Fantasy Football 2011: 50 Players Who Will Help You Win Your League

The 2011 NFL preseason is winding down, we're less than two weeks away from the opening night contest between the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers, and across America thousands of fantasy football enthusiasts are making final preparations for the last big fantasy draft weekend before the 2011 campaign gets underway.

With that in mind here's a look at 50 players who can aid you in your quest for fantasy glory. Some are first-round studs, others are mid-round sleepers, and a few are late-round fliers, but every player on this list shares one thing in common.

Every name on this list, from the first to the last, is a player you should keep in mind on draft day, as each of them is capable of making the sorts of fantasy contributions that make the difference between a so-so squad and a championship juggernaut.

1.) Arian Foster: RB, Houston Texans

Running back Arian Foster of the Houston Texans was the top dog in fantasy football a year ago, as the former undrafted free agent racked up an outstanding 2,220 total yards and found the end zone 18 times.

Foster is dealing with a tweaked hamstring, which makes adding "handcuff" back Ben Tate late in fantasy drafts a must. However, with Chris Johnson embroiled in a nasty contract dispute with the Tennessee Titans and Adrian Peterson playing behind a makeshift offensive line with the Minnesota Vikings there's very little question that if you are fortunate enough to be awarded the first pick in your fantasy football league's draft that pick should be Arian Foster.

2.) Ray Rice: RB, Baltimore Ravens

Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens put together a very solid third season in the NFL, as the running back rolled for over 1,200 rushing yards, caught over 60 passes and scored a half a dozen touchdowns, finishing seventh at his position in fantasy points.

A dual threat who is dangerous both as a runner and receiver, it's not at all hard to envision Rice building on his 2010 numbers as the featured back in a run-heavy Baltimore offense, and outside the aforementioned Arian Foster Ray Rice is likely the "safest" pick for fantasy drafters picking in the top half of the first round this year.

3.) Andre Johnson: WR, Houston Texans

Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans posted his third consecutive Top 10 fantasy season in 2010 even though he missed three games, catching 86 passes for 1,216 yards and eight touchdowns. The ninth-year pro's 19.7 fantasy points per game was also tops among fantasy wideouts.

Johnson was the No. 1 wide receiver in fantasy football in both 2008 and 2009, and with him fully healthy there's no reason to believe he can't make it three years out of four in 2011. With point-per-reception leagues becoming more rule than exception it's become an accepted fantasy strategy to select a wide receiver in the draft's first round, and fantasy owners choosing to implement this plan would be well advised to give Andre Johnson a long look.

4.) Roddy White: WR, Atlanta Falcons

Fantasy football's top wide receiver in 2010, Roddy White of the Atlanta Falcons has been the model of consistency over the past four seasons, averaging over 90 catches, 1,275 receiving yards, eight touchdowns and finishing as a Top 15 fantasy option each year over that span. White has also been extremely durable, having yet to miss a game in his six-year career.

Roddy White has emerged as the top target for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. He could easily finish the 2011 campaign as a Top 5 fantasy wide receiver, and as such White makes for an excellent foundation for any fantasy squad's receiving corps.

5.) Aaron Rodgers: QB, Green Bay Packers

Not only did Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers lead his team to a Super Bowl victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last February, his outstanding statistical season propelled many fantasy football teams to championships as well. The top fantasy option at his position in 2010, Rodgers passed for 3,922 yards and 28 scores and added an additional 356 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Rodgers is in the prime of his career and has averaged well over 4,000 yards passing over the past three seasons, finishing no worse than second among fantasy quarterbacks over that stretch. If you're the sort of fantasy football owner that's likes to draft an elite passer early, then the signal-caller in Titletown should be atop your wish list.

6.) Larry Fitzgerald: WR, Arizona Cardinals

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals recently cashed in in a big way, inking a mammoth eight-year, $120 million contract extension. Now, with a pocket full of money and a shiny new quarterback in town in the person of Kevin Kolb, Fitzgerald will attempt to put a disappointing 2010 season behind him.

Disappointing is a relative term, as Fitzgerald still managed to haul in 90 passes for 1,137 yards and six touchdowns, but with improved quarterback play in the desert Fitzgerald should regain his status as a Top 5 fantasy wide receiver in 2011.

