By Zack Cimini

Scouring newspapers and the internet for fantasy newsworthy tidbits is what we do in this business. Usually it’s related specifically to players but occasionally we stumble across something story worthy. The Wall Street Journal came out with an interesting blurb on trends having to do with the drafting of offensive lineman. That trend is teams that selected an offensive lineman within the first twelve picks of the draft have seen their team’s yards per play increase immediately.

You instantly react to that by thinking, no way, as most of those teams are right back in the top of the draft the next season. Actually though eleven teams since 2001 that have selected a lineman within the first twelve picks have done just that. It’s an absolutely crazy statistic and some of the examples are noted below.

Dolphins, Jake Long, YPP Improvement: 1.1
Browns, Joe Thomas, YPP Improvement: 1.0
Raiders, Robert Gallery, YPP Improvement: .9
Broncos, Ryan Clady, YPP Improvement: .5

There are many variables to this fact but the key is the results. Having that staple on your offensive line is the key to success and always has been for an offense. Also usually when a team decides it’s time to draft a lineman they also look at signing free agents as well on the line. They’ll also maybe even switch offensive line coordinators to get things renewed and refocused. As a quarterback they need to develop that faith and trust in their lineman, which boosts their pocket presence. When he doesn’t have to be under duress that extra split second for the receiver to get open is crucial. The quarterback is allowed to go through his progressions properly and throughout the game will get into a rhythm. This also lets the offensive coordinator have more freedom with play call selection, which means bigger plays down the field.

From the running back perspective, once that elite young lineman is selected that’s where they’re going to turn to run between the tackles. This also helps with the effectiveness of play action. Based on the 2009 draft it’s going to be interesting to see if this plays out again. We’re almost certain all three should, especially the Rams and Bengals. Both teams last year’s normal starting quarterbacks were banged up and out the majority of the season. This led to drives that couldn’t be sustained and poor time of possession.

In Jacksonville, David Garrard really struggled after a solid 2007 season. With Eugene Monroe in there now he should feel a little more comfortable and utilize his newly acquired receiver in Torry Holt. All in all, it’s good to know this if you’re a MJD owner as his productivity should only go up based on the trends of the last eight years.

By Chris Burrows

Chicago has a sleeper of a fantasy WR but nobody knows who it is yet.

Power RB Matt Forte and TE Greg Olsen—central starting components of the Bears offense—sat out the first pre-season venture of the Cutler-dynasty and—in doing so—exposed a dizzying amalgam of issues. Namely, that Devin Hester needs help now.

In this ill-fated game of 225 offensive yards Hester stymied the offense by making two of six catches for a meager 22 yards against Buffalo. He was helped out by tight end Desmond Clark who came up with a 30 yard grab and untested TE Kellen Davis who grabbed two more passes to add 29 more yards of offense.

But the Cutler show used to be powered by the wieldy Marshall-Royal duo in the Rockies that combined for 2,245 yards last season. In the Windy City Cutler has Hester and—nobody else. If you can even count the over-priced and under-performing Hester (Chicago fans will tell you he’s the Milton Bradley of the Bears) as a Cutler-quality receiver.

The case can be made for a healthy Bills defense and an unsteady Cutler who threw one interception and one would-be interception to the chest of Bills cornerback Reggie Corner to thwart Hester in his first outing. But regardless of any excuses that can be made to cover the tracks of Hester’s hefty price tag—there’s still a glaring hole in the Bear’s depth chart that only exacerbates the Hester issue. There’s really no #2 WR—yet.

Just for comparison’s sake, last season Hester barely made the stat sheet with 665 yards and three TDs on 51 gloms. He’s not much of a first slot receiver and needs a convincing number two to either push him or take his place. This season things are different with a powerful air-driven QB in town. Luckily, the Bears have plenty of WRs to choose from.

Here are the top contenders that can win Cutler’s heart—or at least his tosses:

1. Earl Bennett – He’s currently slated to start at the number two spot but is completely unproven. If he takes the job—which seems likely—he’ll be garnering his very first playtime on the field. He’s been making impressive downfield catches in traffic during practice and Cutler has commented on his confidence and fluidity which would make him a worthy supplement to Hester (he’d even be a good #1 receiver if Lovie would let him) but Bennett is a serious gamble with some healthy competition.

2. Brandon Rideau – He was a surprise standout early in training camp but saw no tosses in the preseason opener. He’s currently listed as the second stringer behind Bennett and looks to be getting another shot this season—as last—to show his worth on the field but he’s been unreliable.

