My Cedric Benson Blog

Like so many millions of young sports-crazed boys, in my formative years I was a baseball card fanatic. But one thing that I never understood about baseball cards is why rookie cards were always worth more money than any other cards. I bring this up, because I'm equally confused when it comes to rookie contracts in the NFL.

Why is it that rookies -- players who haven't accomplished anything in the league are paid exorbitant sums of money and put in positions to hurt their teams by holding out? Case in point: two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady signed a contract extension that included $32 million guaranteed, perennial All-Pro and future Hall of Famer Orlando Pace signed an extension with $18 million guaranteed, and rookie quarterback Alex Smith - who was a one-year wonder at the football factory that is Utah, and who hasn't taken a single snap in a regular season game - signed a contract that guarantees him $24 million. Curious.

This year featured more first-round holdouts and more acrimony in NFL rookie negotiations than any in recent memory. At one point, players like David Pollack, Adam Jones, Roddy White and Cedric Benson were projected starters for their respective teams. However, due in part to their extended holdouts, as of right now none of those players figure to crack the starting lineup come Week One.

The irony here is that these players are squabbling over a slight increase in money now - and by slight I mean in percentages, not in actual figures - and by doing so jeopardizing their long-term earning potential. By holding out, these rookies are missing valuable acclimation time in training camp, they're alienating themselves from their coaches, teammates and fans, and earning reputations as people who are difficult to work with. Furthermore, the track record for rookies that hold out more than 10 days is a train wreck.

The NFL is in the middle of negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. I wouldn't be surprised (and am actually hoping for) a change that institutes a rookie pay scale, similar to what the NBA has in place. In the NBA system the contracts' length and worth are figured on a graduated scale and preset based on when players are picked. Starting this in the league would effectively end NFL rookie holdouts, and help ensure that more money is invested in accomplished NFL players as opposed to the potential-laden first-round picks that have a hit-or-miss history in the league. I don't see where the NFLPA would have a problem with this, given that about 80 percent of the players in the league weren't No. 1 picks and a pay scale would mean more money for them.

Here's a list of 10 rookies that I expect to have a definite, tangible impact on their team's fortunes this season, for good or ill. I would wager that of the 10 teams that these players represent, the ones that get the most production from their first-year players will be the ones still alive in January.

J.J. Arrington, RB, Arizona

The Cardinals are the trendy sleeper pick this season in the weak NFC West. Arrington follows in the footsteps of the NFL's leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, who retired after the 2004 season. That sounds more dramatic than it really is, since it's not like Smith actually did anything in Arizona. Arrington topped the 2,000-yard mark at Cal last fall, and has the speed and shake to be a productive scat back. However, he is small (5'9'' 214 lbs.), he has fumbled twice in two preseason games, and it remains to be seen whether he can take an NFL pounding.

Derrick Johnson, LB, Kansas City

So far I've heard from several sources that this kid is just an animal. He was by far and away the best defensive player in the draft, but he slipped to No. 15 and fell into the Chiefs' lap. Johnson will join Sammy Knight, Patrick Surtain and Kendrell Bell in a retooled K.C. defense. If you can find anyone dumb enough to take your wager, bet your mortgage on Johnson as the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Heath Miller, TE, Pittsburgh

The Steelers have never really utilized the tight end in the passing game (average of 18 catches a year since 1998). In fact, they'd rather have a sixth lineman than a pass catcher in the TE slot. Miller could change all of that. With sure hands and outstanding speed, Miller could slice up some seams in the defense this fall. Plexico Burress is gone so Pittsburgh is going to need other playmakers to step up. Also his size (6'5'' 256) will make him an inviting red zone target.

Mike Nugent, K, New York Jets

Doug Brien converted 83 percent of his kicks in 2004, but was exposed the after a pair of missed game winning field goals missed against Pittsburgh last January. Tough crowd. Enter the kid. Nugent won the Lou Groza Award last fall and was prolific at Ohio State. He was deemed worthy of a second round pick by New York, the third highest a kicker has ever been drafted. New York's style lends itself to a lot of close games. That means Nugent will face plenty of clutch kicks this season.

Matt Jones, WR, Jacksonville

The Jags pick of Jones 21st overall may have been the shocker of the first round in April. He is a converted quarterback out of Arkansas, and will be expected to step right in and contribute. Last year's No. 1 pick Reggie Williams had an awful rookie season, and besides 36-year-old Jimmy Smith the Jags don't have much of a receiving corps. Byron Leftwich could be ready for a breakout year, but if that's going to happen than Jones is going to have to take advantage of the mismatches (he's 6'6'', 242) he'll most likely face.

David Pollack, LB, Cincinnati

When Pollack was at Georgia, the coaches used to have to take him off the practice field because the offense just couldn't get anything done when he was out there. He was that dominant. The Bengals are hoping that he can make the adjustment to linebacker in their 3-4 alignment. Pollack held out for 20 days, which could stunt his growth in the early part of this season. However, he will have the benefit of playing alongside college teammate Odell Thurman. Thurman was picked up in the second round by Cincinnati and is also projected as a starting linebacker for the league's 26th-rated run defense.

Alex Barron, OT, St. Louis

What a spot for Barron, college football's Outland Trophy winner last fall, to be in. He gets to apprentice next to Adam Timmerman and on the same line as Orlando Pace. Barron not only held out, which pissed off head coach Mike Martz, but he missed his first practice after he signed with the team - unexcused. You don't want to get in Martz's doghouse. Just ask Kyle Turley.

Cedric Benson, RB, Chicago

As a Bears fan I'm disgusted with this whole situation. As if it wasn't bad enough that we had to stare in horror at his freak out on draft day (you know, when he started panting, sweating, babbling and sobbing during his interview with Suzy Kolber after he was selected fourth by the Bears) now we have to wait for him to put his avarice aside and become a team player. He can make it up to me with 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Roddy White, WR, Atlanta

White held out for the first two weeks of camp and, wouldn't you know it, he got injured (ankle) in his first preseason game after his return. I'm not saying that his injury had any physical link to his hold out I'm just saying it's bad karma. Some in Falcons camp insist that Peerless Price is still the No. 1 receiver in Atlanta, but still others surmise that he's going to get cut to free up cap space. The jury is still out. But it's clear that big things are expected from White, the second wideout Atlanta has taken in the first round in two years (Michael Jenkins in 2004).

Fred Gibson, WR, Philadelphia

OK, so T.O. being back in camp takes the onus off Gibson. However, who knows how long that whine ass will hold up this season. Regardless, the Eagles lack a No. 2 option, and rumor has it that Gibson has looked really good this August in camp. He was labeled as soft during his time at Georgia, but he could blossom under the guidance of a team player like Owens (just kidding).

Honorable mention: Cadillac Williams, RB, Tampa Bay; Erasmus James, DE, Minnesota; Jammal Brown, OG, New Orleans; Daryl Blackstock, LB, Arizona; Roscoe Parrish, WR, Buffalo, Chris Henry, WR, Cincinnati.

Well Week 1 of the NFL season is almost upon us and like the college football opener last weekend, this event is like Christmas in September for our stable of professional handicappers. After the incredible opening performance we had with our college football week 1 picks, we now turn our attention to the opening week of the NFL season. There are 15 games at our disposal. 15 games to analyze and handicap so that we can pass along the correct information to our many subscribers who have trusted out judgment for over 10 years. Now for us professional cappers, week 1 of both college and the NFL season are the hardest weeks we have to deal with. There are many uncertainties at work here and trying to figure out who is decent and who is terrible is not so easy when no games have been played. The oddsmakers also have a difficult time releasing adequate lines and we have seen over the years that Vegas either loses a ton of money in week 1 due to poor lines, or wins a ton of money, due to great lines.

Now as far as the NFL is concerned, it is only mildly easier to handicap week 1 games as compared to college football. For one, there are four NFL preseason game that serve as a decent barometer to tell how good a team can be. Also, you have more steadiness in NFL rosters due to the fact you don't constantly have kids graduating and jobs constantly being taken over. So with that as a backdrop, we examined Week 1's lines and started doing hardcore analyzing once the fourth preseason games were in the books. Our picks are all pretty much finished and they are being prepared to be sent out shortly but I must say that there are some very interesting lines out there.

For example you have the worst team in the NFL by far last season, the Oakland Raiders being favored at home against the Detroit Lions. Also, you have another poor team, the Houston Texans being favored by 3 points at home against a veteran Kansas City Chiefs team. Now surely the presence of QB Matt Schaub for the Texans is a major reason for the role as the favorite here but this is a big example of how an off-season transaction can have a major impact on a betting line for the first week of the season. We haven't seen any games yet and so no one really knows if this status is warranted for the Texans of if they are still a poor club. Hence the challenge everyone in this line of work has. However, we have used our dozens of winning formula, game trends, and stats to weed out who we like and we have used these winning formulas to accumulate a nearly 60 percent winning mark in 10 years of business. Our college football picks went 26-12 ATS in Week 1 and a good deal of the picks were there for everyone to see on our site. As far as Week 1 of the NFL season, we feel like we made very solid choices and here are a few freebies for you to enjoy.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (-2.5) VS. Baltimore Ravens: In a division slugfest, the Cincinnati Bengals look to put a turbulent off-season behind them as they take on the Baltimore Ravens at home. Just like St. Louis-Carolina, this figures to be a battle of strong offense vs. strong defense. For Cincy, QB Carson Palmer is already one of the top three passers in the league and there is no reason to believe that he won't pass for 4,000 yards and possibly as many as 35 TD's. Having a pair of Pro Bowl receivers in Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh around will further solidify his place among the NFL's elite. It will be interesting to see how Cincy comes out offensively in this one as Baltimore's defense is strong in all aspects. RB Rudi Johnson will find the running room very tight as DT Haloti Ngata's 350 pound frame will clog the middle and IF he can make it through, MLB Ray Lewis will be waiting to smash him in the mouth. The Bengals will most likely keep their attack in the air as Houshmandzadeh will have the easier assignment with Samari Rolle covering as opposed to Chad Johnson having to deal with Chris McAllister.

As far as the Ravens are concerned, expect to see a heavy dose of new RB Willis McGahee as the Bengal run defense struggled at times last year. Steve McNair is back for another go round and he is still crafty enough to get the ball downfield to wideouts Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton. Offense however is not this team's strong suit and scoring in the 20's is about the best that this unit can do. So on the surface, expecting the Ravens to outscore Baltimore will take a huge defensive effort which we don't anticipate to the degree that they can win this game outright. The Bengals should come out flying in front of the home crowd and will be extra pumped up going against a key division rival. Although the Raven D can do enough to keep them in the game, the Bengals have way too much firepower to be held in check for long. The Bengals have also covered four of their last five against the Ravens and the favorite in the last seven games in the series is now 6-1 ATS. THE PICK: Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (-6) Chicago Bears: Best match up this upcoming Sunday as this is a potential Super Bowl preview between two very good teams. The Bears rode a record setting defense all the way to the Super Bowl last season and have the same unit pretty much completely intact going into 2007. The Chargers on the other hand are looking to do big things and erase the sting of losing in their first playoff game, which ultimately cost coach Marty Schoettenheimer his job. Marty has now been replaced by Redskins and Raiders retread Norv Turner and Turner should have an immediate impact on the San Diego offense. Led by All-World RB LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers have a great nucleus in QB Philip Rivers and TE Antonio Gates. The offensive line is arguably the best in the league and the receiving corp. is getting better. Expect Norv to open up the offense and to completely due away with the conservative game-planning that held this team back in 2006. Of course it would impossibly to say LT could top his ridiculous performance last season but he is still in his prime and certainly has a great chance of having another monster season.

Look for the Chargers to open up their attack by running Tomlinson up the middle and having Rivers throw him passes in the flat which he can turn up field into big gains. The Chicago defense is much too quick to run on the outside and so this plan of attack will be the best way for San Diego to get production out of Tomlinson. As far as Rivers is concerned, look for his focus to be mainly on his star TE as the ferocious Chicago pass rush will be out for blood. Rivers won't have all day to throw so Gates will be instructed to run his 15 yard slants that he is so famous for. Of course Bears MLB Brian Urlacher has the athleticism to stay with Gates and so this battle could go either way. The Chargers' receiving corp. is led by the emerging Vincent Jackson and supported by Eric Parker. San Diego is at a major disadvantage against the Chicago CB duo of Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher and so don't expect much of a downfield passing attack.

