News: Rams RB Steven Jackson said in an interview with CBSSports.com that the back injury that caused him problems toward the end of the season -- he missed a game in Week 16 against Arizona and also missed the Pro Bowl -- is still bothering him in February. "My back is still giving me problems," Jackson said. "It's herniated discs. Anyone who has that injury knows it isn't any fun. You just have to rehab it, and I'm trying to avoid surgery. I've seen three different doctors on it, and they all said that surgery is not needed. It's one of those things I have to just gut it out and really rehab." But Jackson added "I'll be ready for training camp."
Analysis: Jackson ended 2009 with excellent yardage numbers -- 1,416 yards on 324 carries and 322 yards on 51 catches -- but his four touchdowns really hurt Fantasy owners over the course of the season. He vows that will change in 2010. "I only had four touchdowns, and I know a lot of people were disappointed with that," Jackson said. "But I'm in the yard-making business. I deal with real estate first. I think I'm a Top 5 draft pick in Fantasy Football. I believe that stat-wise I will have my most impressive season that I've ever had, including 2006." That would be impressive since Jackson had 1,528 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns and 90 catches for 806 yards and three touchdowns in 2006. We're not sure if he can reach those marks again, especially with a bad back, but he should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy RB as long as he's healthy.
News: Patriots left tackle Matt Light said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he expects WR Wes Welker to recover at 100 percent following surgery to repair the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament in his left knee. Welker, who was injured in the season-finale against Houston, had surgery Feb. 2. Recovery time could be anywhere from 6-12 months. It does not appear likely that Welker will be ready to play in the 2010 season opener, although that has not been ruled out. "He's kind of going through the gauntlet right now," Light said. "You have an injury like that, and you don't know what to expect. But the guys that know Wes and the guys that have played with Wes understand that he's a gamer. He's going to do everything he can to get back out there on the field. He'll be very workmanlike in his approach doing that. As a teammate, I have no concerns as to where he's going to be. When he's ready to play he'll be back out there making plays the same way he's done his entire career. He's a guy you want to play with. He's a guy you want as a teammate, you want him in the locker room, his passion and drive for what he's done is the best of the best."
Analysis: Welker finished the regular season with 123 catches for 1,348 yards and four touchdowns. He is a solid Fantasy option in all leagues when healthy, and that's what you'll have to monitor heading into 2010. He's still worth drafting with a mid-round pick, and you can expect him to play a significant role as his health improves. Plan on drafting him as a No. 3 Fantasy WR and hope for a speedy recovery.
News: The Detroit News reports former Bengals RB DeDe Dorsey has signed a contract with the Lions. The Lions were in the market for a running back after an ACL injury put starter Kevin Smith on injured reserve last season. It's unclear if Smith will be ready to rejoin the team on the field by the start of training camp in July. Smith said at the end of the season that his goal was to be ready for the start of camp.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Smith's status and hope he's ready for the start of the season. Smith had 217 carries for 747 yards and four touchdowns and caught 40 passes for 409 yards and one touchdown in 2009. He is a solid Fantasy RB when healthy so hopefully he can return at 100 percent. As a rookie in 2008, Smith ran for 976 yards and eight touchdowns and caught 39 passes for 286 yards.
News: Speaking on 670 The Score (WSCR-AM) in Chicago, new Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz praised TE Greg Olsen for his versatility but also said that a primary duty will be blocking. "He's a different tight end than I've had in the past, but all tight ends, their first responsibility, they have to put their hand down on the line of scrimmage and be a successful blocker. They have to be able to do that job and do it well, and then they move into receiving," Martz said. "To just skip by that and say, 'Okay, he's a terrific receiver,' then you may as well just put another wide receiver in there. And he can do these things, and that's where [defenses] have a really difficult time with a tight end that is as well-rounded as he is, that can move around and get isolated on 'backers, can put his hand on the ground and block a defensive end yet get down the field and stretch the defense."
Analysis: Initially this statement was taken as a sign that Olsen will be called on to block more and catch less, but Martz really is just stating basic facts about tight ends. Chances are Martz has already recognized Olsen's abilities and seen how reliable he was for QB Jay Cutler last season and won't remove him from the offense going forward. It is a little nerve-racking to look back on Martz's history with tight ends and realize that they've never been a big part of what he does, but as NFL analyst and former Martz protege Marshall Faulk said during Super Bowl week, Olsen "will be the best tight end that [Mike Martz has] ever had." Olsen had his best season in 2009, his first with Cutler, catching 60 balls for 612 yards and a whopping team-high eight touchdowns (all scored in six games over the course of the season). The Martz factor is something to be concerned about, but so long as you don't reach for Olsen you should be fine. Consider him a middle- to low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE worth a pick in the middle to late rounds this summer.
News: Patriots left tackle Matt Light said in an interview with CBSSports.com that QB Tom Brady played well in 2009 after coming back from missing the 2008 season with a knee injury. In 2009 Brady completed 371 of 565 passes for 4,398 yards, 28 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His completion percentage of 65.7 was seventh in the NFL and his passer rating of 96.2 was ninth. He also played all 16 games and the first-round playoff loss to Baltimore despite nagging rib and finger injuries. "He did everything he had to do to get back out there and play," Light said. "He played the entire season. He was healthy. He went through a lot of things as far the bumps and bruises that everybody takes, and he stayed out there. That's all you can expect from a guy that comes back from an injury. To put any more weight on it than that gets a little nitpicky. You can't say that his performance had anything to do with our overall outcome. We just weren't able to get it done in certain areas of the game, and unfortunately that led to us having a first-round exit in the playoffs."
Analysis: Brady didn't have a career year in 2009, but he certainly played like a No. 1 Fantasy QB. He will enter 2010 as a No. 1 option again, and he will face questions about the recovery of WR Wes Welker (knee), who could miss the start of the season. Still, Brady plays in a pass-oriented offense that features Randy Moss, and he will continue to post outstanding stats. Consider Brady as a No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick beginning in Round 2 in all leagues.
News: Speaking on 670 The Score (WSCR-AM) in Chicago, new Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz said that WR Devin Hester's role in the offense will be similar to Az-Zahir Hakim's slot role back in the Rams' offense of the late 90s/early 2000s. Martz also says Hester might return to special teams. "Devin Hester in [the Hakim] role could just be stupid good," Martz said. "What we could do with him inside, the matchups that we could get with him on third corners, on safeties and linebackers would be absolutely remarkable. We haven't talked personnel yet so I'm kind of out of line with this, but it would be very difficult for him to take every snap at wide receiver and play at a high level on special teams. We have to look at that and it's one of the things that we have to talk about. But the role that I have in mind for him will allow him to do both and do both at a high level."
Analysis: Hester's future in Fantasy is up in the air considering that his offensive coordinator is already slotting him in a limited role in early February. Hester also recently disclosed that an early-season shoulder injury compounded with ankle and calf injuries hindered his production last year. Hester set career-highs in receptions and receiving yards with 57 catches for 757 yards (13.3 avg.) and matched his career-best with three touchdowns, but his season was considered a disappointment. On the plus side, he caught at least four passes in nine contests and had at least 70 receiving yards in seven outings. But his future in the Chicago offense could really put the brakes on his potential. It's something we'll have to watch out for this offseason. He's no better than a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR and a late-round pick at this juncture.
News: Broncos WR Brandon Marshall said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he expects RB Knowshon Moreno to improve in 2010. As a rookie in 2009, Moreno had 947 rushing yards on 247 attempts with five touchdowns and 213 receiving yards on 28 receptions with two receiving touchdowns. "He's tough," Marshall said. "And whenever you're tough, you have a chance. He's a guy who wants to be great. He's going to compete every day in practice. He works his butt off. He's going to be a great back in this league for years to come."
Analysis: We like the high praise for Moreno, and we agree with Marshall. Go into 2010 with Moreno as a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy RB starting with a pick in Round 2 in all leagues.
News: Broncos WR Brandon Marshall said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's "going for the throne" as the No. 1 WR in 2010. Marshall, who will be a restricted free agent this offseason and is subject to trade rumors, said if he was drafting a Fantasy team he would take himself "with the first pick, first round" no matter where he plays. Marshall, who made the Pro Bowl in 2009, is coming off another outstanding season with 101 catches for 1,120 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns. He's had more than 100 catches each of the past three seasons and said "every year one of my goals is to have 100 catches, and hopefully I can go four years in a row."
Analysis: Marshall is aware of his status as a standout player for Fantasy owners. "I think more people know me as Brandon Marshall the Fantasy Football player than Brandon Marshall the football player," he said. "It's just fun. A lot of people enjoy it." Now Fantasy owners want to know where Marshall will be in 2010. The Broncos are rumored to be talking with several teams about Marshall in a trade, including Seattle, Washington, Chicago, Baltimore, St. Louis, Miami and Arizona. But it's also very likely Marshall could return to Denver in 2010. Keep an eye on where Marshall ends up, but he's proven he can be an elite Fantasy option with different quarterbacks since he went from Jay Cutler to Kyle Orton without a problem. We like Marshall as a No. 1 Fantasy WR, and he would be worth drafting as early as Round 3 in all leagues.
News: The Washington Post reports the Redskins are looking into spending the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft on a quarterback that new coach Mike Shanahan can develop. The story says the Redskins are considering former Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford or former Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen. While Shanahan hasn't said anything about his plans for the position, the most likely scenario would be to retain restricted free agent Jason Campbell and groom a young QB like Bradford or Clausen. Campbell said in a recent interview with CBSSports.com that he's excited about playing for Shanahan as well as his son, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who spent last season in the same role with the Texans. "You look at the offense he ran in Denver, and then the offense his son ran in Houston and how Matt Schaub took his game to another level, I definitely feel like we have the right leadership to turn our team around," Campbell said. "Coach Shanahan is going to find a way to get our running game going and create opportunities for our passing game. We're excited."
Analysis: Campbell had a career-best season in 2009, completing 64.5 percent of his passes (327 of 507) for 3,618 yards (7.14 yards per attempt) with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, adding 236 rush yards, a rushing touchdown and three fumbles lost. "I feel like I matured a lot and was able to overcome a lot because I was faced with a lot of adversity," Campbell said about 2009. This isn't the first time he's heard about being replaced -- the Redskins attempted to trade for Jay Cutler last offseason -- but with a new regime, Campbell could have to compete for his job. Still, we expect Campbell to start for the Redskins in 2010. He should be drafted as a No. 2 Fantasy option with a late-round pick, and hopefully the father-son combo of Mike and Kyle Shanahan can help Campbell's stats improve.
News: Cleveland WR Josh Cribbs said in an interview with CBSSports.com that Browns RB Jerome Harrison has the potential to be a solid player in 2010. Harrison came on for the injured Jamal Lewis in 2009 and finished the season with 194 carries for 862 yards and five touchdowns and 34 catches for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Most of that damage came in the final three games (107 carries for 561 yards and five touchdowns), and Cribbs said Harrison can build on that coming into this season. "That's a great talent," Cribbs said. "He's going to be a great talent in this league for years to come. He's young and he's ready to play. That's a great player right there."
Analysis: The Browns are also confident in Harrison, but Browns GM Tom Heckert might want to give Harrison help in 2010. "He did a heck of a job at the end of the season, but whether a guy like Jerome can carry the ball that much throughout the whole season, that's a little difficult to say," Heckert said in the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. "But at least he proved that he can play in the league. It was unknown until this year, so I think he did himself a favor and we think he's a good player." Harrison could share carries with Chris Jennings and James Davis, but we like Harrison as the No. 1 option with the Browns. If that's the case as expected then consider Harrison a No. 2 Fantasy RB on Draft Day and plan on taking him around Round 3 or 4 in all leagues.
News: Speaking on 670 The Score (WSCR-AM) in Chicago, new Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz continued to show respect and optimism for Jay Cutler. The Bears quarterback will work with Martz this season in an attempt to revitalize Chicago's plain offense. Considered a difficult coordinator to deal with in the past, Martz is not just defending his ways but also discussing Cutler's potential in the offense, going as far as comparing him to Kurt Warner, who effectively established Martz as an explosive play caller. "He's got Kurt's accuracy with a stronger arm," Martz said. "You can't put a fence around Jay and say, 'This is what he is.' There's nothing that Jay can't accomplish in the passing game."
Analysis: Martz also cited Cutler's accuracy under duress as a huge positive for his game. Nearly every quarterback under Martz has put up awesome stats thanks to not only the scheme but also the number of attempts they have. Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger and Jon Kitna have all seen their numbers pop under Martz's tutelage. Cutler's should be no different, and when you consider his skills as a passer, the potential is there for a big season. While the Bears' receiving corps isn't well known, it is promising with the likes of Devin Aromashodu and Earl Bennett working with the more known Devin Hester and Greg Olsen in the coming season. Cutler emerges as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 7 in drafts this summer.
News: According to the official team Web site, Bears WR Earl Bennett is excited about playing for new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. "He's a mastermind offensive coach who's going to spread the ball around and wants to take us to that next level," Bennett said. "I'm ready to work hard for him." Bennett, who is entering his third season in the NFL, which is typically a breakout year for wide receivers, had 54 receptions for 717 yards and two touchdowns in 2009 after not catching any passes in limited action as a rookie. Bennett is eager to play for Martz, who operated one of the most potent passing attacks in NFL history as an offensive coordinator and head coach with the Rams from 1999-2005. "As a receiver, you've got to be excited," Bennett said. "You've got to stay dialed in and get ready for his playbook and just get ready to eat it up."
Analysis: Bennett should be considered a sleeper heading into 2010. He has a good rapport with QB Jay Cutler since the two played together at Vanderbilt. And since he's entering his third season, Bennett could be in line for a breakout year. Plan on drafting Bennett with a late-round pick in all leagues, especially now that he will be playing in Martz's offense.
Lions sign RB Dorsey
Updated 2/9/2010
DeDe Dorsey, RB CIN
News: The Detroit News reports former Bengals RB DeDe Dorsey has signed a contract with the Lions. Dorsey said via Twitter, "I am the newest member of ... The Detroit Lions. Motown here I come! I can't wait to get out there and do my thing! Back to the Jungle ... I was a Lindenwood Lion in College and now I am a Detroit Lion in the NFL ... makes sense." Dorsey also had offers from St. Louis and Minnesota. The Lions were in the market for a running back after an ACL injury put starter Kevin Smith on injured reserve last season. It's unclear if Smith will be ready to rejoin the team on the field by the start of training camp in July.
Analysis: Dorsey will compete for a backup role with the Lions and has minimal Fantasy value heading into the season unless Smith is out for an extended period of time. Keep an eye on what happens with Smith, but don't plan on drafting Dorsey in the majority of leagues.
News: The Broncos signed free agent RB Bruce Hall on Tuesday. Hall, who entered the NFL with Buffalo as a college free agent in 2008, is a second-year player who spent the majority of his two seasons on the Bills' practice squad working under then running backs coach and current Broncos running backs coach Eric Studesville. He was signed to the Bills' active roster and dressed but did not play in Buffalo's 2008 season finale against New England.
Analysis: Hall will likely be a special teams player for the Broncos and has minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in all leagues in 2010.
News: Redskins QB Jason Campbell said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he expects Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly to make tremendous strides in 2010, which will be their third year in the NFL. "I'm definitely excited about those two," Campbell said. "Devin is a guy who is big, fast and strong. He really came a long last year. Malcolm is a long-arm guy who can go up and get the ball. Once we continue to work with him and he continues to get more comfortable he can definitely become a big-time receiver for us and a possession receiver." Thomas finished the season with 25 catches for 325 yards and three touchdowns, all career highs. And Kelly also set career highs with 25 catches for 347 yards.
Analysis: We expect Thomas and Kelly to improve in 2010, especially with the addition of Mike Shanahan as the head coach. The Redskins have to decide if Campbell will remain the starting QB, but that's a move we expect to happen. And the Redskins actually have some talent in the passing game with Santana Moss, Chris Cooley and Fred Davis. But there is room for Thomas and Kelly to make an impact, and they are worth drafting as late-round fliers. Thomas has more upside in standard leagues based on his big-play ability, and Kelly has higher value in leagues where receptions count.
News: Redskins QB Jason Campbell said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's excited about having Chris Cooley healthy in 2010 to pair with Fred Davis. Cooley was put on injured reserve in 2009 with a broken ankle, which opened the door for Davis to finish the season strong. But Campbell said the Redskins should be able to use both tight ends this season. "It's a very good problem to have," Campbell said. "Fred Davis, no one knew what to expect from him. He definitely answered the call. Cooley is a very good tight end. I'm just excited about both of them being together. You can put both of them on the field together and let them make plays. Now defenses can't just key on one guy. It's going to create opportunities for Santana [Moss] and a lot of our younger guys."
Analysis: We think Cooley will return as the starter, but he will lose some production because of Davis. The Redskins also have to decide if Campbell will remain the quarterback, and what happens with the QB situation will obviously impact Cooley and Davis as well. But Cooley has been a No. 1 Fantasy TE for most of his career, and we think he can get back to that level. Plan on drafting him with a mid-round pick after all the elite tight ends are off the board, and he should definitely be considered a sleeper. Davis is worth a late-round pick, and hopefully, as Campbell said, the two can play well in tandem.
News: Browns WR Josh Cribbs said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's confident in Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie heading into 2010. Both were rookies in 2009, and Cribbs said they have plenty of potential. Massaquoi finished his rookie season with 34 catches for 624 yards and three touchdowns. Robiskie only appeared in 11 games and finished with seven catches for 106 yards. "They are already great athletes," Cribbs said. "They step in and do what the coaches ask for. Those two are great guys. They have lots of time to let their talent progress. Mohamed Massaquoi made a lot of clutch catches for us. As soon as we get that quarterback situation corrected they'll find their perfect targets. And Brian Robiskie, when he was active, he did make a mark."
Analysis: Like Cribbs said, when the Browns figure out the QB situation with Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson then the young receviers could start to blossom. We like Massaquoi as a No. 4 Fantasy WR coming into 2010 with a late-round pick in all leagues. He should be a quality reserve and played well as a rookie. Robiskie has a lot to prove, but he could be worth a late-round flier in deep leagues. The Browns passing game needs to improve, and Massaquoi and Robiskie could help with good years in their sophomore season.
Cribbs confident in Quinn, Anderson
Updated 2/9/2010
Browns, TQB CLE
News: Browns WR Josh Cribbs said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's confident whoever the starting QB is in 2010 will be successful. Cribbs pointed to the addition of new team president Mike Holmgren as the reason either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson will get the job done. But Cribbs shed no light on who will start in Week 1 since none of the Browns know if Quinn or Anderson is the starter, and it will be an open competition throughout the offseason. "We have Holmgren coming in," Cribbs said. "He's going to assess the situation. He said he will not have a quarterback controversy in Cleveland. He will declare a quarterback before the start of football business. I'm confident that whoever is at the helm will get the job done. Whoever it is, I know they are going to wear a captain's mark on their chest and lead this team."
Analysis: New Browns GM Tom Heckert said in the Cleveland Plain-Dealer the Browns are still undecided on Quinn and Anderson. "It's probably a little too early to say," Heckert said. "It's a difficult decision and we have to get together and we have not made any decisions on anybody. That's going to be something that's going to happen down the road. They both have talent, there's no doubt about it. They both played well at times and we'll have to wait and see what happens." We like Quinn ahead of Anderson for Fantasy owners, but whoever starts for the Browns is a No. 2 Fantasy QB at best. Cleveland is lacking weapons in the passing game, including Cribbs, and the Browns' passing attack has a lot to be desired heading into 2010.
News:Julius Peppers no longer wants a long-term contract with Carolina, saying the Panthers have ignored him this offseason. In an interview aired Tuesday morning on Charlotte radio station WFNZ-AM, the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end indicated he's irritated by the team's "silence" and has changed his stance on whether he wants to continue his career in Carolina. While agent Carl Carey said last week he believes the Panthers aren't interested in retaining Peppers, team officials haven't announced their plans for the impending free agent. "How can you say you want to be somewhere when you're not really sure if they want you there because they're not even talking to you?" Peppers said.
Analysis: After being held to a career-low 2 1/2 sacks in 2007, Peppers bounced back with a career-high 14 1/2 sacks in 2008. After recording 10 1/2 sacks in 2009, Peppers made the Pro Bowl and earned a $1.5 million bonus. He's a free agent again this offseason, but the franchise tag would cost the Panthers just over $20 million in guaranteed money. The Panthers have until Feb. 25 to use the franchise tag. The best-case scenario for Peppers is that he stays in Carolina. He'd remain a defensive end there and be one of the premier options in Fantasy, well worth an early-round pick in IDP drafts. The worst-case scenario would be if Peppers left for a team running a 3-4 scheme because then he'd be an outside linebacker and wouldn't total as many stats as he potentially could as a 4-3 lineman. We'll keep you posted on Peppers throughout the offseason.
Peppers upset with Panthers
Updated 2/9/2010
Panthers, DST CAR
News:Julius Peppers no longer wants a long-term contract with Carolina, saying the Panthers have ignored him this offseason. In an interview aired Tuesday morning on Charlotte radio station WFNZ-AM, the five-time Pro Bowl defensive end indicated he's irritated by the team's "silence" and has changed his stance on whether he wants to continue his career in Carolina. While agent Carl Carey said last week he believes the Panthers aren't interested in retaining Peppers, team officials haven't announced their plans for the impending free agent. "How can you say you want to be somewhere when you're not really sure if they want you there because they're not even talking to you?" Peppers said.
Analysis: After being held to a career-low 2 1/2 sacks in 2007, Peppers bounced back with a career-high 14 1/2 sacks in 2008. After recording 10 1/2 sacks in 2009, Peppers made the Pro Bowl and earned a $1.5 million bonus. He's a free agent again this offseason, but the franchise tag would cost the Panthers just over $20 million in guaranteed money. The Panthers have until Feb. 25 to use the franchise tag. The Panthers DST is not a strong option heading into 2010 to begin with, but if they lose Peppers they won't be worth considering at all. We'll keep you posted.
News: In a very short news release, the Browns announced that WR Donte Stallworth was released from the team. Stallworth was suspended for the entire 2009 season stemming from a DUI manslaughter conviction from last summer, a conviction he served jail time for. Stallworth has been remorseful for his crime and has since been reinstated by the league.
Analysis: Stallworth is looking for a new landing spot, and according to a Twitter message sent to CBSSports.com, he is "very hungry" to get back into the NFL. Chances are someone will take a look at Stallowrth and figure that he can help as at least a situational receiver. Though it might take until April or May for him to resurface, he could land in the NFL again before training camp. Though his Fantasy prospects are slim since he'd have to land regular playing time to be an option again, he is still one to watch this offseason as he has plenty to prove.
News: Speaking on WGFX-FM on Monday, Eagles RB Brian Westbrook admitted that he came back from his first concussion too soon last season despite passing the tests involved with the injury. That return played a role in Westbrook suffering his second concussion in his return and then missing significant playing time. "Even though I waited that long amount of time and passed all the tests, I still wasn't completely healed ... and it came back just like that. After that I had to sit out another five or six weeks just for me to be completely sure that I was 100 percent OK."
Analysis: Westbrook was also non-committal on his future but seemed concerned about it. We can't see him coming back and taking on a big workload knowing that taking hits to the helmet will be on his mind and potentially impacting his play. He's no better than a No. 3 Fantasy RB until he proves that he's still a fierce, tough runner with a big share of the workload in Philadelphia's potent offense. LeSean McCoy's outlook is much brighter at this point.
News: Lions QB Matthew Stafford said in an interview with CBSSports.com that his shoulder and knee "feel good," and he plans to be ready for the start of offseason workouts in March. "My shoulder and my knee are healing up well," Stafford said. "Hopefully I'll be 100 percent by the time March 15 rolls around when I have to be back up in Detroit." Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick, was placed on injured reserve in December following knee surgery. He finished his rookie year by completing 201 of 377 passes for 2,267 yards with 13 touchdowns and 20 interceptions this season. He either threw or ran for a touchdown in all 10 of his starts. "I felt good about it," Stafford said of his rookie year. "I obviously wanted to win more games than two, but at the same time, I learned a lot and got a lot of experience."