3. Joaquin Iglesias – Backup QB Brett Basanez found Iglesias in their pre-opener for a 10-yard touchdown. He’s one of the rookie receivers getting real attention. Expect him to be tried a few more times on-field before and after the start of the regular season. A couple of big plays and he may have the job—or if receivers coach Darryl Drake gives up on Brandon Rideau’s inconsistency over two seasons.

4. Devin Aromashodu – The only receiver with regular season experience, Aromashodu came to the Bears last year from Washington’s practice squad and previously saw play-time with the Colts where he contributed one start, 7 receptions and 96 yards. If nothing else he has more experience than the rest of the crew of receivers.

5. Johnny Knox – Knox is another signed rookie WR and was championed early in team organized activities for his speed and agility making grabs downfield. He has a good chance of being on the field in at least a few preseason games and may make an appearance in the regular season.

6. Derek Kinder – The last of the signed rookie receivers, he’s probably a best fit for the practice team right now.

Chicago is primping some prime receivers to take over when Hester finally gets booted, but in the meantime grab one of these guys for your fantasy roster and Cutler will be sure to get them some yards.

By Zack Cimini

Last year saw a free agent running back get his pay day and a starting spot for an NFL team. No one knew where to project him as a fantasy running back, and figured the team would struggle due to numerous variables. Yet this team stormed to a revival and became an overnight success story. There is no question this back should now be a first round fantasy selection, but buyer beware……beware.

Michael Turner had an incredible year that allowed Matt Ryan to be a rookie, and make plays only when needed. Carrying the ball at nearly 400 times gave Turner the output you’d expect from that amount of carries, with 17 touchdowns and nearly 1700 yards. He also led the league in yards after initial contact. At his size he has a rare combination of adding on yards when there is nothing.

At 27, Turner feels he can keep going at last year’s pace without worrying about his body breaking down. Reason for that is he was a primary backup for years in San Diego, so actually feels like he has only played one season. A good season at that, but will the Falcons actually keep Turner’s pace of carries that high?

We think they’ll lessen the load for a few reasons. One, Matt Ryan will be more comfortable with the teams system. It’s not that Ryan didn’t throw a lot last season, as he had many games where he threw in the high twenties for attempts. The x-factor where they’d pull Ryan back a bit came within the red-zone. For a quarterback that threw as much as he did, Ryan only had 16 touchdown passes. Another peculiar stat on Ryan’s touchdown throws is that most of them came on big plays.

That’ll change in a hurry now that the Falcons brought in tight end, Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez has been one of the best red zone targets for over a decade now, and doesn’t seem to have lost anything physically. Double check the amount of touchdowns Ryan threw to a tight end last season. Still looking? That’s right……zero. If Gonzalez hovers around his average for touchdowns a season (7), how many touchdowns will this take away from Turner? It could be a bigger impact than fantasy owners think drafting Turner as a top three fantasy back.

For being fourth in the league in points, the Atlanta Falcons red zone efficiency was amazing. Can they sustain that success within the red zone?

Ready for the third clincher on why Turner’s season a year ago will come down from fantasy craziness? Jerious Norwood. Norwood is a back that has averaged over 5 yards a carry the last three seasons with minimal touches. He makes a big play on a high rate average usually a long burner. Sooner or later the Falcons are going to have to figure a way to make more plays for him. He can’t continue to get 100 carries a season, as he is too productive.

They have figured a way to get him more involved out of the backfield as his catches per year have went up to a career high 36 last season. Last year he had 131 complete touches and scored six touchdowns. More than anything you’d have to expect the Falcons to protect their premier back in Turner by not overworking him. This team is talented and will need to have him energized for a second burst come playoff time. If not a season low average and yards per carry could happen once again in the first round of the playoffs (2.3 ypc for 42 yards against the Cardinals).

By Zack Cimini

It wasn’t a shock; well maybe the timing of the signing of Favre was. The finality and deal of two years finally came to a dotted line contract solution. Now the media hoopla of the Favre saga will continue for weeks upon weeks. In a month though the NFL season will begin and that’s what Favre is back for, to win. He has the right formula of players around him, and surely will be a boost to the Vikings offense. This will make a Vikings offense more dangerous and fantasy friendly. Two combinations we all love. If Tarvaris Jackson can have an impact fantasy wise (his last three games in 08’, 4 TD’s against the Cards, and over 230 yards passing in the last two games), imagine what Favre will do.

