Fantasy Football: Each NFL Team's Top Fantasy Performer

Everyone may know who the best fantasy football prospects are overall, but if I said, "Quick, who is the best prospect on the Broncos?" Would you be able to answer right away?

What about the Raiders? Buccaneers? Redskins? Bills?

Every team's best fantasy football prospect will be presented here, as well as other valuable fantasy prospects if a team has more than one—(cough) Cardinals, Raiders (cough).

A few ground rules though, this is not for a PPR league, no defenses/special teams will be included as a team's primary fantasy prospect and there will be no kickers...at all.

With that said, at the end of next season I would bet half of these players are not going to be correct in any way, as fantasy football can be very unpredictable (Arian Foster???).

This is also MY list, and as so, many of you readers will disagree with who is representing your team.

Without further ado...

Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald

Really, who else is on this team?

Fitzgerald didn't put up the numbers last season he put up in the past with Warner, but really look who was throwing to him: Derek Anderson, John Skelton?

If Kevin Kolb becomes a Cardinal, Fitzgerald's value will skyrocket.

Atlanta Falcons: Roddy White

The Falcons have talent, and boy, do they have offense.

It was difficult to pick between Roddy White and Michael Turner, but what it came down to is that Matt Ryan is progressing. He is becoming better and better every year, so Roddy White is becoming better and better every year.

White had a tremendous season last year with more than 1,300 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. He put up more fantasy points last year than the preseason No. 1 option, Andre Johnson.

Other Fantasy Options: Michael Turner, Matt Ryan and Julio Jones 

Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice

Ray Rice may not have lived up to his fantasy expectations last year, but he still finished with almost 1,800 all-purpose yards. He is still the big-play option for the Ravens, and he can do well for any fantasy team by getting a lot of carries.

The thing that sets Rice apart though is that he can catch the ball. Screen passes lead to big plays, and in fantasy football, that can make or break your week-to-week games.

Other Fantasy Options: Baltimore Ravens D/ST

Buffalo Bills: Steve Johnson

Man, this was one of those teams that was hard to pick a player for because of how thin the talent crop is.

Actually, that may be a little harsh on the Bills; the Bills actually seemed to have a decent offense toward the end of the year. I believe Ryan Fitzpatrick is a really underrated quarterback who can do good things if he has time in the pocket.

The man who will seem to benefit most from another year with Fitzpatrick is Steve Johnson.

Johnson had more than 1,000 yards receiving last year with 10 touchdowns and only looks to improve this year. He is a talented route-runner who sees a lot of targets from Fitzpatrick.

Bills management seems to trust Johnson and the rest of the Bills' offense. They didn't draft an offensive player until the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft and only drafted one skill position player in the entire draft.

Carolina Panthers: Jonathan Stewart

Last season was supposed to be Jonathan Stewart's time. He was supposed to break out and be the star the Panthers thought he would be when they drafted him in the first round.

Things didn't really work out that way, though.

Stewart was actually put behind DeAngelo Williams and got a concussion right as the starting spot reopened for him.

Regardless of all, this Stewart rushed for more than 500 yards in his last four games of the season last year. This alone would provide some hope for fantasy owners.

That, along with the fact that DeAngelo Williams will be an unrestricted free agent and is unlikely to re-sign with Carolina, makes the athletic Stewart a prime contender to break out with huge numbers this season.

Other Fantasy Options: DeAngelo Williams

Chicago Bears: Matt Forte

Matt Forte burst onto the fantasy football scene his rookie year with numbers that echoed former Bears running backs' rookie seasons—numbers like Walter Payton or Gale Sayers.

Forte possesses great north-to-south running ability and is a constant in the Bears' offense. Even with the erratic Jay Cutler leading the offense with the passing game, Forte still finds ways to make his mark on the game. Whether it is in draw plays, screens or even streaks, he touches the ball.

What else can you ask for?

Other Fantasy Options: Jay Cutler, Bears D/ST, Johnny Knox

Cincinnati Bengals: Cedric Benson

Picking someone from the Bengals is hard just because I don't know who really will be on this team.

Carson Palmer looks like he's out, so does Chad Ochocinco.

Rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green are going to have a tough start to the season due to the lockout.

I picked Cedric Benson, who may not even be on the Bengals come September due to free agency. All this uncertainty could bode well for Benson, who will look to benefit from it by taking more reps to help ease Dalton into a starting role.

Other Fantasy Options: A.J. Green, Jermaine Gresham

Cleveland Browns: Peyton Hillis

A beast—that's all Peyton Hillis is.

