Week One NFL Game Picks

Us fans have been through a near detrimental lockout, an agonizing off-season, and a frustrating wait, but Thursday we got back to football. The words we have been waiting to hear for seven months: back to football. Oh, the sweet sound. Every fan making their picks, setting their line ups, scanning the waiver wire, asking the fantasy gods their start/sit questions, but now it is a reality. Sunday is the day. I have done almost all of that. I sit here and rank my players time and time again, pick who I would start/sit, and just talk about football. But now I have one last thing to do before football gets to a start: make my picks. I know I missed one game already, but with the Packers being my Superbowl pick I figured that you guys might now that I was going with the Pack.

Now that that game is in the past we can move on to Sunday. I'm going to give you my pick for every game, including my pick with the line, and the O/U. Not only that but I will also post the score and the fantasy impact in every game.


Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

You've gotta start your studs in week one

ESPN Preview
CBS - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Ravens by 1
Over/Under: 36
My Preview: I think the Ravens win this one although I have the Steelers winning the North. If Ravens can prevent turnovers then I think they will prevail, and I would take them with the spread too. I'm going to take the under on this game. The Steelers and Ravens always play very tight low scoring games, I would expect a little less than 36.
Fantasy Impact- I wouldn't like to have either one of these QBs this week, most people usually have better options. As for the running backs, I think everyone needs to start their studs and stop worrying about the bad match up. My sleeper for this game is Emanuel Sanders. I think he is going to find some holes in the defense and have a nice game. Also, those worried about Boldin, forget about it. He is still a decent flex play this week.
Prediction: Ravens 20, Steelers 13


Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ESPN Preview
FOX - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Buccaneers by 1
Over/Under: 41
My Preview: Believe it or not, this (in some people's minds) is a playoff match up. Neither one of these teams weren't in my playoffs, but I think both are very solid contenders. The Lions have a healthy Matthew Stafford, and for the Bucs it's another year of experience for quarterback Josh Freeman. This should be a good offense game, and I am going to go against the line and say that the Lions win this one. I think their offense is going to really impress a lot of people. I will also take the over on 41. Lions 30 - Buccaneers 24

Matthew Stafford is healthy, and ready to roll.

Fantasy Impact- Look for both QBs to have a nice one in this game, but I think Stafford will fare better than Freeman. For RBs, I like Blount a lot this week. He is a guy I will be watching to see if he is the workhorse that many have said that he may be. For the wide receivers you are obviously starting Megatron. In a deeper league I think Burleson could be interesting this week. Williams is a solid WR2 this week too, but I will be keeping my eye on Benn to see what kind of role he plays in this offense. As for the TE's, both are pretty good plays.


Atlanta Falcons @ Chicago Bears
ESPN Preview 
FOX - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Falcons by 2.5
Over/Under: 40.5

Matt Forte is a must start in all fantasy football formats this week

My Preview: This game consists of two playoff teams from 2010. Both teams had a first round bye in the playoffs, and the Bears hosted the NFC Championship in that loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Bears might be a little bit underrated in this match up, just like they were all of last year. I think Bears will have a solid outing in this game, but I'm going to go with Matty Ice in this one. I'll take the Falcons with and without the spread. I will go under on the over/under.
Fantasy Impact:  Matt Ryan should be a good fantasy option for this game, but Jay cutler might not. Both teams have good defenses, but are better in the rushing/pass rush game and don't have strong secondaries. I don't think I am starting any Bears WRs, while I would start Roddy White and possibly Julio Jones in the flex in a deep league. I'm starting both RBs. Barber may be held out of this games, which guarantees goal line carries for Forte, and a heavy load. I really like Forte this week. Neither TE should be in your starting lineup.
Predictions:  Falcons 24 - Bears 16

Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City
ESPN Preview
CBS - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Chiefs by 5.5
Over/Under: 40

Charles had a great game against the Bills last year

My Preview: Bills may not be there ye, but they are rising. I think they will compete in nearly every game this year, and also have a fair record. Kansas City is going to have to beat San Diego for the division and they need a strong start. Cassel says he will play this game. I think Bills are going to hang in this game until the end just like they did all of last year. Charles will end up being the difference maker in this game.
Fantasy Impact: Both QBs should not be in a standard league lineup. Charles had a very good game last year against the Bills, and I would expect another one this year. Bowe on the other hand did not, with only seven fantasy points. I am still starting Bowe this week no doubt. As for the Bills, I think you are starting Fred Jackson in your flex and playing Steve Johnson as a WR2. Both should be good options for week one. I think everyone should keep their eye on Ryan Fitzpatrick, a QB that is very far under the radar this year.
Prediction:  Chiefs 27 - Bills 23


Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans
ESPN Preview
CBS - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Texans by 8.5
Over/Under: 43.5
My Preview: No Manning. No glory for the Colts. This team is formed around Manning and without Peyton under center, things could get ugly for the Colts. This is definitely the chance for the Texans to end the Colts streak of playoff appearances at nine. I think the Texans have an extremely favorable match-up against 38 year old Kerry Collins, Peyton Manning's replacement. I know you are saying to yourself, "Manning? Replacement? Those don't belong together," But that's what the Colts have been forced to do in Indianapolis. Houston is going to spread the ball around and embarrass these Colts on Sunday.

Andre Johnson should have a good game.

Fantasy Impact: I ranked Andre Johnson as my #1 wide receiver this week for a reason: Foster is injured, and the Texans are going to air it out against a sub-par Colts' pass defense. Another thing, even though my rankings say differently, I think the Texans are going to be cautious with Foster and sit him out for this game. I think Ward and Tate are going to handle the load just fine. As for the Colts' well, it's going to be all about Kerry Collins performance. I think Kerry Collins hurts the value of Wayne and Garcon. But I can see Addai getting more of a load, Clark getting more targets, and Collie just being the kind of receiver that Collins can trust. I think Schaub, Andre Johnson, Clark, Wayne, Collie, and Addai are the guys that deserve a starting spot this week.
Prediction: Texans 38 - Colts 17.

Philadelphia Eagles @ St.Louis Rams
ESPN Preview
FOX - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Eagles by 4
Over/Under: 44

Keep Lance Kendricks on the bench for now.

