Fantasy Football Player's Edge

August 29, 2008

Site updated by 11am EST daily.

2008 Fantasy Draft Preview

The following rankings are based on a 10 team league using a
scoring format of 25 yards per point and 4 points per TD with
a 1 point deduction for interceptions and a 2 point deduction
for fumbles for QB's. RB/WR/TE receive 1 point per 10 yards
and 6 points per touchdown minus 2 points per fumble. Kickers
will receive 3, 4, 5 points respectively for 1-30, 40 and 50/over
yard field goals and 1 point for PAT's. Defenses will be awarded
2 points for safeties, fumble recoveries, interceptions and blocked
kicks. Each sack will earn 1 point. Additionally, points will accrue
for points allowed to opponents starting at 10 for a shutout to a
-4 for a blowout against the unit.

Each team will start 1 QB, 2 RB's, 3 WR's, 1 TE, 1 K, 1 Defense
and 6 reserves from any group.

The Rankings

Quarterbacks: Rankings

1. Tom Brady- has all his weapons available
2. Peyton Manning- Marvin's return a boost
3. Drew Brees- has to get off to a better start
4. Tony Romo- could easily move up to #2
5. Carson Palmer- better than last year.
6. Derek Anderson- better than last year
7. Donovan McNabb- stays healthy he's #5
8. Ben Rothlisberger- was 4th last year
9. Jay Cutler- Marshall out for 2 games
10. Marc Bulger- came up big in preseason #3
11. Matt Schaub- has weapons
12. David Garrard- McNabb-lite.
13. Philip Rivers- might surprise
14. Brett Favre- we'll see
15. Matt Hasselbeck- needs Branch

Others: E. Manning, Kitna, Young, Campbell,
Warner, Delhomme, Garcia.

Steals: Garrard, Rivers.

Late Breaking News: There has to be something up
when a team like the Ravens is not looking at someone
like Daunte Culpepper as a short term answer at QB.
Even if Troy Smith is healthy for week 1, it would seem
that Baltimore would want to start the season with a
more seasoned QB. Logically, they would not have drafted
Flacco if they thought Smith was the answer. When the
Raiders and Seahawks hook up Friday for the final game
of the preseason neither Hasselbeck or Russell will be
QBing. Hasselbeck is still dealing with back problems and
JaMarcus is being held out as a precaution.

Preseason Week 4/ Grades-QB:

A:
A. Rodgers- 1/1, 68, TD

B:
D. Garrard- 5/8, 58, TD/Int
B. Quinn- 6/8, 63
B. Croyle- 3/4, 42

C:
J. Flacco- 8/13, 72

D:
V. Young- 13/27, 134, 3 rushes/57

F:
M. Ryan- 2/7, 17
K. Orton- 2/4, 25, Int

Comments: Rodgers made 1 pass and connected
with Jennings for a 68 yard score. Vince Young
was dreadful again but had 57 rushing yards. He
should not be owned. Garrard was pedestrian but
has upside.


Running Backs: Rankings

1. LaDainian Tomlinson- 1
2. Adrian Peterson- 1A
3. Steven Jackson- if he signs on.
4. Joseph Addai- very consistent
5. Brian Westbrook- amazing/injury risk
6. Frank Gore- look for a rebound w/Martz
7. Marion Barber- he's the man
8. Larry Johnson- still has the juice
9. Jamal Lewis- fantastic 2007
10. Clinton Portis- could easily move up
11. Marshawn Lynch- nice rookie season
12. Michael Turner- if Atlanta can block
13. Ryan Grant- marked man w/Rodgers
14. Darren McFadden- could easily move up
15. Maurice-Jones Drew- moves up with lead role.
16. Earnest Graham- solid #2 RB
17. Willis McGahee- new offense/knee issues
18. Brandon Jacobs- Droughns/Bradshaw
19. Edgerrin James- will be available rd. 3/4
20. Ricky Williams- moving up fast
21. Willie Parker- moves up w/goal line touches
22. Chris Perry- has to fend off Rudi Johnson
23. LenDale White- plowshare is useful
24. Reggie Bush- runs scared/receptions yards useful
25. Laurence Maroney- underutilized by Belichick

Others: T. Jones, J. Stewart/Williams, Forte/
K. Jones, S. Young/A. Hall, K. Smith, Taylor,
J. Jones/Morris, Fargas, C. Johnson, C. Brown
/Slaton/Green, McAllister/P. Thomas, R. Brown
L. Jordan, R. Johnson, Bradshaw, Hightower,
R. Rice, Sproles.

