TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOP 200 RANKINGS........................................................................................................... 3

RANKINGS BY POSITION...................................................................................................... 4

QUARTERBACK SEASON PROFILES.......................................................................................... 5

RUNNING BACK SEASON PROFILES......................................................................................... 8

WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES........................................................................................ 11

TIGHT END SEASON PROFILES............................................................................................... 16

KICKER SEASON PROFILES................................................................................................... 18

TEAM DEFENSE SEASON PROFILES......................................................................................... 21

INDIVIDUAL DEFENSIVE PLAYER SEASON PROFILES..................................................................... 24

SLEEPERS & UNDERVALUED PLAYERS..................................................................................... 32

BUSTS & OVERVALUED PLAYERS........................................................................................... 34

IMPACT ROOKIES.............................................................................................................. 35

POSITION JOB BATTLES...................................................................................................... 39

TEAM DEPTH CHARTS........................................................................................................ 41

TEAM TENDENCIES............................................................................................................ 45

PLAYER STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES....................................................................................... 46

PLAYER GRAPEVINE.......................................................................................................... 66

2
TOP 200 RANKINGS
1. Chris Johnson, RB, TEN
2. Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC
4. Ray Rice, RB, BAL
5. Michael Turner, RB, ATL
6. Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB
7. Drew Brees, QB, NO
8. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT
9. Ryan Mathews, RB, SD
10. Pierre Thomas, RB, NO
11. Frank Gore, RB, SF
12. Andre Johnson, WR, HOU
13. Randy Moss, WR, NE
14. Peyton Manning, QB, IND
15. Tom Brady, QB, NE
16. Tony Romo, QB, DAL
17. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARZ
18. Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL
19. Brandon Marshall, WR, MIA
20. Ryan Grant, RB, GB
21. Steven Jackson, RB, STL
22. Jamaal Charles, RB, KC
23. Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN
24. Calvin Johnson, WR, DET
25. Miles Austin, WR, DAL
26. Greg Jennings, WR, GB
27. Roddy White, WR, ATL
28. Reggie Wayne, WR, IND
29. Philip Rivers, QB, SD
30. Chris Wells, RB, ARZ
31. Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ
32. Antonio Gates, TE, SD
33. Vernon, Davis, TE, SF
34. Steve Smith, WR, CAR
35. Marques Colston, WR, NO
36. DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI
37. Sidney Rice, WR, MIN
38. Michael Crabtree, WR, SF
39. Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG
40. Robert Meachem WR, NO
41. Steven Smith, WR, NYG
42. Dallas Clark, TE, IND
43. Jahvid Best, RB, DET
44. DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR
45. LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI
46. Cedric Benson, RB, CIN
47. Matt Schaub, QB, HOU
48. Eli Manning, QB, NYG
49. Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR
50. Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG
51. Ronnie Brown, RB, MIA
52. Joseph Addai, RB, IND
53. Felix Jones, RB, DAL
54. Hines Ward, WR, PIT
55. Mike Sims-Walker, WR, JAC
56. Malcom Floyd, WR, SD
57. Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE
58. Cadillac Williams, RB, TB
59. Ben Tate, RB, HOU
60. Jermichael Finley, TE, GB
61. Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL
62. Brent Celek, TE, PHI
63. Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC
64. Chad Ochocinco, WR, CIN
65. Pierre Garcon, WR, IND
66. Joe Flacco, QB, BAL
67. Matt Ryan, QB, ATL
68. Jay Cutler, QB, CHI
69. Kevin Kolb, QB, PHI
70. Marion Barber, RB, DAL
71. Darren McFadden, RB, OAK
72. Clinton Portis, RB, WAS
73. Steve Slaton, RB, HOU
74. Owen Daniels, TE, HOU
75. Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, MIN
76. Antonio Bryant, WR, CIN
77. Lee Evans, WR, BUF
78. Braylon Edwards, WR, NYJ
79. Percy Harvin, WR, MIN
80. Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI
81. Matt Forte, RB, CHI
82. Justin Forsett, RB, SEA
83. Kenny Britt, WR, TEN
84. Dez Bryant, WR, DAL
85. Santana Moss, WR, WAS
86. Donald Driver, WR, GB
87. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, SEA
88. Chris Chambers, WR, KC
89. Kellen Winslow, TE, TB
90. Jason Witten, TE, DAL
91. Laurence Maroney, RB, NE
92. Thomas Jones, RB, KC
93. Ricky Williams, RB, MIA
94. Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
95. Devin Thomas, WR, WAS
96. Devin Hester, WR, CHI
97. Johnny Knox, WR, CHI
98. Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, CLE
99. Alex Smith, QB, SF
100. Donovan McNabb, QB, WAS
101. Reggie Bush, RB, NO
102. Brian Westbrook, RB, FA
103. Julian Edelman, WR, NE
104. Terrell Owens, WR, FA
105. Derrick Mason, WR, BAL
106. Wes Welker, WR, NE
107. Vincent Jackson, WR, SD
108. New York Jets, DEF
109. San Francisco 49ers, DEF
110. Minnesota Vikings, DEF
111. Baltimore Ravens, DEF
112. Carson Palmer, QB, CIN
113. Tim Hightower, RB, ARZ
114. Marshawn Lynch, RB, BUF
115. Derrick Ward, RB, TB
116. Chad Henne, QB, MIA
117. Matthew Stafford, QB, DET
118. Austin Collie, WR, IND
119. Steve Breaston, WR, ARZ
120. Torry Holt, WR, NE
121. Zach Miller, TE, OAK
122. John Carlson, TE, SEA
123. David Garrard, QB, JAC
124. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT
125. Brett Favre, QB, MIN
126. Nate Kaeding, K, SD
127. Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ
128. Jerricho Cotchery, WR, NYJ
129. Kevin Walter, WR, HOU
130. Jabar Gaffney, WR, DEN
131. Greg Olsen, TE, CHI
132. Heath Miller, TE, PIT
133. Kevin Boss, TE, NYG
134. Michael Bush, RB, OAK
135. C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF
136. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG
137. Devin Aromashodu, WR, CHI
138. Roy Williams, WR, DAL
139. Garrett Hartley, K, NO
140. Matt Moore, QB, CAR
141. Vince Young, QB, TEN
142. Kyle Orton, QB, DEN
143. Chester Taylor, RB, CHI
144. Willis McGahee, RB, BAL
145. Jerome Harrison, RB, CLE
146. Donnie Avery, WR, STL
147. Arrelious Benn, WR, TB
148. Mario Manningham, WR, NYG
149. Garrett Hartley, K, NO
150. Carolina Panthers, DEF
151. Green Bay Packers, DEF
152. Dallas Cowboys, DEF
153. Denver Broncos, DEF
154. Mason Crosby, K, GB
155. Stephen Gostkowski, K,NE
156. Eddie Royal, WR, DEN
157. Chaz Schilens, WR, OAK
158. Bernard Berrian, WR, MIN
159. Nate Burleson, WR, DET
160. Chris Cooley, TE, WAS
161. Fred Davis, TE, WAS
162. Jeremy Shockey, TE, NO
163. Ben Watson, TE, CLE
164. David Akers, PHI, K
165. Matt Cassel, QB, KC
166. Jason Campbell, QB, OAK
167. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, NYJ
168. Larry Johnson, RB, WAS
169. Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN
170. Justin Gage, WR, TEN
171. Devery Henderson, WR, NO
172. Anthony Gonzalez, WR, IND
173. New England Patriots, DEF
174. Ryan Longwell, K, MIN
175. Dan Carpenter, K, MIA
176. Lawrence Tynes, K, NYG
177. Jacoby Jones, WR, HOU
178. Golden Tate, WR, SEA
179. Deion Branch, WR, SEA
180. Pittsburgh Steelers, DEF
181. Mark Sanchez, QB, NYJ
182. Matt Leinart, QB, ARZ
183. Matt Hasselbeck, QB, SEA
184. Laurent Robinson, WR, STL
185. Josh Morgan, WR, SF
186. Washington Redskins, DEF
187. San Diego Chargers, DEF
188. Chicago Bears, DEF
189. Robbie Gould, K, CHI
190. Josh Freeman, QB, TB
191. Sam Bradford, QB, STL
192. Trent Edwards, QB, BUF
193. Dustin Keller, TE, NYJ
194. Todd Heap, TE, BAL
195. Tony Scheffler, TE, DEN
196. Jake Delhomme, QB, CLE
197. Tarvaris Jackson, QB, MIN
198. Matt Prater, K, DEN
199. Rob Bironas, K, TEN
200. Matt Bryant, K, ATL
3
RANKINGS BY POSITION
QUARTERBACK
1. Aaron Rodgers, GB
2. Drew Brees, NO
3. Peyton Manning, IND
4. Tom Brady, NE
5. Tony Romo, DAL
6. Philip Rivers, SD
7. Matt Schaub, HOU
8. Eli Manning, NYG
9. Joe Flacco, BAL
10. Matt Ryan, ATL
11. Jay Cutler, CHI
12. Kevin Kolb, PHI
13. Alex Smith, SF
14. Donovan McNabb, WAS
15. Carson Palmer, CIN
16. Chad Henne, MIA
17. Matthew Stafford, DET
18. David Garrard, JAC
19. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
20. Brett Favre, MIN
21. Matt Moore, CAR
22. Vince Young, TEN
23. Kyle Orton, DEN
24. Matt Cassel, KC
25. Jason Campbell, OAK
26. Mark Sanchez, NYJ
27. Matt Leinart, ARZ
28. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
29. Josh Freeman, TB
30. Sam Bradford, STL
31. Trent Edwards, BUF
32. Jake Delhomme, CLE
33. Tarvaris Jackson, MIN
34. Byron Leftwich, CLE
35. Brady Quinn, DEN
RUNNING BACK
1. Chris Johnson, TEN
2. Adrian Peterson, MIN
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC
4. Ray Rice, BAL
5. Michael Turner, ATL
6. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT
7. Ryan Mathews, SD
8. Pierre Thomas, NO
9. Frank Gore, SF
10. Ryan Grant, GB
11. Steven Jackson, STL
12. Jamaal Charles, KC
13. Knowshon Moreno, DEN
14. Chris Wells, ARZ
15. Shonn Greene, NYJ
16. Jahvid Best, DET
17. DeAngelo Williams, CAR
18. LeSean McCoy, PHI
19. Cedric Benson, CIN
20. Jonathan Stewart, CAR
21. Brandon Jacobs, NYG
22. Ronnie Brown, MIA
23. Joseph Addai, IND
24. Felix Jones, DAL
25. Montario Hardesty, CLE
26. Cadillac Williams, TB
27. Ben Tate, HOU
28. Marion Barber, DAL
29. Darren McFadden, OAK
30. Clinton Portis, WAS
31. Steve Slaton, HOU
32. Matt Forte, CHI
33. Justin Forsett, SEA
34. Laurence Maroney, NE
35. Thomas Jones, KC
36. Ricky Williams, MIA
37. Reggie Bush, NO
38. Brian Westbrook, FA
39. Tim Hightower, ARZ
40. Marshawn Lynch, BUF
41. Derrick Ward, TB
42. Michael Bush, OAK
43. C.J. Spiller, BUF
44. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG
45. Chester Taylor, CHI
46. Willis McGahee, BAL
47. Jerome Harrison, CLE
48. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ
49. Larry Johnson, WAS
50. Donald Brown, IND
WIDE RECEIVER
1. Andre Johnson, HOU
2. Randy Moss, NE
3. Larry Fitzgerald, ARZ
4. Anquan Boldin, BAL
5. Brandon Marshall, MIA
6. Calvin Johnson, DET
7. Miles Austin, DAL
8. Greg Jennings, GB
9. Roddy White, ATL
10. Reggie Wayne, IND
11. Steve Smith, CAR
12. Marques Colston, NO
13. DeSean Jackson, PHI
14. Sidney Rice, MIN
15. Michael Crabtree, SF
16. Hakeem Nicks, NYG
17. Robert Meachem, NO
18. Steven Smith, NYG
19. Hines Ward, PIT
20. Mike Sims-Walker, JAC
TIGHT END
21. Malcom Floyd, SD
22. Dwayne Bowe, KC
1. Antonio Gates, SD
23. Chad Ochocinco, CIN
2. Vernon Davis, SF
24. Pierre Garcon, IND
3. Dallas Clark, IND
25. Antonio Bryant, CIN
4. Jermichael Finley, GB
26. Lee Evans, BUF
5. Tony Gonzalez, ATL
27. Braylon Edwards, NYJ
6. Brent Celek, PHI
28. Percy Harvin, MIN
7. Owen Daniels, HOU
29. Jeremy Maclin, PHI
8. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN
30. Kenny Britt, TEN
9. Kellen Winslow, TB
31. Dez Bryant, DAL
10. Jason Witten, DAL
32. Santana Moss, WAS
11. Zach Miller, OAK
33. Donald Driver, GB
12. John Carlson, SEA
34. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, SEA
13. Greg Olsen, CHI
35. Chris Chambers, KC
14. Heath Miller, PIT
36. Mike Wallace, PIT
15. Kevin Boss, NYG
37. Devin Thomas, WAS
16. Chris Cooley, WAS
38. Devin Hester, CHI
17. Fred Davis, WAS
39. Johnny Knox, CHI
18. Jeremy Shockey, NO
40. Mohamed Massaquoi, CLE
19. Ben Watson, CLE
41. Julian Edelman, NE
20. Todd Heap, BAL
42. Terrell Owens, FA
21. Dustin Keller, NYJ
43. Derrick Mason, BAL
22. Tony Scheffler, DEN
44. Wes Welker, NE
23. Marcedes Lewis, JAC
45. Vincent Jackson, SD
24. Brandon Pettigrew, DET
46. Austin Collie, IND
25. Bo Scaife, TEN
47. Steve Breaston, ARZ
48. Torry Holt, NE
KICKER
49. Santonio Holmes, NYJ
50. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ
1. Nate Kaeding, SD
51. Kevin Walter, HOU
2. Garrett Hartley, NO
52. Jabar Gaffney, DEN
3. Mason Crosby, GB
53. Devin Aromashodu, CHI
4. Stephen Gostkowski, NE
54. Roy Williams, DAL
5. David Akers, PHI
55. Donnie Avery, STL
6. Ryan Longwell, MIN
56. Arrelious Benn, TB
7. Dan Carpenter, MIA
57. Mario Manningham, NYG
8. Lawrence Tynes, NYG
58. Eddie Royal, DEN
9. Robbie Gould, CHI
59. Chaz Schilens, OAK
10. Matt Prater, DEN
60. Bernard Berrian, MIN
11. Rob Bironas, TEN
61. Nate Burleson, DET
12. Matt Bryant, ATL
62. Demaryius Thomas, DEN
13. Ryan Succop, KC
63. Justin Gage, TEN
14. David Buehler, DAL
64. Devery Henderson, NO
15. Adam Vinatieri, IND
65. Anthony Gonzalez, IND
16. Jay Feely, ARZ
66. Jacoby Jones, HOU
17. Billy Cundiff, BAL
67. Golden Tate, SEA
18. Joe Nedney, SF
68. Deion Branch, SEA
19. Jeff Reed, PIT
69. Laurent Robinson, STL
20. Nick Folk, NYJ
70. Josh Morgan, SF
21. John Kasay, CAR
71. Brian Hartline, MIA
22. Graham Gano, WAS
72. Greg Camarillo, MIA
23. Olindo Mare, SEA
73. Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK
24. Jason Hanson, DET
74. Louis Murphy, OAK
25. Sebastian Janikowski, OAK
75. Josh Cribbs, CLE
26. Phil Dawson, CLE
4
RANKINGS BY POSITION (cont...)
27. Rian Lindell, BUF
28. Josh Brown, STL
29. Josh Scobee, JAC
30. Connor Barth, TB
31. Neil Rackers, HOU
32. Mike Nugent, CIN
DEFENSE
1. New York Jets
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. Carolina Panthers
6. Green Bay Packers
7. Dallas Cowboys
8. Denver Broncos
9. New England Patriots
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
11. Washington Redskins
12. San Diego Chargers
13. Chicago Bears
14. Philadelphia Eagles
15. Arizona Cardinals
16. Cincinnati Bengals
17. Atlanta Falcons
18. Miami Dolphins
19. Indianapolis Colts
20. Oakland Raiders
21. Buffalo Bills
22. New Orleans Saints
23. Cleveland Browns
24. New York Giants
25. Houston Texans
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
27. Tennessee Titans
28. Seattle Seahawks
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
30. St. Louis Rams
31. Kansas City Chiefs
32. Detroit Lions
LINEBACKERS
& DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
1. Patrick Willis, SF, LB
2. Jon Beason, CAR, LB
3. Barrett Ruud, TB, LB
4. London Feltcher, WAS, LB
5. D'Qwell Jackson, CLE, LB
6. David Harris, NYJ, LB
7. Paul Posluszny, BUF, LB
8. Kirk Morrison, JAC, LB
9. James Laurinaitis, STL, LB
10. Jerod Mayo, NE, LB
11. D.J. Williams, DEN, LB
12. Curtis Lofton, ATL, LB
13. Ray Lewis, BAL, LB
14. DeMeco Ryans, HOU, LB
15. Brian Cushing, HOU, LB
16. Jonathan Vilma, NO, LB
17. Stephen Tulloch, TEN, LB
18. Lance Briggs, CHI, LB
19. Dhani Jones, CIN, LB
20. Bradie James, DAL, LB
21. DeMarcus Ware, DAL, LB
22. Nick Barnett, GB, LB
23. Rolando McClain, OAK, LB
24. Demorrio Williams, KC, LB
25. Gary Brackett, IND, LB
26. E.J. Henderson, MIN, LB
27. Karlos Dansby, MIA, LB
28. Clint Session, IND, LB
29. Lawrence Timmons, PIT, LB
30. Michael Boley, NYG, LB
31. James Harrison, PIT, LB
32. Keith Brooking, DAL, LB
33. Geno Hayes, TB, LB
34. Keith Bulluck, FA, LB
35. Calvin Pace, NYJ, LB
36. James Farrior, PIT, LB
37. Chad Greenway, MIN, LB
38. Stephen Cooper, SD, LB
39. Trent Cole, PHI, DE
40. LaMarr Woodley, PIT, LB
41. Jared Allen, MIN, DE
42. Andra Davis, BUF, LB
43. Keith Ellison, BUF, LB
44. Lofa Tatupu, SEA, LB
45. David Hawthorne, SEA, LB
46. Justin Tuck, NYG, DE
47. Kevin Burnett, SD, LB
48. Mike Peterson, ATL, LB
49. Larry Foote, PIT, LB
50. Mario Williams, TEX, DE
DEFENSIVE BACKS
1. Yeremiah Bell, MIA, S
2. Tyvon Branch, OAK, S
3. Bernard Pollard, HOU, S
4. Erik Coleman, ATL, S
5. Eric Weddle, SD, S
6. Louis Delmas, DET, S
7. Roman Harper, NO, S
8. Dashon Goldson, SF, S
9. Antoine Bethea, IND, S
10. Terrell Thomas, NYG, CB
11. Eric Berry, KC, S
12. Earl Thomas, SEA, S
13. T.J. Ward, CLE, S
14. Quintin Mikell, PHI, S
15. Charles Woodson, GB, CB
16. Brandon Meriweather, NE, S
17. LaRon Landry, WAS, S
18. O.J. Atogwe, STL, S
19. Ryan Clark, PIT, S
20. Dawan Landry, BAL, S
21. Michael Lewis, SF, S
22. Chinedum Ndukwe, CIN, S
23. Antoine Winfield, MIN, CB
24. Brian Dawkins, DEN, S
25. Roy Williams, CIN, S
26. Chris Hope, TEN, S
27. Charles Tillman, CHI, CB
28. Kerry Rhodes, ARZ, S
29. Richard Marshall, CAR, CB
30. James Butler, STL, S
31. Tanard Jackson, TB, S
32. Antrel Rolle, NYG, S
34. Nick Collins, GB, S
34. Jonathan Joseph, CIN, CB
35. Abram Elam, CIN, S
36. Adrian Wilson, ARZ, S
37. Donte Whitner, BUF, S
38. Ronde Barber, TB, CB
39. Darren Sharper, NO, S
40. Nick Harper, FA, CB
41. Danieal Manning, CHI, S
42. Gibril Wilson, CIN, S
43. Kelvin Hayden, IND, CB
44. Bryan Scott, BUF, S
45. George Wilson, BUF, S
46. Jordan Babineaux, SEA, S
47. Mike Brown, FA, S
48. Reed Doughty, WAS, S
49. Melvin Bullitt, IND, S
50. Kenny Phillips, NYG, S
5
QUARTERBACK SEASON PROFILES
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
1. Aaron Rodgers, GB
In his second year as starter, Rodgers built upon the success of his
first year, increasing his touchdown production (28 to 30) while cut-
ting his interceptions in half (13 in 2008, only 7 in 2009). Relative
youth and remaining projectability give him top rank among field
generals.
2. Drew Brees, NO
He’s not the first QB on this list, but he isn’t far off, either. Brees
has thrown for 34 touchdowns each of the last two years, nor is the
New Orleans’ offense any weaker this year. That’s what helps sepa-
rate him from the rest of the pack.
3. Peyton Manning, IND
Manning has thrown the ball at least 550 times in three of the previ-
ous four seasons, nor does that trend seem likely to stop in 2010.
Fantasy owners might be worried about Manning’s slightly inflated
interception totals from last year (16), but that number is likely to
regress.
4. Tom Brady, NE
If you throw out the one giant year, and also the one completely lost
to injury, Brady’s been pretty much the same guy since 2003. One
advantage entering 2010: Brady hasn’t spent the offseason rehab-
bing. That might mean be cause for a slight improvement over last
year’s already-fine numbers.
5. Tony Romo, DAL
Romo preserved his touchdown total from 2008 (26) while cutting
his interceptions by five — this, despite playing three more games.
Still, it’s good to be a little suspicious of any player who sets career
highs as a 29-year-old.
6. Philip Rivers, SD
Rivers has the skills to be ranked higher than this, but consider: a
full 17 quarterbacks threw more passes than Rivers in 2009. In fact,
Rivers has never topped the 500-pass threshold in a season. Now,
with the fresh-faced Ryan Mathews replacing a hobbled LaDainian
Tomlinson, the chances of Rivers surpassing 500 are even lower.
7. Matt Schaub, HOU
Just as Rivers suffers from too-few pass attempts, Schaub’s fanta-
sy value is perhaps overstated by the sheer number of attempts
he’s bound to make. In 2009, Schaub led the NFL with 583
attempts. It’s good for Schaub that 170 of those were in Andre
Johnson’s direction.
8. Eli Manning, NYG
Manning enters 2010 with something he didn’t have at the same
point last year: two dependable, talented receivers. With Hakeem
Niks going long and Steven Smith running underneath, there’ll be
plenty of opportunities for Manning to find targets.
9. Joe Flacco, BAL
The Ravens have traditionally been a run-first team — that much is
obvious. But with Flacco’s 2009 breakout and the additions of both
Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth, there’s reason to think
Flacco’s fantasy stock is on the rise.
10. Matt Ryan, ATL
Ryan’s success as a rookie was undermined slightly by his sopho-
more season, which saw him battle turf toe en route to a decreased
yard-per-attempt rate (7.9 down to 6.5). Still, the young QB finished
the season averaging 35 attempts over his last three games, with
six TDs against only two INTs.
11. Jay Cutler, CHI
Cutler’s poor rate of touchdowns to interceptions (27 to 26 in 2009)
doesn’t necessarily speak well of his performance. Still, most fanta-
sy leagues subtract only a single point for interceptions while
awarding either four or six for a touchdown. That makes Cutler’s
gambling worthwhile.
12. Kevin Kolb, PHI
McNabb’s departure leaves Kolb as the No. 1 quarterback on
Philly’s depth chart. With coach Andy Reid’s pass-oriented offense
and a decent showing during Donovan McNabb’s early-season rib
injury, Kolb is likely rosterable even in shallow leagues.
13. Alex Smith, SF
Prorated over the course of a full year, Smith’s 372 pass attempts
through 11 games in 2009 would come out to about 541. That total
would’ve placed him tied for sixth in the entire NFL with Aaron
Rodgers and Kyle Orton.
14. Donovan McNabb, WAS
Apart from his 31-TD performance in 2004, McNabb has generally
been lucky to top the 20-TD threshold, instead playing a more con-
trolled game. Even with a new team and coach (Redskins, Mike
Shanahan) that’s unlikely to change.
15. Carson Palmer, CIN
Even discounting his injury-plagued 2008, when he played only
eight games, Palmer’s TD numbers have been trending the wrong
way, proceeding this way since 2005: 32, 28, 26, 21. Yeah, a quar-
terback only has so much control over that, but Palmer is still a
Bengal, so great improvement can’t be expected.
16. Chad Henne, MIA
The addition of Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins’ receiving corps
— and another year of maturation — makes Henne an interesting
play coming to 2010. The Dolphins already offer a pretty excellent
offensive line and varied running attack. Now with a legitimate deep
threat in the mix, Henne qualifies as a No. 2 QB with upside.
17. Matthew Stafford, DET
Stafford presents an instance where we might have to continue
valuing pedigree over performance. No, Stafford’s 13:20 TD:INT
from last season isn’t particularly appetizing, but between his col-
lege performance, optimism in the Lions camp, and the presence of
the very talented Calvin Johnson, signs point to Stafford being a
pretty interesting No. 2 fantasy QB this year.
18. David Garrard, JAC
It’s appearing more and more likely that Garrard’s 2007, which saw
him post a crazy 18:3 TD:INT ratio, is a significant outlier. He still
had one of the league’s better interception rates in 2009 (1.9% of all
6
QUARTERBACK SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
passes, compared to a league average of about 3%), but merely
average yards-per-attempt numbers suggest that Garrard isn’t
exactly fantasy gold.
19. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
Roethlisberger enters 2010 set to miss six — or, at the very least,
four — games due to suspension, making him an intriguing later-
round pick, but not someone upon whom to stake your fantasy
success. For what it’s worth, he’s been going in the early-100s in
mock drafts. Plan accordingly.
20. Brett Favre, MIN
Favre has become the runaway bride of the NFL, and this year is no
exception. As of press time, it’s unclear whether Favre intends to
play in 2010. If he does
21. Matt Moore, CAR
Moore took over for the struggling Jake Delhomme towards the end
of the season, starting the team’s last five games. The Panthers
went 4-1 over that stretch, which saw Moore average 7.9 yards per
attempt and toss 8 TDs compared to just 1 INT.
22. Vince Young, TEN
Taking over for Kerry Collins in 2009 after the Titans’ poor 0-6 start,
Young distinguished himself by demonstrating an ability to take
care of the ball, throwing only 6 interceptions in the team’s final 10
games. That doesn’t make him a superstar, but, combined with his
running ability, makes him a fine bye-week quarterback.
23. Kyle Orton, DEN
Orton has actually improved both his yards-per-attempt and inter-
ception rates each of the three years (2005, ‘08-’09) he’s received
significant playing time. The only real problem with him is that he
isn’t Jay Cutler. In any case, so long as Brady Quinn doesn’t some-
how steal it from him, Orton should be the starting QB.
24. Matt Cassel, KC
Let’s be clear about this. In one full season with the perennially suc-
cessful Patriots, Cassel had a 21:11 TD:INT and averaged 7.2 yards
per pass. In his first season with the frequently dismal Chief, those
numbers went to 16:16 and 5.9, respectively. Cassel didn’t change;
his team did. Expect something more like the latter in 2010.
25. Jason Campbell, OAK
Campbell’s move to Oakland might be a case of bad things hap-
pening to good quarterbacks. No, Campbell’s not a world-beater,
but he was reasonable efficient as a Redskin. Now he’ll work
behind a Raider offensive line that was second-worst in adjusted
sack rate last season.
26. Mark Sanchez, NYJ
Even though there might be some reasons to be optimistic about
Sanchez’ future, the year 2010 might not be the one for the USC
product. Of 32 qualified quarterbacks, Sanchez finished with the
third-worst interception rate in 2009 (5.5% of all passes thrown) and
averaged only 24 pass attempts per game.
27. Matt Leinart, ARZ
Leinart steps into a starting role vacated by Kurt Warner, who
retired this offseason. It’s hard to know exactly what to make of the
lefty, who hasn’t received anything close to regular playing time the
last two seasons. When he’s played, the results haven’t been fan-
tastic. Now, with the departure of Anquan Boldin, there’s no addi-
tional reason for optimism.
28. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
If Hasselbeck’s 2009 was enough to deter you from picking him,
consider this, as well: left tackle Walter Jones, widely considered
the best at his position for a decade, announced his retirement this
past offseason.
29. Josh Freeman, TB
There was a great deal of optimism surrounding Freeman during the
the team’s spring workouts — in particular, his blossoming relation-
ship with QB coach Alex Van Pelt. Certainly Freeman has the physi-
cal tools to be a fine quarterback. Unfortunately, his lack either of
experience or a dependable offensive line make his fantasy
prospects dismal for 2010.
30. Sam Bradford, STL
Though he went first overall in the real NFL draft, Bradford probably
shouldn’t be picked at all in this year’s fantasy drafts. He does have
the benefit of a starting role with St. Louis, but between the Rams’
incompetence and the steep learning curve associated with being
an NFL QB, Bradford might be in for a rough year.
31. Trent Edwards, BUF
Though Edwards took the majority of Buffalo’s snaps in 2007 and
‘08, that “honor” belonged to Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2009. Neither guy
really wowed onlookers, which is why incoming coach Chan Gailey
has opted to open up the spot to a three-way competition with
Edwards, Fitzpatrick, and Brian Brohm.
32. Jake Delhomme, CLE
It’s not entirely clear how Cleveland coach Eric Mangini plans to use
Delhomme. Early reports suggests that Delhomme might share
snaps with other new signing Seneca Wallace, serving as more of a
pocket passer while Wallace uses his legs as a more significan
threat. In any case, he doesn’t appear to be someone to roster right
out of the draft.
33. Tarvaris Jackson, MIN
You think Jackson goes to the same therapist as Aaron Rodgers?
It’d make sense, as the root of Jackson’s angst is likely the same as
Rodgers has been: Brett Favre. No, Jackson hasn’t been excellent
in his limited time as an NFL starter, but he’s appeared to improve
every year in the league. That’s as much as you can reasonably ask
of a guy.
34. Byron Leftwich, CLE
Leftwich presents an interesting case. Unlike the 33 QBs ahead of
him in these rankings, he has no shot of topping the depth chart for
his team. Thing is, the player at the top of said depth chart — Ben
Roethlisberger — will be out of commission for the first four or six
games. Given a full season of play, Leftwich would probably be
about 23 or 24 on this list. Actually, nevermind. That’s not too great.
35. Brady Quinn, DEN
Brady Quinn is on this list because 35 is a better number of quar-
terbacks to rank than 34. Reports out of Denver have Quinn almost
definitely starting the season as Denver’s No. 2, behind Kyle Orton.
7
RUNNING BACK SEASON PROFILES
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
1. Chris Johnson, TEN
After only topping 20 carries once through the first six weeks,
Johnson was very obviously the cream of the fantasy crop by the
end of last season, finishing with 11 conscutive 100-yard rushing
performances. Offseason contract issues shouldn’t affect his per-
formance this season.
2. Adrian Peterson, MIN
Peterson has played 16 games each of the last two seasons, going
some way toward addressing concerns about his health. One con-
cern remains about his 2009 performance, though: despite playing
a full slate of games, Peterson only topped the 100-yard mark thrice.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC
Jones-Drew won’t get the raw yardage totals of other elite backs,
but his versatility (50-plus receptions the last two years) and central
role in Jacksonville’s goal-line set give him excellent fantasy value.
4. Ray Rice, BAL
Rice is essentially a younger Jones-Drew. Like the former, Rice’s
versatility is the key to his fantasy value. In addition to something
like 1400 rushing yards, he’s also a good bet for close to 80 recep-
tions. Only thing: Willis McGahee will still likely be taking some
goal-line carries.
5. Michael Turner, ATL
Turner’s a likely candidate to bounce back, even if he’s unlikely to
match 2008’s 377 carries. If you conceive of fantasy players in
terms of tiers, consider Turner the final member of the top RB tier.
There’s probably about as much distance between him and Chris
Johnson as there is between him and Rashard Mendenhall.
6. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT
In his first shot at the job, Mendenhall established himself as the
primary ball-carrier for the Steelers last season. Now, with the off-
season departure of Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh has talked about
an even greater commitment to the ground game. The main con-
cern with Mendenhall is his durability, as he had fewer than 20 car-
ries in seven of his 13 starts in 2009.
7. Ryan Mathews, SD
Here’s what’s notable: Mathews will likely fill a very similar role to
the one that a hobbled LaDainian Tomlinson occupied last year.
Despite averaging only 3.3 yards per carry, LT still netted 12 TDs in
2009. That bodes well for Mathews in his freshman campaign.
8. Pierre Thomas, NO
Reports this offseason suggest that Thomas and the Saints are
attempting to reach a long-term deal. Between that and the depar-
ture of Mike Bell to Philly, signs point to Thomas taking on a feature
role in the backfield. He’ s been going 16th among RBs in early
mock drafts, and he’s a steal that late.
9. Frank Gore, SF
Gore still remains a vital component of the Niner offense, and had
his best fantasy season since 2006 last year. Still, consider: his car-
ries have decreased every year since a high of 300-plus in 2006,
and he’s unlikely to match last year’s career-high TD total.
10. Ryan Grant, GB
Grant is part of a slowly dwindling fraternity: the NFL’s 300-carry
club. Though he didn’t quite hit the mark in 2009 (282), he did in
2008 (312), and there’s reason to believe he’ll approach the mark
again this year. It’s hard to say that’s good for his future in the
league, but it makes him a valuable fantasy commodity in 2010.
11. Steven Jackson, STL
After recording an NFC-high 1,416 yards in 2009, Jackson under-
went back surgery in early April to repair a herniated disc — an
injury that he actually played through over the season’s last several
games. Jackson’s talent is undeniable, but his health and lack of
goal-line opportunities (only 4 TDs last season) must be considered.
12. Jamaal Charles, KC
Charles averaged a freakish 5.9 yards per carry and finished 2009
with 1,120 yards and seven touchdowns, despite not seeing signifi-
cant playing time until Week 9. The arrival of Thomas Jones pres-
ents a challenge to Charles’ carry totals and goal-line opportunities.
13. Knowshon Moreno, DEN
Playing as a rookie last year, Moreno didn’t meet the lofty expecta-
tions that his final season with Georgia — when he rushed for about
1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns — suggested he might reach. Still,
the fact remains: Moreno carried the ball about 250 times in his
rookie campaign and enters 2010 as Denver’s unidisputed number-
one rusher. Those facts, combined with Moreno’s pedigree, make
him a compelling pick.
14. Chris Wells, ARZ
Though officially behind Tim Hightower on the Arizona depth chart,
Wells is very likely the bigger talent — and better fantasy back. Still,
Wells’ success will be tied to playing time. The departure of Warner
and Boldin might very well make Arizona a run-centric offense.
15. Shonn Greene, NYJ
The good news? Thomas Jones’ departure made Greene the princi-
pal ball carrier for the Jets. The bad? The signing of LaDainian
Tomlinson calls that status into question. Left to his own devices,
Greene could be a top-5 back. With Tomlinson around? Not likely.
16. Jahvid Best, DET
Though early reports suggest that the rookie Best might be eased
into a featured role, current backs Maurice Morris and Kevin Smith
aren’t ultimately likely to pose much of a threat. Long-term, injuries
might be a consideration for Best, but for 2010, he appears to be a
good play.
17. DeAngelo Williams, CAR
As part of basically a 50/50 timeshare with Jonathan Stewart,
Williams is less valuable than if he were a 300-carry back. Still, 1,000
yards and eight TDs wouldn’t be surprising totals from the Panther.
18. LeSean McCoy, PHI
McCoy’s fantasy prospects were promising until late March, when
the Eagles signed former Saint Mike Bell as his backfield partner.
While McCoy is talented and will almost definitely get somewhere
near 200 carries, Bell might be in for goal-line situations.
8
RUNNING BACK SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
19. Cedric Benson, CIN
Benson offers the advantage of dependable playing time: in only 13
games last season, Benson recorded a full 301 carries. So, in the
words of Caddyshack’s Carl Spackler, “he’s got that going for him.”
Unfortunately, Benson provides little in the way of yards per carry
(lifetime 3.8) or TDs (6 last season, tying a career high).
20. Jonathan Stewart, CAR
The analysis of Stewart greatly resembles the one of his backfield
partner, DeAngelo Williams: talented runner and fantasy producer
who’d be ranked more highly if her were netting something closer
to 250 or 275 carries. Is probably not quite the talent as Williams,
however.
21. Brandon Jacobs, NYG
After the season, Jacobs had surgery on his knee, the injury of
which could very likely explain his drop in yards per carry from 5.0
in both 2007 and ‘08 to a mere 3.7 per carry in 2009. Even if he
only gets halfway back to his previous levels, he’ll be an excellent
pick at this point in the draft.
22. Ronnie Brown, MIA
Part of Brown’s fantasy value depends upon how well he heals from
a right-foot fracture that ended his season. The other part of value
depends upon the production of teammate Ricky Williams, who
topped 1000 yards and 10 TDs in Brown’s absence.
23. Joseph Addai, IND
With the exception of his rookie season, in which he average 4.8
yards per carry, Addai’s numbers have not been fantastic in that
category. Still, he’s hit a double-digits TDs in two of the past three
years and has taken on a considerably bigger role in the passing
game.
24. Felix Jones, DAL
Jones amassed only 116 carries over the course of 2009. The good
news is that close to half of those (49) came in the final four weeks
of the season. Overall, Jones averaged 5.9 yards per carry — a
number that backfield partner Marion Barber is unlikely to
approach. The down sider for Jones is that, regardless of his ability
in the open field, Barber’s a good candidate for goal-line opps.
25. Montario Hardesty, CLE
The early-June OTAs saw Hardesty playing ahead of incumbent
Jerome Harrison. How that translates to regular-season responsibili-
ties remains to be seen, but the Browns are projected to be run-
heavy, which could bode well for Hardesty’s freshman campaign.
26. Cadillac Williams, TB
Williams is a compelling No. 2 RB option. He enters 2010 complete-
ly healthy — something he hasn’t been able to say the previous two
offseasons. Also, provided he can handle the rigors of it, he’s likely
to take on something like a feature role in the Tampa Bay running
attack. Something north of 220 rushes isn’t out of the question.
27. Ben Tate, HOU
Tate enters 2010 with a rookie sheen. Were he to have a clear path
to the starting role, he’d certainly be ranked higher than this. Only
problem is, Steve Slaton and Arian Foster also look set to take a fair
number of carries this season.
28. Marion Barber, DAL
According to reports, Barber played most of the 2009 season with a
torn left quad muscle. That sounds painful. Even a healthy Barber
will be a somewhat risky fantasy play, unfortuntely, owing to the
increased relevance of Felix Jones to the Dallas running attack.
29. Darren McFadden, OAK
The Raiders released Justin Fargas in March, leaving McFadden in
position to secure the starting running back role in 2010. He was
the fourth pick in the draft just two years ago, so he figures to get
the first crack at the starting job ahead of Michael Bush.
30. Clinton Portis, WAS
The presence of both Larry Johnson and, more recently, Willie
Parker should raise some concerns among fantasy owners about
role with the Redskins. For now, incoming coach Mike Shanahan
has said that Portis is the team’s starter. It’s hard to say what that
mean exactly, but he’s topped 300 carries for every year he’s been
in Washington that hasn’t been injury-shortened.
31. Steve Slaton, HOU
Slaton was a force in his rookie season, compiling 1,659 yards from
scrimmage with 10 touchdowns. Last year, problems with the fum-
ble saw his fantasy value drop precipitously. Slaton claims that off-
season surgery to a nerve in his neck will go some ways toward
remedying the problem. Still, with the arrival of Ben Tate to
Houston, it’s hard to say how many carries Slaton will see.
32. Matt Forte, CHI
New offensive coordinator Mike Martz has stated that Forte and
new signing Chester Taylor will “share duties” this year. That’s bad
news for Forte, who’s surpassed the 250-carry threshold in his first
two pro years.
33. Justin Forsett, SEA
Forsett is projected to share time with Julius Jones this season.
He’s likely to top last year’s 114 carries, but it’s unlikely — barring
injury to Jones — that Forsett will see 200 rushes. It’s hard to be
much of a fantasy force in that case.
34. Laurence Maroney, NE
Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk: no, it’s not a list of players
who retired this offseason; it’s the other running backs — besides
Maroney — who received 50-plus carries for the Pats last season.
Maroney’s nine TDs last season were great but are unlikely to be
matched in 2010.
35. Thomas Jones, KC
Though it took some time for his career to get going, Jones — now
32 — has rushed for 1000-plus yards in each of the last five sea-
sons, including 2009’s career-high 1,402. This year, now with
Kansas City, he’ll almost definitely share the backfield with Jamaal
Charles. That’s better for the Chiefs than it is fantasy owners.
36. Ricky Williams, MIA
Williams’ low-ish ranking is less an indictment of his skills, per se,
and more a recognition of two facts. For one, Ronnie Brown, who
missed time last year to a fractured foot, returns healthy this sea-
son. For two, Williams is a little bit nutso. Last year, he was good
for over a 1,100 yards and 11 TDs.
9
RUNNING BACK SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
37. Reggie Bush, NO
Despite much being made of Bush’s intention to run more often
between the tackles, it’s likley that he just doesn’t have the body to
support a larger carry load. Mike Bell’s departure might mean a
larger role, however, which — with his versatility — at least makes
Bush a possibility as a No. 2 running back on your team.
38. Brian Westbrook, FA
Two concussions and an ankle injury relegated Westbook to a mere
61 carries and one TD in 2009 after he’d averaged 250 and eight
per season between 2006-08. Released by the Eagles, Westbrook
has yet to settle on a team. It’s hard to project his playing time right
now, but his yards-per-carry numbers don’t really suggest the loss
of athleticism you might expect from a 31-year-old back.
39. Tim Hightower, ARZ
As mentioned in the Chris Wells’ outlook, Hightower enters 2010 as
the nominal No. running back in Arizona, but could soon be passed
over by his backfield mate. Ultimately, his playing time will remain
uncertain till the season actually begins.
40. Marshawn Lynch, BUF
To understand Lynch’s value, one must first sort out the cluttered
running-back situation in Buffalo. Among the likely scenarios is one
which sees Buffalo deal the mercurial Lynch to give time to both
Fred Jackson and No. 9 pick C.J. Spiller.
41. Derrick Ward, TB
With Cadillac Williams down and almost out, Ward had the chance
to take over primary rushing duties for the Bucs last year.
Unfortunately, his 3.6 yards per carry did little to impress. Some of
that is clearly due to the team’s poor offensive line (Williams himself
only averaged 3.9 yards per carry), but Ward will likely be on the
short side of a timeshare with Williams.
42. Michael Bush, OAK
As mentioned in the Darren McFadden outlook, the departure of
Justin Fargas leaves only Bush and McFadden competing for car-
ries in the Oakland backfield. McFadden’s relative youth and pedi-
gree sets him up as top choice, but injuries have also been a con-
cern for him. Expect something like a 65/35 split in the meantime.
43. C.J. Spiller, BUF
Spiller’s role in the Buffalo run attack will be decided by a couple
factors, not the least of which is how the Bills choose to deal with
the difficult Marshawn Lynch. If Lynch stays, neither he nor Spiller
nor Fred Jackson will hold much value. If Lynch is dealth, Spiller —
who’s been compared athletically to Reggis Bush — might be an
interesting pick as a No. 2 RB.
44. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG
Bradshaw’s role in 2010 should be very similar to the one he occu-
pied in 2009, when he shared time with Brandon Jacobs and car-
ried the ball 163 times for 778 yards and 7 TDs. Both Jacobs (torn
meniscus) and Bradshaw (broken foot) had offseason procedures.
45. Chester Taylor, CHI
Though they’re probably best for the teams involved, running back
timeshares are super annoying for fantasy owners. The one with
Chicago’s Matt Forte and Chester Taylor is maybe the most annoy-
ing of them all. As a feature back, either might have value similar to
Cedric Benson. Teamed-up like this? Not so much.
46. Willis McGahee, BAL
Willis McGahee will not be the center of the Ravens’ running attack
— that distinction belongs to the multi-talented Ray Rice. Early
reports suggest, however, that McGahee will be getting time in
goal-line sets, suggesting he could accrue touchdown totals
beyond what his mere carry numbers would suggest.
47. Jerome Harrison, CLE
Harrison had a crazy last three weeks of the 2009 season, rushing
106 times (35 per game) for 561 yards (5.3 per carry) and 5 TDs. As
much as that should make fantasy owners excited about Harrison’s
prospects for 2010, the offseason addition of Montario Hardesty
basically ruins all those good feelings. Harrison will get carries, but
will probably be on the short end of a timeshare.
48. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ
“Great 30-year-old running back” isn’t a term you’re going to hear a
lot. Tomlinson, for however great he used to be, isn’t an exception.
His per-carry numbers have declined every year from an amazing
2006 campaign that also saw him score 28 TDs. Now with the Jets,
he’ll probably concede a lot of carries to the young and talented
Shonn Greene, but might still end up being a goal-line threat.
49. Larry Johnson, WAS
The Redskins signed running back Willie Parker In April, adding to a
crowded backfield that already included Johnson and Clinton
Portis. The good news here is that Johnson was taking the goal-line
snaps during spring workouts, making him valuable beyond his pure
yardage totals.
50. Donald Brown, IND
Brown's not even No. 2 running back fodder for the time being, so
long as Joseph Addai is still around and getting about 75 percent of
the team's carries. Still, Brown is young and had a solid showing
while getting about eight carries a game during the 11 games he
was healthy last season.
10
WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
1. Andre Johnson, HOU
The advantage with Johnson is that, thanks to Houston’s pass-
heavy attack — and the frequency with which the wideout is target-
ed by QB Matt Schaub — he doesn’t even need to post great TD
totals totals to qualify as an elite receiver. Even so, he’s averaged
about eight TDs per year over the last three seasons.
2. Randy Moss, NE
Moss has led the NFL in TDs in five of 12 seasons in league — and
that’s including his time with Raiders. At 33, he’s likely to slow
down at some point, but this season probably isn’t it. With Tom
Brady and the Patriot offense still in place, Moss is a good bet to
finish north of 10 TDs.
3. Larry Fitzgerald, ARZ
Fitzgerald hasn’t changed, but his team has. This offseason saw
the retirement of Kurt Warner and departure, via trade, of Anquan
Boldin. With Matt Leinart likely at the helm, and the receiving corps
slightly depleted, Fitzgerald’s chances might be limited.
4. Anquan Boldin, BAL
Things are looking up for Boldin’s draft stock, as not only does he
move out from under the shadow of the very talented Larry
Fitzgerald in Arizona, but he moves to a team in Baltimore that
appears to be emphasizing the pass more, attempting 510 passes
in 2009 after just 433 in 2008. Boldin appears to be a lock to
exceed his 129 targets from last season.
5. Brandon Marshall, MIA
Amazingly, Marshall has recorded more than 100 receptions each
of the last three years. Though he’s skewed more and more
towards being a possession-type receiver — recording yards-per-
catch averages of 15.5, 13.0, 12.2, and then 11.1 last year — the
sheer quantity of receptions makes him a top fantasy receiver.
6. Calvin Johnson, DET
Two years ago, Johnson tied for the league lead in touchdowns.
Last season, the league took note, sometimes assigning up to three
players to Johnson on any given play. This year brings with it two
positive notes: a more experienced Matthew Stafford at QB and
more talented second receiver in the newly acquired Nate Burleson.
7. Miles Austin, DAL
Austin entered 2009 fourth on the Cowboys’ depth chart; 81 recep-
tions later, he’d established himself as Tony Romo’s favorite target.
Barring injury, that’s how Austin will enter the 2010 season.
8. Greg Jennings, GB
Though he didn’t reach his TD totals from the previous two seasons
(12 and 9 in 2007 and ‘08, respectively) there are a couple reasons
to like Jennings going into your draft. For one, he’s almost sure to
regress upwards to those two previous seasons. For two, he’s the
deep-play threat in one of the NFL’s best passing attacks.
9. Roddy White, ATL
White has been shockingly consistent over the last three season,
always catching 80-something passes and netting something like
1,200-1,300 yards. His TD total of 11 from 2009 may not be repeat-
able, but he’s a good pick in this area of the draft.
10. Reggie Wayne, IND
Wayne is without a doubt a talented receiver, topping the 100
reception mark in two of the last three seasons. Just beware of his
dropping yardage totals per catch, which look like this since 2006:
15.2, 14.5, 14.0, 12.6. That might mark a loss of athleticism, which
wouldn’t be all that surprising from a receiver who turns 32 this
year.
11. Steve Smith, CAR
Smith has been a consistently excellent fantasy player, despite
less-than-excellent talent at Carolina’s quarterback position. The
late-season success of Matt Moore, who took over for Jake
Delhomme last season, should give owners some reason to
believe that Smith, who turned 31 in the offseason, won’t ride off
into the sunset just yet.
12. Marques Colston, NO
After missing five games in 2008 due to a thumb injury, Colston
returned to roughly the same guy he’d been the previous two sea-
sons. He’ll likely be that guy again in 2010, too.
13. DeSean Jackson, PHI
After bursting onto the scene in 2008 with 62 receptions, Jackson
spent 2009 substantially improving his yards per reception and
touchdown numbers (by four and seven, respectively). The ques-
tion, of course, will be the degree to which Donovan McNabb’s
departure affects Jackson’s production.
14. Sidney Rice, MIN
Rice had a breakout campaign in 2009, catching 83 passes and
scoring eight TDs. And at just age 24, there’s reason to believe
there’s still some upside. The question is who’ll be throwing passes
to Rice in 2010: Brett Favre or Tavaris Jackson. The former would
be much preferred by Rice’s fantasy owners.
15. Michael Crabtree, SF
It’s hard to know exactly what to expect from Crabtree, as we only
have 11 games of data for him. Still, he possesses excellent physi-
cal skills and enters 2010 as the undisputed top receiver in the San
Francisco offense.
16. Hakeem Nicks, NYG
Nicks announced in April that he’d played all of last season on a
broken toe that required offseason surgery. The wide receiver, who
should be fine by training camp, is expected to be the team’s pri-
mary big-play threat on the outside this year.
17. Robert Meachem, NO
It took some time for Meachem to find his way into New Orleans’
receiving plans. Now that he’s there he’s likely to stick. It’s notewor-
thy that Meachem — the Saints’ No. 2 wide-out — occupies space
alongside other teams’ No. 1 receivers.
18. Steven Smith, NYG
The nice thing about Smith is if you meant to pick Carolina’s Steve
Smith and accidentally picked the Giants version, you’ve hardly lost
anything. This Smith caught over 100 passes last season as a slot
receiver in the Wes Welker mode. Given his usage, he’s unlikely to
top last year’s seven TDs, but he’s not useless by any means.
11
WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
19. Hines Ward, PIT
Last year, Ward and Santonio Holmes each accounted for about a
quarter of all targets — by far the highest percentages on the team.
With Holmes gone, Ward, now 34, might actually be in line for more
receptions than in recent years. One thing: QB Ben Roethlisberger’s
six- or four-game suspension will leave Byron Leftwich in charge of
the offense. That’s a less awesome alternative.
20. Mike Sims-Walker, JAC
Sims-Walker enters the season as the top receiver on the Jags.
That’s a little less exciting than being Green Bay’s or New Orleans’
top receiver, but it’ll do in a pinch.
21. Malcom Floyd, SD
Floyd’s value spikes greatly with the news that hold-out Vincent
Jackson, the No. 1 wide receiver in San Diego, will most likely not
appear in a Charger uniform till after Week 10. In the meantime, that
responsibility will fall to the 6-foot-6 Floyd. Look for him to improve
significantly on last year’s single touchdown reception.
22. Dwayne Bowe, KC
Bowe would be a truly excellent buy-low candidate if there were a
guarantee he’d be starting this season. He had just over 1000 yards
receving and 7 TDs in 2009. Last year, though, he missed five
games between injury and suspension, and his numbers declined. If
he plays 16 games and approaches 2008’s 162 targets, he’ll be
worth a pick in this area.
23. Chad Ochocinco, CIN
Ochocinco caught at least 87 passes between 2003 and 2007,
making him one of the more successful — and more fantasy rele-
vant — receivers over that time period. Despite playing a full slate
of games, Ochocinco’s 2009 merited only 72 receptions. It’s unlikely
that the 32-year-old will reach the frenzied heights of his peak, but
he’s still a draftable option, for sure.
24. Pierre Garcon, IND
Garcon is a bit hard to read at the moment. He caught only 47
passes in 15 games last year, but managed a full 11 receptions in
last year’s AFC Championship game. The latter fact establishes
something like Garcon’s upside. Still, the presence of Reggie
Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Austin Collie, and tight end Dallas Clark
make Garcon’s fortunes in 2010 difficult to predict.
25. Antonio Bryant, CIN
After two years in Tampa Bay, Bryant will now line up opposite
Chad Ochocinco in the Bengals’ offense. He was slowed by knee
issues last season, but in 2008 he had a career year with the Bucs,
racking up 83 receptions for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns.
26. Lee Evans, BUF
Evans was very probably the best fantasy player on the Buffalo Bills
last season. Unfortunately, that’s kinda like being the coolest guy to
be playing World of Warcraft: it’s something, but it’s not something
much. The absence of Terrell Owens will make Lee Evans the prob-
able No. 1 receiver, and also the No. 1 target of secondaries.
27. Braylon Edwards, NYJ
Edwards’s 80-catch season with the Browns back in 2007 is getting
smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror of his career. His 16 TDs
from that season now mark equal exactly half of his TD total over
his five-year career. Perhaps a full year with the Jets — and a more
experience Mark Sanchez — will bring Edwards success. Just don’t
bank on it.
28. Percy Harvin, MIN
Just by the raw numbers, Harvin doesn’t look much different than
Minnesota’s other challenger for No. 2 receiver, Bernard Berrian.
The pair had similar totals for targets, receptions, and TDs. Harvin
has one big advantage, though: youth. While Berian will play most
of the season as a 29-year-old, Harvin is just 22.
29. Jeremy Maclin, PHI
However you feel about new Philly QB Kevin Kolb ought to inform
how strongly you feel about Maclin. If Kolb is roughly the same as
Donovan McNabb, then Maclin is a good bet to surpass his rookie
production. If not, then Maclin is probably nothing more than a
decent No. 3 wide receiver for you.
30. Kenny Britt, TEN
Britt came to spring practices out of shape. That’s unfortunate, con-
sidering he certainly has the physical ability to occupy a starting
spot on the Titans, as his 42 receptions and 701 yards suggest. It’s
probably best to consider him a No. 3 receiver with upside at the
moment.
31. Dez Bryant, DAL
The 24th-overall selection in this year’s draft, Bryant will likely be a
contributor at the NFL level at some point in the future. Whether
2010 is “the future” in this case remains to be seen. With Miles
Austin, Roy Williams, and even Patrick Crayton in the mix, Bryant
might have a problem getting targeted.
32. Santana Moss, WAS
The other Moss, Santana has no problems catching passes. He’s
averaged just a hair under 80 receptions in his five years with the
Redskins. With the arrivals of Mike Shanahan and Donvan McNabb,
respectively, that shouldn’t change. What’s kept him from the ranks
of the fantasy elite is the lack of TDs: only about five per year.
33. Donald Driver, GB
Driver had a pair of offseason knee clean-up surgeries — a sign,
perhaps, of Driver’s age (now 35!) starting to catch up with him.
However, if those procedures are, in fact, age-related, that’s about it
for Driver, who’s coming off his sixth straight 1,000-plus receiving
yard campaign. He’ll once again be working opposite Greg
Jennings, with star fantasy QB Aaron Rodgers throwing to him.
34. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, SEA
Housh’s reception totals since 2004 make almost a perfect bell
curve: 73, 78, 90, 112, 92, 79. Something in the 72-75 area appears
most likely given those numbers. No, life doesn’t usually work out
that cleanly, but there’s little reason to believe Seattle’s aerial attack
will be much improved this season. In other words, expecting any
improvement from Housh is probably foolish.
35. Chris Chambers, KC
Chambers isn’t a terrible pick, but he does have a bit of meh about
him. He’s older (32 this year), hasn’t been totally healthy for the past
two seasons, and plays for the Chiefs. He’ll probably get picked in
your league, but he probably won’t play a whole bunch for
whomever wins.
12
WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
36. Mike Wallace, PIT
The departure of Santonio Holmes should prove to be a double-
edged sword for Wallace. On the one hand, it should give Wallace a
bigger part in the offense; on the other, it suggests less emphasis
on the passing game for the Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger’s suspen-
sion is also cause for concern. One final note: over half of Wallace’s
targets were greater than 15 yards — the only wide receiver for
whom this was true in the NFL.
37. Devin Thomas, WAS
The opportunity is there for Thomas, who’s slated to be
Washington’s No. 2 wideout this season. The question is whether
he’ll take advantage of it. Reports out of spring OTAs suggest that
neither Shanahan (coach Mike and offensive coordinator Ryan) is
super excited about Thomas’s grasp of the offense. If he gets the
playing time, though, he’s still a viable (if low-end) No. 3 receiver.
38. Devin Hester, CHI
It appears as though Hester has avoided being pigeonholed as
merely a talented kick returner. He’s caught 50+ passes each of the
past two seasons and looks set to catch even more this year, hav-
ing won offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s confidence during
spring activities.
39. Johnny Knox, CHI
Knox and Devin Hester were named the “two starters” at wide
receiver by offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Fantasy owners
should watch the situation, as Devin Aromashodu is likely to get
decent playing time, too. One concern about Knox: despite excel-
lent speed, his yards-after-catch average of 3.4 last season puts
him in the bottom half of receivers.
40. Mohamed Massaquoi, CLE
Massaquoi finished the season as the Browns’ top receiver with 34
receptions for 624 yards and three scores, which isn’t too bad given
that he was fourth on the depth chart heading into the season. Of
course, being the best on the Browns isn’t necessarily so hot in
terms of fantasy value.
41. Julian Edelman, NE
With the injured Wes Welker unlikely to make a regular season
appearance this season, Edelman looks set to take over Welker’s
slot receiving position. Comparisons have been made between the
two in terms of quickness. That might be optimistic, but Edelman
should have plenty of opportunties anyway in New England’s pass-
heavy offense.
42. Terrell Owens, FA
Owens’ agent Drew Rosenhaus has linked the wideout to a number
of teams in the offseason, including Cincinnati, Oakland, and
Washington. As of press time, however, Owens has yet to sign any-
where. When he does sign, he’ll almost definitely become a starter.
In fantasy terms, consider him nothing more than a No. 3 receiver in
standard leagues.
43. Derrick Mason, BAL
At 36, Mason seems likely for a decline. Of course, one could’ve
made a very similar comment three years ago — and been very
wrong in doing so. Mason has topped 1000 yards receiving and 5
TDs each of the last three years ago. Playing opposite new acquisi-
tion Anquan Boldin should help him get open, too.
44. Wes Welker, NE
After offseason surgeries to both his ACL and MCL, Welker’s status
for the 2010 season is up in the air. As of press time, reports have
him missing the first six weeks of the season. How he’ll perform
when he returns is also, obviously, a question. When healthy,
Welker is a high-volume receiver, albeit one with low TD rates.
45. Vincent Jackson, SD
Here are Jackson’s reception totals since his rookie season in 2005:
3, 27, 41, 59, 68. Yes, Jackson has improved by at least nine recep-
tions in every year of his career. Unfortunately, here’s when Jackson
will most likely start playing in 2010: not till Week 10. Yes, Jackson’t
contract dispute will greatly affect his fantasy value.
46. Austin Collie, IND
There are a lot of passes to go around in Indy, but there are also a
bunch of receivers. Collie caught 60 passes in 2009 thanks to the
absence of injured WR Anthony Gonzalez. With Gonzalez returning
and third-year receiver Pierre Garcon also in the mix, Collie’s fanta-
sy value is currently lower than his true talent.
47. Steve Breaston, ARZ
The departure of Anquan Boldin creates a vacancy at a starting
wideout position that will almost definitely be filled by Breaston.
Given the increase in snaps and targets, it makes sense to figure
Breaston to catch something like 10-20 more passes in 2010.
Enthusiasm should be curbed, though: the installation of Matt
Leinart at starting QB will likely mean a less dynamic passing game
in the desert.
48. Torry Holt, NE
This offseason, Holt went from aging free agent to Official Member
of the New England Patriots. The move certainly makes him a more
interesting target for fantasy owners. For one thing, New England
ranked fifth overall in pass attempts in 2009 (compared to Holt’s
more recent team, Jacksonville, which finished 23rd). For another,
the absence of Wes Welker is likely to create opportunities for Holt
to catch passes.
49. Santonio Holmes, NYJ
Heading into the season, the talented Holmes has at least two
strikes against him from a fantasy perspective. Strike one: he’ll be
missing the first four games of the season due to suspension. Strike
two: when he returns, it’ll be Mark Sanchez (and not Ben
Roethlisberger) throwing passes to him.
50. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ
The concern about Cotchery are the same for any Jet receiver: the
man throwing the ball in New York, Mark Sanchez. As a rookie,
about 10 percent of the Sanchez’s completed passes ended up in
the arms of the opposition. Factor in the likelihood of coach Rex
Ryan going to young running back Shonn Greene and the much
older LaDainian Tomlinson with some frequency, and Cotchery pro-
files as a bye-week No. 3 receiver.
51. Kevin Walter, HOU
Being the No. 2 receiver on a team with Andre Johnson is a mixed
blessing. On the one hand, Johnson draws a lot of attention; on the
other, Johnson is so amazing it kinda doesn’t matter. The emer-
gence in 2009 of WR Jacoby Jones isn’t helping Walters’ value a
whole bunch, either.
13
WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
52. Jabar Gaffney, DEN
Brandon Marshall’s departure to Miami leaves a gaping hole atop
the Bronco receiving depth chart. In theory, Gaffney is the guy to fill
it. The problem is, he’s never really profiled as a No. 1 receiver and
Eddie Royal is younger, with more upside.
53. Devin Aromashodu, CHI
New offensive coordinator Mike Martz indicated in May that his
“two starters” at wideout are Devin Hester and Johnny Knox. That’s
not a good sign for Aromashodu’s fantasy value. Consider him a
waiver wire option in the event that injuries or Martz himself shake
up the depth chart.
54. Roy Williams, DAL
As much as it’s possible for a former seventh-overall draft pick,
Williams might actually be a bit of a sleeper entering 2010. Though
he conceded No. 1 receiving duties to teammate Miles Austin by
year’s end in 2009, his YAC and TD numbers (5.9 and 7, respective-
ly) were either at or near career highs. Given even a decent number
of targets, he could be a pretty great No. 3/bye-week option in 2010.
55. Donnie Avery, STL
Avery finished the 2009 season with 589 yards receving and five
touchdowns — both team-highs among wideouts. Even then, he
was only healthy for about half the season. The problem is, that’s
become a trend in his short career. The other problem is, he’ll have
rookie QB Sam Bradford running the offense in 2010.
56. Arrelious Benn, TB
Everything is up in the air for Tampa Bay’s passing attack in 2010
— everything except quality passes, maybe. The rookie Benn
looked to be assured of a starting receiver spot entering spring
camp, but Sammie Stroughter and fellow rookie Mike Williams both
impressed. However the WR situation breaks down, neither QB
Josh Freeman nor the Tampa offensive line inspire much confidence.
57. Mario Manningham, NYG
Manningham looks to be a candidate for future fantasy success.
His yards per target (8.3) and relative youth (only 24) suggest a tal-
ented receiver with upside. Manningham’s value for 2010, though, is
limited by the number of opportunities he’ll receive. Both Hakeem
Nicks and Steven Smith figure to get more looks.
58. Eddie Royal, DEN
As a rookie in 2008, Royal put up some crazy numbers, catching 91
passes for close to 1,000 yards receiving. In 2009, the wideout
averaged fewer than three receptions per game. Brandon Marshall’s
departure could mean more targets for Royal. The trick will be
coming closer to 2008’s catch rate (64.1%) than 2009’s (46.8%).
59. Chaz Schilens, OAK
Last year, Schilens doubled 2008’s reception total while playing in
only half the games (due to a foot injury that sidelined him for the
first half of the season). He enters 2010 as the probable No. 1
receiver on the Raiders. Being a No. 1 receiver is good; being on
the Raiders probably isn’t.
60. Bernard Berrian, MIN
Think what you want about the “trickle-down” theory in economics,
it’s not so friendly to the fantasy owner where wide recievers are
concerned. Berrian was, at one point, considered a likely No. 1
receiver for Minnesota. Now he’s third on the depth chart. With
Brett Favre still a question mark at press time, Berrian’s prospects
aren’t entirely promising.
61. Nate Burleson, DET
Burleson might ultimately be more important to Detroit No. 1 receiv-
er Calvin Johnson than he is to fantasy owners. Last year, Johnson
was frequently triple teamed by opposing secondaries. Even so —
and despite playing in only 14 games — he was targeted 48 more
times than second-most thrown-to receiver Bryant Johnson. The
idea is that Burleson will receive enough attention to allow Johnson
more opportunities.
62. Demaryius Thomas, DEN
A first-round pick in the 2010 draft, Thomas has actually found him-
self in a pretty good situation. With the departure of Brandon
Marshall — that, and only Eddie Royal and Jabbar Gaffney in his
way — Thomas might actually find himself a targeted pretty often
this year. Moreover, Denver actually has a decent passing attack —
even with Kyle Orton running the show.
63. Justin Gage, TEN
Gage suffered multiple fractures to the vertebrae in his back and
missed most of the second half of last season. As such, he might
be a bit of a forgotten man in fantasy circles. He’s not worth a draft
pick, most likely, but so long as he’s not relegated merely to third-
receiver duties, he might work as depth on your roster.
64. Devery Henderson, NO
Henderson actually had his best professional season in 2009, beat-
ing his previous high in targets (56) by almost 30. What to expect of
him in 2010? Likely, more of the same. He’s not a draft target in
standard leagues, but he is a member of a stable pass-heavy offense.
65. Anthony Gonzalez, IND
After hurting himself in Week One last year and missing the rest of
the season, Gonzalez returns in 2010 to more crowded receiving
corps, as Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon also contend for targets.
The one plus here is that Indy throws the ball a lot, finishing second
in pass attempts in 2009.
66. Jacoby Jones, HOU
While Kevin Walter is the nominal No. 2 entering training camp,
Texans head coach Gary Kubiak made it clear this spring that he
expects Jones to challenge Walter for a starting job. It’s not neces-
sarily a reason to draft Jones, but it could be good enough to keep
him on your radar in the early weeks of the season.
67. Golden Tate, SEA
Tate was the 60th-overall pick in the 2010 draft. He becomes part
of a Seattle receiving corps populated by decent but unimpressive
names: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, and Deon Butler. An
impressive showing in training camp could catch coach Pete
Carroll’s eye and his confidence.
68. Deion Branch, SEA
Branch hasn’t become the go-to receiver Seattle thought they were
getting when they signed him to a $39 million, six-year contract in
September of 2006. It’s likely that he never was that receiver. Still,
the departure of Nate Burleson and the arrival of new coach Pete
Carroll could create opportunities for Branch in 2010.
14
WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
69. Laurent Robinson, STL
The good: Robinson is his team’s No. 1 — or, at worst, No. 2 —
receiver. The bad: the team in question is the St. Louis Rams. St.
Louis was tied for third-worst in receiving TDs last year with (12).
It’s hard to see that number getting much better with rookie QB
Sam Bradford at the helm.
70. Josh Morgan, SF
San Francisco’s offense is an interesting one coming into 2010, as
the installation of Alex Smith at quarterback appeared to spark pro-
duction in the latter half of 2009. Morgan appears to be in line for
No. 2 receiving duties, opposite second-year man Michael
Crabtree. The former’s targets nearly double between his rookie and
sophomore seasons.
72. Greg Camarillo, MIA
The prognosis on Camarillo is almost exactly the same as the one
for fellow Dolphin Brian Hartline’s: Marshall is the No. 1 receiver,
Davone Bess will likely man the slot, and the No. 2 receiver position
will be decided in camp.
71. Brian Hartline, MIA
The acquisition of Brandon Marshall means that Hartline will be
competing for the No. 2 spot. Receiver Davone Bess is likely des-
tined for the slot position, which means that Greg Camarillo is
Hartline’s primary opposition. It’s a battle that probably won’t be
decided till preseason, and the winner will have value as a bench
player in standard leagues.
73. Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK
The news from the Raiders’ spring OTAs is that Heyward-Bey is a
much improved. Obviously, one needs to take offseason praise with
a grain of salt, but when the praise comes from a head coach — in
this case, Tom Cable — it carries a bit more weight. Reports also
suggests that the wideout has established on-field rapport with
incoming QB Jason Campbell.
74. Louis Murphy, OAK
Murphy netted an impressive 97 targets last season, but when the
guy throwing the ball (in this case, mostly JaMarcus Russell) has a
completion rate below 50%, that’s doesn’t mean as much. This
season sees the arrival of a new quarterback but a similar offensive
line and perhaps too much competition in Darrius Heyward-Bey.
75. Josh Cribbs, CLE
Cribbs is the type of player you’ll see occasionally in the League:
wildly athletic, but with no real position to speak of. Cribbs has
made his name primarily as a return man, in which role he’s record-
ed at least one TD in each of his five NFL seasons. His production
as a wide receiver has been considerably more spotty.
15
TIGHT END SEASON PROFILES
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.

