While the Broncos were the twelfth best team on the ground last season, they did so with a revolving door of tailbacks.  That revolving door ushered in the likes of Peyton Hillis, Michael Pittman, Tatum Bell, Selvin Young, Andre Hall and Ryan Torain.  Save Torain and Hillis, everyone else is looking elsewhere for work.  Torain is probably going end up on the practice squad, if he stays with the Broncos at all, and even though Hillis was electrifying last season, the utility player looks to get lined up at halfback only on rare occasion, with much of his time spent at fullback, wide receiver or tight end.  While many (including myself) have been gushing over Knowshon Moreno, and projecting him as the top fantasy rookie for 2009, I doubt we’ll see him picking up a huge majority of the Broncos’ carries.  Three veteran RBs were brought in before draft day.  Correll Buckhalter was the first man brought in by Denver, and while he is currently written in as the second RB on the depth chart, the fantasy fallout on his presence ends with who Brian Westbrook’s new handcuff is (it’s LeSean McCoy, by the way).   J.J. Arrington was also added…but he’s since been cut for a bum knee.  The other one was Lamont Jordan, and I see him having serious fantasy relevance this season.  Lamont Jordan is an ideal third down back, in multiple ways.  He has the hands of a WR, best shown off in his seventy-catch 2005 season (and he showed that he still has “it” in 2007).  He also has serious, bowl-you-over power, which was on display last season in New England where he was used to punch the ball through the pile more than a few times.  And in case you hadn’t heard, Josh McDaniels was the Patriots’ offensive coordinator last year, and is high-fiving Lamont out in Denver this year.  With a coach that knows how to use him, expect Jordan to get more than a few carries in 2009, and keep in mind he may become a full-on vulture.

Kansas City Chiefs – Bobby Engram

Here’s a fun fact: Bobby Engram was the #15 fantasy WR in 2007 at thirty-four years old.  Over the last few years, the slippery possession receiver has been the victim of an impressive level of inconsistency at every offensive position in Seattle.  No offense to Seahawks fans, but the change of scenery is going to do wonders for Bobby Engram, who will be sporting an arrowhead on his helmet in 2009.  As we all know, Kansas City has undergone more than a few changes this offseason.  Scott Pioli brought in Matt Cassel, who can be safely written in as the Chiefs’ starting QB for 2009, despite any talk of a competition.  Cassel’s effectiveness in the shotgun (and relative ineffectiveness in other formations) is well-documented and the obvious beneficiaries are Chiefs WRs.  What’s also well-documented is the absolute uselessness of any WRs in Kansas City outside Dwayne Bowe.  Engram is a legit #2 WR for the Chiefs, and is going to be used regularly to try and make up for the distinct lack of Tony Gonzalez this season.  While he has always had a bit of a trouble finding the end zone (he is yet to hit pay dirt more than six times in any given season), Engram is a legitimate top-thirty WR candidate in PPR leagues, a strong later-round pick-up in deeper leagues, and can function as a decent backup in most formats.  Though he could actually work his way into starting lineups if he catches on with Cassel. 

Oakland Raiders – Jamarcus Russel

You know the “Chuck Norris Facts” website?  There should be one of those about how hard Jamarcus Russell throws.   Much like Ted Ginn, Jamarcus Russell is one of those players with so much physical talent, he manages to find his way onto random lists talking about sleeper picks in fantasy football, despite almost no actual regular season performance.  While Jamarcus’ arm strength is what gets the most attention, there’s still a lot to love.  He’s about the same size as Brandon “Football Frankenstein” Jacobs* at 6-6, 260 pounds, and ran a relatively decent 40 (4.83 seconds), both of which make him more than capable of extending a drive with his legs or grinding his way into the end zone.  While this is all well and good, you don’t get points for talent.  You get points for like…passing and stuff.  Well, Russell actually put up respectable numbers in the last three weeks of 2008, getting two passing TDs in each game accompanied by QB ratings of 85.7 (against the Patriots), 128.1 (against the Texans) and 98.9 (against Tampa Bay).  He also has Jeff Garcia breathing down his neck, offering sensual massages and asking him if he wants to see the musical production of Shrek, which can only help motivate him.  And of course, I don’t think any of us are expecting the Raiders defense to be anything more than a vague ideal, as opponents run the ball at will.  Granted, while the poor quality of the defense does not actually make him better, we have seen more than a couple mediocre QBs become fantasy forces because of time spent playing catch-up (2006 Jon Kitna being the best example).  Believe it or not, with a duo of pass-catching RBs, a sure-handed TE and so many WRs that one of them has to be good, Jamarcus Russell is, in many ways, in a position for success.  He’s not somebody that you should confidently draft as the starter for your team, but there is an off chance Russell could wind up a top-ten QB.

