CFL Previews - Week One - July 1-3
Football Betting Lines
06/30/2009 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) -
TORONTO ARGONAUTS (0-0) AT HAMILTON TIGER-CATS (0-0)
DATE & TIME: Wednesday, July 1, 7:00 p.m. (et)
GAME NOTES: The 2009 Canadian Football League season kicks off Wednesday evening, as the Hamilton Tiger Cats entertain the Toronto Argonauts.
Both teams have something to prove within the East Division and the CFL overall after they were the ones that failed to make the playoffs at the conclusion of the 2008 campaign.
Between the two clubs there were a total of just seven victories and considering two of those went in favor of the Ticats over Hamilton, the other a 32-13 triumph for the Argonauts versus Toronto, neither club had much to cheer about outside of their own rivalry.
This season Hamilton head coach Marcel Bellefeuille is hoping his starting quarterback, Quinton Porter, can lead his program back to respectability after a dismal campaign the last time out. A season ago, Porter completed 66.7 percent of his pass attempts for close to 1,500 yards, posting 10 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Unfortunately, the depth chart shows that the only experienced receiver in the primary four is Prechae Rodriguez and even that is a stretch given that he has just a single year under his belt after playing at Auburn. Rodriguez, who collected 70 balls for 1,099 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago, will have to mentor the likes of David Ball, Marquay McDaniel and Drisan James, all of whom are getting their first taste of professional football.
Carrying the majority of the load coming out of the backfield for the Tiger Cats is Terry Caulley, the former UConn back who averaged close to seven yards per carry in 2008 and scored six touchdowns on the ground.
From a defensive perspective, Hamilton was one of the worst units in the CFL a year ago when the squad allowed more passing yards than any club and, at the same time, managed to record the fewest sacks.
After playing for British Columbia his first two years in the league, linebacker Markeith Knowlton was picked up by the Ticats last season and responded with 95 tackles and four interceptions. Unfortunately, unless he gets some more help around him Knowlton will be run ragged far too quickly.
Signed on early in 2009 as a free agent, linebacker Otis Floyd brings considerable experience with him, having logged close to 400 tackles and 30 sacks in his career. However, the veteran is entering his 10th season.
Over on the other side, the Argos are putting their immediate future in the hands of Kerry Joseph, an aging quarterback now in his seventh year. The McNeese State product did manage to throw for 4,174 yards in 2008, but his 57.3 percent completions and a quarterback rating of just 82.0 (the lowest in six seasons) means that he took more than a step backwards. After posting 24 TDs and just eight picks in 2007, Joseph connected on a mere 17 TD strikes and was intercepted 14 times in 2008.
Of the four starting receivers listed on the depth chart at the moment for the Argonauts, only Arland Bruce brings any experience with him into the 2009 season. Bruce did step up with a huge effort in 2008 for Toronto with a career-best 92 grabs, leading to 1,210 yards and nine touchdowns, but with the opposition keying on him until his fellow receivers prove themselves, catches will be much harder to come by.
Former UTEP running back Tyler Ebell had been listed at the top of the depth chart at his position, but last week he became a victim of the team's final cuts. As a result of the recent roster moves, perhaps it clears the way for Jamal Robertson to boost his numbers after last season's 645 yards and six touchdowns.
One of the most experienced linebackers for Toronto, Kevin Eiben has watched his production dwindle in recent years, but given the inexperience of the players in front of him he may be called upon to make that much more of an impact. Last year's 55 tackles for Eiben were the fewest since he tallied 21 back in 2003.
The focus at the line of scrimmage will probably fall on Jonathan Brown who is now in his sixth season out of Tennessee. Brown tallied seven of his 42 tackles a season ago against opposing quarterbacks.
The secondary of the Argonauts will be tested time and time again until the likes of Lin-J Shell, James Green and Dovonte Edwards show that they belong.
With many of the bugs still to be worked out and youth a huge question on both sides of the ball for each club, these two teams may look vastly different by the end of the season.
Sportsbook Betting Lines Predicted Outcome: Hamilton 25, Toronto 17
MONTREAL ALOUETTES (0-0) AT CALGARY STAMPEDERS (0-0)
DATE & TIME: Wednesday, July 1, 10:00 p.m. (et)
GAME NOTES: The two top teams from their respective conferences a season ago, the Montreal Alouettes and the Calgary Stampeders, collide in the 2009 CFL season opener at McMahon Stadium on Wednesday night.
As the top scoring team in the league, the Alouettes posted an 11-7 record in 2008, easily taking the East Division, but it was the Stampeders who got the last laugh, posting three wins over the Als, including a 22-14 victory in the Grey Cup title game.
Montreal has had a great deal of success opening the season on the road since 1996, winning all five such contests entering this year. Perhaps more importantly, the squad is 8-1 and has scored 108 more points than the opposition in those nine contests when Anthony Calvillo starts under center for the club.
Calvillo, one of just five professional signal-callers to rack up at least 50,000 passing yards, has rolled up 58,683 since breaking into the league in 1994 and now needs just five more touchdown passes to take over second place in CFL history for career TD passes, currently showing 328 for his long tenure.
At this point, only Doug Flutie has more 5,000-yard passing seasons than Calvillo (five) with six in eight seasons, something that Calvillo could tie if all goes well in 2009.
One of the reasons Calvillo has been so prolific is wideout Ben Cahoon, who has reeled in 861 career catches to place fifth on the all-time CFL list. Cahoon, who has played 11 seasons, has averaged better than 1,000 yards per campaign and is now the top Canadian receiver in league history.
If it is not Cahoon on the other end of a touchdown pass it could well be Jamel Richardson, who tallied 16 a year ago to set the single-season team record. Throw Kerry Watkins into the mix and the receiving corps is head and shoulders above the rest.
On the ground the squad counts on Avon Cobourne to balance the ledger, the former West Virginia back having put up six rushing scores for the group.
On the defensive side of the ball the Alouettes count on John Bowman to make an impression at the line of scrimmage after having posted a total of 15 sacks the last two seasons.
The middle of the field will be patrolled by Diamond Ferri (73 tackles last season), Shea Emry and Chip Cox (68 stops), while Davis Sanchez is expected to shut down Stampeder wideouts from his corner position. Since 1999, Sanchez has recorded at least one interception per season, posting nine picks in 2000 for the Alouettes and another three last year.
Coming off their first Grey Cup Championship since 2001, the Stamps will have the entire league gunning for them from the opening kick and head coach John Hufnagel is well aware of the target that has been placed on his team's back.
The CFL Coach of the Year in 2008, Hufnagel has his team on a three-game home win streak to open the season, adding even more pressure to the contest.
The Grey Cup MVP who just signed a contract extension, Henry Burris is back to guide the offense for Calgary, his fifth campaign as the starting quarterback. The Western Division's Most Outstanding Player in 2008, Burris threw for more than 5,000 yards for the first time a season ago and logged a career-best 39 TD passes.
