dolphins' secondary.

3. Brett Favre, Vikings (vs Giants): The Giants secondary has been banged up all season and over the past five weeks, they have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. The Vikings have lost three of their past four games and Favre has posted single-digit fantasy points in two of his past three games. Although the Vikings lost to the Bears last week, Favre played well -- 321 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs. With the potential of losing their first-round bye with another defeat, expect Favre and the Vikings to come out swinging -- and gun-slinging.

4. Tony Romo, Cowboys (vs Eagles): In his past five games, Romo has finished with 13+ fantasy points every week. During that span, he has thrown nine touchdowns and only one interception. The mood surrounding the Cowboys is different than last year when they faced the Eagles in a do-or-die game in week 17 last year. The Cowboys didn't respond well last year. Now Romo and the Cowboys have a chance for redemption (and possibly even a first-round bye).

5. Donovan McNabb, Eagles (at Cowboys): With the exception of the two games McNabb missed due to injury, McNabb has posted double-digit fantasy points every week except one. Who held him to under 10 points? This week's opponent. That said, it will be difficult to hold McNabb and their pass-first-and-ask-questions-later offense to less than 10 fantasy points for a second time in a row. McNabb has thrown for 300+ yards in each of the past two weeks and a win Sunday could potentially mean a first-round bye for the Eagles.

Click here to view our full quarterback rankings for week 17.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cowboys All-World linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who left Sunday's game on a stretcher, may play Saturday against the Saints according to coach Wade Phillips, per CBSSports.com.

"He's actually a lot better today," coach Wade Phillips said Monday. "He's really in a day-to-day situation as far as where he's going to be, as far as being able to play. He took quite a hit but has really bounced back strong. That's encouraging for him and us."

However, last night ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted that Ware "won't play vs N.O."

In either case, this is the Cowboys' most important game of the season.

If they win out (including against the Eagles in week 17), they will win the NFC East. At a minimum, they need to have the same record as the Eagles over the next two games to control their own destiny when they face the Eagles (again).

Meanwhile, the Saints look to extend their winning streak to 14 games and this should be the team's biggest test to go 16-0. After the Cowboys, the Sainst play the Bucs and Panthers.

On the season, Ware has nine sacks and 51 tackles.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Each week I pick three NFL games against the spread (ATS). Here are my week 14 picks:

Chargers +3.5 (over Cowboys): With the obvious exception of the two unbeaten teams (Indianapolis and New Orleans), San Diego has the NFL's longest winning streak (7 games) in the NFL. The Chargers' offense is firing on all cylinders and is averaging 28.5 points per game (third-best in the NFL). During their seven-game winning streak, they have scored 30+ points five times and 20+ points in all seven games. And if you have to bet in a December game involving the Cowboys, which side would you want?

Falcons +10 (over Saints): I don't expect the Falcons to beat the Saints. However, as the Patriots did in their perfect regular-season two years ago, they played a lot of close games down the stretch. We are seeing that with the Saints lately. They needed overtime to beat the Redskins last week as four of their past six games have been decided by 10 points or less. Anything can happen in divisional matchups and giving double-digit points on the road is a little rich for my blood.

Eagles -1 (over Giants): The Giants got a much-needed victory over the Cowboys last week. With a 2-5 record in their past seven games, it would be premature to say that the Giants have turned things around. The Giants have allowed over 20 points in seven consecutive games and the Eagles get playmaker DeSean Jackson back this week. This season, the Giants are 1-6 ATS against opponents with a winning record.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With the fantasy football playoffs on the horizon, here are my top 5 wide receivers for week 13:

1. Randy Moss, Patriots (at Dolphins): In his first matchup against the Dolphins, who rank in the bottom 10 in passing yards allowed (233 ypg), Moss had six receptions for 147 yards and one TD. On the season, Moss leads the NFL in receiving yards (992) and is only one behind the leaders in TD receptions (eight). After getting their ass whooped on prime-time TV, expect the Patriots, Tom Brady, Moss & Co. to come out swinging.

2. Andre Johnson, Texans (at Jaguars): Johnson is one of the league's most complete receivers and perhaps the most underrated. This week, Johnson gets a favorable matchup against the Jaguars, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to receivers this season. On the season, Johnson ranks fourth in the league in receiving yards (945).

3. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (vs Vikings): The Vikings have been without Antoine Winfield, the team's best cornerback, for the past five games. On the season, the Vikings have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. My expectation is for QB Kurt Warner to return from his concussion as Fitzgerald had his worst game of the season with Matt Leinart as QB last week. Fitzgerald is tied for the league lead in touchdowns (nine) including four TDs in the last three games in which Warner has played.