*- Nickname shamelessly taken from the many works of Brad Evans.

San Diego Chargers – Darren Sproles

Ladies and gentlemen, I am not a LaDainian Tomlinson advocate.  He has gotten a bum rap, sure, but really, Darren Sproles is the future.  I know it.  You know it.  And Norv Turner knows it.  Regardless of Tomlinson’s health, I simply can’t see him performing at such a high level that a player as electrifying as Darren Sproles would end up completely out of the picture.  That’s not to knock Tomlinson, because he still performed in 2008, but Sproles really is that good.  I think we all saw how he performed in the playoffs last season, so I’ll just throw some other facts at you. 

Sproles averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season.  Tomlinson averaged 3.8.

Despite being generally underused in 2008, Sproles had 29 catches to Tomlinson’s 52.  When you consider that Tomlinson had 292 carries to Sproles’ 61, it suggests that Sproles could be a PPR monster.

The Chargers get all six of their games against divisional rivals in by week twelve.  And if you’re like me and think REALLY far ahead, they play against Cincinnati in week fifteen, which is when my money leagues do their playoffs.  Granted, defenses change every year…but come on.

Indeed, I foresee Sproles making a massive splash in 2009.  Really, Sproles and Tomlinson totaled 2208 yards and 18 TDs in 2008.  Even if they split this, it works out to 1104 yards and 9 TDs.  Not bad for somebody with an ADP around 100.

While Fred Jackson has been Marshawn Lynch’s handcuff/semi-relevant platoon-mate for a couple years now, Dominic Rhodes brings better value and more upside to the table.  Years in the pass-happy Indianapolis offense have made Rhodes a competent pass-blocker and receiving back.  Additionally, unlike Jackson, he has shown flashes of deceptive power in his stout, five-nine frame.  While his value would obviously be at its peak during Marshawn Lynch’s three game suspension (assuming it happens), Rhodes can still remain fantasy-relevant as a goal-line or change-of-pace back when Marshawn takes a few snaps off.  The upside here is not enormous, as it is with the next few guys, but the potential exists.  Take a second look at him in deeper leagues.

Miami Dolphins- Pat White

For the first time in a while, a number of Miami players have fantasy relevance.  Granted, none of them have HUGE fantasy relevance (save Ronnie Brown), but there are a number of ownable players.  Pretty much every Miami receiver is a fantasy sleeper this season.  The hyper-talented Ted Ginn made big strides in 2008, and is entering the magical third season.  Greg Camarillo showed Welker-like potential last season.  Davone Bess had a miniaturized breakout rookie season as a solid slot receiver.  Ernest Wilford is still massive, making him an instant red zone threat.  Patrick Turner and Brian Hartline would not have been drafted by the magically-talented Bill Parcells if they didn’t have NFL-level potential (they’re also both big).  All that said, I already wrote up a big-ass article on Pat White’s historic fantasy potential.  Read it here.

