Fantasy Football 2010: Ranking the AFC East's Top Picks

This year the AFC East looks to be one of the toughest divisions in the league.

Miami, New England, and New York all boast impressive rosters entering the 2010 season. Oh, and there's some Buffalo team that keeps lingering around. 

So what players from the AFC East do you need on your fantasy team?

Kicker

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - DECEMBER 27: Kicker Rian Lindell #9 of the Buffalo Bills against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on December 27, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

One thing to keep in mind with kickers is that you want a kicker whose team is likely to stall out in the red zone, or at least near it. That being said...

1. Rian Lindell, Buffalo

Last year Lindell attempted and made more field goals than anybody else in the AFC East. The Bills offense is a little more promising in 2010 with the addition of C.J. Spiller, but that should just mean additional field goal attempts for Lindell. And the guy has an absolute cannon for a leg, having drilled a 56-yarder last year.

2. Dan Carpenter, Miami

Carpenter had the most sure foot in the East last year as he hit nearly 90 percent of his field goals. 

3. Stephen Gostkowski, New England

Gostkowski is an above average kicker who hits over 80 percent of his attempts. He is also guaranteed to get plenty of extra point attempts.

4. Nick Folk, New York

How can one explain how bad Folk is? How about the number 64. That is the percentage of kicks Folk made last year. How is he still an NFL kicker?

Defense

Al Bello/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 27: Shaun Ellis #92 of the New York Jets in action against the Washington Redskins during their preseason game on August 27, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Imag

This one seemed obvious at some point...

1. New York Jets

The Jets could have had the best defense in the league, but a few things are going to prevent that. Without Darrelle Revis they may not even have the best defense in east anymore. A recent injury to linebacker Calvin Pace doesn't help matters. Still, the Jets have a ton of talent on the defensive side of the ball.

2. New England Patriots

This one is a toss up. Nothing special here, but not too much of a decline from a defense that ranked 11th last season.

3. Miami Dolphins

With Mike Nolan as the Fins' defensive coordinator they have the potential to be much better than expected. While the defense is improved from last season, it is still young and unproven.

4. Buffalo Bills

A weak offense means that the Bills defense will be on the field plenty. And that's not a good thing for fantasy owners.

Tight End

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 21: Anthony Fasano #80 of the Miami Dolphins runs after a reception during the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on August 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

If the AFC East is weak at a position, it is tight end...

1. Anthony Fasano, Miami

As the Dolphins plan to go with a two tight end set in 2010, it could mean big numbers for Fasano. If the preseason has been any indication, Fasano's numbers could mirror his 2008 season when he had seven touchdowns.

2. Dustin Keller, New York

Keller is consistent with his receiving numbers (around 500 yards), but doesn't find the end zone often.

3. The Patriots' No. 1 Tight End

The season is just around the corner, and there's no obvious No. 1 tight end for this team just yet. The race has appeared to be between rookies Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski may have won the jobs with touchdowns in his last preseason game, but neither are worth drafting in fantasy. Wait until there is a more obvious go to option, then pick him up off waivers if you really need tight end help.

4. David Martin, Miami

Chad Henne loves finding his tight ends in the end zone. Martin is a draft-worthy type choice, but if the Dolphins pass game gets going, he could score a few touchdowns for your team.

Wide Receiver

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 21: Brandon Marshall #19 of the Miami Dolphins runs after making a reception during the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on August 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Gett

1. Brandon Marshall, Miami

Marshall has long been one of the best receivers in the league, and that shouldn't change now that he is in Miami.

2. Randy Moss, New England

The No. 1 and 2 spot are pretty much interchangeable. It's all about personal preference. 

3. Wes Welker, New England

Welker had an insane 1300+ receiving yards last year. Can he duplicate it? Probably not, but he'll break 1000 yards almost for sure.

4. Jerricho Cotchery, New York

Cotchery had a solid 2009 campaign and looks like he might be the Jets' go-to receiver to begin the season. He's risky though because once Santanio Holmes returns from suspension, there is no telling how often he'll see the ball.

5. Brian Hartline, Miami

Hartline should get 800+ yards and maybe five touchdowns. Thank Marshall. 

6. Santonio Holmes, New York

Well he is missing a quarter of the season. But, he is still Santonio Holmes.

7. Lee Evans, Buffalo

Being the Bills' No. 1 receiver lands you right about here.

Running Back

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - AUGUST 27: Running back Ronnie Brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins rushes against the Atlanta Falcons during pre season action at Sun Life Stadium on August 27, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Now it gets interesting...

1. Ronnie Brown, Miami

Anyone who has had Brown on their fantasy team knows two things. First, he scores, A LOT. Two, he gets hurt, A LOT. Even if you only get half a season out of Brown, it is worth it. He is the Dolphins primary back in the red zone, and runs the Wild Cat for them. 

2. Lawrence Maroney, New England

Didn't break 1000 yards rushing last year, but did manage seven touchdowns. Not exactly a premier running back, but he's alright. 

T3. Ladanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene, New York

The Jets had the No. 1 rushing team in the NFL last season, and they shipped them off. Why? Because they preferred L.T. and Shonn Greene. Both should have decent years, and L.T. should find the end zone enough time to make him a mid to late round draft pick. Greene is a gamble, but one worth making.

4. C.J. Spiller, Buffalo

Worth drafting? Yes, but only because of his potential. On a weak Buffalo team, Spiller may find the ball in his hands often. And if you have seen Spiller play, you know what that can mean. Buffalo is also talking about running the Wild Cat with Spiller at the helms. Get him, stick him on the bench, and wait for the magic to start.

5. Ricky Williams, Miami

Williams had 1000+ yards and 11 touchdowns in 2009. So why is he ranked fifth? Well he's ranked fifth until Brown gets hurt. Then he just supplements him as the No. 1 back in the East. Even before that happens, Williams is worth having on your team.

Quarterback

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 26: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks to pass in the second half against the St. Louis Rams on August 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Rams defeated the Patriots 36-35. (Photo by Elsa/Getty I

Act surprised...

1. Tom Brady, New England

Please tell me you do not need an explanation. If you do, go delete your fantasy team. Seriously.

2. Chad Henne, Miami

There was no way Sanchez was getting put ahead of Henne. Henne has a higher potential in 2010 than Sanchez, and better targets. Expect a very high touchdown total should he remain healthy and stave off that Pennington guy.

3. Mark Sanchez, New York

54 percent completion rate. 20 interceptions, 12 touchdowns. Maybe Mark Brunell will play another game in the NFL.

4. Trent Edwards, Buffalo

Buffalo has a quarterback? Say what?!

Adios!

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 19: LaDanian Tomlinson #21 of the San Diego Chargers runs with pressure from Leodis McKelvin #28 of the Buffalo Bills on October 19, 2008 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo won 23-14. (Photo by Rick Ste

If you enjoyed this article follow me on Twitter.