4. Reggie Wayne, Colts (vs Titans): Wayne is second in receptions (79), second in receiving yards (987) and tied for first in touchdowns (nine) in the league. In addition to their improvements with Vince Young under center, the Titans have improved on the defensive side of the ball as they are healthier now. Only the Lions (27) have allowed more receiving touchdowns than the Titans (25) on the season. During their five-game winning streak, however, the Titans have allowed only the 18th-most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

5. Sidney Rice, Vikings (at Cardinals): In three of his past six games, Rice has 136 receiving yards or more including a game with 201yards. With the exception of his game at Green Bay, Rice has had 89 yards or more in five of his past six. Favre and Rice have built chemistry quickly and they have a favorable matchup against the Cardinals, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to receivers this season.

Click here for top 50 wide receivers for week 13.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With the fantasy football playoffs on the horizon, here are my top 5 running backs for week 13:

1. Thomas Jones, Jets (at Bills): The first time that Jones faced the Bills this season, he rushed for 210 yards and a touchdown. The Bills have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season and only the Raiders have allowed more rushing TDs than the Bills (16). Since the Jets want QB Mark Sanchez to air it out less and less (his attempts have gone from 35 to 30 to 21 to 17), Jones better bring his lunch-pail tonight.

2. Chris Johnson, Titans (at Colts): As well as Johnson has played in the past six weeks (125+ rushing yards every week), you can consider Johnson 1(a) -- not #2 -- in this week's rankings. During their five-game winning streak, Johnson has rushed for seven touchdowns. Although the Colts have a middle-of-the-pack run defense on the season, they've given up the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing RBs in the past three weeks.

3. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (vs Buccaneers): DeAngelo has cooled off a bit with no touchdowns in the past three weeks and only one 100-yard game during that span. The first time that Williams faced the Buccaneers this season, he carried the ball 30 times for 152 yards and two scores. Expect more of the same against the league's third-worst rush defense.

4. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (at Cardinals): The Cardinals were the league's top-ranked run defense earlier in the season, but they have dropped to 14th in the NFL against the run (108.6 ypg allowed). In four of the past five weeks, they have allowed an opposing running back to eclipse the century mark. Surprisingly, Peterson has only three 100-yard games on the season, but he is second in the league with 12 rushing touchdowns.

5. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (vs Texans): MJD has rushed for more rushing touchdowns (13) than any other running back. (Of course, none of those are as famous as the TD that he didn't score.) That said, Jones-Drew faces a Texans run defense that turned itself around after the first three weeks. In week 3, however, MJD rushed for 119 yards and three touchdowns.

Click here for top 40 running backs for week 13.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

It's time to put up or shut up. If you haven't yet clinched a playoff berth in your fantasy league, it likely comes down to week 13 for you as most fantasy leagues start their playoffs in week 14.

And to paraphrase Bill Parcells, this is why you buy those cheat sheets, do those mock drafts, etc. -- to get into (and win in) the playoffs.

Here are my top 5 quarterbacks for week 13:

1. Peyton Manning, Colts (vs Titans): Manning is the only QB to average over 300 passing yards per game (310.5) and is second in passing touchdowns (24). While the Titans and their defense have been playing better lately, they have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns (25) this season.

2. Brett Favre, Vikings (at Cardinals): In his past four games, Favre has thrown 12 touchdowns and no interceptions. On the season, Arizona allows the fourth-most passing yards (258.3 ypg).

3. Drew Brees, Saints (at Redskins): Brees is coming off a five-TD performance against the Patriots in what was arguably the most important regular-season game in team history. Although this week's opponent (Washington) allows the fewest passing yards in the NFL (170.4 ypg), Brees and the Saints offense are firing on all cylinders right now.

4. Tom Brady, Patriots (at Dolphins): Brady failed to connect on a TD pass last week, but he had 332 passing yards against the Dolphins in their first match-up. With targets like Randy Moss and Wes Welker, it's not likely that Brady goes TD-less in back-to-back games.

5. Philip Rivers, Chargers (at Chiefs): Rivers has posted three consecutive 100+ QB ratings and this week he faces the Browns, who have allowed the ninth-most passing yards (233.4 ypg) this season. In the past four games, Rivers has thrown eight touchdowns and only two interceptions.

Click here for top 25 quarterbacks for week 13.

More rankings: top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here are three running backs that I expect to have a big week in week 12:

Marion Barber, Cowboys: You could argue that the Cowboys have the most talented trio of running backs in the league. Yet they haven't exploited their ability of their backs as much as I think they could (or should) have this season. Last weekend, the Cowboys gave Marion "The Barbarian" his first 20-carry workload of the season. Although he didn't reach paydirt, MBIII rushed for 99 yards and had his best game since week 2. This week, Barber faces the Raiders, who have given more rushing touchdowns (16) than any other team this season. Only the Bills and Browns have allowed more fantasy points than the Raiders this season. On a short week, the Cowboys and Barber should be able to wear down the Raiders defensive front and get their offense back on track.