My Preview: Can the "Dream Team" show up in week one? If the Rams can put the pressure on Vick then  the Eagles might have a hard time, but if they don't get any pressure on Vick, then he is going to absolutely shred this Rams defense. Sam Bradford is going to have a lot of trouble with this defense as well. We also get to see how this Eagles secondary is going to do in a real game situation, so this should be a good one to watch.
Fantasy Impact: This game has a lot of fantasy studs you are probably going to want to start. On the Eagles side you have Mike Vick playing a weak Rams pass defense; I ranked him #1 this week. You also have McCoy who may get a lot of catches because the rush that the Rams will be putting on Vick, and then Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin as well. For the Rams, fantasy owners should be keeping their eyes on Sam Bradford and Mike Sims-Walker, as well as up and coming tight end Lance Kendricks. The only guy I am starting for the Rams this week though is Steven Jackson.
Prediction: Eagles 30, Rams 20

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
ESPN Preview
CBS - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Cleveland by 6.5
Over/Under: 35.5

Will Jerome Simpson pick up where he left off?

My Preview: Both of these teams are seen by gutter teams by almost every analyst, but I tend to think otherwise. I don't think that Browns are all that bad. They are a team on the rise right now, and they have a lot of young talent. The Bengals on the other hand, well, they are the Bengals. They could be one of the worst teams in the NFL this year, and this is a game that rookie QB Andy Dalton can come out and show everyone that they can play.
Fantasy Impact: There really aren't many guys to start in this game besides Peyton Hillis. The main thing I am watching is who the two quarterback's are going to target the most. I think for the Browns Brian Robiskie is going to get a lot of looks, and for the Bengals I think it will be Jerome Simpson. I think Jermaine Gresham will get quite a few looks from Dalton as well. The only two guys I am starting are Hillis and Cedric Benson. Everyone else has potential, but they aren't there yet.
Prediction: Browns 23, Bengals 10 - Browns are my Eliminator Pick of the Week


Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
ESPN Preview
CBS - 1:00 PM EST
Line: Jaguars by 1
Over/Under: 35.5

Kenny Britt is a must start this week.

My Preview: A lot of new faces in new places in this game. We're going to see Matt Hasselbeck in a Titans jersey, Chris Johnson on the field, Mike Thomas as a #1 wide receiver, and Luke McCown starting at quarterback. The Titans are going to be packing eight men in the box very often to stop the Jags only weapon: Marice Jones-Drew. I think Kenny Britt may have a nice game, but we will have to see how him and Hasselbeck connect. The Titans may actually fare well in this one, and they might even make a run at the division title early in the year.
Fantasy Impact: Unless Luke McCown can step up, I don't expect MJD to have a great game. You still have to start him, but don't expect too much. I think Marcedes Lewis value should stay the same, and he is still a top ten tight end, but it hurts the little value that Mike Thomas had, as well as Jason Hill. For the Titans, I think both Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt will have really good games against the weak Jaguars defense. I will also be watching tight end Jared Cook, and wide receiver Nate Washington.
Prediction: Titans 20, Jacksonville 10


New York Giants @ Washington Redskins
ESPN Preview
FOX - 4:15 PM EST
Line: Giants by 3
Over/Under: 38

You can expect to see a lot of this on Sunday.

My Preview: Redskins decided to go with Grossman over Beck for the starting QB job, and it was very apparent that he was having a better preseason. However, this Redskins team is not going to fare well this year. And with injuries in the secondary (even though they acquired OJ Atogwe) Eli Manning could throw all over this already bad pass defense. But speaking of pass defenses, the Giant's isn't all that great either. Washington isn't going to hang around long in this game, and I think the line is way too far off.
Fantasy Impact: Hakeem Nicks is going to go off this week, I really like him against the weak pass defense of the Redskins. Manningham should have a nice game as well. Although it is unknown how Coughlin is going to use Jacobs, I think Bradshaw is a must start, and Jacobs should be held on the bench, at least for now. For the Reskins, I think that Fred Davis (if Chris Cooley sits) and Moss could both have nice games this week, Grossman isn't awful, and those guys should still get targets. Hightower is worht a flex spot this week, but stay away from the other two (Helu and Torain) if you can.
Prediction: Giants 27, Redskins 16

  
Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals
ESPN Preview

FOX - 4:15 PM EST
Line: Cardinals by 6.5
Over/Under: 37

I'm excited to see how Roberts does with Kolb.

My Preview: There are two new quarterbacks under center for both of these teams. One has a lot more experience than the other, but they are both new to their respective teams. I still don't think either offense is going to have a great game here. Kevin Kolb has to deal with Carolina's above-par secondary, and the Panthers are led by Cam Newton who has looked ugly in the preseason in terms of passing. Panthers have the better RBs, but without a passing game to back it up, DeAngelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart may not be all that productive
Fantasy Impact: Kolb may be in some team's lineup this week, he is a very low end QB1, but Cam Newton should not be in any lineup and should be on the bench. Fitzgerald has a quarterback now and it will be good to see how he fares with Kolb, as well as my sleeper wide receiver Andre Roberts. For the Panthers, I want to see how their offense is going to do with Cam Newton. People should be starting Steve Smith, Larry Fitzgerald, DeAngelo Williams, and Johnathan Stewart and Beanie Wells should be decent flex plays this week.
Prediction: Cardinals 24, Panthers 13


Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
ESPN Preview
FOX - 4:15 PM EST
Line: 49ers by 5.5
Over/Under: 37.5

This guy's gotta be in your line up.

My Preview: There really isn't much to say here. I think this game is going to be bad: a very low scoring affair for both teams. The 49ers quarterbacks couldn't produce in the preseason to save their lives and the Seahawks have Tavaris Jackson under center, enough said. This game is not going to be pretty. I think Frank Gore will actually shine some light on the 49ers pass defense though, and the Seahawks aren't going to have much of an answer for him.
Fantasy Impact: Neither QB is going to have much of a game and neither one should even be on a fantasy rosters. For the wide receivers, the only one I might be starting is Braylon Edwards. Sidney Rice is listed as doubtful and looks like he is going to sit this one out. I wouldn't start any Seattle wide receivers. I am starting both starting running backs though. Davis is an obvious start at TE, and Miller is a decent start at TE.
Prediction: 49ers 17, Seahawks 14


