Alright, let's get serious about the preseason (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

Here are a few players it seems we need to upgrade and may be overlooking a bit. I want to spotlight one player especially. I was writing an article and wanted to share this part of it.

Buffalo: Their offense is starting to show signs of life…although it was Cinci that they played against. I think Lee Evans could slide right into the top20-25 this season and maybe a lot higher and here is why. Evans is about the only proven commodity at WR/TE. He is in a situation similar to Steve Smith last year…except he has Losman instead of Delhomme. I admit that’s a gigantic difference but Evans is going to go past 48 catches this season…a lot more. What are his stats with 64 catches for the season…how bout 80? I think he will reel in between 64-80 at this point…and I like him as a guy that will leap past his ADP. I was down on him big time but he is entering his 3rd season and has 16 TDs the past 2 seasons as the WR2 in this offense. Oh yeah, and he has remained healthy unlike Roy Williams and others being taken before him.

One other thing working for Evans and what could be a breakout season is the fact Buffalo has a poor defense…even if Losman is average they will play from behind…Evans blew right past double coverage the other night…eventually the defenses will play the Safetys far enough back and then he can work underneath…Buffalo is slowly becoming an avoid situation to a possible FF opportunity for owners.

The Colts Passing Offense...Addai and Rhodes combined 15 carries for 32 yds...Dungy said this would be the game for both of them to show what they got...not much apparently...even in the preseason game Manning was ready to start firing the ball all over the place. Reggie Wayne is going to bounce back hard this season and owners asleep at the wheel on the 2-3 turn are going to suffer. Can you honestly say that Boldin, Moss, Owens, Holt(Ok maybe him), and Steve Smith are vastly superior picks to this guy. He has a tremendous chance to crack the top 3-5 this season. And Manning may just be the safest bet after the top3-4RBs are off the board...I see closer to 40 TDs this season than 30. We invested high last season and did not get a great return...SO WHAT!!!

Donald Driver: He's had good years before, he is in a similar situation to what Steve Smith had a year ago...and he has a HoF QB that still has a little gas in the tank. Driver is going to catch 80-100+ balls, he has to and again i think this is a guy that is going to exceed that middle 4th round pick he has been getting.

Here are 3 RB that seem set to outperform their ADP/slots.

Frank Gore...now has the stage to himself...decent OL, should rush for 1,000 yds, draft accordingly

Mike Bell...went in the 4th round in one of my drafts this weekend

Corey Dillon...word of his demise have been greatly exaggerated. he still should punch in 12 TDs and gain 800-1,000 yds in this offense. Maroney only ensures that he will get plenty of rest too and not be worn down all the time.

QB is what your looking for. Here are 2 that should be upgraded.

Daunte Culpepper: Seems to be recovered...not gonna run the ball a lot but seems fine standing back and firing when he wants.

Steve McNair: Of the 11th round and later QBs, he seems to be just what you are looking for. Solid and should be able to move the offense. Looks great so far and as long as he can stay relatively healthy, FF owners will get a steal later in the draft.

TE you say

LJ Smith: This guy is going in the 9th-11th rounds in most drafts. I like him a lot. Mcnabb has looked good in the preseason but his WR do not...surprise surprise. LJ Smith will be the best security blanket next to Westbrook in this offense.

 

[rascal]

Good post.

But I still think Tatum Bell is the guy to pick at Denver. His upside is higher, and his downside is also higher. IMO he is less risky of a pick. Mike Bell is a rookie and who knows if he will wear down as the season progresses. He has never handled a big load.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Good post.But I still think Tatum Bell is the guy to pick at Denver. His upside is higher, and his downside is also higher. IMO he is less risky of a pick. Mike Bell is a rookie and who knows if he will wear down as the season progresses. He has never handled a big load.

yes, but TB is going to be used like he was last season it seems...change of pace back. I truly believe Shanny is set to start Mike Bell and he will get the 18-20 carries a game and TB will get about 10-12 max...when he is having one of his better days then TB might get a few more. MB being a rookie matters little...RBs can start when they are rookies a lot easier than other positions.

