Bleacher Report - Articles by Fantasy Rankings

Fantasy Player Rankings: Bears' Devin Hester

Fantasy Rankings — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:59:00 -0400

Congratulations, Bears Fans. This is your No. 1 Receiver......Again!

Maybe I should give the Bears a pass for not getting a solid receiver in free agency, because they got Jay Cutler. But if I did that, I would be a nice guy.

That's not my style.

Don't get me wrong Bears fans, you see I'm a San Fransisco Giants fan and I know what it's like when ownership won't help the team. The San Francisco Giants are probably the worst hitting team ever and it's understandable when the only talent they have is very raw. Then, ownership goes out and gives the same old, "Well, we tried to get this guy but..." routine in the offseason.

For Bears fans, that means you're left with a No. 1 receiver that is wearing a cornerback's number on his jersey!

Like the Giants' hitting, the Bears receiving situation right now is a complete joke. I almost hope no receivers on the Bears roster do a darn thing, so ownership won't be let off the hook.

Devin Hester is a very talented player, but the man has never been a full time receiver until a couple years ago. Maybe some day Hester will be a nice No. 2 receiver for the Bears. But as of now, should be a No. 3.

Hey, we have Earl Bennett!

Please Bears fans, don't tell me Earl Bennett is going to save the day. The only reason he is even being talked about is because he played in college with Cutler. If Jay was not on the team, no one would know who this guy is.

Maybe Bennett will amount to something this year. But if you feel confident coming into the season with Earl as your top receiver, then I say go see a doctor.

Hester's Fantasy Football Value in 2009

Look for No. 23 to improve on his numbers from a year ago. Now that Jay Cutler is under center, I see a 60 reception, 800 yard, five touchdown effort from Hester. Really, that would be very good coming from a guy that is still learning on the job in the NFL.

Look to grab Devin as a late-round fantasy stash and see if both he and Cutler find chemistry together.

Fantasy Assets:

Game breaker
Solid quarterback

Fantasy Liability's:

Still a raw talent
In a run-first offense
Bad weather in December

Fantasy Player Rankings: Eagles' DeSean Jackson

Fantasy Rankings — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:24:00 -0400

Can DeSean Score Touchdowns?

Action Jackson would of had four total touchdowns for the season, if he had not celebrated early against the Cowboys on a long catch from McNabb. But instead, DeSean maid a foolish error on national tv and only had three touchdowns (not counting special teams) in 2008.

Now if you are in a league that gets credit for the touchdowns he scores in special teams your gold with this receiver. But if you are in leagues that don't give credit to his dazzling punt returns his three touchdowns total (two catching, one rushing) are concerning.

If Jackson had a bigger frame of a body, I would feel better about his chances to score. Then again if he was bigger he would have been a top-10 pick in the NFL draft last year and not slipped into the second round.

I do believe No. 10 will be Donovan's top receiver for awhile. How ever don't expect more than seven receiving touchdown in anyone season.

DeSean Jackson's Fantasy Football Value in 2009

Look for Jackson to take over the No. 1 receiver role in the Eagles offense this year. While his touchdowns may come sporadically his reception totals and yardage will not.

McNabb loves to throw to the Cal Berkley product in his West Coast offense.

This season long time defensive coordinator Jim Johnson will miss the year fighting a battle with cancer. The Eagles also lost defensive captain safety Brian Dawkins to the Broncos.

These key departures will hurt the Eagles defense, thus they will be in shoot outs more often. Because of this Jackson will receive plenty of opportunity to succeed in 2009.

Look for Jackson as a seventh to eighth-round pick in this years fantasy football draft. Next year he will probably be a fifth round pick as he becomes a more complete receiver.

Fantasy Assets

Game breaker
Pass first offense
Great quarterback

Fantasy Liability's

Needs more touchdowns
Small Frame
Only in his second season

Fantasy Rankings: Minnesota Vikings' Sage Rosenfels

Fantasy Rankings — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 19:38:00 -0400

Sage needs to cut down on the mistakes

I want to like Rosenfels for his run and gun style of play but the man just makes too many mistakes.

