Fantasy Index Cheat Sheet WEB Sample -- Basic (TD-Only) Leagues
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Fantasy Index™ Cheat Sheet-BASIC LEAGUES
The rankings were last updated on Thursday, August 22, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
Bye = Week team does not play
BASIC LEAGUE PLAYER RANKINGS are based on the following scoring system:
- 6 points for run/catch TDs, 5 for TD throws, 1 point for every 30 passing yards and 1 point for every 15 rushing/receiving yards.
- Kickers graded on straight NFL points, and defenses given credit only for TDs scored on kick and turnover returns.
TOP 40 OVERALL (12-team league)
Bye
1. STL 8 Faulk RB
2. SF 4 Owens WR
3. MIN 5 Moss WR
4. SEA 5 Alexander RB
5. CHI 6 A.Thomas RB
6. SD 8 Tomlinson RB
7. SF 4 Garcia QB
8. STL 8 Warner QB
9. IND 4 Harrison WR
10. MIA 8 R.Williams RB
11. GB 8 A.Green RB
12. CIN 7 Dillon RB
13. NYJ 6 Martin RB
14. DEN 9 Portis RB
15. JAC 3 Taylor RB
16. TEN 7 George RB
17. IND 4 James RB
18. ARI 6 Boston WR
19. IND 4 Manning QB
20. MIN 5 Culpepper QB
21. NE 7 A.Smith RB
22. NO 9 Horn WR
23. DEN 9 R.Smith WR
24. TEN 7 Mason WR
25. KC 9 Holmes RB
26. WAS 4 S.Davis RB
27. TB 10 K.Johnson WR
28. STL 8 Holt WR
29. PIT 3 Burress WR
30. PHI 6 McNabb QB
31. SEA 5 D.Jackson WR
32. CLE 10 K.Johnson WR
33. BUF 10 Moulds WR
34. NO 9 McAllister RB
35. TB 10 Pittman RB
36. JAC 3 J.Smith WR
37. STL 8 Bruce WR
38. TEN 7 McNair QB
39. OAK 3 Gannon QB
40. GB 8 Favre QB
QUARTERBACKS
Per Game Stat Projections
Starts = Number of games we project the player to start
RTD = rushing TDs
PTD = passing TDs
TDPG = rushing + passing TDs per game
Bye St RTD PTD Total
1. SF 4 Garcia 16 .25 1.94 2.19
2. STL 8 Warner 15 .02 2.25 2.27
3. IND 4 Manning 16 .08 2.00 2.08
4. MIN 5 Culpepper 15 .38 1.63 2.00
5. PHI 6 McNabb 15 .25 1.69 1.94
6. TEN 7 McNair 15 .27 1.56 1.83
7. OAK 3 Gannon 15 .11 1.68 1.79
8. GB 8 Favre 16 .03 1.69 1.72
9. NO 9 Brooks 15 .13 1.56 1.69
10. DEN 9 Griese 13 .09 1.63 1.72
11. BUF 10 Bledsoe 16 .03 1.50 1.53
12. PIT 3 Stewart 15 .25 1.13 1.38
13. NE 7 Brady 14 .07 1.38 1.45
14. NYG 7 Collins 15 .06 1.34 1.41
15. SEA 5 Dilfer 12 .04 1.50 1.54
16. ATL 4 Vick 14 .41 .81 1.23
17. TB 10 B.Johnson 12 .06 1.41 1.48
18. ARI 6 Plummer 15 .07 1.25 1.32
19. WAS 4 Wuerffel 9 .06 1.75 1.81
20. MIA 8 Fiedler 14 .11 1.25 1.36
21. KC 9 Green 13 .04 1.25 1.29
22. CLE 10 Couch 14 .04 1.19 1.23
23. JAC 3 Brunell 13 .06 1.25 1.31
24. WAS 4 Matthews 6 .04 1.75 1.79
25. DEN 9 Beuerlein 3 .01 1.69 1.70
26. NYJ 6 Testaverde 13 .02 1.31 1.33
27. DAL 10 Carter 13 .21 1.00 1.21
28. HOU 5 Carr 14 .14 1.06 1.20
29. CHI 6 J.Miller 12 .01 1.25 1.26
30. CAR 9 Weinke 14 .16 1.00 1.16
31. SD 8 Brees 13 .09 1.00 1.09
32. DET 5 Harrington 11 .13 1.13 1.25
33. BAL 3 Redman 12 .02 1.00 1.02
34. TB 10 R.Johnson 4 .22 1.41 1.63
35. CIN 7 Kitna 8 .06 1.00 1.06
36. CHI 6 Chandler 4 .02 1.25 1.27
37. BAL 3 Blake 4 .16 1.31 1.47
38. STL 8 Bulger 2 .06 1.38 1.44
39. DET 5 McMahon 5 .25 1.13 1.38
40. CIN 7 Frerotte 3 .06 1.00 1.06
41. SF 4 Rattay 1 .13 1.63 1.75
42. SD 8 Flutie 3 .09 1.00 1.09
43. SEA 5 Hasselbeck 4 .11 1.19 1.30
44. NYJ 6 Pennington 3 .13 1.09 1.22
45. KC 9 Collins 3 .06 1.13 1.19
46. MIA 8 Lucas 2 .19 1.13 1.31
47. MIN 5 Bouman 1 .23 1.59 1.82
48. OAK 3 Tuiasosopo 1 .31 1.19 1.50
49. STL 8 Martin 0 .03 1.75 1.78
50. CIN 7 A.Smith 5 .19 .88 1.06
51. WAS 4 Rosenfels 1 .19 1.13 1.31
52. ATL 4 Johnson 2 .06 1.00 1.06
53. NO 9 Delhomme 1 .13 1.31 1.44
54. NE 7 D.Huard 2 .08 .94 1.02
55. JAC 3 Garrard 2 .19 .88 1.06
56. DAL 10 Hutchinson 2 .03 .81 .84
57. CLE 10 Holcomb 2 .03 .94 .97
58. TEN 7 O'Donnell 1 .01 1.06 1.07
59. TB 10 King 0 .19 1.41 1.60
60. CAR 9 Fasani 2 .25 .88 1.13
RUNNING BACKS
Per Game Stat Projections
Bye St TD
1. STL 8 Faulk 14 1.19
2. SEA 5 Alexander 15 .83
3. CHI 6 A.Thomas 15 .82
4. SD 8 Tomlinson 15 .81
5. MIA 8 R.Williams 14 .88
6. GB 8 A.Green 15 .69
7. CIN 7 Dillon 15 .63
8. NYJ 6 Martin 14 .63
9. DEN 9 Portis 13 .75
10. JAC 3 Taylor 12 .81
11. TEN 7 George 15 .60
12. IND 4 James 13 .81
13. NE 7 A.Smith 14 .63
14. KC 9 Holmes 14 .56
15. WAS 4 S.Davis 14 .58
16. NO 9 McAllister 13 .48
17. TB 10 Pittman 14 .48
18. BAL 3 J.Lewis 13 .56
19. BUF 10 Henry 14 .47
20. SF 4 Hearst 14 .46
21. OAK 3 Crockett 13 .48
22. PIT 3 Bettis 14 .46
23. ARI 6 T.Jones 14 .47
24. CLE 10 W.Green 12 .46
25. MIN 5 Bennett 14 .40
26. CAR 9 Foster 13 .49
27. DAL 10 E.Smith 13 .44
28. NYG 7 Barber 13 .41