 

[joffer]

Buffalo: Their offense is starting to show signs of life…although it was Cinci that they played against. I think Lee Evans could slide right into the top20-25 this season and maybe a lot higher and here is why. Evans is about the only proven commodity at WR/TE. He is in a situation similar to Steve Smith last year…except he has Losman instead of Delhomme. I admit that’s a gigantic difference but Evans is going to go past 48 catches this season…a lot more. What are his stats with 64 catches for the season…how bout 80? I think he will reel in between 64-80 at this point…and I like him as a guy that will leap past his ADP. I was down on him big time but he is entering his 3rd season and has 16 TDs the past 2 seasons as the WR2 in this offense. Oh yeah, and he has remained healthy unlike Roy Williams and others being taken before him.

i think his TD production is a good point that often goes overlooked. Evans has been slowly climbing my WR rankings, he could sneak into the top 20.

 

[bostonfred]

Why are these guys upgrades? Nothing seems to have changed with them recently. Are you talking about guys who are undervalued/overvalued?

 

[Keys Myaths]

Why are these guys upgrades? Nothing seems to have changed with them recently. Are you talking about guys who are undervalued/overvalued?

To be fair, Gore's situation has.But this is a very odd post.

 

[Jaysus]

Here are a few players it seems we need to upgrade and may be overlooking a bit. I want to spotlight one player especially. I was writing an article and wanted to share this part of it.

Awesome! Is it going to be published somewhere that we can check out in the near future, or is it for some sort of private collection?

 

[snogger]

I'll give you RB Chester Taylor.

I'm not so sure you will see 100 Rushing Yards from him, but with Koren in the Drunk tank he sure was more involved in the passing game Saturday.

I expect that to be the norm what with the WC Offense and the Safe Play expected out of the QB's by Childress.

 

[ericttspikes]

Huge Lee Evan fan. Dude was a stud at Wisconsin. I would have no problem reaching for him a bit, but there are questions I have. One being how bad Buffalo might be, but also Lee has produced basically only with Losman. Losman should start, but does he stay there if/when the team struggles or does Nall/Holcombe get a shot? Also, Lee is a fast dude and pretty polished BUT being WR #1 is different deal, especially when the other wideouts are Reed/and Price. :X All that being said, I think he ranked about right and certainly could outperform but also could just as easily go down the toilet with the rest of the O.

 

[diesel7982]

Why would you want to do this before week 3?

 

[Keys Myaths]

Why would you want to do this before week 3?

I get serious around Week 10, myself.

 

[snogger]

Why would you want to do this before week 3?

As hard as it is to believe some Leagues are drafting before week 3 of pre-season. Most of mine are scheduled for Next week, but I have already completed one draft due to owner conflicts with vacations and life.

 

[(unwelcomed)GUEST]

I'll give you RB Chester Taylor.I'm not so sure you will see 100 Rushing Yards from him, but with Koren in the Drunk tank he sure was more involved in the passing game Saturday. I expect that to be the norm what with the WC Offense and the Safe Play expected out of the QB's by Childress.

I've liked Chester Taylor for a while, what does this do to the other Baltimore transplant, WR Travis Taylor? Also, does Troy Williamson bump up a little too? Has the NFL or the Vikings suspended Koren yet?

 

[Donnybrook]

Good post.But I still think Tatum Bell is the guy to pick at Denver. His upside is higher, and his downside is also higher. IMO he is less risky of a pick. Mike Bell is a rookie and who knows if he will wear down as the season progresses. He has never handled a big load.

Will Mike Bell breakdown if they give him 40-45% of the carries and give Tatum about 30%?

 

[snogger]

Why would you want to do this before week 3?

I get serious around Week 10, myself.

