By Vidur Malik

notjustagame23@gmail.com

The AFC has a great mix of veterans who are a lock to put up big numbers week in and week out, and young players who are making a name for themselves and will become the superstars of the next few years. By drafting the right mix of established studs and emerging talent, you can remain at the top of your league standings.

AFC  West

San Diego Chargers: The Chargers’ offense has been a high-scoring machine for years, and Philip Rivers and Co. should be able to put up points again this year, despite some departures and contract drama. Once the face of the Chargers, LaDainian Tomlinson is now a Jet, but the SD offense has put the emphasis on their passing game these past few years, and Rivers has grown into a number one fantasy quarterback who can start every week. Running back Ryan Matthews is an intriguing rookie, and with defenses focusing on stopping the passing game, he should be able to make up for some of the ground production they will lose. Matthews should be a number two back coming into the season. What is more concerning is the potential loss of breakout wide receiver Vincent Jackson. Jackson had become Rivers’ favorite target and put up top-10 numbers in receiving yards last year, but even if he leaves, no one should be panicking. Antonio Gates is still setting the standard at his position, and is a number one overall tight end. Rivers can also get the ball to his other big targets in Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee, who should both see increased production and could be number three wide outs.

Kansas City Chiefs: Even though the Chiefs only won four games last year, they do boast plenty of fantasy options. The acquisition of running back Thomas Jones was the biggest headline-maker in KC, and he should have another solid year. Don’t expect him to put up similar numbers to the 1,400 yard, 14 touchdown season he had a year ago though. He will have to split time in the backfield with Jamaal Charles, who is more of a game breaker than Jones, which makes him a better fantasy pick. Charles ran for over 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns last year, but the most impressive stat is his 5.9 yards per carry average. Charles is a number one fantasy back, and Jones can be a number two guy. It’s been a while since the Chiefs have had consistent production from a wide receiver, but Dwayne Bowe could be that kind of guy. After a down year in 2009, Bowe should get back to his earlier form. He put up solid numbers his first two seasons, and if he can go a full 16 games, he should be able to get back to the 900-1,000 yard, 5-7 touchdown range. Chris Chambers is a deep threat who can provide fantasy points as a late pick.

Denver Broncos: After Jay Cutler’s departure, the Broncos are now without another fantasy favorite. With the loss of receiver Brandon Marshall, the Broncos will have to rely on Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, and Jabbar Gaffney to make up for the loss of one of the best wide outs in the game. All three receivers are consistent players who can be solid third options. Second-year running back Knowshon Moreno established himself as a rushing and receiving threat last year, and should improve upon his successful rookie season and be a number one or two back. Quarterback Kyle Orton won’t put up impressive numbers, but he is more than just a game-manager, so he may be worth a shot if you’re looking for another quarterback.

Oakland Raiders: The days of woeful offense should be gone, and an unfamiliar optimism has arrived along with quarterback Jason Campbell, who replaces the disappointing JaMarcus Russell. Campbell might not be a number one fantasy quarterback, but he is definitely more reliable than Russell, and can be a number two guy. AFC West defenses can give up big plays, and with Campbell’s arm strength and a group of speedy receivers to throw to, the Raiders should have more opportunities to score. If wide receiver Chaz Schilens can stay healthy for an entire season, he should become Campbell’s number one target this year, and a smart second or third pick for a fantasy team. Louis Murphy should play well opposite Schilens and improve upon his solid 2009. Murphy would also make a good pick if you’re looking for someone to round out your group of reserve receivers. Running back Michael Bush should make use of his bigger role in the offense and his physical style to score a lot of touchdowns. Justin Fargas is another powerful Raider running back, who should be monitored throughout the season in case of a mid-season acquisition. Running back Darren McFadden has play-maker speed, but he’s inconsistent, so hold off on him.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore Ravens football has always been defined by a hard-hitting and dominant defense, and an equally physical running game. The Ravens are still the bruising team we are accustomed to seeing, but their passing attack will be the reason for another playoff run in 2010. Quarterback Joe Flacco is entering his third year, and is the leader of the pack. He doesn’t make as many mistakes or questionable passes as other quarterbacks with his amount of experience, and he will have plenty of weapons to throw to in 2010. Wide receiver Derrick Mason, whose reliability and toughness make him extremely valuable to a young quarterback like Flacco, is back for another year. Picking up Anquan Boldin was a great move. He’s a great possession receiver who has the ability to break tackles and extend plays. Both guys might not put up big numbers every week, but they are consistent targets, and can be great number two receivers for fantasy teams. Tight end Todd Heap isn’t the receiving threat he used to be, but can still be a good number two tight end. Running back Ray Rice showed his speed and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield last year, and is without question a number one fantasy running back. Willis McGahee and Le’ron McClain should each score a good amount of touchdowns in short-yardage situations, and will make good number two or three running backs.

Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals of the recent past have been a playoff team if everyone is healthy.  With a greater assortment of weapons for quarterback Carson Palmer to choose from, the Bengals should contribute to wins for fantasy owners. Last year, Palmer had a down year by his standards, but was coming off of an injury which forced him to sit out most of 2008. Look for Palmer to get back to the elite-level numbers he records when he is healthy. Receiver Chad Ochocinco should continue to put up over 1,000 yards receiving and 7-9 touchdowns. Antonio Bryant is another option for Palmer, and a strong number three receiver. Look out for rookie receiver Jordan Shipley. If he has a good start to the season, he should be available for a mid-season pick up. One of last year’s biggest surprises was running back Cedric Benson. After struggling in Chicago for the first few years of his career, Benson ran for over 1,200 yards and six touchdowns last year. With a healthier Palmer leading the passing game, look for Benson to have another great year as the leader of the Bengals’ rushing attack.

Cleveland Browns: The Browns are a team that has a few proven fantasy producers, with some younger players who may be worth taking a chance on. Joshua Cribbs has provided points as a kick returner and receiver for a few years now, and can be a number three receiver. Tight end Benjamin Watson would make a great number two tight end, and could be a starter. Kicker Phil Dawson has been one of the best in the business, and can be a great source of points if the Browns’ offense struggles to score touchdowns. Receiver Mohammed Massaquoi had a good rookie year, with over 600 receiving yards and three touchdowns, and would make a good number two or three receiver. Running back Jerome Harrison, who finished last season on a great note, and rushed for 286 yards against the Chiefs in week 15, could move up the ranks of fantasy teams if he picks up where he left off last year.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension and the loss of receiver Santonio Holmes will affect the fantasy production of the Steelers by giving other players more opportunities. Running back Rashard Mendenhall will be a great player in the league, and is a number one running back. With Holmes gone, second year receiver Mike Wallace should get more opportunities, and looks like a good number three receiver. Tight end Heath Miller will have another great season, and receiver Hines Ward should have no problem continuing to be a tough and dependable target. Both guys can take a number two spot for their positions. The off-the-field controversies might cause some chaos for the Steelers, but there should be a good amount of players who can deliver for fantasy owners.

AFC South:

Indianapolis Colts: The consistency the Colts are known for translates perfectly to fantasy. Quarterback Peyton Manning is a sure thing, along with wide receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark. Running back Joseph Addai is also a consistent producer, and a good number two back. Along with these players is a group of young and budding stars who will continue the Colts’ legacy of consistency. Receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon gave Manning two more targets throughout last season, and should be great picks for a number two receiver spot. Running back Donald Brown should split time with Addai, and is also a solid number two back. Backup tight end Tom Santi could be a surprise producer as a reserve tight end.

Tennessee Titans: Though he probably won’t rush for 2,000 yards again, running back Chris Johnson will use his speed to score touchdowns on the ground and through the air for another terrific season next year. His contract dispute is a concern, but if he’s on the field, he can score at anytime. Quarterback Vince Young showed signs of maturity on the field last year, but his playing time might be affected by his recent off-the-field altercation, if the Commissioner feels it is worth a suspension. If Young can play an entire season, he can be a good backup quarterback because of his mobility. His numbers aren’t great, but if you are looking for another quarterback, he should do. Wide receiver Kenny Britt was a pleasant surprise last year, and should make a good number two or three option. If Britt can force defenses to focus on him, tight end Bo Scaife can improve upon his already solid 2009 numbers. Nate Washington, who caught six touchdown passes last year, is worth a look for a number three receiver spot.