Taking some of the heat off Burris will again be running back Joffrey Reynolds, a three-time CFL All-Star who has gained at least 1,000 yards on the ground in each of his four seasons.
Out on the wings, Burris has to be pleased that he again has wideouts such as Nik Lewis, Jeremaine Copeland, Ken-Yon Rambo and Ryan Thelwell, although the loss of Jabari Arthur to a broken foot recently throws a wrench into a well- oiled machine.
Lewis now has five straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons for the Stampeders and has reeled in at least one ball in 88 consecutive games, so know that he will again be a focus of stretching the field.
The defense for Calgary has undergone a few changes, but there's no reason to think the group can't lock down opponents once again, especially after allowing a league-best 21.5 ppg in 2008.
Perhaps the biggest concern comes at the linebacker position where only Shannon James returns to his position from a year ago. Dwayne Carpenter does have starting experience as well, but the pair will have to carry a host of fresh faces and inexperienced pros.
Cornerback Brandon Browner, a CFL All-Star, will be tested quite a bit, especially in this game when Calvillo airs it out. Fellow corner Dwight Anderson will be on the hot seat as well, but as long as the pair do their jobs the Stamps should be set to start off the campaign with a bang.
Sportsbook Betting Lines Predicted Outcome: Calgary 41, Montreal 30
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (0-0) AT EDMONTON ESKIMOS (0-0)
DATE & TIME: Thursday, July 2, 9:00 p.m. (et)
GAME NOTES: Sporting a respectable 10-8 record during the 2008 regular season, the Edmonton Eskimos still finished in last place in the CFL's Western Division. On the other hand, an 8-10 mark for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers meant they were actually second in the East Division, the sort of discrepancy that Edmonton would like to avoid this year, as they play host to the Bombers on Thursday night.
This particular matchup pits a pair of rookie head coaches against each other as Mike Kelly paces the sidelines for the Bombers and Richie Hall moves from being an assistant with the Saskatchewan Roughriders to being the top man with the Eskimos.
In the case of Hall, he should bring a more energetic defense to Edmonton, one that tries to get the ball back in the hands of an aggressive offense.
Getting the nod as the starting quarterback for the club is Ricky Ray, now entering his seventh season in the league out of Sacramento State. The Happy Camp native (you read that correct) was the top quarterback in the league a season ago as he completed almost 70 percent of his attempts for 5,663 yards and 26 touchdowns. However, putting the ball in the air as much as he did, Ray was also guilty of some poor decisions which resulted in a hefty 17 turnovers.
Wideout Maurice Mann, who spent time on a number of practice squads in the NFL before settling in North of the Border, is entering his third season with the Eskimos and has showed some flashes of brilliance here and there, enough to make defenses step up and take notice.
Not to be overlooked is Fred Stamps who caught 50 passes for 751 yards and six TDs on offense and also generated 297 yards in kick returns before missing the final four games of 2008 with a leg injury suffered against these same Blue Bombers.
Kamau Peterson has racked up two straight 1,000-yard seasons and a 101-catch campaign in 2008, more than enough to earn him the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian award a year ago.
Although he started just three games for Edmonton in 2008, Calvin McCarty still made appearances in all 18 regular season contests and paid dividends by carrying the ball 88 times for 490 yards and four touchdowns, not to mention grabbing 70 passes for another 583 yards and a score. Clearly a threat coming out of the backfield, McCarty is one young man who can do it all, even take part in special teams when needed.
The defense for the Eskimos will be going through some growing pains early on, especially at the linebacker position where there are a number of new faces that will try and counter the loss of 14-year man Shannon Garrett who decided to retire. Perhaps, with another year under his belt, Jason Gross is ready to take on more responsibility in the secondary after leading the program with three fumble recoveries and five interceptions.
Facing his former team, quarterback Stefan LeFors expects to see quite a bit of action for the Blue Bombers in the opener. The player of the year in his conference while with the University of Louisville in 2004, LeFors saw very little playing time last season while sitting behind Ray over on the Edmonton sidelines, which makes this one intriguing matchup to say the least. A starter in five games in 2007, LeFors had one game against Saskatchewan in which he threw for 412 yards and three touchdowns, so he certainly has the ability to perform in this league.
Expected to make some noise as a receiver this year for the Bombers is Romby Bryant who, after recording 96 receptions for 1,341 yards and 15 touchdowns in two seasons with Tulsa, affiliated himself with three NFL teams (Arizona, Atlanta and Baltimore) before heading to Canada. Last year with the Bombers Bryant logged 65 receptions for 1,206 yards and nine scores.
In last year's season opener against Edmonton, wideout Adarius Bowman had his best game as a pro with six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown, numbers he would like to improve upon a year later for Winnipeg.
Running back Yvenson Bernard who, when he left Oregon State was the program's second-leading rusher with 3,862 yards, is settling in for his first full season of CFL action and should make significant contributions.
A one-time CFL Rookie of the Year, defensive end Gavin Walls was named to his third all-star team after tying for the East Division lead with 10 quarterback sacks. Walls finished with 56 total stops in 2008 and will again be a focal point for the Blue Bombers defense this time around.
The added storyline of LeFors facing his former team should add some intrigue to this matchup and provide enough of an adrenaline boost for the quarterback to take his team into the win column.
Sportsbook Betting Lines Predicted Outcome: Winnipeg 28, Edmonton 23
BRITISH COLUMBIA LIONS (0-0) AT SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS (0-0)
DATE & TIME: Friday, July 3, 9:00 p.m. (et)
GAME NOTES: Two teams that tried to catch the Calgary Stampeders last season but came up a bit short, the British Columbia Lions and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, get the Friday night lights all to themselves as they kick off their portion of the 2009 CFL campaign this week.
Both teams played well at home last season, something that bodes well for the Roughriders who finished 12-6, compared to BC which was 11-7 at the end of the regular season and had to deal with a losing record (4-6) inside the Western Division.
Guiding the offense in 2009 is Buck Pierce, the quarterback now entering his fifth season. Pierce had his most successful season thus far in 2008 when he completed better than 64 percent of his pass attempts for 3,018 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Signal-caller Jarious Jackson provides a dual threat for the Lions because he can both pass (2,164 yards and 17 TDs last season) and run (362 yards) to keep defenses honest.
Wideout Terence Scott will be one of the go-to guys on the outside for Pierce, even though he is in his first year and has signed on as a free agent. O'Neil Wilson showed huge promise in just his third season back in 2006 when he played for Montreal, catching 92 balls for 1,056 yards and yet he failed to take any one of those into the end zone. Although he had just nine catches a season ago, Ryan Grice-Mullen is still expected to be a spark plug for this group with his boundless energy.
At running back, Ian Smart figures to be the man getting most of the carries, considering how the depth chart is beginning to shape up with some other inexperienced runners. The knock on Smart is that he is prone to putting the ball on the turf, something he did seven times on just 32 carries two seasons ago.