Minnesota Vikings @ San Diego Chargers
ESPN Preview
FOX - 4:15 PM EST
Line: San Diego by 8.5
Over/Under: 41.5
My Preview: One of the biggest and most predictable moves in the off-season was Donavan McNabb heading to Minnesota. Even without Sidney Rice there anymore, I think McNabb could have a decent season, and I know he can have one better than he did in Washington. Phillip Rivers is a lot of people's MVP pick right now. And I wouldn't doubt it considering he led the league in passing yards without his two top targets for a lot of the season. In this game, I am really looking for how Mike Tolbert and Ryan Matthews are going to be used in this offense. I'll also be watching how McNabb and Harvin connect in their first NFL game together. I think the Vikings might contend with this team for a while, but the Chargers are just too powerful for the
Fantasy Impact: With Kevin Williams out, I think both Chargers running backs are good starts this week. Antonio Gates looks like he will be ready to go, and Vincent Jackson is always a must start. I think everyone who has Floyd should wait and see how the Chargers are going to use their WR2 this year, and then maybe activate him in weeks to come. For the Vikings I would play Harvin with a flex spot, and you are obviously going to be starting Adrian Peterson.
Prediction: Chargers 30, Vikings 20


Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets
ESPN Preview
NBC - 8:20 PM EST
Line: Jets by 5.5
Over/Under: 40.5

Watch for this guy on Sunday Night

My Preview: The way the Cowboys secondary reacts to the injury of Terence Newman is going to leave a major impact on this game. If Orlando Scandrick can come up and perform (like his contract says he should) then Cowboys will be fine, but if not, it could be an ugly game for the Cowboys defense. The Jets are going to have to find a way to shut down the Cowboys passing attack if they want to have a chance in this one. Romo will likely go to Witten, or expose Cromartie whether than going Darelle Revis' way. I'll be watching to see how Plaxico Burress fares against the Cowboys, and also who the Cowboys true third wide receiver is going to be this year.
Fantasy Impact: A couple of the people I am sitting in this game may surprise you. I am going to sit both of the running backs. I think both will probably get shut down by the opposing defense. I am starting Austin, Dez Bryant, and Santonio Holmes. The best performance from this game will probably by Jason Witten because the Jets just don't have the linebackers to cover him. I am sitting Plaxico Burress and Dustin Keller until they can prove to me they are start-worthy. I think both of the quarterbacks are decent options this week, but Sanchez has the most upside as this may not be Romo's week.
Predictions: Cowboys 27, Jets 24 - Game of the Week


New England Patriots @ Miami Dolhpins
ESPN Preview
ESPN - Monday 7:00 PM  EST
Line: Patriots by 6.5
Over/Under: 45.5

The off-season acquisition is going to payoff in week one

My Preview: Patriots were the #1 seed in last year's playoffs, and all they did was improve this off-season with the addition of Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth. Both could, and should, benefit the team. They did recently release Brandon Meriweather, but it shouldn't be a huge factor for the Patriots. Brady is going to jump on the Dolphins on Monday night, and the Dolphins are going to get crushed. Patriots defeated the Dolphins by an average of 29 points in two games last year. Twenty-nine. With a better offense, I think the Patriots are going to be all over the 'Phins
Fantasy Impact: The Dolphins have a pretty mediocre pass defense, so I think Ochocinco and Welker are both starts. I expect the Dolphins to go down early, and then start throwing the ball a lot. That's why I like Chad Henne if you are scrambling for a quarterback this week. I also like Reggie Bush since Daniel Thomas is not going to play in this one, as well as Brandon Marshall. For the Patriots tight ends that went back and forth last year, I would try to stay away from both of them this week. Until you know who Brady is targeting more often then I think you can probably find better options. And last but not least I am also starting BenJarvus Green-Ellis because I think the Patriots are going to resort to the ground game in the second half.



Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
ESPN Preview
ESPN - Monday 10:15 EST
Line: Broncos by 3
Over/Under: 40.5
My Preview: The last game of the week, and the second half of a two game Monday Night Football on ESPN. These two teams are unpredictable with a lot of questions coming into the season. Can Kyle Orton start how he started last year? Can Brandon Lloyd be what he was last year? Can Knowshon Moreno stay healthy? Is Dumervil ready? What about the Raiders? Can Jason Campbell be what he was supposed to be last year? Can Jacoby Ford be a #1 wide receiver, or anyone else on the team for that matter? Is McFadden for real? Can Asomugha come close to being replaced? All of these are questions that can't be answered until we get to game time. They are also things that I will be looking for in this game.

Can he perform at Mile High again?

Fantasy Preview- Let's just run through these real quick. Most of it is covered in the questions I am asking up above, but I'll just go position by position. I think Orton is a start this week against a very weak Oakland Raiders defense, as well as his favorite target Brandon Lloyd. There aren't any tight ends that are interesting in this match up, but I think that both running backs are must starts. We all know what Moreno did when he was healthy last year, and we also know how badly McFadden shredded this defense last year. Jacoby Ford may be a flex play if you need the upside, but in most cases he should be on your bench. And last is Willis McGahee who should find a spot on the pine this week until you see what kind of role he is going to have with his new team.
Prediction: Denver 23, Raiders 17

 Thanks for reading everyone. I hope you enjoy the games this weekend. If you have any questions about your fantasy football team, or maybe you just want to talk football then shoot me an email or follow me on Twitter, @TheFFAddict. Enjoy your Sunday full of football!

Week One Love/Hate

Love/Hate Week 1

            Football season is back. Food, games, beer (well, pop for me), but that means you have to make the toughest decisions for your fantasy line up. That’s why I’m here; to tell you who I like for this week.

Pretty much, every week I will give you two guys for each position in the love and the hate category. It will start with quarterbacks, then running backs, wide receivers, and then tight ends, and every once in a while I might throw in a defense if I like them a lot.

Quarterbacks

Love

Chad Henne vs New England- Even though I think New England will dominate this game, I think Henne could have a decent game. He is going to be playing from behind (most likely) which means the Dolphins will be airing the ball out. Besides that point, Last year in the one full game that Henne played New England he went 28 for 38 with 305 yards and tossed two touchdowns. The only downside? Three interceptions. Not a great game anymore. If he can eliminate or even cut back on those mistakes, Henne could have a real nice game.

Eli Manning vs Washington- Last year Washington had the 31^st ranked pass defense in the NFL. Manning didn’t have great games against the Redskins last year, but I think he may fair better this year. Manning didn’t have Hakeem Nicks in week 13 or week 17 of last year: the two times that the Giants faced the Redskins. I expect Manning to go for 300 yards a couple touchdowns and maybe a pick.

Other Nominees: Kyle Orton, Matthew Stafford, and Kevin Kolb

Hate

Ben Roethlisberger @ Baltimore- Ben has never been a great fantasy option when he plays in Baltimore. Last year he threw for 253 yards as well as tossing a touchdown and a pick. With the extremely low scoring affairs with these two teams it is hard to start anyone. I figure most people have a better option than Big Ben this week though.

