The dust has settled for the drafts and I am working hard to get my first round of 2012 projections completed. At first glance here's how I rank this year's rookie class for the long term.

*based on dynsasty formats (3-5 value)

OVERALL TOP 12
1. Trent Richardson (CLE)
2. Andrew Luck (IND)
3. Robert Griffin III (WAS)
4. Doug Martin (TB)
5. Justin Blackmon (JCK)
6. David Wilson (NYG)
7. Michael Floyd (ARZ)
8. Stephen Hill (NYJ)
9. Kendall Wright (TEN)
10. Ryan Tannehill (MIA)
11. Rueben Randle (NYG)
12. Isaiah Pead (STL)

QB
1. Andrew Luck (IND)
2. Robert Griffin III (WAS)
3. Ryan Tannehill (MIA)
4. Brandon Weeden (CLE)
5. Ryan Lindley (ARZ)
6. Brock Osweiler (DEN)

RB
1. Trent Richardson (CLE)
2. Doug Martin (TB)
3. David Wilson (NYG)
4. Isaiah Pead (STL)
5. Ronnie Hillman (DEN)
6. Lamar Miller (MIA)
7. Bernard Pierce (BAL)
8. Robert Turbin (SEA)
9. Dan Herron (CIN)
10. Chris Polk (PHI)
11. LaMichael James (SF)
12. Vick Ballard (IND)

WR
1. Justin Blackmon (JCK)
2. Michael Floyd (ARZ)
3. Stephen Hill (NYJ)
4. Kendall Wright (TEN)
5. Rueben Randle (NYG)
6. Mohamed Sanu (CIN)
7. Alshon Jeffery (CHI)
8. AJ Jenkins (SF)
9. Nick Toon (NO)
10. Marvin Jones (CIN)
11. Brian Quick (CHI)
12. Ryan Broyles (DET)

TE
1. Coby Fleener (IND)
2. Ladarius Green (SD)
3. Orson Charles (CIN)
4. Dwayne Allen (IND)
5. Michael Egnew (MIA)

Fantasy Football 2012 fantasy football, rookie rankings, 2012 rookies, fantasy advice

Like GetSportsInfo.com on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter...

College Football, College Hoops, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Football, MLB, NBA, NFL getsportsinfo.com, facebook, twitter, social media, sports on facebook, sports on twitter

Heading into the 2012 NFL Draft, fantasy owners were chomping at the bit to see where Alabama running back Trent Richardson would fall.  Where he landed left many disappointed.

In recent years fantasy players go to the Dawg Pound and die. Aside from Braylon Edwards’ one decent season when Derek Anderson actually looked like a quarterback in 2007, Cleveland’s offense has finished in the bottom five in the league in scoring offense in every year since 2003.

The Browns offensive line is on the upswing. While the unit lacks depth, its young core has upside. That should translate into plenty of good running lanes for the rookie.

With Montario Hardesty currently listed as the team’s No. 2 back on the depth chart, Richardson will not have to worry about competition for carries either.

In addition, Richardson’s size and ability allow him to be effective on all three downs and will lead to more touches than a typical NFL back. Richardson could easily lead the NFL in touches as a rookie.

The main concern is the team’s passing game.  The Browns drafted a 28-year old quarterback, Brandon Weeden, in the first round and aside from Greg Little there is little talent and/or experience in the receiving corps.

The poor passing attack will allow defenses to cheat and stack the box to slow down Richardson.

2012 PROJECTIONS
309 carries, 1,274 RuYd; 45 receptions,  513 yards, 5 ReTD

FINAL TAKE
As you can see I am extremely high on the rookie despite the limitations Cleveland may bring. Assuming he stays healthy Richardson will finish as a top 10 fantasy producer at the position, with the upside of being a top 5 fantasy RB.  He comes with risk though and therefore should be looked at more of a second-round pick in upcoming season drafts. His upside makes him a top 5 dynasty RB immediately

Fantasy Football, NFL cleveland browns, trent richardson, fantasy advice, 2012 projections

Detroit Lions star Calvin Johnson beat Carolina Panthers Cam Newton in the final online voting and will be on the potentially cursed cover of the "Madden 13" video game.

We've look at the Madden Curse before on this blog and regardless if you believe in it or not, the situation will be worth watching.