Mr. Madden 12 had a fabulous season last year leading the Browns' rushing attack and putting up 11 touchdowns. The converted fullback dominated opponents, crushing secondaries with power options and pure strength. This mammoth also has one of the best run-blockers ahead of him in Joe Thomas.

The one risk of Hillis is the Madden Curse. While recent Madden coverboys Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald haven't been struck by the curse, just think back to Shaun Alexander times and shudder.

Regardless, Hillis is an extraordinary talent who should make fantasy owners proud.

Dallas Cowboys: Miles Austin

Every fantasy owner who drafts Miles Austin should be aware of two names that will make or break his season: Tony Romo and Dez Bryant.

With Romo at quarterback, Miles Austin puts up incredible numbers. Last year may have been a down year for Austin since he did not have a healthy Romo for the whole season.

Owners should also be aware of Bryant. The stud from Oklahoma State has all the athleticism you want in a receiver; he is big, fast and catches the ball well. Bryant isn't proven yet though, and that is why Austin will be more valuable.

As Romo readjusts to the NFL from injury, he will target Austin, whom he would have thrown to an astonishing 180 times had he not gotten injured. The two were on track for a monster season and there is no reason they can't do so again this year.

Other Fantasy Options: Tony Romo, Dez Bryant

Denver Broncos: Knowshon Moreno

I do not think that any of the Broncos players will be fantasy stars in 2011.

Brandon Lloyd will not be able to make another deal with the devil to recreate his unbelievable last season.

Kyle Orton will likely leave the Broncos, and Tim Tebow does not seem like he will be "the guy" come Week 1.

That leaves Knowshon Moreno to produce the offense.

Moreno is a talented back, without question, but new coach John Fox may want to create a running back by committee situation in Denver (think Carolina with Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams). On the other hand, Moreno may get more carries under the run-first Fox system.

Be careful with Broncos players, but look for Moreno to lead the team in the early weeks of the season.

Other Fantasy Options: Brandon Lloyd, Tim Tebow/Kyle Orton

Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson

Megatron.

Calvin Johnson is simply more athletic than any cornerback he will go up against, and he has the ability to produce absolutely huge numbers.

Johnson dominated opposing cornerbacks last year with a guy named Drew Stanton passing to him; imagine the numbers he could put up with Matthew Stafford throwing to him full time. The 12 touchdowns he scored last season easily could shoot up to 19 or 20. Scary.

With other threats in the Lions' backfield and receiving corps, opposing defenses can no longer put two corners in man coverage on Johnson. When Johnson is one-on-one with a defender, he will win no matter who is throwing him the ball. It is scary to think of the results he and Stafford could put up.

Other Fantasy Options: Jahvid Best, Matthew Stafford, Brandon Pettigrew

Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers

This guy did OK last year, huh?

A lot of fantasy football experts had Rodgers as a first-round fantasy pick, usually the slot reserved for Manning, Brady or Brees. But last year Rodgers was deemed the pick, and boy did he fit the bill.

Rodgers had statistically the best season of any quarterback last year except for Michael Vick. Even without Ryan Grant, who was injured Week 1, Rodgers was able to excel. He raises the level of play for every player around him and makes almost every part of the Packers' offense dangerous.

Look for more good things out of Rodgers this year.

Other Fantasy Options: Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, Jermichael Finley

Houston Texans: Arian Foster

Arian Foster or Andre Johnson?

These two are arguably the two best at their positions. If I were to have only one though, I would have to go with Foster.

Foster put up a ridiculous league-high in fantasy points last year, with more than 2,200 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns. His stats were better than any other player.

Foster is certainly a possibility for the first overall pick this year. If I were sitting there at No. 1 knowing he is in the AFC South and had the season he had last year, I would be highly considering him.

Other Fantasy Options: Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub

Indianapolis Colts: Dallas Clark

Yes, yes, Peyton Manning is the best player on this team, and yes, he will probably post more fantasy points than Dallas Clark.

But between the two of them, I want Clark on my team because I believe he is the best fantasy tight end out there. If Clark can stay healthy, he is one of the safest players in fantasy football to produce week in and week out.

With the ultra-reliable Manning throwing him the ball, and with other weapons to take some of the heat off Clark, there is no reason he will not be back to his usual self and put up huge numbers again this fall.

Other Fantasy Options: Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne

Jacksonville: Maurice Jones-Drew

Remember way back at the beginning of last season when Maurice Jones-Drew seemed like he was going to have a pedestrian, ho-hum sort of year?

