Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
RANKINGS BY POSITION...................................................................................................... 5
IMPACT ROOKIES.............................................................................................................. 37
PLAYER GRAPEVINE.......................................................................................................... 69
2
PROJECTIONS & RANKINGS REVISIONS
PLAYER (TEAM) REVISION DATE
Kerry Collins (IND) Signed with the Colts. Aug. 24
David Garrard (JAC) Named starting quarterback. Aug. 24
Kyle Orton (DEN) Named starting quarterback; upgraded ranking Aug. 24
Peyton Manning (IND) Questionable for Week 1 due to injury; downgraded ranking Aug. 24
Terrell Thomas (NYG) Torn ACL; downgraded ranking Aug. 22
Kevin Boss (OAK) Suffered minor injury; downgraded ranking slightly Aug. 21
Chris Cooley (WAS) Suffered minor injury; downgraded ranking slightly Aug. 21
LaRod Stephens-Howling (ARZ) Upgraded ranking after Ryan Williams injury Aug. 19
Chris Wells (ARZ) Upgraded ranking after Ryan Williams injury Aug. 19
Ryan Williams (ARZ) Suffered season-ending injury; eliminated ranking Aug. 19
Chris Johnson (TEN) Downgraded due to contract stalemate. Aug. 17
Graham Gano (WAS) Won kicker job; Shayne Graham released Aug. 14
Chad Henne (MIA) Named starting quarterback Aug. 14
Lee Evans (BAL) Traded to Ravens; upgraded ranking Aug. 12
Legedu Naanee (CAR) Upgraded ranking after David Gettis injury Aug. 11
David Gettis (CAR) Suffered season-ending injury; eliminated from ranking Aug. 11
Jerricho Cotchery (PIT) Signed with Steelers Aug. 10
Mike Bell (DET) Signed with Lions Aug. 9
Jerome Harrison (DET) Signed with Lions Aug. 9
Ricky Williams (BAL) Signed with Ravens, upgraded ranking Aug. 8
Jason Snelling (ATL) Signed with Falcons Aug. 8
Mikel Leshoure (DET) Out for the season with Achilles’ heel injury; eliminated from rankings Aug. 8
Ben Patrick (FA ) Retired, eliminated from rankings Aug. 6
Malcom Floyd (SD ) Re-signed with the Chargers Aug. 5
Braylon Edwards (SF ) Signed wtih 49ers Aug. 4
Donovan McNabb (MIN) Traded to Vikins Aug. 4
Ronnie Brown (PHI) Signed with Eagles Aug. 4
Cadillac Williams (STL) Signed with Rams Aug. 3
DeAngelo Williams (CAR) Re-signed with Panthers Aug. 3
Zach Miller (SEA) Signed with Seahawks; downgraded ranking slightly Aug. 2
Tarvaris Jackson (SEA) Signed with Seahawks; upgraded ranking Aug. 2
Kevin Kolb (ARZ) Traded to the Cardinals Aug. 2
Paul Posluszny (JAC) Signed with Jaguars; downgraded ranking Aug. 2
Randy Moss (FA ) Retired, eliminated from rankings Aug. 1
Roy Williams (CHI) Signed with Bears; upgraded ranking July 31
Mike Sims-Walker (STL) Signed with Rams July 31
Sidney Rice (SEA) Signed with Seahawks; upgraded ranking July 31
Percy Harvin (MIN) Upgraded ranking after Sidney Rice signed with Seahawks July 31
Bruce Gradkowski (CIN) Signed with Bengals July 31
Willis McGahee (DEN) Signed wtih Bronocs July 31
John Kasay (FA ) Released by Panthers; might retire July 31
Olindo Mare (CAR) Signed with Panthers; downgraded ranking July 31
Charles Johnson (CAR) Signed with Panthers July 31
Michael Jenkins (MIN) Signed with Vikings July 31
Nate Clements (CIN) Signed with Bengals. July 31
Marion Barber (CHI) Traded to Bears July 31
Nick Barnett (BUF) Signed with Bills; big upgrade in ranking July 31
Plaxico Burress (NYJ) Signed with Jets July 31
Devin Aromashodu (MIN) Signed with Vikings July 30
Steve Breaston (KC ) Signed with Chiefs July 28
Chris Chambers (FA ) Released by the Chiefs July 28
Darren Sproles (NO ) Signed with Saints July 28
Greg Olsen (CAR) Signed with Panthers; upgraded ranking July 28
Chad Ochocinco (NE ) Signed with Patriots; big upgrade in ranking July 28
Matt Hasselbeck (TEN) Signed with Titans; upgraded ranking July 28
Lance Moore (NO ) Re-signed with Saints July 27
3
TOP 150 RANKINGS
RISING/FALLING/OUT - Ryan Williams (injury), David Gettis (injury)
1. Arian Foster, RB, HOU 51. Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR 101. Kellen Winslow, TE, TB
2. Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN 52. Fred Jackson, RB, BUF 102. A.J. Green, WR, CIN
3. Jamaal Charles, RB, KC 53. Jahvid Best, RB, DET 103. Mike Thomas, WR, CAL
4. LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI 54. Chris Wells, RB, ARZ 104. Hines Ward, WR, PIT
5. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAX 55. Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN 105. Earl Bennett, WR, CHI
6. Michael Turner, RB, ATL 56. Jermichael Finley, TE, GB 106. Jordy Nelson, WR, GB
7. Darren McFadden, RB, OAK 57. Vernon Davis, TE, SF 107. DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL
8. Chris Johnson, RB, TEN 58. Dallas Clark, TE, IND 108. Delone Carter, RB, IND
9. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT 59. Felix Jones, RB, DAL 109. Lance Moore, WR, NO
10. Andre Johnson, WR, HOU 60. Ryan Grant, RB, GB 110. Robert Meachem, WR, NO
11. Calvin Johnson, WR, DET 61. Cedric Benson, RB, CIN 111. Anthony Armstrong, WR, WAS
12. Ray Rice, RB, BAL 62. Sidney Rice, WR, SEA 112. Mike Sims-Walker, WR, STL
13. Ryan Mathews, RB, SD 63. Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL 113. Louis Murphy, WR, OAK
14. Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB 64. Malcolm Floyd, WR, SD 114. Zach Miller, TE, SEA
15. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARZ 65. Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ 115. Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE
16. Roddy White, WR, ATL 66. Wes Welker, WR, NE 116. Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
17. Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG 67. Michael Crabtree, WR, SF 117. Chris Cooley, TE, WAS
18. Frank Gore, RB, SF 68. Jason Witten, TE, DAL 118. Ronnie Brown, RB, MIA
19. Greg Jennings, WR, GB 69. Joseph Addai, RB, IND 119. Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE
20. Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC 70. Kenny Britt, WR, TEN 120. Mike Tolbert, RB, SD
21. Austin Miles, WR, DAL 71. Marcedes Lewis, TE, JAX 121. Jerricho Cotchery, WR, PIT
22. Matt Forte, RB, CHI 72. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, NE 122. James Jones, WR, GB
23. LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB 73. James Starks, RB, GB 123. Josh Freeman, QB, TB
24. Michael Vick, QB, PHI 74. C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF 124. Jabar Gaffney, WR, DEN
25. Mike Williams, WR, TB 75. Steve Smith, WR, CAR 125. Donald Driver, WR, GB
26. Mike Wallace, WR, PIT 76. Austin Collie, WR, IND 126. Jay Cutler, QB, CHI
27. Peyton Hillis, RB, CLE 77. Lee Evans, WR, BAL 127. Donald Driver, WR, GB
28. Steven Jackson, RB, STL 78. Pierre Garcon, WR, IND 128. Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET
29. Antonio Gates, TE, SD 79. Santana Moss, WR, WAS 129. Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL
30. Drew Brees, QB, NO 80. Jimmy Graham, TE, NO 130. Matt Stafford, QB, DET
31. Dez Bryant, WR, DAL 81. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT 131. Ben Tate, RB, TEN
32. Brandon Marshall, WR, MIA 82. Matt Schaub, QB, TEX 132. Jason Snelling, RB, ATL
33. DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI 83. Peyton Manning, QB, IND 133. Justin Forsett, RB, ATL
34. Philip Rivers, QB, SD 84. Johnny Knox, WR, CHI 134. Owen Daniels, TE, HOU
35. Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ 85. Steve Smith, WR, PHI 135. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, BUF
36. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG 86. Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA 136. Brandon Tate, WR, NE
37. Daniel Thomas, RB, MIA 87. Roy Helu, RB, WAS 137. Roy Williams, WR, CHI
38. Tony Romo, QB, DAL 88. Ryan Torain, RB, WAS 138. Devin Hester, WR, CHI
39. Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI 89. Matt Ryan, QB, ATL 139. Mark Clayton, WR, STL
40. Brandon Lloyd, WR, DEN 90. Eli Manning, QB, NYG 140. Danny Amendola, WR, STL
41. Reggie Wayne, WR, IND 91. Mario Manningham, WR, NYG 141. Josh Morgan, WR, SF
42. Tom Brady, QB, NE 92. Julio Jones, WR, ATL 142. Ben Obomanu, WR, SEA
43. Mark Ingram, RB, NO 93. Joe Flacco, QB, BAL 143. Sam Bradford, QB, STL
44. Percy Harvin, WR, MIN 94. Terrell Owns, WR, FA 144. 18. Kevin Kolb, ARZ
45. DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR 95. Mike Williams, WR, SEA 145. Kyle Orton, QB, DEN
46. Vincent Jackson, WR, SD 96. Deion Branch, WR, NE 146. Dustin Keller, TE, NYJ
47. Braylon Edwards, WR, SF 97. Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG 147. Greg Olsen, TE, CAR
48. Steve Johnson, WR, BUF 98. Pierre Thomas, RB, NO 148. Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN
49. Chad Ochocinco, NE 99. Michael Bush, RB, OAK 149. Legedu Naanee, WR, CAR
50. Marques Colston, WR, NO 100. Shane Vereen, RB, NE 150. L. Stephens-Howling, RB, ARZ
4
RANKINGS BY POSITION
QUARTERBACK RUNNING BACK WIDE RECEIVER 51. Louis Murphy, OAK
52. Jerricho Cotchery, PIT
1. Aaron Rodgers, GB 1. Arian Foster, HOU 1. Andre Johnson, HOU 53. James Jones, GB
2. Michael Vick, PHI 2. Adrian Peterson, MIN 2. Calvin Johnson, Tigers 54. Jabar Gaffney, DEN
3. Drew Brees, NO 3. Jamaal Charles, KC 3. Larry Fitzgerald, ARZ 55. Donald Driver, GB
4. Philip Rivers, SD 4. LeSean McCoy, PHI 4. Roddy White, ATL 56. Brandon Tate, Patrios
5. Tony Romo, DAL 5. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX 5. Hakeem Nicks, NYG 57. Roy Williams, CHI
6. Tom Brady, NE 6. Michael Turner, ATL 6. Greg Jennings, GB 58. Devin Hester, CHI
7. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT 7. Darren McFadden, OAK 7. Dwayne Bowe, KC 69. Mark Clayton, STL
8. Matt Schaub, HOU 8. Chris Johnson, TEN 8. Austin Miles, DAL 60. Danny Amendola, STL
9. Peyton Manning, IND 9. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT 9. Mike Williams, TB 61. Josh Morgan, SF
10. Matt Ryan, ATL 10. Ray Rice, BAL 10. Mike Wallace, PIT 62. Ben Obomanu, SEA
11. Eli Manning, NYG 11. Ryan Mathews, SD 11. Dez Bryant, DAL 63. Steve Breaston, KC
12. Joe Flacco, BAL 12. Frank Gore, SF 12. Brandon Marshall, MIA 64. Greg Little, CLE
13. Josh Freeman, TB 13. Matt Forte, CHI 13. DeSean Jackson, PHI 65. Leonard Hankerson, WAS
14. Jay Cutler, CHI 14. LeGarrette Blount, TB 14. Jeremy Maclin, PHI 66. Jonathan Baldwin, KC
15. Matt Stafford, DET 15. Peyton Hillis, CLE 15. Brandon Lloyd, DEN 67. Jacoby Ford, OAK
16. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF 16. Steven Jackson, STL 16. Reggie Wayne, IND 68. Devonne Bess, MIA
17. Sam Bradford, STL 17. Shonn Greene, NYJ 17. Percy Harvin, MIN 69. Jerome Simpson, CIN
18. Kevin Kolb, ARZ 18. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG 18. Vincent Jackson, SD 70. Jordan Shipley, CIN
19. Kyle Orton, DEN 19. Daniel Thomas, MIA 19. Braylon Edwards, SF 71. Emmanuel Sanders, PIT
20. David Garrard, JAX 20. Mark Ingram, NO 20. Steve Johnson, BUF 72. Derrick Mason, NYJ
21. Matt Cassel, KC 21. DeAngelo Williams, CAR 21. Chad Ochocinco, NE 73. Moh. Massaquoi, CLE
22. Colt McCoy, CLE 22. Jonathan Stewart, CAR 22. Marques Colston, NO 74. Torrey Smith, BAL
23. Mark Sanchez, NYJ 23. Fred Jackson, BUF 23. Sidney Rice, SEA 75. Legedu Naanee, CAR
24. Matt Hasselbeck, TEN 24. Jahvid Best, DET 24. Anquan Boldin, BAL
25. Donovan McNabb, MIN 25. Chris Wells, ARZ 25. Malcolm Floyd, SD TIGHT END
26. Tarvaris Jackson, SEA 26. Knowshon Moreno, DEN 26. Santonio Holmes, NYJ
27. Jason Campbell, OAK 27. Felix Jones, DAL 27. Wes Welker, NE 1. Antonio Gates, SD
28. Andy Dalton, CIN 28. Ryan Grant, GB 28. Michael Crabtree, SF 2. Jermichael Finley, GB
29. Alex Smith, SF 29. Cedric Benson, CIN 29. Kenny Britt, TEN 3. Vernon Davis, SF
30. Chad Henne, MIA 30. Joseph Addai, IND 30. Steve Smith, CAR 4. Dallas Clark, IND
31. Vince Young, PHI 31. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE 31. Austin Collie, IND 5. Jason Witten, DAL
32. Jake Locker, TEN 32. James Starks, GB 32. Lee Evans, BAL 6. Marcedes Lewis, JAX
33. Rex Grossman, WAS 33. C.J. Spiller, BUF 33. Pierre Garcon, IND 7. Jimmy Graham, NO
34. Cam Newton, CAR 34. Marshawn Lynch, SEA 34. Santana Moss, WAS 8. Kellen Winslow, TB
9. Zach Miller, SEA
35. Tim Tebow, DEN 35. Roy Helu, WAS 35. Johnny Knox, CHI
10. Aaron Hernandez, NE
36. Ryan Torain, WAS 36. Steve Smith, PHI
11. Rob Gronkowski, NE
37. Brandon Jacobs, NYG 37. Mario Manningham, NYG
12. Chris Cooley, WAS
38. Pierre Thomas, NO 38. Julio Jones, ATL
13. Brandon Pettigrew, DET
39. Michael Bush, OAK 39. Terrell Owns, FA
14. Tony Gonzalez, ATL
40. Shane Vereen, NE 40. Mike Williams, SEA 15. Owen Daniels, HOU
41. DeMarco Murray, DAL 41. Deion Branch, NE 16. Dustin Keller, NYJ
42. Delone Carter, IND 42. A.J. Green, CIN 17. Greg Olsen, CAR
43. Ronnie Brown, PHI 43. Mike Thomas, CAR 18. Jermaine Gresham, CIN
44. Montario Hardesty, CLE 44. Hines Ward, PIT 19. Jared Cook, TEN
45. Mike Tolbert, SD 45. Earl Bennett, CHI 20. Heath Miller, PIT
46. Ben Tate, TEN 46. Jordy Nelson, GB 21. Todd Heap, BAL
47. Jason Snelling, ATL 47. Lance Moore, NO 22. Ben Watson, CLE
48. Justin Forsett, ATL 48. Robert Meachem, NO 23. Tony Moeaki, KC
49. Ricky Williams, BAL 49. Anthony Armstrong, WAS 24. Brent Celek, PHI
50. L. Stephens-Howling, ARZ 50. Mike Sims-Walker, STL 25. Kevin Boss, NYG
5
RANKINGS BY POSITION (cont...)
6
QUARTERBACK SEASON PROFILES
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
1. AARON RODGERS, PACKERS injuries. Even so, Roethlisberger acquitted himself nicely. Plus,
beyond his pasing game, he’s a reliable source of 100-to-200 yards
Rogers is arguably the league’s top quarterback for both fantasy
and two touchdowns on the ground each year.
and real-life purposes. He recorded fewer pass attempts than Drew
Brees and Peyton Manning in 2010, but made up for it with efficien-
cy and, in particular, the running game. After suffering two concus- 8. MATT SCHAUB, TEXANS
sions last season, there’s the possibility he’ll cut back on the run- Schaub has averaged just about 1.6 passing touchdowns per game
ning aspect of his game. Still he’s good as (green and) gold. in his last three seasons. That’s equates to about 25 per season —
a decent total, but not quite at the same level as some of the top
2. MICHAEL VICK, EAGLES fantasy QBs. It’s not necessarily the case that Schaub is UNABLE
to throw for TDs — his 8.0 yards per attempt over the last three
Prorate Vick’s per-game numbers over 16 games and he’d have put
years suggest he’s a very able passer — but rather that
up 4,064 yards, 30 touchdowns, 12 interceptions in the air with 848
quality/strategy of the Texan offense precludes him from eclipsing
yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. That’s fantasy gold.
the 30 mark. In any case, the yards are nice and certainly make him
Unfortunately, he didn’t play 12 games — nor, given his reliance on
rosterable in most formats.
the rush, is he likely to play 16 full games in 2011-12.
7
QUARTERBACK SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
QUARTERBACK
half of pass attempts and, while Mike Williams certainly distin- those feats. The chances are below 50%, likely. And with 10th-
guished himself, tight end Kellen Winslow and receiver Arrelious overall pick Blaine Gabbert now in the fold, Garrard’s long-term role
Benn both have knee-injury concerns. is in question.
8
QUARTERBACK SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
QUARTERBACK
with the fact that he’s quarterbacked for the Redskins and Raiders. aged 8.0 yards per attempt last season and still possesses the abili-
Overall futility defined the former; a dominant running game, the lat- ty to do damage with his legs.
ter. (In fact, the Raiders were one of only two teams to score more
touchdowns on the ground than through the air.) 32. JAKE LOCKER, TITANS
Tennessee found Matt Hasselbeck to start for most or all of 2011,
28. ANDY DALTON, BENGALS but, should Locker find his way into the starting role, his 4.59 speed
In case you haven’t heard, Carson Palmer might choose to retire could be worth a look if he starts against a favorable defense. A
rather than take another snap with the Bengals. Should that hap- healthy and well-behvaed Kenny Britt would be of some benefit, as
pen, or should Palmer be traded, Dalton will likely be the starter for well, although expecting a rookie to produce above-average pass-
Game One. It’s rare that any rookie quarterback becomes a hit ing numbers isn’t advised.
immediately — and it’s unlikely that Dalton will prove an exception
to that particular rule. Still, Cincinnati features an abundance of tar-
gets at the moments, not the least of them being fourth-overall pick 33. REX GROSSMAN, REDSKINS
A.J. Green. Though technically a free agent, it would have been surprising had
Grossman left Washington, with Donovan McNabb exiting and hav-
ing started three games last year. The book on Grossman is pretty
29. ALEX SMITH, 49ERS
well established at this point, and, so far as books go, it’s not what
Smith will return to the 49ers for 2011 after signing a free-agent
you’d call a Classic. He could be worth a spot start against a bad
deal. That’s only sort of news for fantasy owners, as (a) Smith has
defense, but oughtn’t be used more than that, really.
never cracked 7.0 yards per attempt in his five years in the league
and (b) Frank Gore is the real centerpiece of the Niner offense. The
presence second-round pick Colin Kaepernick might also eat into 34. CAM NEWTON, PANTHERS
Smith’s playing time. As both a passer and rusher, Newton’s potential is off the charts. If
there’s a caveat here, however, it’s that Cameron’s one starting sea-
30. CHAD HENNE, DOLPHINS son in Division I was in Auburn’s one-read option offense, meaning
Playing time is the first and foremost consideration when looking at Newton has next to no familiarity with the NFL tasks ahead of him.
any player. In the case of Henne, even if Miami doesn’t look to free For that reason, it’s tough to see him winning the starting spot this
agency or a trade for training camp competition for Henne, there’s year. On the other hand, his main competition is Jimmy Clausen,
no guarantee Tyler Thigpen won’t take the starting spot if former who’s not what you’d necessarily call a “world-beater.”
slips up. A good group of wideouts, led by Brandon Marshall,
makes Henne’s situation not-terrible, but consecutive years with 35. TIM TEBOW, BRONCOS — Prev. Rank: 19
more interceptions than touchdowns isn’t particularly promising. While Kyle Orton did little to lose the starting QB job in Denver, it’s
tough to see a scenario in which Tim Tebow won’t start 2011 as the
31. VINCE YOUNG, EAGLES Bronco starter. His windup, throwing motion and passing abilities in
After last year’s drama and the selection of quarterback Jake general remain concerns, but his bruising running ability is a con-
Locker eighth overall in the most recent draft, Young’s days in stant that gives him high upside as a fantasy quarterback — and is
Tennesse were numbered. He signed a one-year deal with punctuated by the fact that he scored a rushing touchdown in each
Philadelphia and will back up Michael Vick. Young actually aver- of his 2010 starts.
9
RUNNING BACK SEASON PROFILES
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
1. ARIAN FOSTER, TEXANS blocking line. There’s no reason not to expect more of the same, so
long as he stays healthy in 2011.
He could do 85 percent of what he did last year and still be No. 1.
Foster is a strong between-the-tackles runner, and shifty as a
receiver out of the backfield. The Texans have a stable offense that 7. DARREN MCFADDEN, Raiders
loves to run the ball from in close and one of the league’s best run- On a per-play and per-game basis, McFadden was an absolute
blocking offensive lines. While Foster lacks the natural talent of an monster last year, with 5.2 yards per carry and 1664 yards from
Adrian Peterson or Jamaal Charles, the running back position is scrimmage and 10 touchdowns in 13 games. McFadden can run
mostly about environment, and Foster’s is among the best in the between the tackles, and has great burst in the open field, allowing
league. In PPR formats, he’s even more clearly No. 1. him to create huge plays once he gets beyond the line. The pres-
ence of Michael Bush limits McFadden’s goal-line attempts, and
2. ADRIAN PETERSON, VIKINGS McFadden himself has struggled to stay healthy since his arrival
into the league. But if we could guarantee every running back on
Every year it’s Peterson or someone else in the debate for the No. 1
this list a full season, McFadden would be a top-three overall pick.
overall pick, so why speculate? Peterson is a bruising power runner
who looks to inflict damage on would-be tacklers, assuming he has-
n’t already blown by them with his rare breakaway speed. Peterson 8. CHRIS JOHNSON, TITANS — Prev. Rank: 4
has also improved as a pass catcher, a skill that might be on further After a record-setting 2009, Johnson fell back to earth in a big way,
display this season as the Vikings ponder using a rookie quarterback as the Titans offense and run blocking regressed. Johnson still has
or a stopgap veteran. Peterson’s physical running style and heavy elite ability with game-breaking speed, elusive moves in the open
workload the past few years could catch up to him, but he’s been field and the ability to break tackles for a smaller back. Tennessee’s
durable to date, and is still very much in the prime of his career. quarterback situation is in flux right now, and the offensive line is
still a work in progress, so don’t expect Johnson to reprise 2009,
3. JAMAAL CHARLES, CHIEFS barring unforeseen improvements in his environment. While
Johnson has been highly durable, it’s worth noting his workload has
Only Jim Brown ever averaged more yards per carry in a full season
been heavy the past three years, especially for a smaller back.
than Jamaal Charles last year, and had Todd Haley not wasted car-
ries on Thomas Jones both between the 20s and at the goal line,
Charles might have been battling Arian Foster for the top spot on our 9. RASHARD MENDENHALL, STEELERS
list. In any event, Charles returns as the team’s clear go-to runner, is Mendenhall’s numbers don’t jump out - just 3.9 YPC and 23 recep-
as fast as any player in the league and is dynamic out of the back- tions in a full 16-game season. But Mendenhall scored 13 TDs,
field as a receiver. The only question is whether he’ll see goal-line despite missing star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for a quarter of
work, and that’s what keeps him at No. 3 rather than No. 1 overall. the year and running behind a mediocre offensive line that should
improve. Moreover, Mendenhall’s physical skills - good size, power
4. LESEAN MCCOY, EAGLES and long speed, good hands out of the backfield - make it likely
he’ll catch more passes and be more efficient in 2011.