Rosenfels can go out and make some great plays and then make a horrible one, like the fumble against the Colts in the 4th quarter. In that contest, Sage for all intents and purpose was trying to make a John Elway Super Bowl type of play to get a first down.

Only problem was he went air born, got hit by three guys and fumbled the ball. One of the Colts defenders then picked the ball up and scored a touchdown. The Texans went on to lose the game after this momentum shift.

I really felt bad for Sage after that game because before that happened he was having a good game filling in for Matt Schuab. If they had beat in the Colts that day it would have been a huge confidence booster for the franchise.

But that is Rosenfels in a nut shell, the guy is that close to being a solid pro and then...

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Sage Rosenfels Fantasy Football Value in 2009

For all of Sage's problems the man can make some plays as well. He proved this in 2007 when in a nine game stint he put up 15 touchdowns and almost 1,700 yards passing.

In the end Rosenfels did sign with the Vikings and now should be the starter (pending Favre signing) for the Minnesota.

While Tavaris Jackson is talented, he is better suited as a backup. Sage can make better throws down the field and at times look like a very good quarterback.

If Favre does in fact stay retired look for Sage as a decent backup in deep fantasy leagues this season. But if Brett should sign with the Vikings, Rosenfels won't see the field, as No.4 never misses games.

Fantasy Assets:

Has talented Receivers
Solid Offensive Line
Plays in a Dome

Fantasy Liability's

Turnovers
May not start for the entire year
Plays in a Heavy Run First Offense

Fantasy Rankings: New York Jets' Mark Sanchez

Fantasy Rankings — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:51:00 -0400

Mark Sanchez Goes to a Winning Team

Top five picks are not supposed to end up on winning teams. But for Mark Sanchez that very thing happened as the Jets moved up from pick 17 all the way to No. 5.

Selecting Sanchez was probably the best move the Jets could of hoped for after losing star Brett Favre to retirement (until he goes to the Vikings). After Favre's retirement the Jets were left with only backup Kellen Clemons as a half way viable option to run New York's offense.

Now the Jets have a player they can lean on as a future star for years to come.

How will Sanchez be used in 2009?

The quarterback from Southern California will benefit from having talented tight end Dustin Keller and receiver Jericho Cotchery. While these pieces are good, Mark's best assets are his great offensive line, running game and defense.

Some wonder if Sanchez will be the starter come week one and for my money I say he will be. Most of the time you don't want to rush a young quarterback in to fast because they usually will have a very bad offensive line and team.

But in this situation Mark will have excellent protection to help him as he develops into a solid quarterback.

Mark Sanchez Fantasy Football Value in 2009

Fantasy football owners will probably have to wait till next year before Sanchez is really worth more than a deep backup.

This season will be all about letting Mark help the team but not hurt the team, by throwing too much. Running the ball and playing hard nose defense, will be the Jets staple playbook for success.

I do see Dustin Keller as a decent option as young quarterbacks love to lock onto a tight end for help. Jericho Cotchery is still good enough to get 1,000 yards and 6 touchdowns, but those numbers won't come in a consistent fashion.

Fantasy Assets

Great Offensive Line
Strong Arm
Good Mobility

Fantasy Liability's

He's a Rookie
Will be in a Run first offense
The last thing a quarterback develops is touchdowns
Bad weather in December

Fantasy Rankings: Tennessee Titans' Chris Johnson

Fantasy Rankings — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:19:00 -0400

4.2 speed with Pro Bowl moves and vision

First round pick Chris Johnson exploded onto the scene in 2008. Chris was the engine that made the Titans offense go and carried them to the top record in football.

Unfortunately, Chris injured his ankle in the playoffs against the Ravens, and the Titans wound up losing the game.

Johnson has all the tools to be the top pick in fantasy drafts. Explosion, touchdown maker, and he's a good receiver as well.

If you were to ask Johnson what his goals are in 2009, he would tell you the sky is the limit. Even the Titans coaching staff have come out and said they need to get the ball to No. 28 more this season.

Chris Johnson's Fantasy Football Value in 2009

Right now there are only two major knocks on the man from Tennessee. Will Chris be able to duplicate his success from last year? And how many touchdowns will he lose to runner LenDale White again this year.