1. Antonio Gates, SD the plus side, Winslow will probably be the main target for a Bucs
squad that seems likely to be starting two rookies (Arrelious Benn
If you’re looking for warts, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any with
and Mike Williams) at wideout.
Gates. He’ll turn 30 before the season, but age shouldn’t be an
issue. Otherwise, he’s basically a lock for 70-something receptions
and eight or nine TDs. 10. Jason Witten, DAL
Witten has been spectacularly reliable the last three season, finish-
2. Vernon Davis, SF ing with more than 80 catches and 950 yards in all three, and top-
ping 90 catches and 1000 yards in two. Unfortunately, Witten does-
Davis developed an excellent rapport with quarterback Alex Smith,
n’t appear to be integral to the Cowboys’ red zone offense: he was
as the pair connected for 10 touchdowns during the 11 games in
targeted on 23.3% of passes overall, but just 9.7% of passes inside
which Smith played. Smith should be back at quarterback next sea-
the 20-yard line.
son, and Davis will remain a big part of the offense in 2010.

3. Dallas Clark, IND 11. Zach Miller, OAK

Miller’s reception totals and receiving yards have increased each of
Along with Antonio Gates and Vernon Davis, Clark rounds out the
the last three seasons, as he’s become more of a focus in the
top tier of fantasy tight ends. Fantasy owners shouldn’t expect an
Oakland offense. But like the even more talented Kellen Winslow,
encore performance of 2009’s 100-catch season. Still, he’s a good
Miller is a victim of his team’s incompetence. The Raiders scored all
bet to settle somewhere between there and 2008’s 77 receptions.
of 10 passings TDs last year — i.e. fewer than either Vernon Davis
or Visanthe Shiancoe, and the same as Dallas Clark.
4. Jermichael Finley, GB
Finley basically had two seasons last season: his first six games, 12. John Carlson, SEA
over which span he was targeted 21 times; and then his last seven
Carlson’s sophomore numbers were almost idential to those from
games, during which his name was called 50 times. It’s not a lot of
his rookies season, as he posted 51 catches (versus 55 in ‘08) and
data off which to make a serious investment, but the upside is
574 yards (versus 627). The good news, too, is that Carlson contin-
there. Really, it comes down to which of Finley’s “seasons” you
ued receive looks in the red zone, accumulating seven TDs after
think is the one indicative of his talent.
2008’s five TDs. All in all, if not a week-in, week-out fantasy play,
Carlson is right there on the cusp.
5. Tony Gonzalez, ATL
If you’re looking for value, Gonzalez is likely your man. Mock drafts 13. Greg Olsen, CHI
have him going sixth at his position behind Gates, Clark, Davis,
Olsen was the most-targeted tight end within both the 10-yard and
Finley and Witten. Thing is, his quarterback, Matt Ryan, was injured
5-yard lines (17 and 10, respectively) in 2009. And even though that
and Gonzalez actually received more red zone targets in 2009 (25)
didn’t translate into tons of touchdowns (eight), it’s something that
than he did in 2008, when he scored 10 TDs. Some peopel will
generally correlates to touchdown scoring. Unfortunately, with Mike
mark him down because of age. Don’t be one of those people.
Martz now in charge of the Bear offense, the team’s red zone phi-
losophy is likely to change.
6. Brent Celek, PHI
Celek finished in the top five among tight ends last year in both 14. Heath Miller, PIT
receiving yards and touchdowns. Nor ought the installation of Kevin
The question for Miller — and for his potential fantasy owners — is
Kolb at quarterback (with the departure of Donovan McNabb to
the degree to which he’ll hold on to the gains he made in 2009.
Washington) change that too much. In his two starts, Kolb targeted
Here are Miller’s target numbers over the last five years: 52, 55, 61,
Celek a full 20 times — close to 20 percent of Celek’s season total.
65, 98. It’s always possible that he could match that number in
2010, but the more likely occurence — especially with
7. Owen Daniels, HOU Roethlisberger’s absence for the beginning of the season — is that
By standard scoring, Daniels finished last season third in fantasy he regresses closer to his career numbers.
points per game, ahead of names like Antonio Gates, Brent Celek,
and Kellen Winslow. Unfortuntely, he tore his ACL in Week Eight 15. Kevin Boss, NYG
and was done for the season. As of press time, Daniels is reported
Boss has something that fantasy owners like to see in a player —
to be on time for training camp in July. Other fantasy owners might
namely, an upward trend in production. Here are Boss’s target num-
not remember his hot start in 2009.
bers for the past three years: 14, 53, 69. Here are his receiving yard
totals: 118, 384, 567. Of course, he’s no lock for fantasy domi-
8. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN nance, but he’s probably a smart pick as a second TE late in drafts.
Shiancoe isn’t thrown as many passes as other draftable tight ends
— receiving just under five targets per game in 2009 — but his 16. Chris Cooley, WAS
importance to Minnesota’s red zone offense makes him a commodi-
Cooley was targeted over 95 times every season from 2005 to
ty. Shiancoe has scored 18 TDs over the last two seasons, and has
2008. Last year, he was on the same sort of pace until he went
increased his targets each of the last three, as well.
down with a broken ankle in Week Seven. He’s now recovered from
the ankle injuryt, but it’s possible that Cooley’s fantasy value won’t
9. Kellen Winslow, TB recover from something else — namely, the emergence of Fred
The Tampa Bay offense certainly isn’t one that you’d describe as Davis at tight end. As of press time, the two look set to split time.
“dynamic.” As such, Winslow’s numbers will suffer accordingly. On That’s not good from a fantasy perspective.