Steals: C. Perry, J. Jones, Slaton, K. Jones.

Late Breaking News: Bad news for Steve Slaton
owners. Ahman Green has restructured his deal to
stay in Houston. Rudi Johnson did not play which
probably indicates that his days in Cincinnati are
over. Willis McGahee is still limping and is likely to
miss the opener.

Preseason Week 4/Grades-RB: (excludes top 10)

A:
R. Brown- 12/47, TD
R. Rice- 7/35, rec 2/6
W. Parker- 4/34
B. Jacobs- 3/32
L. Jordan- 6/27, rec 1/23

B:
M. Turner- 4/18
M. Forte- 2/8, rec 1/17

C:
R. Mendenhall- 21/79, fumble
C. Perry- 9/20, TD
L. White- 16/54
C. Johnson- 8/24

D:
A. Bradshaw- 12/30, rec 1/8
D. McAllister- 11/30, rec 2/2

F:
L. Maroney- 4/5

Comments: Maroney has had a tough preseason.
He's a good back trapped in an unpredictable system.
Ronnie Brown had a solid performance likely creating
a true timeshare with Ricky Williams. Ray Rice is
in position to start week 1 as McGahee is still limping.
It's week 2 that has fantasy players guessing. If Rice
comes up big it might render McGahee expendable.
Willie Parker has looked good while Michael Turner
could be looking at 25 touches a game with inexperienced
Matt Ryan at the helm. The Tennessee tandem of White
and Johnson were completely stymied by Green Bay.


Wide Receivers: Rankings

1. Randy Moss- comparable to 2007
2. Terrell Owens- trails only Moss
3. Reggie Wayne- elite last season
4. Larry Fitzgerald- gets better in 08
5. Braylon Edwards- was 3rd last season
6. Brandon Marshall- big time player
7. Marques Colston- Brees go to WR
8. T.J. Houshmandzadeh- money
9. Andre Johnson- needs to stay healthy
10. Steve Smith- misses 2 starts
11. Torry Holt- not done yet
12. Plaxico Burress- ankle has improved
13. Anquan Boldin- great #2
14. Wes Welker- slot supreme
15. Chad Johnson- labrum tear
16. Marvin Harrison- Marv at 16
17. Santonio Holmes- could move up
18. Calvin Johnson- big time upside
19. Greg Jennings- Rodgers prime target
20. Roy Williams- always disappoints
21. Chris Chambers- enigmatic
22. Lee Evans- needs chemistry w/Edwards
23. Hines Ward- steady
24. Roddy White- Redman/Ryan inhibitors
25. Jericho Cotchery- nice #3
26. Dwayne Bowe- lacks a QB
27. Anthony Gonzalez- could easily move up
28. Vincent Jackson- big target, soft hands
29. Devin Hester- moves way up as a #1 WR.
30. Santana Moss- inconsistent
31. Ted Ginn- moves up w/Pennington
32. DeSean Jackson- has a bit of magic
33. Joey Galloway- back at practice
34. Donald Driver- Favre free hurts him
35. Jerry Porter- returns to practice next week.

Others: Hackett, Coles, J. Walker, Crayton,
Branch, Burleson, Mason, Hardy, Meachem,
Bruce, Walter, Berrian, Darrell Jackson,
Curtis, R. Davis.

Steals: DeSean Jackson, Branch, Porter.

Late Breaking News- Brandon Marshall had his
suspension reduced to 1 game. Bernard Berrian sat
out again last night with turf toe.


Preseason Week 4/Grades-WR: (excludes top 5)

A:
G. Jennings- 1/68, TD
T. Williamson- 4/84, TD

B:
J. Hardy- 2/30
M. Jones- 3/38

C:
D. Bowe- 1/11

D:

F:

Comments: Troy Williamson came up big in
Jacksonville's preseason finale. He's worth a
very late round flier. James Hardy got some PT
and will be a red zone threat for the Bills. He'll
have some value as a #3 if he can secure the spot
opposite Lee Evans. Dwayne Bowe is a tough
call this season but if he's a #3 you could do worse.


