After drafting two teams, having an auction and studying the latest Average Draft Position (ADP) numbers from around the web, I have found five guys going in the first six rounds that you don’t want on your team.

Understand, they could add value if they slip, but you’re better off letting some other owner investing such a high pick in them.

DeAngelo Williams (17th overall – ADP):  Williams has put up some big games over the past two seasons and undoubtedly warranted some heavy fantasy consideration.  My biggest concerns are his durability and the presence of Jonathan Stewart, who could easily prove to be the better fantasy option. Williams is a solid choice, but I find more consistency in Round 2 with my pick.

Ryan Grant (25th overall –ADP):  I can’t put my thumb on it, but Grant just doesn’t excite me. While he plays in a high-powered offense, the Packers’ running back lacks explosiveness. He won’t kill you as a RB2, but if you go with other positions in the first two rounds and count on him as your RB1 you will be disappointed.

Percy Harvin (61st overall – ADP):  Harvin’s stock is on the rise following the injury to Sidney Rice, but his struggles with migraines could become a weekly concern.  I favor a few other of the receivers surrounding him on the GSI Cheat Sheet, including Michael Crabtree, Mike-Sims Walker, and Dwayne Bowe. They are all safer picks.

Brandon Jacobs (78th overall –ADP):  After rating as the fourth highest scoring running back in 2008, Jacobs failed to hit 100 yards and finished with just five TD’s a year ago.  He is seemingly is always banged up, has apparently lost a step and is likely to play second fiddle to Ahmad Bradshaw. He is worth a look outside the top 100 overall, but not this early.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh (94th overall – ADP):  Houshmandzadeh only topped 77 yards twice a year ago and had his lowest TD total since 2003. At 33, he’s not getting any better and with so many questions surrounding the Seahawks’ offense you can find a better option at this point in the draft.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, deangelo williams, ryan grant, percy harvin, brandon jacobs, tj houshmandzadeh

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The following rankings are based off yardage+TD formats for year-to-year, non-keeper leagues...

*Last updated on Aug 30, 2010

 COMPLETE RANKINGS

Fantasy Football 2010 fantasy rankings, fantasy advice, gsi cheat sheet, fantasy projections

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Everyone wants to own all the top tier players they can for their fantasy team, but that's just not going to happen. So, it's best to pick the right top tier guys and then fill your roster with underrated players who perform as well as the bigger named guys. Here's a couple candidates to target:

Pierre Garcon, IND: The top pick for the Colts is obviously Reggie Wayne, but a closer look at Garcon shows that you should pass on Wayne and snag Garcon. Wayne did not even have 1,000 yards last year and has smallest yards per catch average of his career. His numbers are tailing off. Garcon had almost 800 yards receiving in limited action last year. This year, he's expected to start opposited Wayne. Expect Garcon to get to the 1,000 yard plateau this season. Garcon has an average draft position of 58 while Wayne has an ADP of 12. There's a lot of talent between those two numbers, so pass on Wayne and wait for Garcon, in the middle rounds (5-8).

Derrick Mason, BAL: Mason is one of the most unheralded fantasy producers. All he does is produce consistent (not stellar) fantasy numbers every week. This year, he has less pressure as Anquan Boldin is not expected to be the top receiver for the Ravens. Boldin will go before Mason, but it's Mason who makes for a better value. Boldin will probably get 1,000 yards, if he stays healthy (something he's had trouble with). Plus, Boldin will have to form chemistry with Joe Flacco and learn the new system. Mason has the relationship with Flacco. Mason is going, on average, in the 10th round of leagues while Boldin is going in round 3-4. Mason has a 3-year average of 85 receptions and 1,000 yards. Boldin has a 3-year average of 81 receptions for 900+ yards.

Jonathan Stewart, CAR: The Carolina Panthers have a duel threat in the backfield. Deangelo Williams is the top fantasy choice amongst the duo, but it's Stewart who carries the better fantasy value. Stewart has never gone a season without 10 touchdowns. Analyzing Williams' 3-year average reveals similar production, but when you take into account his freakish 18-TD output from 2008 and suddenly the two Panthers have the same numbers. But Williams is going in the first or second round in all leagues and Stewart is not going until round 4, on average. So why pay for Williams, when you can snag the same stats, touches, etc. with Stewart a couple rounds later?