Fantasy Football, Just For Fun, NFL detroit lions, calvin johnson, madden 2013, madden curse

The 2012 NFL schedule was released earlier this week. Here's the breakdown on which teams have the toughest and easiest road based off last year's results:

Fantasy Football, NFL 2012 nfl schedule, strength of schedule

There have been hundreds of free agent signings thus far around the NFL. Here are a dozen of moves that should make the biggest impact:

Peyton Manning (DEN) – After trying their hand with Tim Tebow a year ago, the Broncos now turn to Manning to get them back to the promise land. If the future Hall of Famer can shed the neck issues and regain his throwing strength he could pay big dividends over the next couple of seasons in Denver.

Vincent Jackson (TB) – Jackson became a malcontent in San Diego and continuously has battled injuries. He now gets a fresh slate in Tampa Bay where the Bucs have made big offseason movement. With Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow being nice compliments and a young quarterback like Josh Freeman it could be big things ahead for the former Charger.

Mario Williams (BUF) – Buffalo had to make a splash and were in desperate need of improving one of the league’s worst defensive fronts and by landing Williams they did both.  Adding Mark Anderson from New England to go along with Williams was icing on the cake.

Brandon Lloyd (NE) – Being reunited with Josh McDaniels can’t be overlooked. The journeyman receiver had a career year playing under McDaniels in Denver and now he gets Tom Brady throwing him the ball. The presence of Wes Welker and tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez could limit his targets, but expect a big year ahead for Lloyd.

Matt Flynn (SEA) – Though he still has plenty to prove the fact remains he’s the best quarterback Pete Carroll has brought in since arriving to Seattle. That’s not saying much considering the other two were Tavaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst. Flynn had options and chose to go to the Seahawks. The last free-agent, backup quarterback that left Green Bay for the Emerald City was Matt Hasselbeck and that didn’t turn out too bad.

Cortland Finnegan (STL) – Finnegan was the easily the best cornerback on the open market and his former head coach Jeff Fischer knew it. He joins a young and overrated defense in St. Louis. It might not be this year that the Rams are ready to compete, but clearly they’re going in the right direction.

Brandon Jacobs (SF) – While they lost out to Manning, the 49ers did have several new pieces to its offense already this offseason. None may prove more valuable than Jacobs, who gives the team a nice compliment to Frank Gore and youngster Kendall Hunter. The loss of Jacobs will be felt in New York as much as his impact will be made on the 49ers.

Michael Bush (CHI) – One of the more surprising signings was Bush going to the Bears. However, with Matt Forte entering the last year of his deal, coming off a major injury and threatening to hold out the team grabbed some nice insurance policy on the cheap. Bush is going to be in the mix with or without the incumbent Forte.

Peyton Hillis (KC) – With Jamal Charles returning from a season-long ACL injury a year ago, the Chiefs found a nice compliment in Hillis. Just like Thomas Jones did in 2010, Hillis is going to get plenty of looks in the Chiefs’ offense. His receiving skills out of the backfield will prove to be an asset.

Pierre Garcon (WAS) – Garcon got paid big time to come to DC and with the Redskins likely to draft Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick in the draft, they needed some targets. Garcon still found a way to be productive in Indy last year through the Manningless mess.

Robert Meachem (NO) – Chargers coach Norv Turner has already promised big things for Meachem, who was inconsistent in the Saints’ offense. With Vincent Jackson no longer in the picture though there will be plenty of chances for Meachem in San Diego’s revamped receiving corps to make a splash.

LaRon Landry (NYJ) – Part of the Jets struggles last year on defense was the result of not being able to stop the run from the secondary. In Landry, Rex Ryan gets a physical, hard-hitting safety that allows him to do what he does best.

COMPLETE FREE AGENT SIGNINGS (FFToolbox.com)

Fantasy Football, NFL 2012 nfl offseason, top free agents, free agent signings, peyton manning, vincent jackson, mario williams, brandon lloyd, matt flynn

We look back at what proved to be a monumental news day in the NFL…

SAINTS PUNISHMENT DELIVERED
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the verdict in the Saints’ Bountygate and delivered easily the harshest punishment of his tenure as commissioner and one of the most severe acts of discipline ever dealt to a professional sports franchise.

When the dust settled head coach Sean Payton was suspended without pay for a year, former defensive coordinator Greg Williams (now w/STL) was suspended indefinitely, GM Mickey Roomis was fined and suspended for the team’s first eight regular-season games and the team was stripped of 2nd Round picks in 2012 and 2013.

TEBOW DEALT TO THE JETS
One day after signing free agent quarterback Peyton Manning the Denver Broncos traded Tim Tebow to the New York Jets along with their seventh round pick in exchange for the Jets 4th and 6th Round selection. In addition, the Jets will reimburse Denver half of the $5 million advance on Tebow’s contract.