Immediately a fantasy owner thinking Adrian Peterson was downgradeable because of their inconsistency behind center. That changes now as Favre has led mediocre backs to career years, from Edgar Bennett, Dorsey Levens, Samkon Gado, Ryan Grant, and even last year with Thomas Jones. Peterson now jumps the board as undoubtedly the number one option for fantasy owners. He’ll get the ball plenty of times and will benefit from Favre being able to make big plays down the field off of him. This will work vice versa in the hands of Favre. Allowing him to take far fewer hits and keep his arm protected from over throwing. This was an area that sparked up and plagued him down the stretch last season with the Jets.

What’s scary is Favre will have a couple of weapons that talent wise may be the highest caliber of players he has ever played with. Adrian Peterson without a question will be the best running back he has played with, and Percy Harvin is a dynamic talent that we’re all waiting to see in action in the NFL. Likely he is going to be a big play receiving threat with a mix of gadget plays mixed in for him as well. His speed is lethal and any space is going to be lights out see you later to the opposing defense.

A position Favre always loves to get involved is the tight end. Visanthe Schiancoe came out with a bang last year and was already on fantasy radars for the 2nd tier tight end selections. Now Schiancoe is around the field of being in the first tier. To have almost 600 yards receiving and seven touchdowns last season could only make fantasy owners grin that have already had their drafts. Ones that are coming up should keep an eye on how tight ends are going before letting Schiancoe slip too far.

At receiver Bernard Berrian has a skill set similar to a player Favre meshed with well in his last few years with Green Bay, that being Greg Jennings. Berrian makes a living off big plays but we will have to see how strong Favre’s arm will be from the gate and down the stretch. Sidney Rice and Bobby Wade will fight for the second receiver spot but we really don’t see either or having a serious fantasy impact. Based upon the few clips of Favre’s first practice he is going to have to make up time to build chemistry with his set of receivers. Numerous drops were showed on easy simple routes with no defense to make it difficult.

As for Favre’s fantasy worthiness, we see him as a spot starter for fantasy owners. So scoop him up as your primary backup and insert him in for favorable matchups. His erratic play will continue but should be more limited, as the Vikings are going to be more manageable with how they throw Favre into the fire. Truthfully his fit is perfect for the Vikings and should lead them to the playoffs. How deep in the playoffs is the main question.

New Faces in New Places

Quarterbacks

1. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears. Cutler had a dramatic off-season that landed him in Chicago with the run-first Bears. He won’t have a season like last year because the Bears don’t have a Brandon Marshall. However, they have two very good tight ends in Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark. They also have Matt Forte out of the backfield coming off a gigantic rookie season, as well as speedster Devin Hester. Cutler will no doubt have a chip on his shoulder this season because he has a lot to prove to skeptics. His skills still land him in the top 7 of NFL quarterbacks. The big question is who will catch all his passes this season. Cutler is very talented and will be taken in rounds two or three.
2. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs. Cassel is coming off a breakout season in New England. He finally got his first chance to start and he made the most of it. He moves to Kansas City with new head coach Todd Haley. Haley loved to throw the ball in Arizona and will no doubt want to do the same in Kansas City. His number one target this season will be Dwayne Bowe, who enjoyed a breakout 2008 as well. Cassel will put up numbers, but not as good as the number he put up with New England last season. Expect to see Cassel come off the draft board in the third or fourth round.
3. Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos. Orton was shipped to Denver as part of the Jay Cutler trade. He was basically a throw in, but in reality he is a very serviceable NFL quarterback. He was asked to manage the game in Chicago, and he will most likely be asked to do the same in Denver. But it’s hard to gauge how he will handle this season with a top 5 wide receiver in Brandon Marshall. With having Marshall along with Tony Scheffler and Eddie Royal, Orton should put up better fantasy numbers this season.
4. Byron Leftwich, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Leftwich spent last season as Pittsburgh’s backup, but when he got a chance to play he excelled. That is one of the reason’s Tampa Bay decided to sign the veteran. This will most likely be his last chance to be a starter in the NFL, so expect him to have a great pre-season and win the quarterback battle. The Buccaneers will probably want to have rookie Josh Freeman on the bench this season so he can learn the offense and study under Leftwich. He might be worth a late round gamble.
5. Sage Rosenfels, Minnesota Vikings. Rosenfels was traded from Houston to Minnesota this off-season. He will be in a training camp battle with Tavaris Jackson. Odds are he will start the season on the bench and be a viable option if Jackson starts out 2009 struggling like last season. If s win the quarterback battle he won’t be a productive fantasy option because he will be asked to hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson all season.
6. Jeff Garcia, Oakland Raiders. Garcia is a winner in the NFL and is going to Oakland to be a backup. However, if Russell should struggle out of the gate this season look for Garcia to get a chance to start. A fantasy free agent that needs to be monitored.
7. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills. Fitzpatrick is going to Buffalo to backup Trent Edwards, and is coming off a moderate season as Cincinnati’s quarterback. Pay attention to the Edwards and Owens relationship because if Edwards can’t get him the football everyone knows he will stir things up and want someone who can.
8. Chris Simms, Denver Broncos. Simms spent last season as the number three quarterback in Tennessee. He is still looking for a chance to start in the NFL. He will go into training camp in a position battle with Kyle Orton. Even though Orton is expected to get the job, Simms is someone to keep an eye on. He will be a free agent but keep an eye on how Orton plays the first few weeks of the season.