Perhaps the biggest problem facing the Lions is finding a replacement for Defensive Player of the Year Cameron Wake who, after logging an astounding 23 sacks, headed to the Miami Dolphins and the NFL.
Just as bad, BC also saw three key linebackers fall off the roster in Jamall Johnson, Jason Pottinger and Otis Floyd, which means the unit in the middle will likely need some time to find its way.
The Roughriders will hit the field at Mosaic Stadium this week and do so by following Darian Durant into battle. The quarterback, who is entering his fourth season out of North Carolina, saw very little action in his first two years in the league before converting close to 60 percent of his attempts a year ago for 1,122 yards and seven touchdowns. However, six interceptions on 129 attempts kept him from having a stronger campaign.
Despite missing three games due to injury, Weston Dressler is ready to build on what was an outstanding year in 2008 as he grabbed 56 balls for 1,128 yards and six touchdowns. For his efforts Dressler, who also returned kicks, was named the CFL's Outstanding Rookie. Unfortunately for Saskatchewan, most of the wideouts listed on the roster have little or no experience, something that will inhibit Durant to a degree.
A CFL All-Star performer, running back Wes Cates has increased his production in each of his three seasons in the league, ending up with 1,229 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns on 216 attempts in 2008. Just as important, Cates also provided the squad with a secure passing target coming out of the backfield as well, leading to 39 catches for 451 yards and another two TDs.
Although not much has been asked of him early in his career, Neal Hughes also showed that he could be an invaluable contributor as he scored seven of his eight career TDs a year ago (four via the run, three on pass receptions).
Finishing the 2008 campaign as the top tackler on the Roughriders with 95 stops, linebacker Sean Lucas returns to the middle of the field as one of the more experienced performers at the position, and he'll have to provide even more coverage given how young his fellow LBs are heading into this campaign.
One of the more steady performers for the Roughriders is Omarr Morgan who is entering his 10th season in the CFL and his ninth with Saskatchewan. One of the league's better pass defenders earlier in his career, Morgan instead generated a career-best 70 tackles in 17 games a season ago as he failed to record a single interception for the second time in the last three campaigns.
Even though the Lions are on the road to kick off the 2009 season, they still have better personnel than Saskatchewan and that should be enough to carry the visitors into the win column.
Sportsbook Betting Lines Predicted Outcome: British Columbia 31, Saskatchewan 18
London, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Reports suggest Chelsea is on the verge of sealing an $30 million deal to acquire CSKA Moscow winger Yuri Zhirkov. Sportsmail is reporting that Blues owner Roman Abramovich has agreed a deal with CSK
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FOOTBALL TRASH TALK
NFL Football Trash TalkTrash talk has a place in every competitive endeavor (except baseball; those stirrup-wearers are too busy chewing on their sunflower seeds and their supplements to worry about what their opponents are doing).
Fantasy sports is no exception. Any intelligent discussion of the subject would probably start with a thesis statement or a definition of terms. Thankfully, this wont be an intelligent discussion.
Let me just say that I am happy to take a place in this space alongside my talented colleagues, even our commissioner. (You should see how she bleats like a demented paper boy about league fees on our fantasy site).
Trash talking, I would argue, is primarily about amusing your friends, their sheeplike demeanors and sloping foreheads notwithstanding. The best place I have found for football trash talking is at www.SportsAlarm.com.
Beyond the entertainment factor, though, I would recognize that the sophomoric ritual has one advantage, when properly applied. It magnifies your fantasy triumphs and mitigates your fantasy failures by transforming the eventual point total into an afterthought. Winning makes it seem like your opponent really is a truss-owning, lapel-pin-wearing nitwit. And in defeat, trash talk can be the air bag to break the fall from your hyperbolic heights. The plug-necked yahoos on your team, you can say, will be sacking groceries by the end of the season.
The best trash talk, in my view, is layered and nuanced. And it doesnt focus only on your opponents team. It picks apart your opponent. The idea is to create a shock-and-awe-scale blizzard of nonsense, and the goal is to make your opponent drop his hands from his keyboard in exasperation.
What team does your opponent root for? Accuse a Giants fan of having a Joe Namath pillowcase. Wheres your opponent from? Give a look of concern no matter his reply, then say, I'll try to type slower for you next time. Is your opponent into politics? Label everyone a tax-and-spend corporate shill.
Cap all that with a liberal application of irrelevance. For instance, dont just conclude by saying your opponent is a twerp who drafts like my grandmother. Say that your opponent is a sweater-wearing, eyebrow-plucking twerp who drafts his team about as well as Zsa Zsa Gabor gave acceptance speeches at the Oscars. By the time your foe makes sense of that, his starting running back will have had puppies.
But what about you? Hmm? Recall a memorable slam? Have a tried-and-true technique? Know someone who seems impervious to insult? Take a moment and tells us about it. Put together some (fit-for-publication) thoughts. You wont be too busy returning phone messages from your friends, Im sure, to reply.
In addition to the trash talking, the Sports Alarm has a huge gallery of high resolution pictures of beautiful women and models in bikinis. The most popular models are: Lindsay Lohan, Carrie Underwood, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Paris Hilton.
FOOTBALL BETTING
New York, NY - Fantasy football players ranked by position with age, 2008 statistics, comments.
QUARTERBACKS
1. Tom Brady, New England, age 32: 76 yards. Sure, he only threw 11 passes last year before a season-ending injury, but he's also the same guy who threw an NFL-record 50 touchdowns in 2007 and has even more weapons to work with.
2. Drew Brees, New Orleans, 30: 5,069 yards, 34 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, eight 300-yard games, two 400-yard games, 11 multiple-TD games, 1 dud game (defined as game without a TD or under 200 yards with 1 TD). Hopefully Saints won't figure out they haven't been so good while Brees throws every down.
3. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis, 33: 4,002 yards, 28 TDs (1 rushing), 12 INTs, 4 300-yard games, 9 multiple-TD games, 3 duds. He's a little older, but things probably won't change all that much without Marvin Harrison and with the offensive brain trust sporting slightly different titles.
TDs, 11 INTs, 5 300-yard games, 12 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. May be team's biggest threat now that LaDainian Tomlinson's starting to sputter. Or maybe he just hands off to two guys all the time.
5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay, 25: 4,038 yards, 32 TDs (4 rushing), 13 INTs, 4 300-yard games, 10 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. Amid the usual preseason Brett Favre talk, Rodgers returns to powerful offense that's basically unchanged from his breakout year.
6. Tony Romo, Dallas, 29: 3,448 yards, 26 TDs, 14 INTs, 6 300-yard games, 8 multiple-TD games, 4 duds (including 3 games missed to injury). Says he's really getting serious about football. Plus, offense is supposed to be more "Romo-friendly" without all Terrell Owens' touchdowns.
