NFL Fantasy Preview: Wide Receivers

Randy Moss looks to duplicate his record-setting 2007 campaign [PHOTO BY ICON SMI]

BY MICHAEL GANCI
UPDATE! Writer

TOP 15

1.    Randy Moss

New England Patriots

2007: 98 CATCH, 1,493 YDS, 15.2 AVG, 23 TD

Comments: Saying that last season was a comeback year for Moss would be an understatement. He was unbelievable in a near-perfect season for New England. Although we don’t expect his numbers to be quite as explosive this season, he should still be the top wideout in fantasy.

2.    Chad Johnson

Cincinnati Bengals

2007: 93 CATCH, 1,440 YDS, 15.5 AVG, 8 TD

Comments: Johnson’s year was very much overshadowed by the dynamic year that Randy Moss had in New England, but Chad was just as good. People may have initially been nervous about Ocho Cinco in the offseason, but as expected, Johnson showed up to camp and he is expected to be on a mission to prove his worth. Expect similar numbers to last season and probably more touchdowns.

3.    Braylon Edwards

Cleveland Browns

2007: 80 CATCH, 1,289 YDS, 16.1 AVG, 16 TD

Comments: Edwards is coming off of a career year in which he caught 16 TDs. Derek Anderson’s emergence is a huge reason why he had such a successful season. As long as he can stay healthy, he should remain an elite fantasy option in all formats. Expect him to be drafted around round three or four.

4.    Terrell Owens

Dallas Cowboys

2007: 81 CATCH, 1,355 YDS, 16.7 AVG, 15 TD

Comments: Despite the negatives that Terrell Owens brings with him, he is still one of the top receivers to play this game. He is honest and speaks his mind, which the Cowboys would rather he didn’t. Either way, he still remains Tony Romo’s favorite target, and is a top receiver in all formats.

5.    Larry Fitzgerald

Arizona Cardinals

2007: 100 CATCH, 1,409 YDS, 14.1 AVG, 10 TD

Comments: Fitzgerald has been excellent every other season thus far, but I expect that streak to break. In 2007, he had pretty much the same numbers as he did in 2005. With Matt Leinart on a mission to prove himself as an able starting quarterback, Fitzgerald will continue to be a top target. Expect him to duplicate his numbers of last season. 

6.    Marques Colston

New Orleans Saints

2007: 98 CATCH, 1,202 YDS, 12.3 AVG, 11 TD

Comments: Colston might have been the biggest beneficiary of the arrival of Drew Brees in New Orleans. He has only played two seasons and has been very productive. I expect this to be his best season, and he, like Braylon Edwards, will be drafted in the third or fourth round.

7.    Torry Holt

St. Louis Rams

2007: 93 CATCH, 1,189 YDS, 12.8 AVG, 7 TD

Comments: Holt is coming off of a season in which his knee was sore, so that has to be counted on for his production being a little bit down. Despite the fact that he is on the downside of his career, he is still capable of putting up good numbers. Look for another 7 TD, 1,000 yard season for Marc Bulger’s favorite target.

8.    Wes Welker

New England Patriots

2007: 112 CATCH, 1,175 YDS, 10.5 AVG, 8 TD

Comments: No one has benefitted more from the New England Patriots’ system than Wes Welker, Before 2007, he never had more than 67 catches in a season, but he nearly doubled that number in 2007. Look for him to be a low number one or a high end number two wide receiver who will go sometime around round three or four.

9.    Calvin Johnson

Detroit Lions

2007: 48 CATCH, 756 YDS, 15.8 AVG, 4 TD

Comments: Jonson was bothered by a back injury last season which hampered his performance. Although he has been bothered early on by a sore leg, his upside is tremendous. He has the potential for 70 catches and 1,000 yards. Give him a chance in round six to eight.