Houston Texans: The Texans are a team that is ready for a playoff run, and they have the talent to get there. Quarterback Matt Schaub led the league with over 4,700 passing yards last year, and wide receiver Andre Johnson was number one in the NFL with over 1,500 receiving yards. Both players should finish 2010 with similar numbers. Jacoby Jones should make for a good number three receiver. He scored six touchdowns last year, and with defenses focusing on stopping Johnson, look for Jones to get more involved in the Texans’ passing game. Tight end Owen Daniels will have a great 2010 if he can be back to 100% after a knee injury cut short his 2009 season, which was still a good one.  Rookie running back Ben Tate is expected to impress in his first year, and he should be a smart mid-round draft pick. Steve Slaton and Arian Foster can be good picks for a number three or fourth spot.

Jacksonville Jaguars: There aren’t many fantasy options in Jacksonville. Maurice Jones-Drew is the standout fantasy player from the Jaguars. A running and receiving threat, he is a top-10 fantasy running back who will put up double-digit touchdowns. Wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker came out of nowhere to have a big year in 2009, and if he can get help from the other Jags receivers, he may be able to record 1,000 yards receiving next year. There aren’t any other receivers that are good fantasy options besides Sims-Walker, but tight end Marcedes Lewis has put up good numbers in the past, and can fill in as a number two tight end. Quarterback David Garrard doesn’t throw many touchdowns, but doesn’t throw that many interceptions either. He can also run if he needs to, and could be a helpful number two quarterback.

AFC East:

New England Patriots: The Patriots are an aging team, but their fantasy options should be able to get the job done for the next few years. Quarterback Tom Brady will always have a spot on this team, amid the controversy that seems to happen with every other Patriots player when the front office considers not keeping them around. There has been talk that wide receiver Randy Moss is reaching this point, but there shouldn’t be any doubt as to how he will do this year. He seems to be mature enough to give his all despite the controversy, and will probably record another 1,000 yard, double-digit touchdown season. Reports indicate that wide receiver Wes Welker is quickly getting back to full strength after tearing his ACL late last season, and his production should be monitored throughout this year. Julian Edelman, who replaced Welker last year, could make a good number three pick. The Patriots don’t have much at running back, but Laurence Maroney can be a number three player if you’re looking for a back late in your draft.

Buffalo Bills: The Bills have under rated fantasy options that can help out your team. Wide receiver Lee Evans is a great number three receiver, who could be a number two into the season. Evans had over 600 yards and seven touchdowns last year, and those numbers should go up now that Terrell Owens is gone. The Bills don’t have a proven starter at quarterback, which could hurt the offense, but Evans should be a focal point regardless of who is throwing him the ball.  Running back Fred Jackson had over 1,000 yards last year, and added over 300 receiving yards. He will have to split time with rookie C.J. Spiller, but he should be a good backup. If Spiller is able to produce in his first year, he will also be worth a pick as a backup.

Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins will get an offensive boost with newly-acquired Brandon Marshall on the field, and they have plenty of number two and three options as well. Marshall comes with baggage and controversy regarding his recent hip surgery, but he is still a number one receiver. Running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will put up good stats for a number two spot on a fantasy team. Davone Bess, Greg Camarillo, and Brian Hartline will all make good number three receivers. All three had pretty good numbers last year, and should get more opportunities with defenders focusing on Marshall. Tight end Anthony Fasano should be a good reserve tight end who will probably be available in later rounds.