 

[TinHat]

I agree with everything you just wrote

 

[My Ditka]

The Colts Passing Offense...Addai and Rhodes combined 15 carries for 32 yds...Dungy said this would be the game for both of them to show what they got...not much apparently...even in the preseason game Manning was ready to start firing the ball all over the place. Reggie Wayne is going to bounce back hard this season and owners asleep at the wheel on the 2-3 turn are going to suffer. Can you honestly say that Boldin, Moss, Owens, Holt(Ok maybe him), and Steve Smith are vastly superior picks to this guy. He has a tremendous chance to crack the top 3-5 this season. And Manning may just be the safest bet after the top3-4RBs are off the board...I see closer to 40 TDs this season than 30. We invested high last season and did not get a great return...SO WHAT!!!

Donald Driver: He's had good years before, he is in a similar situation to what Steve Smith had a year ago...and he has a HoF QB that still has a little gas in the tank. Driver is going to catch 80-100+ balls, he has to and again i think this is a guy that is going to exceed that middle 4th round pick he has been getting.

Here are 3 RB that seem set to outperform their ADP/slots.

Frank Gore...now has the stage to himself...decent OL, should rush for 1,000 yds, draft accordingly

Mike Bell...went in the 4th round in one of my drafts this weekend

QB is what your looking for. Here are 2 that should be upgraded.

Daunte Culpepper: Seems to be recovered...not gonna run the ball a lot but seems fine standing back and firing when he wants.

Steve McNair: Of the 11th round and later QBs, he seems to be just what you are looking for. Solid and should be able to move the offense. Looks great so far and as long as he can stay relatively healthy, FF owners will get a steal later in the draft.

TE you say

LJ Smith: This guy is going in the 9th-11th rounds in most drafts. I like him a lot. Mcnabb has looked good in the preseason but his WR do not...surprise surprise. LJ Smith will be the best security blanket next to Westbrook in this offense.

Great Post....my thoughts....Agree about Evans, but I am not touching anyone on that offense!

Denver is RBBC in my opinion

I don't think Gore will score more than 6 TDs

 

[SSOG]

Here are a few players it seems we need to upgrade and may be overlooking a bit. I want to spotlight one player especially. I was writing an article and wanted to share this part of it.

Buffalo: Their offense is starting to show signs of life…although it was Cinci that they played against. I think Lee Evans could slide right into the top20-25 this season and maybe a lot higher and here is why. Evans is about the only proven commodity at WR/TE. He is in a situation similar to Steve Smith last year…except he has Losman instead of Delhomme. I admit that’s a gigantic difference but Evans is going to go past 48 catches this season…a lot more. What are his stats with 64 catches for the season…how bout 80? I think he will reel in between 64-80 at this point…and I like him as a guy that will leap past his ADP. I was down on him big time but he is entering his 3rd season and has 16 TDs the past 2 seasons as the WR2 in this offense. Oh yeah, and he has remained healthy unlike Roy Williams and others being taken before him.

One other thing working for Evans and what could be a breakout season is the fact Buffalo has a poor defense…even if Losman is average they will play from behind…Evans blew right past double coverage the other night…eventually the defenses will play the Safetys far enough back and then he can work underneath…Buffalo is slowly becoming an avoid situation to a possible FF opportunity for owners.

Big Lee Evans fan here. I think he's drastically underrated at the moment. What I love the most about him is his catch percentage- he caught 60+% of the balls thrown his way as a rookie, and in the mid-to-high 50%s as a sophomore. I did some research on WRs who went from WR2 to WR1 with no proven threat behind them, and historically catch percentage holds pretty steady. Actually, in a lot of instances (Muhsin Muhammad, Laveranues Coles, Santana Moss, Steve Smith, etc) the WR's catch% actually INCREASES when he becomes WR1.Almost ALL of the truly elite WRs consistantly post 60+% catch percentages (Owens is the one exception- he wavers between the mid fifties to the mid sixties). Every single one of the WR1s in the NFL who post a 60+% catch percentage are starting-caliber fantasy WRs- usually very good fantasy starters. With a 60% catch rate, Evans only needs an achievable 130 targets in order to haul in 80 balls this season.