29. SF 4 Barlow 4 .75
30. DET 5 Stewart 14 .38
31. ATL 4 Duckett 11 .39
32. PHI 6 Staley 14 .38
33. JAC 3 Mack 4 .63
34. ATL 4 Dunn 13 .31
35. OAK 3 Garner 13 .28
36. KC 9 Richardson 15 .44
37. HOU 5 Wells 10 .38
38. CLE 10 White 4 .44
39. DEN 9 Gary 2 .56
40. UFA X R.Watters 5 .50
41. TB 10 Alstott 13 .34
42. HOU 5 Allen 5 .39
43. DAL 10 Hambrick 3 .63
44. PHI 6 Levens 2 .38
45. STL 8 Canidate 2 .88
46. NYJ 6 Jordan 2 .69
47. CAR 9 L.Smith 2 .46
48. PIT 3 Zereoue 2 .44
49. OAK 3 Wheatley 5 .38
50. NYG 7 Dayne 6 .48
51. BAL 3 C.Taylor 2 .38
52. BUF 10 Bryson 2 .44
53. SEA 5 Morris 1 .38
54. MIA 8 Minor 2 .50
55. MIN 5 M.Williams 2 .38
56. STL 8 Gordon 0 .44
57. DEN 9 M.Anderson 1 .63
58. ARI 6 Shipp 3 .44
59. GB 8 Mealey 1 .46
60. CHI 6 L.Johnson 1 .53
61. CIN 7 R.Johnson 1 .48
62. PIT 3 Ma'afala 1 .44
63. WAS 4 Watson 1 .44
64. NO 9 T.Allen 2 .38
65. KC 9 Cloud 2 .34
66. TEN 7 Hicks 1 .51
67. UFA X J.Anderson 2 .50
68. DET 5 Cason 2 .31
69. NE 7 Redmond 2 .50
70. TEN 7 Holcombe 1 .44
71. CIN 7 Keaton 1 .48
72. SD 8 Fletcher 1 .25
73. WAS 4 Betts 1 .44
74. BUF 10 Huntley 1 .44
75. PHI 6 Westbrook 1 .25
76. CLE 10 J.Jackson 2 .50
77. NYG 7 Warren 2 .50
78. BUF 10 Centers 14 .19
79. SF 4 Beasley 15 .22
80. MIN 5 Chapman 0 .31
WIDE RECEIVERS
Per Game Stat Projections
Bye St TD
1. SF 4 Owens 16 1.06
2. MIN 5 Moss 16 .91
3. IND 4 Harrison 16 .88
4. ARI 6 Boston 16 .58
5. NO 9 Horn 16 .58
6. DEN 9 R.Smith 16 .57
7. TEN 7 Mason 16 .56
8. TB 10 K.Johnson 16 .56
9. STL 8 Holt 16 .55
10. PIT 3 Burress 16 .53
11. SEA 5 D.Jackson 16 .55
12. CLE 10 K.Johnson 16 .54
13. BUF 10 Moulds 16 .54
14. JAC 3 J.Smith 15 .56
15. STL 8 Bruce 14 .54
16. OAK 3 Brown 15 .53
17. MIA 8 Chambers 15 .52
18. PHI 6 Thrash 16 .52
19. KC 9 Morton 16 .51
20. OAK 3 Rice 15 .53
21. GB 8 Glenn 14 .56
22. DEN 9 McCaffrey 14 .50
23. NYJ 6 Coles 16 .45
24. WAS 4 Gardner 15 .47
25. NE 7 Brown 16 .45
26. TB 10 McCardell 16 .45
27. NYG 7 Hilliard 15 .45
28. BUF 10 Price 16 .44
29. SF 4 Stokes 16 .44
30. NYG 7 Toomer 16 .42
31. CHI 6 Booker 16 .42
32. CIN 7 Warrick 16 .41
33. DAL 10 Galloway 15 .41
34. DET 5 Schroeder 15 .41
35. TEN 7 Dyson 14 .40
36. CHI 6 D.White 14 .39
37. BAL 3 T.Taylor 16 .38
38. SEA 5 K.Robinson 15 .38
39. PHI 6 Pinkston 14 .38
40. PIT 3 Ward 16 .34
41. CAR 9 Muhammad 15 .34
42. MIA 8 Gadsden 16 .36
43. SD 8 Conway 15 .36
44. IND 4 Q.Ismail 14 .35
45. CLE 10 Morgan 14 .36
46. ATL 4 W.Jackson 14 .36
47. DET 5 Hakim 13 .38
48. MIN 5 Bates 14 .31
49. NYJ 6 Moss 5 .36
50. BAL 3 Stokley 15 .34
51. HOU 5 Bradford 15 .34
52. WAS 4 D.Thompson 9 .50
53. STL 8 Proehl 3WR .34
54. NYJ 6 Chrebet 14 .31
55. IND 4 Wayne 3WR .32
56. DAL 10 Bryant 14 .31
57. JAC 3 Shaw 14 .31
58. WAS 4 J.Green 6 .47
59. NO 9 Stallworth 7 .38
60. GB 8 Ferguson 10 .50
61. NO 9 Pathon 9 .41
62. KC 9 Kennison 12 .31
63. PIT 3 Randle El 3WR .38
64. SD 8 Dwight 14 .31
65. ATL 4 Finneran 13 .27
66. NE 7 Patten 14 .28
67. CAR 9 S.Smith 13 .28
68. GB 8 Driver 3WR .31
69. OAK 3 Porter 3 .50
70. HOU 5 Gaffney 13 .35
71. ARI 6 F.Sanders 13 .25
72. CIN 7 C.Johnson 9 .29
73. CHI 6 Terrell 3 .40
74. STL 8 Wilkins 3WR .25
75. CIN 7 Westbrook 7 .31
76. MIN 5 Alexander 4 .35
77. NE 7 Branch 3 .38
78. DET 5 S.Anderson 4 .45
79. DEN 9 Lelie 2 .38
80. GB 8 J.Walker 2 .44
TIGHT ENDS
Per Game Stat Projections
Bye St TD
1. GB 8 Franks 16 .41
2. KC 9 Gonzalez 15 .40
3. NYG 7 Shockey 16 .35
4. SF 4 E.Johnson 16 .36
5. IND 4 Pollard 16 .30
6. MIN 5 Chamberlain 16 .28
7. PHI 6 Lewis 16 .32
8. DEN 9 Sharpe 15 .28
9. STL 8 Conwell 15 .29
10. NYJ 6 Becht 16 .27
11. ATL 4 Crumpler 16 .27
12. BUF 10 Riemersma 15 .28
13. ARI 6 F.Jones 15 .27
14. BAL 3 Heap 16 .27
15. NO 9 Sloan 14 .27
16. DET 5 Ricks 14 .26
17. TEN 7 Wycheck 16 .24
18. TB 10 Dilger 16 .23
19. MIA 8 McMichael 14 .21
20. JAC 3 Brady 16 .23
21. CAR 9 Walls 12 .22
22. SEA 5 Stevens 11 .25
23. SD 8 Alexander 15 .21
24. STL 8 Manumaleuna 1 .31
25. CLE 10 Dudley 13 .20
26. NE 7 Fauria 14 .16
27. OAK 3 R.Williams 14 .20
28. DEN 9 Carswell 14 .16
29. NE 7 Graham 6 .22
30. TEN 7 Kinney 15 .13
31. SEA 5 Mili 5 .19
32. PIT 3 Bruener 15 .11
33. CIN 7 Brewer 9 .14
34. GB 8 D.Martin 2 .38
35. DAL 10 McGee 14 .15
36. HOU 5 Miller 13 .13
37. PHI 6 Stewart 15 .16
38. BUF 10 D.Moore 15 .12
39. CIN 7 Schobel 7 .13
40. KC 9 Dunn 1 .16
KICKERS
Per Game Stat Projections
Points = 3 points for field goals, 1 point for XPs
Bye St Pts
1. IND 4 Vanderjagt 16 7.8
2. STL 8 Wilkins 15 7.8
