VV Squawkes



	Vulture Squawks




	Archives:
	2002

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The NFC East - Big Name Coaches? 8/22/03
The AFC South - The Fantasy Colts and the rest! 8/19/03
The NFC South - The Superbowl Champions couldn't win a fantasy game. 8/17/03
The NFC West - A Fantasy playground? 8/14/03
The AFC West - Three first round RB's 8/12/03
The AFC North - A division making progress! 8/08/03
The AFC East - Not as close as last Year! 8/05/03
The NFC North - A One Horse Race? 7/30/03
Who Will Win What? 7/20/03

The NFC East - Big Name Coaches? Back to Top

To finish the pre-season roundup I'm covering the NFC East home of Steve Spurrious / Daniel Snyder and and The Big Tuna / Jerry Jones, but remember no matter how much money an owner spends, coaches coach to win football matches and don't give a monkeys about fantasy football.

For each position I will give the name of the player(s) of note, next to each player in bold text will either be a number, a B, or nothing. A number represents the round they should be picked in in the standard 14 manager BestBaller league with a 10 round draft starting roster of (QB, RBx3, WRx3, TE,K, Def), a 'B' represents a backup/bench pick and nothing means they are worth nothing other than a permanent waiver wire spot in a BB league. I'm not going to give individual Defense player rankings as standard BB leagues don't use them.

Dallas
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Terry Glenn(WR), -Emmitt Smith(RB)
QB	Chad Hutchinson : Quincy Carter : I don't care how good Bill Parcell's is he can't turn either of these into a fantasy QB. It doesn't matter which one gets the starting job they are not even worth a backup spot.
RB	Troy Hambrick 5: Parcells built his rep by controlling the tempo with a power running game and Troy Hambrick is the only big back in town. However Bill appears less than happy with Troy and as yet hasn't even named him the starter. The other options in Dallas Michael Wiley and Aveion Cason are not Tuna backs, the only RB on the market at the moment is Duce and he's not that kind of runner either so it looks like Troy & the Tuna must be friends.
WR	Joey Galloway 10: Antonio Bryant B: Terry Glenn B: Galloway is the no1 receiver but any player who catches 2 passes in a four game span (Dec '02) isn't someone I desperately really want on my fantasy roster. Bryant did OK last year but has to take a big step up this year to be more than a backup player and who's going to pass to him. Parcells has worked with Glenn before and brought him in from Green Bay where he flopped last year, I don't know why but Parcells isn't stupid and Glenn may be worth a bench spot.
TE	Jason Witten B: Daniel Campbell : Campbell is No1 on the roster but he's a blocking TE. Rookie Witten has the best hands of the TE's drafted this spring and may be worth a bench spot.
K	Bill Cundiff : He scored a grand total of 61 points last year. If you want less than 4 points per game from your kicker go ahead.
Def	D-Team B: Probably the best Back-up D unit. A very young (but promising) secondary will probably move this unit into the top 10 next year but 3 games against divisional rival in the fantasy play-offs means I don't want them as my starting unit.

New York Giants
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Mike Hollis(K), +Dorsey Levens (RB)
QB	Kerry Collins B: OK so I probably like the Giants least of all NFL teams (maybe tied last with the Skins) but I've tried not to be biased. Collins had a great 2nd half to the season but he only scored 6 TD's in the first 8 games and I don't trust him enough not to return to those figures to make him a starter.
RB	Tiki Barber 4: Dorsey Levens B: Barber is no RB stud to carry your team but he does make a late pick fantasy No1 RB option. Last year he was better then expected because Ron Dayne was phased out my worry this year is that Levens will take over as a goal line vulture and Barbers fantasy points will take a hit.
WR	Amani Toomer 3: Ike Hilliard 8: Toomer put up career stats last year, partly due to the lack of another fit Wideout on the team and partly because he slimmed down 15 pounds. There is no reason why he can't repeat again this year and make a goof fantasy No2 WR. Hilliard looked good until an early season shoulder injury put him out of action. With 10 months to recover he could well make a decent No3 wideout on your team.
TE	Jeremy Shockey 4: Despite a broken rib, a big mouth and a bad attitude, Shockey is one of the elite players at his position. His 2TD total of last year has to improve but if you want a TE that will probably score like a WR and are prepared to draft him early then along with Gonzo and Heap, Shockey is your only option.
K	Mike Hollis B: Hollis who is career 80% will beat out Matt Bryant and will probably be there when you suddenly need a back-up kicker in the last round.
Def	D-Team 10: This unit is not a solid starter but it will keep most games close and if you miss out on one of the good units then they are a good option as your primary unit in a D by committee fantasy team..

Philadelphia
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Billy McMullen(WR), -Dorsey Levens(RB)
QB	Donovan McNabb 1: In 2002 only 3 QB's average over 20points each game they started, before his broken ankle McNabb was atop of that list with 2pt average. He should be the first QB taken in every draft and is a definite 1st round pick as his ankle is completely healed.
RB	Duce Staley 7: Correll Buckhalter 9: Anyone know what is happening here? Staley is a great receiving back and if he was in camp playing would be worth a No2 fantasy back spot. Buckhalter tore his ACL and was out last year. He's a running back not completely suited to the Eagles play style and few RBs come back fully the next season after an ACL.. If you want to gamble then go ahead and take one but don't blame me if you take Duce in the 6th round and end up with the No2 back behind Hambrick in Dallas.
WR	Todd Pinkston 7: James Thrash 9: Freddie Mitchell : Billy McMullen : Joint number 1 WR's it is Pinkston not Thrash who was just given a huge contract extension and Thrash goes quite in games too often for my liking. On a good passing O team its odd but neither of their top WR are worth more than a fantasy No3 slot. Freddie Mitchell is moving into his 3rd year after being a first round pick in '01, He needs to step up and secure the 3rd WR spot or rookie McMullen could steal it from him.
TE	Chad Lewis B: L.J. Smith : For the last few years Lewis has been a starter in most leagues but it looks like Philly think he past his best before date and 2nd round draft pick L.J. Smith will get a lot of playing time in the 2nd half of the season. Lewis is worth a back-up spot if your team TE has an early bye-week.
K	David Akers 7: Akers is up their in the kicking elite, lots of chances, high conversion rate and a couple form 50+ make him a great pick at kicker if you want to draft high.
Def	D-Team 5: My 2nd rated D unit despite the loss of Hugh Douglas. This is probably the best secondary out there and they will rack up lots of interceptions and return yards..

Washington
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Trung Canidate(RB) +Laveranues Coles(WR) +John Hall(K) +Rob Johnson(QB) -Stephen Davis(RB)
QB	Patrick Ramsey B: Rob Johnson : Ramsey had 5 fumbles in 5 starts as a rookie last year he is at least a year away from being anything more than a fantasy back-up and if he struggles to much early we could see Rob Johnson starting by mid season.
RB	Trung Canidate 7: Ladell Betts 10: Kenny Watson : No one knows for certain but I read the Skins backfield this year as running back by committee with a 70-30 split in favour of Canidate over Betts with Watson riding pine.
WR	Laveranues Coles 5: Rod Gardner 5: Taylor Jacobs : Both Coles and Gardner could post 1,000 yd seasons if Ramsey is any good under center, either one could become his favourite target and post the big numbers, both could suffer if Ramsey struggles, both are worth a shot as week No2 fantasy receivers. Rookie Jacobs (From Uni of Florida of course) looks up for the No3 job but won't get enough passes to make it onto your bench.
TE	Zeron Flemister : Nice name, nice speed, bad hands, avoid.
K	John Hall B: Hall put up good figures at a difficult stadium playing in the Meadowlands and makes a good bye-week cherry pick kicker especially if Ramsey stalls a lot around the 20.
Def	D-Team B: With Dallas they are the top back-up D unit and with a nice run of 3 games after their bye-week this unit makes a great plug-in D especially if you have the Titans as your starting unit.