Good post.

But I still think Tatum Bell is the guy to pick at Denver. His upside is higher, and his downside is also higher. IMO he is less risky of a pick. Mike Bell is a rookie and who knows if he will wear down as the season progresses. He has never handled a big load.

Tatum's upside is a lot lower than Mike Bell's. I'm talking *A LOT* lower.Mike Bell's realistic upside is 1500 total yards and a dozen TDs. That's vintage Mike Anderson, Clinton Portis, Reuben Droughns, Olandis Gary numbers. Tatum Bell's realistic upside is probably around 1200 yards and 6-8 TDs. He's just not going to win the featured role, and it'll be extremely hard for him to produce better than that with 15 or fewer carries per game.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Why are these guys upgrades? Nothing seems to have changed with them recently. Are you talking about guys who are undervalued/overvalued?

Good question BF. I think Evans needs an upgrade from a analysis standpoint. not many people have him in their top20 and he seems to have an ideal situation brewing in Buffalo, no?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Why would you want to do this before week 3?

Why wait till its too late...info is better b4 the draft than after I would think but do as you might/will.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I'll give you RB Chester Taylor.I'm not so sure you will see 100 Rushing Yards from him, but with Koren in the Drunk tank he sure was more involved in the passing game Saturday. I expect that to be the norm what with the WC Offense and the Safe Play expected out of the QB's by Childress.

He and the entire Minnesota offense has lookded terrible in the preseason Snogger, truly.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Why would you want to do this before week 3?

As hard as it is to believe some Leagues are drafting before week 3 of pre-season. Most of mine are scheduled for Next week, but I have already completed one draft due to owner conflicts with vacations and life.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I agree with everything you just wrote

Great minds think alike Tin Man

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Maybe I didn't make it clear in the 1st post but please folks chime in with what you are seeing in the preseason...to me this weekend, the players I highlighted I sat and watch and came away with some very good impressions. I'm sure some of you are spotting things too.

Preseson games are not real football games but last season we all picked up on Lamont Jordan getting a lot of cathes for example...and that made him a very nice stel in the late 2nd of most drafts.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Here are a few players it seems we need to upgrade and may be overlooking a bit. I want to spotlight one player especially. I was writing an article and wanted to share this part of it.

Buffalo: Their offense is starting to show signs of life…although it was Cinci that they played against. I think Lee Evans could slide right into the top20-25 this season and maybe a lot higher and here is why. Evans is about the only proven commodity at WR/TE. He is in a situation similar to Steve Smith last year…except he has Losman instead of Delhomme. I admit that’s a gigantic difference but Evans is going to go past 48 catches this season…a lot more. What are his stats with 64 catches for the season…how bout 80? I think he will reel in between 64-80 at this point…and I like him as a guy that will leap past his ADP. I was down on him big time but he is entering his 3rd season and has 16 TDs the past 2 seasons as the WR2 in this offense. Oh yeah, and he has remained healthy unlike Roy Williams and others being taken before him.

One other thing working for Evans and what could be a breakout season is the fact Buffalo has a poor defense…even if Losman is average they will play from behind…Evans blew right past double coverage the other night…eventually the defenses will play the Safetys far enough back and then he can work underneath…Buffalo is slowly becoming an avoid situation to a possible FF opportunity for owners.

Big Lee Evans fan here. I think he's drastically underrated at the moment. What I love the most about him is his catch percentage- he caught 60+% of the balls thrown his way as a rookie, and in the mid-to-high 50%s as a sophomore. I did some research on WRs who went from WR2 to WR1 with no proven threat behind them, and historically catch percentage holds pretty steady. Actually, in a lot of instances (Muhsin Muhammad, Laveranues Coles, Santana Moss, Steve Smith, etc) the WR's catch% actually INCREASES when he becomes WR1.Almost ALL of the truly elite WRs consistantly post 60+% catch percentages (Owens is the one exception- he wavers between the mid fifties to the mid sixties). Every single one of the WR1s in the NFL who post a 60+% catch percentage are starting-caliber fantasy WRs- usually very good fantasy starters. With a 60% catch rate, Evans only needs an achievable 130 targets in order to haul in 80 balls this season.

