Raymond Ayala’s Top 40 Wide Receivers

1) Larry Fitzgerald (ARZ) – If you did not know who Larry Fitzgerald was, you did after last years Super Bowl. Fitzgerald possesses one of the most impressive leaps in the game, as well as being a smart route runner. I would be shocked if Fitzy was not in the top 3 in receiving touchdowns, as well as receiving yards.
2) Randy Moss (NE) – Last season may have been an off year for Moss, but he still held his own. Now his quarterback of choice Tom Brady steps back into the mix, and expect his numbers to resemble his 07-08 season. Moss finishes the season leading the league in receiving touchdowns. Take that to the bank.
3) Andre Johnson (HOU) – In previous drafts Johnson was a sleeper, but now Houston has put together a much improved defense and I expect the offense to show up this year as well. Matt Schaub will put the ball in Johnson’s hands and the yardage will rack up. Expect Johnson to lead the league in receiving yards, as he pairs that up with double digit touchdowns.
4) Steve Smith (CAR) – Last year Smith misses a couple of games due a club-induced suspension. This season Smith has a clear slate and should continue being the elite Wide-Receiver that he is. His yardage totals may dip a tiny bit, but also expect his touchdowns to increase by at least 3. Smith is still young and his all around numbers could still improve.
5) Reggie Wayne (IND) – The Colts will have a lot on the line this year, and Peyton’s number one target will now be Reggie Wayne. Wayne’s numbers decreased last season, but this season I expect him to flourish. Wayne could easily put up a 1,200 yard-10 Touchdown season this year.
6) Anquan Boldin (ARZ) – Most expected Boldin to be traded in the offseason, but the trade market was unsuccessful and Boldin now returns to a very similar team to last years. This year Boldin is 100% healthy, and he could just as easily jump his teammate, Fitzgerald, in the rankings. Boldin is out to prove something this year and is hoping to get a big pay day in the process.
7) Michael Crabtree (SF) – I don’t care if he has not come into camp yet, and yes this may be an overdraft, but what is there not to like about Crabtree? He has the same jumping ability Moss did when he came out of college, and he dominated at a better school without a good quarterback passing to him. Hill will find Crabtree, who will finish the season as the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and a pro-bowl selection.
8) Roddy White (ATL) – White was the top target of quarterback Matt Ryan, and things will most likely stay the same. The only exception is White is still extremely young, and will continue to improve. If he can find a couple of more openings then he did last year, it could be a great year once again for White.
9) Greg Jennings (SD) – Jennings and his quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, have put the Favre era behind them once and for all. If you think Rodgers found Jennings a lot last year, then expect to be blown away. The Packers have a solid team this year, and I think Jennings benefits from the progress he made with Rodgers last season.
10) Calvin Johnson (DET) – If Johnson put up the same numbers he did last year, on any other team, he would easily be a top 3 pick. Unfortunately he plays for the Detroit Lions, who were held winless last year. While I expect the Lions to improve, I unfortunately expect Johnson’s numbers to drop a bit this year, but increase once rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford gets settled in.
11) Terrell Owens (BUF) – T.O may be the definition of self-centered, but he is also the definition of consistency. Through all his turmoils, Owens has been able to score double-digit touchdowns four of the last five seasons. Now if Owens can shape up his on-field attitude and become a teacher to his younger quarterback, double-digits should not be that hard to achieve in 09-10.
12) Marquis Colston (NO) – Last year Colston only played in eleven games due to an injury. Now Colston is healthy, and will look to not only match his 07-08 numbers, but will also look to increase them. Brees is the best quarterback in the NFL, and soon enough Colston could be the best wide receiver.
13) Braylon Edwards (CLE) – Once he figures out who is quarterback will be, he will be able to improve on last season. I expect a Quinn-led Browns team to give a lot of the offensive load to Edwards. If the Browns fall out of it early, do not be surprised to see Edwards traded away to contender, increasing his fantasy value.
14) Roy Williams (DAL) – Williams has been plagued with injuries, and did not do too much when he was traded last year to the Cowboys. Now that he has had time to settle in with Tony Romo, I expect him to become a top-tier wide receiver, once again.
