The Fantasy Football Stock Exchange

As we approach the beginning of this year's NFL season, I am spending some time thinking about the busts and the hidden gems in the world of fantasy. Who should you pencil in a few spots higher on your spreadsheet? And who should drop like the economy?

With the big names like Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner, and Steven Jackson established at the top of the list. What guys can fill your pick in the middle to late first rounds? Who can fill your second slots at the Wide Out and Running Back positions?

Calvin Johnson-Up, Up and Away

Calvin Johnson will most likely go in the first round in just about every fantasy league. He put up big numbers last year and you should only expect him to get better.

However, if you are sitting at a number five or six spot in the draft, don't be afraid to snatch him up. A lot of people figure it is safer to take a running back that early. However, with all the sure things likely gone at that point, i.e. Peterson, Turner and Forte, Johnson is about as safe as it gets. The Lions have a new offensive coordinator who loves to pass in the redzone, and you should expect to see Johnson benefit from having consistant quarterbacking this year.

Lastly having a wide receiver as your best player is nothing to worry about. After all, everyone starts someone at that spot in their roster you can count on having at least a six point advantage at that spot week in and week out.

Matt Cassel-Stock way down

Let's face it, the Patriots can make whoever they want at least decent. Cassel is now on a team that does not know their foot from their ass when it comes to running a football team. Cassel has one deep threat and no reception receivers or running game to help him out. Add this to a Chiefs offensive line that basically screams, "lining up behind us is suicide," and you have recipe for disaster.

Unless you are satisfied with maybe one TD, 2 picks, and 180 yards a game stear way clear of taking him any higher than rounds 15 or 16. He should be a backup's backup at best.

Lesean Mccoy-Stock up

Mccoy played well in his premiere against the Pats, who's defense is nothing to shake your fist at. He carried the ball in a consistant and reliable manner. Also, he is on a team that has had success dumping the ball off to running backs in the past. With Westbrooke possibly out, expect to see Mccoy get a lot of looks. Also, in the Eagles game against the Pats the Eagles 3rd string Running Back, forgive me I can't recall his name, scored two touchdowns on three touches. Both of which were for about a yard a piece. When it isn't pre-season anymore and Mccoy will be in for those easy scoring scenarios, you can expect to see him rack in some points for your team.

Drew Brees and Lance Moore-Stock up

Drew Brees is a bonafide gunslinger, he proved this last year with no weapons. Now with an established receiver in Lance Moore along with the healthy returns of Colston and Bush, you can only expect things to get better for him. Also, if Shockey can show signs of his former self you can expect some nice red zone finishes.

Lance Moore will feed off the chemistry he and Brees built last season, as well as a lot of attention being paid to Bush and Colston. You can expect to see these two hook up for at least six or so long touchdown completions this year, as well as some quality yardage.

If you are sitting at 10, 9 or 8 in the first round take Brees. He is a safer bet than Brady. Not to mention Brady really doesn't have more of an up-side. Also, feel free to grab Moore in the fourth or fifth round.

Donovan Mcnabb and Jeremy Maclin-Stock up

The Eagles proved they could bring out the best in young talent at Wide Receiver last year. Now with an established number one guy in Desean Jackson, you can expect to see Mcnabb's numbers go up. Also, Mcnabb won't suffer from running backs playing vulture and taking his red zone points. As the Eagles are a big fan of screen passes.

Maclin is an elite talent, with speed, hands, and football sense. Sounds an awful lot like another Eagle Wide out, who will most likely be receiving the bulk of defensive coverage. Maclin should be able to thrive in his role as a third option.

Ladanian Tomlinson-Stock down

The fact that people are putting Tomlinson in their top six is just rediculous. The guy did nothing last year, and is an unfortunate victim to the wear and tear of being an NFL running back. Remember a guy named Sean Alexander? Niether do I, because he is a thing of the past. Just like Tomlinson. If you want to grab a Chargers back take the energizer bunny Darren Sprolles at a bargain mid to late rounds.

Greg Jennings-Stock up

Speed, Style and Moxy, this guy is an elite talent in the NFL. Aaron Rogers has shown he can play quarterback in the NFL. After shaking the cob webs out. Expect these two to team up for an explosive year.