Jay Culter vs Atlanta- I know this isn’t a great sit, for most people he is already sitting on your bench. Atlanta doesn’t have a stellar pass defense; they finished 22^nd in pass defense last year. He also lost a big target in Greg Olsen to Carolina. I don’t see Cutler having a great game this week.

Running Backs

Love

Beanie Wells vs Carolina- Whisenhunt has given Wells the green light for Sunday, and that may not stick for long. I think you should use Beanie with a favorable matchup before he has to share more of his carries.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis @ Miami- This is another pick that depends on if the Patriots can jump out on top of the Dolphins. But I don’t pick Lawfirm solely on that. He also had two pretty good matchups against the Dolphins last year. I would expect him to put up double digits and he should be a strong flex play this week, maybe even a RB2.

Hate

Felix Jones @ NYJ- Even as a Cowboys fan, I have to admit: the Cowboys’ offense will struggle on Sunday Night Football.  They may shut down the Cowboys pass defense with Revis and Cromartie. With a rush defense like the Jets it doesn’t look like Jones will have much fantasy value this week.

Mark Ingram @ Green Bay- I’m not going to take too much time on this. They did not have a great rush defense last year, but they only allowed six TDs. We all know Ingram will be the goal line back for the Saints, but with so few TDs, it’s unlikely he finds the end zone. Keep Ingram on the pine for Thursday

Shonn Greene vs Dallas- Yes. I’m sitting both running backs in the same game. The Cowboys have a pretty good running back and I’m not buying Greene quite yet. I don’t really expect him to get a ton of carries. I still expect him to be in a split with Ladanian Tomlinson.

Wide Receivers

Love

Kenny Britt @ Jacksonville- We don’t know what Britt and Hasselbeck have together yet, but last year when Britt played he was fairly effective. In ten games he had nine touchdowns with a much less effective quarterback then he has now. With a great matchup like this, you’ve gotta start Britt.

Marques Colston @ Green Bay- Green Bay was the fifth best pass defense in the league last year, so why do I love Colston? He is the only WR that should be on the field for the entire game with Lance Moore missing this game. I think Colston is going to see a lot of targets on Thursday night from Drew Brees.

Santana Moss vs New York Giants- The Giants pass defense is in mayhem with all the injuries right now. I know Grossman is the quarterback, but he hasn’t looked awful in preseason and I think Moss could have a nice game. I think Moss could have around ten targets from Beck this week, and he may even find the end zone.

Hate

Reggie Wayne @ Houston- This is a great matchup for Wayne and the Colt’s receivers, but I don’t think that Collins is going to find Wayne all that often. I think the Cotls will run a lot, and also target Clark and Collie quite a bit. I would play Wayne as a flex at best this week.

Sidney Rice @ San Francisco- With the injury that is going on with him, he may not even play. Even if he does play, it isn’t the greatest matchup and he doesn’t have a great quarterback. It has been said that if Rice sits this game out, then Ben Obomanu.

Tight Ends

Love

Marcedes Lewis vs Tennessee- I’m going to stick with my theory here: when a tight end (and only a tight end) have a bad quarterback starting, it will not affect them. Last year he didn’t score a single touchdown against the Titans last year. He also has the matchup favoring him. The Titans are the 25^th fantasy defense against tight ends. Maybe Lewis can find the end zone this week.

Hate

Dustin Keller vs Dallas- Not that this guy is starting for a lot of fantasy teams, but if he is, I don’t like him. He is playing a good defense against TEs and I think that Sanchez will expose the Cowboys’ weakness in the defensive back position, not looking for Keller. Cowboys only allowed five touchdowns all of last year. Keep Keller on the bench this week.

Thanks for reading everyone; I hope that you enjoyed it. If you have any questions about fantasy football, or anything football related really, you can contact me on Twitter @TheFFAddict, and feel free to email me cshardy@att.net.

Week One Fantasy Football Rankings

Like I said a few days ago, I'm going to be posting my rankings for week one here on Wednesday and here I am. I'm going to rank 25 quarterbacks, 45 running backs, 50 wide receivers, 25 tight ends, and 20 defenses - screw kickers. These will come out every Wednesday, and they are non PPR; tomorrow will be my starts and sits of the week. I highly suggest you use this to activate your line up for this week. I'm just as excited as you are for Sunday! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, shoot me an email at cshardy@att.net or I am always on Twitter @TheFFAddict and I would be happy to answer any of your fantasy questions.



Just a heads up for the schedule of this blog now that the season has started. Monday I won't be posting, but rather waiting for the Monday Night Football game. On Tuesday there will be a post of what I did/didn't like that week, including some news. On Wednesday, as I mentioned earlier, my rankings for that week will be up. Every Thursday I will give you some starts and sits (you may or may not of seen them in my rankings). Then, depending on my personal schedule, on either Friday or Saturday I will post my pick, predicted score, and some analysis. Let's get started with the rankings now.