New England Patriots- Laurence Maroney

Ever since Corey Dillon retired, the Patriots’ backfield has been confusing as hell.  In the 2008 season, LaMont Jordan, Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis all had brief bursts of fantasy relevance.  Completely absent from this is Laurence Maroney.  The twenty-first overall pick in the 2006 draft has already been labeled a bust by Patriots fans, and a total of sixteen games played in the past two seasons, best remembered for an impressive level of inconsistency, left a bitter taste in the mouth of fantasy players.  To top it all off, a combination of effective play from Sammy Morris (4.6 yards per carry in 2007 and 2008) and Kevin Faulk (6.1 ypc, 58 receptions for 486 yards) and the Patriots’ signing of Fred Taylor have put Maroney out-of-mind with anyone who pays attention to the Pats.  Their loss, though.  Maroney is a rare combination of speed and power.  He ran a 4.48 forty on his Pro Day back in 2006, and back when he was actually playing with Dillon, not a game went by when they didn’t talk about how Dillon worked with him during practice, teaching him his brutal, legendary, tackler-stuffing stiff arm.  Maroney was limited in his brief 2008 season because of a shoulder injury (a broken shoulder, to be precise), which made him unable to show any of the power he had in his first two seasons, like here, where he runs head-first into a pile of Titans for a touchdown, or here, where he embarrasses defenders in the infamous 52-7 win over the Redskins.  Just watching plays like this reminds you that Maroney is talented.  Another thing to consider is that, good as New England’s RBs have been, they’re really freaking old.  Morris is 32, Faulk will be 33 in June, and Fred Taylor will be 34 in time for the postseason.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis, despite his fantasy relevance, is not really electrifying.  While Maroney is probably going to end up somewhere in standard ten team leagues…try and make sure he ends up on your team.

New York Jets- Shonn Greene                            

It’s entirely possible that by the time the season rolls around, this won’t be a sleeper pick.  But I’m still penciling in Marion Barber’s doppelganger here.   Firstly, check this out.  It’s a highlight reel of Shonn Greene barreling over random shmoes in college.  Granted, he is not going to encounter many five-foot-eight strong safeties like he did in college, but the sheer strength is impressive.  New coach Rex Ryan is smitten with Greene’s power, and Thomas Jones and Leon Washington are on the midnight train to the doghouse.  Greene is bigger than Jones and stronger than Washington, and Ryan “loves the way guys bounce off of him” and “has a poster of him taped over his bed.”  Even if Jones and Washington both stick around, the thoughts of Greene getting a huge load of red zone carries won’t leave my head, and a the chances of a two-back system being set up by the new Jets regime boon Greene’s fantasy potential even more.  A season in the same vein of Marion Barber’s 2006 breakout campaign (654 yards, 14 TDs) is possible…though 14 TDs is unlikely.  But Greene will probably end up infuriating many-a-Thomas Jones-owner with his TD-stealing abilities. 

#

Name (position, team)

Description

Pvs.

1

Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN

He’s the most-established of this year’s elite RBs.

X

2

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC

1389 total yards in ’08, likely to get at least 50 more carries.

X

3

Michael Turner, RB, ATL

Skills, speed and power.  Will get all of ATL’s rushing TDs.

X

4

Matt Forte, RB, CHI

1715 total yards as rookie.  Should probably be #1 w/ PPR.

X

5

Deangelo Williams, RB, CAR

Big play abilities make up for Jon Stewart bogarting red zone carries.

X

6

Steven Jackson, RB, STL

1421 total yards and 8 TDs in 12 games?  Will likely do even better in 2009.

X

7

Brian Westbrook, RB, PHI

1338 yards, 14 TDs in injury-marred year.  May see reduction in carries, but will make most of them.

X

8

Chris Johnson, RB, TEN

Hyper-Talented.  2008 offense returning.  ’08 Repeat?

X

9

Frank Gore, RB, SF

1409 in 14-game, unaccompanied year.  Nowhere to go but up w/ fullback reinvigoration.

X

10

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI

2007+2008: 31 games, 196 receptions, 2840 yards, 22 TDs.

X

11

Steve Slaton, RB, HOU

Overshadowed by Johnson, he quietly notched 1659 yards and 10 TDs in rookie season.  Top 5 in PPR?

X

12

Marion Barber, RB, DAL

Averaged over 100 total ypg in ’08 before toe injury.

X

13

Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG

Derrick Ward departure overhyped, but there’s no need.

X

14

Clinton Portis, RB, WAS

Gets carries.  Does stuff with them.

X

15

Calvin Johnson, WR, DET

1331 yards, 12 TDs in ’08. If he gets QB consistency, expect huge things from him in ’09.

X

16

Randy Moss, WR, NE

1008 yards, 11 TDs w/o Brady.  Nowhere to go but up.

X

17

Steve Smith, WR, CAR

Would be higher if I was confident in Delhomme.

X

18

Andre Johnson, WR, HOU

Fantasy Home Run Hitter.  Incredibly good.

X

19

Drew Brees, QB, NO

I wouldn’t draft him here, but expect to see him go here.