7.) Darren McFadden: RB, Oakland Raiders

Darren McFadden exploded into fantasy prominence in 2010, erasing the stench of his first two NFL seasons with a breakout year in which the Oakland Raiders running back rumbled for over 1,100 yards and better than five yards a carry, scoring seven rushing touchdowns and finishing the season eighth among fantasy running backs.

McFadden is also a capable receiver out of the backfield, with 47 catches a year ago, and while it's important for McFadden owners to add running back Michael Bush as a "handcuff" a bit later in drafts, Darren McFadden represents a solid RB1 fantasy option for those drafting in the second half of Round 1.

8.) Matt Forte: RB, Chicago Bears

Running back Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears put together another strong statistical season in 2010, topping 1,000 yards rushing for the second time in his three-year career, scoring nine total touchdowns, averaging a career-best 4.5 yards per carry and finishing the year as the ninth-best fantasy ball carrier.

Forte is one of the better receiving backs in the NFL, averaging 57 receptions a season, and while he may not possess fantastic upside he remains an excellent fantasy option as a low-end RB1 or top-flight RB2, especially in PPR leagues.

9.) Peyton Hillis: RB, Cleveland Browns

No running back in the National Football League was a bigger surprise in 2010 than Peyton Hillis of the Cleveland Browns, who came from nowhere to post over 1,600 yards from scrimmage and score 13 touchdowns, finishing as fantasy football's second-best back behind only Arian Foster of the Houston Texans.

The fourth-year pro may be hard pressed to back those gaudy numbers up in 2011, but with backup running back Brandon Jackson hampered by turf toe Hillis will once again be counted on as a workhorse in the Cleveland backfield, making him at the very least a high-end fantasy RB2 entering this season.

10.) Vincent Jackson: WR, San Diego Chargers

2010 was a tumultuous season for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, as a prolonged holdout limited the seventh-year veteran from Northern Colorado to only five games. After topping 1,000 yards receiving in both 2008 and 2009 Jackson was limited to a paltry 14 catches for 248 yards and three scores last year.

Jackson will play the 2011 season under the Chargers franchise tag, meaning he should be plenty motivated to put up big numbers in search of an even bigger payday. Jackson has looked lights-out in the preseason, and as one of the top receiving options in a prolific San Diego offense a Top 5 fantasy season is well within his reach.

11.) Mike Wallace: WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Wallace of the Pittsburgh Steelers emerged as the top receiving option for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in 2010, averaging a ridiculous 21 yards per reception on 60 catches, scoring 10 touchdowns and providing a downfield threat that helped propel the Steelers into an appearance in Super Bowl XLV.

Wallace finished the year as a Top 10 fantasy receiver, and although Pittsburgh has a reputation as a smash mouth team they actually ranked fourth in the NFL in pass attempts last year, making it very possible that Wallace will be able to match, if not improve upon, his 2010 stats and leaving him safely within the realm of fantasy WR1s.

12.) Antonio Gates: TE, San Diego Chargers

All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers was well on his way to being the runaway winner as top fantasy tight end in 2010 before a foot injury cost him six games. Gates still managed 50 receptions for 782 yards and 10 touchdowns, and his 18.8 fantasy points per game was more than three points higher than the next closest player at his position.

Concerns about Gates' foot lingered into training camp, but the 6'4" 260 lb. monster has since returned to the practice field and should be ready for opening day. Many fantasy owners place a premium on acquiring an elite tight end, and so long as Antonio Gates can stay healthy he is easily the best option available at his position.

13.) Wes Welker: WR, New England Patriots

New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker made a successful return to action last year after a torn ACL ended his 2009 season, and while his 86 receptions for 848 yards and seven touchdowns may have been considered a pedestrian year by his standards it was a remarkable comeback given the severity of his injury and the fact that it happened on the 2009 season's last weekend.

Welker is the NFL's best slot receiver, and from 2007 to 2009 he averaged 115 catches and 1,200-plus receiving yards, finishing in the Top 10 at his position each year. Wes Welker is presently being drafted as a fantasy WR2, but assuming he's back to 100 percent he could very easily top 100 receptions again in 2011 and present an excellent value for fantasy owners, especially in leagues that award points for receptions.

