Fantasy Football 2008
OK, so just because these fantasy football sites are spreading like kudzu,
and just because there's more information out there than you could input were you to
download it into your brain Matrix-style, and just because some of these sites use their
fancy algorithms and metric systems to specifically calculate upcoming performance... just
because all that is available... doesn't mean you should listen to any of it. As a matter of
fact we're here to tell you that you shouldn't. Don't listen to it. Pretend you never heard
any of it. Delete it from your hard drive. We'll wait............................... done?
OK, now, listen to us.
First, and most alarmingly, these "experts" are slow to realize the developing trend in
fantasy football right now... that is, it's becoming less and less about the running backs.
There, we said it. Running backs have dominated fantasy football for fifteen years, but with
the glut of platoon systems plaguing the league (that's right, plaguing), and the
emphasis on the passing game, quarterbacks are becoming the new running backs. Sure,
if you can find an elite running back who doesn't share carries, they're worth their weight
in gold, but there are fewer and fewer of them, and draft boards should reflect that disparity.
From what we've seen, they don't. Wide receivers are becoming more important, as some of the
elite ones are starting to develop the consistency of running backs. So fantasy football is
changing, listen to us, and you'll keep up.
Top 200 Overall
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers
He's pissed you know. His toughness has been questioned, and he's going to set the league
alight.
2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Yeah, he's OK we guess.
3. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
Moss is still there, right? He is? OK then.
4. Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Who else is gonna score for them?
5. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts
What's all this then? He might not be healthy by the start of the season? Interesting.
6. Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Owens is still there, right? He is? OK then... Oh, and Witten? OK then...
7. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams
Superstar on an average team. If Rams pick it back up, he'll eventually go number one overall.
8. Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots
Brady's still there right? He is? OK then (oh, and yes, we're running that one into the
ground).
9. Joseph Addai, RB, Indianapolis Colts
He's not A-Dead yet (Oh man, that shit was FUNNY!).
10. Marion Barber, RB, Dallas Cowboys
We're a little scared of Jerry Jones' man-love for Felix Jones. Seriously.
11. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
Big-time bounce-back you-watch.
12. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buffalo Bills
We're thinking top 4 next year.
13. Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins
If 13 is unlucky for you, steer clear. Otherwise, we like what the Redskins are doing on
offense.
14. Larry Johnson, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
If you've taken the time (and you should really take the time) to check out our season
predictions section, you'll see we've tipped him for Co-Comeback Player of the Year.
15. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Depends on health of Manning, but we like his chances.
16. Terrell Owens, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Anyone watching Hard Knocks? Owens is a weird dude.
17. Braylon Edwards, WR, Cleveland Browns
Would be higher if, like the two previous guys, he had Manning or Romo throwing to him.
18. Ryan Grant, RB, Green Bay Packers
We're worried about the loss of Favre, but everybody has issues now.
19. Jamal Lewis, RB, Cleveland Browns
With so many weapons, he should have room to run.
20. Willis McGahee, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Commitment to the run is unquestioned, but how hurt is he? And what to make of Ray Rice?
21. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Martz has ruined running backs the last few years, but Faulk was so good for him.
22. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
If he could escape the dreaded platoon system, he'd be top six.
23. Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints
Great red zone target, Brees' number one target, but will Shockey take away from him?
24. T.J. Houshmanzadeh, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Return of Chris Henry will help keep defenses honest. So will hopeful return of running game.
25. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
If Boldin leaves push down 15 spots. Will see nothing but double-coverage.
26. Thomas Jones, RB, New York Jets
Behind a big-time QB for the first time in his career. Watch him thrive.
27. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans
If he's healthy, enters top tier.
28. Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots
In that offense, with his skills, guaranteed consistency.
29. Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
We expect a big year from him, and if they get Boldin, even bigger.
30. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers
If punching his own teammates wasn't his thing, he'd be much higher.
31. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
We're worried about their re-focus on the running game, but Big Ben's got talent.
32. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
Frankly, he makes us wet ourselves.
33. Julius Jones, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Can he replicate his brother's success after moving on?
34. Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions
Potential for stud alert. Will get all the carries, and there should be plenty.
35. Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Don't like his O-Line, or his team for that matter. Just like him a lot.
36. Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Well, at least he's still got his cool end zone dances. Could plummet.
37. Plaxico Burress, WR, New York Giants
An injury concern all year, but usually plays, and plays well.
38. Rudi Johnson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Not flashy, but productive. If he's healed, could be a bargain.
39. Roy Williams, WR, Detroit Lions
Will have some of his thunder stolen by Calvin Johnson, but good for a sporadic huge game.
40. Anquan Boldin, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Could skyrocket if he's traded to the right team. If not, could fall precipitously.
41. Torry Holt, WR, St. Louis Rams
Age and poor team catching up with him.
42. Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Made uncharacteristic mistakes last year. If he fixes them, he'll be in the top tier.
43. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Mostly, Romo loves him. Hopefully tabloids don't catch something shady between the two.
44. Selvin Young, RB, Denver Broncos
Is Shanahan going back to the one-back system? Is this his latest find?
45. Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Ben's deep threat. Tailed off, but should get better.
46. Kellen Winslow, TE, Cleveland Browns
Soldier of fortune in Cleveland, what with all the weapons to distract defenses.
47. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
Like Peterson last year, could vault to top of draft boards. But O-Line not as good as Minny's.
48. Jay Cutler, QB, Denver Broncos
All the talent in the world, but does he have the team around him?
49. Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers
Would be much higher if Favre hadn't left. Look for inconsistency.
50. Jason Campbell, QB, Washington Redskins
Could be the steal of the draft. A potential first-rounder next year.
51. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
About the only one left with a legitimate chance to win the job outright. A chance.
52. Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans
Kubiak knows quarterbacks, and this one's got some weapons.
53. Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Indianapolis Colts
If Harrison can't go or gets demoted to number 3, look for a Welker-esque year.
54. Nate Burleson, WR, Seattle Seahawks
By process of elimination. No one else is left in Seattle to catch the ball.
55. Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
If it weren't for the suspension, he'd be much higher.
56. Derek Anderson, QB, Cleveland Browns
Is he the first half stud, or the second half flameout? Somewhere in between probably.
57. Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Would be higher if there were anyone left to catch the ball.
58. Jerricho Cotchery, WR, New York Jets
We have a sneaking suspicion he's going to be Favre's favorite.
59. Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers
Is he really healthy? Something suspicious happening here. If so, he's still the best tight end.
60. Lendale White, RB, Tennessee Titans
Too many running backs around for our liking, but he should get the short touchdowns.
61. Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
If he couldn't score touchdowns as the only running back, how will he do with Mendenhall around?
62. Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Should get plenty of opportunities as Atlanta tries to come back from large deficits.
63. Chris Chambers, WR, San Diego Chargers
Always tantalizes with his talent, but this will be his first full season with a good offense.
64. Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Sharing more catches with Santonio Holmes, but Steelers throwing more... maybe.
65. Jeremy Shockey, TE, New Orleans Saints
Brees made a statistical monster out of Gates, can he do the same for Shockey?
66. Chris Cooley, TE, Washington Redskins
More consistent than Shockey, but not as much upside potential.
67. Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo Bills
Superstar potential in an average offense.
68. Lawrence Maroney, RB, New England Patriots
Great ability, but splits carries with 48 other RB's, and that's if Belichick gives them carries.
69. Earnest Graham, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Proved his worth last year, but not enough carries to go around a healthy Bucs backfield.
70. Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints
Turning into a bit of a bust, but good for a few explosive touchdowns.
71. Marvin Harrison, WR, Indianapolis Colts
The beginning of the end, but has great rapport with Manning.
72. Brett Favre, QB, New York Jets
Does he have the necessary weapons?
73. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers
Rumor has it he looks great, still, they drafted a first round running back.