The Chicago offense has potential themselves but the big question centers of course on inconsistent QB Rex Grossman. There are times that Grossman looks like the next Joe Namath and others when he looks like the next Ryan Leaf. His inability to put back-to-back solid outings together is maddening but it's hoped that off-season tutoring will allow Rex to fulfill his potential and become a solid every-week performer. A big issue for Grossman in this game is the great pass rush that the Chargers will bring with OLB Shawne Merriman and DE Luis Castillo. San Diego's defensive line and LB's are so strong that the Bears will have a very difficult time running the football with RB Cedric Benson. Benson has the starting job all to himself but this is a very tough opponent to face in Week 1. Don't expect much out of the Chicago running game and so the focus will be on Grossman getting the ball out quickly to his TE's Desmond Clark and rookie Greg Olsen. WR Mushin Muhammud will also be targeted often as the veteran is still a great route runner who can help move the chains. All in all, it will be very difficult for the Bears to get much going offensively unless the offensive line can hold off the rush.

We believe this game will be a very low scoring affair that ultimately the Chargers will win due to their superior offense. Will they do enough to overcome the six-point spread? We think not as we expect a 21-17 win. Also looking at the game trends, the Bears have covered four straight games vs. the Chargers and have gone an incredible 17-2-1 ATS record against the AFC West in their last 20 meetings. Finally, the Bears are 7-3 ATS as an underdog in season openers the last 27 years. THE PICK: Chicago Bears (+6)

The Bears travel to Cincinnati in hopes of getting his first victory road of the quality of the season. The Bengals and the Bears had their winning streaks come to an end, but only a computer will redeem since last week.

Bears on offense
Chicago you need to set the tone early Cincy, and Chicago, I mean to Jay Cutler. Cutler has led to the offensive on his back, and for which a Quarterback with few playmakers work with, is clearly playing it sufficiently well as for a contract extension. The Bears on average only 89.8 yards rushing in a game not thanks to Matt Forte, who, with only one touchdown in 3.4 yards a carry, desatinados has done its "forte", coughing up the ball three times in 5 games. The Bears need Forte to step against an improved Cincy long run D. If he can make the Bengals, account being taken pressure on Cutler and free of Rails for step bears attack. Cutler and co.They must be aggressive and go after high school for the Bengals, which left almost 400 yards last week and made Texan QB Matt Schaub look like Dan Marino.Body of receiver bears (which lacks a dominant threat) have to find ways to get open and must deliver top - step from the Cincy DE Antwan Odom - Cutler.Corredor fell last week with a tear Aquiles.Ausencia Odom can limit the ability of the Bengals rattlesnake Cutler, who has had 7 selections in 3 games away from home this season.

Bengals offense
In spite of the week get abused at home by the Texans, the Bengals are seeking Buenos these days. Carson Palmer is taking charge of a full of weapons, offense starring Chad Ocho H.O.F.er future.Eight is having a solid year; somehow, he was able to incorporate their shenanigans in a routine and still be an impact player. This week, eight call Chicago CB Charles Tillman on Twitter, suggesting that Tillman can not protect you. You know what, eight probably for that.Palmer requires feed receiving enigmatic ball and find the Andre Caldwell, who has become a good second choice. Cedric Benson is to put race numbers - he is third in 531 yards rushing.Cincy needs to give Benson at least 25 hints for getting maximum mileage out of it.And it would be imprudent not to mention the added fuel driving Benson this week - he faces with the team that launched last year, a team claiming dirt spread about him after his liberation. Despite that Benson maintains that the Sunday game isn't about revenge, his work in the field could tell you what contrario.Un group which will definitely feel anger Benson is Urlacher less rupees from Chicago, who has just lost to Pisa Tinoisamoa for the season.

Cutler and the Bears will be a fight for injuries and the lack of success of the road.But Chicago has an answer for the playmakers Bengal, which will be the difference in the Cincy juego.Busque that patched her D and Palmer and the boys to play winning football again.

Prediction
Cincinnati 27
Chicago 20

The season 2009 has been interesting so far, especially in the world of fantasy football. Some players with high expectations have failed so far, and no one expected that most of the users that have arisen in should players start each weekend. It is interesting how it works, but that is what we get when it comes to the wild world of professional football. Without further ADO, here are some of the players that have so far been very pleasant surprises in the first part of the season.

1 Pierre Garcon. This Indianapolis Colts wide receiver has become a name of not to a wide receiver bona fide within weeks. Much of this has to do with Anthony Gonzalez, season injury.However, the garcon has been genial.Por therefore has teammate, rookie wide receiver Austin Collie.

Cedric Benson. So many people doubted Benson and skills into the season.There was never averaged more than 4 yards per carry in his career, so there was good reason to think he could not get it hecho.Las things are different when Carson Palmer their QB though.Benson has been great in the first weeks of 2009 football season.

Matt Schaub. who would have thought that Matt Schaub would be the second top scorer in the first 5 games of the season, only behind high fantasy points Peyton Manning? I said no, fantasy football Schaub GM has been brilliant and was a robbery in all drafts.

Time rare fantasy football players pay much attention to the nerds of the National Football League, during his fantasy football drafts. Novice, you see, are not worth much fantasy teams. Takes most newbies a year or two, or in many cases even three or four to get acclimated to the NFL fully maintained. Therefore competitive fantasy football people generally go clear of them.

This year may be different. More NFL freshmen probably appears in lists of fantasy than in the past decade, since this project is enriched with impact players. This is correct, rookies that they can really play this year and contribute to lists of football fantasy - some even as starters. I see at least seven players adopted in the first round of which can be started in computer fantasy, depending on how many computers are in your League NFL draft. Obviously, smaller leagues (8 and 10 team Leagues) will be too rich with veteran talent have rookies as starters.Below is an evaluation of these players and others to keep an eye as it prepares for its project of the QBs fantasía.Aviso remain, as do not contribute much, even if you start.

They are the seven rounders first NFL destination: Ronnie Brown, Braylon Edwards, Cedric Benson, Carnell Williams, Troy Williamson, Mike Williams and Mark Clayton.Brown, Benson and Williams are potential starters fantasía.En footballer one of the best running back in recent memory, these guys will enter your campaigns rookie as function performs for Miami, Chicago and Tampa Bay, respectively. These teams have shown that the boy right toting mail, all of them can produce fantasy stars.

Although it is not the best player, Benson is probably the best selection of all the nerds in terms of value fantasía.Él football is not a-brainer in basic scoring leagues. He will be starting from the first day, and some experts have called the best runner of the goal line never to quit school. If it is healthy, Benson could easily run 12 or more members in their inaugural season.

Edwards is a motor of suspend for the Browns, and this guy is a bolt is true.While he may start in some fantasy football leagues, you'll want to do it later, Cleveland is a team who has not been much in the last few years. Edwards is a bargain if you can get it in subsequent rounds. Then let it stand for a few weeks and see its production. The same goes for Williams, Detroit and Clayton, selected by Baltimore. It is likely that both of these receptors starts his new computers, but indicated an attitude of "wait and see", since both teams are in crimes of weak step while the sky is the limit for the Lions a wideout selected with your first choice in each of the last three seasons.

Apart from these seven, there are several players adopted after the first round of the NFL draft worth drafting in fantasy football teams. In particular is J.J. Arrington, taken at number 12 in two round by Arizona. Dennis Green loves this guy and hinted project that Arrington will be day back function. This guy is a compact and has a nose for the end zone. A feature back to a team of Cardinals improvement might be a great scorer for fantasy teams.

The easiest way to steal in the fantasy football draft will be Ryan Moats taken in the third round by Philadelphia. Moats, a small tailback of Louisiana Tech, could be surprised by a team of Eagles in the need of a star in the position.While it may probably be relegated to special equipment and the use of third-down from the beginning, looking for him to emerge, especially if somebody someone gets herido.Es a corridor fast slashing and a true workhorse, in spite of its framework for 5-8, 210-libra.Una season striking senior saw it record 288 scree 1,774 yards and 18 touchdowns.Their 1,890 all-purpose yards set a record of the school, as proved that he can catch the ball with acumen almost igual.Con career average per carry 6.4 and 28 members, moats is definitely worth the penalty mirar.Agarra this worker in the final rounds of your project and wait for him to get his shift. If the stars align in Philadelphia, may only receive yourself the theft of your fantasy football draft.

Here are some other notables that you might want to see for a final selection or a collection of free agency, as the season progresses:

1 Heath Miller, TE adopted by Pittsburgh: would be sorted higher, because he will probably start but tight ends are always a big question mark.If you're in a League of fantasy that requires you to take a tight end, Miller is a good.

2 Vernand Morency, selected by Houston RB: see second injury Domanick Davis and handhold Morency occurs.

3 Maurice Clarett, RB adopted by Denver: They love him and I would like to see you try all critics wrong.He will get a chance to play.

4 Matt Jones, WR selected by Jacksonville: many feel the former QB is the best athlete in the NFL draft.6-6 4-5 Speed and big hands, who knows?

5 Roddy White, WR adopted by Atlanta first quick ronda.Muy and infravalorado.Los Falcons was little Michael Jenkins last season, so be careful in white.

6 Chris Henry, WR adopted by large Cincinnati.Muy and rápido.Podría be a factor of about 3 and 4 receiver sets goal line.

7 Selected by Filadelfia.Los Eagles WR Reggie Brown have some few signs mark the position, not the least of these is strange antics of Terrell Owens.

8 Ciatrick Fason, adopted by Minnesota.Con RB running back be so unstable, Fason could emerge as the engine of arranque.Ver this one closely.

The New Orleans Saints felt received a gift from God when USC tailback Reggie Bush fell to them with the second position overall in the 2006 NBA Draft.

Saints grabbed Bush immediately after of the Houston Texans decided to select from Mario Williams out of the State of NC with the Texans Bob McNair superior.Propietario general election and ousted GM Charlie Casserly proceeded to sign a six year, recruitment of Williams $ 54 million.

Fans of New Orleans, looking to celebrate anything after Hurricane Katrina, rejoiced in the air on the day of project and came out and awarded owner Tom Benson and Saints with a sellout of all season tickets.

Bush era began in a positive way, but now, things are not so good aspect. "Bush told ESPN.com in a recent interview that the Saints should be open to the negotiating table."We have a fair offer. "One that meets our expectations". The 'us' and 'our' which means that Bush and his agent Joel Segal.

There is no mention of the word, but the meaning and involvement were obvious - if Bush will be able to obtain offer wanted then one exclusion is possible we want to? A contract similar to or slightly better than one Williams obtained from Houston. Maybe that is why the Texans passed over him?

Although it is too soon for New Orleans push panic button, an exclusion is something the franchise, the city and Bush for that matter, is not necessary.

Benson, owner of a notoriously frugal, has been trying to get out of New Orleans for a decade. He is not willing to cede to the demands of Bush.The city and its inhabitants need something or someone to search for amateur football hasta.Los seem to have found the product of USC. But what will be the reaction to Bush if he not exclusion.?

Bush is hurting his career if he has a prolonged exclusion and significant errors of camp. Anyone who has never done so experienced why in his rookie season. The NFL is faster, more explosive and more dynamic than the College.An exclusion has to go through a steep learning curve to come into a slot.

A recent example is Chicago running back Cedric Benson.The Texas was absent star during the greater part of training camp and was therefore.He could not remove Thomas Jones as a starter and when he started to turn in the middle of the season, he suffered an injury knee end of the season.

This can be all smoke and mirrors only to obtain a large contract.Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence around too modern NFL.Guys who have not played a down are getting eight and nine million dollars a year with huge bonuses from firmas.Los agents have that because there are no contracts secured in the National Football League, which created the initial money is guaranteed bono.Es.

Still, long for the days when a newbie would reasonable, come into the camp and learning the system, and then gain a large contract outside in the campo.Créeme.Si contract is good, he will finally get the big bucks on an extension or the free agency.

Only signed and come into the camp - carried out in the field – will follow the dinero.Porque never be sabe.Bush can be the next Sayers, as everyone says, or he could end up being the KiJana Carter next. nothing is safe until he evidenced on the gridiron, not at the negotiating table.

Chicago Bears had a great season in 2005. Ended 11-6 and went to the playoffs. He was scoring her one of the problems. Many in the media have touted the Bears as the champions of the NFC North. Are they correct? Let's take a look at the 2006 Chicago Bears. Fortunately for them, is not that their division lasts for.

