Re: Fantasy Football News 2008
Re: Fantasy Football News 2008
Dynasty Ranks: QBs and RBs
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QUARTERBACKS[/SIZE]
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TIER ONE[/SIZE]
1. Peyton Manning IND 32 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1493">- With Clark re-signed and Gonzalez ready to step up if Marvin doesn't snap back, Manning's consistency trumps Brady's career year
indianapoliscolts.com
2. Tom Brady NE 31 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1163">- Remains the NFL's best QB; Moss' return guarantees another great season, but Brady is not going to hit 50 TDs again
3. Ben Roethlisberger PIT 26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1181">- Easily the third best QB in the NFL and may bypass one of the Big Two in the next couple of years
4. Carson Palmer <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2550">CIN 28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2550">- Can he bounce
all the way back from an extremely disappointing season?
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4622"]Chad Johnson[/URL] is going nowhere, and
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4226"]Chris Henry[/URL] will be available for a full season . . . if he stays out of jail
5. Tony Romo <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2730">DAL 28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2730">- Will move up if Dallas brings in a talented WR; two straight disappointing playoff performances and an over-reliance on T.O. leave room for doubt about level of future dominance
6. Drew Brees <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=591">NO 29 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=591">- Should be good for a consistent 4,000 yards and 25-30 TDs every year for the next few years, but what's with the Saints re-signing their own dreck at WR & TE the past couple of weeks?
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TIER TWO[/SIZE]
7. Donovan McNabb <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=704">PHI 31 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=704">- QBs like
Eli Manning and Phil Rivers have been ranked ahead of him, in which case McNabb is the ideal buy low candidate for dynasty leaguers
8. Jay Cutler <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3608">DEN 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3608">- Impressive yards per attempt and completion numbers bode very well for future; would have liked to have seen a better acquisition than
Keary Colbert, but Scheffler and Marshall form a very nice duo
9. Marc Bulger <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=369">STL 31 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=369">- Al Saunders and an improved offensive line could bring production back in line with career norms, but don't expect many TDs
10. Matt Hasselbeck <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=519">SEA 33 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=519">- Who is he going to be throwing to this year? With the Seahawks making an effort to upgrade the running game, he can't count on abnormally high passing attempt numbers again
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TIER THREE
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11. Derek Anderson <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3233">CLE 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3233">- A window to make his mark as the Browns' franchise QB with the addition of Stallworth as a #3 weapon behind Edwards and Winslow; slightly worrisome
word out of the Columbus Dispatch is that Anderson's 2009 bonus could essentially make his new contract a one-year deal if he doesn't play up to expectations
clevelandbrowns.com
12. Vince Young <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3602">TEN 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3602">- Deserved a better fate last season after seeing a freakish number of TDs called back due to penalty, drops by a lousy receiving crew, or poor route running/miscommunication. Still has plenty of upside and the possibility of a true break-out season if the light flips on with improved weaponry
tennesseetitans.com
13. Matt Schaub <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=16">HOU 27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=16">- He's going to have to stay healthy for all 16 games to shake the injury concerns, but there's a lot to like here. The yards per attempt and completion percentage were very promising, so he just needs to find Johnson and Daniels in the end zone more often to take the next step to reliable #1 as opposed to an aspiring Bulger
14. David Garrard <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1483">JAX 30 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1483">- A much better QB than commonly believed, but he's not likely to surpass last year's passing quality. If the running game slips from true dominance, does Garrard's production see an uptick from the increased attempts or do the passing lanes start to close with the defense no longer selling out against the run?
jacksonvillejaguars.com
15. Eli Manning NYG 27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1657">- The 64,000 Question: Did the epiphany occur in the last six weeks, or was it simply the flip-side of an inconsistent QB hitting a hot streak? I believe the latter, and I can't see how even a true believer can feel comfortable relying on a streaky, inconsistent Eli as a QB1 going forward
NY Giants
16. Matt Leinart <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3138">ARI 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3138">- High risk, high reward; after Warner's performance, there's going to be pressure to perform well right from the start. But if he does, he could easily see a 25 TD, 3700 yard season
arizonacardinals.com
17. Philip Rivers SD 26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1813">- Good news and bad news: The good news is that Rivers finally delivered consistently under pressure once the playoffs started. The bad news is that he showed flashes of
David Carr happy feet and lack of arm strength during the season. Even worse, the ACL injury he suffered happened later in the season than
Daunte Culpepper's,
Carson Palmer's, and
Donovan McNabb's . . . all of whom were much better QBs and struggled considerably in their first season back from injury. Why would we expect Rivers to do anything but disappoint in '08?