Chester Taylor, CHI: All the talk is on Mike Martz and his affect on the Bears offense this year, but the Bears invested in Chester Taylor this offseason, for a reason. As all fantasy owners know, Forte was disappointment last season. So Taylor's presence puts pressure on Forte to excel or move aside. Forte will still go much higher in drafts than Taylor, as Forte as had a nice preseason and is technically the starter, but Taylor is a better value. Taylor's ADP is 126 while Forte's is 40. That's a huge gap. Taylor, who's been a part-time player his entire career, doesn't have the 3-year numbers to impress, but he has averaged 40 catches over the last three years. So in PPR leagues those numbers are more important. If you really believe in Forte, take him, but make sure you handcuff him to Taylor.

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Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy bargains, chester taylor, derek mason, jonathan stewart, pierre garcon

So many owners new to PPR-formats think that it is only wide receivers that gain a boost in leagues where points are awarded for receptions. However, running backs that catch the ball also become quite more valuable.

Here's a look at the top 10 reception leaders out of the backfield from 2009:

Ray Rice (BAL) - 78 
Tim Hightower (ARI) - 63
Matt Forte (CHI) - 57
Maurice Jones-Drew (JCK) - 53 
Frank Gore (SF) - 52
Joseph Addai (IND) - 51
Steven Jackson (STL) - 51
Reggie Bush (NO) - 47
Fred Jackson (BUF) - 46 
Darren Sproles (SD) - 45 

The ability to catch so many balls out of the backfield made Rice even a better commodity.  MJD, Gore, and Jackson make already top 10 runners even stronger plays in PPR formats. Receptions in PPR leagues made  Hightower, Forte, Bush and even Sproles relative and legitimate contributors.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy strategy, ppr, rb receiving leaders, ray rice

We continue to get you ready for the upcoming fantasy season with some helpful advice:

In this session we’ll be covering some things to look out for in players when creating your rankings, and different ways to get the upper hand on other owners. Open up your notebooks and start paying attention, class is now in session.

Before an owner is able to draft a team, they have to know how they would rank certain players based on their position, and when they would take them in the draft. When figuring out a ranking sheet, more factors than just “last year’s stats” come into play. Here are a few things that an owner should consider when ranking a player:

Are they injury prone? This is one of the most important factors as a player cannot get you points when they are watching from the sidelines.

Are they on a new team? It may take no time, a few games, or even a few years in order for a player to feel comfortable with a new system. A player that has been with a team/coach for numerous years is a lot more likely to not have these adjustment troubles.

Are they in a position battle? It would be a shame to draft a player that you think may start, only to see him get beaten out or split time with another player. On top of that, if that player struggles, it is likely that they could get replaced easier than a player that is unquestionably the starter.

Are they in a contract year? As if a player needs any more motivation, playing for a bigger paycheck can always help.

How old is the player? Obviously a rookie has more potential than a 15-year veteran, but they are also limited because of a lack of experience. For an older player injuries become more of a concern, and the likelihood of having a career year declines.

Anything that an owner can think of to determine how a player will perform should be used. These are just a few of the factors that need to be taken into consideration when determining how a player will perform in the upcoming year.

When drafting a fantasy football team it is likely that a player who you have coveted will get taken right before you get a chance to select him. If this is the case then make sure that you don’t make too much of a stink about how you wanted this player so badly. The reasoning behind this is that it is much easier to acquire that player in a trade when the other owner doesn’t know that you want him so much. However, if on draft day you reacted like you were a schoolgirl watching a scary movie, then the opposing owner is going to garner more in a trade because they know that you want them so much. A good rule of thumb is to treat the fantasy draft like a game of poker. You don’t want other people to know what you are holding (or in this case, who you want).

Part of playing poker is knowing the tendencies of the other players. In fantasy football, it is always nice to know if an owner has an inclination to draft certain players. It is always nice to have players from your favorite team on your actual fantasy team. However, don’t let it stand in the way of drafting a good fantasy team. If you do find out that a certain owner likes to draft players from a certain team (or drafts the same player every year), then by all means take that into consideration and try and use it against them. Just like in poker, no one is stopping you from talking up a certain player, only to be bluffing that you want them. Make the opposing owner think that you want that player so that they select the player earlier than they should. Remember, being a successful GM isn’t just about drafting. It’s also about how you can manipulate the other players into doing things that you want them to do.