3. PHI 6 Akers 16 7.4
4. DEN 9 Elam 15 7.6
5. TB 10 Gramatica 16 7.3
6. PIT 3 Peterson 16 7.3
7. MIA 8 Mare 16 7.3
8. GB 8 Longwell 16 7.2
9. NE 7 Vinatieri 16 7.1
10. OAK 3 Janikowski 15 7.4
11. TEN 7 Nedney 16 6.9
12. CHI 6 Edinger 16 6.8
13. SF 4 Cortez 15 6.8
14. CLE 10 Dawson 16 6.8
15. ATL 4 Feely 16 6.7
16. KC 9 Andersen 16 6.6
17. WAS 4 Conway 16 6.5
18. BUF 10 Hollis 16 6.4
19. SD 8 Christie 15 6.8
20. NYJ 6 Hall 16 6.4
21. SEA 5 Lindell 14 6.6
22. NO 9 Carney 16 5.9
23. BAL 3 Stover 16 5.9
24. CAR 9 Kasay 15 5.9
25. MIN 5 Brien 15 6.0
26. NYG 7 Pochman 14 6.0
27. DET 5 Hanson 16 5.4
28. HOU 5 Brown 16 5.3
29. DAL 10 Seder 13 6.1
30. ARI 6 Gramatica 13 5.9
31. SF 4 Chandler 1 6.6
32. JAC 3 Epstein 8 6.2
33. CIN 7 Dorsch 12 6.0
34. DEN 9 Kimrin 1 7.4
35. DAL 10 Cundiff 3 6.1
36. SEA 5 Elling 2 6.5
37. JAC 3 Schorejas 4 6.2
38. ARI 6 Duncan 3 5.9
39. CIN 7 Rackers 2 5.8
40. NYG 7 Bryant 2 6.0
SPECIAL TEAMS/DEFENSE
Season Totals
TD = TD returns scored on interception, fumble, kick and blocked kick
returns
Bye TD
1. CHI 6 Bears 5.4
2. STL 8 Rams 5.3
3. CLE 10 Browns 5.2
4. PHI 6 Eagles 5.1
5. GB 8 Packers 5.0
6. PIT 3 Steelers 4.5
7. DEN 9 Broncos 4.4
8. MIA 8 Dolphins 4.3
9. CIN 7 Bengals 4.2
10. TB 10 Buccaneers 4.1
11. NYJ 6 Jets 3.9
12. WAS 4 Washington 3.8
13. NE 7 Patriots 3.8
14. DAL 10 Cowboys 3.7
15. SF 4 49ers 3.7
16. TEN 7 Titans 3.6
17. SD 8 Chargers 3.6
18. NO 9 Saints 3.5
19. OAK 3 Raiders 3.5
20. SEA 5 Seahawks 3.2
21. NYG 7 Giants 3.1
22. ATL 4 Falcons 3.1
23. IND 4 Colts 3.0
24. BUF 10 Bills 2.3
25. KC 9 Kansas City 2.2
26. BAL 3 Ravens 2.1
27. HOU 5 Texans 2.0
28. CAR 9 Panthers 1.8
29. JAC 3 Jaguars 1.8
30. DET 5 Lions 1.8
31. MIN 5 Vikings 1.8
32. ARI 6 Cardinals 1.8
Arizona:
He's gained weight. He's running behind a better line. And he promises he'll be
much better. But we're not banking on a breakout year for Thomas Jones. He
appears to be only nominally improved -- an average runner at best. In two
exhibitions, he's picked up 20 yards on 12 carries. Before the year is through,
you could see backup Marcel Shipp in the starting lineup. ... David Boston sat
out some workouts early in camp because of tendinitis in his knee. He also must
appear in court late in the month to face charges he drove while under the
influence of drugs, a case that potentially could cause him to be suspended for
a game or two. But he's still a difference-maker receiver. He's the guy Jake
Plummer looks for, and Boston is going to make a lot of catches and big plays.
Boston caught only 8 TDs last year, but 7 of those came in the team's final
nine games. ... Bill Gramatica is working his way back from major knee surgery.
There's a chance the Cardinals will instead go with rookie Tim Duncan, who's
had a strong camp.
Atlanta:
Michael Vick won't put up big passing numbers this year. Those who select him
are hoping that he'll supplement his stats by running for about 800 yards and 7
TDs. In the preseason games, however, Vick has been reluctant to run. He's
quarterbacked the team for four quarters, and he's run only 3 times for 30
yards. If he doesn't run more often in the real games, he'll be of no fantasy
value. Vick has put up modest passing stats in the exhibitions, completing 15
of 27 for 123 yards. ... Warrick Dunn hasn't made much of an impact in the
exhibitions: 13 carries for 29 yards and 3 catches for 14 yards. T.J. Duckett
has been far more impressive, running over tacklers. Duckett gained 55 yards on
10 carries in his debut. He gained only 8 yards on 6 carries against the
Giants, but had a 21-yard run brought back. These backs are going to share
time. Duckett and Vick project to score most of the short touchdown runs. ...
Alge Crumpler is ready to emerge as a big-time tight end. He's caught 2-yard
TDs in both of the exhibitions. ... Willie Jackson will be Atlanta's best
receiver. He caught a 27-yard TD against the Giants. Jackson, however, is still
officially a second-stringer on the depth chart. Atlanta's receivers coach says
he's trying to avoid overburdening Jackson by making him learn a new offense
too quickly. Brian Finneran will be one opening day starter, but he's an
inexperienced and unproven player. Shawn Jefferson and Alvis Whitted also have
gotten a lot of work with the first team in the exhibitions. We're not high on
any of these receivers because the run-oriented Falcons could have the league's
worst passing attack.