14.) Tom Brady: QB, New England Patriots

Quarterback Tom Brady put together another terrific season for the New England Patriots in 2010, throwing for 3,900 yards and 36 touchdowns against only four interceptions, setting an NFL record for consecutive pass attempts without a pick, and leading the Patriots to a 14-2 regular season record, best in the AFC.

Brady was the fifth-ranked quarterback in fantasy football a year ago, and with wide receiver Chad Ochocinco now in New England he provides Mr. Gisele with a vertical option capable of stretching the field, a weapon that was lacking in Beantown last season. New England's offense has looked dominant in the preseason, and while Brady may not return to his gaudy 2007 heyday it's likely that he will easily surpass the 4,000 yard passing mark in 2011.

15.) Jason Witten: TE, Dallas Cowboys

Tight end Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys was far and away the top fantasy football tight end in 2010, as his 248 fantasy points were nearly 60 more than second-place finisher Vernon Davis of the San Francisco 49ers. For the year Witten had 94 receptions for 1,002 yards and nine touchdowns.

Witten has topped 90 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards in three of the past four seasons, and while he doesn't find the end zone with the regularity that Antonio Gates does he also carries a somewhat lower price tag in fantasy drafts. If you miss on Gates don't fret, you can wait a round (or even two), land the former Tennessee standout, and still end up with an elite fantasy tight end on your roster.

16.) Brandon Lloyd: WR, Denver Broncos

2010 was a career year and then some for Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, who set personal bests for receptions, yardage and touchdowns in his eighth year in the NFL. Lloyd, 30, had 77 catches for 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns, and finished the 2010 season as the second-ranked wide receiver in fantasy football.

Anytime a player experiences such a breakout campaign there are concerns that that year was a "fluke," and those concerns have caused Lloyd to slide a bit on fantasy draft boards entering this season. However, the Broncos retaining Kyle Orton as their starting quarterback should allay those fears somewhat, and anytime you can draft a player as your WR2 that could potentially land in the Top 10 at his position, that's a risk worth taking.

17.) Philip Rivers: QB, San Diego Chargers

For the third consecutive season San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers eclipsed the 4,000 passing yards mark, and his 4,710 yards in 2010 was tops among NFL signal-callers. The eighth-year veteran from North Carolina State lobbed 30 touchdown strikes compared to 13 interceptions, and finished 2010 among the Top 5 fantasy quarterbacks.

Rivers' Top 5 fantasy season was his second in three years, and given the plethora of weapons available to him in the San Diego passing attack and the fact that he carries a lower fantasy cost than some of the other top-tier quarterbacks, Rivers may actually present the best value available to fantasy owners who wish to select a top-notch quarterback to anchor their fantasy lineups.

18.) Dez Bryant: WR, Dallas Cowboys

Second-year wide receiver Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys showed flashes of the talent that made him such a coveted prospect entering the NFL during his rookie season, hauling in 45 catches for 561 yards and six touchdowns before a fractured ankle ended his 2010 season after 12 games.

Bryant joins wide receiver Miles Austin and tight end Jason Witten on what could well be one of the NFL's most high-powered passing offenses in 2011, and although Austin is being drafted several rounds before Bryant it's entirely possible that it's Bryant who will end this season as the top wide receiver in Big D, making him an intriguing player worth targeting in fantasy drafts,

19.) Felix Jones: RB, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones will apparently get his day in the sun in 2011, as the departure of Marion Barber from the Dallas backfield has elevated the fourth-year pro from Arkansas to the status of lead back for the Cowboys. The 24-year-old Jones had 185 carries for 800 yards and a touchdown in 2010, chipping in 48 catches for 450 yards and another score as a receiver out of the backfield.

Jones appears ready for the increased role in the Cowboys' offense, looking solid in preseason action and drawing the praises of the Dallas coaching staff throughout training camp. Dallas selected Oklahoma standout DeMarco Murray in April's NFL Draft, but he's been dinged up and running back Tashard Choice has fallen out of favor, so if Felix Jones can handle the load he should be more than capable of fantasy RB2 production as a key component in the Cowboys' high-octane offense.

20.) Dallas Clark: TE, Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark seemed to be well on his way to another 90-plus reception, 1,000 yard campaign as Peyton Manning's safety valve in 2010, but a wrist injury put the skids to his season, landing the ninth-year veteran on injured reserve after six games. Clark, 32, finished the season with 37 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns.