The Voorschoten Vulture

If you have a question or comment about this article or any others I have written, feel free to email me at: editorials@bestballers.com or post your response on a Bestballers message board.

The AFC South - The Fantasy Colts and the rest! Back to Top

The AFC South consists of one great fantasy team, one good football team, one poor blue collar team and the Texans.

Houston
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Andre Johnson(WR) +Stacey Mack(RB)
QB	David Carr : Sacked 76 times last year, 9 TD's 15 Interceptions, Carr is a reasonable QB but with a paper O line he just isn't allowed to play and is probably the worst starting QB in the NFL from a fantasy perspective.
RB	Stacey Mack 5: Jonathan Wells B: I don't think Wells was as bad as his stats showed last year because the opposition was all over him before he got out of the backfield. The Texans disagree and have brought in Stacey Mack for this season and he will make someone a happy No3 fantasy back.
WR	Corey Bradford B: Jabar Gaffney : Andre Johnson : Its difficult to catch passes when your QB is in the turf but with 6TD's last year Bradford makes a possible bye-week fill in. Gaffney was a rookie last year and like most rookie wideouts did very little, Johnson was the 3rd pick of this years draft and whilst possibly a better player than Gaffney will do nothing this season.
TE	Billy Miller 8: When the Defense is all over you what does a QB do, he dumps it to the nearest guy and that is usually the TE. Miller is a good player and with very few TE's to choose from he just about manages a starting spot.
K	Kris Brown : He's inaccurate and on a team that won't score. Not even worth a back up spot.
Def	D-Team B: A very ordinary D unit but when you need 28/32 units this lot are worth a one week bye week fill-in.

Indianapolis
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Dallas Clark(TE) -Qadry Ismail(WR)
QB	Peyton Manning 1: He has started every game since he was drafted and he has surpassed 4,100 yards each of the last 4 years, do you really need anymore information to make Peyton a top three QB & 1st round pick? OK so he chokes in the playoffs but a fantasy season stops in week 16.
RB	Edgerrin James 2: The only reason Edge isn't a first round pick is that I still worry about his knee, However running behind a great O line with the D having to keep an eye on the pass he will be a very early 2nd round pick. So if I'm worried about his health what about his back-ups. Dominic Rhodes had major knee surgery last year and a shoulder problem in training camp, James Mungro is going to miss a few weeks with rib problems, stay clear of both for the time being.
WR	Marvin Harrison 1: Reggie Wayne 10: Brandon Stokley : Harrison along with TO are the only two WR's that should go 1st round especially after getting more yards than any other WR ever last year. Wayne is a goof No2 wideout but Manning looks, for Harrison, then Edge, then a TE then Wayne. Still if your short a wideout he makes a passable No3 fantasy man. Bradon Stokely hasn't managed a full season yet and is so low down Mannings list that he isn't worth even a backup spot.
TE	Marcus Pollard 7: Dallas Clark B: Pollards numbers suffered last year because there wasn't a good 2nd TE at the Colts. Their play book is full of 2 TE sets and with Clark taken in the first round of the draft Pollard's numbers will improve. Clark is a rookie but may be worth a back-up spot.
K	Mike Vanderjagt 9: Saying nasty things about your QB and coach is dumb but Vandy is too good a kicker for the Colts to let him go and makes a good week-in week-out fantasy kicker.
Def	D-Team B: This unit was very weak last year but this is there 2nd season in cover 2 and they are worth a back-up spot.

Jacksonville
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Byron Leftwich(QB), +J.J. Stokes(WR) -Stacey Mack(RB)
QB	Mark Brunell B: Byron Leftwich : Brunell has never been a great fantasy QB and has never thrown for 20TD's in a season. He makes a passable bye-week fill in but make it an early bye-week as if he struggles 1st round draft pick Leftwich could be filling the hot seat before the season is over.
RB	Fred Taylor 3: LaBrandon Toefield B: For the first time last season Fraud was a Fred and played all 16 games. With Mack his goal line vulture gone to Houston he may be a great pickup as he could get 1,700 yards and 16TD's. But one swallow doesn't make a summer and one season doesn't mean Fred won't fraud and be injured for half the season. Rookie Toefield is currently his back up and is a must if you take Fred, watch out however as Elvis Joseph is also fighting for that No2 slot.
WR	Jimmy Smith 6: J.J. Stokes B: Donald Hayes B: These rankings were set before Smith was given a 4 week ban for drugs. When he returns he will be the No1 and worth a fantasy 2 or 3 spot. J.J.Stokes couldn't get it done in the Bay so why in a similar WCO do the Jags think he will get it done here? Hayes was another underperformer at the Pats. Neither is worth more than a start for the first 4 weeks whilst Smith rehabs. Look out for one of the other wideouts on the roster to step up get the No3 job for weeks 1-4 then take over as No3 for the rest of the season.
TE	Kyle Brady B: Brady is not a happy camper in Jacksonville he had a pay dispute with the Jags and was late in camp. He makes a decent backup as bye week cover or a slot in when they play the Texans.
K	Danny Boyd : James Tuthill : Seth Marler : Three kickers fighting for the job. Boyd is favourite but rookie Marler could surprise. It really doesn't matter as which ever wins isn't worth a roster spot.
Def	D-Team 8: This unit is the best part of the Jags game. The schedule this year is full of potentially low scoring games and this unit are worth a full time starting spot.

Tennessee
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Tyrone Calico(WR) -Kevin Dyson(WR)
QB	Steve McNair 5: A weak fantasy starting QB but worth the pick as he puts up respectable numbers year after year. If you do get McNair as your number one make sure you get a backup on a O minded team to pop in for spot duty when McNair takes on some fairly impressive D units this season.
RB	Eddie George 3: Chris Brown : Why is a RB who hasn't missed a start in 7 years and is on a one RB offence only worth a 3rd round pick? Time is taking its toll on Eddie, his carry average is down in to 3.2yds pc over the last two years and whilst he will make 1,000 yards again this year he will probably only be good for 12 TD's. Rookie Chris Brown may be Eddies heir apparent but he won't get enough work to justify a spot this year.
WR	Derrick Mason 4: Tyrone Calico B: Derrick Mason is clearly the No1 wideout on this team and makes a good No2 fantasy receiver. Rookie Tyrone Calico could well end up with the no2. job but rookies tend not to produce great figures. The No3. spot (and the No2 is Calico isn't good enough) is a battle between Drew Bennett, Justin McCareins, Darrell Hill, Eddie Berlin, and Jake Schifino, my guess is Bennett but until the season is started none are worth consideration for a fantasy spot.
TE	Frank Wycheck B: Erron Kinney : Wycheck was a great TE but is a couple of years past his prime and it could well be his last season as a starter as the Team give Kinney more playing time.
K	Joe Nedney 10: 140th and last on my 10 round draft sheet. Nedney gets the 14th kicker spot because he is a good kicker and against a lot of tough D units this season I can see the Titans stalling a lot in FG range and Nedney has the ability to convert a lot of them this season.
Def	D-Team 9: Off season moves have weakened this unit but they will be involved in a lot of low scoring games again this year and are worth a start most weeks.

The Voorschoten Vulture

If you have a question or comment about this article or any others I have written, feel free to email me at: editorials@bestballers.com or post your response on a Bestballers message board.

The NFC South - The Superbowl Champions couldn't win a fantasy game. Back to Top

The NFC South, home of the Superbowl Champions, but its Atlanta you need to look to for a fantasy Superbowl. The NFC South is also the home of the Saints, the team whos players get you to the fantasy playoff and then play more like the Panthers.