Baltimore:
Hold off on those Jamal Lewis obituaries. He looked pretty good against the
Jets, breaking some tackles and finishing with 24 yards on 4 carries in a brief
appearance. Coming off major knee surgery, Lewis has limped his way through
camp, and he ran tentatively when he was returning from a similar injury at the
University of Tennessee. But maybe, just maybe, he can stay healthy and pound
out about 1,000 yards and 7 TDs. Rookie Chester Taylor is the backup for now,
but he's far from officially securing that job. ... If Travis Taylor is headed
for a breakout year, he's keeping it a secret. He's played the first halves of
the first two exhibitions and caught 2 passes for 21 yards. Brandon Stokley (6
for 57) and tight end Todd Heap (3 for 34) have been more productive. ... Chris
Redman was awful in his first preseason game but serviceable in his second,
completing 15 of 22 for 102 yards.
Drew Bledsoe looks comfortable. He's completed 15 of 19 in two exhibitions. He'll put up nice passing stats. He's not among our top 10 quarterbacks, however, because Bledsoe won't produce any stats are a runner. ... Travis Henry had a good rookie year, and now he looks even better. He's running with authority, and he's catching the ball better. He had 50 yards on 7 carries against Minnesota. The Bills have a lot of other good runners -- Shawn Bryson, Richard Huntley, Sammy Morris -- but Henry is their guy. The Bills are still trying to trade Bryson, who's the best of their backups. ... Jay Riemersma has won the starting tight end job. Free agent pickup Dave Moore will be used primarily as a blocker in formations with two tight ends. Bledsoe always sent plenty of passes to Ben Coates in New England, particularly in the red zone, and Riemersma could fill that role here. ... Second-rounder Josh Reed has had a great camp. He'll be the slot receiver on third downs immediately. Reed, however, isn't pushing Eric Moulds or Peerless Price for a starting job at this point.
Carolina:
DeShaun Foster is on the verge of taking the starting tailback job away from
Lamar Smith. Foster ran 61 yards for a touchdown the first time he carried the
ball. He got substantial work with the first-team offense Saturday and was
impressive again, picking up 36 yards on 7 carries. Foster has the breakaway
speed that Smith no longer possesses. The only things standing between Foster
and a 1,000-yard season are injuries and fumbles. Foster had problems with both
at UCLA. And during a goal-line drill with the Panthers, he fumbled 3 times.
Still, he should beat out Smith. ... Steve Smith started and caught a bomb for
a touchdown on Saturday. He's on his way to beating out Isaac Byrd for a
starting job. Smith won't catch as many passes as Muhsin Muhammad, but he might
score as many touchdowns. He has terrific speed, and the Panthers will throw
downfield a lot more often this year. ... Chris Weinke looks more comfortable
in this offense, with the deeper throws. He completed 14-of-17 against Dallas.
... Coming off major knee surgery, Wesley Walls has played in both exhibitions.
He might not fit that well, however, into the team's new offense. Walls is an
excellent receiver, particularly in the red zone, but tight ends in this
offense do a lot more blocking, a weak suit of Walls'.
Chicago:
Marty Booker emerged in his third season for the Bears. Now another former
third-round pick looks like he could do the same thing. Dez White is a clone of
Booker: a big 220-pounder who'll run over defensive backs after the catch.
White had a great offseason, and he's miles ahead of last year's first-round
pick, David Terrell. White has gotten all of the playing time with the first
unit in the exhibitions, and he looks like he could be just as productive as
Booker, who's the go-to guy of the unit after signing a $28 million extension
in July. "That's Dez' job," Jim Miller says. White, by the way, is
also in a contract year. Terrell and Marcus Robinson apparently will be just
backups. Terrell just doesn't appear to be as good as Booker or White right
now. Robinson has Pro Bowl ability, but he's coming off reconstructive knee
surgery. Robinson says he'll make his preseason debut this week. ... There was
a flaw in Anthony Thomas' game last year. The team didn't use him in goal-line
situations. Because of a hamstring injury, Thomas lost that role to Leon
Johnson and never got it back. But Thomas is a bigger, better runner than
Johnson, and we can now say with near certainty that he'll get those short TDs
this year. The Bears showed their short-yardage package against the Rams, and
Thomas lined up at tailback, blasting for the first down. Thomas will be the
featured performer of a Chicago team that looks ready to make the playoffs
again. He's as safe a choice as any back on the board short of Marshall Faulk.
... Chris Chandler is supposed to be an upgrade over Jim Miller. Miller,
however, has a much better command of the offense right now. Chandler isn't
contending for the starting job.
Cincinnati:
Akili Smith has played his way back into the quarterbacking picture. He's
outperformed Jon Kitna and Gus Frerotte in both exhibitions. Dick LeBeau says
he'll let Smith start Saturday's exhibition before naming a starter. All of
these guys could start games before the year is through, and they'll throw lots
of passes. Only Detroit attempted more passes than Cincinnati last year. ...
Michael Westbrook (broken wrist) is almost ready to return to action, and he
should move back into the starting lineup. Neither Chad Johnson nor T.J.
Houshmandzadeh distinguished himself when Westbrook was out. Peter Warrick
should be the go-to receiver, but he'll catch mostly underneath passes, so it
will be tough for him to reach 1,000 yards. ... Corey Dillon has sat out both
exhibitions as a precaution, but he's fine. LeBeau says Dillon is in
career-best shape. ... Sean Brewer is the first-string tight end, but that
could change. Matt Schobel saw a lot of time with the first-unit offense at
Indianapolis and caught 3 balls. ... The Bengals are probably going to make a
change at the No. 2 tailback spot. Brandon Bennett is a good runner (who could
land a job elsewhere) but he's 29 and has a turf toe problem. Youngsters Rudi
Johnson and Curtis Keaton, meanwhile, are ready to play. Johnson has gone over
100 yards in both exhibitions. Keaton actually outplayed Johnson at
Indianapolis; Johnson wasn't effective in the first half when he was playing
against the Colts' first- and second-string defenses. Keaton picked up 89 yards
on 16 carries but fumbled twice. Whoever winds up as the backup tailback will
compile good numbers if Dillon misses any games.
Cleveland:
William Green hasn't distinguished himself yet, but he's the back the Browns
appear to want on the field. They gave him virtually all the work with the
first-unit offense in their game Saturday. Green has been set back by a holdout
and a shoulder injury, but he played better against Detroit, picking up 28
yards on 8 carries. It's still unclear, however, whether Green will play
full-time or even start. Jamel White bulked up 218 pounds in the offseason;
he's faster than Green and a much better receiver. The Browns probably will use
White on at least passing downs, and perhaps even more often. He had 45- and
28-yard receptions at Minnesota. ... The Browns threatened to trade Kevin
Johnson, then signed him to a big contract extension. He hasn't caught the ball
much in the preseason, but that's only because the Browns are looking at
younger players. "He'll catch his 90 passes," Tim Couch says. Quincy
Morgan is firmly entrenched as the other starter and is playing with a lot more
confidence. He averaged only 29 yards per start last year; his production may
double. ... The Browns should win a lot more games and score a lot more points,
so kicker Phil Dawson will be vastly improved.
Dallas:
Quincy Carter won't be drafted in most fantasy leagues, but maybe he should be.