A two-point, 34-yard performance against the Chargers in Week 2.

A five-point performance against the Titans.

But also remember his stretch of six 100-yard games where he racked up fantasy points?

Jones-Drew proved he could flat out play. He single-handedly dominated every game after his bye week until he tore his meniscus in Week 15.

MJD underwent surgery and has said that even now his knee doesn't feel totally 100 percent. Based off all this, MJD is a large risk/reward player for the upcoming fantasy season.

Other Fantasy Options: Marcedes Lewis

Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles

This team could be fantasy gold in 2011.

Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe are both at the top of their positions. Matt Cassel is clearly a rising prospect, and other players like Thomas Jones and Tony Moeaki can produce for owners as well.

Of all of these though, Charles will be the best fantasy option for next season.

Charles averaged 6.4 yards per carry and was 0.02 yards off the all-time record. He has been dubbed the next Chris Johnson by some fantasy experts and is a threat to go the distance every single time he touches the ball.

If I am sitting in the top four for my fantasy draft, I am seriously considering Jamaal Charles.

Other Fantasy Options: Dwayne Bowe, Matt Cassel, Thomas Jones, Dexter McCluster, Tony Moeaki

Miami Dolphins: Brandon Marshall

I know Brandon Marshall did not produce like Dolphins talent should produce, but then again a lot of people have been having trouble taking their talents to South Beach.

Marshall was in his first year of a new system and should only rebound for next season. Assuming Chad Henne doesn't break down mid-season, Marshall can only improve off last season's performance.

After all, he still had a semi-impressive season last year with more than 1,000 yards.

Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson

Who else is this going to be?

He is the man and should be drafted either first or second. Peterson needs no other explanation; you know who he is and what he brings to the table.

Other Fantasy Options: Sidney Rice

New England Patriots: Benjarvus Green-Ellis

Let's stir the pot a little bit.

I predict that based on rank in their respective positions, Benjarvus Green-Ellis will have a better season than Tom Brady.

Does it sound blasphemous to say that the unanimous MVP will be the second-best fantasy player on his team?

Perhaps, but before you make any rash decisions, note that Benjarvus Green-Ellis rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns in a diminished role on offense. That's more touchdowns than Adrian Peterson, more than Chris Johnson, more than Jamaal Charles, Ray Rice and Maurice Jones-Drew.

Think about that. 

Other Fantasy Options: Tom Brady, Wes Welker

New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees

The Madden Curse didn't really hamper Drew Brees' season this year (hope to Peyton Hillis).

Brees actually threw for his second-highest yardage total and tied his career-high in touchdowns last season. With a stable rushing game next season thanks to the addition of Heisman Trophy-winner Mark Ingram, defenses won't be expecting a bomb to Devery Henderson every other play, so the field will open up. With an open field, Brees will be able to use his deadly accuracy to slice up opposing defenses.

Look for another amazing year out of Drew Brees if the ground game can get going early.

Other Fantasy Options: Marques Colston, Mark Ingram

New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks

Last season, Hakeem Nicks showed why he was a first-round draft pick a few years ago.

Nicks dominated opposing cornerbacks with his huge frame and saw more red zone targets than any other Giants receiver. With seven of his 11 touchdowns coming from the red zone, he will continue to get targeted this season and should have even more touchdowns this year.

Team that with the fact that Steve Smith is undergoing micro-fracture surgery, and all signs indicate another good year from Hakeem Nicks. While he may be an injury concern to some, he has huge upside that could produce every week.

Other Fantasy Options: Ahmad Bradshaw

New York Jets: Shonn Greene

LaDainian Tomlinson actually finished last year with more fantasy points than the former Hawkeye Shonn Greene, despite the hype surrounding Greene at the beginning of last season.

It's hard to see Tomlinson having the same season he had last year though.

Greene is the player who will be either a boon or a bust. Good news for Greene is that toward the end of the year he was looking like the power runner he was expected to be. This impression will surely leave a mark with Rex Ryan, so expect a lot more carries for Greene in 2011.

Other Fantasy Options: LaDainian Tomlinson, Mark Sanchez

Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden

Finally...

After being injured for his rookie and sophomore seasons, McFadden was about to be labeled a bust by critics of the former Razorback.

McFadden proved everyone wrong by taking the Raiders' offense by storm.