Atlanta
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Peerless Price(WR) +MarTay Jenkins(WR) -Shawn Jefferson(WR)
QB	Michael Vick 1: He can pass, he has a new No1 receiver, he can run, he can score TD's and he is a first round draft pick. The words of warning are, he has one season as a starter, his play style looks like his body will take a lot of beatings and injuries happen. Ed note: Hold everything, Vick just broke his leg. Initial reports are he will be missing for the first 4 games. He is still a good QB but you may now be able to get him late, start a lesser QB for the first few weeks and then slot Vick in for the second half of the season. Doug Johnson will be the starter for the first few weeks and with a fairly easy start to the season may be worth picking up.
RB	T.J. Duckett 6: Warrick Dunn 7: All we need two more backs splitting time. Dunn gets more of the passes, Ducket will get more of the carries, both are worth No3 fantasy back status.
WR	Peerless Price 2: Brian Finneran 8: MarTay Jenkins B: PP has all the attributes that make him look like a teams No1 but moving from the No2 job at the Bills we won't know if he can handle the double coverage and gel with Vick until a couple of weeks into the season. It will be too late then as he will be gone by the second round of the draft and should make a good fantasy No1 wideout. Finneran did well as the starter last year and with Price getting more coverage he should do well again this year and makes a good No3 fantasy receiver unless Jenkins is better than he looked at the Cards and pushes him for the other starting spot. Ed note: Drop Price to the 3rd round and expect No2 fantasy performance
TE	Alge Crumpler 7: I wish I could rate Alge higher but he will see most of his work across the middle. He's a solid week in week out starter who will get you up a TD every other week. Ed note: Backups like TE's (they are big and close) so upgrade Alge to 6th round
K	Jay Feely 8: Feely led all kickers in scoring last year but despite that I rank him in the second tier of kickers as he misses too many for my liking..
Def	D-Team 9: Quite a few off-season changes here and I think they may struggle against the run but they are still a mid ranking fantasy starting unit. Which means that the Falcons have fantasy starters at every position joining the Packers as the only other team to gain that distinction.

Carolina
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Stephen Davis(RB) +Jake Delhomme(QB) -Lamar Smith(RB) -Wesley Walls(TE)
QB	Rodney Peete : Jake Delhomme : I think Delhomme will get the starting gig but it really doesn't matter as neither are going to be a fantasy factor.
RB	Stephen Davis 4: DeShaun Foster 9: After 4 good seasons at the Skins, Davis and Spurious had a difference of opinion and Davis moved into the starting job at Carolina where the coach wants him to carry the ball 20 times a game. Those carries would rack up about 1300 yards making him a nice No2 fantasy back. Foster had the chance of the starting job last season before he tore knee cartilage in the preseason. If he is fit (big ?) he makes a nice backup late pick as there will be plenty of running in this pass free zone.
WR	Muhsin Muhammad 6: Steve Smith B: Mush is the No1 receiver but on a weak O (31st in points scored in '02) he is only worth a No3 fantasy spot. Steve Smith had a couple of good games last year but a lot of bad games as well, if you can predict the good games he makes a nice bench player. Kevin Dyson and Ricky Proehl were brought in to compete for the No2/3 spots but a torn Achilles has put pay to Dyson and Proehl is at best a 4th receiver. Keep any eye out for a late free agent pick-up who may be worth consideration.
TE	Kris Mangum B: For the first time ever there is no Wesley Walls at the Panthers. Mangum will put up career stats (umm 16 catches to beat :) and may be worth a backup slot especially if the don't grab a decent free agent WR.
K	John Kasay B: Kasey is a good kicker but he has missed 30 games through injury in the last 3 years. A bye week stand-in if he stays fit.
Def	D-Team 6: This unit plays in lots of low scoring contests and will lead the league in sacks. My third rated D and an every week starting unit.

New Orleans
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Todd Bouman(QB), +Ernie Conwell(TE) -Jake Delhomme(QB)
QB	Aaron Brooks 2: Todd Bouman : A fully fit Brooks is a very good fantasy QB and will carry your team. However a late season shoulder injury and off-season surgery means that if you do pick him you should grad Bouman as insurance late in the draft.
RB	Deuce McAllister 1: In addition to 1388yds (eight 110yd+ games) and 13 running TD's he grabbed 47 catches and is an early first round draft pick. He missed one game last season but do you really want to carry those household name backups Curtis Keaton or James Fenderson on your bench?
WR	Joe Horn 2: Donte' Stallworth 4: Jerome Pathon B: Joe Horn is glad that Joe Horn got the pay rise that Joe Horn deserved and with Joe Horn's future settled he is a No1 fantasy back. Donte suffered a hamstring injury last season but if he is fit he makes a good fantasy No2 and could get 1,00yards this year. Pathon is a decent No3 WR and could make a nice bye-week fill in and a great late pick if Donte's hammies are dodgy.
TE	Ernie Conwell B: Why when they have three reasonable TE's on the roster in Sloan, Rasby and Boo do they bring in another TE? If Conwell was a lock to play as No1 TE on every down he would be worth a start but I think he will share too much time and is therefore only worth spot duty.
K	John Carney 7: Top three in all the kicker stats that matter Carney was rewarded with a nice pay rise and five year deal. If you pick him he'll reward you with good fantasy production every week.
Def	D-Team B: This unit lets in too many touchdowns and has lost too many good players over the last couple of season to be a fantasy starter. A game against Houston and two against Carolina during bye weeks makes them a nice back-up fill-in unit for the Falcons.

Tampa Bay
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Thomas Jones(RB)
QB	Brad Johnson B: A Superbowl QB who isn't a fantasy starter! He is a good bye week and cherry pick player though if you don't grab one of the top guys (or if your half way through a snake draft and took Vick).
RB	Michael Pittman ?: Mike Alstott 10: Thomas Jones B: Aaron Stecker B: If Pittman gets playing time not jail time then he's worth a 5th round pick. If he's behind bars then which ever of Jones and Stecker gets the starting job is worth a 3rd RB fantasy slot. You pays your money and takes your chances here as we won't know anything before the season starts. Mike Alstott however will get a lot of goal line carries regardless and with the RB shortage in every league he will make a good No3 fantasy RB.
WR	Keyshawn Johnson 5: Keenan McCardell B: Joe Jurevicius B: If Key gets the damned ball he's a MOR fantasy No2 wideout. McCardell is now 33 and will pickup a few points as a bye week fill-in. Jurevicius is 6'5" and fast and will probably put up 3 or 4 big games, the problem is he'll not show up in the other 12. A player with a lot of potential if you can correctly cherry pick his games.
TE	Ken Dilger : Rickey Dudley : Both over 30, both will score only 1 or 2 TD's this season, both are worth ignoring completely.
K	Martin Gramatica 6: I have him rated as my top Kicker this year as I think the Bucs RB woes will mean a lot of drives stall around the 20 and he will get plenty of chances. The main worry is he has been resting a sore groin pre-season the reports are its OK but keep an eye on it.
Def	D-Team 5: Without doubt the top rated Defense in football and someone will probably reach and take them in the 4th or even the 3rd round. Just remember this D may have proved the saying by winning a Superbowl but no D will win you a fantasy league.

The Voorschoten Vulture

If you have a question or comment about this article or any others I have written, feel free to email me at: editorials@bestballers.com or post your response on a Bestballers message board.

The NFC West - A Fantasy playground? Back to Top

The AFC West home of two great fantasy teams, one up and coming team and they all get to play the worst team in the NFL twice. With 4 first round picks coming out of this division its a fantasy playground and there are good picking in here even in the later rounds.

