The 2008 RGF Football Draft

-Christopher Dutra

Draft Order -

1. The Kingdom
2. The Avengers – Brian “Beans” Dutra, Senior Editor
3. To be Announced
4. Fumbleruski Fumblaya (via video feed in Kansas)
5. Some Nice Treats – James McPartlin, VP
6. Auburn Tigers – Chris Dutra, President / CEO
7. Butts
8. Don’t Tread on Me
9. Stayin’ Alive – Dave Lewis, VP
10. Free Mike Vick – Sean Dutra, Senior Writer
11. Grand Funk Railroad – The Booch, Commish of RGF Football
12. Team Ramrod

Pre-Draft Commentary

Everyone’s waiting on the last two players to get here. Really stormy out at the moment. Shav (Fumbleruski Fumbalya) is connected from Kansas via live video feed. This is a definite upgrade after trying to call in my picks via AIM from NJ. I ended up driving to Boston for this draft. I couldn’t handle trying to do this again via the computer.

There is a lot of speculation of where Tom Brady is going to go. At this point, since I’m in the 6 spot, it makes a huge deal…Finally they show up. The draft has started!

(my picks in bold) – commentary on my picks in italics
Round 1

1. Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings
2. Ladanian Tomlinson, RB San Diego Chargers
3. Tom Brady, QB New England Patriots
4. Brian Westbrook, RB Philadelphia Eagles
5. Steven Jackson, RB Saint Louis Rams
6. Joseph Addai, RB Indy – Best available pick here. Would have liked to have seen Jackson available but Addai is a safer pick. Should give great production.
7. Peyton Manning, QB Indy
8. Randy Moss, WR New England
9. Marshawn Lynch, RB Buffalo Bills
10. Clinton Portis, RB Washington Redskins
11. Frank Gore, RB San Francisco
12. Larry Johnson, RB KC

Round 2
13. Marion Barber, RB Dallas
14. Willis McGahee, RB Baltimore
15. Terrell Owens, WR Dallas
16. Laurence Maroney, RB New England
17. Maurice Jones Drew, RB Jacksonville
18. Willie Parker, RB Pittsburgh
19. Ryan Grant, RB Green Bay – WOW. Grabbing a faller! Not even for a bad reason! I thought he would go early second at worst, but after Maroney and Willie Parker get drafted, I snag some great value. Emotional high of the draft.
20. Reggie Wayne, WR Indy
21. Tony Romo, QB Dallas
22. Ronnie Brown, RB Miami
23. Drew Brees, QB New Orleans
24. Brandon Jacobs, RB NYG

Round 3
25. Braylon Edwards, WR Cleveland
26. Andre Johnson, WR Houston
27. T.J. Houshmanzadeh, WR Cincinatti
28. Steve Smith, WR Carolina
29. Larry Fitzgerald, WR Arizona
30. Marques Colston, WR NO - Another player that fell a few draft picks. Great speed, should be open a lot more with Shockey in NO (see later).
31. Torry Holt, WR Saint Louis
32. Plaxico Burress WR NYG
33. Jamal Lewis, RB Cleveland
34. Michael Turner, RB ATL
35. Reggie Bush, RB NO
36. Chad Johnson, WR Cinci

Round 4
37. Wes Welker, WR New England
38. Roy Williams, WR Detroit
39. Earnest Graham, RB Tampa Bay
40. Greg Jennings, WR Green Bay
41. Darren McFadden, RB Oakland
42. Fred Taylor, RB Jacksonville
43. Anquan Boldin, WR Arizona Cardinals – Wasn’t exactly happy about this pick. Looking for some hope that he will play pissed off and on a mission to snag a huge deal with another team. Maybe he is trade bait…
44. Santonio Holmes, WR Pittsburgh
45. Brandon Marshall, WR Denver
46. Antonio Gates, TE San Diego
47. Julius Jones, RB Seattle
48. Rudi Johnson, RB Cincinatti

Round 5
49. Marvin Harrison, WR Indy
50. Santana Moss, WR Washington
51. Calvin Johnson, WR Detroit
52. Kevin Smith, RB Detroit
53. Ben Rothlisberger, QB Pittsburgh
54. Derek Anderson, QB Cleveland – I called this pick months ago. Waiver wire pickup for me last year. I hope he leads this team to the playoffs. Should continue to produce.
55. Dwayne Bowe, WR KC
56. Lee Evans, WR Buffalo
57. Hines Ward, WR Pittsburgh
58. Roddy White, WR ATL
59. Jason Witten, TE Cowboys
60. Lendale White, RB Tennesee

Round 6
61. Bobby Engram, WR Seattle
62. Edgerrin James, RB Arizona
63. Jonathan Stewart, RB Carolina
64. Kevin Cutris, WR Philly
65. Thomas Jones, RB NYJ
66. Dallas Clark, TE Ind
67. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears RB - Note how I grabbed another faller in the draft. Sick pickup, should be a top rookie out of the draft.
68. Rashard Mendenhall, RB Pittsburgh
69. Selvin Young, RB Denver
70. DeAngelo Williams, RB Carolina
71. Joey Galloway, WR Tampa Bay
72. Chris Cooley, TE Washington