Good post.

But I still think Tatum Bell is the guy to pick at Denver. His upside is higher, and his downside is also higher. IMO he is less risky of a pick. Mike Bell is a rookie and who knows if he will wear down as the season progresses. He has never handled a big load.

Tatum's upside is a lot lower than Mike Bell's. I'm talking *A LOT* lower.Mike Bell's realistic upside is 1500 total yards and a dozen TDs. That's vintage Mike Anderson, Clinton Portis, Reuben Droughns, Olandis Gary numbers. Tatum Bell's realistic upside is probably around 1200 yards and 6-8 TDs. He's just not going to win the featured role, and it'll be extremely hard for him to produce better than that with 15 or fewer carries per game.

Solid SSOG, I agree with what you are saying...I did grab TB in a couple of drafts around the 7th-8th round as an RB3/4 that I can use in spot situations...if MB were to go down though...TB would have the most upside of what Denver has on the roster.

 

[cws3030]

i liked Gore's value before the trade but now i think his price will be too high for me. i'm not sold that he will out perform his adp

 

[wannabee]

Kudos, MoP. Evans and Driver I like a ton for this year. I love Driver in PPR leagues and Evans especially in leagues weightint TDs. But, both are way undervalued to me. Two I would add, especially in PPR leagues are Mason and Coles. Lastly, I like Toomer as a bench WR. He should definitely outscore his ADP by a ton.

I see Peyton having a huge year this year. I could very well see 4500 yds and 40 TDs. The effect of this would be felt most by Wayne and Harrison. The running game, or lack thereof, reinforces this notion for me.

I like Dillon as a great sleeper. He still has gas left in the tank. Dunn is another one that is discounted because most (erroneiously, imo) think Norwood will push Dunn for PT without a Dunn injury. Injury to Dunn is only way I see Norwood getting enough carries/touches to matter.

I am targeting McNair and Plummer in my drafts. I think both are mostly overlooked for more "sexier" QB options. But, I see McNair as a top10 QB this year and Plummer a top6 QB. I know this may seem high but both have very good receiving corps and are experienced enough how to get the ball where it needs to be.

I agree with you on Smith. He should be gold. Another TE to target, in TD league especially, is Miller. I see Miller getting red zone looks with Bettis and ARE gone. The TE sleeper I am targeting REAL LATE, especially in PPR leagues, is Wiggins. That guy will catch a ton of passes this year. I would think a cheap TE combo of Wiggins and Scheffler would be serviceable ... esp since little invested.

ETA: Most are holding back with upgrading Evans and Coles due to QB situation. I think both situations will be greatly improved. Losman has another year of experience. In NY, most forget that Coles (and the Jets) played several games with Brooks Bollinger and Vinny at QB, with hardly a running game. This is improving with Pennington, Ramsey, Clemens, and now the addition of Barlow. Plus, the OLine upgrade should filter down to help Coles, too.

 

[snogger]

I'll give you RB Chester Taylor.I'm not so sure you will see 100 Rushing Yards from him, but with Koren in the Drunk tank he sure was more involved in the passing game Saturday. I expect that to be the norm what with the WC Offense and the Safe Play expected out of the QB's by Childress.

He and the entire Minnesota offense has lookded terrible in the preseason Snogger, truly.