X

20

Peyton Manning, QB, IND

See above.

X

21

Tom Brady, QB, NE

See above again.

X

22

Roddy White, WR, ATL

Falls outside 15-18 guys, but can easily match numbers.

X

23

Greg Jennings, WR, GB

Rapport w/ Rodgers, but 9-10 TDs likely his cap.

X

24

Anquan Boldin, WR, ARI

Incredible fantasy PPG, but serious injury concern.

X

25

Ronnie Brown, RB, MIA

Same situation as MJD.  Chance to shine w/o Ricky.

X

26

Reggie Wayne, WR, IND

Avg. of 1246 yards, 8.4 TDs since 2004.

X

27

Kurt Warner, QB, ARI

Returns to excellent Arizona situation.

X

28

Tony Romo, QB, DAL

Will still perform, even w/o TO.

X

29

Phillip Rivers, QB, SD

Has proven that he can move the ball.  Norv agrees.

X

30

Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB

Excellent “rookie” season.  Could easily repeat.

X

31

Marshawn Lynch, RB, BUF

Will perform well…after suspension is served.

X

32

Ryan Grant, RB, GB

Has the skills.  Return to ’07 performance not impossible.

X

33

Marques Colston, WR, NO

More than capable of putting up 2007 numbers.

X

34

Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC

Cassel + New Coach = Better Bowe.

X

35

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, SD

1440 rushing by SD last year.  LT will split this with Sproles.

X

36

Reggie Bush, RB, NO

Stiffening hands, injury issues, Pierre Thomas…still a good fantasy option.

X

37

Pierre Thomas, RB, NO

Looking to become the new Deuce McAllister.  4.8 YPC and he can catch.  Pierre + Reggie could be new Lendale + Chris.

X

38

Terrell Owens, WR, BUF

Has something to prove (again), and still has the gas left to do it.

X

39

Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN

Climbs atop the Denver pileup.  Serious upside.

X

40

Larry Johnson, RB, KC

Jamal Charles and Kolby Smith weren’t good replacements.  Assuming no suspension, could come back big for KC.

X

41

Thomas Jones, RB, NYJ

A year older, weaker offense, but still all alone in that Jets backfield.  Value pick upside.

X

42

Chris Wells, RB, ARI

See ya, Mr. Hightower.  Beanie takes over as bruiser in Arizona.

X

43

Jason Witten, TE, DAL

Potential here to become #1 receiver in Dallas.

X

44

Antonio Gates, TE, SD

Still put up solid numbers, even with injuries.  ’09 bounce.

X

45

Kevin Smith, RB, DET

Clear #1 in Detroit, and could easily do better than 976 yards and 8 TDs if he gets some consistency at QB.

X

46

Brandon Marshall, WR, DEN

No Cutler cause for concern, but still incredible.

X

47

Wes Welker, WR, NE

Should be up around #30 in PPR leagues.  Shoo-in for 100 catches, 1000 yards.  Brady return likely brings TDs.

X

48

Antonio Bryant, WR, TB

Clearly has the skills, but troubled player more than capable of getting suspended, benched, or just quitting.

X

49

Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR

Electrifying Deangelo made people forget about his 4.5 ypc, 10 TDs in rookie season.

X

50

Lendale White, RB, TEN

Role unclear with Johnson, but hard to argue with 15 TDs.

X

51

Vincent Jackson, WR, SD

Only 7 TDs in ‘08, but at 6-5, a serious red zone threat.

X

52

Darren McFadden, RB, OAK

First Raider on the board!  Physically talented, and Al Davis wants to use him.  Could be monstrous.

X

53

Santonio Holmes, WR, PIT

Super Bowl MVP clearly has skills.  Could be poised for Vincent Jackson-like breakout after strong postseason.

X

54

Roy Williams, WR, DAL

Showed flashes of his true skill in Detroit.  If he can’t do it now, he won’t ever do it.

X

55

Chad Johnson, WR, CIN

Ocho Cinco can still do it.  With Carson Palmer back, he probably will get back in shape.

X

56

TJ Houshmandzadeh, WR, SEA

It’s a new place, but he’s still got skills.  Don’t bank on him as a #1 WR, though.

X

57

Marshawn Lynch, RB, BUF

Clearly a great player…except in weeks 1-3.