Tight Ends: Rankings

1. Jason Witten- Gates heir apparent
2. Antonio Gates- still the best/sore toe
3. Kellen Winslow- soldier
4. Jeremy Shockey- Brees a big +
5. Chris Cooley- consistent scorer
6. Tony Gonzalez- needs a QB
7. Vernon Davis- on the Martz merry go round
8. Dallas Clark- injury prone but huge upside
9. Randy McMichael- OC Saunders likes TE's
10. Heath Miller- red zone monster
11. Alge Crumpler- Young will target him
12. Owen Daniels- useful
13. Tony Scheffler- could move up
14. L.J. Smith- must stay healthy
15. Todd Heap- seemingly never healthy

Others: Boss, Lee, Watson, Olsen, Royal,
Z. Miller, J. Carlson.

Steals: Crumpler, McMichael, L.J. Smith.

Late Breaking News: Mike Martz expects Vernon
Davis to make big plays downfield although he may have
fewer receptions. Martz admires Davis' blocking ability.
Great Mike, a blocking TE in fantasy football. Jeremy
Shockey sat last night meaning he has not played one
snap during the preseason. It remains to be seen if he'll
be on the Saints injury report.

Preseason Week 4/Grades-TE: (excludes top 3)

A:

B:
G. Olsen- 1/21

C:

D:

F:

Comments: Pretty solid crop of TE's after the
top 4. You can wait until round 10, at the minimum,
and still get a serviceable player.


Kickers: Rankings

1. Nick Folk- lots of chances with Big D
2. Josh Brown- superb kicker in Dome
3. Kris Brown- finished 8th in points in 07
4. Shayne Graham- money
5. Phil Dawson- great offense/bad weather
6. Adam Vinatieri- bounce back year
7. Nate Kaeding- Chargers will be better
8. Mason Crosby- depends on Rodgers
9. Stephen Gotkowski- needs a few more FG's
10. Martin Gramatica- great offense/dome
11. Jason Elam- kicking in Georgia Dome
12. Neil Rackers- may return to 06 form
13. Rob Bironas- hasn't kicked since Pro Bowl
14. Robbie Gould- Bears offense weak
15. Ryan Longwell- inconsistent offense

Other: Suisham, Nugent, Tynes, Mare,
Reed, Janikowski, Kasey, Bryant, Akers,
Scobee, Hanson, Coutu, Carpenter.

Steal: Gramatica

Week 4 News: Jason Hanson seems to be ready
for the regular season.

Preseason Week 4/Grades-K: (excludes top 5)

A:
R. Gould- 3/3 (48/46)
J. Kasay- 3/3 (48)
M. Stover- 3/3 (48)
J. Reed- 4/5 ( 4 over 40/ missed 40)

B:
D. Akers- 2/2 (40)
R. Lindell- 2/2 (45)

C:

D:
M. Bryant- 3/5 (40/ missed 36,54)

F:

Comments: If you're not inclined to reach for
Nick Folk, who's likely to lead in kicking points,
there are several good kickers who can help you
to a championship.


Defenses: Rankings

1. San Diego- should repeat as #1
2. Minnesota- Allen will help CB's
3. New England- healthy upfront
4. Seattle- weak division/great pressure
5. Pittsburgh- only with Polamalu
6. Indianapolis- if Freeney/Sanders-100%
7. Dallas- improves with Pacman Jones
8. Green Bay- has the tools
9. Philadelphia- Samuel helps
10. Tampa Bay- will be better in 08
11. Jacksonville- on the cusp
12. Tennessee- needs Haynesworth
13. N.Y. Giants- may drop further
14. Chicago- for old times sake
15. Arizona- decent preseason

Others: Denver, Buffalo, Washington
Baltimore.

Steals: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh

Late Breaking News: Lofa Tatupu has a bone
bruise but will be starting at linebacker for Seattle
in their opener.

Preseason Week 4/Grades-DEF:

A:
Jacksonville- held Washington to 14 yards in 3 series
Green Bay- stymied Tennessee's tandem RB's (24/79).

B:

C:

D:

*ypc- yards per carry
*ypa- yards per attempt

Comments: Green Bay looks like a solid defense in a
very weak conference. Nice pick later in the draft.