I liked what I saw Saturday, given they only had a week to iron out the missing #1 WR thing. Facing Steelers #1 Defense they moved the ball pretty good. Granted, I have not been impressed by their running game thus far. But Brad is a perfect fit for the Dink & Dunk WC Offense. With Wiggins, Klieny, Chester and whatever raggin muffins they throw out at WR who can run a 5 yard route I think they will do alright. I know it's only pre-season, but getting 100+ combined yards and a TD or 2 from Chester a game isn't out of the realm of possibilities right now. With a ADP of late third early fourth and the 21st RB taken, he could easily enter the Top 20 in RB scoring at the end of the year and be a good fit as your 2nd or 3rd RB.

 

[Winston Smith]

Why are these guys upgrades? Nothing seems to have changed with them recently. Are you talking about guys who are undervalued/overvalued?

Good question BF. I think Evans needs an upgrade from a analysis standpoint. not many people have him in their top20 and he seems to have an ideal situation brewing in Buffalo, no?

I've been down on him all offseason, but the more I look at the numbers, his situation, and his talent (particuarly in my league which rewards big plays), the more I bump him up. He presently sits at WR19 on my board.

 

[dlptown]

I like Wannabee's list, but would consider adding W Parker as I think he may slide a bit and I am willing to gamble on Vick this year as it seems that those happy feet may add some value and hopefully the work with R White will materialize into something

 

[(HULK)]

Great post MOP.

Please add Derrick Mason as a guy who is undervalued.

McNair is throwing to him left and right. I see him bettering his 1000 yard season last year.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I'll give you RB Chester Taylor.I'm not so sure you will see 100 Rushing Yards from him, but with Koren in the Drunk tank he sure was more involved in the passing game Saturday. I expect that to be the norm what with the WC Offense and the Safe Play expected out of the QB's by Childress.

He and the entire Minnesota offense has lookded terrible in the preseason Snogger, truly.

I liked what I saw Saturday, given they only had a week to iron out the missing #1 WR thing. Facing Steelers #1 Defense they moved the ball pretty good. Granted, I have not been impressed by their running game thus far. But Brad is a perfect fit for the Dink & Dunk WC Offense. With Wiggins, Klieny, Chester and whatever raggin muffins they throw out at WR who can run a 5 yard route I think they will do alright. I know it's only pre-season, but getting 100+ combined yards and a TD or 2 from Chester a game isn't out of the realm of possibilities right now. With a ADP of late third early fourth and the 21st RB taken, he could easily enter the Top 20 in RB scoring at the end of the year and be a good fit as your 2nd or 3rd RB.

OK, but let's look at things so far. Taylor left the Ravens like he was a better RB than Lewis and maybe last year that was true as Lewis' head wasn't maybe in the game. But Chester Taylor never showed me anything that I would describe as awesome run or anything. He gets a fat contract from Minnesota and he shows up out of shape, has a pretty rough off season with the Vikes. His production in the preseason so far is 20 carries for about 50 yds...and I haven't seen him catching balls left and right like say Lamont Jordan. Snogger you said a TD or 2 a game...that's like 30 TDs for the season...I am gonna say that is not likely to happen...and I'm not making fun of you at all, but I think Taylor has gotten too much hype from FBG although I can understand why it happened.Brad Johnson did not throw for 250+ yds in any of his games last season. In 4 out of his 10 starts he did not even throw a TD...I think he is more like Steve Deberg(some folks have no idea who this is)...the 2nd go around...at this stage of his career. he is brittle and while I like the OL I think he could get injured slightly easier than some are thinking. He is 38 I believe...he was the back up in college to Chip Ferguson of all people. he has been around forever...almost.Snogger i appreciate your enthusiasm for the Vikes and maybe because you watch them closely you can see more than I do, however I have watched their 2 preseason games and have been very unimpressed.

 

[culdeus]

Just a quick question. What has LJ done so far this preseason that is any different than expected. Everyone knew the Philly WRs would blow so what's the suprise there?

 

[snogger]

I'll give you RB Chester Taylor.I'm not so sure you will see 100 Rushing Yards from him, but with Koren in the Drunk tank he sure was more involved in the passing game Saturday. I expect that to be the norm what with the WC Offense and the Safe Play expected out of the QB's by Childress.