Key removal

A significant move by the Bears was the addition of Brian Griese. The offensive was up and down from last season. Griese will be fighting for jobs.He comes as a backup, but if it fails to impress Grossman, Griese could take the lead.His defense loses a good player in Jerry Azumah.A weigh only 28 years, had to call it is cierra.Su body has the best of him.

Quarterbacks

One of the topics of last season was the health of Rex Grossman.He had hoped that this season is healthy.Grossman might help that attack bears are disparan.La Brian Griese signature gives the Bears a backup solid. even is Grossman goes down, do not experience a drop in the horrific. None of the two quarterback is the top echelon. Bears QB situation is just above the average.

Running Backs

The Bears are sitting pretty game execution. Thomas Jones must have another great year. also have Cedric Benson in the wings. The implementation of the Bears game is the strong point of the offense. Throw in the hard lock Bryan Johnson and you have land to eat yard attack. Thomas Jones had 1,335 yards last season. As nice as i.e. Cedric Benson is expected to be better when it is ready.

Receivers

The host kernel is somewhat mediocre. Of course there's Muhsin Muhammad, but are not getting any younger. Apart from Muhammad, there too excited - yet. Young bears receivers have talent and could blossom into contributing solids in the field. Now, receiving core is only average.

Defense and special teams

Last season was all about defense.Bears who constantly became critical advocacy plays and kept his team in the game.Higher than the average of best nuevo.El component of the defence bears of 2006 is defending is the unit of linebacker.están outside of the charts.The weak defense is secondary.Lose Jerry Azumah is not helping any.The Bears gather cornerbacks Ricky Manning and Wesley of Dante.The child will have to increase in 2006.The special teams unit has its ups and downs.Punter Brad Maynard needs to have a better temporada.La bears that Robbie Gould, kicker, no hope was simply a marvel for a year. on the plus side, the Bears add a couple of men return that could be the kind of guys run home.

2006 Prediction

It is possible that the Bears win their Division, because Division is débil.Sin however, I believe that it will be a team of 8-8.La programming is not too hard, but is not walk in the Park was in 2005 2005.En, the Bears had a record of 2-4 against teams really buenos.Por that faltered in the playoffs.No were as good as its indicado.En 2006 registration have 8 games expected to be quite hard, 2 are middle ground and 6 which are against lower level teams.

Stop today in our haste breathless from the ranks of professional football is the AFC North, or as I like to call it, Most Wanted of America. Ben Roethlisburger Cedric Benson and Pacman Jones, this Division is safe to serve at least a penalty per week, if not more. But regardless of the actions outside the field of less than legal of this group, is my sacred duty to break teams, piece by piece. So I am proud to present part 2 Scouts in the NFL. Here is how will break down Division:

(# x = ranking for the last year)

(1) Baltimore Ravens 10-6
Field marshal: Joe Flacco (# 14), Mark Bulger (# 30)
Running Back: Ray Rice (# 3), McGahee Willis (# 17),
Wide Receivers: Derrick Mason (# 23), Anquan Boldin (# 38), Mark Clayton (# 73)
Tight Ends: Todd heap (# 7)
Protection of QB: # 21
Rush protection: # 4
Bags (on the opponent): # 20
Implementation of defence: # 1
Pass defense: # 9
Key additions: WR Anquan Boldin (# 38), WR Derrick Mason (# 23), QB Mark Bulger (# 30)
Key losses: DT Justin Bannan DE Dwan Edwards
Notes: Baltimore quietly had the best offseason could expect, keeping all parts which led to the Patriots and the divisionales.Además playoffs, added much-needed support in QB and two receivers quality for backing up Joe Flacco.. .the rice and McGahee are the third best combined RB in the NFL, Carolina Stewart and Williams, Miami Williams and Brown...The hiring of Jim Zorn as QB coach was a great movement, was instrumental in the fine tuning of Charlie Batch and Matt Hasselbeck mechanics.

(2) Cincinnati Bengals 8-8
Field marshal: Carson Palmer (# 15)
Running Back: Cedric Benson (# 14)
Wide Receivers: eight out of Chad (# 15), Andre Caldwell (# 60), Antonio Bryant (# 66), Terrell Owens (# 70)
Tight Ends: Jermaine Gresham (N/A)
Protection of QB: # 11
Rush protection: # 22
Bags (on the opponent): # 18
Implementation of defence: # 7
Pass defense: # 6
Key additions: WR Antonio Bryant (# 66), CB Pacman Jones
Key losses: WR Laveranues Coles (# 44), K Shayne Graham
Notes: This equipment is notably average for a team that made the playoffs... last year teams not win by being mediocre in all; a facet of this computer needs stand out, if you run, death, or defense of smashmouth... Let no one Pacman Jones (vandalism, assault with a deadly weapon, public intoxication) near of Cedric Benson (DWI, resisting arrest)... What is just me, or are those orange alternate jerseys most prison monkeys? only a thought.

(3) Pittsburgh Steelers 8-8
Field marshal: Ben Roethlisburger (# 8), Byron Leftwich (# 24)
Running Back: Rashard Mendenhall (# 25)
Wide Receivers: Hines Ward (# 9), Mike Wallace (# 16), Antwaan Randle El (# 51)
Tight Ends: Heath Miller (# 8)
Protection of QB: # 30
Rush protection: # 18
Bags (on the opponent): # 3
Implementation of defence: # 5
Pass defense: # 15
Key additions: QB Byron Leftwich (# 24), WR Antwaan Randle El (# 51), Bryant McFadden CB
Key losses: WR Santonio Holmes (# 10), RB Willie Parker (N/A), G Darnell Stapleton
Notes: Roethlisburger legal issues perhaps go back all the blows to the head is behind this AWFUL offensive line?... no team lost over this season: Holmes will be impossible to replace, as Roethlisburger (for the beginning of the year)... with their offensive on the decline, the Steelers should return to the form which compensate them Super Bowl: Blitzburg.... burn running the Steelers passing game to fail without a valid backup games (also, as long as the O-línea sets envelope and plays dead).

Cleveland Browns 5-11
Field marshal: Seneca Wallace (# 26), Jake Delhomme (# 33)
Running Back: Jerome Harrison (No. 28)
Wide Receivers: Chansi Stuckey (# 85), Josh Cribbs (N/A), Mohamed Massaquoi (N/A)
Tight Ends: Ben Watson (# 10), Robert Royal (# 33)
Protection of QB: # 17
Rush protection: # 17
Bags (on the opponent): # 7
Implementation of defence: # 29
Pass defense: # 28
Key additions: QB Jake Delhomme (# 33), QB Seneca Wallace (# 26), TE Ben Watson (# 10)
Key losses: QB Derek Anderson (No. 42), QB Brady Quinn (# 31), RB Jamal Lewis (# 41)
Does notes: while more attention was paid to the revision of PIN, one has to wonder: who exactly will go to?... Ben Watson is the most promising player here, but when it has the last Belichick to allow a quality player go?... Jake Delhomme had been flying in recent memory offense change Carolina of the wreck of a plane that are Browns... I had high hopes for Colt McCoy, but he best hope for a trade to comply with its immense potential as a QB.

More to come!

If
http://nobiassportscenter.blogspot.com/

Teams that get to the Super Bowl every year usually have a bit of luck on his side during the season. One of the areas of computers need to have luck on staying away the injury bug. Many a season is lost before closing due to injury-player teams training camp star. Here is a look at some of the names of high profile, fighting against the injury bug so far in the camp.

Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers WR

Smith pulled a hamstring only a couple of days in the camp and the leader of the NFL receiver has not seen the field desde.La injury isn't serious, but could potentially pose a problem, if not completely sana.Los Panthers recognises, with caution, as loser Smith during any period of time during the regular season could cost them a play-off spot.

Tedy Bruschi, New England Patriots LB

Bruschi recently had surgery to repair the broken wrist suffered 7/31.He will be out throughout the offseason with the hope of being ready for the week of the temporada.Con 1 Bruschi recovery history you can search for it in the initial alignment when the season kicks-off.

Clinton Portis, RB Washington Red skins

Portis partially dislocated his left shoulder in the first game in Washington offseason. Rehabilitation will consist of rest and strengthening exercises, and would be a good bet that Portis will not see the field once more in the preseason as the Redskins ill afford main Jet in their offense being out.

Cedric Benson, RB Chicago Bears

See Clinton Portis above.The only difference, aside from Benson hurt his shoulder in practice, instead of a game, is that although the Bears waiting Benson to carry a load greater than last season, he does not play the same role as Portis.

Todd Pinkston, WR Philadelphia Eagles

Pinkston has a sore Achilles and outside indefinidamente.Con T.O. disappeared Pinkston was expected to be the go to receiver for the Eagles.Receiver is considered a very thin position for the Eagles, and if this injury keeps Pinkston outside of games, could only be eager Donovan McNabb had T.O. volver.Bien... maybe not.

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback

Super Bowl Champions took a huge sigh of relief after Big Ben performance in his first exhibition game. strong Miró and took a couple of hits and not reported any ill effects from the motorcycle, accident was involved in this summer.

New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington

Pennington is emerging from shoulder surgery and was far from spectacular Jets.Sin preseason opening however, more importantly for him and the Jets is, except the pain in general, Pennington went very well.

Ahman Green, RB Green Bay Packers

Green lost most of the season with a torn quadriceps 2005, but was cleared to begin the práctica.Retorno green health will be an important key to the Packers improve its record of 4-12 a year that is done, as well as maintain the pass rush was Brett Favre.

Super Bowl game has proved to be difficult in the career of Grossman. Taking into account her disastrous appearance this season, Rex Grossman has not been the best bets during the game. He could not meet expectations, nor would he raise his performance during the grand finale, much to the disappointment of the team and the fans who have supported him constantly.

Rex Grossman, playing as the Chicago Bears quarterback it has been low on trust and has been playing badly during the entire temporada.Se believes that due to his poor performance in the Super Bowl, Bears lost Party 29-17 to the Indianapolis Colts.

However, it would be unfair as a result of loss of Super Bowl the Bears blame solely on the shoulders of Grossman. Other players are also to be criticized as it could not intercept your pass. Grossman launched almost 165 yards in 28 attempts.However, the Colts Peyton Manning was able to launch 247 yards in 25.Grossman pass also released the right repeatedly passes in the game. But most importantly, the Bears were not able to break the tough defense of the Colts.

Aside from poor show Grossman, another great loss to the Bears was its backup running back Cedric Benson. Injured his knee at the end of the first half of the game. With its straight head running hard, Benson was quite successful in breaking the Colts defense.He was able to meet Thomas Jones.Pero wasn't able to stay the execution of Grossman.He had a try in the first half when Jones started a 52 yard run and Grossman gave a pass 4-yard touchdown to Muhsin Muhammad.Apart of this rare event, most of the time Rex was totally ineffective in the field in the one game that mattered most to the bears.

On the escritor:Nigel Kerry is born in Los Angeles, American free lance writer California.Kerry writes among others for Sportus.com - sports betting odds and sportsbook, as well as Filmzone.com, a site dedicated to the texas holdem poker

He went through each NFL team in the 2008 draft. Forte was finally selected 44th overall out of Tulane University, in the second round by the Chicago Bears. He was the sixth running back selected in the NBA draft. Forte was chosen after other backs D McFadden, J. Stewart, F. Jones, R. Mendenhall and Chris Johnson. Forte will have biggest impact this season than any of those other backs selected him. He is the only true starter motor. All of the other listed are either backup or time share. I believe that their future in the NFL will only be as bright as any of the other running backs selected. It seems to me that he, along with Stewart and C Johnson ends with best racing NFL. Yes better than McFadden and Mendenhall. McFadden in my eyes is overrated. He is not special. It runs straight and is only good when you have a large hole to run through. But he can do so on their own. Forte, C Johnson and Stewart will prove to be the best of this crop, in that order.

The Bears had the idea that it would be able to compete immediately for the initial work of the regular budget. They do not believe that he would be starting at 1 week though. At the time of the project, Cedric Benson was still his starting running back. Although it had been Benson on some problems in the offseason, was # 1 on the depth chart. They also had Adrian Peterson who had filled admirably when Benson got injured last season.Then after the draft, Benson got in another alcohol related incident and the Bears had suficiente.Benson was released and Chicago was confident enough in Forte appoint you the boot.