New York Jets: After getting to the AFC championship game with the proven combination of defense and a good rushing attack, the Jets will probably have to rely on those parts of their team again in 2010. Quarterback Mark Sanchez looks like he is still a few years away from becoming the leader of the team, but he does have several players who can help out. The loss of running backs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington makes Shonn Greene the leader of the Jet backfield. He is a quick back who complemented Jones’ more hard-nosed running style. Look for him to showcase his speed this year and be a number one running back. The arrival of wide receiver Santonio Holmes will help Sanchez. Holmes should be a number two receiver, and can benefit from lining up with other solid receivers who can free up space for him. Jerricho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards are good number three guys, and David Clowney might be a number three option if he can get some reps. Tight end Dustin Keller, who should be a number two tight end, will also help Sanchez grow.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Replacing starters is a weekly occurrence. Shifting from starters that had longevity though is not. There are a lot of teams gearing up their 2010 season with quarterbacks that have are inexperienced. Stats do not replace stats. Are there capable quarterbacks that can make a seamless transition from the old wily veteran to being a fantasy marginal option? Even a bye week filler. Lets see..

Old: Jamarcus Russell New: Jason Campbell

Campbell could step out week one and have a career day of three touchdowns and that would outdo a seasons worth from Russell. Oakland has finally made a wise move. Campbell has shown the skill set to be an NFL starter and a possible good one at that. He just needs to be set in a system where he can grow. That has not necessarily been the case in Oakland, but somehow an organization has to move forward. Oakland has some weapons offensively and Campbell should find a balance to keep the Raiders a dangerous team.

Old: Donovan McNabb New: Kevin Kolb

The spotlight will be the brightest on Mr. Kolb. Not only is he trying to show his value compared to McNabb, he also has to worry about Mike Vick who has one foot in bounds waiting for Andy Reid to tap him on the shoulder. Kolb may be more like Matt Schaub was when he left Atlanta. Looking great in a few spot starts but he is going to need a lot of on field action to develop into a pro starter. Expect a rough year in a city that is use to winning.

Old: Chad Pennington New: Chad Henne

Henne received some starts due to Pennington’s season ending injury last season. He showed that demeanor and attitude of a first string quarterback from day one. That was with Ted Ginn as his number one receiver, Davone Bess, and Greg Camarillo. Show us a tougher group of receivers for a rookie to break in the league with? When the wildcat had to be abandoned once Ronnie Brown was lost for the season, the Dolphins had to let their rookie Henne go. That’s when he began to get comfortable and had the type of outings that gave the appearance that Henne just needs more talent around him. Miami added Brandon Marshall which should be a great complement to Henne’s arm strength and accuracy for years to come.

Old: Jason Campbell New: Donovan McNabb

A new environment is not always the best. For McNabb becoming a Redskin was the last thing he wanted to do. Being an Eagle was what he had his hopes set out on. That obviously did not happen and now maybe McNabb will wake up and find that extra gear to finish out a season. He’ll build a winning attitude with Mike Shanahan from day one. Fizzling out and erratic play is what has notoriously plagued McNabb. Shanahan has loaded up on backs and will not be as pro pass as Reid has been in Philly. That will diminish McNabb’s numbers a bit and put into question if he is a fantasy starter.

Old: Kurt Warner New: Matt Leinart

This was flip flopped a few times but now is official with Warner being retired. All you can hope for Leinart’s sake is that he grasped and learned skills from Warner. Leinart is now 27 and it’s now or never. Arizona could have shipped him out or cut him to go in another direction. Now they’ll see if they can get a return on their first round investment. He allegedly has been working hard off the field. We’re hesitant to believe Leinart will be able to fill the shoes anywhere near the way Warner did. Arizona knows that and will find a way to cater to Leinart’s strengths. Quick passes and simplified decision making. Also expect the ground game not to abandon with ease as they would do almost on a weekly basis with Warner.

Old: Jake Delhomme New: Matt Moore

Delhomme never could recover from his catastrophic melt down performance against the Cardinals. It was similar to a pitcher getting lit up and not being able to get past it. Every time he dropped back he looked like a former NFL Europe player. Oh wait, he was. Matt Moore had semi decent success last year, as anyone should with a talented backfield as Carolina has. Likely the number one threat in the league. Moore is a hot sleeper that will stave off rookie Jimmy Clausen for a few years.