He'll run some, and he looks dramatically improved as a passer. In two
exhibitions, he's completed 21 of 27 passes. ... Troy Hambrick is ready to be a
starter, but he'll play only part-time as long as Emmitt Smith stays healthy.
The Cowboys are basing their entire marketing campaign around Smith's pursuit
of the all-time rushing record. And Smith might still be better than Hambrick,
who finished with -2 yards on 7 carries Saturday against Carolina. ... Antonio
Bryant has had a nice camp, but he's not pressing Joey Galloway or Rocket
Ismail for a starting job. ... The team might use Billy Cundiff rather than Tim
Seder at kicker. Cundiff is 3-for-3 on field goals in the exhibitions,
including a 52-yarder against Carolina. He has a stronger leg than Seder.
Denver:
Terrell Davis is now officially done, so it's a three back race in Denver.
Olandis Gary is the official No. 1 for now. Mike Anderson could be shifted from
fullback back to tailback. But chances are Clinton Portis will be their back.
Mike Shanahan said in April that Portis was the top back on the Broncos' draft
board, and it looks like they scouted him properly. Portis weighs only 205
pounds (and looks like he might be 10 pounds lighter) but he runs like a young
Charlie Garner; he has game-breaker speed and runs inside with surprising
power. He'll probably score a couple of TDs from 50-plus yards this year.
Portis looks a lot faster (and better) than Gary or Anderson. ... Steve
Beuerlein missed all of last year with an elbow injury, but he's fine now and
looks like a perfect fit for this offense. If Brian Griese gets either hurt or
benched, Beuerlein will post monster numbers. ... Ed McCaffrey has missed some
practices with a strained quad, so he hasn't had a chance yet to prove he's
fully recovered from the broken leg that kept him out almost all of last year.
If healthy, McCaffrey should deliver about 80 catches and 8 TDs. ... Set back
by hamstring injuries, first-rounder Ashley Lelie probably won't make a big
impact. ... The Broncos re-signed Shannon Sharpe in the offseason, but Dwayne
Carswell will continue to play a lot. The team will use a lot of formations
with two tight ends.
Detroit:
Luke Staley (knee surgery) is out for the year, so it looks like James Stewart
will be the featured back as long as he stays healthy. We're not particularly
high on Stewart because the Lions won't score many rushing touchdowns, and
fullback Cory Schlesinger probably will score most of the goal-line TDs. Also,
Lamont Warren could replace Stewart again this season on passing downs. Aveion
Cason could beat out Warren for the No. 2 tailback job. Cason is a 210-pounder
with good speed and receiving skills; he was the first back in the game after
Stewart on Saturday. ... Bill Schroeder probably will be Detroit's best
receiver. He has the best grasp of the team's West Coast offense. Az Hakim will
be the other starter, but it's hard to see him staying healthy while playing
full-time. Hakim weighs only 182 pounds and has been plagued by a hamstring
problem for most of camp. Hakim dropped a TD at Cleveland. The Lions also have
Germane Crowell, but he's on the PUP list and might never return to 100 percent
after undergoing surgery on both knees in the offseason. Considering the lack
of talent here, youngster Scotty Anderson might even lead this team in
receiving. Tight end Mikhael Ricks will catch plenty of passes, that's for
sure. He's been impressive in the exhibitions, getting downfield for catches of
22 and 30 yards. ... Marty Mornhinweg says he'd like Joey Harrington to remain
on the bench this year, but the rookie probably will take over by October.
Harrington was terrific on Saturday against the Browns, completing 16 of 29 for
235 yards and 2 TDs.
Green Bay:
Brett Favre could have an off year, or at least start slowly. He's working with
a completely new receiving corps, and most of them are missing a lot of
training camp with injuries. Terry Glenn (injuries to both knees) won't be
healthy until late August. He'll be the go-to guy if he can avoid injuries, but
he always had problems staying healthy in New England. Javon Walker has missed
some time with an ankle injury. And Robert Ferguson has been slowed by a pulled
groin. Ferguson hasn't made much of an impact and could lose his starting job
to Donald Driver. Driver caught a TD at Arizona but has had huge drops in both
exhibitions. Rookie receivers generally need a year of studying before they're
able to play in the West Coast offense, but Javon Walker has exceeded
expectations. He'll be a good No. 3 receiver right away, and he could emerge as
a star next year. Walker is huge and fast; he seems destined to play in Pro
Bowls. The winner in this receiving mess could be Bubba Franks. Entering his
third year, he seems to finally be putting everything together. And Favre is
going to look for him a lot more often. The Packers have been using Franks as a
wide receiver often, in the same way the Colts used Marcus Pollard last year.
... Rondell Mealey looks likes the favorite for the backup tailback job. He's
been the first guy off the bench in both exhibitions, and nobody else has stood
out.
Houston:
Jonathan Wells looks like he'll become Houston's starting tailback before
opening day. He's outplayed James Allen in every exhibition, and he got a lot
of time with the first unit in Saturday's game. Wells is a 240-pound banger
with decent speed. Allen could be relegated to playing in passing situations.
Both of these backs will play behind a line that will be the league's worst for
at least the first month of the season. Both tackles, Tony Boselli and Ryan
Young, could be out until October. ... Corey Bradford looks like he'll be David
Carr's favorite receiver. The other starter probably will be Jabar Gaffney. He
moved ahead of Jermaine Lewis and started the team's third exhibition. The
Texans will be trailing often this year, so they'll pass a lot, perhaps giving
Bradford or Gaffney the chance to finish with 60 catches and 6-7 TDs. ... Kris
Brown looks like he'll be more accurate here than he was in Pittsburgh. He's
6-for-6 on field goals in three exhibitions.
Indianapolis:
It looks like the Colts won't have the option of easing Edgerrin James back
into action. Dominic Rhodes (torn ACL) is out for the year, meaning James
should be pretty much a full-time back. If the Colts want to spell him, their
best options are Shyrone Stith and Ben Gay. The Colts will hold out James until
the final exhibition, but they're pleased with his progress. He says he'll be
100 percent for the opener. ... The Colts have been talking up Reggie Wayne
during camp, and he looked vastly improved in the team's exhibition opener.
He's listed as the starting receiver opposite Marvin Harrison, with Qadry
Ismail slated to play only in three-receiver sets. Against Cincinnati, however,
Ismail played in two-receiver formations, with Wayne in the No. 3 role. So it's
unclear which of these guys will finish with better numbers. They'll both play
a lot. And as long as they stay healthy, it's hard to envision Marcus Pollard
catching nearly as many balls as he did last year. Pollard, however, says he
hopes to catch 70 balls and 12 TDs. Peyton Manning says the big tight end
should finish with 7-10 TDs.