Another way in which you can manipulate other owners is thru trading. Throughout the course of an NFL season players are bound to get injured, not perform up to expectations, or just plain old suck. A successful GM will look into numerous things about a player that isn’t performing, and then evaluate if they may be able to steal him from the opposing owner. Even though the player isn’t performing well, it may be early in the season and the opposing owner is not patient. If this is the case then tempt that owner with a player that is off to a hot start (or has a few good games), but is likely to cool down as the season goes on. As for trading for an injured player, look at how much depth you have at that position. If you are able to take on that player, have him sit on the bench, and wait out the injury then by all means do so. Not every team is as deep as each other. Because of this certain owners may not be able to sit an injured player, and instead need the instant gratification.

A third way to manipulate other owners in trading is by giving them “more players in return for less” (ex. You are giving up 2 players in exchange for 1, or 3 for 2). This is usually an easy way to pull one over on inexperienced or unknowledgeable owners. Essentially what you are trying to do is make the statistics of the two players that you are giving up look better (when they are combined) than the one player that you are getting. Often you are giving up a player that is of above average skills and a player of average skills, for a player that is a superstar. The owner that is receiving fewer players now has an extra roster spot in which they can play with. What the opposing owner fails to realize is that it is very easy to replace a player of average skills. That’s what the waiver wire is for. On top of that, that owner is also going to have to drop someone in order to make space on their roster for 1 more player. On the other hand, it is very hard to find a replacement for a player that always puts up Pro Bowl numbers. Unless your team is decimated by injuries and you need the extra bodies, make sure that your trades are either in your favor (2 for 1, or 3 for 2) or straight up (1 for 1, 2 for 2). 

Fantasy Football fantasy 101, ranking players, fantasy advice

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CREAM OF THE CROP
--Drew Brees: Aside from being on the Madden cover I can’t find anything wrong with a signal caller that has a 68:28 TD-to-interception ratio over the past two years. He’s finished as a top-two fantasy QB in three of the last four years and there’s no reason not expect that in 2010.

--Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers actually finished ’09 as fantasy top-scoring passer despite taking a league-high 50 sacks. He threw for multiple scores in 10 of Green Bay’s last 14 contests while leading all quarterbacks in the league in rushing touchdowns and ranking second in rushing yards. He’s a safe bet in late Round 1 into early Round 2.

--Peyton Manning: Perhaps fantasy’s safest bet, Manning is an annual lock for to pass for 30+ plus touchdowns and 4,000 or more yards. He finished last year second in the league in both passing yards and passing TD’s.

OVERHYPED
--Jay Cutler: There’s no doubt that the arrival of Mike Martz as offensive in coordinator will increase Cutler’s pass attempts. However, it seems to being blown a bit out of proportion. The fact he has thrown 45 interceptions over the past two years and the lack of a legitimate No.1 wideout to throw the ball to raises serious flags. Keep in mind the Bears play in cold weather games in all but one week after No. 1, making the elements a factor too.

--Brett Favre: Last year was one of the best statistical seasons of Favre’s career, but now he’s 40, getting a late start to the season and coming off ankle surgery. Adding fuel to the fire, he will also be without last year’s top target, wide receiver Sidney Rice, who is expected to miss at least half of the season following hip surgery. This could be the year the bottom finally falls out for the future Hall of Famer.

--Donovan McNabb: I still can’t believe the Eagles traded McNabb inside the division to the Redskins. While I firmly believe that the veteran has a few good years left in the tank, the lack of talent around him D.C. is likely to lead to some mediocre numbers. Avoid drafting him as your QB1, but don’t be afraid to go after him as an early backup option.

UNDERVALUED
--Matt Ryan: A sophomore slump is causing Ryan to slip down in many drafts, but there is still a ton of upside. Last year’s struggles can be attributed to injuries and now Ryan and many of the team’s other weapons are healthy. His schedule is extremely favorable as well. If you miss out on the top guys and decide to wait until later to get a QB go with upside and draft Ryan.

