About Fantasy Football

Darren McFadden is an interesting selection coming into the 2008 fantasy football season. If you play in a keeper league, he is worth an early selection. Otherwise, I think he will be drafted earlier than he deserves for how much he will play this season.

Keep an eye on him in camp this year, but the raiders just signed Justin Fargas, and I expect him to be the starter coming into the season. He has a good relationship with former USC coordinator turned Raider head coach Kifflin, and performed well last year. I could see a running back by committee situation develop, and McFadden will get some touches this season, but he won’t be the starter unless something happens with Fargas.

McFadden does have some tremendous upside. He wasn’t drafted fourth overall for no reason, but I don’t know that this season is his breakout year. Keep your eyes on him through training camp, his fantasy ranking should have plenty of movement on it as we approach the start of the season.

M-P, RB | Comments Off

Shaun Alexander is a big question mark at this point entering the 2008 fantasy football season. He has no team as of yet, but as a former NFL MVP, should land somewhere. Where he ends up will dictate his value.

Right now, Alexander is worth a pick up due to the fact that there are a couple teams out there in need of a starting running back. Chicago is one that comes to mind immediately. If he ends up with a starting job in Chicago, he would be worth starting as a number two back with some upside potential.

Keep an eye on Alexander’s situation as your draft approaches, could be a risky pickup, but he could be a good find if he gets on the playing field this year. He’ll have a chip on his shoulder, with something to prove. If he lands in the right situation, he could produce, although probably not like a number one back.

A-D, RB | Comments Off

Heath Miller is coming off a career year, and should improve on last season. Look at him as a low end number one tight end in the 2008 fantasy football campaign.

Miller has a good relationship with his quarterback, and the newly implemented Steeler offense now has a full season under its belt. Expect them to get the ball into his hands a bit more this year, and look for around 60 receptions, 700 yards and half a dozen or so touchdowns. With a solid running game and good options at the wide receiver position, Miller will have favorable match ups all season long. He should get you some points each week, with the occasional big game.

M-P, TE | Comments Off

Tony Scheffler should be a decent option at tight end this season. He won’t put up top numbers for a tight end, but you can be pretty sure of what you are going to get when drafting him.

Scheffler should have a season very similar to the one he had last year. 50 catches, 600 yards and half a dozen touchdowns is what you’re looking at with him. Not a stud tight end, but definitely serviceable. If you decide to wait until the later rounds to grab your tight end, Scheffler should give you a decent option at the position.

Q-T, TE | Comments Off

The Chargers defense was top notch last season, and I see no reason for a drop off this year. They are my top ranked defense, and should be in the top five in fantasy points this season.

Defenses and kickers are two positions that have many different draft strategies to them. Kickers are tough, your top point getter usually changes every year. Defenses are similar, but you can count on some squads to put up good numbers, even if you can’t predict them to be number one. The flip side of this is that come the start of the season, you can usually pick up a good performing defense off waivers. If you are going to use a mid round pick on a defense, the Chargers are a safe bet.

A-D, Def | Comments Off

Patrick Crayton’s value could depend on what happens with Terry Glenn and the Cowboys. Right now, Glenn is not participating with the team, but it sounds like they are going to work something out that will bring him back for the 2008 season. With Glenn on the field, Crayton’s value drops.

Crayton had a decent year last year, although he was inconsistent. Playing in the Cowboys high power offense will ensure Crayton of better numbers than some other wide receivers, but I would not count on him as an every week starter.

Pick up Crayton as a low end number three WR, or as a bye week replacement or insurance if you take Owens. He will have a few good games, and could surprise with a better than expected year. His ranking is falling as the Cowboys begin working things out with Glenn. Should Glenn not be on the field, Crayton’s value bumps up a bit. Keep an eye on what happens in Dallas, but don’t expect big things from Crayton this year.

A-D, WR | Comments Off

Jerious Norwood is an interesting player entering the 2008 fantasy football season. The Falcons brought in Mr. Turner to be their starting running back, but the jury is still out on whether he can be a full time starter in the NFL. If he falters, Norwood could be poised for a big season.

Even if Turner holds up, expect Norwood to get his share of touches. The Falcons are desperate for some offensive spark, and Norwood is one of the fastest guys in the NFL. They will be looking to get the ball in his hands this season, and rumor has it he will be lining up at wide receiver some this year. If that is the case, he could be used like Reggie Bush was his rookie year, which would translate to good numbers if you play in a point per reception league.

If you draft Turner, Norwood is a must draft. Even if you don’t have Turner, Norwood is a decent pick up with some sleeper potential. He’ll get touches every game, and should be able to break a couple long ones this season. He is at least a decent bye week replacement option at running back, with upside potential.

M-P, RB | Comments Off

Alge Crumpler is poised for a huge season this year, and could easily be a top five tight end, although he probably won’t be drafted as such in most leagues.

Crumpler has left Atlanta and is now the number one receiving option for Vince Young and the Titans. Add to that the fact that Young has shown a tendency to use his tight ends, although they have used a rotation in the past, and the fact that there is no clear cut number one wide-out and you have a situation where Crumpler could be the top receiver for the Titans.

The only issue I have with Crumpler is his knee. I think he will be ok, and after a terrible 2007 season, he should be hungry to come back strong. Crumpler is a great option at tight end this season, and you can probably wait to pick him up until late in the draft. If you don’t draft one of the top end studs, Crumpler has enough upside to be a strong sleeper playing in this Titans offense that wants to get Young throwing the ball more.

A-D, Sleepers, TE | Comments Off

Todd Heap was a huge disappointment last season to fantasy owners, sitting out the majority of the year with hamstring injuries. Normally a number one option at tight end, his 2008 fantasy football outlook depends entirely on his health.

It looks like Heap should be back for the 2008 season healthy, but hamstring injuries are a funny thing, and can linger. If Heap is healthy, he is a solid option and should be able to hold down the tight end position for you with pretty good numbers. I think that is a gamble, however, and will be staying away this draft unless he slips and falls into a position where I can’t not take him.

E-H, TE | Comments Off

David Garrard could be in for a big year this season. He was injured for part of last season, but threw for 18 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. Pretty good numbers that should get better.

The Jaguars have upgraded their wide receivers in the off-season, brining in Williamson and Porter. In addition, they have Northcutt, who I think highly of, Jones and Williams. Might not be an all pro among them, but all are starter caliber. Add into the equation a solid run game and tough defense, and Garrard has the groundwork set for a good outing in the coming season.

The only worry I have about Garrard is the Jaguars style of play. I don’t see them really opening it up and letting him air it out, which will keep his numbers in check to some extent, but if he plays like he did last year, they will find a way to let him make plays. Keep an eye on Garrard, he is a serious sleeper this year, and could surprise everyone and crack the top five at the quarterback position. If you can find a way to pick this guy up, it is well worth your while.

E-H, QB, Sleepers | Comments Off