Round 7
73. Carson Palmer, QB Cincinatti
74. Chester Taylor, RB Minnesota
75. Jerricho Cotchery, WR NYJ
76. Kellen Winslow, TE Cleveland
77. Felix Jones, RB Dallas
78. Jeremy Shockey, TE NO - He jumped right onto my draft board as soon as I heard he was dealt to the Saints. The only player I overdrafted because I knew Lewis was taking him at 81.
79. Anthony Gonzalez, WR IND
80. Jerious Norwood, RB ATL
81. Bernard Berrian, WR Minnesota
82. Javon Walker, WR OAK
83. Chris Chambers, WR San Diego
84. Tony Gonzalez, TE KC

Round 8
85. Matt Hasselbeck, QB Seattle
86. Donald Driver, WR Green Bay
87. Donovan McNabb, QB Philadephia
88. Todd Heap, TE Baltimore
89. Minnesota Defense, DEF
90. Patrick Crayton, WR DAL
91. Laverneus Coles, WR NYJ - Second best steal of the draft, in my mind. Weird that Cotchery went before him a round ago. Happy he landed on my team at this stage. Can’t complain about a starting WR as your #3 at this stage of the game.
92. Nate Burleson, WR Seattle
93. Reggie Williams, WR Jax
94. San Diego Defense, SD
95. Heath Miller, TE Pittsburgh
96. Derek Mason, WR Baltimore

Round 9
97. Giants DEF- NYG
98. David Gerrard – QB JAX
99. Nick Folk – K Dallas
100. Jake Delhomme – QB Carolina
101. Justin Fargas- RB Oakland
102. Reggie Brown – WR Philadelphia – Listed as the #1 WR in Philly! McNabb has a good year, I have a nice backup option in my flex should Forte have trouble out of the gate. Extreme value here in the later rounds.
103. Ted Ginn Jr. – WR Miami
104. Eli Manning – QB NYG
105. Jay Cutler – QB Denver
106. Jabar Gaffney – WR
107. DJ Hackett – WR Seattle
108. Ahman Green – RB Houston

Round 10.
109. New England Defense- NE
110. Donte Stallworth – WR Cleveland
111. Cowboys Defense – Dallas
112. Marc Bulger- QB STL
113. Vincent Jackson – WR SD
114. Seattle Defense
115. Deuce MacAllister- RB NO I sometimes take a couple risk picks in the 2nd half of the draft. This is one of them. Deuce if healthy could see goal line duty . I’m perfectly fine with that.
116. Ryan Torrain – RB DEN
117. Drew Bennett – WR
118. Leon Washington – RB NYJ
119. Chicago Defense – CHI
120. Bryant Johnson – WR ARI

Round 11
121. Warrick Dunn – RB TB
122. Sidney Rice – WR MIN
123. Jerry Porter – WR JAX
124. Shayne Graham – K Cin
125. Jason Campbell – QB Washington
126. Phillip Rivers – QB San Diego – I don’t think you can ask for a better backup QB at this point. Should Anderson falter, its a solid QB.
127. Mason Crosby – K Green Bay
128 . Ricky Williams – RB Miami
129. Sammy Morris – RB New England
130. Vernon Davis – TE SF
131. Matt Schaub – QB Houston
132. Vince Young – QB Tennesee

Round 12
133. Antwan Randle El – WR Washington
134. Ahmad Bradshaw – RB NYG
135. Kevin Jones – RB Chi
136 . Kenny Watson – RB CIN
137. Donald Lee – TE Green Bay
138. DeShaun Foster – RB Carolina
139 . Pittsburgh Defense – PIT - Snagged a top 10 defense. Should be interesting to see how they pan out, as their defense certainly isn’t getting any younger.
140. Alge Crumpler – TE
141. Justin Gage – WR TEN
142. Tatum Bell – RB Det
143. Ladell Betts – RB Watson
144. John Kitna – QB Detroit

Round 13
145. Steven Gostkowski – K NE
146. David Patten -WR NO
147. Issac Bruce – WR STL
148. Kolby Smith – RB KC
149. Green Bay Defense – GB
150. Darrell Jackson – WR DEN – Stupid pick in the draft. I could have done way better.
151. Mark Clayton – WR BAL
152. Mushin Mohammed – WR
153. Michael Bush – RB OAK
154. Steve Slaton – RB HOU
155. Pierre Thomas – RB NO
156. Adam Vinetari – K IND

Round 14
157. Antonio Bryant -
158. Philly Defense
159 . Devin Hester
160. Steve Smith – NYG
161. Correll Buckhalter – RB PHI
162. Ray Rice – RB BAL
163. James Jones- WR GB - Upside pick. Could have potential and eventually will replace the aging Driver.
164. Ronald Curry – WR OAK
165. Randy McMichael – TE
166. Amani Toomer – WR NYG
167. Greg Olsen
168.