74. Ronnie Brown, RB, Miami Dolphins
A first round talent, but coming back from a tough injury.
75. Edgerrin James, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Has never been the same since knee injury.
76. Lavernues Coles, WR, New York Jets
We like Cotchery better, but Favre might like Coles.
77. Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants
Too many running backs to share with.
78. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
If either he or Williams win the job on their own, they could vault into the top 20.
79. Deuce McAllister, RB, New Orleans Saints
Should at least get goal line carries as he works his way back to fitness.
80. Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis Rams
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Will the Rams suck?
81. Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Last year was one of his best, but at some point Jones-Drew takes over.
82. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Kansas city Chiefs
Long-time stalwart nearing the end of the line.
83. Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers
All the talent in the world, but does Martz use tight ends?
84. Matt Leinart, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Has the weapons, just needs to learn how to use them.
85. Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans
Will score plenty of long touchdowns, even with 10-15 touches per game.
86. Bernard Berrian, WR, Chicago Bears
Used to playing with below average QB, but this one can chunk it deep.
87. Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Always opportunities in that offense.
88. Joey Galloway, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Age has to eventually catch up to him, right?
89. Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants
Super Bowl MVP leaves something to be desired from a fantasy perspective.
90. Donald Driver, WR, Green Bay Packers
He's getting up there, and he just lost Favre. Ouch.
91. Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego Chargers
Was playoff performance a fluke, or sign of things to come?
92. Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys
won't get a lot of carries, but watch what he does with them.
93. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers
Showed toughness playing on torn ACL during the playoffs, but how's that translate fantasy-wise?
94. Santana Moss, WR, Washington Redskins
Could thrive taking short, west-coast passes to the house.
95. Heath Miller, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
A favorite of Roethlisberger... if they throw it enough.
96. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Can Croyle get the ball to him?
97. Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Miami Dolphins
With Ronnie Brown, they're only offensive playmaker. Returns kicks too.
98. Chester Taylor, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Gets opportunities anyway, but if Peterson were to ever get hurt...
99. Reggie Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
With Curtis' injury, becomes de facto #1 guy.
100. JaMarcus Russell, QB, Oakland Raiders
Will probably struggle some, but has bags of potential.
101. Ricky Williams, RB, Miami Dolphins
Just the kind of hard-headed pounder that Parcells loves.
102. Ahman Green, RB, Houston Texans
If he could stay healthy he'd put up big numbers.
103. Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore Ravens
As usual, held back by Baltimore's quarterback situation.
104. Patrick Crayton, WR, Dallas Cowboys
The number 2 guy in that offense should get some opportunities.
105. John Kitna, QB, Detroit Lions
Lions focus on running game hurts, but with those receivers, he's gotta do something, right?
106. Alge Crumpler, TE, Tennessee Titans
Both Titans and Vince historically love throwing to tight ends.
107. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Should get goal-line carries, and may take over full-time.
108. David Garrard, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Excellent QB, just not for fantasy.
109. San Diego Chargers Defense & Special Teams
Even if Merriman's injury is serious, they've still got Cromartie.
110. Jerry Porter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Does he finally produce the way his potential says he should?
111. Tony Scheffler, TE, Denver Broncos
Has a good thing going with Cutler.
112. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
If McGahee ever gets seriously injured, Rice becomes a first-round talent.
113. Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Still the number one guy, but being pushed (oh, and can they get him the ball?)
114. Minnesota Vikings Defense & Special Teams
They'd be an easy #1 if they had a better return game.
115. Ben Watson, TE, New England Patriots
Has to share too much for our liking, but no denying his talent.
116. Bryant Johnson, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Martz is gonna throw it, somebody has to catch it.
117. Darrell Jackson, WR, Denver Broncos
Has been a steady #2 guy for years, even when he was the #1 guy.
118. Devin Hester, WR, Chicago Bears
Even if he never truly learns how to play receiver, there's always those returns...
119. Donte Stallworth, WR, Cleveland Browns
Should be in single coverage most of the time.