McCoy saw just 207 carries last year, but he led all running backs
with 78 receptions and was on the field for 837 snaps, third among
players at his position. In short, he’s a major part of one of the 10. RAY RICE, RAVENS
league’s top offenses, is a weapon on the ground and threw the air One of the league’s best pass-catching backs, Rice has also proven
and part of the gameplan no matter what the situation and score of he can carry a heavy workload with 307 carries and 63 catches last
the game. If McCoy ever sees more goal-line carries, he could be a year. Like Maurice Jones-Drew, Rice is stout, compact, shifty and
top-3 back, but with Michael Vick around, the team probably won’t hard to bring down. The Ravens offensive line took a step back last
go to a power running formation all that often from in close. Ronnie year, and Rice usually is forced to share goal-line carries, but he’s
Brown’s signing with the Eagles could cost McCoy some carries, one of the safer bets. In PPR leagues, bump him up 3-4 spots.
but likely not enough to downgrade him much.
11. RYAN MATHEWS, CHARGERS
5. MAURICE JONES-DREW, JAGUARS Mathews burned a lot of owners last year with his chronic ankle
Assuming he’s recovered from offseason knee surgery - and by all injury and eventual timeshare with Mike Tolbert. But in Week 17,
accounts he has - Jones-Drew will continue to see heavy work as a long after most of his drafters had been bounced from the playoffs -
runner and a receiver behind one of the league’s more underrated he had a 120-yards, three-TD game, showcasing what might have
O Lines. Compact and powerful, Jones-Drew is a strong short- been. Heading into his second year, Mathews should be exepcted
yardage runner and also has the long-speed to break away. Rashad to see the bulk of the team’s carries, though Tolbert could be in the
Jennings showed promise as a change-of-pace option, but even mix near the goal line. Nonetheless, Norv Turner running backs -
with him around Jones-Drew still managed 299 carries in 14 games. think Emmitt Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson in their primes - have
been the best in fantasy football history, and the environment in San
6. MICHAEL TURNER, FALCONS Diego with Philip Rivers helming one of the league’s most efficient
offenses could hardly be more ideal.
If you’re in a PPR format, move him down half a dozen spots, but in
standard ones, Turner’s power running still pays the bills. The lack
of receiving costs him some yards from scrimmage, but unlike 12. FRANK GORE, 49ERS
LeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles and Ray Rice, there’s little doubt When healthy, Gore is a complete back, capable of gashing teams
Turner’s carrying the rock for his team when it gets near pay dirt. for big yards between the tackles, or taking a play outside for a
Turner led the league in red-zone rushes, inside-the-10 rushes and long gain. Gore can catch passes out of the backfield, he can run
goal-line rushes on a team with a stable offense and solid run- defenders over, or simply blow by them. The problem is Gore rarely
10
RUNNING BACK SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
stays healthy for a full season as he’s missed nine games over the Jacobs also had a good year, and assuming both are back with the
past three years. At press time, he’s completely healthy, and you’ll Giants - hardly a sure thing - Bradshaw would again share carries.
get a top-10 back for as long as he remains that way. Bradshaw has battled chronic foot and ankle trouble during his
career, but after undergoing ankle surgery in February claims he has
13. MATT FORTE, BEARS regained his considerable speed.
Last year’s incarnation of Forte bore a much closer resemblance to
the rookie star of 2008 rather than the sophomore dud of 2009. 19. DANIEL THOMAS, DOLPHINS
Despite running behind a poor offensive line, Forte averaged 4.5 With the Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams era over in Miami, Thomas
yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns. He also caught 51 has a good chance to establish himself as the team’s lead back,
passes (the third straight year he’s eclipsed 50) for a career-high 547 even with the addition of free-agent Reggie Bush. Thomas is a
yards through the air. With Mike Martz at the helm for a second year tough-running power back in the mold of a younger Larry Johnson,
and the Bears improving their offensive line through the draft, Forte and the Dolphins have one of the better offensive lines in the
is a safe bet for plenty of yards from scrimmage at the very least. league. Thomas is also a competent pass catcher and even has
Marion Barber signed with the Bears and could get the short- some experience running the Wildcat so he could see a substantial
yardage and/or goal-line work. workload as a rookie.
11
RUNNING BACK SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
25. CHRIS WELLS, CARDINALS — Prev. Rank: 31 (124) and touchdowns (four), though his 4.3 YPC mark was actually
the second best he’s ever recorded. Addai doesn’t possess much
If Wells’ rookie year was considered a let-down, his sophomore
speed, but assuming a return to the Colts, his style fits well within
campaign was a down-right disaster, as he suffered a preseason
Indy’s system, and he’s terrific in pass protection, which is most
knee injury that required surgery to repair a torn meniscus and
important when it comes to the team’s Peyton-Manning driven
remove loose cartilage, and he later admitted he never felt 100 per-
offense. Donald Brown appears to be a bust, but Indianapolis draft-
cent the rest of the year. The numbers are ugly, as he averaged just
3.4 YPC and broke only four tackles all season, and while the injury ed Delone Carter in the fourth round, and at minimum, he’ll take
can be blamed, it eases no concerns over his in-ability to stay over short-yardage work, which limits Addai’s scoring potential.
healthy. Still, he won’t turn 23 until late summer and he has shown
flashes of being a more than capable back. With the Cardinals 31. BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS, PATRIOTS
investing an early second-round pick in Ryan Williams, Wells’ stock Though Danny Woodhead was also in the mix, Green-Ellis essential-
has never been lower, but he still has the potential to make a major ly took over New England’s backfield in the second half of the 2010
impact, if he’s able to stay out of the trainer’s room. season, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards and scoring 13 touchdowns
on the ground, second most in the NFL. While “The Law Firm” is a
26. KNOWSHON MORENO, BRONCOS capable runner who’s yet to fumble during his career, he’s hardly
Moreno improved in his second season, upping his YPC to 4.3 and special, as he benefited greatly from New England’s strong run
catching more passes out of the backfield, despite missing three blocking. He also struggles in pass protection, which might be a big
games. Nonetheless, he’s been disappointing for a No. 12 overall reason why the Patriots used a second-round pick on Shane Vereen.
pick, and now that Denver has a new regime in charge, there’s talk Green-Ellis can retain value as the favorite to be New England’s
Moreno’s role could be reduced. Willis McGahee’s signing could goal-line back (he was 8-for-15 there last season), but don’t be sur-
steal carries from Moreno. Still, Moreno could be heavily relied on if prised if his rushing attempts take a hit while he’s competing for car-
the team hands the reins to second-year man Tim Tebow. Of ries with Woodhead, Vereen and third-rounder Stevan Ridley.
course, Tebow’s presence could cost Moreno goal-line looks, given
the quarterback’s nose for the end zone. 32. JAMES STARKS, PACKERS
Starks wasn’t able to take advantage of Ryan Grant’s season-end-
27. FELIX JONES, COWBOYS ing ankle injury last year because he was battling a hamstring strain
Jones was finally given a chance to lead the Cowboys in carries last that saw him open the year on the PUP list. Apparently, the Packers
season, but the results were disappointing, as his YPC dropped to knew they had something in the sixth-round pick, and their patience
4.3, and he recorded just two touchdowns. The speed back did dis- was rewarded when Starks became the team’s workhorse in the
play improvement as a pass-catcher, but he’s an injury risk who playoffs, averaging 20.3 carries per game. While his 3.9 YPC mark
rarely sees action at the goal line and is likely to be a part of a time- doesn’t jump out, he faced stiff competition and passed the “eye
share again. Marion Barber’s exit seems like a plus at first glance, test.” If he can prove durable, Starks can play a big role in Green
but don’t be surprised if Tashard Choice and rookie DeMarco Bay’s backfield in 2011 — just keep in mind that Grant will be back,
Murray are both also heavily involved in the offense. and third-round draft pick Alex Green could be in the mix as well.
12
RUNNING BACK SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
senior year at Nebraska last season and impressed at the Combine 41. DEMARCO MURRAY, COWBOYS
with a 4.40 40. Ryan Torain played well last year, but he’s a huge
Murray, who ran an impressive 4.41 40 at the Combine, isn’t too
injury risk, and Shanahan covets Helu’s breakaway speed, an attrib-
different from Felix Jones, but his third-round selection is tough to
ute Torain doesn’t possess. Given how productive a lead back in
criticize given how well his skill set fits with the Dallas offense. His
Shanahan’s system can be, Helu is the type of late pick who can
arrival hurts the value of both Jones and Tashard Choice, and
win your league for you.
ended Marion Barber’s career as a Cowboy, but it’s good news for
Tony Romo and the offense as a whole. The most likely outcome is
36. RYAN TORAIN, REDSKINS a shared backfield, and it may even become a three-headed mon-
Drafted by the Broncos in 2008, Torain entered last season having ster, effectively ruining each back’s fantasy value.
appeared in just two NFL games due to his inability to stay healthy.
He reunited with Mike Shanahan last year in Washington and finally 42. DELONE CARTER, COLTS
proved his on-field worth, totaling 751 yards with five touchdowns
Carter is a powerful back who runs downhill and should provide an
over eight starts. While the injuries have taken a toll on Torain’s
element in short-yardage situations that has been missing from the
explosiveness and he struggles in pass protection, his one-cut-and-
Colts’ backfield for years. Joseph Addai returned as expected to
go style is idea for Shanahan’s scheme. Still, Torain is still a major
Indianapolis, which leaves Carter as only a situational runner. Still,
health risk, so the Redskins spent two draft picks on running backs,
Carter should dominate goal-line work, and plying his trade in the
including Roy Helu, who’s a threat to start right away.
Colts’ offense, that could result in double-digit touchdowns. If Addai
signs elsewhere or is injured again, Carter would be the favorite for
37. BRANDON JACOBS, GIANTS carries rather than perennial disappointment Donald Brown.
Jacobs ceded lead-back duties to Ahmad Bradshaw last season,
and with fresher legs, he was highly productive on a per-play basis,
averaging 5.6 YPC. He remains a poor receiver, but the bruising
43. RONNIE BROWN, EAGLES
back added nine touchdowns and still finds himself in a good situa- Typically, Brown has been either productive or hurt, but he was nei-
tion playing in New York. The fact that limiting Jacobs’ carries ther last season, as he played in 16 games for just the second time
resulted in him staying healthy over a full season may be bad news in his six-year career and finished with a career-low 3.7 YPC with
for his fantasy value though, as it figures to be a formula that will only five touchdowns. For backs who played at least 500 snaps,
continue. Even if Bradshaw were to get hurt, expect Danny Ware to only Jahvid Best had a lower YPC after contact than Brown’s 2.1.
get in the mix, as Jacobs is unlikely to ever again reach 225-plus As a result, the Dolphins let him go and Brown took a one-year deal
rushing attempts, which caps his fantasy value. with the Eagles to backup LeSean McCoy, which will greatly limit
any fantasy upside.
38. PIERRE THOMAS, SAINTS
Thomas continued to struggle with injuries last season, which limit-
44. MONTARIO HARDESTY, BROWNS
ed him to just six games in which he averaged only 3.2 YPC and Before a healthy senior year at Tennessee, Hardesty had a lengthy
scored just two touchdowns. When he’s on the field, Thomas is a injury history, including a high ankle sprain, a stress fracture in his
dynamic back with no glaring weaknesses, but he has never foot, a shoulder subluxation and two separate surgeries on his
reached 150 rushing attempts during any of his four seasons in the knee, one the microfracture variety. And that was before he suffered
league. Even if he somehow manages to stay healthy in 2011, he a torn ACL during training camp with the Browns last season. Keep
now has to compete with hotshot rookie Mark Ingram for touches, an eye on his progress, as the Browns will likely try to manage
and frankly, Thomas has never seemed to have coach Sean Peyton Hillis’ workload this coming season, with the highly-regard-
Payton’s faith to begin with. ed Hardesty presumably being the player they turn to first on that
front, assuming he can re-prove his health.
39. MICHAEL BUSH, RAIDERS
Bush was the favorite to emerge as Oakland’s lead back last season, 45. MIKE TOLBERT, CHARGERS
but Darren McFadden’s breakout relegated him to second-string. At The physical Tolbert had never received more than 25 carries in a
6-2, 247, Bush is a big body well suited to short-yardage and goal- season before last year, when he got 182 thanks to Ryan Mathews’
line work, and last year saw 13 carries from inside the five to injury problems. Tolbert took full advantage of the opportunity, rush-
McFadden’s six. Otherwise, McFadden will see the bulk of the work, ing for 11 touchdowns, as he went 10-for-18 at the goal line. Lead
both on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield. Given backs in Norv Turner’s San Diego offense typically possess plenty
Bush’s size, and McFadden’s injury history, Bush is worth stashing, of fantasy value, but it’s clear that Tolbert is an inferior talent to
but if McFadden stays healthy, it’s hard to see a ton of upside. Mathews, the 12th overall pick in 2010, so he’s slated for a back-
up/complementary role in 2011.
40. SHANE VEREEN, PATRIOTS
Vereen’s role will largely depend on the health of those surrounding 46. BEN TATE, TITANS
him in the Patriots backfield. Benjarvus Green-Ellis and Danny After Houston traded up in the second round to draft Tate, he
Woodhead are the projected returnees, with Green-Ellis having entered 2010 as the favorite to become the Texans’ top back.
demonstrated last season that he is capable of grinding out tough Instead, he missed the entire year after fracturing his fibula and
yards and Woodhead, a productive change-of-pace option. Rookie tearing ankle ligaments in the preseason. Tate is big and strong and
Stevan Ridley adds a power back to the mix, but given that he was surprisingly ran a 4.43 40 at the Combine, which was the third
considered the most NFL-ready RB in April’s draft for pass protec- fastest time recorded by a running back. He received full medical
tion, perhaps Vereen would be the one the team turns to most if clearance in February and enters camp competing with Derrick
Green-Ellis gets off to a slow start or is injured at any point. In any Ward to back up Arian Foster in a Houston backfield that has
case, Vereen is among a handful of rookie backs this season who become one of the best environments in the NFL in terms of pro-
are but a break or two away from making a major fantasy splash. duction.
13
RUNNING BACK SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
14
WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
15
WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
13. DESEAN JACKSON, EAGLES good long speed and more shiftiness than most receivers his size,
Edwards still has Pro Bowl-level skills.
Jackson’s 11 yards per target and eight catches of 40-plus would
lead the league by a wide margin most seasons, though he finished
second in both to Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace in 2010. Like Wallace, 20. STEVE JOHNSON, BILLS
Jackson is one of the few receivers who does almost all of his work Johnson’s not especially fast, but at 6-2, 203, he’s got good size
downfield. Actually, it’s more fitting to say that Wallace is like and, one egregious drop notwithstanding, decent hands. More
Jackson, for it’s the latter who’s made it work for longer (three sea- importantly, he looks like QB Ryan Fitzpatrick’s first read, especially
sons now). It only makes sense to expect another 1000 yard season. from in close, and that makes him a good bet for another 100-plus
targets and at least half a dozen scores in 2011. Consider last year
14. JEREMY MACLIN, EAGLES his rough ceiling, however.
At 6-1, 200, Maclin isn’t big, but he’s the closest thing to a red-zone
target the Eagles have out wide, and as a result saw 21 looks from 21. CHAD OCHOCINCO, PATRIOTS
inside the 20 (7th in the league) and 12 targets from inside the 10 Last season was a bit of an awkward one for Ochocinco, as he
(tied for 7th). Even playing more of a possession role, he still he yielded his role as downfield playmaker to Terrell Owens and even
used his plus-speed to reel in four catches of 40-plus yards. Maclin rookie Jordan Shipley. This was problematic because Ochocinco
heads into Year 3 as a starter in one of the league’s most pass- has never been a major red-zone target and relied on his ball skills
friendly systems. So long as Michael Vick stays healthy, his environ- and athleticism. The result was a 6.6. YPT, one of the worst marks
ment could hardly be more favorable. of his career. That all changed, though, after he was traded to the
Patriots. Playing with an elite quarterback in Tom Brady in a pro-
15. BRANDON LLOYD, BRONCOS ducitve offense dramatically increases Ochocinco’s value.
Ladies and gentlemen (although, probably mostly gentlemen), your
2010 leader in receiving yardage. A year after the departure of one 22. MARQUES COLSTON, SAINTS
Brandon (Marshall) from Denver appeared to decimate the Bronco Colston isn’t particularly fast, but has size, is sure-handed, and finds
receiving corps, Mr. Lloyd emerged from virtual obscurity to lead all space to operate in an offense that features multiple weapons.
receivers with 1448 receiving yards, 59 more than Roddy White who Whether he’s a product of his offense or talented on his own, that’s
had 26 more targets. The likely replacement of Kyle Orton with not really a concern for right now. For right now, expect Colston to
hybrid QB Tim Tebow might be cause for concern, although Lloyd be something very similar to what he’s been each of the past three
managed 14 catches for 263 yards and two scores in Tebow’s three seasons — which is to say, something like the 20th-best fantasy WR.
starts, numbers right in line with his season totals.
23. SIDNEY RICE, SEAHAWKS
16. REGGIE WAYNE, COLTS When looking over Rice’s 2010 numbers, remember first of all that
Cosmetically, Wayne’s 2010 looks normal for him — and above- (a) he was playing mostly with the likes of Joe Webb and Tarvaris
average for everyone else — but his 12.2 YPC and 7.7 YPT were Jackson at quarterback (likely nice guys, both of them, but not NFL
actually his worst averages since his rookie season in 2001. QBs) and (b) he suffered a hip injury in the 2009 NFC Playoffs that
Moreover, he saw just 19 red-zone chances (tied for 13th) despite lingered 10 weeks into last season. Rice will continue to be 6-4,
getting the second-most overall targets (176) in the league. Some of 203-pound deep threat in Seattle where he signed this offseason.
Wayne’s drop-off was probably due to increased attention when His quarterback situation will not improve, though, as Jackson is
Dallas Clark and Austin Collie went down, but, at 32, there’s also also now a Seahawk. But at least they should have some chemistry
the possibility of real decline. together.
27. WES WELKER, PATRIOTS Manning. Heading into 2011, Austin Collie and Dallas Clark are
back, and even Anthony Gonzalez could get more involved. And, of
Coming off offseason ACL surgery it was surprising to see Welker
course, top target Reggie Wayne isn’t going anywhere. The tools
not only (a) make the Week One active roster for the Patriots but
are still there, but the opportunities — not so much.
also (b) collect eight receptions and two TDs. Unfortunately, he
wasn’t himself going forward, averaging a career-low 9.9 YPC and
by far a career-low 6.9 YPT (24th among the league’s 31 100-target 34. SANTANA MOSS, REDSKINS
receivers). Was the decline injury-related or due to the absence of Moss has typically been known for his shiftiness and speed, but
Randy Moss? “A little bit of both” is the safest answer, but the pre- with the even smaller and speedier Anthony Armstrong playing
Moss numbers might be above Welker’s 2011 ceiling. opposite him last season, Moss became the Redskins’ possession
receiver. The results were good, actually: Moss quietly finished as
28. MICHAEL CRABTREE, 49ERS the 18th-best fantasy receiver — and even better than that in PPR
At 6-1, 214, with athleticism, ball skills, good hands and toughness, formats, thanks to his 93 catches. At 32, though, Moss, who re-
Crabtree has the tools to be an Anquan Boldin-type, but something signed with Washington, would need a pretty ideal situation to
hasn’t yet clicked. One explanation is that missed his second become a top-20 receiver once again.
straight preseason (this time due to a strained neck) in 2010.
Another is that that he had Alex and Troy Smith throwing him the 35. JOHNNY KNOX, BEARS
ball. He’s young and inexperienced enough that you can still gam- The arrival of offensive coordinator Mike Martz to the Bears perhaps
ble on the talent if he slips in your draft, but the track record isn’t didn’t live up to its billing, but Knox actually had a pretty good sec-
appealing at this point. ond year, averaging 18.8 YPC and 9.6 YPT as the Bears’ primary
deep threat. Given that he’s neither very tall nor wide (6-0, 185),
29. KENNY BRITT, TITANS he’s not going to see much work from in close (13 targets), but the
At 6-4, 215 and with above-average deep speed and plus athleti- combination of 4.26 speed, Martz’s offense, and QB Jay Cutler’s
cism, Britt projects as the Titans’ No. 1 target — and 2010’s 10.6 big arm leave room for upside even with the signing of former
YPT backs that up. The problem is the off-field issues. First, he Dallas receiver Roy Williams.
showed up out of shape a year ago, then he was charged with
“theft by deception” for unpaid bail bonds and in April got arrested 36. STEVE SMITH, EAGLES
at his home after a car chase with police. The prospect of a possi- Smith is working his way back in his recovery from microfracture
ble rookie quarterback in 2011 doesn’t aid his value, either. knee surgery, but once he's healthy, he gives an Eagles wideout
corps that already boasts DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and
30. STEVE SMITH, PANTHERS Jason Avant, a nice boost. He may not make a huge impact out of
At his best, Smith is 5-9, 185-pound receiver as tough and explo- the gate, but once he's up to speed, he'll give the team a great
sive as any in the league. Unfortunately, for Smith and his fantasy possession option and perhaps he can step into a productive role
owners, 2010 was not Smith at his best. An ankle injury and Jimmy for the team.
Clausen conspired to limit Smith to just 554 yards receiving and
two touchdowns. The 32-year-old has made it known that he’d like 37. MARIO MANNINGHAM, GIANTS
to be traded to a more competitive franchise than Carolina, but he Injuries among the Giants receiving corps gave Manningham an
hasn’t burned any bridges, which will hopefully help his cause. opportunity, and he showed his explosive ability with 15.7 yards per
catch and 10.3 yards per target (behind only DeSean Jackson and
31. AUSTIN COLLIE, COLTS Mike Wallace among 90-target wideouts). Like Jackson and
Collie has fantastic hands — catching a crazy 82 percent of his tar- Wallace, Manningham’s game is about speed, and though he won’t
gets, a massive number. Thanks to the elite catch rate, Collie aver- see much work in the red zone (just 11 targets last season), he can
aged an impressive 9.14 yards per target, something almost make much of his living from deep (19 catches of 20-plus).
unheard of for a possession receiver. That’s the good news. The
bad is that Collie suffered two concussions last year, and made just 38. JULIO JONES, FALCONS
one appearance after Week 10. Collie was cleared to play this Regardless of what how you, personally, feel about Julio Jones, it’s
spring and had been working out since February. Just realize one pretty clear that the Atlanta Falcons like him, giving up the 27th
more concussion could cost him the season. pick, the 59th pick, the 124th pick and next year’s first and fourth
rounders to draft Jones sixth overall. That — and the fact that
32. LEE EVANS, RAVENS — Prev. Rank: 52 Atlanta has little receiving depth after Roddy White — suggest that
Evans was traded to Baltimore in late August and will presumably Jones will get a chance to play immediately. Between his size,
start opposite Anquan Boldin, giving the Ravens a nice veteran 1-2 speed, and vertical, he has the tools. The question will be if his
combo at wideout, with Evans giving quarterback Joe Flacco a inexperience limits him at all.
proven downfield threat. With Flacco's great touch on his deep ball
and Evans' speed, the more they build a rapport, the more likely it 39. TERRELL OWNS, FREE AGENT
is that Evans has a big resurgence in his eighth season. In just 13 games with the Bengals last season, Owens — at 37 and
with his share of doubters — managed 983 yards and nine scores.