--Ben Roethlisberger: The fact that he is suspended for at least four games is scaring many owners away from Big Ben altogether, but he is still a savvy pick as a QB2, particularly in keeper formats. He finished last season with career-highs in passing yards and passing attempts and could bring great trade value later in the year for your team if nothing else.

--Matthew Stafford: If you looking for late-draft value for a backup quarterback look no further than the former No. 1 overall pick of the Lions. Injuries hurt his production as a rookie and making through 16 games behind Detroit’s porous offensive line will be a challenge. He’s certain to be inconsistent, but with his arm and the talent around him expect 4 or 5 monster weeks from Stafford.

LISTEN TO THE SEGMENT (Homer247.com)

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, quarterback sleepers, quarterback busts, 1530 homer, fantasy segment

The news wasn’t good this week surrounding Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice as he underwent surgery on Monday after failing to recover from a playoff hip injury.

The team had hoped he would heal over the summer, but went little progress was made the wideout opted to go under the knife.  He’s expected to miss at least eight weeks and to start the season on the PUP list. The team could eventually opt to place him on the injured reserve, ending his season.

Rice emerged as a low-end fantasy WR1 during 2009 when he finished with 83 catches for 1,312 yards (15.8 avg.) and eight touchdowns (with 100 yards and/or a touchdown in 10 of his last 14 games).

In leagues where you can have 16 or more players on the roster, Rice could be worth a stab as a WR5 or WR6 and be stashed away for the season, but just be prepared to get nothing out of him for at least half of the NFL season. 

With Rice out, fantasy owners that already drafted him are left scrambling.  In addition, those that have yet to draft their teams must consider the impact:

QB Brett Favre – The veteran just got to camp and is likely going to need time to get into game speed and losing his No. 1 target is not going to help. Expecting Favre to equal last year’s output is unrealistic though he should still prove to be a capable low end fantasy quarterback No. 1 or solid QB2 in shallower leagues regardless of Rice’s presence.

RB Adrian Peterson – Peterson is going to see even more targets in the Vikings’ passing attack with Rice out. In addition, the team will likely run more often. With rookie Toby Gerhardt progressing slowly in the Vikings’ offense, A-Pete could approach 400 touches and get 50-plus receptions. He remains as one of fantasy football’s top options.

WR Percy Harvin – Assuming the second-year wideout can get over the migraine issues that have sidelined him in training camp, Harvin is in position to become the team’s No. 1 wideout.  While owners certainly need to keep their eyes on his medical concerns, Harvin projects to be a low-end No. 2 fantasy wideout and a mid-round draft selection (6-9th round). Just be prepared to deal with your own headaches if you take a flier on him.

WR – Bernard Berrian – Berrian’s stock is already on the rise with Rice sidelined and will stand to get an additional boost if Harvin misses time.  He won’t offer enough consistency though to be anything more than a WR3 or WR 4 option. You could do much worse when building the bench for your fantasy team.
WR – Javon Walker – There will likely be some owner in your league that takes a stab at Walker, but don’t let it be you.  He is 31 and has played in just 11 games during the last two seasons.  He hasn’t eclipsed 300 yards or scored multiple touchdowns in a season since 2006.

TE Visante Shiancoe – Shiancoe emerged in the fantasy world last year when he scored 11 times on just 56 catches. He will remain a red-zone target for Favre, who loves throwing to tight ends. In addition, with Rice sidelined his targets are certainly to rise.  Tight end is deep so he is still only low-end starting fantasy option but will provide nice value for owners that wait until the big guys go off the board.

Fantasy Football minnesota vikings, sidney rice, sidney rice injuyr, fantasy impact, percy harvin, adrian peterson

Did you miss my weekly segment on ESPN 1530 Thursday at 4:40? Here's what you missed:

CREAM OF THE CROP
--Chris Johnson: While I don’t expect him to hit 2009’s record numbers I do anticipate the Titans’ star running back to be fantasy’s top producer and a near consensus No. 1 overall fantasy pick. Look for his touches to go down slightly as the team tries to conserve him, but his receptions and touchdowns are likely to see a slight increase.