Clark had over 100 receptions, 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Colts in 2009, and is reportedly 100 percent entering this season, but concerns about Peyton Manning's recovery from neck surgery have clouded Clark's 2011 prospects and caused him to drop on fantasy draft boards.

However, should Manning miss no (or few) regular season games Clark will undoubtedly see plenty of action as one of Peyton's favorite targets. There's a bit of risk involved with selecting Dallas Clark, but taking into account his potential fantasy upside and lower cost than other "elite" tight ends it's a risk that could pay off quite nicely.

21.) Knowshon Moreno: RB, Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno has yet to fully realize the potential that made him the first running back selected in the 2009 NFL Draft, struggling through an up-and-down second season in the National Football League in which he rushed for 779 yards on 182 carries, scoring five touchdowns on the ground.

Moreno missed three games last year and finished just inside the Top 20 at his position in fantasy points, but he has slimmed down this year and looked good in preseason action. Adding running back Willis McGahee as "handcuff" insurance is a prudent move for fantasy owners considering him, but for those fantasy teams that choose to eschew running backs early in lieu of other positions Moreno should make for a more than serviceable fantasy RB2.

22.) Steve Johnson: WR, Buffalo Bills

Wide receiver Steve Johnson of the Buffalo Bills experienced a breakout 2010 season, emerging as quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite target in Buffalo, catching 82 passes for 1,073 yards and 10 touchdowns and finishing the season ranked 10th among fantasy wide receivers.

No one is going to confuse the Bills' offense with the Green Bay Packers, and Johnson may be hard-pressed to finish in the Top 10 again, but he will undoubtedly see a ton of targets on a team that will playing a lot of catch-up, leaving him at worst a top-notch fantasy WR3 with a fantasy ceiling considerably higher than that.

23.) Anquan Boldin: WR, Baltimore Ravens

Anquan Boldin's first season in Baltimore was a disappointing one from a fantasy standpoint, as the ninth-year wide receiver logged his lowest yardage and reception totals since 2004. For the year Boldin, 30, had 64 catches for 837 yards and seven touchdowns.

Baltimore's run-first offense caps Boldin's fantasy upside a bit, but with wide receiver Derrick Mason no longer in Baltimore, Anquan Boldin is now quarterback Joe Flacco's top target in the passing game. It's not unreasonable to expect Boldin to once again eclipse 80 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards, and he should merit consideration on fantasy draft day as a solid, if unspectacular, WR2.

24.) Fred Jackson: RB, Buffalo Bills

Fred Jackson of the Buffalo Bills may be one of the better running backs in the NFL that no one seems to have heard of, tallying over 1,100 total yards and scoring seven touchdowns a year ago for the Bills. It was the second consecutive strong season for the 30-year-old Jackson, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored four total touchdowns in 2009.

Jackson is far from a "sexy" fantasy option, and he has second-year pro C.J. Spiller breathing down his neck (and potentially stealing touches) in Buffalo, but the fact remains that Fred Jackson has posted back-to-back Top 25 finishes at his position and makes for a serviceable fantasy RB2 or high-end "flex" back that can be had for a reasonable price.

25.) Austin Collie: WR, Indianapolis Colts

Wide receiver Austin Collie of the Indianapolis Colts appeared to be on the verge of fantasy stardom a year ago, ranking among the top players at his position in most statistical categories before a series of concussions ended his season after nine games. For the season Collie totaled 58 receptions for 649 yards and eight touchdowns.

Collie is the definition of a "boom or bust" fantasy pick. If he can stay healthy it's very feasible that his fantasy WR1 production could far outweigh his WR3 price tag, but with the NFL's new focus on concussions, the third-year pro from BYU is always one hit away from his season being over, so selecting him in a fantasy draft's middle rounds is a roll of the proverbial dice.

26.) Matt Ryan: QB, Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons has become one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL, leading the Falcons to the NFC's top record a year ago on the strength of an outstanding third season in the league. In 2010 Ryan completed 357 of 571 passes for 3,705 yards and 28 touchdowns, throwing only nine interceptions and finishing as the seventh-ranked fantasy quarterback.

The Falcons have featured a much more wide-open offense in the preseason, and with the addition of rookie wide receiver Julio Jones, Ryan appears poised to post his best statistical season as a pro, making him an interesting upside choice as a QB1 for fantasy owners who wait a bit before selecting their starting signal-caller.