Forte offers Chicago everything you couldn't Cedric Benson. Benson seemed slow last season. Ran too often in the line of scrimmage and struggled to break a work abroad. He lacked speed and much of a third down back, was not because he does not block well and receive was never his strong point. Forte has proved to be exactly the opposite. He has enough speed to take him into the distance. It can reactivate the work abroad to make something out of nothing. Forte has also been great reception out of the backfield.Sometimes you at outside line and runs wide paths receiver.Forte is very versatile and Bears literally designed their offense around him. He is the catalyst for this offense.

Lately the opposing defenses have loading box on the Bears to try to contain Forte. They are forcing Orten to paste them in the air. Orten pass for 330 yards this week against the Lions. This has cut into implementation of the Forte yardage.But if Orten continues to have fun, opposing defenses will not be able to continue to cheat against the latest carrera.Las two weeks, Forte has been contained 79 yards on the ground. But since he can beat so many ways, has also contributed to nine catches for 67 yards at that time. Also added two touchdowns.

Matt Forte is in pace this year for 1800 yards from scrimmage. It is also found in rhythm to 70 catches and 12 touchdowns! These are fairly gaudy numbers for any running back in the NFL, not to mention a rookie. For all you fantasy football owners who were fortunate enough to take a stab him, you should be happy with yourself. In its League 12 average team, probably was a sixth-round pick. You have an absolute steal! It was probably written at his third running back and if it has been sitting on the bench, you can change that. If you have 2 other stud running back in front of him, then you have to consider the possibility of exchanges of one of them. Try upgrading to another position.It is necessary to find a way to get Forte lineup each week.VA be running back 10 top fantasy this year. possibly even 5 superior.Them think only slowing you is Orten.Even this week when he "disappointed", still finished with a game of fantasy solid. Although he was only 36 yards in leagues where you'll get 1 point per receipt, it still ended scored 21 points.

The bottom line is Forte is a perno.Él will remain a bolt of campaign for much tiempo.Y will be a bolt in the coming years.

It could be the best strategy for auction enter the 2010 fantasy football season to blow his wad in 2 of the top 5 Running Backs bet rather then on smaller spots back production. This comment applies only to the running backs. QB fields and TE seem very deep that could make it more easy to overpay for regular budget talent, since you can get a good cheap QB and TE. WRs seem to be the same bag mixed seasons as the majority, are notoriously difficult to identify who is going to be huge, and who is going to bust.

There will be levels of second and third level running backs, which have large years just believe that it is difficult to predict it will be this year.Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner seem far more likely candidates for large temporadas.Creo that should command a price premium on auctions 2010 fantasy football.

The remaining running backs who all seem to have some very large mark signs around them.Next normally above 5 are Frank Gore (injury prone and a suspected offence), Steven Jackson (terrible offense and bad production 2009), Cedric Benson (perhaps to the 5 most upward but still is Cedric Benson), Ryan Grant (decent production, but it is an offence of first step) and last Jamaal Charles (terrible offense and still a bit of a talent not tested with a likely time share hope to get degraded below update.)

The Cincinnati Bengals were one of the surprises in the NFL last year won the AFC North 10-6 and swept the other opponents of the three Division. It was the first season of the Bengals reached the double-digit victories since the 2005 season.

In my opinion, was a mirage.

The Bengals closed the season, losing three of four games – all against playoff teams - and then were dominated quite well in a 24-14 the jets in the wild-card round home defeat. The Cincy differential point was barely finished last season by far, the worst Division in equity, which is biased by a loss of explosion at end of the regular season to the Jets in a game which basically meant nothing to the Bengals) winners.

But at least this team showed can be quite good when Carson Palmer stays healthy, as it did in 2009.Cedric Benson was great, running for 837 yards and six touchdowns in the first eight games of hurt his hip and missing more than three juegos.Todavía ended with 1,251 yards on 301 carries. The Bengals became a computer implementation, as remains it on the ground for 52 per cent of their works. This computer must be in good shape there with Benson and Bernard Scott.

Cincy add two arms for Palmer in free Bucs Antonio Bryant - about Terrell Owens - the boy is not agent signing.2, together with eight of Chad and the drafting of Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham in the first round.The game definitely pass required field better disseminate this season after finishing the last 26 years. Palmer, while their statistics were only media pack, took offense in eight units of punctuation marks end of game that gave the Bengals lead or had tied a game.

The defence should be once again a very good unit, and will be that it should be for an offense scored as 24 points in just three games.Classified defense fourth in the League last year in yards allowed game to 301.4, sixth in points per game allowed to 18.2. and that drive becomes defensive end Antwan Odom, who was tearing it with eight bags before ruptured his Achilles tendon in week 6.

Cincinnati is not exactly an accustomed to successful team that has not made the playoffs or even had a record in consecutive seasons in 28 years. and for some reason, the Bengals, who had finally cleared his image, signed the risks in WR Matt Jones and CB Pacman Jones.

You can reach the playoffs and the NFL takes what they say? take a look:

2010 Cincinnati Bengals Schedule (all times Eastern)

Week 1: Sunday, 12 September, in New England, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 2: Sunday, September 19, Baltimore, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 3: Sunday, September 26, Carolina, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 4: Sunday, October 3, in Cleveland, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 5: 10 October, Tampa Bay, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Sunday, October 24, in Atlanta, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 8: 31 October, Miami, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 9: Monday, November 8, Pittsburgh, 8: 30 PM
Week 10: Sunday, November 14, in Indianapolis, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 11: 21 November, Buffalo, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 12: Thursday, 25 of November, in New York Jets, 8: 20 PM
Week 13: 5 December, New Orleans, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 14: Sunday, December 12, in Pittsburgh, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 15: 19 December, Cleveland, 1: 00 p. M.
Week 16: 26 December, San Diego, 8: 20 PM
Week 17: Sunday, January 2, Baltimore, 1: 00 p. M.

This is not an easy calendar Cincy as the most difficult fourth with cumulative win 2009 rating percentage of.539 an opponents (138-118) .at least the computer has no West Coast travel, with the farthest journey to the West of Indianapolis.

It is a rough start and ending with four of the six first road - Cincy was 4-4, away from home last year - and teams of four of the six late against 2009.Ese playoff stretch of three of every four to start on the road is only the second time in the franchise Cincy has had to start that camino.Y opens on the road for the fifth time in the past six years. frankly, the Bengals will be lucky not start from 0-3-, and recalls, they may not have Benson for a few games if the Commissioner Roger Goodell him suspended by his recent arresto.Las NFL betting lines predict a game record of 2-3 the bye week.

The Bengals not be better than.500 worse then that his next game five stretch with such a hard final six them staring at the cara.He here a good stat: A. this November 8 to December 26 section, the Bengals played five games against quarterbacks that finished in the top six in NFL passing last year and Mark Sanchez the Jets beat twice year pasado.Ese Thanksgiving game is the first in the history of the Bengals, but it seems certain that the Jets have their number. items could help the Bengals against warm climate/dome as New Orleans, and San Diego teams in December (a month magazines Excel in), but in no way swept Pittsburgh and Baltimore again.

BetUS has the Bengals + 300 to win the AFC North (best third Division) and a total of victories of ocho.Como a predictor of the NFL, I would go 'minor' as this seems a team of 7-9, therefore, obviously, don't lose your money in the split bet.

Doc MOSEMAN is one of the pioneers of college football and NFL industry igualadas.Compruebe if their updated website Odds NFL and its famous collegiate winner and NFL picks.

Tier 1

1. LaDainian Tomlinson(Chargers)

-the biggest sure thing in all of fantasy football, Tomlinson put together arguably the greatest single-season performance in NFL history last season. An astounding 31 total TD's virtually guaranteed victory for anyone who got lucky enough to draft him last season(editor's note: I drafted Tomlinson third overall in my draft last season after Alexander and Johnson....needless to say I won my league easily). Of course counting on Tomlinson to duplicate those numbers is like saying you will win the Lotto twice....it just wont happen. However at a young 28, LT has a few big years left in him and another 25 TD's sounds about right. If you don't have the top pick in your draft, you can forget about selecting him. Either that or you have an absolute moron in your league that passes on him.

2. Steven Jackson(Rams)-RISING

-some will be surprised I have him ranked over Larry Johnson but here is all you need to know: Jackson caught 90 passes to Johnson's 41. Though Larry may be the better runner, Jackson is the better overall player. If you are in a points/reception league, then Jackson is even more of a sure thing over Johnson. Although the additions of Drew Bennett and Randy McMichael will surely steal some of Steven's catches, look for another top statistical season from this fourth-year back. Depending on your league, you may be able to snag him as late as the fifth pick. Don't hesitate if he is there.

3. Larry Johnson(Chiefs)

-back-to-back season's of heavy workloads, along with the threat of a possible holdout has knocked Johnson from the top spot in the fantasy rankings. Although I don't believe the heavy toll on his body will make him hit a wall, I do believe that the weakening of the Kansas City O-Line will negatively impact his numbers. 15 TD's is still possible but I think Johnson takes a step back this year. Don't however downgrade him so much that you let him slip by you. Unless Steven Jackson, LT, or even Frank Gore are available, then you must take Johnson. Just don't expect 2005 numbers ever again.

4. Frank Gore(49ers)

-strongly considered ranking him over Johnson but there is always a risk of injury with Gore who has had both of his knees surgically repaired. When healthy however, he is an absolute beast who can run and catch with the best of them. Gore is playing on an improved 'Niners team and will almost surely surpass his total of 9 TD's. He probably won't surpass his 1,600-plus rushing total due to the additions on offense but his overall production will make him a better producer than he was last season. Could be in line for an MVP-type season. An almost sure-thing.

Tier 2

5. Shaun Alexander(Seahawks)-FALLING

-a broken left foot derailed Alexander on the heels of his record-breaking 2005 season. His 7 total TD's was only a third of the 28 he scored in that incredible year. Shaun is somewhat of a question mark due to the injury and the fact he is 30 years old which typically is the age many RB's begin to decline. I do believe he has one more good year left in him but don't expect anything close to the 28 TD's he put up in 2005. One of fantasy's great TD scorers however, Alexander should still put up around 15 tallies this year. One caveat here is that if you are in a points/reception league, then you may want to snare Brian Westbrook instead due to the fact Alexander has never shown much as a receiver. Risk here but more than likely he will be decent.

6. Brian Westbrook(Eagles)

-in a points/reception league, Westbrook is definitely more of an asset than 7th ranked Addai. However in non-points/reception league's, the reverse is true. Westbrook is the best receiver in the RB group and is a terrific dual threat. Many grow frustrated with the fact he always seems to be questionable each week but if you can stomach the injury risk, than Westbrook is your guy. Has really stepped up his game and could still be improving. Without the injury risk, he is a top five back. Draft him and hope for the best.

7. Joseph Addai(Colts)-RISING

-Addai's coming out party went as smooth as could be last season as the Indianapolis front office didn't hesitate in labeling Addai the starter once the off-season began. With Dominic Rhodes' departure to Oakland, Addai will grab the lion's share of carries. Questions about whether he can handle the pounding of a full load will knock his stock down a bit but be the smart player and aim for him over more known commodities such as Rudi Johnson and Willie Parker. A good receiver out of the backfield, Addai will help in points/reception leagues. A riser who could break down the door to the top five fraternity. The sky is the limit with this guy.

8. Laurence Maroney(Patriots)

-another RB in the mold of Joseph Addai, Maroney has been granted the full-time gig in powerhouse NE. Maroney showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season but seemed to, wear down as the season went on. Like Addai, there are questions whether Maroney can handle a full workload. He is more of an injury risk than his Indy counterpart but the sky is also the limit for him. NE loves to run the ball and if Coach/Yoda Bill Belichick believes he can handle the full time job, than who are we to argue. Draft with confidence.

9. Rudi Johnson(Bengals)

-Mr. Consistency turned in another solid but unspectacular season in 2006, posting over 1,300 rushing yards with 12 TD's which nearly matched his output from 2005. So with Johnson you pretty much know what you're going to get. Another positive is Johnson's durability as he pretty much has been injury -free since becoming the full-time starter back in 2004. Now for the negatives. Rudi is not a pass catcher by any means and thus is a liability in points/reception leagues. Also the drafting of rookie Kenny Irons signals that a possible sharing of the workload may be in order. It was no secret head coach Marvin Lewis craved more of a HR threat out of the running game and even though Johnson hasn't done anything to lose the lion's share of the carries, this development could hurt his value. Pass if you're in a points/reception league unless he fall far.