Analysis: Stafford is excited about the outlook for the Lions in 2010, especially playing with standout WR Calvin Johnson. "He's an unbelievable player," Stafford said. "He's a special talent. The offense has a lot of potential." Stafford has the potential to be a starting Fantasy option down the road, but go into 2010 with him as a No. 2 Fantasy QB worth a late-round pick. He will make strides during the season, but don't count on him as a weekly starting option.
News: Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown said in an interview with CBSSports.com that his injured foot is doing "pretty good," and he's on track to return for the start of the 2010 season. Brown was placed on injured reserve in November with a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot. "Everything feels good," Brown said. "The doctor said everything looks good. From that standpoint I think it's going on as scheduled." Brown said not playing a full year in 2009 was "tough," and he's looking forward toward playing a full season in 2010. "The toughest part of being injured is not being able to participate and go out there," Brown said. "To suffer an injury and not being able to go out there and help your team, it was hard for me. I used what happened this season as fuel for next season."
Analysis: Brown finished 2009 with 648 rush yards, 98 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns (one passing). He will continue to share carries with Ricky Williams in 2010, but Brown is expected to return as the starter. Go into the season with Brown as a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick in Round 3 in all leagues. When healthy, Brown is a must-start option in all formats.
News: Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's confident Matt Leinart can get the job done in replacing the retired Kurt Warner as Arizona's new starting QB. Warner retired after the season ended with a playoff loss to New Orleans, and Leinart is expected to be the presumed replacement. "I'm excited," Fitzgerald said. "Matt's waited a long time. To come out of college with all the publicity and all the accolades that he was able to accumulate, I think it's been stressful for him. Finally he's going to get his shot to get it done. ... He worked really hard this year. Matt has shed that negative connotation that he's a party guy. That's really not who he is. He's really a down home, good working guy. We're looking forward to having a big year."
Analysis: It's good to hear that Fitzgerald has faith in Leinart because he has a lot to prove to the Cardinals and Fantasy owners. We think Leinart can be successful in this offense because of Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, but we need to see it happen first. Go into 2010 with Leinart as a No. 2 Fantasy QB, but don't be surprised if he ends up as a No. 1 option before the end of the season if the Cardinals stick with him as the starter in 2010.
News: Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's confident Matt Leinart can get the job done in replacing the retired Kurt Warner as Arizona's new starting QB. Warner retired after the season ended with a playoff loss to New Orleans, and Leinart is expected to be the presumed replacement. "I'm excited," Fitzgerald said. "Matt's waited a long time. To come out of college with all the publicity and all the accolades that he was able to accumulate, I think it's been stressful for him. Finally he's going to get his shot to get it done. ... He worked really hard this year. Matt has shed that negative connotation that he's a party guy. That's really not who he is. He's really a down home, good working guy. We're looking forward to having a big year."
Analysis: We think Fitzgerald will continue to play well even with Leinart as the starting QB. Go into 2010 with Fitzgerald as a No. 1 Fantasy WR and worth a pick beginning in Round 2 in all leagues. He might not be the best player at his position, but Fitzgerald remains an elite talent no matter who is throwing him the ball because he makes plays. "I'm always going to go out there and play my hardest," Fitzgerald said. "Usually that leads to good results."
News: Browns WR/KR Josh Cribbs said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's looking forward to spending more time on offense in 2010 -- no matter what team he plays for. Cribbs was unhappy with his contract in 2009, but new Browns president Mike Holmgren wants Cribbs back in Cleveland. That's fine by Cribbs as long as he gets paid and gets to touch the ball more often. "I played the role of the X-factor -- a guy that can come in and change the football game," Cribbs said. "I did everything that was needed. I played a lot of Wildcat, quarterback, running back, wide receiver and produced heavily at it. If teams had trouble against the Wildcat, we ran it a bunch of times. If they had trouble with me in the slot, we kept running it. Whatever worked for us, we just left it out there for teams to try to handle it. I enjoy doing it. I hope coach makes it a permanent part of our offense. Defenses have a lot more to cover now. It would be a great addition to any team."
Analysis: Cribbs' best attribute to the Browns is on special teams, but he has potential to be a decent Fantasy reserve if he can get more touches on offense. See what happens with Cribbs in the offseason and if he returns to the Browns, but also keep an eye on what his role will be on offense. If he comes back to Cleveland and coach Eric Mangini guarantees more touches then he could be worth a late-round pick in standard formats.
News: According to the Colts' pool report, Colts WR Reggie Wayne pulled up short running a pass-route late in the workout Friday and left practice 20 minutes early. Head coach Jim Caldwell doesn't believe the injury to be serious. "He just irritated the fat pad in his knee," Caldwell said.
Analysis: At this point, expect Wayne to play against the Saints in the Super Bowl. If he's close to 100 percent, he'll be a handful for the New Orleans' secondary.
News: Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey, who has been nursing a sore right knee, appeared involved in every snap in most drills for the third consecutive day on Friday. He appears good to go for Sunday.
Analysis: Shockey has failed to get even 50 yards receiving since Week 9 and isn't a threat to thrash the Colts in the Super Bowl. Figure him to be a No. 2 Fantasy TE in 2010, worth a late-round flier in deeper drafts.
News:LaDainian Tomlinson says he believes he has played his last game as a San Diego Charger. The running back told the San Diego Union-Tribune on Thursday that he has thought for a while he would be let go by the Chargers, adding that he's dismayed by the business side of the league. The NFL's most valuable player in 2006 has two years remaining on his contract. He is due a $2 million roster bonus March 5 and would be paid $5 million in total salary in 2010. "I'm not coming back," Tomlinson told the paper. "I don't believe I'll be back in San Diego. I've accepted it."
Analysis: Not only are his days numbered in San Diego, but Tomlinson's days of being an every-down running back are likely numbered, too. Tomlinson totaled just 884 yards and had a 3.3 yards per rush average in 2009 but found the end zone 12 times, salvaging his Fantasy value. We see L.T. as a safe No. 3 Fantasy running back in 2010, but that's about it, and it will almost certainly depend on where he ends up. We'll certainly keep you posted on news surrounding his status all offseason long, but at this moment we see New England, Houston and Philadelphia among potential landing spots for L.T.
News: New Orleans reserve running back Lynell Hamilton, a special teams standout, missed practice all week with a sore left ankle and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
Analysis: Hamilton is very far down on the Saints depth chart and provides no real Fantasy value.
Marinelli tabbed to run Bears D
Updated 2/5/2010
Bears, DST CHI
News: The Bears have named ex-Lions coach Rod Marinelli as their defensive coordinator for the 2010 season. Marinelli was the team's defensive line coach in 2009. He effectively replaces Lovie Smith, who called the defensive plays last season while also doing duty as a head coach. "Rod is among the best defensive coaches in the NFL and will be an excellent defensive coordinator for us," Smith said. "We considered outside possibilities, but I didn't feel our defense would benefit the same way it will with Rod in the coordinator role. From the first day I became head coach of the Chicago Bears I envisioned Rod as our defensive coordinator. I considered him for the role last year, but wanted him to have the opportunity to work exclusively with our defensive line and become acclimated to our team. He will remain in our defensive line room, but will add the responsibility of the defensive calls on game day."
Analysis: The Bears' defense was a huge disappointment in 2009, and they're not on pace to rebound in 2010 based on their aging talent. Consider other options in drafts this summer unless the team pulls off a quick change.
News: According to the Super Bowl XLIV pool report, Colts DE Dwight Freeney didn't practice on Friday as he continues to rehab his right ankle sprain. "This is right in line with our plans," coach Jim Caldwell said. "He's making very good progress."
Analysis: Freeney is a huge question mark for the game. He should be fine for the start of the 2010 season, however.
Edwards makes Bills a 3-4 unit
Updated 2/5/2010
Bills, DST BUF
News: Less than a month after joining Urban Meyer's staff at the University of Florida, George Edwards left Thursday to become the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator, reuniting him with newly hired head coach Chan Gailey. Edwards has 19 years of coaching experience, including 12 in the NFL. He broke into the NFL with Dallas in 1998 as a linebackers coach as part of Gailey's first staff. Edwards immediately announced his intention to change the Bills defense from a 4-3 scheme (four linemen and three linebackers) to a 3-4. "We will start from a 3-4 alignment," he said. "We're not going to give anything away about exactly what we'll do, but personnel will dictate what you can and what you can't do."
Analysis: Bills players seem excited with the move. Pass rush specialist Aaron Maybin posted on his Twitter account: "I'm [excited]. This might be just what we need to take this thing to the next level defensively." The team will have some serious issues about getting the defensive line in place for the switch, but if they can make a quick change then this unit will have a shot to be effective in 2010 even though they play in a tough division. Consider the Bills DST no better than a low-end No. 2 option for now, but there's some potential.
News:LaDainian Tomlinson says he believes he has played his last game as a San Diego Charger. The running back told the San Diego Union-Tribune on Thursday that he has thought for a while he would be let go by the Chargers, adding that he's dismayed by the business side of the league. The NFL's most valuable player in 2006 has two years remaining on his contract. He is due a $2 million roster bonus March 5 and would be paid $5 million in total salary in 2010. "I'm not coming back," Tomlinson told the paper. "I don't believe I'll be back in San Diego. I've accepted it."
Analysis: This opens the door for Darren Sproles to have a bigger part of the rushing workload for the Chargers, though there's one problem: He's scheduled to be a free agent this offseason. Assuming he stays with the Bolts, he'd have the potential to be a solid No. 3 Fantasy RB (low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB in PPR leagues) depending on who he shares the ball with in San Diego. If he leaves, then there's no telling what his Fantasy value would be though it probably would be around a No. 3 option in all formats.
News: Speaking at Super Bowl XLIV Media Day, Saints RB Pierre Thomas said that his weight fluctuated this season, and that combined with nagging injuries that dated back to last season (a strained PCL in his knee included) kept him from being more effective early in the 2009 season. One thing Thomas wants to do is establish himself further as a physical runner next year. "I see my running style as a more powerful runner. I'm not that fast of a guy like Reggie. I am a little shifty but it's not quick. I'll give you one move and that's it," Thomas said. "I wanted to really establish myself as a North-South, power, pushing the ball through the holes, getting the tough yards, fighting for the extra yards. That's what a lot of people look at me as, a guy who fights for extra yards and is not easy to take down. ... Over the next year I can keep that steady 220, 225 pounds maybe and be that power guy they're looking for."
Analysis: Thomas had a productive year but didn't have the opportunities we hoped he'd have because of his injuries. It's probably that factor that opened the door for Mike Bell to have such a significant role in the offense for the first two-thirds of the season. Thomas finished with 793 yards on 147 carries (a solid 5.4 yards per run) with six rushing touchdowns, adding career-bests through the air with 302 yards on 39 carries and two more scores. At this point, he's a middle- to low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB worth a pick starting around Round 5 in 2010 league play, though there's room to improve pending what the Saints do with their other running backs this offseason.
News:Ladell Betts tells the Redskins' official Web site that he plans on being ready for the start of training camp. He suffered an unspecified knee ligament injury, believed to be a torn ACL and MCL. "The rehab after knee ligament surgery is anywhere from six months to a year, but my goal is six months," Betts said. "I want to get ready for training camp, just like Carlos Rogers two years ago. We hurt ourselves around the same time of the season."
Analysis: It would be a surprise to see Betts ready to play come July; the more likely scenario is that he starts the 2010 season on the PUP list. He's not expected to be a relevant Fantasy option in drafts this summer anyway.
News: Texans head coach Gary Kubiak told KCKK-AM in Denver that RB Steve Slaton underwent neck surgery a couple of weeks ago for nerve damage that cut short his season. His recovery time is unclear. Kubiak not only disclosed the surgery but also suggested that his woes in 2009 were also partially due to injuries to his starting offensive guards. "I'm hoping by getting him well again he goes back to what he was as a rookie, and we've got to get better up front," Kubiak said.
Analysis: Slaton is a humongous wild card this offseason -- not only will he be recovering from neck surgery, but he's almost certain to have company in the Houston backfield this season. Arian Foster should be a candidate to take some work off of Slaton's plate, but there is almost certainly going to be another back (or two) in the mix. The frustrating running back-go-round that Fantasy owners of Slaton rode on last year is sure to be in full swing this season. That makes Slaton no better than a low-end No. 3 Fantasy RB at this point. Of course he has the potential to be much bigger and better than that, but the mere fact that there are huge questions about the Texans running back situation in February makes for a giant red flag.
News: NFL Network analyst Marshall Faulk said that Bears RB Matt Forte will "love" playing for Mike Martz. Faulk should know -- he ran and caught under Martz's guidance for several years, including in the Rams' 1999 Super Bowl run. "[He needs to] understand and come to grips with the fact that a screen pass or a check-down is just like getting a handoff and breaking the line of scrimmage," Faulk said of Forte. "If you can fix that in your head and not expect to get 30 carries a game, then you can play and play well in Mike's offense."
Analysis: Fantasy owners should be a bit leery of these comments -- Faulk even prefaced his words about Martz by saying "I'm biased." Faulk had some all-time best numbers under Martz, but the likes of Kevin Jones and Frank Gore struggled to post the same kind of numbers in limited time with Martz. In fact Gore had his career-worst stats as a starter under Martz. We think Forte might catch 70 passes next season -- a boon for PPR league owners -- but there's no promise that he'll return to being an effective running back after totaling just over 1,400 yards and four scores last year. And remember, he's coming off of offseason arthroscopic left knee surgery. Consider Forte a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB in standard leagues and a top-end No. 2 RB in PPR formats at this point. Check out what else Faulk had to say about Mike Martz's arrival in Chicago.
News: In an interview with CBSSports.com at Super Bowl media day, Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez said his knee is "feeling good" and "feels pretty solid." Gonzalez was placed on injured reserve after getting hurt in Week 1 of the 2009 season. He will not play in the Super Bowl against New Orleans, but he does plan to be ready for the start of the 2010 season. "There's no doubt about that," Gonzalez said. "The MRI has looked good. Everything is going according to plan. It's obviously frustrating because it didn't happen sooner, but there's no question that I'll be back playing next year." Gonzalez said he has made progress since the injury and is starting to get close to 100 percent. "It wasn't that it was bad. It just never turned the corner," he said. "Now that I've kind of shut it down and had time to just focus on rehab it has really gotten a lot better. When you're rehabbing during the season you're constantly pushing the envelope trying to get back on the field at less than 100 percent. Now that I'm actually focused on just rehab the knee is getting significantly better. I probably couldn't have played last week, but I could play this week."
Analysis: This is a good sign that Gonzalez will be back in time for the start of the season. He will have to prove himself again since the Colts moved on and did well with Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie along with Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark. But Gonzalez will definitely play a prominent role for the Colts next year and should be considered a quality Fantasy option. We'll find out how the Colts will use Gonzalez, but plan on drafting him with a mid-round pick in all formats. He has the potential to be a great sleeper in 2010.
News: Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez will have surgery on his left knee and is expected to be ready well before training camp. The team said Tuesday that the operation, which will repair the patella ligament that holds the kneecap in place, will be performed by team doctors in the next few weeks. Sanchez will need two months to recover and will miss some early offseason workouts. General manager Mike Tannenbaum has said the quarterback would be ready in time for training camp in July if he had surgery. Sanchez dislocated the kneecap during fall practice before his junior season at Southern California. He has worn a brace on the knee since, but aggravated the injury against Carolina on Nov. 29. "I think everyone's on the same page," Tannenbaum said last week. "It's not going to be anything major."
Analysis: Sanchez finished the regular season throwing for 2,444 yards and 12 touchdowns, but had a dismal 63.0 quarterback rating. If he were to put in the time this offseason, he'd have a shot at surprising people in 2010 thanks to a solid receiving corps and strong O-line protecting him. Still, his ceiling limits him to being a No. 2 Fantasy QB, which means he's material for the later rounds of drafts. We'll keep you posted on how he does after surgery.
News: Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga pleaded guilty to drunken driving Tuesday and received a suspended sentence. The rookie linebacker was arrested four days ago after police said he hit a parking meter and two parked cars in northern Kentucky. He was charged with drunken and careless driving, and a court hearing was scheduled for Feb. 25. He changed his plea to guilty on the drunken-driving charge Tuesday and received a suspended seven-day jail sentence. The careless driving charge was dropped. Maualuga had his driver's license suspended for 90 days and was ordered to participate in an alcohol and drug education program.
Analysis: Maualuga will be subject to the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy and might be suspended to start the 2010 season. He has the potential to be a No. 2 Fantasy LB but between the possible suspension and more, he shouldn't be drafted as anything more than a No. 3 option.
News: Titans RB Chris Johnson had what he called a "dream season" in 2009 when he became the sixth running back to rush for 2,000 yards while making his second Pro Bowl and set an NFL record with 2,509 yards from scrimmage (2,006 rushing), which broke Marshall Faulk's record of 2,429 yards set in 1999. But Johnson might have trouble getting back to that level again in 2010 since the five previous running backs to rush for 2,000 yards did not duplicate the feat the next season. The best season following a 2,000-yard campaign came from Barry Sanders, who rushed for 1,491 yards in 1998 after gaining 2,053 yards the year before. But Johnson said in an interview with CBSSports.com that his goal is 2,106 rushing yards, which would break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. "I can't get content," Johnson said. "I have to keep working hard. You can't be satisfied."
Analysis: Johnson scored 16 touchdowns in 2009, but he said scoring is not his main concern. "I don't care about the touchdowns," Johnson. "I just care about the yards. If you get the yards you're going to score touchdowns." To his benefit, Johnson could play better with Vince Young under center. Johnson said having Young as the starting quarterback all season in 2010 will help his production. Young took over for Kerry Collins in Week 8, and Johnson was unstoppable from that point on. In 10 games with Young under center, Johnson ran for 1,410 yards. If you project that for a full season then Johnson would have run for 2,256 yards. "If he was there for the first six games, there's no telling how many yards I would have rushed for," Johnson said. "I make him better, and he made me better." We like Johnson as the No. 1 or No. 2 overall pick. Even if he falls off from 2,000 yards, he should still produce at a high level.
News: According to a report on ESPN.com, Patriots WR Randy Moss missed Sunday's Pro Bowl after he was diagnosed with a separated shoulder. The severity of the injury is not known. Moss was listed on the injury report with a shoulder injury three days after the Patriots' 20-17 overtime loss to the Broncos on Oct. 11. He remained on the injury report because of the shoulder through Nov. 6, although he played through the injury. Moss started all 16 games this season and finished second on the team with 83 receptions for 1,264 yards and a team-high 13 touchdowns.
Analysis: It's a good thing this injury was revealed after the season, and hopefully Moss has enough time to recover and return in 2010 at 100 percent. Keep an eye on his progress, and hopefully we'll find out more about the severity of his injury if this report is accurate. The Patriots are usually tight-lipped on injuries, so we might not find out much until the start of training camp. As long as Moss is healthy he should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy WR worth a pick toward the end of Round 2 or the beginning of Round 3 in all leagues.
News: Cowboys WR Miles Austin said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he wants to stay with Dallas since he enters this offseason as a restricted free agent. "I want to stay here 100 percent," said Austin, who reached the Pro Bowl in a breakout season with 81 catches for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns. "Dallas is a great city. Being able to hang out with guys like Jason Witten and Tony (Romo) and so many great guys on the team. It's a great feeling." Austin was proud of his big year in 2009, but he wants to keep improving. "It's just a lot of work," Austin said. "I've always been trying to get better. It's a lot of work, a lot of practice and a lot of extra stuff. I'm going to continue to try and do it."
Analysis: We expect Austin to remain with the Cowboys, who want to lock him up to a long-term contract, according to owner Jerry Jones in published reports. Austin's teammates also want him to stay in Dallas. "It was unbelievable," Cowboys TE Jason Witten said about Austin's 2009 season. "The expectations got higher and higher each week, and it never seemed like it ever phased him. He's going to be a key weapon for us as we move forward. ... He was a tremendous asset for Tony. As the season went on, he and Tony developed a great rapport. They did a great job. Tony, he played as good he could ever play. It was great to see." We like Austin as a No. 1 Fantasy WR in 2010, and he should be drafted somewhere around Round 3 in all leagues. Keep an eye on what happens this offseason, but if he returns to Dallas as expected he should play well next year.
News: Jets offensive linemen Alan Faneca and Nick Mangold said rookie RB Shonn Greene played well in 2009, especially the playoffs, and he would do a good job if named the starter in 2010. Thomas Jones might not return to the Jets next year, which would open the door for Greene to become the No. 1 option in New York, and Greene showed his potential with 304 yards on 54 carries (5.6 avg.) and two touchdowns with no fumbles in the postseason. "He's going to be a good back," Mangold said. "You can tell by the way he runs. He can run by somebody or run them over. As an offensive lineman you appreciate that." Added Faneca: "He got his way into the system and started getting some more carries. We really leaned on him during playoff time. He showed what he's about."
Analysis: Faneca and Mangold also said they would welcome back Jones if he returns to the team. "Thomas is a heck of a teammate and a heck of a player," Mangold said. "I expect the Jets will do the right thing." We'll find out what the Jets decide to do with both running backs as the offseason moves on. If Jones returns, then he should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy RB with Greene as a No. 3 option. If Jones is let go then Greene becomes a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy RB since the Jets offensive line is amazing and they were No. 1 in rushing offense in 2009.
News: Giants WR Steve Smith said in an interview with CBSSports.com that QB Eli Manning doesn't get the credit he deserves as one of the best passers in the NFL. Manning set new career highs in passing yards (4,021) and touchdowns (27) while throwing 14 interceptions. And Smith said Manning should continue to thrive with an improving receiving corps, which features Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and Kevin Boss. "He's great," Smith said of Manning. "He knows everything. He's really smart. He's on his way to being Peyton-like. I think he's just going to keep getting better."
Analysis: Manning should be considered a sleeper in 2010. The receiving corps for the Giants was solid in 2009 and should only continue to improve. If Manning can post similar stats to what he had last year then he will finish as a No. 1 option. Plan on drafting Manning with a mid-round pick after the elite quarterbacks are off the board and hope he can become "Peyton-like" as Smith suggested.
News: Giants WR Steve Smith said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he wants to build on his 2009 season. Smith set the franchise single-season record for catches in 2009 with 107, and his 1,220 receiving yards were the second-highest total in team history. He also added seven touchdowns. "It feels great," Smith said of his play in 2009. "This is one of the dreams you have as a kid. To accomplish that is amazing. It was a breakout year for me." Smith said he took advantage of the chance to start last season, but he wants to build on his performance in 2010 and improve. "I want to catch some more deep balls," said Smith, who spent most of the season as a possession receiver.
Analysis: Smith has the chance to be a solid Fantasy WR in 2010, and we like him as a No. 2 option in all leagues. He's great in leagues where receptions count, and he could be considered a No. 1 WR in those formats. Plan on drafting Smith in Round 4 in all leagues, and hopefully his stats will increase in 2010, especially with some more deep balls thrown in his direction.
News: Falcons WR Roddy White said in an interview with CBSSports.com that RB Michael Turner should bounce back strong in 2010. Turner missed five of the final seven games of the 2009 season due to the injury, but he still finished with 871 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. White said Turner is in line for a career year in 2010. "He was very much missed during the season," White said. "He'll have a bounce-back year and hopefully rush for about 1,800 yards and 22 touchdowns. He's capable of doing it."
Analysis: Those would be impressive stats for Turner if he's able to reach those marks. While those stats might be unrealistic, we expect Turner to come back at 100 percent, and he should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy RB in all leagues. Plan on drafting Turner toward the end of Round 1 or beginning of Round 2 at the latest, and keep in mind that despite missing five games last year he still has 27 touchdowns the past two seasons.
News: Falcons WR Roddy White said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he thinks QB Matt Ryan should have a big season in 2010. Ryan finished 2009 with 2,916 passing yards and 22 touchdowns in 14 games with 14 interceptions. He missed two games with a toe injury. "I think he did real good," White said. "Through the adversity and getting hurt and coming back, he did a real good job. He'll improve. He'll get better next year."