10.Andre Johnson

Houston Texans

2007: 60 CATCH, 851 YDS, 14.2 AVG, 8 TD

Comments: Johnson’s numbers are unbelievable, considering the fact that he only played in nine games in 2007. If you scale that to a 16-game season, he would have accumulated 15 TDs and 1,000-plus yards. He may be an injury risk, but who isn’t? Give him a chance in round four or five.

11.Jerricho Cotchery

New York Jets

2007: 82 CATCH, 1,130 YDS, 13.8 AVG, 2 TD

Comments: After having his breakthrough season in 2006, Cotchery did not disappoint in 2007. With Brett Favre as his new quarterback, his numbers stand to increase even more, making him a solid number two receiver option in all formats.

12.Reggie Brown

Philadelphia Eagles

2007: 61 CATCH, 780 YDS, 12.8 AVG, 4 TD

Comments: Brown has yet to have that really big season, but I am looking for 2008 to be that year for him. It is known that Donovan McNabb loves throwing to him, so that makes him a plus option. He is another guy who has been hampered by injury in the pre season, so his health will be the ultimate determinant.

13.Derrick Mason

Baltimore Ravens

2007: 103 CATCH, 1,087 YDS, 10.6 AVG, 5 TD

Comments: You’d think that with these numbers, I would be a major advocate for putting Mason higher in the top 15,. But that isn’t so. I am too uncomfortable with the quarterback situation in Baltimore to give him that kind of endorsement. Who is the starter? Will it be Joe Flacco or Kyle Boller? Either way, I expect Mason to have a good season. But don’t expect thestats he put up during last year’s campaign.

14.Santonio Holmes

Pittsburgh Steelers

2007: 52 CATCH, 942 YDS, 18.2 AVG, 8 TD

Comments: While those numbers aren’t exactly jumping off of the page, you have to remember that Holmes was limited to only 13 games last season. If you add three more games of production, his numbers would obviously be much better. With a great young quarterback and a good young receiver core, there is no reason that Holmes will be a let down this season.

15.Anquan Boldin

Arizona Cardinals

2007: 71 CATCH, 853 YDS, 12.0 AVG 9 TD

Comments: Boldin missed four games because of injuries last season but still tallied 71 receptions for 853 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns. His hamstring is a little bit tender, and with his injury track record, I wouldn’t take that lightly. He has the potential to be a nice high end number two receiver in mixed leagues.

JUST SAY NO

1.    Donald Driver

Green Bay Packers

2007: 82 CATCH, 1,048 YDS, 12.8 AVG, 2 TD

Comments: Driver only managed two touchdowns in the regular season, and that is despicable, considering the fact that he was Brett Favre’s favorite target when Favre was a Packer. Greg Jennings has surpassed him as the go-to guy in Green Bay. Driver is a low end number two fantasy wide receiver, but I expect 2008 to be a year of decline for him.

2.    Bobby Engram

Seattle Seahawks

2007: 94 CATCH, 1,147 YDS, 12.2 AVG, 6 TD

Comments: Before last season, Engram had never surpassed 987 yards receiving, and that was in 1998 when he was a member of the Chicago Bears. The unpleasant news that he has a cracked shoulder makes him a bad option because he will be out for six to eight weeks, and who knows how long it will take him to regain form.

NFL Fantasy Preview: Quarterbacks

Carson Palmer is ready to show the NFL that he is an elite quarterback
[PHOTO BY ICON SMI]

BY MICHAEL GANCI
UPDATE! Writer

Quarterbacks do not grow on trees. You can’t just trust anyone to be your number one quarterback, and you need to look at more than just reputation alone. Just because a QB had a successful 2007 doesn’t mean he will repeat that performance in 2008. There are many things that factor into a quarterback’s success, including the cast of characters he has to work with. Below, UPDATE! will show you who you should buy on, who you should stay away from and who you should sleep on.