Old: Brady Quinn/Derek Anderson New: Jake Delhomme

Cleveland might be the only team to go from an awful quarterback situation to worse. We don’t know what’s going on in the front office at Cleveland, but we all know they love the back and forth musical quarterback game. What will be the games start split between Delhomme and Seneca Wallace? Will go with seven games for Delhomme and nine for Wallace.

Old: Kerry Collins New: Vince Young

Here’s another back and forth maneuver over the last few years. You’d think Tennessee would have ended all doubt for Young and cut Collins. Then you here of Young messing up off the field and think how smart of them. How Young keeps producing wins is almost as stupefying as how Jay Fiedler did it with the Dolphins. Young might make Jamarcus Russell type plays but he also has Chris Johnson alongside him. We don’t envision the Young project lasting several years, but will give it a few more. As far as being a fantasy performer, don’t even attempt to think about Young. Young’s games are going to be like a scatter plot. Games all over the place with no consistency.

Old: Marc Bulger New: Sam Bradford/AJ Feeley

Bradford is going to get introduced quickly on how to lose. Taking those licks and growing pains is something some young quarterbacks never get over. Ahem, David Carr. St. Louis has to be careful how they bring Bradford along. Starting Feeley out to get pummeled may be a smart idea here.

Old: Byron Leftwich New: Josh Freeman

Freeman was able to get the traditional type of rookie experience. Sit and learn from the sidelines the first half of the year and then on the job training the second half. Freeman did not show much too prove being an every week starter. Developing from year one to year two is usually where you can see if a guy has it or not completely. Freeman’s likely ranked near or dead last in every fantasy quarterback ranking so we won’t delve any further here.

By Vidur Malik

The NFC East is full of young and talented receivers who look to be part of the new school of top wide outs. The Eagles’ DeSean Jackson, the Cowboys’ Miles Austin, and the Giants’ trio of Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, and Hakeem Nicks have all proven to be reliable sources for catches and touchdowns for their quarterbacks. The Washington Redskins should be able to join their divisional opponents in that category, with Devin Thomas.

The Redskins are going through a transitional stage, but after things settle down in D.C., look for Thomas to emerge as a playmaking threat.   His 2009 numbers (325 yards, 3 touchdowns) aren’t very impressive, but he’s got the physical tools to withstand the beatings that NFC East defenses give out. At 6’2’’ and 215 pounds, he can fit right in to one of the hardest-hitting divisions in football.

Thomas may end up getting owners more points than they might expect if they select him. He seems to be the only target on the Redskins’ offense who has not proven himself to be a consistent player, but with an experienced quarterback under center, and other receivers who will be targeted by opposing defenses, Thomas seems to have everything necessary for a transition from talented wide out to a focal point of the offense. Chris Cooley has shown that he is a top tight end, and if he can come back from the ankle injury he suffered last year, he can be a consistent option for new quarterback Donovan McNabb. Santana Moss still has breakaway speed, and can benefit from McNabb’s strong arm. McNabb’s past success as an Eagle should also help Thomas improve. Being in the same division as his old team, McNabb should be able to get Thomas accustomed to what he will see from defenses. That should be a big advantage considering the pressure that teams like the Cowboys and Eagles apply to offenses.

Thomas might not become the number one receiver in D.C. next year, but there is reason to believe his numbers will improve significantly from last year, and in a division with so much talent on both sides of the football, the Redskins will need players to step up. The defense has been reliable, and will be crucial this year, because of the weapon-heavy NFC East they will be going against. The Redskins’ offense will have to improve along with the rest of the division if they want to compete. If Thomas can become the NFC East’s next Miles Austin or Steve Smith, the Redskins will have a better shot at improving upon the 4-12 record they put up last year. All the tools for that to happen are in place, and fantasy owners should consider taking a chance on Thomas.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Thus far one of the biggest fantasy disappointments two months in has to be Justin Upton. Here is a guy that many believed to be a top first round fantasy talent. Yet he has struggled to get on base and his batting averaged has not reached higher than .269. What gives? Part of it could be blamed on the Diamondbacks lineup that has been inconsistent for run production which obviously means limited hits.