Analysis: We like Ryan as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB in 2010. He has tremendous targets in White and TE Tony Gonzalez, and he should be ready for a big step in production in his third season. Plan on drafting Ryan with a mid-round pick in all leagues.
News: Falcons WR Roddy White said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he was proud of his 2009 season. White had 85 catches for 1,153 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns. "It was pretty good," White said of his performance in 2009. "This was my first time going over 10 touchdowns. I thought that was a good accomplishment for me." What's next for White in 2010? He already has a goal in mind. "I need one of those 1,500-yard seasons and 15 touchdowns with a Super Bowl win," White said. "That would be nice. That's the dream season."
Analysis: White continues to improve each year, and he remains a solid Fantasy option heading into 2010. We like White as a No. 1 Fantasy WR, and he should be drafted in Round 3 or 4 in all leagues. White also expects a good season for QB Matt Ryan in 2010, and Ryan's improvement will help White play at a high level. "He'll get better next year," White said.
News: Chargers TE Antonio Gates said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he was proud of his season in 2009. Gates had 79 catches for a career-high 1,157 yards and eight touchdowns. He was glad he was able to bounce back from toe and hip injuries over the past two years and play at a high enough level to make his sixth Pro Bowl. Gates said he still considers himself the best TE in the NFL. "It's a situation that once you set a standard you have to constantly keep going and constantly do things where you can challenge yourself," he said. "Every year is a challenge. It's a challenge I have. You always set goals for yourself. I'm never complacent. I'm always striving to become better. That's just my motive."
Analysis: Chargers coach Norv Turner agreed that Gates still is an elite TE and deserving of his Pro Bowl berth. "It was big for Antonio because he was the healthiest he's been since he hurt his toe in the playoffs two years ago," Turner said. "The combination of his experience, his explosiveness, his health and just the consistency he gave us is incredible. He had his best year yards per catch, he had his best year in total yards. We played in a lot of close games, so those aren't phony stats. Those are stats that help you win. There are guys who have great stats in the fourth quarter or when they're way ahead or way behind. Antonio's stats are real in terms of when the game's on the line he was awfully productive." Gates is a No. 1 Fantasy TE in all leagues heading into 2010, and he's worth drafting around Round 4 or 5 since he should continue to post great stats again next year.
News: Steelers TE Heath Miller said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he was honored to make the Pro Bowl after a career season in 2009. Miller set new career highs for catches (76) and yards (789) while also scoring six touchdowns. "It's nice to be recognized with the best in the game," Miller said. "It's definitely something that's special for me. ... But I know how I play week in and week out, whether I get recognized or not. I know when I can play better, and I know when I play well. I feel like I'm my harshest critic. To be recognized by other people is nice, but it's not something I base my productivity on."
Analysis: Miller has become a solid Fantasy option, especially as the Steelers' passing game continues to evolve. We like him as a low-end No. 1 option heading into 2010, and he's worth drafting in all leagues with a late-round pick. Miller is a solid draft pick after all the elite tight ends come off the board, yet he still has the ability to play as a Top 10 player at his position.
News: Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's comfortable with the two-back system in Carolina, where he shares carries with Jonathan Stewart. Williams dealt with an ankle injury toward the end of the season and finished with 1,117 rushing yards and seven touchdowns despite missing three games. Stewart had 1,133 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, but Williams said he doesn't mind sharing carries heading into 2010. "It's whatever is productive," Williams said. "Whether he's the hot hand or I'm the hot hand, you give yourself two opportunities to excel in the backfield. We both bring something different to the table. We definitely got something figured out. We're doing something right down in Carolina. We stay within our system. Our system was a two-back system, and it's proven that it shows productivity. I have no problem with that at all. I'm all about winning. The stats mean nothing to me."
Analysis: Stewart, who dealt with a nagging Achilles' tendon injury all season, said after the year was over he had surgery on his foot, but he is expected to be fine for the start of training camp. If Williams and Stewart continue to share carries for the Panthers as expected then consider Williams a low-end No. 1 option and Stewart a No. 2 Fantasy RB. The Panthers will likely give each an equal amount of carries, with Williams to likely gain more yards and Stewart scoring more touchdowns. It would be nice if Williams or Stewart got the majority of carries, but that's not expected to happen in 2010.
News: Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco said in an interview with CBSSports.com he was glad to get back to the Pro Bowl and play well in 2009 after a disappointing season in 2008. Ochocinco, who was limited with a shoulder injury in 2008, had only 53 catches for 540 yards and four touchdowns. But he came back this season -- along with a healthy QB in Carson Palmer -- and finished the season with 72 receptions for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns. "The year was cool," Ochocinco said. "It didn't pan out all the way I wanted it to, but this is a reward for my body of work. It's pretty cool. It's fun."
Analysis: Ochocinco acknowledged that the Bengals have become a running team, but he's not going to complain. "It doesn't matter what I want to do," Ochocinco said. "That's what they want to do. Whatever they want to do I'm fine with it." Even with the Bengals dedicated to running the ball we still like Ochocinco as a solid Fantasy option. He's worth drafting as a No. 2 WR with a pick in Round 4 or 5 in all leagues. He should still be able to get close to the same stats he produced in 2009 as long as he remains healthy, as well as Palmer.
News: Jaguars QB David Garrard said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he was proud of what WR Mike Sims-Walker did in 2009. Garrard thought Sims-Walker, who had 63 catches for 869 yards and seven touchdowns, should have made the Pro Bowl, and he sees the Pro Bowl in Sims-Walker's future. "That's one of those guys who should be down here and moving forward in the future can be here year after year," Garrard said. "He's a great receiver and a great guy to work with. He makes it very easy for you playing quarterback. You know he's going to give you a good read, and he's going to get open and he's going to catch the ball. Like I said, he's definitely one of those guys that should be here. We need to continue to work together. If he can get here then that makes me look pretty good. Hopefully we can get here together."
Analysis: Sims-Walker had a breakout year in 2009, which was his third season in the NFL. He was better at home than on the road, which is something he needs to work in 2010. He had has just one touchdown and one game with double digits in Fantasy points on the road this season. By comparison, Sims-Walker had six touchdowns at home with six games with double digits in Fantasy points. We like Sims-Walker as a No. 2 Fantasy WR in 2010, and he's worth drafting in Round 5 or 6 in all leagues. Hopefully he can continue to progress next season and eventually be up for Pro Bowl consideration.
News: Jaguars QB David Garrard said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he was pleased with his performance in 2009, but he hopes to improve next season. "I thought it was decent at times," said Garrard, who completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 3,597 yards, with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. "At times I thought it could have been a little bit better. It definitely wasn't my best year, but it was good enough to be an alternate in the Pro Bowl. Being able to build on some of the things I was able to do this year, and that we have a young team, there's nowhere but up to go. As long as everyone sticks together and works hard and has the same goals in mind than we can do our thing."
Analysis: Garrard talked about his young receiving corps, which features Mike Sims-Walker, Mike Thomas, Zach Miller and Jarrett Dillard. He also has a tremendous weapon in the backfield in RB Maurice Jones-Drew. We like Garrard as a No. 2 Fantasy QB. He's a good reserve to have on your bench, and he could start for your team when he has a favorable matchup. He's worth drafting with a late-round pick in all leagues.
News: Eagles QB Donovan McNabb said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's fond of RB LeSean McCoy. While it's unknown what's going to happen with Brian Westbrook this offseason -- he could retire, which is a report, or the Eagles might decide to cut him and go in a different direction -- McNabb said McCoy could handle the load as the starter. "He's an outstanding talent," McNabb said of McCoy. "I think he can (do well as the starter). This offseason is going to be very important for him." Fullback Leonard Weaver also spoke highly of McCoy, who ran for 637 yards and four touchdowns and caught 40 passes for 308 yards as a rookie in 2009. "The guy is going to grow tremendously," Weaver said. "He showed tremendous strides and steps as a player."
Analysis: McCoy's Fantasy value is tied to Westbrook and what he decides to do. Westbrook's future came into question after concussions caused him to miss seven games this season. Westbrook, 30, finished with 274 yards on 61 carries and was spelled or replaced by McCoy. If Westbrook is not with the Eagles in 2010 then McCoy should be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB in all leagues worth a pick as early as Round 4. If Westbrook is back, then consider McCoy a No. 3 Fantasy RB with upside worth a pick in Round 6. Either way, McCoy is someone to target on Draft Day, and look for him to be a significant contributor to the Eagles offense.
News: Titans QB Vince Young said in an interview with CBSSports.com that while he's pleased to have played well enough to earn a spot in the Pro Bowl, there's more he has in mind. Young has already been named the team's starter heading into 2010. "I'm definitely not satisfied with where I'm at," Young said. "I'm happy with the fact that I got more comfortable with the offense and better as far as being an NFL quarterback but I'm still not satisfied. Everyone got mad at me because I said I wanted to be a Hall of Fame quarterback and a Super Bowl quarterback. That's what I'm working on right now."
Analysis: When asked about his personal goals for this upcoming season, Young wouldn't elaborate. "I'm not really a stat guy. I just want to keep winning and lead my teammates on to victory. That's the biggest thing," Young said. "I just want to get better and better on offense and continue to understand defenses and things like that and eventually be on the same level as Peyton Manning and Drew Brees." There's no question that Young still has work to do to attain his top goals, but he should continue to progress and improve on the 1,879 passing yards, 281 yards and 12 total TDs (two rushing) he had in eight starts. Because of his ridiculous potential, someone in every league will take him right on the border of the low-end No. 1/top-end No. 2 Fantasy quarterback tier this summer with a mid-round pick.
News: Cowboys TE Jason Witten said in an interview with CBSSports.com that only scoring two touchdowns in 2009 was frustrating, but overall he had a tremendous year. Witten finished with 94 catches for 1,030 yards and the two scores, and the catches and yards were the second-best totals of his career. "I thought I had a good year," Witten said. "I didn't get in the end zone as much as I liked. You want to be that guy that makes those critical plays. I was just excited that we had such a good year."
Analysis: Witten let Fantasy owners down in 2009 in the first half of the season, but he played well toward the end of the year. He struggled in finding the end zone, but he remains an elite player at his position. Look for him to come back strong again in 2010, and he should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy option in all leagues. Plan on drafting Witten in Round 4, and he should be viewed as a Top 5 player at his position.
News: 49ers TE Vernon Davis said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's pleased with the progress WR Michael Crabtree made during his rookie season in 2009. Crabtree only played in 11 games due to his contract holdout, and he finished with 48 catches for 625 yards and two touchdowns. "Michael Crabtree is still learning," Davis said. "He'll get better. He'll be better next season. I look forward to playing with him. He's a tremendous talent. I've never seen anything like it. Skills and ability, he's got it."
Analysis: We like Crabtree heading into 2010. He should do well with a full offseason with the team, and he should develop chemistry with QB Alex Smith in training camp, which Crabtree didn't have last season. Go into the year with Crabtree as a No. 3 Fantasy WR with upside. He's worth taking with a pick around Round 5 or 6, and don't be surprised if he plays like a No. 2 WR before the end of the year. As Davis said, Crabtree will "get better."
News: 49ers TE Vernon Davis said in an interview with CBSSports.com that 2009 "was a nice year for me." Davis tied the NFL record for touchdown receptions for a tight end with 13. He also added 78 catches for 965 yards in a breakout season. The reason? "Just having somebody to throw me the ball," Davis said. "In the past we've been going through quarterbacks and different quarterbacks, but this year I was actually able to have a quarterback in my favor who could throw me the ball." Davis was talking about Alex Smith, who took over for the ineffective Shaun Hill during the season and became a solid passer for the 49ers. "Alex made that much of a difference," Davis said. "I look forward to getting the start with Alex, getting the chemistry going and keeping it moving." Davis said he's confident 2010 will be just as good as this past season. "I knew I always had the talent, I just didn't have the right things around me," Davis said. "I can't do everything by myself. It takes everybody."
Analysis: Davis will enter 2010 as a Top 5 Fantasy TE with the chance to be the No. 1 player at his position. As he said, he finally has a QB who can make plays in Smith, who has matured since he previously was the franchise passer for the 49ers. It's hard to expect Davis to score 13 touchdowns again, but he should post solid stats and play well in 2010. Plan on drafting Davis somewhere around Round 4 or 5 in all leagues.
News: Eagles WR DeSean Jackson said in an interview with CBSSports.com that his 2009 season was a "blessing." Jackson caught 62 passes for 1,156 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 137 rushing yards and one touchdown in a breakout season, his second in the NFL. "A lot of the things I dreamed about, a lot of the things I talked about before the season, for it to come true like that is an honor," Jackson said. Now his goal is to improve, and he expects to get better in his third year, which is typically a breakout season for wide receivers. "I'm definitely a very confident person," he said. "I expect things like this for myself. I just have to keep it going and keep putting in the hard work and demanding to be great. I just have to keep pushing myself to the limit. Just never be content and pushing myself to the limit."
Analysis: While it's hard to imagine Jackson getting better in his third season, we could see him remaining at this level. He plays in a dynamic offense, which is pass-oriented, and Donovan McNabb is still his QB. We like Jackson as a No. 1 Fantasy WR, and he should be considered a Top 5 player at his position. Plan on taking him with a pick somewhere in Round 2 or 3 in all leagues.
News: Chargers WR Vincent Jackson said in an interview with CBSSports.com that 2009 "was a pretty good year," which is an understatement. Jackson had his best season in 2009, catching 68 passes for 1,167 yards and nine touchdowns, all career-highs. His goal for 2010 is to improve. "I'm just trying to be as dynamic a wide receiver as possible," Jackson said. His goals for 2010 are "simple," and he is expected to remain with San Diego as a restricted free agent. "Just keep doing the things I'm doing," Jackson said. "Not just being a deep threat, but being good at the intermediate routes and the short routes, as well-rounded as possible."
Analysis: Jackson got rave reviews from teammate Antonio Gates, who also spoke with CBSSports.com. "He has emerged into a special talent," Gates said of Jackson. "You see the stature of it. The size, speed combination is amazing." He also received high praise from head coach Norv Turner, who realizes that Jackson could potentially leave the team via free agency this offseason. "He's big to us. And he's an improving player, and that's what's really big because he'll be a lot better player in two years than he was this year and he was outstanding this year," Turner said. "We want Vincent on our team for a long time." We love Jackson heading into 2010 as a No. 1 Fantasy WR. He should remain with the Chargers, but keep an eye on what happens with him as a restricted free agent. If he's back in San Diego then he should be considered a Top 5 Fantasy option worth a pick in Round 2 or 3 in all leagues.
News: Titans QB Vince Young said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's excited about the future of rookie receiver Kenny Britt. Though he was inconsistent, Britt finished his first season with 701 yards on 42 catches (a 16.7 avg.) with three touchdowns, all scored consecutively in Weeks 11 through 13 with Young at quarterback. "I feel like he's just like me when I came in the league," Young said. "The first time he came in there was a lot going on for him but the second time he got in there when coach challenged him and said 'Hey, Justin Gage is down, we need you to step up and take care of your responsibility,' and he took that challenge on. He's going to be a good guy for us."
Analysis: Britt's big size combined with very good athletic ability gives him the tools to make plays. If the Titans thin out their receiving corps to give Britt more playing time, he'll step up as a big-time sleeper in drafts this summer. At the very least consider him with a middle- to late-round pick.
News: Jaguars QB David Garrard said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he likes the potential of young receivers Mike Thomas and Jarret Dillard and TE Zach Miller, who were all rookies in 2009. Thomas finished the season with 48 catches for 453 yards and one touchdown. Dillard, who only played in seven games before going on injured reserve (ankle), had six catches for 106 yards. And Miller had 21 catches for 212 yards and two touchdowns and came on at the end of the season when Marcedes Lewis was limited with a head injury. "Those three guys are pretty good," Garrard said. "You see so much potential in those guys and a lot of glimpses of what they can really do. They can really be dynamic for us offensively. We have to continue to work this offseason and continue to grow with each other. They're all still new and still young, and they're still new to me. We're trying to be an explosive offense. If we can continue to grow with each other then we can do great things."
Analysis: Thomas and Miller have potential to start for the Jaguars in 2010, and Miller should be considered a sleeper depending on what the team does with Lewis. Thomas is worth a late-round pick in deeper leagues, and Dillard still has something to prove to Fantasy owners before he's worth using. He should not be drafted in 2010, but he is worth monitoring to see if he should be added off the waiver wire.
Davis fond of Smith
Updated 2/1/2010
49ers, TQB SF
News: 49ers TE Vernon Davis said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's fond of QB Alex Smith heading into 2010. Smith started nine games in 2009 and finished with 2,350 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. "Alex made that much of a difference," Davis said. "I look forward to getting the start with Alex, getting the chemistry going and keeping it moving."
Analysis: We like Smith as a No. 2 Fantasy QB in 2010 with upside. He has the potential to play as a No. 1 QB if he continues to develop and keeps getting the ball to Davis and Michael Crabtree. But you have to draft Smith as a No. 2 QB with a late-round pick. Remember, there are other quarterbacks with more potential than Smith, and he will be a solid reserve on your bench with the chance to start if he plays like he did late in 2009.
News:Kurt Warner has called an end to one of the great storybook careers in NFL history. The 38-year-old quarterback announced his retirement from the game on Friday after 12 years in a league that at first rejected him, then revered him as he came from nowhere to lead the lowly St. Louis Rams to two Super Bowls, winning the first of them. Written off as a has-been, he rose again to lead the long-suffering Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl a year ago. "I'm excited about what's next," Warner said. "Before I was always excited about next season." Warner walked away with a year left on a two-year, $23 million contract, knowing he still had the skills to play at the highest level. He had one of the greatest postseason performances ever in Arizona's 51-45 overtime wild card victory over Green Bay on Jan. 10, but sustained a brutal hit in the Cardinals' 45-14 divisional round loss at New Orleans six days later. "He has had a dominant career. He's a good person," Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett said. "He's got to do what's best for his family. He played long enough. He took us to the Super Bowl last year. We had a great season this year. It's a good thing. If you're going to go out, go out on top."
Analysis: Warner leaves the game with a legacy that could land him in the Hall of Fame even though he didn't start his first game until he was 28. In a comparison with the 14 quarterbacks to make the Hall of Fame in the last 25 years, Warner has a better career completion percentage, yards per pass attempt and yards per game. Only Dan Marino had more career 300-yard passing games. In 124 regular-season games, Warner completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 32,344 yards and 208 touchdowns. He and Fran Tarkenton are the only NFL quarterbacks to throw for 100 touchdowns and 14,000 yards for two teams. He was also the fastest player in NFL history to 10,000 yards passing and tied Marino as fastest to reach 30,000. He has the top three passing performances in Super Bowl history. His 1,156 yards passing in the 2008 playoffs broke the NFL record of 1,063 he set with St. Louis in 1999. Warner's departure leaves Matt Leinart the presumed replacement. The former Heisman Trophy winner has started 17 games for Arizona but only one in the last two years. Barring a Brett Favre-like comeback, don't plan on drafting Warner in any leagues. He has likely played his last game in the NFL and should not be owned in any Fantasy leagues in 2010.
News:Kurt Warner has called an end to one of the great storybook careers in NFL history. The 38-year-old quarterback announced his retirement from the game on Friday after 12 years in a league that at first rejected him, then revered him as he came from nowhere to lead the lowly St. Louis Rams to two Super Bowls, winning the first of them. Written off as a has-been, he rose again to lead the long-suffering Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl a year ago. "I'm excited about what's next," Warner said. "Before I was always excited about next season." Warner walked away with a year left on a two-year, $23 million contract, knowing he still had the skills to play at the highest level. With Warner gone, WR Anquan Boldin will now have a new QB, which is expected to be Matt Leinart.
Analysis: Warner's departure leaves Leinart as the presumed replacement. The former Heisman Trophy winner has started 17 games for Arizona but only one in the last two years. Boldin should still be considered a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy WR with Leinart under center, but his value will take a slight hit. Boldin thrived the past two seasons playing with Warner, and Leinart will have to prove he can get Boldin the ball at the same rate. We still like Boldin with a pick in Round 4 of all leagues.
Cameron proud of Flacco
Updated 1/29/2010
Ravens, TQB BAL
News: According to the official team Web site, Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said QB Joe Flacco is going to be an elite NFL quarterback and convinced that he will only continue to grow. "Joe's doing some things I don't know that anybody has done in the history of the game. Take a look for yourself," Cameron said. "We've gotten just a glimpse of what he's going to be." Flacco has thrown for 6,584 yards over his first two years, the fifth-most of any quarterback in league history. Flacco has also started more games in his first two seasons (37) than any other quarterback in NFL history. Even though Flacco's season ended with some disappointments, Cameron looked at the larger picture. "I think we took the next step. We took a step," Cameron said. "We threw it extremely well at different times and at times we were a little inconsistent. But what can't get lost in the whole thing is improvement."
Analysis: Cameron said Flacco is going to improve. "Joe is going to grow as a passer," Cameron said. He should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy QB coming into 2010, but he has the upside to be a No. 1 passer if the Ravens improve their receiving corps. In 2009, Flacco really had one legitimate target in Derrick Mason until Todd Heap came on at the end of the year. With a better receiving corps, Flacco could take the next step as a Fantasy option.
News: In an interview with CBSSports.com at Thursday's Pro Bowl practice in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Vikings RB Adrian Peterson said he needs to work on doing a better job of holding onto the football and not fumbling so much. Peterson lost six of seven fumbles during the regular season then fumbled twice against the Saints in NFC Championship, although the Vikings recovered both of them. A lost one, though, was credited to Brett Favre, even though it was a fumbled exchange between him and Peterson. "There's like a rap sheet that's out there now," Peterson said. "Guys would rather hit the ball instead of tackling me. I put that on myself, but it comes with the way I run. It's something I'm going to focus on, as far as switch it up a little bit. Carry it a little higher or what-not."
Analysis: Peterson knows he needs to do a better job holding onto the ball, but he also knows his job is secure. "If you ask the other [31] teams if they'd like to have me, let's see what they say," Peterson said. Peterson also said he plans to come back "bigger, stronger, faster" in 2010. "A better player," he said. "Come back the best player I can possibly be. Come back with a beast mentality." Peterson finished the year with 1,383 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns and is a No. 1 Fantasy RB in all leagues. He should be taken in the first round in 2010 with a Top 4 or 5 selection on Draft Day.
News:Kurt Warner has called an end to one of the great storybook careers in NFL history. The 38-year-old quarterback announced his retirement from the game on Friday after 12 years in a league that at first rejected him, then revered him as he came from nowhere to lead the lowly St. Louis Rams to two Super Bowls, winning the first of them. Written off as a has-been, he rose again to lead the long-suffering Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl a year ago. "I'm excited about what's next," Warner said. "Before I was always excited about next season." Warner walked away with a year left on a two-year, $23 million contract, knowing he still had the skills to play at the highest level. With Warner gone, WR Early Doucet will now have a new QB, which is expected to be Matt Leinart.
Analysis: Warner's departure leaves Leinart as the presumed replacement. The former Heisman Trophy winner has started 17 games for Arizona but only one in the last two years. Doucet came on for the Cardinals in the playoffs with Anquan Boldin sidelined, but he has potential to be a decent Fantasy option. Doucet and Leinart will have to develop a rapport, but Doucet should only be considered a low-end No. 3 Fantasy WR at best. His value could improve if Leinart does well as Warner's replacement and continues to get Doucet the ball, but we have to see it first. Only take Doucet with a late-round pick in deeper Fantasy leagues in 2010.
News:Kurt Warner has called an end to one of the great storybook careers in NFL history. The 38-year-old quarterback announced his retirement from the game on Friday after 12 years in a league that at first rejected him, then revered him as he came from nowhere to lead the lowly St. Louis Rams to two Super Bowls, winning the first of them. Written off as a has-been, he rose again to lead the long-suffering Arizona Cardinals to the Super Bowl a year ago. "I'm excited about what's next," Warner said. "Before I was always excited about next season." Warner walked away with a year left on a two-year, $23 million contract, knowing he still had the skills to play at the highest level. With Warner gone, WR Steve Breaston will now have a new QB, which is expected to be Matt Leinart.