Arizona
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Jeff Blake(QB), +Emmitt Smith (RB) -David Boston(WR) -MarTay Jenkins(WR) -Frank Sanders(WR) -Thomas Jones(RB) -Jake Plummer(QB)
QB	Jeff Blake : Jake Plummer was erratic but he didn't have a great cast of supporting players. Blake is no upgrade from Plummer and has no supporting players left, don't even think of drafting him.
RB	Emmitt Smith 9: Marcel Shipp 10: On a pathetic team last year Shipp was one of the highlights (I even kept him in a keeper league), so why when they have a good young RB do the pick up Emmitt? Emmitt was one of the great RB's but is now wearing down and despite a good O-line, with no pass threat he won't last the season. Shipp will get goal line and relief carries and when Emmitt retires at the end of the season Shipp will get the starting job he deserves.
WR	Bryant Johnson : Anquan Boldin : Jason McAddley : Bryan Gilmore : Kevin Kasper : Larry Foster : Marquise Walker : Johnson and Boldin are the Cards 1st and 2nd round draft picks, McAddley and Gilmore played a bit last year but are unproven and the other three are training camp fodder veterans. This has to be the worst group of wideouts in NFL history. If someone steps up to become a definitive no1 WR (my money is on Gilmore or Johnson) then they would make a decent No3 fantasy back. The problem is you have more chance of winning the lottery than getting the right one from this bunch.
TE	Freddie Jones 10: Well Blake has to pass to someone and Freddie is the only one he's got. Worth a starting spot if you don't get one of the good TE's
K	Bill Gramatica : If the team has the worst offense in the NFL then what's the point of having its kicker.
Def	D-Team : So they have the worst Offense in the NFL, well to even things up they have the worst defense as well. With the high scoring 49ers', Rams and Seahawks in this division plus 5 games against other offensive giants this is going to be one sorry D unit who won't even get a break from the time its O unit spends on the field..

San Francisco
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: -J.J. Stokes(WR) and that loss is a good thing
QB	Jeff Garcia 1: OK I may be biased as a 49ers fan but I rank Garcia as a late 1st round pick. Erickson wants Garcia to throw more deep balls this year and who would you like to throw deep to more than TO (OK maybe Randy Moss). Garcias' back problem early in camp is a worry but he always seems to play in pain so don't worry to much.
RB	Kevan Barlow 6: Garrison Hearst 7: Fred Beasley B: The running back by committee we all hate. This year Barlow is in a contract year and I can see him getting 60% of the carries to Hearst 40%. Both can score, catch and get yards but watch out for Beasley the best short yardage back in the league getting even more goal line carries this year.
WR	Terrell Owens 1: Tai Streets 8: Cedrick Wilson B: Brandon Lloyd B: TO is the top WR in the game and will not last the first round in a BB draft. Streets proved he could handle the No2 job and the removal of Stokes solidifies his position and makes him a nice No3 fantasy receiver. If under Erickson the 49ers play more 3 receiver sets then which ever gets the No3 job between the incumbent No3 Wilson or the challenger Lloyd could be worth spot duty, don't forget they play the Cards twice.
TE	Eric Johnson 10: Johnson missed most of last season with injuries but if he's healthy he will be a good target for Garcia and worth a starting spot if you miss out on the top TE's
K	Jeff Chandler B: Chandler took over mid way through last season and I really didn't see enough of him to decide if he has the right mental stuff to make a fantasy starter. He is a decent backup though as yes they play the Cards twice.
Def	D-Team B: This unit lost too many starter in the off-season to justify a starting spot. They are good enough however for a back-up role if you cherry pick the opposition.

Seattle
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Josh Brown(K), -Rian Lindell(K)
QB	Matt Hasselbeck 5: Trent Dilfer : Hasselbeck took of over the last 6 games of last season after getting the start from an injured Dilfer in week 8. I think he showed enough upsides on a good O unit to make him worth a week in week out starting spot this year especially with the Seahawks easy schedule including two against the Cards.
RB	Shaun Alexander 1: Maurice Morris B: Everything points to Alexander being a good No1 RB on a fantasy team. I agree with that but I do have several reservations. Last year he was erratic at times with some poor games (over one three week span he only managed 110yds and 1TD) and some massive scoring games. The other problem is that The Hawks want MM to get more involved and I can see him getting more touches and goal-line carries this year. If in the first round on your pick Alexander is the top rated RB left you may be better taking a top QB and getting Jamal Lewis or Edge in the next round.
WR	Koren Robinson 3: Darrell Jackson 5: Bobby Engram : Robinson is now in his 3rd NFL year the time when most wideouts start to really come good and he makes a weak No1 fantasy WR. Jackson suffered from injuries last year but proved he was tough coming back from a nasty concussion and makes a nice No1 fantasy wideout.
TE	Jerramy Stevens 6: Itula Mili : I really don't know what to make of the Hawks TE situation. Mili set a franchise record for a tight end with 43 receptions for 508 yards last year, yet Seattle want there No1 draft pick of '02 Stevens to be the starter. Two DUI arrests in June don't help him but I think you have to rank him as a weak starting TE because Hasselbeck will take a lot of looks the TE's way.
K	Josh Brown : Drafted in the 7th round he has never attempted a NFL kick so whilst I'm sure he can drill them from 55yds in practice I have no idea of his mental strength and would avoid him this year.
Def	D-Team : 32nd against the run last year, a new D coach and a few new players will help this unit but they are barely fit to be a bye week fill in.

St. Louis
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Cam Cleeland(TE) -Trung Canidate(RB)
QB	Kurt Warner 2: MVP in 1999 and 2001 perhaps he's an odd year man. Then again perhaps he isn't over last years injury. Warner is a risky early pick but if he is back to '01 form then he's very very good.
RB	Marshall Faulk 1: Lamar Gordon B: After 6 years of 1,000+ yard seasons and 3 years as the number one pick, last year injuries basically ended his season after week nine, can he come back the answer is yes and he'll get snapped up in round one. With Trung gone, Lamar gets the backup role however he has been injured pre-season and is only worth a last round gamble if you think he can get fit and Faulk won't play 16 games.
WR	Torry Holt 2: Isaac Bruce 3: Shaun McDonald B: Troy Edwards B: Kevin Curtis : Officially joint number 1s Holt will get a lot more yards than Bruce but Issac will get a couple more TD's. Holt is a solid fantasy no1 but Isaac is slipping into a no2 spot. At the start of training camp Troy Edwards was listed as the Number 3 wideout but Martz was raving over rookie Kevin Curtis. Mid way through, Martz is mad on the other rookie McDonald and he is now listed as the No3, Edwards at 4 and Curtis is forgotten. Rookie WR's don't tend to produce and I'd rather Edwards on my bench of the three but keep an eye on the pre-season games and see who does what.
TE	Brandon Manumaleuna B: Cam Cleeland : Officially Cleeland is the no1 but either through incompetence or the usual injuries he won't last until October. BM (you think I'm going to type Manumaleuna again) will slot nicely into the role and is a bye week fill in option (He gets to play the Cards twice don't forget)
K	Jeff Wilkins 9: Like most kickers if they are on a high scoring team they are worth a pick and like most kickers Wilkins isn't quite all there - one shoe, two shoes or no shoes.
Def	D-Team B: Quite a few changes made to this unit in the off-season and they look thin in the secondary and the LB's are inexperienced. A potential bye-week pickup if their match-ups are good.

The Voorschoten Vulture

If you have a question or comment about this article or any others I have written, feel free to email me at: editorials@bestballers.com or post your response on a Bestballers message board.