Ricky Williams, Dolphins: With Ronnie Brown out for the season, Williams had a three-TD performance (two rushing and one receiving) in his first start of the season last week in prime time against the Carolina Panthers. In the past two games, Williams has received 20+ carries and 100+ yards in both games and this week should be no different. The Bills, who have one of the league's best pass defenses, struggle against the run. In fact, no team has allowed opposing running backs to score more fantasy points on the season.

Jason Snelling, Falcons: Provided that Michael "The Burner" Turner is out for another week, Snelling should be in for a big day against the Buccaneers. With Turner suffering a high-ankle sprain two games ago, Snelling has scored three touchdowns and has put up 35 fantasy points in the past two weeks. This week, he faces the Buccaneers, who are allowing a league-worst 168.9 rushing yards per game. Turner did practice yesterday, but it is unusual for players to only miss one game with this type of injury. If Turner can go, that would diminish Snelling's fantasy value significantly so make sure to check the actives/inactives for the game.

Click here to see my top 40 running backs for week 12.

More rankings: Top 20 QBs | Top 50 WRs | Top 20 TEs | Top 20 Ks | Top 20 Defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cowboys tight end Jason Witten will be a game-time decision for the Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Oakland Raiders due to his sprained foot, according to the Associated Press.

"As far as I know, it's a situation where if he's not well enough, he could hurt it more," [Cowboys coach Wade] Phillips said. "That's a big concern."

Witten, who has only missed one game in his career, is having an off-year compared to his production of the past two seasons (177 receptions for 2097 yards and 11 touchdowns).

Through 10 games, he has 54 receptions for 481 yards and only one touchdown.

As ESPN's Matthew Berry points out, Oakland hasn't allowed a receiving TD to tight ends this season so Witten may be in for another long day even if he plays.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Redskins were already without starting running back Clinton Portis, who has missed the past two games with a concussion.

Now they have lost back-up Ladell Betts to a knee injury for at least the rest of this game. There is no word on the extent of his injury.

Betts had four carries for five yards before being injured.

Rock Cartwright has 129 combined yards (63 rushing and 66 receiving) as the Redskins lead 6-0 after three quarters against the Cowboys.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here are three running backs that I would sit on my bench for week 11:

Marion Barber, Cowboys: The last time that Barber had over 53 rushing yards was in week 2 against the New York Giants. And MBIII has reached paydirt only once in his past five games. Meanwhile Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones wants to see more of Felix Jones as JJ said, "I certainly understand balance, but I'd sure like to see [Felix Jones] with the ball more." I would expect Barber to get more than five carries like he did last week. Since the Redskins have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, however, Barber's production may be limited even if he were to receive a full workload.

Marshawn Lynch, Bills: After serving his three-game suspension, Lynch has played six games and hasn't reached 70 rushing yards in any of them. And he has only one rushing touchdown this season. On the season, Lynch is averaging 42.3 rushing yards per game and 3.2 yards per carry. In the past two games, Lynch has had only nine carries in each game. Until Lynch shows that he's worthy of a starting spot on your fantasy team, he should remain on your bench.

Laurence Maroney, Patriots: In the past four games, Maroney has rushed for a touchdown every week. Considering his best performance in the first five weeks of the season was a 32-yard game with no touchdowns, Maroney has been a nice surprise for fantasy owners lately. But last week Maroney only received one more carry than Kevin Faulk and Maroney had a critical fumble inside the 5-yard line. Meanwhile Sammy Morris is a game-time decision so Maroney could receive a couple less carries should Morris play. Over the past five weeks, only five teams have allowed fewer fantasy points to opposing running backs than the Jets have.

See my RB studs for week 11.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

According to sources of ESPN's Adam Schefter, Eagles running back Brian Westbrook won't play in tonight's game against the Cowboys.

Westbrook sat out last week after suffering a concussion during the game against the Redskins on October 26th.

Both the Cowboys and Eagles are tied for first in the NFC East with 5-2 records. The Giants, who are a half-game behind the leaders at 5-3, are playing the San Diego Chargers this afternoon.

Rookie LeSean McCoy, who was the Eagles' second-round draft pick, will get another start and he leads the Eagles in rushing with 294 yards.

But in the past four games, McCoy has yard-per-carry averages of 2.3, 2.6, 2.6 and 7.5. However, if you remove the 66-yard run he had last week against the Giants, he had 10 carries for 16 yards (or a 1.6 YPC).

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