Round 15
169. Darren Sprowles
170. Limas Sweed
171. Aaron Rodgers
172. Greg Jones
173. Tim Hightower
174. Lamont Jordan – RB NE Just signed with the Patriots recently, and from the way training camp is going he has the potential to do some serious shifting in the lineup. Maroney and Morris are in for a training camp battle. Sleeper pick to the max.
175. Matt Lienart
176. Ron Bironas
177. Nate Kaeding
178. Sean Alexander
179. Robbie Gould
180. Chris Brown RB Tenn

Round 16.
181. Joe Juerivicius – WR CLE
182. Trent Edwards – QB Bills
183. JaMarcus Russell – QB Raiders
184. JAX Defense
185. Brett Farve
186. Joe Flacco
187. Deion Branch – I will eventually have to drop someone for a kicker, but I hold onto him as a nice fill in week 9 should he be healthy.
188. Chad Jackson
189. Baltimore Defense
190. Derrick Ward
191. Phil Dawson
192. Kevin Boss

Top 5 Greatest Superbowl Upsets

By Dave Lewis – VP / Operations

Since Super Bowl 42 there has been a lot of talk about which Super Bowl upset is the greatest. To determine an upset, the underdog must obviously win and the underdog must be beat a double digit favorite. The underdog must also have been disrespected by the fans and media with no one believing the underdog could pull off the upset. So with some opinion – and facts to back those opinions – here are the Top 5 Super Bowl upsets.

5. Super Bowl 32: Denver Broncos defeating the Green Bay Packers 31-24. The Green Bay Packers were the defending Super Bowl Champions and were an 11 point favorite before the game. Many people wanted to see John Elway finally win his first Super Bowl, but it seemed he was about to go 0-4 in the big game. However, in one of the greatest Super Bowls ever, Elway – with the help of Terrell Davis (the game’s MVP) – was able to finally win a Super Bowl and upset the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers.

4. Super Bowl 4: Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Minnesota Vikings 23-7. The AFL was the inferior league. There was no way the AFL could beat the NFL in the Super Bowl in back to back years. The Vikings were a 12.5 favorite entering Super Sunday and was set to dethrone the AFL’s reign of the Super Bowl. The Chiefs had different plans. Coached by the infamous Hank Stram, the Chiefs embarrassed the Vikings with a 23-7 performance. The Chiefs victory gave the AFL the Super Bowl title for the second straight year and led to the NFL merger the next year. This upset didn’t just change the Super Bowl, it changed the entire NFL.

3. Super Bowl 42: New York Giants defeating the New England Patriots 17-14. Most people would put this upset at #1 and almost everyone would put it at #2. However, this upset wasn’t that shocking. Yes, the Giants defeated a perfect 18-0 Patriots team. Yes, they overcame the largest win differential among teams to play against each other in the playoffs with 6 less wins then the Patriots. But after the week 17 match where the Giants lost by only 3 points, most people were on the Giants bandwagon. The poll on ESPN.com had the Patriots by less than a 2-1 favorite in the popular vote. Also, the loser of a rematch in the Super Bowl has won more times that the team that won in the first game. Even though the Giants were a 12 point underdog, both the #1 and #2 upsets were a bigger underdog and had less fans believing they could win.

2. Super Bowl 36: New England Patriots defeating the St. Louis Rams 20-17. The Rams were the greatest show on turf. They were 14-2 in the regular season and won the Super Bowl 2 years prior. There was no way a bunch of no-name rejects from a cold weather city was about to beat the Rams in the Super Bowl – especially in a dome where they had lost two Super Bowls previously. The odds were stacked against them. As a 14 point underdog the Patriots entered Super Bowl 36 with a no-name defense and a quarterback that most thought wouldn’t make it in the NFL. No one thought the Patriots had a chance in this game. They had already lost to the Rams 24-17 in the regular season, and that was in bad weather in Foxboro. The Patriots defense didn’t care about the greatest show on turf or what happened in the past. They manhandled the Rams offense and shut them down to just 3 points in the first three quarters of the game. The Patriots were about to blow them out when Tebucky Jones returned a fumble recovery for 95 yards and a touchdown to give the Patriots a three touchdown lead early in the 4^th quarter. The play was reversed though on a holding penalty on the other side of the field and the Rams scored that drive, lessening the lead to just 7. The Rams scored again and tied the game with less than 2 minutes. Brady took the ball and the rest is history. The Patriots weren’t supposed to win that game, but this is why the game is played on the field and not in the newspapers.