sandiegochargers.com
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TIER FOUR[/SIZE]
18. Aaron Rodgers <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3118">GB 24 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3118">- Legit concern that he's been injury-prone in limited duty, but the pieces are already in place for him to succeed; just as importantly, he has both his coach and his GM glowing about his vast improvement over the past year
greenbaypackers.com
19. Brady Quinn CLE 23 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4149">-
Derek Anderson's $5M bonus before next season basically makes the 2-QB system a one year experiment. Quinn could definitely exploit an opening if Anderson doesn't show himself to be the Browns franchise QB in '08. The future is uncertain, but one of the two
Browns QBs is likely to be starting elsewhere next season
20. Jason Campbell WAS 26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3137">- It would be foolish not to count on an adjustment period to the West Coast Offense and a new coaching staff; we've all seen him look very poised at times and extremely underwhelming at other times, so it will be interesting to watch his growth throughout '08. Remember the Losman/Grossman Effect: young QBs don't always get better
washingtonredskins.com
22. JaMarcus Russell <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4154">OAK 23 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4154">- Top of the line arm, perfect size, prodigious talent, but the footwork was an absolute mess and questions persist about his decision making; his career could go either way, and unfortunately, Oakland isn't exactly the ideal proving ground for a developing QB right now
oaklandraiders.com
23. Jake Delhomme <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2398">CAR 33 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2398">- Would make for the ideal throw-in on a larger deal if you believe he'll fully recover from Tommy John surgery; job security issues damage his long-term dynasty value, but he could recoup quite a bit of value in '08 with a more explosive offense featuring the always special
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4227"]Steve Smith[/URL] plus the move to
DeAngelo Williams at RB, and the additions of
D.J. Hackett and
Muhsin Muhammad carolinapanthers.com
24. Trent Edwards <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4220">BUF 24 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4220">- Positive marks for poise, smarts, and an ability to lead an offense, but he needs to take a major step forward in playmaking and consistency; an upgrade in weapons would be nice as new OC Schonert plans to open up the passing game
buffalobills.com
25. Drew Stanton <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4179">DET 24 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4179">-
Jon Kitna will be on a much shorter leash, so expect Stanton to get a chance at some point in '08; if
Calvin Johnson and
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=35"]Roy Williams[/URL] remain in Detroit, Stanton makes for a very intriguing high upside pet project
detroitlions.com
26. Kellen Clemens <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3688">NYJ 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3688">- Jets have nicely revamped a previously problematic offensive line and may be the favorites to land
Darren McFadden. With an O-Line and a friendly running game, Clemens will be better able to get the ball to Coles and Cotchery.