Analysis: Warner's departure leaves Leinart as the presumed replacement. The former Heisman Trophy winner has started 17 games for Arizona but only one in the last two years. Breaston had a disappointing season in 2009, but he still has the talent to be a solid Fantasy option if Leinart can get him the ball at the same rate as Warner. We like Breaston as a No. 3 Fantasy WR worth a mid-round pick in 2010, and hopefully Leinart can continue to help Breaston develop into a quality Fantasy option.
News: Eagles QB Donovan McNabb told CBSSports.com at Wednesday's Pro Bowl practice in Fort Lauderdale that he's not concerned about any potential trade rumors. Coach Andy Reid said this offseason that McNabb will be his quarterback for 2010, and McNabb remains under contract through the end of the 2010 season. He said he plans to start for the Eagles next season. "It's easy every year for me," McNabb said. "I work in Philly. If Andy comes out to say I'm his guy, or even if I got an extension, they'll probably be talking about something. I'm going to hear it throughout my career. I'm not worried about it all."
Analysis: McNabb is coming off a solid year in 2009 and should remain a No. 1 Fantasy QB. While he still could be traded -- and potential suitors could be the Vikings, Cardinals, Browns, Rams and Seahawks -- we expect McNabb back with the Eagles in 2010. Last year, McNabb played well with 3,783 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 59.6 percent of his passes. He also ran for 154 yards and two touchdowns despite missing two games with a rib injury. He has stellar targets around him in DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek and Jeremy Maclin, and he plays in a pass-heavy offense. McNabb also told CBSSports.com "this probably was the most talent we had" on offense, and he's looking forward to playing with the Eagles next season
News: NFL Network reports that there are likely to be "many suitors" for Eagles QB Michael Vick this offseason. Vick played with the Eagles in 2009 but the team has a contract option to keep him, and they're not expected to accept the option. They will have a little time in March to try and consummate a trade before having to release him or be on the hook for his 2010 salary.
Analysis: Teams that would be a good fit for Vick include but are not limited to the Bills, Rams and Raiders. If he were able to reclaim a starting job he'd be considered a quality No. 2 Fantasy QB with some upside to be a low-end No. 1 choice thanks to his rushing prowess. We'll keep you posted on his whereabouts through the offseason.
News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would like to see RB Tashard Choice's role expand to include short-area receptions. The paper notes that Choice caught 12 of 16 passes thrown his way in the first four weeks then had just four catches (nine targets) over the rest of the year.
Analysis: We think the Cowboys could get by with Felix Jones and Choice at running back. In that scenario, Marion Barber would be out of the picture and Jones and Choice would be very serviceable Fantasy options (Choice has already proved that he's usable at the goal line). The Cowboys' running back situation will be interesting over the next few months; we'll keep tabs on it for you. At the very least Choice is worth a look late in 2010 drafts.
News: Jets head coach Rex Ryan was very open about wanting wide receiver Braylon Edwards, a free agent, to return next season. Edwards, who is a restricted free agent based on the current CBA rules, totaled 45 catches for 680 yards and four touchdowns between New York and Cleveland in 2009, and that doesn't include the 100-yard, one-touchdown performance he had at the Colts in the AFC Championship Game. "I definitely expect Braylon back," Ryan said. "I see us tendering him a first- and third-round pick, as high as we can go with him. I definitely see us doing that."
Analysis: If the Jets indeed tender him with the first- and third-round pick designation, chances are another team won't touch him. Edwards is best considered a No. 3 Fantasy WR with the kind of upside that can make him a No. 1 choice. Remember, it was only two seasons ago when he tore up the NFL with 1,289 receiving yards and a whopping 16 touchdowns. You'll find Edwards falling off draft boards between Rounds 6 and 8 this summer.
Report: Reed to return to Ravens
Updated 1/26/2010
Ravens, DST BAL
News: The National Football Post reports that Ravens safety Ed Reed is expected to return in 2010 according to several teammates. Reed added in an interview on Sirius NFL Radio that it would take a significant setback to keep him from playing in the upcoming season. Reed is dealing with a nerve impingement in his neck, something that has plagued him for a while. In other Ravens news, the team hired ex-Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees to coach their linebackers and assist in the defensive playcalling in 2010.
Analysis: The addition of Pees along with the return of Reed would help keep the Ravens DST a draft-worthy unit to consider in 2010. They're still worth a late-round pick.
News:Kerry Rhodes might have played his last game with the Jets. The veteran safety, who was demoted earlier this season, had a solid postseason but declined to say Monday whether he'll be back with the team next season. Coach Rex Ryan said he and Rhodes have had private conversations, but declined to go into detail about what was discussed. Rhodes, once considered one of the cornerstones of the franchise, is due a $2 million roster bonus in March. The Jets could decide not to pay Rhodes, who had issues with Ryan and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. Ryan, who said he spoke to Rhodes on Monday and "eight weeks ago," wouldn't clarify things when told his comments sounded ominous. "No, I think it's just between Kerry and I," he said. "It's a private conversation that we've had, that we are the only ones that know what was said in there. Trust me, it's not a bad thing. It's just a thing that I'll honor my conversation to Kerry."
Analysis: Once a popular DB in Fantasy play, Rhodes is no longer worth considering as anything more than a No. 3 option -- and that's if he starts in 2010. We'll keep you posted on his whereabouts.
News: New Orleans QB Drew Brees completed 17 of 31 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns as the Saints defeated the Vikings 31-28 in overtime on Sunday. "It was as loud as I have ever heard it in the dome," Brees added. "It feels so good to know we have given our fans an NFC championship. We have another championship to go after in two weeks."
Analysis: Brees once again had the Saints offense moving like a well-oiled machine as the Saints were able to keep a great Minnesota pass rush off of him for most of the game. The Super Bowl will match two high-powered offenses and it looks to be another shootout for Brees. He is a must-start Playoff Challenge option and a top-tier quarterback for the 2010 Fantasy season.
News:Brett Favre's return to play in 2010 is "highly unlikely," according to ESPN, who spoke with Favre after he and the Vikings lost to the Saints in the NFC title game. He told a larger group of reporters after the game that he would take time to talk over his future with his family before making a decision on whether to return for a 20th NFL season. Favre also said he did not expect to take long to make a decision. "I wouldn't say months," Favre said when asked for a timetable. "I know people are rolling their eyes or will roll their eyes. In a situation like this, I really don't want to make a decision right now based on what's happened, because I do know the year could not have gone any better aside from us not going to Miami. I really enjoyed it, to be honest. Just wondering if I can hold up, especially after a day like today. Physically and mentally. That was pretty draining. I am going to go home, [take] a couple of days and just talk it over with the family."
Analysis: Favre, 40, had a tremendous season with the Vikings despite falling apart in the NFC Championship Game. Favre passed for 4,202 yards during the season with 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. If he returns, he would be considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy QB worth a mid-round pick. His upside would be his receiving corps of Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian, Visanthe Shiancoe and a tremendous offense around him with a solid offensive line. His downside would be his age and durability since it's hard to count on a QB who will turn 41 during the season. Still, he showed in 2009 he's worth the risk, so stay tuned to see what he decides to do.
News: Jets RB Leon Washington is optimistic that he'll be ready to roll next season after suffering a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula in a game at Oakland in 2009. Washington said he will rehab at the Jets' facilitiesfor now with other injured players and is looking forward to next year. "I expect to be 100 percent by the time the season rolls around," Washington said Monday.
Analysis: Washington's season ended with 331 yards on 72 carries (4.6 avg.) and 131 yards on 15 catches (8.7 avg.) with no touchdowns. He'll enter the offseason as a restricted free agent and might wind up on a different team if the Jets are nervous to give him a pile of money after breaking his leg. He's got sleeper potential based on where he'll be and what he'll be doing, so keep him on your rank lists at this point.
News: Vikings DT Pat Williams said Monday he's "50-50" on whether he'll return for the final year of his contract. The three-time Pro Bowl pick said he feels fine physically, but is mentally "drained" after a devastating end to his 13th NFL season. Williams is the anchor of a defense that gave up the fewest yards rushing in the league for three straight seasons starting in 2006.
Analysis: From an IDP league perspective, Williams never produced enough points to help regularly in Fantasy play. Whether he chooses to retire or not, Fantasy owners shouldn't consider him a safe choice.
News: New Orleans RB Reggie Bush ran seven times for eight yards and caught two passes for 33 yards, including a touchdown, to propel the Saints to a 31-28 victory over Minnesota on Sunday.
Analysis: If Bush can carry some of the momentum he has had from the playoffs into next year, he could be a more productive middle round pick in the 2010 Fantasy Draft then some might expect.
Half of 'Williams wall' crashing down?
Updated 1/25/2010
Vikings, DST MIN
News: Vikings DT Pat Williams said Monday he's "50-50" on whether he'll return for the final year of his contract. The three-time Pro Bowl pick said he feels fine physically, but is mentally "drained" after a devastating end to his 13th NFL season. Williams is the anchor of a defense that gave up the fewest yards rushing in the league for three straight seasons starting in 2006.
Analysis: If Williams retires, the Vikings run defense will almost definitely slide as he won't be there to clog up holes up front and severely slow down opposing running backs. For now, the Vikings DST is a No. 1 option headed into 2010.
News: The Rock Hill Herald reports that Panthers WR Dwayne Jarrett might benefit the most from new wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert. While Jarrett seemed like an afterthought when the Panthers deactivated him for three games down the stretch, he caught his first career touchdown in the finale against New Orleans. Jarrett's agent said he was going to return to Charlotte soon to start getting ready for the season, a month earlier than he has to be in town.
Analysis: Jarrett needs a lot of work to be considered a good Fantasy option coming into 2010. He has minimal value and should be ignored on Draft Day. Keep an eye on his offseason, but he's only worth adding off the waiver wire if he starts off the year playing well.
News: The Rock Hill Herald reports the Panthers are not expected to bring back WR Muhsin Muhammad as a starter. There is a chance he could be back in a reduced role, however, but his playing time will be limited.
Analysis: Muhammad, who will be 37 in May, finished the season with 53 catches for 581 yards and one touchdown. He has minimal Fantasy value no matter what team he plays with in 2010, including the Panthers since his role would be limited.
News: The Arizona Republic reports Cardinals DL Bertrand Berry announced his retirement Thursday. Berry played 12 seasons in the NFL, including the last six with the Cardinals. Berry finished his career with 65 sacks, including six this season in a part-time role.
Analysis: Berry, 34, signed with the Cardinals in 2004 and made the Pro Bowl in his first season, finishing the year with 14.5 sacks. His next two seasons were cut short by injuries, but Berry played in 29 games over the past two seasons. He had 40 sacks with the Cardinals, ranking him sixth on the franchise's all-time list. Don't plan on drafting him in any leagues in 2010.
News: Colts rookie WR Austin Collie grew up in a big way for Indianapolis in Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Jets. With the Colts expecting blanket coverage on top receiver Reggie Wayne, Collie knew he had to step up. Step up he did. Collie finished the game with seven receptions for 123 yards and caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning at the end of the first half that really put the Colts back in this game after being down.
Analysis: Collie has now scored a touchdown in both of the Colts' playoff wins and that makes him a major threat for the Super Bowl coming up against either the Vikings or Saints. The 123 yards he went for on Sunday were his most of the entire season, his rookie year. He remains the third or fourth option in the passing game behind Wayne, Dallas Clark and possibly Pierre Garcon, who had 151 yards receiving on 11 catches and a TD in the game Sunday, but we like him as a better option than Garcon in Playoff Challenge leagues because of his propensity to get into the end zone.
News: Colts WR Pierre Garcon knew the Jets would be all over Reggie Wayne in Sunday's AFC Championship game in Indy. Garcon knew he needed to step up his game and step up he did indeed. Garcon caught a game-high 11 passes from QB Peyton Manning, including a 4-yard touchdown grab in the 3rd quarter, and finished with 151 yards receiving.
Analysis: The 151 yards were Garcon's highest total of the season and the touchdown was only his fifth of the year. He made five catches for 34 yards against Baltimore in the last round of the playoffs. The Colts will continue to view Garcon as the third option, at best, in the passing game behind Dallas Clark and Wayne but he's ready to explode onto the Fantasy scene. Don't expect this kind of game in the Super Bowl, however. Entering his third year in 2010, Garcon could be one of the top Fantasy sleepers in the NFL at wide receiver.
News: Vikings WR Bernard Berrian (ankle) participated in Sunday's 31-28 overtime loss against New Orleans. Berrian caught nine passes for 102 yards and zero touchdowns. It was the best receiving game for Berrian all year in terms of catches and yards.
Analysis: Unfortunately for Berrian, he's become more of the team's third or fourth option in the passing game for Brett Favre. Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shiancoe have all become bigger targets for Favre. Depending on Favre's status for next year, Berrian could be worthy of a late-round pick in the 2010 Fantasy Draft.
News: New Orleans WR Devery Henderson caught four passes for 39 yards and a touchdown as the Saints defeated Minnesota 31-28 on Sunday. The 39 yards receiving was the highest yardage by any Saints receiver on Sunday.
Analysis: Henderson caught two touchdown passes this season and topped 100 yards in two games. His touchdowns came in those contests. Still, he’s low on the depth chart for the Saints as they have a plethora of solid wide receivers. We don’t believe he’s going to be a solid Fantasy option next season and suggest not targeting him on Draft Day 2010.
News: New Orleans WR Marques Colston caught just two passes for 22 yards as the Saints defeated Minnesota 31-28 in overtime on Sunday.
Analysis: Colston continues to be one of the safest Fantasy choices year after year as far as touchdown scoring, 1,000-yard receivers go. So long as he stays healthy in the postseason you can count on him to be a No. 1 Fantasy WR heading into 2010, worth a pick in Round 3.
News: Minnesota WR Sidney Rice hauled four catches for 43 yards and a touchdown as Minnesota fell 31-28 to New Orleans on Sunday. Rice caught a five yard touchdown from Favre in the first quarter of the game. Rice finished out the season with seven touchdowns in his final four games.
Analysis: During the regular season, Rice posted 83 catches for 1,312 yards and eight scores in a breakout year for the third-year wideout and has emerged as a viable No. 1 WR in all formats going forward. His value would remain at its highest if Brett Favre returns next fall, but he's going to be a high pick in Fantasy leagues regardless following this Pro Bowl campaign.
News: Jets TE Dustin Keller continually got open for QB Mark Sanchez on Sunday in the AFC Championship game, at least in the first half. Keller finished the game with a team-high six receptions, including a 9-yard TD catch in the 2nd quarter. He finished with a total of 63 receiving yards.
Analysis: Keller found the end zone in all three of the Jets' playoff games after managing just two for the entire regular season. He definitely proved to be one of Sanchez's best weapons late in the season and should enter 2010 as a clear-cut No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Indianapolis is headed back to the Super Bowl and it was Peyton Manning to lead them once again on Sunday against the Jets in the AFC Championship. Manning the Colts beat the Jets, 30-17, as the All-Pro QB threw for 377 yards on 26 of 39 passing. He found three different receivers for three touchdown passes. Manning connected with Austin Collie on a 16-yard TD pass in the 2nd quarter before halftime. He hit Pierre Garcon in the end zone on a 4-yard pass in the 3rd and found Dallas Clark in the 4th from 15 yards out. Manning's top receiving option, Reggie Wayne, was held in check for most of the game and so Manning found other options. He did not have a single interception in the win. Manning became the first player in league history with seven 300-yard postseason games. That broke a tie with Kurt Warner and Joe Montana.
Analysis: Manning now has thrown for over 500 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in two playoff games as he heads into the Super Bowl against either the Saints or Vikings. Manning has shredded the Ravens and Jets' defenses, towo of the best, and remains the best quarterback in the NFL in terms of Playoff Challenge leagues despite Brett Favre and Drew Brees still being alive. Manning will once again be a first-round selection on Draft Day 2010.
News: Saints WR Robert Meachem (ankle) is listed as active and will play in Sunday's game against Minnesota.
Analysis: Meachem emerged this season, his third in the NFL with the Saints, as New Orleans’ big-play threat receiver. Meachem finished the year with over 700 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. He averaged over 16 yards per catch. He’s going to be a top Fantasy sleeper heading into next season. Meachem will be worth a pick on Draft Day 2010 in the later rounds as a sleeper
News: Jets WR Jerricho Cotchery had a very solid AFC Championship game on Sunday in Indianapolis. Cotchery caught five passes from Mark Sanchez and totaled a team-leading 102 yards. His long grab went for 45 yards.
Analysis: Unfortunately for the Jets, much of his production came in the first half and the Colts came back to win the game, 30-17. New York's season is over now. Cotchery was off to a tremendous start this season, but his Fantasy stock faded along with QB Mark Sanchez's poor play down the stretch. He finished up the season with 57 receptions, 821 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. Looking ahead to Draft Day 2010, he will not likely be much more than a No. 4 or flex option, though Sanchez improved through the playoffs.
News: Colts RB Joseph Addai rushed for 80 yards on 16 carries as Indianapolis beat the Jets Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl. Addai added one catch for 13 yards. He sustained a shoulder injury in the 1st quarter but returned early in the 2nd.
Analysis: Addai managed just 23 yards on 11 carries against the Ravens in last week's playoff win but was much more effective against the Jets. He should continue to give up some carries to Donald Brown but will be a decent play in Playoff Challenge leagues for the Super Bowl, whether the Colts face the Saints or Vikings.
News: Colts TE Dallas Clark helped his team advance to the Super Bowl on Sunday as Indianapolis defeated the New York Jets. Clark scored a touchdown in the 4th quarter on a 15-yard pass from Peyton Manning. Clark was held in check for much of the game and finished with four catches for 35 yards.
Analysis: Clark had seven catches for 59 yards in the playoff game against Baltimore last weekend and got into the end zone for the first time since Week 15 when he scored twice this Sunday. With the Super Bowl coming up, Clark is likely the top Fantasy TE left in Playoff Challenge leagues. Clark will surely enter 2010-11 as a No. 1 Fantasy TE worth drafting beginning in the middle rounds.
News: Despite suffering migraine headaches throughout the week, Minnesota WR Percy Harvin participated in Sunday's 31-28 overtime loss against New Orleans. Harvin caught five passes for 38 yards and one costly fumble that seemingly turned the game in New Orleans' favor early in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: Harvin will be a popular choice next season as a middle- to low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR worth a pick between Rounds 5 and 6, assuming Brett Favre is still his quarterback. He has shown big play potential and that potential could make Fantasy owners very happy in 2010.
News: Colts K Adam Vinatieri is out, as expected, for the AFC title game against the Jets. Matt Stover will kick for the Colts.
Analysis: The Colts will continue using Matt Stover as their field goal kicker. Look for Stover to do well in the playoffs, but we expect Vinatieri to return as the Colts kicker in 2010 as long as he's healthy. Stover will likely retire after this year.
News: Colts DB Jerraud Powers (foot) missed the AFC Championship game against the Jets, as expected.
Analysis: Powers, a rookie, played Saturday night against Baltimore after missing Indy's last three regular-season games because of a hamstring injury. He started 12 of the Colts' first 13 games this season. He has low-end value in IDP leagues.
Colts secondary hurting
Updated 1/22/2010
Colts, DST IND
News: Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers has missed his third straight practice and is questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship game against the New York Jets. The rookie starter appeared to hurt his left foot in Saturday's 20-3 victory over Baltimore. If he cannot play, coach Jim Caldwell has said rookie Jacob Lacey would start in his place. Lacey started nine games this season, is fifth on the team in tackles with 78, has three interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. Starting safety Antoine Bethea made it through the entire practice Friday and is probable with a bruised back.
Analysis: The Colts DST is a good choice for Playoff Challenge leagues even with the secondary dinged up.
Jets defense on the mend
Updated 1/22/2010
Jets, DST NYJ
News: Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis and linebackers David Harris and Bart Scott are probable for the AFC championship game despite being limited at practice Friday with injuries. Ellis has a broken left hand that will be in a cast for the game against the Indianapolis Colts. He'll have surgery after the game, whether the Jets win or lose. Harris (right ankle) and Scott (left ankle) were noticeably hobbled Friday during practice. Safety Kerry Rhodes was a full participant after bumping his right knee in practice Thursday. Cornerback Donald Strickland fully participated despite breaking his right pinkie in practice earlier this week.
Analysis: The Jets DST isn't a terrible option in Playoff Challenge leagues, though we'd recommend the Saints and Colts over them at this point. This DST will get healthy long before the start of next season, however, and they should be a strong unit then.
News: Better news for the Vikings on Friday: The team saw starting defensive linemen Ray Edwards and Kevin Williams return to practice. They're listed as questionable with knee injuries. Defensive tackle Pat Williams (elbow/foot) and cornerback Benny Sapp (ankle/back) are also questionable.
Analysis: The only legit Fantasy consideration from this bunch that owners should be worried about is Edwards, who has a knee sprain and surely isn't close to 100 percent. We suggest passing on him in Playoff Challenge and other Fantasy formats for this game. Everyone else is a low-end IDP choice at best.
News: Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey has missed practice with a sore right knee. Shockey was able to practice the previous two days, but couldn't make Friday's final full workout before Sunday's NFC championship game against Minnesota. He's listed as questionable for Sunday.
Analysis: David Thomas would be a sensational option in Playoff Challenge leagues if Shockey is inactive. If Shockey is active, both tight ends but cancel each other out.
Phillips staying as Cowboys coach
Updated 1/21/2010
Cowboys, DST DAL
News: Wade Phillips is sticking around as coach of the Cowboys for two more years. Dallas won the NFC East for the second time in Phillips' three seasons and also won its first playoff game since 1996 and the first in Phillips' head coaching career. The Cowboys are 34-17 over his three seasons in charge -- only three NFL teams have won more games in that span.
Analysis: The Cowboys clinched their second NFC East title in three seasons under Phillips and won a playoff game for the first time since the 1996 season. The defense didn't allow a 100-yard rusher all season long and finished strong with 42 sacks (though with just 11 interceptions). Expect Phillips to stay and thus the Cowboys to be a No. 1 Fantasy DST in 2010, worth a late-round pick.
News: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez told the official team Web site that he will return to play in 2010. He happens to be one catch shy of 1,000 for his career and had 867 receiving yards and six scores in his first year in Atlanta. "I'll be around for sure next season," he said. "You don't ever want to make a decision right after the season is over. Now that I've had a chance to get away from the game a little bit and talk to my family, I'm definitely going to be around for next year. I'm excited about the direction this team is going in. We've got a really good football team and I really do believe this could be the best football team I've ever played on coming up next year."
Analysis: Expect him to continue on this pace in 2010 with the Falcons, making him a No. 1 Fantasy TE you can land between Rounds 5 and 7 in drafts this summer (a good value).
News: At his introductory press conference Tuesday, new Bills head coach Chan Gailey gave no indication on which way he's leaning in regards to a starting quarterback. Both Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick are currently candidates, but the team could opt to go in another direction via free agency or the draft. "[General Manager] Buddy [Nix] and I have talked about it somewhat, but until I get in there and watch film, and evaluate, it's unfair for me to sit here and say what's going to happen," Gailey said. " ... I want to make sure that we do a thorough evaluation, thorough study, do a great job of deciding and then us talking about what needs to go on in the future. So no, I can't tell you what's going to happen right now and what the plans are. I know both guys have had some success playing in the NFL but they have not done it for a length of time with consistency. So can they? We're going to decide that."
Analysis: The reality is that the Bills' offense is in a huge state of flux right now, and one or both quarterbacks might not be on the roster next season. That said, consider both Fitzpatrick and Edwards no better than low-end backup options heading into 2010 drafts.
News: San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore has been added to the NFC squad for the Pro Bowl, replacing injured Rams running back Steven Jackson. Jackson nursed a troublesome back for much of the season. Gore will join three teammates in the Jan. 31 game in Miami: tight end Vernon Davis, punter Andy Lee and linebacker Patrick Willis - giving the team its most Pro Bowlers since sending six after the 2002 season.