16
TIGHT END SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
17. Fred Davis, WAS
Washington’s starting tight end Chris Cooley was forced to leave
the Redskins’ Week Seven contest against Philadelphia with a bro-
ken ankle. In the same game, Davis — who had been targeted only
eight times over the season’s first six games — was targeted 10
times for eight catches and 78 yards. Though both would be single-
game highs for the season, Davis appears set to split time with
Cooley this season, thus making both risky fantasy picks.
18. Jeremy Shockey, NO
Though Shockey certainly has some memorable exploits — both on
and off the field — in his past, but it’s never really translated into
fantasy excellence. His perfomances around the goal line, in partic-
ular, have left fantasy owners wanting: Shockey has scored only six
touchdowns over the last three years — and that’s while playing in
the very productive New Orleans offensive scheme.
19. Ben Watson, CLE
After spending the first six years of his career with the Patriots,
Watson signed a multi-year deal with the Cleveland Browns this off-
season. Though Cleveland’s offense ius unlikely to be anywhere
near as productive as the Pats’, that might end up actually being a
good thing for Watson, who was more or less buried by New
England’s considerable talent.
20. Todd Heap, BAL
Heap’s fantasy production has never really recovered from an
injury-shortened 2007. During the two years prior, he had averaged
114 targets; in the two years after, only about 70. Now with two
rookie tight ends in the fold, Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta, Heap
looks set for nothing more than bye-week relevance.
21. Dustin Keller, NYJ
Keller has caught just shy of 50 passes each of the last two years,
for just over 500 yards receiving in both cases. Those aren’t bad
numbers — certainly not from a player in his first couple seasons —
but with the barely competent Mark Sanchez in control of a decid-
edly run-heavy offense, it’s tough to imagine Keller getting the num-
ber of opportunities required of a draft-worthy tight end.
22. Tony Scheffler, DEN
Scheffler might be a bit of a forgotten man in fantasy circles after
his production slipped last season on a Broncos teams that ignores
the tight end in the passing game. Before that, however, Scheffler
had shown numbers worthy of at least a bench spot on a fantasy
team. Traded to the Lions this offseason, Scheffler will provide
depth at tight end while incumbent Brandon Pettigrew recovers
from knee surgery.
23. Marcedes Lewis, JAC
There’s nothing too exciting here. Lewis has been in the league for
four years, has never been targeted more than 71 times, and has
never scored more than two touchdowns. Now, he has the other
Zach Miller (i.e. not the one on Oakland) competing with him for
playing time.
24. Brandon Pettigrew, DET
Pettigrew’s 2009 came to an end in Week Twelve when he tore his
ACL against Green Bay. Surgery was successful, but given the
injury, it’s unclear whether Pettigrew will be available either for train-
ing camp or the beginning of the season. Considering last year’s
numbers, there’s reason to think that Pettigrew could be good for
600 yards and four or five touchdowns over a full 16 games.
25. Bo Scaife, TEN
If not for an early-season knee injury, Scaife would’ve very likely
had a similar season in 2009 as he did in 2008, when he recorded
562 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The TD totals have never
been high, which means he’ll probably never be a fantasy starter,
but what seems like an understanding between him and QB Vince
Young could gain him more targets and the yards that go with them.
17
KICKER SEASON PROFILES
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
1. Nate Kaeding, SD
The Chargers have scored at least 46 TDs in each of Kaeding’s six
seasons, during which time league average has generally settled
around 40. The offense will likely be without WR Vincent Jackson
for 10 games, which might hurt San Diego’s ability to move the ball,
but the replacement of the aging LaDainian Tomlinson with rookie
Ryan Mathews will likely help balance things out.
2. Garrett Hartley, NO
Hartley actually didn’t even kick for the first 11 games last year;
those honors belonged to John Carney. But after Carney disap-
pointed, going only 13-for-17 on field goals (including just 11-for-13
from inside the 40), the Saints installed Hartley. Really anyone kick-
ing for New Orleans’ explosive offense is going to have value. If
anything, the Saints are too efficient in their TD-scoring.
3. Mason Crosby, GB
Not only did the Packers finished third in touchdowns last year with
58, but they also tied for second in field-goal attempts at 36. With
Aaron Rodgers at the helm in Green Bay — and a largely
unchanged offensive unit — those totals figure to be roughly stable.
The frozen tundra of Lambeau Field is always a factor to consider,
but the Packers’ likely offensive success make Crosby a good pick.
4. Stephen Gostkowski, NE
With Brady back under center, the Patriots offense improved by
seven touchdowns last year, and Gostkowski had nine fewer field
goal attempts after an NFL-leading 40 in 2008. Still, Gostkowski still
ranked a solid sixth in kicker scoring. And here’s another good sign:
Gostkowski attempted three 50-yarders (making two) in 2009, more
than his first three seasons combined.
5. David Akers, PHI
Ideally, for Akers’ potential owners, Philadelphia’s year-in, year-out
offensive production has been more the product of coach Andy
Reid’s schemes and less the product of Donovan McNabb’s talent.
We’ll find out this year. If the former is the case, there’s little to
worry about: the Eagles have finished either first or tied for first in
field-goal attempts each of the last two seasons.
6. Ryan Longwell, MIN
Longwell’s 2010 production will be tied, at some level, to Brett
Favre’s annual decision to play another year or retire. The quarter-
back’s track record suggests the former is likely — especially after
playing well in 2009 — but the alternative, Tarvaris Jackson, would
constitute a downgrade in the Vikings’ offense.
7. Dan Carpenter, MIA
Carpenter actually might be a decent late-round sleeper at kicker.
Why? Well, for one, there’s the offseason acquisition of talented WR
Brandon Marshall. Two, there’s the continued development of QB
Chad Henne. And finally, there’s this: Miami scored touchdowns on
64.8% of their red-zone possessions, good for second in the NFL.
Despite an improved offense, that number is unlikely to repeat itself.
8. Lawrence Tynes, NYG
After registering only a single attempt for the Giants in 2008, Tynan
returned to full-time duty in 2009. That’s not to say his job was
completely safe: as late as October, New York worked out Matt
Stover and Matt Bryant. Still, he took all of the team’s 32 FGA (con-
verting 27) and will remain the starter for a Giants squad that should
cover some yards. The one concern — as is usual for kickers in the
Meadowlands — is the wind and cold of Tynes’ home stadium.
9. Robbie Gould, CHI
Will Jay Cutler throw 27 interceptions again in 2010? Probably not,
but even when he did in 2009, Gould still finished around 10th-12th
place among kickers by most formats. Fewer Bear turnovers will
equal more scoring possessions. Whether those extra possessions
are field goals or touchdowns, Gould stands to be stronger play this
season than last.
10. Matt Prater, DEN
Prater is 7-of-9 from 50-plus yards the last two seasons. That’s one
of the benefits of selecting the one kicker who plays half his games
a mile above sea level, regardless of who he is. There are other rea-
sons to be less bull-ish on Prater: the departure of WR Brandon
Marshall, for one; whomever’s replacing Brandon Marshall, for two.
Prater’s worthy of a draft pick, but there’s no need to reach, either.
11. Rob Bironas, TEN
The Tennessee Titans lost their first six games of the season, aver-
aging only 14 points per game over that stretch. (By comparison,
the league-best Jet defense allowed 14.75 points per game.) Even
so, Bironas ended up finishing among the Top 5 kickers by most
formats. Much of his production came with Vince Young leading the
offense. Young will lead the offense in 2010.
12. Matt Bryant, ATL
Bryant only played in five games last year for the Falcs, but his pro-
rated fantasy production would’ve only left him in the middle of the
pack — and thus, undraftable. Of course, that was on a team with
an injured quarterback (Matt Ryan) and injured running back
(Michael Turner). If those two guys are right in 2010 and put up
numbers more like their respective 2008s, then Bryant’s probably a
good selection among the latter kickers.
13. Ryan Succop, KC
Succop is another guy on this list — along with Miami’s Dan
Carpenter and Baltimore’s Billy Cundiff — who (a) will almost defi-
nitely be available towards the end of a draft and (b) could very eas-
ily produce a season as good as anyone else on this list. With
Charlie Weis installed as the new offensive coordinator and Jamaal
Charles and Thomas Jones likely to form an above-average running
tandem, K.C.’s offense is likely to step forward.
14. David Buehler, DAL
Here’s something to note: despite playing all 16 games in 2009,
Buehler has yet to make — or even attempt — a field goal in the
NFL. That’s because he spent all of last season as Dallas’s kickoff
specialist. But after Nick Folk and Shaun Suisham were unable to
distinguish themselves, Buehler is slated to take over field-goal
duties, too. The former USC kicker stands out for his strong leg: he
forced a league-leading 29 touchbacks in 2009.
15. Adam Vinatieri, IND
It’d make sense to see Vinatieri ranked higher — after all, he kicks
for one of the most productive offenses in the NFL. Unfortunately
18
KICKER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
for their kicker, the Colts are able to translate that offensive produc-
tion into touchdowns more often than not, recording the third-best
red-zone conversion rate in the NFL in 2009 (64.6%). Unlike some
other teams towards the top of that particular chart, Indy is actually
a high-powered offense.
16. Jay Feely, ARZ
The Cardinals attempted a league-low 19 field goals in 2010 — not
because their offense was bad at getting into good field position,
but rather because they were tremendously efficient in the red zone.
Arizona scored a touchdown on 69.8% of the times they got within
the 20-yard line. The next best team was Miami, at 64.8%. With
Matt Leinart at the helm, that number is unlikely to be reproduced.
17. Billy Cundiff, BAL
For much of recent history, the Ravens have been known as a
defense-first team. Now, with Anquan Boldin in the mix, a recently
broken-out Ray Rice, and a more mature Joe Flacco, that may no
longer be the case. That’s the good. The potential bad is this:
Cundiff was just 7-of-12 from beyond 30 yards last season and is a
career 61.6% kicker from beyond that distance.
18. Joe Nedney, SF
Though San Francisco is very likely a team on the rise, you’re for-
given if you’re not quite ready to jump on the Joe Nedney band-
wagon quite yet. Some damning facts: the Niners finished 31st in
plays per game in 2009 and also 29th in first downs. Furthermore,
the team has failed to give him Nedney more than 34 PAT attempts
in any of his five seasons in San Francisco.
19. Jeff Reed, PIT
In most leagues, Reed was about the 10th-best kicker in the NFL
last year. That was on a version of the Steelers that featured both
Santonio Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger. In 2010, the latter will be
gone and the former is dealing with suspension. Without that pair,
the offense will almost definitely be less proficient. That’s bad for
their kicker.
20. Nick Folk, NYJ
Folk’s current situation doesn’t exactly inspire a lot of confidence.
For one, he struggled last season with Dallas (going just 5-of-12 on
kicks 40-49 yards), and was released before the season ended. For
two, he’ll now play on a team that, despite having an exciting
defensive profile, doesn’t necessarily promise to be an offensive
juggernaut. Also, there’s the weather to worry about: the Jets have
December road games at New England, Pittsburgh and Chicago.
21. John Kasay, CAR
Ouch. After scoring 47 touchdowns in 2008, Carolina scored only
36 in 2009. The decrease is likley attributable, in part, to a regres-
sion in red-zone conversion: after scoring TDs in around 64% of
red-zone possessions in ‘08 — a rather high rate — that number
regressed to 50% in ‘09. Unfortunately for Kasay, field-goal
attempts dropped to: from 31 to 27. New QB Matt Moore could sig-
nal an improvement here, but Kasay isn’t draftable.
22. Graham Gano, WAS
Personnel changes might be good for a fanbase — signaling, as
they often do, an organization’s refusal to accept the status quo of
a poor team — but they rarely create instant success. The Redskins
enter the season with a new coach (Mike Shanahan) and new quar-
terback (Donovan McNabb) and three new running backs (Larry
Johnson, Willie Parker and Ryan Torain). That doesn’t bode well.
23. Olindo Mare, SEA
Olindo Mare is not the problem here: during his two years in the
Pacific Northwest, he’s hit field goals at a 90 percent clip and all of
his extra points. The problem is his lack of opportunity. With a lack
of real playmakers, Seattle’s offense has had little luck — not just
scoring touchdowns, but advancing the ball generally. New coach
Pete Carroll might have something to say about that, but the per-
sonnel really isn’t there to turn things around on offense and give
Mare more scoring opportunities.
24. Jason Hanson, DET
Finishing 0-16 has one perk: it’s literally impossible to be worse the
year after it happens. That’s why the Lions are a team on the move
after finishing a comparatively lofty 2-14 in 2009. One can see some
playmaking abilities in quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receiver
Calvin Johnson, and new draftee running back Jahvid Best. Hanson
himself had problems last year, finishing just 8-of-14 from beyond
40 yards. Age may indeed be finally catching him: Hanson’s soon to
turn 40 years old.
25. Sebastian Janikowski, OAK
It’s not a great sign for a team when the field-goal kicker is consid-
ered the foremost offensive weapon in said team’s arsenal.
Unfortunately for the Raiders, that was very likely the case in 2009.
Of course, one must distinguish between skill and opportunity when
evaluating a player’s fantasy value. Janikowski has plenty of the for-
mer, little of the letter. He hasn’t topped the 100-point threshold
since 2004. Stay away.
26. Phil Dawson, CLE
It’s a little disheartening that the big offseason move for the Browns
— a team that averaged only 15.3 points per game in 2009 (“good”
for 29th in the NFL) — was to bring in Jake Delhomme at quarter-
back. There’s something to be said for stability at quarterback —
and, yeah, Cleveland didn’t have that in 2009 — but Delhomme is
not a difference-maker for this offense. Dawson’s fantasy value will
suffer accordingly.
27. Rian Lindell, BUF
A kicker’s fantasy fate is more or less tied to his team’s offensive
production. That’s bad news for Lindell, who plays for a Bills team
with question marks at quarterback, running back, wide receiver,
and any other position you’d care to mention. In standard leagues,
he finished in the 12-15 range among kickers. That’s fine, but it
came on a team that converted in the red zone less often than
every other NFL team.
28. Josh Brown, STL
As can happen with kickers on poor offensive teams, Brown has
had a number of opportunities for long field goals over the last two
seasons, going 12-for-15 from over 50 yards during that time.
That’s not something on which to hang your fantasy hat, however.
With rookie Sam Bradford likely to take over a Ram offense that
was already pretty underwhelming, it’s tough to see Brown having
any value.
29. Josh Scobee, JAC
The Jaguars aren’t terrible at any one thing, just below average in
enough things that it adds up. Jacksonville was 24th in scoring
(18.1 points per game) in 2009, and feature a quarterback in David
Garrard who has as yet to live up to his 2007 breakout season. All
of which makes Scobee too much of a risk.
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KICKER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)
30. Connor Barth, TB
The Bucs are miserable. They have two mediocre quarterbacks
(Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson), two uninspiring runnings backs
(Cadillac Williams and Derrick Ward), and an offensive line that’s
easily one of the bottom-five in the league. Add to that the fact that
Barth isn’t excellent (just 11-of-15 from within 50 yards last season),
and you have little to concern you here.
31. Neil Rackers, HOU
Rackers isn’t ranked this low because he’s a bad kicker or because
he plays for a poor offense; the reason is, it’s no guarantee that’s
he’s actually the starter. Kris Brown was the team’s kicker last year
and is still on the roster. As of press time, there are signs that
Rackers will win the spot, but there’s little use in drafting a kicker
who’d be fringy anyway.
32. Mike Nugent, CIN
Last year’s kicker, Shayne Graham, left town after missing two key
field goals in Cincy’s playoff loss to the Jets. In his wake are Mike
Nugent and Dave Rayner, who attempted all of eight field goals
between them in 2009. The Bengals have a decent offense, but
there’s no use getting tied up in this battle between two already
mediocre choices.
20
TEAM DEFENSE SEASON PROFILES
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
1. New York Jets
In 2009, New York allowed only 237 first downs; the next team, the
Minnesota Vikings, allowed 271. The difference between the Jets
and Vikings was equal to the difference between the Vikings and
the 18th-place Seattle Seahawks. They play too few downs to com-
pile big sack totals, but they don’t allow any points.
2. San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco gets sacks from everywhere. Regard: in 2009, the
team’s starting inside linebackers, Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes,
almost topped the OLB tandem of Parys Haralson and Manny
Lawson in sacks, registering 8.0 sacks to Haralson and Lawson’s
11.5. The Niners also finished fifth in fewest points allowed.
3. Minnesota Vikings
In short, defensive end Jared Allen is a mulleted sack beast, record-
ing more than 14 of them (i.e. sacks) each of the last three years.
Not only that, but Allen’s five forced fumbles last season tied him
for second in the category. Add in Ray Edwards (8.5 sacks in 2009),
Kevin Williams (6), and Brian Robison (4.5) and you’re talking about
a serious fantasy machine.
4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens defense profiles very similarly to the Jets’: they limit
point totals without doing anything else above average in terms of
fantasy production. And it works. The link between the two teams is
obvious: before becoming coach of the New York Jets, Rex Ryan
was the defensive coordinatot of the Ravens. Note: this is probably
the end of the first tier of fantasy defenses.
5. Carolina Panthers
Julius Peppers, the face of the Panther defense from 2002 to 2009,
has departed for Chicago. It’s likely that no one player will replace
his presence in the Carolina pass rush. However, it’s not the pass
rush that sets the Panthers apart. Rather, it’s their penchant for
forcing fumbles - 23 in 2009, second only to the Bears in the NFL.
6. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay has posted above-average interception rates each of the
last two seasons. Usually, that’s a number that regresses pretty
hard to the mean, but the presence of DB Charles Woodson might
be enough to convince one otherwise. Also note linebacker Clay
Matthews, who recorded 10 sacks as a rookie in 2010.
7. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys certainly have some serious pass-rushing weapons in
linebacker DeMarcus Ware and nose tackle Jay Ratliff, the latter of
whom has recorded 13.5 sacks the last two seasons from a posi-
tion where three or four per year is above average. One concern,
however, is the Dallas secondary, which seems perpetually under-
whelming. So, despite allowing the second-fewest points in the
NFL in 2009, Dallas is only a second-tier fantasy defense.
8. Denver Broncos
Unfortunately for opposing quarterbacks, Elvis has not the left the
building. In this case, the building is Mile High Stadium and Elvis is
outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil. Dumervil had 17 sacks in 2009.
He’s unlikely to repeat that, but he’s certainly established himself as
one of the NFL’s elite pass rushers.
9. New England Patriots
The Patriots are a team that always seems to perform better than
the sum of their (sometimes underwhelming) parts. Fantasy point-
scoring is generally more concerned with those parts than with a
team’s overall effectiveness. Tully Banta-Cain is their primary pass
rusher and he only recorded 10 sacks last season. That’s a bit meh.
Still, they’re draftable.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison have both finished with dou-
ble-digit sacks each of the past two seasons, making them one of
the most productive pass-rushing tandems in the league over that
stretch. Pittsburgh finished 2009 with only a 2.2% interception rate,
a numbers that tends to regress to the mean (in this case, the
league average of 3.1%) with regularity.
11. Washington Redskins
Between his big contract and off-field exploits, Albert Haynesworth
is probably the most widely recognized player on the Redskins
defense; however, he’s not the one most relevant to fantasy owners.
That distinction belongs to pass rushers in Andre Carter and sopho-
more Brian Orakpo, who shared the team lead in sacks with 11
each last seaon. Unlucky interception and fumble-recovery rates
suggest the Washington defense will be a better fantasy option in
this season.
12. San Diego Chargers
As long as San Diego continues to count linebacker Shawne
Merriman in their plans, it’s hard to feel optimistic about their fanta-
sy prospects. Merriman was a dominant pass-rushing force through
2007. Since then, however, he’s got just four sacks over two injury-
riddled seasons. In other news, LB Shaun Phillips tallied a league-
best seven forced fumbles.
13. Chicago Bears
The Bears are a case of a defense that is both transitioning and
gettng better while doing so. This offseason, their top-two leading
sackers from 2009, Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown, departed.
Arriving to the team, however, is talented pass rusher Julius
Peppers. Note that the Bear defense has been going somewhere
between 10th and 15th overall in mock drafts, but might end up
worth more than that.
14. Philadelphia Eagles
Don’t put too much stock in Philadelphia’s fantasy defensive per-
formance from last season: the Eagles finished near the top of the
league in both touchdowns (4 — or 6, if you count special teams)
and interceptions (25). Both of those categories regress heavily to
the mean. Take away those quirky stats, and you have a team with
one above-average pass rusher (Trent Coles, 12.5 sacks in 2009),
but not a ton else.
15. Arizona Cardinals
The arrival of Joey Porter should help to secure at least one of the
outsider linebacking slots in Arizona. Otherwise, the position has
been a bit of a rotating door: Bertrand Berry, Clark Haggans, and
Chike Okeafor all played their last year, though none shined.
Arizona only forced 12 fumbles in 2009, placing them in the bottom
five in that category.
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TEAM DEFENSE PROFILES (cont...)
16. Cincinnati Bengals
The most interesting character on the Cincinnati defense — from a
fantasy perspective, at least — is probably Antwan Odom, who
recorded eight sacks in six games before a season-ending Achilles
injury. Problem is, last year wasn’t his first dealing with injuries.
Other problem is, after Odom, the Bengals’ most interesting fantasy
contributors belong in the secondary (in particular, cornerbacks
Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph), where performances are volatile
one year to the next.
17. Atlanta Falcons, ATL
Atlanta’s sack leaderboard from last season is an exercise in medi-
ocrity. Jonathan Babineaux is at the top of it (with six), and he’s a
tackle. Ends John Abraham and Jamaal Anderson started 28 games
combined in 2009 and only finished six sacks between them. There
are silver linings here — Abraham has been good as recently as
2008, the team seems to force fumbles with some frequency — but
it’s not a draftabl squad.
18. Miami Dolphins, MIA
Miami could theoretically be a bit of a risk even at No. 18. The
departures of Joey Porter and Jason Taylor, respectively, will cer-
tainly raise some concerns. That said, the pass rushing skills of
Cameron Wake ought not to be underestimated. Wake recorded 5.5
sacks (to Taylor’s 7) last season despite playing predominantly on
third downs. He’s a good bet to record closer to 10 sacks in 2010.
19. Indianapolis Colts, IND
Here’s a damning statistic: the Colts finished 30th in the NFL with a
44.6% opponent third-down conversion rate in 2009. The year
before was even worse: they allowed opponent to convert on
47.1% of all third-down opportunities. The problem is the pass
rush. No, not Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis — they had 13.5
and 9.5 sacks, respectively. The problem is everyone else: Freeney
and Mathis combined for over a third of the team’s sacks.
20. Oakland Raiders, OAK
The Raiders had the fourth-highest sack rate in the NFL in 2009,
getting to the quarterback on 7.8% of all passing plays. The emer-
gence of linebacker Trevor Scott — who recorded five sacks in the
final six games of the season — gives on confidence that Oakland
could match that rate. One problem: with an offense as mediocre as
Oakland’s will likely be, interceptions might be few and far between,
and the defense could have to play more than would be desirable.
21. Buffalo Bills, BUF
Entering 2010, Buffalo is poised to make a change that a number of
other teams already have — namely, from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense.
One doesn’t know exactly how that will affect their fantasy produc-
tion, but it’s clear that personnel is the most important thing to
have. Unfortunately, beyond Aaron Schobel (10 sacks) and safety
Jairus Byrd (9 interceptions) there’s little star power.
22. New Orleans Saints, NO
New Orleans had a great scoring defense last year, picking up six
touchdowns off interceptions, two off fumble recoveries, and an
eighth off a kick return from Courtney Roby (for those leagues that
count special teams). That’s great for anyone who owned the
Saints’ defense last year. Problem is, those sorts of TDs aren’t pre-
dictive in any way. New Orleans probably isn’t draftable this year.
23. Cleveland Browns, CLE
Rob Ryan , brother of Rex and son of Buddy, became the defensive
coordinator of the Browns last year, and the team saw instant
results, recording 23 more sacks in 2009 than in ‘08. Still, Cleveland
finished dead last in forced-fumble percentage. You can bet that’ll
be an area of focus for Ryan, and improvement there could give the
Browns’ defense fantasy relevance.
24. New York Giants, NYG
Defensive end Osi Umenyiora had led the Giants in sacks for each
of his last four healthy years (2004-07) before 2009. He repeated
the feat last season, finishing with 7 sacks — this, despite being
being relegated merely to passing downs towards the end of the
season. He and end Justin Tuck accounted for over 40% of the
team’s sacks and half its forced fumbles in 2009. The presence of
both are important to the Giants’ fantasy production, but stopping
the run would be nice, too.
25. Houston Texans, HOU
It’s strange that a team could have a player as talented — and as
productive in fantasy categories — but still find itself this far down
the list. Williams has had 35 sacks over the last three years.
Unfortunately, the Titans have little else going on defensively. Last
year, they finished below league average in sack percentage,
forced-fumble percentage, and interception percentage. Not exactly
a ringing endorsement.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, TB
Despite turning 31 in July and having started only eight games in
2009 — and 10 games ever — former Arena Leaguer Stylez White
is the main piece in the Bucs’ pass-rushing puzzle. He’s not bad,
but he’s not elite, either. As for the secondary, Tampa has actually
posted an interception rate above 4% the last two years, but that
number tends to be unstable and is still more likely than not to
regree down towards the league average.
27. Tennessee Titans, TEN
Jacob Ford led Tennesse in sacks last year. Yes, “Who?” is an
appropriate response to that statement. The hope is that first-round
pick Derrick Morgan, who recorded 12 sacks last year at Georgia
Tech, will provide some life to the Titan pass rush. It’s needed.
28. Seattle Seahawks, SEA
Seattle’s main pass rushers this season will most likely be 2009
starter Lawrence Jackson (4.5 sacks) and newcomer Chris
Clemons, who recorded only seven total sacks in 32 games for
Philadelphia. That’s sort of like the definition of underwhelming.
Elsewhere — team sack percentage, forced fumbles, etc. — Seattle
also leaves much to be desired.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars, JAC
There’s little to say here other than JAX is superbad. And not in the
cool way. They signed Aaron Kampman in the offseason and used
three picks on pass-rushing ends/outside linebackers. That might
make the future brighter for the Jags, but the present is a wash.
30. St. Louis Rams, STL
If you watched the Rams play at all last year, then (a) sorry about
that and (b) you’re probably surprised they managed to finish even
this high on the list. In fact, only the lowly Lions conceded more
22
TEAM DEFENSE PROFILES (cont...)
points. The one bright spot for the defense is safety O.J. Atogwe,
who’s forced nine fubles over the last two years. The Rams re-
signed him in June.
31. Kansas City Chiefs, KC
By standard formats, the Chiefs’ defense finished in the middle of
the pack in 2009 — an accomplishment considering how bad their
actual defense was. Unfortunately, much of that success was built
upon an unsustainable 63% fumble recovery rate. Fumble recover-
ies are almost entirely random, meaning Kansas City should see
their fumble totals regress heavily from 2009’s total of 13.
32. Detroit Lions, DET
According to Brian Burke of Advanced NFL Stats, interceptions are
thrown far more than they are taken. Often, the INT is the product
of an unwise pass being forced by a team that’s down late in a
game. Unfortunately, almost no team is ever down late in a game to
Detroit. That’s one of many qualities that makes DET unrosterable.
23
INDIVIDUAL DEF. PLAYERS SEASON PROFILES
Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.
LINEBACKERS & DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
1. Patrick Willis, SF, LB
Tackles are king in IDP scoring, which makes Willis — the NFL’s
leading tackler — an easy choice as top linebacker, and top IDP
option overall. A sideline-to-sideline playmaker, Willis has averaged
more than 155 tackles in his three NFL seasons. Last season, he
supplemented those gaudy numbers with four sacks and a career-
high three picks.
2. Jon Beason, CAR, LB
Patrick Willis is (rightly) regarded as the No. 1 option in IDP leagues.
Beason is 1a. The Panthers’ middle linebacker makes a ton of
plays, averaging nearly 140 tackles a year in his three NFL seasons
— despite playing with a torn labrum in 2008. His value got a boost
last season when he added quarterback pressure to his resume —
he had just three sacks, but they were the first his career.
3. Barrett Ruud, TB, LB
Since winning a starting job three years ago, Ruud’s high tackle
totals have made the Tampa inside ‘backer one of the NFL’s top
IDP contributors. He set a career high in stops last season with 142,
including a 17-tackle (13 solo) tour de force against Atlanta in the
season finale. He didn’t record a sack after posting three in 2008,
but he’s had at least one interception in each of the last three years.
If you place any stock in contract drives, Ruud’s value gets a boost
this year; unless an extension is worked out, he’s on track to be an
unrestricted free agent after this season.
4. London Feltcher, WAS, LB
Fletcher might get overlooked in drafts because of his age — 35 in
May — but the savvy veteran continues to rack up tackle totals that
match players 10 years his junior. His 142 stops last season tied for
second in the league. His consistency — both in health and produc-
tion — are nothing short of remarkable. It will be interesting to see
how a shift to the 3-4 alignment will impact his play, but it would
seem foolish to bet against another productive season.
5. D’Qwell Jackson, CLE, LB
Jackson racked up more than 150 tackles in 2008 and was on pace
to match that total last year when a Week 6 shoulder injury ended
his season prematurely. He should be back at full strength to start
the season. The Browns will be deeper at linebacker than in recent
years, but a healthy Jackson is still probably the best of the bunch,
and middle linebackers in Eric Mangini’s system have generally
been very good IDP options. Jackson should be a very good value
this season.
6. David Harris, NYJ, LB
Harris exploded into fantasy stardom as a rookie, racking up 120
tackles and five sacks. But in 2008 he missed significant time due
to a nagging groin injury and last season he was slowed by ankle
problems. That said, even limited by the ankle, Harris’ final 2009
tally still included 126 tackles and 5.5 sacks. The latter of those
numbers is what makes Harris special among inside linebackers. If
he can avoid nagging injuries, Harris should be back among the IDP
elite this season.
7. Paul Posluszny, BUF, LB
Posluszny puts up outstanding numbers when he can stay on the
field. A broken arm limited him to three games as a rookie, and
another break cost him four games last season. Despite that, he led
the Bills in tackles (110) in 2009 and added three interceptions and
his first NFL sack. Posluszny’s doctors took steps during last sea-
son’s surgery to try and help keep him on the field this season. If
so, he should be a good-to-great option in IDP leagues. The Bills
have switched to a new 3-4 defense, but all indications are he’ll get
one of the starting (and tackle-friendly) ILB spots.
8. Kirk Morrison, JAC, LB
With an average of 134 tackles the last two seasons, Morrison got
in more than enough hits to merit a starting spot in IDP leagues.
This season he’ll be making those tackles for Jack Del Rio’s
Jaguars after the Raiders traded him to Jacksonville. Morrison has
the potential to put up truly elite IDP numbers if he can run into
some interceptions, which is something he failed to do in ‘09. Even
still, 130-plus tackles alone make him a top IDP option.
9. James Laurinaitis, STL, LB
After Laurinaitis spent his rookie year minicamp with the second
team, expectations dropped. A 120-tackle, two-sack, two-INT cam-
paign proved the skeptics wrong, cementing Laurinaitis in place as
the Rams’ starting MLB. A year’s worth of experience and a team
that has nowhere to go but up should help Laurinaitis build upon
last year’s impressive numbers in his second season.
10. Jerod Mayo, NE, LB
Mayo led the Pats in tackles last season with 103, despite missing
three games with a knee injury. He finished the year strong, posting
double figures in tackles three times in the second half, including a
15-tackle performance in Week 16. He’ll be back this season as the
center of Bill Belichick’s defense, and should show continued
improvement in his third NFL campaign.
11. D.J. Williams, DEN, LB
After a 2008 season that only allowed Williams to play in 11 games
due to injury (and still average close to nine tackles per contest), he
returned in 2009 with a solid season and 122 total tackles. He will
most likely lead the Broncos in that category again and is always a
possibility to be near the top of the League lead.
12. Curtis Lofton, ATL, LB
After Keith Brooking left for Dallas after the 2008 season, Lofton
was charged with leading a very young Falcons defense against
some pretty tough offenses. He responded ably, finishing the 2009
season with 131 tackles and two forced fumbles in his second sea-
son with the Falcons. There’s still reason to believe that Lofton, only
24, has room for improvement in his game.
13. Ray Lewis, BAL, LB
Despite playing in his age-34 season, Lewis continued to rack up
big IDP numbers in 2009. He was credited with 133 tackles — his
highest total since the 2004 campaign — and he added three
sacks, making Lewis a top IDP option. He might not reach 130
tackles this season, but barring injury, he’s a good bet to top 110
with enough sacks and interceptions to be close to the IDP elite.
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IDP SEASON PROFILES - LINEBACKERS & DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (cont...)
14. DeMeco Ryans, HOU, LB
Ryans has yet to match the stellar IDP numbers he posted as a
rookie (156 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception) but has emerged
as a consistent force in the middle of the Texans’ D and a good bet
to generate about 120 tackles a year. His durability is a big plus;
like all NFL players, Ryans has been hit with a variety of minor
injuries, but he’s been able to play through them without missing
time or losing productivity. He may be called upon to do more dur-
ing the first quarter of the season while teammate Brian Cushing is
suspended for violating the league’s PED policy.
15. Brian Cushing, HOU, LB
Cushing would rank much higher on this list based on his rookie
season performance — he racked up 134 tackles, five sacks and
four interceptions and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year by
the AP. But this spring, we learned that Cushing failed a drug test
during that campaign and will sit out the first four games of 2010 for
violating the NFL’s PED policy. Still, 12 games worth of Cushing, in
tandem with four games of replacement-level performance, is likely
still a better IDP option than a full season of most defenders out
there.
16. Jonathan Vilma, NO, LB
The Saint defense improved significantly on its way to the Super
Bowl, and Vilma’s presence in the middle was a big factor. Vilma’s
110 tackles were 22 fewer than in 2008, but a late-season knee
injury cost him Week 17 and limited his effectiveness in Week 16
(only six tackles). As the heart of Gregg Williams’ aggressive
defense, Vilma should continue to be a rosterable option in IDP
leagues.
17. Stephen Tulloch, TEN, LB
Tulloch has two things going for him as far as IDP value is con-
cerned. For one, he’s improved conspicuously over the first four
years of his NFL career, recording 35, 36, 78, and then 120 tackles
— in that order — over that time period. For two, he is the best vet-
eran on a young, shallow squad, meaning that playing shouldn’t be
an issue at all. Having skipped all offseason workouts due to a con-
tract dispute, there’s a chance he shows some rust, but it’s not like-
ly.
18. Lance Briggs, CHI, LB
Briggs posted 118 tackles last year, his most since 2006, despite
missing two games with a knee injury. He has the potential to
improve upon last year’s totals this season, particularly if newly
acquired defensive end Julius Peppers can improve Chicago’s dor-
mant pass rush. Briggs has good range in coverage and has get
added value by providing a couple sacks each year.
19. Dhani Jones, CIN, LB
You might call Jones an IDP late bloomer. A special teams ace for
most of his career, Jones landed in Cincinnati and, for the last two
seasons, has emerged as a 100-plus tackler. He had 113 tackles
last year after registering 114 the year before. Last season, he
added 3.5 sacks to the mix, further increasing his IDP value. He’s
not exactly high-upside, but he’s dependable — and that’s some-
thing.
20. Bradie James, DAL, LB
The acquisition of Keith Brooking cut into James’ use as a pass
rusher in 2009; his sack total fell from a career-high eight in 2008 to
just two in 2009. The drop in sacks is what prevents him from
attaining elite IDP stats. Still, for the fourth straight season, James
racked up more than 100 tackles, including a 12-tackle perform-
ance in Dallas’ shutout of the Redskins in Week 15. Depending on
how often he’s called upon to blitz, James should rank as a good-
to-very good IDP option this season.
21. DeMarcus Ware, DAL, LB
That Ware, one of the league’s premiere pass-rushers, is located
here on this list should give fantasy owners an idea of how impor-
tant tackles are relative to sacks in most IDP formats. Ware racked
up 11 sacks and 57 tackles in 2009 while playing through a litany of
injuries that would put most of us in the hospital. He’s expected to
be healthy for training camp, however. The last time Ware was
healthy for a full season, he racked up 20 sacks and 84 tackles,, LB
22. Nick Barnett, GB, LB
With the exception of an injury-shortened 2008, Barnett has topped
the 100-tackle mark every year of a pro career that began in 2003.
To that, he’s also typically added two or three sacks. He had an
arthroscopic procedure on his right knee in January, which may be
cause for concern, but Barnett himself said it was less necessary
and more just to clean up scarred tissue.
23. Rolando McClain, OAK, LB
Rookies tend not to be great IDP options, but in the average year
there are typically one or two players — usually linebackers — who
step right in and produce. McClain could be this year’s version of
Brian Cushing or James Laurinaitis — a first-year player who starts
from Week 1 and racks up 100-plus tackles. The Raiders had
enough faith in McClain’s potential that they dealt incumbent starter
Kirk Morrison to Jacksonville during the draft. At 6-4, 258, McClain
has good size and should be able to consistently fight off blockers
and get to ball carriers.
24. Demorrio Williams, KC, LB
Projected as a reserve linebacker, Williams thrived in the Chiefs’
new 3-4 set and emerged as KC’s leading tackler last season, his
117 stops ranking 16th in the league. Not really posing much of a
pass-rushing threat — he hasn’t notched a sack since 2006 or an
interception since 2007 — he’ll be a tier below the top IDPs.
25. Gary Brackett, IND, LB
Brackett is Indianapolis’ starting middle linebacker. After a season-
ending broken leg in 2008, he returned to top form and would have
had 100 sacks if the Colts didn’t rest him the final two games
ahead of the playoffs. He’s a good bet to put up 100 or more tack-
les, although he’s failed to play a full 16 games in three of the last
four seasons.
26. E.J. Henderson, MIN, LB
With 83 tackles through 12 games last year, Henderson was easily
on pace to break the 100-tackle threshold. Before he could do so,
however, he broke his leg and then was subsequently shut down
for the season. It wasn’t the first season-ender for Henderson: he
missed 12 games in 2008 after dislocating two toes on his left foot.
When healthy, though, he makes a fine IDP play — reliable, if not
with great upside. He’s expected back for the beginning of the sea-
son.
27. Karlos Dansby, MIA, LB
Dansby received a fat free-agent contract to become the heart of
Miami’s defense. As the Dolphins’ highest-paid defender, he’ll be
expected to replicate or better his performances from his Cardinals’
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IDP SEASON PROFILES - LINEBACKERS & DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (cont...)
days. You can bet Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano will make Dansby
a focus of the defense after laying out all that cash ($43 million over
five seasons). Dansby had 109 tackles last season, 10 fewer than in
2008, his only other season with 100-plus tackles.
28. Clint Session, IND, LB
Well, here’s a good sign: in 2007, Session averaged two tackles per
game; in 2008, that number shot up to about 5.7 tackles per game;
in 2009, it climbed even further, to 7.1. That looks quite a bit like a
trend. Recognize, Sessions won’t record many sacks — he’s only
got 0.5 to his name — but the tackles are enough to place him at
the cusp of the Top 25 linebacker and linemen.
29. Lawrence Timmons, PIT, LB
Timmons stepped into the starting inside linebacker spot vacated
by Larry Foote last year. Foote has been brought back, but it will
not be at the expense of Timmons’ starting role. Timmons, despite
being hampered by ankle injuries, set career highs in solo tackles
(56), tackles (78) and sacks (7). Foote brings valuable experience and
relief to the linebacker corps, but Timmons is locked in as a starter.
30. Michael Boley, NYG, LB
Boley’s now been in the league for five years and, with the excep-
tion of a 102-tackle, three-sack 2007 with Atlanta, had done very lit-
tle to suggest that he’d ever be a top-tier IDP candidate. After
undergoing knee surgery in early October to repair a partially torn
meniscus, however, an IDP superstar is what he looked like. Over
the final seven weeks of 2009, Boley recorded 63 tackles — a pace
that would certainly place him among the Top 10 linebackers. It’s
unlikely that he maintains that sort of pace entering 2010; still, it’s
best to keep one’s mind open.
31. James Harrison, PIT, LB
Harrison doesn’t rack up as many tackles as other elite IDP line-
backers — until you factor in tackling the quarterback. The Steelers’
primary pass-rush threat has racked up 34.5 sacks the last three
seasons — 16 in 2008 alone — and posted 10 last year. Like the
Steelers as a whole, he finished the year in disappointing fashion,
failing to record a sack in his last six games and totaling just 79
tackles. If he returns to the 90-tackle range he had the previous two
seasons, he’ll be a difference maker.
32. Keith Brooking, DAL, LB
Brooking will turn 35 at the end of October, so he’s not really what
you’d call a high-upside pick. His consistency is marvelous, howev-
er. Regard: the linebacker has played every game of every season
back through 2001. And in each of those seasons, he’s recorded at
least 100 tackles. Granted, he’s cut it close of late (106 in 2009,
only 102 the year before that), but that’s still some feat considering
the physical nature of the sport/position.
33. Geno Hayes, TB, LB
A little-used reserve as a rookie, Hayes was handed more responsi-
bility when the Bucs waived veterans Derrick Brooks and Cato
June. Hayes responded with an impressive 98 tackles, three sacks,
two interceptions and six passes defensed in 15 games before a
shoulder injury ended his season. He should be healthy for training
camp, and is a good candidate to build on last season’s success.
34. Keith Bulluck, FA, LB
From 2002 through 2009, Bulluck only finished one season (2007)
without 98 or more tackles. That also happened to be the season in
which he recorded five interceptions. In short, he’s been a valuable
IDP commodity for a while now. After tearing his ACL in Week 15,
he remained unsigned till press time. Rumors have him possibly
settling with the Lions. In any case, he’s a good bet to once again
surpass the 100-tackle threshold — and will assuredly be available
deep, deep, deep into drafts.
35. Calvin Pace, NYJ, LB
After being suspended for the first four games of the 2009 season
for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing sub-
stances, Pace returned to the Jets and essentally produced — from
an IDP perspective, at least — exactly as he had in 2008, when he
recorded seven sacks and 80 tackles. The sacks were up a bit in
2009, the tackles down, but it came out about the same. The same
is what we might reasonably expect in 2010.
36. James Farrior, PIT, LB
Farrior is known for his ability to rack up tackles more than sacks
on the gridiron. He recorded over 100 total tackles in 2009, the fifth
time in the last seven seasons he reached the century mark.
However, he is now 35 years old and entering his 14th season in
the league. He struggled in pass protection at times last year, so
the team brought back Larry Foote to help out should Farrior
decline further in 2010. The team may look to lighten his load on
the field so as to keep him fresh over the course of the season.
37. Chad Greenway, MIN, LB
A dominant defensive line like Minnesota’s frees up linebackers to
make a lot of plays, and Chad Greenway has taken advantage in
recent years. In the last three seasons (he missed all of 2006 with a
torn ACL) Greenway has averaged more than 98 tackles while mak-
ing solid contributions to the pass rush (five sacks in 2008) and
coverage (three INTs in 2009). As with all Viking defenders, watch
for the status of defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams — who
could face four-game PED suspensions — before drafting
Greenway, as the loss of the two run-stuffers could really hurt his
production.
38. Stephen Cooper, SD, LB
Cooper is a good source of tackles and solid pass defender — 98
tackles and four INTs in 2008 — whose overall production was off
last season due to a nagging knee injury suffered in the first half of
the Chargers’ Week 4 game at Pittsburgh. Cooper was averaging
nearly 10 tackles a game at that point; that number dropped to 6.2
after the injury. Look for him to bounce back this season if he stays
healthy.
39. Trent Cole, DE, PHI, LB
Cole is the first true down-lineman on this list, beating out Jared
Allen and Justin Tuck. An undersized DE — if you can call 6- 2,
257 “undersized”— Cole makes his living out-quicking blockers and
making plays in the backfield. That quickness allows him to post
the sort of tackle numbers you might expect to see from a line-
backer — and in fantasy scoring, that’s a huge asset. He posted 20
fewer tackles last season than in 2008, possibly due to shoulder
and hamstring injuries. Look for a healthy Cole to return to the
ranks of the truly elite fantasy DEs this year.
40. LaMarr Woodley, PIT, LB
Woodley had an 11.5 sack campaign in 2008, but for the first half of
2009, it almost looked like a fluke. He had just two sacks (both
coming in the same game) through the first eight weeks of the sea-
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IDP SEASON PROFILES - LINEBACKERS & DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (cont...)
son. However, he then went on an absolute tear, racking up 11.5
QB takedowns in the final eight games of the season. His 13.5
sacks led the team and was the third-highest total in the league.
Woodley’s low tackle numbers drag down his value a bit (he had 60
and 62 in 2008 and 2009 respectively), but his 25 sacks over the
last two seasons shows he is more than capable of putting up dou-
ble-digit sacks for the third straight season.
41. Jared Allen, MIN, DE
Once again, this rank is a testament to the importance of tackles
over sacks. As far as defensive ends go, Allen has been the picture
of consistency the last three years, tallying 14.5 or more sacks and
51 or more tackles each season, and missing just two games in that
span. Still just 28, Allen should continue to be one of the most pro-
ductive linemen in any fantasy format this season.
42. Andra Davis, BUF, LB
Signed by the Bills as a free agent in March, mostly for his familiari-
ty with the team’s new 3-4 defense, Davis has a chance to start in
2010. He’s competing with Paul Posluszny, Keith Ellison, and
Kawika Mitchell for two ILB spots. Davis posted 90 tackles in each
of the two seasons and used to be a 100-plus tackles guy with the
Browns, so if he wins a starting job, give him a look in deeper IDP
leagues, as he’s off the radar to a lot of folks these days.
43. Keith Ellison, BUF, LB
Ellison had an impressive 68 tackles in just eight games last sea-
son, but he’s going to have a tough time winning a starting role with
the new coaching staff and 3-4 defense. At IPaul Posluszny, Andra
Davis and Kawika Mitchell appear to be ahead of him, plus the Bills
signed Reggie Torbor this offseason. It doesn’t look like Ellison will
have much IDP value from the outset, but if he becomes a starter,
he’ll have value.
44. Lofa Tatupu, SEA, LB
From 2005 through 2008, his first three seasons in the League,
Tatupu averaged over 100 tackles with about three sacks per sea-
son. In 2008, however, he finished sackless and just short of the
100-tackle mark. Last year, he was on a slightly better pace (32
tackles and a sack in five games), until tearing his pectoral muscle
in a loss to the Cardinals. He’s already been cleared for contact,
though, and should regain his starting spot in 2010.
45. David Hawthorne, SEA, LB
After Lofa Tatupu went down with his season-ending pectoral injury,
Hawthorne stepped in and actually performed above Tatupu’s level
from the past season and a half. He recorded 116 tackles over 16
games — and that includes two full games (Weeks 4 and 5) when
he had exactly zero tackles. At 2009’s pace, he’d be about a Top 20
linebacker. The return of Tatupu, however, relegates Hawthorne to
the outer limits of IDP respectability.
46. Justin Tuck, NYG, DE
Like his New York Giants as a whole, Tuck was a major disappoint-
ment in 2009. Tuck’s sack numbers plummeted from a high of 13 in
2008 to a mere six last season, and his typically healthy tackle
numbers (59) weren’t enough to make up the difference. Although
he played in all 16 games, he fought injury most of the season; his
shoulder needed offseason surgery. A return to 100 percent health
— or as close to it as NFL players get — should help Tuck return to
first tier status this season.
47. Kevin Burnett, SD, LB
Burnett played well at times for the Bolts in 2009, averaging close
to six tackles per game, despite something less than full playing
time. Entering 2010, it appears that he’ll have to battle Brandon
Siler and rookie Donald Butler for time at the inside linebacker spot
opposite Stephen Cooper. If he’s able to secure that starting time,
he’s a likely candidate for something nearing 100 tackles.
48. Mike Peterson, ATL, LB
Peterson rejoined his former defensive coordinator, Mike Smith, and
had his best season since 2005. He had 82 solo tackles, another 26
assists, and forced three turnover,s but there are concerns he might
not repeat that performance. He is 34 years old and the Falcons
drafted rookie Sean Weatherspoon in the first round.
49. Larry Foote, PIT, LB
Foote returns to the Steelers after a one-year hiatus in Detroit. He
recorded the second-highest tackle total of his career for the Lions
last season (99), but he will be a backup on the Steelers. He will
see his fair share of time on the field and be given plenty of oppor-
tunities to contribute, but barring injury, will not approach 90 tackles
in 2010.
50. Mario Williams, TEX, DE
A better overall Texans defense may have hurt Williams’ individual
stats last season; with more playmakers in the mix, Williams fin-
ished the campaign with a career-low 43 tackles and a three-year
low of nine sacks. But complacency may have played a role as well,
as Houston coach Gary Kubiak read Williams the riot act after his
tackle-less Week 15 game against Miami. If Williams can maintain
his focus for the full season, he easily has the talent to be a top tier
fantasy D-lineman again.
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IDP SEASON PROFILES - DEFENSIVE BACKS (cont...)
DEFENSIVE BACKS
1. Yeremiah Bell, MIA, S
Bell spent 2009 proving his breakout 2008 season was no fluke, fol-
lowing up his 120- tackle performance with another 114 — and with
three interceptions added for good measure. The middle linebacker-
esque tackle numbers put Bell in the top tier of IDP defensive
backs. Don’t expect big numbers in other categories, though. Last
season’s INT total was his career high and his first picks since
2005, and he generally doesn’t play close enough to the line to
generate a lot of quarterback pressure.
2. Tyvon Branch, OAK, S
The safety spot in Oakland has become a fantasy gold mine. Two
years ago, Gibril Wilson made 128 tackles from the Raiders sec-
ondary. Wilson parlayed that season into a deal with Miami, so the
Raiders moved Branch from cornerback to fill the vacancy. Good
move. Branch became a tackling machine at strong safety, racking
up 124 stops in his first year at the position to lead all defensive
backs. The Raiders probably won’t give opponents too many rea-
sons to try risky passes, but Branch should still be good for 100-
plus tackles as the team’s strong safety again this year.
3. Bernard Pollard, HOU, S
Once known only as the man who wrecked Tom Brady’s knee,
Pollard has emerged as a legit IDP option and a key to Houston’s
improving defense. He racked up more than 100 tackles and four
interceptions last season in just 13 games. With a full season as the
unquestioned starter, Pollard projects as an elite fantasy defensive
back.
4. Erik Coleman, ATL, S
Coleman has been, at times, a top-notch ballhawk and a tackling
machine. If he ever does both in the same season, he’ll be an IDP
superstar. In 2009, Coleman racked up the tackles (115) but didn’t
manage a pick. In 2008, he had three picks but his tackle number
was a slightly less dominant 95. Even Coleman’s low-end tackle
totals are enough to place him among the Top 5 defensive backs.
5. Eric Weddle, SD, S
Weddle’s 2009 was fine, but not particularly impressive: 82 tackles,
two interceptions and 1.5 sacks in 13 games. As a result, owners
might not have him this high on their respective IDP cheatsheets.
But don’t forget his excellent 2008, when he recorded 125 tackles,
a sack, and an interception. With the Chargers likely to be playing
from ahead rather often, opposing QBs might also make the more
poor decisions than usual.
6. Louis Delmas, DET, S
The 33rd overall pick in the 2009 draft, Delmas won a starting job in
training camp and never looked back, finishing an impressive rookie
campaign with 91 tackles, two picks, two touchdowns and a sack.
He also impressed coaches with his durability by playing through a
number of injuries. Another year of maturity and experience might
probably see Delmas top 100 tackles — exceptional for DBs.
7. Roman Harper, NO, S
Harper proved to be a great fit for Gregg Williams’ aggressive
defense, racking up just over 100 tackles in 2009. Williams uses
Harper on the blitz regularly, so an increase from last season’s sack
total wouldn’t be an unreasonable expectation for 2010.
8. Dashon Goldson, SF, S
In his first season as a starter, Goldson rocketed to the top of the
IDP rankings with a combination of quarterback pressure (two
sacks), ball-hawking (four INTs), big plays (three forced fumbles)
and a healthy number of stops (94 tackles). He’ll be back as the
Niners’ starting free safety in 2010 and should be able to build on
last season’s breakout performance in an improving defense.
9. Antoine Bethea, IND, S
Bob Sanders has a Defensive Player of the Year award on his
resume, but Bethea has been the most productive Indianapolis DB
the last few seasons — at least partly because he’s done a much
better job of staying on the field. Bethea fell just shy of a second
consecutive 100-tackle season in 2009 and has a knack for big
plays (10 INTs in the last three seasons, four in 2009). The Colts
used a first-round tender to retain Bethea’s services this offseason,
so he’ll be back in a familiar role making plays for Indy this fall.
10. Terrell Thomas, NYG, CB
With incumbents Corey Webster and Aaron Ross struggling with
injuries and generally poor play, Thomas stepped up to become the
G-Men’s top cover corner — grabbing five picks and taking one to
the house while generating tackle numbers (85) you’d expect from a
safety. That’s an outstanding combination for an IDP cornerback.
Interception and touchdown numbers are tough to project from
year-to-year, but cornerbacks who actually get stops are very valu-
able, especially in leagues that require IDP corners. Thomas is
expected to start opposite Webster in 2010.
11. Eric Berry, KC, S
Based on his play with the Tennessee Volunteers, Berry drew com-
parisons to Baltimore’s Ed Reed — high praise indeed. The fifth
overall selection in the 2010 draft, Berry will be expected to step in
and contribute from day one, both as a playmaker in the defensive
backfield and in run support. A tackle total in the mid-80s with three
picks wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect.
12. Earl Thomas, SEA, S
The 14th overall pick in the 2010 Draft, Thomas is expected to start
at free safety for Pete Carroll’s Seahawks, replacing Jordan
Babineaux, whose 104 tackles ranked fifth among defensive backs
last season. At 5-10, 197, Thomas is a touch on the small side for
an NFL safety — he’s more of a cornerback/safety ‘tweener at this
point — but is highly regarded for his ball-hawking skills. He’s not
known for his tackling, but as Babineaux showed last season, the
opportunities should be there. And whatever tackles he leaves on
the field, he should make up for it with picks as he has great range.
13. T.J. Ward, CLE, S
The 38th overall selection in the 2010 draft, Ward might be the best
IDP option among this year’s crop of rookie DBs. He’s considered
an excellent hitter with cornerback speed. And he landed with
Cleveland, a team that’s perilously thin in the backfield. It’s not hard
to imagine Eric Mangini using Ward both in coverage and run sup-
port and on the blitz, much as he used Kerry Rhodes with the Jets.
14. Quintin Mikell, PHI, S
This one-time special teams ace has become a consistent hitter in
the Eagles’ secondary, credited with just short of 90 tackles in each
of the last two seasons and grabbing five interceptions during that
span. He was held without a sack in 2009 — a surprise, given
Philly’s penchant for blitzing.
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IDP SEASON PROFILES - DEFENSIVE BACKS (cont...)
15. Charles Woodson, GB, CB
Woodson is coming off an outstanding season — 74 tackles, two
sacks, nine interceptions, three pick-sixes and AP Defensive Player
of the Year honors. That big-play ability will make him a tempting
target in IDP drafts. Ordinarily, it’s not smart to project defensive
touchdowns, but Woodson’s penchant for big plays is well-docu-
mented — he’s scored eight TDs the last four seasons.
16. Brandon Meriweather, NE, S
Meriweather recorded 83 tackles for a second straight season and
added five interceptions, earning Pro Bowl honors for the Patriots.
He has good ball-hawking skills (nine INTs the last two years) and is
a sure tackler. After moving into a full-time starting role last season,
Meriweather is a good bet to put up similar numbers this season.
17. LaRon Landry, WAS, S
Landry will once again man a starting safety spot for Washington.
Though one might say he’s failed to live up to the expectations of a
safety drafted sixth overall, that might also be due to the fact that
he’s spent most of his career playing deep center field. New coach
Mike Shanahan and Co. plans to take advantage of his size and
speed and play him closer to the line of scrimmage, something he
is much more suited for. He has bulked up during the offseason in
anticipation of the shift in his responsibilities.
18. O.J. Atogwe, STL, S
Atogwe’s coming off a season that saw him record 74 tackles in
just 12 games — a pace that’d put him pretty close to the 100-
tackle mark. And though he only had the two interceptions, he
combined for 13 picks in 2007-08. In short, he offers a good broad
base of skills that, were they to come together in one season,
would make him a Top 10 DB.
19. Ryan Clark, PIT, S
Clark had a career-year with Pittsburgh in 2009, setting new marks
in solo tackles (68), total tackles (89) and passes defensed (8), while
also tying his career-high in interceptions (3). He has recorded 70 or
more tackles in four of his six full seasons in the league and is
expected to do so again in 2010.
20. Dawan Landry, BAL, S
Landry missed most of the 2008 season after suffering a spinal cord
injury, but returned in impressive fashion with an 84-tackle, four-
interception 2009 campaign. With Ed Reed’s future still in doubt,
Landry could be called upon to be even more of a playmaker for
the Ravens in 2010
21. Michael Lewis, SF, S
Lewis’ tackle totals have steadily declined since he joined the 49ers
— 105 in 2007, 96 in 2008, and 82 last season. Still, even that last
figure is pretty good from a DB. The veteran won’t face much of a
threat from second-round draft pick Taylor Mays this season,
though 2011 might be a different story.
22. Chinedum Ndukwe, CIN, S
After an impressive 63 tackles and three sacks over just 11 games
in 2008, owners would’ve been right to get excited about Ndukwe’s
IDP prospects entering in 2009. Over the first three weeks, that
excitement seemed duly unfounded: the safety had only two tackles
in that time. Still, he regrouped and finished with 85 tackles, two
sacks, and an interception.
23. Antoine Winfield, MIN, CB
Winfield, who missed six games last season with a Lisfranc injury,
still managed to average five tackles per game — something he’s
done ever since 2003, with Buffalo. That’s quite an accomplishment
for a corner, and makes Winfield a prime candidate for IDP excel-
lence... when healthy. If the latter is the case, he’d be a steal in this
area of the IDP draft.
24. Brian Dawkins, DEN, S
Dawkins is a big time hitter who directs the Broncos’ defense from
his free safety position. He set a career high with 116 tackles in
2009, but he will turn 37 years old in October, so we should not
expect the same kind of production in 2010.
25. Roy Williams, CIN, S
A fractured forearm kept the hard-hitting safety to just four games
last season, where he recorded just 28 tackles and no picks. Those
seven tackles per game set a pace that would’ve placed him
among the top DBs in that category. The last time Williams inter-
cepted a pass was 2007, but the Bengals liked enough of what they
did see to keep him in the fold for one more year.
26. Chris Hope, TEN, S
In 2010, Hope enters his ninth year as a solid starter as strong safe-
ty. He has not missed a game in two years and looks to still be in
great shape to continue that streak. He maintains steady but not
“eye-popping” numbers. Somewhere in the high-70s for tackles,
along with three picks: that’s what’s best to expect from him.
27. Charles Tillman, CHI, CB
Tillman had another solid year in 2009, recording 77 tackles, two
interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and six forced fum-
bles. Tillman did suffer broken ribs and a punctured lung that forced
him to miss the season finale, but he has fully recovered and will be
fine for the 2010 season. Now that he’s healthy, Tillman will resume
his role as starting cornerback opposite Zach Bowman.
28. Kerry Rhodes, ARZ, S
Needless to say, Rhodes didn’t fit in well with Jets head coach Rex
Ryan last season and was ultimately deemed expendable after
starting 78 of the 80 games he’s played in during his first five NFL
seasons. The Cards were happy to land him as the replacement for
Antrel Rolle, and there’s a very good chance he’ll return to form
after being one of the league’s better IDP options at safety prior to
last season.
29. Richard Marshall, CAR, CB
In his first full season as a starter, Marshall racked up 88 tackles
and four interceptions. Unsurprisingly, a lot of the talk regarding the
corner this past offseason concerned Marshall contract status. In
the end, he signed a one-year restricted free agent tender with the
Panthers, worth $1.759 million. His playing time is secure; his future
in Carolina after 2010 is not.
30. James Butler, STL, S
Butler finished third on the Rams defense with 69 tackles and had a
team-high three interceptions despite playing in just 13 games in
2009. Though teammate O.J. Atogwe is probably the more exciting
player — and the more valuable fantasy play — between Butler’s
starting spot and the Rams’ general incompetence defensively, he’s
due for plenty of opportunities.
29
IDP SEASON PROFILES - DEFENSIVE BACKS (cont...)
31. Tanard Jackson, TB, S
Jackson had 70 tackles, eight passes defensed, five interceptions
(two returned for touchdowns) in only 12 games played in 2009.
Those are all impressive rates, though the represent such a large
departure from his previous production, that one is right to tread
cautiously. Consider Jackson a compelling sleeper, but not a top-
tier IDP guy... yet.
32. Antrel Rolle, NYG, S
Rolle signed with the Giants this offseason to shore up the safety
position, the team’s biggest weakness last year after Kenny Phillips
went down with a knee injury. Rolle is an able tackler, he picked off
four passes last year for the Cardinals and even racked up 1.5
sacks. The Giants are expecting big things from Rolle this season,
given his five-year, $37 million deal.
34. Nick Collins, GB, S
Collins doesn’t deliver as many hits as other top IDP safeties, but
he’s one of the league’s better ball-hawks, with 13 interceptions the
last two seasons. A series of nagging injuries (calf, chest) slowed
him last season, which may have contributed to his low tackle num-
bers (47 on the year). With good health, he should be able to deliver
a few more hits in 2010.
34. Jonathan Joseph, CIN, CB
Joseph followed up an impressive but injury-shortened 2008 sea-
son in grand fashion, emerging as one of the top IDP corners in the
league. Joseph picked off six passes in 2009, returning one for a
touchdown, and was credited with 69 tackles — a good number for
a cover corner. He’ll team with Leon Hall again this season to give
the Bengals one of the top corner tandems in the NFL.
35. Abram Elam, CIN, S
Elam led the Browns with 91 tackles last season. That’s saying
something, but it’s also important to note that he’d never recorded
more than 60 tackles in a season before 2009. Is Elam hitting his
peak? Or was he reaping the benefits of a one-year fluke? The diffi-
culty in answering that question is why he’s not higher on this list.
36. Adrian Wilson, ARZ, S
Wilson had a nice 2009 campaign, earning a trip to his second
career Pro Bowl on the strength of a career-high five interceptions
along with 74 tackles (61 solo), two sacks and a forced fumble.
Even if his days as the consensus top IDP safety are through,
Wilson is still an excellent option in leagues that require the use of
one. In nickel and dime packages, he’ll continue to lineup closer to
the line of scrimmage, making him a threat for sacks while Matt
Ware drops into coverage.
37. Donte Whitner, BUF, S
Whitner will be returning to his more familiar strong safety role
under the Bills’ new coaching staff in 2010, and he’s expected to be
the starter. Whitner has had a lot of ups and downs following his
selection as the eighth overall pick in 2006, but some of that has
been due to injuries. The secondary is by far the strongest spot on
this defense, and Bryan Scott will be pushing Whitner for playing
time. He’s an IDP option in deeper league, though he’s never been
a big playmaker and you’d have to watch the time the backups
behind him and Jairus Byrd are getting, as Scott and George
Wilson are both very capable safeties.
38. Ronde Barber, TB, CB
Barber’s amazing career is on the downside now, and 2010 may be
his last season. Barber did manage 77 tackles, six passes
defensed, 2.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2009 but did not
have any interceptions. Expect similar numbers at best in 2010.
39. Darren Sharper, NO, S
Sharper discovered the Fountain of Youth in 2009, recording nine
interceptions and returning three of them for touchdowns. He is a
perfect fit for defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ aggressive
scheme, as he is asked to play centerfield and read the quarterback
while strong safety Roman Harper’s number is often dialed in blitz
packages. Given that his value is almost entirely tied to his inter-
ception total, it would be unwise to count on Sharper to repeat last
year’s fantasy performance, particularly at his age and after offsea-
son knee surgery.
40. Nick Harper, FA, CB
As of press time, Harper remains an unrestricted free agent. Despite
playing almost all of the 2009 season as a 35-year-old, he was still
productive with 81 tackles and one interception in 11 games — a
pace that would’ve actually placed him among the elite DBs for fan-
tasy purposes. Keep him on your short list of IDP sleepers.
41. Danieal Manning, CHI, S
Manning started ten games in the Bears secondary in 2009, record-
ing 92 tackles (second on the team behind Lance Briggs), an inter-
ception, and two forced fumbles. The addition of safeties Major
Wright and Chris Harris this offseason will likely cut into Manning’s
playing time, but he is a versatile athlete who can play basically
anywhere in the secondary and should continue to see a decent
amount of action, even if it’s not in a starting role. Manning has also
returned kickoffs for the Bears the last two years, and should con-
tinue in that role this season.
42. Gibril Wilson, CIN, S
Wilson’s stay in Miami will probably be considered a bust, as he
had extreme difficulties covering opposing tight ends. Still, he had
91 tackles and a sack for the Dolphins last season and will vie for a
starting safety spot with Cincy. At worst, he’ll provide valuable and
experienced depth in the secondary after the Bengals ran into injury
trouble last year.
43. Kelvin Hayden, IND, CB
Hayden averaged over five tackles per game last year — a fact that
would typically place a DB in the Top 25 or so. There are two red
flags for Hayden, however. For one, he’s played only 19 games over
the last two season. For two, the tackle pace he set in 2009 is
unprecedented in his career. He could be a nice play, provided he
stays healthy, but he’s not a guy to reach on.
44. Bryan Scott, BUF, S
Scott finished an impressive 2009 with 81 tackles, two sacks, a
forced fumble and a pick while playing both safety and linebacker.
However, there’s a new coaching staff in town and a lot of injured
guys are returning for 2010, so Scott seems like he’ll slot into the
role of valuable backup supporting Jairus Byrd and Donte Whitner
at safety. Do not draft Scott as an IDP unless he gets an outright
starting job, though because of his various skills he’s a good IDP
pickup if injuries strike again.
30
IDP SEASON PROFILES - DEFENSIVE BACKS (cont...)
45. George Wilson, BUF, S
The Bills like where they’re sitting at safety entering 2010, with
Wilson, Bryan Scott, Donte Whitner and playmaking youngster
Jairus Byrd all signed and sealed. Byrd will likely be one of the
starters, and Whitner seems to have the inside track on the other.
That would make the talented and versatile Wilson a backup, mean-
ing he’s not worthy of an IDP slot even though his numbers in 2009
were excellent. But if injuries strike like last season, he’s worth a
pickup, as his 103 tackles in 12 starts last season prove.
46. Jordan Babineaux, SEA, S
Babineaux likely went undrafted in IDP leagues last season. That
will very likely not be the case in 2010, after the Seahawk recorded
a career-high 104 tackles. His move to free safety — along with the
adjustments to a new defensive scheme — were very likely the rea-
sons for Babineaux’s increased totals. Unfortunately, first-round
pick Earl Thomas is set to take over starting duties at free safety,
relegating Babineaux to scraps of playing time.
47. Mike Brown, FA, S
In his first season as a Chief, Brown finished with 100 tackles, two
sacks, and three interceptions. Strangely, despite his strong num-
bers, it appears as though it’ll be his only season as a Chief: head-
ing to training camp, Brown remained a free agent. Where he ends
up — and whether he’s given a starting slot — will determine much
of his value for 2010.
48. Reed Doughty, WAS, S
Doughty will compete for a starting safety job. He doesn’t have
great physical gifts but he is a smart player and positions himself
well. Moreover, when was on the field last season, he acquitted
himself nicely, averaging close to six tackles per game — an excel-
lent numbers for a defensive back.
49. Melvin Bullitt, IND, S
Bullitt performed well after Bob Sanders was lost to injury and post-
ed 77 tackles. With Sanders looking healthy heading into training
camp, Bullitt may move back to a reserve role. However, he’d be
worth of starting in many IDP leagues if he’s needed in a starting
role again.
50. Kenny Phillips, NYG, S
Big, fast, hard-hitting, playmaking safety attempting to return from
microfracture surgery to his knee. Early reports are good, and if he
can make it all the way back, Phillips could be a top-five IDP defen-
sive back. But he’s far from out of the woods with the injury.
31
SLEEPERS & UNDERVALUED PLAYERS
Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots – Brady’s still going to be
expensive on draft day, but with Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and
Peyton Manning likely going ahead of him – and Philip Rivers, Tony
Romo and Matt Schaub also in the mix – Brady could be the best
value of the lot. Consider that Brady was rusty last season after a
year off and an offseason of rehabbing his surgically repaired knee,
so even with Randy Moss in the fold, he mustered just 28 touch-
downs and a 7.8 YPA, numbers in line with his pre- Moss seasons
of 2004-05. The Patriots did nothing to upgrade their running game
this offseason, and we can expect them to be among the passing
attempt leaders once again.
Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens – Flacco’s numbers won’t jump
off the page, but a 63.1 completion percentage, 7.2 YPA and 21
touchdowns are all solid for a second-year starter. He also played
through significant injuries to his hip and leg over the final six weeks
of the year, which is pretty impressive considering he posted a 7:1
TD:INT ratio with a 7.9 YPA mark over the final four games. At 6-6,
230 and with a cannon arm, Flacco is the whole package, but the
biggest news of all is the addition of Anquan Boldin, who gives the
signal caller an elite target for the first time ever. Don’t be surprised
when Flacco is a top- 10 fantasy quarterback in 2010.
Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears – This year’s bounce-back special.
Cutler was hardly the franchise savior in 2009 the Bears envisioned.
An NFL-high 26 picks highlighted his spotty season, but the fact
remains Cutler has the arm and playmaking ability to make all the
throws necessary in this league. Some might argue his skill set is
less than ideal for Mike Martz’s system, but his new (and highly
decorated) offensive coordinator has been gushing about the QB’s
smarts, and Cutler has reportedly (and wisely) reached out to Kurt
Warner, who excelled under Martz’s tutelage.
Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs – Hated him last year
because he was drafted as a plausible No. 1 QB, which was a joke
given the Chiefs’ woes. But now the setup is better with Charlie
Weis calling the shots and Cassel available at a backup price. Like
Martz, Weis is the genius coordinator who rose to his level of
incompetence when given the full reins. Weis in either role consis-
tently developed QBs, however. The skill talent in KC is at least as
good as any cast Weis had in New England when Tom Brady was
regularly throwing mid-20s TD passes. Expect that from Cassel,
who isn’t nearly as good but who will throw much more often.
Chad Henne, QB, Miami Dolphins – You won’t have to draft him
among your top 12 QBs, but he’ll likely be there by midseason, if
not sooner. Chad Pennington’s return threatens his role as starter,
which should further tamp down Henne’s draft day cost. But Henne
threw for more than 7.0 yards per attempt in three of his last four
starts as the Dolphins opened up their passing game and further
committed to throwing more by trading for Brandon Marshall. Look
for the Dolphins to use far less of the Wildcat formation. Henne’s
ADP is 26th among quarterbacks and 208th overall. If you play the
wait-on-the-quarterbacks game, often you should draft a second
QB earlier than most, but with Henne you won’t have to.
Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals – Wells had a big second half,
showing his impressive power and burst, and with Kurt Warner
gone, the Cardinals need to maximize Wells’ talents in the running
game. His competition for carries, Tim Hightower, showed his use-
fulness as a pass catcher, but he’s simply not close to the runner
Wells is. Expect Ken Whisenhunt to run the ball more in the post-
Warner era and Wells to get the lion’s share of the carries. That the
Cardinals play in the NFC West doesn’t hurt, either.
Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans – After last year’s struggles running
the football (team YPC of 3.5 was tied for second lowest in NFL),
adding a RB was priority No. 1 for the Texans, so it came as no sur-
prise when they traded up to draft Tate in the second round. Steve
Slaton has plenty of talent and is fully capable of rebounding, but
there’s also no guarantee he makes a full recovery after undergoing
surgery on his neck – a serious procedure called “cervical fusion.”
The Texans’ coaching staff loves Tate, and Houston’s offense is one
of the best in the NFL, so any ballcarrier who emerges as a work-
horse in this system has top-five upside. Tate looks like the favorite.
Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders – Draft Bush this summer as if
he’s Oakland’s featured back. Honestly, don’t we already know that
it can’t be 2008 fourth overall pick Darren McFadden? Run-DMC
can’t run between the tackles, his long, slender build and upright
style have made him a higher injury risk than the average back, and
he has ball-security issues (three fumbles lost in ‘09). Bush is much
more suited for a heavy workload. And let’s not forget he was once
considered the second-best back of the ‘07 draft class, behind
Adrian Peterson, before a broken leg submarined his draft stock.
Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers – Has any NFL rookie
ever fallen into a better situation from a fantasy perspective than
Mathews in 2010? We may have to go back to Edgerrin James’
rookie year in 1999, when he joined Peyton Manning and the Colts,
to find anything comparable. The Chargers have Philip Rivers, elite
receivers, a high-scoring offense and nobody besides Mathews to
run between the tackles. The Chargers obviously like Mathews –
they traded up in Round 1 to get him – and they play in a division of
bad run defenses. Perhaps best of all, Norv Turner loves to run
inside the 10 – that’s how LaDainian Tomlinson posted 12 TDs in
2009 despite just 3.3 YPC. If a declining LT can do that, what can a
Round 1 RB with fresh legs do? Yes, there’s risk here since
Mathews is not an established pro, but Mathews can easily post
1,300 yards and 15 TDs and become a top-five fantasy player.
Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers – It’s not like Crabtree
will come cheap – other owners are aware of his pedigree, skill set
and solid performance as a rookie despite missing all of training
camp and half the season. But it’s worth paying retail in this case
for a player who could be a perennial top-10 wideout for the next
half decade. Moreover, quarterback Alex Smith made strides in
2009, and the 49ers upgraded their offensive line significantly,
which should allow for more downfield looks and red-zone trips.
Devin Aromashodu, WR, Chicago Bears – Aromashodu was
nowhere to be found over the first 13 weeks last season, but he fin-
ished the year with 22 catches for 282 yards with four scores in the
final four games. It’s also hard to deny the rapport he showed with
Jay Cutler. At 6- 2, 200, Aromashodu is fast enough to be a down-
field threat while also big enough to be a red-zone weapon. Cutler
may throw too many picks, but he’s a gunslinger capable of putting
up big stats, and with OC Mike Martz, there’s a recipe for huge pro-
duction in 2010. If Aromashodu secures the WR1 role (he’s third on
the depth chart behind Devin Hester and Johnny Knox, but that
could change during training camp), top-15 WR upside would follow.
Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots – It’s a mistake to say
he’s a full Wes Welker clone, but even an 80-percent replica might
catch 65 passes in the New England offense, especially if Welker
has a slow recovery from his MCL and ACL injuries. Tom Brady’s
deep throws to Randy Moss make all the highlight shows, but the
Patriots offense at its core is a short-passing attack, and that fits
into Edelman’s skill set perfectly.
32
SLEEPERS & UNDERVALUED PLAYERS (cont...)
Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants – Playing with a broken toe
suffered in the season opener, Nicks was one of the league’s most
explosive receivers as a rookie, averaging an elite 10.7 YPT. He
should continue to benefit from the Giants having an excellent pos-
session option in Steve Smith, since opposing defenses will have
other weapons to worry about and will be unable to deploy double
teams against him. Assuming Nicks returns to health as expected, a
full 16-game slate with a growing role could lead to something in
the neighborhood of 70 catches, 1,100 yards and double-digit TDs.
Pierre Garcon, WR, Indianapolis Colts – What’s the difference
between Garcon and Reggie Wayne, other than their acquisition
costs? Not much in 2010. As Garcon enters his third year in the
league, with an elite QB throwing to him, expect his stats to com-
pare favorably to Wayne’s, as they started to do midway through
the 2009 season and the playoffs.
Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago Bears – He’s a prototypical Mike Martz
receiver – lean and speedy and able to jump the safety in the blink
of an eye. His floor in this system is Az- Zahir Hakim, and his ceiling
is Isaac Bruce/Torry Holt. That’s a pretty nice range to settle in
when you’re a late-round pocket pick. Those discounting Knox’s
upside should consider again those non-Martz rookie stats – 45
catches and five scores. The 11.7 yards per catch is disappointing
and completely meaningless now that the Mad Hatter is in Chicago.
Jacoby Jones, WR, Houston Texans – If you’re looking for the next
Robert Meachem candidate, the freakishly athletic Jones is your
man. Houston has one of the top passing offenses in the league,
and Jones should be more prominent in three-receiver sets with
Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter. He may not be able to do much
better than the six TDs he scored in ‘09, but he could double his
catch and yardage totals (27/437).
33
BUSTS & OVERVALUED PLAYERS
Donovan McNabb, QB, Washington Redskins – McNabb is not a
top-12 QB, but in some circles he’ll still get treated like a top-10
option. It’s just that none of the dozen above McNabb screams
“bust,” as it looks like a strong year to draft quarterbacks. As for
McNabb, he remains a big injury risk, even more so at age 33, and
he’s also switching to a far more conservative offensive system in
Washington. He’s also going to deal with a significant downgrade in
offensive weapons. McNabb is a shaky QB1 at this point.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs – Charles was huge down
the stretch last year, but the team signed veteran Thomas Jones
this offseason, and that could severely cut into his short-yardage
and goalline work. Moreover, the Chiefs offense is likely to be below
average, meaning fewer trips to the red zone and fewer lead-pro-
tecting carries against worn-down defenses. While Charles’ talent
might ordinarily cause one to overlook these negatives, it’s hard to
do so while seeing him routinely drafted late in the first round.
Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets – His upside is basically
Michael Turner, a dominant inside back with enough speed to make
breakaway runs. And yes, the line and the team provide a nice
backdrop for a featured back. But before you take Greene in the
first round, remember a few things – he’s unlikely to do anything as
a receiver, he might lose some (if not most) of the short rushing
touchdowns to LaDainian Tomlinson, and he’s only had one domi-
nant season since high school, his final year at Iowa. There’s a time
and a place in your draft where Greene makes sense, but it’s not in
the top 15 picks, where he’s going in many spring mocks.
Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams – There’s no doubting
Jackson’s on-field talents – he’s the total package, possessing size,
speed, vision and terrific receiving skills, but he’s played in 16
games just once during his six-year career and underwent back
surgery during the offseason, which is a major red flag for a RB who
invites so much contact. He’s still just 27 years old, but with 1,548
rushing attempts over six years (with 12 games missed over that
span), he’s been worked as hard as any RB in football. Playing for a
bad Rams team with a poor offensive line that produces few goal-
line opportunities doesn’t help, either.
Ryan Grant, RB, Green Bay Packers – The last time we played an
injury hunch on a player that had never previously had any injury
issues was Rudi Johnson in ‘07, when the bottom dropped out on
him after three consecutive 300-carry campaigns. We’re getting that
same nagging feeling again, this time with Grant. After carrying a
featured role for the Pack the past 45 straight games (postseason
included), health issues will finally enter the equation in ‘09. The for-
mer Golden Domer runs too upright and would never be accused of
being stout in stature.
Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals – Kudos to Benson for
seizing an opportunity to resurrect his career with the Bengals last
season. He averaged 4.2 YPC but only found pay dirt six times, and
his inability to catch passes left him tied for 11th in running back
fantasy points in 2009 despite having the Bengals backfield almost
exclusively to himself. Even though the Bengals haven’t made any
significant changes to their running back situation, Benson’s too
risky to be a first or early second-round pick on draft day.
Marion Barber, RB, Dallas Cowboys – Barber can still be a punish-
ing runner and is dangerous around the goal line, but teammate
Felix Jones is too electric not to turn loose, and this is the year
Barber takes a back seat to him. If the duo’s workload flip-flops as
many project, then Barber could end up being more miss than hit in
games where he doesn’t cross the goal line. The bottom line is
while he still has value, especially in TD leagues, Barber is going to
be hard to count on for weekly production as long as Jones is healthy.
Chad Ochocinco, WR, Cincinnati Bengals – Ochocinco had a nice
bounce-back year in 2009, but he’s not the same player he was in
the Chad Johnson days, averaging fewer yards per catch and tar-
gets than in his prime. Now 32, Johnson’s never been a burner or a
red-zone threat, and so his nine scores likely represent his ceiling.
Finally, the additions of the more physical Antonio Bryant and rookie
Jermaine Gresham give Carson Palmer two more targets, especially
from in close.
Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts – Peyton Manning’s favorite
target has a nice floor, but 2009 was probably his current ceiling.
He scored 10 touchdowns but needed a league-leading 15 targets
inside the 10 and 10 targets inside the five to make it happen.
That’s because Wayne isn’t much of a downfield threat these days –
just one catch of 40 or more yards on 149 targets. With Pierre
Garcon emerging as a playmaker and Austin Collie and Dallas Clark
proving to be reliable red-zone threats, Wayne could be relegated to
more of a garden-variety possession role in 2010.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals – What did the top fantasy
WRs from 2009 have in common? They all had top-tier QBs throw-
ing to them. Randy Moss had Tom Brady. Andre Johnson had Matt
Schaub. Miles Austin had Tony Romo. DeSean Jackson had
Donovan McNabb. Vincent Jackson had Phillip Rivers. Roddy White
had Matt Ryan. Marques Colston had Drew Brees. Sidney Rice had
Brett Favre. Fitzgerald had Warner. OK, you get the point. Contrast
that to elite WRs like Steve Smith and Calvin Johnson, who both
had subpar QBs under center and failed to exceed 1,000 yards.
See a trend here? Don’t draft a WR early unless you trust the QB
who’s throwing to him. In Fitzgerald’s case, if you, understandably,
don’t trust Leinart, don’t be willing to pay the price it would cost to
get Fitzgerald, regardless of how talented he is.
DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles – He says he won’t
miss Donovan McNabb, but that’s no lock. Kevin Kolb’s strength is
not the long ball. Jackson’s long scores were not a product of run
after catch as much as long, pin-point throws. Additionally, you
always bet against the little guy like Jackson who makes his living
from a distance. Go through football history and see how many
blazers posted back-to-back double-digit TD seasons. Cliff Branch
had 13, nine and 12 scores three straight years. Wesley Walker,
Stanley Morgan, James Jett, Michael Haynes and Roger Carr were
all among the many who disappointed. Plus these sprinters are
always injuries waiting to happen.
Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints – As the No. 1 receiver
in the league’s best offense, Colston is hardly a bad fantasy option
– it’s just that he’s often treated as a top-10 WR, when he’s more
like a borderline top-20 asset. Colston may be the Saints’ WR1
nominally, but Drew Brees is like Suns point guard Steve Nash – he
distributes the ball equally. Colston has topped 70 catches just
once in his four-year career, and 17 receivers had more yards than
him last season in what were ideal conditions – staying healthy for
16 games and playing in the NFL’s No. 1 offense. He remains a fine
red-zone target, but if Robert Meachem continues to emerge,
Colston’s piece of the pie will shrink.
34
IMPACT ROOKIES
There's still plenty that needs to shake out in training camp, but lead back, as well as the one who gets the goal-line carries. It’s all
as always, there will be a number of rookies who are fantasy differ- about opportunity, and while Mathews won’t likely match LaDainian
ence-makers this year. Correctly identifying who they'll be and Tomlinson’s 339-carry rookie workload, coach Norv Turner predicts
drafting them accordingly (not too early, not too late) will go a long about 250 carries for him, with a dash of Sproles as a change-
way in determining your team's 2010 fate. ofpace. Assuming that’s the case, 1,000-plus rushing yards and
double-digit TDs are within reach for the Bolts’ new power back.
QUARTERBACKS
Jahvid Best – (5-11, 199) California – Detroit Lions – It’s harder to
spell Best’s first name than it is to predict his role with the Lions,
Sam Bradford – (6-4, 236) Oklahoma – St. Louis Rams – The Rams
given that Kevin Smith is coming off a serious knee injury, and
entered the draft needing to upgrade at quarterback in the worst
Maurice Morris is, well, Maurice Morris. Best lacks ideal size and
way, and in Bradford, they got a savvy signal-caller with good pol-
comes with legitimate durability concerns, including a concussion
ish. With A.J. Feeley, Keith Null and Thaddeus Lewis the only other
that ended his senior season. On the plus side, he’s an explosive
quarterbacks under contract at press time, it’s hard to imagine the
back playing in an offense in need of playmaking from the RB posi-
top overall pick not being the team’s Week 1 starter. Assuming his
tion. Whether he can carve out a goal-line role largely hinges on his
shoulder holds up, and it’s been so far, so good on that front, the
ability to find clear-cut holes or bounce it outside, but there’s no
Rams have a player who fits the franchise cornerstone profile. As is
obvious vulture back on the Lions’ roster, so Best could end up
so often the case with young quarterbacks, there will be a steep
being the second most valuable rookie fantasy contributor (behind
learning curve for both Bradford and his largely unproven receiving
Mathews) this season.
corps, so temper your expectations for his rookie season.
C.J. Spiller – (5-10, 196) Clemson – Buffalo Bills – The Bills took
Jimmy Clausen – (6-3, 222) Notre Dame – Carolina Panthers –
some heat for ignoring more pressing needs, but Spiller is arguably
Clausen falling to the No. 48 slot in the NFL Draft was one of the
the draft’s most electric playmaker, and the team will figure out
event’s biggest shockers and makes him the early favorite to be its
ways to use him, despite the presence of Fred Jackson and, for
steal, given that some scouts think he might be the better pro than
now at least, Marshawn Lynch. Spiller has drawn comparisons to
Bradford. One of the knocks on Clausen is the perception that he’s
Reggie Bush and to a lesser degree Chris Johnson, which is a hint
cocky, but that’s an aspect of his personality that could actually
of how explosive he can be. Since a timeshare appears to be his
help him excel if properly channeled. At this stage Clausen can
destiny to begin with, Spiller could be a feast-or-famine player early
make all the NFL throws, but with Matt Moore still around, Clausen
on, but his upside is that of a player dynamic enough for Buffalo to
won’t be rushed. Still, the team isn’t especially attached to Moore,
keep on the field as much as possible, provided he can take the
and if he struggles out of the gate, Clausen could see the field as a
NFL pounding.
rookie. Note that the Panthers are built to run, and once you get
past Steve Smith, the receiving corps is a work in progress.
Ben Tate – (5-11, 220) Auburn – Houston Texans – Tate is going to
be a trendy pick, but he'll have to compete with Steve Slaton, who
Tim Tebow – (6-3, 236) Florida – Denver Broncos – The Broncos
is recovering from neck surgery, and Arian Foster, who averaged 4.8
already had Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn, so this was an intriguing
yards per carry last year. Slaton is reportedly healthy and in much
pick, to say the least. The athletic Tebow is coming off a fantastic
better shape than he was during his sluggish 2009 campaign, so he
college career but has some developing to do as a quarterback,
can’t be written off. In short, the powerful Tate is likely to earn his
especially with his throwing mechanics. Still, his work ethic, attitude
stripes as part of a committee, but if injuries hit, or Slaton’s fumble
and leadership abilities are top shelf, and the Broncos can afford
issues crop up again, then Tate’s toughness and ability as a down-
not to rush him into a starting role. That said, don’t be surprised if
hill runner could land him atop the depth chart.
coach Josh McDaniels finds a way to get Tebow on the field for a
few plays per game as a rookie. While there are plenty of skeptics,
Montario Hardesty – (6-0, 225) Tennessee – Cleveland Browns –
Tebow’s results at Florida are hard to ignore, and there’s little doubt
Hardesty gives the Browns another running back option in the post-
he’ll do everything in his power to succeed at the NFL level.
Jamal Lewis era. Durability has been an issue for him, but Hardesty
is a powerful runner with good vision and quick feet, who can gain
Colt McCoy – (6-1, 216) Texas – Cleveland Browns – Potentially a
yards after contact. He’s already impressed the Browns coaching
ridiculous value pick, given that he lasted until the 85th selection in
staff, and with a strong training camp/preseason, Hardesty could
the draft. McCoy, who had a productive run with Texas, may not
generate some sleeper buzz as a rookie. Just don’t discount the
have a rocket arm, but he's a winner who has showed poise and
presence of the smaller, more explosive Jerome Harrison, who fin-
leadership during his college career. How well he can transition
ished very strong in 2009.
from college to the pro game will determine whether he projects as
a starter or backup at the NFL level. In any case, unless injuries hit
Toby Gerhart – (6-0, 231) Stanford – Minnesota Vikings – The
the Browns hard, he’s unlikely to leapfrog both Jake Delhomme and
Vikings needed to fill the void left by Chester Taylor's exit, and while
Seneca Wallace as a rookie.
Gerhart is more of a power runner than his predecessor, his value
lies both in his ability to complement Adrian Peterson and to serve
RUNNING BACKS as an insurance policy with enough inside running ability to handle
the load if Peterson goes down. It won’t be a timeshare, but
Ryan Mathews – (6-0, 218) Fresno State – San Diego Chargers – Gerhart is still probably only worth a late dart if you’re a Peterson
Faced with the prospect of rolling with the dynamic but diminutive owner or simply looking to stash upside running backs as backups.
Darren Sproles this season, the Chargers moved up aggressively in
the draft to tab Mathews with the 12th overall pick. He was Jonathan Dwyer – (5-11, 229) Georgia Tech – Pittsburgh Steelers –
snatched in the second round of our magazine mock draft, and Dwyer, who was the 188th pick overall in April, was major draft fall-
that’s based on the logical assumption that he’ll be San Diego’s er. Some peg him as a system back after he worked out of the