HOT 15

1. Peyton Manning

Indianapolis Colts

2007: 337-515, 4,040 YDS, 31 TD, 14 INT

Comments: While 2007 was the first year since 2003 in which Peyton did not exceed a 100 passer rating, he still put up exceptional numbers for his position. He connected on 31 touchdown passes for the second straight season, and he did so a lot of the time without his biggest weapon: Marvin Harrison. Harrison’s health is big in terms of Manning’s production. Also, Harrison being healthy opens up Reggie Wayne for some passes. Manning can be counted on for 30 touchdowns and almost 4,000 yards, which are the numbers he puts up every season. Even though Tom Brady had a monster year last season, Manning continues to be the number one quarterback in fantasy.

2. Tom Brady

New England Patriots

2007: 398-578, 4,806 YDS, 50 TD, 8 INT

Comments: 2007 was an awesome season, even for Tom Brady. He shattered the record by throwing 50 touchdowns during the season. He found a new favorite target in Randy Moss. Brady also amassed over 4,800 yards in the air. He figures to not repeat those numbers because the coaching staff seems to have more faith in Lawrence Maroney going into the season. He will still be good for 3,500 yards and upwards of 30 touchdowns.

3. Tony Romo

Dallas Cowboys

2007: 335-520, 4,211 YDS, 36 TD, 19 INT

Comments: Romo has a lot going for him, and I am not even talking about Jessica Simpson. While sporting a 97 quarterback rating last season, Romo threw for 4,211 yards and completed 36 touchdown passes. He has the best defense in the NFL, so he will be on the field more than the average quarterback. He also has an elite wide receiver in Terrell Owens, and maybe the number one tight end in Jason Witten.

4. Drew Brees

New Orleans Saints

2007: 440-652, 4,423 YDS, 28 TD, 18 INT

Comments: Brees, in terms of yardage, is coming off of his best year as a pro. He threw for 4,423 yards, and also had a career high in touchdowns with 28. One unflattering note about 2007 for Brees was his interception total, in which he accumulated 18. His completion percentage was the best it’s ever been, and with the addition of Jeremy Shockey, he now has that go-to option for third downs. Brees is an elite quarterback and there is no reason to think he will be anything less.

5. Carson Palmer

Cincinnati Bengals

2007: 373-575, 4,131 YDS, 26 TD, 20 INT

Comments: Palmer is coming off of a good season, but we all know he is capable of much better. He had the highest interception total of his career with 20, but his yards were a career high as well. He amassed 4,131 yards in the 16 games that he played. His QB rating was the lowest it has been since 2004, but Palmer has battled an array of injuries. His completion percentage was better, but he will tell you that he knows he can play at a higher level. Look for Palmer to have a breakout season, eclipsing 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. He will definitely be a top five QB in fantasy.

6. Ben Roethlisberger

Pittsburgh Steelers

2007: 264-404, 3,154 YDS, 32 TD, 11 INT

Comments: is coming off a breakout season, one in which he made the Pro Bowl and shattered a Steelers single-season record with 32 touchdown passes. The scary thing is that may not be his best, because he is still learning a new offensive scheme. He also accumulated over 3,100 yards and threw only 11 picks on the season. He is not as valuable as a Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Tony Romo, but he is definitely on top of the next tear of quarterbacks. The 104 rating was the highest of his career, and there is no reason to believe that he won’t keep producing next season.

7. Matt Hasslebeck

Seattle Seahawks

2007: 352-562, 3,966 YDS, 28 TD, 12 INT

Comments: When people talk about the top quarterbacks in the NFL, Hasslebeck is often looked over for some reason. If you look at the numbers, he is right up there with the best of them. After an off year in 2006, Hasslebeck rebounded nicely, throwing 28 touchdowns against only 12 picks in 2007. The also amassed 3,966 yards, which is a career high for the former Green Bay Packer. He also proved that he is more than capable of completing the big pass. He tied a career high by completing seven passes of 40 yards or better. Hasslebeck is showing no signs of slowing down, and is a good option in all fantasy leagues.