I personally believe the Titans will fall back to, let's say, a 9-7 season this year. Everything went their way last year and usually that doesn't happen twice.

For this season I see Chris as a top eight pick overall talent.

In future seasons, I believe Johnson may be the No.1 overall pick for a while in fantasy.

Fantasy Assets

Game Breaker
20 or more touches a game
Touchdown Maker
Solid Offensive line
Great hand to catch the ball

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Fantasy Liability's

Vulture LenDale White ( Go away cream puff man!!)

Fantasy Rankings: Cincinnati Bengals' Carson Palmer

Fantasy Rankings — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:47:00 -0400

Palmer and the Bengals Fall Apart in 2008

Many fantasy football teams fell on hard times with their quarterback situation because of Carson Palmer. What little amount Palmer did play in 2008 was a horrible performance. But in the end, that was just it—he didn't play much because of an arm injury.

For a while, there was talk that Palmer would undergo Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm, but No. 9 choose to let the injury heal naturally.

So far in the offseason, it looks like Palmer is back and healthy again so this decision of no surgery was probably a good one.

Bengals Choose Kicker over TJ Houshmanzadeh

This offseason, the Bengals ownership didn't do Palmer any favors when they opted to not use their franchise tag on TJ Houshmanzadeh and instead used it franchised their kicker.

With moves like that, it's no wonder the Bengals suck just about every season. Houshmanzadeh, Palmer and Chad Ochocinco should all get keys to the city for winning a division title in '05.

At least ownership did sign Lavernious Coles to replace Houshmanzadeh in the offense. This will still provide Carson with two solid targets going into 2009.

Rumors are also flying around Bengals camp that troubled wide receiver Chris Henry is looking great as well. Henry has always had talent, and right now, Cincinnati needs him more than ever before.

Carson Palmer's Fantasy Football Value

For the past few years, Palmer has been a top-five quarterback in fantasy football drafts. But not this season, as his value will drop way down. The main reason is because we all will never really know if Palmer is back from his arm problem until he holds up for the entire 2009 season.

As for your fantasy draft, look to select Palmer as a backup quarterback for your team. As the season wears on and he proves himself he could be a valuable asset down the stretch, If Palmer's arm is back, then you will have a steal of a pick in No. 9 this year for fantasy football.

Fantasy Assets

Touchdown maker
Good receivers
Bad defense (needs to throw a lot)

Fantasy Liabilities

Needs to prove his arm is healthy
Loss of Houshmandzadeh hurts
Bad organization

Fantasy Rankings: Kansas City Chiefs' Dwayne Bowe

Fantasy Rankings — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:26:00 -0400

Will Cassel Maintain Success from Patriots

Last season Dwayne Bowe took another step to becoming a top-10 fantasy receiver, by posting 86 receptions, 1,022 yards and 7 touchdowns. All and all this was a very productive season for a receiver with heavy quarterback change early.

This year will be Bowe's third season in the NFL and he won't have tight end Tony Gonzalez to take coverage away. Also he will have a new quarterback in Matt Cassel, who came over via trade from the Patriots.

Another benefit is that he now has the Cardinals offensive coordinator as a head coach. This will change their offense from run first to pass first.

Dwayne Bowe's Fantasy Football Value in 2009

Some feel Matt Cassel was a one year wonder but even still, Matt will throw the football a lot this year and Dwayne is going to get his. No. 82 will probably even see more opportunity's inside the red zone for touchdowns, now that Gonzalez is gone to Atlanta.

Look for Bowe to have a better season than last year. While he may not be a top 10 fantasy receiver this year, he will be close. Look for around 1,200 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns in his third year as a pro. Bowe should be selected no lower than the sixth round in your fantasy football draft.

Fantasy Assets

Has the skill set of a No. 1 receiver
In a pass friendly offense
Has a capable Quarterback

Fantasy Liability's

On a bad team
Will the loss of Tony hurt or help Bowe?