35
IMPACT ROOKIES (cont...)
triple-option in college. That said, as long as he can stay in top
shape, he has the inside running ability to compete with and over-
take Mewelde Moore as Rashard Mendenhall’s backup.
Anthony Dixon – (6-1, 233) Mississippi State – San Francisco 49ers
– Dixon ,who brings a power element to the 49ers’ backfield, will
complement starter Frank Gore and perhaps threaten last year’s top
backup, Glen Coffee. If Dixon keeps an eye on his weight and con-
ditioning, then he could be an effective short-yardage weapon and
is a name to file away for those in TD-heavy leagues.
Charles Scott – (5-11, 238) LSU – Philadelphia Eagles – Scott is a
bruising back who can take some of the heat off LeSean McCoy. If
Scott can overtake the likes of Mike Bell and Leonard Weaver, he
could be a shortyardage factor as a rookie.
Joe McKnight – (5-11, 198) USC – New York Jets – The Jets
thought enough of McKnight, who played two seasons with Mark
Sanchez at USC, to move up in the fourth round of the draft to
acquire him, but he didn’t exactly dazzle the team with his condi-
tioning at minicamp. McKnight, who essentially replaces the similar-
ly skilled Leon Washington, has plenty of time to get in better shape
by the time training camp rolls around, but he has much to prove if
he hopes to carve out a significant role behind Shonn Greene and
LaDainian Tomlinson as a rookie.
James Starks – (6-2, 218) Buffalo – Green Bay Packers – Starks
lasted until the sixth round in large part because he missed his sen-
ior season with a shoulder injury, but he’s a good pass-catcher out
of the backfield who keeps his legs churning. If he can stay healthy,
he has a legitimate chance to overtake Brandon Jackson as the heir
to the Ryan Grant throne.
Deji Karim – (5-11, 205) Southern Illinois – Jacksonville Jaguars –
Karim was a productive collegiate runner for Southern Illinois, and
he has good wheels (4.46-40), but it remains to be seen how he
adapts to the quantum leap in the level of competition he’ll be fac-
ing as a pro. He could see action as a third-down back and possi-
bly as a kickoff returner as a rookie, but it would take injuries to
Maurice Jones- Drew and Rashad Jennings for him to make much
of a fantasy impact.
LeGarrette Blount – (6-0, 241) Oregon – Tennessee Titans – Blount
was suspended last season after punching a Boise State player
after the season opener, which limited him to three games and
caused him to fall out of the draft. Still, the Titans may have found
themselves a gem who could conceivably earn a short-yardage role
behind stud starting back, Chris Johnson. Stafon Johnson is anoth-
er undrafted back, who could stick, but at this point we think it’s
Blount who has the best chance of overtaking Javon Ringer as the
No. 2 RB on the Titans depth chart.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Dez Bryant – (6-2, 225) Oklahoma State – Dallas Cowboys – After
seeing Bryant at the team’s rookie minicamp, Cowboys coach
Wade Phillips called him “an absolute talent" and gushed about the
former Oklahoma State star’s great body control, hands, quickness
and power. Off-field concerns caused Bryant to slide to the No. 24
spot in the draft, but as long as he stays in line in Dallas, the team
has a potentially elite big-play threat on its hands. Bryant will need
to overtake Roy Williams, in whom the team has a great deal invest-
ed, so the fantasy explosion may not happen right away. But look
for Bryant to be a legitimate lineup option as soon as injuries hit, or
if the Cowboys simply decide to roll with their most talented
weapons. Draft him for upside, but note that those who want him
will likely need to be aggressive if the buzz continues to grow.
Demaryius Thomas – (6-3, 224) Georgia Tech – Denver Broncos –
Rookie wideouts are a crapshoot, but in the right circumstances,
they can make an immediate splash. That’s why we think Thomas
may end up providing the best fantasy value in 2010, based on his
projected role relative to where he can be had in fantasy drafts. The
Broncos have a couple of steady vets in Jabar Gaffney and
Brandon Stokley, as well a bounce-back candidate in Eddie Royal,
but the trade of Brandon Marshall creates a playmaking void that
Thomas is better qualified to fill. Thomas isn’t the marquee name
Bryant is, but he combines size and excellent athleticism with big-
play potential and, unlike Marshall, comes baggage-free. Assuming
Thomas can avoid too many drops, an area of slight concern, he
should be an immediate impact player in the NFL.
Arrelious Benn – (6-1, 219) Illinois – Tampa Bay Buccaneers –
Although he lasted until the second round of April's draft, Benn
enters a good situation with Tampa Bay in terms of opportunity.
With Antonio Bryant signing with the Bengals this offseason, Benn
has a good chance to step right into a key role. His modest stats
(38/490/2 in 12 games) in 2009 were a product of spotty QB play at
Illinois, so it’s not hard to imagine him putting up better numbers as
an NFL rookie, given his after-the-catch skills and the very real pos-
sibility he’ll open the season as Josh Freeman’s go-to wideout.
Mike Williams – (6-1, 221) Syracuse – Tampa Bay Buccaneers –
While we don’t expect Williams’ production to surpass Benn’s, he
was a tremendous value in the fourth round and has a chance to
open the season as a starter, given the collection of uninspiring vet-
eran talent Tampa Bay has otherwise assembled. Assuming that’s
the case, his production will hinge on Freeman’s development, but
there’s some sleeper potential here if the Bucs passing offense
takes a leap in Freeman’s second year.
Golden Tate – (5-10, 199) Notre Dame – Seattle Seahawks –
Although Tate lacks elite speed and size, he has solid hands and
good run-after-the catch ability that he could parlay into big plays
with the Seahawks opposite T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Tate merely has
to beat out the likes of Deon Butler and Deion Branch for a starting
gig – something we expect him to do before too long.
Emmanuel Sanders – (5-11, 186) SMU – Pittsburgh Steelers –
Sanders is slightly built, but his blend of quickness and explosive-
ness will allow him to compete for the No. 3 wideout job behind
Hines Ward and Mike Wallace. Unless Antwaan Randle El or Arnaz
Battle experiences major career renaissance, the job will be his,
putting Sanders a single injury away from an immediate impact.
Eric Decker – (6-3, 217) Minnesota – Denver Broncos – While
Decker is behind Royal, Gaffney, Stokley and Thomas at this point,
there’s some potential for upward mobility in the post Brandon
Marshall era in Denver. While not the big-play threat that Thomas is,
Decker could make an impact as a possession receiver, provided
he’s past a foot injury that required surgery.
Dexter McCluster – (5-9, 172) Mississippi – Kansas City Chiefs –
Look for the Chiefs to experiment using McCluster, a multi-purpose
offensive threat, all over the field to see where he can make the
biggest impact; be it out of the backfield, the slot or as a returner.
McCluster’s lack of ideal size may limit him to a hit-or-miss combo
of workload and production, but he is an explosive playmaker, who
could turn into a major weapon for the Chiefs in time.
36
IMPACT ROOKIES (cont...)
Brandon LaFell – (6-2, 211) LSU/Armanti Edwards – (5-11, 187)
Appalachian State – Carolina Panthers – If you think Dwayne Jarrett
is the real deal, then stop reading now. If not, then it stands to rea-
son that either LaFell or Edwards could claim the Panthers’ starting
receiver job opposite Steve Smith. We think LaFell’s size and physi-
cality give him the edge, so consider him the sleeper here. Edwards
is the supersleeper, given that he’ll be making the switch from the
QB position, but his athleticism makes him an intriguing prospect.
Mardy Gilyard – (6-0, 187) Cincinnati – St. Louis Rams – Gilyard
could stand to bulk up a bit, but he is a fine playmaker who has a
chance to develop into a useful weapon for top-pick Sam Bradford.
There will be growing pains for both of them, but it will be worth
watching how well Gilyard does early on, as there’s not a whole lot
settled in the Rams’ receiving corps beyond Donnie Avery.
Taylor Price – (6-0, 204) Ohio – New England Patriots – Price has
good size and ran a 4.41-40, so he could develop as a vertical
threat with some work on his route-running. Adding depth and
youth to their wideout corps was an offseason priority for the Pats,
and they can afford to bring Price along gradually, given the pres-
ence of Randy Moss, Torry Holt, Julian Edelman and, to a lesser
degree, Brandon Tate, Sam Aiken and David Patten.
Jordan Shipley – (5-11, 193) Texas – Cincinnati Bengals – With
Chad Ochocinco and Antonio Bryant locked in as starters and
Andre Caldwell still around, Shipley projects as a slot receiver and
returner for the Bengals. While he possesses the polish to help out
right away, his fantasy impact as a rookie will likely be limited, bar-
ring a slew of injuries.
Andre Roberts – (5-11, 195) Citadel – Arizona Cardinals – With
Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston and Early Doucet ahead of him, the
quick Roberts is likely to make most of his initial impact in the
return game, but if any of the top three were to go down, he could
help out in the slot as well.
Damian Williams – (6-1, 197) USC – Tennessee Titans – Williams is
a good route runner who projects as a possession receiver in the
NFL. Even as he establishes his role in the offense with Tennessee
behind Nate Washington, Justin Gage and Kenny Britt, he can con-
tribute as a punt returner.
TIGHT ENDS
Jermaine Gresham – (6-5, 261) Oklahoma – Cincinnati Bengals –
It's been ages since a Bengals tight end was a fantasy factor, but
assuming he can stay healthy, Gresham – who missed his senior
season with a knee injury – could break that trend with his playmak-
ing upside. Consider him a low-risk, high-reward option if your
league’s roster requirements give you the flexibility to draft a back-
up tight end.
Rob Gronkowski – (6-6, 264) Arizona – New England Patriots – With
Ben Watson and Chris Baker gone, there’s an immediate opportuni-
ty for Gronkowski (who has been given a clean bill of health after
missing 2009 with a back injury) to make an impact as a receiver.
Tom Brady is not shy about targeting his tight ends in the red zone,
so Gronkowski has some fantasy potential in the NE offense.
Aaron Hernandez – (6-2, 245) Florida – New England Patriots –
Veteran free agent addition Alge Crumpler now has some talented
young company within the Patriots' tight end corps, following the
team's selections of Hernandez and Gronkowski. In Hernandez,
New England predictably goes with yet another Florida Gator, but
he's a great value in the fourth round, given his prowess as a pass-
catcher in the mold of Chris Cooley. Credit his draft tumble to
reports about failed drug tests while in college, but assuming no
further transgressions, that should be a nonissue going forward.
Ed Dickson – (6-4, 249) Oregon – Baltimore Ravens – Dickson, an
athletic pass catcher, will be working behind Todd Heap, but his
veteran counterpart is not only getting up there in years but has had
durability issues. Dickson would make a nice in-season pickup if
Heap goes down at any point.
Jimmy Graham – (6-6, 260) Miami – New Orleans Saints – Graham
is considered a raw prospect given his relative lack of high-level
football experience, but he could end up developing into the latest
basketball-player-turnedtight- end success story a la Tony
Gonzalez/Antonio Gates. Graham impressed coach Sean Payton
during the Saints' rookie camp, but there’s no need to hurry him
with Jeremy Shockey and David Thomas still in the fold.
Dennis Pitta – (6-4, 245) BYU – Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens
made tight end a priority in the draft, going with Dickson in Round
Three and Pitta in Round Four. We expect Dickson to emerge as
Heap’s top backup, but Pitta is a fine pass-catcher in his own right,
so that’s not written in stone.
Tony Moeaki – (6-3, 245) Iowa – Kansas City Chiefs – Moeaki has a
real chance to earn significant playing time as a rookie with a strong
training camp and preseason, given that the Chiefs were hardly
loaded with tight end talent before his selection. Durability is a con-
cern, but Moeaki has the pass-catching ability to be a productive
player from the outset.
Garrett Graham – (6-3, 243) Wisconsin – Houston Texans – Owen
Daniels, another Wisconsin product, worked out pretty well for the
Texans, but he’s coming off another knee surgery, so Graham gives
the team a nice insurance policy in the pass-catching TE depart-
ment.
Clay Harbor – (6-3, 252) Missouri State – Philadelphia Eagles –
Brent Celek is locked in as the Eagles’ top tight end, but if Harbor
can beat out the injury-prone Cornelius Ingram for the top backup
spot, his athleticism and receiving ability give him some upside in
what is usually a productive offense.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Eric Berry – (6-0, 211) Tennessee – Kansas City Chiefs – The safe-
ty’s playmaking ability and rare athleticism will help him make an
immediate impact as a rookie starter.
T.J. Ward – (5-10, 211) Oregon – Cleveland Browns – Considered a
reach by many, but the Browns didn’t draft him to sit, and he fig-
ures to start right away at strong safety.
Nate Allen – (6-0, 207) South Florida – Philadelphia Eagles – The
sort of playmaking safety the team has lacked since the departure
of Brian Dawkins.
Earl Thomas – (5-10, 208) Texas – Seattle Seahawks – Ball-hawking
safety should start and make plays right away for Seattle.
Taylor Mays – (6-3, 230) USC – San Francisco 49ers – Huge safety
with excellent speed delivers big hits. Coverage skills need work,
but could eventually push Michael Lewis out of the starting job.
37
IMPACT ROOKIES (cont...)