The AFC West - Three first round RB's Back to Top

At the half way point in the reports I'm covering the AFC again, this time the West. In fantasy terms one of the best divisions with lots of nice pickings. Three first round running backs including my No1 overall pick, a couple of decent QB's some great wideouts, and the premier TE, just stay clear of these defensive units.

Denver
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Jake Plummer(QB), -Brian Griese(QB)
QB	Jake Plummer 7: 14th and last on my list of starting QB's Jake is a gamble that could pay off. At Denver (unlike in Arizona) he has a running game which takes some of the pressure off, he has 3 good wideouts a great TE and a team that expects to win.
RB	Clinton Portis 1: Quentin Griffin B: Over 1500yds in 12 starts as a rookie means Portis gets my No1 pick tag. He will have improved during his first NFL off-season and he will start getting more catches this year. With 4 rookie RB's getting over 1,000yds in 4 of the last 5 seasons its almost obligatory to pick up Griffin late, as strange things happen to RB's in Denver.
WR	Rod Smith 4: Ed McCaffrey B: Ashley Lelie B: Rod Smith is still a top WR and is probably the best No2 fantasy receiver out there. Either Eddy Mc or Ashley Lelie would be worth a No3 fantasy slot if we knew for certain which one was going to be the No2 at Denver. I see Mc starting the season but Lelie taking over the job mid season
TE	Shannon Sharpe 8: Shannon Sharpe was the best TE in football but age is catching up with him and whilst he is still worth a starting spot he is only one injury away from retirement.
K	Jason Elam 8: Elam had an off year last season but he is still a solid starter and the mile high air is always good for a few long long field goals.
Def	D-Team B: This team plays against too many high scoring opponents to make it a starting squad. However it is a good unit for bye week and spot duty.

Kansas City
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: Errr did they draft or pick-up a single good player?
QB	Trent Green B: Green isn't worth a starting spot on a BB fantasy team (that will annoy Ed) why? Because he doesn't have a decent wideout to throw too (why do you think Gonzo gets so many balls), this is a run first, second and third offensive and last year he passed for under 200yds in 7 games. If your top QB is a late pick then Green is a good option and is worth a start against several teams, just not every week.
RB	Priest Holmes 1: Larry Johnson 10: The big question at the start of fantasy draft seasons is, is Holmes' hip fixed. If the answer is yes (which I think it is) then last years fantasy MVP is a early 1st round pick, if the answer is no then grab his rookie back-up Larry Johnson. Incidentally I took Holmes in the first round in the 6th spot in my first draft of the season.
WR	Johnnie Morton B: Eddie Kennison B: Marc Boerigter B: Dante Hall B: Last years figures tell the tale - Morton 397yds, 1TD - Kennison 2TD's - Boerighter 20 catches - Hall 20 catches. Boerighter could be the best option of the lot but until one of them steps up none are worth more than a back-up or sleeper pick.
TE	Tony Gonzalez 4: Caught more passes for more yards than any WR on the team, Gonzo is the top TE in the game and will usually go somewhere in the 4th round of most drafts.
K	Morten Andersen B: Jose Cortez : Morten is getting old and his leg strength stop him getting those nice bonus points for long kicks. He is still a decent short range/EP kicker and well worth bye week and back-up duty on a high scoring team.
Def	D-Team : This unit finished last in yards allowed last season but they have picked up in a few players in the off-season. With bye weeks meaning that in theory BB leagues need 28 D units this mob just about squeak in in 28th but I'm not going to dignify them with a B ranking.

Oakland
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Justin Fargas(RB)
QB	Rich Gannon 2: Marques Tuiasosopo : He may be oldish but Gannon had his best season ever last year and with the cast back this year, there is no reason why he shouldn't carry your team all year. His backup is Tuiasosopo who may be worth a last round pick in case anything happens to Gannon
RB	Charlie Garner 4: Zack Crockett B: Justin Fargas B: Garner is the best receiving RB in the NFL but is only a No2. fantasy back because of Crockett, who, with an average of 7TD's per year takes too many of Garners goal line touches. However because he only scores every other week and get very little yardage Crockett is only really worth spot and bye week duties. Rookie Justin Fargas will eliminate any playing time for Tyrone Wheatly and will be the change of pace back-up for Garner, worth a spot in a keeper league and will be huge if anything happens to Garner.
WR	Jerry Rice 4: Jerry Porter 5: Tim Brown B: How does Rice keep going he's the only outfield player older than me yet he is still a great No2 fantasy receiver. Officially Tim Brown is still the number 2, but I expect Porter to take over that role in reality and on this pass happy O that makes him a weak No2/good No3 fantasy wideout. Brown is by no means finished and he was top of my backup wideouts list.
TE	Doug Jolley B: This time last year he wasn't the starter and I don't think he showed enough last year to warrant a fantasy gig. However he has a lot of upsides and if you get a weak TE starter he makes a great back-up for cherry picking game and bye week duty.
K	Sebastian Janikowski 8: SeaBass is my 5th rated kicker and could be higher if I wasn't worried he'd change his style or get suspended for bar room brawling half way through the season.
Def	D-Team 9: Not a great unit but as they know the O can always get the job done they have an aggressive style and get a lot of big plays. The down side of this unit is they play a lot of high scoring teams and how often is a Raiders game 10-7.

San Diego
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +David Boston(WR), -Curtis Conway(WR)
QB	Drew Brees B: Brees is a great young QB but until I see evidence that the Chargers are more than a run first second third O he won't put up the numbers to make a fantasy starting QB. He's a great backup though especially for Garcia or Brookes as the Chargers take on the Vikes at home in week 10.
RB	LaDainian Tomlinson 1: LaD could well be taken in some drafts as the No1 pick (I have him in the 3 spot). He will get 20-25 carries a game so lets just hope he lasts the season with a weak O-line and defenses keying on him, however new FB Lorenzo Neal will help make some holes for him. Hands up who (apart from JohnK) can name LaD's back-up? It's currently a training camp battle between Jesse Chatman, Nick Maddox and Antoineo Harris, yeah lets hope LaD lasts 16 games.
WR	David Boston 3: Tim Dwight B: Reche Caldwell B: Eric Parker : Bostons playing abilities make him a fantasy No1 wideout but a new team, injuries and off-field problems means I wouldn't want to rely on him to carry my team. Dwight is a great slot No3 wideout which doesn't amount to much in fantasy terms. Most people think that Caldwell is a lock for the No2 job and if he gets it he would be worth a No3 fantasy slot, however I think Parker could sneak up and take the job from him and be a great sleeper pick.
TE	Stephen Alexander 10: Every year I say Alexander is a fantasy starter at TE, every year he disappoints (1TD last year). He is injury prone but once again with a lack of good fantasy TEs I have him ranked at no13 which makes him a very weak starter.
K	Steve Christie : He used to be good but time and a weak leg now don't even justify his place on a fantasy bench.
Def	D-Team B: As we need 28 teams the unit makes it in as a backup unit, but the loss of their veterans, and none of last years starters return to the secondary makes this a very very weak pick. Your only excuse to pick them is to cover for the Phili D in week 3.

The Voorschoten Vulture

If you have a question or comment about this article or any others I have written, feel free to email me at: editorials@bestballers.com or post your response on a Bestballers message board.

The AFC North - A division making progress! Back to Top

For my second AFC division I'm looking at the North. Until this year the fantasy options have been the Steelers and Ravens, the Browns have had the occasional starter and the Bengals have been pathetic. This year its going to be a closer race and there are viable fantasy options in all four teams.