7. Kurt Warner, Arizona, 38: 4,583 yards, 30 TDs, 14 INTs, 6 300-yard games, 1 400-yard game, 10 multiple-TD games, 2 duds. He's thrown 57 touchdown passes the past two years, but it's always scary drafting an injury-prone 38-year-old who just lost his offensive coordinator.
8. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia, 32: 3,916 yards, 25 TDs (2 rushing), 11 INTs, 3 300-yard games, 7 multiple-TD games, 6 duds. He's often an injury concern but put in 16 games last year for the first time since 2003.
y on every first down.
10. Matt Cassel, Kansas City, 27: 3,693 yards, 23 TDs (2 rushing), 11 INTs, 1 300-yard game, 2 400-yard games, 5 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. Without Randy Moss (or even Tony Gonzalez) may be more Tyler Thigpen than Tom Brady. Worth a shot, though.
11. Jay Cutler, Chicago, 26: 4,526 yards, 27 TDs (2 rushing), 18 INTs, 7 300-yard games, 1 400-yard game, 8 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. Major drop-off seems inevitable since his trade-inducing tantrum landed him with a team that doesn't employ receivers.
12. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh: 27: 3,301 yards, 19 TDs (2 rushing), 15 INTs, 3 300-yard games, 5 multiple-TD games, 7 duds. That 32-TD season a few years ago starting to look a bit fluky, but he's always good for about 20 scores.
13. Matt Schaub, Houston, 28: 3,043 yards, 17 TDS (2 rushing), 10 INTs, 3 300-yard games, 1 400-yard game, 5 multiple-TD games (8 duds, including 5 games missed to injury). Injury-prone Schaub would be awesome in college fantasy league, having played in 11 games in each of his two years as Houston's starter.
14. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle, 33: 1,216 yards, 5 TDs, 10 INTs, 1 multiple-TD game, 15 duds (including 9 games missed to injury). His spine apparently is no longer the consistency of Silly Putty, he gets a great new receiver and tackle Walter Jones set to return. Had 28 TD passes two years ago and has shaky run game.
o, 25: 2,699 yards, 14 TDs (3 rushing), 10 INTs, 2 multiple-TD games, 9 duds (including 2 games missed to injury). Showed real signs of being kind of OK last year, and that was before he got Terrell Owens and the return of the Buffalo no-huddle offense.
16. David Garrard, Jacksonville, 31: 3,620 yards, 17 TDs (2 rushing), 13 INTs, 2 300-yard games, 3 multiple-TD games, 6 duds. Torry Holt addition could be huge, or could just be footnote to season when Maurice Jones-Drew rushes for 30 TDs.
17. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati, 29: 731 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs, 14 duds (including 12 games missed to injury). Like Brady and Hasselbeck, attempting to return to big stats after a big injury. Unlike them, he doesn't have a lot to work with and his team wants to run a lot more.
18. Kyle Orton, Denver, 26: 2,972 yards, 21 TDS (3 rushing), 12 INTs, 1 300-yard game, 7 multiple-TD games, 8 duds (including 1 game missed to injury). Had a spurt of decent fantasy games last year and could get a lot better with all Denver's weapons.
19. Brett Favre, Minnesota, 55 (OK, so he's really 39 but seems a lot older): 3,472 yards, 23 TDs (1 rushing), 22 INTs, 6 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. Let's just go ahead and assume Favre says yes to the Vikings on July 30. Even his tired old arm can float more than a few TDs against schemes stacked up to stop Adrian Peterson.
Ts, 1 300-yard game, 5 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. Run-first (and second and third) approach led to Manning's failure to reach 200 yards in 10 of final 12 games last year. No reliable receivers, either.
21. Jake Delhomme, Carolina, 34: 3,288 yards, 17 TDs (2 rushing), 12 INTs, 5 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. When he's terrible, he's Grossman-caliber terrible. May throw a lot less if he has two healthy RBs, but there will be those days when he goes crazy with Steve Smith.
22. Shaun Hill, San Francisco, 29: 2,046 yards, 15 TDs (2 rushing), 8 INTs, 6 multiple-TD games in 8 starts. Get the feeling 49ers coaches allowing a QB competition with Alex Smith as favor to front-office types who drafted Smith. Whoever wins gets seventh offensive coordinator in seven years.
23. Jason Campbell, Washington, 27: 3,245 yards, 14 TDs (1 rushing), 6 INTs, 2 300-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 9 duds. Made strides in first year with coach Jim Zorn, but Redskins were awfully busy trying to snag another QB in offseason.
24. Chad Pennington, Miami, 33: 3,653 yards, 20 TDs (1 rushing), 7 INTs, 2 300-yard games, 6 multiple-TD games, 6 duds. Was comeback player of the year in 2006, then stunk it up the next year. Was again comeback player last year, too, so another flop is pretty much guaranteed.
nsidered a potential fantasy star? Now he's that guy who hands off to Steven Jackson.
26. JaMarcus Russell, Oakland, 24: 2,423 yards, 14 TDs (1 rushing), 8 INTs, 5 multiple-TD games, 7 duds. Mostly looked horrible along with the rest of the Raiders, but did throw two TDs in each of his final three games.
27. Whoever emerges as the least harmful choice to start in Cleveland. Surely 2007's big stats weren't entirely fluky for Derek Anderson (26: 1,615 yards, 9 TDs, 8 INTs, 1 300-yard game, 2 multiple-TD games, 9 duds, 1 benching, 1 injury last year). And maybe that one time Brady Quinn had a pretty good game wasn't fluky either.
28. Somebody in Detroit. Rookie Matt Stafford could be a pretty good gamble. Or Daunte Culpepper (32: 786 yards, 5 TDs, 6 INTS, 1 midseason unretirement, 1 multiple-TD game, 6 duds) could recapture some of his old magic with a much-improved supporting cast.
29. Joe Flacco, Baltimore, 24: 2,971 yards, 16 TDs (2 rushing), 12 INTs, 5 multiple-TD games, 10 duds. Should improve after nice rookie season, but Ravens still want to run first. (He should also quit shaving, eat more, scowl more, or do something so he doesn't look like he's 12.)
30. Whoever emerges out of the Tampa Bay gaggle could post good numbers with Antonio Bryant, Kellen Winslow and decent options out of the backfield.
uds. Not a lot going for him fantasy-wise, but at this point on the list he's a starter on a good team so what the heck.
32. Whoever wins the New York Jets competition. Fourth-year player Kellen Clemens and rookie Mark Sanchez combined for 0 NFL touchdowns last year.
RUNNING BACKS
1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota, 24: 1,760 yards and 10 TDs rushing (4.8 yards per carry), 21 catches for 125 yards, 10 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 3 duds (defined as games under 80 yards and no scores). Everyone picking first in every draft in America is required to take him.