Fantasy Rankings: Denver Broncos' Knowshon Moreno

Fantasy Rankings — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:23:00 -0400

You don't have to watch Knowshon on film long to see he has the entire package for a runner.

With good speed, great vision, and top end ability to catch the football. This is a kid that makes you want to stretch maybe a round or two higher to draft him.

However one must temper those thoughts of fantasy success, when you look at the team he is on right now.

Broncos Franchise is in turmoil

It almost ticks me off, that now the Broncos select the guy we've waited to see Denver draft since they lost Clinton Portis. I can't help but feel that if Shannahan, would have not tried to be so cheep and just drafted a first round running back, he would still be with the Broncos.

Reality is that Mike was fired and then Jay Cutler complained his way into a trade.
The decision to move these to men away from the organization did not sit well with Bronco fans.

If the Denver starts out slow, mile high fans will be screaming at the new coach and management for creating the current situation.

With this situation in mind it may be wise as a fantasy owner, to step back and let someone else bid a bit too high on this stud runner. By next year we will all know more about where the direction the organization is headed.

Knowshon Moreno's Fantasy Football Value in 2009

If you do decide to take No.27, you could be getting a player that gives you the extra explosion you need to win those close weeks.

Or new head coach Josh McDaniels (Patriots offensive coordinator) might use a running back by committee with Lamont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter.

My personal hunch is that if coach McDaniels wanted a true committee, he would not have drafted Moreno as the 12th overall pick. Knowshon was not projected to be drafted that high and the Broncos could have waited and drafted him with the 18th pick in the first round.

Expect Knowshon to have inconsistent play this season, as the Broncos offense adjusts to their new version of the west coast offense. If you select Moreno with your fifth or sixth round pick I believe you will get fair value in his rookie season.

Fantasy Assets:

- Game Breaker
- Great Receiver
- Good Offensive Line

Fantasy Liability's:

- His team is in turmoil
- Will Knowshon be used like Maroney?

Fantasy Rankings: Indianapolis Colts' Joseph Addai

Fantasy Rankings — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:47:00 -0400

Biggest Disappointment in 2008 Goes To.....

In 2007 Joseph claimed the starting running back role in the Colts offense. That season Addai amassed over 1,400 total yards and 15 touchdowns.

With Joseph in the prime of his career and on the high powered Colts offense, one could only envision more success for this young runner in 2008.

Coming into his third season in the NFL No. 29 was drafted in the first round in most fantasy football leagues around the world.

Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Addai flopped and produced only 600 total yard 7 touchdown effort in 08. Granted he did miss 4 games with an injury, but he just didn't seem to be the same explosive player he was a season ago.

Colts Draft a first Round Running Back/ Coaching Staff Turnover

In the 2009 NFL draft, Joseph saw his fantasy value drop when the Indianapolis drafted first round runner Donald Brown. Addai will be the No. 1 runner in a heavy two back system.

What may hurt Joseph's ranking the most is his coaching staff, is in massive turnover this season.The Colts coaching staff is in disarray as his Head coach, O-line coach and offensive coordinator are all gone. Not to mention the Colts quarterback coach and deffensive coordinator as well.

On some teams offense coordinators change (49ers) every year. The Colts how ever had the same OC and offensive line coach throughout Peyton Manning's career. In the end you just don't lose that chemistry and not go through some bumps in the road for awhile.

Joseph Addai's Fantasy Football Value in 2009

Addai is still a young talented runner. Even though the addition of first round pick Donald Brown hurt his value, it may keep him healthy for the entire year. Joseph has struggled with health issues since his days at LSU.

If you acquire Joe as a third back /flex play in fantasy leagues this season, I believe you will have him at fair value. Look for Joesph to receive the lion's share of the touchdown opportunity's this season.

Fantasy Assets:
-Good Offense Around Him
- Touchdown Maker
- Good Receiving Skills
- Game Breaker

Fantasy Liability's
- In a Split Back Situation
- Health is an Issue
- Lots of Change in the Coaching Staff

Torry Holt: Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy Rankings

Fantasy Rankings — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:55:00 -0400

The Greatest Show on Turf Comes to an End

Last year the Rams proved again why their organization is a complete joke. Not only did they fail to rebuild the offensive line, but the coaches didn't even try to involve Holt in the offense.