8. Jay Cutler

Denver Broncos

2007: 297-467, 3,497 YDS, 20 TD, 14 INT

Comments: This is probably my surprise pick of the bunch. While he hasn’t fully proven himself yet, Cutler has the making to be one of the NFL’s top QB’s and this may be the year for him to break out. Remember, last year was his first full season, and he threw 20 touchdowns and 14 picks. The interception total needs to come down, but no one will complain with nearly 3,500 yards of production. Cutler has a nice young core of receivers, so he should have an even better year this season. Have faith in him.

9. Philip Rivers

San Diego Chargers

2007: 277-460, 3,152 YDS, 21 TD, 15 INT

Comments: Philip Rivers is coming off of his second full season as the starting quarterback, and this year was not as successful as the first. He threw for 200 yards less than 2006, and he also threw 6 more interceptions. He has a decent receiver core, and he is coming off of an injury. We will have to see if he is on top of his game. I think it’s going to be a rebound year for Philip. He will look to regain his form of 2006 in which he threw for 22 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. This is not the time to give up on him just yet. He is probably a guy who will go in the fourth or fifth round.

10. Donovan McNabb

Philadelphia Eagles

2007: 291-473, 3,324 YDS, 19 TD, 7 INT

Comment: Everyone in their right mind knows that Donovan McNabb still has the ability to be an elite quarterback in the NFL, but the key with him is health, and right now, that may be a concern. Although he keeps denying it, his right shoulder may be an issue. If he is right, he still remains a good fantasy option. Last year he started 14 games and threw 19 touchdowns against seven picks. He also tallied up 3,324 yards, which was his highest total since 2004. A lot of people are going to be afraid to draft him due to health concerns, so you may find him lying around in the fourth round. It is risky, but I believe it is a gamble that is worth taking.

11. Derek Anderson

Cleveland Browns

2007: 298-527, 3,787 YDS, 29 TD, 19 INT

Comments: Derek Anderson was the surprise of the year in 2007, and he put up some big numbers. He started all 16 games, and he totaled 29 touchdowns and over 3,700 yards. The two areas in which he would like to improve is his completion percentage, which was 56.5 percent last season, and his interceptions, in which he threw 19. Donte Stallworth joins a talent receiver crew that includes Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow and Joe Jurevicius, and having those guys as targets makes Anderson a low end number one quarterback. He will be available in the middle rounds, so don’t be afraid to take him.

12. Eli Manning

New York Giants

2007: 297-529, 3,336 YDS, 23 TD, 20 INT

Comments: Last year, Anthony Lamberti said that 2007 would be a year to define Eli Manning, and it sure was. People were questioning his integrity during the season, but an incredible run put those questions to rest. His numbers don’t scream Super Bowl Champion. He still has room for improvement. In 2007, Manning eclipsed 3,200 yards passing for the third straight season. He has also thrown at least 23 TDs in each of those seasons. One area in which Manning would like to improve upon is interceptions. The 20 he threw in 2007 was a career high for the young Manning. If he can minimize them, he will be a force. The loss of Jeremy Shockey hurts, but Manning is still a viable fantasy quarterback.

13. David Garrard

Jacksonville Jaguars

2007: 208-325, 2,509 YDS, 18 TD, 3 INT

Comments: Garrard played only 12 games last season, and that is because Byron Leftwich was released after four games as the team’s starter. The numbers that Garrard put up after that opened a lot of eyes around the NFL. In 12 games, Garrard threw 18 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He completed 64 percent of his passes and had an impressive 102.2 passer rating throughout the campaign. Adding Jerry Porter will help his value if the former Raider can stay healthy, and I look for Garrard to lead the Jaguars to success in the upcoming season. He could be a guy you might be able to wait until the fourth or fifth round to pick up. But, believe me, he will be worth it.