10. Willie Parker(Steelers)

-this may seem like an extremely low ranking for Parker after the monstrous season he had in 2006 when he tallied 13 TD's while rushing for an insane 1,494 yards. However new coach Mike Tomlin has let it be known that he plans to find a goal-line back in the mold of Jerome Bettis. While Parker proved last season he could score from in close, it seems the Pittsburgh front office feels better with a bigger back running the ball in. It is entirely possible this plan will be scrapped by the time the season begins so monitor this situation closely. If he does get the goal-line work then bump him up in your rankings ahead of Johnson. Tread carefully here however. I am not a fan and plan on passing on Parker in all scenarios due to the questions marks he carries going into the season.

Tier 3

11. Clinton Portis(Redskins)-FALLING

-it was a disappointing year for Portis due to injuries and inconsistency. The man with the million costumes ran for a career-low 523 yards with 7 TD's. After backup Ladell Betts literally took the ball and ran in his absence, there was some talk about a possible platoon coming into this year. That however has been shot down by coach Joe Gibbs and so if healthy Portis will get most of the carries. Still young at 26, with excellent vision and quickness, Portis could have a comeback season. However the injury risk is always there and if he does in fact struggle, the 'Skins have a more than reliable backup to replace him. Stay away from this situation.

12. Travis Henry(Broncos)-RISING

-after seemingly becoming a forgotten man in the gridiron world after his departure from Buffalo, Henry thrust himself back on the fantasy radar with a decent year in 2006 with Tennessee. Given the starting job four games into the year, Henry showed he still has the ability of a number one NFL runner. The fact he now is in the Land Of The Excelling RB's(AKA Denver) adds even more appeal to his prospects. While he doesn't catch the ball much, Henry should have a good to possibly great year in Mile High. Target him as a sleeper and don't hesitate to grab him earlier than your buddies project him. They might laugh at you at the draft but you will get the last laugh when you take their money.

13. Reggie Bush(Saints)

-in another year or so when Deuce McAllister has moved on, Bush will see his value soar. However the fact that he is still in a time-share with Deuce hurts his value. If you are in a points/reception league, then Bush's value is much better and those who play in that type of setup should not hesitate to make him your number two RB. Those in the traditional setups should try and look elsewhere for a second back. Its not that Bush is not talented or that he won't put up good numbers. It's just that his RB numbers(rushing TD's and yardage) won't be up to par with what you need to get out of your second back.

14. Ronnie Brown(Dolphins)

-ever since he was drafted into the league, I have been a big fan of Ronnie Brown. Blessed with great hands(alert: points/reception leagues) and tough running ability, Brown has it all. However injuries and a somewhat lackadaisical approach to practice have conspired to prevent him from reaching his full potential. The fact he came into off-season workouts overweight further solidifies this problem. Despite this, I believe Brown will have a decent year in Miami and will be a more than adequate second RB for your club. He even has the chance to out-produce his projected numbers if he stays healthy. Could be sitting on a great year if he puts all the distractions aside. Draft him based on his upside.

15. Willis McGahee(Ravens)-RISING

-after struggling mightily in Buffalo last season, McGahee got the trade he was seeking and he couldn't have landed in a better place outside of Denver. Baltimore's offense over the years has centered on the run with Jamal Lewis serving as the bulldozer for 7 productive years until being released this off-season. In steps McGahee and his cutback ability. Despite only running for 990 yards and a paltry 6 TD's last season, McGahee has the goods to be a smashing success for the Ravens. Look for him to easily exceed last year's totals and to rake in 10-12 TD's along the way. Draft with confidence as your number 2.

16. Edgerrin James(Cardinals)

-Edge had a year to forget last season as arguably the league's worst offensive line opened up very little daylight for him to run through. A model of consistency in Indy, James had to deal with failure for the first time in his career. 1,159 yards and 6 TD's just won't cut it both for you and for James himself. However the drafting of LT Levi Jones and the hiring of offensive line genius Russ Grimm will do nothing but help Edge have the year many expected when he signed his big deal before the 2006 season. Although you shouldn't expect Indy numbers from James, feel confident that he can produce somewhere along the lines of 1,200 yards and 8-10 TD's. Good but not great option.

17. Maurice-Jones Drew(Jaguars)

-this 5-7 dynamo opened the eyes of many around the NFL last season as he plowed his way to 941 yards rushing with 13 TD's. A good receiver out of the backfield, Jones-Drew also supplied 46 receptions. Although he still shares the job with Fred Taylor, look for Jones-Drew to get 2 carries to every 1 for Taylor. The only problem here is that there are indications that third RB Greg Jones will get a look as the goal-line back which will hurt Jones-Drew's value. If that is the case, draft him as a number 3 back. If not, then he moves up to number 2 status, especially in points/reception leagues where he will contribute more to his fantasy total each week.

18. Deuce McAllister(Saints)

-the Deuce once again will share the backfield with Reggie Bush which knocks him down to borderline number 2 status. Once a sure-fire first round pick, McAllister is still feeling his way back from reconstructive knee surgery. He did however rush for 10 TD's last season and his 30 receptions were OK. His health is back and don't be afraid to draft him. Just make sure you have someone better as your first option.

19. Cedric Benson(Bears)

-it is now time for Benson to show the world why Chicago made him the number four overall pick back in 2005. With Thomas Jones being dealt to Chicago, Benson has no one in front of him to impede his progress. Question marks abound here such as his inability to remain healthy, poor work habits, and non-existent pass-catching ability. However the man was a monster in college and should have the ability to put up decent numbers in Chicago's ground-based attack. Draft him as your number two but don't be surprised if he lets you down due to all his red flags.

20. Thomas Jones(Jets)

-I probably should have ranked him higher but there is nothing about him that wows you. However he is a decent runner who is a good fit as your number two RB. After hearing early on that he was a bust with Arizona, Jones has put together a solid career and seems to be a perfect fit for the New York ground game. Never a TD machine, Jones will struggle to collect 10 on the ground. However he will move the pile and contribute decent receptions to make him viable as an every-week play. Quietly has made himself into a useful fantasy resource.

21. Brandon Jacobs(Giants)

-with Tiki Barber off into the NBC studios, the job now belongs to this bruising third year player. Blessed with freakish size and nimble feet, Jacobs could open many eyes this year around the league. Already a reliable source for TD's(9 last season), Jacobs only has to keep Reuben Droughns on the bench to fulfill his promise. Whether that happens is the one question that dogs his ranking. Draft him due to the fact he will score TD's but be aware the yardage may not be there.

22. Jamal Lewis(Browns)

-now with the team he tormented for so many years, Jamal Lewis is looking to re-establish himself as a top NFL RB. Still only 28, there is a ton of tread on his tires which is the reason you shouldn't expect too much out of him. Playing on a bad team such as Cleveland won't help the matter and thus he is no more than a 2nd RB at best. Temper your expectations however and he will give you an honest effort week in and week out.

23. LaMont Jordan(Raiders)

-seemingly on the verge of stardom after a decent year in 2005, injuries and all-around horrid play by the Raiders ruined whatever momentum Jordan accumulated during the season before. With Dominic Rhodes signing over from Indy, the situation becomes even more muddied for LaMont. However he does have a decent amount going for him such as possibly having the best hands at the RB position along with a decent running ability. There is no reason he shouldn't be a starter after a year where the whole team stunk but this is a situation that you need to keep an eye on. If he does get the full-time gig, his ranking will soar(especially in points/reception leagues). However if he has to time-share with Rhodes, than he is no more than a number 3 back who you grab for insurance.

24. Carnell Williams(Buccaneers)

-an absolutely dreadful year ruined any sort of momentum Williams had after his eye-opening rookie season. Failing to rush for 1,000 yards, the Cadillac sputtered its way to an embarrassing finish. Things don't look much better in TB as coach Jon Gruden doesn't have a QB worth mentioning and the WR corps is this. Thus Williams will still see 8-man fronts until the Buc's prove they can open up the offense. Don't expect much other than the occasional big game out of this broken down vehicle.

25. Marion Barber III(Cowboys)
-in a time-share with Julius Jones for two years now, Barber has shown that at the very least, he can score TD's by the bunch. Tallying 14 scores last season, Barber was the rare committee RB who could serve as your number 2 runner. Though head coach Wade Phillips plans to use the same rotation as Bill Parcells, look for Barber's role to increase. If Jones does in fact ever get traded than this guy shoots up the charts like a rocket. Monitor to see if Jones is dealt. If not, than draft him as a number 2 but more as a number 3.

The Rest(Draft as Third Back and As Insurance)

26. Chester Taylor(Vikings)-FALLING

-the drafting of rookie Adrian Peterson sabotaged any type of fantasy ranking Taylor had after his more than decent 2006 season. A great producer across the board, Taylor proved himself to be a solid starter for many fantasy teams who acted on his sleeper potential. Yours truly drafted him in round 5 and after hearing chuckles, made sure he grinned while I collected everyone's money. However Taylor's value is low due to Peterson's presence and despite being a points/reception gem(42 catches), it really is in your best interest to pass on this mess.

27. Julius Jones(Cowboys)

-seemingly on the verge of a breakout after his incredible performance as a rookie back in 2004, Jones never won over coach Bill Parcells and thus was stuck in a time-share with Marion Barber. With goal-line carries going to Barber, Jones' value is that of a third back. If he ever does get traded to a team where he gets the lion's share of the load, than his value soars. I am a big fan of his and believe greatness is right around the corner if he can just get himself dealt. Pass for now.

28. Fred Taylor(Jaguars)

-splitting carries with rookie Maurice Jones-Drew, Taylor had somewhat of a comeback season last year. However his advancing age(31) and loss of goal-line work places him in the barely draft able category. Draft him for insurance.

29. Ahman Green(Texans)

-the fumble-prone Green showed he still had something left last year as he put up good but not great numbers in Green Bay. Now that he has moved out to Houston, Green's value will plummet. He does catch the ball well and is ranked higher in points/reception leagues. However he is injury prone, getting older(30) and will lose goal-line carries to Ron Dayne. That's way too many negatives to ignore. Draft as insurance as he will sprinkle in a good game once every four weeks or so.

30. Warrick Dunn(Falcons)-FALLING

-one of my favorite NFL players(not fantasy players), Dunn is showing signs that he might finally be hitting the wall. At the age of 32 it is surprising it didn't happen sooner due to the fact he is on the small side and has played many downs year in and year out. Expected to lose carries to second-year man Jerious Norwood, Dunn will begin to slowly fade into the background. Draft him as a number 3 and root for him to succeed. I certainly will do that.

31. DeAngelo Williams(Panthers)-RISING

-in a time-share with DeShaun Foster, Williams is clearly the one Carolina would love to see take hold of the job. With a quick burst and elusive moves in the open field, Williams is the lighting to Foster's thunder. If Williams were to ever take hold of the job on a full-time basis, than his value will rise. That doesn't seem like the plan right now however so expect a modest increase in his overall numbers. Draft for his potential.

32. Kevin Jones(Lions)-FALLING

-another former favorite of mine, Jones has never been able to stay healthy enough to fulfill his once-seemingly infinite potential. Having as good a set of hands as any RB in the game, Jones is a bonus in points/reception leagues. Injuries however have killed his progress and there is no guarantee he will start the season on time after more off-season surgery. The addition of Tatum Bell further clouds his outlook. Monitor his progress however as he does have great ability when he is healthy which sadly is a very rare occurrence.

33. LenDale White(Titans)

-heading into the season, White has the inside track on the starting gig. However battles with his weight and a less than exemplary effort in practice have led to much skepticism that he can get the job done. White is looking more and more like a bust and you should steer clear of this immature waste.

34. DeShaun Foster(Panthers)

-the other half of the time-share in Carolina, Foster has blown many chances at the full-time gig over the years. Injuries have been the main culprit and it appears he will be nothing more than a platoon player/decent backup. You don't need that kind of player on your team.

