Post Pre-Season Week 1: Yikes.

I am the new kid on the block (no, not part of the boy band from the 80's) here at bleacherreport.com but don't take that as me being uneducated. Having been "blogging" about Fantasy Football for this now my 2nd season, and being a regular fantasy footballer since the 2001 NFL season, I am bringing my expertise to more readers and fantasy football writers alike. Like you, I have a passion for football and an even greater appreciation for a game in which it makes you feel as though you are a team owner, minus the billions of dollars, enormous stadiums, loyal fan bases, poor front office decisions (every team has made those) and questionable draft choices (Cade McNown???). And if you draft Plaxico Burress, I assure you, you will be the butt of all jokes during this fantasy season and probably for years to come.

Let's dive right into what brings me to b/r: Fantasy Football.

We have reached the midway point of FFDM, or what I have deemed August as Fantasy Football Draft Month, with some of us having completed at least one draft, so I am urging all of you hardcore footballers and casual players alike to do your homework! If you are currently a student in high school, college, grad school, post grad, technical school or getting your G.E.D, I apologize for the extra burden but to be successful in Fantasy Football, one must research as much as possible, or just have luck on their side at all times.

After 1 week of preseason games, injuries popped up like your ex-girlfriend did at your favorite local hangout the last 6 times you went out. To avoid such situations, i.e. drafting an injured player, I implore you to check the latest injury ticker. And to avoid seeing your ex? Well, maybe try hanging out at a different establishment and not the one you took her to every Sunday last season for the game. Just a thought.

Here are a few questions to ponder while you await the start of the Fantasy Football season: Who do you think will be the laughing stock of the NFL this season, a la the 0-16 Detroit Lions of 2008? Will the Saints continue to win and maybe make back-to-back Super Bowls? Who will be the 1st superstar to sustain a major setback? Will the "Madden Curse" be a factor this year? Why won't Favre retire already?

New players are joining the Fantasy Football faithful each year and while the dominant teams will continue to make the playoffs, the newcomers will present a new challenge and hopefully surprise a few of the upper-echelon teams and make waves in their respected leagues. Draft strategy definitely plays a huge role and will separate the perennial winners with the bottom feeders. However, it is a long way to fall from the top and someone is bound to knock someone off the Fantasy Football pedestal. In addition, it is nice to see more and more women joining, playing and actually winning in Fantasy Football. Nicely done ladies!

Before I wrap this up, I have assembled a "Top 5" of each position in standard Fantasy leagues (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF). Feel free to consult this list should you receive one of the 1st 5 picks in your draft.

TOP 5 QB's

Peyton Manning-Colts: Still the model QB.

Drew Brees-Saints: Throws 1st, answers questions later.

Aaron Rodgers-Packers: Gunslinger extraordinaire.

Philip Rivers-Chargers: Who will he be throwing to this year?

Tom Brady-Patriots: Will his knee hold up....again?

TOP 5 RB's

Chris Johnson-Titans: His nickname should be the "Freak" after what he did last year.

Adrian Peterson-Vikings: "All Day" will have to run all game with the loss of Chester Taylor.

Maurice Jones-Drew-Jaguars: This "little bruiser" will once again dominate the AFC South.

Steven Jackson-Rams: Seemed to have done everything himself last season.

DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart-Panthers: This combo was unstoppable last season, both averaging over 5.0 yards per carry.

TOP 5 WR's

Andre Johnson-Texans: Schaub will give him more looks in the red zone this year.

Larry Fitzgerald-Cardinals: Loss of Warner hurts but his combo of size, speed and strength make up for lack of proven QB throwing to him.

Calvin Johnson-Lions: "Megatron" should have an outstanding year pending the health of Matthew Stafford.

Reggie Wayne-Colts: He has the best QB throwing his way each game.

Roddy White-Falcons: Young wideout developing a positive rapport with a young QB in Matt Ryan. Will only become more dangerous.

TOP 5 TE's

Dallas Clark-Colts: Like Reggie Wayne, his QB makes him better.

Jason Witten-Cowboys: Tough, physical presence on the field. Always seems to be wide open.

Antonio Gates-Chargers: In the perfect offense for a guy with his skill set of blocking and catching.

Vernon Davis-49ers: Stepped up last year to post big numbers. Higher expectations in 2010.

Brent Celek-Eagles: With McNabb out of the picture, Celek will become a favorite target of Kolb.

TOP 5 K's

Nate Kaeding-Chargers: Kicks in warm weather most of the year and for a high-powered offense.

Rob Bironas-Titans: Big leg, made 5 field goals of 50+ yards last season.

Ryan Longwell-Vikings: Gets a boost for kicking indoors for more than half the season.

Mason Crosby-Packers: Strong and accurate leg. But Lambeau in winter can be tricky.

Stephen Gostkowski-Patriots: Pats score a bunch so G-man kicks a lot.

TOP 5 DEF

New York Jets: Need to mention Darrelle Revis. There, did it. Now stop holding out.

Baltimore Ravens: Getting older before younger but these guys can still play.

Green Bay Packers: 30 INT's is a disgustingly good stat in the takeaway category.

Cincinnati Bengals: This unit flashed brilliance last season to the shock of most sports writers (and opposing offenses).

Minnesota Vikings: Those big run stoppers have no suspensions this season...so far.

Remember to check back each week to find these useful tips: Who to Start, Who to Bench, Sleeper Pick of the Week and my Game of the Week prediction for those of you who compete in Pick 'Em leagues. In closing this week, I would like to welcome all of you and hope you continue to read this page each and every week. And remember, the best compliment a writer can get is to spread the word and bring new readers in.

For past articles not on b/r, check out www.btmfantasyfootball.blogspot.com.

Also, feel free to comment or post a question you may have. I will do my best to respond in a timely fashion. Good luck on the upcoming Fantasy Football season!