Upton’s supposed to be the catalyst to this team though and is one of the main reasons they’re slumping in last place. The season is young and maybe Upton’s June will get him going before the All Star break. He has a long ways to go and needs to work on his patience at the plate. Mark Reynolds seems to be rubbing off on him in the wrong way. Upton already has twenty four games with multi strikeouts.

There’s no question Upton can get it turned on. Maybe his two home runs in the last four Diamondbacks games will get him going. Blasting a few usually does the trick. If not we question if Upton will dig out of it this year. A young player on a struggling team can tend to lose grips and focus pretty quick. We already know Upton takes each bat appearance to heart, as witnessed to his self talk with his baseball bat last year. Currently you’d have to label him as a big first round disappointment in fantasy drafts. His skill set though makes him very hard to give up on. Ride him out and hope he will battle out of his slumping start. It only takes a series or two tear to get a guy like Upton revived and rolling.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Strategizing for a fantasy football draft is good in all until your plan gets thwarted by other owners. Certain players fall off the board and in panic mode you scramble and reach for other picks you think won’t be there. It’s happened to all of us. Then come the end of the draft you realize you have a glaring gaping hole. For most it comes square at the position of quarterback. Owners get immersed in adding that sure fire depth to the running back and wide receiver position that they bypass a quarterback for several rounds. Depending on the size of your league sometimes that works to your advantage.

It does not matter if you’re in an eight, ten, twelve, or fourteen team league, once all owners have their primary quarterback they tend to wait three to four rounds before drafting a backup. This gap of rounds provides the necessary leverage for yourself to take advantage. Sometimes it works, and sometimes you’re stuck throwing Kyle Orton or Jake Delhomme out there. It’s probably a scenario you want to avoid if at all possible. Some of you just do not learn, and were going to take a look at some quarterbacks that owners will risk carrying their fantasy team on a week to week basis. Get use to weeks of hit or miss. Yeah we’re talking those weeks where your cursing up a storm when a point total of six is put up by your quarterback.

If you can get your hands on two of these guys below, you could start spot them enough to set up favorable matchups and get quality starts. It’s almost like setting up bye week fillers. Quarterbacks on this list last year were Matt Schaub now a top five fantasy quarterback, Brett Favre, and Joe Flacco who will all likely be considered top ten fantasy quarterbacks.

Chad Henne- From what Henne showed he can be an elite quarterback with the right direction and proper progression on his part. He possesses the quarterback smarts to learn by the week, and did a dandy of a job for being thrown in after Pennington’s injury. He has an organization backing him 100 percent, and the physical tools to be a fantasy number one. His youth and inexperience will scare of owners this year. We still like him to grow and be a quarterback you can become more at ease with starting as the season goes on. Having Brandon Marshall out there does not hurt either.

Kevin Kolb- Based on Andy Reid’s coaching tenure in the NFL we know he tends to have a disproportionate ratio of passes compared to run plays. Kolb may not lead the league in certain quarterback categories, but we can bet he will be close to the top in attempts. That has to be a bright sign for fantasy owners as some of the quarterbacks we’d like to rank higher are cut down a few notches because of their offensive system. You do not have to worry about that with Kolb. Interceptions will come in bunches with Kolb but that territory is nothing alarming as we all expect it due to his inexperience.

Matthew Stafford- Toughness, heart, and determination were just some of the traits Stafford showed in his debut season. While his rookie year was cut short he threw some throws that just have future Pro Bowler written all over the guy. Detroit has been working on retooling the team to get Stafford a strong supporting cast. He has the receivers and newly drafted running back Javhid Best will add a flare of unique abilities for Stafford. Best’s skill set is not like a back the Lions have had in who knows how many years. Stafford is not a guy you would probably want as your number one, but he’ll have certain weeks where he will be a top ten or higher fantasy quarterback. Probably more than anticipated.

Donovan McNabb- For some reason McNabb’s draft stock in fantasy drafts has slipped the last few seasons just as his fanfare in Philadelphia has. Besides the occasion game where McNabb can’t hit a target if it were five feet in front of him, he is rather consistent for the most part. Those games are inexplicable, but McNabb has the obvious driving force to this season. Departing from Philadelphia was not what he wanted and he is set to pull a Brett Favre resurrection as Favre did in his actual favorable destination in Minnesota. Washington is stocked at running back and McNabb will find a way to develop his receivers as he did with mediocre receivers for the majority of his career in Philly.