120. Muhsin Muhammad, WR, Carolina Panthers
Had a good thing goin' once with Delhomme. Can they rekindle it?
121. Zach Miller, TE, Oakland Raiders
Big fella we like to come on this year.
122. LaDell Betts, RB, Washington Redskins
Spent his career as insurance for Portis... more of the same here.
123. Javon Walker, WR, Oakland Raiders
Seems disinterested and threatened retirement. Has the talent, though.
124. Amani Toomer, WR, New York Giants
Will probably get passed by the impressive Smith at some point, but not quite yet.
125. Owen Daniels, TE, Houston Texans
Schaub likes him, and Kubiak likes tight ends.
126. Reggie Williams, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
The offseason surgery sets him back, but a real red-zone threat.
127. Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears
Could be a real sleeper. Has the talent, and Chicago likes to keep things safe.
128. Kevin Walter, WR, Houston Texans
Good possession guy opposite Andre Johnson.
129. Chicago Bears Defense & Special Teams
Mostly for the "special teams" part, but if healthy, defense is excellent too.
130. Isaac Bruce, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Certainly knows Martz' system.
131. Jerious Norwood, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Talented, but backing up Turner on a less than stellar team.
132. Leonard Pope, TE, Arizona Cardinals
Big red-zone target in contract year.
133. Jake Delhomme, QB, Carolina Panthers
Has a football player ever come back from Tommy John surgery before?
134. Chris Brown, RB, Houston Texans
With Green's injury history, he'll probably get lots of playing time.
135. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
The most scrutinized QB since Steve Young. Can he handle it?
136. Drew Bennett, WR, St. Louis Rams
At times showed so much potential in Tennessee. Can he recapture it?
137. Vince Young, QB, Tennessee Titans
We think he'll emerge this year, just not in a way that's beneficial to fantasy.
138. Maurice Morris, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Might finally get a chance to show something this year.
139. D.J. Hackett, WR, Carolina Panthers
Could be #2 guy, though we think Muhammad will beat him out.
140. Antwaan Randle-El, WR, Washington Redskins
Like Moss, could thrive in the dink and dunk west coast offense.
141. Dallas Cowboys Defense & Special Teams
Special teams got a major upgrade (Felix Jones), defense is still excellent.
142. Justin Fargas, RB, Oakland Raiders
Showed he could do it last year, but now finds McFadden in his way.
143. Jeff Garcia, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Will have some good games and some bad, about what you'd expect from a QB in this spot.
144. J.T. O'Sullivan, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Winning the race to throw for Martz.
145. Robert Meachem, WR, New Orleans Saints
Drafted to be the #2 receiver in this explosive offense. We think he makes it this year.
146. Kevin Jones, RB, Chicago Bears
Could win the job outright from the start of the season.
147. Kenny Watson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Proved a capable replacement for Rudi Johnson, who's coming off an injury.
148. Trent Edwards, QB, Buffalo Bills
Won't be asked to do too much, but has talented pass-catchers when he is.
149. Baltimore Ravens Defense & Special Teams
Yamon Figurs has improved the special teams, but defense is getting older.
150. Michael Jenkins, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Well, they're gonna have to throw it a lot.
151. Marty Booker, WR, Chicago Bears
A #1 guy? This low? Yes, when he plays in the Bears offense.
152. Dominic Rhodes, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Another one of those "if the starter gets hurt" deals.
153. Steve Breaston, WR, Arizona Cardinals
If Boldin leaves, will probably join the starting lineup. Returns kicks as well.
154. Tavaris Jackson, QB, Minnesota Vikings
Won't be asked to do too much... except throw it deep now and again.
155. Philadelphia Eagles Defense & Special Teams
They always force turnovers.
156. Randy McMichael, TE, St. Louis Rams
New offensive coordinator Al Saunders has turned Tony Gonzalez and Chris Cooley into stars.
157. Brandon Stokley, WR, Denver Broncos
Perfect #3 guy, will there be enough balls to go around?