1. Super Bowl 3: New York Jets defeating the Baltimore Colts 16-7. The Colts were supposed to be the greatest team of all time. They had won 28 of their last 30 games heading into Super Bowl 3. The Jets from the AFL were from an inferior conference. They were 18 point underdogs and most wondered if the game would even be close. Why should it have been? In the two previous Super Bowls the NFL team blew out the AFL team, winning by 25 and 19. However, it all changed when Joe Namath guaranteed a victory in what will go down as the greatest guarantee ever. Namath was true to his words and not only beat the Colts, but absolutely embarrassed them. This game could have easily have been a shutout if the Colts didn’t score with only 3:19 left in the game. By that point, the game was well out of hand and the Jets went on to finish the upset. This game was not only the greatest upset, but probably the most important game in NFL history. If the AFL had lost the Super Bowl for the 3^rd straight year they were going to pull out of the Super Bowl until they could compete with the NFL. If it wasn’t for this upset the NFL that we know today would be completely different – and it’s possible we could have a league without a Super Bowl.

As great as some of the upsets on this list are, none have the impact that Super Bowl 3 had on the game. The Giants upset in Super Bowl 42 won’t be the last, but it won’t be the greatest either. No upset will ever have the impact that Super Bowl 3 had on the NFL and still has on it this day.

Anquan Boldin wants out of Arizona

Chris Dutra

Anquan Boldin told reporters today that he does not want to resign with the Cardinals, citing his complete unhappiness with contract negotiations. Could this open doors for trade talk? A number of teams could use the two-time pro bowler from Florida State.

Fantasy Outlook: Since there is no reason to believe Boldin will not play this season, draft him as you would normally. Honestly, the Cardinals need their offensive captain practicing, so I do not suspect Boldin to be holding out for long. No matter where he ends up, the only way he won’t produce is if he’s not on the field. Until you hear the contrary, continue to draft Boldin in the 4th or 5th round.

Super Bowl 43 will be won by the Eagles or Patriots

Dave Lewis – VP / Operations

Reasons why the Eagles will win Super Bowl 43:

• The Eagles lost 6 games last year by 8 points or less. If they win just half of those games they would have had a record of 11-5 and would be in the playoffs.

• The Eagles won their final 3 games of the season. They went into Dallas, into New Orleans and beat Buffalo; all of those games were against opponents fighting for a playoff spot or playoff position.

• In 2006 the Green Bay Packers won their final 4 games of the season. The following season they rode that momentum to a 13-3 record. The Eagles could do the same.

• When healthy, McNabb can be Superman. The first 5 games of ‘06 he threw for 288 yards or more. He did things that no other QB had done at that time during a 5 game span.

• The last 3 Super Bowl Champions have played on Wild Card Weekend in the playoffs. If Dallas ends up winning the NFC East, which is the projection of many sportswriters, then the Eagles will be playing week 1 of the playoffs.

• The NFC is overrated. Dallas was my predicted NFC Champion last year, and I wasn’t too far off with them winning the #1 Seed. I think the Cowboys are too cocky and arrogant and will implode like they have the last 2 years. I was high on Green Bay until Favre wanted to return. This could divide the locker room with sides backing Favre and others backing Rodgers. The divisions of the South and West are average in my mind. Only the Seahawks and possibly the Saints could compete with the Eagles in the playoffs. This leaves the Vikings, Giants, and Redskins as competition. The Redskins will be a good team, but not great just yet. The Giants will be the toughest match up for the Eagles but I feel like the Giants won’t make the playoffs saving the Eagles from facing the one team who could beat them in the playoffs. Lastly, there is Minnesota. They could beat the Eagles and advance to the Super Bowl only if Jackson raises his level as a QB. If not, then the Eagles will not have a team that should beat them in the NFC.

• The Eagles have reloaded through Free Agency and the Draft. Samuel will allow Jim Johnson to feel more comfortable blitzing, if that’s possible since all he does is blitz. Plus they added an 8 sack DE in Clemons. In addition they added WR Jackson and DT Laws in the draft; both of which should impact the team right away.

• Without any team in the NFC seeming unstoppable right now, I think the Eagles will surprise a lot of people and will be in Super Bowl 43.

Reasons why the Patriots will win Super Bowl 43:

• They still have most of the core group of a team that went 18-1 and was 35 seconds away from being Super Bowl Champions and accomplishing a 19-0 undefeated season.

• Their schedule is easy. Actually it’s too easy. The Patriots have the easiest schedule in the NFL this year due to the rotational basis, so no the NFL didn’t fix it so the Patriots schedule would be easy. In actuality the Patriots went 16-0 with one of the most difficult schedules in the league last year. Imagine what they will do with an easy schedule. The only games that look like the Patriots have a real shot of losing are the three prime-time road games at San Diego, Indianapolis, and Seattle.

• Their offense should be more balanced. Most people don’t realize how big Sammy Morris was to the Patriots. He was their #1 RB for a few weeks rushing for over 100yds in consecutive games. Maroney also came on late in the season rushing for over 100yds in 4 of his last 6 games and getting a TD in all 6 of those. He also did this against defenses like San Diego and Jacksonville, which boast great defense against the run.

• The Patriots finally got younger on defense. Mayo will be a big help right away and should be DROY. Wheatley should also step in as a Nickel CB and Crable could see some time at OLB.