15) Chad Ochocino (CIN) – Has a nice ring to it…Ochocino. Chad was scolded by international acting sensation Denzel Washington during a Lakers playoff game for his onfield attitude. Ochocinco was apparently affected by this, and I expect a huge season for Ochocino, especially with a healthy Carson Palmer back.
16) Wes Welker (NE) – Probably the best kept secret in the NFL. Welker continued to show why he is here to stay last year, becoming a top target of quarterback Matt Cassell. While the Patriots will once again revert to the Brady-Moss connection, I don’t expect Welker to just watch. He will be the best second wide-receiver in the NFL, and should be drafted earlier then most number ones.
17) Dwayne Bowe (KC) – With an improved quarterback, Bowe’s potential should come to fruition this season. Last year Bowe had trouble hanging onto the ball, but those improvements should increase his touchdowns.
18) Derrick Mason (BAL) – Mason almost retired at the beginning of camp due to the death of his friend Steve McNair. This will become an inspiration to Mason, who is now playing this season in dedication of his close friend.
19) Brandon Marshall (DEN) – Marshall continues to ask for a trade, but will eventually show up to camp and put up his regular numbers. Marshall is beginning to remind me of Ochocino in both play and attitude.
20) T.J. Houshmanzadeh (SEA) – Getting out of Cincinatti was the best thing Houshmanzadeh could have done in the offseason. Once he gets used to the west coast offense, I expect him to flourish and be one of the top wide receivers in the NFC.
21) Chris Chambers (SD) – Lynch could easily have been in the top 10, had he not been suspended for the first three weeks. Including the bye week that is four missed games this season for Lynch. Still he is a top tier RB.
22) Santonio Holmes (PIT) – Barber was somewhat of a disappointment last season, and Felix Jones threatens to take some of his carries. There is no question that Barber will get the goal line runs, which equal easy touchdowns.
23) Antonio Bryant (TB) – Bryant put up big numbers last year and was rewarded with an invitation to the pro bowl. Now he is a known top target for a team that has a big question mark at the quarterback position.
24) Vincent Jackson (SD) – Has been the most consistent Wide Receiver over the past two seasons for the Chargers, but still plays second fiddle to Chambers. Jackson could be the teams number one wide-receiver by seasons end.
25) Lance Moore (NO) – His numbers from last season can’t be ignored, but with Colston back in the mix, he moves back down the depth chart. Still, Moore showed he is capable of a 1,000 yard season.
26) Percy Harvin (MIN) – Whoever ends up starting at quarterback for the Vikings, better just give the ball to Adrian Peterson and let him go to work. When you need an alternative Harvin will be a perfect choice. His big play ability was evident throughout his career at Florida.
27) Lee Evans (BUF) – As a number one wide receiver, Evans struggled to get open. Now as the number two, I expect his full potential to be reached and for Evans to show the league that he is capable of being an elite wide-receiver.
28) Donald Driver (GB) – Expect a resurgence from this once top Wide Receiver. He is a good number two to have in mixed leagues.
29) Desean Jackson (PHI) – Last year Jackson showed the league what he was capable of. Now the question is whether Jackson can adjust to the leagues adjustments.
30) Hines Ward (PIT) – Will not be Big Ben’s top target this season, but still continues to put up consistently good numbers.
31) Eddie Royal (DEN) – If Marshall is traded, Royal instantly becomes more valuable. Royal may skyrocket if he gets in sync quickly with new quarterback Jay Cutler.
32) Hakeem Nicks (NYG) – Put on a show in his last game in Carolina blue. Expect the same show to continue when he suits up in New York Giants blue.
33) Laveranues Coles (CIN) – Will have to play second fiddle to Ochocino, but it’s about that time in his career.
34) Justin Gage (TEN) – Went unnoticed most of last season. This year better get this speedster soon, or risk losing him to another team.
35) Ted Ginn Jr. (MIA) – Once Ginn Jr. learns how to find the endzone, he will be a great wide-receiver in this league. Until then he is only a top flight kick returner.
36) Devin Hester (CHI) – Hester’s ability to run routes, and then run like a running back make him a valuable asset to the Bears.
37) Chris Henry (CIN) – This is my pick to be the best surprise in the AFC this year. While Henry has had troubles in the past, his skill set resembles Randy Moss in both look and feel for the game.
38) Amani Toomer (KC) – Has 10,000 yards on the brain, with an established quarterback giving him the yardage he needs.
39) Josh Morgan (SF) – If Crabtree does not report to camp, Morgan becomes the 49ers number one instantly. He can handle the pressure, and is still valuable as the 49ers second option.
40) Anthony Gonzalez (IND) – Made great strides last season, and is expected to contribute a lot for one of the leagues top offensive units.