If anything, this lack of production in Torry's final year killed his trade value for the organization.

This offseason St. Louis tried trading Holt, but no takers were found. It's not that teams did not think No. 81 was still good, it was because they figured the Rams were going to let him go anyway.

Why give up players when you could just sign him in free agency? The Jaguars did just that and got a great veteran receiver.

Torry will benefit from assets he never had in St. Louis. For one, he has a mobile quarterback, David Garrard. His mobility and the fact the Jags have a solid line will help but time to get Holt the ball.

Another reason for success is that Holt is on a team that is fully committed to getting him the football. I also believe Torry will benefit from playing on grass.

Torry Holt's Fantasy Football Value in 2009

In the end Holt is going to have a fine pro bowl year in season one with the Jags. The table is set and dinner will be served up for Torry this entire year as the Jags go back to the postseason. Torry will make a fine sixth round selection for your fantasy team in 2009.

Fantasy Assets:

Touchdown maker
Solid all-around skills
Solid supporting cast
Good weather year-round

Fantasy Liabilities:

He's not the Burner he once was
On a run-first offense

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Fantasy Football Rankings: Dallas Cowboys RB Felix Jones

Fantasy Rankings — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:09:00 -0400

If only Felix Jones would have stayed healthy

After the first six games of the season, Felix Jones looked like he was about to take more carries away from Marion Barber.

With explosive running in the opportunity's he received, Jones put on a show. In 30 rushing attempts, he posted an outstanding 8.3 yards per carry and three touchdowns.

Unfortunately for the Cowboys, Felix injured himself and was done for the season. To me the Cowboys had many flaws last season, but if this guy stays healthy they would have made the playoffs and probably done well when they got there.

Rushing roles change in Dallas

It looks like is planning to use Felix Jones in the same way they used Julius Jones this season. This means Felix will be the starter and Barber will come in and close the games out.

While Felix will start, this does not mean Marion Barber isn't a talented runner; he's great for what he does. And what he excels at is coming into a game and punishing a defense while he's fresh and they are a little tired.

Felix Jones' fantasy football value in 2009

Felix is a more explosive version of Julius Jones in the Cowboys offense. He won't be a double digit touchdown maker this year, but he will have some long touchdown runs when he breaks away in the open field.

With the Cowboys losing Terrell Owens and a strong need to keep Tony Romo upright this year, the 'Boys will use their runners to dominate the game. I believe this formula of offense is when the team is at its best.

Once people notice that Dallas has two star running backs it will be to late, as defenses will have to game plan on how to stop their run first approach. Using the run game first will in turn open up the passing lanes, for Tony Romo and his receivers, especially Roy Williams down the field. Look for Felix Jones in the middle rounds of your fantasy football draft, as a rock-solid flex play.

Fantasy Assets:

Game Breaker
Great Team Around Him
In a Run-First Offense (This Year)

Fantasy Liabilities:

Will lose TDs to Marion Barber
Needs to show his Durability

Fantasy Rankings: Oakland Raiders' Darren McFadden

Fantasy Rankings — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:20:00 -0400

Darren McFadden's Disappointing 2008 Rookie Season

Darren was supposed to be the 2008 version of Adrian Peterson. Yet instead, McFadden disappointed with only 113 carries for 499 yards and four touchdowns.

For all intents and purposes McFadden's rookie campaign was a bust. True he came down with turf toe early and the Raiders decided to rest him for a few games. I believe this was a good move, as it will insure his toe stays healthy.

Deon Sanders played on turf toe, and was never the dominant corner he used to be. I hope LT does not suffer the same fate as Deon, because he played on his turf toe last year without resting it.

Another problem Darren had is the Raiders chose to give the starting job to veteran runner Justin Fargas. This slowed No. 20's opportunity for consistency from week to week. However, he did show us what he is capable of in Week Two at the Chiefs, when on 21 carries, he posted 164 yards rushing and a touchdown.

The stat of 21 carries was key, as McFadden would have only one other game, with more than 12 carries (14 carries in Week Three) the rest of the year!