QBs
1. Michael Vick @ St.Louis

2. Tom Brady @ Miami

3. Aaron Rodgers vs New Orleans

4. Philip Rivers vs Min

5. Drew Brees @ Green Bay

6. Matt Schaub @ Indianapolis

7. Matthew Stafford @ Tampa Bay

8.  Matt Ryan @ Chicago

9. Kyle Orton vs Oakland

10. Eli Manning vs Washington

11. Kevin Kolb vs Carolina

12. Tony Romo @ New York Jets

13. Josh Freeman vs Detroit

14. Ben Roethlisberger @ Baltimore

15. Matt Cassel vs Buffalo

16. Jay Cutler vs Atlanta

17. Joe Flacco vs Pittsburgh

18. Mark Sanchez vs Dallas

19. Ryan Fitzpatrick vs Kansas City

20. Colt McCoy vs Cincinnati

21. Rex Grossman vs New York Giants

22. Chad Henne vs Patriots

23. Sam Bradford vs Philadelphia

24. Donavan McNabb vs San Diego

25. Jason Campbell @ Denver





RBs
1. Jamaal Charles vs Buffalo

2. Adrian Peterson @ San Diego

3. Chris Johnson @ Jacksonville

4. Darren McFadden @ Denver

5. Frank Gore vs Seattle

6. Arian Foster vs Indianapolis*

7. Lesean McCoy @St.Louis

8. Peyton Hillis vs Cincinnati

9. Rashard Mendenhall @ Baltimore

10. Maurice Jones-Drew vs Tennessee

11. Ray Rice vs Pittsburgh

12. Matt Forte vs Atlanta

13. Michael Turner @ Chicago

14. Ahmad Bradshaw @ Washington

15. Knowshon Moreno vs Oakland

16. Legarrette Blount vs Detroit

17. DeAngelo Williams @ Arizona

18. Steven Jacskon vs Philadelphia

19. Beanie Wells vs Carolina

20. BenJarvus Green-Ellis

21. Jahvid Best @ Tampa Bay

22. Cedric Benson @ Cleveland

23. Fred Jackson @ Kansas City

24. Shonn Greene vs Dallas

25. Ryan Matthews vs Minnesota

26. Felix Jones @ New York Jets

27. Joseph Addai @ Houston

28. Tim Hightower vs New York Giants

29. Johnathan Stewart @ Arizona

30. Marshawyn Lynch @ San Francisco

31. Mark Ingram @ Green Bay

32. Ryan Grant vs New Orleans

33. Mike Tolbert vs Minnesota

34. James Starks vs New Orleans

35. Reggie Bush vs New England

36. Brandon Jacobs @ Washington

37. Pierre Thomas @ Green Bay

38. Willis McGahee vs Oakland

39. Thomas Jones vs Buffalo

40. Michael Bush @ Denver

41. Tashard Choice @ New York Jets

42. Ben Tate vs Indianapolis*

43. Daniel Thomas vs New England

44. Ladanian Tomlinson vs Dallas

45. CJ Spiller @ Kansas City

*= If Foster is able to play, and expected to start then he remains in this spot and Ben Tate stays there too. If Foster is not able to play, then Tate would move to 24th and Derrick Ward would take Ben Tate's spot in the rankings and Foster would drop out.



WRs
1.Andre Johnson vs Indianapolis

2. Hakeem Nicks @ Washington

3. Calvin Johnson @ Green Bay

4. Larry Fitzgerald vs Carolina

5. Roddy White @ Chicago

6. Greg Jennings vs New Orleans

7. Vincent Jackson vs Minnesota

8. Dwayne Bowe vs Buffalo

9. Santonio Holmes vs Dallas

10. Mike Wallace @ Baltimore

11. Brandon Lloyd vs Oakland

12. Desean Jackson vs St.Louis

13. Kenny Britt @ Jacksonville

14. Mike Williams (Tampa) vs Detroit

15. Miles Austin @ New York Jets

16. Marques Colston @ Green Bay

17. Brandon Marshall vs New England

18. Dez Bryant @ New York Jets

19. Reggie Wayne @ Houston

20. Mario Manningham @ Washington

21. Wes Welker @ Miami

22. Jeremy Maclin @ St.Louis

23. Steve Johnson @ Kansas City

24. Santana Moss vs New York Giants

25. Mario Manningham @ Washington

26. Anquan Boldin vs Pittsburgh

27. Sidney Rice @ San Francisco

28. Chad Ochocinco @ Miami

29. Percy Harvin @ San Diego

30. Steve Smith (Carolina) @ Arizona

31. Austin Collie @ Houston

32. Mike Thomas vs Tennessee

33. Robert Meachem @ Green Bay

34. Roy Williams vs Atlanta

35. Jacoby Ford @ Denver

36. Julio Jones @ Chicago

37. Emmanuel Sanders @ Baltimore

38. Plaxico Burress vs Dallas

39. Braylon Edwards vs Seattle

40. Mike Sims-Walker vs Philadelphia

41. Johnny Knox vs Atlanta

42. Jerome Simpson @ Cleveland

43. Davone Bess @ New England

44. Nate Burleson @ Tampa Bay

45. Pierre Garcon @ Houston

46. Brian Robiskie vs Cincinnati

47. AJ Green @ Cleveland

48. Danny Amendola vs Philadelphia

49. Anthony Armstrong vs New York Giants

50. Lee Evans vs Pittsburgh



TEs
1. Jason Witten @ New York Jets

2. Antonio Gates vs Minnesota

3. Jermichael Finley vs New Orleans

4. Dallas Clark @ Houston

5. Vernon Davis vs Seattle

6. Jimmy Graham @ Green Bay

7. Owen Daniels vs Indianapolis

8. Marcedes Lewis vs Tennessee

9. Brandon Pettigrew @ Tampa Bay

10. Kellen Winslow vs Detroit

11. Greg Olsen @ Arizona

12.  Rob Gronkowski @ Miami

13. Zach Miller @ San Fransisco

14. Aaron Hernandez @ Miami

15. Todd Heap vs Carolina

16. Dustin Keller vs Dallas

17. Tony Gonzalez @ Chicago

18. Jermaine Gresham @ Cleveland

19. Lance Kendricks vs Philadelphia

20. Brent Celek @ St.Louis


All rankings based on an  ESPN standard fantasy football scoring. Non-PPR, QB, RB, RB, RB/WR, WR,WR, TE.

2011 NFL Predictions: Stat Leaders

Yesterday I said I wouldn't be back on the holiday but here I am. I have some more NFL Predictiuons today and I just want to make it short sweet. Like I said in the last blog, I recommend doing this yourself. It's a fun little thing to do that you can look back on in February and say,"Wow, did I really pick Mark Ingram to finish top three in rushing TDs," Or look back on the good/bad predictions you made. That being said, this will be my second of three blogs on my predictions for the 2011 NFL season. This one, as seen in the title, is about stat leaders and who will lead the league in pretty much every stat category. Let’s get this show on the road

Passing Yards

1. Aaron Rodgers

2. Tom Brady

3.  Phillip Rivers

Passing Touchdowns

1. Aaron Rodgers

2. Tom Brady

3. Tony Romo

Passer Rating

1. Tom Brady

2. Aaron Rodgers

3. Ben Roethlisberger

Most Interceptions

1. Jay Cutler

2. Eli Manning

3. Chad Henne

Rushing Yards

1. Jamaal Charles

2. Chris Johnson

3. Arian Foster

Rushing TDs

1. Peyton Hillis

2. Adrian Peterson

3. Michael Turner

Receptions

1.  Larry Fitzgerald

2. Roddy White

3. Jason Witter

Receiving Yards

1. Andre Johnson

2. Mike Wallace

3. Hakeem Nicks

Receiving Touchdowns

1. Calvin Johnson

2. Larry Fitzgerald

3. Hakeem Nicks

Most Tackles

1. Lawrence Timmons

2. London Fletcher

3. Jerod Mayo

Most Interceptions

1.  Joe Haden

2. Ed Reed

3. Tramon Williams/Brent Grimes

Most Sacks

1. Demarcus Ware

2. Shaun Phillips

3. Trent Cole

4. Tamba Hali

5. Clay Matthews

Forced Fumbles

1. Osi Umenyiora

2. Dwight Freeney

3. Tamba Hali

After all of that, I always choose who I think will win certain awards, including the runner-up. So let’s take a look at that.