14. Jake Delhomme

Carolina Panthers

2007: 55-86, 624 YDS, 8 TD, 1 INT

Comments: Delhomme’s season was cut short last season due to injury, and he is looking to come back with a vengeance. He only participated in three regular season games, but he amassed 8 touchdowns while throwing only one interception. He has always been able to accumulate yards, and as a starter, he never threw under 2,800 yards in a season before last season was cut short. He is showing in camp that his injury is no longer hampering him, so he should be ready to go. He is a good number two fantasy option.

15. Matt Leinart

Arizona Cardinals

2007: 60-112, 647 YDS, 2 TD, 4 INT

Comments: When you have WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, you’re going to have a decent year. However, the offensive line is still better at run blocking, and Leinart can also be a health risk, so I wouldn’t rank him as high as you may expect. Leinart comes into 2008 as a No. 2 QB for fantasy because he doesn’t have the big ability yet. He is going to be pushed hard for the starting job by Kurt Warner, who continues to battle for a new contract, so whoever starts will hold this spot in the rankings. This could be the breakout year that is expected of Leinart. He will be available in the late rounds if you need a number two quarterback.

UPDATE! SLEEPERS

1. Trent Edwards

Buffalo Bills

2007: 151-269, 1,630 YDS, 7 TD, 8 INT

Comments: Edwards was hardly impressive in his first nine games as a starter in the NFL, but sometimes, good things take time. Edwards tried to do too much and he often got burned because of it. He threw seven picks against eight interceptions in those nine games, which is something that he will be looking to improve upon. He has a new addition in rookie WR James Hardy, but Edwards will not be a good option right away. You have to wait and see how guys like Lee Evans play before you can judge Edwards’ value, but this may be a guy to put on your sleeper list.

2. Tavaris Jackson

Minnesota Vikings

2007: 171-294, 1,911 YDS, 9 TD, 12 INT

Comments: Jackson didn’t have many consistent targets to throw to, and management tried to solve that problem by adding former Bears’ wide receiver Bernard Berrian. While he will certainly help Jackson progress, other guys are going to need to step up as well. Jackson nine touchdown, 12 interception ratio is something that is going to need to be fixed, but he is still very young. If you want to take a big chance, you can draft him late, but don’t waste a mid round pick on him. He may develop into a number two quarterback as the season wears on.

3. Vince Young

Tennessee Titans

2007: 238-382, 2,546 YDS, 9 TD, 17 INT

Comments: I have a feeling people are going to eat me alive for this pick, but let me explain myself. Vince Young has shown small flashes of brilliance since being drafted by the Tennessee Titans. The key to this season being different than the last two is the fact that he has a new favorite target, Alge Crumpler. With his ability to be mobile, receivers should be able to get open. The Titans’ offensive line still leaves much to be desired, but they added a couple of old faces on the team, including an old favorite of Tennessee fans, Justin McCareins. Maybe he will help Young as well. Only time will tell.

JUST SAY NO!

1. Jon Kitna

Detroit Lions

2007: 355-561, 4,068 YDS, 18 TD, 20 INT

Comments: If you are desperate for someone who can accumulate yards, Kitna is your man, but only then. Kitna is a guy who has some value when with Mike Martz, but that honeymoon has coincided, and Kitna has come back down to earth. I n2007, Kitna threw for over 4,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he also threw 20 picks. He is unlikely to have the same yardage success this year, and I would avoid him as a fantasy player. He hasn’t thrown for more than 21 touchdowns since 2003. Leave him alone.

2. Marc Bulger

St. Louis Rams

2007: 221-378, 2,392 YDS, 11 TD, 15 INT

Comments: For Bulger, he has all the tools to be a number one QB, but he has been showing signs of decline. In 2007, Bulger had no protection, and because of that he missed games because of rib and head injuries. The Rams are going to try to move to the fast-paced offense that helped them win the Super Bowl in 1999, but who knows what Bulger is capable of? He will look to regain his form of 2006, but I just don’t see it happening with the terrible offensive line that is in front of him.