33. PIERRE GARCON, COLTS He’s not the receiver he was in the middle of his prime, but he
At 6-0, 210 with 4.4. speed, Garcon seems like he should’ve appears likely to approximate his 2010 season. At press time, it’s
become the Colts’ big-play threat in 2010 — especially with injuries likely he won’t be back in Cincinnati — and his value remains
elsewhere among the receiving corps. Thing is, he didn’t, managing dependent on where he ends up — but unless he retires, there’s
just 11.7 YPC and 6.6. YPT, despite catching balls from Peyton reason to roster the future inner-circle Hall of Famer.
17
WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
40. MIKE WILLIAMS, SEAHAWKS (a) his per-play efficiency (9.1 YPT in 2010), (b) the possible depar-
ture of James Jones and the decline of Donald Driver, and (c) the
Williams’ reunion with his former college coach Pete Carroll went
fact that Aaron Rodgers trusted him enough to target him 15 times
well. After starring at USC, Williams played three uninspiring NFL
in the Super Bowl.
seasons before leaving the game entirely after 2008. Last year, he
returned about 60 pounds lighter than we’d last seen him. At 6-5,
240, Williams looks and plays as much like a tight end as a receiver. 47. LANCE MOORE, SAINTS
That makes him a potential red-zone threat, although he scored just Serving as the No. 2 target on a team as offensively proficient as
twice last season on 17 looks. That could have as much to do with the Saints is a good thing. Then again, serving as the No. 2 target
the quarterbacking as with his own potential flaws. on a team as offensively deep and diverse as the Saints is less
good. The real plus here is that Moore was actually the team’s go-
41. DEION BRANCH, PATRIOTS to target in the red zone (tied for 3rd) — hence the eight scores.
Branch returned to the Patriots in Week 5 and promptly began put-
ting up numbers more similar to the ones he’d posted for New 48. ROBERT MEACHEM, SAINTS
England in 2005 and not the one’s he’d posted for the previous At times, Meachem has appeared poised to distinguish himself as
four-plus seasons in Seattle. In fact, the 9.5 YPT he averaged with the Saints’ primary target. At 6-3, 217 and plenty of deep speed,
hit new-old team was the best rate of his career. Nor were his 6.7 Meachem looks the part of a No. 1 receiver, and his per-play num-
targets per game that far off from the 7.8 he averaged in 2005. The bers — 9.7 YPT, 14.5 YPC — were excellent as usual. But the
difference, of course, is that Branch was placing Randy Moss, Saints spread the ball around to all their receivers and Meachem
whose 23-TD season in 2007 raised the bar for Patriot wideouts. apparently hasn’t made the case that he deserves more than the 65
targets he’s averaged the last two years.
42. A.J. GREEN, BENGALS
If we’re giving Green a low-ish ranking, it has less to do with his 49. ANTHONY ARMSTRONG, REDSKINS
own, personal skills and more with the context surrounding him. Given his size and speed, it’s difficult not to compare Armstrong to
The No. 4 overall pick out of Georgia, the 6-4. 210, Green projects DeSean Jackson. Like Jackson, Armstrong is most dangerous
as a potential superstar with excellent speed, uncanny quickness going downfield. Last season, he made seven catches of 40 yards
for a player his size and superior athleticism. The issue, at the or more, good for third in the league, behind only Jackson and
moment, is a big question mark at the QB position for the Bengals, Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace. On the down side, Armstrong scored
and a young, talented receiving corps who will compete for targets. only three TDs, thanks to a paltry six red-zone targets all season,
and at 5-11, 175, he’s probably not going to see a major uptick
43. MIKE THOMAS, PANTHERS there in 2011.
At 5-7, 195, Thomas isn’t a prototypical top wideout, but he’s got
excellent speed, runs good routes, and is dangerous in the open 50. MIKE SIMS-WALKER, RAMS
field. Regardless of whatever skills he possesses, though, he plays Fantasy owners were understandably high on Sims-Walker, who put
for the Jaguars — i.e. a team that finished 31st out of 32 teams in up a big first half in 2009. His skid towards the end of the season
pass attempts last season. Thomas was efficient (8.1 YPT) in a could easily have been a product of fatigue or randomness, but a
lackluster passing game and should crack 100 targets again in mere 562 yards receiving in 2010 make it seem more meaningful.
2011, but the overall lack of passing volume drives down his value. The wideout claims a midseason ankle injury derailed him, and that
he’s 100 percent healthy heading into 2011. He signed with the
44. HINES WARD, STEELERS Rams in the offseason and could emerge as St. Louis' top receiver
or their fourth or fifth, making him one of the premier boom/bust
As you’ll know, starting QB Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for
fantasy targets heading into autumn.
the year’s first four games, which may or may not have had some
effect on Ward’s numbers. Of some concern, however, was the lack
of targets Wards received — only 94 after being well above 100 for 51. LOUIS MURPHY, RAIDERS
the nine previous seasons. For a player who was young than 35, At 6-2, 203, Murphy has a good size/speed combo and showed
that would seem less significant, but the case might also be that pretty good per-play stats in 2010, with a 7.8 YPT and 14.9 YPC.
Ward’s losing a step. The problem is he had only 41 catches. And the reason that num-
ber’s unlikely to increase significantly is because he plays for the
45. EARL BENNETT, BEARS Raiders — a team that not only relies on the run, but also one that
features an ensemble cast of receivers in Jacoby Ford, Chaz
Bennett’s per-play averages (8.0 YPT, 12.2 YPC) for 2010 are nice,
Schilens and even Darrius Heyward-Bey.
but a lack of volume (just 70 targets) left his end-of-season totals
looking pretty pedestriant. Somewhat serendipitously for a receiver
with that exact profile, Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz reit- 52. JERRICHO COTCHERY, PIT
erated this spring that Bennett will be given even more opportuni- If you’re wondering what the poor man’s Earl Bennett looks like,
ties in 2011. Given Bennett’s merely average physical profile, the look no further. At 6-1, 197 and with just average speed, Cotchery’s
upside might not be huge, but the skill and vote of confidence not suited to be a No. 1, and his per-play numbers last year (5.0
probably have his stock rising even though the Bears signed former YPT, 10.6 YPC) were pretty awful. Essentially, he was guy with good
Dallas receiver Roy Williams. hands playing in an average-ish offense. He signed with the
Steelers after the Jets cut him.
46. JORDY NELSON, PACKERS
Nelson received just 64 targets (an average of four per game) last 53. JAMES JONES, PACKERS
season, which limited his value; however, entering the 2011 season, At 6-0, 207 and with good speed, Jones has the physical tools to
there are at least three things to like about Nelson’s stock, including make plays down the field, and he’s dangerous after the catch. But
18
WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
he inconsistent, dropping six of his 87 targets, and averaging just 60. DANNY AMENDOLA, RAMS
7.8 YPT despite playing with one of the best quarterbacks in the
After injuries to literally almost the entire Rams receiving corps —
league. Plus, there’s the question of the receiving depth on the
including Danario Alexander, Donnie Avery, and Mark Clayton —
Pack:Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley, Donald Driver, and even
Amendola, mostly utilized to return kicks, more or less became QB
Jordy Nelson are likely to get more targets than Jones.
Sam Bradford’s No. 1 target. The arrangement was good for
Amendola’s fantasy numbers, but pretty bad for the Rams. Still, he
54. JABAR GAFFNEY, BRONCOS at least proved he deserved some kind of place on plays from scrim-
Gaffney’s got just average size, and he’s not especially fast. He runs mage, and will most likely serve as the Rams’ slot receiver in 2011.
good routes and has good hands, but his upside is limited. There
was some speculation, after the departure of Brandon Marshall last 61. JOSH MORGAN, 49ERS
season, that he’d ascend to the No. 1 role with Denver. He didn’t.
Morgan averaged 8.7 YPT and 15.9 YPC in 2010. On their own,
Nonetheless, Gaffney hauled in 65 passes for 875 yards, managed
those numbers are pretty great. Unfortunately, one must consider
7.8 YPT and 13.5 YPC — roughly league average numbers for a
conext. In Morgan’s case, the elevated per-play numbers are likely a
starting wideout. If the hyrbrid-ish Tim Tebow starts at QB, that
product of being almost an afterthought in the Niner offense. Frank
might reduce Gaffney’s targets a bit.
Gore, Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and free-agent acquisition
are all more likely to get the attenion of the defense that Morgan.
55. DONALD DRIVER, PACKERS Morgan’s been targeted 81 and 80 times over the last two seasons.
At 36, and surrounded by pretty excellent receiving talent, Driver is Betting either the udner or over on 80.5 in 2011 sounds risky.
strictly a possession receiver now without red-zone size, and his
upside is accordingly limited even in one of the best offensive envi-
ronments in the league. His stats least year don’t bode particularly
62. BEN OBOMANU, SEAHAWKS
well for 2011:Driver managed a measly 6.6 YPT and 11.1 YPC. Were Obomanu saw a bigger role with the Seahawks in the second half
he 26, it might be different, but at his age, that looks like decline. of 2010 after the departures, respectively, of Deion Branch and T.J.
Houshmandzadeh. He made the most of same, with 24 catches for
410 yards and two scores over the final eight games. Obomanu’s
56. BRANDON TATE, PATRIOTS full season per-play stats were also strong — 10.1 YPT, 16.5 YPC
With only Wes Welker and Deion Branch, two small, quick posses- on 48 looks. He signed a three-year contract extension in Januaru,
sion types, ahead of him on the depth chart at press time, Tate has so he’ll be around, even if it’s not as the No. 1 option.
a chance to carve out a more significant role. He showed SOME
improvement in Year Two — at least on a per-play basis (9.4 YPT,
18.0 YPC) — but the track record doesn’t scream No. 1 receive at
63. STEVE BREASTON, CHIEFS
the moment. He could easily see most of his work as a kick return- Breaston was part of an offense that saw, at different points, Derek
er, a role in which he scored two touchdowns last year. Anderson, John Skelton, Max Hall and Richard Bartel take snaps at
quaterback. Accordingly, Breaston’s end-of-season numbers are
unlikely to represent his true skill. Breaston left Arizona for Kansas
57. ROY WILLIAMS, BEARS City in the offseason. He eclipsed 700 yards the last three seasons,
It seems fitting in some way, at least, that Williams would have his and there's little reason he'd fall short of that in Kansas City, though
best season when basically no one was looking. With the Cowboys Dexter McCluster and first-round pick Jonathan Baldwin will
flailing and Dez Bryant breaking out, Williams averaged a solid 8.3 undoubtedly make him work for it.
YPT, 14.3 YPC, catching 11 passes of 20 yards or more. Williams
left Dallas and signed with the Bears, and there’s still some upside
for a 29-year old 6-2, 210-pound receiver who can get down field. 64. GREG LITTLE, BROWNS
Williams will be reunited with offensive coordinator Mike Martz with The 59th overall player taken in the draft, Little — who, incidentally,
whom he had his most productive year in 2006. stands 6-3, 220 — could figure prominently into the Browns receiv-
ing plans right away. Little has decent speed, excellent athleticism,
solid hands and is good in the open field. Moreover, the Browns
58. DEVIN HESTER, BEARS have very little in the way of wideouts — as in, precisely zero who
The Mike Martz Effect — whatever there was of one — didn’t help caught more than 40 passes.
Hester too much, who dropped off significantly in 2010. Hester
averaged a career-low 6.5 YPT and 11.9 YPC, and caught just four
passes of 20-yards plus after hauling in 12 from that distance in 65. LEONARD HANKERSON, REDSKINS
2009. He’s proven to be one of the greatest kick returners in NFL Drafted with the 79th overall pick, Hankerson has decent size (6-1,
history given his speed, quickness, vision and agility, but those 209) and good timed speed (4.43 40), though he doesn’t play quite
qualities have failed to translate to a more regular role, and it that fast in pads. Those are some good things about him. The bad
wouldn’t be surprising if his pass-catching duties were curtailed fur- thing about him is that he plays behind Santana Moss and Anthony
ther, especially with Roy Williams joining the Bears, in favor of a Armstrong — that is, players with just enough cache to prevent
keeping him fresh for special teams. Hankerson from breaking out entirely (barring injury). Furthermore,
Rex Gross might QB this team - plan accordingly.
59. MARK CLAYTON, RAMS
In his first season with the Rams, Clayton immediately clicked with 66. JONATHAN BALDWIN, CHIEFS
rookie quarterback Sam Bradford, becoming the Rams’ No. 1 No. 1 receiver Dwayne Bowe had a fantastic season in what actual-
receiver and racking up 22 catches for 300 yards and two scores ly played out to be a pretty good offense in Kansas City.
over the season’s first four weeks. Problem is, he tore his ACL in Unfortunatly, Chris Chambers had only 22 receptions and 213 yards
Week 5 and missed the remainder of the season. He’s expected to — in 13 games no less! It’s therefore no surprise that the Chiefs
be ready for the start of training camp, but he won’t start atop the used the 26th overall pick on Baldwin. At 6-3, 235, Baldwin is big,
depth chart, necessarily. strong, physical and athletic. He ran a 4.50 40 at the NFL combine
19
WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
— which would be above average for a player his size — and there 71. EMMANUEL SANDERS, STEELERS
are reports he’s been timed faster than that on previous occasions.
A rookie last season, Sanders emerged as the team’s third receiver
behind Hines Ward and Mike Wallace. At 5-11, 180, Sanders has
67. JACOBY FORD, RAIDERS plenty of speed, but his lack of size limits his red-zone upside, and
Ford’s an interesting fantasy case, because he doesn’t do all his Wallace is the team’s first option for stretching the field. Sanders
damage just through the air. For example, he caught only two broke his foot in the Super Bowl, but is expected to be healthy for
touchdown passes in 2010, but rushed for 155 yards and two more the start of training camp.
scores and also returned three kicks for touchdowns. That’s seven
TDs (and three catches for 40-plus) on just 54 targets. It’s also a lot 72. DERRICK MASON, JETS
of variable to consider. As a straight-ahead receiver, Ford’s a gam- It might come as a surprise that Derrick Mason has caught the
ble; but all things considered, he’s a sneaky pick, maybe. 12th-most passes in NFL history and will soon pass Art Monk and
Andre Reed. That’s not necessarily helpful info, but speaks to his
68. DEVONNE BESS, DOLPHINS long-term health. Mason’s totals have declined in recent years, but
Even as free-agent addition Brandon Marshall underwhelmed in his something vaguely approximating his 2010 season — 50-60 catch-
first season as a Dolphin, Bess was a bright spot, with 79 catches es for 700-800 yards — should be do-able with the Jets.
and five touchdowns. Unfortunately, his 10.4 YPC and 6.6 YPT
(both 29th among the league’s 31 100-target receivers) don’t neces- 73. MOHAMMED MASSAQUOI, BROWNS
sarily looks like breakout numbers. Some not-unsubstantial portion What does being the Browns’ No. 1 wide receiver mean in terms of
of the blame for that can be heaped on Chad Henne, who disap- fantasy? Well, it means being ranked in the top-75 receivers … but
pointed from the quarterback position. maybe not the top 74. Massaquoi was pedestrian in his second sea-
son (13.4 YPC, 6.5 YPT). Some of that was likely due to the terrible
69. JEROME SIMPSON, BENGALS quarterbacking of Jake Delhomme and the encouraging but unspec-
When veteran wideouts Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco missed tacular debut of Colt McCoy, but Massaquoi did little to stand out.
time last season Simpson emerged as the Bengals’ top target with
18 catches for 247 yards and three scores in the season’s final two 74. TORREY SMITH, RAVENS
games. Unfortunately, entering 2011, the Bengals’ receiving corps is At 6-1, 204 and with blazing speed, Smith will immediately provide
deep: draftee A.J. Green has entered the fold along with Jordan Baltimore with a home run threat who should open up more room
Shipley, Andre Caldwell and last year’s first-round pick, tight end underneath. Smith is also dangerous in the open field and athletic
Jermaine Gresham. Chad Ochocinco, however, was traded to New enough to win jump balls over smaller corners. Smith will probably
England, so he’s out of the picture. begin as the team’s third or fourth receiver, but with Derrick Mason
moving to the Jets, he could move up to No. 2 on the depth chart.
70. JORDAN SHIPLEY, BENGALS
It’s not so much that absolutely none of the Bengal receivers will 75. LEGEDU NAANEE, PANTHERS — Prev. Rank: NR
distinguish themselves in the months and weeks leading up to the Naanee, who averaged about 16 yards per catch last season in San
season, it’s that it’s nigh impossible to tell who’ll do it. Shipley has a Diego, was expected to compete with David Gettis, Brandon LaFell,
promising rookie campaign, yes, catching 52 passes and averaging and Armanti Edwards for the No. 2 wideout role. Naanee should
8.1 yards per target. But Jerome Simpson also broke out towards benefit with Gettis out of the picture due to injury, but with the
season’s end. And the Bengals pick A.J. Green fourth overall. Chad unproven and so far unspectacular trio of quarterbacks in Carolina,
Ochocinco is gone, however, to New England.. it's hard to recommend him as a viable fantasy option.
20
TIGHT END SEASON PROFILES
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
21
TIGHT END SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
for receiving yards with 849. Despite all of those targets he was 19. JARED COOK, TITANS
rarely used by Donovan McNabb close to the end zone as four of
Cook showed flashes of his potential over the final three games of
his five targets inside the 10 were over the final three games when
the season, recording 15 catches for 196 yards and a touchdown.
McNabb was out. With McNabb gone to Minnesota, a better sea-
The Titans appear ready to let veteran Bo Scaife walk, handing the
son in the touchdown department (three last year) should be in line.
starting job to Cook, which makes him an interesting sleeper. While
Cooley had offseason knee surgery but should be healthy for camp.
he needs to polish his route running, he creates separation with his
strength and speed. He’s a good late-round flyer given his upside.
13. BRANDON PETTIGREW, LIONS
Pettigrew showed no ill effect from the knee injury suffered in his 20. HEATH MILLER, STEELERS
rookie season and showed why the Lions made him a first-round Miller battled through a concussion last year and a depleted offen-
pick in 2009. Even without Matthew Stafford, he was targeted 111 sive line called for him to stay in and help block on passing downs.
times (fourth best among tight ends). However, his eight drops and As a result, Miller finished with 32 fewer targets than the previous
6.5 YPT are a concern, though poor quarterback play was largely to season as well as a career-low two touchdowns (eight red-zone tar-
blame. With defenses watching Calvin Johnson and Stafford back gets). If the offensive line returns to full strength as expected, look
calling plays, look for Pettigrew to build on a successful season. for Miller to have a bounce-back season as he’s more utilized in the
passing game.
14. TONY GONZALEZ, FALCONS
While the future Hall of Famer is still productive, a drop in targets 21. TODD HEAP, RAVENS
and paltry 6.0 YPT mark show a player on the inevitable decline. By now everyone knows the book on Heap; he’s a talented tight
While Gonzalez still managed six scores, his 21 red-zone targets and end when injuries don’t keep him sidelined or less than 100 percent.
11 inside the 10 (both highest for the position) suggest he should That was the case again last season as he missed three contests
have found the end zone more often. With All-Pro wide receiver with a hamstring injury. When on the field he was extremely effec-
Roddy White and rookie Julio Jones competing for targets in a run- tive, posting a career-best 9.4 yards per target and not dropping a
first offense, it’s hard to see Gonzalez reversing his declining trends. single pass all season. The addition of rookie Ed Dickson will cut
into some of Heap’s targets, but Heap’s still an option when healthy.
15. OWEN DANIELS, TEXANS
Coming off season-ending knee injury, Daniels’ snaps were limited 22. BEN WATSON, BROWNS
to start the season, and then a mid-season hamstring injury side- The move for Watson from New England to the Browns was a boon
lined him for five games. Once healthy, he resembled the player of for his fantasy production as he posted career highs in yards with
old, hauling in 22 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns in the 763 and receptions with 68. Watson ended up with only three
Texans’ final four games. Owens might be a slight health risk, but touchdowns as the Browns used a run-first mentality at the goal
the four-year, $22-million deal he got from the Texans is evidence line. While Cleveland won’t abandon that mentality this season, look
they’re fully confident in his potential future production. for Watson to again be one of the top options in the passing attack.
22
KICKER SEASON PROFILES
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
1. NATE KAEDING, CHARGERS and put Rackers in excellent position to cash in. With three indoor
contests in December and the ability to connect from 50+ yards as
Kaeding posted the third-highest per-game scoring average in
well, Rackers could emerge as a top-notch option this season.
2010, even though his overall production dipped due to missing
three games with a groin injury. He kicks largely in a warm weather
environment and plays for one of the most potent offenses in the 9. DAVID BUEHLER, COWBOYS
NFL. With the highest accuracy percentage in league history Buehler is the frontrunner for the Cowboys’ kicking job, though Kris
(86.5%), Kaeding is a great bet to succeed in 2011. Brown remains in the fold for America’s Team. Still, Buehler finished
10th in scoring in 2010 despite missing eight field goals and two
2. GARRETT HARTLEY, SAINTS extra-points. A healthy Tony Romo should help his cause, and the
Hartley signed a five-year contract before the lockout, meaning he strong-legged Buehler could end up as an elite kicker if he can
won’t have to worry about being replaced by John Carney this sea- improve his accuracy.
son. Hartley nailed his final 13 field goals of the season, and boot-
ing for Drew Brees should give him plenty of opportunities. Kicking 10. DAN CARPENTER, DOLPHINS
in a dome doesn’t hurt either. Carpenter had a fairly erratic 2010 campaign; though he had 30
field goals made, he also missed 11 attempts, which tied him for
3. STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI, PATRIOTS the league lead. The Dolphins’ offense was also putrid, and does
Gostkowski missed the last eight games of the season with a not look to be much better in 2011. As a result, he’s forced to try
quadriceps injury, but should be 100 percent for 2011. He is a several long tries, which hurt his field-goal percentage as well.
career 84.3-percent kicker, and Tom Brady remains among the best Nevertheless, he hit all 14 of his field goals within 40 yards, and still
signal-callers in the game. The one downside for Gostkowski could finished in the top-10 in scoring overall.
be as many as five bad-weather games in December/January.
11. JOSH BROWN, RAMS
4. SEBASTIAN JANIKOWSKI, RAIDERS The Rams’ offense experienced a dramatic turnaround in 2010, and
SeaBass posted career-high numbers in 2010, booting 33 field Brown was one of the chief beneficiaries. He converted a career-
goals in all. He still has one of the strongest legs in the game, kick- high 33 field goals and finished with 125 points in all. Brown con-
ing a league-high 19 field goals of 50+ yards over the past four sea- nected on 3-of-4 attempts from 50+ yards as well. With Sam
sons. Inconsistency at the quarterback position could also mean Bradford just scratching the surface of his potential, Brown could
less touchdowns and more field-goal attempts. reap the rewards of even further offensive improvement.