2. Michael Turner, Atlanta, 27: 1,699 yards and 17 TDs rushing (4.5 yards per carry), 6 catches for 41 yards, 6 100-yard games, 2 200-yard games, 4 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. Most every back who carries as many times as Turner did last year flops in a big way the next year. But Turner's legs are awfully fresh from all those years on San Diego's bench.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville, 24: 824 yards and 12 TDs rushing (4.2 yards per carry), 62 catches for 565 yards and 2 TDs, 3 100-yard games (1 receiving), 4 multiple-TD games, 6 duds. He's scored 38 times from scrimmage in three seasons - all before he was the featured back.
s stock up.
5. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina, 26: 1,515 yards and 18 TDs rushing (5.5 yards per carry), 22 catches for 121 yards and 2 TDs, 8 100-yard games, 5 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. Can he do it again if Jonathan Stewart's completely healthy? (Here's a hint: Stewart's already been hurt twice in the offseason.)
6. Chris Johnson, Tennessee, 24: 1,228 yards and 9 TDs (4.9 yards per carry), 43 catches for 260 yards and 1 TD, 4 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 6 duds. Technically he shares time with LenDale White, but he still averaged 20 touches a game. (Beware, though, if your league penalizes for ridiculous TD celebrations.)
7. Steve Slaton, Houston, 23: 1,282 yards and 9 TDs (4.8 yards per carry), 50 catches for 377 yards and 1 TDS, 5 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game. Was a monster once the Texans figured out what they had, with 4 100-yard games and 4 scores in his final 7 games.
8. Clinton Portis, Washington, 28: 1,487 yards and 9 TDs (4.3 yards per carry), 28 catches for 218 yards, 6 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. A little older, but should again be pretty much every option for the offense.
ool highlights flattening little defensive backs).
10. Steven Jackson, St. Louis, 26: 1,042 yards and 7 TDs (4.1 yards per carry), 40 catches for 379 yards and 1 TD, 4 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 9 duds (including 4 games missed to injury). So good but so fragile. Before he gets hurt, will get plenty of touches behind an improved line.
11. Marion Barber, Dallas, 26: 885 yards and 7 TDs (3.7 yards per carry), 52 catches for 417 yards and 2 TDs, 4 100-yard games (1 receiving), 2 multiple-TD games, 7 duds (including 1 game missed to injury). First go as every-down back didn't really pan out, so expect fewer carries. But he's always going to be the guy on the goal line.
12. Frank Gore, San Francisco, 26: 1,036 yards and 6 TDs (4.3 yards per carry), 43 catches for 373 yards and 2 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 5 duds (including 2 games missed to injury). Lone bright spot in pathetic offense. (How many years have we been saying that?) Maybe the latest 49ers coordinator will realize he should have the ball.
13. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego, 30: 1,110 yards and 10 TDs (3.8 yards per carry), 52 catches for 426 yards and 1 TD, 2 100-yard games, 3 multiple-TD games, 5 duds. Sorry, LaDainian, but your first-round fantasy draft days are over. High-mileage back has hit the dreaded 30, and little Darren Sproles should swipe many carries.
nd 9 TDs (4.0 yards per carry), 54 catches for 402 yards and 5 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 5 multiple-TD games, 9 duds (including 2 games missed to injury). Shockingly low ranking due to big red flags: He's 30, had 2 offseason surgeries, has never played a full 16 games, and the Eagles drafted a back with their second pick. (Take his backup, too.)
15. Ryan Grant, Green Bay, 26: 1,203 yards and 4 TDs (3.9 yards per carry), 18 catches for 116 yards and 1 TD, 4 100-yard games, 6 duds. Recovered from early season injury woes. Surely he'll score more than 4 times this year.
16. Ronnie Brown, Miami, 27: 916 yards and 10 TDs rushing (4.3 yards per carry), 1 TD pass, 33 catches for 254 yards, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 8 duds. Vanished at the end of the season, going scoreless in 6 of his final 7 games.
17. Kevin Smith, Detroit, 22: 976 yards and 8 TDs rushing (4.1 yards per carry), 39 catches for 286 yards, 2 100-yard games, 6 duds. It took the Lions about half the season to realize they should give the ball to a good running back. Had 100 yards or a score in 4 of 6 games when he got 20 carries.
njury.
19. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh, 28: 791 yards and 5 TDs (3.8 yards per carry), 3 catches for 13 yards, 4 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 9 duds (including 5 games missed to injury). Yards per carry have dropped for four straight years, but a featured back for the Steelers is always money. (Just make sure you get his backup, too.)
20. Larry Johnson, Kansas City, 29: 874 yards and 5 TDs (4.5 yards per carry), 12 catches for 74 yards, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD games 11 duds, including 4 games lost to injury. Despite health problems, high mileage, legal woes and general surliness, should get plenty of touches. (Until he gets really mad about something.)
21. Thomas Jones, NY Jets, 31: 1,312 yards and 13 TDS (4.8 yards per carry), 36 catches for 207 yards and 2 TDs, 5 100-yard games, 3 multiple-TD games, 5 duds. Defied NFL history by being a good 30-year-old, and I'm too much of a believer in the 30-year-old-dropoff rule to believe he'll repeat at 31.
22. Reggie Bush, New Orleans, 24: 404 yards and 2 TDs (3.8 yards per carry), 52 catches for 440 yards and 4 TDs, 1 100-yard receiving game, 2 multiple-TD games, 11 duds (including 6 games missed to injury). Emergence of Thomas as inside runner could mean fewer touches but bigger payoff as Bush gets more passes and chances to work in open space.
0 yards and 1 TD, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 6 duds (including 1 game lost to injury). Don't forget he won't be joining us until the fourth game, thanks to gun-related suspension. And he shares with Fred Jackson a bit too much.
24. Cedric Benson, Cincinnati, 26: 747 yards and 2 TDs (3.5 yards per carry), 20 catches for 185 yards, 3 100-yard games, 9 duds in 12 games played. Came on strong late and is now center of run-based offense, factors that would make for a higher ranking if he weren't Cedric Benson and his team weren't the Bengals.
25. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis, 26: 544 yards and 5 TDs (3.5 yards per carry), 25 catches for 206 yards and 2 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 2 multiple-TD games, 11 duds (including 4 games missed to injury). Can be a TD machine when healthy, it's just that he's never healthy. Will be sharing carries with rookie Donald Brown.
26. LenDale White, Tennessee, 24: 773 yards and 15 TDs rushing (3.9 yards per carry), 5 catches for 16 yards, 2 100-yard games, 4 multiple-TD games, 6 duds. He gave way to Johnson as the season wore on, but he'll still barrel into the end zone plenty.
27. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina, 22: 836 yards and 10 TDs (4.5 yards per carry), 8 catches for 47 yards, 2 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. He scores a lot for a guy who never starts, and plays a lot for a guy who seems to be injured a lot.
rds and 1 TD (5.4 yards per carry), 29 catches for 342 yards and 5 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 2 multiple-TD games, 12 duds. Explosiveness, big-money contract and slowing LT could spell surprisingly big numbers.