35. Marshawn Lynch(Bills)

-with Willis McGahee traded to Baltimore, the Bills needed to find a runner who could make up all those lost carries. They think they found their man in RB Marshawn Lynch out of Cal. Although the current plan is for Lynch to cede goal-line carries to Anthony Thomas, he stands a good chance of getting the majority of the carries if he can prove he can handle the load. Will be interesting to see how Lynch will handle the cold climate in Buffalo after playing in the warm climate of California. Draft him for his potential but don't expect many scores.

36. Brandon Jackson(Packers)

-the rookie with the best chance to be granted starter carries, Jackson could be this year's offensive rookie of the year. With only inconsistent Vernand Morency standing in his way, Jackson could become a rookie version of Edgerrin James on a lesser scale. Blessed with good power and decent speed, look for GB to take a chance with the kid from the start. Draft him due to his immense upside.

37. Tatum Bell(Lions)-FALLING

-brought in from Denver, it's never a good sign when you're deemed unworthy in The Land of The Great RB's. Bell is a chance-of-pace back and nothing more who will split carries if/when Kevin Jones comes back from injury. Pass.

38. Chris Henry(Titans)

-another rookie who has a chance to start from day 1, Henry only has to pass the overweight LenDale White and the frail Chris Brown to grab the starting gig. Although I don't think it will happen by the opener, I believe Henry will be a big part of the offense by at least Week 7. Draft for his potential.

39. Vernand Morency(Packers)

-keeping the seat warm for rookie Brandon Jackson is not something that fantasy owners should be interested in. Morency is a classic journeyman who has very little fantasy value as he's never shown he could hold down a starting gig. Waste of time here.

40. Adrian Peterson(Vikings)

-the most skilled rookie at the position going into the season, the presence of Chester Taylor cuts into the fantasy potential of Peterson. In a year this guy is a top 10, maybe even top 5 talent. However look for him to share carries with Taylor for the entire season due to the fact his predecessor is still a more-than decent player.

41. Reuben Droughns(Giants)-FALLING

-part of the two-headed committee that will replace the irreplaceable Tiki Barber. Droughns does have some talent as evidenced by his two 1,400 yard seasons in 2004 and 2005 but the G-Men plan to use him as more of a secondary compliment to Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs will also surely get all the goal line carries so Droughns really has very little to offer his owners.

42. Chris Brown(Titans)

-signed only a month ago to compete with LenDale White and Chris Henry for the starting job in Tennessee, Brown is looking to recapture the potential he showed during the first half of the 2005 season when he was the starter before injuries ruined a potential breakout year. Looks to be third in the pecking order going into the season and injuries further solidified his status as someone you need to avoid altogether.

43. Ladell Betts(Redskins

44. Leon Washington(Jets)

45. Jerious Norwood(Falcons)

46. Correll Buckhalter(Eagles)

47. Anthony Thomas(Bills)

48. Michael Turner(Chargers)

49. Ricky Williams(Dolphins)

50. Mike Bell(Broncos)

51. Ron Dayne(Texans)

52. Kenny Irons(Bengals)

53. Dominic Rhodes(Raiders)-FALLING

54. Wali Lundy(Texans)

The following rankings are based on a fantasy football player's year to end season value. If a draft or auction were to occur today this is the rank and value we place on the players based on their past performance and predicted future production. The basis for the valuations is a 10 team league starting 1 QB 2 RB 2 WR 1 TE 1 K 1 Defense with a 50% yardage and 50% TD scoring system with no points awarded for receptions. The rankings are updated every Tuesday morning, allowing players to value their teams, analyze player values for trades and plan future moves to get the most return out of your Fantasy Football players.

RANK PLAYER DESCRIPTION AUCTION $

1 Chris Johnson Titans, RB

Faster than a speeding Usain Bolt, more powerful than a locomotive, able to jump tall lineman on a 4th down, it's a Falcon it's a Jet, it's Chris Johnson. $44

2 Adrian Peterson Vikings, RB

Despite having some erratic games and fumbling issues, if anyone's going to have a record setting year in '10, it feels like it could be AP. $40

3 Maurice Jones-Drew Jaguars, RB

2009 stats feel like it could be his ceiling, even so, no complaints.....offense remains stable and a repeat performance very likely. $35

4 Ray Rice Ravens, RB

His weekly production is as reliable as Rush Limbaugh's 4th donut of the day. $34

5 Micheal Turner Falcons, RB

The Burner......if in the '08 season he was fueled by petroleum products......he apparently switched to "easy bake oven" technology '09.....he'll get it back on track in '10. $30

6 Frank Gore 49ers, RB

The forecast calls for high weekly averages with spotty nagging injuries all season. $27

7 Steven Jackson Rams, RB

This much potential hasn't been squandered since Matt Damon turned down Famke Jannsen in Rounders. $25

8 Andre Johnson Texans, WR

2009 receiving yards leader by over 200 yds. Potential for even more TD's, but his performance is tied to Schuab staying healthy. $24

9 Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals, WR

If Warner retires, the Cardinals WR's are going to be like Rage Against the Machine trying to go on without Zach de la Rocha. $23

10 Cedric Benson Bears, RB

The question is....does his deal with the devil extend into the 2010 season? Or does he go back to the Cedric we know and hate? $22

11 Ryan Grant Packers, RB

Not the sexiest RB in terms of flash, but he does his job well......oddly the exact opposite can be said of Megan Fox. $21

12 Jamaal Charles Chiefs, RB

The Chiefs miserable team is not doing him any favors, but he is the kind of guy that is going to find a way to get his. $21

13 DeAngelo Williams Panthers,RB

The perks at a time share pitch are all fun and games, but make sure you know what the Panthers are selling before you buy...basically, a full split of two great backs. $21

14 Vincent Jackson Chargers, WR

Is to San Diego WR's what MadMen is to AMC.....both have made something completely irrelevant worth watching now. $20

15 Rashard Mendenhall Steelers,RB

Although we don't expect him to be unbelievable in '10; being the lead RB in PIT guarentee's a certain level of scoring. $19

16 Reggie Wayne Colts, WR

Like Charlize Theron, were not sure what we'll get out of Reggie next; the hottie in The Italian Job or the psycho in Monster that murders your fantasy season. He killed fantasy owners down the stretch of '09. $19

17 Aaron Rodgers Packers,QB

If his offensive line continues to give him the sandlot approved 5 banana count again next year like they did the second half of '09, we expect him to be the top rated fantasy QB again. $19

18 Drew Brees Saints, QB

In each of the past 4 years he's put up a minimum of 4,300 yds and 26 tds. Not too bad of numbers to build a fantasy team around. $19

19 DeSean Jackson Eagles, WR

Despite the fact that is was a turbulent ride with big swings in production....he had the highest average pts/game among Fantasy WR's last year. $19

20 Brandon Marshall Broncos, WR

It seems like every year leading up to Fantasy Drafts/Auctions, there are a lot of questions and reasons not to go after #15...for now we remain very optimistic on his '10 season. $19

21 Peyton Manning Colts, QB

Is he pimping any insurance companies on TV yet? If not he should, because when he's your FF QB, you always feel like your in good hands. $18

22 Miles Austin Cowboys, WR

We found out that his 200 yd game was not a one hit wonder last year....now we're curious if his '09 season was....if it's not, look for Blind Melon, The Proclaimers, Chumbawumba and Hanson to be knocking on his door for advice. $18

23 Randy Moss Patriots, WR

Don't get me wrong, its not that we don't like Moss' '09 numbers, its just we're kind of left with a bad taste in our mouths with how he went out in his last few games. $18

24 Thomas Jones Jets, RB

If you seek flashy highlight reel TD replays, go elsewhere, but if you like reliable production, you've come to the right place...assuming Father Time doesn't finally take him down. $17

25 Ronnie Brown Miami, RB

He's still young and we love him when healthy, but how many times can he bounce back from injury and be his old self. $17

26 Calvin Johnson Lions, WR

Looking more like a 'second tier' transforming action figure of the 80's......Gobot in disguise! $15

27 Beanie Wells Cardinals, RB

The trend at the end of 2009 season was Wells finally started getting the bulk of the carries over Hightower. If that continues into 2010, Wells will post solid numbers. $15

28 Knowshon Moreno Broncos, RB

With just under 1000 yds rushing and 9 total td's in 2009, he didn't exactly blow us away, but it wasn't a disaster either. Entering his second year he'll be counted on more and should deliver. $14

29 Anquan Boldin Cardinals, WR

If it's not too late, someone call Jeff Probst, Boldin would absolutely destroy the competition in an "injury bug" challenge on Survivor. $14

30 Joesph Addai Colts, RB

Addai's only 26...apparently he, Danny Almonte and Greg Oden all get their fake id's from the same place. $13

31 Kevin Smith Lions, RB

If you can talk yourself into a Detroit Lions RB not named Barry Sanders, then by all means. $12

32 Pierre Thomas
Saints, RB

He plays Suzanne Summers in the Saints aggravating Three's Company sitcom. He is the hottest by far, yet Mike Bell in the role of the butch brunette gets far too much screen time $12

33 Tom Brady Patriots, QB

Like DeNiro/Pacino in Godfather II & Heat...Brady/Moss had some incredible highs, lets hope 2010 doesn't turn into a collect the paycheck year and pump out a 'Righteous Kill' type season. $12

34 Sidney Rice Vikings, WR

He'd still be good, but if Favre retires, we're not as bullish on Rice with T Jack or Gus throwing to him. $10

35 Greg Jennings Packers, WR

His reversal of fortune last season rivals only that of an ameteur competitive eater; one minute focused and poised for a Coney Island Championship, the next he's got semi-digested wet hot dogs & buns all over his shoes. $10

36 Roddy White Falcons, WR

Seriously, Mr. White....Mr. Blonde wants to know, "are you going to bark all day little doggie, or are you gonna bite?" $10

37 Steve Smith Carolina, WR

He's still near the front of the plane, it just feels like he's moved from first class to businees class after last year. $10

38 Matt Schaub Texans, QB

The under appreciated girl in high school who you knew was hot and now you're too late to the party. $9

39 Dallas Clark Colts, TE

Dallas International Airport is the nation's 3rd busiest, Dallas Clark is our #1 ranked TE. Suck it airport. $9

40 Antonio Gates Chargers, TE

No signs of SD going back to a run heavy offense with the aging LT-Style Electric Slider (he don't like that call) $9

41 Vernon Davis 49ers, TE

Has all the physical gifts to be in the movie Avatar, he just couldn't learn how to speak Na'Vi. $8

42 Chad Ochocinco Bengals, WR

He's never been a TD machine; it was always the consistent big yards & receptions that made him special, but with declining numbers in those areas, he starts to look more ordinary. $7

43 Phillip Rivers Chargers,QB

Trending well; since 2007 he's increased Yardage and TD totals while reducing INT's every year. $7

44 Owen Daniels Texans, TE

This ranking assumes a full recovery and return to 2009 form, when he was a top TE. $7

45 Matt Forte Bears, RB

The teen equivalent of going from Prom King to Chess Club in one year. High School can be so cruel. $7

46 Jonathon Stewart Panthers, RB

Would love him if he was the workhorse back in this offense, but might have to wait a little while longer for that scenario to play out. $7

47 Marques Colston Saints, WR

That's Marcus with a "Q". Oh, of course it is Mrs. Colston, what a lovely child. $6

48 Steve Smith Giants, WR

A great #2 Fantasy WR that will give you week in week out receptions and yardage. $6

49 Santonio Holmes Steelers, WR

If Santonio Holmes career parallels Larry Holmes career we believe next season could be the Gerry Cooney fight where Holmes really finds his stride. $6

50 Tony Romo Cowboys, QB

Tony Romo does a little too much peacocking to be a true Cowboy. He fell flat in the final game. He has been a bit streaky but with Austin, Witten and Jones their offense looks to be dangerous. $6

Sports betting is important to keep up-to-date on the news. Here are some examples of news stories to anyone seriously interested in sports betting must take into account before placing a bet,

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins to a two-year contract extension on the 2008 season. In other news of Eagles, running back Bruce Perry was taken from the field on a stretcher, with his head in an immobilizer of suffering an injury to the head and neck in the loss of 16-10 Philadelphia the Raiders in the Hall of Fame game the Sunday night. X-rays and CT scan revealed no structural damage, but Perry have a concussion.Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey, rejoined his teammates from the New York Giants in the field of practice Sunday of suffer a concussion week pasada.Shockey had felt no harmful effects of injury and a couple of Nice shots during exercises.

