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NFL Mock Draft 2009 Draft of 2009 Lacks Star Power NFL Draft 2009: Getting Started Super Bowl Well Worth Tuning In For
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Prospects On Center Stage NBA Preview 2008/09: Final Call
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2008 Fantasy Preview: AFC By Ric Atkinson It is never too early to start thinking about Fantasy Football and, with the NFL preseason just around the corner, let’s take a team-by-team look at the AFC: AFC East: Buffalo Bills: The Bills play 10 of their games against defenses that finished last season ranked 20th or lower against the run. Marshawn Lynch should make a very solid #2 running back on any fantasy team. Lee Evans is a perennial late season fantasy stud. He always starts slow but will give you huge numbers in November and December. If Lee Evans starts off slow again this season, I’d look to trade for him at a bargain price and reap the benefits down the stretch. Miami Dolphins: The only guy in Miami worth considering is Ronnie Brown. We forget that before his season ending ACL tear last year, he was the highest scoring back in Fantasy Football. If he falls into the fourth round of your draft he could be a great value pick. New England Patriots: Last season, Tom Brady and Randy Moss had two of the best fantasy football seasons ever. Both will be very good this season as well, but temper your expectations somewhat. They are both the best options at their positions, but neither will duplicate last season’s numbers. Wes Welker is a very solid #2 and an outstanding #3 fantasy WR. Laurence Maroney was a bit of a fantasy disappointment last season. I think he will turn that around and be a great pickup in the 3rd or 4th round this year. Don’t forget about NE’s D/St, they will again be a solid fantasy play this year. New York Jets: The Jets made significant improvements in their offensive line by adding Alan Faneca and Damien Woody this off-season. These additions make Thomas Jones a good sleeper pick for the middle rounds. Jones had 1119 yards and just 1 touchdown, the production was there in terms of yards but the Jets didn’t score much as a team (only 21 touchdowns). If that revamped o-line lives up to the billing, Jones should the end zone much more often.  AFC North: Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens defense is still a Top 10 Fantasy D/ST. If you miss out on the top tier tight ends, Todd Heap is a guy you could pickup in the late rounds that should give you acceptable fantasy numbers. Willis McGahee should also have another great season. Cincinnati Bengals: Despite all the offseason uproar, there are several very good fantasy players on this team. Both TJ Housmahzadah and Chad Johnson are Top 10 Fantasy WRs. Carson Palmer is a great value pick in the 4th or 5th round, and Rudi Johnson is, in my opinion, undervalued at this point. Cleveland Browns: Cleveland has a very solid offensive line, and that makes it possible for guys like Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Jamal Lewis, and Derrick Anderson to put up great fantasy numbers. Right now Edwards is my 4th rated WR and a guy I plan on targeting in all my drafts. There might be some late round value with Donte Stallworth. Pittsburgh Steelers: Santonio Holmes is set up for a breakout season. Look for him to supplant Hines Ward as the #1 option in the Steelers passing game. Some key losses in the o-line hurt Willie Parker and Ben Roethlisberger’s fantasy value. Also with Parker, don’t forget they drafted Rashard Mendenhall. AFC South: Houston Texans: Andre Johnson is a great wide receiver, and he plays on a team with limited options. He will have a huge fantasy season. Owen Daniel is a sleeper tight end who is worth a late round pick if you’re in a bind. Indianapolis Colts: No one has ever gone broke drafting Colts players. Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Joseph Addai, and Dallas Clark are all “start every week” fantasy plays. I for one expect Marvin Harrison to have a good come back season. He is a solid #2 and incredible #3 wide receiver. Jacksonville Jaguars: I’m very high on David Garrard. He is primed to have a solid fantasy season. I’m also a huge Maurice Jones-Drew fan. Both of these guys are good value picks. Fred Taylor isn’t bad value either, though you are always concerned about his health. Tennessee Titans: I’m staying away from everyone in Tennessee. The only guys I’d even consider are Alge Crumpler, and LenDale White. It doesn’t come up enough, but Vince Young was downright awful (9 TD’s, 17 INT’s). AFC West: Denver Broncos: I avoid Denver running backs like I avoid rattlesnakes. You never know who is going to play or how many carries they will get. It’s pure torture to have one of these guys on you fantasy team because of all the guessing and second guessing you will have to endure. Kansas City Chiefs: Larry Johnson will be back with a vengeance this year. The schedule is full of teams that can’t stop the run. In fact, the Chiefs only see three defenses that finished last season ranked in the top 15 against the run. I see LJ as a good pick in the late first round and an exceptional value in the 2nd round. Oakland Raiders: Before you decide that Darren McFadden will be the next Adrian Peterson remember that Peterson ran behind the best O-line in the NFL last year and McFadden will be running behind Oakland’s line (and likely splitting carries with two other guys). Oakland’s O- line has improved, but still has a way to go. At this point McFadden should be viewed as no more than a #2 fantasy RB. Also don’t buy into Javon Walker, he will break your heart. San Diego Chargers: If LaDainian Tomlinson is still on the board when your pick comes up, take him. I don’t care if you’re drafting at #1, #2, or #3 he is the guy you should draft. If you’re drafting #4 or later and he’s still on the board, I want in your league. Antonio Gates is always a great pick at TE. Pick him and you will out score your opponent at the TE spot almost every week. The Chargers defense is my #1 D/ST right now.  July 8, 2008 |
| NCAA Football | |
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Be Careful What You Wish For
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| NCAA Basketball | |
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Jumpology: My Bracket Jumpology: Scouting The Heavyweights Jumpology: Reviewing The Bracket
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