Wide Receivers

1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seattle Seahawks. Houshmanzadeh saw a production decrease last year after a breakout 2007 season. However, to his defense he played the season without Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer. His ex- teammate Chad Ochocinco didn’t help Houshmandzadeh’s cause by having a horrible 2008 season. Defenses stopped double teaming Ochocinco and turned defensive strategies to stopping Houshmandzadeh. With that said, he was still able to catch 92 passes for 904 yards and only 4 touchdowns. By signing with the Seahawks, he moves into the number one wide receiver role and will be the top target for another Pro Bowl quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck. The Seahawks will be under new leadership with Jim Mora Jr. taking over as head coach. Expect him to continue the pass happy offensive strategy because they didn’t make any upgrades this off-season at the running back position. Houshmandzadeh will have a big season and should be taken in the early rounds of fantasy drafts. He will definitely put up numbers that would rank his production in the top ten of the NFL’s wide receivers.
2. Terrell Owens, Buffalo Bills. Owens moves from the media hyped traveling circus in Dallas to the quiet northeast. The move to Buffalo may be a good thing for the aging wide receiver by taking him out of the spotlight and getting back to what he does best, and that is catching touchdowns. Owens has caught passes for at least 1,000 yards in eight of his last nine seasons. His 2008 numbers dipped to 69 catches for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns. He dropped a ton of passes last season and caught only a little better than 50% of passes thrown to him. If Bills quarterback Trent Edwards can continue to improve and stay on the brink of stardom, then Owens will have another statistically productive season. Edwards will have to do a good job of getting the ball to Owens early in the game. The Bills have a pretty good receiving squad, not to mention Marshawn Lynch at running back to keep opposing defenses focuses on other parts of the offense. Take Terrell Owens in the first few rounds, he will most likely go between rounds 3-6. Keep in mind no matter who is throwing him the passes, Owens always finds a way to put up numbers.
3. Torry Holt, Jacksonville Jaguars. Holt has the chance to be a decent fantasy wide receiver again by getting out of that ugly situation in St. Louis. His new quarterback, David Garrard, is a very serviceable starter and leader in the NFL. He saw his production fall last season but he didn’t have much to throw the ball to. Now he gets a former elite wide receiver and that means Torry Holt will have a productive season. Head coach Jack Del Rio loves to run the ball, but lost Fred Taylor to free agency. By switching teams and going into a new offensive system, Holt is a solid number two or three option in fantasy leagues.
4. Laveranues Coles, Cincinnati Bengals. The Jets were tired of Coles’ complaining and as a result he found a new home in Cincinnati. Carson Palmer couldn’t be happier because now he has a reliable speed option at wide receiver. If Palmer can remain healthy this season and get back to his old self, then Coles will no doubt have a good season as the team’s number two wide receiver. His numbers will improve this season from last year’s. he will make a decent option for fantasy owners and will be picked in the middle rounds.
5. Joey Galloway, New England Patriots. Galloway is a lot like Coles in the sense that he still has tremendous speed, but is getting up there in age. He’s going to be Tom Brady’s third option, and that usually will translate to a good season. Galloway should be taken in the middle rounds and will supply a few big number games this season when defenses are worrying about Moss and Welker.
6. Bobby Engram, Kansas City Chiefs. Engram has been a possession wide receiver his entire career. He isn’t flashy but catches passes especially on third down. He was hurt last season, and the Chiefs are hoping he can get back to his 2007 form. He will have Matt Cassel throwing him the football and new head coach Todd Haley calling the plays. Haley loves throwing the ball and he has the quarterback to do it. Engram should have a bounce back year even at the age of 36.
7. Brandon Jones, San Francisco 49ers
8. Bryant Johnson, Detroit Lions
9. Nate Washington, Tennessee Titans