LINEBACKERS DEFENSIVE LINE

Rolando McClain – (6-3, 254) Alabama – Oakland Raiders – Derrick Morgan – (6-3, 266) Georgia Tech – Tennessee Titans – The
Replaces middle linebacker Kirk Morrison, who racked up plenty of Titans hope he can help fill the pass-rushing void created by the
tackles for Oakland. loss of Kyle Vanden Bosch.

Daryl Washington – (6-2, 230) TCU – Arizona Cardinals – An athlet- Brandon Graham – (6-1, 268) Michigan – Philadelphia Eagles –
ic linebacker, who should fill the void created by the departure of Brought in to boost the Eagles pass rush and should contribute
the productive Karlos Dansby. immediately.

Phillip Dillard – (6-0, 245) Nebraska – New York Giants – Could Ndamukong Suh – (6-4, 307) Nebraska – Detroit Lions – A huge
compete right away for a starting spot in the middle following the presence on the Detroit line who upgrades the team D in a major
release of Antonio Pierce. way. His ability to get to the QB could help IDP owners as well.

38
POSITION JOB BATTLES
With training camps in full swing, here's a look at some of the job
battles we are watching:
BEARS RB: BEARS RB: Matt Forte had an 89-yard score in
Saturday's preseason loss to Oakland. Chester Taylor was signed
in the offseason to share the carries with Forte, but he doesn't
seem capable of exploding like Forte did on Saturday. If you're
looking for a sleeper for your second RB who could produce first-
RB numbers, look to the Windy City.
BILLS QB: It looks like Brian Brohm and Ryan Fitzpatrick are alter-
nating at the No. 2 spot right now, indicating that Trent Edwards
has won the starting job. It hasn't been officially announced yet, but
there's no reason to think otherwise.
BILLS RB: Head coach Chan Gailey won't reveal what C.J.
Spiller's role is going to be in this year's offense, but if the last pre-
season game is any indication, he deserves to be the starter. With
both Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch on the shelf, Spiller gained
54 yards on 10 carries, one of which was a spectacular 31-yard
score. Lynch should be back soon, possibly as early as the next
game, but he's also the only one of the three who might get dealt.
BILLS TE: Shawn Nelson has been suspended for the first four
games of the season. With Derek Schouman out for the next three-
to-six weeks with a knee injury, Jonathan Stupar has backed into
the starting job. Actually, Stupar earned the job with his play on the
field this summer, but he's not much of a fantasy option in the
Buffalo offense.
BRONCOS QB: Although coach Josh McDaniels indicated that
there would be a real battle, Kyle Orton has all but won the starting
job. Brady Quinn is now competing with Tim Tebow for the backup
job, but Tebow missed Saturday's game with a rib injury.
BRONCOS RB: New acquisition Justin Fargas had nine carries for
just 13 yards in Saturday's game, as the Broncos wanted to see
what they have in him before attempting to reshuffle their depth
chart. Starter Knowshon Moreno will probably return in the next
week or so, so Fargas is probably just competing with Correll
Buckhalter (who might miss the whole preseason with a back injury)
for the backup job.
BRONCOS WR: Jabar Gaffney (six catches for 98 yards) and Eric
Decker (five for 66) excelled on Saturday while nominal starter
Eddie Royal caught just one pass for the second game in a row.
One should take preseason numbers with a grain of salt, but it's
clear Gaffney has good chemistry with Kyle Orton right now and
that Decker could be pushing Royal for a starting job as well.
BUCCANEERS QB: Starter Josh Freeman fractured the thumb on
his throwing hand, putting his Week 1 status in jeopardy. Even if
he's able to play (and he probably won't be able to practice much
between now and then), he'll be in some pain and will obviously
have a tougher time holding and throwing the ball. Josh Johnson
will step into the starting role until Freeman returns.
BUCCANEERS RB: While Cadillac Williams remains entrenched
as the starter, he's not exactly the healthiest guy in the world, mak-
ing the race for the backup job worth noting. Derrick Ward has had
a bad summer, and in addition to a recent head injury he suffered,
he seems to be losing his confidence. Meanwhile, Kareem Huggins
has come out of nowhere to possibly steal his job. If Ware doesn't
watch out, he may not even make the team.
CHIEFS RB: For the second game in a row, Jamaal Charles out-
played Thomas Jones. Most aren't fooled by coach Todd Haley's
talk of "going with the hot hand" and putting Jones atop the depth
chart; Charles is the starter, plain and simple. Jones may steal
some carries at the goal-line, but at this stage of their relative
careers, Charles is the better back.
FALCONS WR: Harry Douglas was finally back on the field for the
August 19 game. After suffering an ACL injury last year, Douglas
continues to push Michael Jenkins for a starting job. Jenkins is still
on target to return by the beginning of the season, but he's missed
all of camp with a shoulder injury. Douglas' and Jenkins' competi-
tion thinned by one as Kerry Meier suffered a knee injury and will
miss the entire season.
LIONS RB: Kevin Smith saw the field in Detroit's second presea-
son game, which was a bit of a surprise, but perhaps he rushed
back because he's feeling nervous about losing his starting job to
rookie Jahvid Best. It looks like Best will be the starter in the regu-
lar-season opener, but it remains to be seen how many carries
Smith will be able to siphon away.
PANTHERS WR: The Carolina offense really needs Steve Smith to
return. It looked out of sync against a strong Jets defense on
Saturday, with none of the receiving candidates doing much to
improve his chances for a starting job. Dwayne Jarrett, who caught
three passes, still has the lead over the likes of Kenny Moore and
Brandon LaFell.
PATRIOTS RB: Like the last few years in New England, any run-
ning back could be the go-to guy in any given week this year. Fred
Taylor, who had 11 carries for 54 yards on August 19, seems to
have the burst back that was missing the last couple of seasons.
He'll probably remain in a timeshare with Laurence Maroney, with
Sammy Morris backing them up, but this weekend's game may be
the telltale sign as to who has the leg up here.
RAMS QB: Although he outplayed Sam Bradford in the last game,
A.J. Feeley suffered minor thumb and elbow injuries and will not be
able to play in Thursday's game. Bradford, who was sacked four
times in his debut, managed to stay on his feet this time, but he
wasn't as successful throwing the ball. Still, he should get plenty of
playing time with the first-team offense on Saturday, and if Feeley's
injuries linger, Bradford could be starting for Week 1.
REDSKINS RB: Week two of the preseason was supposed to be
Larry Johnson's "showcase" game, but he had just four yards on
eight carries against the stingy Baltimore defense. Clinton Portis'
job looks safe for now, but No. 3 back Willie Parker will get the
showcase treatment in the next game.
REDSKINS WR: Anthony Armstrong has come out of nowhere to
take snaps with the first unit and could be a dark horse to start
opposite Santana Moss. Right now, Joey Galloway is holding onto
that job in name only, as Devin Thomas was expected to wrest it
away from him. Thomas has been quiet this month, so he'll need to
come up big to hold off Galloway and Armstrong and win a spot in
the starting lineup.
SAINTS RB: Another week, another backup running back going
down for the Saints. This week it's P.J. Hill who will be taken out of
the goal-line mix. Hill's out for the year with a triceps injury, mean-
ing Chris Ivory (who had 20 carries for 66 yards in the last presea-
son game) and Ladell Betts are probably competing for the coveted
39
POSITION JOB BATTLES (cont...)
spot of TD Vulture. The Saints added DeShawn Wynn for depth, but
he's probably not going to make a dent in the depth chart unless
there's another injury.
SEAHAWKS RB: Now that Leon Washington is back from the
SEAHAWKS
gruesome leg injury he suffered late last season, there's a bit of a
logjam in the Seattle backfield. Justin Forsett is probably still the
top guy, but Julius Jones should continue to take the ball away
from him at times, and Washington will get plenty of third-down
carries. We still like Forsett to ultimately earn the full-time job as
Jones hasn't done much this summer, but for the time being,
expect a timeshare in Seattle.
TEXANS RB: One Houston reporter opined that Houston is "defi-
nitely thinking" of Arian Foster as the starter with Steve Slaton as
the change-of-pace back, and Saturday's preseason game seemed
to confirm that theory. Foster got all of the work with the first-team
offense while Slaton did not carry the ball until the third quarter
(though he was active in the return game). Slaton held onto the ball
this week while Foster fumbled once, but it'll take a lot more fum-
bles for Slaton to catch up to Foster now.
TITANS WR: The Titans signed Nate Washington to potentially be
TITANS
a No. 1 receiver, but he hasn't yet shown the consistency needed to
nail down the role. He's battling incumbents Kenny Britt and Justin
Gage for two starting jobs, and it's possible we won't know who
wins the jobs until just before Week 1. Gage missed Monday's
game with a sore thumb, so he's probably lagging behind
Washington and Britt for now.
VIKINGS QB: Something happened here last week. You probably
saw something about it on TV.
VIKINGS WR: Although Brett Favre is back, he still doesn't have
his starters playing. Percy Harvin came back to practice in the last
week, but left in an ambulance when his migraines became too
debilitating. He's expected to return soon, but it's a situation that
bears watching. The news is also bad on Sidney Rice, who felt pain
in his hip recently and may not be able to play in the regular-season
opener. Bump Bernard Berrian up a bit more on your cheat sheet,
as he's the only experienced healthy receiver Minnesota has right
now. The Vikes are looking to sign Javon Walker, but he's four years
removed from his last productive season.
40
NFL DEPTH CHARTS
TEAM POS FIRST TEAM SECOND TEAM THIRD TEAM

ARIZONA
QB Matt Leinart Derek Anderson John Skelton
RB Chris Wells Tim Hightower Jason Wright
WR Larry Fitzgerald Steve Breaston Early Doucet
TE Ben Patrick Anthony Becht Stephen Spach
K Jay Feely

ATLANTA
QB Matt Ryan Chris Redman John Parker Wilson
RB Michael Turner Jerious Norwood Jason Snelling
WR Roddy White Michael Jenkins Harry Douglas
TE Tony Gonzalez Justin Peelle Keith Zinger
K Matt Bryant

BALTIMORE
QB Joe Flacco Marc Bulger Troy Smith
RB Ray Rice Willis McGahee Jalen Parmele
WR Anquan Boldin Derrick Mason Mark Clayton
TE Todd Heap Ed Dickson Davon Drew
K Shayne Graham

BUFFALO
QB Trent Edwards Ryan Fitzpatrick Brian Brohm
RB Fred Jackson C.J. Spiller Marshawn Lynch
WR Lee Evans Steve Johnson Roscoe Parrish
TE Shawn Nelson Jonathan Stupar Derek Schouman
K Rian Lindell

CAROLINA
QB Matt Moore Hunter Cantwell Jimmy Clausen
RB DeAngelo Williams Jonathan Stewart Mike Goodson
WR Steve Smith Dwayne Jarrett Kenny Moore
TE Jeff King Gary Barnidge Dante Rosario
K John Kasay

CHICAGO
QB Jay Cutler Todd Collins Caleb Hanie
RB Matt Forte Chester Taylor Kahlil Bell
WR Devin Hester Johnny Knox Devin Aromashodu
TE Greg Olsen Brandon Manumaleuna Desmond Clark
K Robbie Gould

CINCINNATI
QB Carson Palmer J.T. O'Sullivan Jordan Palmer
RB Cedric Benson Bernard Scott Brian Leonard
WR Chad Ochocinco Terrell Owens Antonio Bryant
TE Jermaine Gresham Reginald Kelly Daniel Coats
K Mike Nugent

CLEVELAND
QB Jake Delhomme Seneca Wallace Colt McCoy
RB Jerome Harrison Montario Hardesty James Davis
WR Mohamed Massaquoi Brian Robiskie Josh Cribbs
TE Ben Watson Robert Royal Evan Moore
K Phil Dawson

41
TEAM DEPTH CHARTS (cont...)

TEAM POS FIRST TEAM SECOND TEAM THIRD TEAM

DALLAS
QB Tony Romo Jon Kitna Stephen McGee
RB Marion Barber Felix Jones Tashard Choice
WR Miles Austin Roy Williams Dez Bryant
TE Jason Witten Martellus Bennett Martin Rucker
K David Buehler

DENVER
QB Kyle Orton Brady Quinn Tim Tebow
RB Knowshon Moreno Correll Buckhalter Justin Fargas
WR Eddie Royal Jabar Gaffney Demaryius Thomas
TE Daniel Graham Richard Quinn Marquez Branson
K Matt Prater

DETROIT
QB Matthew Stafford Shaun Hill Drew Stanton
RB Kevin Smith Jahvid Best Maurice Morris
WR Calvin Johnson Nate Burleson Bryant Johnson
TE Brandon Pettigrew Tony Scheffler Dan Gronkowski
K Jason Hanson

GREEN BAY
QB Aaron Rodgers Matt Flynn
RB Ryan Grant Brandon Jackson James Starks
WR Greg Jennings Donald Driver Jordy Nelson
TE Jermichael Finley Donald Lee Spencer Havner
K Mason Crosby

HOUSTON
QB Matt Schaub Dan Orlovsky John David Booty
RB Arian Foster Steve Slaton Jeremiah Johnson
WR Andre Johnson Kevin Walter Jacoby Jones
TE Owen Daniels Joel Dreessen James Casey
K Kris Brown

INDIANAPOLIS
QB Peyton Manning Curtis Painter Tom Brandstater
RB Joseph Addai Donald Brown Mike Hart
WR Reggie Wayne Pierre Garcon Anthony Gonzalez
TE Dallas Clark Jacob Tamme Gijon Robinson
K Adam Vinatieri

JACKSONVILLE
QB David Garrard Luke McCown Trevor Harris
RB Maurice Jones-Drew Rashad Jennings Deji Karim
WR Mike Sims-Walker Mike Thomas Troy Williamson
TE Marcedes Lewis Zach Miller Ernest Wilford
K Josh Scobee

KANASA CITY
QB Matt Cassel Brodie Croyle Tyler Palko
RB Jamaal Charles Thomas Jones Jackie Battle
WR Dwayne Bowe Chris Chambers Jerheme Urban
TE Leonard Pope Tony Moeaki Jake O'Connell
K Ryan Succop

42
TEAM DEPTH CHARTS (cont...)

TEAM POS FIRST TEAM SECOND TEAM THIRD TEAM

MIAMI
QB Chad Henne Tyler Thigpen Chad Pennington
RB Ronnie Brown Ricky Williams Patrick Cobbs
WR Brandon Marshall Brian Hartline Davone Bess
TE Anthony Fasano David Martin Joey Haynos
K Dan Carpenter

MINNESOTA
QB Brett Favre Tarvaris Jackson Sage Rosenfels
RB Adrian Peterson Albert Young Toby Gerhart
WR Sidney Rice Percy Harvin Bernard Berrian
TE Visanthe Shiancoe Jimmy Kleinsasser Jeff Dugan
K Ryan Longwell

NEW ENGLAND
QB Tom Brady Brian Hoyer Zac Robinson
RB Laurence Maroney Fred Taylor Sammy Morris
WR Randy Moss Wes Welker Julian Edelman
TE Alge Crumpler Aaron Hernandez Rob Gronkowski
K Stephen Gostkowski

NEW ORLEANS
QB Drew Brees Patrick Ramsey Chase Daniel
RB Pierre Thomas Reggie Bush Ladell Betts
WR Marques Colston Robert Meachem Devery Henderson
TE Jeremy Shockey David Thomas Jimmy Graham
K Garrett Hartley

NEW YORK GIANTS

QB Eli Manning Jim Sorgi Rhett Bomar
RB Brandon Jacobs Ahmad Bradshaw Danny Ware
WR Steven Smith Hakeem Nicks Mario Manningham
TE Kevin Boss Travis Beckum Bear Pascoe
K Lawrence Tynes

NEW YORK JETS

QB Mark Sanchez Mark Brunell Kellen Clemens
RB Shonn Greene LaDainian Tomlinson Joe McKnight
WR Jerricho Cotchery Braylon Edwards Santonio Holmes
TE Dustin Keller Ben Hartsock Matthew Mulligan
K Nick Folk

OAKLAND
QB Jason Campbell Bruce Gradkowski Kyle Boller
RB Darren McFadden Michael Bush Rock Cartwright
WR Chaz Schilens Darrius Heyward-Bey Louis Murphy
TE Zach Miller Tony Stewart John Owens
K Sebastian Janikowski

PHILADELPHIA
QB Kevin Kolb Michael Vick Mike Kafka
RB LeSean McCoy Mike Bell Eldra Buckley
WR DeSean Jackson Jeremy Maclin Jason Avant
TE Brent Celek Clay Harbor Cornelius Ingram
K David Akers

43
TEAM DEPTH CHARTS (cont...)

TEAM POS FIRST TEAM SECOND TEAM THIRD TEAM

PITTSBURGH
QB Ben Roethlisberger Byron Leftwich Dennis Dixon
RB Rashard Mendenhall Mewelde Moore Isaac Redman
WR Hines Ward Mike Wallace Antwaan Randle El
TE Heath Miller Matt Spaeth David Johnson
K Jeff Reed

SAN DIEGO
QB Philip Rivers Billy Volek Jon Crompton
RB Ryan Mathews Darren Sproles Marcus Mason
WR Vincent Jackson Malcom Floyd Legedu Naanee
TE Antonio Gates Randy McMichael Kris Wilson
K Nate Kaeding

SEATTLE
QB Matt Hasselbeck Charlie Whitehurst J.P. Losman
RB Justin Forsett Julius Jones Leon Washington
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh Deion Branch Deon Butler
TE John Carlson Chris Baker Anthony McCoy
K Olindo Mare

SAN FRANCISCO
QB Alex Smith David Carr Nate Davis
RB Frank Gore Brian Westbrook Anthony Dixon
WR Michael Crabtree Josh Morgan Ted Ginn
TE Vernon Davis Delanie Walker Nate Byham
K Joe Nedney

ST. LOUIS
QB A.J. Feeley Sam Bradford Keith Null
RB Steven Jackson Kenneth Darby Chris Ogbonnaya
WR Donnie Avery Laurent Robinson Keenan Burton
TE Daniel Fells Billy Bajema Darcy Johnson
K Josh Brown

TAMPA BAY
QB Josh Freeman Josh Johnson Rudy Carpenter
RB Cadillac Williams Derrick Ward Clifton Smith
WR Mike Williams Maurice Stovall Sammie Stroughter
TE Kellen Winslow Jerramy Stevens John Gilmore
K Connor Barth

TENNESSEE
QB Vince Young Kerry Collins Chris Simms
RB Chris Johnson Javon Ringer Alvin Pearman
WR Nate Washington Justin Gage Kenny Britt
TE Bo Scaife Craig Stevens Jared Cook
K Rob Bironas

WASHINGTON
QB Donovan McNabb Rex Grossman John Beck
RB Clinton Portis Larry Johnson Willie Parker
WR Santana Moss Joey Galloway Devin Thomas
TE Chris Cooley Fred Davis Dennis Morris
K Graham Gano

44
TEAM RED ZONE TENDENCIES

TEAM TOTAL TOTAL % RZ INSIDE INSIDE TOTAL % RZ INSIDE INSIDE

PLAYS PASSES PLAYS 10 YD 5 YD RUSHES PLAYS 10 YD 5 YD

TAMPA BAY 92 63 68.5 35 8 29 31.5 20 10

KANSAS CITY 120 77 64.2 30 16 43 35.8 21 12
SEATTLE 120 75 62.5 40 19 45 37.5 21 12
SAN FRANCISCO 99 58 58.6 23 13 41 41.4 24 12
INDIANAPOLIS 142 82 57.7 46 22 60 42.3 26 19
CHICAGO 121 69 57.0 44 18 52 43.0 35 21
GREEN BAY 153 87 56.9 40 16 66 43.1 33 23
DETROIT 107 60 56.1 24 9 47 43.9 30 18
PHILADELPHIA 139 76 54.7 39 19 63 45.3 35 20
ARIZONA 134 73 54.5 31 17 61 45.5 30 18
PITTSBURGH 134 72 53.7 30 11 62 46.3 39 17
WASHINGTON 138 73 52.9 40 18 65 47.1 42 27
CINCINNATI 118 62 52.5 31 15 56 47.5 27 10
NEW ORLEANS 180 94 52.2 36 10 86 47.8 46 28
OAKLAND 71 37 52.1 14 7 34 47.9 23 15
HOUSTON 169 87 51.5 30 12 82 48.5 37 22
DALLAS 140 72 51.4 39 21 68 48.6 39 21
ST. LOUIS 86 44 51.2 17 7 42 48.8 19 13
DENVER 156 79 50.6 36 17 77 49.4 40 21
NY GIANTS 158 77 48.7 29 17 81 51.3 42 28
MINNESOTA 184 89 48.4 42 18 95 51.6 55 39
ATLANTA 153 72 47.1 30 15 81 52.9 41 25
TENNESSEE 124 58 46.8 21 6 66 53.2 38 18
BUFFALO 103 48 46.6 17 5 55 53.4 17 7
NEW ENGLAND 176 82 46.6 29 10 94 53.4 50 29
JACKSONVILLE 137 55 40.1 23 11 82 59.9 41 23
BALTIMORE 136 51 37.5 14 4 85 62.5 39 22
CLEVELAND 90 33 36.7 18 9 57 63.3 31 12
NY JETS 119 43 36.1 17 6 76 63.9 42 22
MIAMI 151 54 35.8 29 11 97 64.2 53 33
SAN DIEGO 171 61 35.7 32 19 110 64.3 67 40
CAROLINA 123 41 33.3 19 11 82 66.7 44 29

45
QUARTERBACK STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
Name Year ATT PYD YPA TD INT RYD RTD
Derek Anderson 3 Yr Avg 330 2096 6.35 13 12 44 1
Derek Anderson 2009 182 888 4.88 3 10 8 2
Charlie Batch 3 Yr Avg 12 83 6.92 0 1 -2 0
Charlie Batch 2009 2 17 8.50 0 0 0 0
Tom Brady 3 Yr Avg 384 3093 8.05 26 7 47 1
Tom Brady 2009 565 4398 7.78 28 13 44 1
Drew Brees 3 Yr Avg 601 4628 7.70 32 15 28 1
Drew Brees 2009 514 4388 8.54 34 11 33 2
Jason Campbell 3 Yr Avg 476 3187 6.70 15 10 226 1
Jason Campbell 2009 507 3618 7.14 20 15 236 1
Matt Cassel 3 Yr Avg 338 2218 6.56 12 9 157 1
Matt Cassel 2009 493 2924 5.93 16 16 189 0
Kerry Collins 3 Yr Avg 237 1477 6.23 6 5 20 0
Kerry Collins 2009 216 1225 5.67 6 8 15 1
Jay Cutler 3 Yr Avg 546 3896 7.14 24 19 192 1
Jay Cutler 2009 555 3666 6.61 27 26 173 1
Jake Delhomme 3 Yr Avg 273 1975 7.23 10 10 35 0
Jake Delhomme 2009 321 2015 6.28 8 18 60 0
Dennis Dixon 3 Yr Avg 13 74 5.69 0 0 12 0
Dennis Dixon 2009 26 145 5.58 1 1 27 1
Trent Edwards 3 Yr Avg 275 1832 6.66 8 8 90 1
Trent Edwards 2009 183 1169 6.39 6 7 106 0
Brett Favre 3 Yr Avg 529 3943 7.45 27 14 20 0
Brett Favre 2009 531 4202 7.91 33 7 7 0
A.J. Feeley 3 Yr Avg 34 227 6.68 1 2 7 0
A.J. Feeley 2009 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0
Ryan Fitzpatrick 3 Yr Avg 199 1109 5.57 5 6 148 1
Ryan Fitzpatrick 2009 227 1422 6.26 9 10 141 1
Joe Flacco 3 Yr Avg 463 3292 7.11 17 12 118 1
Joe Flacco 2009 499 3613 7.24 21 12 56 0
Josh Freeman 3 Yr Avg 291 1857 6.38 10 18 161 0
Josh Freeman 2009 291 1857 6.38 10 18 161 0
David Garrard 3 Yr Avg 458 3242 7.08 16 8 276 2
David Garrard 2009 516 3597 6.97 15 10 323 3
Bruce Gradkowski 3 Yr Avg 65 387 5.95 2 2 43 0
Bruce Gradkowski 2009 150 1007 6.71 6 3 108 0
Matt Hasselbeck 3 Yr Avg 419 2737 6.53 16 13 92 0
Matt Hasselbeck 2009 488 3029 6.21 17 17 119 0
Chad Henne 3 Yr Avg 231 1472 6.37 6 7 16 0
Chad Henne 2009 451 2878 6.38 12 14 32 1
Shaun Hill 3 Yr Avg 174 1163 6.68 7 4 66 1
Shaun Hill 2009 155 943 6.08 5 2 70 0
Tarvaris Jackson 3 Yr Avg 154 1056 6.86 6 4 129 1
Tarvaris Jackson 2009 21 201 9.57 1 0 -10 0
Kevin Kolb 3 Yr Avg 43 295 6.86 1 2 0 0
Kevin Kolb 2009 96 741 7.72 4 3 -1 1
Byron Leftwich 3 Yr Avg 67 392 5.85 2 1 6 0
Byron Leftwich 2009 107 594 5.55 4 3 6 0
Matt Leinart 3 Yr Avg 72 448 6.22 1 2 13 0
Matt Leinart 2009 77 435 5.65 0 3 -6 0
Eli Manning 3 Yr Avg 505 3531 6.99 23 14 48 0
Eli Manning 2009 509 4021 7.90 27 14 65 0
Peyton Manning 3 Yr Avg 547 4180 7.64 30 14 1 1
Peyton Manning 2009 571 4500 7.88 33 16 -13 0
Donovan McNabb 3 Yr Avg 495 3597 7.27 21 9 175 1
Donovan McNabb 2009 443 3553 8.02 22 10 140 2

46
QUARTERBACK STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year ATT PYD YPA TD INT RYD RTD

Matt Moore 3 Yr Avg 83 594 7.16 3 2 0 0
Matt Moore 2009 138 1053 7.63 8 2 -3 0
Kyle Orton 3 Yr Avg 362 2418 6.68 14 8 39 1
Kyle Orton 2009 541 3802 7.03 21 12 71 0
Carson Palmer 3 Yr Avg 390 2651 6.80 16 12 47 1
Carson Palmer 2009 466 3094 6.64 21 13 93 3
Chad Pennington 3 Yr Avg 270 1944 7.20 10 6 32 0
Chad Pennington 2009 74 413 5.58 1 2 7 0
Brady Quinn 3 Yr Avg 117 634 5.42 3 3 39 0
Brady Quinn 2009 256 1339 5.23 8 7 98 1
Philip Rivers 3 Yr Avg 474 3805 8.03 27 11 55 0
Philip Rivers 2009 486 4254 8.75 28 9 50 1
Aaron Rodgers 3 Yr Avg 368 2896 7.87 19 6 184 3
Aaron Rodgers 2009 541 4434 8.20 30 7 316 5
Ben Roethlisberger 3 Yr Avg 460 3596 7.82 25 12 129 2
Ben Roethlisberger 2009 506 4328 8.55 26 12 82 2
Tony Romo 3 Yr Avg 506 4047 8.00 29 14 92 1
Tony Romo 2009 550 4483 8.15 26 9 105 1
Sage Rosenfels 3 Yr Avg 138 1038 7.52 7 7 29 0
Sage Rosenfels 2009 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0
Matt Ryan 3 Yr Avg 442 3178 7.19 19 12 76 1
Matt Ryan 2009 451 2916 6.47 22 14 49 1
Mark Sanchez 3 Yr Avg 364 2444 6.71 12 20 106 3
Mark Sanchez 2009 364 2444 6.71 12 20 106 3
Matt Schaub 3 Yr Avg 417 3351 8.04 17 11 59 0
Matt Schaub 2009 583 4770 8.18 29 15 57 0
Alex Smith 3 Yr Avg 188 1088 5.79 6 5 46 0
Alex Smith 2009 372 2350 6.32 18 12 51 0
Matthew Stafford 3 Yr Avg 377 2267 6.01 13 20 108 2
Matthew Stafford 2009 377 2267 6.01 13 20 108 2
Tyler Thigpen 3 Yr Avg 144 910 6.32 6 5 129 1
Tyler Thigpen 2009 8 83 10.38 1 2 1 0
Michael Vick 3 Yr Avg 13 86 6.62 1 0 95 2
Michael Vick 2009 13 86 6.62 1 0 95 2
Seneca Wallace 3 Yr Avg 130 815 6.27 5 2 32 0
Seneca Wallace 2009 120 700 5.83 3 2 2 1
Pat White 3 Yr Avg 5 0 0.00 0 0 81 0
Pat White 2009 5 0 0.00 0 0 81 0
Charlie Whitehurst 3 Yr Avg 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0
Charlie Whitehurst 2009 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0
Vince Young 3 Yr Avg 226 1548 6.85 6 8 234 1
Vince Young 2009 259 1879 7.25 10 7 281 2

47
RUNNING BACK STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
Name Year ATT RYD RTD AVG REC RCYD AVG RCTD
Joseph Addai 3 Yr Avg 211 814 9 3.86 39 302 7.74 2
Joseph Addai 2009 219 828 10 3.78 51 336 6.59 3
Marion Barber 3 Yr Avg 218 930 8 4.27 40 306 7.65 1
Marion Barber 2009 214 932 7 4.36 26 221 8.50 0
Kahlil Bell 3 Yr Avg 40 220 0 5.50 1 4 4.00 0
Kahlil Bell 2009 40 220 0 5.50 1 4 4.00 0
Mike Bell 3 Yr Avg 63 233 2 3.70 2 11 5.50 0
Mike Bell 2009 172 654 5 3.80 4 12 3.00 0
Cedric Benson 3 Yr Avg 237 890 4 3.76 18 139 7.72 0
Cedric Benson 2009 301 1251 6 4.16 17 111 6.53 0
Ladell Betts 3 Yr Avg 70 250 1 3.57 20 184 9.20 0
Ladell Betts 2009 56 210 2 3.75 17 179 10.53 0
Ahmad Bradshaw 3 Yr Avg 84 441 3 5.25 9 87 9.67 0
Ahmad Bradshaw 2009 163 778 7 4.77 21 207 9.86 0
Chris Brown 3 Yr Avg 60 243 2 4.05 11 67 6.09 0
Chris Brown 2009 79 267 3 3.38 16 74 4.63 0
Donald Brown 3 Yr Avg 78 281 3 3.60 11 169 15.36 0
Donald Brown 2009 78 281 3 3.60 11 169 15.36 0
Ronnie Brown 3 Yr Avg 160 722 7 4.51 28 247 8.82 0
Ronnie Brown 2009 147 648 8 4.41 14 98 7.00 0
Correll Buckhalter 3 Yr Avg 86 441 2 5.13 23 217 9.43 0
Correll Buckhalter 2009 120 642 1 5.35 31 240 7.74 0
Michael Bush 3 Yr Avg 72 336 2 4.67 12 89 7.42 0
Michael Bush 2009 123 589 3 4.79 17 105 6.18 0
Reggie Bush 3 Yr Avg 111 458 3 4.13 57 397 6.96 3
Reggie Bush 2009 70 390 5 5.57 47 335 7.13 3
Rock Cartwright 3 Yr Avg 23 80 0 3.48 9 78 8.67 0
Rock Cartwright 2009 64 228 0 3.56 27 242 8.96 1
Jamaal Charles 3 Yr Avg 128 738 3 5.77 33 284 8.61 1
Jamaal Charles 2009 190 1120 7 5.89 40 297 7.43 1
Tashard Choice 3 Yr Avg 78 410 2 5.26 18 158 8.78 0
Tashard Choice 2009 64 349 3 5.45 15 132 8.80 0
Glen Coffee 3 Yr Avg 83 226 1 2.72 11 76 6.91 0
Glen Coffee 2009 83 226 1 2.72 11 76 6.91 0
Justin Fargas 3 Yr Avg 189 784 2 4.15 16 117 7.31 0
Justin Fargas 2009 129 491 3 3.81 17 113 6.65 0
Kevin Faulk 3 Yr Avg 69 369 1 5.35 47 390 8.30 1
Kevin Faulk 2009 62 335 2 5.40 37 301 8.14 1
Justin Forsett 3 Yr Avg 57 309 2 5.42 20 175 8.75 0
Justin Forsett 2009 114 619 4 5.43 41 350 8.54 1
Matt Forte 3 Yr Avg 286 1080 6 3.78 60 477 7.95 2
Matt Forte 2009 258 929 4 3.60 57 471 8.26 0
Arian Foster 3 Yr Avg 54 257 3 4.76 8 93 11.63 0
Arian Foster 2009 54 257 3 4.76 8 93 11.63 0
Quinton Ganther 3 Yr Avg 23 86 1 3.74 5 47 9.40 0
Quinton Ganther 2009 62 199 3 3.21 9 99 11.00 0
Frank Gore 3 Yr Avg 243 1086 7 4.47 49 405 8.27 2
Frank Gore 2009 229 1120 10 4.89 52 406 7.81 3
Earnest Graham 3 Yr Avg 122 509 4 4.17 28 202 7.21 0
Earnest Graham 2009 14 66 0 4.71 14 109 7.79 0
Ryan Grant 3 Yr Avg 260 1137 7 4.37 24 153 6.38 0
Ryan Grant 2009 282 1253 11 4.44 25 197 7.88 0
Ahman Green 3 Yr Avg 61 238 2 3.90 9 57 6.33 0
Ahman Green 2009 41 160 1 3.90 3 18 6.00 0
Benjarvus Green-Ellis 3 Yr Avg 50 194 2 3.88 2 24 12.00 0
Benjarvus Green-Ellis 2009 26 114 0 4.38 2 11 5.50 0

