2010 Fantasy Football: 32 Observations When Drafting Your Fantasy Team
Fantasy football is a marvelous creation allowing regular NFL fans to join in with a league and give them the feel of being sort of like a general manager for their own team.
With the new year and season, comes news considerations when drafting due to player movement and coaching/staff changes on teams' payroll as well.
The following are 32 things to consider, one per each team, when researching your fantasy football team's needs going into your fantasy football draft for the 2010 season.
Arizona Cardinals: Passing Game May Hurt, But Running Game To Thrive
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Quarterback Kurt Warner is gone and so is starting wide receiver Anquan Boldin.
This puts a ton of pressure on Matt Leinart, Larry Fitzgerald, and the other receivers on the roster to step up their game and continue to have a solid, high-flying passing game.
In lieu of the changes with the passing game, look for running backs Chris "Beanie" Wells and Tim Hightower to get a ton of attention in 2010 which could increase their fantasy value.
Atlanta Falcons: Watch Out For Their Defense
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Everyone knows that Matt Ryan is a solid quarterback who has both Roddy White and Tony Gonzlaez to catch his passes.
Add running back Michael Turner in the mix and the offense has weapons, but do not overlook their defense.
The additions of both cornerback Dunta Robinson and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, should make the Falcons defense a consideration if you are in a league where you carry two defensive units.
Baltimore Ravens: Do Not Ignore Joe Flacco
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The Ravens needed to get Flacco some weapons this offseason, and they went out to do just that.
Adding veteran receiver Anquan Boldin as the team's new No. 1 target, along with two rookie tight ends in Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson and Flacco should see a good jump in his passing stats that could make him a No. 1 quarterback option in many fantasy leagues out there.
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Buffalo Bills: The C.J. Spiller Show
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Yeah the Bills have a deep stable of running backs that included Spiller, Fred Jackson, and Marshawn Lynch, but do not deny the fact that Spiller is very versatile.
In leagues that score points in the return game, Spiller would be a great addition as a flex player since he is so versatile and will rank up yards on the ground, in the air receiving, and returning kicks/punts.
Carolina Panthers: Transition Year at Quarterback
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Jake Delhomme is out, and Matt Moore is now penciled in as the starter.
The Panthers did draft Jimmy Clausen, but until camps begin, it remains to be seen if he will start this year or not.
Still, with Moore at the helm, do not pick anything the Panthers have in their aerial attack and stick to their terrific ground game with both Jonathan Stewart and DeAngleo Williams.
Chicago Bears: Take Jay Cuter, But Watch For Picks
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Cutler has increased his statistics in each year he has been in the NFL, but that also includes as increase in interceptions each year too.
If you do not mind all the picks he will most likely toss, then he is a viable starter solely due to all the numbers he will continue to put up in 2010.
Cincinnati Bengals: Pick Up Carson Palmer
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Palmer got some new weapons to throw too in 2010, including tight end Jermaine Gresham and receivers Jordan Shipley and Antonio Bryant.
Whether Gresham or Shipley takes over the short possession passes over the middle, one of these two will be a great outlet for Palmer in 2010 filling in for T.J. Houshmanzadeh's old possession role.
New outside weapons will make Palmer a starter in most league.
Cleveland Browns: Do Not Count Out Their Offense...Yet
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Second-year player Mohamed Massaquoi had a decent rookie year in 2009, hauling in over 600 yards of passes and that was on an offense that could barely get it passing game going all season long.
Now enter veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme, who will hopefully be an upgrade to both Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson from one year ago and as long as the receivers can catch, then one is bound to breakout for either close to 1,000 yards or over 1,000 yards in 2010.
Only time will tell which receiver that may be, but Massaquoi does have the edge over Brian Robiskie, Josh Cribbs, Carlton Mitchell and the others.
Also, the Browns look to run and run a lot with a deep backfield that has all shapes and sizes with Montario Hardesty (rookie who they traded up for), Jerome Harrison (2009 break out star), Peyton Hillis (a ton of beef wit soft hands), Lawrence Vickers (the hammer to pave the way), and James Davis (2009 preseason standout).
Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant Is a Big Sleeper
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If Bryant can outplay Roy Williams in training camp and preseason, which is not an impossible thing to actually happen, then he could have a big year in his rookie season.
Starting opposite of Miles Austin, who will get all the defense's attention anyway, Bryant may be in man-to-man coverage and if he can transition into the NFL easily, he could have a huge rookie year.
Denver Broncos: The Post-Brandon Marshall Effect
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Wide receiver Brandon Marshall is gone and that will severely hurt the passing game of the Broncos, so picking a quarterback or any of their receivers is a scary thought because if Eddie Royal, and two rookie receivers do not step up, then it will be a long season for fans.
This might also help in second-year running back Knowshon Moreno's rushing numbers since the Broncos may give him the ball more often too.
Detroit Lions: Will Calvin Johnson Put Up HUGE Numbers?
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With the offseason addition of rookie running back Jahvid Best via the draft, that may open up Johnson a bit more since he is no longer the biggest threat on the offense.
Best is a great compliment to Johnson, even though he is a running back, because defenses will have to account for both players, which could cause confusion and blown coverages all to benefit Johnson down field.
Green Bay Packers: Jermichael Finley Is a No-Brainer
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Finley may be on the brink of some great and many fantasy experts are predicting that Finley is the biggest sleeper going into the 2010 season.
The total package of size, strength, speed, and great hands, Finley will also help quarterback Aaron Rodgers' number in 2010 as well.
Keep an eye on both, and take both if you have the chance.
Houston Texans: Dorin Dickerson Might Be Worth a Late Round Pick
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Rumors state that Dickerson will be moving from college tight end to NFL receiver.
A tough transition, but Dickerson has the size and speed to be a great compliment to Andre Johnson in a year or two, but if he catches on quickly, then he could have some good rookie stats.
Indianapolis Colts: Donald Brown Or Joseph Addai?
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Donald Brown was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, but injuries riddled his rookie year which was ironic because the Colts drafted him to help keep Addai fresh from injuries.
Now in 2010, which running back will be better statistically?
That is purely a guessing game right now, but hopefully training camp will shine a light on to who will be the starting back in 2010.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Jone-Drew and That's It
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If there is one player on the Jags' squad that is worth a first round pick, it is Jones-Drew.
Perhaps one of the most versatile backs in the NFL, Jones-Drew will get to touch the football at least 30-35 times a game easily and that will equate to a ton of fantasy points.
Kansas City Chiefs: Defense Could Surprise Many
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First round pick and safety Eric Berry may be the next Ed Reed, but the biggest change on the Chiefs' payroll was hiring former Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel.
Crennel found success in New England as a defensive coordinator and has the rings to prove it too.
Add Berry in the defensive backfield and the Chiefs defense looks to make a big improvement in 2010.
Are they worth drafting?
You be the judge of that.
Miami Dolphins: It's The Brandon Marshall Show!
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Marshall's presence makes his addition to this offense a scary one.
He will help quarterback Chad Henne's fantasy production, and the improved passing game could even open bigger holes for running backs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown to run through.
Minnesota Vikings: Will Adrian Petterson's Touchdown Numbers Suffer?
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The Vikings drafted Toby Gerhart to be the hammer on short yardage downs and at the goalline, which could bring Peterson's touchdown totals down too.
Peterson is a top three pick in every fantasy draft, but think hard before taking him over other players if you are lucky enough to have a top 3 pick.
New England Patriots: Young Defense Is One to Watch Closely
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The Pats defense went from being old to being youthful in the last few drafts.
Brandon Merriweather, Jared Mayo, Devin McCourty, Brandon Spikes, are only a few of the younger names on the defensive side of the ball and if this group can gel quickly, they will not only be good in 2010, but for many years beyond.
New Orleans Saints: Super Bowl Champs Are Solid Everywhere
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The Saints really didn't lose any major pieces to their Super Bowl team and they are solid across the board.
Also, the addition of rookie tight end Jimmy Graham, will help if Jeremy Shockey continues to have injury issues and Malcolm Jenkins moving from cornerback to safety should help the secondary as long as he can make the transition successfully.
Too many fantasy studs to list from this team.