--Adrian Peterson: Assuming he can avoid the fumble problems that plagued him late in the season a year ago, Peterson remains a must-have fantasy option. Though he could lose some goal line touches to rookie Toby Gerhardt, AP is likely to become more involved in the Vikings’ passing attack with Chester Taylor no longer in the mix.

--Ray Rice: I favor Rice over Maurice Jones-Drew and Frank Gore at No. 3 on the GSI Cheat Sheet. Recent trade talks around backup Willis McGahee make the young back even more appealing. The Ravens made major upgrades in their passing attack in the offseason and that may mean a bit fewer receptions for Rice, but it should also help keep defenses more honest, leading to bigger plays from scrimmage.

OVERHYPED
--Ryan Grant: The Packers’ running back lacks the elite talent or big-play ability to be a top RB, but his inconsistency scares me away.

--Cedric Benson: His 320 carries last year were 100 rushes more than he’s ever had before and while he will still get the bulk of the Bengals’ touches in 2010 that workload concerns me. Drafts here in Cincinnati are likely to see him go much earlier than he should.
 
--LaDainian Tomlinson: LT is at least two years past his prime, but his name will still fool some owners into thinking he has value. He shouldn’t be considered anything more than a RB4 as he moves to the Jets, where Shonn Greene is poised for a breakout campaign.

UNDERVALUED
--Pierre Thomas: Mike Bell left via free agency to Philly. Lynell Hamitlon suffered a season-ending injury and Ladell Betts was signed, but won't be much of a factor. While Reggie Bush will still have a role, this is the year that Thomas finally cracks the top 10 fantasy running backs, if not top 5.

--Jonathan Stewart: He shares carrues with DeAnglelo Williams, but expect it to be more split this season; Williams gets the catches out of the backfield, but Stewart will get the yards on the ground and the goalline carries.

--Matt Forte: Officially a bounce back candidate in my book; Mike Martz’ arrival in the Windy City should only help make that a reality. I am a bit concerned about Chester Taylor's presence, but Forte is falling in drafts and has a ton of upside entering his third season.

LISTEN TO THE SEGMENT (Homer247.com)

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, running back sleepers, running back busts, 1530 homer, fantasy segment

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The days of drafting RB/RB and loading up on runners is no longer the route to a fantasy championship. The NFL has changed to a pass-first league and most teams have opted to implement 2-3 running backs into their game plans. This translates into more running backs getting fantasy points, but fewer backs getting the heavy workloads necessary to put up monster numbers.

The top players at the position on our GSI CHEAT SHEET include Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice, Maurice-Jones Drew definitely fit the bill of heavy workload runners. These guys are locks to be grabbed in the first round. Touches are a big factor in determing running back production. Some second-tier runners like Michael Turner and Steven Jackson also benefit from these circumstances.

As always, I stress owners know their league’s scoring system as well. Does your league give yardage bonuses or reward points for receptions? Who gets the carries at the goal line? Does your league use a flex? These are all factors in determining a player’s value for your fantasy team.

Running backs like Felix Jones gain a big advantage in leagues that rewards bonus points for long runs. Change-of-pace guys that catch the ball out of the backfield gain steam in PPR formts. Brandon Jacobs, who is sliding in value, still is a highly-touted player in TD only formats.

I recommend going with at least one RB in your first 2-3 picks and that you still grab three runners by the end of the sixth round. Build depth late and favor younger players with more upside. There is something to be said about running backs once they reach a certain age.

MORE FANTASY STUFF:
--GSI Cheat Sheet
--Position Battles: Running Backs
--Keeper Rankings: Running Backs
--Fantasy 101: The Basics
--Tweet or E-Mail us your fantasy questions
--Follow GSI on Twitter
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--Order your Draft Board
--Fantasy Draft Order Generator (FFToolBox.com)
--NFL Depth Charts (Rotoworld.com)

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, running back fantasy strategy, running back rankings, fantasy rb

The following rankings are based off yardage+TD formats for year-to-year, non-keeper leagues...