League MVP

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Runner-Up: Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers

Offensive Player of the Year

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Runner-Up: Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Defensive Player of the Year

Demarcus Ware, OLB, Dallas Cowboys

Runner-Up: Joe Haden, CB, Cleveland Browns

AP Offensive Rookie of the Year

Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints

Runner-Up: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

Marcel Dareus, DT/DE, Buffalo Bills

Runner-Up- Von Miller, LB,  Denver Broncos

Comeback Player of the Year

Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Thanks for reading. Tuesday afternoon my bold predictions will come out, three from each team, and then on Wednesday my week one fantasy football rankings come out. One last thing I was wondering from all you readers, do you guys think a friend and I should start a podcast? If so, leave a comment with ideas or suggestions for the podcast. Be sure to follow this blog, follow me on Twitter @TheFFAddict, and feel free to email me cshardy@att.net.

2011 NFL Playoff Predictions

Every year, right before the season, I like to predict the NFL playoffs as well as pick my Superbowl champion, just like most other football fans. Let's go ahead and do that, and if it is short enough we can move on to my stat leaders, If I don't have time for that then those predictions will be out on Tuesday.
Let's get started.

The sixth seed in the NFC will be the New Orleans Saints out of the NFC South with a record of 10-6. They didn't do much this off season with the exception of Mark Ingram. Just a side Wild Card note here: I have the Lions also going 10-6, but the Lions will lose the head to head with New Orleans.

With the fifth seed I have the Dallas Cowboys. The offense will be back with Romo back on the field, an improved secondary will help defend the passing game, and with an explosive offense as always, I project the Cowboys to go 11-5. That being said, we know the Cowboys have let their fans down the last couple of years; they were projected to have a great year and then screw the pooch. Expect the Cowboys to have a much better season this year.

Now our first division winner comes from the NFC West where the Kevin Kolb led Arizona Cardinals win their division by one game. They added Kevin Kolb from the Eagles in the off season as expected, and I anticipate them to have a much better year. I have the Cardinals winning the division with a 9-7 record, beating out the Rams by a small margin of only one game. Maybe 2012 will be the year for Bradford and the young St.Louis Rams.

In the three spot I have the Philadelphia Eagles from the NFC East. They had a great off season adding Jason Babin, Nnamdi Asomugha (no, I didn't have to search that name up), Cullen Jenkins, and a blockbuster Kolb for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Their defense has improved a ton, and they could be an extreme powerhouse this year if they can figure out their problems at the offensive line. That all being said, I have the Eagles down for 12-4.

In the two spot, from the NFC South, I have the Atlanta Falcons, led by Matty Ice.  Just like the Saints, the Falcons made no big moves, but added some young depth. You may want to look out for Julio Jones this season; he has tremendous athletic ability and can score from anywhere on the field. I have the Falcons also going 12-4 but winning the match up with the Eagles to give them the first round bye and home field for the first game.

And the first seed in the NFC is the Green Bay Packers. They have kept nearly all of their Superbowl team from last year and are any people's Superbowl favorite. Jermicahel Finley, AJ Hawk, and Ryan Grant are all ready to go after being placed on IR last season. This might just be the best offense in the NFL this year with a two-man backfield and Aaron Rodgers under center. I have the Packers down to go 14-2 only losing at the Giants and at the Chargers.

With the sixth seed in the AFC is the New York Jets. A little difference from last year with a few added veterans and a new receiving core around Santonio Holmes. I have the Jets going 11-5, and taking second in the AFC East. Could this be the year of the "Sanchise"? I guess we will have to wait and see.

The fifth seed in the AFC from the AFC North with a 12-4 record is the Baltimore Ravens. Last year they made it to the divisional round and couldn't come up with a game winning drive against the Steelers: they were also my Superbowl pick last year. That being said, I think they will have another great season this year, and be in contention to get to the Superbowl.
The Texans have come close to the playoffs a number of times since becoming a franchise in 2002, but this is the year. Arian Foster is going to lead the Texans to win the AFC South and claim the fourth seed in the AFC with a 10-6 record. The Colts will finish a game behind with a record of 9-7.

The third seed in the AFC is the Chargers from the AFC West. They always seem to be over hyped, but they seemed to have fixed the problems on special teams so if they can minimize mistakes these team could be extremely good. I have them going 12-4 and winning their division by three games. Maybe Norv Turner can finally get to the Superbowl this year.


With the second seed I have the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have been to the Superbowl the last two years, and Mike Tomlin knows what he is doing. I have the Steelers going 13-3. I expect Big Ben to have a great season and win the division for the fourth time in the last five years.


Then the final seed (as many expected) is the New England Patriots. They have had made the playoffs eight times in the past ten years, and I expect them to make it nine out of  eleven. They made improvements on their offensive line and in the secondary and picked up some good depth in the draft. I have them going 14-2 and I wouldn't doubt it. Patriots are going to be good, real good.

Now we move on to the good part: my playoff predictions. Now if you don't know how this works, the first round is called the Wild Card Round, the second round is the Divisional Round, and the round before the Superbowl is the Conference Championship. In the Wildcard Round the sixth seeded team in each conference plays the third seeded team in the same conference while the fourth and fifth seeds from the same conference play each other. The winner of those games advance to the Divisional Round where the lowest seed to advance in each conference plays the highest seed. The winner of those advance to the conference championship, and then the Superbowl. I'd hope, if you are American, you would already know that...but I thought I would help you out if you didn't.


Wildcard Round

In the NFC Wildcard round lets start with the Saints vs Eagles. I think Brees and the Saints will put up a fight, but Eagles will pull off in the end: Eagles 31, Saints 20.

Then in the second wild card game for the NFC is the Cowboys vs Cardinals. I think the Cowboys pass all over the Cardinals, and humiliate their offense: Cowboys 38, Cardinals 17.

Next we shift to the AFC where the Jets take on the Chargers. I think this will be the best game we see in the playoffs but Norv Turner and the Chargers will lose in overtime: Chargers 27, Jets 24



The second game for the AFC is the Ravens vs the Texans. Now I think this may be a good game as well. I really like the Ravens, but at the same time Houston can attack in a lot of different ways. I'm going to take the Ravens, but just by a hair: Ravens 27, Texans 24.