• They’re too determined not to win. After being embarrassed by losing in the Super Bowl the Patriots are highly motivated to show the league that they are still the team to beat. After the crushing loss of the ‘06 AFC Championship game where the Patriots blew a 18 point lead, the Patriots responded by winning 18 games straight. Imagine how they will respond after losing in the Super Bowl.

Analyzing the First Round – Picks 1-4

by Chris Dutra

As training camps get underway, fantasy football leagues enter draft season. Many are done online, but some fantasy football fanatics hold live drafts. My league holds a live draft every year, which is usually held at the commissioner’s house. I’ve also heard many tales of leagues renting out banquet halls, function rooms, even conference rooms at hotels.

Regardless of where your draft takes place, there is a certain air to live drafts. 12 people aren’t sitting in front of a computer “clicking” a player because he is the best available. A live draft is different. You can go into it with a plan and realize it’s been thrown out the window by the second round. If the player you want is taken in front of you, you may not have the ability to look at the next 5 best players on Yahoo. Preparation, especially for the worst case, is vital to fantasy football success.

Ideally, the best way to plan your move is by your draft position. I divide the draft order into three columns. The first column would be for the first third of picks in a round, second being the middle third, and the last the rest of the picks. In a 12 team league, which I will use for this article, I’m talking 4-4-4.

The first round can sometimes be the most volatile. I’ve been in many a mock draft over the years, and the one thing I’ve noticed is that no first round is ever the same. It sets the tone for every draft, and your first round pick is going to be the guy carrying your team to the playoffs.

I’ve done part of the work for you. Once you know your selection, read the appropriate column to take a look at what’s in store.

Tier 1: (Picks 1-2-3-4 in a 12 team league)

This is probably the easiest tier–for the first round. However, determining the second round selection is quite difficult as you must wait 17-22 picks. Here is where you make the pick that makes you a contender.

I have two definite picks in the first tier, while the rest could be on the bubble between the first and the middle tier.

TAKE THESE PLAYERS

Adrian Peterson – RB, Minnesota Vikings.
Ladanian Tomlinson – RB, San Diego Chargers.

These is a no brainer, as every credible journalist and analyst will tell you that these two players will go 1-2. If you are sitting with the 1st or 2nd pick, you have the easiest job of the first round. Both players are the cream of the crop of running backs, and project to have lofty numbers. With the first pick, its a matter of preference. It would be wise to take the other with the second pick.

PLAYERS TO TAKE A LONG HARD LOOK AT

Brian Westbrook-RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Steven Jackson-RB, Saint Louis Rams
Joseph Addai-RB, Indianapolis Colts

The third pick probably has the toughest pick of the tier. Westbrook had an amazing season last year, and if you look past his health issues, he’s in a position to possibly be the top fantasy back this year. Steven Jackson is coming off a rough year, but that was due to practically his whole starting offensive line going down with injury. Marc Bulger’s health was also a factor last year giving defenses more freedom to stuff the run. If the Rams right the ship and stay out of the , he could break out this season. Jackson projects to be a top back this year pending the health of his line. Joseph Addai is entering his third year, and opposing defenses are always guessing with Indy’s offense. Addai gets more garbage time than the other two backs, since Indy is almost always ahead in the second half. The more touches Addai receives helps his fantasy numbers. You cannot go wrong with any of these backs at pick three or four.

DONT WASTE A PICK ON

Tom Brady-QB, New England Patriots

Now, I’m not hating on Tom or anything. But let’s be realistic. Date back to a few years ago when Peyton Manning set the single season touchdown record. The next year, Peyton was, on average, drafted in the top 3, with the expectation that he would match his numbers the year before. Many were disappointed. Do not fall for the same trap here. Tom Brady will throw more than 30-35 touchdowns this year, which is great production. But you will be sore later on in the season when Brady is not giving you the love you wanted. Also, taking a QB early in a draft cripples your running back production. I can’t imagine having to select my RB1 in the second round, which might be the 15th best back in the field! Get your RB1 solidified before others do.

Where will Favre end up?

by Chris Dutra

Who knew an “itch” would lead to such a huge news story.

I’m not talking about last year’s virus-laden mosquito population, rather Brett Favre’s “itch” to play football again for the 2008 season. According to reports and an interview with Fox sports, Favre is only guilty of “retiring early”. While that statement is open to discussion (a 17-year career is often really long for linemen), its important to consider a few points.

1) Favre has the potential to be a fantasy stud-no matter where he plays. This is a guaranteed first-ballot hall-of-fame inductee. I don’t care if his offense is filled with the cast from Heavyweights. He finds a way to win games, score points, and create great offensive production. That will equal fantasy production.