Raymond Ayala’s Top 20 Running Backs

1) Adrian Peterson (MIN) – The running back quality is starting to dwindle, but Adrian Peterson is my choice as a top pick in any draft, as well as being the top Running Back. Peterson offers it all, and he has yet to even hit his stride. I look for Adrian Peterson to improve his receiving touchdowns and increase his touchdowns by at least five this year.
2) Michael Turner (ATL) – Turner fell victim to a rookie quarterbacks fantastic season last year, but anyone who snagged him early was rewarded with arguably the best running back in 2008. Now Turner is an elite running back, which defenses will be gunning for. I see a little slip in Turner’s touchdowns, but not by much. Expect more of the same from the kid who went to the school of LaDainian Tomlinson.
3) Matt Forte (CHI) – What Forte did last year did not go unnoticed by fantasy owners. In his rookie campaign, Forte not only put up eight rushing touchdowns, he also added four receiving touchdowns. Forte is a double threat, whose running game will only, improve with Jay Cutler in the backfield. Look for Forte to finish with 20 total touchdowns this year.
4) DeAngelo Williams (CAR) – Williams was put in charge of the Carolina running game last season and he showed that size does not matter. The 5’9 running back scampered around the field scoring an NFL leading 18 rushing touchdowns. Last year was no fluke and expect Williams to have a similar performance, with a small decrease in yardage.
5) Clinton Portis (WAS) – Portis has a solid skill set, but he is injury prone. Last season, he showed his old Denver form with a fantastic season for the Redskins. Look for the Redskins to rely on him this season, and Campell improving only helps his stock. He is a lock for double-digit touchdowns this season.
6) Stephen Jackson (STL) – An injury hurt Jackson and his owners last season, but I predict a season of full health, and at least 10-15 touchdowns from him.
7) Brandon Jacobs (NYG) – Jacobs proved last season that he can handle a starters load, and now he will look to breakout this season by improving on his yardage.
8) LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) – While the Chargers have decided to use Darren Sproles more, many people think this will affect LT negatively. I think LT is looking to prove he is still an elite running back and will bounce back this season.
9) Tim Hightower (AZ) – After a breakout rookie season last year that saw double-digit touchdowns, I expect a breakout season for Hightower, due to the passing game being the main focus of opposing defenses.
10) Thomas Jones (NYJ) – Jones showed up in a big way last year, but his numbers will not be nearly as fantastic. With a rookie QB in the backfield, it is going to be tough for Jones to find holes, but double-digit touchdowns should be expected.
11) Frank Gore (SF) – If healthy, Gore is one of the deadliest Running backs in the game. With a smart quarterback behind him, Gore is a lock for at least 10 touchdowns this season.
12) Brian Westbrook (PHI) – Westbrook has been the cornerstone of the Eagles offense for the past three seasons. Injuries are starting to catch up to him, but he should improve on his stats from last year.
13) Steve Slaton (HOU) – Slaton left West Virginia for the NFL, and it was a wise decision. Slaton had a fantastic rookie campaign and is my pick to be this years Michael Turner-like steal.
14) Chris Johnson (TEN) – He would be higher on this list if he were not splitting duties with LenDale White. Johnson will improve on his yardage, but his TD’s will probably stay the same as last season.
15) Ryan Grant (GB) – Grant will need to improve his TD total to be valuable in Fantasy this season, but I see him doing it and becoming a great 2nd running back.
16) Marshawn Lynch (BUF) – Lynch could easily have been in the top 10, had he not been suspended for the first three weeks. Including the bye week that is four missed games this season for Lynch. Still he is a top tier RB.
17) Marion Barber (DAL) – Barber was somewhat of a disappointment last season, and Felix Jones threatens to take some of his carries. There is no question that Barber will get the goal line runs, which equal easy touchdowns.
18) Ronnie Brown (MIA) – Brown will take the load of the carries this season, and he will be relied upon to finish his season strong this year. Double-digit touchdowns will be attainable this season by Brown.
19) LenDale White (TEN) – White finally lived up to the expectations set at USC. He is a beast at the goal line and will continue to rack up TD’s so long as he stays in shape.
20) Reggie Bush (NO) – Bush knows how important this season is for the Saints, and a break out season is to be expected. By seasons end Bush will lead the league in receiving TD’s by a running back, and is a threat for 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards one day.