Others that deserve a glance with binoculars

* Jason Campbell- Will he adjust and fit in well? Oakland’s always been a tough place for quarterbacks but Campbell is not a young quarterback anymore. He is a veteran at age 28 and should be ready for this type of stability that Washington never could grant him.

* Ben Roethlisberger- The media will be all over him from training camp onward, heck they already are. Will the constant questioning wear on him, or can he move on and let his game on the field speak for itself? He has a lot to prove to doubters and fantasy owners have to keep in mind a minimum four game suspension if the original six gets reduced.

* David Garrard- Garrard’s been a fantasy tease on occasion and is probably the league leader in inconsistency. You just don’t know what you’re going to get from him. We thought he’d see some type of increase once Dirk Koetter came aboard as the offensive coordinator. After all Koetter came from the potent Arizona State offensive system as their college coach. Garrard just has not excelled enough entering the crossroads of his career. It’s hard to believe he is only one year younger than Donovan McNabb.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

One of the stunning rises amongst sleepers that actually came to life last year was Steve Smith. No not the Steve Smith of the Panthers who could not dispel Jake Delhomme’s horrid continuation of faltering. It was Steve Smith of the Giants. Anticipating his rise amongst the crop of Giants receivers was not predictable. While he backed up Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress he really showed no signs of being a starting wide receiver. Maybe it was the chemistry of having a player familiar with him that allowed Eli Manning to develop a natural rapport with Smith. Manning looked his way often to the tune of over 100 catches for 2009.

There are reasons to believe that Smith’s 09 season may be his all time high. As the season went on the Giants discovered they have a great young core of receivers. Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham began to emerge after battling injury woes. They add a big play element that Smith does not possess. Coming off their solid years where they battled minor injuries, they should both be better prepared to handle a rigorous NFL season. Subtle things that receivers begin to pick up with the amount of talent they have will be second nature.

In years past Eli Manning was never a big threat for huge statistics. Last year was sort of a forced reckless attack with Eli’s arm for the Giants. They’re typically more reliant with their ground attack. With Brandon Jacobs ineffective while playing through injury and getting behind often, the Giants had to let Eli let it fly. They know that is not the approach they can have to get back to their winning ways.

Steve Smith was Eli’s safety net that proportionately would be the leader each game by almost two to one on any other Giants receiver. He actually finished with more catches total (107) than both Mario Manningham (57) and Hakeem Nicks (47) combined. That type of stark contrast is just not typical in this day and age of the NFL. Another key factor to look at is the Giants under utilized their tight end Kevin Boss. Boss did not have a horrible season from a tight ends perspective but we’d expect him to get a little more involved this year. A solid running game opens up the play action and streaks over the middle. Jacobs should be back 100 percent and that means Manning can have another threat to work off of over the middle.

Smith showed strong enough signs that he is a great possession receiver, there is no questioning that. Where we think he’ll lose a bit of luster is touchdown catches. Sure Manning did throw for 27 touchdowns and could equal or improve on that this year. It’s the guys behind him that worry us. Nicks (six touchdowns) and Manningham (8 touchdowns) did strong enough damage with touchdown receptions to figure they should only become a bigger part of the Giants attack in 2010. For the minimal amount of catches they had, dividing even an extra fifteen to twenty catches each would cause a significant fall for Smith.

When it comes time for your fantasy drafts it comes down to drafting Steve Smith as your second receiver, or banking on Manningham or Nicks increasing their play as your third or fourth receiver. For sure you do not want to have Smith as your overall number one but he’ll be safe as your second. The upside with Manningham and Nicks is tremendous. Expect a strong training camp battle to solidify that second wide receiver spot. New York has to be glad about one thing. They were able to shake off the Burress impact rants in less than a year. Their receiver core is young and going to be one of the strongest units in the league for some years to come.