McFadden's Fantasy Football Value in 2009

This offseason, Darren is having a solid spring and showing his explosion once again. If he isn't the starting tailback for the Raiders to start the season I will be shocked.

Bottom line is the Raiders spent the fourth overall pick on this kid, and it's time to see a return on that lucrative investment. His fantasy value will also be helped with the signing of fullback Lorenzo Neal from the Ravens.

While Darren has all the tools to be a fantasy star I don't see that happening this season, with Fargas and Michael Bush still on the team. But I do believe the man from Arkansas will take a big step forward in this season.

Look for Darren as a solid No. 3 running back, for your fantasy squad, and I believe he will make you smile all season long.

Fantasy Assets:
- Game Breaker
- Good Hands
- Good Offensive Line for Running
- Has Jeff Garcia, if JaMarcus Russell does not work out.

Fantasy Liabilities:
- Doesn't get 20 touches a game
- Needs more Touchdowns
- Could use a better No.1 wide receiver

Fantasy Rankings: Houston Texans' Owen Daniels

Fantasy Rankings — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:37:00 -0400

Player Info:

Daniels will Improve in 2009

While he only had two touchdowns, Owen Daniels made the Pro Bowl as an alternate in 2008.

An achievement like that shows the kind of respect people around the league have for this tight end.

I believe the Texans are primed for a big year, as an organization in 2009. In this talented offense, look for Daniels to post better numbers overall.

I'm not sure he will ever be a really good touchdown maker, but he has the size to accumulate touchdowns as a compliment to Andre Johnson. Especially inside the red zone where tight ends tend to score.

This season, I see Daniels making a strong run for 1,000 yards receiving and maybe five touchdowns.

Owen Daniels Fantasy Football Ranking in 2009

Look for Owen as a nice tight end at the later part, of the middle rounds, of your draft. You may also be able to slide down, further than that and still get this tight end.

It seems to me that fantasy owners, still don't want to give the Texans offense credit for being a good. This is understandable as they haven't reached the playoffs yet. But I believe this year that Houston is ready to make a strong run at the playoffs in 2009.

Fantasy Assets:

Good overall skills
Great offense
Plays in a dome
Pass first offense

Fantasy Liabilities

Not a great touchdown maker
Texans need to prove they are for really in the NFL

Fantasy Rankings: Minnesota Vikings' Percy Harvin

Fantasy Rankings — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:25:00 -0400

Vikings Need Harvin's Skills

There is no doubt that Percy Harvin is a very talented football player. Just go back and watch the national title game against Oklahoma.

A few days before the 2009 NFL Draft, Vikings head coach Brad Childress, personally went down to Florida to get one last look at Harvin.

Childress, being the military man he is, probably wanted to look Harvin in the eye and see if he had a strong hand shake. By the end of this meeting, Childress put his stamp of approval on No. 12.

Harvin was a runner and a receiver in college. He had 660 yards rushing with 10 touchdowns and 640 yards receiving and seven touchdowns in 2008.

Childress will need everything he can get, from this talented young athlete, now that the Vikings defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams have lost their court battle with Star Caps.

The NFL may end up suspending both players, for the first month of the season. If the Vikings are to find the playoffs they will need this talented player to help them right away.

Percy Harvin's Fantasy Football Value in 2009

Harvin's fantasy value is a tough one, there has never been a player in my mind that it matters so much, to what your scoring structure is in the fantasy league you play in.

Reggie Bush is close, but because he is listed as a running back, most fantasy leagues would give credit to his running and receiving. Some fantasy leagues don't give rushing stats to receivers, because most of them hardly ever run the ball.

Because he is a very good runner and we are in the "wildcat" era, Harvin can have success both running and receiving. If you are in a league that gives points for both his running and receiving yards, than you will be getting the most from his value.

Fantasy Assets:

Game breaker
Touchdown maker
Can run and receive
Plays in a dome

Fantasy Liabilities:

Only 644 yards receiving in his junior year

Fantasy Rankings: Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers

Fantasy Rankings — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:21:00 -0400

Rodgers Proves His Worth in 2008

In the spring of 2008 legendary quarterback Brett Favre retired from the NFL. Upon this announcement, the Packers officially named former first round pick Aaron Rodgers, the starting quarterback.