Raymond Ayala’s Top 20 Quarterbacks

1) Drew Brees (NO) – Brees has been a model of consistency since his time with the San Diego Chargers. Things have gotten even better in New Orleans, where Brees has found some great targets in Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, and Reggie Bush. Brees was able to throw for over 5,000 yards and 34 Touchdowns, and that was without any of those touchdowns going to Jeremy Shockey. Look for Brees to have a great season, and Brees should be the first quarterback taken in mixed leagues, in my honest opinion.
2) Peyton Manning (IND) – Manning continues to be the king of the quarterback crop, and was named NFL MVP last season. He losses Marvin Harrison, but that did not make a difference last year, so it probably will not this year. Look for Manning to put up even more Touchdowns then he did last season. Manning will probably be the first quarterback taken, though I think Brees will have the better year fantasy-wise.
3) Tom Brady (NE) – Brady was the most important player in most peoples 07-08 fantasy football campaign, taking home MVP honors after breaking the touchdown record. Last season Brady’s year was done by Game 1, as a leg injury ended his season. Now Brady steps back into the starter role with a different team that he must once again get used to. Still I would definetly say that he is good for 30 touchdowns this season, and the passing yards will be high as well. Brady will be selected in the late 2nd round, early 3rd round of most mixed drafts.
4) Kurt Warner (ARZ) – Warner did not lost any single player that contributed to an MVP-like season last year, even though Anquan Boldin is supposedly not happy with the organization. Warner will continue to put up the same numbers so long as he has Larry Fitzgerald and Boldin to throw to. While Warner is old and a risk, he is still an accurate quarterback who will deliver Touchdowns this season. Warner will most likely fall in the third-fourth round of most major drafts.
5) Philip Rivers (SD) – When the Chargers let Drew Brees walk after a monster season, people in San Diego became very skeptical of Phillip Rivers. After a season like he had last year though, the skeptics have been put to rest. Rivers is hot-headed, but it is just apart of his game. He will only get better with an improved Ladainan Tomlinson this season. Feel free to take Rivers in the first five rounds.
6) Tony Romo (DAL) – No more T.O., no more Jessica Simpson=no more tabloid spotlight distracting Romo. He has settled in quite nicely with his No. 1 Wide Receiver Roy Williams.
7) Aaron Rodgers (GB) – Last year was no fluke. Rodgers has but the Favre-era behind him for good in Green Bay, and he plans on proving it this season.
8) Carson Palmer (CIN) – Palmer will be out to show the world that he is 100% healthy this season, and Chad Ochocinco is still one of the best Wideout targets in the game.
9) Matt Ryan (ATL) – The rookie surprised many this season, achieving Rookie of the Year Honors in the process. He is the real deal and his numbers will increase by 10 in the touchdowns category.
10) Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) – The key to Roethlisberger’s season will be his usage of Santonio Holmes. If he uses him like he did in the Super Bowl, then the Steelers could be looking at another ring, and Ben could be looking at 5-10 more touchdowns this season.
11) Donovan McNabb (PHI) – Speed is the name of the Eagles game this year, and McNabb adds that aspect to the team. Will be one of the leaders in rushing yards for a QB, by seasons end.
12) Jay Cutler (CHI) – Trade to Wide-Receieverless Chicago hurts his fantasy value. Would not be more than a 2nd QB on my team.
13) Matt Cassell (KC) – Trade from New England hurts Cassell, but at least he has Dwayne Bowe on his team. If only Bowe would learn not to drop so many balls.
14) Chad Pennington (MIA) – Last year was a fluke for Pennington, as I expect him to be played less in favor of Chad Henne by seasons end. Pat White will also take away snaps from him
15) Trent Edwards (BUF) – Adding Terrell Owens will add TD’s to any quarterback’’s statline. Edwards ain’t to bad himself either though, he could be a breakout star this year.
16) Shaun Hill (SF) – Hill showed patience, as the 49ers opted for J.T. O’Sullivan to start last season. This year Singletary knows that the team is safe in the hands of Hill, especially when you have a running back of Frank Gore’s caliber.
17) Joe Flacco (BAL) – Flacco is improving and will suffer if Derrick Mason follows through with his retirement claims. I expect a big year out of Flacco though, especially with a year of experience under his belt.
18) Matt Hasselback (SEA) – The addition of T.J Houshmanzadeh to the already strong Nate Burleson, will equal some great stats for Hasselback this year. Only problem could be Seneca Wallace.
19) Jason Campell (WAS) – I think all the Brett Favre talk did to Campell was make him more inspired. I would be not surprised if he had a 20+ touchdown season this year.
20) Josh Freeman (TB) – It’s tough not to go with the proven veteran Jeff Garcia (OAK) here, but he plays for a terrible team. The Wide Receivers are set up for Freeman in Tampa Bay and he seems to be their long term option.