He and the entire Minnesota offense has lookded terrible in the preseason Snogger, truly.

I liked what I saw Saturday, given they only had a week to iron out the missing #1 WR thing. Facing Steelers #1 Defense they moved the ball pretty good. Granted, I have not been impressed by their running game thus far. But Brad is a perfect fit for the Dink & Dunk WC Offense. With Wiggins, Klieny, Chester and whatever raggin muffins they throw out at WR who can run a 5 yard route I think they will do alright. I know it's only pre-season, but getting 100+ combined yards and a TD or 2 from Chester a game isn't out of the realm of possibilities right now. With a ADP of late third early fourth and the 21st RB taken, he could easily enter the Top 20 in RB scoring at the end of the year and be a good fit as your 2nd or 3rd RB.

OK, but let's look at things so far. Taylor left the Ravens like he was a better RB than Lewis and maybe last year that was true as Lewis' head wasn't maybe in the game. But Chester Taylor never showed me anything that I would describe as awesome run or anything. He gets a fat contract from Minnesota and he shows up out of shape, has a pretty rough off season with the Vikes. His production in the preseason so far is 20 carries for about 50 yds...and I haven't seen him catching balls left and right like say Lamont Jordan. Snogger you said a TD or 2 a game...that's like 30 TDs for the season...I am gonna say that is not likely to happen...and I'm not making fun of you at all, but I think Taylor has gotten too much hype from FBG although I can understand why it happened.Brad Johnson did not throw for 250+ yds in any of his games last season. In 4 out of his 10 starts he did not even throw a TD...I think he is more like Steve Deberg(some folks have no idea who this is)...the 2nd go around...at this stage of his career. he is brittle and while I like the OL I think he could get injured slightly easier than some are thinking. He is 38 I believe...he was the back up in college to Chip Ferguson of all people. he has been around forever...almost.Snogger i appreciate your enthusiasm for the Vikes and maybe because you watch them closely you can see more than I do, however I have watched their 2 preseason games and have been very unimpressed.

NP.Here is how I see the season..On avg. some where around 200-225 yards a game for Johnson. I see anywhere from 8 to 15 TD for Chester. My "1 or 2 TD's a game" should have been more along the lines of a .75 Avg. for the season.. 1 or 2 a game is beyond sorry about that. I think once the OL "gels", the running game will produce 150+ yards a game.I expect the avg. score for the offense to be some where around 20 to 24 points once the season is over. I truly believe the Defense, short of injury's, will keep teams under 20 points on avg.(Have you seen the other Offensive, I mean :X : teams in the NFC North?? Chester with 100+ combined yards is not out of the question and is worthly of a 2nd/3rd RB.Just my Edit to add.. Granted it was pre-season and no MOore but in just over 1 quarter of work(I think that's all he played Saturday)C TAYLOR 10 carries 36 yards RushingC TAYLOR 3 Receptions 15 Yards Receiving51 yards isn't to shabby for less than a half a game of work.

 

[ookook]

I would say upgrade both Ferguson and Jennings based on pre-season and current rankings.

Avoid all Vikings like the plague to the league they will be this year. They could be bottom feeders....

Finally, I would upgrade Rhodes. Not a lot, but I have become increasingly convinced they will rely on him (for better or worse).

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Just a quick question. What has LJ done so far this preseason that is any different than expected. Everyone knew the Philly WRs would blow so what's the suprise there?

Well I think if any of the WR showed they were going to be solid he might have been in for just an avg year...but he hasn't had that over the top season yet. And he makes a nice dark horse for top5. He had a little south of 700 yds last season...that's getting close to Heap/Shockey tiers...and if he knocks in a few more TDs...is 800-900 yds and 6-7TDs way too much to expect from a guy entering his 4th season at TE. TE traditionally get better as they are in the league longer...sometimes it takes 3-5 years for them to really develop a rhythm on offense.