2) Teams that are not solid at the QB position would be mindless not to make an offer at Favre. Granted, this is if the Packers release his contract or attempt to trade him. He has 1 year left on his contract, which means no team needs to eat up a huge amount of money for him. The Baltimore Ravens were reportedly “not interested” in making an offer for Favre. Have fun running a miserable offense with Kyle Boller at the helm and no John Ogden to block for you. I think Joe Flacco is not the immediate answer and will not be under center come week 1. If I was running the Ravens, having Brett Favre at the helm at week one gives makes my team not only a contender, but gives Flacco a hall-of-fame caliber QB to learn from! If Flacco is your future, give him the chance to learn from the best.

Update: apparently, Minnesota Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell did not like the Viking’s chances with Tavaris Jackson, as reports are coming out that he talked Brett Favre out of retirement and gave him the “itch” to return again. Needless to say, the addition of Brett Favre to the Vikings would solidify the QB position (and Lambeau Field would mercilessly be burnt to the ground in an ensuing riot).

If Favre signs with a team, take a long hard look at him as a QB. He’s not just going to sign with any team, it will be one that will give him the best shot at winning a championship. If he surrounds himself with the right personnel, you can expect the same fantasy production as last year. But, that’s a lot of “if’s”. Do not move until everything is in place. Favre must sign and be named the starter with a contending team in order to consider him on your league’s draft day.

3) Aaron Rodgers fantasy stock = … ? Does the media frenzy behind Brett Favre turn into a training camp nightmare for the Packers? Can Aaron Rodgers, who has been waiting for the starting job a couple of years now, survive the storm already brewing before the Pack take the field? In my opinion, If your league draft’s early, there are way to many distractions in that camp to even consider drafting Aaron Rodgers in your draft. That being said, I believe there is some legit fantasy value if Rodgers can avoid all the drama, get to work, and ends up being under center for the start of the season.

Satisfied Shockey to Saints

James McPartlin, Vice President- Editor

The troublesome tight end, Jeremy Shockey of the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants was traded today to the New Orleans Saints for a second and fifth round draft picks in the 2009 NFL Draft. This trade worked out for both sides. The Giants received draft picks which should help add depth next year after an off season where the team did lose three key starting defensive players safety Gibril Wilson and linebackers Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor.

Jeremy Shockey was disgruntled over his role in New York. The Giants valued Shockey as a run blocker and Shockey wanted to be used as a down field threat. Under Quarterback Drew Brees, who at one time had a man crush on tight end Antonio Gates, Shockey should not have a problem with getting the ball. The Saints offense should be as potent as ever with the addition of Shockey.

Drew Brees and Sean Payton get a new offensive weapon, the Giants get rid of the disgruntled tight end and get a second and fifth round selection in next years draft, and Shockey gets to be used in a more pass happy offense. Everyone is happy including fantasy owners who should take note and advantage of this development.

Jason Taylor dances to DC

Brett Hertel – Staff Writer

After months of speculation about the former Dancing with the Stars runner-up, Bill parcells finally unloaded the veteran defensive end. And to no surprise, it was Daniel Synder who ponied up the necessary draft picks.

The Washington Redskins sent a 2009 Second Round pick along with a 2010 6th Rounder to Miami. For now, this deal looks like a solid trade for both teams. The Dolphins can finally move on and focus on real problems, like their lack of a quarterback.

But, more importantly, the Redskins made a statement in the NFC East. In arguably the most competitive division in the NFL, the Skins upgraded their biggets weakness from last year. With an already solidified secondary, the addition of Taylor will balance out the front seven. The bigest mystery will be if the aging veteran can stay healthy over the final two years of his contract.

In terms of fantasy, the Redskins defense can now move into the top ten. Not only will Taylor improve on sacks per game, but he will protect the secondary by getting the quarterback more. Last season, the Skins ranked 16th in sacks and 12th in forced fumbles, two numbers that should increase. If Taylor can indirectly help the secondary (23rd in picks), watch out.

Bears sign FA Jones to a One Year Deal

by, James McPartlin, Senior Vice President- Editor

The Chicago Bears and former Lions running back, Kevin Jones agreed to a one year deal on July 15, 2008. Jones is a very versatile back when healthy. Jones should really hurt the value of Matt Forte who saw a temporary spike in fantasy value after the release of the disappointing Cedric Benson. Kevin Jones’s 8 TDs last season indicate that he could see some goal line duty is the Bears offense is capable of making it to the goal line. The details of the Jones deal have not been disclosed at this time.

Jimmy’s Fantasy Football Busts, Gambles and Sleepers 2008

by, James McPartlin, Senior Vice President- Editor

The Fourth of July is now in the rear view mirror and the dog days of summer are among us. With autumn rapidly approaching, the only thing to look forward to (besides days filled with beautiful weather and baseball) is the upcoming 2008 Football Season. Training Camps are getting underway, as are the utmost important Fantasy Football Draft preparations. Here is a list of players, fantasy participants may want to target, avoid or roll the dice on.