Baltimore
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Kyle Boller(QB), +Marcus Robinson(WR), +Frank Sanders(WR), -Jeff Blake(QB)
QB	Chris Redman : Kyle Boller : Redman was benched for Jeff Blake last year, Boller is a rookie, coach Bellyache changes quarterbacks like a mother changes a new born babies diaper. Stay well clear
RB	Jamal Lewis 2: He came fully back from injury last season and with the improvements made in the off-season to the O-line his TD total should improve from last years six. His major problem is that with a weak passing game the opponents can key on Lewis and keeps him hovering around the fringe of the top 10 RB list.
WR	Travis Taylor 8: Frank Sanders : Marcus Robinson : Last year Taylor caught 6TD when Blake was play calling but a big fat zero when Redman was in the huddle. Does Redman not like him or is Redman just hopeless either way Taylor is only a no3 fantasy receiver. Both Sanders and Robinson were brought in recently, Sanders was never that great at Arizona and isn't worth a spot. Strictly speaking neither is Robinson but if he has overcome two years of injuries he has the power and size to do well so keep an eye on him and he may be worth a late season backup spot.
TE	Todd Heap 4: Along with Gonzo and Shock, Heap is an elite TE. He caught the most receptions and TD's for the Ravens last year, if he had a half decent QB he'd be the clear No1 TE.
K	Matt Stover B: Stovetop is one of them most accurate kickers (84% FG's) in the NFL. The problem is the Ravens play tight low scoring games so he doesn't get enough scoring chances. He makes a decent backup but playing in the Blue Collar AFC North he isn't worth a starting gig.
Def	D-Team 6: The Ravens D is one of the top units and could be the 3rd D taken in the Draft. Ray Lewis, Peter Boulware and rookie Terrell Suggs are just 3 of the good players on this team. They don't concede many points, they create a lot of turnovers and the play the Bengals and Browns twice.

Cincinnati
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Carson Palmer(QB) but only in keeper leagues
QB	Jon Kitna B: Carson Palmer : With Kitna a certain starter, plus the timing he built up with Johnson last year, plus the rumour that Dillon has learnt how to catch a pass, Kitna could make a decent late pick, bye week back-up if you snagged an elite QB early.
RB	Corey Dillon 3: Dillon always puts up 1,300+ yards a season and make for either a weak No1 fantasy RB or a great No2. The loss of his regular FB may make for some early season adjustments but he has been practicing catching as well.
WR	Chad Johnson 3: Peter Warrick 9: Kelley Washington : Johnson is a borderline No1 fantasy receiver but you may be glad you took the gamble if he can keep improving as he did towards the end of '02. P Dubs' grade card each year would read promised much but could have done better, yet again I have him pegged as a No3 fantasy receiver and yet again I'll probably be disappointed. Keep an eye on rookie Kelley Washington there are nice words coming out of training camp about his size/speed and he could push Warrick for playing time.
TE	Reggie Kelly : Matt Schobel : This looks like a 2TE back field and to make it worse they have a combined career total of 4TD's
K	Neil Rackers B: Last year he only had 18 FG attempts. If you have Joe Nedney as your starter then pop Rackers in for week 9 when they play the Cardinals.
Def	D-Team : They were pathetic last year and could be even worse this year.

Cleveland
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: They didn't gain or lose a single serious Offensive player?
QB	Tim Couch : Kelly Holcomb : If anyone knows who will start all season then they make a decent back-up QB as no-one knows stay well clear.
RB	William Green 3: Jamel White : Green played the first half of last season like the rookie he was then he played the second half like a future Hall of Famer. Does any-one know why they just paid Jamal White $6.5 million he doesn't even make my top 60 RB's especially as they drafted the injured Lee Suggs to be backup next year.
WR	Quincy Morgan 6: Kevin Johnson 9: Dennis Northcutt B: Andre' Davis B: This a a big bunch of OK receivers but no real standouts, Kevin Johnson had a bad season last year, Quincy Morgan had two great games Northcutt and Davis both had good and bad patches and they are all competing for playing time and they don't know which QB will be throwing. The result is two No3 fantasy wideouts and a couple of weak back-ups.
TE	Darnell Sanders : With a run based play book and four receivers Sanders may get one catch a game.
K	Phil Dawson B: As Dawson doesn't care who is the QB he makes a good back-up kicker
Def	D-Team : The Browns dumped every starting line backer in the off-season they may be even worse than the Bengals D this year.

Pittsburgh
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Jay Riemersma(TE), -Kordell Stewart(QB)
QB	Tommy Maddox 3: Charlie Batch : With a year behind center under his belt a new pass catching TE and a great WR tandem Tommy Gun will be a solid starter in every BB fantasy league as long as he stops posting 400yds 200yds alternating games.
RB	Jerome Bettis 7: Amos Zereoue 7: This looks more and more like running back by committee. If either was a definite 20 carries a game starter they would shoot up to a 3rd round pick. Whilst its annoying to lose yet another starting RB the Steelers game is moving away from run to pass anyway so its not the end of the world.
WR	Hines Ward 3: Plaxico Burress 3: Antwaan Randle El B: The best wideout twosome in fantasy football with both Ward and Plax making good No1 fantasy WR's. Last year they split 3,700 yards down the middle. Antwaan does some weird thing and is a great special team returner but as he isn't really a goal line option for Maddox he is only a weak Back-up as a fantasy WR.
TE	Jay Riemersma B: Riemersma will get a few catches over the middle but not enough yards or scores to be more than a bye-week fill in.
K	Jeff Reed 9: He's young and not full proven but he got 10/10 FG's inside 40 yds and 7/9 at over 40yds last year. Well worth a gamble as a starter if you don't get one of the big names.
Def	D-Team 6: This unit has increased it's speed during the off season and is one of the top 5 D units.

The Voorschoten Vulture

If you have a question or comment about this article or any others I have written, feel free to email me at: editorials@bestballers.com or post your response on a Bestballers message board.

The AFC East - Not as close as last Year! Back to Top

For my first AFC division I'm looking at the East, last year it had no losing teams and a 1 game split between them all. This year however Miami will dominate the division if not the fantasy rankings, with the obvious exception of Ricky WIlliams who is a lot of peoples No1 pick.

Buffalo
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Olandis Gary(RB), +Rian Lindell(K), -Peerless Price(WR), -Jay Riemersma(TE), -Mike Hollis(K)
QB	Drew Bledsoe 3: Last year he helped a few teams ride high with nine 300yds+ games even he he did kill a couple of play-off games with poor performances. He will post good numbers again this year and should be a week-in week-out starter on somebody's team in each BB league.
RB	Travis Henry 2: Olandis Gary : Henry scored well early, but wore down towards the back-end last year. I can see Gary giving him the odd breather this season, but not enough to warrant fantasy playing time for Gary and not enough to drop Henry from a No1 RB starter spot. Despite the draft hype Willis McGahee won't suit up this year, but I be a bit worried if I had Henry in a keeper league.
WR	Eric Moulds 2: Josh Reed 7: Bobby Shaw: Eric Moulds is in that second group of about half a dozen top notch receivers and will be a great No1 WR for some BB team. He may see a drop in production at the start of the season as he gets more coverage now that Peerless Price is gone but he should easily make 1,000yds and 10TD's. As a rookie last year Reed showed enough for the Bills to let go of PP and will make a decent 3rd receiver on most BB teams. Keep on eye on him in training camp just incase he has a sophomore slump and Bobby Shaw steps up to get the number 2 gig.
TE	Mark Campbell : Dave Moore : Together they may be able to replace Jay Riemersma for football but in the fantasy world 2 into 1 don't go.
K	Rian Lindell 10: Not as good as the man he replaced Mike Hollis but he scrapes in as the 14th and last starting kicker mainly because he will have lots of chances to score.
Def	D-Team B: They averaged 25 points against them per game last year and even with several good new players added they are only worth a bye week spot.