By Zack Cimini

It’s safe to assume that the speculation of the Brett Favre saga will soon be ended. He’ll be sporting a new look for the second year in a row, this time in purple. Divisional rivals will be his former team and sports conversation will continue to be hyped around his play and actions. Lets not forget this time last year Favre couldn’t control where he landed. The Packers kept his choices limited and didn’t want to see him in the NFC. In reality Favre’s top choice last year was Minnesota and now he is assured of controlling his own destiny. The Jets left the door open for Favre by releasing him as a retired player. All of Favre’s razzle of I’m done, I’m done, we all knew was his indecision that he has every year after football season. Once the draft came around the itch was back.

Welcoming Favre back into the league as a Minnesota Viking will have more advantages by far than his situation last year with the Jets. Favre would have ultimate weapons to his disposal. In New York, Thomas Jones did have a career year but many factors led to Favre and the Jets decline as the season wore on. One of the main reasons of course was Favre’s ailing shoulder. Like in years past, Favre would not allow it to sideline him and he tried to play through it. If his name wasn’t Brett Favre he would have likely been sat for the better of the team. Instead a sure lock playoff berth went down the drain. We all knew the images of Favre giving away throws to the Miami Dolphins wasn’t going to be his last image as an NFL quarterback.

Up to the mid portion of last season Favre was performing beyond expectations. The team was riding high at 8-3 and many were favoring them to be the AFC representatives for the Super Bowl. That quick wave fell with four of five losses, and was a true emotional ride for Favre. His decision to leave the game was a majority decided on his shoulder. He didn’t want to have surgery on it and knew he would have to go through with it to be back in the NFL. Talks lured him into having it diagnosed and for the love of the game he decided to go through with it.