Dallas Cowboys are currently without starting any receiver Terry Glenn, who is suffering from blisters on both feet.This is problematic for the development of the new passing game and Terrell Owens has also been marginalized with tension in your muscles isquiotibiales.Running back Thomas Jones is not happy with the decision of the Chicago Bears to degrade him second on the depth chart behind Cedric Benson, and a trade can be in the works. The jets are in the market for a running back first line bear the burden to ageing, Curtis Martin veteran.

The Broncos also will say they have an interest in trade for Jones.However, this situation could change as Benson had injured his shoulder during a scrimmage at Camp bears sábado.Seguridad Tank Williams had injured his kneecap in practice of the Minnesota Vikings Saturday and injury can be serious enough for neglecting it for all of 2006 season.Word out of Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre has looked strong in his family night scrimmage at Lambeau Field, completing 9-for-13 for 119 yards is camp.In the camp of the Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was able to run exercises with the first-string offense after pulling up lame with hamstring tension in practice last week.

Just when you think you have this whole fantasy football thing figured out, last week happens. How else do you explain Tom Brady going from playing at a Super Bowl level to playing at a Pop Warner level, or Vincent Jackson breaking the hearts of every fantasy enthusiast who put him in their lineups? Alas, we are still here to do our part to help you put together the best lineup possible.

Quarterbacks 1

1) Peyton Manning (vs. Tennessee): Manning has a great match-up this week against the Titans, who he beat for 36 completions, 309 yards and three touchdowns back in Week 5, and who are second to last in pass defense and passing scores allowed. And yes, we know they've won their past five games, but in that time they've faced three teams currently in the bottom half of the league in passing offense and one team playing with a backup quarterback.

2) Tom Brady (@ Miami): A total of 237 passing yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions last week are shocking totals for Brady, especially considering that he was in the midst of a string of five consecutive 300-yard passing games. But a bounce back this week is very possible against a Miami pass defense that is 23rd in the league, and one that he threw for 310 yards and one score against in Week 9.

3) Drew Brees (@ Washington): Although no one can be blamed for using Brees this week, match-ups matter, and Washington has the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL. Only three opposing quarterbacks have thrown for 200 yards against the Redskins this season, and it's happened just once over their last eight games. And it's not as if Brees is immune to quality pass defenses - three times this season he's been held to fewer than 200 passing yards.

4) Matt Schaub (@ Jacksonville): Schaub is a great choice in any fantasy football scoring format, but considering the amount of completions he racks up, he's an especially good option in this one. He's third in the league in overall completions, and has at least 25 in each of his last four games. Jacksonville is 26th in the league in pass defense, and only six teams have allowed more touchdown passes than they have. In his last meeting with the Jags, back in Week 3, Schaub threw for 300 yards with three scores.

5) Philip Rivers (@ Cleveland): Rivers is quietly putting together a very good season, and has an impressive three-game stretch going where he hasn't thrown an interception and has completed at least 75 percent of his passes. Cleveland's horrible pass defense shouldn't offer him a great challenge.

6) Kurt Warner (vs. Minnesota): Though there's optimism surrounding his chances to play this week (concussion), and his match-up is a solid one, there's always a chance he doesn't play at all or gets knocked out of the competition.

Quarterbacks 2

1) Brett Favre (@ Arizona): Favre has been nothing short of remarkable this season, with an unheard of 8:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio (24 touchdown throws, three interceptions). Over his last four games, he has thrown 12 touchdowns and hasn't thrown an interception. Against the Cardinals, he should be golden; only three teams allow more passing yards per game than they do.

2) Aaron Rodgers (vs. Baltimore): Rodgers has thrown 14 touchdowns over his last six games, and just three interceptions, and all of those picks came in one contest. In his last two contests he's thrown for over 340 yards in each, and he's completed at least 25 passes in each of his last three games. Baltimore is in the top half of the league in pass defense, but they're not so imposing that you shouldn't consider using Rodgers.

3) Donovan McNabb (@ Atlanta): McNabb has had some very ordinary games of late, and over his last five contests, he's thrown six touchdowns and five interceptions. Though McNabb could very likely be without top receiver DeSean Jackson, he's still a solid option this week because his opponent, Atlanta, is putrid against the pass, ranking 27th in the league in that category and 22nd in passing touchdowns given up.

4) Carson Palmer (vs. Detroit): Palmer isn't putting up numbers like we've seen him do in the past, and in fact hasn't completed more than 20 passes in his last five games, but he's playing Detroit this week. The same Detroit that is dead last in pass defense, and who has allowed more touchdown passes than any team in the NFL.

5) Tony Romo (@ NY Giants): Romo has had a solid season overall, and is seventh in the league in passing yards, ahead of the likes of Brett Favre and Kurt Warner. Yet he hasn't completed more than 20 passes in either of his last two games, and the last time he faced the Giants, he threw for a season-low 127 yards with three interceptions and one score.

6) Ben Roethlisberger (vs. Oakland): Big Ben will suit up this week after sitting out last week's contest against the Ravens with concussion symptoms. This led to some controversy, at least within the Steelers' locker room, but that has since died down. Roethlisberger does have a tough individual match-up this week against Oakland, however; only four teams have allowed fewer touchdown passes than they have.

Quarterbacks 3

1) Joe Flacco (@ Green Bay): IFlacco seemed to have been mired in a slump in Weeks 8-11. He threw for over 200 yards just once in those games, and tossed just one touchdown and three interceptions. But he rallied last week, throwing for nearly 300 yards with one score and no picks, and though his opponent this week, the Packers, are sixth in the NFL in pass defense, only three teams have allowed more touchdown passes than they have.

2) Jay Cutler (vs. St. Louis): Since interceptions aren't a worry in this scoring format, Cutler's transgressions in that area needn't play a role in deciding whether to put him in your lineup, especially against a soft pass defense like the Rams possess. But his confidence does seem to be wavering, and he hasn't thrown for even 175 yards in either of his past two games, and in his past three games he's thrown a total of two touchdowns and eight picks.

3) Vince Young (@ Indianapolis): Young was simply spectacular last week, but don't let that cloud your judgment for his game at Indy this week. He was facing an atrocious pass defense in the Cardinals last week, and the Colts are a much more formidable foe, especially with Young playing on the road. Also, only the Jets have given up fewer touchdown passes than they have.

4) Matt Cassel (vs. Denver): After a truly mediocre start, Cassel seems to have found his footing a bit. He's thrown for 215 or more yards in three of his last four contests, along with five touchdowns and two interceptions during that time. It should also be noted that he'll give you at least a few points running the ball - he's had at least four rushing attempts in seven of his 10 games this year.

5) Matt Hasselbeck (vs. San Francisco): Fantasy football players are justifiably baffled by Hasselbeck, who went from throwing for 315 yards against Arizona three weeks ago to accumulating just 102 passing yards last week against the Rams. He's at home against the 49ers this week, and San Francisco is just 28th in the NFL in pass defense, but it's too difficult to trust Hasselbeck.

6) David Garrard (vs. Houston): Garrard simply doesn't thrown enough touchdowns to be a viable fantasy football option; among the 24 NFL quarterbacks with at least 280 pass attempts, he is tied with Jake Delhomme for the fewest touchdown passes, having thrown only eight.

Quarterbacks 4

1) Kyle Orton (@ Kansas City): Orton's season has been solid, if unspectacular. He's thrown for more than 250 yards just once this season, and over his last five games has just three touchdown passes, but you can't ignore who his opponent is this week - only two other teams allow more passing yards per game than the Chiefs.

2) Alex Smith (@ Seattle): Smith's career has been resurrected this season, and fantasy football enthusiasts have taken note. They should again this week as he matches up with the Seahawks, a team that is 25th in the league in pass defense and 27th in passing scores allowed.

3) Eli Manning (vs. Dallas): The last time Manning went up against the Cowboys, he blistered them for 330 yards and two scores, though you should take into account that that game was played back in Week 2. Manning is highly inconsistent and is also playing on a bad foot, so while his match-up is solid, can you really count on him?

4) Jason Campbell (@ Philadelphia): Campbell hasn't been a great quarterback this season, but his numbers haven't been atrocious, either. He's thrown for at least one touchdown in all but three games this year, and the last time he faced Philly, he had a season-high 29 completions, along with 284 yards and two scores.

5) Josh Freeman (@ Carolina): Freeman is getting plenty of accolades, and he's performed admirably in a couple games, but you'll probably want to avoid him this week. The Panthers have the No. 3 pass defense in the league, and are ninth in passing scores allowed.

6) Brady Quinn (vs. San Diego): Simply ignore Quinn.

Running Backs 1

1) Chris Johnson (@ Indianapolis): Johnson has been on a run that's as remarkable as anything the NFL or fantasy football has seen in some time. In his last six games, he's averaged 155 rushing yards on 23 carries (6.7 ypc), just over one touchdown (he has seven total in that span), and close to three receptions and 30 receiving yards per game.

2) Adrian Peterson (@ Arizona): Despite having only three games with at least 100 rushing yards, Peterson is still playing very well. He has 12 touchdowns in 11 games, and has already established a career-high with 27 receptions. Arizona has been killed on the ground of late, giving up 115 or more yards to an individual runner in four of their past five games.

3) Maurice Jones-Drew (vs. Houston): MJD has scored three rushing touchdowns in a game on two occasions this season, and one of them happened to be against the Texans, back in Week 3. He also caught four passes in that contest, one of seven times he's had at least that many receptions in a game. He's always an excellent option.

4) Rashard Mendenhall (vs. Oakland): No team has allowed more rushing yards to opposing running backs than the Raiders have, and only two teams have allowed opposing backs to score more touchdowns.

5) Steven Jackson (@ Chicago): Like Philip Rivers at quarterback, Jackson is quietly having an excellent season, though you can hardly blame anyone for not noticing that Jackson is the NFL's second-leading rusher because he's on a team that has won just one game. Nonetheless, he's always valuable in this scoring format not only because of the yards he piles up, but because of the amount of touches he receives.

6) Frank Gore (@ Seattle): Gore is always solid, but compared to the rest of this group, he doesn't get enough touches. He's carried the ball more than 16 times just twice all season, and has just 92 rushing yards over his past two games.

Running Backs 2

1) DeAngelo Williams (vs. Tampa Bay): Before last week's 40-yard performance, Williams had been averaging 127 yards over his previous six games. But he should come back with aplomb this week against a Tampa team that is 30th in the league in run defense, and against whom Williams had 152 yards and two scores against in Week 6.

2) Ray Rice (@ Green Bay): Over his last eight games, Rice has run for at least 70 yards six times (with one 69-yard effort), and has caught fewer than five passes just once. With receptions being three points each, that kind of production is highly valuable.

3) Ricky Williams (vs. New England): Williams has at least 20 carries, 100 yards and one touchdown in each of his three games since taking over for the injured Ronnie Brown in Miami. New England is tied for fewest rushing scores allowed, having given up just three all season, but one of the backs who found the end zone against them happened to be Williams.

4) Knowshon Moreno (@ Kansas City): Moreno has run for at least 80 yards in each of his past three games, and has a fantastic match-up this week against the Chiefs, who are 27th against the run and 22nd in rushing scores allowed.

5) Cedric Benson (vs. Detroit): Benson has missed two contests with a hip injury, but he's supposed to be back in the starting lineup this week. But Larry Johnson did a solid job filling in last week, and they may not want to overdo it with Benson this week.

6) Joseph Addai (vs. Tennessee): Addai simply is not putting up the numbers the other backs in this group have been; he's only run for 70 or more yards once all season, and has not carried the ball more than 20 times in any game.

Running Backs 3

1) LaDainian Tomlinson (@ Cleveland): Tomlinson has scored five times in his last three games, making up for otherwise ordinary numbers. He's not catching the ball like he used to (three receptions over his last five games), and he's run for at least 75 yards just once this year. But only three teams have allowed more rushing yards than the Browns, and only two teams have given up more rushing scores to opposing running backs.

2) Matt Forte (vs. St. Louis): Only the Bills have allowed more rushing scores to opposing running backs than St. Louis has, and if this were last season, Forte would be No. 1 on this list. As it is, he's struggling mightily this year running the ball. One thing that should be considered in this scoring format - he has averaged over five receptions per game in his last four contests.

3) Laurence Maroney (@ Miami): Over his last six games, Maroney has scored eight times, accounting for all of his touchdowns this season. Unfortunately, he also has lost a fumble in three consecutive games, and any more could mean fewer carries for him.