Taking over for a icon quarterback, has proven to be no easy task in the history of the NFL. Every once in a while, you find a Steve Young after a Joe Montana. But even in that situation, Young had to deal with lots of criticism and mostly by his own fans.

All was riding well for Aaron Rodgers in the off-season of 2008, until Brett Favre decided he wanted to come back and play for the Packers.

Green Bay ownership had other plans then to bring Favre back to the team, as they instead opted for Rodgers to take the quarterback position over.

There is no doubt that Wisconsin cheese-head fans are one of the top close-knit community's of sports fans in football. From the Super Bowl trophy being named after their famous coach Vince Lombardi, to the tradition of players bicycling young fans around when preseason begins.

This loving community is no doubt fascinated with one Brett Favre and his family. So when news came that the team didn't want Favre anymore, it was understandable when fans were irate.

Someone had to be blamed for this outrage and some fans choose to pin the blame on Aaron Rodgers.

Nevertheless, as the season played out, Rodgers proved his worth as the Packers quarterback of the future. No. 12 proved this with 28 touchdowns and 4,038 yards passing in his first full season in 2008.

While I'm sure cheese-head fans are still a little disappointed with not having Favre, they no doubt feel better about the Packers in the future. Now Aaron needs to lead the Pack into the playoffs.

Aaron Rodgers Fantasy Football Value in 2008

Rodgers outlook is bright for the 2009 season. With talented receivers in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver on the team, Aaron has the supporting cast to repeat his numbers from a year ago.

Look to draft Aaron as a solid fifth round pick in your fantasy football league.

Fantasy Assets:
- Strong Supporting Group
- Touchdown Maker
- Pass First Offense

Fantasy Liability's:
- Plays in Bad Weather

Fantasy Rankings: San Diego Chargers Vincent Jackson

Fantasy Rankings — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:06:00 -0400

Player Info:
Vincent Becomes the #1 Receiver in San Diego
Jackson has always had the talent to make fantasy owners believe he might become a great receiver, in time. But until last season, Vincent quietly went about his business and was not much of a factor in fantasy at all.

Then last year the big man for the Chargers broke out, after Chris Chambers injured his leg in week five. While it is true that Jackson did not have sparkling numbers in '09, he did prove that he can dominate at times.

Jackson went on to post 59 catches for 1,098 yards and an hot 18.6 yards per catch average. He also posted seven touchdowns as well.

Not very often do you see a receiver combine size (6'5, 230 pounds) and speed together. Because of this rare combo of skills, at times it can seem unfair for a little old corner to match up against this beast.

One has to believe that this is just the beginning for No.83 and his success in the NFL.

Vincent Jackson's Fantasy Football Value in 2009
Jackson my not post 18.6 yards per catch again this year, but he should produce another solid fantasy season. It's no surprise that Jackson broke out the same season Phillip Rivers busted out as they have matured around the same time.

Look for Vincent to at least post the same number from a year ago. Right now he makes for a good No. 2 receiver in most fantasy formats.

Fantasy Assets:
- Big, Strong, Fast
- Starting into his prime as a receiver
- Solid Quarterback
- Great Supporting Cast
- Great Weather Year Round

Fantasy Liability's:
- Team likes to spread the ball around
- Would like to see more receptions

Fantasy Rankings: Carolina Panthers DeAngelo Williams

Fantasy Rankings — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:31:30 -0400

DeAngelo Williams breaks out for 20 touchdowns!

Williams broke out in a big way at the early-to-mid-part of last season, finally showing the skills that made him a first-round pick for the Carolina Panthers just a few years ago.

Williams was truly the MVP of fantasy down the stretch, consistently going for multiple touchdowns and 100-yard rushing days. Williams finished the season with a league-high 20 touchdowns and solid 1,515 yards rushing.

For some reason I thought this man from Carolina was a really good pass catcher. But boy if he is, the Panthers sure don't seem to utilize him well, with only 22 receptions last year and 23 the year before.