New York Giants: Running Game a Real Mystery
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The Giants' running attack slowed down a bit in 2009 and whether Brandon Jacobs can continue to shoulder the load should be answered in training camp.
Ahmad Bradshaw may also take a crack at running and possibly starting, but neither of these two players seem to be solid fantasy starters as of right now.
New York Jets: Draft This Defense Without a Doubt
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A defense that was very good in 2009, got that much better by adding to its secondary and pass rush this offseason.
Easily one of the top defenses to be picked in many fantasy leagues this year, you cannot go against the defensive minding Rex Ryan because he really is at the top of his coaching career right now with a team that is one of the favorites to make the Super Bowl.
Oakland Raiders: Can Jason Campbell Save The Silver and Black?
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Campbell comes over the the Bay Area to an offense that has high potential in its receiver group, an up-and-coming tight end in Zach Miller, and a two-headed running attack that is primed to break out at any time now.
Is Campbell the key to unleashing an entertaining Raider offense?
Philadelphia Eagles: Will Philly Fans Have Sweet Corn on The Kolb?
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This is now the Kevin Kolb era in Philly and this team is riding on his shoulders to have a good first year as a starter for the Eagles.
Everything depends on Kolb's ability to step in for Donovan McNabb and play at a same high level.
Fantasy circles are a bit concerned with the change at quarterback, and Kolb's inexperience has definitely brought down the values of his surrounding teammates as well.
Pittsburgh Seelers: This Will Be a Run-First Team in 2010
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It is unknown whether Ben Roethlisberger's suspension will get cut or not, but regardless the Steelers will look to focus on running the ball in his absence and running backs Rashard Mendenhall, Jonathan Dwyer, and Mewelde Moore will get their share of the carries.
Remember that even when Big Ben comes back from his suspension, he will be a bit green because being in shape is completely different than being in football shape and that will take Big Ben a week of two to get back into his same old form.
Until then, the Steelers running game is one to watch especially is they get the ball early and often.
San Diego Chargers: Will Philip Rivers Still Put Up Big Numbers?
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No Vincent Jackson, no LaDainian Tomlinson and Rivers' passing stock may have dropped a bit due to both of these factors.
But at the same time if say Malcom Floyd can step up along with rookie back Ryan Mathews, then it may be the same old Rivers and he may not miss a beat and continue to put up fantasy points week in and week out.
San Francisco 49ers: Crabtree and Davis Should Be Taken Early In Drafts
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Just as long as Alex Smith is indeed the man under center and he can further develop, both Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis should have huge statistical seasons in 2010.
The Niners are being projected to win the NFC West pre-training camp and both of these players will have to put up big numbers to help the team do so.
Seattle Seahawks: Defense May Be Best Bet
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The best pick from the Seahawks could very well be their defense with the addition of safety Earl Thomas, who could very well turn into a playmaker and force and create turnovers on the secondary.
With Aaron Curry and Lofa Tatupu running around and tackling everything else, this defense looks vastly improved this season.
St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson 'Nuff Said
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Jackson has been the biggest and best weapon on a team that has only won six games in the past three seasons.
He may be getting too much wear and tear on the tires, but Jackson will still be a focal point on the Rams' offense once again.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A Cadillac and a Warrior
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Tennessee Titans: Two Words...Chris Johnson
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If you have the chance to pick Johnson at the top of the first round in the draft and you do not, then there is a good chance the rest of your fellow league members (especially he/she who picks Johnson if you pass on him) will give you crap for the entire fantasy season.
Save yourself the embarrassment and just pick him.
There is no questioning it.
Washington Redskins: Run, Run, Run!
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Mike Shanahan comes into Washington as the coach and everyone should know how much he loves to run the ball.
Take for instance the first two years of Portis' career his played for Shanahan and ran for nearly 3,100 yards.
Now they are back together and even though Portis is older, the zone blocking scheme will benefit him once again and help him run for over 1,000 yards barring any injuries.
Add Your Thoughts Below
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Here's an observation about this guy...he still has it and if he plays, he will still put up big numbers in 2010 with the Vikings.
These are only a few observations (obviously one per team) otherwise this list would never end, but please comment below and put in your two cents on these observations of add you own to start your own debate.
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