23
KICKER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
last year, good for 30th in the NFL, even though the Giants finished 23. OLINDO MARE, PANTHERS
seventh overall in points. With Hakeem Nicks looking like a healthy
Mare signed with the Panthers, which isn’t much of an offensive
target for Eli Manning, along with the usual rushing firepower, the
upgrade from Seattle. He converted 25-of-30 field goals in 2010,
G-Men could make Tynes a top-10 kicker if they can take care of
but had just 31 PATs due to a poor offense. The lack of opportuni-
the ball.
ties make Mare nothing more than a lower-tier kicker.
24
KICKER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
31. MIKE NUGENT, BENGALS new coach, continued QB problems and a perpetually banged-up
Nugent hit 15-of-19 field goals before suffering a season-ending Frank Gore, whoever the kicker is still might not be a fantasy option.
knee injury. However, all of his misses came from beyond 40 yards.
With Carson Palmer threatening retirement and the Bengals offense 33. JOHN KASAY, FREE AGENT
in flux, Nugent may be a less-than-reliable choice. Kasay has scored less than 100 points in four of the past five sea-
sons, and the 42-year-old kicker had just 17 PATs as the Panthers
32. JOE NEDNEY, 49ERS put together one of the worst offensive years in recent memory.
Nedney will likely battle Jeff Reed for the kicker job. Nedney hit 11- Unless Cam Newton can pull the same turnaround that he did at
of-13 field goals last year before a knee injury ended his season. Auburn in 2010, a very unlikely scenario, Kasay won’t rack up
Reed connected on 9-of-10 as his replacement, though the total enough points to maintain relevance. Kasay was released in late
production from the kicking spot in 2010 tallied just 99 points. With a July and might retire.
25
TEAM DEFENSE SEASON PROFILES
Team Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
1. PITTSBURGH STEELERS Patriots. That sack total - and the pass-rush skills of Chris Long,
James Hall and rookie Robert Quinn - should help St. Louis contin-
Simply put, you cannot run on the Steelers. Pittsburgh led the NFL
ue to climb the fantasy D rankings.
with just 62.8 rushing yards allowed, and that stingy run defense
sets up a lot of second or third-and-long situations. It’s no coinci-
dence that the Steelers also led the NFL in sacks. And that was 8. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
with Troy Polamalu fighting injury for much of the year; if he’s The Chargers missed the playoffs last season, but don’t blame the
healthy, the Steeler D could be even better this season. defense; the Bolts D was among the league’s best. Shaun Phillips
(11 sacks) emerged as a pass-rush threat to replace Shawne
2. NEW YORK GIANTS Merriman, and anchored a group that racked up 47 sacks. Room
for improvement: despite all those QB hits, the Chargers forced just
With one of the league’s top defensive lines, the Giants are able to
10 fumbles. Usually there’s a high correllation between quarter-
generate quarterback pressure without sending extra men, and that
backs hit and fumbles forced, which could mean more loose balls.
is a huge advantage. They’re also perennially among the league
leaders in forced fumbles; Osi Umenyiora knocked 10 balls loose by
himself last season. A deep secondary could be improved with the 9. DALLAS COWBOYS
addition of first-round pick Prince Amukamara. DeMarcus Ware is good enough to make the Cowboys a fantasy-
relevant defense all by himself. And last season, he did. Ware had
3. GREEN BAY PACKERS 15.5 sacks, but his teammates contributed practically nothing. Enter
new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who should be able to gener-
Transitioning from the 4-3 to the 3-4 isn’t supposed to be as easy
ate more production from the Cowboys high-priced talent.
as the Packers made it look last season. New defensive coordinator
Dom Capers managed the transition seamlessly and his Pack
racked up more sacks than any team but the Steelers. They could 10. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
be even better this season with a year’s experience in the system The Pats were one of the top units in Team D scoring last season,
and the opportunity to bring in some players better suited to playing largely on the strength of a league-best 25 interceptions and five
3-4 sets. defensive touchdowns. But INTs and TDs are hard to predict year-
to-year. Belichick’s teams haven’t generated big sack totals in
4. CHICAGO BEARS recent years either, though the expected return of Ty Warren should
help in that department.
The acquisition of Julius Peppers worked out pretty well for the
Bears, who jumped to sixth overall in the 2010 Fantasy Team D
rankings. But there’s still significant room for improvement. 11. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Peppers’ 2010 campaign was actually sub-par in terms if individual This could be a transitional year for the Philly D. Last season, it was
statistics; it’s not hard to imagine him back in double digits in coached by Sean McDermott, who took over when legendary coor-
sacks. The Bears defense was also unlucky in 2010, failing to con- dinator Jim Johnson passed away. But after a disappointing sea-
vert many big plays into defensive touchdowns; one or two more son, he was let go and replaced by offensive line coach Juan
good bounces, and they would have been right in the mix with Castillo - a controversial hire, to be sure. To return to elite status the
Pittsburgh and Green Bay at the top of the team D scoring totals. Eagles need someone other than Trent Cole (10 sacks) and Asante
Samuel (seven interceptions) to step up.
5. NEW YORK JETS
A strong overall defense has masked the fact that the Jets defen- 12. BALTIMORE RAVENS
sive line hasn’t generated much of a pass rush for years; to get real The Ravens are a great illustration of the basic disconnect between
pressure, the Jets often have to resort to exotic overload blitzes fantasy scoring and on-field defensive performance. The Ravens are
that leave the team vulnerable to big plays. Gang Green is trying to so sound, fundamentally, they can keep most teams off the score-
address that this season by adding d-linemen with their first two board without racking up the big sack and interception totals that
draft picks: Muhammad Wilkerson and Kenrick Ellis. New York’s matter in fantasy scoring. Like the Steelers, the Ravens are excellent
secondary, anchored by Darrelle Revis, might be the league’s best. at stopping the run. But the Ravens don’t get to the quarterback
near as often - just 27 sacks in 2010, led by Terrell Suggs’ 11.
6. DETROIT LIONS
The Lions seem to be taking a page from the New York Giants’ 13. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Super Bowl playbook and building a defensive line that could be The KC defense showed major improvement in their second year
truly special. Detroit jumped from 27th in fantasy defense points in running a Bill Belichick-inspired 3-4 set, thanks in large part to
2009 to eighth overall last season, thanks in large part to the arrival Tamba Hali’s emergence as a big-time pass rush threat (14.5 sacks)
of Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh. This season and rookie Eric Berry’s stellar debut at safety.
they’ll add another top-rated defensive lineman, Auburn tackle Nick
Fairley, to the mix; the interior of their defense should be close to 14. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
impenetrable.
The Saints were among the league’s better defenses last season,
ranking seventh in points allowed and fourth in yards allowed. But
7. ST. LOUIS RAMS they did so without big numbers in Team D scoring categories or a
The Rams were a middle-of-the-pack fantasy defense in 2010, but real go-to pass rusher. The additions of first-round draft pick
that represented a significant improvement over the previous sea- Cameron Jordan and veteran DT Shaun Rogers could help improve
son. And they generated 43 sacks - more than the Jets, Eagles or Gregg Williams’ pass rush significantly.
26
TEAM DEFENSE SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
27
TEAM DEFENSE SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
often do, the Colts force opponents to throw the ball and play the league low - and that number dropped to 9 last season. Don’t
catch-up. That strategy, while effective, hasn’t generated numbers look for major improvement, either - most of the Bengals’ draft went
that turn into Team D points in recent years. to offense, but shifting linebacker Rey Maualuga to MLB could pro-
vide a boost.
29. BUFFALO BILLS
Like the Redskins, the Bills’ first year in a base 3-4 defense yielded 31. DENVER BRONCOS
some pretty unimpressive results - like an average 190 rushing The Broncos’ pass rush was a one-man operation, and last season
yards allowed per game. Help is on the way; the Bills used eight of
that one man - Elvis Dumervil - didn’t play a single down. Dumervil’s
their nine draft picks on defenders, including third-overall pick
return, and the addition of second-overall pick Von Miller, should
Marcell Dareus. Dareus is a man-mountain of a DT who should
help Denver’s pass rush significantly, but getting an all-new coaching
shore up Buffalo’s porous run defense, but this group has a long
way to go before they’ll be a fantasy D option. staff on line will be a particularly big challenge this season.
28
I N D I V I D U A L D E F. P L A Y E R S S E A S O N P R O F I L E S
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
LINEBACKER & DEFENSIVE LINEMEN offer more tackling opportunites thanks to a leaky D Line, and his
value is further aided by the fact that he’s expected to work occa-
sionally as a pass rusher, which should boost his sacks. Cushing is
1. PATRICK WILLIS, 49ERS, LB an IDP target with upside.
Willis’ numbers fell a bit in 2010, but even in this “down year,” Willis
still totaled 128 tackles (101 solo) and six sacks in 15 games. With 8. LONDON FLETCHER, REDSKINS, LB
a rare mixture of defensive back athleticism and elite instincts, Willis Fletcher has averaged roughly 135 tackles per season in his four
is perhaps the league’s best inside linebacker. Not only is his ceiling years with the Redskins, including a 136-tackle (87 solo), 2.5-sack
higher than most, but his floor is clearly unmatched — 467 stops campaign last year, his first in Jim Haslett’s 3-4 alignment. There’s
(156 per season) in his first three years. He’s in the top tier of line- no reason to doubt that there’s another good IDP campaign in store
backers all by himself. for Fletcher in 2011 – the Redskins’ lackluster offense should keep
the Washington defense on the field, and the team’s unproven three-
2. LAWRENCE TIMMONS, STEELERS, LB man front means more tackling opportunities for the linebackers.
Timmons finished last season with 135 tackles (96 solo), three
sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. While he is under- 9. JAMES HARRISON, STEELERS, LB
sized for a traditional 3-4 inside linebacker, playing in the 230- Harrison is the only 3-4 outside linebacker in the league with the
pound range allows him to bring dynamic athleticism to the interior ability to produce triple-digit tackles, and he still manages to be an
of Pittsburgh’s defense. If Timmons can maintain last year’s tackle elite pass rusher and turnover machine. There’s no weak spot to be
production while rediscovering his pass rushing production (seven found in his game. In leagues that provide big rewards for sack pro-
sacks in just 14 games in 2009), he could conceivably join Willis in duction, Harrison might be the top linebacker IDP to target.
the top tier.
10. D.J. WILLIAMS, BRONCOS, LB
3. JON BEASON, PANTHERS, LB Williams’ 5.5 sacks from last year were a career high, and he has
Despite having another good season, Beason was a rather big IDP 475 tackles in his last 59 games. That equates to roughly 129 tack-
disappointment in 2010, as his tackles fell to 121 (90 solo) after he les in a 16-game stretch. Williams is a three-down, sideline-to-
totaled nearly 140 in each of his first three seasons. With what sideline playmaker. He might not get the opportunity to rush the
should be a disastrous Carolina offense leaving Beason on the field passer with Denver switching back to the 4-3 this year, but he
for the majority of most games, look for his numbers to improve should remain a high-floor, high-ceiling IDP option nonetheless.
from last year’s total. He represents a potential bargain after slip-
ping a bit last season. 11. PAUL POSLUSZNY, JAGUARS, LB
Posluszny is an injury risk, but he’s been as productive on a per-
4. NICK BARNETT, BILLS, LB game basis as anyone the last two years. Posluszny left Buffalo,
Barnett isn't Paul Posluszny, but this landing spot nonetheless pro- though, signing a six-year deal with Jacksonvile. Posluszny will go
vides a huge boost to his IDP potential. Besides typically spending back to manning the middle of a 4-3 defense where he's always
a lot of time on the field, Barnett should get a good chance to post been a bit more comfortable. He should remain toward the top of
big tackle numbers thanks to what looks like a strong Buffalo the LB cheatsheets even though Buffalo was a more ideal spot.
defensive line.
12. DERRICK JOHNSON, CHIEFS, LB
5. JEROD MAYO, PATRIOTS, LB Johnson easily established a career high with 121 tackles (95 solo)
Mayo was the top IDP linebacker of 2010 with 175 tackles (114 last season and continued to show the rare coverage ability that
solo). It’s probably wise to expect a slight regression this season, made him such an intriguing player coming out of college. He fin-
though. New England’s defense was on the field for more snaps ished 2010 with one only interception (which he returned for a
(1,056) than all but five teams last year. A perfectly reasonable drop touchdown), but Johnson’s eye-popping 16 passes defended indi-
of 100 snaps for the defense would mean a relatively steep decline cate that he’ll get his mitts on more than one pick in 2011.
for Mayo’s numbers. Triple-digit tackles are a near lock, but it’s
unlikely he approaches 175 again. 13. DEMECO RYANS, TEXANS, LB
Ryans suffered a torn left Achilles’ tendon in October, but he is
6. RAY LEWIS, RAVENS, LB expected to return healthy this season. He was off to a fast start
A threat to make plays both against the run and the pass, Lewis before the injury, and this season, in Houston’s new 3-4 defense,
posts big numbers every year despite his opportunities being rela- he’s in a good position to be productive again. Houston’s defensive
tively limited by Baltimore’s three-and-out defense and ball-control line is ill-suited to the scheme at the moment, so Ryan could see a
offense. The threat of age pushes the 36-year-old further down the lot of ball carriers making it to the second level in 2011.
list than his production alone warrants. It has to happen eventually,
but Lewis still isn’t showing signs of slowing down. 14. CHAD GREENWAY, VIKINGS, LB
Greenway totaled 144 tackles last year (109 solo) in a breakout sea-
7. BRIAN CUSHING, TEXANS, LB son. Greenway needs to show more well-rounded numbers to take
Cushing’s 2010 season was badly compromised by his four-game the next step as an IDP – he flashes the ability to rush the passer
suspension for alleged illegal PED use, but he should be back to (5.5 sacks in 2008) and make plays in coverage (three interceptions
posting big numbers in 2011. Switching to a 3-4 defense should in 2009), but he’s yet to put it all together in the same season.
29
IDP SEASON PROFILES - LINEBACKERS & DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (cont...)
30
IDP SEASON PROFILES - LINEBACKERS & DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (cont...)
than blowing up plays, but in the middle of Green Bay’s 3-4 scheme 41. DARYL SMITH, JAGUARS, LB
means a steady source of numbers, even if he’s never spectacular.
Smith could end up at either middle or outside linebacker for
Jacksonville in 2011, but he likely will be little more than a steady
33. LANCE BRIGGS, BEARS, LB but unremarkable producer across the board. Smith can provide
A persistent ankle injury led to a disappointing year for Briggs as he well-rounded production in every category – just don’t expect him
failed to hit triple-digit tackles for the first time since his 2003 rookie to stand out in any regard.
season. Still, his six seasons of 100-plus tackles that preceded
2010 make him a good bet to bounce back in 2011. 42. TRENT COLE, EAGLES, DE
Tackles are king in IDP fantasy leagues, which means a defensive
34. DAVID HARRIS, JETS, LB end - even one as good as Cole - will always lag when ranked
Harris’ fantasy upside is limited by the Jets’ ball-control offense and among linebackers. Cole, though, is tops among defensive ends.
defense’s ability to force three-and-outs. Harris should still do better Cole averaged more than four tackles per game last season while
than last year’s 99 tackles (69 solo), though. Rank him a bit higher posting double-digit sacks, offering fantasy owners both upside and
in leagues that focus on sacks - 8.5 sacks the last two years. consistency. It appears safe to expect 70-plus tackles and double-
digit sacks from Cole this season.
35. WILL WITHERSPOON, TITANS, LB
Witherspoon isn’t guaranteed to start, but with last year’s leading 43. THOMAS DAVIS, PANTHERS, LB
tackler (Stephen Tulloch) not re-signing with the Titans, there should Davis is extremely injury prone but remains a rare athlete in a great
be more opportunities for Witherspoon in 2011. Witherspoon is situation in Carolina where the defense figures to be on the field a
strong against the run, in pass coverage and as a blitzer, which lot in 2011. He tore his right ACL twice between November 2009
gives him fantasy upside as long as he gets snaps for the and June 2010, but his 174 tackles (140 solo), five sacks, two inter-
Tennessee defense. ceptions and two forced fumbles in his last 23 games are notewor-
thy. If he’s on the field, he should be a steal at this ranking.
36. JAMES FARRIOR, STEELERS, LB
Farrior had another decent season in 2010, finishing with 109 tack- 44. JUSTIN TUCK, GIANTS, DE
les (80 solo) and an impressive six sacks. He has hit triple-digit Tuck bounced back in a big way last year and emerged as the top
tackles in seven of his last 10 seasons, and his 19 sacks from the IDP lineman in many formats, thanks to 11.5 sacks and career
last four years are a nice bonus. Expect more of the same in 2011 highs in tackles (76, 48 solo) and forced fumbles (six). Tuck benefits
as Farrior, 36, returns as starter. from 1) a stockpiled Giants defensive line and 2) from playing both
inside and out, which, in both cases, makes it hard for offenses to
37. PARIS LENON, CARDINALS, LB zero in on him. As a DE IDP, he’s among the best.
Lenon’s fantasy value hinges on whether 2011 sixth-round pick
Quan Sturdivant steal his snaps. Lenon was solid last season in the 45. ROLANDO MCCLAIN, RAIDERS, LB
middle of Arizona’s 3-4, finishing with a career-high 125 tackles (94 McClain totaled just 85 tackles (59 solo) in 15 games last season,
solo), two sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. He should and it would be a hugh disappointment if he failed to hit triple-digit
do similar work this season as long as he can hold off Sturdivant. If tackles in each of his first two years in the league. Expect the
so, rank him higher. Raiders to make a special effort to get more out of McClain in 2011.
31
IDP SEASON PROFILES - LINEBACKERS & DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (cont...)
11 sacks and 22 career forced fumbles proves Allen should not be Bradley, who suffered a concussion last season and tore his ACL in
doubted. The explosive and powerful rusher remains one of the 2009, needs to stay healthy, as well.
league’s elite defensive linemen.
50. CLINT SESSION, COLTS, LB
49. STEWART BRADLEY, EAGLES, LB After missing 13 games for various reasons the last two years,
Bradley’s fantasy value this season likely will depend on where he Session is a big injury risk, but he possesses high upside. For IDP
lines up. If Jamar Chaney takes over at middle linebacker, Bradley’s leagues that reward solo tackles, move Session up. His last 19
previous spot, then Bradley would presumably shift to strongside appearances resulted in 115 solo stops, an average of six per
outside linebacker, which would mean fewer tackling opportunities. game. Sessions is an under-the-radar linebacker.
32
S L E E P E R S & U N D E R V A L U E D P L AY E R S
QUARTERBACK RUNNING BACK
SAM BRADFORD, RAMS LEGARRETTE BLOUNT, BUCCANEEERS
If accuracy is the most important trait for a passer, then not many Blount really became part of the Tampa Bay offense in Week 7, and
have brighter futures than Bradford. And considering what offensive had a significant role until season's end. Over those final 11 games,
coordinator Josh McDaniels has done with offenses in New England he rushed for 977 yards (88.9 yards per game) and five touch-
and Denver, you have to like Bradford’s situation. With two good downs. Prorating those 11 games into a 16-game season gives him
tackles, a steady running game and an underrated group of 1,421 yards and seven touchdowns. Granted, there are variables
receivers (rookies Austin Pettis and Greg Salas are perfect fits for such as the schedule, the workload and the conditions that won’t
Bradford), there’s no reason why a player as talented as Bradford necessarily be repeated over 16 games in 2011. But the Tampa Bay
can’t flourish under McDaniels’ watch. offense should be better as a whole with Josh Freeman and Mike
Williams developing, and Blount should be available at least a
JAY CUTLER, BEARS round after the sure-thing backs are taken with the top-10 picks of
your draft.
It remains to be seen whether the team upgrades its decidedly
mediocre receiving corps other than free-agent Roy Williams, but it
already upgraded its substandard offensive line during the draft. SHONN GREENE, JETS
Cutler remains an elite physical talent with a cannon for an arm and The logic here is simple: Greene’s a “Last Year’s Bum,” who has all
above-average scrambling ability (232 rushing yards last year). Even of the previous positives going for him, but with a year more experi-
in a down season, Cutler threw 23 passes and managed a 7.6 YPA ence. Plus, LaDainian Tomlinson is a year older, and the Jets offen-
in essentially 14 games. With Cutler getting more comfortable in sive line is still really good. Greene has the upside of a top-10 RB,
Mike Martz’s system this year, don’t be surprised if he’s a top-seven and he should come at a fraction of last year's price.
QB, especially if Williams turns into a playmaker on the outside.
ROY HELU, REDSKINS
JOSH FREEMAN, BUCCANEERS Ryan Torain actually played extremely well last season, but he’s a
This one is almost too trendy, given how Freeman finished last sea- huge injury risk, and considering what Washington gave up in trade
son. But Freeman’s 7.3 YPA in his second season was among the to draft Helu, the rookie likely will be given a legitimate chance to
top-10 in qualified quarterbacks, well ahead of contemporaries Matt win the starting RB job. Helu’s combine numbers were terrific, and
Ryan and Mark Sanchez. He threw only six interceptions in16 Mike Shanahan covets his breakaway speed. Helu is the type of
games, against 25 touchdowns. He also can run more than most late pick who can win your league for you.
quarterbacks, totaling 364 yards. In many leagues he’ll be a nice
target if you’re playing the wait-on-the-quarterbacks game. RYAN MATHEWS, CHARGERS
The buzz on Mathews last season was heavy, as it is this year for
MATTHEW STAFFORD, LIONS Mark Ingram, but injuries and the emergence of Mike Tolbert got in
Stafford figures to enter the season healthy, and if he can stay that the way of a monster NFL debut for the Fresno State product. Those
way, big numbers are on tap, given the supporting cast the Lions who drafted Mathews early last year might understandably be a bit
have assembled. Talented rookie Titus Young, an electric player bitter about his disappointing rookie season. Now healthy, though,
who can stretch the field, bolsters a wideout corps led by superstar and lining up behind an elite quarterback in Philip Rivers, look for the
Calvin Johnson and veteran Nate Burleson. Tight ends Brandon Chargers to roll with Mathews as the No. 1 back. Norv Turner’s
Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler are no slouches as pass-catchers, and record with running backs indicates his top back is very likely to hit
a backfield featuring Jahvid Best rounds out what looks like a bal- double-digit touchdowns, and the Chargers didn’t trade up to the
anced and dynamic offense. As long as the Lions offensive line pro- 12th pick in the 2010 draft to let Mathews split carries with Tolbert.
tects him adequately, Stafford – who should go cheaply due to his The things we liked about Mathews heading into 2010 (he’s a home-
shoulder problems – is poised for a breakout. run threat who runs withpower) still apply, only this year he’ll come
cheaper, minus the shiny rookie wrapping paper. Mathews stands to
TIM TEBOW, BRONCOS be one of the better running back values this year.