Miami
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Derrius Thompson(WR), +Brian Griese(RB)
QB	Jay Fiedler : Brian Griese : Dave Wannabeacoach says Fiedler is the starter, yet the paid a lot of good money for Griese to sit on the bench and I'm looking forward to the controversy. For BB fantasy leagues I'm sticking clear of both especially as Fiedler is injury prone, doesn't put up great numbers, and anyway Miami will run Ricky until he drops.
RB	Ricky Williams 1: Williams is my number 2 pick overall (wait and see) and he will be the foundation of many BB teams. Robert Edwards and Travis Minor are both good backups for football but they will get no fantasy points sitting on the Dolphins bench.
WR	Chris Chambers 6: Derrius Thompson : Oronde Gadsden : James McKnight : Chambers had a bad year last year and with a little improvement he makes a weak No2 fantasy receiver or a solid No.3. The number 2 spot for the Fins is an open competition between Thompson, Gadsden & McKnight all of whom have weaknesses and could well rotate a lot of the time. Gadsden has injured himself in camp which won't help him, but whoever gets the official No2 designation won't get a lot of passes as Fiedler doesn't throw that many.
TE	Randy McMichael 9: Fiedlers No3 target after WIlliams and Chambers, McM makes a relatively moderate starting TE mainly because there are so few decent fantasy scoring TE's
K	Olindo Mare 9: One of the second tier of Kickers he'll be an every week starter in some leagues but you could do better.
Def	D-Team 6: The addition of Seau and Knight moves this unit up the D rankings to very good and could well be one of the first three D's taking in a few BB leagues. Watch out though as they get to play Philli, plus the Bills and Pats away during the fantasy play-offs.

New England
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Dedric Ward(WR) sorry I was desperate to find someone
QB	Tom Brady B: A tough schedule with a lot of Defensive teams to play I don't think Brady will put up the number to justify a starting spot. However with 14 QB's starting each week he makes a great backup if you don't get one of the top QB's.
RB	Antowain Smith 7: Kevin Faulk B: J.R. Redmond : Smith had a bad year last year and is only worth a number 2 fantasy roster spot this season. Kevin Faulk gets a few 3rd down carries and could make a bye week backup but this about all.
WR	Troy Brown 4: David Patten B: Deion Branch : Dedric Ward: As the teams No1 wideout Troy Brown only caught 3 TD passes last year, this can only improve and he makes a weak No2 BB receiver. Patten had more TD's last year (5) but not enough catches (61), Branch was a good rookie but as No3 wideout on this team isn't worth a spot anywhere and he could lose time to Dedric Ward.
TE	Christian Fauria B: Daniel Graham : With 7 TD's last year Fauria was a good end-zone threat however Graham will take some of Fauria's playing time this year which drops him down to a back-up spot.
K	Adam Vinatieri 9: With a long of 57yds last year Vinatieri makes a good BB fantasy kicker, the end of season cold weather makes him a play-off risk though.
Def	D-Team B: Adding Colvin and Harrison will definitely improve this unit. If you get a late first choice D then the Pats make a good bye-week and cherry pick substitute with nice match-ups against Dallas and Houston.

New York Jets
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Curtis Conway(WR), +Doug Brien(K), -John Hall(K), -Laveranues Coles(WR)
QB	Chad Pennington B: Pennington is probably the top back-up fantasy QB out there and depending who your starter is he could well be worth 4 or 5 starts after the Jets week 5 bye.
RB	Curtis Martin 4: LaMont Jordan 10: With eight straight 1,000+ yards season Martin should be a number 1 fantasy RB. The problem is Jordan is starting to take a lot of goal line touches and age is not of Martins' side. The Jets could be a RB by committee before the end of the season or Curtis could march onwards and get 1,200 yards and 12TD's
WR	Curtis Conway 6: Wayne Cherbet B: Santana Moss B: Curtis Conway isn't Laveranues Coles and whilst he could make a low level No2. Fantasy wideout he does tend to get injured a bit to often for my liking. Cherbet will catch lots of passes for low yardage and Moss will catch a few passes for long gains making both reasonable bye-week players.
TE	Anthony Becht B: Becht may pick up a few extra catches this year but he is only a bye-week fill in.
K	Doug Brien : John Hall wasn't great last year and Brien is a definite drop in class from him. Brien has only managed two 100+ point seasons in 11 years he won't make it three out of twelve.
Def	D-Team 10: The Jets D slip in as my 14th pick D-Team mainly on the hope that first round pick Dewayne Robertson is the next Warren Sapp. If you do end up with this unit as your starter I hope you have plenty of high scoring offensive players as this unit will be steady not spectacular

The Voorschoten Vulture

If you have a question or comment about this article or any others I have written, feel free to email me at: editorials@bestballers.com or post your response on a Bestballers message board.

The NFC North - A One Horse Race? Back to Top

This year I'm going to cover the fantasy potential on a division by division basis, picking out the hot picks, saying where I see them going in the standard 14 team BestBaller league and telling you who else to keep an eye on and who to avoid. But don't forget things can and will change with injuries during pre-season.

To start the ball rolling I going to the frozen North the NFC North. In real football terms this division is a one horse race with Green Bay by a mile. In fantasy terms its a two horse race with GB and Minnesota having 5 player between them worth a pick in the first 3 rounds, which lets face it, is about as many as Chicago and Detroit have worth picking in total.

Chicago
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Kordell Stewart(QB), -Marcus Robinson(WR)
QB	Kordell Stewart B: He will put up better numbers than he did in Pittsburg and is worth a backup spot for the games against the Lions and Vikings
RB	Anthony Thomas 4: Adrian Peterson B: A-Train is a steal if he's back to '01 form but if he plays like he did last year then Peterson may get some carries. But who ever rushes has a problem with an o-line that can't open holes to run through
WR	Marty Booker 4: David Terrell B: Dez White: The Bears O only produces enough passes for one WR to make a BB team and with a 100 catches a year Marty is that man. Terrell needs to be fit again but he does have breakaway speed and will score if Kordell clicks, Dez is a slot man not worth a spot.
TE	John Davis : Des Clark : Not enough balls to split between 2 mediocre TE's
K	Paul Edinger B: On a good O team he would be a late pick but on this team he is only a backup and you need to cherry pick his opponents.
Def	D-Team 9: Some outstanding individual players but not as good as last year and they are going to play a lot of high scoring teams this season.

Detroit
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Charles Rogers(WR), +Shawn Bryson(RB)
QB	Joey Harrington B: He may have a WR to throw to this year and be a year better but you can't build a fantasy team on Joey. However he makes a good backup to Donovan McNabb if you look at the schedules.
RB	James Stewart 4: Shawn Bryson B: Stewart is a reasonable No2 RB on most teams if he stays fit and if Mooch doesn't go RB by committee and give Bryson the Goal line carries. Bryson is only worth a back up spot if either of the above come true.
WR	Charles Rogers 5: Bill Schroeder : Az-Zahir Hakim : I don't like picking rookie WR's this high but everyone says Rogers is NFL ready. Hak is still nursing his hip, Schroeder proved he wasn't very good last year and they could well both be on the bench some of the time this year so best to avoid them both.
TE	Mikhael Ricks 8: Assuming he stays healthy he will be Harringtons No2 target
K	Jason Hanson B: The same as Edinger above, on a good O team he would be a late pick but on this team he is only worth a backup spot and you need to cherry pick his opponents.
Def	D-Team : 31st ranked D last year, perhaps they will improve to 30th this year.

