Aug. 17, 2008

Draft prep: There are always quarterbacks

By Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer

Follow Jamey
Follow CBS Fantasy Football

Editor's note: This is a series of 10 predictions of things that will happen in 2008 Fantasy Football leagues according to Senior Fantasy Writer Jamey Eisenberg

If you're one of those Fantasy owners who has to get an elite quarterback but isn't comfortable taking Tony Romo or Drew Brees at the end of the first round, don't panic. There are still plenty of options to help your team.

With Brett Favre's comeback and trade to the Jets, that's another starting quarterback Fantasy owners can count on. He pushed some other quarterbacks down the rankings, but someone you're not thinking about could help your Fantasy team toward the end of the season.

Last year, Derek Anderson, Kurt Warner and David Garrard were not drafted in the majority of Fantasy leagues on CBSSports.com, but they all finished in the top 13 in standard scoring leagues. Some other quarterbacks can sneak up this year as well.

Some guys to target are Matt Moore, Sage Rosenfels, Chris Redman, Jim Sorgi, Billy Volek and whoever starts for the 49ers. As of now, none of these quarterbacks are being drafted in the majority of leagues on CBSSports.com.

There are also veterans like Warner and Chad Pennington and second-year passers like JaMarcus Russell and Trent Edwards, but you know about those guys and they are being drafted. Let's focus on the unknown quarterbacks.


Matt Moore proved he could play filling in for Jake Delhomme last season. (US Presswire)

Matt Moore, Carolina

In Carolina, Jake Delhomme is coming off Tommy John surgery. If he's unable to finish the year, which happened in 2007, the Panthers will turn to Moore.

Moore has talented receivers in Steve Smith (when he's not punching teammates), D.J. Hackett and Muhsin Muhammad, and Moore could make an impact in 2008 if given a chance to play. Last year, Moore appeared in nine games with Delhomme out and passed for 730 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions.

He'll have to do better this year if he plays, but the talent around him has improved as well.

Sage Rosenfels, Houston

The Texans made sure to keep Rosenfels this offseason after he passed for 1,684 yards, 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions filling in for an injured Matt Schaub in 2007. With Schaub not able to make it through his first season in Houston, Rosenfels is a great insurance policy.

Schaub missed time last year with a concussion and a left shoulder injury. If he gets hurt again, Rosenfels will step in and help Fantasy owners by throwing to Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels.

Rosenfels was a hot free agent in Fantasy leagues last year and could be again in 2008.

Chris Redman, Atlanta

Redman was another quality addition for Fantasy owners at the end of last season when he passed for 1,070 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in the final five games. This year, he's expected to be the No. 2 quarterback for the Falcons behind rookie Matt Ryan.

Ryan is talented, but he might not last the whole season as the starter. That could open the door for Redman, who would be a decent Fantasy option if he can play like he did last year.

With Roddy White he has a standout receiver, and Redman showed he has skills to help Fantasy owners down the stretch.

Jim Sorgi, Indianapolis

It's doubtful Sorgi will see the field during any significant action this year, but since Peyton Manning is hurt, Sorgi is worth keeping an eye on. Manning has only missed one play in his career due to an injury, but his knee has kept him out of training camp.

If Manning suffers a setback, and remember the bursa sac is what limited Marvin Harrison to five games last year, Sorgi would start his first NFL game. And you would want the quarterback who throws to Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Joseph Addai and Dallas Clark.

Let's hope Manning is fine for a full season, but make sure you grab Sorgi if Manning has to miss any time.

Billy Volek, San Diego

With Philip Rivers coming off a torn ACL, Volek could get on the field if Rivers suffers a setback. So far, Rivers is OK through training camp.

Volek hasn't started much in his career, but he does have talent. And he would be part of a tremendous offense with LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson.

Since Rivers isn't 100 percent, Volek is worth keeping an eye on.

J.T. O'Sullivan, San Francisco

Alex Smith is being drafted at No. 180 overall in leagues on CBSSports.com, and he could be the eventual starter in San Francisco. Shaun Hill played well for an injured Smith last year, and he also could factor in the mix.

But right now O'Sullivan has started the first two preseason games, and he is the most familiar quarterback with offensive coordinator Mike Martz' system. With Martz' influence, O'Sullivan could be a good Fantasy option later in the season.

The 49ers offense will be pass-happy, and O'Sullivan has decent talent around him in Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson. If O'Sullivan wins the job, or even if it's Smith or Hill, take a flier on San Francisco's starter because it could pay off down the road.

Do you have a Draft Prep question? Send your thoughts to DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com and we'll get to as many as we can. Be sure to put Attn: Draft Prep in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and state.

Schaub doing well in rehab
Matt Schaub, QB, HOU
1:03 PM

News: The Houston Chronicle reports Tuesday that Texans QB Matt Schaub, who finished the season on injured reserve following foot surgery, is doing well and his rehab is ahead of schedule. The report says Schaub works out almost every day.