Running Backs

1. Fred Taylor, New England Patriots. Taylor is going to New England to back up starter Laurence Maroney. He was hurt a few games last season and he didn’t break 1,000 yards last season like he did the previous two. Taylor should a good amount of carries and will be a good later round insurance policy for anyone’s fantasy team. Maroney had an injury plagued season last year so look for Taylor to see a good amount of action this season.
2. Derrick Ward, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ward joins a crowded backfield in Tampa Bay. Cadillac Williams and Earnest Graham are both looking to bounce back from injuries that ended their 2008 season. Ward is used to crowded backfields when he was with the New York Giants the last few seasons. Ward rushed for over 1,000 yards last season, but that was mainly because he was asked to carry the ball more with Brandon Jacobs being banged up most of last season. Don’t expect Ward to get many touchdowns but look for him to rush for decent yards. A for sure middle to late round pick, but if Williams or Graham suffer an injury early Ward may get another 1,000 yard rushing season.

Tight Ends

1. Kellen Winslow, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Browns were tired of Winslow’s outspoken ways and shipped him to Tampa Bay this off-season. Winslow is still a top three tight end in the fantasy world. It won’t matter if Leftwich or Freeman is at quarterback because Winslow will put up good numbers this season. Look for Winslow in the third or fourth round.
2. L.J. Smith, Baltimore Ravens. The Eagles placed the franchise tag on him last year and he was a disappointment. Look for him to be a decent pass catching tight end in Baltimore this season because they run a lot of two tight end formations. He is worth a look as your backup tight end and a late round selection.
3. Robert Royal, Cleveland Browns. Royal comes to the Browns from Buffalo and isn’t much of an option at tight end, but somebody has to catch balls for Cleveland at that position. Royal most likely won’t be drafted but is someone to look at if your starter gets hurt this season.

By Zack Cimini

Usually teams are quick to throw money at marquee free agents, especially when it comes to adding depth at the running back position. Surveying teams depth charts as they go into training camp is questionable at running back. That shouldn’t be the issue though as there are a plethora of veteran running backs that remain unsigned. Do teams truly believe these running backs are washed up and have nothing left? We doubt it. It seems as if more teams are willing to go with the younger unproven backs for depth. This shift is something very new and unparalleled.

Injuries do happen and build up quickly. We’ve profiled nine free agent running backs that all should fill rosters before the regular season starts. All have been key backs for fantasy rosters, and may have some value down the road this season.

Warrick Dunn- Dunn’s probably the primary target of the veteran free agents unsigned. He has bounced around the last few seasons, but still showed value. Last year with Tampa Bay he had over 1100 all purpose yards. At 34 and at his size it’s amazing he has been able to have a lasting career. Teams that will look at him will be looking to sign him because of his pass catching skills.

DeShaun Foster- Talk about an underachiver, Foster embodies that. He has been given all the chances in the world to be a feature back. Maybe being pushed out again and no teams showing interest will get him rededicated.

Rudi Johnson- It seems Johnson has been another victim of heavy carries syndrome. From 2003-2006, Johnson took on the bulk of the carries from the Bengals. Since he has faded quicker than evidence of Lebron James being dunked on. The issue on Johnson’s downfall is still out. It’s wait and see on Johnson, but in the right situation he could have some fantasy value.

Michael Pittman-Pittman keeps hanging around and still pops up on the fantasy radar once or twice a year. He has had several off the field issues that have not gone away. Once on the field though Pittman has shown he is one of the better backs in the league as being a duel threat.

Ahman Green- Another back that wore down from injuries and age. No one can forget his five monster seasons with the Packers, and his revitalized year with Houston in 2006. Steve Slaton pushed him out of Houston last year. One thing Green has going for him is that his injuries weren’t severe they were just on going (hamstring).

Nick Goings- Goings found trouble getting any carries with Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams running the show. Upon his release Goings has had a hard time catching anyone’s interest. He has came from the bottom up before as he did in 2004 when he went from a practice squad back to starter.

Deuce McAllister- Injuries have derailed a promising career as McAllister has hardly touched the field since 2005. His running style is similar to retired Eddie George, which didn’t bode well for George after seven to eight seasons. McAllister has a tough road ahead and obviously his days as a feature back are complete.

Reuben Droughns- Now 30, Droughns is more of a goal line and short yardage back. In his prime he had a couple of very productive seasons of 1,200 yards rushing in both the 2004 and 2005 season. Teams should be taken a look at him to fill the goal line back role he has had the last three seasons. In 2008 the Giants used him solely as a special teams player due to their massive depth at running back with Ward, Jacobs, and Bradshaw.

Aaron Stecker- Stecker was another back that had problems last season due to depth ahead of him. Pierre Thomas filled the third string role behind McAllister and Bush. Stecker showed in 2007 that he can be a primary back when needed.