 Divisonal Round

So like I said, after the wildcard round we move to the divisional round. The first game in the NFC is the Packers taking on the Cowboys. I think Cowboys will put up a fight at the beginning, but the Packers offense will be too much for the Cowboys young secondary: Packers 34, Cowboys 24.


The second game in the NFC is the Eagles taking on the Falcons for the second time of the season. The Falcons got the first round bye because they won the head to head matchup in week two of the regular season. But who can win it later in the season? I think the Falcons will find a way to contain Vick and McCoy and end up winning this one: Falcons 20, Eagles 14.


Then we move over to the AFC where the Chargers take on the Patriots. Rivers make an attempt for a comeback at the end, but I think the Patriots will hold on: Patriots 37, Chargers 30.

The final divisional match-up is the Ravens and the Steelers; another divisional rivalry. This is going to be another great game. I really like both of these teams this year but I think Ravens will win it on a game winning field goal: Ravens 16, Steelers 14.


Conference Championships

One last game. One more win to get to that Superbowl from here. In the NFC we have the Packers vs the Falcons and in the AFC the Patriots vs the Ravens. So who's it going to be?


In the NFC there is the Packers vs the Falcons that will be played in Green Bay. This was the match-up we saw last year in the divisional round. The Packers prevailed, and later went on the Superbowl. The Packers, with their team healthy, are going to make it past the Falcons with a little help from their defense: Packers 30, Falcons 20.


In the AFC it will be the Ravens taking on the Patriots. The Patriots, with only two losses all year, and Brady are really going to step up in this one. But I think the Ravens will make big plays on defense that will bring home an AFC Championship: Ravens 27, Patriots 21.


Superbowl XLVI
The long journey, all season these two teams fought to get here. Packers for the second straight time. Ravens for the first time in over 10 years. Both looking for a championship. Both teams have the defense, but the Packers have the more dominant offense with Aaron Rodgers. So, my 2011-2012 Superbowl Champions are the Green Bay Packers by a score of 24 to 17. The MVP is Aaron Rodgers, and the Packers bring the championship back to Green Bay for the second straight year.


Since this has been such a long post, at the beginning of the next blog on Tuesday I will give you guys my selection for the stat leaders. Also, Wednesday I will be releasing my week one fantasy rankings. But until then, don't forget to follow me on Twitter @TheFFAddict, and you can always email me any questions or comments to cshardy@att.net. Also, don't forget to leave a comment on this blog and follow this blog. Thanks!

Final Fantasy Football Rankings 2011

Finally, football is among us. So as you go into you and I go into our drafts, you may want a cheat sheet. These are my final rankings for the year. Use them, but don't abuse them.

QBs
1. Mike Vick
2. Aaron Rodgers
3. Philip Rivers
4. Tom Brady
5. Drew Brees
6. Tony Romo
7. Peyton Manning
8. Ben Roethlisberger
9. Matt Ryan
10. Matt Schaub
11. Josh Freeman
12. Matt Stafford
13. Kyle Orton
14. Joe Flacco
15. Jay Cutler
16. Eli Manning
17.  Sam Bradford
18. Matt Cassel
19. Kevin Kolb
20. Colt McCoy
21. Donavan McNabb
22. Ryan Fitzpatrick
23. David Garrard
24. Mark Sanchez
25. Cam Newton
26. Matt Hasselbeck
27. Chad Henne
28. Jason Campbell
29. John Beck
30. Andy Dalton

RBs
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Jamaal Charles
3. Chris Johnson
4. Arian Foster
5. Ray Rice
6. Lesean McCoy
7. Rashard Mendenhall
8. Maurice Jones-Drew
9. Frank Gore
10. Darren McFadden
11. Matt Forte
12. Michael Turner
13. Peyton Hillis
14. Steven Jackson
15. Ahmad Bradshaw
16. Felix Jones
17. LeGarrette Blount
18. Jahvid Best
19. Cedric Benson
20. DeAngelo Williams
21. Mark Ingram
22. Fred Jackson
23. Joseph Addai
24. Shonn Greene
25. Ryan Matthews
26. BenJarvus Green-Ellis
27. Reggie Bush
28. Beanie Wells
29. Johnathan Stewart
30. Ryan Grant
31. Marshawyn Lynch
32. Tim Hightower
33. James Starks
34. Mike Tolbert
35. Brandon Jacobs
36. Willis McGahee
37. CJ Spiller
38. Daniel Thomas
39. Ryan Torain
40. Ladanian Tomlinson
41. Michael Bush
42. LaRod Stephens-Howling
43. Demarco Murray
44. Deji Karim
45. Danny Woodhead
46. Darren Sproles
47. Montario Hardesty
48. Bernard Scott
49. Pierre Thomas
50. Roy Helu
51. Thomas Jones
52. Donald Brown
53. Jerome Harrison
54. Tashard Choice
55. Marion Barber
56. Ricky Williams
57. Ben Tate
58. Justin Forsett
59. Cadillac Williams
60. Kendall Hunter
61. Jason Snelling
62. Delone Carter
63. Mike Goodson
64. Toby Gerhart

WRs
1. Andre Johnson
2. Calvin Johnson
3. Roddy White
4. Larry Fitzgerald
5. Hakeem Nicks
6. Greg Jennings
7. Vincent Jackson
8. Mike Wallace
9. Miles Austin
10. Reggie Wayne
11. Desean Jackson
12. Bradon Lloyd
13. Dwayne Bowe
14. Dez Bryant
15. Jeremy Maclin
16. Santonio Holmes
17. Mike Williams
18. Anquan Boldin
19. Steve Johnson
20. Marques Colston
21. Brandon Marshall
22. Percy Harvin
23. Wes Welker
24. Kenny Britt
25. Mario Manningham
26. Sidney Rice
27. Mike Sims-Walker
28. Jerome Simpson
29. Steve Smith (Car)
30. Pierre Garcon
31. Julio Jones
32. Chad Ochocinco
33. Emanuel Sanders
34. Austin Collie
35. Johnny Knox
36. AJ Green
37. Santana Moss
38. Malcom Floyd
39. Lance Moore
40. Mike Thomas
41. Roy Williams
42. Jacoby Ford
43. Steve Breaston
44. Braylon Edwards
45. Jordy Nelson
46. Andre Roberts
47. Lee Evans
48. Michael Crabtree
49. James Jones
50. Anthony Armstrong
51. Danny Amendola
52. Mike Williams (Sea)
53. Louis Murphy
54. Brian Robiskie
55. Nate Washington
56. Josh Cribbs
57. Robert Meachem
58. Eric Decker
59. Plaxico Burress
60. Hines Ward
61. Jacoby Jones
62. Antonio Brown
63. Kevin Ogletree
64. Eddie Royal