29. Knowshon Moreno, Denver, 22: Rookie. Broncos took a break from signing journeyman backs in the offseason long enough to spend a first-round pick on Moreno. Not the official starter yet, but could be soon. (Wasn't the Denver RB confusion supposed to leave with Mike Shanahan?)
30. Darren McFadden, Oakland, 22: 499 yards and 4 TDs (4.4 yards per carry), 29 catches for 285 yards, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 13 duds (including 3 games missed to injury). Sorry for last year's suggestion that he'd be good simply because the first back drafted each year usually is. Maybe now?
31. Tim Hightower, Arizona, 23: 399 yards and 10 TDs (2.8 yards per carry), 34 catches for 237 yards, 1 100-yard game, 2 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. All those scores are great, but a run or two over 5 yards would be nice, too. Move him way up if he wins the camp battle with rookie Chris Wells, down if he doesn't.
32. Donald Brown, Indianapolis, 22: Rookie. Last year at Connecticut led the nation in rushing with 2,083 yards and scored 18 times. Set to share time with Addai.
Left the Giants' crowded backfield for ... the Bucs' crowded backfield. He's expected to share carries with Earnest Graham.
34. Julius Jones, Seattle, 28: 698 yards and 2 TDs (4.4 yards per carry), 14 catches for 66 yards, 2 100-yard games, 14 duds. Could wind up as a solid pick because the Seahawks want to run more. Seahawks may still have rule that only T.J. Duckett gets to score touchdowns, though.
35. Jamal Lewis, Cleveland, 30: 1,002 yards and 4 TDs (3.6 yards per carry), 23 catches for 178 yards, 10 duds. He kind of looked like he'd had it last year, team's rotten and now he's 30.
36. Ahmad Bradshaw, NY Giants, 23: 355 yards and 1 TD (5.3 yards per carry), 5 catches for 42 yards and 1 TD, 13 duds. Moves into the No. 2 RB spot, which occasionally becomes the No. 1 spot when you play behind Jacobs.
37. Chris Wells, Arizona, 20: Rookie. Move him way up if he wins the starting job. Also let's hope he finally shakes the "Beanie" nickname.
38. LaMont Jordan, Denver, 30: 363 yards and 4 TDs (4.5 yards per carry), 1 multiple-TD game, 13 duds. Starts atop the giant stack of Denver running backs, though it's a little unclear how long he'll remain there. Scored four times in final three games with Patriots last year.
39. Fred Jackson, Buffalo, 28: 571 yards and 3 TDs (4.4 yards per carry), 37 catches for 317 yards, 1 100-yard game, 12 duds. He's a starter for at least the first three games.
40. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay, 29: 563 yards and 4 TDs (4.3 yards per carry), 23 catches for 174 yards, 2 100-yard games, 10 duds (including 6 games lost to injury). Returns from ankle injury to find himself sharing job with Ward.
41. Tashard Choice, Dallas, 24: 472 yards and 2 TDs (5.1 yards per carry), 21 catches for 185 yards, 13 duds. Hard to figure out exactly how Cowboys will spread carries. But Choice should be a prominent player, especially when the other two break down.
42. Felix Jones, Dallas, 22: 266 yards and 3 TDs (8.9 yards per carry), 2 catches for 10 yards, 14 duds (including 10 games lost to injury.) Speedy, but brittle.
43. Willis McGahee, Baltimore, 27: 671 yards and 7 TDs (3.9 yards per carry), 24 catches for 173 yards, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 10 duds, including 3 games lost to injury. Best to avoid Ravens backs until late in the draft. McGahee may be the best bet, but has injury problems and may lose job to Ray Rice. Whoever wins sits down near the goal line anyhow.
44. Laurence Maroney, New England, 24: 93 yards rushing, 13 games missed to injury. Could be huge in the very unlikely perfect storm in which he starts and stays healthy and doesn't lose too many carries to Fred Taylor and the Patriots run more.
l keep getting the 1-yarders at the goal line.
46. Le'Ron McClain, Baltimore, 24: 902 yards and 10 yards rushing (3.9 yards per carry), 19 catches for 123 yards and 1 TD, 1 100-yard game, 2 multiple-TD games, 5 duds. Think Maurice Jones-Drew, only rounder. Or Duckett, only smaller. Great in TD-only leagues, but should be moving back to fullback with Lorenzo Neal gone.
47. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City, 22: 357 yards (5.3 yards per carry), 27 catches for 272 yards and 1 TD, 1 100-yard game, 13 duds. Move him way up if L.J. gets the boot.
48. Shonn Greene, NY Jets, 23: Rookie. Could be goal-line back and pick up tons of carries when Thomas Jones' old parts creak to a halt.
49. Chester Taylor, Minnesota, turns 30 Sept. 22: 399 yards and 4 TDs (4.0 yards per carry), 45 catches for 399 yards and 2 TDs, 10 duds. A must-have for Peterson owners.
50. Jerious Norwood, Atlanta, 26: 489 yards and 4 TDs (5.1 yards per carry), 36 catches for 338 yards and 2 TDs, 1 multiple-TD game, 10 duds. A must-have for Turner owners.
WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona, 26: 96 catches for 1,431 yards and 12 touchdowns, 7 100-yard games, 3 multiple-TD games, 1 10-catch game, 2 duds (defined as any game under 80 yards with no TD). No reason to think he won't have similar numbers.
D game, 5 duds. Texans only seem to have passing plays designed for Johnson, who had 10 or more catches seven times last year. And he stayed healthy.
3. Randy Moss, New England, 32: 69 catches for 1,008 yards and 11 TDs, 4 100-yard games, 3 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. Brady's back, so Moss is back to unstoppable.
4. Steve Smith, Carolina, 30: 78 catches for 1,421 yards and 6 TDs, 8 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 6 duds (including 2 games missed to suspension). Imagine his numbers if he hadn't been missed those 2 games. (Move him down some if he randomly punches another teammate in camp.)
5. Calvin Johnson, Detroit, 23: 78 catches for 1,331 yards and 12 TDs, 5 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. Couldn't be stopped even when the Lions only had all those backups named Drew throwing to him. Should benefit from overall offensive improvement in Detroit.
6. Greg Jennings, Green Bay, 25: 80 catches for 1,292 yards and 9 TDs, 5 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 4 duds. Rodgers' favorite target should have another big year, as long as he doesn't get fat and happy with rich new deal.
7. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis, 30: 82 catches for 1,145 yards and 6 TDs, 4 100-yard games, 8 duds. No more Marvin Harrison should spell 100-catch year.
issed to injury). This ranking assumes he's still a Cardinal, which he would prefer not to be.
9. Roddy White, Atlanta, 27: 88 catches for 1,382 yards and 7 TDs, 7 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 1 10-catch game, 6 duds. Tony Gonzalez may help him get open, but he'll also steal some catches.