27.) Ryan Grant: RB, Green Bay Packers

The 2010 season was over before it began for Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant, who watched the Packers run to a world championship from the sidelines after injuring his ankle in the season's first game. In 2009 Grant rushed for 1.253 yards and scored 11 times, his second consecutive year of over 1,200 rushing yards.

Rumors that the Packers may sever ties with Grant appear to be unfounded, and the fifth-year veteran appears poised to reclaim his title as lead back for the Packers. Grant isn't a world beater talent-wise, but as the top running back on one of the NFL's most potent offensive teams, he merits strong consideration as a value RB2 or flex option that can be had in a fantasy draft's middle rounds.

28.) Mario Manningham: WR, New York Giants

Wide receiver Steve Smith's departure from the Big Apple has elevated Mario Manningham into the starting lineup for the New York Giants' opposite Hakeem Nicks, and the fourth-year pro from Michigan hopes to make the most of the opportunity. Manningham, 25, had 60 receptions for 944 yards and nine scores in 2010.

Manningham has shown flashes of his considerable talent but been somewhat inconsistent as a professional, but the table has been for set for him to have a breakout season. Manningham is presently being drafted as a WR3 in fantasy football leagues, but with a ceiling that's a fair bit higher than that he could present fantasy owners with good value, especially those that have waited to begin filling in their stable of wide receivers.

29.) Matthew Stafford: QB, Detroit Lions

It's been a star-crossed first two years in the NFL for Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has shown glimpses of being a great talent only to see injuries derail his season both times. The 23-year-old former Georgia standout threw for 535 yards and six touchdowns in three games in 2010.

Stafford has looked excellent in the preseason, and if you're a fantasy owner who likes to wait on the quarterback position but are looking for a player with the potential to put up a Top 5 fantasy season, then Matthew Stafford is likely your man. However, injuries are a real concern with Stafford, so be sure to hedge your bet with a decent backup QB a few rounds later.

30.) Beanie Wells: RB, Arizona Cardinals

The departure of running back Tim Hightower and a season-ending injury suffered by rookie Ryan Williams have made Arizona Cardinals running back Beanie Wells the unquestioned starter in the Arizona backfield, where the former Buckeye will attempt to rebound from a sub-par 2010 in which he rushed for only 3.4 yards a carry and scored only two touchdowns.

Injuries and questions about his work ethic have dogged Wells throughout his brief NFL career, and if there was ever a time for Wells to put those questions to rest this is it. Beanie Wells ADP is climbing since Williams tore his patellar tendon but is still hovering around the 30th RB off fantasy draft boards, and any time you can get a bellcow running back with Top 20 upside for the price of an RB3 it's certainly worth considering.

31.) Jeremy Maclin: WR, Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have become one of most dangerous offenses in the NFL, due in large part to their dangerous duo of wide receivers, including third-year pro Jeremy Maclin. The 6'0", 198-lb. Maclin hauled in 70 passes for 964 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2010, finishing among the Top 15 wide receivers in fantasy points.

Maclin had a health scare heading into training camp, with an unknown illness causing him to drop a significant amount of weight, and he only recently returned to the practice field. This has also caused Maclin to drop a bit in fantasy drafts, leaving him a possible value pick for fantasy owners willing to gamble that he'll be fine for the regular season.

32.) Tony Gonzalez: TE, Atlanta Falcons

Tight end Tony Gonzalez of the Atlanta Falcons has been a fantasy mainstay for years, but 2010 was a down year for the grizzled veteran, with Gonzalez logging the fewest receptions since 2001 and posting his lowest yardage total since 1998. The 35-year-old Gonzalez had 70 receptions for 656 yards and six touchdowns last season.

The future Hall of Famer is on the downside of his career and may only be the third option in the Atlanta passing attack behind wide receiver Roddy White and possibly Julio Jones, but given his resume and the relatively low pick necessary to acquire Gonzalez's services, fantasy owners who wait to select a tight end could do much worse than going gonzo for Gonzo.

33.) Mike Thomas: WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Mike Thomas emerged as the most reliable wide receiver in the Jacksonville Jaguars passing game in 2010, catching 66 passes for 820 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers were easily career bests for the 24-year-old Thomas, who ended the year as fantasy football's 27th ranked wideout.