Green Bay
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Lamar Smith(RB), -Terry Glenn(WR)
QB	Brett Favre 2: You can almost guarantee 16 starts and 20+ TD's from Brett
RB	Ahman Green 2: Lamar Smith : Najeh Davenport: Green should be a lock No1 RB for some fantasy team but after last years injury there are rumours that Smith or Davenport will spell him to keep him fit. Keep an eye on thing in Training camp/pre-season and if this happens to much drop him down the draft list and move the relief back, up to a backup spot..
WR	Donald Driver 3: Javon Walker B: Robert Ferguson : Driver will get most of Favres' passes and should be a No1 WR on somebody's team. Walker and Ferguson are competing for the No2 spot, my money is on Walker and who ever gets it is a good backup for Bye weeks and Vikings/Lions games
TE	Bubba Franks 6: Averaging 8 TD's a year he's a rock solid starter
K	Ryan Longwell 7: My second rated kicker, accurate again last year and on a high scoring O
Def	D-Team 7: Five new starters drops the D down from last year but no-one scores a lot at Lambeau.

Minnesota
Famous Fantasy Additions/Subtractions: +Onterrio Smith(RB)
QB	Daunte Culpepper 2: He'd be a first round pick if he didn't fumble so much.
RB	Moe Williams 6: Onterrio Smith B: With Bennett out for a least half the season Moe Williams has to step up. If Smith sorts out his contract soon he could challenge for the starting job or even the dreaded RB committee, but the longer he sits out his first training camp the less likely it is that he will start (Duh here's the biggest chance in his life and he's sitting out...)
WR	Randy Moss 1: D'Wayne Bates 8: Kelly Campbell : Despite last seasons TD low, Randy is my 14th and last first round pick. Daunte throws enough passes to make Bates worth a fantasy No3 berth but he is a bit injury prone so keep an eye on Campbell
TE	Jim Kleinsasser : Byron Chamberlain : When Chamberlain comes back from suspension after 4 weeks they will share time and neither is worth even a backup spot.
K	Hayden Epstein : Todd France : Aaron Elling : Oh dear, first to make a FG in training camp wins the job! Perhaps they will bring back 44 year old Gary Anderson
Def	D-Team : 28 pts a game allowed last year, enough said.

The Voorschoten Vulture

If you have a question or comment about this article or any others I have written, feel free to email me at: editorials@bestballers.com or post your response on a Bestballers message board.

Who Will Win What? Back to Top

Every year I entertain you with my wild guesses at who will win the superbowl, who is the stud sleeper and tell you why not to pick Fred Taylor. Normally I cover each team from a fantasy perspective then give my summary and tell you who will win what. Last year I had my final forecast article in draft form but life got in the way and it never got published as the season had started. So for a change, even before the first pre-season game, I'm going to write the article that gets the most arguments first "Who will win what"

Now I know everyone has an opinon and most of you will say "what does he know? He's a European!" so I thought long and hard and asked myself - Do I know anything? I woke up snoring about an hour later still without an answer so I thought lets look back and see how I did over the last 3 years.

In '00 I managed to pick 5 out of the 6 divisional champions (New Orleans pipping the Rams stopped me getting the full set) and I managed one of the superbowl participents - No I didn't think Baltimore would make it. 87% of my predictions finished where I said they would or within 1 spot (Atlanta caused havoc being so bad and I thought the Jets looked worse than they were)

In '01 I got 2 out of the top 3 NFC teams (Did anyone apart form Mike B predict Chicago to win the Central) and a pathetic 0 for the AFC. I did manage the Rams for the Superbowl and I at least said that New England would be the worst team to make the play-offs that year. Overall 66% of my predictions finished where I said they would or within 1 spot but I think I was in good company with a lot of pundits getting egg on their faces.

In '02 I returned to winning ways with 6 out of 8 divisional champions (Indianapolis and New England let me down). I had a Philli v Pittsburg Superbowl which was oh so close to being true. 97% of my predictions finished where I said they would or within 1 spot and only the Cowboys spoiled 100% (anyone know why I had Dallas to finish 2nd?) and I even got the NFC North and West spot on.

So will I be in form like last year or stink up the joint like in '01. Its very early to predict as injuries can and will happen but to add spice this year I am even giving the number of games each team will win. The last team to go unbeaten this year will be Atlanta and the last team to win their first game will be Arizona (even though unless the Jets beat Houston it could be them). For the superbowl this year I have Miami beating Cleveland in the AFC championship before they lose the Superbowl to Atlanta who squeak past Green Bay the NFC game.

Anyway even if you think I know nothing, your still reading so here are my division forecasts for '03:

AFC
NORTH
Cleve	1st (10-6)	Everyones in place but a potential QB controvesy could derail the team in the locker room.
Pitts	2nd (8-8)	Maddox isn't that good and the running game looks like trouble.
Balt	3rd (8-8)	Redman or Boller at QB means to many losses.
Cinci	4th (5-11)	The team is getting into place and they are on the way up but are not there yet.
SOUTH
Tenn	1st (10-6)	Last chance for several of the main players in this team.
Indi	2nd (9-7)	A fantasy hot spot but this team just doesn't have a winning attitude or coach.
Jacks	3rd (7-9)	Average in all aspects and who knows what Fred Taylor will do with his normal backup gone.
Houst	4th (4-12)	Improving team but too many weak links and no depth.
EAST
Miami	1st (12-4)	I love the soon to happen QB controversy but they are still the best AFC team.
Buff	2nd (9-7)	Good, but Peerless was priceless and they are weaker than last year.
N Eng	3rd (6-10)	Mediocre in a tough division and team spirit can only go so far most years.
NYJ	4th (5-11)	Lost a lot of their best players to Washington and Conway will struggle.
WEST
Oak	1st (11-5)	The zimmerframes are good for one last play-off run but they are an injury away from trouble.
SD	2nd (9-7)	Adding Boston to Brees and LaD means they are bowl bound a year from now.
Denv	3rd (9-7)	Is Jake the man, I really don't know, but if he is they could do a lot better than 3rd.
KC	4th (8-8)	Holmes' hip is worrying and without him 100%, the WR's will be exposed as second rate.

NFC
NORTH
GB	1st (12-4)	How can they fail to win 6 in this division and with Favre behind the helm another 6 look possible.
Chic	2nd (7-9)	Kordell is a bad fit for this Offense and the Running game went AWOL last year.
Det	3rd (5-11)	It will take at least 2 years for Mooch to do some magic on this squad.
Minn	4th (5-11)	No Bennett means Moss can be triple covered and it all equals No Play-offs.
SOUTH
Atlan	1st (12-4)	With the addition of Price this is the best team in the NFL, solid at every position.
TB	2nd (9-7)	RB problems means a slow start and wild card bearth at best this year.
NO	3rd (8-8)	Three grade A players but the team goes on holidays in November this year.
Caro	4th (3-13)	Delhomme to Smith or Peete to Mushi Oh Dear! Even Stephen Davis can't help this team.
EAST
Phili	1st (11-5)	They need to upgrade at RB but they can easily win the East.
Wash	2nd (9-7)	Is Ramsey really a staring QB, I don't think so, and a 3 headed RB by committe may not work.
NYG	3rd (6-10)	A very very tough schedule and I can see lots of close losses this year.
Dallas	4th (6-10)	The Tuna needs a QB and a RB and several other players.
WEST
S Fran	1st (11-5)	All the Offence is in place but the Defence are not quite good enough.
Sea	2nd (10-6)	Good team in a tough division but Hasselbank hasn't got me convinced yet.
S Lou	3rd (9-7)	To many QB questions after last year and both Faulk and Bruce are wearing down.
Ariz	4th (3-13)	The worst team in the NFL with new QB, new RB (Why? Shipp was good) and new Wide-outs.

The Voorschoten Vulture

If you have a question or comment about this article or any others I have written, feel free to email me at: editorials@bestballers.com or post your response on a Bestballers message board.


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