2008 Fantasy Football Preview - WRs

For WRs, I'm going to rank my top 30, then list some other guys I like this season.

Here are Tony's WR rankings;

1. R. Moss-NE-Even if Moss has half the TDs he had last year he is a star.

2. T. Owens-Dal-Averaging 14 TDs over the last 2 seasons, he has stayed out of trouble in Big D, since his overdose, he already signed an extension, and is BFF with his QB.

So a Happy TO = a productive TO

3. R. Wayne-Ind-Took over the WR1 role in Indy with Harrison out last season, 3 year avg, of 91/1292/8.

4. M. Colston-NO-I moved him up over the past few weeks due to some injuries, but if Brees looks more like he did at the end last season and TE Shockey attracts some attention in the middle of the field look for Colston to keep improving 100/1200/12 is not out of the question.

5. B. Edwards-Clev-he drops a notch because of his foot injury which may cost him a few early season games or being a Brown, possible staph infection. The Browns offense has a lot of potential but QB Anderson is dealing with a concussion and Edwards injury may lead to a slow start.

6. A. Johnson-Hou-Could be #2 on this list if he and his QB could stay healthy.

7. L. Fitzgerald-AZ-Likes playing with K. Warner, Fitz scored 9 TDs in the final 7 games last season.

8. TJ Housh.-Cin-Tied for the league lead in recs (112) Should be the Bengals #1 with the shoulder injury to Ocho Cinco.

9. Chad Johnson-Cin-Shoulder injury is a concern, but he has been super consistent over the past 5 years, and last seasons 93/1440/8 was considered a down year despite being in line with his 3 yr avg.

10. T. Holt-Stl-Getting up there in age, that knee is always a concern but can't argue with the numbers he puts up.

11. P. Burress-NYG-We saw what he could do with a severe ankle injury. Its a good sign that he has practiced more in the preseason than he did all of last season.

12. W. Welker-NE-Welker is a stud in PPR leagues, he won't score a bunch of TDs though.

13. S.Smith-Car-Starts the season with a 2 game suspension for rearranging his teammates nose, but he is falling in drafts and should be in line for a big year with the return of a healthy Delhomme.

14. B. Marshall-Den-Lots of off field problems earned Baby TO a 3 game suspension, reduced to 1 game. Marshall has had a big preseason and should be drafted a lot higher then he is falling in drafts.

15. A. Bolden-AZ-WR is disgruntled and wants to be traded, but I think he benefits if Warner is the starter.

16. R. Williams-Det-with the departure of Martz, the pass happy O, will see more of a balance hurting Williams, not to mention the further development of Calvin Johnson.

17. G. Jennings-GB-My question is can he have the year he had last season without Brett Favre or is he the next Lee Evans?

18. S. Holmes-Pit-Primed for a big season as the Steelers let the ball fly last season.

19. M. Harrison-Ind-If healthy could be a draft steal.

20. H. Ward-Pit-Battled some injuries last season but he averaged 5.5 recs per game and scored 7 TDs.

21. J. Cotchery-NYJ-Seems to be the major benefactor of the arrival of Favre, he could be this years Greg Jennings.

22. L. Coles-NYJ

23. D. Bowe-KC

24. D. Driver-GB

25. R. White-Atl-White had a breakout season last year, because the Falcons played from behind most games, this year should see a lot of the same and Ryan should be a better passer than Redman/Harrington.

26. C. Johnson-Det-Back injury limited him last season, should continue to improve.

27. N. Burleson-Sea-He becomes the defacto WR1 with the injuries to Branch and Engram, He had 9 TDs last season playing behind Branch, Engram and Hackett.

28. B. Berrian-Min-He moves from one team with an awful QB to another team with an awful QB.

29. S. Moss-Wash

30. L. Evans-Buf

Here are some other guys I like;

A. Gonzalez-Ind-He gained a lot of experience with Harrison's injury and could do some damage out of the slot in Indy like Stokley did a few years back.

R. Brown-Phi-His recs have increased every year, and he had 9 TDs 2 years ago, with the injury to Curtis, Brown could see a lot of action early in the season.