It remains unclear whether Tebow can make it as an NFL starter,
but because of his rushing ability, he can be plenty useful in fantasy BERNARD SCOTT, BENGALS
leagues. While his completion percentage (49.4%) was ugly and his At 5-10, 197, Scott doesn't have the frame to bruise the opposition
YPA (8.0) impressive over his three starts during his rookie cam- with a physical running style, but he's shifty and playing behind a
paign, his legs are what make Tebow intriguing. If you prorate his fading veteran in Cedric Benson (back-to-back 300-carry seasons,
ground stats over his three starts for a full season, you’d get 1,061 3.5 YPC in 2010). Remember, it was off-the-field issues that kept
rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, which is essentially equivalent to Scott away from Division I programs in college, and that's ultimately
about 2,800 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Maybe he can’t how the Bengals were able to land him in the sixth round of the
keep that type of pace up without getting hurt, and the loss of Josh 2009 draft. The expected transition from Carson Palmer to rookie
McDaniels hurts, but Tebow is a beast at the goal line and should Andy Dalton at quarterback should lead to a very ground-heavy
only improve as a passer. Moreover, 15-20 quarterbacks are likely game plan, which will afford Scott more touches even if Benson
to go off the board before him during drafts. remains in the fold as the starter.
33
UNDERVALUED PLAYERS
SLEEPERS & UNDERVALUED PLAYERS (cont...)
WIDE RECEIVER hauled in 65 percent of the targets thrown his way and ranked third
in fantasy points per target last season – behind only Mike Wallace
and Kenny Britt (min. 50 targets). Quarterback Eli Manning had his
MILES AUSTIN, COWBOYS second straight 4,000-yard season, and the Giants' offense isn't
In the games he’s played with Tony Romo since landing in the start- showing any signs of changing the balance of its attack. With Smith
ing lineup in Week 5 of the 2009 season, Austin has been as pro- off to Philadelphia, the window for Manningham to lock down a
ductive as almost any receiver in the league. In those 16 regular starting job remains open.
season games he’s totaled 112 catches for 1,763 yards and 12
touchdowns. It’s not likely he’ll be able to maintain that rarefied HAKEEM NICKS, GIANTS
level, but he can afford to lose some of that productivity and still Only Calvin Johnson has more upside among receivers than Nicks,
rank as a top-three fantasy receiver. who enters the magical third season as an NFL wide receiver. If
Nicks plays all 16 games, he could approach 20 touchdowns. His
KENNY BRITT, TITANS floor is lower than one would like for a WR1 given the injury issues,
Britt has plenty of downside, both with off-the-field issues and a but Nicks is the type of player who can win your fantasy league.
shaky quarterback situation in Tennessee, but that’s why you can
get such a top-flight talent at a discount. Averaging 18.5 yards-per- BRANDON TATE, PATRIOTS
catch during his second year in the league last season, Britt racked The Patriots' receiving corps went through some interesting
up 775 receiving yards and nine touchdowns while playing only 480 changes last season, and entering 2011 it resembles an exhibit
snaps. A total of 82 wide receivers saw more snaps than that last from Jurassic Park. The return of Deion Branch was a nice story,
year. Britt’s upside is through the roof. and while Branch at times looked like the player from the Pats'
Super Bowl squads from the 2000s, he turned 32 in July, and his
PERCY HARVIN, VIKINGS days as a No. 1 wideout (even on a team that spreads the ball
With Brett Favre and Sidney Rice gone, Minnesota likely will revert around) are over. In Branch, the sure-handed Wes Welker and two
to a heavy ground attack this year, driving down the price of anyone very good young tight ends, the Pats have weapons with veteran
in its passing game. But unlike most receivers, Harvin creates his savvy to work short and intermediate routes. Tate provides the
own shot, so-to-speak, catching short passes and gaining yards on downfield threat capable of “taking the top off” of opposing defens-
es, and as he showed with two kickoff returns for touchdowns in
his own after the catch (his 459 YAC were second in the league,
his second season, he's elusive. Now in his third season, Tate may
despite just 109 targets), i.e., he’s not all that dependent on the pre-
be in position to take away targets from some of his veteran team-
cise timing and accuracy of his quarterback. However, Harvin will
mates and emerge as a viable WR3 this season.
benefit from Donovan McNabb at quarterback this year. Harvin will
also get 100-plus yards rushing – maybe more if the team has to
resort to more deception – and quite possibly a rushing touchdown TIGHT END
or two. And he’s also capable of bringing a kick back to the house.
The chronic migraines are a risk, but Harvin’s not going to cost you
an early pick, so the reward more than justifies it.
JIMMY GRAHAM, SAINTS
After releasing Jeremy Shockey, the Saints appear sold on Graham
as their starter at tight end. He’s another player who converted to
JACOBY FORD, RAIDERS football after playing college basketball, which says a lot about how
One of these speedy wide receivers has to work out for Oakland at his athleticism. At 6-8, 260, Graham makes for a huge target in the
some point, right? The Raiders finally started using Ford on offense red zone. Graham was utilized there frequently last season, catch-
over the second half, and he immediately paid dividends. Over the ing five of his 31 receptions in the end zone. Tennessee tight end
final eight games, he had 433 receiving yards and two touchdowns, Jared Cook also deserves consideration, but Graham’s situation in
while rushing for 107 yards and two more scores. And, according to a passing offense with an elite quarterback gives him the nod.
coach Hue Jackson, the Raiders plan on giving him more touches
this season. Don’t forget Ford ran a 4.28 40 at the NFL Combine BRANDON PETTIGREW, LIONS
and has even more value in leagues that count return yards.
Pettigrew quietly was third in NFL among tight ends in both catches
(71) and targets (111) last season, despite the Lions going through
MARIO MANNINGHAM, GIANTS three quarterbacks. Pettigrew did this while returning from the torn
Manningham took full advantage of his opportunity for a larger role ACL that ended his rookie season. He wasn’t targeted in the red
last season while Steve Smith was sidelined by injuries and made zone as often as other tight ends, but those targets vary year-to-
his case to remain the starter opposite Hakeem Nicks with three year. Presumably the Lions will have some semblance of continuity
consecutive 100-yard performances down the stretch. Manningham at quarterback this year, which only bodes well for Pettigrew.
34
B U S T S & O V E R V A L U E D P L AY E R S
QUARTERBACK PEYTON HILLIS, BROWNS
Since the pounding Hillis averages a bruise (either to opponents or
himself) per carry, staying in one piece is will be a challenge after
TOM BRADY, PATRIOTS 270 carries last season. To that end, look for the Browns to identify a
He’ll be good in 2011, but Brady’s owners shouldn’t get too back or two to take some heat off Hillis, ideally Montario Hardesty.
attached to the idea of him throwing 36 touchdowns and four inter- Figuring out who “this year’s Hillis” might be and getting him, either
ceptions again. The Patriots had a more conservative offense in as a late-round dart or a savvy early-season pickup, is a more prom-
2010 than in years past as their 507 pass attempts ranked just 20th ising strategy than over-drafting last year’s fantasy darling.
in the league. The offenses in Indianapolis (679 attempts), New
Orleans (661 attempts), Dallas (576 attempts) and Philadelphia (561
attempts) are much more favorable than what Brady likely will have FELIX JONES, COWBOYS
in New England, and it’s probably too much to expect him to main- Marion Barber’s exit seems like a plus on the surface, and it was
tain his 2010 touchdown percentage of 7.3 in 2011. nice to see Jones get more involved as a receiver last season. But
he remains an injury risk who scored just two touchdowns on 233
touches in 2010, as he’s simply not trusted at the goal line. Don’t
MATT RYAN, FALCONS be surprised if rookie teammate DeMarco Murray ends up the supe-
Due to his strong rookie year, and his team’s regular-season suc- rior fantasy option.
cess the last few seasons, Ryan’s often mentioned as one of the
up-and-coming young stars of the league. But a look at his pedes-
trian YPA the last two years, while playing in a dome, no less, MICHAEL TURNER, FALCONS
shows he’s closer to Joe Flacco and Mark Sanchez than Philip Fading Turner isn’t as easy as it might sound, because he will get
Rivers and Aaron Rodgers. The addition of star prospect Julio the vast majority of the red-zone touches on a team that should
Jones should help Ryan learn to look for someone other than visit the red zone frequently. But Turner averaged a career-low 4.1
Roddy White on occasion, but Atlanta’s still a run-first offense, yards per carry last year, reaching 4.0 YPC just once in his last six
especially around the goal line. games. He also dealt with nagging groin injuries last year and ankle
injuries the year before that. Plus, he still doesn’t catch passes, and
MICHAEL VICK, EAGLES the drafting of Jacquizz Rodgers should continue that trend.
Owning Vick in an eight-team league would be fantastic. Upside is
key there, and serviceable quarterbacks will be available on WIDE RECEIVER
waivers. In deeper leagues, though, where decent quarterbacks
can't easily be found, drafting Vick is like playing Russian Roulette – DWAYNE BOWE, CHIEFS
you know you're going to get killed, via a Vick injury, at some point
Just like Larry Fitzgerald last year, Bowe enters 2011 without a top-
in the season – it's just a matter of when. There's just no way Vick's
tier quarterback throwing him the ball. Yes, there are about 12-14
going to play 16 games in 2011. Considering Vick's likely to be one
NFL teams who wouldn't mind having Matt Cassel as their starting
of the top 2-3 quarterbacks off the board, wait and get Peyton
quarterback. But Cassel's not in that “elite” category, either, and
Manning or Ben Roethlisberger.
that makes Bowe's floor lower than the other top wide receivers.
Draft Mike Wallace instead.
RUNNING BACK
STEVE JOHNSON, BILLS
CEDRIC BENSON, BENGALS Breakouts win fantasy titles, and there were plenty of owners who
At first glance it might appear Benson would be a good rebound benefited from Johnson and the 10 TDs he delivered after becom-
candidate – the Bengals don’t have an obvious replacement at run- ing Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite target last season. Keep in mind that
ning back, and surely the team will run more than it did the year bust is a relative term here. Now that he's consistently drawing the
before, given the likely transition at quarterback to rookie Andy attention of opponents' top corners, the efficiency is likely to slip.
Dalton. But Benson’s possible replacements (Bernard Scott and Further, Johnson and the Bills offense will likely face poor weather
rookie Jay Finley) are better than many give credit, and more impor- conditions down the stretch with five of their final six games on the
tant, the wheels are starting to fall off again for him. Not only did he road at New York and New England, or at home. Johnson should
average 3.5 yards per carry last year, but he also fumbled seven remain a top-25 receiver this season, but he'll be priced 10-15
times after fumbling just once in 2009. spots higher in most drafts.
35
OVERVALUED PLAYERS
BUSTS & OVERVALUED PLAYERS (cont...)
36
IMPACT ROOKIES
Evaluating rookies from a fantasy perspective is always a crap- immediate playing time. Critics say Dalton is undersized and lacks
shoot, this year more than ever, given the NFL’s labor unrest. The upside, while his supporters highlight his leadership and intangibles,
first-year players likely will be hard pressed to get up to speed traits he’d need to rely on heavily if the Bengals are forced to roll
quickly and grasp their teams' playbooks thanks to the lockout. with him in Week 1. In any case, rookie wideout A.J. Green and
Another factor will be the varying degrees of player conditioning – 2010 first-round tight end Jermaine Gresham are talented young
young and old alike – in the wake of the lockout. A rash of inactivi- players with whom Dalton can earn his stripes.
ty-related muscle pulls/strains/tears could create unexpected
opportunities for the Class of 2011. COLIN KAEPERNICK, NEVADA (6-5, 233), 49ERS
The athletic Kaepernick gives new 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh a
Note: Mikel Leshoure and Ryan Williams were eliminated from this
quarterback to develop out of the gate, behind the returning Alex
list after they suffered season-ending injuries in training camp.
Smith. Kaepernick can already get it done with his legs, but he
needs to be groomed on the intricacies of the team’s west coast
QUARTERBACK offense, a process that will take time but one that could produce a
draft-day steal.
CAM NEWTON, AUBURN (6-5, 248), PANTHERS
The Panthers swung for the fences on the supremely gifted, but
RYAN MALLETT, ARKANSAS (6-7, 253), PATRIOTS
unpolished Newton with the top overall pick in the draft. He’s big, We’re guessing concerns over Mallett’s character will subside in the
strong, mobile and has an excellent throwing arm. How well and coming months as he gets up to speed on the Patriot Way and qui-
how quickly he transitions from the college game to a pro-style etly learns the NFL ropes as an understudy to Tom Brady. Mallett
offense is the wild card here, as are perceived character issues. On has plenty of detractors, but with no pressure to step in and rescue
physical tools alone, though, he has superstar upside. That’s not a franchise, he’ll have time to round out his game, which has holes,
something that likely will be realized this season, however, and at the pro level. Already blessed with great size and a cannon arm,
Newton’s only worth heavily targeting in dynasty leagues, or as an Mallett would do well to mimic Brady’s ability to sidestep pressure
in-season pickup if he gets the keys to the Carolina offense and can and make the correct reads. Easier said than done, but our view is
do some damage with his wheels as a rookie. that New England is a great landing spot for him, where he will
either give the Patriots a talented insurance policy for Brady or per-
haps serve as trade bait once the grooming process is complete.
BLAINE GABBERT, MISSOURI (6-4, 234), JAGUARS
It’s time for David Garrard to start dusting off his resume, maybe
not for immediate use, but by drafting Gabbert 10th overall, the
Jaguars have clearly identified their quarterback of the future. RUNNING BACK
Gabbert is a “he can make all the NFL throws” player, but like all
young signal-callers he has big adjustments to make to the pro MARK INGRAM, ALABAMA (5-9, 215), SAINTS
game, perhaps more so because he played in a spread offense at
The Saints traded up to acquire the 28th pick from New England
Missouri. Scouts suggest he’s well-equipped to do so, though,
and draft Ingram. Scouts love the patience and vison Ingram dis-
given his makeup.
plays as a runner, some even daring to compare him to the great
Emmitt Smith. Ingram is not a burner, so his home-run ability might
JAKE LOCKER, WASHINGTON (6-2, 231), TITANS be limited, but he can be an effective workhorse back, given his
The Titans’ selection of Locker eighth overall officially closes the elusivnees and ability to hit the hole. That said, with Pierre Thomas
door on the Vince Young era in Tennessee. Locker is a premium and Chris Ivory still around, Ingram enters a crowded backfield. As
athlete with mobility and a strong arm, but he’ll need further refine- a result, while Ingram might be the most talented rookie running
ments for his passing accuracy to catch up with his athleticism. back, his short-term value might be eclipsed by a handful of backs
Steve Young, to whom some compare Locker, was not built in a with more immediate and clear-cut opportunities. Keep an eye on
day, and the Titans’ new franchise quarterback won’t be, either, as offseason developments, as Thomas is hardly the most durable
Matt Hasselbeck will start at quarterback for the Titans while men- player even in the best of times.
toring Locker.
DANIEL THOMAS, KANSAS STATE (6-0, 230), DOLPHINS
CHRISTIAN PONDER, FLORIDA STATE (6-2, 229), VIKINGS While there were four running backs drafted before Thomas, he may
The Vikings added Donovan McNabb during free agency, giving end up with the best Week 1 situation of the lot, as the Dolphins
Ponder a spot on the bench as his backup. Ponder lacks a rocket have moved on from the duo of Ronnie Brown and Rickey Williams.
arm, but he’s a heady player, whose quick release and mobility are Miami added Reggie Bush, but Thomas has a clear path to the fea-
assets, as are his leadership and poise. He won’t start immediately, tured role. He’s equipped for it too, as he’s a powerful downhill run-
but the Vikings clearly have faith in his ability to add some needed ner who is strong between the tackles and effective from in close. As
stability to the quarterback position. a bonus, Thomas has experience in the “Wildcat” formation.
ANDY DALTON, TCU (6-2, 215), BENGALS DELONE CARTER, SYRACUSE (5-9, 225), COLTS
The Bengals view Dalton, whom they drafted in the second round, Carter might be a nice fantasy find this year despite being the 11th
as a quarterback to groom behind starter Carson Palmer. Of course, back picked in April’s draft. Joseph Addai has had trouble staying
Palmer is unlikely to return, given his trade demands, so Dalton healthy, and Donald Brown has yet to live up to his first-round
could actually compete with Jordan Palmer and Dan Le Fevour for billing. Further, the Colts, who bolstered their blocking by drafting a
37
IMPACT ROOKIES (cont...)
IMPACT
pair of offensive linemen with their top two picks, are looking for KENDALL HUNTER, OKLAHOMA STATE (5-7, 200), 49ERS
answers around the goal line. They may have found their man in
Hunter could leapfrog Anthony Dixon to become Frank Gore’s top
Carter, whom team vice chairman Bill Polian calls a “slam-bang
backup, but his size puts his ability to be an every-down back into
kind of runner.” He’s a break away from making a fantasy splash,
question. Despite his lack of height, Hunter is solidly built with a low
and after seeing the Colts tear through running backs in 2010, it’s
center of gravity and the vision to find and then hit the hole. Gore
not hard to envision a scenario in which Carter gets a shot to carry
remains the 49ers’ top back, but he's played 16 games just once
the load at some point in his rookie campaign.
during his six-year career and is coming off hip surgery. Don’t be
surprised if there are weeks this season when Hunter is an option.
ROY HELU, NEBRASKA (5-11, 219), REDSKINS
Sleeper alert. Coach Mike Shanahan loves turning random players JAQUIZZ RODGERS, OREGON STATE (5-6, 196), FALCONS
into stud running backs, and Helu, the 105th pick overall, might Rodgers gives the Falcons a small, but shifty playmaker to act as a
have a chance to be his next if the injury-prone Ryan Torain gets complement to the team’s power back, Michael Turner. He in effect
hurt again this season. Helu fits the bill because of his ability as a replaces injury-prone Jerious Norwood in that role. Depending on
“one-cut” back, an ideal trait in Shanahan’s zone-blocking system, whom you ask, Rodgers brings back memories of former Giants
which used to routinely churn out 1,000-yard backs. Helu has good back Joe Morris and ex-Falcon Warrick Dunn, not the worst players
size, but is an upright runner, with durability concerns himself. On to be compared to. Jason Snelling remains on hand to back up
the plus side, he has an element of speed that, Shanahan said, Turner and likely would be in line for the bulk of the carries – with
reminds him of a young Clinton Portis. Rodgers in a change-of-pace role – should Turner get injured.
ALEX GREEN, HAWAII (6-0, 225), PACKERS JOHNNY WHITE, NORTH CAROLINA (5-10, 209), BILLS
The addition of Green makes Brandon Jackson redundant but gives White slots behind Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller, but at 133rd over-
the team quality depth alongside Ryan Grant, who is returning from all, he was a nice value pick by the Bills. Every season a handful of
an injury, and late-season revelation, James Starks. Like so many of teams have to dig deep into their backfield cupboards due to
his peers, Green needs one or two things to break his way, but he’s injuries, and White, a tough runner with good hands, is a likely ben-
a punishing back, who is adept at catching passes, traits that could eficiary should Buffalo be forced to do so this season.
help him see immediate playing time for the Super Bowl champs.
STEVAN RIDLEY, LSU (5-11, 225), PATRIOTS
SHANE VEREEN, CALIFORNIA (5-9, 203), PATRIOTS Having already drafted Shane Vereen in the second round, the
Vereen's role will largely depend on the health of those surrounding Patriots caught most observers off guard by taking the bruising
him in the Patriots backfield. Benjarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Ridley in the third round. Working against the LSU product is that
Woodhead are the projected returnees, with Green-Ellis having he enters a crowded backfield that includes Vereen, as well as
demonstrated last season that he is capable of grinding out tough Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who’s back to head
yards while Woodhead is a productive change-of-pace option. the committee. Kevin Faulk could return as well, but Ridley should
Rookie Stevan Ridley adds a power back to the mix, but if Vereen help out on special teams, and if anything happens to Green-Ellis,
can shed the perception that he’s strictly a third-down back – and he could be the player the Patriots turn to to grind out tough yards.
we think he can – he could be the one the team turns to if Green-
Ellis starts slowly. In any case, the latest home-run threat out of Cal
is among a handful of rookie backs this season who are a break or
BILAL POWELL, LOUISVILLE (5-10, 207), JETS
two away from making a fantasy splash. Powell, a hard-nosed runner, seems like a luxury pick for the Jets,
with Shonn Greene slated to start the season as the team’s lead
back and LaDainian Tomlinson return to the mix, as well. Powell
DEMARCO MURRAY, OKLAHOMA (6-0, 213), COWBOYS also will have to compete with second-year man Joe McKnight, so
Murray is an explosive speed back in the mold of Cowboys running he’ll need some good fortune to make a fantasy impact this season.
back Felix Jones, but his selection gives the team depth and flexi-
bility in the event of an injury to Jones or Tashard Choice. Murray
enters the NFL with some durability concerns, and while his initial
JORDAN TODMAN, CONNECTICUT (5-9, 203), CHARGERS
role might not be heavy, he figures to parlay his receiving skills into Todman is on track to work behind Ryan Mathews and Mike
playing time. In any case, Marion Barber is out of the picture, sign- Tolbert. He gives the Chargers backfield some needed depth of the
ing with the Bears. third-down variety with Darren Sproles gone to New Orleans.
TAIWAN JONES, EASTERN WASHINGTON (6-0, 194) RAIDERS DION LEWIS, PITTSBURGH (5-7, 193), EAGLES
Jones’ role in 2011 will hinge on the health of the backs ahead of Lewis, an undersized fifth-round pick, won’t challenge fellow Pitt
him, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, who returned to Oakland product LeSean McCoy, but he’s a shifty back who could help out
in the event of an injury to either McCoy or Ronnie Brown, who
this season. Jones possesses the sort of speed the Raiders love,
signed left Miami to sign with the Eagles.
as he ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at his pro day in early April.
We’d be surprised to see him get a ton of work in the offense initial-
ly. But both McFadden and Bush missed games last season, so JAMIE HARPER, CLEMSON (5-11, 233), TITANS
Jones could be turned loose earlier than expected, at which point Harper is clearly behind Chris Johnson, but he could be an intrigu-
his own durability would be put to the test, given his slight (by NFL ing in-season pickup if he can secure the Titans’ No. 2 gig – which
standards) frame. we think he will – and Johnson suffers an injury.
38
IMPACT ROOKIES (cont...)
IMPACT
39
IMPACT ROOKIES (cont...)
IMPACT
LANCE KENDRICKS, WISCONSIN (6-3, 243), RAMS his short-term prospects. It’s been a while since a Cardinals tight
Kendricks provides budding signal-caller Sam Bradford with an ath- end has been fantasy relevant, but Housler could emerge as an in-
letic receiving option. A wait-and-see approach is prudent with season pickup this year under the right circumstances.
Kendricks, though, as his all-around game needs some refinement.
But he has some upside in an offense with Josh McDaniels pulling
the strings. espite his low weight, Kendricks has better blocking KICKER
technique than most tight ends in his draft class, and his ability to
lose linebackers and some safeties means he'll be able to fit into
most of St. Louis' offensive formations.
ALEX HENERY, NEBRASKA (6-2, 177), EAGLES
David Akers led the NFL with 143 points last season, and now
ROBERT HOUSLER, FLORIDA ATLANTIC (6-5, 248), CARDINALS those opportunities belong to Henery. Akers is in San Francisco,
The Cardinals add an athletic tight end to the mix in Housler, but leaving Henery to assume the Eagles’ kicking job. it’s reasonable to
with the team’s quarterback situation fluid, it’s difficult to estimate assume he’ll put up similar numbers behind a strong Philly offense.
40
POSITION JOB BATTLES
BEARS WR ready. Considering that there aren't any other decent contenders for
the job, it looks like it's Briscoe's to lose, though Benn will reclaim it
before long.