Analysis: Gore is headed to his second Pro Bowl after also going in 2006. He ran for 1,120 yards and matched a franchise record with 10 rushing touchdowns for the Niners (8-8) this season. He also caught three TD passes. He's a no-doubt No. 1 Fantasy RB worth a pick between the middle of Round 1 and the start of Round 2 in all drafts in 2010.
Schaub replaces Brady in Pro Bowl
Updated 1/20/2010
Texans, TQB HOU
News:Tom Brady has pulled out of the Pro Bowl after a season in which he played with rib and finger injuries. He has been replaced by Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans. The NFL announced the change of AFC backup quarterbacks Wednesday. Brady and the rest of the New England Patriots had physicals after their 33-14 opening-round playoff loss to Baltimore on Jan. 10.
Analysis: Schaub, named to his first Pro Bowl, completed 396 of 583 passes for 4,770 yards, all the most in the NFL. He ranked fourth with a 67.9 completion percentage and seventh with a 98.6 passer rating. He threw for 29 touchdowns, including the game-winner in Houston's 34-27 victory over New England in the final regular-season game, and 15 interceptions. Schaub is a No. 1 QB in all formats heading into next season.
Henderson's suspension is over
Updated 1/20/2010
Erin Henderson, LB MIN
News: Backup linebacker Erin Henderson has returned to the Vikings after completing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Henderson was at practice on Wednesday. He has played in only two games for Minnesota this season, primarily on special teams.
Analysis: Erin Henderson has played primarily on special teams since signing with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2008. This news shouldn't impact anyone.
Deuce retires with Saints
Updated 1/20/2010
Deuce McAllister, RB NO
News:Deuce McAllister has decided to retire from pro football, ending an injury-plagued eight-year career in which he rewrote the New Orleans Saints' rushing records. McAllister hasn't played since 2008 but briefly rejoined the Saints last week to serve as an honorary captain for the club's playoff victory over Arizona on Saturday. McAllister confirmed his plans to retire to The Associated Press on Tuesday afternoon and the Saints announced soon after in a one-sentence e-mail that McAllister had been placed on the team's reserve-retired list. He had a strong early career but needed reconstructive surgery to repair serious knee injuries in 2005 and 2007, and struggled to regain his form after the second operation.
Analysis: McAllister is the Saints' career rushing leader with 6,096 yards. His 55 total touchdowns and 49 rushing TDs also are club records. McAllister was the only Saints player to have four 1,000-yard seasons as a rusher, the last coming in 2006 when he helped New Orleans advance to the franchise's first NFC championship game. Many veteran Fantasy owners will remember McAllister as a solid first-round running back in the early 2000s.
News: Bills WR Lee Evans says he's fine with the team's decision to hire veteran coach Chan Gailey. "I think it's exciting," Evans said. "I'm looking forward to working with him. I know he and [General Manager] Buddy Nix have had a past together being successful and his offenses have always been successful. Even speaking with some people I know who've played for him, they have had nothing but good things to say so I'm excited."
Analysis: Gailey isn't expected to turn Evans into a stat machine by any regards, but Gailey is known for using his best weapons to their best ability, so Evans shouldn't be slighted much by Fantasy owners even though he hasn't had a 100-yard game since 2008 (his 2009 high was 75 yards). He remains a No. 3 Fantasy WR worth a mid-round pick heading into 2010 drafts, which is to say he's nothing to be overly excited about but is still a solid receiver.
Broncos part with Nolan; Pees next?
Updated 1/19/2010
Broncos, DST DEN
News: The Denver Broncos and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan have agreed to part ways. Nolan, who engineered the Broncos' switch to a 3-4 defensive alignment, was head coach Josh McDaniels' first hire. McDaniels lined up Nolan to help revamp what had been a deplorable defense. "I have great respect for Mike and wish him success in the future," McDaniels said in a statement released Monday by the team.
Analysis: The Broncos will be searching for their fifth defensive coordinator in five seasons, but they might not search for long as the Patriots recently parted ways with their coordinator, Dean Pees. Speculation is that Pees will join McDaniels in Denver and lead their defense in 2010. That has yet to be determined, but for now the Broncos DST is no better than a top-end No. 2 option heading into 2010.
Dolphins name Nolan new defensive boss
Updated 1/19/2010
Dolphins, DST MIA
News: Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's stay on the NFL job market was brief. The Miami Dolphins hired Nolan on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the announcement he was leaving the Denver Broncos after one season. Nolan replaces Paul Pasqualoni, fired after the Miami defense backslid in his second season. The Dolphins also announced the hiring of former Giants assistant coach Bill Sheridan as inside linebackers coach. Miami coach Tony Sparano favors a 3-4 defense, and Nolan converted the Broncos last year to that scheme. Denver improved to seventh in the NFL in defense from 29th in 2008, but the team faded badly and missed the postseason for a fourth consecutive year.
Analysis: The Dolphins DST gets a boost with this news and remains a sleeper unit heading into 2010. You might find yourself drafting them late in drafts this summer.
News: San Diego QB Philip Rivers threw for 298 yards on 27 of 40 passing as the Chargers fell to the New York Jets 17-14 on Sunday. Rivers scored on a 1-yard sneak with 2:14 left to pull the Chargers within three. However, Rivers threw a costly interception when on second-and-9 from his five, Rivers underthrew Antonio Gates, who hadn't even turned around, with safety Jim Leonhard intercepting and returning it to the 16.
Analysis: Rivers finished the season with 4,254 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and just nine interceptions. He was one of the best Fantasy QBs in the NFL and should enter 2010-11 the exact same way. He’s going to be a must-start Fantasy option throughout the playoffs and should be one of the first five quarterbacks off the board on Draft Day 2010.
News: San Diego K Nate Kaeding missed three costly field goals at the Chargers fell to the Jets 17-14 on Sunday. He was wide left from 36 yards on San Diego's second possession and was short from 57 yards as the first-half clock expired. With the Chargers trailing by 10 with 4:38 to go, the All-Pro kicker went wide right from 40.
Analysis: Kaeding was one of the better Fantasy kickers in the NFL this season. He was always solid and he played for one of the highest scoring teams in the league. That should continue in 2010-11 and that means Kaeding should be one of the first kickers off the board on Draft Day 2010. Of course, that shouldn’t happen until very late in drafts.
News: Dallas QB Tony Romo and the Cowboys were beaten badly by the Vikings on Sunday in the NFL Divisional Playoff game. While the Vikings are headed to the NFC Championship game, the Cowboys' season is now over. Romo did not have a great game as he threw for 198 yards on 22 of 35 passing with no touchdowns and one interception. Romo also lost two fumbles in the 34-3 loss.
Analysis: Romo did not finish the season on a high note as he struggled mightily against the Vikings pass rush. Romo threw for 4,483 yards on the season with 26 touchdowns and just nine interceptions and blossomed his relationships with receiver Miles Austin. Romo will remain a No. 1 Fantasy QB on Draft Day 2010.
News:Gaines Adams, a defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears who was an all-American at Clemson, died Sunday in South Carolina, the Bears said. He was 26. The team said Adams died Sunday morning at Self Regional Hospital in his hometown of Greenwood, S.C. Adams went into cardiac arrest at his family's home early Sunday morning, said Marcia Kelley-Clark, chief deputy coroner for Greenwood County. He was pronounced dead about an hour later, she said. An autopsy conducted Sunday showed Adams had an enlarged heart, a condition Kelley-Clark said can often lead to a heart attack. But Adams' relatives didn't know about it. "Nobody was aware of any kind of medical condition," Kelley-Clark said. Toxicology tests are being run by the State Law Enforcement Division, though drug use was not suspected as a factor in Adams' death. However, those results probably will not be available for at least two months, Kelley-Clark said.
Analysis: Adams was selected fourth overall in the 2007 NFL draft by Tampa Bay, but was traded to the Chicago Bears in October 2009 for a second-round pick in the 2010 draft. He had not been able to live up to expectations that he would revive the Buccaneers' once-feared pass rush, having just 17 tackles and one sack in 15 games this season. Adams fell short of the benchmark set by Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris, who said at the start of training camp that Adams would be considered a "bust" if he didn't reach double digits in sacks. The 6-foot-5, 258-pound defensive end was well-known among Clemson fans for breaking up Wake Forest's field goal try and returning it for a touchdown in 2006 to defeat the Demon Deacons.
News: Kansas City RB Jamaal Charles will have surgery Wednesday on his shoulder, reports his hometown paper, the American Chronicle. Charles has had shoulder issues before but it has never really limited him in games. This surgery is not expected to affect him heading into next season.
Analysis: Charles is looking like a candidate to be a first-round pick in 2010 as he should be the No. 1 RB behind an improved Chiefs' offensive line. It's too early to say, but Fantasy owners could be burning first round picks on Draft Day in 2010 on Charles.
News: Injured Chicago Bears defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek has been arrested on charges of public intoxication, assault and battery and interference with official process. Norman police department records indicate the 26-year-old Dvoracek was arrested around 1 a.m. Saturday at Seven47, a restaurant across the street from the University of Oklahoma. Dvoracek appeared in only 13 games in four seasons with the Bears after being drafted in the fourth round in 2006. He was placed on injured reserve in August because of a torn ACL in his right knee. While at Oklahoma, he was dismissed from the Sooners for a time after an altercation at a bar in Norman. He was reinstated after going through anger-management and alcohol-related counseling.
Analysis: Dvoracek has no Fantasy value in any IDP league at this time. He may not even be playing in the NFL next season.
News: Minnesota TE Visanthe Shiancoe only managed one reception in Sunday's NFC Divisional Playoff win over the Cowboys, 34-3. Shiancoe caught one pass for 11 yards and it came late in the 4th quarter with the game already decided. Shiancoe dove for the grab in the end zone for a touchdown to give the game its final margin.
Analysis: Shiancoe continues to be a touchdown machine for the Vikings and QB Brett Favre. He finished the regular season with touchdowns in two straight games and is now at three straight despite not getting a lot of looks on Sunday against the Cowboys. He finished the regular season with 566 receiving yards but added 11 touchdowns to that number and will enter 2010 as a top-notch Fantasy TE option, likely a No. 1. He's also a solid choice in any Playoff Challenge league against the Saints in the NFC Championship game next weekend.
News: Dallas RB Felix Jones got the bulk of the carries on Sunday in the NFL Divisional Playoff game at Minnesota as Marion Barber continued to be limited with a knee injury. The Vikings defeated the Cowboys, ending their season, 34-3. Jones rushed for 69 yards on 14 carries and added 22 receiving yards on three grabs.
Analysis: Jones definitely ended his season on a high note after his two-game playoff performances. No Dallas player really shined on Sunday in the playoff loss in Minnesota but Jones went off in the Wild Card round against Philadelphia with 16 carries for 148 yards and a touchdown. Jones scored touchdowns in two of his final three games this season and that should bulk up his value entering next year. We still believe Barber is the No. 1 option in Big D but Jones can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy RB heading into next year's drafts.
News: Dallas RB Marion Barber did little in Sunday's NFC Divisional Playoff game in Minnesota and the Cowboys were eliminated by the Vikings, 34-3. Barber rushed for just 14 yards on eight carries and did not make a catch in the game. His long carry went for 8 yards.
Analysis: Barber has been limited with a knee injury and totaled just 18 rushing yards combined in Dallas' two playoff games. Barber rushed for 932 yards on the regular season and had seven touchdowns. He will likely enter next season in a split-back situation with Felix Jones. We see Barber as a No. 2 Fantasy RB next year at this point.
News: Baltimore WR Derrick Mason hauled in just four catches for 64 yards in a 20-3 defeat to Indianapolis on Saturday. Mason led all receivers on both teams with the 64 yards he obtained.
Analysis: After briefly retiring in the offseason, Mason came back to put together his third straight 1,000-yard season in what might be his last with the Ravens. His value next season depends on where he signs, but considering he'll be 36 years old by then, his role is more likely to decrease than increase. Plan on drafting him as a No. 3 Fantasy WR, but he has the upside of a No. 2.
News: Baltimore RB Ray Rice ran 13 times for 67 yards and caught nine passes for 60 yards as the Ravens were defeated by Indianapolis 20-3 on Saturday. Rice also lost a fumble after a 20-yard gain.
Analysis: Rice had a great season in 2009 and will be entering his third year, which is usually a productive year for running backs. He is likely to project as a top Fantasy running back for 2010.
News: Cardinals RB Beanie Wells ran five times for 7 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's Divisional playoff loss to the Saints.
Analysis: Arizona didn't do much running on Saturday as the Cardinals were coming from behind as early as the middle of the first quarter. Wells showed enough potential to be thought of as a potential No. 2 Fantasy RB heading into 2010.
News: Cardinals RB Tim Hightower ran six times for 87 yards, including a 70-yard score on the first play of the game, and caught three passes for 27 yards in Saturday's Divisional playoff loss to the Saints.
Analysis: Hightower was worth a shot in Playoff Challenge leagues, but there was always a good chance his postseason wouldn't last more than a couple of games. Consider Hightower at best a low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB on Draft Day 2010.
News: Cardinals DB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie sprained his knee in the first half of Saturday's Divisional playoff game at New Orleans. He did not return.
Analysis: Rodgers-Cromartie, who was already dealing with a bruised kneecap coming into Saturday, got caught from behind by a teammate who was blocked into him. He looked in some serious pain on the cart, but we have no specifics on his injury yet. When healty, DRC is a low-end No. 1 Fantasy DB, and that's what he should be drafted as with a middle-round pick in 2010 drafts.
News: Arizona K Neil Rackers (right groin) is active for the Divisional Playoff game at New Orleans on Saturday.
Analysis: Rackers is good enough to start in Playoff Challenge leagues and should enter 2010 as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy kicker.
Redskins hire Haslett to run D
Updated 1/15/2010
Redskins, DST WAS
News: The Washington Redskins say they have hired Jim Haslett as defensive coordinator, replacing the retired Greg Blache. Haslett is a former NFL head coach who most recently coached in the United Football League. The Redskins announced his hiring Friday. Blache was an NFL assistant for 22 seasons, the last six with the Redskins.
Analysis: Haslett was the head coach of the Saints from 2000-05 and interim coach for the Rams in 2008 after Scott Linehan was fired. He has also been a defensive coordinator for those two teams and the Steelers. New Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan now has now both coordinators in place. His son, Kyle, will be the offensive coordinator. Now they have a coordinator in place, the Redskins turn to damage control and try to keep tackle Albert Haynesworth happy. The Redskins have talent on defense and have the potential to make some noise. But they will remain a No. 2 Fantasy DST on Draft Day 2010.
News: Vikings DT Jimmy Kennedy and FB Naufahu Tahi are listed as questionable for Sunday's playoff game against Dallas. Kennedy has an injured thumb, which kept him out of the regular season finale. Tahi hurt his back in practice this week. The injury report was released on Friday. The winner of the game advances to the NFC championship game. CB Antoine Winfield (foot) and DT Pat Williams (elbow) are listed as probable for the game.
Analysis: None of these players have much Fantasy value, especially in playoff leagues. Ignore them all in the playoff game against Dallas.
News: Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin, along with LB Gerald Hayes, did not practice Thursday. Boldin has been nursing left ankle and knee injuries he suffered in the Cardinals' regular-season finale against Green Bay. He was inactive for their 51-45 overtime victory over the Packers in the first round of the NFC playoffs Sunday. Hayes suffered a right ankle injury on the first play of the playoff game but played with it the rest of the way. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said both players "certainly will be a game-day decision." The Cardinals play at New Orleans on Saturday.
Analysis: Hayes has minimal Fantasy value in IDP leagues when healthy. Ignore him in all formats.
Crennel named Chiefs def. coordinator
Updated 1/13/2010
Chiefs, DST KC
News: Romeo Crennel has agreed to become defensive coordinator for the Chiefs, replacing Clancy Pendergast. Crennel's agent, Joe Linta, said Wednesday that the former Cleveland Browns coach will start his new job in a "couple of weeks." Crennel, who has been out of football for a year recovering from hip surgery, will coach in the East-West all-star game before joining the Chiefs and linking up with his old friend, Charlie Weis. The New England Patriots won three Super Bowls with Crennel as defensive coordinator and Weis as offensive coordinator. Last week, the Chiefs hired Weis as offensive coordinator after he was fired as head coach at Notre Dame.
Analysis: This ensures that the Chiefs will remain in the 3-4 scheme, and while Crennel's defense only had one decent year in Cleveland (2007), he is a good builder of defenses and should be able to cultivate some talent over the course of a couple of years. The Chiefs DST remains a low-end option not worth starting or drafting at this point.
News: The Patriots have signed six players who ended the season on the team's practice squad. The team announced Wednesday that it had signed tight ends Robbie Agnone and Rob Myers, defensive linemen Adrian Grady and Darryl Richard, wide receiver Darnell Jenkins and quarterback Jeff Rowe.
Analysis: None of these players are expected to produce enough stats to warrant Fantasy use. Keep them off of rosters for now.
News: New Seattle coach Pete Carroll wants to improve the running game for the Seahawks. Carroll emphasized at his introductory news conference Tuesday how the need for an improved running game will permeate "everything we do" on both sides of the ball. He also is bringing in Alex Gibbs as his offensive line coach. Gibbs is known for his zone blocking scheme and has long been known as one of the premier offensive line coaches in the league. He's enjoyed success in Denver, Atlanta and Houston. This new emphasis on running the ball will only help Justin Forsett and Julius Jones.
Analysis: We have high hopes for Forsett in 2010 and hopefully Carroll will give him increased carries ahead of Jones. We'll find out what the Seahawks plan to do at running back this offseason, but consider Forsett and Jones as No. 3 Fantasy options as long as they are sharing carries. If one is given an increased role, especially Forsett, then his value rise.
News: New Seattle coach Pete Carroll plans to stick with QB Matt Hasselbeck, at least for now. Carroll said at his introductory news conference Tuesday that he is excited to have a QB with as much experience as the 34-year-old Hasselbeck. And he twice emphasized the three-time Pro Bowler is healthy after playing through a bad back, broken ribs and a sore passing shoulder as Seattle limped to a 9-23 record since its last playoff game in January 2008.
Analysis: It appears like Hasselbeck will remain the starting QB with the Seahawks in 2010, although nothing is set in stone as the new regime under Carroll could still make some changes. Still, Hasselbeck can have his moments if he's playing in the right system behind a good offensive line and with productive receivers. He has the potential to be a starting Fantasy option in 2010 when the matchup is right, but he should be drafted as a No. 2 QB in all formats. Hopefully the new coaching staff will get Hasselbeck going as he enters the twilight of his career.
Del Rio stays with Jaguars
Updated 1/12/2010
Jaguars, DST JAC
News: Jack Del Rio says he will remain as coach of the Jaguars after a meeting with team owner Wayne Weaver. The two met Tuesday amid reports that Del Rio, a Southern California alumnus, was the leading candidate to succeed Pete Carroll as coach at USC. The Jaguars ended the season on a four-game losing streak and faded out of playoff contention. If Weaver had fired Del Rio, he would have been owed more than $15 million.
Analysis: Del Rio will look to improve a defense that was OK against the run but awful against the pass. They need a lot of work on defense and special teams to be considered a good Fantasy option in 2010; intend to keep them off rosters at this point.
Zimmer to remain with Bengals
Updated 1/12/2010
Bengals, DST CIN
News: The Bengals have re-signed defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to a new contract, keeping him with the club. Zimmer improved the Bengals defense in 2009 as the team went 6-0 in division play and made the postseason for the first time since 2005. The defense ranked fourth in 2009 (at 301.4 yards per game). The ranking was the third-highest in franchise history. In scoring defense, the 2009 Bengals finished sixth in the NFL at 18.4, the second-highest ranking in franchise history.
Analysis: The Bengals DST is nothing more than a No. 2 option in 2010 so long as they don't add more playmakers to a good but not great unit. There are certainly better options out there for Fantasy play this season.
News: In his own view, Charles Woodson put together his best pro season in 2009. How appropriate, then, that he is The Associated Press 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The versatile Woodson tied for the league lead with nine interceptions, returning three for touchdowns, and was a key to the Packers' turnaround on defense. His role in Green Bay's ranking second in overall defense, first in interceptions (30), takeaways (40) and turnover margin (plus-24) earned Woodson 28 votes Tuesday from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL. "It's a great honor," Woodson said Tuesday. "I felt like I put a lot into the game, mentally and physically - your body's always beat up - and it's great to be recognized." He doubled the number of votes for New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis in becoming the first Green Bay winner since Reggie White in 1998 and just the second Packer in the 36-year history of the award.
Analysis: Woodson, the 1997 Heisman Trophy recipient, is the first cornerback chosen top defensive player since Deion Sanders in 1994. Woodson had 63 unassisted tackles and 18 assists, according to the Packers, plus 21 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and one recovery, two sacks for 18 yards and three quarterback hits. He was a No. 1 DB in IDP leagues in 2009 and should enter 2010 as a stellar option in all formats. His play also makes the Packers DST a No. 1 option in 2010.
News: Packers LB Aaron Kampman says the rehabilitation work on his injured left knee is ahead of schedule and he expects to be ready for the beginning of training camp. Now he just needs to figure out where he'll be playing next season. Kampman, a two-time Pro Bowl selection for the Packers, has played all eight of his NFL seasons in Green Bay. But he's scheduled to become a free agent and his future with the team remains unclear.
Analysis: So much of Kampman's future is up in the air, including what position he will play. For now, consider him nothing more than a late-round flier for 2010.
Carroll named Seahawks' head coach
Updated 1/11/2010
Seahawks, DST SEA
News: The Seahawks officially named Pete Carroll as their head coach Monday. Carroll, who comes from the University of Southern California where he coached the past nine seasons after stops with the Jets and Patriots in the NFL, is expected to overhaul a team that has won nine games over the last two seasons. "We are excited to add Pete as our coach. He brings a great passion for winning and a positive attitude that is contagious," said CEO Tod Leiweke. "We now turn our full attention to the hiring process for a general manager. Our intended structure is for Pete and the new GM to work in a collaborative capacity on football matters."
Analysis: It will be interesting to see who he chooses as his defensive coordinator next season, especially since the Seahawks are closer to being good on that side of the ball than on the offensive side of the ball. As of now they're not expected to be a useful Fantasy DST in 2010.
News: The Buffalo News reports the Bills should release RB Marshawn Lynch because he "isn't worth the trouble." On Saturday, the Buffalo News reported that Lynch was accused of stealing $20 from a police officer's wife. He also has previously pleaded guilty to gun possession in L.A. And he had the hit-and-run incident in downtown Buffalo. Lynch was suspended three games by the NFL, and in 2009 he was outplayed by backup RB Fred Jackson. The newspaper writes that "Lynch is approaching bust status. ... The Bills are evaluating their entire operation. They should take a long, hard look at their troubled running back. Any serious evaluation of Lynch has to conclude that he's headed for more trouble, and the worst might be yet to come. Let it be elsewhere. Trade him, cut him, but get Lynch out of our town, before he does something truly regrettable."
Analysis: The Buffalo News is taking a hard stance with Lynch, but the Bills might be inclined to make a move with Lynch based on his play. Lynch finished the 2009 season with 120 carries for 450 yards and two touchdowns and 28 catches for 179 yards. By comparison, Jackson had 238 carries for 1,062 yards and two touchdowns and 46 catches for 371 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson should enter 2010 as the starter, but the Bills could give Lynch his job back if he has a good offseason. Still, with a new coach ready to enter the fold, the running back situation in Buffalo remains up in the air. Keep an eye on what happens this offseason, but Lynch's Fantasy value heading into 2010 is no better than a No. 3 RB since he will definitely share carries with Jackson no matter who is starting.