Fantasy Busts

If you are looking for players to avoid, who should disappoint you based on their production last year these are the players that are not worth the selections they receive.
Quarterbacks

Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Before anyone disregards this pick as a bust know that he is not a traditional bust at all. Brady finished out the 2007 season with 398/578 for 4,806 yards (#3 all-time) and 50 touchdowns (#1 all time) versus 8 interceptions, a 117.2 passer rating (#2 all-time) and 398 completions (5th all-time). The odds of Tom Brady having another year like last year are not very good. Tom Brady will have Peyton Manning numbers next year which is still considered the best statistics you can expect from a quarterback however Brady is being selected in the early/mid First round of fantasy drafts and Peyton Manning respectively is being taken in the second round. Get the most value for your pick in drafts.

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Big Ben had a big year last year throwing, a career high, 32 touchdowns. Roethlisberger’s spike in TD production was the result of Pittsburgh running backs being end zone-intolerant. But this year the Steelers will perform their 2006 New York Giants impression with Willie Parker Playing the role of Tiki Barber acquire yards with speed and rookie Rashard Mendenhall impersonating Brandon Jacobs as the wrecking ball that will finish off drives as opposed to watching Willie Parker fail so Rothy passes on running downs. Ben Roethlisberger will have another decent fantasy year but let other pay for his 32 Touchdown Season when realistically he’ll pass for low to mid 20’s.

Running Backs

Willie Parker

Ok no more hating on Steelers because this is still a team that will duke it out with the Cleveland Browns for the AFC North but Parker’s best Fantasy days are behind him. Rashard Mendenhall would not have been drafted in the first round by the Steelers if they thought that Parker was the complete package. Look for another decline in production from Parker this year as some fantasy owners may fall victim to name recognitions and the rapid extinction of the every down, all purpose back.

Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins

A year after Washington had everyone convinced Ladell Betts would infringe on Portis’s Fantasy value Portis silences all of his critics by having resurgence as a stud. However this occurrence will be short lived as Jim Zorn wants to get Ladell Betts more than his 93 carries last year and implant a West Coast style offense. A West Coast Style offense place more emphasis on passing then running. This should open up more running lanes for Redskin running backs who will find themselves in a Running Back By Committee (RBBC). Portis should see a significant decline in fantasy production so buying beware.

Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns

Lewis had an incredible fantasy season in 2007 leaving him no where to go but down. After back to back 9 TD years and a average of 4.4 yards a carry I don’t see Lewis staying at this pace. By kick off in September Jamal will be 29 years old and the Browns face the second most difficult schedule versus the run. Jamal had his best year in 2007 since 2003 when he broke 2000 yards and 14 TDs. It is possible for Lewis to have another viable fantasy season however the cards are stacked against him so the plausibility seems less than likely.

Edgerrin James, Arizona Cardinals

James racked up his fifth straight 1000 yard season giving him over 1000 yards in seven of his nine NFL seasons. However James’s sub 4 yards a carry average he’s received in both of his seasons since becoming a Cardinal. In September James will be on the wrong side of 30 and even further down on the downside of his career. If there is the option to select a player with more fantasy upside than James or Lewis by all means make that pick and do not reach for either of these guys.
Wide Receivers

Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons

White’s numbers from last year are not proven. White is a former first round pick that finally played up to his potential last year with sub par quarterbacks Byron Leftwich, Joy Harrington, and Chris Redman. All these quarterbacks have more NFL experience than Matt Ryan the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Mike Smith is going to build a team that will run first with Michael Turner and rely on its defense to stay in games which mean Matt Ryan should focus on his short game with dump off and short yardage passes this year. Look for White to regress this year but possibly rebound as Ryan makes the adjustment from college to the NFL level.

Fantasy Gambles

The following players are high risk high reward and should only be selected if you already have a core team of safer picks.

Quarterbacks

Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles

McNabb is a Fantasy stud when he is on the field. McNabb has played a full 16 game season three times in his nine year career. Health is a huge issue for McNabb but if he can stay healthy and play a full 16 game season look for the Eagles to win games and McNabb, Westbrook, Curtis and Brown to have commendable fantasy seasons.

Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers

Delhomme only played three games last year. During those three games he recorded a passer rating of 111.8, 624 yards 8 TD’s to only one interception. The receiving options for Delhomme got much better this year with the additions of D.J. Hackett who’s 6-2 and Muhsin Muhammed (who when las played for Carolina and Delhomme recorded 1400 yards and 16 TDs). Carolina added Jonathan Stewart to their running game through the Draft who should out play DeAngelo Williams at running back. The Carolina offense should make a name for itself in the NFC South. Delhomme just has to stay on the field and the odds are good.

Matt Schaub, Houston Texans

In Schaub’s first year as the starter for the Texans he couldn’t play all season but him and Andre Johnson made corner backs look bad when they were on the field together. If Johnson and Schuab stay healthy all year Schaub can go from backup quarterback to viable fantasy starter. The Texans are on the rise as a franchise as their defense and passing game is solidifying themselves all then need now is for the running game to play catch up.