4) Kevin Smith (@ Cincinnati): Smith hasn't gained 70 or more rushing yards in eight games, and the Bengals are the No. 3-ranked rush defense in the league. The only thing saving him from being ranked last on this list is his ability to catch the ball.

5) Ryan Grant (vs. Baltimore): No doubt Grant has had a solid year, but a lot of things are working against him - Baltimore is seventh in run defense and allows the fewest yards per carry in the league, he doesn't catch the ball with regularity, and he sat out a practice this week with a stinger.

6) Tim Hightower (vs. Minnesota): Not only is Hightower going to lose more and more playing time to Beanie Wells, but he's going up against the team that is second in the NFL in run defense, and the team that is tied in allowing the fewest rushing scores in the league.

Running Backs 4

1) LeSean McCoy (@ Atlanta): Brian Westbrook remains out, and DeSean Jackson is likely to be sidelined as well, leaving McCoy to be an even bigger piece of the puzzle this week. Atlanta's defense is sub-par in every area, and they are just 23rd in the league against the run. Something else to note - only one team has given up more receiving touchdowns to running backs than the Falcons have.

2) Jamaal Charles (vs. Denver): Charles has scored a rushing or receiving touchdown in each of his last three games since taking over after Larry Johnson was cut. He's an explosive player who makes things happen, and now that he's getting an opportunity, he's making the most of it.

3) Cadillac Williams (@ Carolina): The Caddy has a very good match-up against the 26th-ranked Panthers run defense, and it is one he gained 77 yards and scored a touchdown against back in Week 6, but he's also done very little since then. He hasn't rushed for even 60 yards in his past five games, or run for over 3.7 yards per carry.

4) Pierre Thomas (@ Washington): If only he were the clear-cut No. 1. As it is, he shares time with a couple other running backs, and though he's productive with the carries he does get, he really doesn't get enough looks to put up the big numbers he might be able to elsewhere.

5) Steve Slaton (@ Jacksonville): The Texans are still having trust issues with Slaton due to his previous fumbleitis, and he's dealing with a neck malady, so we'll have to see how many touches he gets, and until then, it's not safe to trust him.

6) Beanie Wells (vs. Minnesota): Leave Wells on the bench against one of the best run defenses in the NFL.

Wide Receivers 1

1) Wes Welker (@ Miami): With only six catches for 32 yards, Welker had his worst game of the season last week. He'll right the ship this week against a Miami team that he burned for nine catches and 84 yards in Week 9. Welker leads the NFL in catches, even though he missed two weeks, and with receptions at three points each, you can't go wrong using him.

2) Reggie Wayne (vs. Tennessee): The man with the second-most catches this season is Wayne, and his match-up is beautiful. No team has allowed opposing wideouts to catch more passes or score more touchdowns, and they've also allowed opposing receivers to accumulate the second-most receiving yards (by one yard). Wayne had six catches for 60 yards and one score against the Titans in Week 5.

3) Andre Johnson (@ Jacksonville): Only three teams have given up more receiving yards and receiving scores than the Jaguars have, and Johnson is the perfect person to exploit that weakness. He had four catches for 86 yards against them back in Week 3.

4) Randy Moss (@ Miami): Moss leads the league in receiving yards, but you wouldn't know that by the way he's played the last two weeks. He's accumulated only 101 yards combined in those two games, though a reprieve could very much be in the works this week - he blistered the Dolphins for 147 yards on six receptions (including one touchdown) when he first met them in Week 9.

5) Chad Ochocinco (vs. Detroit): The Ocho has stunk over his last five games, with no more than five receptions in any of them, and not one contest of even 70 receiving yards. Yet he plays the Lions this week, and he can easily fatten up on them - they're dead last in pass defense and have passing touchdowns allowed.

6) Larry Fitzgerald (vs. Minnesota): If Kurt Warner plays, Fitzgerald should be moved up in the rankings, but if noodle-armed Matt Leinart goes again, there are too many other receivers in this group to choose from who have Pro Bowl quarterbacks throwing to them.

Wide Receivers 2

1) Vincent Jackson (@ Cleveland): Jackson's disappearance over the last three games has been troubling. He hasn't scored since in that time, and he's accumulated a total of seven catches and 93 yards. But he has to bust out of it at some point, and it would be no shock if he did so against the terrifically awful Browns.

2) Mike Sims-Walker (vs. Houston): Three times in his past five games, Sims-Walker has accumulated fewer than 50 receiving yards, but he has scored three times in that span, easing the pain that was inflicted by his lack of yards. In his last game against the Texans, in Week 3, he had six catches for 81 yards.

3)Roddy White (vs. Philadelphia): White has not been as productive this season as he was last year in terms of yardage, and if he hadn't been scoring so many touchdowns, he would be a real disappointment. Yet he does have seven on the season, and he scored last week for the first time in three games.

4) Marques Colston (@ Washington): Colston caught one of Drew Brees' five touchdown passes last week, which was one of his four receptions and 121 yards. It was his first score in three weeks, but don't be too confident he can repeat that feat this week. The Redskins have allowed the second-fewest catches by opposing wide receivers.

5) Anquan Boldin (vs. Minnesota): Boldin is, surprisingly, not among the top-25 players in receiving yards, and possibly even more surprisingly, has just two touchdown catches this season. He was starting to play better before Kurt Warner went out, and if Warner does play this week, Boldin is a much more viable option than if the weak left arm of Matt Leinart has to play.

6) Steve Smith (CAR) (vs. Tampa Bay): He had one reception for five yards last week. Five yards! Jake Delhomme is likely out, and though that's probably a good thing in the long run, it means the Panthers will simply rely more on the running game than usual this week.

Wide Receivers 3

1) Brandon Marshall (@ Kansas City): Just four teams have allowed more yards to opposing wide receivers than the Chiefs have, and Marshall typically destroys soft defenses. In two games against the Chiefs last season, he had 18 catches for 168 yards and three touchdowns.

2) Steve Smith (NYG) (vs. Dallas): After a bit of a three-game lull, Smith is back to catching oodles of passes. He's amassed seven or more receptions in three of his last four games, and has 65 or more yards in four of his last five games. And the last time he faced Dallas, he went ballistic, scoring once on one of his 10 receptions for 134 yards.

3) Santonio Holmes (vs. Oakland): Holmes finally did something that his fantasy owners have been waiting for since Week 1 - he scored his second touchdown of the season last week! Holmes has actually been playing very well of late, and that finally paid off. He has had at least six receptions and 74 receiving yards in each of his last four games.

4) Pierre Garcon (vs. Tennessee): Garcon is clearly the No. 2 man behind Reggie Wayne on the wideout depth chart in Indy. He had five receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown last week, and has at least 50 receiving yards in each of his last five games.

5) Robert Meachem (@ Washington): What hurts Meachem in this scoring format are his lack of receptions. And he also has a tough match-up this week, going up against the No. 1-ranked pass defense of the Redskins.

6) T.J. Houshmandzadeh (vs. San Francisco): If he can't get it done against the Rams, who can he get it done against? He's been a fantasy football bust all season.

Wide Receivers 4

1) Sidney Rice (@ Arizona): Of the top 15 players in terms of receiving yards, only Miles Austin is averaging more yards per reception than Rice's 17.2, a number that has catapulted Rice to third in the league in receiving yards despite just 56 receptions.

2) Derrick Mason (@ Green Bay): Mason has now had three very productive games in a row after his seven-catch, 62-yard, one touchdown performance last week against the Steelers. His opponent this week, the Packers, are sixth in the league in pass defense, but have also allowed more touchdown passes than all but three other teams.

3) Nate Burleson (vs. San Francisco): Burleson came up very short last week against the Rams, a team he should have torched. He managed just four receptions for 46 yards against a bad pass defense, and he failed to score for the sixth straight game. Burleson has a solid match-up against the 49ers, who are 28th in the NFL in pass defense.

4) Hines Ward (vs. Oakland): Ward apologized after being critical of Ben Roethlisberger last week after Big Ben didn't play due to a concussion. He insists there are no lingering hard feelings among the two, which is good, because that means Ward can go back to being one of the most productive wideouts in the NFL.

5) Santana Moss (@ Philadelphia): He's far too unreliable. There are much better options in this group.

6) Braylon Edwards (@ Buffalo): Edwards should not be used.

Wide Receivers 5

1) Calvin Johnson (@ Cincinnati): If you're going to take a chance on Megatron, now is as good a time as ever. He only caught two passes for 10 yards last week, but he did score a touchdown for the second straight week, and also has at least five receptions in five of the nine games he's played this season.

2) Percy Harvin (@ Arizona): Harvin's best game as a pro came last week, as he caught a touchdown for the second week in a row while setting career-highs in receptions (six), receiving yards (101) and rushing yards (45). Against the Cardinals' 30th-ranked pass defense, more career-highs are possible.

3) Donald Driver (vs. Baltimore): Driver tore up the Lions on Thanksgiving and has had a nice layoff since then to rest his 34-year-old body. He's only caught fewer than four passes in a game just one time this season, and has scored in three of his last six contests.

4) Devin Hester (vs. St. Louis): Hester is in a big-time slump, and although the Rams can break any offensive player out of their malaise, his inconsistency should be worrisome. Hester has only 86 receiving yards in his last three games.

5) Donnie Avery (@ Chicago): Avery plays in an inconsistent offense with a quarterback that is named Kyle Boller. Probably best to avoid him.

6) Greg Jennings (vs. Baltimore): He's being outplayed by his teammate, the far more consistent Donald Driver.

Tight Ends 1

1) Tony Gonzalez (vs. Philadelphia): No team has allowed opposing tight ends to catch more passes than Philly has, and only one team has allowed more receiving yards and touchdowns to players at that position. Even with Matt Ryan sidelined, Gonzalez should not be penalized.

2) Dallas Clark (vs. Tennessee): Clark, who has caught a touchdown in two straight games, last played the Titans in Week 5, a game in which he caught nine passes for 77 yards. He's caught seven or more passes in seven of his 11 games this season, and that can add up to huge points in this scoring format.

3) Antonio Gates (@ Cleveland): Only six teams have allowed more touchdown passes to opposing tight ends then Cleveland, and Gates recently broke out of a funk last week against the Chiefs, catching seven balls for 118 yards and two scores.

4) Vernon Davis (@ Seattle): When Alex Smith made the transition to starting quarterback, he undoubtedly wanted to get his tight end involved. That's most certainly happened, as Davis has had at least one touchdown reception or 100 receiving yards (or both) in all but one of the six games the 49ers have played since Smith took over.

5) Jason Witten (@ NY Giants): Witten had his first 100-yard game of the season last week, and it was a long time coming for the preseason No. 1 fantasy football tight end. He has been consistent in catching the ball this season, catching exactly five passes in each of his last three games, and he doesn't have fewer than four receptions in any contest this year.

6) Visanthe Shiancoe (@ Arizona): Over his last eight games, Shiancoe has scored seven times. That's a great number, but within the context of this group of tight ends, he's not the top option on his team the way the other players here are.

Tight Ends 2

1) Brent Celek (@ Atlanta): Celek just signed a $33 million extension, and is certainly facing the right opponent in which to do prove he deserves that contract. Atlanta has allowed opposing tight ends to catch more passes than all but four other squads, and only three teams have allowed opposing tight ends to gain more receiving yards.

2) Greg Olsen (vs. St. Louis): Olsen is a solid play each week due to the fact that the Bears have a dearth of options at the receiver position, and the Rams have certainly been beaten by opposing tight ends before.

3) Kellen Winslow (@ Carolina): Winslow managed only 29 yards on three receptions the last time he squared off against the Panthers, but with rookie quarterback Josh Freeman at the helm, the situation is different this time around.

4) Zach Miller (Oakland Raiders): Bruce Gradkowski has really been beneficial to Miller - after little production over most of the season, he's combined for 10 receptions and 136 yards the last two weeks.

5) John Carlson (vs. San Francisco): With six catches for 46 yards in Week 2, one of Carlson's most productive games of the season came against San Francisco. That statistic alone should tell you how disappointing he's been this season.

6) Heath Miller (vs. Oakland): Despite how bad Oakland is, they completely shut down opposing tight ends - they are one of just two teams not to have allowed a touchdown reception by someone at that position.