News: Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers was 28 of 42 for 422 yards and four touchdowns in a 51-45 shootout in Arizona. Rodgers, who started the game with an interception, was marvelous throughout the game until he was stripped by Michael Adams in overtime. The ball careened off Rodgers' foot and into the hands of Karlos Dansby, who ran untouched for the score. Rodgers said he should have just taken the sack. "I was trying to unload it," he said. "I should have held on to the ball. I was looking at the front side for Driv [Driver]. It looked like he was getting grabbed a bit. Then I was looking for James [Jones] and they were driving in on him as he was running a little in cut, so I kind of pulled the ball back and someone hit my arm." Rodgers completed passes to 10 receivers. All but two of Rodgers' yards came after the first quarter. Rodgers set a Packer playoff passing record. The Packers' playoff passing record was 332 yards by Lynn Dickey at Dallas on Jan. 16, 1983.
Analysis: Rodgers had a second straight 4,000-yard passing season in 2009 and broke 30 passing touchdowns for the first time in his career. He also cut down on his interceptions from 13 in 2008 to seven this season. Rodgers is really becoming a complete quarterback now that he is out of Brett Favre's shadow. Rodgers will be drafted as a No. 1 Fantasy QB in 2010.
News: The Boston Globe reports Patriots DL Vince Wilfork is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and he might have played his last game with New England following Sunday's loss to Baltimore in the first round of the playoffs. "As the time ticked off that clock, it kinda dawned on me," Wilfork said after a 13-tackle effort against the Ravens. "I told my teammates, the guys I play with on that defense, 'I don't know if this is the last game I play with you or not, but if it is, man, I love you and I'm gonna miss you.' We'll go from here and see what happens." Wilfork said he wants to remain with the Patriots, and "I said that from Day 1, and I'm still backing up those words. If that wasn't the case, I wouldn't have been out there playing for this team this year."
Analysis: Wilfork could be hit with the franchise tag, a one-year offer for the average of the top five salaries at a player's position. That would allow the team to match any free agent offer or receive two first-round picks if its declines to match. The tag restricts a player's market as an unrestricted free agent. When asked if he would be upset if he were tagged, Wilford said "Of course I would." Keep an eye on what happens with Wilfork. He has minimal Fantasy value in IDP leagues as a run-stuffer, but he's a key member to the Patriots defense and his presence improves their DST value.
News: Green Bay RB Ryan Grant was limited to just 11 carries for 65 yards in a 51-45 loss to Arizona. This was Grant's fourth straight game that he did not rush for 100 yards, and it was the first time he failed to get in the end zone in the previous five. Grant also caught two passes for 18 yards.
Analysis: Grant has finished with 1,200-plus rushing yards in two straight seasons, but he did a great job to bounce back in 2009 after scoring only four touchdowns last season. Grant has been a solid addition for Green Bay since they plucked him off waivers from the Giants in 2007. Consider Grant a No. 1 Fantasy RB on Draft Day 2010.
News: Green Bay TE Jermichael Finley set a new career high in yards by catching six passes for 159 yards in a 51-45 loss to Arizona. Finley's previous career high was a six catch, 128 yard performance against Minnesota in week 4.
Analysis: Finley had a strong end to his second season in the NFL and first as a starter. He started to come on early in the season before an injury midway through the year slowed him down. But he got into a rhythm late and that is going to help his Fantasy appeal heading into 2010. Finley, who finished with 54 catches and 676 yards, should be drafted as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy TE.
News: Green Bay WR Greg Jennings caught eight passes for 130 yards and a touchdown in a 51-45 shootout with Arizona. This game was Jenning's highest reception and yardage totals of the season.
Analysis: Jennings might have had another 1,000-yard season in 2009, but he scored only four touchdowns and finished with 12 less receptions after totaling a career-high 80 in 2008. As teams put their best corners on Jennings in 2009 that allowed Donald Driver to emerge as QB Aaron Rodgers' favorite target. It made Jennings a bit of an unreliable Fantasy option until he came on late in the year. You are going to probably draft Jennings as a No. 2 Fantasy WR in 2010 with hopes he bounces back as a No. 1 option.
News: There wasn't much the New England Patriots did well in Sunday's Wild Card home loss to the Ravens, 33-14. Tom Brady struggled with three interceptions, the running game did nothing and the Baltimore defense blanketed Randy Moss. With Wes Welker out of the game, Baltimore didn't pay much attention to his replacement, Julian Edelman. That was their only mistake. Edelman found himself open and Brady didn't miss him for two touchdown passes. The rookie out of Kent State finished the game with a team-high-tying six grabs for 44 yards and the two scores. He caught a 6-yard TD pass from Brady in the 2nd quarter and added a 1-yard TD grab in the 3rd.
Analysis: Edelman broke a rookie record for touchdown catches in the playoffs and tied a Patriots playoff record with the TDs. After his Week 17 performance of 10 catches for 103 yards, the Patriots feel really good about this former quarterback-turned-wide-receiver heading into next season. He was the lone bright spot for the Patriots in the playoff loss. He isn't expected to be anything more than an early-season handcuff for Welker in 2010. He's advisable as a late-round pick for those owners who take Welker early this summer.
News: Green Bay WR Donald Driver caught only four passes for 43 yards and zero touchdowns in a 51-45 shootout with Arizona on Sunday. Including the regular season, this was Driver's fifth straight game without a touchdown.
Analysis: Driver managed 1,000 receiving yards for a sixth straight season. Even at the ripe age of 34 years old, Driver still got the job done and had better numbers than most NFL receivers that are years younger. Driver will be 35 by Draft Day 2010 and his age will be a concern. But Driver has a pretty solid track record and shouldn't be drafted any worse than a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR.
News: Patriots WR Sam Aiken left Sunday's wild-card playoff game against Baltimore in the fourth quarter after a hard hit on an incompletion. He walked slowly off the field after being on the ground for several minutes and suffered a head injury.
Analysis: Consider Aiken a low-end Fantasy WR in all formats and one that should go undrafted on Draft Day 2010.
News: New England lost cornerback Shawn Springs in the first half of Sunday's wild-card playoff game against Baltimore with a head injury. Springs joined the Patriots as a free agent this season and started eight games, playing in 12 overall. He missed four games in the middle of the season with a knee injury.
Analysis: Springs is an aging NFL veteran and isn't expected to produce as a Fantasy-viable IDP player next season. He should go undrafted on Draft Day 2010.
News: New England was playing from behind immediately in the Wild Card playoff loss to Baltimore on Sunday. Because of that, the team needed to throw the ball more often than they would have liked. That translated into minimal production from the team's four running backs. Kevin Faulk led the way with 52 yards on 14 carries. He added six receptions for 37 yards. Sammy Morris rushed once for 9 yards and had three grabs for 15. Laurence Maroney had one carry for 2 yards and made no catches. Finally, Fred Taylor rushed twice for 1 yard.
Analysis: Morris finished the regular season with 319 rushing yards, 180 receiving yards and two total touchdowns. He clearly wasn't a major part of the Patriots' offensive attack and isn't likely to be a viable option heading into 2010.
News: New England was playing from behind immediately in the Wild Card playoff loss to Baltimore on Sunday. Because of that, the team needed to throw the ball more often than they would have liked. That translated into minimal production from the team's four running backs. Kevin Faulk led the way with 52 yards on 14 carries. He added six receptions for 37 yards. Sammy Morris rushed once for 9 yards and had three grabs for 15. Laurence Maroney had one carry for 2 yards and made no catches. Finally, Fred Taylor rushed twice for 1 yard.
Analysis: Taylor scored two touchdowns in the Week 17 game but had just four on the entire season with 269 rushing yards in six games. He is not expected to be a major Fantasy weapon entering 2010 and should go undrafted in most leagues.
News: New England was playing from behind immediately in the Wild Card playoff loss to Baltimore on Sunday. Because of that, the team needed to throw the ball more often than they would have liked. That translated into minimal production from the team's four running backs. Kevin Faulk led the way with 52 yards on 14 carries. He added six receptions for 37 yards. Sammy Morris rushed once for 9 yards and had three grabs for 15. Laurence Maroney had one carry for 2 yards and made no catches. Finally, Fred Taylor rushed twice for 1 yard.
Analysis: Faulk is the longest tenured Patriots player and led the team in the playoff loss but only managed 335 rushing yards, 301 receiving yards and three total touchdowns this season overall. Faulk has minimal Fantasy value heading into Draft Day 2010 and likely should go undrafted.
News: New England was playing from behind immediately in the Wild Card playoff loss to Baltimore on Sunday. Because of that, the team needed to throw the ball more often than they would have liked. That translated into minimal production from the team's four running backs. Kevin Faulk led the way with 52 yards on 14 carries. He added six receptions for 37 yards. Sammy Morris rushed once for 9 yards and had three grabs for 15. Laurence Maroney had one carry for 2 yards and made no catches. Finally, Fred Taylor rushed twice for 1 yard.
Analysis: Maroney finished the season on a sour note being inactive for the Week 17 game and doing little to nothing in the playoff loss. He finished the season with 757 rushing yards and nine touchdowns and will likely enter 2010 as the team's No. 1 option at RB. That makes him a solid mid-round choice on Draft Day 2010.
News: Baltimore RB LeRon McClain rushed four times for 8 yards in Sunday's Wild Card playoff win at New England. The Ravens ran all over the Patriots and McClain scored on a 1-yard TD run in the 1st quarter to make the score 14-0.
Analysis: McClain runs behind Willis McGahee and Ray Rice in Baltimore and isn't expected to be anything but a fullback once again next season. Expect him to go undrafted in Fantasy and don't use him in Playoff Challenge leagues.
News: Baltimore RB Willis McGahee got into the action in Sunday's Wild Card playoff win at New England. With Ray Rice starting and running for 159 yards on 22 carries with two touchdowns, it was clear the Ravens would be fine running on the Patriots and that went for McGahee was well. With the game safely in the Ravens corner early, McGahee got going and finished with 20 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown. He scored on a 3-yard TD run in the 4th quarter to ice the game and the playoff win.
Analysis: McGahee and the Ravens will face the Colts in the next round of the playoffs and he managed 25 yards on just six carries against Indy Week 11. Still, if Baltimore continues to run the football this way, that means big things for McGahee as well as the starter Rice. McGahee was good for the occasional touchdown this year, finishing with 12 even though he ran for less than 600 yards. Even with this strong finish, you can't expect him to play more than a backup role in 2010, not with the way Rice has run the ball this year. He'll be a good handcuff option for Rice owners in the middle-to-late rounds on Draft Day.
News: Baltimore TE Todd Heap (neck) is healthy and active for the Wild Card playoff game Sunday at New England.
Analysis: Heap was not overly productive in his previous meeting with the Patriots this year. He hauled in four catches for 46 yards and zero touchdowns. However in his last three games, Heap has produced four touchdowns. He could make a steady target for QB Joe Flacco, especially in the red zone.
News: Patriots TE Benjamin Watson (knee) is active for Sunday's Wild Card playoff game against the Ravens.
Analysis: Watson could see more targets against Baltimore from Tom Brady with Wes Welker injured. Consider Watson a No. 2 Fantasy TE for Playoff Challenge leagues.
News: Philadelphia TE Brent Celek caught three passes for 59 yards in a 34-14 loss to Dallas on Saturday night. In his previous four games, Celek had eclipsed the 60 yard mark.
Analysis: Celek had a breakout season in 2009 and established great rapport with QB Donovan McNabb. His Fantasy value for 2010 has increased significantly and depending on how your draft goes, could be a steal in 2010.
News: Bengals WR Laveranues Coles caught six passes for 48 yards and a touchdown in Cincinnati's Wild Card playoff loss to the Jets on Saturday.
Analysis: Coles finished the 2009 season with three touchdown in his last four games, but his top yardage total of the campaign was only 72 yards. The veteran will remain just a low-end Fantasy option looking ahead to the 2010 season.
Palmer disappoints in playoff loss
Updated 1/9/2010
Bengals, TQB CIN
News: Bengals QB Carson Palmer completed 18 of 36 passes for 146 yards with one touchdown and one interception in Saturday's Wild Card playoff loss to the Jets. He also ran once for two yards.
Analysis: Palmer's poor season is now complete. He didn't do a whole lot for his Fantasy owners during the regular season and continued to disappoint on Saturday. Heading into 2010, he will likely be no more than a risky low-end No. 1 Fantasy option.
News: Bengals RB Cedric Benson ran for 169 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries Saturday as Cincinnati fell to the Jets in their Wild Card matchup. He also caught three passes for 12 yards.
Analysis: Benson was inactive against the Jets in Week 17 and probably wasn't a hugely popular pick in Playoff Challenge because of what looked like a tough matchup on Saturday. He did come through with a nice performance though, and will head into 2010 as a No. 1 Fantasy RB that should be taken in the later part of round one or early in round two.
News: Bengals RB Larry Johnson (knee) was surprisingly inactive for the Wild Card playoff game against the Jets on Saturday. Johnson practiced last week despite knee tendinitis and was listed as probable. The move left Cedric Benson and rookie Bernard Scott as the Bengals' top runners.
Analysis: It's hard to know what Johnson's role will be with the Bengals in 2010, but it seems like a certainty that Cedric Benson will be the lead back. Johnson will at best be considered a flex option on Draft Day in 2010 and he's not much of an option in Playoff Challenge leagues right now.
News: Bengals starting linebacker Rashad Jeanty broke his left leg on the opening kickoff against the New York Jets. Jeanty broke the fibula while blocking for Bernard Scott's 56-yard return Saturday, lying on the field for several minutes afterward. He walked off the field with assistance and went for X-rays. Jeanty became a starter after rookie Rey Maualuga broke his left ankle in the second-to-last game of the regular season. Brandon Johnson moved into his outside linebacker spot after Jeanty's injury.
Analysis: Jeanty was not a recommended Fantasy IDP player in any leagues this season and isn't likely to be one heading into 2010.
News: The Chiefs have hired former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator. Weis, who was offensive coordinator for New England's Super Bowl teams, will be reunited with Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. The two are longtime friends going back to the time when they shared an office as assistant coaches for the New York Jets. Weis also has an impressive track record of quarterbacks who have done well under his advisement, including Tom Brady, Brady Quinn and 2010 NFL Draft prospect Jimmy Clausen. Matt Cassel and the Chiefs' offense should benefit greatly from Weis' coaching.
Analysis: Though Cassel and Weis were never on the Patriots at the same time, they should work well together. Between this addition and the potential of the Chiefs' passing game with Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers (if both remain with the team this offseason), we could see Cassel as a Draft Day sleeper this summer. For now he's still a No. 2 Fantasy QB worth a late-round pick, but there's some upside.
Mangini to stay with Browns
Updated 1/8/2010
Browns, DST CLE
News: Eric Mangini will return for a second season as Cleveland's coach, a surprising personal victory following a four-game winning streak by the Browns that may have saved his job. New team president Mike Holmgren decided Thursday to retain Mangini, whose job seemed to be slipping away after the Browns started 1-11. Holmgren spent the past two days in meetings with Mangini, who was fired after last season by the New York Jets and had a turbulent first year in Cleveland. "I was able to gain some tremendous insight into his thought process and philosophies, and came away from our meetings very impressed," Holmgren said in a statement. "In my opinion, Eric has gained the respect and admiration of players, coaches and others in the organization, and with him continuing to lead the team I feel that we are headed in the right direction. Working together, our goal is to build on the strong tradition of this franchise and help get the Browns back to the playoffs."
Analysis: This should help the Browns' defense in that there won't be a transitional period and they will remain in the 3-4 scheme under Mangini's tutelage. So long as Josh Cribbs is back with the Browns in 2010, the unit is just barely good enough to be considered a deep sleeper in Fantasy play. If Cribbs leaves the Browns like he says he will, then the Browns DST falls back into the pile with other mediocre options.
News: Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin fully participated in practice on Thursday and Friday, making him probable for the team's Saturday night showdown in Dallas in the Wild Card round. He's been hampered by thumb and foot injuries.
Analysis: Maclin has put together an impressive rookie season thus far despite some late season injuries. In two games against the Cowboys this season, Maclin has combined for 91 yards on six catches with no TDs. He's OK as a low-end option in a Playoff Challenge league.
Analysis: None of these players are expected to produce enough stats to warrant Fantasy use. Keep them off of rosters for now.
Jets sign players to futures deals
Updated 1/8/2010
Josh Mauga, LB NYJ
News: The Jets signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: LB Ezra Butler, WR S.J. Green, LB Joshua Mauga, DB Bo Smith and WR Larry Taylor.
Analysis: None of these players are expected to produce enough stats to warrant Fantasy use. Keep them off of rosters for now.
News: Jim Caldwell is kicking conventional wisdom to the curb. The Colts coach plans to use Matt Stover during the playoffs instead of four-time Super Bowl winner Adam Vinatieri, regarded as the best clutch kicker in NFL history. Caldwell explained his decision Thursday, saying Vinatieri had not fully recovered from midseason surgery on his kicking knee, and that Stover had done a "great job" since joining the team in October. "I think the concern was health issues or whatever," Vinatieri said. "I guess it makes sense. I didn't necessarily care for the decision. Obviously, all of us want to be on the field as much as we can, but I understand the concerns." Vinatieri still could get his chance. The Colts (14-2) will not put Vinatieri on injured reserve and intend to carry both kickers on the active roster, meaning Vinatieri may yet kick if he can get healthy.
Analysis: Vinatieri won three Super Bowls with New England, including two on game-winning kicks, before joining the Colts in 2006 and winning another title that year. Stover won a Super Bowl ring with Baltimore in 2000 and ranks No. 4 among kickers with 2,004 career points. Vinatieri has 1,528 points, and both he and Stover rank among the top 15 all-time in field goals made. Vinatieri has played in only one game since Oct. 11, against the Jets on Dec. 27. His first extra-point attempt against New York was blocked, though Vinatieri later made a 22-yard field goal - barely longer than an extra point. Stover, who handled every major kick for the Baltimore Ravens franchise from 1991 to 2008, was let go by the team in the offseason. He signed with Indy on Oct. 14, the day Caldwell announced Vinatieri would miss four to eight weeks after having arthroscopic surgery to remove cartilage in his right knee. Since then Stover has been nearly flawless. He's made 33 consecutive extra points and 9 of 11 field goal attempts - one miss was from 52 yards - and he doesn't even have to worry about kickoff duties, which are handled by rookie Pat McAfee. Look for Stover to do well in the playoffs, but we expect Vinatieri to return as the Colts kicker in 2010 as long as he's healthy. Stover will likely retire after this year.
News: Dallas LB DeMarcus Ware missed practice Thursday because of a sore back. The problem isn't considered serious and Ware is expected to play in Saturday night's home playoff game against Philadelphia. Ware, who has 11 sacks, has played with a fracture in his wrist for much of the season. After straining his neck in a headfirst collision against San Diego, he didn't miss a game and the following week had two sacks, forcing fumbles on both.
Analysis: Look for Ware to play in the Saturday's game against Dallas, and he should be fine heading into 2010 barring any injuries. When healthy, Ware is a No. 1 LB in IDP leagues, and his playmaking is a reason why the Cowboys DST is a starting option in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Seahawks DB Deon Grant is having wrist surgery and DE Patrick Kerney will undergo elbow surgery. The team announced Thursday that both veterans were due to have their operations later in the day. The 30-year-old Grant played the last six games with a cast over his left wrist. He said Dr. Carlton Keck, a specialist in Seattle, was to place pins in his wrist and reconstruct a torn ligament. The team expects Grant to be fully recovered by late April or May. The 33-year-old Kerney is having surgery to remove loose cartilage and bone fragments in his left elbow. The team considers the procedure routine and says Kerney's recovery time should be four to six weeks.
Analysis: Grant and Kerney have minimal Fantasy value in IDP leagues heading into 2010, and the Seahawks DST should be considered a No. 2 option next year. The Seahawks need a lot of work on defense to become a viable starting option again in Fantasy leagues.
News: The Chargers placed linebacker James Holt on injured reserve with a shoulder injury on Tuesday and signed Dontarrious Thomas, who played this season in the United Football League. Holt was hurt in Sunday's regular-season finale against Washington and will undergo surgery. He was used mostly on special teams, with nine tackles in nine games. Thomas has played in 63 games in five NFL seasons, including 10 starts, with Minnesota and San Francisco. He hasn't played in the NFL since the end of the 2008 season. He was the leading tackler for the California Redwoods of the UFL and has been a special teams contributor throughout his career.
Analysis: Neither of these players were or are expected to produce enough stats to warrant Fantasy use. Keep them off of rosters for now.
News: Bucs head coach Raheem Morris said Monday that it will be a priority this offseason for QB Josh Freeman to continue developing so that he'll be more prepared to start in 2010. The team also plans to use the draft to surround the 21-year-old quarterback with promising young talent. The Bucs will have five of the first 99 selections, including No. 3 overall. "You've got to say No. 5's the biggest priority, making sure everything works around him, because when it worked around him, we were able to be successful," Morris said, referring to Freeman's jersey number.
Analysis: Freeman moved into the lineup following an 0-7 start. He passed for 1,857 yards and 10 touchdowns - both Tampa Bay rookie records - but also threw 18 interceptions and was sacked 20 times while going 3-6 and compiling a quarterback rating of 59.9. He also topped 250 yards in three games and rushed for a total of 161 yards. Assuming the Bucs add a player or two to help him out, Freeman will have plenty of potential to be a solid backup Fantasy QB in 2010. We already see him as a valuable late-round pick this summer.
Giants fire defensive coordinator
Updated 1/5/2010
Giants, DST NYG
News: Defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan became the first victim of the Giants' collapse in 2009. Coach Tom Coughlin dismissed the rookie coordinator late Monday afternoon, just hours after saying that Sheridan's future with the team was going to be evaluated in the wake of an 8-8 season that ended with losses in eight of the final 11 games. The firing also came the same day that co-owner John Mara vowed to make changes after seeing the season end with two embarrassing losses in which the Giants were outscored 85-16. Sheridan was elevated from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator after Steve Spagnuolo became the Rams' coach.
Analysis: The defense was hurt by injuries to middle linebacker Antonio Pierce, safety Kenny Phillips and cornerbacks Corey Webster and Aaron Ross this season, and defensive end Justin Tuck played hurt for most of the season. The Giants gave up 427 points, ranking it third from the bottom in the NFL. Only the Lions and Rams gave up more points. Opponents scored at least 40 points in five games, the first time that has happened to the Giants since 1966. Depending on who the new coordinator is, this unit will have a shot to rebound in 2010.
News: Texans LB Brian Cushing is The Associated Press 2009 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year following a brilliant season. The Texans' defense became solid for the first time in its existence thanks in part to Cushing, who amassed 134 total tackles (87 solo) with five sacks, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and 10 passes defensed.
Analysis: Cushing should continue to be a solid Fantasy IDP option worth a mid-round pick as a No. 1 option in 2010.
News: The Arizona Cardinals announced that they signed fullback Nehemiah Broughton and defensive end Jeremy Clark from the Giants practice squad and have released linebacker Pago Togafau. The team also placed defensive end Jason Banks (ankle) on injured reserve. Defensive end Ryan Kees was added to the practice squad.
Analysis: None of these players were or are expected to produce enough stats to warrant Fantasy use. Keep them off of rosters for now.
News: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that Saints DE Charles Grant will be placed on injured reserve with a torn triceps. He hurt his arm in Week 17 against the Panthers, and it's the same injury he had last year that cost him eight games.
Analysis: This will certainly hurt the Saints' defense in the playoffs since Grant is both good against the run and the pass. They are already getting thin along the D-line. Consider the unit only a mediocre option in Playoff Challenge leagues. Grant's recovery will be key to the defense's success in 2010.
Morris to stick as Bucs coach
Updated 1/5/2010
Buccaneers, DST TB
News: Raheem Morris will return for a second season as coach of the Buccaneers. The Bucs went 3-13 in the 33-year-old Morris' first season. The club's worst finish since 1991 fueled speculation that the Glazer family might consider a change. "We are committed to the plan that we began 12 months ago with coach Morris, and we look forward to building on the pieces that were put in place this season," team co-chairman Joel Glazer said.
Analysis: Morris should continue to be the driving force behind the Bucs' defense, which finished the season fairly strong against the pass but awful against the run. Look for the Bucs to address that in the offseason. For now, this DST isn't worth drafting in Fantasy play.