48
RUNNING BACK STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year ATT RYD RTD AVG REC RCYD AVG RCTD
Shonn Greene 3 Yr Avg 108 540 2 5.00 0 0 0.00 0
Shonn Greene 2009 108 540 2 5.00 0 0 0.00 0
Lynell Hamilton 3 Yr Avg 35 125 2 3.57 5 48 9.60 0
Lynell Hamilton 2009 35 125 2 3.57 5 48 9.60 0
Jerome Harrison 3 Yr Avg 83 416 2 5.01 16 118 7.38 1
Jerome Harrison 2009 194 862 5 4.44 34 220 6.47 2
Mike Hart 3 Yr Avg 14 39 0 2.79 3 36 12.00 0
Mike Hart 2009 26 70 1 2.69 5 54 10.80 0
Jacob Hester 3 Yr Avg 20 84 0 4.20 10 57 5.70 0
Jacob Hester 2009 21 74 0 3.52 9 24 2.67 0
Tim Hightower 3 Yr Avg 143 498 9 3.48 48 332 6.92 0
Tim Hightower 2009 143 598 8 4.18 63 428 6.79 0
Lex Hilliard 3 Yr Avg 23 89 1 3.87 20 158 7.90 2
Lex Hilliard 2009 23 89 1 3.87 20 158 7.90 2
Brandon Jackson 3 Yr Avg 52 208 1 4.00 22 167 7.59 0
Brandon Jackson 2009 37 111 2 3.00 21 187 8.90 1
Fred Jackson 3 Yr Avg 141 644 1 4.57 35 292 8.34 0
Fred Jackson 2009 237 1062 2 4.48 46 371 8.07 2
Steven Jackson 3 Yr Avg 271 1153 5 4.25 43 324 7.53 0
Steven Jackson 2009 324 1416 4 4.37 51 322 6.31 0
Brandon Jacobs 3 Yr Avg 214 978 8 4.57 15 131 8.73 1
Brandon Jacobs 2009 224 835 5 3.73 18 184 10.22 1
Chris Jennings 3 Yr Avg 63 220 1 3.49 9 56 6.22 0
Chris Jennings 2009 63 220 1 3.49 9 56 6.22 0
Rashad Jennings 3 Yr Avg 39 202 1 5.18 16 101 6.31 0
Rashad Jennings 2009 39 202 1 5.18 16 101 6.31 0
Chris Johnson 3 Yr Avg 304 1617 11 5.32 46 381 8.28 1
Chris Johnson 2009 358 2006 14 5.60 50 503 10.06 2
Larry Johnson 3 Yr Avg 132 545 2 4.13 15 88 5.87 0
Larry Johnson 2009 46 204 0 4.43 3 4 1.33 0
Felix Jones 3 Yr Avg 73 475 3 6.51 10 64 6.40 0
Felix Jones 2009 116 685 3 5.91 19 119 6.26 0
Julius Jones 3 Yr Avg 166 649 2 3.91 24 167 6.96 0
Julius Jones 2009 177 663 2 3.75 35 232 6.63 2
Thomas Jones 3 Yr Avg 310 1277 9 4.12 24 160 6.67 1
Thomas Jones 2009 331 1402 14 4.24 10 58 5.80 0
Maurice Jones-Drew 3 Yr Avg 225 994 12 4.42 51 448 8.78 1
Maurice Jones-Drew 2009 312 1391 15 4.46 53 374 7.06 1
LaMont Jordan 3 Yr Avg 83 332 2 4.00 9 82 9.11 0
LaMont Jordan 2009 25 86 0 3.44 0 0 0.00 0
Brian Leonard 3 Yr Avg 38 131 0 3.45 20 133 6.65 0
Brian Leonard 2009 27 84 0 3.11 30 217 7.23 0
Jamal Lewis 3 Yr Avg 240 935 4 3.90 20 171 8.55 0
Jamal Lewis 2009 143 500 0 3.50 8 88 11.00 0
Marshawn Lynch 3 Yr Avg 216 867 5 4.01 31 221 7.13 0
Marshawn Lynch 2009 120 450 2 3.75 28 179 6.39 0
Laurence Maroney 3 Yr Avg 135 561 5 4.16 6 71 11.83 0
Laurence Maroney 2009 194 757 9 3.90 14 99 7.07 0
Le’Ron McClain 3 Yr Avg 95 366 4 3.85 16 106 6.63 0
Le’Ron McClain 2009 46 180 2 3.91 21 141 6.71 0
LeSean McCoy 3 Yr Avg 155 637 4 4.11 40 308 7.70 0
LeSean McCoy 2009 155 637 4 4.11 40 308 7.70 0
Darren McFadden 3 Yr Avg 108 428 2 3.96 25 265 10.60 0
Darren McFadden 2009 104 357 1 3.43 21 245 11.67 0
Willis McGahee 3 Yr Avg 191 807 8 4.23 27 163 6.04 1
Willis McGahee 2009 109 544 12 4.99 15 85 5.67 2

49
RUNNING BACK STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year ATT RYD RTD AVG REC RCYD AVG RCTD
Rashard Mendenhall 3 Yr Avg 130 583 3 4.48 13 139 10.69 0
Rashard Mendenhall 2009 242 1108 7 4.58 25 261 10.44 1
Ryan Moats 3 Yr Avg 42 161 1 3.83 5 40 8.00 0
Ryan Moats 2009 101 390 4 3.86 13 106 8.15 1
Mewelde Moore 3 Yr Avg 65 273 1 4.20 22 173 7.86 1
Mewelde Moore 2009 35 118 0 3.37 21 153 7.29 2
Knowshon Moreno 3 Yr Avg 247 947 7 3.83 28 213 7.61 2
Knowshon Moreno 2009 247 947 7 3.83 28 213 7.61 2
Maurice Morris 3 Yr Avg 121 528 2 4.36 22 186 8.45 1
Maurice Morris 2009 93 384 2 4.13 26 210 8.08 0
Sammy Morris 3 Yr Avg 104 476 4 4.58 14 125 8.93 0
Sammy Morris 2009 73 319 2 4.37 19 180 9.47 0
Jerious Norwood 3 Yr Avg 90 452 1 5.02 27 267 9.89 1
Jerious Norwood 2009 76 252 0 3.32 19 186 9.79 1
Willie Parker 3 Yr Avg 209 831 2 3.98 11 81 7.36 0
Willie Parker 2009 98 389 0 3.97 6 64 10.67 1
Adrian Peterson 3 Yr Avg 305 1494 13 4.90 27 276 10.22 0
Adrian Peterson 2009 314 1383 18 4.40 43 436 10.14 0
Clinton Portis 3 Yr Avg 263 1081 7 4.11 28 221 7.89 0
Clinton Portis 2009 124 494 1 3.98 9 57 6.33 1
Ray Rice 3 Yr Avg 180 896 3 4.98 55 487 8.85 0
Ray Rice 2009 254 1339 7 5.27 78 702 9.00 1
Javon Ringer 3 Yr Avg 8 48 0 6.00 0 0 0.00 0
Javon Ringer 2009 8 48 0 6.00 0 0 0.00 0
Bernard Scott 3 Yr Avg 74 321 0 4.34 5 67 13.40 0
Bernard Scott 2009 74 321 0 4.34 5 67 13.40 0
Steve Slaton 3 Yr Avg 199 859 6 4.32 47 397 8.45 2
Steve Slaton 2009 131 437 3 3.34 44 417 9.48 4
Kevin Smith 3 Yr Avg 228 861 6 3.78 40 350 8.75 0
Kevin Smith 2009 217 747 4 3.44 41 415 10.12 1
Jason Snelling 3 Yr Avg 56 239 1 4.27 12 116 9.67 0
Jason Snelling 2009 142 613 4 4.32 30 259 8.63 1
Darren Sproles 3 Yr Avg 63 279 2 4.43 28 290 10.36 3
Darren Sproles 2009 93 343 3 3.69 45 497 11.04 4
Jonathan Stewart 3 Yr Avg 202 985 10 4.88 13 93 7.15 0
Jonathan Stewart 2009 221 1133 10 5.13 18 139 7.72 1
Chester Taylor 3 Yr Avg 117 527 4 4.50 39 356 9.13 1
Chester Taylor 2009 94 338 1 3.60 44 389 8.84 1
Fred Taylor 3 Yr Avg 143 675 3 4.72 9 57 6.33 0
Fred Taylor 2009 63 269 4 4.27 2 17 8.50 0
Pierre Thomas 3 Yr Avg 108 556 5 5.15 29 246 8.48 2
Pierre Thomas 2009 147 793 6 5.39 39 302 7.74 2
Mike Tolbert 3 Yr Avg 19 92 0 4.84 15 181 12.07 2
Mike Tolbert 2009 25 148 1 5.92 17 192 11.29 3
LaDainian Tomlinson 3 Yr Avg 276 1104 12 4.00 44 351 7.98 1
LaDainian Tomlinson 2009 223 730 12 3.27 20 154 7.70 0
Michael Turner 3 Yr Avg 208 962 9 4.63 5 30 6.00 0
Michael Turner 2009 178 871 10 4.89 5 35 7.00 0
Derrick Ward 3 Yr Avg 140 678 2 4.84 29 237 8.17 1
Derrick Ward 2009 114 409 1 3.59 20 150 7.50 2
Leon Washington 3 Yr Avg 73 377 3 5.16 32 233 7.28 0
Leon Washington 2009 72 331 0 4.60 15 131 8.73 0
Leonard Weaver 3 Yr Avg 44 199 1 4.52 24 225 9.38 1
Leonard Weaver 2009 70 323 2 4.61 15 140 9.33 2
Chris Wells 3 Yr Avg 176 793 7 4.51 12 143 11.92 0
Chris Wells 2009 176 793 7 4.51 12 143 11.92 0

50
RUNNING BACK STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year ATT RYD RTD AVG REC RCYD AVG RCTD
Brian Westbrook 3 Yr Avg 190 847 5 4.46 56 451 8.05 3
Brian Westbrook 2009 61 274 1 4.49 25 181 7.24 1
LenDale White 3 Yr Avg 189 701 8 3.71 9 48 5.33 0
LenDale White 2009 64 222 2 3.47 3 14 4.67 0
Cadillac Williams 3 Yr Avg 109 420 3 3.85 13 93 7.15 1
Cadillac Williams 2009 210 821 4 3.91 29 219 7.55 3
DeAngelo Williams 3 Yr Avg 211 1116 9 5.29 24 182 7.58 1
DeAngelo Williams 2009 216 1117 7 5.17 29 252 8.69 0
Ricky Williams 3 Yr Avg 136 598 5 4.40 21 161 7.67 1
Ricky Williams 2009 241 1121 11 4.65 35 264 7.54 2

51
WIDE RECEIVER STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
Name Year REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS
Sam Aiken 3 Yr Avg 9 145 16.11 0 19
Sam Aiken 2009 20 326 16.30 2 43
Danny Amendola 3 Yr Avg 43 326 7.58 1 0
Danny Amendola 2009 43 326 7.58 1 0
David Anderson 3 Yr Avg 23 247 10.74 1 34
David Anderson 2009 38 370 9.74 0 53
Devin Aromashodu 3 Yr Avg 10 131 13.10 1 20
Devin Aromashodu 2009 24 298 12.42 4 43
Miles Austin 3 Yr Avg 33 558 16.91 4 52
Miles Austin 2009 81 1320 16.30 11 124
Jason Avant 3 Yr Avg 32 410 12.81 2 47
Jason Avant 2009 41 587 14.32 3 57
Donnie Avery 3 Yr Avg 50 631 12.62 4 100
Donnie Avery 2009 47 589 12.53 5 97
Ramses Barden 3 Yr Avg 1 16 16.00 0 0
Ramses Barden 2009 1 16 16.00 0 0
Earl Bennett 3 Yr Avg 27 358 13.26 1 44
Earl Bennett 2009 54 717 13.28 2 89
Bernard Berrian 3 Yr Avg 57 843 14.79 5 104
Bernard Berrian 2009 55 618 11.24 4 92
Davone Bess 3 Yr Avg 65 656 10.09 1 94
Davone Bess 2009 76 758 9.97 2 113
Anquan Boldin 3 Yr Avg 81 971 11.99 8 118
Anquan Boldin 2009 84 1024 12.19 4 129
Dwayne Bowe 3 Yr Avg 67 868 12.96 5 120
Dwayne Bowe 2009 47 589 12.53 4 88
Mark Bradley 3 Yr Avg 20 257 12.85 2 46
Mark Bradley 2009 24 320 13.33 2 57
Deion Branch 3 Yr Avg 41 503 12.27 3 75
Deion Branch 2009 45 437 9.71 2 82
Steve Breaston 3 Yr Avg 46 603 13.11 2 72
Steve Breaston 2009 55 712 12.95 3 93
Kenny Britt 3 Yr Avg 42 701 16.69 3 69
Kenny Britt 2009 42 701 16.69 3 69
Antonio Bryant 3 Yr Avg 61 924 15.15 5 112
Antonio Bryant 2009 39 600 15.38 4 86
Nate Burleson 3 Yr Avg 39 522 13.38 4 68
Nate Burleson 2009 63 812 12.89 3 103
Keenan Burton 3 Yr Avg 19 212 11.16 0 36
Keenan Burton 2009 25 253 10.12 0 44
Andre Caldwell 3 Yr Avg 31 255 8.23 1 49
Andre Caldwell 2009 51 432 8.47 3 80
Greg Camarillo 3 Yr Avg 37 441 11.92 1 55
Greg Camarillo 2009 50 552 11.04 0 71
Chris Chambers 3 Yr Avg 45 680 15.11 4 95
Chris Chambers 2009 36 608 16.89 4 92
Mark Clayton 3 Yr Avg 41 568 13.85 1 80
Mark Clayton 2009 34 480 14.12 2 74
Michael Clayton 3 Yr Avg 25 338 13.52 0 50
Michael Clayton 2009 16 230 14.38 1 48
David Clowney 3 Yr Avg 5 72 14.40 0 8
David Clowney 2009 14 191 13.64 1 22
Laveranues Coles 3 Yr Avg 56 670 11.96 6 93
Laveranues Coles 2009 43 514 11.95 5 76
Austin Collie 3 Yr Avg 60 676 11.27 7 90
Austin Collie 2009 60 676 11.27 7 90

52
WIDE RECEIVER STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS

Marques Colston 3 Yr Avg 71 1012 14.25 8 112
Marques Colston 2009 70 1074 15.34 9 106
Jerricho Cotchery 3 Yr Avg 70 936 13.37 3 111
Jerricho Cotchery 2009 57 821 14.40 3 97
Michael Crabtree 3 Yr Avg 48 625 13.02 2 86
Michael Crabtree 2009 48 625 13.02 2 86
Patrick Crayton 3 Yr Avg 42 623 14.83 5 74
Patrick Crayton 2009 37 622 16.81 5 67
Josh Cribbs 3 Yr Avg 8 63 7.88 0 16
Josh Cribbs 2009 20 135 6.75 1 37
Early Doucet 3 Yr Avg 15 152 10.13 0 20
Early Doucet 2009 17 214 12.59 1 24
Donald Driver 3 Yr Avg 75 1040 13.87 4 116
Donald Driver 2009 70 1061 15.16 6 112
Julian Edelman 3 Yr Avg 37 359 9.70 1 59
Julian Edelman 2009 37 359 9.70 1 59
Braylon Edwards 3 Yr Avg 56 902 16.11 7 121
Braylon Edwards 2009 35 541 15.46 4 94
Lee Evans 3 Yr Avg 54 826 15.30 5 104
Lee Evans 2009 44 612 13.91 7 98
Larry Fitzgerald 3 Yr Avg 97 1310 13.51 11 157
Larry Fitzgerald 2009 97 1092 11.26 13 152
Malcom Floyd 3 Yr Avg 26 446 17.15 1 44
Malcom Floyd 2009 45 776 17.24 1 74
Jabar Gaffney 3 Yr Avg 42 549 13.07 3 67
Jabar Gaffney 2009 54 732 13.56 2 87
Justin Gage 3 Yr Avg 39 594 15.23 3 74
Justin Gage 2009 28 383 13.68 3 63
Pierre Garcon 3 Yr Avg 25 394 15.76 2 48
Pierre Garcon 2009 47 765 16.28 4 92
Brandon Gibson 3 Yr Avg 34 348 10.24 1 58
Brandon Gibson 2009 34 348 10.24 1 58
Ted Ginn 3 Yr Avg 42 554 13.19 1 80
Ted Ginn 2009 38 454 11.95 1 78
Anthony Gonzalez 3 Yr Avg 31 413 13.32 2 43
Anthony Gonzalez 2009 0 0 0.00 0 0
James Hardy 3 Yr Avg 5 48 9.60 1 11
James Hardy 2009 1 9 9.00 0 1
Brian Hartline 3 Yr Avg 31 506 16.32 3 57
Brian Hartline 2009 31 506 16.32 3 57
Percy Harvin 3 Yr Avg 60 790 13.17 6 91
Percy Harvin 2009 60 790 13.17 6 91
Devery Henderson 3 Yr Avg 34 668 19.65 2 60
Devery Henderson 2009 51 804 15.76 2 83
Devin Hester 3 Yr Avg 43 573 13.33 2 73
Devin Hester 2009 57 757 13.28 3 90
Darrius Heyward-Bey 3 Yr Avg 9 124 13.78 1 40
Darrius Heyward-Bey 2009 9 124 13.78 1 40
Johnnie Lee Higgins 3 Yr Avg 15 225 15.00 1 31
Johnnie Lee Higgins 2009 19 263 13.84 0 45
Domenik Hixon 3 Yr Avg 19 262 13.79 1 33
Domenik Hixon 2009 15 187 12.47 1 28
Santonio Holmes 3 Yr Avg 62 1003 16.18 6 112
Santonio Holmes 2009 79 1248 15.80 5 139
Torry Holt 3 Yr Avg 69 902 13.07 3 123
Torry Holt 2009 51 722 14.16 0 103

53
WIDE RECEIVER STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS

T.J. Houshmandzadeh 3 Yr Avg 94 986 10.49 6 147
T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2009 79 911 11.53 3 135
DeSean Jackson 3 Yr Avg 62 1039 16.76 5 117
DeSean Jackson 2009 63 1167 18.52 9 118
Vincent Jackson 3 Yr Avg 56 962 17.18 6 93
Vincent Jackson 2009 68 1167 17.16 9 99
Dwayne Jarrett 3 Yr Avg 11 129 11.73 0 21
Dwayne Jarrett 2009 17 196 11.53 1 32
Michael Jenkins 3 Yr Avg 51 648 12.71 2 85
Michael Jenkins 2009 50 635 12.70 1 91
Greg Jennings 3 Yr Avg 67 1108 16.54 8 114
Greg Jennings 2009 68 1113 16.37 4 120
Andre Johnson 3 Yr Avg 92 1331 14.47 8 142
Andre Johnson 2009 101 1569 15.53 9 171
Bryant Johnson 3 Yr Avg 42 497 11.83 2 87
Bryant Johnson 2009 35 417 11.91 3 89
Calvin Johnson 3 Yr Avg 64 1023 15.98 7 127
Calvin Johnson 2009 67 984 14.69 5 137
Jacoby Jones 3 Yr Avg 15 222 14.80 2 25
Jacoby Jones 2009 27 437 16.19 6 40
James Jones 3 Yr Avg 33 463 14.03 2 57
James Jones 2009 32 440 13.75 5 62
Malcolm Kelly 3 Yr Avg 14 182 13.00 0 26
Malcolm Kelly 2009 25 347 13.88 0 42
Johnny Knox 3 Yr Avg 45 527 11.71 5 80
Johnny Knox 2009 45 527 11.71 5 80
Jeremy Maclin 3 Yr Avg 55 762 13.85 4 96
Jeremy Maclin 2009 55 762 13.85 4 96
Mario Manningham 3 Yr Avg 30 424 14.13 2 52
Mario Manningham 2009 57 822 14.42 5 99
Brandon Marshall 3 Yr Avg 102 1236 12.12 7 168
Brandon Marshall 2009 101 1120 11.09 10 154
Derrick Mason 3 Yr Avg 85 1050 12.35 5 137
Derrick Mason 2009 73 1028 14.08 7 135
Mohamed Massaquoi 3 Yr Avg 34 624 18.35 3 95
Mohamed Massaquoi 2009 34 624 18.35 3 95
Robert Meachem 3 Yr Avg 19 337 17.74 4 28
Robert Meachem 2009 45 722 16.04 9 65
Lance Moore 3 Yr Avg 41 461 11.24 4 57
Lance Moore 2009 14 153 10.93 2 19
Josh Morgan 3 Yr Avg 36 423 11.75 3 62
Josh Morgan 2009 52 527 10.13 3 81
Randy Moss 3 Yr Avg 83 1255 15.12 15 139
Randy Moss 2009 83 1264 15.23 13 139
Santana Moss 3 Yr Avg 70 918 13.11 4 123
Santana Moss 2009 70 902 12.89 3 119
Louis Murphy 3 Yr Avg 34 521 15.32 4 97
Louis Murphy 2009 34 521 15.32 4 97
Legedu Naanee 3 Yr Avg 13 125 9.62 0 18
Legedu Naanee 2009 24 242 10.08 2 27
Jordy Nelson 3 Yr Avg 27 343 12.70 2 42
Jordy Nelson 2009 22 320 14.55 2 31
Hakeem Nicks 3 Yr Avg 47 790 16.81 6 74
Hakeem Nicks 2009 47 790 16.81 6 74
Dennis Northcutt 3 Yr Avg 41 501 12.22 2 70
Dennis Northcutt 2009 35 357 10.20 1 67

54
WIDE RECEIVER STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS

Chad Ochocinco 3 Yr Avg 72 1009 14.01 7 128
Chad Ochocinco 2009 72 1047 14.54 9 128
Terrell Owens 3 Yr Avg 68 1078 15.85 10 130
Terrell Owens 2009 55 829 15.07 5 109
Roscoe Parrish 3 Yr Avg 20 206 10.30 0 34
Roscoe Parrish 2009 3 34 11.33 0 4
Antwaan Randle El 3 Yr Avg 51 617 12.10 1 79
Antwaan Randle El 2009 50 530 10.60 0 75
Sidney Rice 3 Yr Avg 43 616 14.33 5 68
Sidney Rice 2009 83 1312 15.81 8 121
Laurent Robinson 3 Yr Avg 18 218 12.11 0 39
Laurent Robinson 2009 13 167 12.85 1 23
Brian Robiskie 3 Yr Avg 7 106 15.14 0 21
Brian Robiskie 2009 7 106 15.14 0 21
Eddie Royal 3 Yr Avg 64 662 10.34 2 102
Eddie Royal 2009 37 345 9.32 0 79
Chaz Schilens 3 Yr Avg 22 295 13.41 2 41
Chaz Schilens 2009 29 365 12.59 2 51
Mike Sims-Walker 3 Yr Avg 26 362 13.92 2 46
Mike Sims-Walker 2009 63 869 13.79 7 111
Steve Smith 3 Yr Avg 76 1133 14.91 6 135
Steve Smith 2009 65 982 15.11 7 129
Steven Smith 3 Yr Avg 57 619 10.86 2 84
Steven Smith 2009 107 1220 11.40 7 157
Brandon Stokley 3 Yr Avg 36 496 13.78 4 63
Brandon Stokley 2009 19 327 17.21 4 33
Maurice Stovall 3 Yr Avg 12 159 13.25 0 22
Maurice Stovall 2009 24 366 15.25 1 47
Sammie Stroughter 3 Yr Avg 31 334 10.77 1 58
Sammie Stroughter 2009 31 334 10.77 1 58
Chansi Stuckey 3 Yr Avg 17 185 10.88 1 36
Chansi Stuckey 2009 19 198 10.42 1 65
Devin Thomas 3 Yr Avg 20 222 11.10 1 37
Devin Thomas 2009 25 325 13.00 3 47
Mike Thomas 3 Yr Avg 48 453 9.44 1 39
Mike Thomas 2009 48 453 9.44 1 39
Jerheme Urban 3 Yr Avg 24 321 13.38 2 41
Jerheme Urban 2009 18 186 10.33 0 29
Bobby Wade 3 Yr Avg 47 553 11.77 2 80
Bobby Wade 2009 36 367 10.19 2 74
Mike Wallace 3 Yr Avg 39 756 19.38 6 74
Mike Wallace 2009 39 756 19.38 6 74
Kevin Walter 3 Yr Avg 59 770 13.05 4 92
Kevin Walter 2009 53 611 11.53 2 77
Hines Ward 3 Yr Avg 83 983 11.84 6 125
Hines Ward 2009 95 1167 12.28 6 138
Kelley Washington 3 Yr Avg 11 144 13.09 0 16
Kelley Washington 2009 34 431 12.68 2 48
Nate Washington 3 Yr Avg 38 550 14.47 4 74
Nate Washington 2009 47 569 12.11 6 90
Reggie Wayne 3 Yr Avg 95 1306 13.75 8 145
Reggie Wayne 2009 100 1264 12.64 10 149
Wes Welker 3 Yr Avg 115 1229 10.69 5 149
Wes Welker 2009 123 1348 10.96 4 162
Roddy White 3 Yr Avg 85 1245 14.65 8 150
Roddy White 2009 85 1153 13.56 11 165
Roy Williams 3 Yr Avg 45 620 13.78 4 90
Roy Williams 2009 38 596 15.68 7 86
55
TIGHT END STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
Name Year REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS
Travis Beckum 3 Yr Avg 8 55 6.88 0 12
Travis Beckum 2009 8 55 6.88 0 12
Martellus Bennett 3 Yr Avg 17 221 13.00 2 28
Martellus Bennett 2009 15 159 10.60 0 30
Kevin Boss 3 Yr Avg 28 356 12.71 4 45
Kevin Boss 2009 42 567 13.50 5 69
John Carlson 3 Yr Avg 53 600 11.32 6 82
John Carlson 2009 51 574 11.25 7 84
Brent Celek 3 Yr Avg 39 489 12.54 3 55
Brent Celek 2009 76 971 12.78 8 112
Dallas Clark 3 Yr Avg 78 856 10.97 9 113
Dallas Clark 2009 100 1106 11.06 10 132
Desmond Clark 3 Yr Avg 34 352 10.35 2 57
Desmond Clark 2009 19 145 7.63 2 34
Chase Coffman 3 Yr Avg 0 0 0.00 0 0
Chase Coffman 2009 0 0 0.00 0 0
Jared Cook 3 Yr Avg 9 74 8.22 0 15
Jared Cook 2009 9 74 8.22 0 15
Chris Cooley 3 Yr Avg 59 655 11.10 3 87
Chris Cooley 2009 29 332 11.45 2 45
Alge Crumpler 3 Yr Avg 31 307 9.90 2 51
Alge Crumpler 2009 27 222 8.22 1 36
Owen Daniels 3 Yr Avg 57 716 12.56 3 83
Owen Daniels 2009 40 519 12.98 5 58
Fred Davis 3 Yr Avg 25 268 10.72 3 43
Fred Davis 2009 48 509 10.60 6 77
Vernon Davis 3 Yr Avg 53 610 11.51 6 89
Vernon Davis 2009 78 965 12.37 13 130
Joel Dreessen 3 Yr Avg 13 150 11.54 1 22
Joel Dreessen 2009 26 320 12.31 1 40
Anthony Fasano 3 Yr Avg 26 312 12.00 3 43
Anthony Fasano 2009 31 339 10.94 2 54
Daniel Fells 3 Yr Avg 14 177 12.64 1 23
Daniel Fells 2009 21 273 13.00 3 35
Jermichael Finley 3 Yr Avg 30 375 12.50 3 41
Jermichael Finley 2009 55 676 12.29 5 71
Antonio Gates 3 Yr Avg 71 948 13.35 8 106
Antonio Gates 2009 79 1157 14.65 8 109
Tony Gonzalez 3 Yr Avg 92 1032 11.22 7 148
Tony Gonzalez 2009 83 867 10.45 6 135
Daniel Graham 3 Yr Avg 28 308 11.00 2 42
Daniel Graham 2009 28 289 10.32 1 43
Joey Haynos 3 Yr Avg 10 92 9.20 1 18
Joey Haynos 2009 19 162 8.53 2 36
Todd Heap 3 Yr Avg 37 411 11.11 3 57
Todd Heap 2009 53 593 11.19 6 75
Will Heller 3 Yr Avg 15 135 9.00 2 29
Will Heller 2009 29 296 10.21 3 51
Dustin Keller 3 Yr Avg 46 528 11.48 2 79
Dustin Keller 2009 45 522 11.60 2 81
Jeff King 3 Yr Avg 30 267 8.90 2 40
Jeff King 2009 25 200 8.00 3 33
Donald Lee 3 Yr Avg 41 379 9.24 4 55
Donald Lee 2009 37 260 7.03 1 54
Marcedes Lewis 3 Yr Avg 36 466 12.94 2 62
Marcedes Lewis 2009 32 518 16.19 2 59

56
TIGHT END STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS

Randy McMichael 3 Yr Avg 28 300 10.71 1 50
Randy McMichael 2009 34 332 9.76 1 62
Heath Miller 3 Yr Avg 57 623 10.93 5 74
Heath Miller 2009 76 789 10.38 6 98
Zach Miller 3 Yr Avg 55 675 12.27 2 85
Zach Miller 2009 66 805 12.20 3 100
Zach Miller 3 Yr Avg 21 212 10.10 2 27
Zach Miller 2009 21 212 10.10 2 27
Shawn Nelson 3 Yr Avg 18 157 8.72 1 30
Shawn Nelson 2009 18 157 8.72 1 30
Greg Olsen 3 Yr Avg 51 525 10.29 5 85
Greg Olsen 2009 60 612 10.20 8 108
Ben Patrick 3 Yr Avg 10 107 10.70 1 16
Ben Patrick 2009 12 146 12.17 2 16
Brandon Pettigrew 3 Yr Avg 30 346 11.53 2 59
Brandon Pettigrew 2009 30 346 11.53 2 59
Richard Quinn 3 Yr Avg 0 0 0.00 0 0
Richard Quinn 2009 0 0 0.00 0 0
Dante Rosario 3 Yr Avg 16 210 13.13 1 29
Dante Rosario 2009 26 313 12.04 2 48
Robert Royal 3 Yr Avg 23 244 10.61 1 39
Robert Royal 2009 11 134 12.18 1 26
Bo Scaife 3 Yr Avg 49 474 9.67 1 77
Bo Scaife 2009 45 440 9.78 1 70
Tony Scheffler 3 Yr Avg 40 536 13.40 3 58
Tony Scheffler 2009 31 416 13.42 2 50
Visanthe Shiancoe 3 Yr Avg 41 495 12.07 6 60
Visanthe Shiancoe 2009 56 566 10.11 11 79
Jeremy Shockey 3 Yr Avg 51 557 10.92 2 77
Jeremy Shockey 2009 48 569 11.85 3 67
David Thomas 3 Yr Avg 15 152 10.13 0 22
David Thomas 2009 35 356 10.17 1 49
Ben Watson 3 Yr Avg 29 334 11.52 4 43
Ben Watson 2009 29 404 13.93 5 41
Kellen Winslow 3 Yr Avg 67 806 12.03 4 115
Kellen Winslow 2009 77 884 11.48 5 126
Jason Witten 3 Yr Avg 90 1042 11.58 4 128
Jason Witten 2009 94 1030 10.96 2 125

57
KICKER STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
Name Year FGM XPM
David Akers 3 Yr Avg 29 41
David Akers 2009 32 43
Connor Barth 3 Yr Avg 12 18
Connor Barth 2009 14 12
Rob Bironas 3 Yr Avg 30 35
Rob Bironas 2009 27 37
Josh Brown 3 Yr Avg 26 26
Josh Brown 2009 19 16
Kris Brown 3 Yr Avg 25 39
Kris Brown 2009 21 43
Matt Bryant 3 Yr Avg 22 26
Matt Bryant 2009 7 10
David Buehler 3 Yr Avg 0 0
David Buehler 2009 0 0
Dan Carpenter 3 Yr Avg 23 38
Dan Carpenter 2009 25 37
Mason Crosby 3 Yr Avg 28 47
Mason Crosby 2009 27 48
Billy Cundiff 3 Yr Avg 12 19
Billy Cundiff 2009 12 19
Phil Dawson 3 Yr Avg 24 26
Phil Dawson 2009 17 18
Jay Feely 3 Yr Avg 25 32
Jay Feely 2009 30 32
Nick Folk 3 Yr Avg 21 43
Nick Folk 2009 18 36
Graham Gano 3 Yr Avg 4 6
Graham Gano 2009 4 6
Stephen Gostkowski 3 Yr Avg 27 53
Stephen Gostkowski 2009 26 47
Robbie Gould 3 Yr Avg 27 35
Robbie Gould 2009 24 33
Jason Hanson 3 Yr Avg 23 28
Jason Hanson 2009 21 25
Garrett Hartley 3 Yr Avg 11 19
Garrett Hartley 2009 9 10
Sebastian Janikowski 3 Yr Avg 24 23
Sebastian Janikowski 2009 26 17
Nate Kaeding 3 Yr Avg 27 47
Nate Kaeding 2009 32 50
John Kasay 3 Yr Avg 24 34
John Kasay 2009 22 31
Rian Lindell 3 Yr Avg 27 27
Rian Lindell 2009 28 24
Ryan Longwell 3 Yr Avg 25 44
Ryan Longwell 2009 26 54
Olindo Mare 3 Yr Avg 19 30
Olindo Mare 2009 24 28
Joe Nedney 3 Yr Avg 21 29
Joe Nedney 2009 17 33
Mike Nugent 3 Yr Avg 10 11
Mike Nugent 2009 2 8
Matt Prater 3 Yr Avg 18 24
Matt Prater 2009 30 32
Neil Rackers 3 Yr Avg 20 42
Neil Rackers 2009 16 37

58
KICKER STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year FGM XPM

Dave Rayner 3 Yr Avg 8 8

Jeff Reed 3 Yr Avg 25 40

Jeff Reed 2009 27 41
Josh Scobee 3 Yr Avg 16 29
Josh Scobee 2009 18 30
Ryan Succop 3 Yr Avg 25 29
Ryan Succop 2009 25 29
Lawrence Tynes 3 Yr Avg 17 29
Lawrence Tynes 2009 27 45
Adam Vinatieri 3 Yr Avg 16 36
Adam Vinatieri 2009 7 17

59
IDP STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES
Name Year POS INT TKL SACK TD
John Abraham 3 Yr Avg DE 0 35 10.66 0
John Abraham 2009 DE 0 35 5.5 0
Jared Allen 3 Yr Avg DE 0 56 15 0
Jared Allen 2009 DE 1 50 14.5 1
Oshiomogho Atogwe 3 Yr Avg S 5 77 0.33 0
Oshiomogho Atogwe 2009 S 2 74 1 0
Cliff Avril 3 Yr Avg DE 0 31 5.25 0
Cliff Avril 2009 DE 0 40 5.5 0
Jordan Babineaux 3 Yr Avg S 1 68 0.83 0
Jordan Babineaux 2009 S 2 104 1.5 0
Tully Banta-Cain 3 Yr Avg LB 0 33 4.5 0
Tully Banta-Cain 2009 LB 0 54 9.5 0
Ronde Barber 3 Yr Avg CB 2 69 1.66 1
Ronde Barber 2009 CB 0 77 2 0
Nick Barnett 3 Yr Avg LB 0 95 2.5 0
Nick Barnett 2009 LB 0 106 4 0
Eric Barton 3 Yr Avg LB 0 83 1.16 0
Eric Barton 2009 LB 0 58 0 0
Jon Beason 3 Yr Avg LB 2 139 1 0
Jon Beason 2009 LB 3 142 3 0
Yeremiah Bell 3 Yr Avg S 1 79 0.83 0
Yeremiah Bell 2009 S 3 114 1.5 0
Antoine Bethea 3 Yr Avg S 3 87 0 0
Antoine Bethea 2009 S 4 95 0 0
Quincy Black 3 Yr Avg LB 0 29 0.5 0
Quincy Black 2009 LB 1 74 1.5 0
Leigh Bodden 3 Yr Avg CB 4 72 0 0
Leigh Bodden 2009 CB 5 56 0 1
Michael Boley 3 Yr Avg LB 1 86 1.3 0
Michael Boley 2009 LB 0 84 1 0
David Bowens 3 Yr Avg LB 0 40 4 0
David Bowens 2009 LB 1 72 5.5 0
Zack Bowman 3 Yr Avg CB 3 31 0 0
Zack Bowman 2009 CB 6 62 0 0
Gary Brackett 3 Yr Avg LB 1 104 0.5 0
Gary Brackett 2009 LB 1 99 1 0
Tyvon Branch 3 Yr Avg S 0 62 0.5 0
Tyvon Branch 2009 S 0 119 1 0
Lance Briggs 3 Yr Avg LB 1 110 1.66 0
Lance Briggs 2009 LB 1 118 2.5 0
Keith Brooking 3 Yr Avg LB 0 106 1.66 0
Keith Brooking 2009 LB 0 106 3 0
Calais Campbell 3 Yr Avg DE 0 33 3.5 0
Calais Campbell 2009 DE 0 46 7 0
Andre Carter 3 Yr Avg DE 0 51 8.5 0
Andre Carter 2009 DE 0 62 11 0
Ryan Clark 3 Yr Avg S 1 63 0.33 0
Ryan Clark 2009 S 3 89 0 0
Nate Clements 3 Yr Avg CB 2 63 0.33 0
Nate Clements 2009 CB 1 35 0 0
Trent Cole 3 Yr Avg DE 0 68 11. 0
Trent Cole 2009 DE 0 57 12.5 0
Erik Coleman 3 Yr Avg FS 1 84 0 0
Erik Coleman 2009 FS 0 115 0 0
Nick Collins 3 Yr Avg S 4 55 0.33 1
Nick Collins 2009 S 6 47 1 0

60
IDP STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year POS INT TKL SACK TD

Stephen Cooper 3 Yr Avg LB 2 103 1.16 0
Stephen Cooper 2009 LB 0 102 0 0
Derek Cox 3 Yr Avg CB 4 72 0 0
Derek Cox 2009 CB 4 72 0 0
Channing Crowder 3 Yr Avg LB 0 80 0.5 0
Channing Crowder 2009 LB 1 51 1 0
Brian Cushing 3 Yr Avg LB 4 134 5 0
Brian Cushing 2009 LB 4 134 5 0
Karlos Dansby 3 Yr Avg LB 2 108 2.8 0
Karlos Dansby 2009 LB 1 109 1 0
Andra Davis 3 Yr Avg LB 0 82 1.16 0
Andra Davis 2009 LB 0 90 3.5 0
Thomas Davis 3 Yr Avg LB 1 86 2.6 0
Thomas Davis 2009 LB 2 60 1.5 0
Brian Dawkins 3 Yr Avg S 1 76 1 0
Brian Dawkins 2009 S 2 116 0 0
Thomas DeCoud 3 Yr Avg S 1 34 1 0
Thomas DeCoud 2009 S 3 68 2 0
Louis Delmas 3 Yr Avg S 2 91 1 2
Louis Delmas 2009 S 2 91 1 2
Darnell Dockett 3 Yr Avg DT 0 52 6.66 0
Darnell Dockett 2009 DT 1 51 7 0
Reed Doughty 3 Yr Avg S 0 47 0.83 0
Reed Doughty 2009 S 1 81 2 0
Elvis Dumervil 3 Yr Avg DE 0 37 11. 0
Elvis Dumervil 2009 DE 0 49 17 0
Justin Durant 3 Yr Avg LB 0 70 0.66 0
Justin Durant 2009 LB 1 98 1 0
Ray Edwards 3 Yr Avg DE 0 44 5.8 0
Ray Edwards 2009 DE 0 51 8.5 0
Abram Elam 3 Yr Avg DB 0 66 1 0
Abram Elam 2009 DB 0 89 1 0
Shaun Ellis 3 Yr Avg DE 0 54 6.5 0
Shaun Ellis 2009 DE 0 53 6.5 0
James Farrior 3 Yr Avg LB 0 109 4.16 0
James Farrior 2009 LB 1 102 3 0
Cortland Finnegan 3 Yr Avg CB 3 75 0.66 0
Cortland Finnegan 2009 CB 5 63 0 1
London Fletcher-Baker 3 Yr Avg LB 1 134 0.83 0
London Fletcher-Baker 2009 LB 1 142 2 0
Brandon Flowers 3 Yr Avg CB 3 67 0 0
Brandon Flowers 2009 CB 5 65 0 0
Larry Foote 3 Yr Avg LB 0 80 2.16 0
Larry Foote 2009 LB 0 99 2 0
Chris Gamble 3 Yr Avg CB 2 65 0 0
Chris Gamble 2009 CB 4 58 0 0
Dashon Goldson 3 Yr Avg S 1 40 0.66 0
Dashon Goldson 2009 S 4 94 2 0
Chad Greenway 3 Yr Avg LB 1 103 1.66 0
Chad Greenway 2009 LB 3 98 0 0
Kelly Gregg 3 Yr Avg DT 0 47 2 0
Kelly Gregg 2009 DT 0 63 3 0
Cedric Griffin 3 Yr Avg CB 1 82 0 0
Cedric Griffin 2009 CB 4 73 0 0
Michael Griffin 3 Yr Avg S 3 59 0.66 0
Michael Griffin 2009 S 1 71 1 0