Bye Weeks:

Week 4: Lions, Colts, Dolphins, Patriots, Giants, Seahawks
Week 5: Browns, Raiders, Rams, Jets
Week 6: Bills, Titans, Chiefs, Steelers
Week 7: Falcons, Eagles, Cards, Jaguars
Week 8: Bears, Bengals, Broncos, Packers, Vikings, Texans
Week 9: Saints, Chargers, 49ers, Panthers
Week 10: Cowboys, Buccaneers, Redskins, Ravens

Bye week management is critical to a successful draft. It's
mandatory that you consider bye weeks when drafting your
team to avoid having multiple starters on bye any given week
basically forfeiting your chance to win that week. There are
only 14 regular season games in standard fantasy football
league seasons so you can hardly give away any and expect
to make the playoffs. For example if you're lucky enough to
get Adrian Peterson early in round 1 you may pass on Rudi
Johnson and opt for Graham, Jacobs, Brown or James at the
bottom of the 2nd or top of the 3rd round. If it's too good to
pass on such as Westbrook and Turner then make certain
that your reserve running backs are not off on the same week.
Also, if you can select a tight end, a kicker and a defense with
different bye weeks you'll only need 1 flex spot on your roster
to cover all 3 byes.

Draft Strategy:

It all begins with mock drafts. Try to participate in at least 3
approximately 2 days before your actual draft. Enter each
draft from a different position, one at the top, one middle,
one at the bottom, if possible. Print the results of each and
study patterns that emerge consistently especially in the
middle rounds. Look at positions primarily to see if QB's
are going late, WR's early and which running backs are
falling. Make note of which and when the top 4 defenses
are coming off the board as well as the tight end distribution.

Try to use the 1st 6 mock rounds to grab you're starters at RB,
WR and QB but be flexible as to the order you use to achieve
this objective. Most experts recommend you pick the best 2
RB's available with your 1st picks and it's a sound practice.
However depending on the nature of the draft it may be
prudent to go RB, WR, WR, RB, QB, WR/RB. You've got to
recognize opportunities in the skill positions. As an example
you may pick early and grab Addai but as you come back
around the RB choices could be Rudi Johnson, Jacobs and
Maroney. It might be wise to grab Edwards and Fitzgerald
and with the 4th pick reach for James or Willie Parker. The
combinations are infinite so having a good handle on how
players will come off the board will give you a real advantage
on draft day. Mock drafting from different positions allows
for the formulation of diverse plans and contingencies. You
are now ready for your live draft.

Plot your draft. Typically your draft position will be revealed
approximately 30 minutes before going live. Use this time to
game plan. If you have the 7th pick your game plan may look
something like this: Rd 1- Larry Johnson, Rd 2- Terrell Owens,
Rd 3- Chad Johnson, Rd 4- Edgerrin James, Rd 5- McNabb, Rd
6-Santonio Holmes, Rd 7- Kevin Jones, Rd 8- Cotchery, Rd 9-
Jerry Porter, Rd 10- Tampa Bay, Rd 11- McMichael, Rd 12-
Steve Slaton, Rd 13- Nate Kaeding , Rd 14- Jeff Garcia, Rd 15-
flex. Looking at this game plan from a bye week perspective;
L. Johnson/Holmes week 6, McNabb/James week 7, Owens/
Tampa Bay week 10 are spaced perfectly with reserve RB K.
Jones off on week 8, Cotchery off on week 5 and Garcia sitting
week 10. The flex play will allow for bye week replacement of
TE/K/DEF which are on bye week 5/9/10 respectively. It's
this type of roadmap that will provide the direction that you'll
need when the draft goes off course which it invariably does.

Make certain you check NFL news before the draft to assess
a players availability. An injured or suspended player may
drop appreciably on draft boards and could represent a
steal or a bust on draft day. Whenever possible join leagues
that draft after the 3rd pre-season game as typically teams
will extend their starters in this game and use them prudently,
if at all, in the final exhibition game.

Lastly try not to have pages of notes to work as your guide.
A one pager with bye weeks, the game plan, the top players
by position and sleepers is all that you'll need to make sound
decisions in 90 second intervals.


Updates to the Rankings and News will occur daily
reflecting training camp and preseason activities
through August 31st.

The 2008 Regular Season site will go live on:

September 1st at 10am EST.