Shortly after the deal was announced there was a minor snag in the contract which opened the door for Jacksonville to re-enter trade discussions. However, in the end Tebow choose New York over his hometown Jaguars. He is expected to be the backup to Mark Sanchez, but will likely be used in some Wildcat-type packages by new offensive coordinator Tony Sporano.

BENGALS SIGN LAW FIRM
Two days after he visited the Queen City, the Bengals signed free agent running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis to a three-year deal.  The former Patriot will replace Cedric Benson on the team’s depth chart for the time being though the team could still add another running back in April’s draft.

Green-Ellis, 26, has scored 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons for the Patriots.  The team also welcomed Michael Bush to town earlier this week, but the former Raider has several suitors and is likely to command a larger contract.

SMITH STAYING IN SAN FRAN
The 49ers made it official on Wednesday that Alex Smith will remain under center for the foreseeable future in San Francisco. The team made a run at signing Peyton Manning, but quickly locked up Smith after the future Hall of Famer opted for Denver by agreeing to a 3-year, $9 million deal.

Smith posted career highs in 2011 by completing 61.4 percent of his passes for 3,144 yards and a 90.7 QB rating. He threw 17 touchdown passes and just five interceptions while starting all 16 games.

QUICK LINKS
--Ward Retires A Steeler
--Caldwell Headed To Denver
--Bills Sign DE Anderson
--Texans Deal Ryans

Fantasy Football, NFL new orleans saints, sean payton, roger goodell, tim tebow, new york jets, alex smith, san francisco 49ers, cincinnati bengals, benjarvus green-ellis

The Broncos announced the signing of free agent quarterback Peyton Manning in a press conference at the team’s headquarters in Denver on Wednesday.

The five-year deal will pay Peyton Manning a total of $96 million, including $18 million guaranteed for 2012. If he passes a physical following the season another $40 million guaranteed will be kicked in for 2013 and 2014.

The veteran had spent his entire 14-year career in Indianapolis before being cut by the Colts earlier this month just before he was supposed to receive a $28 million signing bonus.  He missed the entire 2011 season due to neck injury that required three surgeries, but has now been cleared to play and is reportedly making great progress and throwing the ball well.

His arrival to the Mile High City makes the Broncos the clear cut favorite in the AFC West and greatly increases their chances of making a deep playoff run as soon as this season.

Manning’s decision to sign in Denver has created several ripple effects and some interesting subplots:

TEBOW ON THE BLOCK – With Manning in the fold John Elway will finally be able to rid himself of the Tebow situation he inherited. The Broncos have already begun fielding calls from teams about acquiring the popular player. If he is unable to be traded the fan favorite could simply be cut.

49ERS READY TO KISS AND MAKEUP – After losing out on Manning, 49ers and head coach Jim Harbaugh need to smooth things over with Alex Smith, who was instrumental in the team’s run to last year’s NFC Championship game.

TITANS LOOK TO REGROUP – Tennessee was hoping to lure Manning back to the Volunteer State where he played college ball.  With Manning going to Denver the Titans need to move on with their off-season objectives.

DENVER COULD BE COME INDY WEST – Several reports that with Manning now in uniform that Denver is talking to several of his former Colts’ teammates, who remain free agents.

MIAMI TURNS TO ANOTHER INJURED QB – Eliminated from the Manning sweepstakes early and missing out on other free agents Matt Flynn and Alex Smith the Dolphins signed David Garrard, who was cut by the Jaguars last year.

CARDS GIVE KOLB BONUS – Arizona couldn’t land Manning, leaving them to keep Kevin Kolb under center and give him his roster bonus. Kolb struggled during his debut season in Arizona after siging a big contract last year in free agency.

FANTASY IMPACT – With questions revolving around his ability to throw the ball needing to be answered, a new system with new receivers, a brutal schedule and the outdoor elements of Denver it’s hard to see Manning as a top 5 quarterback, but he still makes for a solid QB1. Chances are he’ll be drafted higher than his value should deem.

Fantasy Football, NFL 2012 nfl offseason, denver broncos, peyton manning, tim tebow, fantasy impact, kevin kolb, david garrard

In an announcement that came as little surprise, Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning said good bye to the fans he loved on Tuesday in an emotional press conference as the team released the 14-year veteran one day before he was due a $28 million roster bonus.

In what a classy and sincere move by Manning and team owner Jim Irsay addressed the media to inform everyone of their decision.