K. Walter-Hou-Another good guy in PPR leagues, I don't see him scoring more than 6 TDs though.

D. Hester-Chi-Don't Laugh, Hester may actually finish the season as Chicago's #1 WR, they don't have much else and they will get him the ball. If you play in a league that counts his return yards he is an easy top 15 WR.

R. Meachum-NO-Last season's 1st round pick missed last year and has had a big preseason could beat out Patten for the #2 job and seems to have already passed Henderson for #3.

J. Gaffney-NE-Its always hard to predict what the Pats will do, but Gaffney could be solid he scored in 4 of the last 5 games last year and Stallworth is gone this season but he has to hold off former #1 pick Chad Jackson.

DJ Hackett-Car-If he can ever manage to stay healthy he could put up big numbers, playing opposite S. Smith could give him a lot of room to work and he is a nice red zone target on a team without an elite TE.

2008 Fantasy Football Preview-QBs

Here are Tony's QB rankings;

1. T. Brady-NE-Pats offense should be just as potent as last year, expect Brady to reach about 35 TDs, not the 50 he had last year.

2. P. Manning-Ind-Doesn't get more consistent then Manning, knee injury is a concern but still one of the top 2 QBs

3. T. Romo-Dal-Romo has one of the top WRs and one of the top TEs to target. Can carry you some weeks with 4 TDs, but he tends to throw a good amount of INTs (19)

4. D. Brees-NO-After a strong 2006, the Saints started off slowly, but Brees threw 27 TDs in the final 12 games last season in 2007.

5. C. Palmer-Cin-A good candidate for a bounce back season, He has 85 and Housh to throw to and the Bengals added TE Utecht, C. Henry was resigned but chances of him making the team seem slim once the other WRs are healthy.

6. B. Roethlisberger-Pit-The Steelers opened up the passing game last season and Big Ben threw 32 TDs, 25 this season doesn't seem out of the question.

7. D. Anderson-Clev-He was at the helm of a strong offense last season, but can he do it again? Anderson is already dealing with the effects of a concussion and has the pressure of holding off 06 1st rounder Brady Quinn. He is a high risk, high reward player.

8. B. Favre-NYJ-Favre is known to throw with reckless abandon, he should be able to get 20-25 TDs but he may throw that many INTs

9. J. Cutler-Den-He threw 20 TDs last season, while unknowingly suffering from diabetes. He has his health under control and plays with a cast that includes Baby TO and Scheffler. Look for Cutler to continue to improve.

10. M. Bulger-Stl-Al Saunders a Mike Martz disciple takes over as OC, Bulger was hurt most of last year and was also without S-Jax a good deal of 07.

11. D. McNabb-Phi-When he plays, he is usually solid, and that is with no name WRs, but he will break your heart and kill your season with his almost yearly season ending injury. If you take him as your QB1, make sure you have a good backup.

12. M. Hasselbeck-Sea-Seahawks offense should be a little less potent this year, with Hackett gone to Carolina, Engram and Branch injured to start the season, but expect him to be a solid backup for your team.

13. E. Manning-NYG-Don't be fooled by his postseason run, the Giants didn't ask him to win games with his arm (Tyree catch excluded) as they relied on the run. Manning will get you about 25 TDs, but will throw about 20 INTs.

14. J. Delhomme-Car-Another bounce back candidate, he had Tommy John surgery in the off season, the Panthers added 2 WRs and a RB to their offense. Good pick as a backup who could become a #1.

15. P. Rivers-SD

16. D. Garrard-Jax

17. A. Rodgers-GB

18. J. Campbell-Wash-New HC Jim Zorn brings his passing O from Seattle, Wash added 2 WRs in the draft, but I think Campbell needs one more season, and he will be a breakout candidate for 2009.

19. M. Schaub-Hou

20. J. Kitna-Det

21. K. Warner-AZ-Warner is expected to be named the starter, he threw 27 TDs after taking over for Leinart, He has 2 high level WRs but he throws a bunch of picks and fumbles at least once per game.

22. V. Young-Tenn-He can't get any worse, can he?

23. C. Pennington-Mia-He may make a living throwing screen passes to Ted Ginn Jr.

24. J. Garcia-TB

25. T. Edwards-Buf

26. J. Russell-Oak

27. JT O'Sullivan-SF-Most people don't know who he is, but he takes over the Martz offense that made Warner and Kitna stars and nobody knew them either.