newyorkjets.com
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27. Kevin Kolb <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4151">PHI 24 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4151">- The new
Matt Schaub? The new
Aaron Rodgers? Either way, his value likely depends substantially on your league's roster size. He's a very nice stash as long as you realize he's a roster ornament for at least another year. Hope for one of the following: in-season injury to McNabb, a post-2008 McNabb trade, or Kolb becomes the new Schaub-like savior for a QB-desperate franchise
28. Shaun Hill <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1216">SF 28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1216">- More of a game-manager type than Martz' previous QBs, but he does offer athleticism, a quick release, and the ability to lead an offense. There's some upside here, and if he beats out
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] for the starting job, the whole 49er offense should receive a boost in value
29. Tarvaris Jackson <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3708">MIN 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3708">- If-big IF-Tarvaris can put it together, Berrian and a more experienced
Sidney Rice offer some intriguing potential. I just can't get over the fact that he's the exact opposite of what the current Vikings franchise needs in a QB
minnesotavikings.com
30. Jon Kitna <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=28">DET 36 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=28">- Still has a window on '08 value with playmakers
Calvin Johnson and
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=35"]Roy Williams[/URL], but his margin for error is razor-thin with Stanton waiting in the wings . . . and Kitna is never a strong bet to defeat his margin of error
31. Kurt Warner <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1256">ARI 37 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1256">- Simply put, he needs Leinart to fall on his face in the pre-season. Warner threw up valuable fantasy numbers the last 12 games of '07 and can do it again if given the opportunity
32. Daunte Culpepper <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1227">UFA 31 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1227">- The opportunity isn't likely to be forthcoming (nor should it be), but Culpepper makes for a nice high-upside, albeit long shot, stash. Better to carry a long shot with high upside than a player you will never use even if he does get an opportunity to play
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33. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3147"]Alex Smith[/URL] <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3119">SF 24 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3119">- Two of his three NFL seasons have produced historically bad performances. I don't think he beats
Shaun Hill in a fair competition, but the 49ers have a lot invested here
34. John Beck <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4219">MIA 27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4219">- Thoroughly unimpressive in a four game rookie trial. It remains to be seen if he'll be given the reigns to start in '08, but either way there's not going to be much of a grace period
miamidolphins.com
35. J.P. Losman <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2780">BUF 27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2780">- It's getting awfully late in the game for Losman to find a starting opportunity via trade. His best bet for value would be with Chiefs, Falcons, Vikings, or Ravens
36. Jeff Garcia <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2570">TB 38.5 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2570">- He's a better NFL than fantasy QB at this stage of his career and a poor bet at age 38 to stay as healthy and productive as last season
Tampabaybuccaneers.com
37. Chad Pennington <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=858">NYJ <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=858">32 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=858">- Due a hefty bonus and salary this season, the onus is on the Jets to find a taker. It's simply not practical to have a backup QB making that kind of scratch; the Vikings would be a perfect match
38. Byron Leftwich <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1478">UFA <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1478">28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1478">- I still say he can help several teams around the league as a starting QB. For all of the talk about the long windup, he's long been a low turnover QB without a sack problem
39. Sage Rosenfels <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1276">HOU 30 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1276">- The
Practically Perfect Backup QB could pick up some value if traded to the Vikes, but will certainly drop a tier if he remains in Houston
40. Luke McCown <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=13">TB 27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=13">- The better of the Passing McCown Brothers has flashed some interesting ability in small doses. Would have to beat out Griese to get on the field this season, but this McCown could conceivably have a future as a starter down the road
41.Troy Smith <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4166">BAL 24 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4166">- Not ready yet to help an offense put up consistent points, but he has shown impressive field general abilities. Still raw, but may get a shot down the road
baltimoreravens.com
42. Kyle Orton <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3214">CHI 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3214">- Plucky. That's it. That's the list. OK, neckbeard. That's on the list too. Woe are the Bears
43. Rex Grossman <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2450">CHI 28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2450">- Come on. He's simply odious. Before last season, I called him a "turnover prone, inconsistent, inaccurate headcase." I was feeling nice that day
44. Brodie Croyle <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3619">KC 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3619">- If Grossman is odious, then Croyle is, of course, appallingly bad. The Chiefs are seriously deluded if he starts week one
kansascitychiefs.com
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45. Steve McNair <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=232">BAL 35 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=232">- The early favorite to start in Baltimore, but it's going to be tough for even the bionic man to throw with a fork sticking out of his back
46. Chris Redman <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2241">ATL <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2241">31 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2241">- Last man standing could be a band-aid for a year, but I don't think the Falcons are done shopping quite yet
47. Quinn Gray <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1475">UFA <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1475">29 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1475">- Another long release guy, this one comes with major accuracy and consistency issues but possesses all the physical tools; could end up in Green Bay as Rodgers' backup
48. Seneca Wallace <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=503">SEA 28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=503">- Could put up interesting fantasy numbers if ever given a shot at regular playing time
49. Damon Huard <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2149">KC 35 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2149">- He's no great shakes, but he's a hell of a lot better than
Brodie Croyle; with the Chiefs far from contending mode, Huard is stuck in no man's land
50. Matt Moore <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4535">CAR 24 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4535">- Looked decent in late season action . . . certainly better than any Carolina backups of the past two seasons
51. Brian Griese TB <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=263">33 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=263">- Will battle
Luke McCown to see who starts once Garcia gets injured
52. *Michael Vick <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2107">ATL <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2107">28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2107">- How large is your roster?