*Last updated on Aug 17, 2010

 COMPLETE RANKINGS

Fantasy Football 2010 fantasy rankings, fantasy advice, gsi cheat sheet, fantasy projections

In many fantasy leagues, tight end is a required starting position, and if not, there are still several impact tight ends who are worthy of starting in a flex position. Here are a couple of the tight end battles to keep an eye, each one with major fantasy implications:

Washington: With Mike Shanahan calling plays in the nation’s capital, it’s hard not to have visions of Shannon Sharpe in your head. Shanahan’s offense generally uses a tight end as a primary target. Likewise, Donovan McNabb excelled recently with Brett Celek in Philadelphia. With McNabb under center for the Skins, Chris Cooley makes for a very attractive option. However, he is being challenged by Fred Davis, who filled in admirably last year during Cooley’s injury. In camp, Cooley will probably win the starting role, but Davis will push him and might steal some targets from Cooley in any two tight end packages. Cooley outshines Davis for hottest wife though and there's no competition there.

Fantasy perspective: Cooley is a top 10 tight end and someone I’m very high on this year. I am not worried about Fred Davis’ role on the squad. I like Davis as a long-term option and if your league requires a tight end and you have a deep roster, I like Davis as a handcuff to Cooley, and in dynasty leagues, I like Davis a lot.

New England: In April, the Patriots drafted not one, but two rookie tight ends, signifying a changing of the guards for New England at the tight end position. While TE has not been a vital role in the Patriots offense, that very well could change with Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. Both rookies however are battling veteran Alge Crumpler for the starting job.

Fantasy perspective: Both rookies have a lot of potential. I think Gronkowski is the more complete tight end (he’s a physical specimen who can block), Hernandez is likely the one to make the bigger impact. Hernandez is more of a true passing tight end and will exit the field in running plays. But, Hernandez is going to be an attractive red zone target for Tom Brady. In keeper leagues, Hernandez has value. Gronkowski probably needs to hit the waiver wire with a mindful eye on his health and performance. Hernandez, however, is nothing more than a TE2 for your squad.

Cincinnati: The tight end position is something the Bengals actively sought to improve and did so in the draft by selecting Jermaine Gresham. This 6’6” athletic specimen has Carson Palmer excited as he represents something the Bengals have not had in a long time – a red zone target with great hands (who can also block) who can stretch the field and present match up problems. Gresham will have competition from veteran Reggie Kelly who will be more of a tutor/mentor for Gresham than a competitor. And, he’ll have last year’s rookie Chase Coffman, a great catcher but bad blocker, to compete with.

Fantasy perspective: Greshamhas a very high ceiling and could be a real find for your fantasy squad. The tight end pool is deep and I am not sliding Gresham into the top 15 at his position, but in dynasty/keeper leagues, Gresham is THE tight end to snag. The sky is the limit and the only question is whether he will be utilized and exploited.

Detroit: The Lions offense looks much improved. They had several nice veteran signings which should bring stability to a woeful offense. One such signing was Tony Scheffler. Scheffler is not a fantasy stud or even an impact player, but could make for a sneaky selection for a fantasy squad. Likewise, Brandon Pettigrew, a second-year player, could also be a nice target for Matthew Stafford.

Fantasy perspective: If I had to select one of these guys, I’d go with Pettigrew. He is coming off a knee injury and will likely have little impact early on, but late in the season and from a long-term standpoint, Pettigrew has nice potential. He’s nothing more than a TE2 this year, as is Scheffler.

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Fantasy Football christy ogilvee, jermaine gresham, aaron hernandez, fantasy football advice, position battles tight ends

The wide receiver position is where a lot of the big personalities in the NFL preside. It’s also a position where rookies can make an immediate impact. For this reason, it’s always good for some interesting battles in the preseason. Here are a couple of the wide receiver battles to keep an eye, each one with major fantasy implications:

Indianapolis: We all know that Reggie Wayne is the star wideout for the Colts and is still a fantasy stud. But, when Anthony Gonzalez went down with an injury last year it helped to showcase some real talent for the Colts. Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie both proved to be more than serviceable in the absence of Gonzalez and now will battle for the other starting role alongside Wayne. It might be important to the players to be called a starter, but all three receivers will have a role in the fantasy world, regardless of whether they’re a starter.

Fantasy perspective: Among the three, Garcon has the best big-play potential and showed to be the most consistent. He’s also a third-year player, so the sky is the limit. Garcon is an excellent sleeper candidate and definitely a WR3. Gonzalez will be back to form and is probably just a tick below Garcon. Any injuries or slumps in the preseason can move Gonzalez back ahead of Garcon, so watch closely. Austin Collie is probably the odd man in this trio. He still has value and should be drafted for depth in most leagues and makes a great handcuff to Garcon or Gonzalez.