Jacksonville:
Fred Taylor is in top form. He's run for 67 yards on 12 carries in the two
exhibitions. And the Jaguars play an easy schedule which includes two games
against the expansion Texans. Seemingly the only thing that will keep him out
of the Pro Bowl is another injury. He's gotten hurt every year in the past,
missing at least part of 30 of 64 games as a pro. Taylor doesn't like playing
hurt, so those who select him will have to utilize a middle-round pick on
Stacey Mack to protect their investment. ... Bobby Shaw has been the offensive
star of training camp. He'll start in the spot where Keenan McCardell caught 93
passes last year. It's a leap of faith, however, for those who want to use a
sleeper pick on Shaw, because he's done nothing in the exhibitions. All three
of the passes Mark Brunell has sent his way have fallen incomplete. Darnay
Scott isn't contending for a starting job, he's been passed by Patrick Johnson
in the pecking order. ... Holdout Jimmy Smith and the team continue to wait
each other out. Smith wants a contract extension he says management promised
him. This one will almost certainly be worked out prior to opening day, but if
it drags on much longer, you have to start worrying about Smith's conditioning.
He's a 33-year-old receiver. ... Hayden Epstein may have blown his chance of
winning the kicking job by having two low kicks blocked against Tampa Bay. Now
the Jaguars will give new consideration to Derek Schorejas and scour the waiver
wire.
Kansas City:
Johnnie Morton seems sure to catch at least 80 passes. The team doesn't have
anyone else. Holdout Tony Gonzalez will sign eventually, but he'll be rusty
after missing all of camp and the offseason workouts. Eddie Kennison will
start, but he's not a big-time receiver; and he lacks the cutting ability and
toughness to run the important routes in the red zone. And with Marvin Minnis
(foot) missing all of camp, the No. 3 receiver projects to be converted running
back Dante Hall. Clearly, Morton's the guy. And with a suspect cast of
receivers, don't look for a good year from Trent Green. Instead, look for
Priest Holmes to carry the offense again, rushing for 90-plus yards per game
and catching about 65 passes. The only knock against Holmes is that the team
will feature Tony Richardson in goal-line situations, perhaps holding Holmes
down in the range of 8 TDs.
Miami:
Maybe it's time to start getting concerned about Ricky Williams. In two
preseason games, he's carried 13 times for only 26 yards. Sure it's only the
preseason, but Williams is similar in value to a lot of other backs. Right now,
we're more comfortable with Shaun Alexander, Ahman Green and LaDainian
Tomlinson. And Williams doesn't look dramatically better than the half dozen
backs right behind him. ... Jay Fiedler missed a lot of practice time because
of hip operation in mid-July, and it could cause him to start off slowly this
year. He looked awful in the preseason loss to New Orleans throwing 3
interceptions. And the surgery could make Fiedler less likely to run. That was
one of his strengths last year (he averaged 20 yards per game, with 4 TDs). ...
Chris Chambers and Oronde Gadsden are the starters at wide receivers. James
McKnight will be strictly a No. 3 guy. ... Jed Weaver is the starter at tight
end, but rookie Randy McMichael is pressing for the job. McMichael scored a
spectacular leaping TD against New Orleans. The Dolphins have ignored that
position in recent years, but Norv Turner plans to use the tight end a lot
more.
Minnesota:
The Vikings won only 5 games last year and might not be much better this
season. Their defense will be awful. Their offensive line should be lousy
(holdout LOT Bryant McKinnie probably won't help much until next year). As a
result, Daunte Culpepper and Michael Bennett are high-risk picks. Culpepper, in
this kind of environment, could get frustrated and start throwing
interceptions. He'll have off games, just like he did last year. He holds the
No. 4 spot at quarterback only because he'll run so much. Bennett probably
isn't going to have a breakout year. He'd be at his best on a spread offense
that gave him big holes to run through. He won't get that here. And it will be
tough for him to score more than 6 TDs because he'll probably be replaced by
Moe Williams when the Vikings are inside the 5. The Vikings pulled him in both
of their short-yardage situations early in the exhibition opener, though
Bennett came back to score a 3-yard TD at Buffalo. Culpepper will score a lot
of those TDs anyway. ... Randy Moss will catch at least 20 more passes this
year, but he might not finish with many more yards or touchdowns. It's not easy
catching 5-yard passes and turning them into 60-yard TDs. Jerry Rice did it a
lot for the 49ers years ago, but the Vikings don't have the same kind of
precision offense. Nor do they have a running game that opponents fear. Moss is
in terrific shape, but his stats probably aren't going to take the gargantuan
leap that many are expecting. ... It looks like D'Wayne Bates will start ahead
of Derrick Alexander. Bates has held the starting job since camp began, and
Alexander isn't challenging him.
New England:
It doesn't look like first-rounder Daniel Graham is going to make much of
an impact this year. He's had a poor camp (in part because of a knee injury)
and Christian Fauria has a firm hold on the starting job. Graham probably will
be only a role player, posting good stats in perhaps a handful of games. ...
Second-rounder Deion Branch appears to have beaten out free agent pickup Donald
Hayes for the No. 3 job. Branch will play a lot, perhaps catching 40 balls.
He's a clone of the team's starting receivers, Troy Brown and David Patten: a
small, fast, tough receiver. He'll run reverses and pick up yards after the
catch. ... Antowain Smith failed the team's conditioning test at the start of
camp, but who cares? He's running fine in the exhibitions. He flunked the same
test last year and went on to have a great year.
New Orleans:
Deuce McAllister has done nothing to improve or deflate his stock in the
exhibitions. As we expected when we prepared the magazine in the spring, he
looks like an average runner. He doesn't break many tackles or look like he'll
ever be a great inside runner. He's averaging 3.6 yards per carry. McAllister
will be a good receiver. He's caught 5 passes in three quarters of preseason
work. The team will use him on screens and line him up as a wide receiver often
as well. If he stays healthy, he'll catch 60-70 passes. Durability, though, was
always an issue with McAllister at Mississippi, which is why he's down around
15th on our board. ... Donte Stallworth isn't going to make a big impact. He's
missed a lot of practice time because of a holdout and a hamstring injury. And
this is a guy who didn't play a lot of ball at Tennessee. It could take him
quite a while to move ahead of Jerome Pathon on the depth chart. ... Joe Horn
has been nagged by a sore hamstring and a sprained knee during training camp,
but he was healthy enough to play (and score) against Miami. The Saints will
score an obscene ratio of their TDs through the air (27 passing versus 8
rushing last year) and Horn is their undisputed go-to receiver. Pencil him in
for at least 85 catches and 9 TDs. ... Aaron Brooks doesn't seem ready to
elevate his game. He skipped the first three days of workouts and is still
complaining about wanting a contract extension.
N.Y. Giants:
Jeremy Shockey is going to be a top 5 tight end right away. He's a terrific
receiver, he'll break tackles in the open field, and the Giants are going to
feature him. In five quarters of work, he's caught 8 passes for 146 yards and 2
TDs. He's also had a reception of at least 26 yards in every game. Shockey left
Saturday's game with a sprained ankle, but it's not serious. ... Ron Dayne
looks like the same back who's struggled the last two years. He can't play.
He's slow to the hole and doesn't break tackles. In his last two games, he's
gained only 56 yards on 22 carries. The Giants probably won't even use him as
their goal-line back. Tiki Barber is the back here. Barber (strained rib
muscle) was hurt in early August but he's fine now. He's in top form, averaging
6 yards per carry in the preseason. ... Ike Hilliard could be headed for about
1,000 yards and 8 TDs. He's bulked up to 210 pounds, which could help him hold
up better this season. He's also in a contract year, and says he intends to
post good numbers to help himself land a nice contract next spring. In the last
two years, Hilliard has scored in 12 of 24 starts, 9th-best among wide
receivers. Hilliard won't finish with as many catches or yards as Amani Toomer
but will get more looks in the red zone. ... Owen Pochman may be losing his
grip on the kicking job. He's muffed 37- and 23-yard field goals in the last
two exhibitions.