3. Rex Grossman

Chicago Bears

2007: 122-225, 1,411 YDS, 4 TD, 7 INT

Comments: The only people who have benefitted from the production that Rex Grossman has put up in his career are the waiver wire people of 2006. For the people who continue to play, it is important to realize that 1006 was a mirage, and it is likely that Grossman will not even be the starter in Chicago this season. As of now, he is currently on an even playing field with Kyle Orton, who is getting his shot as well. Even if Grossman does win the job, he will be at best a low end number two QB, but is not really someone worth considering at all in fantasy.

RAVENS: Rice Emerging as a Sleeper?

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice may have the chance to be the Ravens feature back, thanks to the news that Willis McGahee is scheduled to have his knee scoped, according to the Carroll County Times.

BOTTOM LINE: Don’t get too excited yet, but keep an eye on this situation, as Rice has the tools to be a quality NFL back in the future.

BILLS: Parrish Expects More

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Roscoe Parrish, who had just 35 catches for 352 yards and one touchdown last season, believes he’s ready for a bigger workload at receiver because he is a better player than he was coming out of the University of Miami in 2005, according to the Buffalo News.

BOTTOM LINE: Don’t be sold on Parrish just because he has confidence, but watch the situation closely. With an unproven quarterback, he should be a guy who is ignored until late in drafts.

NFL Fantasy Preview: Tight Ends

Kellen Winslow benefitted from Derek Anderson’s breakout year in 2007.
[PHOTO BY ICON SMI]

BY MICHAEL GANCI
UPDATE! Writer

TOP 15!

1.    Jason Witten

Dallas Cowboys

2007: 96 CATCH, 1,145 YDS, 7 TD

Comments: For some reason, Witten is often overlooked when people talk about the best tight ends in the game. He has played in only five seasons, and has made the Pro Bowl five times. Last year, he reached his career highs in receptions and yards, and with Tony Romo turning into a superstar, there is no reason to believe that Witten will slow down any time soon.

 

2.    Kellen Winslow

Cleveland Browns

2007: 82 CATCH, 1,106 YDS, 5 TD

Comments: After having two injury plagued seasons to start his professional career, Winslow has put up excellent numbers. He has eclipsed 80 catches and 875 yards in each of those seasons, and he should be a solid third or fourth round pick, especially if Derek Anderson replicates the year he had last season. He is a solid play in all formats.

 

3.    Antonio Gates

San Diego Chargers

2007: 75 CATCH, 984 YDS, 9 TD

Comments: Gates has been one of the most dominant tight ends in the game since his inception into the game in 2004. He has eclipsed 900 yards and 71 receptions since his rookie year ended. Philip Rivers is going to be a man on a mission to prove himself after coming off of a big injury next season, so Gates will remain an excellent number one tight end option in all leagues.

 

4.    Jeremy Shockey

New Orleans Saints

2007: 57 CATCH, 619 YDS, 3 TD

Comments: There may not be another player who is more motivated to succeed this season than Jeremy Shockey is. He is well-behaved and performing well thus far in camp. Coach Sean Payton has been cautious with Shockey thus far because the tight end is recovering from a broken leg. Remember, Shockey is in a good place because Payton is a former Giants offensive coordinator. Drew Brees is also coming off of a great season, and that also makes Shockey a great option.

 

5.    Dallas Clark

Indianapolis Colts

2007: 58 CATCH, 616 YDS, 11 TD

Comments: Anyone who plays the role of Peyton Manning’s favorite target is a surefire win in fantasy. Clark had a career year last year, mostly because of the injuries that Marvin Harrison sustained. Tony dungy is going to watch Harrison closely to make sure the old injuries don’t linger. Clark should still be a solid option, and even if he doesn’t accumulate a ton of yards, he can be counted on for touchdowns.