61
IDP STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year POS INT TKL SACK TD

Brent Grimes 3 Yr Avg CB 2 34 0 0
Brent Grimes 2009 CB 6 60 0 0
Gary Guyton 3 Yr Avg LB 0 55 1 0
Gary Guyton 2009 LB 0 85 2 0
Clark Haggans 3 Yr Avg LB 0 49 3.3 0
Clark Haggans 2009 LB 0 72 5 0
DeAngelo Hall 3 Yr Avg CB 4 67 0.16 0
DeAngelo Hall 2009 CB 4 58 0 0
Leon Hall 3 Yr Avg CB 4 65 0 0
Leon Hall 2009 CB 6 65 0 0
Ken Hamlin 3 Yr Avg S 2 62 0.33 0
Ken Hamlin 2009 S 0 52 0 0
Roman Harper 3 Yr Avg S 1 87 1.8 0
Roman Harper 2009 S 0 99 1.5 0
David Harris 3 Yr Avg LB 0 107 3.8 0
David Harris 2009 LB 2 126 5.5 0
James Harrison 3 Yr Avg LB 0 86 11.5 0
James Harrison 2009 LB 0 79 10 0
A.J. Hawk 3 Yr Avg LB 1 91 1.66 0
A.J. Hawk 2009 LB 2 85 1 0
David Hawthorne 3 Yr Avg LB 1 58 2 0
David Hawthorne 2009 LB 3 116 4 0
Geno Hayes 3 Yr Avg LB 1 52 1.5 0
Geno Hayes 2009 LB 2 98 3 0
Gerald Hayes 3 Yr Avg LB 0 82 1.8 0
Gerald Hayes 2009 LB 0 63 0 0
E.J. Henderson 3 Yr Avg LB 0 76 2.5 0
E.J. Henderson 2009 LB 0 83 2 0
Renaldo Hill 3 Yr Avg CB 2 55 0.66 0
Renaldo Hill 2009 CB 2 59 2 0
Hunter Hillenmeyer 3 Yr Avg LB 0 61 1.16 0
Hunter Hillenmeyer 2009 LB 1 90 2.5 0
Chris Hope 3 Yr Avg S 3 69 1 0
Chris Hope 2009 S 3 80 2 0
Thomas Howard 3 Yr Avg LB 2 90 1.3 0
Thomas Howard 2009 LB 0 79 2 0
D’Qwell Jackson 3 Yr Avg LB 1 104 1 0
D’Qwell Jackson 2009 LB 0 58 0 0
Tanard Jackson 3 Yr Avg S 2 58 0.33 0
Tanard Jackson 2009 S 5 69 0 2
Bradie James 3 Yr Avg LB 0 110 4.3 0
Bradie James 2009 LB 0 113 2 0
Will James 3 Yr Avg CB 1 37 0 0
Will James 2009 CB 2 69 0 1
Quentin Jammer 3 Yr Avg CB 2 68 0 0
Quentin Jammer 2009 CB 3 57 0 0
Derrick Johnson 3 Yr Avg LB 2 69 2.16 0
Derrick Johnson 2009 LB 3 32 1 2
Dhani Jones 3 Yr Avg LB 0 104 1.5 0
Dhani Jones 2009 LB 0 113 3.5 0
Jonathan Joseph 3 Yr Avg CB 3 56 0 1
Jonathan Joseph 2009 CB 6 69 0 1
Tommy Kelly 3 Yr Avg DT 0 47 2.5 0
Tommy Kelly 2009 DT 0 55 1 0
Jacob Lacey 3 Yr Avg CB 3 78 0 1
Jacob Lacey 2009 CB 3 78 0 1

62
IDP STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year POS INT TKL SACK TD

Dawan Landry 3 Yr Avg S 1 57 0.33 0
Dawan Landry 2009 S 4 84 0 1
James Laurinaitis 3 Yr Avg LB 2 120 2 0
James Laurinaitis 2009 LB 2 120 2 0
Paris Lenon 3 Yr Avg LB 0 92 1.16 0
Paris Lenon 2009 LB 0 41 0 0
Jim Leonhard 3 Yr Avg S 1 65 1.16 0
Jim Leonhard 2009 S 1 76 2.5 0
DeAndre Levy 3 Yr Avg LB 1 79 0 0
DeAndre Levy 2009 LB 1 79 0 0
Michael Lewis 3 Yr Avg S 1 93 1.5 0
Michael Lewis 2009 S 1 82 1 0
Ray Lewis 3 Yr Avg LB 1 123 2.8 0
Ray Lewis 2009 LB 0 133 3 0
Curtis Lofton 3 Yr Avg LB 0 108 0.5 0
Curtis Lofton 2009 LB 0 130 0 0
Danieal Manning 3 Yr Avg S 1 65 1 0
Danieal Manning 2009 S 1 89 1 0
Richard Marshall 3 Yr Avg CB 2 70 1 0
Richard Marshall 2009 CB 4 81 0 0
Robert Mathis 3 Yr Avg DE 0 39 9.16 0
Robert Mathis 2009 DE 0 37 9.5 0
Clay Matthews 3 Yr Avg LB 0 49 10 1
Clay Matthews 2009 LB 0 49 10 1
Jerod Mayo 3 Yr Avg LB 0 114 0.75 0
Jerod Mayo 2009 LB 0 103 1.5 0
Corey Mays 3 Yr Avg LB 0 31 0 0
Corey Mays 2009 LB 0 83 0 0
Rocky McIntosh 3 Yr Avg LB 1 89 1.66 0
Rocky McIntosh 2009 LB 2 94 0 0
Brandon Meriweather 3 Yr Avg S 3 58 0.66 0
Brandon Meriweather 2009 S 5 82 0 1
Quintin Mikell 3 Yr Avg DB 2 81 1 0
Quintin Mikell 2009 DB 2 87 0 0
Kirk Morrison 3 Yr Avg LB 1 129 1.3 0
Kirk Morrison 2009 LB 0 133 2 0
Chinedum Ndukwe 3 Yr Avg S 1 61 2.3 0
Chinedum Ndukwe 2009 S 1 85 2 0
Brian Orakpo 3 Yr Avg DE 0 50 11 0
Brian Orakpo 2009 DE 0 50 11 0
Calvin Pace 3 Yr Avg LB 0 76 7.16 0
Calvin Pace 2009 LB 0 55 8 0
Kevin Payne 3 Yr Avg S 1 44 0.33 0
Kevin Payne 2009 S 0 46 0 0
Julius Peppers 3 Yr Avg DE 1 44 9.3 0
Julius Peppers 2009 DE 2 42 10.5 1
Julian Peterson 3 Yr Avg LB 0 78 6.3 0
Julian Peterson 2009 LB 0 75 4.5 0
Mike Peterson 3 Yr Avg LB 0 87 1.3 0
Mike Peterson 2009 LB 1 109 1 0
Shaun Phillips 3 Yr Avg LB 0 67 7.66 0
Shaun Phillips 2009 LB 0 59 7 0
Troy Polamalu 3 Yr Avg S 3 50 0 0
Troy Polamalu 2009 S 3 20 0 0
Bernard Pollard 3 Yr Avg S 2 96 0.83 0
Bernard Pollard 2009 S 4 102 1.5 2

63
IDP STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year POS INT TKL SACK TD

Tracy Porter 3 Yr Avg CB 2 41 0.5 0
Tracy Porter 2009 CB 4 58 0 1
Paul Posluszny 3 Yr Avg LB 1 81 0.33 0
Paul Posluszny 2009 LB 3 110 1 0
Jay Ratliff 3 Yr Avg DT 0 40 5.5 0
Jay Ratliff 2009 DT 0 40 6 0
Darrelle Revis 3 Yr Avg CB 4 66 0.33 0
Darrelle Revis 2009 CB 6 54 0 1
Kerry Rhodes 3 Yr Avg S 3 71 1 0
Kerry Rhodes 2009 S 3 63 0 0
Antrel Rolle 3 Yr Avg S 3 72 0.5 1
Antrel Rolle 2009 S 4 71 1.5 0
Barrett Ruud 3 Yr Avg LB 1 131 1 0
Barrett Ruud 2009 LB 1 142 0 0
DeMeco Ryans 3 Yr Avg LB 0 120 1.3 0
DeMeco Ryans 2009 LB 0 123 1 0
Bart Scott 3 Yr Avg LB 0 89 1.16 0
Bart Scott 2009 LB 0 92 1 0
Bryan Scott 3 Yr Avg S 0 54 1 0
Bryan Scott 2009 S 1 75 2 0
Clint Session 3 Yr Avg LB 1 70 0.16 0
Clint Session 2009 LB 2 100 0.5 1
Scott Shanle 3 Yr Avg LB 0 74 0.66 0
Scott Shanle 2009 LB 2 69 0 0
Darren Sharper 3 Yr Avg S 4 66 0.16 1
Darren Sharper 2009 S 9 71 0.5 3
Ernie Sims 3 Yr Avg LB 0 98 0.83 0
Ernie Sims 2009 LB 0 49 0 0
Clint Sintim 3 Yr Avg LB 0 15 1 0
Clint Sintim 2009 LB 0 15 1 0
Daryl Smith 3 Yr Avg LB 0 82 1.8 0
Daryl Smith 2009 LB 1 107 1.5 0
Justin Smith 3 Yr Avg DE 0 67 5 0
Justin Smith 2009 DE 0 55 6 0
Will Smith 3 Yr Avg DE 0 58 7.66 0
Will Smith 2009 DE 1 49 13 0
Anthony Spencer 3 Yr Avg DE 0 40 3.5 0
Anthony Spencer 2009 DE 1 67 6 0
Takeo Spikes 3 Yr Avg LB 1 85 2 0
Takeo Spikes 2009 LB 0 75 4 0
Randy Starks 3 Yr Avg DT 0 33 3 0
Randy Starks 2009 DT 0 56 7 0
Terrell Suggs 3 Yr Avg DE 0 69 5.8 1
Terrell Suggs 2009 DE 0 59 4.5 0
Darryl Tapp 3 Yr Avg DE 0 51 5 0
Darryl Tapp 2009 DE 0 49 2.5 0
Lofa Tatupu 3 Yr Avg LB 1 78 0.66 0
Lofa Tatupu 2009 LB 0 32 1 0
Terrell Thomas 3 Yr Avg CB 3 57 0.5 0
Terrell Thomas 2009 CB 5 85 1 1
Charles Tillman 3 Yr Avg CB 2 82 0 0
Charles Tillman 2009 CB 2 78 0 1
Justin Tuck 3 Yr Avg DE 0 62 9.66 0
Justin Tuck 2009 DE 0 59 6 0
Stephen Tulloch 3 Yr Avg LB 0 78 1 0
Stephen Tulloch 2009 LB 0 120 2 0

64
IDP STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)

Name Year POS INT TKL SACK TD

Osi Umenyiora 3 Yr Avg DE 0 27 6.66 0
Osi Umenyiora 2009 DE 0 29 7 1
Jonathan Vilma 3 Yr Avg LB 1 95 1 0
Jonathan Vilma 2009 LB 3 110 2 0
DeMarcus Ware 3 Yr Avg LB 0 75 15 0
DeMarcus Ware 2009 LB 0 57 11 0
Fabian Washington 3 Yr Avg CB 0 34 0 0
Fabian Washington 2009 CB 0 36 0 0
Lardarius Webb 3 Yr Avg CB 0 32 1 0
Lardarius Webb 2009 CB 0 32 1 0
Eric Weddle 3 Yr Avg S 1 84 1.16 0
Eric Weddle 2009 S 2 82 1.5 1
D.J. Williams 3 Yr Avg LB 0 118 2.3 0
D.J. Williams 2009 LB 0 122 3.5 0
Demorrio Williams 3 Yr Avg LB 0 83 0 0
Demorrio Williams 2009 LB 0 117 0 0
Mario Williams 3 Yr Avg DE 0 51 11.66 0
Mario Williams 2009 DE 0 43 9 0
Tramon Williams 3 Yr Avg CB 3 37 0.33 0
Tramon Williams 2009 CB 4 48 1 0
Patrick Willis 3 Yr Avg LB 1 155 3 0
Patrick Willis 2009 LB 3 152 4 1
Adrian Wilson 3 Yr Avg S 3 64 1.5 0
Adrian Wilson 2009 S 5 75 2 0
George Wilson 3 Yr Avg FS 2 46 1.16 0
George Wilson 2009 FS 4 91 2 0
Gibril Wilson 3 Yr Avg S 2 101 0.5 0
Gibril Wilson 2009 S 0 91 1 0
Josh Wilson 3 Yr Avg CB 2 41 0.66 1
Josh Wilson 2009 CB 2 44 1 2
Antoine Winfield 3 Yr Avg CB 1 67 1 0
Antoine Winfield 2009 CB 1 52 1 0
LaMarr Woodley 3 Yr Avg LB 0 45 9.66 0
LaMarr Woodley 2009 LB 0 62 13.5 1
Charles Woodson 3 Yr Avg CB 6 66 1.66 2
Charles Woodson 2009 CB 9 74 2 3

65
PLAYER GRAPEVINE
Arizona Cardinals
C HRIS W ELLS
Wells wants the bulk of the Cards’ carries this season, the Arizona
Republic reports. “We have talked about it and I’m sure we’ll talk
about it more,” Whisenhunt said. “... He just has to remember that
there are other areas to his game that he needs to get better with.”
We can’t think of many NFL running backs who don’t want the ball
as often as possible, but Wells’ drive to improve from the timeshare
situation he had with Tim Hightower throughout much of his rookie
season is at least encouraging. It remains to be seen, however, if
Whisenhunt is happy enough with Wells’ pass-catching and block-
ing to allow his second-year back to become a workhorse at
Hightower’s expense.
Atlanta Falcons
K ERRY M EIER
Meier has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a knee
injury in Thursday’s preseason game against New England, team’s
official web site reports. Meier was having a strong camp and was
moving up the depth chart. The Falcons are thin at receiver with
Meier out and Michael Jenkins recovering from a shoulder injury.
Baltimore Ravens
A NQUAN B OLDIN
Boldin had just one reception for 21 yards during Saturday’s pre-
season win over the Redskins. The newly-acquired Raven has yet
to make a big splash as the team’s top target during the preseason.
He didn’t have much help from Joe Flacco, who looked sloppy in
the first half. Boldin should assert himself once the regular season
rolls around.
M ARC B ULGER
Bulger led the Ravens in passing on Saturday night, completing 13-
of-16 passes for 130 yards in the win. The second-team offense
moved well against the Redskins’ second-team defense. With
Bulger at the helm the Ravens completed a 14-play, 94-yard touch-
down drive in the third quarter. Before that, Joe Flacco and the first
teamers struggled to put points on the board, needing a 51-yard
fake punt to set up their only touchdown in the first half. While
Bulger looked better, he shouldn’t be considered a threat to Flacco.
Ravens fans can rest easy knowing that they have a quality insur-
ance option at backup QB, however.
J OE F LACCO
Flacco went 9-for-16 passing for 72 yards during Saturday night’s
exhibition win over the Redskins. Flacco played well into the sec-
ond quarter but the offense managed just 10 points and 101 yards.
The offense actually moved much better with Marc Bulger at the
helm, who helped lead the Ravens on a 14-play, 94-yard touch-
down drive. He was working against the second team however, and
shouldn’t be considered a threat to Flacco.
T ODD H EAP
Heap, who had X-Rays Saturday, possibly on his thumb, was on
field Monday with nothing wrapped, Jamison Hensley of the
Baltimore Sun reports. Heap enjoyed a productive (53/593/6) and,
for the most part, healthy 2009, but it seems likely he’ll lose targets
to rookie pass-catching TE’s, Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta.
W ILLIS M C G AHEE
McGahee carried four times for 12 yards and a touchdown during
Saturday’s preseason win over Washington. His touchdown came
on a one-yard plunge set up by a fake punt. The carry on the goal
line indicates that McGahee is still top option in close, sapping
value from Ray Rice.
D ENNIS P ITTA
Pitta led the Ravens in receiving on Saturday night, catching four
passes for 65 yards. Pitta was targeted heavily in the second half
once Marc Bulger took the reins of the second team. After Ed
Dickson stepped up the week before, it was interesting to see Pitta
steal the spotlight. The battle for the backup TE spot behind Todd
Heap may still be up for grabs.
R AY R ICE
Rice recorded just three carries for 17 yards during Saturday’s exhi-
bition win over Washington. Rice did exactly what he was supposed
to do, which is sit and stay healthy. He did fumble twice in his few
touches, which is something he’ll have to fix before the regular sea-
son. Rice may not be doing much in the preseason, but he’ll return
to his workhorse ways once Week 1 rolls around.
D ONTE S TALLWORTH
Stallworth caught three passes for 47 yards during Saturday’s pre-
season win over the Redskins. Most importantly, Stallworth distin-
guished himself from Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams. The
coaches love Stallworth’s speed, and he has done everything he
has needed to in the offseason to become the Ravens’ No. 3
receiver. Outside of a lost fumble, of course.
Buffalo Bills
J OIQUE B ELL
Bell contributed 80 yards on 11 carries in Thursday’s preseason win
over the Colts, showing nice power, speed and decision making,
The Sports Xchange reports. Marshawn Lynch is making a pretty
quick recovery from his ankle injury, so that leaves Bell at best third
in Buffalo’s RB pecking order, and that’s if Fred Jackson’s hand
injury sidelines him into the regular season. Still, Bell was a beast in
Division II, and it’s at least worth knowing if he lands a roster spot.
M ARCUS E ASLEY
The Bills placed Easley on injured reserve Sunday, BuffaloBills.com
reports. He injured his left knee in early August and recently had
surgery. The Bills were going to give Easley a chance for any of the
open No. 2, 3 and 5 receiving slots, but now the rookie fourth-
rounder’s season is a washout. Steve Johnson, Chad Jackson,
David Nelson and James Hardy have a little more job security with
Easley not taking away any of their playing time.
J OHN PAUL F OSCHI
The Bills have signed Foschi, the National Football Post reports.
Foschi will give the Bills some much-needed TE depth, with Derek
Schouman and Michael Matthews injured and Shawn Nelson sus-
pended for the first four games of the upcoming season.
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PLAYER GRAPEVINE (cont...)
C HAD J ACKSON
In Buffalo’s preseason win over Indianapolis on Thursday, Jackson
caught a team-leading five passes for 52 yards, including a pretty
grab along the right sideline from Brian Brohm that set up a field
goal, The Sports Xchange reports. Jackson has more experience
than any receiver on the roster besides Lee Evans and Roscoe
Parrish, Buffalo’s No. 1 and No. 3 receivers, respectively. Steve
Johnson currently has the No. 2 spot, but he hasn’t done anything
noteworthy in the preseason so far, and Jackson seems to have
taken some strides in making a bid at that starting spot.
M ARSHAWN LYNCH
Lynch (ankle) was doing running drills on the side at Saturday’s
practice, BuffaloNews.com reports. Lynch was moving well straight
ahead, however, when cutting and making lateral movements he
was moving very carefully. Despite Lynch’s tentativeness, head
coach Chan Gailey said Lynch could be back soon, maybe even in
time for next preseason game against the Bengals.
D AVID N ELSON
Nelson (ankle) returned to Bills’ practice on Sunday,
BuffaloNews.com reports. Nelson, who missed the last several days
of practice because of the injury, was not limited in any way.
Barring a setback, he should play against the Bengals on Saturday.
D EREK S CHOUMAN
Schouman is out three-to-six weeks after sustaining a knee injury
against the Colts on Thursday, BuffaloNews.com reports. Head
coach Chan Gailey said, “Schouman is gonna be out for awhile. I
don’t know how long, but he’s going to be out awhile. That guy
can’t get a break. He just can’t stay on the field. He’s not getting
enough reps. He’s got a lot of making up to do when he gets back
but it’s going to be anywhere from three to six (weeks).”
Carolina Panthers
J IMMY C LAUSEN
Clausen was held out of Monday’s practice with what head coach
Jon Fox called a toe problem, the Charlotte Observer reports. He
had surgery on his right big toe last offseason, so it’s likely that the
Panthers are simply taking precautions with their top draft pick.
Barring any setbacks, he should enter the 2010 season as
Carolina’s top backup QB.
A RMANTI E DWARDS
Edwards caught two passes for 19 yards in Carolina’s preseason
game against the Jets. The entire Carolina offense struggled in the
9-3 loss to New York, and Edwards was no different. He also had
some problems catching punts, fumbling one away and failing to
make a fair catch on another.
D WAYNE J ARRETT
Jarrett caught three passes for 17 yards against the Jets. Jarrett
started in Carolina’s second preseason game but was largely inef-
fective in the 9-3 loss. He needs to do better to prove he deserves
a starting receiver position, however he did catch every pass
thrown his way and was no worse than the rest of the offense.
B RANDON L A F ELL
LaFell caught one pass for 15 yards during Carolina’s preseason
loss to the Jets on Saturday. He had some trouble holding onto the
ball after contact and wasn’t much of a factor for the second game
in a row. He will need to step his game up in order to secure a
starting receiver spot.
K ENNY M OORE
Moore hauled in just one catch for 26 yards during Carolina’s 9-3
preseason loss to the New York Jets. Only two catches in the first
two preseason games has not helped Moore’s bid for a starting
receiver position. However, he has been helped out by fellow
receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Brandon LaFell, who have not been
able to impress the coaching staff with their play either. Keep moni-
toring this competition as the preseason moves on, as whoever
lands the No. 2 receiver role could have some value as a deep
threat.
M ATT M OORE
Moore went 6-for-17 passing for 57 yards and an interception dur-
ing Saturday’s preseason loss to the Jets. Moore’s poor perform-
ance was only overshadowed by Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Moore has by many accounts had an outstanding training camp,
but against the Jets defense he looked out of sync. Rookie Jimmy
Clausen wasn’t any improvement, going 9-for-22 for 72 yards and
another interception.
S TEVE S MITH
Smith participated in the team portion of Monday’s practice, the
Charlotte Observer reports. He appears to be progressing along
after sitting out Carolina’s first two preseason games and should be
ready for the regular season.
J ONATHAN S TEWART
Stewart (heel) did not play in Saturday’s preseason game against
the Jets. He’s done more work in practice in recent weeks, but
there was no reason for Carolina to test out his injured heel
Saturday. It’s still thought he’ll be ready for Week 1.
D E A NGELO W ILLIAMS
Williams finished with 26 yards on six carries in Carolina’s second
preseason game against the Jets. He got a few carries in while
Jonathan Stewart was out with an injured heel, but along with the
rest of Carolina’s offense wasn’t able to get much going. Williams
will probably get few carries through the rest of the preseason, as
Carolina looks to keep him healthy for opening day.
Chicago Bears
K AHLIL B ELL
Bell (hamstring) had six carries for 10 yards in Saturday’s preseason
game against the Raiders. Bell’s status for Saturday’s game was in
question, but he was able to recover sufficiently from his hamstring
injury to play. Bell is currently listed as the No. 3 running back on
the depth chart, but will have to fend off competition from Garrett
Wolfe - who had six carries for 13 yards on Saturday - to hold onto
his spot.
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PLAYER GRAPEVINE (cont...)
E ARL B ENNETT
Bennett (hamstring) did not play in Saturday’s preseason game
against the Raiders, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Bennett has
now missed the team’s first two preseason games as a result of the
hamstring injury. Bennett is hoping to return to the practice field this
week and should be fine for the start of the regular season, but he
appears likely to open the year as the team’s No. 4 or No. 5 receiv-
er.
T ODD C OLLINS
The Bears have signed Collins, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
With Caleb Hanie dealing with a shoulder issue and Dan LeFevour
struggling, the 38-year-old Collins gives the Bears an experienced
QB option behind starter Jay Cutler.
M ATT F ORTE
Forte had five carries for 109 yards, including an 89-yard touch-
down, in Saturday’s preseason loss to Oakland. Forte seemed to
alleviate any concerns about his speed on his 89-yard touchdown
run, which reinforces training camp reports that he’s regained the
explosiveness he lost with last year’s knee injury. Sharing playing
time with Chester Taylor remains a concern (although he only had
two carries), but Saturday offered plenty of reasons to think he’ll
have a bounce-back season.
C ALEB H ANIE
Newly-signed Todd Collins figures to have a chance to compete
with Hanie (shoulder) for the Bears’ top backup QB job, the
Chicago Sun-Times reports. Prior to his injury, it looked like the
Bears were content to have Hanie serve as Jay Cutler’s top backup,
but Collins brings added experience and knowledge of Mike Martz’s
style of offense to the table, possibly enough for him to have an
upper hand over Hanie.
J OHNNY K NOX
Knox (hamstring) caught a 22-yard touchdown pass in Saturday’s
preseason game against the Raiders. The touchdown catch was
nice, but the big news here is that Knox’s hamstring was healthy
enough for him to play in Saturday’s game. The injury appears to be
behind him and shouldn’t be a concern for fantasy owners interest-
ed in drafting the speedy Knox.
C HESTER TAYLOR
Taylor had two carries for one yard in Saturday’s preseason game
against the Raiders. Meanwhile, Matt Forte had five carries for 109
yards, including an 89-yard touchdown run. Forte seems to have
regained the explosiveness that was lacking last season and
appears to have a fairly firm hold on the No. 1 running back posi-
tion. Nevertheless, even as the backup Taylor should see a signifi-
cant number of touches and play an important role in the team’s
offense.
Cincinnati Bengals
C HAD O CHOCINCO
Ochocinco had two catches for 29 yards in the Bengals’ preseason
win over the Eagles, but also was the intended receiver on two
interceptions, one of which might have been his fault, the
Associated Press reports. The first of the INT’s came on a mix-up
between Ochocinco and Carson Palmer on what route to run. On
the second INT, he was bracketed in coverage and got drilled on
the play. He lay on his back for several seconds before coming off
the field under his own power.
T ERRELL O WENS
Owens had three catches for 67 yards in the Bengals’ preseason
win over the Eagles on Friday. Among those catches was a 43-yard
reception that set up the Bengals’ first touchdown of the game. He
also carried the ball once for a yard on a reverse.
B ERNARD S COTT
Scott injured his left shoulder in Friday’s preseason win over the
Eagles, the Associated Press reports. Prior to the injury Scott car-
ried the ball twice for 13 yards and the Bengals’ first touchdown.
His durability has been a question mark in the possibility that Cedric
Benson gets hurt.
Cleveland Browns
J OSH C RIBBS
Cribbs was active in Saturday’s preseason loss to the Rams, lead-
ing the Browns in receptions with five for 30 yards and a score. It
would be tough to rely on him as a receiver on a weekly basis but
he continues to improve his game and should see an increase in
production this season with more opportunities for him out of the
backfield.
J AMES D AVIS
Davis picked up 10 yards on four carries in Saturday’s preseason
loss to the Rams. He had left practice Monday and missed
Tuesday’s practices with an undisclosed injury, which may have
contributed to his lack of carries Saturday. Either way, it was a fair-
ly disappointing performance for a guy who is trying to prove he
deserves a share of the carries along with Jerome Harrison and
Montario Hardesty.
J AKE D ELHOMME
Delhomme went 12-for-16 passing for 127 yards and a touchdown
during Saturday’s preseason lost to the Rams. Delhomme looked
accurate and efficient during his time helming the offense. His start-
ing spot appears secure, and he should be upgrade over Derek
Anderson and Brady Quinn from last season.
M ONTARIO H ARDESTY
Hardesty (knee) could practice toward the end of next week and
might get some reps in the Browns’ final preseason game, Mary
Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Hardesty’s knee
issue has thwarted his short-term chances of giving Jerome
Harrison a run for his money for the team’s starting running back
job, but once the two are both healthy, a time-share could be on
tap.
J EROME H ARRISON
Harrison had five carries for 13 yards in Saturday’s preseason loss
to St. Louis. He was benched briefly early in the first quarter after
losing a fumble, the Canton Repository reports. Harrison almost lost
another fumble on the first series, but was ruled down by contact.
However, the weather was wet during the game. With Montario
Hardesty out with a knee injury, Harrison had a chance to get a big
leg up on the competition for the starting running back job.
However, he had an unimpressive performance that could let
Hardesty back into the picture if he returns soon.
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PLAYER GRAPEVINE (cont...)
P EYTON H ILLIS
Hillis had 12 carries for 51 yards and two receptions for 12 yards in
Saturday’s preseason loss to St. Louis. While Jerome Harrison and
Montario Hardesty battle for the starting running back job, Hillis
showed that he could be a factor for touches in the backfield.
M OHAMED M ASSAQUOI
Massaquoi is inactive for Saturday’s preseason game against the
Rams because of his strained hamstring, the Cleveland Plain
Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot reports. The Browns are simply holding
him out as a precaution. He practiced Thursday, and coach Eric
Mangini said Massaquoi would be playing if it were a regular sea-
son game. He should be fine for the team’s third preseason contest.
Dallas Cowboys
M ILES A USTIN
Austin caught two passes for 15 yards, including a touchdown, in
Saturday’s preseason game. Tony Romo didn’t have a lot of time to
operate behind an offensive line missing two starters but he was
still able to hook up with his No. 1 receiver for a score. Austin does-
n’t have a long track record as an elite WR, but the Cowboys’
offense is too potent for him not to get his numbers.
M ARION B ARBER
Barber slightly outperformed Felix Jones on Saturday, gaining 13
yards on three carries. Neither back got much in the way of yardage
or touches, but at this point Jones still looks like the marginally bet-
ter fantasy play. The biggest concern for owners of both backs right
now might be the health of the offensive line, which was missing
two starters Saturday and had trouble opening holes.
M ARTELLUS B ENNETT
Bennett (ankle) made an impact in his first preseason action
Saturday, catching four passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. Only
one of the catches came with Tony Romo under center, but he
looked good on his blocking assignments as well as in the pass
offense. Bennett won’t have a lot of fantasy value behind Jason
Witten, but if he stays healthy he could see some red zone targets.
D EZ B RYANT
Bryant (high ankle sprain) still has not been cleared to resume prac-
tice and likely won’t see any preseason game action, the Dallas
Morning News reports. Bryant’s got massive upside but he’ll have a
lot of catching up to do once he does get back on the field, and the
chances of him making an impact before at least the second half of
the season are pretty slim.
F ELIX J ONES
Jones gained just four yards on three carries Saturday. He hasn’t
broken any big runs so far this preseason in his few touches but the
crucial thing is he’s stayed healthy so far. The biggest concern for
Jones owners right now might be the health of the offensive line,
which was missing two starters Saturday and had trouble opening
holes for any of the Cowboys’ running backs.
T ONY R OMO
Romo didn’t look comfortable behind his makeshift offensive line
Saturday, completing just 4 of 11 passes for 30 yards with one TD
and one INT. He wasn’t sacked, which was a plus, but did have to
hurry a few throws behind a line missing right tackle Marc Colombo
and left guard Kyle Kosier. Colombo, at least, is expected back for
Week 1, which should help put Romo owners’ minds at ease.
Denver Broncos
C ORRELL B UCKHALTER
Buckhalter (back) remains out for the Broncos and could potentially
miss the entire preseason, the Denver Post reports. There were
reports that Buckhalter would return last week, then possibly this
week, but he remains sidelined, which hurts the Broncos even more
because of the absence of Knowshon Moreno. While the team is
maintaining the position that both will be ready for the regular sea-
son, one would hope that they would get a few reps in the presea-
son in order to get them ready for the hits that they’ll take during
real game action.
E RIC D ECKER
Decker (ankle) had five catches for 66 yards during Saturday’s pre-
season game against Detroit. This was Decker’s first real action
against a live opponent and he showed that he can get open and
make plays. He had one catch of 31 yards and he could be a solid
downfield player for the Broncos as they will most likely have Eddie
Royal in the slot and Jabar Gaffney out wide during most plays.
Decker is competing mostly with Demaryius Thomas for playing
time and because he is healthy enough to be on the field, he may
have the upper hand at the moment.
J USTIN FARGAS
Fargas had nine carries for 13 yards and three catches for 20 yards
during Saturday’s preseason game against Detroit. Fargas led the
Broncos in carries, as the team wanted to see more out of him after
not playing in the first preseason game. Fargas was brought in
after injuries to Knowshon Moreno, Correll Buckhalter and LenDale
White and although he probably won’t pass the first two on the
depth chart, it’s possible that he could get himself ahead of White,
which means he is only an injury or two away from starting.
J ABAR G AFFNEY
Gaffney had six catches for 98 yards during Saturday’s preseason
game against Detroit. All of Gaffney’s catches were from starter
Kyle Orton, which shows that their relationship is developing into
one that could make Gaffney an interesting fantasy play this sea-
son. With Brandon Marshall now in Miami, Gaffney will be compet-
ing with Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley and rookies Demaryius
Thomas and Eric Decker for catches, so there is definite upside
here due to the overall lack of competition from an elite wideout.
K NOWSHON M ORENO
Moreno (hamstring) is recovering from his injury, but may be held
back another week as a precaution, the Denver Post reports. With the
numerous injuries to the Broncos’ backfield, keeping Moreno healthy
is going to be the No. 1 goal as the team gets closer to the regular
season. The offseason trade of Brandon Marshall made Moreno the
team’s most talented offensive weapon, and the team will do all it can
to make sure he is healthy for the start of the season.
K YLE O RTON
Orton completed 16-of-22 passes for 177 yards, two touchdowns
and one interception during Saturday’s preseason game against the
Lions. Orton’s first action after signing his contract extension only
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gave Broncos fans more hope going into the regular season. B RANDON P ETTIGREW
Rookie Tim Tebow did not play, which allowed Orton to continue to
Pettigrew (knee) suited up for Saturday’s preseason game against
show how comfortable he is becoming with Josh McDaniels’
the Packers. Pettigrew was somewhat of a surprise active player
offense schemes. While he is still not a top tier fantasy quarterback
after sitting out practice on Thursday. He didn’t make any kind of
because of the Broncos’ receivers, Orton could be a solid backup.
impact on the stat sheet, however. His return is an encouraging sign
of his recovery.
B RADY Q UINN
Quinn completed 11-of-17 passes for 115 yards during Saturday’s T ONY S CHEFFLER
preseason game against the Lions. Quinn got to see more action
The Lions want Scheffler to improve his blocking skills, MLive.com
because of the absence of Tim Tebow, but he has yet to push him-
reports. Scheffler didn’t do much blocking in Denver, the the Lions
self closer to the starting position in Denver. Head coach Josh
are counting on him to be versatile in their offense. With Brandon
McDaniels initially said that there would be an open quarterback
Pettigrew working his way back from ACL surgery, Detroit needs
competition in camp, but it appears that Kyle Orton has won the job
Scheffler to produce as a well-rounded tight end.
and Quinn will be left competing for the #2 spot with Tebow.

E DDIE R OYAL K EVIN S MITH

Smith (knee) suited up for Saturday’s preseason game against the
Royal had one catch for eight yards during Saturday’s preseason
Broncos. Smith missed practice on Thursday, so his presence was
game against the Lions. This is now two preseason games in a row
somewhat surprising. His impact was minimal on the field, however,
where Royal only had one catch, which will not make fantasy own-
with three carries and two catches for 19 total yards.
ers forget about his dreadful 2009 season after his 91-catch rookie
campaign in 2008. There has been so much talk about Royal
becoming Wes Welker-lite but, so far, he has been far from that. M ATTHEW S TAFFORD
Stafford completed 13-of-18 passes for 130 yards, with a 20-yard
T IM T EBOW TD strike to Calvin Johnson, in Saturday’s preseason game against
the Broncos. Stafford is currently our No. 17 ranked QB, but if he
Tebow (ribs) did not practice on Friday, the Denver Post reports.
and Johnson are able to develop strong chemistry this season, then
Tebow underwent treatment on Friday and is considered day-to-
the second-year signal caller could easily leapfrog over several of
day. He is questionable for Saturday’s preseason game against the
the players listed ahead of him, especially if he can keep his
Lions, and if he is unable to play, Brady Quinn would likely receive
turnovers in check.
most, if not all, of the second-half action.

D EMARYIUS T HOMAS Green Bay Packers

Thomas (foot) is slowly recovering from his injury and could be held
out for another week, the Denver Post reports. Broncos fans are
starting to get frustrated with Thomas’ injuries, as he has the physi-
cal makeup to be a big time receiver in the NFL, but his foot seems
to constantly be hurt. He has the potential to be a big piece of the
Broncos’ offense this season, thanks to the offseason trade of
Brandon Marshall, but in order to reach that potential, he has to get
back on the field.
L EN D ALE W HITE
White (suspension/ankle) remains out for the Broncos and doesn’t
appear to be close to returning. White was brought in after
Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter went down with injuries
and has been off the field almost since he put his Broncos jersey
on. The team signed Justin Fargas after White went down and the
former could be in line to take the latter’s touches.
Detroit Lions
J AHVID B EST
Best had eight carries for 49 yards and two receptions for 10 yards
in Saturday’s preseason win over Denver. Kevin Smith did play and
got a carry on Detroit’s first series, but Best had a strong perform-
ance as he averaged 6.1 yards per carry.
D E D E D ORSEY
Dorsey is making a push to secure a spot on the Lions 53-man ros-
ter. Dorsey had a nice showing in the Lions’ second preseason
game of the season on Saturday, but if he’s able to make the roster
it’ll likely be as a third-stringer and special teams contributor.
D ONALD D RIVER
Driver did not play in Saturday’s preseason game. Driver got the
day off as a veteran who doesn’t need to play in every preseason
game. He’ll be ready to go when the regular season begins.
J ERMICHAEL F INLEY
Finley caught four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown in
Saturday’s preseason game against Seattle. Finley was targeted five
times by Aaron Rodgers and made some nice catches. It’s good to
see Rodgers looking to him that often.
B RANDON J ACKSON
Jackson rushed for 80 yards on 11 attempts in Saturday’s presea-
son game against Seattle. Jackson saw a lot of time at running
back because the Packers are a little thin at that position. He’s still
set as Ryan Grant’s backup.
J AMES J ONES
Jones caught one pass for three yards in Saturday’s preseason
game. Jones was only targeted once, but Green Bay coaches still
feel he has a leg up on Jordy Nelson for the No. 3 WR spot.
Houston Texans
D AVID A NDERSON
Anderson had three catches for 61 yards in Houston’s preseason
loss to New Orleans on Saturday. Anderson got more snaps with
Andre Davis (tailbone) and Dorin Dickerson (undisclosed) out of