News: The Bengals put defensive tackle Pat Sims on injured reserve with a broken forearm, suffered during a 37-0 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday night. Cincinnati replaced him on the roster by signing cornerback Keiwan Ratliff on Monday.
Analysis: Neither of these players were or are expected to produce enough stats to warrant Fantasy use. Keep them off of rosters for now.
News: The New York Daily News reports that Giants DE Justin Tuck will undergo surgery on a torn right labrum this offseason. Tuck admitted that the injury held him back on the field in '09. "I can just say that I wasn't the player I was last year. Take that for what it is," he said Monday. "There were a lot of things that I wanted to do that the shoulder wouldn't allow me to."
Analysis: Tuck, like the rest of the Giants' defense in 2009-10, took a step back in terms of his production. The defense under Bill Sheridan was not as aggressive and overwhelming against opposing QBs as it had been under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and there will likely be a lot of tweaking done to the Giants' defense in the offseason (Bill Sheridan has already been fired). A healthy Tuck would be a prime candidate for a bounce-back season in 2010-11 and is going to be a good pick in all IDP formats as a No. 2 DL with the upside to become a No. 1.
News: While Broncos WR Brandon Marshall and TE Tony Scheffler appear to be on the outs with the team, head coach Josh McDaniels said Monday that he has plans for WR Eddie Royal. One of McDaniels' biggest regrets from the '09 season was that he couldn't do more with Royal on the field, but as he told the media on Monday, "that will change dramatically next season."
Analysis: Royal was a tremendous bust in 2009, catching 37 passes for 345 yards (9.3 avg.) over 14 games with no touchdowns. While expectations were sky-high for Royal entering the year, he made it clear during the season that he wasn't progressing in McDaniels' offense fast enough because he was learning "three or four new positions" (playing receiver from different spots on the field). Hopefully a full season of work will pay off for Royal in 2010, who will enter the offseason as nothing more than a low-end sleeper worth a late-round pick in drafts.
News: Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne said his vision had improved Monday after he left the team's Week 17 game with blurred vision. Henne was examined by an eye doctor who attributed the problem to a bruise near the left eye. Henne played pretty well before leaving, completing 16 of 20 passes for 140 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Analysis: Henne showed this season that he has a future as a starting QB in the NFL and will undoubtedly be Miami's No. 1 heading into 2010 even though coach Tony Sparano didn't say as much in his season-ending press conference. If the Dolphins can pick up a stud wide receiver in the offseason, Henne could be a super sleeper No. 2 Fantasy QB. He has big-stat potential playing behind a great offensive line -- all he needs is the downfield help and he'll be solid.
News: Broncos TE Tony Scheffler was benched for Week 17 for reportedly having "attitude" problems, according to head coach Josh McDaniels. Scheffler told the Denver Post he wasn't sure what those problems were or are, but he's confident that he will still find work in this league next season. Scheffler is scheduled to be a restricted free agent. "Obviously there's a lot of opportunities elsewhere," Scheffler said, noting that he doesn't think he'll talk with McDaniels before leaving for the offseason. "... I would think my reputation in this league is as a hard-working guy that will stretch the field. I think there's a place for me somewhere else."
Analysis: Scheffler was certainly not used often in the Broncos' offense, catching 31 passes for 416 yards and two touchdowns, his worst output since his rookie year (2006). We expect Scheffler to land elsewhere in 2010 and have a shot at regaining some Fantasy value. Expect to draft him late as a No. 2 option in deeper leagues at this point, though there's definitely room for his status to improve.
News: Dolphins rookie quarterback Pat White was out of the hospital and back at the team's training complex Monday after a scary helmet-to-helmet collision briefly left him motionless. White left the field strapped down on a cart Sunday after suffering a head injury when he was met head-on by Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor. White was released from the hospital after undergoing tests and drove to the Dolphins' complex for a final team meeting before the offseason begins. White was injured after he replaced starting quarterback Chad Henne, who was sidelined by blurred vision. Henne said he talked to White by phone Sunday night to make sure his teammate wasn't serious hurt.
Analysis: White has yet to complete an NFL pass, and his injury actually helped the Dolphins get back in Sunday's game as third-string QB Tyler Thigpen did a decent job in White's place. White will be back as a reserve QB for Miami in 2010, but won't be worth drafting in any Fantasy format.
News: Seahawks WR Deion Branch is a candidate to be cut this offseason because of his expensive contract with the team, says the Tacoma News Tribune.
Analysis: According to the NFLPA, Branch is scheduled to make just under $5.5 million in 2010 and just under $6 million in 2011. For a receiver who caught 45 passes for just 437 yards and a pair of touchdowns over 14 games, that's too much money. Unless Branch restructures his deal, expect him to be a cap casualty before the summer begins. He's not a high-profile Fantasy option anyway.
News: The Cardinals are hoping DE Calais Campbell will be able to play through a fractured thumb that may need screws to stabilize it down the line. Coach Ken Whisenhunt seemed optimistic that Campbell would be ready when Arizona hosts Green Bay in a wild card game Sunday.
Analysis: Campbell was a solid Fantasy DL this season and should continue to be a force heading into the postseason. He'll be drafted as a low-end No. 1/top-end No. 2 Fantasy DL in 2010 leagues.
News: The Cleveland Plain-Dealer reports Browns RB Jamal Lewis, who is on injured reserve due to the results of a concussion, said Sunday after Cleveland defeated Jacksonville in the season-finale that he would be open to return next season. Lewis previously said Nov. 1 he said he planned to retire after this year. But Lewis, who's under contract with the Browns through 2010, said he would be willing to play again. "You just don't know, really," he said about his future. "I'm just trying to let the concussion symptoms go away and get my head back to where it was and make a decision from there about my future. After I get everything straight up top, I can make a solid decision on that."
Analysis: The Browns, who contemplated releasing Lewis before the start of the season, have run well in his absence, with Jerome Harrison totaling 561 yards in the past three games. We'd be shocked if Lewis returned to Cleveland in 2010 with Harrison, James Davis and Chris Jennings looking like a solid trio, but anything is possible. Still, don't plan on drafting Lewis in any Fantasy leagues in 2010. At 30 and coming off an injury-plagued season, he has minimal value, especially if he was back with the Browns.
News: Seahawks RB Louis Rankin, who got some playing time with Julius Jones sidelined earlier in the year but who hadn't recorded an offensive statistic in three games, had one catch for 2 yards Week 17 against the Titans.
Analysis: Rankin clearly ranks too low on the depth chart to make an impact in Fantasy. Don't bother with him in 2010.
News: Seahawks WR Ben Obomanu caught one pass for 7 yards Week 17 against the Titans. The reception was his fourth of the season.
Analysis: Obomanu ranks too low on the depth chart to make an impact in Fantasy, and that doesn't figure to change in 2010. Don't bother with him on Draft Day.
News: Seahawks RB Justin Griffith had two catches for 9 yards Week 17 against the Titans, giving him a total of 19 catches and 23 offensive touches this season.
Analysis: Griffith is a fullback, meaning he does more blocking than rushing or receiving. He can go undrafted in Fantasy in 2010.
News: Seahawks TE John Carlson scored on a 6-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter Week 17 against the Titans, giving him four straight games with a touchdown catch. He finished the game with two catches for 14 yards.
Analysis: If not for his touchdown streak at the end of the year, Carlson's 2009 season would have been a huge disappointment for Fantasy purposes. He actually took a step back from his rookie year, when he had 55 catches for 627 yards and looked on the verge of becoming an elite tight end. He still has that kind of potential, but he could use some better quarterback player next year. Depending on the moves the Seahawks make in the offseason, Carlson could be a nice sleeper in the late rounds.
News: Seahawks WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh had just three catches for 66 yards Week 17 against the Titans, capping a disappointing first season in Seattle in which he finished with fewer than 90 catches for the first time since 2009.
Analysis: Houshmandzadeh was a huge disappointment after coming over from the Bengals in the offseason, scoring only three touchdowns despite his big frame and reliable hands. The possession receiver, who usually ranks among the league leaders in receptions, might not have much opportunity to rebound at age 32, though some improved quarterback play would help. He'll be just a late-round pick in 2010.
News: Seahawks backup QB Seneca Wallace got an opportunity to throw a pass Week 17 against the Titans, completing a 17-yarder to T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Analysis: Wallace unique skill set lets him play a few snaps each game, which is unusual for a backup quarterback. He is strictly a backup, though, which means you wouldn't want to draft him in 2010.
News: Seahawks K Olindo Mare, who had just one field goal over his last three games, scoring a total of six points, had two field goals -- a 20-yarder and a 35-yarder -- Week 17 against the Titans. He also had an extra point.
Analysis: The Seahawks had a rough finish to a mostly disappointing season, and Mare fell right in line. He isn't the most consistent kicker to begin with, so on an inconsistent offense, he's no more than a last resort in Fantasy. Think of him as such entering 2010, assuming he keeps his job in the offseason.
Titans defense rebounds at Seattle
Updated 1/4/2010
Titans, DST TEN
News: The Titans, who gave up more than 400 yards in each of their last two games, had a bounce-back performance Week 17 at Seattle. They allowed 13 points on 309 yards, recording three sacks and one interception.
Analysis: The Titans DST endured its share of blowouts early, but it appeared to hit its stride midseason and become at least a serviceable matchups type in Fantasy. It might go undrafted in some Fantasy leagues in 2010, but it will find itself on somebody's roster at some point.
News: Jets PK Jay Feely had one of his better performances of the season on Sunday in a Week 17 win over the Bengals. He hit all three field goals he attempted, including boots from 20, 39 and 40 yards out. He also made all four extra points he attempted.
Analysis: Feely finished in double figures in three of his final five games of the season. The Jets finished the year out on a high note and Feely's numbers reaped the rewards. New York should again be a contender in 2010 and Feely will be no worse than a No. 2 Fantasy kicker on Draft Day.
News: Titans DB Chris Hope recorded his second sack of the season and also forced a fumble Week 17 at Seattle. He finished with five tackles, all solo.
Analysis: Hope is a good tackler for a defensive back, but his lack of interceptions makes him just a low-end option for Fantasy IDP leagues entering 2010.
News: Titans DB Michael Griffin had nine tackles, including eight solo, Week 17 at Seattle. He also picked up his first sack of the season.
Analysis: Griffin is a good tackler for a defensive back, but he finished the year with just one interception to go along with that one sack. He'll be a low-end option in Fantasy IDP leagues entering 2010.
News: Jets QB Kellen Clemens came on late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game at Cincinnati. He did not attempt a pass and lost 3 yards on three rushing attempts.
Analysis: Mark Sanchez is the future in New York, and if Clemens is back next season, it will be as a backup. He should not be taken in any format on Draft Day in 2010.
News: Jets RB Tony Richardson carried the ball once on Sunday in a Week 17 win over the Bengals. He did not gain a yard on the carry.
Analysis: Richardson has hung around the NFL since 1995 because of his blocking presence as a fullback. He is definitely a player far more important to his real team than Fantasy owners. He should not be taken on Draft Day in 2010.
News: Titans K Rob Bironas hit one field goal, a 47-yarder, Week 17 at Seattle, giving him just one field goal in three of his last five games. He also missed a field goal, a 47-yarder, and hit two extra points.
Analysis: Bironas is one of the best kickers in football and consistently a good source of Fantasy production. The Titans offense sputtered over the final two weeks of the season, leaving him with less opportunities than usual, but you can bet he'll enter 2010 as a No. 1 Fantasy option again.
Analysis: Bennett hasn't really had the breakout run the Cowboys or Fantasy owners have been looking for since he entered the league in 2008. A lot of it has to do with Bennett sitting behind Jason Witten. Until that changes, Bennett won't have a lot of Fantasy appeal. Most of these players aren't going to be on your Fantasy radar heading into 2010.
News: Jets RB Danny Woodhead got some work in on Sunday in a Week 17 blowout win over the Bengals. He carried the ball six times in the game, gaining 20 yards.
Analysis: Woodhead is just a role player with the Jets and does not contribute on a consistent basis. He does not need to be drafted in any format in 2010.
News: Cowboys WR Roy E. Williams posted a goose egg in Week 17 against the Eagles as he failed to stat. Williams was targeted only once in the game. It was the second time this season he failed to stat and Williams finished the season with only three catches in his last three games.
Analysis: The Cowboys paid a hefty price to get Williams to Big D last season, but to say he has failed to meet expectations would be an understatement. He has dropped a ton of passes and his confidence seems shot as well. He finished the season with 38 catches for 596 yards. The only bright spot is that he had seven touchdowns. Williams will likely be back in Dallas in 2010 whether the Cowboys want it or not. Still, Williams will be at best a No. 3 Fantasy WR or flex option.
News: Titans RB Ahmard Hall had one catch for 2 yards Week 17 at Seattle, marking the first time since Week 14 he got an offensive touch. He finished the season with only 12 catches.
Analysis: As a fullback, Hall does more blocking than rushing or receiving. Expect him to go undrafted in 2010.
Analysis: While Brown and Smith were once starters earlier in their career, they spent most of the 2009 season as reserves for the Eagles. Both of them have some work cut out if they want to become viable Fantasy options heading into 2010. The same goes for Kolb and Buckley. You probably won't want to draft these players next season.
News: Titans TE Bo Scaife, who went without a catch last week, had two catches for 14 yards Week 17 at Seattle.
Analysis: Scaife had a stretch of five games with at least four catches, but only twice this season did he top 50 yards. He clearly isn't a big-play threat at the tight end position, making him at best a No. 2 Fantasy option for 2010.
News: Cowboys K Shaun Suisham converted 1 of 2 field goal attempts during a Week 17 win against the Eagles. He hit on a 44-yard attempt in the second quarter but missed from 30 yards out in the fourth. Suisham did make all three of his PATs.
Analysis: Suisham began the 2009 season with the Redskins before missing some costly kicks cost him his job. He then landed with Dallas over the final weeks after Nick Folk was let go. The Cowboys are likely to hold an open competition at kicker next season unless they absolutely love Suisham. If Suisham stays with Dallas, he could be a sleeper Fantasy option on Draft Day 2010, so keep tabs on his progress.
News: Jets WR Brad Smith came from nowhere to have a big game on Sunday in the team's Week 17 win over the Bengals. Smith got four carries in the game, lining up as the team's QB in the TigerCat offense. He gained 92 yards on the four carries, scoring on a 32-yard run in the second quarter. His longest run in the game went for 57 yards.
Analysis: Smith showed his athleticism in Week 17, but that performance was certainly an aberration as his previous season high for run yards was 21 back in Week 13 at Buffalo. He is a dynamic kick returner but is not expected to be an important part of the Jets offense in 2010. He will go largely undrafted in 2010.
News: Cowboys TE John Phillips totaled two catches for 14 yards during a Week 17 win against the Eagles. He finished his rookie season with seven catches for 62 yards.
Analysis: Phillips appeared in all 16 games for the Cowboys and even started in a few. But he was primarily in the lineup for his blocking. He only became a pass-catching option when Martellus Bennett was banged up. Phillips is going to have no Fantasy appeal on Draft Day 2010.
News: Titans WR Justin Gage, who went without a single catch last time out, had four catches for 38 yards Week 17 at Seattle, giving him a total of six catches for 81 yards over his last four games.
Analysis: Gage missed a few games with a back injury, but you can't blame it for his poor numbers when healthy. He has a big 6-foot-4 frame that makes him plenty interesting for offensive coordinators, but he has yet to break out now seven years into his offensive career. You can leave him for the deepest of Fantasy leagues in 2010.
News: Cowboys WR Kevin Ogletree totaled one catch for 15 yards during Week 17 against the Eagles. He finished his rookie season with seven catches for 96 yards.
Analysis: Ogletree hung around Dallas as a fourth or fifth receiver, but he didn't figure prominently into the offensive game plan. We are not so sure that is going to change heading into 2010. Leave Ogletree off Fantasy rosters on Draft Day.
News: Seahawks DL Colin Cole suffered an ankle injury late Week 17 against the Titans and left the game. He finished with three tackles, including two solo.
Analysis: Cole is an interior defensive lineman who didn't record a sack all year. Expect him to go undrafted in 2010.
News: Cowboys WR Patrick Crayton totaled four catches for 99 yards and one touchdown during a Week 17 win against the Eagles. Crayton gave Dallas a 14-0 lead as he hauled in a 14-yard touchdown to open the scoring in the second quarter. He was targeted six times in the game and had a long reception of 32 yards.
Analysis: Crayton was 1 yard short of having his first 100-yard performance since the opener against Tampa Bay. Crayton finished the season with numbers pretty par for the course. A lot of folks expected him to take the next step in 2009 after Terrell Owens was run out of town. Crayton stepped up in the opener, but then was bypassed by Miles Austin, who will be a free agent in the offseason. What Austin does will dictate Crayton's Fantasy appeal for next season. Right now, he is looking like a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy WR.
News: Cincinnati WR Andre Caldwell did not catch a pass on Sunday in a Week 17 loss at the Jets. It was the second time this season that Caldwell was held off the stat sheet.
Analysis: Caldwell finishes off the 2009 regular season with 51 receptions, 432 yards and three touchdowns. He was not one of the featured targets in the Bengals offense this season and that will likely continue in 2010. He will be just a low-end Fantasy option on Draft Day next season.
News: Titans WR Nate Washington had six catches for a season-high 83 yards Week 17 at Seattle. He hadn't recorded more than 55 receiving yards in a game since Week 12.
Analysis: Washington scored a season-high six touchdowns in his first season with the Titans, but he never emerged as a go-to guy for QB Vince Young. He's the kind of player you can count on for 600 yards or so, but never more than that. Leave him for deeper leagues on Draft Day 2010.
News: Titans RB LenDale White, who went three games without a single carry, finally got one Week 17 at Seattle. He ran for only 1 yard, though, finishing the season with 222.
Analysis: White split carries with Chris Johnson in 2008, but Johnson left him in the dust this year, rendering him a backup at best. White would need a change of scenery to make a Fantasy impact in 2010, but the chances of him becoming a feature back anywhere are pretty slim. He's a late-round pick at best.
News: Eagles K David Akers failed to record a point for the first time all season during a 24-0 loss to the Cowboys in Week 17. Akers did get a chance to put points on the board in the second half, but he missed a 53-yard field goal.
Analysis: With the NFC East title on the line, the Eagles had their worst performance of the year in Week 17. It was definitely uncanny. Akers had seven games in 2009 when he had 10 or more points. He also made 30 or more field goals for a second straight season. It seems the older Akers get, the better he performs. Akers will remain a must-own Fantasy kicker on Draft Day 2010.
News: Cincinnati PK Shayne Graham did not get a chance to kick a field goal on Sunday in a Week 17 loss at the Jets as the Bengals were shutout 37-0. It was the first time this season that he has failed to record a stat.
Analysis: Graham finished the season off pretty well, getting four double-digit games in the second half of the season. The Bengals offense was decent in 2010 and Graham got a fair amount of kicking opportunities, maxing out with 12 points at Pittsburgh in Week 10. He will be a No. 2 Fantasy option on Draft Day in 2010.
News: Eagles WR Jason Avant produced only one catch for 8 yards in Week 17 against the Cowboys. He was targeted twice in the game. Avant finished the season with 41 catches for 587 yards and three touchdowns.
Analysis: Avant had career numbers across the board in 2009 and it's no surprise since he was in a walk year. He settled into a role as the Eagles' third receiver behind DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. It will be interesting to see if he returns to that role in 2010 or decides to go elsewhere. Either way, we don't envision Avant having a ton of Fantasy appeal on Draft Day 2010.
News: Cincinnati RB Bernard Scott got a starting chance on Sunday in the team's regular season finale at the Jets. He did not have too much success however, getting only six carries in the contest and gaining just 20 yards. Incredibly, Scott's longest rush in the game went for 22 yards, more yards than he ended up with overall. He shared the load with Larry Johnson who was given nine carries.
Analysis: Scott was dealing with an illness heading into Week 17, so that could have a bit to do with the fact that he carried the ball only six times. Scott, a rookie, finishes his first season in the league with 321 rushing yards and no touchdowns. Cedric Benson is the No. 1 back in Cincy heading into the 2010 season and Scott doesn't figure to get too many carries, at least early on in the season. He will at best be a handcuff for Benson owners or a sleeper on Draft Day in 2010.
News: Eagles RB Leonard Weaver totaled one carry for 2 yards during a Week 17 loss to the Cowboys. He had no receptions. Weaver finished the season with 70 carries for 323 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Analysis: Weaver had the best season of his career in 2009. Most of his damage came when Brian Westbrook was banged up, but Weaver proved to be an effective short-yardage back. He is headed for free agency, but the Eagles would be foolish not to bring him back. Weaver is going to fill the role of a fullback in his career and likely will never challenge for 1,000 yards. Even if he back with Philly in 2010, Weaver won't have much Fantasy appeal on Draft Day.
News: Miami rookie DB Vontae Davis left a Week 17 loss to Pittsburgh in the first half with a left wrist injury.
Analysis: Davis had his moments in his rookie season and could develop into a serviceable DB down the road. Don't draft him in IDP leagues this summer, however.
News: Bills DB Cary Harris made two interceptions in a Week 17 win vs. Indianapolis.
Analysis: Harris was only signed off the practice squad in late November, and only managed to play in four games this season. He should have no Fantasy value heading into 2010.
Analysis: None of these players ever contributes enough statistically to matter in Fantasy.
Lions DST abused yet again
Updated 1/3/2010
Lions, DST DET
News: The Lions DST gave up 37 points and 418 yards to the Bears in a Week 17 loss. Detroit failed to force a turnover and had just a pair of sacks.
Analysis: Mercifully, the Lions DST's season is over. They were one of the league's worst units all season and should be ignored in all drafts this summer.
News: Cincinnati QB J.T. O'Sullivan was less than impressive in a relief opportunity on Sunday in a Week 17 loss at the Jets. O'Sullivan, who played in the second half for Carson Palmer who was benched after completing only one pass, went 3 for 8 passing for 31 yards. He did not throw an interception or TD in the game. He also ran for 3 yards on one attempt and lost two fumbles.
Analysis: O'Sullivan was only in because the Bengals were resting Carson Palmer for the playoff stretch. Palmer has a stranglehold on the starting job in Cincinnati, which means O'Sullivan will again be a backup in 2010. He should not be drafted in any Fantasy format.
News: The Steelers DST gave up 24 points and 303 yards to Miami in a Week 17 win, making three interceptions and tallying three sacks.
Analysis: The Steelers' pass defense was one of their biggest downfalls this season, and Miami made them look pretty normal at times. Two of the interceptions by Pittsburgh came as Miami tried to force things in the fourth quarter. The unit as a whole disappointed in 2009, but they will get leader Troy Polamalu back next season and the Steelers will be worth drafting in all leagues this summer.
Raiders D stays strong vs. Ravens
Updated 1/3/2010
Raiders, DST OAK
News: The Raiders continued their string of above-average defensive performances Week 17 against the Ravens, allowing 21 points on 330 yards. They recorded four sacks but didn't force any turnovers.
Analysis: The Raiders DST allowed less than 350 yards in each of its last four games, finishing strong after some blowouts earlier in the season. It has a few standout players and could probably become a worthwhile Fantasy option if the Raiders offense would take some of the pressure off. For now, it looks like a No. 2 Fantasy DST entering 2010.
News: Cowboys LB Anthony Spencer totaled five tackles (four solo) and two sacks during a Week 17 win against the Eagles. He also had one forced fumble. Spencer had a pair of two-sack performances in 2009 and finished with four sacks in his last three games.
Analysis: The Cowboys have been patient with Spencer since he came into the NFL in 2007. They always envisioned him as another game-changing linebacker like DeMarcus Ware, but he was slow to progress. Spencer finally had his breakout run late in 2009 and that is going to carry him into 2010. Spencer could be a Fantasy sleeper on Draft Day 2010.
News: Cowboys LB Bradie James totaled five tackles (four solo) and one sack during a Week 17 win against the Eagles. It was his second sack of the season and first since Week 4.