53. Billy Volek SD <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=231">32 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=231">- Fantasy leaguers keep insisting that he must be passing up better opportunities elsewhere; but what are the chances NFL GMs are as fond of his game as fantasy owners are?
54. Trent Green <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1350">STL <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1350">38 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1350">- Decent shot at
Kurt Warner-like startable value if Bulger goes down, but keep in mind any value would be of the fleeting variety
55. Kyle Boller <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2256">BAL 27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2256">- Has failed and failed again to generate offense. Poor man's
Rex Grossman lacks the headcase nature but also the playmaking ability
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RUNNING BACKS[/SIZE]
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TIER ONE[/SIZE]
1. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4169">MIN 23 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4169">- Simply the most talented player on the field
minnesotavikings.com
2. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1663"]Steven Jackson[/URL] <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1663">STL 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1663">- Rams and new offensive coordinator Al Saunders are committed to building the offense around the multi-dimensional S-Jax
3. LaDainian Tomlinson<HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=561"> SD 29 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=561">- Have we seen the last of the truly dominant LT2? He may bounce back with a vengeance after all the flack he took for the Pats game, but it's tough to rank him higher at the crucial RB age of 29
sandiegochargers.com
4. Brian Westbrook <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=716">PHI 29 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=716">- Money in PPR leagues and still underrated, but injuries are a constant concern; is this off-season the time to flip him for a younger talent before it's too late?
5. Frank Gore <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3205">SF 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3205">- Talented, well-rounded, great job security, and in line to haul in a ton of receptions in Martz' offense which saw
Marshall Faulk take his game to the next level
6. Joseph Addai <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3646">IND 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3646">- Safe call in the Colts offense, but is 300 touches per year his limit?
indianapoliscolts.com
7. Maurice Jones-Drew <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3596">JAX 23 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3596">- One of the best players in the NFL and averages a TD per game even in limited touches; his time for Westbrook-like domination is coming like a freight train
8. Marshawn Lynch <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4186">BUF 22 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4186">- Should see his role expand on the heels of an impressive rookie season
buffalobills.com
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9. Marion Barber III <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3215">DAL <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3215">25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3215">- He and
Ronnie Brown have consistently given me the most trouble since I've started these rankings, and this offseason is no different. Barber's distinct strengths (runs hard, scores often, well-rounded) and weaknesses (runs
too hard, likely to wear down with major increase in carries, could lead to short career, Cowboys likely to add a talented counterpart) make for a complex value judgment for dynasty leaguers
10.
Clinton Portis <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=94">WAS 27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=94"></I>- Something is askew here: his owners are constantly trying to deal him, but they also consider him an elite back. The problem is he's not quite the ideal RB1 that dynasty leaguers want to rely on, but it's increasingly difficult to trade him for an upgrade
11. Reggie Bush NO 23 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3600">- We have to accept the fact that he's not the dynamic homerun hitter he was hyped to be, but he's still gold in PPR leagues and was used at the goal-line while Deuce was injured
12. Larry Johnson <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1315">KC 28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1315">- With the dwindling yards per carry, the 400+ carry season of '06, the foot injury, the perdition of what was once possibly the best O-Line in NFL history, and now a punchless Croyle-led offense, L.J. simply has too much going against him to return to '05-'06 form. Those days are gone
WEBSITE.WS - Your Internet Address For Life?
13. Ronnie Brown <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3155">MIA 26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3155">- Here's the crux of the problem: even with the advances of modern medical technology, no RB in history has returned as the same back immediately after ACL surgery. If Brown won't be truly himself again until '09, what's his dynasty value? Can he be counted on as a fantasy starter at all in '08? The answer to that last question is going to count for a lot in determining his value
miamidolphins.com
14. Willis McGahee <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2265">BAL 26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2265">- High marks in job security and consistent production, but the Ravens offense inspires so little faith
15. Ryan Grant <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3252">GB 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3252">- The Packers love his game, so there's no worry about job security any time soon; how will Favre's exit affect the value of the running game?