 

[cr8f]

I would say upgrade both Ferguson and Jennings based on pre-season and current rankings.Avoid all Vikings like the plague to the league they will be this year. They could be bottom feeders....Finally, I would upgrade Rhodes. Not a lot, but I have become increasingly convinced they will rely on him (for better or worse).

Ferguson? I agree on Jennings, but what has Fergy done?

 

[Gopher State]

Here are a few players it seems we need to upgrade and may be overlooking a bit. I want to spotlight one player especially. I was writing an article and wanted to share this part of it.

Buffalo: Their offense is starting to show signs of life…although it was Cinci that they played against. I think Lee Evans could slide right into the top20-25 this season and maybe a lot higher and here is why. Evans is about the only proven commodity at WR/TE. He is in a situation similar to Steve Smith last year…except he has Losman instead of Delhomme. I admit that’s a gigantic difference but Evans is going to go past 48 catches this season…a lot more. What are his stats with 64 catches for the season…how bout 80? I think he will reel in between 64-80 at this point…and I like him as a guy that will leap past his ADP. I was down on him big time but he is entering his 3rd season and has 16 TDs the past 2 seasons as the WR2 in this offense. Oh yeah, and he has remained healthy unlike Roy Williams and others being taken before him.

One other thing working for Evans and what could be a breakout season is the fact Buffalo has a poor defense…even if Losman is average they will play from behind…Evans blew right past double coverage the other night…eventually the defenses will play the Safetys far enough back and then he can work underneath…Buffalo is slowly becoming an avoid situation to a possible FF opportunity for owners.

The Colts Passing Offense...Addai and Rhodes combined 15 carries for 32 yds...Dungy said this would be the game for both of them to show what they got...not much apparently...even in the preseason game Manning was ready to start firing the ball all over the place. Reggie Wayne is going to bounce back hard this season and owners asleep at the wheel on the 2-3 turn are going to suffer. Can you honestly say that Boldin, Moss, Owens, Holt(Ok maybe him), and Steve Smith are vastly superior picks to this guy. He has a tremendous chance to crack the top 3-5 this season. And Manning may just be the safest bet after the top3-4RBs are off the board...I see closer to 40 TDs this season than 30. We invested high last season and did not get a great return...SO WHAT!!!

Donald Driver: He's had good years before, he is in a similar situation to what Steve Smith had a year ago...and he has a HoF QB that still has a little gas in the tank. Driver is going to catch 80-100+ balls, he has to and again i think this is a guy that is going to exceed that middle 4th round pick he has been getting.

Here are 3 RB that seem set to outperform their ADP/slots.

Frank Gore...now has the stage to himself...decent OL, should rush for 1,000 yds, draft accordingly

Mike Bell...went in the 4th round in one of my drafts this weekend

Corey Dillon...word of his demise have been greatly exaggerated. he still should punch in 12 TDs and gain 800-1,000 yds in this offense. Maroney only ensures that he will get plenty of rest too and not be worn down all the time.

QB is what your looking for. Here are 2 that should be upgraded.

Daunte Culpepper: Seems to be recovered...not gonna run the ball a lot but seems fine standing back and firing when he wants.

Steve McNair: Of the 11th round and later QBs, he seems to be just what you are looking for. Solid and should be able to move the offense. Looks great so far and as long as he can stay relatively healthy, FF owners will get a steal later in the draft.

TE you say

LJ Smith: This guy is going in the 9th-11th rounds in most drafts. I like him a lot. Mcnabb has looked good in the preseason but his WR do not...surprise surprise. LJ Smith will be the best security blanket next to Westbrook in this offense.

Agree with everything but Gore. People are over paying for him in drafts now. I don't see him getting 1000 yards, I put him in class with guys like C. Brown Tenn, Barlow Jets, maybe good backs, but on bad bad teams that will be down by a lot of points in the 3 & 4 quarter of their games, and will be passing like crazy.