Just two years removed from their last playoff appearance, the Colts hit rock bottom when Manning was sidelined for the entire 2011 season due a neck injury that required three surgeries.

The team lost its first 13 games and finished the year 2-14, earning them the top pick in the NFL. With salary cap restrictions and the team going into serious rebuild mode the organization was left with the decision to keep the aging quarterback entering his twilight or take the Next potential Petyon Manning in the highly-touted Andrew Luck.

The decision made was the right one for both parties.  The Colts will get their next franchise quarterback to hand the keys to the offense for the next 10 or 12 years and Manning will get one last shot at a second Super Bowl ring.

Now the future Hall of Famer hits the open market. There should be a long line of suitors with as many as 2/3 of the league likely to at least make an exploratory call.

Here are the teams that make the most sense to me based off need, ability to add him to roster and playoff expectations: 49ers , Texans , Dolphins, Jets , Cardinals, Seahawks Redskins.

Fantasy Football, NFL indianapolis colts, peyton manning, jim irsay

After examining my quarterback rankings and early projections at running backs, I turn my attention wide receiver as I continue to build the 2012 GSI Cheat Sheet, Version I:

*Based on PPR formats

TIER 1
1. Calvin Johnson (DET)

Summary:  Johnson is in a category all to himself. If you add in his 12-catch, 221-yard, two-score performance in the playoff loss to the Saints the Lions’ big target had 36 catches for 781 yards and six scores over his last four contests in 2011.  Turning 27 in September, Johnson is entering his prime years and Detroit possesses one of the league’s most explosive offenses.

TIER 2
2. Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
3. Andre Johnson (HOU)
4. Wes Welker (NE)
5. Greg Jennings (GB)

Summary: The difference between Tier 2 and Tier 3 is slim, but the four included in this list offer consistency. Johnson has to prove he shake off the hamstring injuries that cost him most of his 2011 production and Fitzgerald still needs a quarterback, but both remain elite WR1 options.  Welker is a PPR goldmine and should only benefit from team’s focusing on the Patriots’ young tight ends.  Jennings has Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball and the skills to take advantage.

TIER 3
6. Roddy White (ATL)
7. AJ Green (CIN)
8. Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
9. Mike Wallace (PIT)
10. Victor Cruz (NYG)
11. Vincent Jackson (SD)
12. Jordy Nelson (GB)
13. Julio Jones (ATL)
14. Miles Austin (DAL)

Summary: Any of these receivers could prove to be solid WR1 solutions for owners, but the deeper in the group you get the more unlikely to get a player that you can count on nearly every week. White is a stud, but Jones could steal his thunder. Nicks and Cruz both make the group after great play down the stretch, but I slight favor Nicks. Green is a sure fire top 10 wideout for the next five plus season and Wallace, Jackson, Nelson and Austin are capable of handfuls of monster performances.

TIER 4
15. Brandon Marshall (MIA)
16. Steve Smith (CAR)
17. Marques Colston (NO)
18. Dwayne Bowe (KC)
19. Kenny Britt (HOU)
20. Dez Bryant (DAL)
21. Percy Harvin (MIN)
22. Jeremy Maclin (PHI)
23. Brandon Lloyd (Free Agent)
24. Antonio Brown (PIT)
25. DeSean Jackson (PHI)

Summary: We’ve officially hit WR2 zone. Any fantasy team that rides with one of these guys as their top option at the position may struggle at times. However, this group is capable of producing some nice numbers over the course of the season. Britt and Lloyd are two situations that will warrant watching this offseason. If Britt can come back healthy and Lloyd lands in the right spot they could rise quickly.

TIER 5A
26. Demaryius Thomas (DEN)
27. Reggie Wayne (Free Agent)
28. Steve Johnson (BUF)
29. Michael Crabtree (SF)
30. Laurent Robinson (DAL)
31. Torrey Smith (BAL)
32. Sidney Rice (SEA)
33. Denarius Moore (OAK)
34. Mario Manningham (NYG)
35. Titus Young (DET)

TIER 5B
36. Anquan Boldin (BAL)
37. Lance Moore (NO)
38. Mike Williams (TB)
39. Santonio Holmes (NYJ)
40. Santana Moss (WAS)

Summary: While the issues vary with these wideouts they all have some sort of baggage. The biggest difference in the A and B group within Tier 5 is upside. The higher up on the list they are the more upside the receivers possess.

Fantasy Football 2012 fantasy football rankings, running back rankings