10. Marques Colston, New Orleans, 26: 47 catches for 760 yards and 5 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 11 duds (including 5 games missed to injury). Hard to stop when he's upright. Once he got healthy last year, had a TD or 100 yards in five of last six games.
11. Terrell Owens, Buffalo, 35: 69 catches for 1,052 yards and 10 TDs, 1 200-yard game, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 6 duds. Always does well in honeymoon period with new QB. He'll surely blame lower fantasy rankings on Tony Romo, Donovan McNabb, Jeff Garcia and perhaps Nicolette Sheridan.
12. Brandon Marshall, Denver, 25: 104 catches for 1,265 yards, 6 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 3 10-catch games. If his trade request doesn't go through, expect a scene like this when camp opens: "Very funny, guys. Great Kyle Orton joke. ... Now where's Cutler?"
13. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seattle, 32: 92 catches for 904 yards, 4 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 2 10-catch games, 13 duds (including 1 game missed to injury). Numbers should return with a healthy Hasselbeck and no OchoCinco lobbying for more balls.
s Welker, New England, 28: 111 catches for 1,165 yards and 3 TDs, 4 100-yard games, 1 10-catch game, 9 duds. Surely he'll top 3 TDs with Brady back. And how amazing is 223 catches the past two years?
15. Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay, 28: 83 catches for 1,248 yards and 7 TDs, 5 100-yard games, 1 200-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 9 duds. Averaged 128 yards and a score in final 4 games. Still no real QB on the roster, but there wasn't last year, either.
16. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City, 24: 86 catches for 1,022 and 7 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 4 duds. QB situation got a lot better, but with no Tony Gonzalez around he's going to see far fewer open spaces.
17. Roy Williams, Dallas, 27: 36 catches for 430 yards and 2 TDs, 12 duds. Managed to underwhelm for two teams last year, but now takes over for T.O. as the No. 1 receiver. Still, really may be the third option behind Jason Witten and whoever's taking handoffs at the time.
18. Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis, 25: 57 catches for 664 yards and 4 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 12 duds. Should slide right in to that No. 2 receiver spot.
19. Lance Moore, New Orleans, 26: 79 catches for 928 yards and 10 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. The clear No. 2 opposite Colston. And being the No. 2 receiver in this offense is not a bad thing (especially when the No. 1 gets carted off the field so frequently).
t Jackson, San Diego, 26: 59 catches for 1,008 yards and 7 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 7 duds. Was huge at the end of the year, and could be ready to be break out in a big way. (Though it seems we've been predicting his big breakout for a while now.)
21. Torry Holt, Jacksonville, 33: 64 catches for 796 yards and 3 TDs, 11 duds. Really not as old as he seemed in St. Louis. Averaged nearly 1,400 yards and eight TDs in the eight seasons before last year's disaster. Might rebound with a QB who can throw.
22. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh, 33: 81 catches for 1,043 yards and 7 TDs, 4 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 7 duds. Old guy known most for his fierce blocks on a run-first team, but he always comes through.
23. Braylon Edwards, Cleveland, 26: 55 catches for 873 yards and 3 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 10 duds, 1 billion drops. Maybe he's done a lot of finger exercises or gone to an opposable-thumb-usage clinic or something.
24. Santana Moss, Washington, 30: 79 catches for 1,044 yards and 6 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 9 duds. Stats suffered late, with one TD and no 100-yarders in his final eight games.
25. Eddie Royal, Denver, 23: 91 catches for 980 yards and 5 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 10 duds (including 1 game missed to injury). Vanished at end of season, and may vanish altogether without Cutler.
d 4 TDs, 1 multiple-TD game, 13 duds. Never even hit 80 yards last year. Could be better with the return of Palmer. Could be worse as Bengals try to become more run-oriented.
27. Bernard Berrian, Minnesota, 28: 48 catches for 964 yards and 7 TDs, 4 100-yard games, 9 duds. Numbers could really jump if Favre stays upright and explosive rookie Percy Harvin stays healthy.
28. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia, 22: 62 catches for 912 yards and 2 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 10 duds. Exploded onto the scene as a rookie, with 100-yard games in his first two games, but didn't have any after that.
30. Jerricho Cotchery, NY Jets, 27: 71 catches for 858 yards and 5 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 9 duds. Finally gets to be No. 1 receiver, but for a team that doesn't have a QB.
31. Lee Evans, Buffalo, 28: 63 catches for 1,017 and 3 TDs, 4 100-yard games, 8 duds. Deep threat should be able to stretch the field even more with T.O. in the lineup.
32. Steve Breaston, Arizona, 26: 77 catches for 1,006 yards and 3 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 8 duds. Move him way up if Boldin actually winds up somewhere else, and move him down a bit if Boldin sticks around Arizona.
33. Donald Driver, Green Bay, 34: 74 catches for 1,012 yards and 5 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 11 duds. A decent bye-week fill-in, but you just can't count on him every week like you used to.
s and 5 TDs, 7 duds (including 1 missed game). Should be solid again, and no worries on the legal front now that marijuana charges against him have been dropped.
35. Laveranues Coles, Cincinnati, 31: 70 catches for 850 yards and 7 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 10 duds. You have to wonder about a guy who goes to Cincinnati on purpose.
36. Devin Hester, Chicago, 26: 51 catches for 665 yards and 3 TDs, 9 duds. Cutler's used to big, sure-handed Denver receivers, but a tiny former defensive back's about as good as it gets in Chicago.
37. Domenik Hixon, NY Giants, 24: 43 catches for 596 yards and 2 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 14 duds. Briefly looked like a poor man's Plaxico Burress last year, then reverted to random tall and skinny guy. (Also keep an eye on the camp battles to see if Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss are worth drafting.)
38. Ted Ginn Jr., Miami, 24: 56 catches for 790 yards and 4 TDs (2 rushing), 1 100-yard game, 10 duds. Fast and dangerous, just doesn't get many touches.
39. Donnie Avery, St. Louis, 25: 53 catches for 674 yards and 3 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 11 duds. He's the only Rams receiver I can name, so he made the list.
40. Mark Clayton, Baltimore, 27: 41 catches for 695 yards and 3 TDs. Derrick Mason's retirement promotes him to kind of mediocre Ravens starter.
on offense doesn't get hurt again.
42. Devery Henderson, New Orleans, 27: 32 catches for 793 yards and 3 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 10 duds. Not a bad guy to have on the bench since he seems to catch an 80-yarder every few weeks. He averaged about 25 yards a catch last year, but doesn't get many touches.
43. Patrick Crayton, Dallas, 30: 39 catches for 550 yards and 4 TDs, 10 duds. If Williams isn't so great and none of the backs stay healthy and Crayton can hold on to the ball with regularity ... he's a steal here.
44. Kevin Walter, Houston, 28: 60 catches for 899 yards and 8 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 2 multiple-TD games, 9 duds. Always wide open for those rare occasions when Johnson doesn't get the ball.