158. Roydell Williams, WR, Tennessee Titans
In line to be #1 guy, but Titans don't throw much to receivers.
159. Warrick Dunn, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Knowing Gruden, will probably be the starter 4 of the 16 weeks, at random.
160. Derrick Ward, RB, New York Giants
So many good running back in the Giants backfield. Just not enough time to impress.
161. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants
See #159.
162. Jabar Gaffney, WR, New England Patriots
Someone has to take over Stallworth's old spot.
163. Troy Smith, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Looks to be winning the job. Could surprise.
164. Seattle Seahawks Defense & Special Teams
They fly around and create turnovers.
165. New York Giants Defense & Special Teams
Nobody pressures the QB like these guys.
166. Alex Smith, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Garcia doesn't throw it deep. The tight end is rarely deep.
167. Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Should take over soon as #1 guy. Still, can they get him the ball?
168. Brandon Jackson, RB, Green Bay Packers
If Grant goes down, he's in line to be next.
169. New England Patriots Defense & Special Teams
Savvy goes a long way.
170. Leon Washington, RB, New York Jets
Returns kicks, and if Thomas Jones gets hurt...
171. Jacksonville Jaguars Defense & Special Teams
Love that they added two ends with their first two picks.
172. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense & Special Teams
Came back from the dead some last year.
173. Kevin Faulk, RB, New England Patriots
Belichick's teacher's pet.
174. L.J. Smith, TE, Philadelphia
Has never lived up to potential, but there's still time.
175. Andre Davis, WR, Houston Texans
Filled in admirably for Andre Johnson last year.
176. Kevin Boss, TE, New York Giants
Eli seems to like him.
177. Buffalo Bills Defense & Special Teams
Underrated unit with excellent special teams.
178. Chad Pennington, QB, Miami Dolphins
He's a starter at least.
179. Brodie Croyle, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Could come out of nowhere (well, #178) if he puts it together... or, could be more of the same.
180. Ronald Curry, WR, Oakland Raiders
Show signs of doing something, just hasn't done it yet.
181. Steve Smith, WR, New York Giants
Came on during playoffs, but Giants don't throw enough to validate drafting a #3 WR.
182. Kevin Curtis, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Too bad about the injury. Depends how long he's out for.
183. Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
For the discriminate drafter who likes tight ends with potential that never catch passes.
184. Dustin Keller, TE, New York Jets
He's a rookie, but Favre seems to like him.
185. Houston Texans Defense & Special Teams
Have quietly (well, except for Mario Williams) put together an excellent unit.
186. Kyle Orton, QB, Chicago Bears
So apparently he's starting.
187. Chad Jackson, WR, New England Patriots
Again, someone has to take Stallworth's spot.
188. Washington Redskins Defense & Special Teams
Good return game, good defense. That's what you're looking for, right?
189. Kyle Boller, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Looks like Troy Smith might be beating him out, but if not, well, then he'd be worth something.
190. Damon Huard, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
If Croyle struggles, he'll be in, and he did the job last year.
191. Bobby Engram, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Looks like he's out until week 5, but worth a flyer here.
192. Arnaz Battle, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Pass-happy offense leads to lots of catches.
193. Arizona Cardinals Defense & Special Teams
Another team quietly building a solid defense, and Breaston's a good returner.
194. Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Has played plenty for Leinart recently, could do it again.
195. Devery Henderson, WR, New Orleans Saints
Didn't take his opportunity last year, and now it looks like he might have lost it.
196. Courtney Taylor, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Moves into the spotlight with injuries to Engram and Branch. Will he shine?
197. Sidney Rice, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Won't get too many opportunities, but has shown something when he does.
198. Brady Quinn, QB, Cleveland Browns
If Anderson has concussion issues, or just struggles, Quinn might see the field.
199. Deion Branch, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Who knows if he'll play, but at this point, worth a flyer.
200. Felton Huggins, WR, Buffalo Bills
Mr. Irrelevant a super-duper sleeper.