Images of him testing out his arm with local high schoolers in Mississippi have filled mini highlight clips all over sports networks. When he transitions back to the ultimate gridiron will his body fatigue and break down like it did last year?

When July 30th comes along and Favre has his press conference announcing his official return, the plan that Brad Childress has will be set. Favre will come in and know his role. To be that signal caller that the Vikings needed last year which cost them against advancing versus the Eagles. To be in that position again, Favre needs to do exactly what Tavaris Jackson did except exponentially three to four times better. Handing the ball off to Adrian Peterson is the recipe for success. Teams cannot stop him and even Jackson was able to feed off of his performance’s with big pass plays through play action and mixing the play calls.

That’s where the Jets wore down Favre. Many a games Favre threw the football between 35 and 40 times (4 times over 40). That’s a lot to ask of your quarterback, especially a 39 year old. Cold weather situations at home and on the road in the AFC East didn’t help either. Loosening up that body and staying fluid in rhythm throughout the game becomes that much more difficult. Favre is Favre though and the way he has played the game the last 18 seasons isn’t going to change. The same (no he didn’t) throws will be there as well as his precision bullet throws.

As far as a fantasy quarterback, he should be a suitable strong fill in occasional starter. Meaning he is officially a designated bench quarterback in any fantasy football league. Whether your in an 8, 10, or 12 team league there are a plethora of stronger candidates that should fill out an 8-12 team starter league. Now 14, depending on the way you fill out your draft Favre could be a teetering starter. By no means should you expect any consistency from him and that’s not what a fantasy owner wants to hear. His erraticness in the statistical category was unreal last season.

Just based on last season he had five games without throwing a touchdown pass, and another five where he only threw a single touchdown pass. Yet he threw for his career high of six against the Cardinals. Our advice is to enjoy Favre’s whirlwind storybook return but not from a fantasy football perspective.

By Chris Burrows

With a full season on the books filling in for the injured Tom Brady in the trenches, Matt Cassel was no longer destined to serve his years as a backup QB. Instead the Kansas Chiefs traded their second round draft pick for the 5th season passer who threw for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns last season for the 11-8 Pats and they plan to completely rebuild their broken offense around the rising QB.

Assuming that you, the fantasy owner, miss out on grabbing top pick Tom Brady for your roster, Matt Cassel is now not only a viable pick—you should grab him near the top—and here’s why.

He’s already a proven talent in the pocket. With just 11 interceptions and a rating of 89.4 that eclipsed even Jay Cutler in 2008, Cassel proved himself as a talented and patient playmaker who is also a reputable leader on the field. He’s coming onto a Kansas City team that has had more than its fair share of trouble at his position and with its renewed confidence that they have a winning QB, the Chiefs can now aggressively build an offense around the former-Pat’s style.

In New England Cassel was comfortable in the air-based offense that garnered him big numbers. That won’t be the case in Kansas City where there is no Wes Welker or Randy Moss to make the short to medium range passes under pressure. At Arrowhead the rushers will be carrying the brunt of the offense with veteran RB Larry Johnson the go-to guy. He hasn’t played a full 16 game season since 2006 but he had two impressive 1700+ yardage seasons in 2005 and 2006. He’s got a good at shot at matching those stats with Cassel at the wheel (and he might be a great sleeper RB for your roster). Jamaal Charles will be proving himself in his soph. pro season opposite Johnson—he’ll be a useful utility player.

Cassel’s offense led all NFL teams in 2008 with 356 total first downs. They did it with a close ratio of passes and rushes (186 and 145 respectively) which should be the case again in KC.

The Chiefs air game won’t be ignored and will probably see a good amount of long-range action. Their top receiver from 2008, TE Tony Gonzalez, went to Atlanta but Dwayne Bowe and Mark Bradley will continue to hold on to their starting receiver spots. Bowe and Bradley combined for 1,400 yards of offense and 10 TDs in 2008 while the departed Gonzalez himself accounted for 10 TDs last season. The duo of receivers will be getting more catches under Cassel in first and second down situations in medium to long ranges. They should handily put up respectable numbers for Cassel but can’t be counted on like a duo of Welker-Moss could.