 

6.    Tony Gonzalez

Kansas City Chiefs

2007: 99 CATCH, 1,172 YDS, 5 TD         

Comments: Gonzalez has been one of the best at his position for a long time. For a little while, potential owners were worried about a possible retirement, but Gonzo will be back next season, and he also claimed that he will be back in 2009 if the Chiefs don’t win the Super Bowl. He has eclipsed 900 yards in every year but one since 2000, and is still a surefire number one receiver unless his age begins to catch up with him. Keep a close eye.

 

7.    Chris Cooley

Washington Redskins

2007: 66 CATCH, 786 YDS, 8 TD

Comments: Cooley is one of the most underrated tight ends in all of football. He has eclipsed six touchdowns and 700 yards in three straight seasons. Jason Campbell is looking to emerge as a quality quarterback, and Cooley has been one of his top targets. Look for Cooley to keep up his consistent production and have a solid season in 2008. He should be an eighth or ninth round pick in most leagues.

 

8.    Alge Crumpler

Tennessee Titans

2007: 42 CATCH, 444 YDS, 5 TD

Comments: Crumpler is coming off of a decent season on one of the worst offenses in football, but he has since relocated to Tennessee. Throughout the offseason, crumple and Vince Young have been working closely to establish a connection. It is becoming painfully obvious that Crumpler is going to be Vince Young’s favorite target. Look for him to be a decent option in fantasy.

 

9.    Vernon Davis

San Francisco 49ers

2007: 52 CATCH, 509 YDS, 4 TD

Comments: Last season was the first time Davis has had a successful season as a professional, and the 49ers plan to have him be a big part of their offense again. A couple of weeks back, the coaching staff was toying around with the idea of moving David to wide receiver, but nothing has developed from that. Look for him to be Alex Smith’s favorite target, and look for his numbers to be even better this season. This is another guy who should go around round eight.

 

10.   Todd Heap

Baltimore Ravens

2007: 23 CATCH, 239 YDS, 1 TD

Comments: Todd Heap has been irked by injuries already in the preseason and he was held back by injuries for a large portion of 2007. This should be an interesting situation to follow. When healthy, Heap is as dependable as anyone in football, but we have to see proof that he is healthy to consider him a top tight end. Consider him in the middle rounds in most leagues.

 

11.   Ben Watson

New England Patriots

2007: 36 CATCH, 389 YDS, 6 TD

Comments: Watson is a guy who has been accumulating catches and is a nice little source for touchdowns. Tom Brady is known for loving tight ends and Watson is the Patriots’ number one option. He is another example of a guy who needs to stay healthy to succeed. Consider him in the late rounds.

 

12.   L.J. Smith

Philadelphia Eagles

2007: 22 CATCH, 236 YDS, 1 TD

Comments: Smith was one of the best tight ends in football in 2005 and 2006, but injuries limited his performance in 2007. Now, Smith is healthy and is on a mission to prove that he is worth taking a gamble on. He will be available in the late rounds, and may even go undrafted in some formats. Don’t be proud. Give him consideration.

 

13.   Marcedes Lewis

Jacksonville Jaguars

2007: 37 CATCH, 391 YDS, 2 TD

Comments: David Garrard could be ready to rely on Marcedes Lewis this year. Last year, in Garrard’s first full year as a starter, Lewis caught 37 passes. Garrard has come on record to say that he wants to throw to Lewis more, so that is definitely a good sign for his fantasy value. Look for him to have a better year than last season and be a low end number one option.

 

14.   Heath Miller

Pittsburgh Steelers

2007: 47 CATCH, 566 YDS, 7 TD

Comments: Heath Miller was the benefit from an excellent season by Ben Roethlisberger in 2007. Miller’s numbers have been improving over the years, and there is no reason that the trend should stop. I would expect Miller to be a low-end number one fantasy tight end in all formats.