Analysis: James has quietly posted four straight 100-tackle seasons. It's unfortunate, however, he had only two sacks in 2009 after having a career-high eight in 2008. James has always been a sound run stuffer rather than sack artist. For that, he is more of a No. 2 Fantasy LB on Draft Day 2010.
News: Bills K Rian Lindell kicked field goals of 31, 33 and 36 yards along with three extra points as he didn't let the snow get to him in a Week 17 win over the Colts.
Analysis: Lindell is a decent kicker but plays for a team that often struggles to put up points. The Bills offense isn't expected to be much better in 2010, so Lindell is likely to go undrafted in most leagues this summer.
News: Eagles DB Joselio Hanson totaled one assisted tackle and had an interception in Week 17 against the Cowboys. It was his second interception and first since Week 1.
Analysis: Hanson missed some time in 2009 because he was suspended by the NFL for violating the league's ban on performance enhancing substances. He was able to come back late in the season and make some plays for Philly, but his impact was still minimal in Fantasy. Ignore Hanson on Draft Day 2010.
News: Eagles DL Juqua Parker totaled two tackles and one sack during a Week 17 loss to the Cowboys. Parker has a sack in two straight games and finished the season with eight sacks.
Analysis: Parker had a career-high eight sacks in 2009 and has managed five or more sacks in four straight seasons. He is a starting defensive end, but Parker doesn't always fill the stat sheet for Fantasy owners. He is more of a low-end Fantasy DL on Draft Day 2010.
News: Dolphins K Dan Carpenter kicked a 25-yard field goal and three extra points in a Week 17 loss to Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Carpenter was an extremely accurate kicker for Miami in 2009, and if the Dolphins offense continues to improve, he will be worth a shot when the matchup is right in 2010. He should be drafted in deeper formats.
News: Denver WR Jabar Gaffney had the best game of his career on Sunday in a Week 17 loss to the Chiefs. Gaffney set a career-high in receiving yards, making 14 receptions and gaining 213 yards. His longest reception in the game went for 29 yards. Gaffney got a chance to start the contest with both Eddie Royal and Brandon Marshall missing in action. Gaffney's 213 yards were one shy of the team record set by Shannon Sharpe in 2002 and the second-most in an NFL game this season. Dallas' Miles Austin had 250 on Oct. 11 at Kansas City.
Analysis: With Sunday's performance, Gaffney finishes the 2009 season with a career-high 732 receiving yards on 54 receptions, one off his season-high total. Gaffney was not one of the top receiving options with the Broncos this season and this one game does not salvage his season. He will remain just a low-end Fantasy option on Draft Day in 2010.
News: Steelers K Jeff Reed finished his 2009 season with three straight double-digit efforts when he booted field goals of 22, 21 and 33 yards along with three extra points in a Week 17 win over Miami.
Analysis: Reed had a pretty solid 2009 season, finishing among the top 10 kickers in standard leagues. He is a free agent this offseason, and could be a low-end No. 1 option for 2010 depending on where he ends up.
News: Eagles DL Mike Patterson totaled four solo tackles and had one sack during a Week 17 loss to the Cowboys. It was his first solo sack of the season. He had a 1/2 sack in Week 1 against Carolina.
Analysis: Patterson is a great run stuffer and one of the premier defensive tackles in the NFL. However, he is not a great pass rusher and that holds him back in Fantasy. Patterson isn't going to have much Fantasy value on Draft Day 2010.
News: Lions K Jason Hanson waited until the final week of the season to produce his best effort. Hanson booted field goals of 42, 48 and 32 yards along with two PATs in a Week 17 loss to Chicago.
Analysis: Hanson didn't have a great 2009 season, and played for one of the worst teams in the league. Unfortunately, he's stuck in Detroit for a while, so won't be worth drafting again for 2010.
News: Raiders LB Kirk Morrison, who recorded his first sack of the season just last week, picked up his second Week 17 against the Ravens. He had his usual high number of tackles, finishing with 10, including nine solo.
Analysis: Morrison continued to establish himself as one of the top tacklers in the league this season. He isn't a reliable source of sacks, but he's worth drafting as an under-the-radar No. 1 Fantasy LB in 2010.
Eagles D embarrassed in Week 17
Updated 1/3/2010
Eagles, DST PHI
News: For an entire year, the Dallas Cowboys have had to deal with the fallout from a crushing, season-ending loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Now it is the Eagles' turn. Tony Romo threw a pair of early touchdown passes and the defense took over from there, carrying Dallas to a 24-0 victory over Philadelphia in Week 17. The Eagles defense saw Romo go 24 of 34 for 311 yards; he went over 300 in both meetings against Philadelphia. Dallas rolled up 474 yards. The Eagles got one turnover and two sacks.
Analysis: What a sad ending to the regular season for the Eagles defense. Not only did they let Dallas rough them up in the finale, but Philly gave up 20 or more points in seven of their last nine games. They really missed the presence of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, who passed away in the offseason. The Eagles DST was boosted in Fantasy, however, because they still got a lot of sacks and because of DeSean Jackson in the return game. Based on reputation, the Eagles DST is probably going to be drafted as a No. 1 Fantasy option in 2010.
News: Bears K Robbie Gould kicked field goals of 44, 28 and 34 yards along with four extra points in a Week 17 win over the Lions.
Analysis: Gould always looked like a nice start in Week 17 and he came through with flying colors. He'll be back in Chicago again for 2010 and will likely be a decent low-end No. 1 option in 12-team leagues.
News: Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski hit two field goals, including a long of 39 yards, Week 17 against the Ravens, giving him five straight games with at least two field goals. He also had an extra point.
Analysis: Janikowski still has a great leg, but the low-scoring Raiders don't always give him the most consistent opportunities. If he ends up back in Oakland in 2010, he'll again be nothing more than a last resort in Fantasy.
News: Raiders WR Marcel Reece had one catch for 11 yards Week 17 against the Ravens. He had only one other offensive touch all season.
Analysis: Reece is clearly too low on the depth chart to make an impact in Fantasy, and his role doesn't figure to change in 2010. Don't plan on draft him.
News: Cardinals TE Anthony Becht dressed but failed to record an offensive stat in Week 17 vs. Green Bay. He finished the season with seven catches for 61 yards and one touchdown.
Analysis: Becht is a 10-year NFL veteran. However, he hasn't broken 200 yards in six seasons and hasn't broken 100 yards in three years. He might dress on a regular basis, but it is mostly for his blocking. Becht has no Fantasy appeal heading into Draft Day 2010.
News: Packers TE Spencer Havner and RB Quinn Johnson both dressed for Week 17 at Arizona but failed to record an offensive stat.
Analysis: Both Havner and Johnson are backups for the Packers. Havner had a few games in 2009 that put him on the Fantasy radar, but he mostly failed to stat. Neither player is going to have a ton of Fantasy appeal on Draft Day 2010.
News: Raiders TE Zach Miller had only 38 yards on seven receptions Week 17 against the Ravens, but he did score a touchdown for the first time since Week 11, connecting on a 12-yard pass in the second quarter.
Analysis: Miller had a surprisingly good season for a receiver on a bad offensive team with miserable quarterback play. He actually was worth using as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option at times. If the Raiders snag a better signal caller in 2010, Miller could emerge as a legit No. 1 option, but right now, he's no sure bet to get drafted. He'll matter at some point during the season, though.
News: Bills QB Brian Brohm took three knees to seal Buffalo's Week 17 over the Colts.
Analysis: The Bills signed Brohm in November, and he could be part of the battle for the No. 1 job in 2010. If Buffalo drafts someone early, Brohm might be pressed to make the 53-man roster, so don't draft him this summer unless he emerges as a contender for the starting job.
News: Cardinals RB Jason Wright totaled one catch for 1 yard during a Week 17 loss to the Packers. He finished the season with nine catches for 53 yards.
Analysis: Wright came over from Cleveland this season to provide RB depth for Arizona and that is exactly what he did. Except he was buried on the depth chart. Unless Wright finds a more favorable situation in 2010, he is not expected to have any Fantasy appeal on Draft Day 2010.
News: Cardinals WR Jerheme Urban totaled two catches for 13 yards during a Week 17 loss to the Packers. It was his first receptions since Week 7 against the Giants.
Analysis: Urban pretty much disappeared from the game plan in the second half of the season after being a fourth receiver early on. He was even inactive for a long stretch of games. Urban is going to be a free agent, but if he latches on with another team, he is only expected to be a fourth or fifth receiver. Ignore him on Draft Day 2010.
News: Raiders WR Johnnie Lee Higgins had four catches for a season-high 71 yards Week 17 against the Ravens.
Analysis: Higgins mostly factors on special teams and doesn't figure to play a big role in the passing game in 2010. Don't expect to draft him in Fantasy.
News: Lions RB Aaron Brown ran three times for 21 yards and caught three passes for 19 yards in a Week 17 loss to Chicago.
Analysis: Brown didn't do much of anything in his rookie season, and will likely be the No. 3 option again for the Lions in 2010 unless he can somehow beat out Maurice Morris for the backup spot. He should go undrafted this summer.
News: Raiders WR Chaz Schilens, who had a season-high 64 yards on four catches last week, topped it with 99 yards on a season-high eight catches Week 17 against the Ravens. He led the Raiders in both categories.
Analysis: Schilens has size and some raw ability, but he has never gotten the quarterback play needed to take advantage of it. If the Raiders land an arm in the offseason, Schilens might have some sleeper appeal in Fantasy, especially with this strong finish, but you can expect him to go undrafted right now.
News: Cardinals TE Stephen Spach totaled one catch for 22 yards during a Week 17 loss to the Packers. It was his first catch since Week 3 against the Colts.
Analysis: Spach has only 13 career receptions in 34 games. He doesn't even dress on a regular basis. Spach got some mop-up play in Week 17 and won't be a factor in Fantasy on Draft Day 2010.
News: Bears RB Khalil Bell ran for 44 yards on 11 carries in a Week 17 win over the Lions.
Analysis: Bell didn't see a whole lot of action in his rookie season as he backed up Matt Forte. He will likely be in the same role for 2010, so only draft him in the deepest of leagues this summer as a handcuff to Forte.
News: Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano made two catches for 41 yards in a Week 17 loss to Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Many people had some high expectations for Fasano in 2009, but he ended up doing pretty much nothing. He isn't likely to be drafted in most leagues heading into 2010, and enters this offseason as a free agent.
News: Dolphins WR Ted Ginn Jr. finished off his disappointing 2009 season with a three-catch, 20-yard effort in a Week 17 loss to the Steelers.
Analysis: Ginn will try to redeem himself in 2010, but you have to think his value will remain as a special teams guy more than a receiver. Only draft him in the deepest of leagues as a flier flex option.
News: Dolphins WR Greg Camarillo gained 22 yards on three catches as Miami fell to Pittsburgh in Week 17.
Analysis: Unless the Dolphins add an impact WR in the offseason, Camarillo will continue to get the odd catch and touchdown here and for Miami in 2010. Ignore him in all drafts.
News: Cardinals RB LaRod Stephens-Howling totaled one carry for 3 yards during a Week 17 loss to the Packers. He finished the season with six carries for 15 yards.
Analysis: The rookie from Pitt mostly was used by Arizona as a kick returner. He did get on the field at times as a third-down back, but he was clearly behind Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells on the depth chart. Not much is expected to change in 2010. Stephens-Howling is going to have no Fantasy appeal on Draft Day.
News: Steelers RB Mewelde Moore was held to one 8-yard catch in a Week 17 win at Miami.
Analysis: Moore spent most of 2009 as the third-string RB in Pittsburgh, but could head into 2010 as the main backup behind Rashard Mendenhall if Willie Parker leaves as expected. Moore iwll only be worth drafting in deeper leagues as a handcuff to Mendenhall, however.
News: Raiders RB Darren McFadden continued to play a secondary role in the running game Week 17 against the Ravens, carrying the ball just five times for 9 yards. He has topped 30 rushing yards only once in his last nine games.
Analysis: McFadden, a first-round pick in 2008, has yet to live up to his lofty potential. By the end of the season, the Raiders didn't even seem willing to give him a chance. Surely they won't pull the plug on him this early in his career, but his Fantasy value has already taken a hit going into 2010. Since he probably won't enter the season as the clear starter, he'll be a mid-round sleeper at best.
News: Raiders WR Louis Murphy, a rookie who has showed potential but has struggled to put up numbers in a weak passing game, had one of his best performances of the season Week 17 against the Ravens. He caught six passes for 59 yards and had two carries for 17 yards.
Analysis: Murphy had only one big game this season, when he caught four passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns Week 13 at Pittsburgh, but he has the potential to make an impact in Fantasy with worthwhile quarterback play. As things stand now in Oakland, Murphy isn't worth drafting in 2010, but if the Raiders make a move, he could emerge as a sleeper.
News: Cardinals QB Brian St. Pierre began Week 17 against the Packers as he has done most of his seven-year career -- as an inactive. However, by the end of the game, he completed his first pass and first touchdown of his career. St. Pierre entered the game in the fourth quarter after Matt Leinart was a poor substitute for Kurt Warner. St. Pierre did throw an interception, but he led the team's only scoring drive as he hit Larry Fitzgerald with a 3-yard touchdown late in the fourth. St. Pierre completed 2 of 4 passes for 12 yards.
Analysis: It was nice of coach Ken Whisenhunt to get St. Pierre into the game and allow him to actually attempt some passes. In his first six seasons, St. Pierre made only one appearance and one pass attempt -- in 2004 with the Steelers. He is likely to be an emergency QB again in 2010, so don't put St. Pierre on your Fantasy draft board.
News: Denver PK Matt Prater hit a 25-yard field goal and converted three extra points for a total of six points on Sunday in a Week 17 loss to the Chiefs.
Analysis: The Broncos finished off the season losing four games in a row and Prater had only one double-digit performance during that span as a result. The Broncos offense could take step back in the 2010 season with Brandon Marshall and Kyle Orton's future with the organization uncertain. However, Prater will likely still be at worst a low-end No. 1 Fantasy kicker on Draft Day.
News: Denver TE Daniel Graham, who got the start on Sunday with Tony Scheffler benched due to bad attitude, made four receptions for 29 yards against the Chiefs. His longest reception in the game was good for 13 yards.
Analysis: Graham has not been a usable Fantasy option all season with Scheffler starting. He will not be a usable option in 2010 either, so do not take him on Draft Day.
News: Raiders RB Michael Bush, who entered the game with a total of 185 rushing yards over his last two, had only 18 despite a team-high 10 carries Week 17 against the Ravens. He also had one catch for 4 yards.
Analysis: With Darren McFadden ineffective and Justin Fargas injured, Bush took over as the Raiders' top tailback late in the season and averaged right around 5 yards per carry. He has talent, but then again, so does McFadden. Unless Bush emerges as the clear starter entering 2010, which seems unlikely, he'll be nothing more than a late-round pick again in Fantasy.
News: Denver WR Brandon Stokley had one of his better games of the season on Sunday in a Week 17 loss to the Chiefs. He caught five passes in the game for 43 yards and a score. His TD reception was from 3 yards out in the third quarter. Stokley got extra looks and playing time in the game with Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal held out of the contest.
Analysis: Stokley failed to make a catch in eight of the Broncos' games this season. He finishes the year up with 19 catches and 327 yards. He will not be a recommended option in any format heading into Draft Day 2010.
News: Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell, forced into the game in the second half Week 17 against the Ravens when starter Charlie Frye left with back and ankle injuries, led the Raiders to only three points. He completed 9 of 14 passes for 102 yards and committed two turnovers, losing a fumble and throwing an interception.
Analysis: Russell, the first overall pick in 2007, got another chance to start for the Raiders this year and lost the job twice -- once to Bruce Gradkowski and later to Frye. You have to wonder if the Raiders will even bother with him next year. Considering his awful completion percentage and quarterback rating -- both under 50 -- probably not. Either way, you wouldn't want to draft him in Fantasy. He has done nothing worthwhile so far in his career.
News: Denver WR Brandon Lloyd, who was signed by the Broncos heading into Week 16, had a solid performance on Sunday in the team's season-ending loss to the Chiefs. He made four receptions in the game, gaining a total of 95 yards. His longest reception in the game went for 44 yards.
Analysis: Lloyd ended up with eight receptions and 117 yards in two games with the Broncos. He might not have a job in 2010 and should not be taken in any Fantasy format on Draft Day.
News: Packers K Mason Crosby booted a 26-yard field goal and converted all four of his extra points during a 33-7 win against the Cardinals in Week 17. Crosby finished the regular season with 27 of 36 field goal conversions.
Analysis: The nine misses in 2009 were a career-high for Crosby, but it is not like he is on the decline of his career. Crosby is still a very good young kicker and should continue to get plenty of scoring chances in 2010 for Green Bay. He remains a viable No. 1 Fantasy kicker on Draft Day.
News: Packers RB John Kuhn totaled one catch for 4 yards during a Week 17 win against the Cardinals. He had a career-high seven catches for 47 yards in 2009. He finished the season with three total touchdowns (two receiving).
Analysis: Kuhn has been a great blocking fullback for the Packers the last few seasons and has even been a nice receiving option at times. Green Bay would be foolish not to bring him back, but the two sides are headed toward the negotiation table this offseason. Wherever Kuhn signs, he is not going to have much Fantasy value on Draft Day 2010 since he doesn't stat on a regular basis.
News: Packers TE Donald Lee totaled two catches for 13 yards in Week 17 against the Cardinals. It was the third time in four games he managed two catches. Lee never had more than four catches in a game this season. He finished with 37 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown.
Analysis: The emergence of Jermichael Finley in 2009 kind of put Lee in the background. He still made some timely catches and started for Green Bay. However, Finley became the top receiving threat at tight end. Lee is locked up for years to come, but Green Bay could always try to trade him. If Lee is back with Green Bay in 2010, he is going to be nothing more than a low-end No. 2 Fantasy TE.
News: Denver RB Correll Buckhalter was bottled up for the most part in the team's Week 17 loss to the Chiefs. He carried the ball only six times in the contest, gaining 18 yards. He also caught two passes for 3 yards.
Analysis: Buckhalter finished the season squarely behind Knowshon Moreno on the depth chart. Moreno is clearly the future carrying the ball for the Broncos and it's hard to say what Buckhalter's role with the team will be in 2010. It's hard to imagine he'll be anything more than a flex option on Draft Day in 2010, if that.
News: Packers WR James Jones totaled three catches for 17 yards during a Week 17 win against the Cardinals. He was targeted six times and had a long reception of 8 yards. Jones finished the season with 32 catches for 440 yards and five touchdowns.
Analysis: Jones hasn't been able to match his numbers of his rookie season (47 catches and 676 yards) the last two years, but at least he had a career-high five touchdowns in 2009. Jones has settled into his role as the Packers' third receiver. However, that isn't expected to change in 2010 as Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are both due back. Jones is entering a contract season in 2010, but he still is going to have very low-end Fantasy appeal Draft Day.
News: Ravens LB Terrell Suggs, who hadn't recorded a sack since Week 9, finally got one Week 17 at Oakland, finishing the season with 4 1/2. He also had three tackles, including two solo.
Analysis: Suggs didn't have one of his better seasons sack-wise, but he's still a safer bet than most linebackers to record a handful. Unfortunately, his lack of tackles will make him just a No. 3 Fantasy LB entering 2010.
Orton has great/awful game Week 17
Updated 1/3/2010
Broncos, TQB DEN
News: Denver QB Kyle Orton had one of his best and worst performances of the season on Sunday in a Week 17 loss to the Chiefs. Orton threw a season high 56 passes in the game, completing 32 of the throws for a 431 yards (also a season high). However, Orton threw only one TD pass and was picked off three times, tying a season high. Derrick Johnson was responsible for two of the interceptions, taking both the other way for six points. Orton also had two carries in the contest for 16 yards, another season high.
Analysis: What's even more astonishing about Orton's big numbers was the fact that he was without Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler in the game. His main target on Sunday was Jabar Gaffney who caught 14 passes for 213 yards. Although Orton threw all over the Chiefs in the season finale, his outlook does not look great for the 2010 season. Marshall could be on the way out and Orton is a restricted free agent. He should be considered just a low-end Fantasy option on Draft Day in 2010.
News: Ravens rookie LB Dannell Ellerbe recorded the first two turnovers of his career Week 17 at Oakland. He had an interception and recovered a fumble, finishing with two solo tackles.
Analysis: Ellerbe didn't play a huge role on defense in 2009. He has some upside, but you don't have any reason to draft him in 2010. Even if his role changes, you'll want to see some numbers from him before you add him.
News: Packers WR Jordy Nelson totaled one catch for 51 yards during a Week 17 win against the Cardinals. His 51-yard catch in the first quarter set up a 1-yard touchdown run by QB Aaron Rodgers. Nelson finished the season with 22 catches for 320 yards and two touchdowns.
Analysis: Nelson's numbers through his first two seasons has been pretty identical. He serves his purpose as a third or fourth receiver for Green Bay, but as long as Greg Jennings and Donald Driver are in town, Nelson will remain in that role. He isn't expected to have much Fantasy appeal on Draft Day 2010.
News: Ravens K Billy Cundiff, who had missed only three field goals all year, missed two Week 17 at Oakland, including a 37-yarder to end the half. He did hit three extra points, though.
Analysis: The Ravens move the ball well enough to give Cundiff a couple field goal opportunities every week, which makes him a worthwhile Fantasy option. If he ends up back in Baltimore next season, he could have some appeal, but the Ravens will probably look into other options.
News: Packers RB Brandon Jackson totaled six carries for 17 yards in Week 17 against the Cardinals. He also had two catches for 29 yards.
Analysis: Jackson had a two-touchdown performance in Week 16 against the Seahawks and a lot of folks thought he would finish out the year with a bunch of touches in Week 17 as Green Bay rested their starters for the playoffs. Unfortunately, it didn't play out that way and Jackson even saw less touches than Ahman Green, who had 12 carries. Jackson is expected to return in 2010 as the top backup RB to Ryan Grant, but he is going to be nothing more than a handcuff Fantasy option for Grant owners on Draft Day 2010.
News: Packers RB Ahman Green totaled 12 carries for 42 yards during a Week 17 win against the Cardinals. The 12 carries were a season best as Green took over for Ryan Grant, who didn't play much in the second half as he rested up for the playoffs.
Analysis: The Packers brought back Green midway through the season to give them some running back depth. He totaled only 41 carries for 160 yards and one touchdown, so he clearly didn't play a prominent role. Injuries have derailed Green's career and he is now at the backup stage of his career. There is no telling if he will even be back in the NFL next season, so keep him out of your Draft Day plans.
News: Packers QB Matt Flynn got into the game in Week 17 against the Cardinals. He replaced starter Aaron Rodgers in the fourth quarter of a 33-7 rout as coach Mike McCarthy started resting his players. Flynn completed 1 of 3 passes for 7 yards, but he was mostly in the game to hand off the football.
Analysis: Flynn saw action in four games in 2009, but he didn't start any of them. He mostly played in mop-up duty. He has settled into a role as a backup QB to Rodgers, but until that changes, he isn't going to have much Fantasy value. Don't put Flynn in your plans for Draft Day 2010.
News: Kansas City LB Derrick Johnson finished off the season on a high note Sunday, intercepting two Kyle Orton passes and returning both the distance for a score. Johnson first picked Orton off in the third quarter, returning the interception 45 yards the other way. The second INT put the game out of reach, going 60 yards the other way. Johnson also recorded six tackles in the contest.
Analysis: Johnson did not contribute all that much with the Bengals this season and Fantasy owners will have little reason to draft him in IDP formats next season despite a strong finish to the year.
News: Kansas City PK Ryan Succop saved his best for last, scoring his most points of the season on Sunday in a Week 17 win at Denver. Succop hit all three of the field goals he attempted in the game, including conversions from 20, 36 and 47 yards out. Succop also hit all five of the extra points he attempted.
Analysis: Succop was not a recommended Fantasy option most of the season as the Chiefs offense struggled to score points. Although the team might be better on offense in 2010, it's hard to think of Succop as anything more than a No. 2 Fantasy option on Draft Day.