Fantasy owners should certainly target him for the 2011 season, even consider to taking him in the first round. McFadden's athleticism, size and speed make him an ideal running back for big plays and touchdowns.

Consider his easy schedule against the AFC West and the lack of talent on the Raiders, and you have the makings for a tremendous 2011.

Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Vick

Everyone has heard the story, and if you aren't convinced Michael Vick is an otherworldly talent and fantasy football legend, just look at his Week 10 numbers. He put up almost 50 fantasy points!

An amazing talent who will be a top fantasy draft pick in 2011.

Other Fantasy Options: LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Eagles D/ST

Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Wallace

When I think of Mike Wallace, I think of speed.

Wallace absolutely burned opposing defenses last year, averaging over 20 yards every reception. He ended the year with more than 1,250 yards and 10 touchdowns.

This feat will sure to be continued in 2011 as the relationship with Ben Roethlisberger continues to grow. Wallace knows how to get open, and Big Ben knows how to extend plays. This duo could be putting up big numbers for a long time.

Other Fantasy Options: Ben Roethlisberger, Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers D/ST

San Diego Chargers: Philip Rivers

Who were Philip Rivers' wide receivers last year?

It seemed like Rivers threw to an entire motley crew of receivers. He didn't have Vincent Jackson or Antonio Gates for long stretches of the season, and with a running game led by Mike Tolbert and sometimes Ryan Mathews, Rivers led the way.

Expect Rivers to again lead the way in 2011 and have even better numbers since he will have his primary targets back, as well as a solid rushing attack.

Other Fantasy Options: Antonio Gates, Ryan Mathews, Vincent Jackson

San Francisco 49ers: Frank Gore

Frank Gore will get injured at some point in the 2011 season. It is almost a fact. In his last five seasons he has had a game-missing injury at some point. Last year may have been one of his worst with a fractured hip in Week 12. Without a stable passing game, Gore may be looking at eight men in the box consistently. Fantasy owners will certainly need to monitor Gore in the preseason (if their is one) be prepared to abandon Frank Gore if need be but at the same token be prepared to see another traditional 1000 yard 10 touchdown performance from Frank Gore this season.

Other fantasy options: Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree 

Seattle Seahawks: Justin Forsett

Wow, this was possibly the hardest one. It is very difficult to find a solid fantasy player on this Seahawks team and if I am drafting players I will stay away from all Seahawks until they prove me wrong. Many people think that Marshawn Lynch can be the feature back of this offense but they are wrong. Lynch average 3.6 yards a carry and rushed for only 737 yards this season. A good fantasy option though could be Justin Forsett. Lynch's former Cal teammate is a third-down back who could break for a big one every once in a while. Lynch may be more popular but Forsett will prove to be a better fantasy back in 2011.

St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson

It seems that Steven Jackson may finally be catching a break this year with the emergence of Sam Bradford as a franchise quarterback. Jackson now may finally get the attention taken off of him. This back is a beast and can truck over virtually any player in the NFL but I am worried that his aggressive running style may finally be catching up to him. His YPC average of 3.8 is his lowest ever and he could be headed for the deep end. I may not draft Jackson due to the risk of injury or just overwork. Regardless he is the Rams best fantasy prospect.

Other fantasy options: Sam Bradford

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LeGarrette Blount

I was really tempted here to put the picture of him punching the Boise State guy just cause.

LeGarrette Blount was not supposed to be the feature back last year but he took the Buc's starting role and ran away with it. Literally. From leaping over players to trucking them to the ground Blount did it all in his rookie season rushing for over 1000 yards in only 13 games. Look for his role to expand in 2011 as the young Buc offense grows and grows. Blount will be getting more catches and carries in his sophomore season and certainly is on the rise in the fantasy world.

Other fantasy options: Josh Freeman, Mike Williams

Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson

CJ2K, remember that season. Draft him. Even when opposing defenses know he is getting the ball they simply could not stop him.

Jake Locker is a better quarterback than people give him credit for and so by the end of the year a lot of pressure will be taken off of Johnson. Regardless Johnson should be a top four pick.

Other fantasy options: Kenny Britt, Jake Locker

Washington Redskins: Anthony Armstrong

This was a hard one too. Armstrong is a burner who will get some deep balls from whoever the quarterback will be. Hopefully for Armstrong, McNabb will still be the quarterback so he can cannon the ball to Armstrong, if not... yikes. Armstrong must prove that he can run under routes well before I would draft him to my team. Watch him carefully he could be a good waiverwire pick up. 

Other fantasy options: Chris Cooley