 

15.  Donald Lee

Green Bay Packers

2007: 48 CATCH, 575 YDS, 6 TD

Comments: Lee has surpassed Bubba Franks as the number one tight end in Green Bay, and his production could have a lot to do with who the number one quarterback is. He set career highs in yards and receptions last season, and he was rewarded with a hefty four-year extension. Look for him to be a high end number two or low end number one tight end option in fantasy.

UPDATE! SLEEPERS

1.  Ben Utecht

Cincinnati Bengals

2007: 31 CATCH, 364 YDS, 1 TD

Comments: Although the Bengals have a track record for not utilizing the tight end position, Utecht could be an exception. Cincinnati hasn’t had an option for Carson Palmer to check the ball off to, and Utecht may be that guy. He has sleeper written all over him, and may be a decent tight end in fantasy when all is said and done.

 

2.  Kevin Boss

New York Giants

2007: 9 CATCH, 118 YDS, 2 TD

Comments: Boss is now the man at tight end in New York following the trade of Jeremy Shockey to New Orleans. Boss played a very important role in the championship run for the Giants last season, and he should continue to be part of the plans in Eli Manning’s offense. To start the season, consider Boss a backup tight end, but he may soon emerge as a favorite of Eli Manning.

 

3. Ben Patrick

Arizona Cardinals

2007: 7 CATCH, 73 YDS, 2 TD

Comments: Now, before you come after my head, remember that this performance was in just eight games last season. If you multiply those numbers by two, you have a decent fantasy tight end. For Patrick, his success depends on Matt Leinart, who is still trying to find himself. Patrick has been running with the first team in camp, so he is expected to be the starter. Don’t draft him, but keep him on your watch list. He could have a break out season. Remember, he is only 23 years-old.

Will the Favre Saga Ever End?

Personally, I am sick and tired of this Brett Favre saga. First, he decided to cry and retire. That’s all well and good. Then, Favre decides that he made a mistake, and then he promptly decides that he wants to return. The Packers don’t know what the right course of action is. Should they keep him? Should they start him? Should they release him? Should they trade him? A million questions can be asked, but one thing is for sure. Brett Favre put the Packers in a tough spot.

The latest rumor has Brett Favre potentially landing in Tampa Bay to play for the Buccaneers by the end of today. Other teams that have been linked to his services are the Vikings, the Bears and the Jets. Who makes the most sense as a trade partner to the Packers? You guesses it: the New York Jets.

The problem with the Jets getting Favre is that the Jets don’t know whether Favre wants to play in New York. He has the right to waive any trade, so a lot is going to have to be figured out in order to get a deal done. Hopefully, this saga will end soon, because I feel like we all are eating, breathing and sleeping Brett Favre. Just let it end already.

 

–MICHAEL GANCI

JAGUARS: Matt Jones Tearing it up

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones is having the best training camp of his career, according to the Florida Times-Union/

BOTTOM LINE: With his cocaine arrest, Jones was very much on the roster bubble when training camp began. It looks like he will stick around after all, and he could potentially become a sleeper in fantasy.

GIANTS: Working With Burress on Contract

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, had talks with the Giants on Tuesday regarding Burress’ contract, according to the Associated Press.

BOTTOM LINE: Burress’ willingness to play now has probably helped his case in the manner. It looks like both sides are interested in getting something done, but they need to settle on money. Expect Burress to be a solid option as Eli Manning’s primary target in fantasy.

BEARS: Orton to Start Pre Season Opener

Chicago Bears quarterback Kyle Orton will start the Bears’ preseason opener on Thursday against the Chiefs, according to the Chicago Tribune.

BOTTOM LINE: Although this is not a clear cut indication that Orton is the starting quarterback, this is not good news for Rex Grossman. With a positive showing in pre season, Orton could lock up the starting job, but he still wouldn’t be much more than a buy week replacement in fantasy.

NFL Fantasy Preview: Defense

Antonio Cromrartie is a pivotal part of the explosive Chargers attack.
[PHOTO BY ICON SMI]