Roy Williams has looked pedestrian in training camp, while Johnny
Knox has shined. Strangely, Knox is listed as the fourth receiver on
the Chicago depth chart, but to anyone reading the tea leaves right CARDINALS RB
now, it looks like he'll beat out Williams, who has developed no
chemistry with Jay Cutler yet. Meanwhile, Devin Hester should start Ryan Williams ruptured his patella and is done for the season,
at the flanker and Earl Bennett will be a strong possession receiver cementing Beanie Wells as the undisputed starting running back.
and have greater value in PPR leagues. Bet the Cardinals wished they had Tim Hightower back now, as the
injury-prone Wells is now backed up by just LaRod Stephens-
BENGALS WR Howling. Alfonso Smith is next in line, but the Cardinals may look
for a veteran to strengthen their depth.
It's hard to make much of the wideout situation in Cincinnati. While
rookie A.J. Green appears to have one spot locked up, the Bengals' CARDINALS WR
poor performance against the Jets on Sunday prevented other
receiving candidates from separating themselves from the pack. Though Andre Roberts is officially slotted in as the No. 2 receiver
Jerome Simpson is probably the other starter by default, but he opposite Larry Fitzgerald, the plan is for the Cardinals to rotate the
was shut out against the Jets. Jordan Shipley, who should be a job among Roberts, Early Doucet, Chansi Stuckey and Stephen
deep threat, caught three passes for just 20 yards. Andre Caldwell Williams. While none of those players inspires thoughts of glory,
caught a 39-yarder and finished with two catches for 50 yards. The Roberts probably still is the most likely to emerge from the pack to
Bengals may have no chance but to throw a lot this year, so some- have positive fantasy value.
one has to catch the ball, but this is unlikely to be a crew from
which a fantasy star will emerge. CHIEFS WR
BILLS WR Jon Baldwin's not exactly atop the depth chart, but the Chiefs had
high hopes for him. However, after a locker-room fight with Thomas
Rahim Moore's hit on Donald Jones may have knocked him out Jones resulted in an injury to Baldwin's wrist and thumb, he's done
cold, but it didn't knock him out of the running for the No. 2 receiv- for the preseason and may get buried in the Todd Haley's dog-
ing job. That said, the news Monday that Jones suffered a concus- house. Jerheme Urban and Dexter McCluster (though he may be
sion could open the door for David Nelson to win the job. Marcus used more as a running back this year) are probably the biggest
Easley, Craig Davis and Naaman Roosevelt are all still just trying to beneficiaries of Baldwin's injury, while Steve Breaston, once he
make the team. learns the playbook, shouldn't have to worry about Baldwin stealing
the starting job he's expecting to have.
BRONCOS RB
COLTS QB
Willis McGahee has been getting most of the goal-line reps in prac-
tice, and in Saturday's game against Buffalo he scored a short TD. We never thought we'd have to write anything about a job battle
Knowshon Moreno will still get the lion's share of the carries, but it here, but the fact of the matter is that Peyton Manning's neck could
looks like McGahee, who has become a TD-stealing specialist, be keeping him out of the regular season opener - and possibly
could vulture a lot of scores. beyond. His backups are the uninspiring Curtis Painter and Dan
Orlovsky. While one would expect the hyper-competitive Manning
BROWNS WR to will himself into readiness, the Colts are publically worried and
may need to find a veteran to fill the role.
A surprising name has emerged in Cleveland's camp, as Jordan
Norwood appears to have already won the slot receiver job. He has JAGUARS QB
appeared in all of one regular-season game in his two years in the
league, and he didn't catch a pass in that game. Meanwhile, the rest David Garrard did nothing to establish himself as the unquestioned
of the wideout roles seem to still be in flux. Mohamed Massaquoi starter for the Jaguars on Aug. 19, but considering that rookie Blake
(foot) should return to practice this week, and if he proves to be Gabbert continued to struggle, Garrard still seems to hold the job
ready, he could earn one starting job. How the Browns plan to use by default. There seems to be a real competition between the two
Greg Little, Josh Cribbs and Brian Robiskie is anyone's guess. this summer, but all signs point to Garrard being behind center on
Opening Day.
BUCCANEERS WR
LIONS RB
Arrelious Benn is progressing well recuperation from December's
ACL injury, but he has also missed two preseason games already Jahvid Best suffered a mild concussion on Aug. 19, perhaps open-
and may not quite be ready for the start of the season. Enter ing the door for backups Jerome Harrison, Mike Bell, Aaron Brown,
Dezmon Briscoe, who despite a quiet game against the Patriots last Ian Johnson and Maurice Morris. While Best vanquished one foe
week, could hold the inside track for a starting job if Benn isn't when Mikel Leshoure was lost for the year, his history of concus-
41
BATTLES (cont...)
POSITION JOB BATTLES
sions could lead the Lions to sit him out awhile. No one is really Gibson had a score as well - an 83-yarder - but he's no sure thing.
distinguishing himself at this point, but it's worth mentioning that Even Danario Alexander, who some think might be a starter, needs
Aaron Brown got the carries immediately after Best's early exit, so to prove to the Rams that his knee isn't going to fail him again.
he's probably next in line. Throw in talented rookies Austin Pettis and Greg Salas, as well as
Mardy Gilyard (who is slated to return kicks this year), and it's still
PANTHERS QB anyone's game.
This battle appears to have ended a little earlier than expected. REDSKINS QB
Cam Newton is now practicing with the first team and will start
again this week. At this point, no one seems to think that Jimmy John Beck may have missed the first preseason game, but he came
Clausen is going to beat him out. Expect Newton to be the starter back with a vengeance in the second game, completing 14 passes
in the regular-season opener. in 17 attempts for 140 yards. He looked the part of the starter, and
any ground gained by Rex Grossman in Beck's absence appears
PATRIOTS RB lost. Beck has the confidence of his coaches, and would have to
fall "flat on his face" to lose the job at this point.
While BenJarvus Green-Ellis scored twice and Danny Woodhead
gained 63 yards on five carries, the real breakout star in New REDSKINS RB
England's preseason has to be rookie Stevan Ridley, who had his
second strong game in a row. In two games, Ridley has 148 yards Although Ryan Torain is back on the practice field, he's still not
rushing on 30 attempts and 10 catches for 74 yards. Third-stringers playing in games and has fallen way behind Tim Hightower for the
usually get the benefit of more action against lesser defenses in the starting running back job. Rookie Roy Helu, who struggled in his
preseason, but those are eye-popping numbers nonetheless. He preseason debut, looked much stronger Aug. 19 against the Colts,
has clearly moved ahead of fellow rookie Shane Vereen, who may rumbling for 101 yards on 14 carries, so even when Torain is fully
be headed to the IR with a hamstring injury, and Ridley is forcing his healthy, he'll have a hard time cracking the lineup.
way into the New England running back committee conversation.
REDSKINS WR
RAIDERS QB
The No. 2 spot is still up for grabs, as the trio of Jabar Gaffney,
Starter Jason Campbell was knocked out of Saturday's game with Anthony Armstrong and Donte Stallworth combined for just three
a possible concussion, and given the way the NFL protects quarter- catches against Indianapolis. It's hard to know what Washington's
backs who suffer concussions, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him offense is going to look like this year, but if Beck steps up as a
sit out a few weeks. Trent Edwards and Kyle Boller are the backups, quarterback, there could be some fantasy sleepers on the roster.
and both have starting experience, so the drop-off probably won't One name to keep in the back of your mind is rookie Leonard
be great if Campbell misses time. Right now Edwards is ahead of Hankerson, who led the Redskins with three catches for 46 yards
Boller on the depth chart, and if you think Terrelle Pryor belongs in against the Colts.
this discussion at this point, then you really don't think a lot of the
quarterbacks already in camp. SAINTS RB
RAIDERS WR Both Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas had seven touches in
Saturday's preseason game, but it's worth noting that Ingram got
Louis Murphy and Jacoby Ford are really banged up, with the for- the ball and scored on a one-yard plunge. Darren Sproles is still
mer already out for the regular-season opener and the latter yet to around as a change-of-pace back, so unless someone gets hurt
suit up for a preseason game. Rookie Denarious Moore has been a (most likely Thomas, given his history), none of these guys are
real standout in camp, and Darrius Heyward-Bey has a chance to worth an early-round draft pick.
win a starting job. Along with Chaz Schilens (who is also hurt), any
of this quintet could ultimately lead the Raiders in receiving this TITANS RB
year.
The Chris Johnson holdout is lingering, and backup Javon Ringer is
banged up, so suddenly we know the name of Jamie Harper, who
RAMS WR ran for 83 yards on 11 carries and scored a one-yard touchdown on
Saturday against St. Louis. He's a big rookie out of Clemson, and
You figure it out. While Mike Sims-Walker and Danny Amendola still although he doesn't project as a full-timer, he could back into the
appear safe, that doesn't mean either is locked into a starting job. role with the end of Johnson's holdout nowhere in sight. Ringer is
Donnie Avery looked like he was on the chopping block, but he gut- supposed to be ready for the next preseason game, but if his hip
ted it out and played Saturday, scoring a touchdown. Brandon doesn't improve, we could be seeing another heavy dose of Harper.
42
NFL DEPTH CHARTS
ARIZONA
QB Kevin Kolb Max Hall John Skelton
RB Chris Wells LaRod Stephens-Howling
WR Larry Fitzgerald Andre Roberts Early Doucet
TE Todd Heap Jeff King Rob Housler
K Jay Feely
ATLANTA
QB Matt Ryan Chris Redman John Parker Wilson
RB Michael Turner Jason Snelling Jacquizz Rodgers
WR Roddy White Julio Jones Harry Douglas
TE Tony Gonzalez Justin Peelle Michael Palmer
K Matt Bryant
BALTIMORE
QB Joe Flacco Hunter Cantwell Tyrod Taylor
RB Ray Rice Ricky Williams Jalen Parmele
WR Anquan Boldin Lee Evans Torrey Smith
TE Ed Dickson Dennis Pitta Kris Wilson
K Billy Cundiff
BUFFALO
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick Tyler Thigpen Brad Smith
RB Fred Jackson C.J. Spiller Johnny White
WR Steve Johnson Roscoe Parrish
TE Scott Chandler Shawn Nelson David Martin
K Rian Lindell
CAROLINA
QB Cam Newton Jimmy Clausen Derek Anderson
RB DeAngelo Williams Jonathan Stewart Mike Goodson
WR Steve Smith Legedu Naanee
TE Greg Olsen Jeremy Shockey Ben Hartsock
K Olindo Mare
CHICAGO
QB Jay Cutler Caleb Hanie Nathan Enderle
RB Matt Forte Chester Taylor Marion Barber
WR Roy Williams Johnny Knox Devin Hester
TE Kellen Davis Desmond Clark Matt Spaeth
K Robbie Gould
CINCINNATI
QB Andy Dalton Bruce Gradkowski Jordan Palmer
RB Cedric Benson Bernard Scott Cedric Peerman
WR A.J. Green Jerome Simpson Andre Caldwell
TE Jermaine Gresham Bo Scaife Chase Coffman
K Mike Nugent
CLEVELAND
QB Colt McCoy Seneca Wallace Jarrett Brown
RB Peyton Hillis Brandon Jackson Montario Hardesty
WR Mohamed Massaquoi Greg Little Josh Cribbs
TE Ben Watson Evan Moore Jordan Cameron
K Phil Dawson
43
CHARTS (cont...)
TEAM DEPTH CHARTS
DALLAS
QB Tony Romo Jon Kitna Stephen McGee
RB Felix Jones Tashard Choice DeMarco Murray
WR Miles Austin Dez Bryant Kevin Ogletree
TE Jason Witten Martellus Bennett John Phillips
K David Buehler
DENVER
QB Kyle Orton Tim Tebow Brady Quinn
RB Knowshon Moreno Willis McGahee Lance Ball
WR Brandon Lloyd Eddie Royal Eric Decker
TE Daniel Fells Richard Quinn Dan Gronkowski
K Matt Prater
DETROIT
QB Matthew Stafford Shaun Hill Drew Stanton
RB Jahvid Best Maurice Morris Aaron Brown
WR Calvin Johnson Nate Burleson Titus Young
TE Brandon Pettigrew Tony Scheffler Will Heller
GREEN BAY
QB Aaron Rodgers Matt Flynn Graham Harrell
RB Ryan Grant James Starks Alex Green
WR Greg Jennings Donald Driver Jordy Nelson
TE Jermichael Finley Andrew Quarless Tom Crabtree
K Mason Crosby
HOUSTON
QB Matt Schaub Matt Leinart T.J. Yates
RB Arian Foster Derrick Ward Steve Slaton
WR Andre Johnson Jacoby Jones Kevin Walter
TE Owen Daniels Joel Dreessen Garrett Graham
K Neil Rackers
INDIANAPOLIS
QB Peyton Manning Kerry Collins Curtis Painter
RB Joseph Addai Chad Spann Donald Brown
WR Reggie Wayne Pierre Garcon Austin Collie
TE Dallas Clark Jacob Tamme Brody Eldridge
K Adam Vinatieri
JACKSONVILLE
QB David Garrard Blaine Gabbert Luke McCown
RB Maurice Jones-Drew Rashad Jennings Deji Karim
WR Mike Thomas Jason Hill Cecil Shorts
TE Marcedes Lewis Zach Miller Zach Potter
K Josh Scobee
KANSAS CITY
QB Matt Cassel Ricky Stanzi Tyler Palko
RB Jamaal Charles Thomas Jones Jackie Battle
WR Dwayne Bowe Steve Breaston Jon Baldwin
TE Tony Moeaki Leonard Pope Jake O'Connell
K Ryan Succop
44
CHARTS (cont...)
TEAM DEPTH CHARTS
MIAMI
QB Chad Henne Matt Moore Kevin O'Connell
RB Reggie Bush Daniel Thomas Lex Hilliard
WR Brandon Marshall Brian Hartline Davone Bess
TE Anthony Fasano Jeron Mastrud Mickey Shuler
K Dan Carpenter
MINNESOTA
QB Donovan McNabb Christian Ponder Joe Webb
RB Adrian Peterson Toby Gerhart Lorenzo Booker
WR Percy Harvin Bernard Berrian Michael Jenkins
TE Visanthe Shiancoe Kyle Rudolph Jimmy Kleinsasser
K Ryan Longwell
NEW ENGLAND
QB Tom Brady Brian Hoyer Ryan Mallett
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis Danny Woodhead Shane Vereen
WR Wes Welker Chad Ochocinco Deion Branch
TE Rob Gronkowski Aaron Hernandez Lee Smith
K Stephen Gostkowski
NEW ORLEANS
QB Drew Brees Chase Daniel Sean Canfield
RB Mark Ingram Pierre Thomas Darren Sproles
WR Marques Colston Robert Meachem Lance Moore
TE Jimmy Graham Tyler Lorenzen Tory Humphrey
K Garrett Hartley
OAKLAND
QB Jason Campbell Trent Edwards Kyle Boller
RB Darren McFadden Michael Bush Taiwan Jones
WR Louis Murphy Darrius Heyward-Bey Chaz Schilens
TE Kevin Boss Brandon Myers Kevin Brock
K Sebastian Janikowski
PHILADELPHIA
QB Michael Vick Vince Young Mike Kafka
RB LeSean McCoy Ronnie Brown Dion Lewis
WR DeSean Jackson Jeremy Maclin Steve Smith
TE Brent Celek Donald Lee Clay Harbor
K Alex Henery
45
CHARTS (cont...)
TEAM DEPTH CHARTS
PITTSBURGH
QB Ben Roethlisberger Byron Leftwich Charlie Batch
RB Rashard Mendenhall Isaac Redman Mewelde Moore
WR Mike Wallace Hines Ward Antonio Brown
TE Heath Miller Eugene Bright John Gilmore
K Shaun Suisham
SAN DIEGO
QB Philip Rivers Billy Volek Scott Tolzien
RB Ryan Mathews Mike Tolbert Jordan Todman
WR Vincent Jackson Malcom Floyd Patrick Crayton
TE Antonio Gates Randy McMichael Kory Sperry
K Nate Kaeding
SEATTLE
QB Tarvaris Jackson Charlie Whitehurst
RB Marshawn Lynch Justin Forsett Leon Washington
WR Sidney Rice Mike Williams Golden Tate
TE Zach Miller John Carlson Anthony McCoy
K Jeff Reed
SAN FRANCISCO
QB Alex Smith Colin Kaepernick
RB Frank Gore Anthony Dixon Kendall Hunter
WR Michael Crabtree Braylon Edwards Josh Morgan
TE Vernon Davis Delanie Walker Colin Cloherty
K David Akers
ST. LOUIS
QB Sam Bradford A.J. Feeley Thaddeus Lewis
RB Steven Jackson Cadillac Williams Jerious Norwood
WR Mike Sims-Walker Donnie Avery Danny Amendola
TE Lance Kendricks Billy Bajema Michael Hoomanawanui
K Josh Brown
TAMPA BAY
QB Josh Freeman Josh Johnson Rudy Carpenter
RB LeGarrette Blount Kregg Lumpkin Allen Bradford
WR Mike Williams Arrelious Benn Sammie Stroughter
TE Kellen Winslow Luke Stocker Daniel Hardy
K Connor Barth
TENNESSEE
QB Matt Hasselbeck Jake Locker Rusty Smith
RB Chris Johnson Javon Ringer Jamie Harper
WR Kenny Britt Nate Washington Justin Gage
TE Jared Cook Daniel Graham Craig Stevens
K Rob Bironas
WASHINGTON
QB John Beck Rex Grossman Kellen Clemens
RB Ryan Torain Tim Hightower Roy Helu Jr. WR
Santana Moss Jabar Gaffney Anthony Armstrong
TE Chris Cooley Fred Davis Logan Paulsen
K Graham Gano
46
TEAM PASS/RUN DISTRIBUTION
TEAM RUSH YDS 20+ 40+ AVG TD REC YDS 20+ 40+ AVG TD TAR YPT
47
RED ZONE PASS/RUN DISTRIBUTION
TEAM RZ TAR
TAR INSIDE 10 INSIDE 5 RZ RUSH INSIDE 10 INSIDE 5
ARI 64 31 22 43 27 14
ATL 91 34 18 97 54 29
BAL 54 22 6 95 46 25
BUF 63 23 15 53 24 15
CAR 43 20 14 47 21 14
CHI 70 38 16 61 38 24
CIN 61 30 20 77 42 25
CLE 48 17 10 51 22 15
DAL 66 34 22 76 51 35
DEN 73 32 16 52 30 22
DET 60 28 12 39 22 14
GB 88 49 19 63 45 29
HOU 75 35 18 76 43 23
IND 82 42 26 40 27 14
JAC 68 33 20 73 40 20
KC 52 25 13 66 41 23
MIA 67 39 31 67 37 27
MIN 57 27 16 62 36 21
NE 86 52 23 90 42 24
NO 101 39 21 72 42 25
NYG 75 42 18 81 46 23
NYJ 76 34 19 66 24 18
OAK 63 33 22 78 42 21
PHI 101 58 29 77 36 17
PIT 62 32 9 81 47 36
SD 68 27 12 57 37 23
SEA 57 26 10 74 41 30
SF 51 23 6 59 34 19
STL 67 28 17 59 27 12
TB 62 30 18 57 31 19
TEN 57 31 15 63 32 23
WAS 66 34 18 63 34 20
48
QUARTERBACK STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
NAME YEAR ATT PYD YPA TD INT RYD RTD
Sam Bradford 3 Yr Avg 590 3512 5.95 18 15 63 1
Sam Bradford 2010 590 3512 5.95 18 15 63 1
Tom Brady 3 Yr Avg 356 2791 7.84 21 5 24 0
Tom Brady 2010 492 3900 7.93 36 4 30 1
Drew Brees 3 Yr Avg 602 4692 7.79 33 16 9 0
Drew Brees 2010 658 4620 7.02 33 22 -3 0
Jason Campbell 3 Yr Avg 447 3083 6.90 15 9 238 1
Jason Campbell 2010 329 2387 7.26 13 8 222 1
Matt Cassel 3 Yr Avg 486 3244 6.67 21 11 194 0
Matt Cassel 2010 450 3116 6.92 27 7 125 0
Jimmy Clausen 3 Yr Avg 299 1558 5.21 3 9 57 0
Jimmy Clausen 2010 299 1558 5.21 3 9 57 0
Jay Cutler 3 Yr Avg 534 3822 7.16 25 20 201 1
Jay Cutler 2010 432 3274 7.58 23 16 232 1
Ryan Fitzpatrick 3 Yr Avg 346 2109 6.10 13 11 238 1
Ryan Fitzpatrick 2010 441 3000 6.80 23 15 269 0
Joe Flacco 3 Yr Avg 472 3402 7.21 20 11 106 1
Joe Flacco 2010 489 3622 7.41 25 10 84 1
Matt Flynn 3 Yr Avg 27 165 6.11 1 1 8 0
Matt Flynn 2010 66 433 6.56 3 2 26 0
Josh Freeman 3 Yr Avg 382 2654 6.95 17 12 262 0
Josh Freeman 2010 474 3451 7.28 25 6 364 0
David Garrard 3 Yr Avg 472 3317 7.03 17 12 308 3
David Garrard 2010 366 2734 7.47 23 15 279 5
Bruce Gradkowski 3 Yr Avg 109 697 6.39 3 4 50 0
Bruce Gradkowski 2010 157 1059 6.75 5 7 41 0
Rex Grossman 3 Yr Avg 68 391 5.75 3 2 6 0
Rex Grossman 2010 133 884 6.65 7 4 6 0
Matt Hasselbeck 3 Yr Avg 380 2415 6.36 11 14 82 1
Matt Hasselbeck 2010 444 3001 6.76 12 17 60 3
Chad Henne 3 Yr Avg 317 2082 6.57 9 11 28 0
Chad Henne 2010 490 3301 6.74 15 19 52 0
Shaun Hill 3 Yr Avg 286 1891 6.61 11 7 102 0
Shaun Hill 2010 416 2686 6.46 16 12 123 0
Tarvaris Jackson 3 Yr Avg 76 532 7.00 4 2 64 0
Tarvaris Jackson 2010 58 341 5.88 3 4 63 0
Kevin Kolb 3 Yr Avg 106 694 6.55 3 4 23 0
Kevin Kolb 2010 189 1197 6.33 7 7 68 0
Eli Manning 3 Yr Avg 509 3753 7.37 26 16 48 0
Eli Manning 2010 539 4002 7.42 31 25 70 0
Peyton Manning 3 Yr Avg 601 4400 7.32 31 15 8 0
Peyton Manning 2010 679 4700 6.92 33 17 18 0
Colt McCoy 3 Yr Avg 222 1576 7.10 6 9 136 1
Colt McCoy 2010 222 1576 7.10 6 9 136 1
Donovan McNabb 3 Yr Avg 495 3615 7.30 19 12 147 1
Donovan McNabb 2010 472 3377 7.15 14 15 151 0
Matt Moore 3 Yr Avg 93 636 6.84 4 4 7 0
Matt Moore 2010 143 857 5.99 5 10 25 0
Kyle Orton 3 Yr Avg 501 3478 6.94 19 11 72 1
Kyle Orton 2010 498 3653 7.34 20 9 98 0
Carson Palmer 3 Yr Avg 393 2598 6.61 16 12 60 1
Carson Palmer 2010 586 3970 6.77 26 20 50 0
Jordan Palmer 3 Yr Avg 5 19 3.80 0 0 1 0
Jordan Palmer 2010 3 18 6.00 0 0 0 0
Philip Rivers 3 Yr Avg 501 4324 8.63 30 11 62 0
Philip Rivers 2010 541 4710 8.71 30 13 52 0
49
UARTERBACK
QUARTERBACK STA
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
AVERAGES (cont...)