16. Laurence Maroney <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3642">NE 23 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3642">- It will be interesting to see if the Pats trust Maroney in short yardage after his success there late in the season; Maroney is a talented back in a great offense, but there are still legit concerns about his usage patterns in that offense
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17. Willie Parker <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2957">PIT 27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2957">- When you lose goal-line carries and third-down work, you lose a hefty portion of your fantasy value; I like FWP, but I've always sensed that the Steelers don't trust him to be a true workhorse
18. DeAngelo Williams <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3611">CAR 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3611">- Not likely to get regular goal-line work regardless, but if Carolina stays with Toefield as his timeshare partner, Williams gets another spike in value. If they draft a talented back, the questions will linger
19. Jamal Lewis <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=7">CLE <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=7">29 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=7">- Too many dynasty owners are writing off a talented back playing very well with fresh legs; there aren't too many RBs around the league with this much job security and a guaranteed prominent role in a highly productive offense. Frankly, I probably have him too low as opposed to too high
20. Michael Turner <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2641">ATL <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2641">26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2641">- Will be the Thunder to Norwood's Lightning in ATL, meaning Turner will get the early down and short-yardage work but will likely lose some value in the passing game. Will he find the end zone enough to make up for Norwood's production drain?
atlantafalcons.com
21. Brandon Jacobs <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3146">NYG 26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3146">- He will always face questions about staying healthy and being a bit of a novelty act, and now he has to contend with an
Ahmad Bradshaw problem
NY Giants
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22. Earnest Graham <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3042">TB 28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3042">- Most of his value is going to be tied up in the 2008 season with the Bucs showing a definite interest in finding another reliable RB by hook or by crook; he can help you win now, but there's just not enough long-range value here
23. Julius Jones <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2651">SEA 27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2651">- New starting RB for the Seahawks could regain quite a bit of value; now let's see what they do in the draft
24. LenDale White TEN 23 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3637">- In addition to the dedication, weight, and maturity issues, BakeSale has picked up a couple more: (1) He's useless if the Titans are playing from behind and (2) The Titans are going to be continually on the lookout for a quality RB to pair with him and siphon production
25. Pierre Thomas <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4503">NO 23 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4503">- Like
Willie Parker a couple of years ago, Thomas could capitalize on a huge Week 17 game to carve out a prominent role in his team's offense especially if Deuce's microfracture right knee and ACL left knee hold him back
26. Justin Fargas OAK 28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=786">- What are the chances he stays healthy
and holds off all of the competition for his job throughout the whole season? Sell (relatively) high if it's not too late
27. Ahmad Bradshaw <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4305">NYG 22 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4305">- I was eyeballing his game for weaknesses throughout the playoffs, but I didn't find any glaring ones; he may not be able to carry a full load, but the question is moot with Jacobs in front of him
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28. Michael Bush <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4156">OAK 24 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4156">- Now that he's healthy, can he stay healthy? If so, he has a better chance to eat into Fargas' work than Rhodes or Jordan do; is he more of a time-share back or a guy who can carry the load in the future?
29. Thomas Jones <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2408">NYJ 30 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2408">- With the Jets' revamped O-Line, he could move up a bit as long as the Jets don't draft a RB in the first couple of rounds; unfortunately, many suspect the Jets are the likely McFadden landing spot
30. Edgerrin James ARI <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1541">30 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1541">- His goal-line and passing game production have already been taken away, and the Cardinals are now looking for his successor in the draft; still a possibility of being cut this spring/summer
31.
Travis Henry <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2271">DEN <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2271">29 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2271"></I>- The definition of ethereal value; if stability is London, then Henry is Tokyo
32. Rudi Johnson CIN <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=50">28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=50">- He looks like he's running on dead legs, but there's some chance his poor production was more the result of the hamstring injury than being washed up. Either way, he's reached the point where he could lose his job at a moment's notice . . . if he hasn't already
33. Selvin Young <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4298">DEN 24.9 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4298">- Talented, explosive, and well-liked by his head coach, but he's never going to dominate the carries
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34. Jerious Norwood ATL 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3645">- As expected, Norwood won't be given an opportunity to shoulder the load in ATL; how valuable can he be with limited touches?