Teams

The Cincinnati Bengals

This team seems unhappy and has a history of off field issues. They are going to be frustrated again as the Steelers and the Browns put some space in between them in the standings. Carson Palmer Chad Johnson and T. J. Houshmanzadeh are all outstanding players but they all seem frustrated with their current situations and it need to be said buyer beware. All three of these guys are fantasy all stars but if someone decided to hold out or be a distraction their value could plummet.

Denver Broncos Running Backs

Selvin Young is primed up for a breakout year. But this is the same situation Travis Henry messed up last season. The Broncos find themselves once again with a cupcake schedule versus the run. Henry exploited this last year buy being fantasy currency (at least regards to yardage) during his first 4 games only to fall off the fantasy earth after injury and off field issues destroyed his season. Young doesn’t have a Travis Henry track record or a Travis Henry # of kids. But Young is in a back field with Mike Bell and Ryan Torain and no clear cut star. Unless Mark Shanahan is a good friend or a relative of yours and you have a written and signed agreement stating which running back he will feature next year, look out for Denver running backs they are risky.

Wide Recievers

D.J. Hackett, Carolina Panthers

Hackett was supposed to cash in on Seattle’s west coast style offense last year but an ankle injury prevented him from doing so. Now Hackett comes on to a team with improve WRs and a very good complement receiver to Steve Smith. Carolina has Smith as their deep threat, Hackett as their large Red Zone target, Dwayne Jarrett and Muhsin Muhammed as their possession receivers underneath. If Jake Delhomme can’t put up good numbers with these options he should be forced to spend the 2009 off season writing out apology letters to Carolina fans, players and fantasy owners alike. Hackett should get plenty of red zone targets in this offense if he can play an entire season which a lot of Panthers and Seahawks could not do last year, which doesn’t bode well for Hackett who was a Seahawk and now resides with the Panthers.

Fantasy Sleepers

After you draft your Studs and solid picks to fill your staring roster you need to fill your bench. The bench is for handcuffs and backups if you’re not fully sold on one of your starters. If you draft your quarterback later you should plan on being the first person in your draft to select a backup quarterback. Otherwise you could possibly get away with picking up a quarterback facing a bad defense against the pass on your starters bye week. Otherwise fill your bench with sleepers and pray one of then pans out.

Quarterbacks

Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins

Jim Zorn wants to install the west coast offense which means Campbell can tap into some of his potential and find wide receivers Santana Moss and Antwan Randle El on more than just short routes underneath. In addition Zorn wants Ladell Betts to see more time and Betts has been more successful than Portis catching balls out of the backfield. Campbell is in a low risk high reward situation making him a nice sleeper.

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Aaron is inheriting a very good situation from his predecessor; the Canton bound Brett Farve if Farve ever decides to retire. Now rookie quarterbacks typically don’t perform well their first season. However Rodgers isn’t a rookie he’s been sitting on the bench for 3 years. The former first rounder, Rodgers has had the pleasure of being tutored by the best torso in football. Aarons Rodgers has the potential and the tools to pick up where Farve left off and is worth a late selection if you’re looking at backup fantasy quarterbacks.

Running Backs

Thomas Jones, New York Jets

Jones struggled in his first season with the Jets. HE was still a 1000 yard rusher but his average went from 4 yards a carry down to 3.6 and he only reached paydirt once all of last yr. Those are all characteristics of a player you don’t want to draft and Jones will be 30 in September which is the magic decline number among running backs. Jones gets a special exception because the quarterback play will improve this year (fortunately it cannot get any worse) D’Brickashaw Ferguson is coming into his third year, the Jets signed Pro Bowl wonder Alan Faneca in the off season to bolster the offensive line and the Jets signed an incredible lead blocker in full back Tony Richardson. Richardson blocked for Priest Holmes when he set the TD record at 27 in 2003(later broken by Shaun Alexander in 2005 with 28 and LaDanian Tomlinson in 2006 with 31). The acquisitions have primed Thomas Jones up for a good year. Leon Washington shows some flash and is an impressive third down back but should in no way interfere with Jones’s starter status.

Wide Recievers

Santana Moss, Washington Redskins

Moss disappeared at times in 2007 and had a very disappointing year on a whole however he should rebound in 2008 under Jim Zorn and may surprise fantasy owners. Moss has had 2 bad consecutive years with his number declining. Hopefully that is what opponents look at and Moss should be a steal in drafts.

Seattle Seahawks Recievers

Hackett is in Carolina and Dieon Branch is hurt making Bobby Engram the number 1 wide out for Seattle. However Engram is unhappy about his contract. Shaun Alexander is out, Juius Jones is in. This team will still pass. If Engram doesn’t enjoy the time Dieon is out for, Nate Burleson will reap the benefits. Watch the situation closely and take the guy #1 on the depth chart when everything settles.

So come draft day remember to take the best available studs early and to avoid risks if you can. Once you feel ready start looking at your sleepers but don’t reach get the best value for your picks. And if you still lose start you preparations for the 2009 season.