50
RUNNING BACK STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
NAME YEAR ATT RYD RTD AVG REC RCYD AVG RCTD
Joseph Addai 3 Yr Avg 163 622 6 3.82 31 222 7.16 1
Joseph Addai 2010 116 495 4 4.27 19 124 6.53 0
Marion Barber 3 Yr Avg 188 730 6 3.88 29 229 7.90 0
Marion Barber 2010 113 374 4 3.31 11 49 4.45 0
Cedric Benson 3 Yr Avg 278 1036 5 3.73 21 158 7.52 0
Cedric Benson 2010 321 1111 7 3.46 28 178 6.36 1
Jahvid Best 3 Yr Avg 171 555 4 3.25 58 487 8.40 2
Jahvid Best 2010 171 555 4 3.25 58 487 8.40 2
LeGarrette Blount 3 Yr Avg 201 1007 6 5.01 5 14 2.80 0
LeGarrette Blount 2010 201 1007 6 5.01 5 14 2.80 0
Ahmad Bradshaw 3 Yr Avg 168 789 5 4.70 24 187 7.79 0
Ahmad Bradshaw 2010 276 1235 8 4.47 47 314 6.68 0
Donald Brown 3 Yr Avg 103 389 2 3.78 15 187 12.47 0
Donald Brown 2010 129 497 2 3.85 20 205 10.25 0
Ronnie Brown 3 Yr Avg 187 766 7 4.10 26 198 7.62 0
Ronnie Brown 2010 200 734 5 3.67 33 242 7.33 0
Correll Buckhalter 3 Yr Avg 85 386 1 4.54 28 268 9.57 1
Correll Buckhalter 2010 59 147 2 2.49 28 240 8.57 2
Michael Bush 3 Yr Avg 125 555 4 4.44 18 153 8.50 0
Michael Bush 2010 158 655 8 4.15 18 194 10.78 0
Reggie Bush 3 Yr Avg 70 314 2 4.49 44 327 7.43 2
Reggie Bush 2010 36 150 0 4.17 34 208 6.12 1
Jamaal Charles 3 Yr Avg 162 981 4 6.06 37 345 9.32 1
Jamaal Charles 2010 230 1467 5 6.38 45 468 10.40 3
Tashard Choice 3 Yr Avg 74 354 2 4.78 17 142 8.35 0
Tashard Choice 2010 66 243 3 3.68 17 109 6.41 0
Anthony Dixon 3 Yr Avg 70 237 2 3.39 5 11 2.20 0
Anthony Dixon 2010 70 237 2 3.39 5 11 2.20 0
Justin Forsett 3 Yr Avg 77 380 2 4.94 24 200 8.33 0
Justin Forsett 2010 118 523 2 4.43 33 252 7.64 0
Matt Forte 3 Yr Avg 270 1076 6 3.99 57 500 8.77 2
Matt Forte 2010 237 1069 6 4.51 51 547 10.73 3
Arian Foster 3 Yr Avg 190 936 9 4.93 37 348 9.41 1
Arian Foster 2010 327 1616 16 4.94 66 604 9.15 2
Toby Gerhart 3 Yr Avg 81 322 1 3.98 21 167 7.95 0
Toby Gerhart 2010 81 322 1 3.98 21 167 7.95 0
Mike Goodson 3 Yr Avg 62 250 1 4.03 21 162 7.71 0
Mike Goodson 2010 103 452 3 4.39 40 310 7.75 0
Frank Gore 3 Yr Avg 224 1003 6 4.48 47 410 8.72 2
Frank Gore 2010 203 853 3 4.20 46 452 9.83 2
Ryan Grant 3 Yr Avg 200 833 5 4.16 14 104 7.43 0
Ryan Grant 2010 8 45 0 5.63 0 0 0.00 0
BenJarvus Green-Ellis 3 Yr Avg 109 465 6 4.27 5 44 8.80 0
BenJarvus Green-Ellis 2010 229 1008 13 4.40 12 85 7.08 0
Shonn Greene 3 Yr Avg 146 653 2 4.47 8 60 7.50 0
Shonn Greene 2010 185 766 2 4.14 16 120 7.50 0
Jerome Harrison 3 Yr Avg 99 479 2 4.84 19 140 7.37 1
Jerome Harrison 2010 31 91 0 2.94 4 42 10.50 0
Jerome Harrison 2010 40 239 1 5.98 8 43 5.38 0
Mike Hart 3 Yr Avg 23 88 0 3.83 4 32 8.00 0
Mike Hart 2010 43 185 1 4.30 6 25 4.17 0
Tim Hightower 3 Yr Avg 146 577 7 3.95 39 267 6.85 0
Tim Hightower 2010 153 736 5 4.81 21 136 6.48 0
Peyton Hillis 3 Yr Avg 117 524 5 4.48 26 225 8.65 1
Peyton Hillis 2010 270 1177 11 4.36 61 477 7.82 2
Chris Ivory 3 Yr Avg 137 716 5 5.23 1 17 17.00 0
Chris Ivory 2010 137 716 5 5.23 1 17 17.00 0
51
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
RUNNING BACK STA AVERAGES (cont...)
NAME YEAR ATT RYD RTD AVG REC RCYD AVG RCTD
Brandon Jackson 3 Yr Avg 90 354 2 3.93 31 238 7.68 0
Brandon Jackson 2010 190 703 3 3.70 43 342 7.95 1
Fred Jackson 3 Yr Avg 196 853 3 4.35 38 301 7.92 1
Fred Jackson 2010 222 927 5 4.18 31 215 6.94 2
Steven Jackson 3 Yr Avg 302 1233 5 4.08 45 361 8.02 0
Steven Jackson 2010 330 1241 6 3.76 46 383 8.33 0
Brandon Jacobs 3 Yr Avg 196 915 9 4.67 10 93 9.30 0
Brandon Jacobs 2010 147 823 9 5.60 7 59 8.43 0
Javarris James 3 Yr Avg 46 112 6 2.43 9 63 7.00 0
Javarris James 2010 46 112 6 2.43 9 63 7.00 0
Rashad Jennings 3 Yr Avg 61 330 2 5.41 21 162 7.71 0
Rashad Jennings 2010 84 459 4 5.46 26 223 8.58 0
Chris Johnson 3 Yr Avg 308 1532 11 4.97 45 336 7.47 1
Chris Johnson 2010 316 1364 11 4.32 44 245 5.57 1
Felix Jones 3 Yr Avg 110 583 2 5.30 23 193 8.39 0
Felix Jones 2010 185 800 1 4.32 48 450 9.38 1
Thomas Jones 3 Yr Avg 288 1203 11 4.18 20 129 6.45 0
Thomas Jones 2010 245 896 6 3.66 14 122 8.71 0
Maurice Jones-Drew 3 Yr Avg 269 1179 10 4.38 49 418 8.53 1
Maurice Jones-Drew 2010 299 1324 5 4.43 34 317 9.32 2
Marshawn Lynch 3 Yr Avg 190 741 5 3.90 32 208 6.50 0
Marshawn Lynch 2010 202 737 0 3.48 22 145 6.59 0
Ryan Mathews 3 Yr Avg 158 678 7 4.29 22 145 6.59 0
Ryan Mathews 2010 158 678 7 4.29 22 145 6.59 0
LeSean McCoy 3 Yr Avg 181 858 5 4.74 59 450 7.63 1
LeSean McCoy 2010 207 1080 7 5.22 78 592 7.59 2
Darren McFadden 3 Yr Avg 146 671 4 4.60 32 345 10.78 1
Darren McFadden 2010 223 1157 7 5.19 47 507 10.79 3
Willis McGahee 3 Yr Avg 126 531 8 4.21 17 104 6.12 1
Willis McGahee 2010 100 380 5 3.80 14 55 3.93 1
Joe McKnight 3 Yr Avg 39 189 0 4.85 3 20 6.67 0
Joe McKnight 2010 39 189 0 4.85 3 20 6.67 0
Rashard Mendenhall 3 Yr Avg 195 813 6 4.17 16 148 9.25 0
Rashard Mendenhall 2010 324 1273 13 3.93 23 167 7.26 0
Mewelde Moore 3 Yr Avg 69 268 1 3.88 29 226 7.79 1
Mewelde Moore 2010 33 99 0 3.00 26 205 7.88 0
Knowshon Moreno 3 Yr Avg 214 863 6 4.03 32 292 9.13 2
Knowshon Moreno 2010 182 779 5 4.28 37 372 10.05 3
Adrian Peterson 3 Yr Avg 320 1480 13 4.63 33 300 9.09 0
Adrian Peterson 2010 283 1298 12 4.59 36 341 9.47 1
Ray Rice 3 Yr Avg 222 1004 4 4.52 58 510 8.79 0
Ray Rice 2010 307 1220 5 3.97 63 556 8.83 1
Javon Ringer 3 Yr Avg 29 143 1 4.93 3 22 7.33 0
Javon Ringer 2010 51 239 2 4.69 7 44 6.29 0
Bernard Scott 3 Yr Avg 67 310 0 4.63 8 63 7.88 0
Bernard Scott 2010 61 299 1 4.90 11 60 5.45 0
Steve Slaton 3 Yr Avg 139 604 4 4.35 32 268 8.38 1
Steve Slaton 2010 19 93 0 4.89 3 11 3.67 0
Jason Snelling 3 Yr Avg 81 333 2 4.11 27 217 8.04 1
Jason Snelling 2010 87 324 2 3.72 44 303 6.89 3
C.J. Spiller 3 Yr Avg 74 283 0 3.82 24 157 6.54 1
C.J. Spiller 2010 74 283 0 3.82 24 157 6.54 1
Darren Sproles 3 Yr Avg 68 313 1 4.60 44 453 10.30 3
Darren Sproles 2010 50 267 0 5.34 59 520 8.81 2
James Starks 3 Yr Avg 29 101 0 3.48 2 15 7.50 0
James Starks 2010 29 101 0 3.48 2 15 7.50 0
52
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
RUNNING BACK STA AVERAGES (cont...)
NAME YEAR ATT RYD RTD AVG REC RCYD AVG RCTD
LaRod Stephens-Howling 3 Yr Avg 14 64 0 4.57 13 97 7.46 0
LaRod Stephens-Howling 2010 23 113 1 4.91 16 111 6.94 0
Jonathan Stewart 3 Yr Avg 194 913 7 4.71 11 96 8.73 0
Jonathan Stewart 2010 178 770 2 4.33 8 103 12.88 1
Chester Taylor 3 Yr Avg 102 334 2 3.27 36 309 8.58 1
Chester Taylor 2010 112 267 3 2.38 20 139 6.95 0
Pierre Thomas 3 Yr Avg 119 562 5 4.72 33 262 7.94 1
Pierre Thomas 2010 83 269 2 3.24 29 201 6.93 0
Mike Tolbert 3 Yr Avg 73 306 4 4.19 18 193 10.72 1
Mike Tolbert 2010 182 735 11 4.04 25 216 8.64 0
LaDainian Tomlinson 3 Yr Avg 244 918 9 3.76 41 316 7.71 0
LaDainian Tomlinson 2010 219 914 6 4.17 52 368 7.08 0
Ryan Torain 3 Yr Avg 89 405 2 4.55 9 62 6.89 1
Ryan Torain 2010 164 742 4 4.52 18 125 6.94 2
Michael Turner 3 Yr Avg 296 1313 13 4.44 7 53 7.57 0
Michael Turner 2010 334 1371 12 4.10 12 85 7.08 0
Derrick Ward 3 Yr Avg 115 583 2 5.07 22 198 9.00 0
Derrick Ward 2010 50 315 4 6.30 7 61 8.71 0
Danny Ware 3 Yr Avg 11 53 0 4.82 3 27 9.00 0
Danny Ware 2010 20 73 0 3.65 7 67 9.57 0
Leon Washington 3 Yr Avg 58 293 2 5.05 23 188 8.17 0
Leon Washington 2010 27 100 1 3.70 9 79 8.78 0
Chris Wells 3 Yr Avg 146 595 4 4.08 8 108 13.50 0
Chris Wells 2010 116 397 2 3.42 5 74 14.80 0
Cadillac Williams 3 Yr Avg 132 497 3 3.77 27 205 7.59 1
Cadillac Williams 2010 125 437 2 3.50 46 355 7.72 1
DeAngelo Williams 3 Yr Avg 192 997 8 5.19 20 144 7.20 0
DeAngelo Williams 2010 87 361 1 4.15 11 61 5.55 0
Keiland Williams 3 Yr Avg 65 261 3 4.02 39 309 7.92 2
Keiland Williams 2010 65 261 3 4.02 39 309 7.92 2
Ricky Williams 3 Yr Avg 187 817 5 4.37 27 208 7.70 1
Ricky Williams 2010 159 673 2 4.23 19 141 7.42 1
Danny Woodhead 3 Yr Avg 37 203 1 5.49 14 155 11.07 0
Danny Woodhead 2010 97 547 5 5.64 34 379 11.15 1
53
WIDE RECEIVER STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
NAME YEAR REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS
Seyi Ajirotutu 3 Yr Avg 13 262 20.15 2 23
Seyi Ajirotutu 2010 13 262 20.15 2 23
Danario Alexander 3 Yr Avg 20 306 15.30 1 37
Danario Alexander 2010 20 306 15.30 1 37
Danny Amendola 3 Yr Avg 64 507 7.92 2 61
Danny Amendola 2010 85 689 8.11 3 123
Anthony Armstrong 3 Yr Avg 22 435 19.77 1 43
Anthony Armstrong 2010 44 871 19.80 3 86
Devin Aromashodu 3 Yr Avg 11 149 13.55 1 22
Devin Aromashodu 2010 10 149 14.90 0 24
Miles Austin 3 Yr Avg 54 879 16.28 7 88
Miles Austin 2010 69 1041 15.09 7 119
Jason Avant 3 Yr Avg 41 512 12.49 2 60
Jason Avant 2010 51 573 11.24 1 74
Arrelious Benn 3 Yr Avg 25 395 15.80 2 38
Arrelious Benn 2010 25 395 15.80 2 38
Earl Bennett 3 Yr Avg 33 426 12.91 1 53
Earl Bennett 2010 46 561 12.20 3 70
Bernard Berrian 3 Yr Avg 43 611 14.21 3 80
Bernard Berrian 2010 28 252 9.00 0 54
Davone Bess 3 Yr Avg 69 710 10.29 2 104
Davone Bess 2010 79 820 10.38 5 125
Anquan Boldin 3 Yr Avg 79 966 12.23 7 121
Anquan Boldin 2010 64 837 13.08 7 109
Dwayne Bowe 3 Yr Avg 68 924 13.59 8 126
Dwayne Bowe 2010 72 1162 16.14 15 133
Deion Branch 3 Yr Avg 45 555 12.33 4 77
Deion Branch 2010 61 818 13.40 6 92
Steve Breaston 3 Yr Avg 59 812 13.76 2 97
Steve Breaston 2010 47 718 15.28 1 87
Kenny Britt 3 Yr Avg 42 738 17.57 6 71
Kenny Britt 2010 42 775 18.45 9 73
Antonio Brown 3 Yr Avg 16 167 10.44 0 19
Antonio Brown 2010 16 167 10.44 0 19
Dez Bryant 3 Yr Avg 45 561 12.47 6 72
Dez Bryant 2010 45 561 12.47 6 72
Nate Burleson 3 Yr Avg 41 499 12.17 3 66
Nate Burleson 2010 55 625 11.36 6 86
Plaxico Burress 3 Yr Avg 35 454 12.97 4 73
54
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
WIDE RECEIVER STA AVERAGES (cont...)
55
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
WIDE RECEIVER STA AVERAGES (cont...)
56
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
WIDE RECEIVER STA AVERAGES (cont...)
57
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
WIDE RECEIVER STA AVERAGES (cont...)
58
TIGHT END STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
NAME YEAR REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS
Travis Beckum 3 Yr Avg 10 85 8.50 1 15
Travis Beckum 2010 13 116 8.92 2 18
Martellus Bennett 3 Yr Avg 22 234 10.64 1 35
Martellus Bennett 2010 33 260 7.88 0 48
Kevin Boss 3 Yr Avg 36 494 13.72 5 64
Kevin Boss 2010 35 531 15.17 5 70
John Carlson 3 Yr Avg 45 506 11.24 4 74
John Carlson 2010 31 318 10.26 1 58
Brent Celek 3 Yr Avg 48 600 12.50 4 76
Brent Celek 2010 42 511 12.17 4 80
Dallas Clark 3 Yr Avg 71 767 10.80 6 97
Dallas Clark 2010 37 347 9.38 3 53
Jared Cook 3 Yr Avg 19 217 11.42 0 30
Jared Cook 2010 29 361 12.45 1 45
Chris Cooley 3 Yr Avg 63 676 10.73 2 93
Chris Cooley 2010 77 849 11.03 3 126
Alge Crumpler 3 Yr Avg 19 177 9.32 1 30
Alge Crumpler 2010 6 52 8.67 2 10
Owen Daniels 3 Yr Avg 49 617 12.59 3 75
Owen Daniels 2010 38 471 12.39 2 68
Fred Davis 3 Yr Avg 24 284 11.83 3 39
Fred Davis 2010 21 316 15.05 3 31
Vernon Davis 3 Yr Avg 55 745 13.55 7 91
Vernon Davis 2010 56 914 16.32 7 93
Ed Dickson 3 Yr Avg 11 152 13.82 1 23
Ed Dickson 2010 11 152 13.82 1 23
Joel Dreessen 3 Yr Avg 24 305 12.71 1 38
Joel Dreessen 2010 36 518 14.39 4 55
Anthony Fasano 3 Yr Avg 34 440 12.94 4 56
Anthony Fasano 2010 39 528 13.54 4 60
Daniel Fells 3 Yr Avg 23 248 10.78 1 37
Daniel Fells 2010 41 391 9.54 2 65
Jermichael Finley 3 Yr Avg 27 350 12.96 2 36
Jermichael Finley 2010 21 301 14.33 1 26
Antonio Gates 3 Yr Avg 63 881 13.98 8 88
Antonio Gates 2010 50 782 15.64 10 65
Tony Gonzalez 3 Yr Avg 83 860 10.36 7 133
Tony Gonzalez 2010 70 656 9.37 6 109
Daniel Graham 3 Yr Avg 26 275 10.58 1 43
Daniel Graham 2010 18 148 8.22 0 37
Jimmy Graham 3 Yr Avg 31 356 11.48 5 44
Jimmy Graham 2010 31 356 11.48 5 44
Jermaine Gresham 3 Yr Avg 52 471 9.06 4 83
Jermaine Gresham 2010 52 471 9.06 4 83
Rob Gronkowski 3 Yr Avg 42 546 13.00 10 59
Rob Gronkowski 2010 42 546 13.00 10 59
Todd Heap 3 Yr Avg 42 531 12.64 4 67
Todd Heap 2010 40 599 14.98 5 64
Aaron Hernandez 3 Yr Avg 45 563 12.51 6 64
Aaron Hernandez 2010 45 563 12.51 6 64
Michael Hoomanawanui 3 Yr Avg 13 146 11.23 3 22
Michael Hoomanawanui 2010 13 146 11.23 3 22
Dustin Keller 3 Yr Avg 49 581 11.86 3 86
Dustin Keller 2010 55 687 12.49 5 101
Jeff King 3 Yr Avg 21 172 8.19 2 34
Jeff King 2010 19 121 6.37 2 32
59
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
TIGHT END STA AVERAGES (cont...)
60
KICKER STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
NAME YEAR FGM XPM
David Akers 3 Yr Avg 32 45
David Akers 2010 32 47
Connor Barth 3 Yr Avg 15 24
Connor Barth 2010 23 36
Rob Bironas 3 Yr Avg 26 38
Rob Bironas 2010 24 38
Josh Brown 3 Yr Avg 27 20
Josh Brown 2010 33 26
Matt Bryant 3 Yr Avg 22 29
Matt Bryant 2010 28 44
David Buehler 3 Yr Avg 12 21
David Buehler 2010 24 42
Dan Carpenter 3 Yr Avg 25 34
Dan Carpenter 2010 30 25
Mason Crosby 3 Yr Avg 25 46
Mason Crosby 2010 22 46
Billy Cundiff 3 Yr Avg 19 29
Billy Cundiff 2010 26 39
Phil Dawson 3 Yr Avg 23 21
Phil Dawson 2010 23 28
Jay Feely 3 Yr Avg 26 33
Jay Feely 2010 24 29
Nick Folk 3 Yr Avg 22 38
Nick Folk 2010 30 37
Graham Gano 3 Yr Avg 14 17
Graham Gano 2010 24 28
Stephen Gostkowski 3 Yr Avg 24 37
Stephen Gostkowski 2010 10 26
Robbie Gould 3 Yr Avg 25 36
Robbie Gould 2010 25 35
Jason Hanson 3 Yr Avg 18 23
Jason Hanson 2010 12 19
Garrett Hartley 3 Yr Avg 14 26
Garrett Hartley 2010 20 40
Steven Hauschka 3 Yr Avg 5 12
Steven Hauschka 2010 6 10
Sebastian Janikowski 3 Yr Avg 27 28
Sebastian Janikowski 2010 33 43
Nate Kaeding 3 Yr Avg 27 45
Nate Kaeding 2010 23 40
John Kasay 3 Yr Avg 25 31
John Kasay 2010 25 17
Rian Lindell 3 Yr Avg 24 29
Rian Lindell 2010 16 31
Ryan Longwell 3 Yr Avg 24 41
Ryan Longwell 2010 17 30
Olindo Mare 3 Yr Avg 24 29
Olindo Mare 2010 25 31
Joe Nedney 3 Yr Avg 19 28
Joe Nedney 2010 11 17
Nick Novak 3 Yr Avg 6 7
61
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
KICKER STA AVERAGES (cont...)