35. Chester Taylor <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2204">MIN 29 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2204">- As valuable of a pure backup as any RB in the league, Taylor is still most valuable to
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] owners; won't be a free agent until after the '09 season when he'll be almost 31-years-old
36. Kevin Jones <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2659"><HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2659">UFA 26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2659">- Won't be back by week one, will be less than 100% when he does play, will be injured quickly as soon as he does come back, and will likely be splitting carries wherever he winds up. What's the fantasy football equivalent of a "face for radio" or a "face only a mother could love"? A running back only an intractably twitterpated owner could love
37. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=1312"]Ricky Williams[/URL] <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1312">MIA 31 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1312">- Could be a good story here if Brown is slow to return to last year's form; after a couple of seasons away from football, Ricky should have fresh legs and is one of the few backups who can carry a full load if needed
38. Kenny Irons <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4225">CIN 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4225">- There's definitely a window of opportunity in Cincinnati's backfield right now, but it's going to tough for Irons to exploit it at less than 100% in the year following ACL surgery
39. Tatum Bell DET 27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2665">- Currently the starting RB in Detroit, but that's likely to change before long
40. Cedric Benson CHI 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3139">- Injury prone, headcase RB lacking in explosiveness and receiving ability just lost a step he couldn't afford to lose and now likely to be splitting carries at best. Where do I sign up?
41. Fred Taylor <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1477">JAX 32 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1477">- Has as much value as a 32-year-old, part-timer without goal-line and passing game opportunities can possibly have
42. Ahman Green <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1811">HOU 31 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1811">- Mistakenly regarded as washed up when he should more accurately be portrayed as a RB who can still play and play well but can't stay healthy under a full workload at this stage of his career
43. Chris Brown <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=199">HOU <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=199">27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=199">- Picked a good situation with Texans' zone blocking scheme and no dominant RB in front of him, but Brown just can't be relied on as more than a committee back
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44. Ladell Betts WAS 29 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=138">- Now more of an insurance for Portis as opposed to a backfield complement; startable in the event of a Portis injury but valueless in the meantime
45. Derrick Ward NYG 28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2925">- Looks like his injury history scared off potential suitors, so he re-signed with the Giants dampening his value in the process
46. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4226"]Chris Henry[/URL] TEN 23 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4226">- Titans are continually on the lookout for a backfield upgrade, but Henry is the choice for third down work and White right now
47. LaMont Jordan OAK 29.8 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=883">- Just release him already! He turns 30 this season and the chronic back problems leave him as nothing more than a backup option, but he has a chance to be startable for a few games at a time if he gets the opportunity
48.Cadillac Williams <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3133">TB 26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3133">- We've heard everything from "career's over" to "suiting up by week one." The most likely scenario is that he'll start the season on the PUP list and will be a shadow of his former self once he does return . . . and truth be told his former self wasn't all that hot to begin with
49. Leon Washington <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3739">NYJ 26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3739">- A homerun hitter, but just not physical enough to ever be more than a part-timer; his only hope for value is to catch enough passes to be useful in PPR leagues
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50. Deuce McAllister <HTTP: fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages Content player_previousnews.asp?sport="NFL&id=1014">NO 29 <HTTP: fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages Content player_previousnews.asp?sport="NFL&id=1014">- Wait, ACL surgery on his left knee and
microfracture surgery on his formerly reconstructed right knee? Now that's a horse of a different color for a 30-year-old RB. Why weren't we informed of this microfracture surgery? I can't envision a scenario where Deuce is not washed up at this point
51. Shaun Alexander <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=555">SEA <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=555">31 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=555">- Just a matter of time before he's cut by Seattle; could end up in the mix for his hometown Bengals. His days as a workhorse are long gone, and he's going to struggle to ever maintain fantasy relevance again
52. Sammy Morris <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1284">NE 31 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1284">- Was a good fit in New England's offense, but Maroney stepped up when Morris was out with his sternum/clavicle injury; will he keep the short-yardage/goal-line work? Always a chance for an increased role with the whims of Belichick
53. Chris Perry <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2637">CIN 26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2637">- As brittle as brittle can be, and likely lost more than a step by now, but there's a window of opportunity in Cincy's backfield
54. Kenny Watson <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2515">CIN 30 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2515">- Too pedestrian to grab hold of the starting RB job and run with it, but a repeat of his effective '07 season is possible if no other RB steps up for the Bengals
55. Brandon Jackson <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4234">GB 22 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4234">- Jackson owners who drafted him with a high rookie pick want to believe he could eventually win the job from Grant, but it's just not going to happen. Jackson is
buried behind Grant, and he'll be lucky to get regular 3rd down duty
56. Lorenzo Booker <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4194">MIA 24 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4194">- Only hope for value is as a flex player in PPR leagues. Can he catch enough passes to make himself relevant?