Analysis: This is great news, and we expect Schaub to return at 100 percent in 2012. Continue to monitor what happens with Schaub, but he should be considered a low-end No. 1/high-end No. 2 Fantasy QB heading into the season. He is worth a mid-round pick in all leagues on Draft Day.

Tatupu visits Saints
Lofa Tatupu, LB, SEA
2:36 PM

News: Free agent LB Lofau Tatupu visited with the Saints on Monday, according to NFL.com. The 29-year-old Tatupu sat out the 2011 season. The former Pro Bowl MLB was asked to take a pay cut by the Seahawks after the lockout ended last summer, and subsequently asked for his release. Tatupu was scheduled to visit with the Raiders and Redskins in August, but didn't sign with anyone and fell off the radar for the remainder of the year while he reportedly dealt with a knee injury. Tatupu was scheduled to earn more than $4 million in 2011 before his release by Seattle. The six-year veteran was a second-round pick and has played in three Pro Bowls. But he also started to wear down from 2008-2010, including finishing 2009 on injured reserve with a knee injury. He did start all 16 games in 2010, but had surgery on both knees during the offseason.

Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Tatupu and where he plays in 2012. When healthy and active he could be a No. 3 Fantasy LB worth a late-round pick in IDP leagues.

Flacco, Ravens to work on deal
Ravens, TQB BAL,
12:47 PM

News: The NFL Network reports that the Ravens are set to open contract extension talks with QB Joe Flacco's agent at the NFL Combine next week. The report says both sides aim for a long-term deal. Flacco is entering a contract year in 2012, and Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti recently said Flacco would be the team's starting quarterback for years to come.

Analysis: Flacco's won a lot of games for the Ravens but hasn't taken the next step statistically, even when the team added Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith. Flacco has had between 3,610 and 3,622 passing yards and between 20 and 25 touchdowns in each of his last three seasons. But this year his completion percentage and yards per attempt dropped like a rock while his pass attempts hit a career high (542, breaking the previous mark of 499). Flacco fits the bill as a great No. 2 Fantasy QB; though he's finally outfitted with a quality receiving corps, he simply doesn't invoke much confidence as a starting option. Look for him late in drafts.

Best 'on pace' for offseason work
Jahvid Best, RB, DET
12:43 PM

News: The Detroit Free-Press reports that Lions RB Jahvid Best’s status remains uncertain because of concussion problems even though team president Tom Lewand is optimistic. Lewand said Best is "on pace" to be ready for offseason workouts, and he is looking forward to seeing Best and Mikel Leshoure play together. "Jahvid is a special player and he'll be even more dynamic when he can ... share the load with a guy like Mikel in the backfield."

Analysis: We hope Best can return at 100 percent, but he will likely be used as a change of pace rusher and a third-down back. Continue to monitor what happens with Best, but he should only be drafted with a late-round pick in standard leagues and a mid-round selection in PPR formats since he will likely be used in tandem with Leshoure and possibly Kevin Smith if he returns as a free agent.

Leshoure's recovery going well
Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET
12:40 PM

News: The Detroit Free-Press reports that Lions RB Mikel Leshoure, who tore his left Achilles tendon in the second week of training camp last year, is close to making a full recovery. At the Lions’ request, Leshoure just moved the final stages of his rehab back to Detroit from Arizona. He’s doing resistance work and light running and is expected to join OTA workouts at some point this offseason. Leshoure looked like he was going to be a key part of the Lions offense when injury struck last August, and the team is anxious to get a read on him this spring. RB Jahvid Best’s status remains uncertain because of concussion problems, and even if Best returns it’s clear he’s not an every-down back.

Analysis: Leshoure should be considered a great sleeper heading into 2012, and he is worth drafting as a No. 3 Fantasy RB as long as he's healthy. He has tremendous upside, and he could be a great weapon for the Lions, especially with Best struggling as an every-down back. Continue to monitor what happens with Leshoure, but he is worth drafting as early as Round 6 in 2012.

Steelers want to lock up Wallace
Mike Wallace, WR, PIT
12:17 PM

News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said Monday the team wants to keep WR Mike Wallace "here for the long run." Wallace, their leading receiver last season, will become a restricted free agent March 13.

Analysis: Wallace played well in 2011 with 72 catches for 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns on 114 targets. He will remain in Pittsburgh in 2012, and hopefully he can sign a long-term deal. We consider Wallace a Top 10 Fantasy WR on Draft Day, and he should be selected in all leagues in Round 3.

GM says no decision on Ward yet
Hines Ward, WR, PIT
12:13 PM

News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said Monday that no decision has been made on whether WR Hines Ward will be back with the Steelers in 2012. "To this current point, no final decisions have been made," Colbert said. "We've had several discussions internally. We're right in the midst of our free agent evaluations of other teams' free agents. We'll meet on those [on the Steelers roster] starting Thursday and carry through Monday." A recent report on NFL Network said that Ward won't be back with the Steelers in 2012 but a source close to Ward refuted the report.

Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Ward and where he ends up in 2012. No matter where Ward plays, however, he would have minimal Fantasy value, and he is not worth drafting in the majority of leagues.

Pats could go after Lloyd
Brandon Lloyd, WR, STL
12:08 PM

News: The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots will be in the market for a WR this year, and one obvious possibility is Brandon Lloyd, who is an impending free agent, because of his ties to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The fact that Lloyd said “I’m tied to McDaniels” makes him a likely free agent target. Lloyd had 51 catches for 683 yards and five TDs last year in 11 games in St. Louis when McDaniels was the offensive coordinator makes him look pretty good after he amassed 77 catches for 1,448 yards and 11 scores with Denver when McDaniels was the coach.

Analysis: One holdup for Lloyd and the Patriots could be Lloyd's agent, Tom Condon, who has a rocky relationship with the Patriots. We'll see what plays out this offseason, but if Lloyd signs in New England he would be considered a low-end No. 2 Fantasy WR. He could still return to the Rams, where he would be a strong No. 3 option. Or he could shop himself around the league. Stay tuned, but either way Lloyd is worth a mid-round pick in all leagues.

Fitzpatrick finished season hurt
Bills, TQB BUF,
11:53 AM

News: The Sports Xchange reports that Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's second-half swoon in 2011 was mystifying to fans and media who concluded the front office badly miscalculated in handing the career journeyman a 10-year, $60 million contract extension. But now it appears Fitzpatrick played the final nine games last season with cracked ribs. "A lot of people don't know, but Fitz, during the Washington game, actually cracked a couple of ribs," WR David Nelson said. "So after that he was playing hurt." It showed. In Fitzpatrick's first seven games of the year, he threw for 1,739 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. After the injury, he had 2,093 yards, 10 touchdowns and 16 picks. He finished the year with a league-high 23 interceptions. "It's hard to find the silver lining but as we evaluate the season and what went right and what went wrong I'm sure we'll find a lot of positives and a lot of things that we can carry into next year hopefully and continue to get better at it," Fitzpatrick said.

Analysis: Fitzpatrick obviously has 4,000-yard, 25-touchdown potential, but issues involving the personnel around him along with his own issues (accuracy, for one) make him risky for weekly use in Fantasy. Figure that he's worth a late-round pick as a good No. 2 Fantasy QB with potential to be a low-end starter. It should only help him if the Bills not only re-sign Steve Johnson this offseason, but also add talent at wide receiver.

Jags want Scobee back
Josh Scobee, K, JAC
11:47 AM

News: The Sports Xchange reports that Jacksonville has most of its top offensive players locked into contracts for the coming season with one notable exception - kicker Josh Scobee, who is an eight-year veteran. Scobee has been one of the league's most accurate kickers in his eight seasons with the Jaguars, converting better than 75 percent of his field-goal attempts in all but one season. Scobee led the team in scoring last year with 92 points, including 23 of 25 (92 percent) field-goal attempts, the second time in his career he's finished over 90 percent with his kicks. It isn't likely the Jaguars would use the franchise tag on him and probably won't have to. They'll make every attempt to sign him. For a team that was among the league's lowest scoring clubs, the Jaguars can ill afford to lose a player with Scobee's talents.

Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Scobee. He is not worth drafting in the majority of leagues, but he could be used as a bye-week replacement as long as he remains with the Jaguars.

More Updates

1	Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB
2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tom Brady, NE, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Matthew Stafford, DET, QB
6	Philip Rivers, SD, QB
7	Eli Manning, NYG, QB
8	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
9	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
10	Peyton Manning, IND, QB
All Rankings

1	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
2	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
3	Ray Rice, BAL, RB
4	Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC, RB
5	Matt Forte, CHI, RB
6	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
7	Ryan Mathews, SD, RB
8	Chris Johnson, TEN, RB
9	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
10	Steven Jackson, STL, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Wes Welker, NE, WR
3	Roddy White, ATL, WR
4	Larry Fitzgerald, ARI, WR
5	Hakeem Nicks, NYG, WR
6	Greg Jennings, GB, WR
7	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
8	A.J. Green, CIN, WR
9	Mike Wallace, PIT, WR
10	Miles Austin, DAL, WR
All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
3	Aaron Hernandez, NE, TE
4	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
5	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
6	Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE
7	Vernon Davis, SF, TE
8	Jermichael Finley, GB, TE
9	Brent Celek, PHI, TE
10	Fred Davis, WAS, TE
All Rankings

1	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
2	Mason Crosby, GB, K
3	Sebastian Janikowski, OAK, K
4	David Akers, SF, K
5	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
6	Dan Bailey, DAL, K
7	Jason Hanson, DET, K
8	Neil Rackers, HOU, K
9	Alex Henery, PHI, K
10	Nate Kaeding, SD, K
All Rankings

1	49ers, DST
2	Texans, DST
3	Ravens, DST
4	Giants, DST
5	Steelers, DST
6	Seahawks, DST
7	Eagles, DST
8	Packers, DST
9	Jets, DST
10	Patriots, DST
All Rankings