62
IDP STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
NAME YEAR POS INT TKL SACK TD
John Abraham 3 Yr Avg DE 0 36 11.6 0
John Abraham 2010 DE 1 36 13 0
Jared Allen 3 Yr Avg DE 1 49 13.5 0
Jared Allen 2010 DE 2 45 11 1
James Anderson 3 Yr Avg LB 0 52 1.5 0
James Anderson 2010 LB 1 98 3.5 0
Oshiomogho Atogwe 3 Yr Avg S 3 73 1 0
Oshiomogho Atogwe 2010 S 3 64 2 0
Cliff Avril 3 Yr Avg DE 0 28 6.3 0
Cliff Avril 2010 DE 0 23 8.5 0
Jason Babin 3 Yr Avg DE 0 30 5.6 0
Jason Babin 2010 DE 0 44 12.5 0
Ronde Barber 3 Yr Avg CB 2 71 1.6 0
Ronde Barber 2010 CB 3 65 1 0
Jon Beason 3 Yr Avg LB 2 123 1.3 0
Jon Beason 2010 LB 1 90 1 0
Yeremiah Bell 3 Yr Avg S 1 105 1.3 0
Yeremiah Bell 2010 S 1 83 1.5 0
Eric Berry 3 Yr Avg S 4 72 2 1
Eric Berry 2010 S 4 72 2 1
Antoine Bethea 3 Yr Avg S 2 91 0.16 0
Antoine Bethea 2010 S 1 77 0.5 0
Desmond Bishop 3 Yr Avg LB 0 35 1.3 0
Desmond Bishop 2010 LB 1 71 3 1
Quincy Black 3 Yr Avg LB 0 42 1.16 0
Quincy Black 2010 LB 1 50 2 0
Gary Brackett 3 Yr Avg LB 0 83 0.5 0
Gary Brackett 2010 LB 0 53 0.5 0
Stewart Bradley 3 Yr Avg LB 1 78 1 0
Stewart Bradley 2010 LB 1 49 1 0
Tyvon Branch 3 Yr Avg S 0 68 1.6 0
Tyvon Branch 2010 S 1 79 4 1
Lance Briggs 3 Yr Avg LB 2 101 1.6 0
Lance Briggs 2010 LB 2 76 2 0
Kevin Burnett 3 Yr Avg LB 0 55 3.5 0
Kevin Burnett 2010 LB 2 80 6 1
Morgan Burnett 3 Yr Avg S 1 12 0 0
Morgan Burnett 2010 S 1 12 0 0
Jairus Byrd 3 Yr Avg S 4 47 0.5 0
Jairus Byrd 2010 S 1 61 1 1
Calais Campbell 3 Yr Avg DE 0 37 4.3 0
Calais Campbell 2010 DE 0 46 6 0
Jamar Chaney 3 Yr Avg LB 0 27 0 0
Jamar Chaney 2010 LB 0 27 0 0
Patrick Chung 3 Yr Avg S 2 45 1 0
Patrick Chung 2010 S 3 67 0 1
Nate Clements 3 Yr Avg CB 2 56 0.33 0
Nate Clements 2010 CB 3 72 1 0
Chris Clemons 3 Yr Avg DE 0 15 6 0
Chris Clemons 2010 DE 0 33 11 0
Trent Cole 3 Yr Avg DE 0 61 10.5 0
Trent Cole 2010 DE 0 50 10 0
Nick Collins 3 Yr Avg S 5 57 0.33 1
Nick Collins 2010 S 4 53 0 1
Aaron Curry 3 Yr Avg LB 0 59 2.75 0
Aaron Curry 2010 LB 0 58 3.5 0
63
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
IDP STA AVERAGES (cont...)
64
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
IDP STA AVERAGES (cont...)
65
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
IDP STA AVERAGES (cont...)
66
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
IDP STA AVERAGES (cont...)
67
STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
IDP STA AVERAGES (cont...)
68
P L AY E R G R A P E V I N E
F RED J ACKSON
Arizona Cardinals After a Tuesday conversation with offensive coordinator/running
backs coach Curtis Modkins, Jackson was told he’s still the starter,
B RODIE C ROYLE BuffaloBills.com reports. Jackson still doesn’t sound 100 percent
The Cardinals have signed Croyle, the Arizona Republic reports. convinced, and even though he holds more value than teammate
With injuries hitting the Cards’ backup QB ranks, Croyle provides C.J. Spiller, this seems to be closer to a timeshare than it was a
some needed depth behind Kevin Kolb. Croyle spent the last two couple of weeks ago, otherwise Jackson wouldn’t be so worried
seasons in Kansas City under coach Todd Haley, the former offen- about what he sees in camp. While people may be able to get a
sive coordinator with the Cardinals, which probably gives him some good all-around back in Jackson and one that will pay off at a dis-
insight into his new team’s system. count just because some people will favor Spiller’s upside, it’s also
worth noting he may not have the potential to be a home run pick
M AX H ALL either, because Spiller is going to be part of the plan all season (and
The Cardinals have waived Hall, who suffered a shoulder injury in could be more of one if the Bills fall out of the running of a playoff
practice Monday, the Arizona Republic reports. With John Skelton spot), plus this team’s offensive line appears to be struggling
dealing with a high ankle sprain, the Cards added Brodie Croyle to already.
provide some insurance behind Kevin Kolb. Hall’s shoulder injury
will prevent him from playing for four-to-six weeks. R UVELL M ARTIN
The Bills signed Martin on Wednesday, BuffaloBills.com reports.
Martin is slow and has little upside, but he’s a big target who runs
Baltimore Ravens precise routes that the Bills may be able to put to use, though this
looks more like an extra body with some experience as the team
A NQUAN B OLDIN works its way through a slew of injuries to the receiving corps. At
Boldin caught five passes for 73 yards with a touchdown Thursday best, Martin makes the team as final wideout should some of those
against the Redskins. Boldin led the team in both receptions and injuries to regulars linger into the regular season.
targets (six), and it looks like his chemistry with Joe Flacco in year
two has improved dramatically. Boldin could be one of the better
bounce-back candidates in 2011. Carolina Panthers
L EE E VANS J IMMY C LAUSEN
Evans had three catches for 60 yards with a touchdown Thursday Clausen has a bruised elbow and didn’t practice Monday, Steve
against the Redskins. Evans continues to impress during his short Reed of the Gaston Gazette reports. For Clausen’s sake, hopefully
time so far in Baltimore. The deep threat is the perfect complement this is a minor deal, as any additional time he misses impedes his
to Anquan Boldin and has already developed a nice relationship with chances of winning the Panthers’ starting QB gig over top draft pick
the strong-armed Joe Flacco, who can maximize Evans’ skill-set. Cam Newton.
69
PLAYER GRAPEVINE (cont...)
PLAYER
S AM H URD
Hurd (ankle) has been ruled out of Saturday’s game against the
Cleveland Browns
Titans, the Chicago Tribune reports. Hurd injured his ankle against
the Giants on Monday night and is expected to be sidelined only a
J OSH C RIBBS
week or so. Cribbs (hamstring) will not play against Philadelphia on Thursday,
Akron Beacon Journal writer Nate Ulrich reports. There hasn’t been
any mention of the injury being serious. Hopefully his inactive status
J OHNNY K NOX is just Cleveland’s way of protecting itself in the event that the injury
Knox could be back at starting split end soon if Roy Williams does- of Mohamed Massaquoi (foot) lingers into the regular season.
n’t pick up the slack, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Wide receiv-
er coach Darryl Drake basically called Williams out Wednesday say-
ing this about the veteran’s poor preseason, “And if things don’t
M ONTARIO H ARDESTY
start changing, then Johnny is going to be in there. Heard it straight Hardesty (knee) had five rushes for 15 yards Thursday against the
from the horse’s mouth.” Williams has been out of shape all Eagles. While the numbers weren’t much, it is good to finally see
through training camp and has just been going through the motions the young running back on the field. Hardesty will need to stay
at practice, while Knox is excelling after losing his starting job. So, healthy to have any shot at stealing carries away from Peyton Hillis
it is no wonder the Bears are finally coming to their senses. though.
70
PLAYER GRAPEVINE (cont...)
PLAYER
71
PLAYER GRAPEVINE (cont...)
PLAYER
P EYTON M ANNING
Houston Texans Colts management does not believe Manning (neck) will be ready
for the start of the regular season, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
A RIAN F OSTER The Colts have signed Kerry Collins as a result, the Indianapolis
Foster will play three quarters of Houston’s preseason game against Star reports. It’s still possible that Manning may be ready for Week
San Francisco on Saturday, the Houston Chronicle reports. Foster 1, but it’s a significant sign that the Colts have signed a veteran
needs to get some work in after missing several days of training backup. All Colts players on offense have to be a big risk now for
camp with a hamstring injury. He looked good in his preseason fantasy purposes with Manning’s availability for the start of the sea-
debut against the Saints last weekend. Derrick Ward and Ben Tate son in doubt.
will spell him during the first three quarters, then replace him for the
final quarter. C URTIS PAINTER
Painter has been demoted to third-string quarterback with the Colts
J ACOBY J ONES signing Kerry Collins, the Indianapolis Star reports. Painter has
Texans head coach Gary Kubiak named Jones to be the lead punt struggled in the preseason (he’s led the Colts to one field goal, four
returner this season, the Texans’ official site reports. Jones has punts and one interception in six drives), so the Colts signed a vet-
handled the punt return duties ever since becoming a Texan in eran with Peyton Manning’s status for the start of the season in
2007, so this should not come as a surprise. doubt due to a neck injury. It’s possible Painter may not make the
final roster since the Colts typically only carry two quarterbacks on
D ANIEAL M ANNING the active roster and Painter may even lose the No. 3 job to Dan
Orlovsky.
Texans head coach Gary Kubiak has named Manning his kick
returner when the regular season opens, the Texans’ official site
reports. Even though Manning has been given the job, we may not
see him out there this Saturday against the Niners. Kubiak wants
Jacksonville Jaguars
him to focus on his responsibilities in the Texans defense.
B LAINE G ABBERT
David Garrard (back) will start Week 1 for Jacksonville, the Florida
S TEVE S LATON Times-Union reports. A competition occurred, but Gabbert never
Slaton (hamstring) ran on a side field Tuesday, the Houston had much of a chance of beating Garrard, a five-year starter and
Chronicle reports. Slaton hasn’t played in either of the first two pre- nine-year veteran coming off a career year. Expect Garrard to start
season games and is expected to miss a third this week. If the as long as Jacksonville is within reasonable range of a wildcard bid,
Texans keep only three running backs, you have to figure Slaton will health permitting.
be released.
D AVID G ARRARD
Indianapolis Colts Coach Jack Del Rio named Garrard (back) as Jacksonville’s Week 1
starter, the Florida Times-Union reports. The question of who would
A USTIN C OLLIE start Week 1 for Jacksonville was never a serious one. After playing
in a screen-heavy spread offense at Missouri and dealing with a
Collie (foot) missed Thursday’s practice, CBSSports.com reports. shortened offseason due to the lockout, Blaine Gabbert never had
He seems unlikely to play in this week’s preseason game as a much chance of earning the starting spot over Garrard, who aver-
result. While he played in the first preseason game after last year’s aged two touchdowns per game last year. Not on merit, at least.
concussions, we’d like to see him get significant action in a presea- Still, Garrard’s leash will extend only as far as Jacksonville’s playoff
son game before we’re sure he’s at full strength. contention, which doesn’t figure to be especially far. If Jacksonville
is mathematically eliminated from the playoffs or even close to it,
K ERRY C OLLINS expect the Gabbert era to begin.
If Peyton Manning isn’t ready to play due to a neck injury, Collins
will start in Week 1 instead of Curtis Painter, Colts vice chairman Bill M AURICE J ONES -D REW
Polian told the Indianapolis Star reports. “All he has to do is get Jones-Drew (knee) won’t play against Buffalo on Saturday, but is
physically ready,” Polian said. “There’s no offense he can’t master expected to play against St. Louis on Sept. 1, the Florida Times-
in 48 hours from a conceptual standpoint.” Collins will also be paid Union reports. While prospective MJD owners would undoubtedly
$4 million this season, ESPN reports. Polian confirmed the assump- have preferred seeing him play before the preseason finale, the
tion that Collins is the No. 2 quarterback. And the Colts were quick approach makes plenty of sense for Jacksonville. It’s obviously in
to demote Curtis Painter to third string despite praising him after the team’s best interest to give him as much time as possible to get
two preseason games where he struggled. Collins is making more his knee prepared for live action.
money than many initially thought, which may show the degree of
concern that Manning won’t play in Week 1.
Kansas City Chiefs
A NTHONY G ONZALEZ
Gonzalez (hamstring) missed Wednesday’s practice, T ONY M OEAKI
CBSSports.com reports. Gonzalez said on Monday he was confi- Head coach Todd Haley said Moeaki (undisclosed) has not yet fully
dent he could play in this week’s preseason game, but he hasn’t recoved from offseason surgery, the Kansas City Star reports. “He’s
returned to practice. After missing most of the last two seasons due essentially a week behind. But I think he’s coming on here now,”
to injury, there’s a real risk he’s cut if he can’t get healthy this pre- Haley said. We’ll continue to monitor Moeaki’s health, but he really
season. only has value in two tight end leagues.
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matter of keeping it going well. It’s nothing serious; just being pre-
Miami Dolphins cautionary, and it felt great out there today. It doesn’t hurt. There’s
really no pain in it.”
D ANIEL T HOMAS
The Dolphins have been urging Thomas to stop “tip-toeing” on cer- L ANCE M OORE
tain carries, according to the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero. Moore, who is dealing with a groin injury, will not play Sunday night
The Dolphins want Thomas to hit the hole hard and stop looking to against the Raiders, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
always avoid contact. Thomas is still likely to be the main ball carri- Moore has been having an excellent camp, so hopefully this injury
er for Miami but Reggie Bush could get more touches than what doesn’t linger. When healthy, he projects as a reliable source of
was expected at first. catches in PPR leagues and makes for a sneaky option this season
as a trusted target of QB Drew Brees within the Saints’ high pow-
ered offense.
Minnesota Vikings
P IERRE T HOMAS
T OBY G ERHART Thomas (ankle) labeled himself “95 percent healthy” after offseason
Gerhart (Achilles’) won’t play against Dallas on Saturday, ankle surgery and predicts he will be 100 percent by the time the
Minneapolis Star Tribune writer Mark Craig reports. With Gerhart season comes around, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
out, Lorenzo Booker figures to get a good amount of work More importantly, Thomas has yet to miss any of the Saints’ training
Saturday. Gerhart’s availability for Week 1 doesn’t seem to be in camp practices.Thomas looked good in Saturday’s preseason game
doubt, though. in Houston, gaining 33 yards on six carries (5.5 YPC), further back-
ing his health self-assessment. Despite the likely split in carries,
V ISANTHE S HIANCOE Thomas seems to be undervalued this year after an injury-plagued
Shiancoe had a setback to his sore hamstring and missed 2010. Keep in mind though, Thomas averaged 10 touchdowns in
Wednesday’s practice. “It wasn’t a major setback — just enough 2008 and 2009 despite a similar split in carries.
where (there was) no reason to chance it, where he could possibly
be out of that first game,” head coach Leslie Frazier told ESPN
1500 am Twin Cities. Shiancoe will likely sit out this week’s presea- New York Giants
son game and may not play again in the preseason. He still has
time to get healthy by Week 1, but he’ll miss valuable time adjusting A HMAD B RADSHAW
to new quarterback Donovan McNabb. Bradshaw (back) is questionable for Saturday’s game against the
Jets, Newark Star-Ledger writer Mike Garafolo reports. Bradshaw is
dealing with soreness after taking a knee to the back, but there’s no
New England Patriots indication that it’s serious. Still, given his fairly extensive history of
nagging injuries, every bump and bruise is worth monitoring with
S TEVAN R IDLEY Bradshaw. The good news is there don’t appear to be any issues
Ridley (undisclosed injury) remains out of practice, ESPN.com with his feet and ankles, which have been his most problematic
reports. As a result, don’t expect Ridley to play Saturday night in areas so far in his career.
Detroit. Fellow rookie Shane Vereen has returned to practice and
will perhaps get a chance in that game to make his case for a role L AWRENCE T YNES
in the Pats’ crowded backfield. Tynes (thigh) won’t play against the Jets on Saturday and his Week
1 availability will be determined by how much progress he makes
S HANE V EREEN over the next week or so, Newark Star-Ledger writer Mike Garafolo
Though Vereen returned to practice this week, he admitted reports. Given Tynes’ health, those drafting before an official
Thursday that his hamstring isn’t quite 100 percent, the Boston announcement on his Week 1 status should probably look else-
Globe reports. Vereen said he’s getting close to all the way back where for a kicker.
from his injury, but he is unsure whether or not he will play Saturday
in Detroit. That decision will be up to the Patriots’ coaches and
trainers, but the fact remains that for Vereen to prove to the team New York Jets
that he is the “all around” running back he says he is, Vereen must
get — and more importantly — stay healthy. P LAXICO B URRESS
Burress is expected to be fine after tweaking his lower back
Tuesday, Manish Mehta of the Daily News reports. Burress said
New Orleans Saints Wednesday morning that he’s a little sore, but noted that he’ll be
ready to go for Saturday’s preseason game against his old team,
M ARK I NGRAM the Giants.
Ingram (knee) will play Sunday night in Oakland, the New Orleans
Times-Picayune reports. Though Ingram (who missed some time
during his senior season at Alabama after knee surgery) was sport- Oakland Raiders
ing a flexible brace on his left knee at Thursday’s practice, he said it
won’t slow him down against the Raiders on Sunday. “There’s noth- M ICHAEL B USH
ing wrong with it,” Ingram said of the knee. “Just had a little bit of Charges against Bush, who was arrested on Feb. 12 in
swelling in it, and it was just a matter of stopping it before it turned Jeffersonville, Ind. on suspicion of Operating While Intoxicated,
into anything. It’s been doing great for a long time, so it’s just a have been dropped, csnbayarea.com reports. Bush acknowledges
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PLAYER
that the charges being dropped are a relief and that should help him
focus on getting down to the business of working in tandem with Pittsburgh Steelers
Darren McFadden in the Raiders’ backfield. As long as McFadden
can play, he’s the Raiders’ top gun, but Bush could steal some E MMANUEL S ANDERS
goal-line carries and in the event of a McFadden injury, he’d be Sanders (foot surgery) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday for
worth pursuing immediately. the second consecutive day, but won’t play against Atlanta on
Saturday and will probably miss the Steelers’ preseason finale as
J ASON C AMPBELL well, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. “I’m feeling good, real-
Campbell (head) returned to practice Tuesday, San Francisco ly good, actually,” Sanders said Wednesday. “I practiced, doing
Chronicle writer Vittorio Tafur reports. Early indications were that some individual work, and it felt pretty good out there.”
Campbell’s injury was not serious, so this all but confirms it. It Sanders, who has been running without pain, hopes to take part in
wouldn’t be surprising if he worked on a limited-contact basis for a team drills next week with an eye toward being ready to play by
while, though. Week 1. “The X-rays show that everything is healing as expected,
and I’m right on schedule for me to play in that first game,” Sanders
said. “I’ll just continue to do a little bit more every day and keep
T ERRELLE P RYOR picking up the pace of my workouts, and we’ll see where I’m at in
Pryor agreed to the four-year deal with the Raiders on Thursday, another two weeks.”
ESPN reports. Pryor was drafted by the Raiders in the third round of
the supplemental draft Monday. It’s difficult to project how much
we’ll actually see Pryor this season. He’s suspended from practicing San Diego Chargers
or playing for the first five weeks of the season. From there, he’ll
have to get acclimated to being on the team, making it difficult to V INCENT B ROWN
project how he’d be used or if he’ll be used at all this season.
Brown (quad) finally returned to practice on Tuesday and got lots of
work, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The Chargers plan to
push their rookie receiver in an effort to see what he can do in a
Philadelphia Eagles very short amount of time. They envisioned him as a major contrib-
utor in his first season, but a leg injury has held him out of practices
R ONNIE B ROWN for almost four weeks, and now he is way behind. “I’m on a crash
Brown had six rushes for 41 yards with a touchdown and three course with him,” said head coach Norv Turner. “I’m excited about
catches for 15 yards Thursday against the Browns. Brown contin- him. I’m excited to see the things he can do.” Brown should get a
ues to impress during the preseason, but it won’t be enough to lot of reps for the next couple weeks with Patrick Crayton, Kelley
unseat starter LeSean McCoy. Still, Brown remains a valuable Washington, Malcom Floyd, and Seyi Ajirotutu all dealing with vari-
backup heading into the season. ous bumps and bruises, but it remains to be seen what he does
with that opportunity.
J EREMY M ACLIN
When asked if he would be available to play in the season opener, M ALCOM F LOYD
Maclin (illness) said he’d “definitely” be able to go, Floyd (concussion) returned to a limited practice Wednesday, Kevin
SportsNews72.com reports. Athletes are always the first to tell the Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. That confirms that
media that they’ll be able to play, but the fact that Maclin has yet to the concussion Floyd suffered in Sunday’s preseason game against
appear in a preseason game leaves us with some doubt. Maclin Dallas was indeed a minor one. While Vincent Jackson remains the
said he’d be available to play in the last preseason game if the Chargers’ go-to wideout, Floyd will see his share of targets and his
coaches let him, so we’ll see what the coaches decide next week. 6-5 frame makes him a nice red zone option for QB Philip Rivers.
We still consider him questionable.
A NTONIO G ATES
L E S EAN M C C OY Gates (foot) did not miss a practice all week, the San Diego Union-
McCoy had six rushes for 12 yards and caught seven passes for 69 Tribune reports. It’s uncertain if he will play in this weekend’s pre-
yards Thursday against the Browns. While Ronnie Brown was more season game, as he doesn’t want to risk a setback, but he said if it
successful rushing the ball (six carries for 41 yards with a touch- were Week 1 he’d be in the lineup. Assuming he doesn’t have a
down), McCoy was a check-down magnet, fully showcasing his setback, expect the Chargers’ star TE to have a big year this sea-
already high PPR league value. son.
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PLAYER
the direction the league goes with him, then regardless of how well
Seattle Seahawks his hamstring and quad heal up, the talented wideout could be
forced to miss some time early on.
D EON B UTLER
Butler (leg) likely won’t be ready to play by Week 1, Seattle Times C HRIS J OHNSON
writer Danny O’Neil reports. Butler’s health has been badly compro- Following a Wednesday meeting involving Johnson, Titans GM Mike
mised by the leg fracture he suffered in December. It’s not clear just Reinfeldt and agent Joel Segal, Reinfeldt admitted, “I’m not sure
where his career is headed, but he’s not guaranteed a roster spot there was any progress made,” Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean
with Seattle. reports. The clock is ticking, with little progress being made
towards a new deal for the running back. We’d still be surprised if
M ARSHAWN LYNCH Johnson misses any regular season time, but the possibility that he
Lynch (ankle) did not practice Thursday and won’t play against might does give him some leverage, given how critical his presence
Denver on Saturday, Seattle Times writer Danny O’Neil reports. is to the Tennessee offense. If his situation lingers much longer, the
There’s been no mention of this being anything serious. Unless possibility of obtaining Johnson at a slightly discounted rate on
something new surfaces, assume this won’t affect Lynch’s Week 1 draft/auction day could arise in some leagues.
availability.
J AVON R INGER
B EN O BOMANU Ringer (hip) won’t play against Chicago on Saturday, Tennessean
writer Jim Wyatt reports. This is getting a bit concerning, but the
Obomanu (shoulder) plans to make his preseason debut on
Titans would presumably be a bit more panicky if the injury were
Saturday, the Tacoma News Tribune reports. Obamanu has been
likely to creep into the regular season. Fourth-round pick Jamie
slowed in camp by the shoulder injury, but it sounds as if he is
Harper is the team’s only other especially NFL-viable runner with
almost back to full health. He is expected to take first-team reps.
Chris Johnson holding out.
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PLAYER
R EX G ROSSMAN T IM H IGHTOWER
Grossman completed 8-of-15 passes for 112 yards with a touch- Hightower had nine rushes for 56 yards with a touchdown and one
down Thursday against the Ravens. Grossman got the start over catch for negative three yards Thursday against the Ravens.
Jon Beck, but the two rotated every two series. They played to Hightower broke off a 37-yard touchdown run and is streaming up
essentially a stalemate Thursday, but the player who does win the draft boards, mostly due to his 6.8 YPC during the preseason.
job may not be asked to do much if the offensive line and running
game keep playing the way they have been. R YAN T ORAIN
Torain’s (hand) availability for the Redskins’ preseason finale
R OY H ELU J R . Thursday against Tampa Bay will be determined over the course of
Helu had 13 carries for 44 yards and caught one pass for 14 yards the coming week. Tim Hightower has pulled away in the race for
Thursday against the Ravens. It was another solid outing for Helu, the starting running back spot and in Torain’s absence, Roy Helu
who is making a case for a share of the workload in a Redskins’ has impressed as well. Given the Mike Shanahan RB factor, all
backfield currently headed by Tim Hightower, with Ryan Torain three are worth drafting, but Hightower is obviously the back with
(once he’s healthy) and Evan Royster also part of the equation. the most short-term upside, assuming he can hold on to the ball.
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