28. T. Jackson-Min-He will be asked to handoff almost exclusively.

29. B. Croyle-KC

30. K. Orton-Chi

31. M. Ryan-Atl-Expected to be named starter, he worked magic with sub par talent in college he will have better WRs in the pros, but will still struggle as many rookie QBs do.

32. M. Leinart-AZ-He has value if you have the oft injured Warner. The Cards have tried to hand him the job, but he chooses to party with high school girls in his hot tub instead.

33. B. Quinn-Clev-Anderson is not a sure thing, and his concussion could open the door for Quinn to step in and run this talented offense.

34. R. Grossman-Chi-Chances are he will start a few games this season.

35. C. Redman-Atl-Will regain the job if Ryan struggles more than expected.

36. T. Smith-Balt-Likely starter who will keep the seat warm until Flacco is ready.

37. J. Flacco-Balt-Will start when team thinks he's ready.

38. JP Losman-Buf

39. A. Smith-SF

40. K. Boller-Balt

41. C. Simms-TB-Expected to be cut by TB, pay attention to where he ends up, he could be a fit in Chicago, or may settle for a backup job (Dal, NE, NYG)

2008 Fantasy Football Preview - Tight Ends

Here are Tony's rankings for TEs;

1. J. Witten-Dal-T.O. draws the double teams and Witten was the most targeted Dallas receiver last year, no health concerns makes him my top TE.

2. C. Cooley-Wash-New coach Jim Zorn brings a TE friendly offense to Washington, and his 3 yr avg 66/765/7 should improve.

3. A. Gates-SD-He is the #1 TE if healthy, but for where you need to draft him, I'm not taking that chance. His numbers dropped last year after the arrival of Chambers and the emergence of V. Jackson. If you can get him after the 5th round he is a great value, but not in the 3rd or 4th.

4. T. Gonzalez-KC-He is getting older but has still been consistent, He is the #1 receiving option, playing with a young QB, more valuable in PPR leagues.

5. K. Winslow-Clev-The "Soldier" has had 2 consistent seasons but had yet another knee surgery in the offseason, and is an injury risk every week. High upside, but draft at your own risk.

6. J. Shockey-NO-Shockey will be reunited with former OC Sean Payton, and should be out to show the Giants that he is still a top TE. Should benefit from Colston drawing double teams. Also an injury risk, returning from a broken leg.

7. Da. Clark-Ind-Clark had a huge season last year in the absence of M. Harrison. If Harrison is back I see Clark returning to his previous #'s about 35/400/4.

8. T. Heap-Balt-He is on the injury list every week, but until last year rarely missed a game. Cam Cameron's offense is TE friendly. If you miss out on the top 7 TEs Heap is not a bad option.

9. O. Daniels-Hou-He was a major benefactor of Andre Johnson's injury last year making 63 recs, but still only scored 3 TDs, he is the #2 option behind Johnson and should be a top 10 TE.

10. V. Davis-SF-2 years of hype and 2 years of disappointment, he is a freakish athlete, but runs poor routes and drops a lot of passes. Mike Martz comes to SF, he has never relied heavily on the TE but has never had an athlete like Davis. He was the #3 TE last season during the fantasy playoff weeks, while S. Hill started for SF.

11. H. Miller-Pit-Miller posted career highs in recs/yds/TDs. He has averaged 6 TDs in the last 3 seasons.

12. T. Scheffler-Den-A favorite target of Cutler, who should see a lot of targets early with Marshall missing the first 3 games due to suspension.

13. G. Olsen-Chi-Athletic TE, who should see more targets this season, due to the Bears lack of quality WRs. The downside is he spilts time with Desmond Clark.

14. A. Crumpler-Ten-Crumpler is joining a new team, but a team that has little in ways of wr, so Young may rely heavily on him.

15. LJ Smith-Phi-Injured last season, could be a good value if he can return to his 55/650/4 #'s from 05-06.

16. B. Watson-NE-Another athletic TE, who could put up monster #'s if he was on another team. the Pats just spread the ball around too much to rely on him, and Moss gets a lot of the red zone chances, not to mention all the TDs LB Vrabel steals from the offense.