N.Y. Jets:
Santana Moss held out and got hurt as a rookie. Now he's healthy, he's
confident, and he knows what he's doing. He's going to make an impact, either
as an often-used No. 3 receiver or perhaps even as a starter ahead of Wayne
Chrebet. Moss has seen time in the exhibitions with the first unit in
two-receiver sets. Moss has phenomenal speed and cutting ability. He'll score
1-2 TDs on kick returns. He'll get behind defenses for about 2 TDs. And he'll
turn a couple of short catches into long touchdowns. He might even outscore
Laveranues Coles, who looks like the team's No. 1 receiver. Chrebet probably
will catch more passes than Moss, but whatever TDs he scores will come on short
passes in the red zone. Chrebet also is in a contract year and is hoping to
sign an extension soon. ... Looking to take advantage of their big-play
receivers, the Jets will pass more this year. Vinny Testaverde threw for under
200 yards in each of his first 13 games last year, then went for at least 227
yards in his final four games including the playoffs, with 6 TDs. The
Testaverde you'll see this season will more closely resemble that late-season
quarterback. The Jets also have offensive line problems; that could force them
to rely less on Curtis Martin's running. ... John Hall has a hip injury that
could linger into the regular season.
Oakland:
Tim Brown and Jerry Rice combined for 174 catches last year, 2nd-most
in the league by a tandem. No. 3 receiver Jerry Porter, meanwhile, caught only
19 passes, including none for touchdowns. Things will be different this year.
Porter seems to have finally figured out what's going on. He's the team's most
improved player. And new coach Bill Callahan wants to put Porter to work. The
youngster has the speed to score long touchdowns, something that Brown and Rice
(the league's two oldest receivers) no longer have. When Porter catches around
40 passes and 4 TDs this year, it probably means Brown and Rice won't be as
productive. And if Brown or Rice pulls a hamstring or blows out a knee, Porter
will be a star. ... On its opening possession against Tennessee, the offense
faced a 3rd-and-1. Charlie Garner headed to the sidelines. Zack Crockett came
into the game and lined up behind Jon Ritchie (and note that Tyrone Wheatley
was healthy for this game). That's strong evidence that Crockett will be the
featured back in the team's goal-line package. He'll probably score about 8 TDs
this year. ... Sebastian Janikowski is only 2-of-5 on field goal attempts in
the preseason. He's never going to develop into another Morten Andersen. ... In
an earlier newsletter, we second-guessed Jerry Rice's decision to bulk up to
210 pounds. But seeing him on the field, if you hadn't heard he had gained 15
pounds in the offseason, you wouldn't have noticed. He appears to be in
terrific condition for a 39-year-old.
Philadelphia:
Freddie Mitchell isn't going to have a breakout year. He's been operating
behind Todd Pinkston since camp opened, and he hasn't gotten any playing time
in two-receiver sets with the first-team offense. The Eagles plan to use
Mitchell as a slot receiver on third downs. James Thrash is the clear go-to
receiver here, but he won't necessarily go over 1,000 yards. In the Eagles
offense, lots of passes go to running backs and tight ends. ... Dorsey Levens
has had a terrific preseason. He's carried 10 times for 74 yards in the
exhibitions. He's also a great receiver. Andy Reid says Duce Staley will remain
the team's primary back. Staley hasn't played much in the exhibitions because
the team wants to keep him healthy. Reid says Levens will spell Staley. If the
former Packer continues to play well, however, he could work his way into a
legitimate time-share situation.
Pittsburgh:
Hines Ward caught 94 passes last season. He might not catch 70 this year.
Ward's production dipped during the second half of last year, when Plaxico
Burress emerged, and the Steelers are going to heavily involve explosive
second-rounder Antwaan Randle El as their No. 3. Last year the Steelers
essentially ignored their backup receivers. Ward's role has fluctuated during
camp. Initially he was penciled in to shift into the slot on third downs, with
Troy Edwards playing on the outside. But Randle El, a college quarterback, is
making terrific progress (he score 2 TDs at Washington) and is ready to handle
that slot role. That means Ward should play on the outside; he hasn't been
practicing there much, which could hurt his chemistry with Kordell Stewart. ...
Jerome Bettis is 30 years old and has gained 34 yards on 22 carries in his last
three games. That probably doesn't mean anything. He's going to face a lot of
bad defenses (the Steelers play the league's 3rd-easiest schedule), so Bettis
probably will bang out at least 80 yards per game. He ran for 98 yards per game
last year, but the Steelers intend to spell him more often with Amos Zereoue.
Bettis is relatively low on our board because he won't catch more than 15
passes and is an injury risk because of his high-contract running style. Bettis
also has scored only 22 TDs in his last 58 starts.
St. Louis:
The Rams plan to start John St. Clair at right tackle, and that makes it
risky selecting Kurt Warner. St. Clair can't play, and that means the
somewhat-fragile Warner is going to take some wicked shots this year. Unless
the Rams either shore up or successfully hide their deficiency at that
position, it's going to be hard for Warner to last 16 games. Marshall Faulk's
numbers could be down a little as well. ... Maybe the Rams are ready to start
using Torry Holt in the red zone a little more this year. Mike Martz said in
the offseason that he wanted Holt to improve this year, then named him the
team's offensive captain. And against the Bears, Warner tried to connect with
Holt when the team was down at the 5-yard line. ... Lamar Gordon is giving
Trung Canidate a good run for the backup tailback job. They're similar players.
Gordon runs slightly better inside. Canidate has two more years of experience
in the offense and is less likely to get Warner killed by blowing a blocking
assignment. Slight edge to Canidate in our book, though maybe they'll share
time if Faulk gets hurt. ... Ricky Proehl could miss all of the preseason with
a pulled hamstring. Maybe that means Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce will catch a
few more passes in the red zone. Last year Proehl caught 10 passes in the red
zone (5 for TDs), out-producing Holt and Bruce combined (8 red zone catches
with 2 TDs). ... With Jamie Martin (separated shoulder) out until late August,
Marc Bulger is making a strong move for the backup quarterback job. ...
Terrence Wilkins (ribs) may miss the season opener.
San Diego:
Will Doug Flutie or Drew Brees begin the season as the team's starting
quarterback? The race is too close to call, but it's fairly certain that
neither will be of much value to fantasy teams. In Marty Schottenheimer's
conservative offense, the Chargers simply aren't going to pass often enough.
... LaDainian Tomlinson (ankle) has sat out both exhibitions, but he's
practicing and he's fine. If the Seattle game had been a regular-season
contest, he would have played. San Diego's offense will be built around
Tomlinson, who may lead the league in rushing attempts. The Chargers need
Tomlinson to stay healthy in the regular season because they don't have much
else at the position. They'll probably go with a committee approach, with
Terrell Fletcher leading the way, if Tomlinson gets hurt. ... None of the
team's starting receivers -- Curtis Conway, Tim Dwight or tight end Stephen
Alexander -- appears to be of much fantasy value.