Thomas isn't the most talented player on the field, and his 2010 stats aren't eye-popping, but he's a sure-handed target who should easily see more passes come his way than any other wide receiver for the Jags, making a Top 25 fantasy season an attainable goal and leaving Mike Thomas as a viable fantasy WR3, especially in PPR formats.

34.) Reggie Bush: RB, Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have anointed Reggie Bush as their starting tailback entering the 2011 season, and perhaps a change of scenery will help reverse his fading NFL career. The former Heisman Trophy "winner" and NCAA scofflaw played in only eight games as a member of the New Orleans Saints a year ago, gaining 358 total yards and scoring one touchdown.

Bush isn't a true feature back and will share time in the Miami backfield with rookie Daniel Thomas, but Bush is an excellent pass-catcher and dangerous in the open field. Reggie Bush carries added value in fantasy leagues that award points for receptions, where he could flirt with RB2 production, but even in standard formats Bush is worth a look as a "flex" type or bye-week fill-in.

35.) Kevin Kolb: QB, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb gets his bite at the NFL apple in 2011, signing a $63 million dollar contract to be Arizona's franchise QB after being traded to the Cardinals by the Philadelphia Eagles. Kolb, 27, completed 115 of 189 passes for 1,197 yards, seven touchdowns and seven touchdowns in seven games for the Eagles in 2010.

The Arizona offense doesn't possess the firepower that Philly's does, and Kolb's 76.1 quarterback rating last year isn't going to blow anyone's doors off, but Kevin Kolb has shown enough skill when afforded the opportunity to at least merit fantasy consideration as a backup or as the back end of a "platoon" situation for owners who wait until later in drafts to go after a QB.

36.) Lee Evans: WR, Baltimore Ravens

Wide receiver Lee Evans will endeavor to revive his flagging NFL career as a member of the Baltimore Ravens after falling out of favor with the Buffalo Bills. The 5'10" 209 lb. speedster had 37 catches for 578 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games in Buffalo a year ago, his eighth season in the league.

Evans has two 1,000-plus receiving yard seasons in his resume but has been an inconsistent pro. However, he should provide a nice downfield compliment to Anquan Boldin with the Ravens. Baltimore's conservative offense caps his fantasy upside somewhat, but with a modest sticker price and reasonable amount of potential to outperform his fantasy draft slot, Lee Evans is definitely worth a look later in drafts as a fantasy WR4.

37.) Tim Hightower: RB, Washington Redskins

Tim Hightower seems to be making the most of a change of scenery entering his fourth NFL season, emerging from a crowded Washington Redskins backfield to become the frontrunner to start at running back in the nation's capital. The 25-year-old Hightower rushed for 736 yards and five touchdowns in a part-time role with the Arizona Cardinals in 2010.

Hightower appears to be thriving in Washington's zone blocking scheme, has looked outstanding in preseason action and has received glowing reviews from Redskins coaches. Tim Hightower is also an excellent receiving back, and taking into account his RB4 cost in fantasy drafts and possible Top 20 fantasy upside there may not be a better value pick to be had at his position entering this season.

38.) Jared Cook: TE, Tennessee Titans

With tight end Bo Scaife now a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, the mantle of top TE for the Tennessee Titans now falls to third-year pro Jared Cook. The 6'5" 248 lb. former Gamecock had 29 receptions for 361 yards and a score for the Titans in 2010.

Cook is one of the more interesting breakout candidates at his position entering this season, as new Tennessee quarterback Matt Hasselbeck should look his way quite a bit, especially in the red zone where Cook presents a pretty big target. Whether you wait on a tight end and are looking for an upside play or wish to back up your stud tight end with a player that can carry the water if needed, consider adding a bit of home "Cook"-ing towards the end of your fantasy football draft.

39.) Brandon Jacobs: RB, New York Giants

Running back Brandon Jacobs was denied his chance to be the New York Giants feature back when the G-Men retained running back Ahmad Bradshaw, and will instead return to sharing carries with Bradshaw in the Big Apple. Jacobs, 29, rushed for 823 yards and nine touchdowns for the Giants in 2010, averaging an obscene 5.6 yards a carry.

