Fantasy Football: Top players in the NFC-North

1.) Matt Forte--Forte had a stellar rookie season in 2008 where he valiently carried a full load as the only asset the team had offensively. Possibly the most complete back in '08, he gained 1,715 yards from scrimmage and scored 12 touchdowns total. He did all of that with a mediocre QB and an average offensive line. This year, he will have a great QB, in Jay Cutler, to take away 8-man fronts, and a good offensive line. In addition, Forte will also be running against softer opponents in '09. Forte had a phenomenal season last year. This year, he has no reason not to have an even better one.

Where to draft--Forte may very well have the second best value in fantasy this season. If you have a top four selection on Draft Day, pull the trigger on this guy.

2.) Jay Cutler--Cutler gave his fantasy owners fantastic points last season in Denver. Now in Chicago, those points will inevitably drop. But, not as much as some might think. Cutler's weapons were great in Denver with guys like, Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal. Remember, these players were fourth round and second round draft picks, respectively. Perhaps Cutler was the one who really made those players great. And perhaps he can make the same out of guys like the playmaking Devin Hester or his favorite target in his college days; Earl Bennett. An important stat to keep in mind: Hester had his defenders beat 12 times running free toward the in zone when passes were either underthrown or overthrown to him by QB, Kyle Orton, according to Chicago Bears' accounts. I doubt Cutler will miss opportunities like those.

Where to draft--Cutler can be your No. 1 QB on your fantasy team. Look for him in the fourth round after you have drafted your starting RB's and an elite receiver.

3.) Devin Hester--Since being converted from a defensive back, Hester looks to break out as a receiver this year with a strong-armed QB. Hester's speed and play-making ability is very rare and Cutler may be the one for Hester to prove that to the nation. Unlike Orton, Cutler has the ability to air it out to Hester, making him a deep threat. Hester is still far too raw as a receiver to make possession plays though.

Where to draft--Hester could be a borderline No. 3 receiver that should be around in the 9th round or so.

1.) Calvin Johnson--With all the QB issues in Detroit last year, Johnson had no problem being one of the league's best receivers. The team drafted Mathew Stafford with the first pick of the NFL Draft and wee know he was an elite QB in college. It is yet to be seen if he can be the same QB in the NFL, but one great thing for Johnson is the Lions' new offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan. Linehan will hanker for a vertical passing game and red zone looks for Johnson.

Where to draft--Looking for a receiver? Look no further than Johnson in the third round.

2.) Kevin Smith--Smith was spectacular in the final three games of his rookie season last year. Every so often, he was the Lions' starting RB, switching around with Rudi Johnson. It looks like Smith will retain the starting spot with Johnson out of the picture. Linehan saw brilliance from a featured back, like Steven Jackson, in St. Louis. He will most likey implement Smith's ability the same way.

Where to draft--Grab your No. 2 RB in Smith in the early fourth round.

3.) Mathew Stafford--QB, Daunte Culpepper, may start the first few weeks in the '09 season, but rookie Stafford will take the starting spot eventually. The Lions gave him too fat of a contract for him not to start playing. We saw rookie QB's like Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco make incredible impacts on their franchises last season. Could Stafford be the next to do that in '09?

Where to draft--Maybe skip on Stafford in the draft. But keep close tabs on him while he's sitting in the free agent pool.

1.) Aaron Rodgers--Amongst the pressure of stepping in to the shoes of the Packers' Hall of Fame QB, Brett Favre, Rodgers didn't disappoint and even became a superior fantasy value. A first-time starter in the NFL, Rodgers threw for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also rushed impressively for a QB, with 207 yards and 4 touchdowns. With a potent corps of receivers consisting of Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, Rodgers will only improve.

Where to draft--Draft a top 5 QB talent in Rodgers in the first five rounds.

2.) Greg Jennings--Jennings looks to be Rodgers' go-to guy in this passing offense. Jennings played a productive 16 games last season with 9 touchdowns in 8 games. You don't have to worry about Jennings getting double teamed either thanks to WR, Driver, keeping defenses honest. More fantasy points for Jennings as Rodgers will thrive this season.

Where to draft--Jennings is a viable No. 1 receiver that can be yours in the fourth round.

3.) Ryan Grant--Grant carried high expectations going in to 2008. Most called him a disappointment in the end. But, after September, Grant averaged 95 yards rushing a game. A slow start should be avoided this year now that he will get a full training camp and preseason (held out last year). Grant probably won't give you many double digit points every week as he plays in a high octane passing offense in Green Bay.

Where to draft--Draft Grant in the middle rounds and look to start him against all the favorable matchups he has this year.

1.) Adrian Peterson--AP is arguably the NFL's best RB today. And he is fantasy's best value heading into 2009.

Where to draft--It would be a mistake if "All Day" doesn't go first overrall in your draft.

2.) Bernard Berrian--Berrian is a bonafied speedster who stretches defenses with ease. He stands as the Vikings' only true threat in the passing game. Unfortunately, Berrian is inconsistent and suffers from the inconsistent QB's in Minnesota. He is probably the one praying the most that the Vikes bring in Brett Favre.

Where to draft--Berrian is a high-end No. 3 WR who will be around in the middle rounds.

3.) Sage Rosenfels--Favre is not a Viking today (June 22) so it's assumed that Rosenfels will be the starting QB for the Vikings in '09. He was acquired by the Texans in the offseason. Rosenfells stepped in as Houston's starter, after Matt Schaub went down with an injury last season, and had a below average six games. He threw for 6 touchdowns while throwing 10 interceptions in those games. Rosenfels will most likely not fix the Vikings' QB dilemma. His job will be to hand the ball to the prolific RB tandem; AP and Chester Taylor.

Where to draft--Rosenfels can be drafted to fill your roster, but for not much else.