The offensive line may be a weak point in the KC offense. They allowed Tyler Thigpen to be sacked 26 times last season and haven’t added much in the draft or off-season (with fifth round pick offensive tackle Chris Brown the one exception). Of course, that may be just what they need to get their act together as a group and perfect their position-playing.

But to improve on their 2-win 2008 season the Chiefs will need a sturdier defense too—and that’s where they’ve already done some major enhancements. They grabbed defensive end Tyson Jackson, defensive tackle Alex Magee and cornerback Donald Washington in the draft—it’s a clear showing of their commitment to fix a defense that allowed 440 points last season.

Also new in town is head coach Todd Haley who has a history as an Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach with several teams—most recently he coached the offense of the post-season venturing Cardinals and he may be exactly what the Chiefs need to start a highly productive offense that can pull them out of their winning season draught.

Cassel may be the inspiration that moves Kansas City up from the bottom of the charts. The front office in KC is breathing some life into this stale team and a young offense built around Cassel is just the place to start. Grab Cassel early and you won’t be disappointed.

>online casinoколи под наем always come to an end and in Philadelphia we may be witnessing one. A season that started off so strong for the Eagles has become an all but typical familiar pattern for Philly. On the same day that McNabb’s old university (Syracuse) fired their coach Greg Robinson, McNabb struggled unlike he has in quite some time. This was a game the Eagles had to win and even though the result was a tie they’ve set themselves up to miss out on another playoff run.

A year ago rumors and speculation arose rapidly that McNabb wouldn’t be an Eagle for 2008. Andy Reid then stepped in basically stating that as long as he is head coach of the Eagles that McNabb will be his starter. That seemed to motivate McNabb and the Eagles to a quick start that produced some electrifying results and had McNabb looking like an MVP candidate.

Then came a couple of performances of games that the Eagles fell just short in. Against the Bears and Washington Redskins the Eagles had plenty of opportunities to capture victories but couldn’t muster it out in the fourth quarter. At the same time Brian Westbrook was getting banged up as he usually does putting more of a burden on McNabb. Something that he is use to and was able to utilize Correll Buck halter a little bit as his Westbrook type back.

It seemed like the Eagles were back in the thick of things after a three game winning streak. Many favored the Eagles in the high profile Sunday night match up last week against the Giants. Once again though the Eagles could not with stand through four quarters and fell short in similar fashion. This is a team that could easily be one of the top teams in the NFC but based off of today’s performance against the Bengals they’ve hit a bump that is likely going to cost them the 2008 season.

One of the things that boggled the minds of NFL analysts is why Brian Westbrook is not getting enough touches. Against the Bengals he had only three balls thrown his way and fourteen carries. McNabb dropped back nearly sixty times and for some reason Westbrook was left out of the passing attack. Cincinnati definitely didn’t shut down Westbrook it was Philadelphia’s play calling that did. Westbrook creates so many opportunities for the Eagles and to see them not utilize him so very strange. It led to McNabb having a horrid day and throwing under fifty percent with three picks.

So what does this mean for the Eagles if they can’t manage to get on a winning streak? Philly has some of the toughest fans around, and with the baseball team just winning the World Series it is jus at matter of time before the fans get disgruntled. In all likelihood if the Eagles don’t turn things around in a hurry it might be time to clear out the house. McNabb still has some solid years left but it doesn’t look like it can be finished in Philadelphia. Especially if the Eagles make the decision to let Andy Reid go, surely McNabb will want out as well.

For fantasy owners keep McNabb in your lineup. Wins might not come Philly’s way but McNabb has been responding his whole career. I wouldn’t expect him to have another three pick game, and of the quarterbacks in the league he is still a top seven in fantasy regards.