Ahmad Bradshaw had 276 carries last year compared to Jacobs' 147, but between Bradshaw's fumbling issues and the fact that Jacobs has looked much better in preseason games this year, it's not inconceivable that we could see a much tighter split this year.

Jacobs will also be in line for the majority of the Giants' goal line work, and since Brandon Jacobs will cost fantasy owners much less on draft day than Ahmad Bradshaw for what could easily be similar fantasy production, it's Jacobs who should offer fantasy teams more bang for their proverbial buck.

40.) Jacoby Ford: WR, Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford is hoping to take the next step entering his second year in the National Football League and become the go-to guy in the Raiders passing game. The 5'9" 185 lb. burner from Clemson tallied 25 receptions for 470 yards and two touchdowns in 2010.

With tight end Zach Miller now in Seattle, quarterback Jason Campbell is going to need a new lead target under Crazy Al's Big Top, and Ford is the early favorite to fill that role. Ford is usually available near the end of fantasy drafts and is a solid "flier" type, who could easily outperform his draft status or just as easily be cast onto the waiver wire should he not pan out. The youngster is also a dangerous return man, giving him additional fantasy value in leagues that award points for return yardage.

41.) Kyle Orton: QB, Denver Broncos

Quarterback Kyle Orton of the Denver Broncos came out of the gate like gangbusters last year, posting huge fantasy numbers over the first half of the season. Orton tailed off considerably towards the end of the year but still finished 2010 as the 16th-ranked fantasy QB, completing 293 of 498 passes for 3,653 yards, 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

The Denver coaching staff has apparently taken the antibiotics necessary to inoculate them from Tebow fever, and after an earlier deal to send Orton to the Miami Dolphins fell through, he is now safely ensconced as the Broncos' starting quarterback for 2011. New head coach John Fox's run-heavy attack limits Orton's fantasy ceiling, but the seventh-year veteran still represents a good value as a late fantasy selection to serve as your backup QB.

42.) Plaxico Burress: WR, New York Jets

Plaxico Burress makes his return to the NFL in 2011, moving from the New York Giants to the Jets after missing the past two seasons while the wide receiver served a prison sentence for carrying an unlicensed handgun. Burress has looked good in limited preseason action, including an acrobatic over-the-shoulder touchdown grab on one of his patented fade routes.

Burress is 34 years old and hasn't played a meaningful football game in over two years, so rust and injuries are certainly a concern, but if he can stay on the field he'll present New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez with a big target in the red zone,. And with Braylon Edwards gone, Plaxico Burress should have every opportunity to outperform his fantasy draft position as a WR4.

43.) Greg Olsen: TE, Carolina Panthers

Tight end Greg Olsen was a forgotten man in the vertical passing attack of Mad Mike Martz in Chicago, but the fifth-year veteran should be a bigger part of the offense with his new team after the Carolina Panthers acquired him in a trade with the Bears. Olsen reeled in 41 receptions for 404 yards and five touchdowns in the Windy City in 2010.

New Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski came over from San Diego, where Antonio Gates was a huge part of the game plan, and while we're not comparing the two players Olsen is plenty athletic enough to make a dent in the box score on game day. Rookie quarterback Cam Newton is going to need all the check-down options he can get, so it's not at all a stretch to envision Olsen posting numbers this year that will far outpace the late-round fantasy pick necessary to add him to your roster.

44.) Stevan Ridley: RB, New England Patriots

The New England Patriots spent not one but two early draft picks last April on running backs, and while nagging injuries have kept Shane Vereen from seeing much game action, Stevan Ridley has made the most of his chances, tallying 148 rushing yards on 30 carries and scoring twice in limited preseason duty.

The Patriots backfield is a muddied one, and it's unreasonable to expect Ridley to make a huge fantasy contribution as a rookie, especially with Benjarvus Green-Ellis and his 13 touchdowns in 2010 atop the depth chart. However, "Law Firm" isn't exactly a world-class talent and Bill Belichick has shown a willingness to ride the hot hand in the backfield, so it's a real possibility that Ridley will get a chance to show what he can do at some point.

There's an old saying that any running back with a pulse has fantasy value, so the former Bayou Bengal is worth a late flier in the hopes that he will make the most of his opportunity to shine when it arrives.