17. K. Boss-NYG-Great hands, will feel the pressure of justifying the Giants trade of Shockey.

18. B. Utecht-The Bengals have not had a receiving TE in awhile, he should get the balls that normally went to the departed #3 wr C. Henry.

19. Z. Miller-Oak-Had 44 recs as a rookie, young QB Russell will rely on Miller like he did in the last 2 games of 2007 (16 targets, 11 recs.)

20. D. Lee-GB-Was a surprise last year, I'm not sure what to expect from him as Rodgers takes over.

21. M. Lewis-Jax-Another one of these young athletic TEs, but he plays for a run first team.

22. R. McMichael-Stl-Had his worst season last year, and may be past his prime.

23. D. Keller-NYJ-Rookie TE is more of a WR, with Favre under center the Jets could throw a lot more this season.

2008 Fantasy Football Preview - Defense/ST

Here is Tony's D/ST rankings;

1. San Diego-Strong in every category

2. Chicago-Not as good as 2 years ago, but Hester alone is worth the pick.

3. Dallas-Demarcus Ware keeps getting better, a strong secondary and Adam "rain man" Jones in the return game.

4. Minnesota-Too bad you don't get fantasy points for stopping the run, J. Allen should help increase sack total.

5. NY Giants-Even without Strahan the sacks should keep coming in bunches, secondary should be improved with the addition of Philips.

6. New England-Despite age and secondary losses, Pats have the easiest schedule and the offense should force opponents to play from behind most weeks.

7. Green Bay-Solid LBs and secondary, division opponents are weak.

8. Seattle-Quick, athletic D strong in all categories.

9. Indy-See Seattle, gets Freeney back from injury.

10. Jacksonville-Drafted two pass rushers, who should benefit from strong secondary. MOJO Drew returns kicks.

11. Pittsburgh-Always a strong unit

12. Tennessee-5th best D in ypg last season.

13. Philadelphia-Maybe a little disappointed when they realize Samuels isn't a cover corner.

14. Baltimore-Getting older but still a solid unit.

15. Washington-Taylor brings a much needed pass rush to a strong unit.

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2008 Fantasy Fooball Preview - Kickers

Here are Tony's Kicker Ratings;

1. S. Graham-Cin-Very consistent, 3 year avg. of 125 points, Cinci offense should be on the rebound this season.

2. J. Brown-Stl-FA from Seattle moves inside to the Edward Jones Dome, where Brown has only missed one career FG. Brown made four 50+ yd (bonus pts) FGs last season. Rams O should stall enough to give Brown a lot of 3 point chances.

3. R. Bironas-Tenn-If anybody plays for a team that can't score TDs its this guy. He attempted the most FGs last season 39, he attempted at least 2 FGs in 13 games last season. He also had an 8 FG game.

4. N. Folk-Dal-A lot of people's #1 K this season, He plays for a great offense but its hard to trust him after only 1 year and 2 of his misses last year were from under 29 yds.

5. M. Crosby-GB-The rookie lead the K's in scoring last season and he kicked in cold GB, with Favre out, Crosby could get more FG chances. Same trust issues as Folk.

6. S. Gostkowski-NE-scored a ton of PATs, and would be ranked higher if the Pats actually kicked FGs instead of going for it on 4th and 8. Still a solid pick.

7. A. Vinatieri-Ind-He struggled last season, but he plays for a high scoring offense, and kicks in what should be a mostly inside Lucas Oil stadium this year.

8. N. Kaeding-SD-3 yr avg of 122 pts, 5 games with 3+ FGs

9. R. Gould-Chi-2 straight solid seasons for a team that scores more on special teams than on offense, Dec. games in the windy city are a concern though.

10. P Dawson-Clev-Offense should be better than last season.

11. J. Scobee-Jax-Missed 8 games but still had 62 pts, (7.75 per game) 124 full season pace.

12. K. Brown-Hou-Another offense on the rise?

13. R. Longwell-Min-Indoor kicker for a one dimensional offense, should get a lot of chances.

14. N. Rackers-AZ-122 pt 3 yr avg, three 50+ yd FGs last season.

15. M. Nugent-NYJ-Jets offense has new O line and QB, should get more chances, Dec. wind in Jersey is tough to kick in though.