Fantasy Football: Top Players in the NFC-South

1.) Michael Turner--Turner answered any questions concerning what kind of RB he was. Last season, carrying the ball 376 times, "The Burner" finished second in the NFL in rushing yards and rushing TDs.

He racked up the fantasy points week in and out as he compiled eight 100-plus yard games and a couple of 200 yard games. Atlanta's respectable passing games gives Turner openings and plenty of trips to the red zone, where he is sure to punch it in for six. After all, he did it 17 times last season.

Where to draft--Turner is a top five selection in all drafts.

2.) Matt Ryan--The NFL's Rookie of the Year last season, Ryan looked like a seasoned veteran QB. Ryan has all the ability as a veteran along with all the tools around him with receivers like Roddy White and Michael Jenkins.

Newly acquired TE, Tony Gonzalez, should be another asset that Ryan can work with. Gonzalez will also be reason for Atlanta to pass in the red zone. But, most likely, Turner will take the ball in those situations.

Where to draft--Take Ryan off the board when you're looking for your No. 1 QB.

3.) Roddy White--White has finished with 1,000 yard seasons twice in a row now. He broke the Falcons' single-season record for receiving yards after a consistent and productive 16 games.

The addition of Gonzalez will draw off some defenders from White, and he will only improve in an offense that will continue to flourish.

1.) DeAngelo Williams--Williams was the top fantasy scorer in a lot of league formats in 2008. He exploded, rushing for 1,515 yards and an astounding 20 TDs total.

He is part of an elite running-back duo in Carolina where he got the most of the handoffs over a rookie, Jonathon Stewart. It's hard to guess how many carries Williams will get this year as Stewart will undoubtedly take some away in his second year. Don't expect 20 TDs again, but he is a top-seven back in fantasy land.

Where to draft--If you have a top-seven pick on Draft Day, consider Williams.

2.) Steve Smith--Smith is probably the most valuable WR who is in a running-based offense. Albeit the running on the Panthers and a second tier QB, Smith seems to flourish every year.

For four straight seasons now, he has hauled in 1,000-plus receiving yard seasons. In 2008, despite missing the first two games, he recorded the second highest yards in his career with 1,421. Smith will lose plenty of TD looks, however. If only Smith was in a committed passing offense...

Where to draft--Smith is a genuine No. 1 WR who will be drafted in the second or third round.

3.) Jonathon Stewart--Stwart has all the ability to to be a No. 1 back in fantasy, but he loses fantay points to a dominant Williams. Still, as a rookie he posted 836 rushing yards and 10 TDs.

Where to draft--Stewart can be drafted as a safe No. 3 back or flex starter on your team.

1.) Drew Brees--Brees had an incredible career-year in 2008. He is now in good company with Dan Marino as the only other QB to pass for over 5,000 yards in a season.

Brees' success should carry over smoothly into 2009 with WR, Marques Colston, back, along with an offense that is made for him to throw non-stop.

Where to draft--Brees might be the first QB to go in your draft. If you want this gun slinger, grab him in the latter first round.

2.) Pierre Thomas--Thomas was one of fantasy's many sleepers last season. Especially in the final six weeks. He rushed for 475 yards and 9 TDs in those games.

Thomas will share the backfield with RB, Reggie Bush, but he is the Saints' main man. Don't expect a 1,000 yard season from him in '09, but he proved he can make an impact and get yardage on the ground and through the air.

Where to draft--Look for Thomas in the third round. He is a viable No. 2 RB.

3.) Marques Colston--A knee injury marred Colson's season, limiting him to 11 games. But, in those 11 games, he returned to being Brees' favorite target. In '09, he is expected to have a full season as Brees' go-to man with good health. If you're Brees' No. 1 wideout, you are poised for some great numbers.

Where to draft--As long as he stays healthy, he can be drafted in the first four rounds.

1.) Derrick Ward--Ward showed his potential with the Giants last year as he played while Brandon Jacobs was dealing with an injury. He averaged 5.6 yards-per-carry and rushed for 1,025 yards.

With little talent around him, War will need to be a work horse in Tampa Bay. It is yet to be seen if he can do that. Then again, isn't this what we were saying about Michael Turner around this time last year?

Where to draft--Go with Ward in the sixth round or so. You can settle with him being your second RB after filling up with other starters.

2.) Antonio Bryant--Bryant was a fantasy sleeper last season after not playing in the 2007 campaign. He was practically the only offensive asset the Bucs had receiving 1,248 yards and 7 TDs.

This season, he will strive to prove to the organization that he is worth a contract. He will need to do that with a inexperienced Luke McCown at QB.

Where to draft--Give Bryant the benefit of the doubt that '08 was not a fluke. Target him in the middle rounds as a No. 3 receiver.

3.) Kellen Winslow--Winslow is healthy and happy with his fresh star in Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay seems just as happy to give him a $36 million contract. A QB, like McCown, will tend to look for a safe targeting Winslow.

Where to draft--You're going to need a TE eventually in your draft. Once TEs start going (probably sixth or seventh round), look for Winslow, who is a top six talent at his position.