45. Kevin Curtis, Philadelphia, 31: 33 catches for 390 yards and 2 touchdowns, 13 duds (including 7 games lost to injury). Retains shred of fantasy value based on memories of his 221-yard, 3-TD game against the Lions in 2007.
46. Chris Chambers, San Diego, 31: 33 catches for 462 yards and 5 TDs, 1 multiple-TD game, 12 duds. Had 5 scores in first 5 games last year, but really wasn't heard from again. It's been an awful long time since his only 1,000-yard season (2005).
47. Percy Harvin, Vikings, 21: Rookie. Has the speed to turn short passes into big plays.
veterans.
49. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco, Rookie: Guy from fluky college offense that throws every down joins quarterbackless team. But at this stage in the draft ... why not?
50. Plaxico Burress, Unemployed, 32: 35 catches for 454 yards and 4 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 12 duds (including 6 games missed for a wide variety of reasons). Surely somebody will take a shot - er, gamble - because he's still tall and good. Move him way up if he gets a job.
TIGHT ENDS
1. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta, 33: 96 catches for 1,058 yards and 10 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 4 duds (defined as game under 60 yards with no TDs). Imagine how open he'll be on an offense with other weapons.
2. Jason Witten, Dallas, 27: 81 catches for 952 yards and 4 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 8 duds. Should get more catches with T.O. gone.
3. Antonio Gates, San Diego, 29: 60 catches for 704 yards and 8 TDs, 1 multiple-TD game, 7 duds. Even with kind of an off 2008, averaging 10 scores over the past five seasons.
4. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis, 30: 77 catches for 848 yards and 6 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 8 duds (including 1 missed game). Should get more catches with Harrison gone.
5. Greg Olsen, Chicago, 24: 54 catches for 574 and 5 TDs, 10 duds. May be Cutler's most reliable new target.
e'll score more than once this year.
7. Kellen Winslow, Tampa Bay: 43 catches for 428 yards and 3 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 13 duds (including 6 missed games). He's used to producing with no real QB. He's also extremely awesome, he says.
8: Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans, 29: 50 catches for 483 yards and 0 TDs, 14 duds (including 4 games lost to injury). Brash prediction: He won't be held out of the end zone for two straight years.
9. Owen Daniels, Houston, 26: 70 catches for 862 yards and 2 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 1 10-catch game, 9 duds. Always quietly solid.
10. Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota, 29: 42 catches for 596 yards and 7 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 9 duds. Favre's known to look for a big man in the end zone.
11. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh, 26: 48 catches for 514 yards and 3 TDs, 10 duds (including 2 games missed). Had career low in TDs last year.
12. John Carlson, Seattle, 25: 55 catches for 627 yards and 5 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 7 duds. Hasselbeck's return helps.
13. Zach Miller, Oakland, 23: 56 catches for 778 yards and 1 TD, 10 duds. More than one score with an improved Russell?
14: Vernon Davis, San Francisco, 25: 31 for 358 yards and 2 TDs, 13 duds. Will the Niners ever figure out how to use musclebound TE?
s, but lots of scores.
16. Tony Scheffler, Denver, 26: 40 catches for 645 yards and 3 TDs, 1 multiple-TD game, 9 duds (including 3 games missed). Hard to figure his role in new offense.
17. Kevin Boss, NY Giants, 25: 33 catches for 384 yards and 6 TDs, 9 duds. Lots more blocking ahead, but did lead team in TD catches.
18. L.J. Smith, Baltimore, 29: 37 catches for 298 yards and 3 TDs, 13 duds (including 3 games lost to injury)
19. Bo Scaife, Tennessee, 28: 58 catches for 561 yards and 2 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 12 duds. Didn't score or surpass 40 yards in final 7 games.
20: Todd Heap, Baltimore, 29: 35 catches for 403 yards and 3 TDs, 1 multiple-TD game, 13 duds. What happened to this guy?
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
1. Pittsburgh, 20 INTs, 51 sacks, 1 safety, 9 fumble recoveries, 3 TDs.
2. Minnesota, 12 INTs, 3 safeties, 45 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.
3. Philadelphia, 15 INTs, 48 sacks, 1 safety, 14 fumble recoveries, 7 TDs.
4. NY Giants, 17 INTs, 3 safeties, 43 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, 3 TDs.
5. Baltimore, 26 INTs, 35 sacks, 3 safeties, 9 fumble recoveries, 6 TDs.
6. Tennessee, 20 INTs, 44 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.
7. Dallas, 8 INTs, 1 safety, 59 sacks, 14 fumble recoveries, 2 TDs.
8. New England, 14 INTs, 30 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, 1 TD.
9. NY Jets, 14 INTs, 40 sacks, 16 fumble recoveries, 6 TDs.
ay, 22 INTs, 27 sacks, 6 fumble recoveries, 9 TDs.
11. Tampa Bay, 22 INTs, 29 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, 7 TDs.
12. Chicago, 22 INTs, 1 safety, 28 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, 6 TDs.
13. Arizona, 13 INTs, 31 sacks, 17 fumble recoveries, 6 TDs.
14. San Diego, 15 INTs, 1 safety, 27 sacks, 9 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.
15. Carolina, 12 INTs, 37 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, 2 TDs.
16. Seattle, 9 INTs, 35 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.
17. Miami, 18 INTs, 1 safety, 41 sacks, 12 fumble recoveries, 2 TDs.
18. Indianapolis, 15 INTs, 31 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.
19. Buffalo, 10 INTs, 24 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, 5 TDs.
20. Atlanta, 10 INTs, 1 safety, 34 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, 3 TDs.
KICKERS:
1. Stephen Gostowski, New England, 148 points, 36 FGs.
2. David Akers, Philadelphia, 144 points, 33 FGs.
3. Matt Bryant, Tampa Bay, 131 points, 32 FGs.
4. John Kasay, Carolina, 130 points, 28 FGs.
5. Rob Bironas, Tennessee, 127 points, 29 FGs.
6. Jason Elam, Atlanta, 129 points, 29 FGs.
7. Ryan Longwell, Minnesota, 127 points, 29 FGs.
8. Mason Crosby, Green Bay, 127 points, 27 FGs.
9. Nate Keading, San Diego, 127 points, 27 FGs.
10. Nick Folk, Dallas, 102 points, 20 FGs.
11. Garrett Hartley, New Orleans 67 points, 13 FGs.
12. Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis, 103 points, 20 FGs
awrence Tynes, NY Giants, 4 points, 1 FG.
14. Rian Lindell, Buffalo, 124 points, 30 FGs.
15. Matt Prater, Denver, 114 points, 25 FGs.
16. Kris Brown, Houston, 124 points, 29 FGs.
17. Robbie Gould, Chicago, 119 points, 26 FGs.
18. Neil Rackers, Arizona, 119 points, 25 FGs.
19. Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh, 117 points, 27 FGs.
20. Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland, 97 points, 24 FGs.
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