June 2010 AFC West Fantasy Football Preview

I’m releasing my TOP 40 Fantasy Football Picks for Running Backs.  Now this was as of May 2010, so you will need to do due diligence to evaluate injuries and such. I’ve kept these close to my heart as I didn’t want to let the cat out of the bag before my first draft this weekend. Take a look and feel free to build your own cheat sheets from this.  Be sure to sign up for my Free picks and tips at http://JohnnyNFL.com.

Denver Broncos

RB Knowshon Moreno – Although RB Correll Buckhalter is too good not to see the field on at least a part time basis, Moreno should get more playing time in his second season.  However, the Broncos offensive line is not what it used to be, which could lead to a less than spectacular season for the Bronco running game. Moreno should still be a pretty good 2nd RB or flex player, but I would be careful not to draft him too early.

QB Kyle Orton- WR Brandon Marshall is no longer around, but between Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, and rookie DeMaryius Thomas, Orton should be okay. Questions about the offensive line, however, make Orton a good late round choice as a backup QB, but counting on him week after week as your starter could lead to trouble.
RB Correll Buckhalter- Buckhalter has some value as a late round pick as a potential flex player, but has trouble putting up good numbers on a consistent basis. Buckhalter can be a good player to have when the matchup is right, but I wouldn’t count on him as an every week starter.

WR (R)DeMaryius Thomas- Not many rookie WR’s have been known to tear up the NFL,  so don’t expect too much if you draft Thomas. He has the potential to become a very good WR, but the presence of Eddie Royal and Jabar Gaffney will likely mean Orton will spread the wealth, which may hurt his value. Look at Thomas as a nice late round pick that you can plug into your 3rd WR or flex role.

WR Eddie Royal- Royal may present some value as a late round pick, but the drop off between his rookie season and last year is a little scary. I would expect Royal, Thomas, and Gaffney to put up similar numbers, meaning Royal can present some value late as a flex player or 3rd WR.

WR Jabar Gaffney- Like Thomas and Royal, Gaffney could present some value late, but don’t expect a lot of consistency.
Kansas City Chiefs

RB Jamaal Charles- Charles should end up being a pretty good mid round pick and viable 2nd RB for your fantasy team. The Chiefs plan on running the ball a lot this season, and even in the event he splits time with ex-Jet Thomas Jones, Charles should put up some good numbers this season.

RB Thomas Jones- Ditto for TJ. Both of these RB’s should have pretty good fantasy numbers this year.
WR Dwayne Bowe- Bowe has been highly overrated by most fantasy football experts, but can supply value as a 2nd or 3rd WR for your fantasy team. While QB Matt Cassell will likely never live up to the hype that surrounded him when signing with KC, they will still need to throw the ball at times and Bowe is the best WR they have.  I still don’t think he warrants a high draft pick, but if you can pick him up in the middle to late rounds, he should present some value.

WR Chris Chambers- Chambers should only get better the more he plays with Cassell, and should present value as a late round pick that could be a decent 3rd WR or flex option. While he may not put up outstanding numbers consistently, there will be games when you will want him on your team.

Oakland Raiders

TE Zachary Miller- Miller is still the most productive receiver on the team, and should be the first Raider off the board in most fantasy drafts. While the addition of Jason Campbell at QB should improve the production of the WR’s, Miller should benefit from the presence of Campbell as well. Miller will be a good late round pick as a starting fantasy TE.

QB Jason Campbell- There is no WR on the Raiders roster that is as good as the Redskins Santana Moss, but Campbell has enough experience to be able to spread the ball around and be effective. He could be a good late round pickup to backup your starting QB, and may even be a good starter for your team when the matchup is right.

WR Louis Murphy- Now that there’s a real QB in town, Murphy might actually put up numbers comparable to his talent. Murphy had a good season as a rookie and should only get better, and with an improving offensive line Campbell should have enough time to make him a consistent target. Look for Murphy in the later rounds as a viable 3rd WR or flex player.

RB Michael Bush- Bush should take over the starting role this season, but he is a risky choice. Darren McFadden has not lived up to expectations, but if he is healthy he will likely steal some playing time from Bush. Plus, with the addition of Campbell and an offensive line that is getting better but will likely be better at pass blocking than run blocking at this point, you may find the Raiders throwing the ball more than running it. Bush’s injury problems are also a concern, making him a late round pick that should start out on your bench until we see how the season develops.

San Diego Chargers

TE Antonio Gates- Gates is still one of the premier TE’s in the game and should be gone in the earlier rounds of your fantasy draft. While I don’t think his numbers will be as good as last year for a number of reasons, Gates is still a valuable starting fantasy TE.

QB Philip Rivers- With the departure of LT and Vincent Jackson still not signed and facing a possible suspension, Rivers is going to have to play better than ever this season. Rivers is a fierce competitor, and even with less talent on the offensive line Rivers should be a nice choice as a starter for your fantasy team. Just how high he goes will depend on the status of Jackson, however.

RB Darren Sproles- Sproles should see more playing time with the departure of Tomlinson, but rookie RB Ryan Matthews will likely see his share of playing time as well. Look for Sproles in the later rounds as a nice flex option for your fantasy team who may be able to play his play into a 2nd RB role.

RB (R)Ryan Matthews- Matthews should see the field quite a bit this year whether he wins the starting job or not. However, with an offensive line that needs work I wouldn’t expect outstanding numbers in his rookie season. Matthews and Sproles will likely put up similar numbers in 2010, making Matthews a good latter round choice as a possible flex option who can move into the 2nd RB slot on occasion.

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