San Francisco:
Jeff Garcia finished with under 200 passing yards four times late last
season when the team opted to simply maul opponents on the ground rather than
emphasizing the pass. There will be some more of those games this year. The
49ers have a terrific offensive line, and they have two tailbacks (Garrison
Hearst and Kevan Barlow) capable of rushing for 1,400 yards if not for the
presence of the other. Hearst will start, but Barlow will spell him and the
pair will play together at times -- which might be effective since both backs
are also good receivers. Even in a reserve role, Barlow will be valuable; he'll
get at least a third of the carries, and he'll probably get more goal-line
carries than Hearst. Against Kansas City, the team had a fourth-and-one and
replaced Hearst with Barlow. That's the package we expect the team will use at
the goal line: Barlow and Fred Beasley in a split backfield, with Barlow
getting about 70 percent of those carries. Coaches and players are talking
about trying to get both Hearst and Barlow over 1,000 yards. The team ranked
2nd in rushing last year. ... The battle for the kicking job could go down to
the final cut. The 49ers spent a third-round pick on Jeff Chandler, but he's
currently slightly behind Jose Cortez, who's kicking the ball better this year.
... Eric Johnson is going to be a much bigger part of the passing game this
year. He's got a lot more confidence, and the team is going to use him. Johnson
likely will finish 2nd on the team in both catches and receiving touchdowns.
... Terrell Owens is in regular season form. He broke five tackles on a
spectacular 71-yard TD at Kansas City.
Seattle:
Trent Dilfer (knee) will miss up to three games, but he could be worth
selecting anyway. He looked terrific in his one quarter of preseason action,
zipping the ball quickly and accurately. He could post the best numbers of his
career. The offense could be lost until he returns. Matt Hasselbeck's
confidence appears to be shot after his disastrous 2001 season. In 11 preseason
drives, he hasn't led the team to a single point. He's thrown 3 interceptions
and lost a fumble. ... Seattle has huge offensive line problems. RT Chris
McIntosh (neck) might miss the entire year. And there's no sign LT Walter Jones
will be in camp any time soon. He and the team are $6 million apart on his
signing bonus alone. Holmgren is a tough negotiator who's let holdouts (Joey
Galloway, McIntosh) drag into the regular season in recent years. And this one
could really hurt the offense. ... First-rounder Jerramy Stevens is meeting
expectations. He's seen some action with the first team in each of the
exhibition games. While Stevens is loaded with talent, however, he hasn't made
any eye-opening plays yet. And it could be October -- or later -- before he
moves ahead of Itula Mili into the starting lineup. Stevens probably won’t
make a big impact until next year. ... Koren Robinson is playing with a lot
more confidence this year. His numbers will be up dramatically. We're currently
projecting him for about 60 catches, 850 yards and 6 TDs. ... The Seahawks
haven't decided yet whether their kicker will be Aaron Elling or incumbent Rian
Lindell.
Tampa Bay:
Michael Pittman looks ready to post big numbers for the first time in his
career. He'll be Tampa Bay's featured runner and also should catch 45-plus
passes. Pittman burst loose for a 38-yard gain in his first carry as a Buc.
He'd be much higher on our board if not for our concern that Jon Gruden will
use Mike Alstott in goal-line situations, in the same way Gruden utilized Zack
Crockett in Oakland. In the exhibition game against Miami, Alstott lined up at
tailback behind Jameel Cook in a jumbo formation and converted a
third-and-inches late in the first quarter. Pittman had headed to the sidelines
by that time, but we think that's the package the Bucs will use at the goal
line. Pittman also has had problems avoiding injuries. He was hurt often at
Arizona, and has been bothered by a sprained ankle in camp. ... Brad Johnson is
the first-string quarterback, but Rob Johnson has outperformed him in both
exhibitions. Brad has completed 8-of-17 for 105 yards but hasn't gotten the
team in the end zone. Rob has gone 11-of-16 for 107 yards, with 2 TDs. We're
confident that both quarterbacks will play this season. ... Keenan McCardell
will start and will probably catch 80-85 passes. Joe Jurevicius is the No. 3,
but Gruden typically doesn't make much use of that position.
Tennessee:
Derrick Mason led all receivers (league-wide) during the second half of
last season with 825 yards and 8 TDs, and he looks ready to pick up where he
left off. He's fast, has terrific moves, and has a good rapport with Steve
McNair. Mason is going to have a big year. ... In the three seasons prior to
last year, Eddie George averaged 1,369 rushing yards, 407 receiving yards and
12 TDs. George is healthy after the toe and ankle injuries that plagued him all
of last season. He’s been bursting through holes and running over tacklers
in the exhibitions. He'll also face the expansion Texans' defense twice. ...
Kevin Dyson finished with only 54 catches, 825 yards and 7 TDs last year, but
his numbers will improve. He's playing with more confidence now that he's a
full year removed from knee surgery. The Titans have some promising young
receivers, but Dyson is the undisputed starter opposite Mason and will play
full-time. ... We're high on Steve McNair. George is at full strength again,
but that doesn't mean the Titans will forget about the solid passing attack
they developed during the second half of last season (during his final 10
starts, McNair threw 17 TDs and averaged 246 passing yards). ... Robert
Holcombe and Skip Hicks are competing for the backup tailback job. We think
Holcombe will win that job. He's outplayed Hicks in the exhibitions, and he's
far more valuable as a special teams player. That could prompt the team to
release Hicks, who'd quickly latch on as a backup with another team. George is
one of the league's most durable backs, so Hicks would be more valuable as a
backup on a team like the Packers or Ravens than with the Titans.
Washington:
Steve Spurrier's wide-open offense is going to work -- at least on some
level. Washington's offense will post at least average passing numbers. It may
even rank in the top 5. The starting receivers at this point are Rod Gardner
and Jacquez Green. Others, however, may take those jobs later. Gardner hasn't
proven that he's comfortable in this offense. Green weighs only 170 pounds, so
it will be tough to keep him healthy -- he's already out with bruised ribs.
Green has had a miserable preseason, catching 2 passes for 14 yards in two
games and dropping a TD. Kevin Lockett, Derrius Thompson and Darnerian McCants
are the candidates to move into the starting jobs. ... Danny Wuerffel or Shane
Matthews will start at quarterback. They may both start 5-plus games before the
year is through. Wuerffel was the best in the first two exhibitions, completing
67 percent of his passes, but Matthews got the better of him Sunday against
Pittsburgh. ... Stephen Davis could be a poor fit with this offense and could
be underused. This offense is better suited for a quick back -- it features
lots of draws -- but Davis is an inside banger. In Washington's twice as often
as they've passed and Davis hasn't been effective. Rookie Ladell Betts hasn't
yet secured the backup tailback job. Free agent Kenny Watson is ahead of him on
the depth chart and has been the first guy off the bench in all three
exhibitions. ... Spurrier ignored his tight ends at Florida and based on the
exhibitions, it looks like he'll do the same here.