57. Musa Smith <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2189">UFA 26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2189">- Not without talent, but too unreliable due to injury history; would have to land in the ideal situation to merit a look beyond a stash option
58. Najeh Davenport <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1778">PIT 29 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1778">- Likely to keep goal-line/short yardage duties as Parker's complement, but Moore could take over on third downs; has startable value if Parker goes down with an injury again
59. Mewelde Moore PIT <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=77">26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=77">- A weapon in the passing game and likely to take over punt-return duties; has a track record of impressive performance in small doses but gets nicked up too easily <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=77">
60. Dominic Rhodes <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1494">OAK 29 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1494">- Strictly a backup to Fargas and could find himself behind Bush by the time the season starts
61. Kenton Keith <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4491">IND 28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4491">- Would have some nice value as a sidekick to Addai if the Colts weren't looking to upgrade at RB in this year's draft
62. Darren Sproles <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3221">SD 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3221">- Explosive. Could find fantasy value as a receiving weapon out of the backfield if the Chargers made it a point to get the ball to him, but his slight build and the presence of LT2 will ultimately keep him from handling the ball enough to make a sizable fantasy impact
63. Kolby Smith <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4262">KC 23 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4262">- Was decent in a five-game trial at the end of the season, but he's limited to backup duty going forward
64. [URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=4169"]Adrian Peterson[/URL] <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2491">CHI 29 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2491">- Right now he's the most effective RB in Chicago, but will likely go back to his former role when new talent is added in the draft
65. DeShaun Foster <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2368">SF 28 - Signed a meager contract to head West as
Frank Gore's backup; don't look for a heavy role in the offense unless Gore gets injured
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66. Andre Hall <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3613">DEN 26 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3613">- Any RB in DEN could get a shot, but he's definitely third on the depth chart even before April's draft; didn't ingratiate himself to his coach by getting arrested last month
67. Antonio Pittman <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4170">STL 22 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4170">- More of a pure backup than
Brian Leonard at this point
68. Tony Hunt <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4177">PHI 22 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4177">- Could become the short-yardage back in Philly, but not likely to ever be more than one half of a time share backfield
69. J.J. Arrington <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3125">ARI 25 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3125">- Appears the Cardinals don't see him as anything more than a third down back
70. Fred Jackson <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4506">BUF 27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4506">- Coaching staff is high on him, but he's more of a change of pace/backup as opposed to a guy with an opportunity
71. DeShawn Wynn <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4286">GB 24 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4286">- Green Bay sees him as more of a pure backup than Jackson, but Wynn's injuries have put him solidly on the bench behind
Ryan Grant
72. Chris Taylor <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4044">HOU 24.8 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=4044">- Long shot, but the coaching staff seems high on him
73. Vernand Morency <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3208">GB 28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=3208">- Ceiling is third down back
74. T.J. Duckett <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2124">SEA <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2124">27 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2124">- Same old Duckett, should take over the short-yardage in Seattle
75. LaBrandon Toefield <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1480">CAR <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1480">28 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=1480">- Could be D-Willy's short-yardage legs in Carolina if they don't grab a high round RB in the draft
76. Jesse Chatman <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=632">NYJ <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=632">29 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=632">-
Thomas Jones insurance
77. Warrick Dunn <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2117">TB <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2117">33 <HTTP: content fantasyfootball.usatoday.com playerpages player_main.asp?sport="NFL&id=2117">- Ill-suited to third down work at this point in his career, but that's where he's going to play