TEs
1. Antonio Gates
2. Jason Witten
3. Dallas Clark
4. Vernon Davis
5. Jermichael Finley
6. Owen Daniels
7. Jimmy Graham
8. Marcedes Lewis
9. Zach Miller
10. Chris Cooley
11. Brandon Pettigrew
12. Dustin Keller
13. Greg Olsen
14. Rob Gronkowski
15. Kellen Winslow
16. Jermaine Gresham
17. Aaron Hernandez
18. Jared Cook
19. Tony Gonzalez
20. Kevin Boss
21. Brent Celek
22. Heath Miller
23. Evan Moore
24. Ben Watson
25. Lance Kendricks


My 2011 NFL predictions will be coming out all week so stay tuned. Thanks for reading!
Follow me on Twitter: @TheFFAddict

Overvalued RBs and Undervalued/Overvalued WRs

Another day, and more recommendations for your draft. Today is going to be all about the overvalued running backs in your draft, as well as some undervalued and overvalued wide receivers. Let's touch on some news real quick so we can get right to it.

After weeks of holding out, Chris Johnson signed a contract extension with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday afternoon, ending the most frightful hold out of the off season. The deal was reported to be a four-year, $53.5 million contract, with $30 million guaranteed money. He will not play the final preseason game but is expected to play in week one of the regular season. Obviously a huge break for fantasy owners, especially those in keeper leagues who owned Chris Johnson. I'm sure he won't be 100% ready to go week one because he is not yet in football form, but he should still be fine. I rank him as my third running back still though. If Arian Foster is playing week one (highly unlikely) I would put Johnson at fourth and Foster at three.

Looks like Chris Johnson is getting some new grills.

Now that we got the main news out of the way, we can move on to my overvalued/undervalued for the day. First is running backs, and a guy that is really grinding my gears right now is Darren McFadden. He is being drafted like a top ten fantasy running back. The guy was very inconsistent last year, and he is known to get injured a lot. To go along with all of that, Raiders offense got worse this off season. Not only was DMC inconsistent last year (under nine points four times and sat out three times), but the Raiders seem to want to give Michael Bush to get the rock more this year. If Bush runs good, McFadden could be seeing more of a split in the backfield, and that would be ugly. I wouldn't take this guy until mid-to-late second round.

Another guy that is overvalued is Shonn Greene. I really don't expect him to have that much more of a role in the Jets' backfield this year. He is going in the fourth round ahead of guys like Felix Jones, Knowshon Moreno, and Jahvid Best. All of the above are better options then Shonn Greene. Yeah, Greene's role is going to increase, but I don't think he should be drafted over guys who have locked up a starting job. Plus, Greene has had a pretty pathetic preseason. He shows me no reason to be drafting him in the fourth round.

Now we move on to the hardest position to pick players from: the wide receivers. With so much depth and so many players having great preseasons (not that I put a ton of stock into preseason, but I'm just saying that it is a great way to find ) it's a really hard decision as to what guys are going to be true sleepers. I have a lot more deep guys at the wide receiver position than I do at the running back position. I will probably do three undervalued (that's a tough choice to make) and one or two overvalued for the wide receivers.

My first undervalued wide receiver is a really deep sleeper by the name of Brian Robiskie. Sound familiar? Browns receiver. Ring a bell? No? Scored two touchdowns in the last two weeks last year? Here, let me Google that for you: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Brian+Robiskie. That might help! He is the first wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. He has had a fair preseason, and finished last season strongly. I think there is going to be a WR that Colt McCoy is going to hook up with all year, and I think that guy is going to be Brian Robiskie. A second guy? A deep sleeper TE Evan Moore. He is also having a good preseason.

Robiskie may just be my deepest sleeper for this year.

Now that you heard a deep sleeper, let's go with a familiar name now: Jerome Simpson. He is also a WR1 but for the Cincinnati Bengals. He has had a very quiet preseason although he blew up after Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens sat in the final two games of the 2010 regular season . He was activated in week 15 last year for his third time of the year (he was also active in weeks one and five). His first game (week 15) he didn't do much, only catching two passes for 30 yards. In the two weeks to follow he went off with a total of 247 yards and a combined three touchdowns. He is being drafted in a lot of leagues, and I am telling you right now to watch out for this guy during the season. I think he could come from nowhere and have a top 15 season with AJ Green playing opposite of him.

Don't worry Jerome, you won't miss him much.

My final sleeper is Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Roberts. He is not being drafted in pretty much every league. He is the WR2 on the Cardinals official depth chart and with Kevin Kolb there and Larry Fitzgerald drawing the double team, Roberts could find some holes in the defense. If Kolb is looking for this guy, he could have a great season. He has had only 57 yards in the first three preseason games, but I expect him to have nice season playing opposite Fitzgerald.

Although there are a lot more sleeper WRs that I like (Darius Heyward-Bey, Anthony Armstrong, Michael Jenkins), I think we should move on to overvalued WRs. I am just going to real quickly run over a few guys I don't like for where you have to take them in the draft. Plaxico Burress is going way to high for me to take him right now. His ADP is in the eighth round ahead of Sidney Rice, Santana Moss, AJ Green, and Steve Smith from Carolina. I think Burress has upside, but only to a certain extent. Taking him in the eighth round with all of those guys on the board is absolute ridiculous. I wouldn't take Burress until around the 11th round in my draft.

My second and last overvalued WR is Vincent Jackson. Jackson is going in the mid second round right now ahead of Greg Jennings, Hakeem Nicks, and Mike Wallace. I think people are too high on this guy. I know he is very talented but you can't forget that Rivers has a top TE (Antonio Gates), Malcom Floyd, and a receiving running back (Ryan Matthews) who can all catch the ball. People are drafting Jackson way too high right now, and for no real reason.

That is all for my running backs and wide receivers. Come back Saturday for my rankings. Next week will be all about NFL predictions and other things. Not much fantasy except for overvalued and undervalued TEs. All of you drafting this weekend good luck with your draft and I hope to see you back next week, Until then you can follow me on Twitter @TheFFAddict: Link: http://twitter.com/#!/theffaddict.

All average draft positions are based on a ten man, non PPR, standard scoring league at fantasyfootballcalculator.com.