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action. Anderson will be on the final active roster to open the sea-
son but will sit fourth on the depth chart.
A NDRE D AVIS
Davis (tailbone) did not play in Houston’s preseason loss to New
Orleans on Saturday. David Anderson got more looks in the receiv-
ing game while a host of players got chances as kick returners as a
result.
D ORIN D ICKERSON
Dickerson (undisclosed) was inactive for Saturday’s preseason
game against New Orleans, the Houston Chronicle reports. We’re
still looking for definitive word on Dickerson’s condition.
J OEL D REESSEN
Dreessen had three catches for 55 yards in Houston’s preseason
loss to New Orleans on Saturday. Texans’ quarterback Matt Schaub
found Dreessen wide open on a few balls early in the game, and the
tight end is proving to be a competent receiver. Before Owen
Daniels’ knee injury last year, Dreessen was tagged with the “block-
ing tight end” label but has shown to be a good ball-catcher ever
since. Daniels is expected to be back for the season opener, but
Dreessen’s development as a receiving threat means the Texans
don’t have to alter their offense should Daniels not be able to go
Sept. 12.
A RIAN F OSTER
Foster had six carries for 28 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown,
in Saturday’s preseason loss to New Orleans. He also added two
receptions for 15 yards. He did lose a fumble, however. Foster
started the game and got all the carries with the first-team offense,
including two nice runs in the red zone resulting in his 10-yard
score. The red zone is a big area of concern for Houston heading
into this season. Showing some production there is paramount to
team moving up a level. Meanwhile, backup running back Steve
Slaton didn’t get a carry until the third quarter. Foster certainly looks
like the starter and primary back at this point.
C HRIS H ENRY
Henry did not line up at running back during Houston’s preseason
loss to New Orleans on Saturday. Looking deeper down Houston’s
depth chart at running back, we find Henry and Jeremiah Johnson
looking to replace Ben Tate (ankle, IR) as the third man. It looks like
Johnson, who played the entire fourth quarter at running back, has
distinguished himself as the No. 3 man for now.
A NDRE J OHNSON
Johnson had two catches (three targets) for 15 yards in Houston’s
preseason loss to the Saints. A pretty quiet night for Johnson, who
doesn’t have anything to prove in preseason games. He took a hit
to the knee on his first catch of the night, but apparently the hit
looked worse (especially in slow motion) than it actually felt, as
there is no mention of any lingering effects.
J EREMIAH J OHNSON
Johnson lined up at running back for most of the fourth quarter in
the Texans’ preseason loss to the Saints on Saturday. Two things of
note for Johnson on Saturday: Chris Henry did not line up at run-
ning back at all in the game, and Johnson had a 55-yard kickoff
return. It appears that Johnson has moved ahead of Henry as
Houston’s No. 3, replacing the injured Ben Tate (ankle, IR), behind
Arian Foster and Steve Slaton. Also, with Trindon Holliday (thumb)
struggling in the return game, Johnson gives the Texans more
options on special teams.
V ONTA L EACH
Leach had one catch for 12 yards in Houston’s preseason loss to
New Orleans on Saturday. Leach has been a very dependable
receiver for Houston, but doesn’t get nearly enough targets to war-
rant fantasy consideration. On his one reception, he showed both
finesse and muscle. Leach eluded a first would-be tackler and then
finished the run-after-catch by lowering his shoulder and getting
another few yards to move the chains.
M ATT S CHAUB
Schaub was 8-of-10 for 117 yards with no touchdowns and no
interceptions in Houston’s preseason loss to New Orleans on
Saturday. Not a bad start to the preseason for Schaub, who is 13-
of-16 for 195 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. The
Texans are trying really hard to improve the passing/rushing balance
this year, but Schaub showed to be an elite quarterback in 2009
without a very effective ground game. As long as the Texans can
protect him, Schaub has enough options in the passing game to be
one of the first quarterbacks off the board.
S TEVE S LATON
Slaton had five carries for 19 yards in Saturday’s preseason loss to
New Orleans. He also averaged 44 yards on two kickoff returns,
including a 63-yard kickoff return. Arian Foster got all the work with
the first-team offense while Slaton didn’t get a carry until the third
quarter. Foster looked like the primary ball carrier on Saturday, but
he did lose a fumble. Slaton had a smaller role on Saturday, but at
least he didn’t fumble after losing the ball on the goal line in the first
preseason game. While Foster seems like the back to own in
Houston right now, remember that Texans head coach Gary Kubiak
is known for quickly changing his tune on his running back lineup.
Indianapolis Colts
D ALLAS C LARK
Clark (leg) did not practice Sunday, the Fort Wayne Tribune-Star
reports. Clark hasn’t practiced since hurting his leg on Aug. 14 and
missed Indy’s last preseason game. The injury is thought to be
minor, but we’d like to see him appear at full speed rather than trust
Indy’s information on injuries.
P IERRE G ARCON
Garcon, who has missed the last week of practice and two presea-
son games with an undisclosed injury, returned to practice on
Sunday and could play in this week’s preseason game, the
Indianapolis Star reports. It’s a good sign he’s back at practice even
though we know little about his ailment. Head coach Jim Caldwell
said the injury was minor, but we’d like to see him in a game to be
sure.
Jacksonville Jaguars
B ROCK B OLEN
Bolen had two touchdowns, one receiving and one rushing, in the
Jags’ preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday. Bolen’s touch-
downs came against second and third-team units, so we wouldn’t
read too much into it. He still sits third on the fullback depth chart
behind Greg Jones and Montell Owens.
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J ARETT D ILLARD
Dillard (foot) had three catches for 43 yards in the Jags’ preseason
loss to the Dolphins on Saturday. Dillard seemed fully recovered
from the foot fracture that had sidelined him for much of training
camp.
D AVID G ARRARD
Garrard completed 6-of-8 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown in
the Jags’ preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday. A bounce-
back performance from Garrard, who also completed passes of 35
and 22 yards to his favorite receiver, Mike Sims-Walker.
R ASHAD J ENNINGS
Jennings had three carries for 26 yards and two catches for six
yards in the Jags’ preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday.
Jennings remains the team’s top running option after starter
Maurice Jones-Drew.
M AURICE J ONES -D REW
Jones-Drew had four carries for negative yardage in the Jags’ pre-
season loss to the Dolphins. The Jaguars are clearly limiting Jones-
Drew’s work in the preseason, but fantasy owners may want to be
slightly concerned that the offensive line hasn’t been able to open
any holes for him so far.
L UKE M C C OWN
McCown completed 14 of 23 passes for 152 yards with one touch-
down and one interception in the Jags’ preseason loss to the
Dolphins. After last week’s near-perfect performance, McCown
crashed back to earth a bit against the Dolphins in this preseason
game. With starter David Garrard playing well Saturday, the
“McCown for starter” talk should subside now.
Z ACH M ILLER
Miller (foot) will not play in Saturday’s preseason game against the
Dolphins, but is expected to play next week, according to the
Florida Times-Union. Miller’s absence will mean more playing time
for roster hopefuls such as Zach Potter and Mike Caussin.
M IKE S IMS -W ALKER
Sims-Walker had three catches for 64 yards in the Jags’ preseason
loss to the Dolphins on Saturday. Sims-Walker seemed fully recov-
ered from the shoulder injury he’d been battling all week and should
be good to go for the start of the regular season, barring another
injury.
M IKE T HOMAS
Thomas had two catches for 27 yards and a touchdown in the
Jags’ preseason loss to the Dolphins. Thomas’ TD came from two
yards out, showing that quarterback David Garrard may start look-
ing for him in the red zone, further boosting his fantasy value.
Kansas City Chiefs
M ATT C ASSEL
Cassel went 14-for-19 passing for 125 yards and one touchdown
during Saturday’s preseason loss to the Buccaneers. Cassel
rebounded nicely following a shaky outing in his first preseason
game. Then again, he was playing against the Bucs. Still, any sign
of progress is a good sign.
J AMAAL C HARLES
Charles had five carries for 26 yards and three catches for 23 yards
in Saturday’s preseason game against the Buccaneers. Charles is
cruising along at 7.0 yards per carry this preseason, while backfield
mate Thomas Jones slogs his way to a 3.1 yard average. There’s
been a lot of hubbub about Jones’ position at No. 1 on the Chiefs’
depth chart, but coach Todd Haley isn’t foolish, people. He knows
he has one of the league’s most talented backs in Charles, and
when the games start to count, Charles should be the one getting
most of the work. His ADP of 26 seems like pretty good value for a
guy who has the upside to easily be a top-10 RB.
T HOMAS J ONES
Jones had eight carries for 29 yards and one catch for two yards in
Saturday’s preseason game against the Buccaneers. He also fum-
bled away the Chiefs’ first possession and was once again out-
played by Jamaal Charles. Through two preseason games, Jones is
averaging just 3.1 yards per carry, and if it wasn’t apparent already,
it’s becoming increasingly clear that Charles is simply the vastly
superior talent at this stage of their respective careers. Jones will
still get his share of carries and may get the goal-line work, but KC
would be foolish to not let Charles handle the majority of the work.
Miami Dolphins
R ONNIE B ROWN
Brown had four carries and two receptions for 24 total yards and a
touchdown during Saturday’s preseason win over the Jaguars.
Ricky Williams, meanwhile, had three carries and one reception for
24 yards. The sample size is still to small to read much into either
back’s performance. So far Brown appears healthy after undergoing
Lisfranc surgery last November.
G REG C AMARILLO
Camarillo (groin) is expected to play Saturday night, according to
the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero. With the emergence of
Patrick Turner, Camarillo is no longer assured of a roster spot. It
seems unlikely that the Dolphins would cut him, but stranger things
have happened. It is currently raining in Jacksonville so the passing
game could suffer accordingly and it may be difficult to judge the
passing game.
A NTHONY FASANO
Fasano had two receptions for 66 yards and a pair of scores
Saturday. This could be the domino effect of having Brandon
Marshall on the field as teams can no longer crowd the line of
scrimmage for fear Marshall will get behind them. Fasano still
shouldn’t be a TE1 in your fantasy league but he could certainly be
a solid reserve and bye week fill in.
C HAD H ENNE
Henne shined during Saturday’s preseason win over the Jaguars,
completing 11-of-14 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns.
Henne led the Dolphins on three straight scoring drives to start the
game. He has not had the best training camp by many accounts,
but looked every bit the starter on Saturday.
B RANDON M ARSHALL
Marshall caught four passes for 65 yards (including a 37-yard grab)
in Saturday’s preseason win over the Jaguars. Marshall, who con-
tinues to impress with his downfield blocking, “bolted (from) the
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locker room (Saturday) as soon as reporters were allowed in, saying
he needed to see the doctor,” the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
reports, but so far no injury has been reported.
C HAD P ENNINGTON
Pennington won’t play on Saturday, according to the Dolphins’ web
site. Pennington is still the third quarterback at this time. He’s
healthy and the Dolphins know what they have in him, so he will sit
in order to give Tyler Thigpen and Pat White a chance to show what
they can do.
T YLER T HIGPEN
Thigpen completed 8-of-12 passes for 76 yards Saturday. Thigpen
has looked good this pre-season and has solidified the backup job
behind Henne. He’s also played well enough where if another team
came calling, the Dolphins would have to consider dealing him.
Minnesota Vikings
B ERNARD B ERRIAN
Berrian had one reception for 10 yards in Sunday’s preseason loss
to the 49ers. Brett Favre played just one series and the Minnesota
offense didn’t do much against San Francisco, so Berrian didn’t get
much action. However, that could change in Week 1 if Percy Harvin
and Sidney Rice remain out. Berrian could begin the season as one
of Minnesota’s top options in the passing game, which could make
him a nice option late in drafts.
B RETT FAVRE
Favre (ankle) was on the field for four plays Sunday, completing the
only pass he attempted. He also got sacked, which may have has-
tened his exit from the game. His mobility didn’t seem to be an
issue though, which was the most important takeaway from this
one and he still has plenty of preseason left to shake off the rust.
T OBY G ERHART
Gerhart had four carries for 10 yards and two receptions for 11
yards in Sunday’s preseason loss to the 49ers. Albert Young got
playing time with the first-team offense, so Gerhart remains No. 3 at
the depth chart. He also doesn’t appear to be carving out any kind
of goal-line or third-down role. He may become a bigger part of the
offense later in the season, but he hasn’t made a strong impression
so far this preseason.
P ERCY H ARVIN
Coach Brad Childress said he is optimistic that Harvin (migraines)
will return to practice next week, the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s
Judd Zulgad reports. If Childress’ optimism proves to be warranted,
this would seem to indicate that it’s realistic to think Harvin might
be ready to go for Week 1. However, as we’ve seen in camp,
Harvin’s symptoms can worsen in the blink of an eye, so we don’t
want to assume anything just yet. On the plus side, if these head
issues cause his ADP to drop, he could start to become a nice
value in the middle rounds of a draft.
A DRIAN P ETERSON
Peterson (hamstring) had six carries for 17 yards and three recep-
tions for 25 yards in his preseason debut in Sunday’s loss to the
49ers. Peterson was bothered by a sore hamstring early in training
camp and missed Minnesota’s first preseason game as a precau-
tion, but it didn’t look like an issue Sunday. He did miss picking up
a blitz on the first series which led to a sack of Brett Favre.
Peterson may be used more on passing downs with the departure
of Chester Taylor, so he’ll need to improve in his blitz pickups to
secure more third-down duty.
V ISANTHE S HIANCOE
Shiancoe (shoulder) played in Sunday’s preseason loss to the 49ers
after missing Minnesota’s first preseason game. However, he did
not have a catch. It doesn’t look like his shoulder injury, which has
kept him out of several practices, is going to be an issue for the
regular season.
A LBERT Y OUNG
Young had two carries for 11 yards in Sunday’s preseason loss to
San Francisco. He had a nine-yard run on third down with the first
team offense on the first series. Young looks ahead of Toby Gehart
for the backup job to Adrian Peterson at this point. It’s not clear if
he’ll have a sizable third-down role, so his involvement on the first
series was notable.
New England Patriots
L AURENCE M ARONEY
According to coach Bill Belichick, Maroney’s lack of carries in the
Patriots’ second preseason game was simply a preseason rotation
issue, the Boston Globe reports. The Patriots have a deep and (for
now) healthy backfield, so it will be revealing to see who gets the
most work this coming Thursday in the Patriots’ third preseason
contest, often the most telling with regards to how things could
shake out lineup-wise come Week 1. Maroney and Fred Taylor are
the likely candidates, but given the team’s personnel at running
back, some form of committee seems likely, in any case.
New Orleans Saints
A DRIAN A RRINGTON
Arrington had three receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown during
Saturday’s preseason win over the Texans. It was an impressive
performance for Arrington, who is on the bubble of making the
Saints’ 53-man roster. That said, there are plenty of targets in New
Orleans competing for attention and Arrington would have to make
up a lot of ground between now and the start of the regular season
to have any kind of fantasy relevance.
L ADELL B ETTS
Betts (knee) did not play in Saturday’s preseason game against
Houston as the Saints bring him back slowly from his major knee
surgery in December. However, the New Orleans Times-Picayune
reported on Monday that P.J. Hill would be placed on IR with a tri-
ceps injury. Although the Saints signed former Packer DeShawn
Wynn, Hill’s injury improves Betts odds on making the roster as the
Saints third-string running back.
D REW B REES
In one quarter of work, Brees led two scoring drives, completing
five of ten passes for 36 yards against the Texans on Saturday. He
also punched across a score on a quarterback sneak. After a rough
go in their first preseason game in New England, the Saints offense
was clicking on all cylinders Saturday. While the numbers were not
gaudy, fantasy owners have to be pleased with the team’s scoring
opportunities.
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R EGGIE B USH
Bush gained 49 yards on only seven carries in Saturday’s
preaseaon game against Houston. He scored on a nine-yard run up
the middle where he displayed a nice combination of agility and
power. Bush has looked excellent so far this summer. He seems
motivated to run north-south rather than side to side and the results
so far are encouraging. While coach Sean Payton prefers to utilize a
three running back system, Bush is showing the he has some value
outside of solely PPR leagues.
M ARQUES C OLSTON
Colston caught four passes for 49 yards in Saturday’s preseason
game against Houston. Colston was quarterback Drew Brees’s
favorite target last year, and, after a tough first preseason game, the
two reconnected for a few receptions in a quarter of play together.
It was also nice to see the offense click after a slow start in last
week’s game. Expect Colston to post nice numbers this year as the
top option in the Saints’ explosive offense.
P.J. H ILL
Hill has been placed on injured reserve due to a triceps injury, the
New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. With Lynell Hamilton also on
IR, the Saints added DeShawn Wynn to their backfield mix Monday,
but unfortunately for Hill, the injury cost him a chance to compete
for the team’s No. 3 RB job.
C HRIS I VORY
With Ladell Betts not playing in Saturday’s preseason game against
Houston, Ivory carried 20 times for 66 yards. The results were
mixed for Ivory. While he received the bulk of the carries (P.J, Hill
was only given six rushes), he only averaged 3.3 yards per carry.
Additionally, he was stuffed twice from the one-yard line, although
he did convert on a third-and-three run later. Given his high number
of attempts but general ineffectiveness, it is difficult to gauge where
Ivory stands in his competition with Hill for the third-string running
back position.
P IERRE T HOMAS
Thomas gained 24 yards on seven carries and another 38 yards on
two receptions, including a 31-yards screen play that went for a
touchdown in Saturday’s preseason game against Houston. While
he was not particularly effective on the ground (3.4 YPC), Thomas
showed excellent vision and running on his scoring reception. So
far this summer, Thomas has played well and could be in for a nice
year if he is able to secure the majority of the carries in the Saints’
crowded backfield. With Mike Bell gone and Lynell Hamilton injured,
Thomas should have no problem proving he should be “The Man”
this year.
D E S HAWN W YNN
The Saints have signed Wynn, the New Orleans Times-Picayune
reports. With both P.J. Hill and Lynell Hamilton on injured reserve,
the former Packer will compete for a backup role along with recent-
ly signee Ladell Betts and rookie Chris Ivory.
New York Giants
R HETT B OMAR
Bomar completed 13-of-26 passes for 167 yards in Saturday’s pre-
season loss to Pittsburgh. He added 21 yards rushing on three
attempts. Bomar did not throw any touchdowns and was picked off
once. He played the entire game for the Giants with Eli Manning
and Jim Sorgi both out of the lineup. It’s safe to say Eli will still have
a job when he returns.
A HMAD B RADSHAW
Bradshaw had six carries for 28 yards and a touchdown in
Saturday’s preseason game against the Steelers. Bradshaw did not
start the game (Danny Ware got the nod) as a message from coach
Tom Coughlin for being late to a team meeting. Still, he made his
presence felt when he did get on the field as he tries to get a leg up
on Brandon Jacobs in the battle for the starting job.
A NDRE B ROWN
Brown (Achilles) had 13 rushes for 61 yards and a touchdown in
Saturday’s preseason matchup with the Steelers. After missing the
2009 season with an Achilles’ injury, Brown is certainly not wasting
the chances given him this preseason. He has led the Giants in
rushing in each of the two preseason games thus far and is looking
like the favorite to be the No. 3 back on the depth charts for Big
Blue.
V ICTOR C RUZ
Cruz had just two catches for 30 yards against the Steelers
Saturday and muffed a punt. It’s no surprise that he came down to
earth after torching the Jets’ second teamers. He’s got a chance to
make the team as a return man and fifth receiver.
B RANDON J ACOBS
Jacobs (neck) should be able to practice this coming week, Ralph
Vacchiano of the Daily News reports. An MRI on Jacobs’ stiff neck
revealed no structural damage, so this looks like a day-to-day deal.
Also on the positive front, coach Tom Coughlin noted Sunday that
the Giants’ big running back “feels better today.”
E LI M ANNING
The 12 stitches in Manning’s forehead were removed Saturday,
allowing him to return to practice this week, the Newark Star-
Ledger reports. Manning should be fine going forward, though it
remains to be seen how much more work he’ll get in preseason
games.
M ARIO M ANNINGHAM
Manningham had one reception for 11 yards in Saturday’s presea-
son game against the Steelers. With Hakeem Nicks ejected from
the game for fighting, you might have expected to see Manningham
more involved with the offense. However, with Rhett Bomar under
center instead of Eli Manning, the offense came primarily from the
ground game.
H AKEEM N ICKS
Tape of Nicks’ altercation with Steelers cornerback Ike Davis
Saturday showed Nicks hitting Taylor in the head (which Nicks
claims was part of him finishing his block) and then Taylor throwing
a series of punches and Nicks not retaliating, the Newark Star-
Ledger reports. If this is the case, it’s seems unlikely the NFL would
suspend Nicks, though there hasn’t been any official statement.
S TEVEN S MITH
Smith (groin) had two catches for 53 yards in Saturday’s preseason
loss to the Steelers. Fantasy owners have to feel a little relieved to
see Smith on the field after being hampered by a groin injury. The
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highlight of the game for Smith was a 45-yard reception over
Pittsburgh’s Bryant McFadden. The play led to the Giants’ first
score of the game.
D ANNY W ARE
Coach Tom Coughlin said there is “great concern” for Ware in the
wake of the concussion he suffered Saturday night, the Daily News
reports. Ware, who had a concussion last season, as well, will be
sent for further testing Monday. If he ends up missing significant
time, then either Andre Brown or Gartrell Johnson will have an
opportunity to claim the Giants’ No. 3 RB gig.
New York Jets
S ANTONIO H OLMES
Holmes has made a seamless transition into the Jets offense this
summer, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. We’d be more
excited about this news if Holmes wasn’t headed for a one-month
suspension to open the year. You better like the price on Holmes
before you play the roster-lock-up game with him.
M ARK S ANCHEZ
Sanchez struggled mightily during Saturday’s preseason win over
the Panthers, going 5-for-10 passing for just 12 yards. This was not
a game for fans of offense. Neither team got much of anything
going, especially from their quarterbacks. Among Sanchez’ five
incompletions, two were very nearly interceptions. The Jets defense
lived up to its billing, but you can’t contend for Super Bowls with
quarterbacking like that.
L A D AINIAN T OMLINSON
Tomlinson had three carries for 26 yards and two short receptions in
New York’s second preseason game on Saturday. Tomlinson basi-
cally had one 20-yard scamper and four other touches that didn’t
go anywhere. He’ll need something to happen to Shonn Greene
before he accrues much fantasy value in 2010.
Oakland Raiders
M ICHAEL B ENNETT
Bennett ran for 64 yards on 15 carries in the Raiders’ preseason
victory over the Bears on Saturday. Bennett has looked good run-
ning the ball through two preseason games, but it’s still unclear
whether the Raiders prefer Bennett or the better special teams
player, Rock Cartwright, in the third running back role. If both play-
ers continue to play well, there is a decent chance they both make
the team at the expense of someone at another position.
M ICHAEL B USH
Bush ran for 26 yards on eight carries in the Raiders’ preseason vic-
tory over the Bears on Saturday. Bush has not put up huge stats
this preseason (15 attempts, 57 yards) but the simple fact he played
Saturday and Darren McFadden (hamstring) did not, bodes well for
his fantasy value.
J ASON C AMPBELL
Campbell went 10-for-20 for 170 yards in the Raiders’ preseason
victory over the Bears on Saturday. He did not throw any touch-
down passes and threw an interception in the game. Though
Campbell did not throw for any touchdowns, he did run for one to
complete an impressive opening drive. Campbell has completed
just over 50 percent of his passes through the first two preseason
games, a number he will need to improve upon if the Raiders hope
to resurrect their passing game this season.
J ACOBY F ORD
Ford (quad) caught two passes for 23 yards in the Raiders’ presea-
son victory over the Bears on Saturday. Ford was not used as a
returner Saturday, but there is a decent chance the Raiders use him
in that spot in their next game. Raider punt returners combined for
just nine yards on four returns Saturday, so a healthy Ford could lay
serious claim to the job with a strong performance.
D ARRIUS H EYWARD -B EY
Heyward-Bey (soreness) did not play in Saturday’s preseason game
against the Bears, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Heyward-Bey has had a quiet preseason after the coaches raved
about his offseason work, so hopefully he is able to get back to 100
percent by the start of the regular season.
J OHNNIE L EE H IGGINS
Higgins has caught four passes for 56 yards through the Raiders’
first two preseason games. Higgins caught just 19 passes last sea-
son and struggled in the return game, so his spot on the final roster
is not guaranteed. The top three receivers on the depth chart are
set in stone, and rookie Jacoby Ford also appears to be safe. That
leaves Higgins to battle with Todd Watkins, Nick Miller, and a cou-
ple other players for the last receiver spot on the roster. Higgins is
probably the favorite out of that group, but he will need a strong
final two weeks of practice to secure his place.
L OUIS M URPHY
Murphy caught three passes for 53 yards in the Raiders’ preseason
victory over the Bears on Saturday. Murphy had a decent game, but
he also dropped a pass that would have given the Raiders a first
down. Murphy still has to work on improving his hands a bit to gain
the full confidence of the coaches and new quarterback Jason
Campbell.
C HAZ S CHILENS
Head coach Tom Cable said Schilens (foot) may need knee surgery,
Vittorio Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Schilens has
been dealing with a foot injury since last season, but it sounds like
he now has even further health issues. Schilens will probably miss a
few weeks, either due to the surgery or to rest, leaving his status for
the beginning of the regular season up in the air.
Philadelphia Eagles
M IKE B ELL
Bell (calf) practiced Sunday and should play this coming Friday
against the Chiefs, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. When asked if
he could have played against Cincinnati this past Friday, Bell said,
“Yeah, I thought I could’ve, but I also thought I could go last week.
The coaches know what they’re doing, the trainers know what
they’re doing, I have a good trust for both of them, so I’ll let them
gauge that, and trust them and let them do their job, and I’ll do
mine. They felt like it wasn’t ready for me to go, so I took it from
them, and I think deep down inside I knew I wasn’t ready to go, I
was just trying to show them something and I need to wait for this
week, and that’s what I’m going to do.” In any case, once he
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returns to the mix, Bell is slated to back up LeSean McCoy and if
he ends up getting touches around the goal line, which is a possi-
bility, he could emerge as a useful player in TD-heavy leagues.
E LDRA B UCKLEY
Although Buckley remains the favorite to be the Eagles’ third team
running back, the club may be looking for a more experienced back
in case Mike Bell’s injury woes continue, the Philadelphia Inquirer
reports. Buckley is in a battle with Martell Mallett for the third spot,
but Buckley’s special teams play makes him the more valuable
asset. However, if Mike Bell (hamstring, calf) isn’t able to stay on
the practice field, the Eagles will look to acquire a veteran who will
likely take Buckley’s roster spot.
B RENT C ELEK
Celek had one reception for 14 yards in Friday’s preseason game
against the Bengals. Don’t be concerned with Celek’s lack of pre-
season production. He has just three catches for 32 yards in two
games, but he’s expected to be one of new quarterback Kevin
Kolb’s favorite targets this season, particularly in the red zone.
D E S EAN J ACKSON
Jackson had four catches for 74 yards in Friday’s preseason win
over the Bengals. Jackson looks to be fully recovered from the back
injury that limited him early this preseason. New Eagles’ quarter-
back Kevin Kolb has impressed thus far, so beyond defenses rolling
coverages to Jackson, you shouldn’t need to worry about Jackson
lacking opportunities to make big plays.
K EVIN K OLB
Kolb went 11-for-17 for 126 yards during Friday’s preseason tilt with
the Bengals, and is now 17-for-28 for 221 yards this preseason. The
7.9 YPA is an impressive start but fantasy owners have to be con-
cerned he’s yet to throw a touchdown. The starters haven’t
reached the end zone yet this preseason and have struggled
accordingly in the red zone, but this apparent problem will likely
correct itself by the start of the regular season.
J EREMY M ACLIN
Maclin, who is dealing with a shoulder contusion, is “a little sore but
did practice” Sunday, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer
reports. We’ll have to see if Maclin gets out there for Friday’s pre-
season game against the Chiefs but his presence at practice
Sunday is a good sign his shoulder issue is not a major concern.
L E S EAN M C C OY
The Eagles’ first-team offense has elected to throw on six of nine
plays in the red zone this preseason, the Philadelphia Inquirer
reports. Eagles’ coach Andy Reid also has the starters throwing at a
slightly higher clip - 63 percent - than he has in past seasons.
McCoy has an unimpressive 14 carries for 50 yards through two
preseason games, although it’s worth noting the entire Eagles’ run
game, with the exception of quarterback Michael Vick, has strug-
gled thus far, so McCoy’s job is not in jeopardy. On a positive note
for McCoy owners, Mike Bell, who could be a candidate to split
carries with McCoy, hasn’t seen any preseason action and his prac-
tice work has been limited due to calf and hamstring injuries.
M ICHAEL V ICK
Vick was just 1-of-5 for six yards and threw two interceptions in
Friday’s preseason game in Cincinnati. His passing performance
was awful, but Vick did manage to scramble for 34 yards on three
carries. Vick may not be the most efficient or effective passer in the
league, but he’ll have value due to his rushing skills in the event of
an injury to starter Kevin Kolb.
Pittsburgh Steelers
D ENNIS D IXON
Dixon completed 7-of-8 passes for 82 yards in the preseason win
against the Giants Saturday. He also added 27 yards rushing (five
attempts). Dixon ran the offense for the second half of the game.
He continues to play well in the preseason, but coach Mike Tomlin
has yet to give any indication he has a true chance of overtaking
Byron Leftwich for the right to start Week 1.
B YRON L EFTWICH
Leftwich threw for 95 yards and a touchdown in Saturday’s presea-
son game against the Giants. Leftwich did not get a lot of time on
the field, relieving Ben Roethlisberger in the second quarter before
giving way to Dennis Dixon in the second half. Leftwich remains the
favorite at this point to start in place of Roethlisberger in Week 1.
R ASHARD M ENDENHALL
The Steelers intend on using Mendenhall out of the backfield more
than in 2009, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. He had 25
receptions last season. All signs point to Mendenhall being a real
workhorse in 2010 as it looks like the team will not spell him too
often in goal-line situations or passing downs. “If we can get him
out in space, we think he can be special,” quarterback Ben
Roethlisberger said.
H EATH M ILLER
Miller had three catches for 33 yards in Saturday’s preseason action
against the Giants. Not a bad showing in limited action for the tight
end. The team is expected to increase his workload in the passing
game this year to help offset some of the production lost with the
trade of Santonio Holmes.
M EWELDE M OORE
Moore had five rushes for 27 yards in Saturday’s preseason action
against the Giants. Moore took over at running back for Rashard
Mendenhall when the starters were taken out. He is currently slot-
ted as the No. 2 back on the depth chart and that is not likely to
change (barring injury) for the start of the season.
I SAAC R EDMAN
Redman (shin) had six carries for 34 yards and a touchdown in
Saturday’s preseason contest against the Giants. Despite being a
bit banged up in practice this week, Redman played well in limited
action. He came out of the game at one point with what appeared
to be a rib issue, but returned and scored on a 12-yard run. Unless
Jonathan Dwyer has truly standout performances in the remaining
preseason action, it looks like Redman will start the season third on
the team’s RB depth chart.
B EN R OETHLISBERGER
Roethlisberger (suspension) completed 6-of-8 passes for 76 yards
in Saturday’s preseason matchup against the New York Giants.
Roethlisberger started the game and played three series. He was
intercepted once and did not throw any touchdowns in his first
taste of game action this season. Byron Leftwich relieved him in the
second quarter.
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E MMANUEL S ANDERS
Sanders caught three passes for 51 yards in Saturday’s preseason
game against the Giants. Sanders has shown signs of being a good
option in the passing attack for the future. However, at this point, he
is penciled in as the No. 4 receiver on the depth chart.
M IKE W ALLACE
Wallace had two catches for 80 yards and a touchdown in
Saturday’s preseason win over the Giants. Wallace hauled in a 68-
yard touchdown bomb from Byron Leftwich, giving some hope to
any who are concerned about Leftwich being able to get the ball
downfield to the speedy receiver in the absence of Ben
Roethlisberger.
H INES W ARD
Ward (hamstring) did not catch any passes in Saturday’s preseason
game against the Giants. Ward has yet to catch a pass this presea-
son, but the good news is that he is on the field and does not
appear limited by the hamstring issues that bothered him through
OTAs and camp.
San Diego Chargers
M ALCOM F LOYD
Floyd caught three passes for 47 yards on Saturday against the
Cowboys. Floyd is the defacto No. 1 receiver in San Diego as long
as Vincent Jackson stays away, and he seems like he is ready for
the challenge. Philip Rivers has a very high level of comfort with
Floyd, and though he is not quite as explosive as Jackson, Floyd is
very capable of putting up reliable numbers week in and week out.
V INCENT J ACKSON
Seattle has been given permission to discuss contract terms with
Jackson as a prelude to a possible trade, Yahoo! Sports reports.
Jackson is holding out from training camp while seeking a new con-
tract. The report adds San Diego is committed to trading Jackson
since he’s seeking a long-term contract worth $9 million a season.
M ARCUS M ASON
Mason had eight rushes for seven yards and added one reception
for six yards in the Chargers’ second preseason game against the
Cowboys on Saturday. Mason once again saw more action than
Shawnbrey McNeal or any of the other running backs that were
thought to be fighting for one of the last roster spots, but it’s start-
ing to look like the Bolts might not actually need a third tailback
behind Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles. Fullback Mike Tolbert
has been carrying the ball quite a bit this preseason, so it looks like
they are thinking of retaining just four running backs with Tolbert
and fellow fullback Jacob Hester sharing some of the load.
R YAN M ATHEWS
Mathews had 12 carries for 53 yards during Saturday’s preseason
game. Mathews took the lion’s share of carries, adding one recep-
tion for 13 yards. He was again ignored at the goal line, with Philip
Rivers to take it in himself at the one. Still, it appears the Chargers
are prepping the rookie for a big role this season.
P HILIP R IVERS
Rivers was 11-for-15 for 125 yards with an interception and added
a one-yard rushing touchdown on a quarterback sneak in San
Diego’s second preseason game. Rivers played most of the first
half and looked pretty sharp. Based on early action, it looks like the
Bolts are going to be better at running the ball in 2010, which could
actually help open up the passing game. Rivers remains a top
notch passer in an elite offense.
D ARREN S PROLES
Sproles saw his first action of the preseason on Saturday against
the Cowboys, rushing one time for three yards and catching three
passes for 38 yards. Sproles also lost a fumble deep in Cowboys
territory in the game, but otherwise he was productive enough for
his first game of the year. Expect Sproles to be a big part of the
offense when the real games begin in a few weeks.
M IKE T OLBERT
Tolbert had 10 rushes for 34 yards and two receptions for 21 yards
in Saturday’s preseason game against the Cowboys. The Chargers
appear very comfortable with Tolbert carrying the ball, and he has
been busier than fellow fullback Jacob Hester so far this preseason.
It is looking like Tolbert will open the season as the third tailback
behind Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles in addition to his normal
fullback responsibilities. It’s also possible that Tolbert could be a
preferred option in short yardage / goal line situations. It will be
interesting to see how many and what kind of touches Tolbert gets
during the all important third preseason game, but all signs are
pointing to an increased role in the offense for Tolbert in 2010.
Seattle Seahawks
J OHN C ARLSON
Carlson had one reception for six yards in Saturday’s preseason
loss to Green Bay. Many expect Carlson to be a sleeper and
improve from last year’s disappointing season, especially with Chris
Baker signed as a blocker to free Carlson to be used in the slot and
passing formations. However, Carlson has just one catch for six
yards in two preseason games.
J USTIN F ORSETT
Forsett had five carries for 13 yards in Saturday’s preseason loss to
the Packers. Forsett took the team’s first carries, but it was Leon
Washington who scored the team’s only rushing touchdown. Julius
Jones added another five carries and 14 yards. None was particu-
larly impressive, and a time-share still appears the most likely regu-
lar season scenario.
M ATT H ASSELBECK
Hasselbeck was 11-of-15 passing for 127 yards and one touch-
down in Seattle’s 27-24 loss to Green Bay on Saturday. Hasselbeck
engineered two touchdown drives in the first half after he had strug-
gled a bit in the Seahawks’ preseason opener.
T.J. H OUSHMANDZADEH
Houshmandzadeh got the start Saturday in Green Bay despite
missing three days of practice last week for personal reasons. The
veteran wideout played well Saturday, tallying four receptions for 61
yards. Houshmandzadeh finally appears to be healthy into the reg-
ular season.
J ULIUS J ONES
Jones was unable to establish himself in the running game in
Saturday’s 27-24 loss to Green Bay. In the midst of a battle with
Justin Forsett to get the bulk of the carries heading into the season,
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Jones has done little to distinguish himself in the Seahawks’ first
two preseason games. He finished with just five carries for 14
yards Saturday and also caught two passes for 12 yards.
R USSELL O KUNG
Okung (ankle) will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of his
high ankle sprain, the Seattle Times reports. Okung’s injury is horri-
ble news for the Seahawks if they are without their rookie left tackle
to begin the regular season.
L EON W ASHINGTON
Washington (leg) had four carries for 19 yards, including an 11-yard
touchdown run, in Saturday’s preseason game against Green Bay.
He also added one reception for six yards. It was Washington’s first
game since suffering a broken leg last season. He looked at full
strength on his touchdown run and showed a nice burst of speed.
While he may have a third-down and kick-return role initially, he’ll
be a nice late-round flier if he continues to look healthy.
C HARLIE W HITEHURST
After playing well in his debut with Seattle, Whitehurst had an
unspectacular showing Saturday in the loss to Green Bay.
Whitehurst played the entire second half and completed 9-of-20
passes for 73 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
The Seahawks moved the ball well with starter Matt Hasselbeck in
the game but struggled with Whitehurst at the helm.
San Francisco 49ers
N ATE D AVIS
Davis completed 7-of-16 passes for 114 yards and no touchdowns
during the 49ers’ win Sunday. Davis showed off tremendous arm
strength while completing a bomb to Ted Ginn that traveled at least
65 yards through the air, but he produced just a 43.8 completion
percentage and drew a rather critical assessment from coach Mike
Singletary afterward, who mostly pointed to preparation issues. He
remains firmly entrenched as the team’s QB3.
V ERNON D AVIS
Davis (knee) will not play in Sunday’s preseason game against the
Vikings but could return to practice next week, CSN Bay Area
reports. Davis will hopefully be back up to speed soon, calming
fears that the ultra-athletic tight end would miss an extended
amount of time. Expect Davis to be ready come Week 1.
A NTHONY D IXON
With Frank Gore and Brian Westbrook both being rested, Dixon
acted as the 49ers’ No. 1 running back during the team’s win over
the Vikings on Sunday. Dixon carried 20 times for 51 yards and a
touchdown, also adding three catches for eight yards. The 2.6 YPC
mark is obviously quite unimpressive, and it will take injuries for him
to be on the fantasy radar this season. Still, for a sixth round pick,
San Francisco might have found a useful running back.
T ED G INN
Ginn caught two passes for 65 yards during the 49ers’ win Sunday.
With Vernon Davis (knee) and Michael Crabtree (neck) out, Ginn
was San Francisco’s No. 1 WR, and no one else caught more than
three passes all game. Ginn showed impressive separation skills
while hauling in a 60-yard catch, but for fantasy terms, he’s unlikely
to be rosterable this season. He’s a deep threat on a run-first team
with at least two legitimate passing options ahead of him.
F RANK G ORE
Gore did not suit up for Sunday’s exhibition game against the
Vikings. He’s not hurt, but is just getting a very light workload this
preseason in an effort to keep him healthier for when the games
actually matter. Despite the signing of Brian Westbrook, Gore is still
the undisputed top back in San Francisco.
A LEX S MITH
Smith looked sharp Sunday, completing 9-of-13 passes for 88
yards. He marched the 49ers down the field for a touchdown on
their opening drive, a result made all the more impressive by the
fact most of the team’s other main offensive weapons weren’t in the
lineup. It’s been an up and down preseason so far for Smith, but
he’s still locked in as the top guy under center in SF and has the
potential to be one of the better No. 2 fantasy QBs available.
St. Louis Rams
S AM B RADFORD
Bradford went 6-for-14 passing for 24 yards during Saturday’s pre-
season win over the Browns. Bradford looked shaky once again in
his second preseason game. He kept his jersey clean at least, after
being sacked four times last week. A.J. Feeley still looks like the
starter in St. Louis at the moment, with Bradford needing a strong
showing in the next couple of weeks for that to change.
K ENNETH D ARBY
Darby ran for 16 yards on five carries during the Rams’ win over
Cleveland on Saturday night. Darby, last year’s No. 2 RB behind
starter Steven Jackson, finally saw some preseason action after
being forced to sit out the first game due to injury. He clearly had
the best night of the back-up candidates but the competition for the
No. 2 and No. 3 job is still likely to come down to the last presea-
son game.
A.J. F EELEY
Feeley is slated to have an MRI on his right thumb, Brian Stull of
101 ESPN reports. It’s uncertain if Feeley will be able to practice
Monday, but if the injury lingers, it could open the door for Sam
Bradford to start the Rams’ next preseason tilt.
D ANIEL F ELLS
Fells caught a nine-yard TD pass during Saturday’s preseason win.
Fells, who is currently listed as the Rams’ No. 1 tight end, has not
had a strong camp and needed that TD. However, it ended up
being his only reception, and both Billy Bajema and Michael
Hoomanawanui had two or more receptions and 30-plus yards
receiving, so the competition for the No. 1 job seems far from over.
S TEVEN J ACKSON
Jackson carried four times for 20 yards during Saturday’s presea-
son win over the Browns. It was Jackson’s first game action since
undergoing back surgery in April. He understandably didn’t have
many touches, but he looked to be at full speed when he had the
ball. Expect coaches to remain protective of their workhorse
throughout the rest of preseason.
K EITH T OSTON
Toston carried the ball 13 times for 23 yards during the Rams’ win
over Cleveland on Saturday night. Toston, an undrafted rookie,
remains in the picture for one of the back-up RB jobs and the num-
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ber of carries he got Saturday tells us the club is very interested in
seeing what he can do. It wasn’t a very impressive outing, but con-
sidering Chris Ogbannaya only ran for six yards on seven carries
and Kenneth Darby ran for 16 on five carries suggests this is going
to be a battle that comes right down to the last preseason game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A RRELIOUS B ENN
Benn had one catch for 16 yards Saturday night in preseason
action versus the Chiefs. Benn finally caught his first pass of the
preseason Saturday. He has been a bit of a disappointment so far
this offseason. He will make the team as he was a 2010 second-
round pick, but he could end up fairly low on the depth chart at WR
to begin the season.
R UDY C ARPENTER
Carpenter was 8-of-11 for 79 yards and a touchdown in the
Buccaneers’ preseason game Saturday night. Carpenter has looked
good this preseason, which is reassuring given he will now be the
No. 2 QB at least the rest of the preseason now that Josh Freeman
is sidelined with a broken thumb.
J OSH F REEMAN
When addressing Freeman’s (thumb) status, a team spokesman
said, “the current expectation is that he will practice and play (in)
Week One,” the Tampa Tribune reports. “It’s a huge setback, obvi-
ously, when you lose your first quarterback,” coach Raheem Morris
said after Saturday’s game, but he too sounds optimistic that
Freeman will be back for Week 1. “We’re lucky. We expect him back
in the first week of the season and that’s very fortunate.” It sounds
like the Bucs will get their second-year QB back in time to start the
season, but that’s of course barring a setback. It is somewhat trou-
bling that he fractured the tip of the thumb on his throwing hand.
K AREEM H UGGINS
Huggins continued his strong preseason as he had eight carries for
44 yards in the Buccaneers’ preseason game Saturday versus the
Chiefs. Huggins now has 16 carries for 99 yards so far in two pre-
season games and this combined with his strong showings in both
training camp and minicamp will force the team to make some
tough decisions. As of right now, Huggins is the favorite to end up
as the No. 2 RB behind Cadillac Williams to open the season, which
will mean current No. 2 RB Derrick Ward and No. 3 RB Clifton
Smith are not locks to make the team. If Huggins does indeed wind
up as the No. 2 RB, then he would have some potential fantasy
value given Williams’ injury history.
J OSH J OHNSON
Johnson was 6-of-10 for 113 yards with a touchdown and no inter-
ceptions in Saturday’s preseason win over Kansas City. With Josh
Freeman breaking his thumb in Saturday’s game, there’s a decent
chance Johnson could be Tampa Bay’s Week 1 starter.
M ICHEAL S PURLOCK
Spurlock had three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in the
Buccaneers’ preseason game Sunday versus the Chiefs. Spurlock
has really been making a strong push this offseason to make the
team as a KR/PR and backup WR. He could force the team to cut
the likes of Clifton Smith and Micheal Clayton if he makes the team.
D ERRICK W ARD
Ward had five carries for 11 yards rushing before leaving Saturday’s
preseason win over Kansas City with a head injury, the Tampa
Tribune reports. The Bucs are not calling it a concussion, but we
wouldn’t be surprised if that was the eventual diagnosis. Ward’s
poor first preseason game led to talk he could be cut and
Saturday’s game won’t help.
M IKE W ILLIAMS
Williams had three receptions for 44 yards in Saturday’s preseason
win over Kansas City. Another strong performance by the rookie
who looks to become a big factor in the Tampa Bay passing game
right away. Two of his receptions came from backup Josh Johnson,
which should give some comfort for his fantasy value if Josh
Freeman misses regular season games with a thumb injury.
Tennessee Titans
J USTIN G AGE
Gage (thumb) has been ruled out of Monday’s game against
Arizona, the Tennessean reports. Gage (thumb) is battling Kenny
Britt and Nate Washington for a starting receiver spot this year.
Washington Redskins
L ARRY J OHNSON
Johnson carried eight times for just four yards during Saturday’s
preseason loss to the Ravens. Johnson failed to showcase much in
his “showcase” game on Saturday. He was stuffed against the
Ravens, though admittedly he was facing a very strong front seven.
Still, Johnson provided Mike Shanahan no reason to bump him
ahead of Clinton Portis on the depth chart. Willie Parker will get an
opportunity to take the bulk of the carries next week against the
Jets.
D ONOVAN M C N ABB
McNabb (ankle) was sporting a walking boot Monday, but that is
being called “precautionary,” the Washington Post reports.
McNabb came out of the locker room following halftime during
Saturday’s contest with a large wrap around his lower left leg and
ankle, so it’s not a huge surprise that he’s in the walking boot.
What’s unclear at this time is if his availability for Friday’s preseason
game against the Jets is in any doubt.
S ANTANA M OSS
Moss looked good on the field during Saturday’s preseason game.
He caught four passes for 82 yards and looked comfortable playing
with Donovan McNabb. Moss is the only receiver that has an estab-
lished role heading into the regular season. If his legs can stay
healthy this year he has big play potential playing alongside
McNabb.
C LINTON P ORTIS
Portis rushed twice for 14 yards during Saturday’s preseason game.
He outplayed Larry Johnson in limited action and appears fully
entrenched as the starter. Portis is a much better pass blocker than
Johnson.. At this point, Portis is the man to own in the ‘Skins
backfield, but head coach Mike Shanahan has proven in the past he
likes timeshares.
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