However, pass-catching skills aren't the only problem fantasy managers should be concerned with, as there is another runner in Carolina that poses problems.

DeAngelo Williams Fantasy Football Value in 2009

The "Big Cancer" that Williams has to deal with is going to be one Johnathon Stewart. Last year, Stewart was the first-round pick with a bad foot from the Oregon Ducks. But going into training camp this year, Stewart is fully healthy and very explosive.

Most of Williams' touchdowns came toward the end of the year, when Stewart was maybe a little tired as a rookie.

Stewart is clearly the best physically suited man for goal-line duties going forward. If No. 34 loses his chances to plunge the stripe from the one-yard line, he will have to do it from a distance.

Williams' fantasy ranking is still in the top 10, as he has shown too much skill to go any further down in the draft than that. But this battle for touches could drive you crazy from week to week this season.

If for some reason Stewart should happen upon another injury, Williams would turn into the No. 1 stud fantasy runner in football again.

Fantasy Assets

Game Breaker
Touchdown Maker
Great Offensive line
Plays on a winning team with commitment to the run

Fantasy Liability's

Jonathon Stewart
Pass-Catching Abilities
Could suffer with consistency problems

Jason Witten: Fantasy Rankings of Dallas Cowboys Tight End

Fantasy Rankings — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:55:00 -0400

Romo will pass more to Jason Witten in 2009

While Jason's reception and yardage numbers were fine last year, but his touchdown total dropped from 7 to 4.

With Terrell Owens now gone this off-season, the Cowboys have a big hole to fill in the passing game. Romo has great chemistry with his tight end so look for, Tony to go his way early and often.

Roy Williams should also be an asset to Jason, mainly because defenses have to respect him down the field. This in turn keeps the middle of the field, open for Witten, as safety's play back more often.

I believe #82 will make a strong run at, 100 receptions for 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Jason Witten's Fantasy Football Value in 2009

Look for Jason to have a strong consistent season this year. No doubt Witten will help carry this passing offense at times, while Roy Williams and Tony work out their chemistry together.

Draft: Chosen as a top tight end in your fantasy draft, and enjoying a fine season.

Fantasy Assets:
- Great Overall Skills
- Solid Quarterback
- Great Supporting Cast
- Plays in a Dome

Fantasy Liability's:
- Needs to Improve on Touchdowns

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Fantasy Rankings: New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees

Fantasy Rankings — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:21:00 -0400

Player Info

Drew Brees goes Pass Crazy

Weather your name was Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, or Robert Meachem it did not matter to Mr. Brees. All he cared about was if you were open and he would get you the ball.

In 2008 Drew passed for 5,069 yards on the year. One of the greatest yardage totals in a season in NFL history.

His 34 touchdowns was also very good, for the Saints and fantasy owners as well. In fact in the three years, Drew Brees has been with the Saints he has improved his numbers every year. That's saying a lot, when you consider his in his first year he had 4,418 yards and 26 touchdowns!

Maybe what I like most about Drew is that he doesn't take sacks very often either. With totals of 18, 16 and 13 last year.

Drew Brees Fantasy Football Value in 2009

Drew has is back with all his band of marry men, so look for No. 9 to shine bright yet again. It seems not matter what problems this guy goes through, he always comes out smelling like a rose in the end.

From the Phillip Rivers controversy, to dislocating his throwing shoulder he has blazed through his challenges. This is the true mark of greatness and you would be best served to pay attention.

Drew Breeze will make for a fine second-round pick in your fantasy draft this season.

Again in his worst season with the Saints was 2007 when he had a slow start.
But by the end of that year he went on to post better numbers than his great 2006 totals.

With Tom Brady still needing to prove he is back from his knee injury and Peyton Manning going through so much turnover with the Colts.

Not to also add Kurt Warner is coming off of hype surgery, Drew Brees is the hands down No. 1 quarterback in the league this year.

Fantasy Assets

- Distance Touchdown Maker
- In a Pass First Offense
- Plays in a Dome
- Great Offense Around Him

Fantasy Liability's

- Colston had knee surgery this offseason

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