45.) Matt Hasselbeck: QB, Tennessee Titans

While the Tennessee Titans drafted Jake Locker to be their quarterback of the future, they have turned to former Seattle Seahawks signal-caller Matt Hasselbeck as their quarterback of the present. The 35-year-old Hasselbeck threw for 3.001 yards and 12 touchdowns with 17 interceptions under center for the Seahawks last season.

Hasselbeck's in the twilight of his career and won't be confused with Peyton Manning anytime soon, but as recently as 2007 he was a Top 10 fantasy quarterback and the Tennessee offense has looked pretty good in the preseason, even with Chris Johnson holding out. If you drafted an elite fantasy QB odds are you'll want to wait until very late to secure a backup, and if that's the case Hasselbeck, who should be a more than adequate bye-week fill-in, should be squarely on your radar.

46.) Nate Burleson: WR, Detroit Lions

Pro Bowl wide receiver Calvin Johnson receives most of the attention in Detroit from both the media and opposing defenses, but Nate Burleson has quietly become a fairly dependable second wideout for the Lions. The ninth-year veteran reeled in 55 passes for 625 yards and half a dozen touchdowns in the Motor City in 2010.

Big things are expected from the Lions' offense in 2011, and with Calvin Johnson sure to be double-teamed almost constantly, Burleson should have every chance to make a significant contribution both in Detroit and in fantasy lineups.

Burleson was a 1,000-yard receiver while a member of the Minnesota Vikings several years ago, and while he may not crack the Top 20 fantasy pass-catchers, there's a very good chance he'll be more than worth the proverbial pennies it will take for fantasy owners to select him.

47.) Javon Ringer: RB, Tennessee Titans

Running back Javon Ringer has spent most of his first two seasons watching Chris Johnson wreak havoc on the playing field, but with Johnson ensnared in a contentious holdout in the Music City this may finally be Ringer's time to shine. The 5'9" 207-lb. former Michigan State star averaged a robust 4.7 yards a carry and scored two touchdowns in limited duty for the Titans a year ago.

Ringer has been battling a hip injury but is expected to be OK for opening weekend, and with Johnson's status very murky at best right now, Ringer is at the very least an absolute must handcuff for fantasy owners who use a first-round pick on CJ4.24.

At most, should Johnson's holdout extend deep into the regular season, Ringer could be the kind of end-of-draft pickup capable of fantasy RB2 production that wins leagues for owners prescient enough to roll the dice on him.

48.) Lance Kendricks: TE, St. Louis Rams

If the St. Louis Rams are to take the next step, moving from also-ran to NFL playoff contender, then they will need to improve on a passing attack that was a pedestrian 21st in the NFL in 2010. A key piece of that improvement could be rookie tight end Lance Kendricks, who the Rams selected in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Rams quarterback Sam Bradford has targeted the 6'3" Kendricks quite a bit, and the rookie has shined when given the chance, catching eight passes for 82 yards and two scores in the preseason. The pair of touchdowns indicates that Kendricks could become a favorite target of Bradford in the red zone, making the youngster from Wisconsin an intriguing late-round flier in fantasy drafts.

49.) Arizona Cardinals Defense/Special Teams

I have long been a proponent of waiting to select a team defense in fantasy drafts, passing on the "elite" units such as the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers in lieu of grabbing a team late with solid early season matchups and then playing the same matchup game as the season progresses with defenses found on your league's waiver wire.

The Arizona Cardinals are the poster children for that strategy this year. Their ranking of 29th in the NFL in total defense a season ago doesn't inspire much confidence, but matchups with the Carolina Panthers, Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks to begin the year should.

New defensive coordinator Ray Horton has instilled an attacking defense in the desert, and that coupled with a trio of juicy matchups could easily leave the Cardinals as a Top 5 fantasy defense three weeks into the season.

50.) Adam Vinatieri: PK, Indianapolis Colts

Placekicker Adam Vinatieri is an excellent example of why you should absolutely, positively, without exception, wait until the last round of your fantasy football draft to select a kicker.

Vinatieri may no longer be the top fantasy option at his position, as he was while kicking for the Patriots, but the 16-year veteran was still a very respectable 26 of 28 on field goal attempts a year ago, with a long of 48 yards, good enough for fifth in fantasy points among kickers.

Add in that Vinatieri plays a minimum of eight games indoors as the kicker for one of the better offenses in the NFL, and it's time to get your wait on.