New York Giants: The Giants became a passing team last year. Steve Smith broke out to become a fantasy star. Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham also had huge games as well. This pair will battle for the other starting role alongside Smith. Nicks is the likely leader in the race and has more upside than Manningham.

Fantasy perspective: Nicks has nice fantasy value. He seems to be an excellent route runner is someone Eli Manning learned to look for and target. Nicks, in his second year, has a lot of value in keeper leagues as well. Count Nicks as a solid WR3 or low-end WR2 in deeper leagues. Manningham is too inconsistent to be counted on in a week-to-week basis. But, you don’t want to miss out when he does have a big game. Manningham is a WR3/Bye week filler and also is a necessary handcuff for Nicks owners.

Dallas Cowboys: When the Cowboys drafted Dez Bryant in April, most thought that meant the end of the Roy Williams era in Big D. When Bryant said he wouldn’t carry Williams’ pads in practice it got even more interesting and the battle for the second wide out position (with Miles Austin entrenched as the #1 wide out) was on. It’s hard to imagine that Bryant won’t have a big role in the Cowboys offense, but thus far in preseason, Williams has performed. Of course, Bryant got hurt and will miss some time. The missed time in camp and the preseason could hurt his short-term value.

Fantasy perspective: Every fantasy owner in your league will take Bryant before Roy Williams, even if Williams performs better early. And in keeper leagues, Bryant has a lot of value. Bryant could be taken as early as round 5 in deeper leagues while Williams will slip. For owners playing for this year, and in non-keeper leagues, Williams could make for a nice find.

Cincinnati: The Bengals wide receivers are the star of this team. With Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens playing together as Batman and Robin, the battle for the remaining WR spots got a lot tougher. Considering the Bengals had also signed Antonio Bryant to a long-term contract and drafted Jordan Shipley, there will be quite a scrum for the third and fourth receiver roles.

Fantasy perspective: It seems irrelevant to discuss who will be the Bengals third receiver, but with so many offensive weapons the expectations are that the Bengals will pass a lot more, making this one of the vital roles to monitor. Andre Caldwell showed some development last year for the Bengals, but also had some big mistakes. Caldwell, even if he wins the role has little fantasy value, outside of deep leagues. Antonio Bryant, if he is healthy, will be taken and can be counted on as a WR3. However, Bryant has struggled in camp with a nagging knee injury and good money says he will be put on the injured reserve list. That leavesShipley, also a special teams star, as the best of the bunch. In keeper leagues, Shipley has more value. I still don’t think Shipley is going to put up impressive numbers this year, so only draft him late or as a handcuff to either TO or Ochocinco.

Tampa Bay: The Buccaneers have an impressive array of young talent on offense. Drafting Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn to go with second-year QB Josh Freeman makes the Bucs a nice place to look for young, cheaper talent for your fantasy squad.

Fantasy perspective: It’s likely that both Williams and Benn will be the starting wide outs for the Bucs and both of these guys have a lot of potential. Neither is an anchor WR for your squad but both make for excellent WR3 candidates. I would draft both of these guys over veteran options of equal ranking.

Chicago: Mike Martz is the new offensive coordinator for the Bears. This has a lot of fantasy owners and NFL experts calling for an offensive explosion in Chicago. I’m not as sold as I’ve explained in previous columns. I think Martz is more overrated as an offensive guru. That being said, the Bears have an intriguing battle at receiver going on. Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu as well as Earl Bennett will battle it out for the love and attention of Martz and Jay Cutler. Who will come away as the starters is the question.

Fantasy perspective: Hester is the sexy pick by many draft experts, but of this group I think Johnny Knox is the one you want. When it’s all said and done, I think Knox will be a solid WR2 and is one of the biggest sleepers. Likewise, Aromashodu has some sleeper value to him as well. He makes a nice handcuff to Knox or Hester, who I think will be taken in rounds 6-7.

Fantasy Football fantasy football advice, wide receiver position battles, chad ochocinco, terrell owens, dez bryant, devin hester, pierre garcon