X

58

Donovan McNabb, QB, PHI

Starts off the mid-tier of QBs.  Pouty passer has lava hot streaks and Antarctic cold streaks.

X

59

Matt Cassel, QB, KC

Jury still out on being a “system” player, but McDaniels knows how to handle him…and he can run.

X

60

Le’Ron McClain, RB, BAL

McClain the only consistent player in muddled BAL backfield.  Likely to come back as goal-line back.

X

61

Joseph Addai, RB, IND

Plummets with first round pick of Donald Brown.

X

62

Dallas Clark, TE, IND

Has established himself as a legit fantasy player.  No Marvin Harrison bodes well for him.

X

63

Santana Moss, WR, WAS

Finally has a rapport with Campbell.

X

64

Eddie Royal, WR, DEN

Convincing rookie campaign is a start to a good career.  New QB situation opens up opportunities.

X

65

Jay Cutler, QB, CHI

Obviously, he’s young and talented.  But DEN was far better offensively than CHI.  Still, the skill is indisputable.

X

66

Braylon Edwards, WR, CLE

Only a year removed from 1289 yards, 16 TDs.  Could come back strong.

X

67

Willie Parker, RB, PIT

Fast Willie has been allergic to endzone last two years. Still gets carries.

X

68

Donald Driver, WR, GB

5 consecutive 1000 seasons, still having trouble getting TDs.

X

69

Chris Wells, RB, ARI

See ya, Mr. Hightower. Move down there, Edge. Beanie is RB of ARI.

X

70

Michael Crabtree, WR, SF

Talented first-rounder is only guy to throw to in SF.

X

71

Cedric Benson, RB, CIN

2007 flop all alone in Cinci backfield. They’ll probably draft somebody and then he’ll fall off the map, though.

X

72

Hines Ward, WR, PIT

Slippery South Korean receiver coming off 1000 yard season.  Consistent performance makes him quality #3.

X

73

Bernard Berrian, WR, MIN

Did pretty well in Minnesota last season, all things considered.  Slides down in PPR, though.

X

74

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT

Was near-elite two years back w/ 32 TDs.  But who knows what the Pittsburgh offense will be like in 2009?

X

75

Donald Brown, RB, IND

Does a great job of yanking down Addai.  Not clear how this will go.

X

76

Derrick Mason, WR, BAL

Age a concern, but the PPR wonder has performed.

X

77

Jerricho Cotchery, WR, NYJ

The sole option in New York has talent, but at the mercy of ugly QBs.

X

78

Lavernues Coles, WR, CIN

New situation, but Cinci is no stranger to a 1000 yard receiving duo.

X

79

Derrick Ward, RB, TB

Earnest Graham, Carnell Williams…but they didn’t sign him to have him on bench.

X

80

Jamal Lewis, RB, CLE

Three straight 1000 yard seasons, one-time record holder.  But he fell off the map last year, and can’t catch.

X

81

Lance Moore, WR, NO

Saints passing game is a crapshoot outside Colston, but Moore rose to the top last year.

X

82

Carson Palmer, QB, CIN

Was an elite QB entering last season.  Ugly situation in CIN, but still has that spiral.

X

83

Desean Jackson, WR, PHI

Rookie kick returner only had 2 receiving TDs, but big-play potential makes him valuable.

X

84

Anthony Gonzalez, WR, IND

People are going to expect big things from first rounder w/o Harrison.

X

85

Torry Holt, WR, JAC

“Greatest Show” veteran can finally give JAC a legit #1 WR.

X

86

Chris Cooley, TE, WAS

Dude was #4 TE in yards, but had 1 TD.  This will, hopefully, turn around.

X

87

Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL

Ageless wonder has epic numbers…but I’m not confident about him in Atlanta.

X

88

Darren Sproles, RB, SD

MJD Jr. clearly the future in SD, and the future is soon

X

89

Kyle Orton, QB, DEN

Ya know…18 TDs last year…how’ll he be w/ Marshall and Royal?

X

90

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG

Ward had 1025 yards last year as Jacobs’ backup.  Ahmad could do the same.

X

91

Steve Breaston, WR, ARI

1000+ yards last year, could repeat with Warner’s return.

X

92

Bobby Engram, WR, KC

Former top 15 WR starting over in KC.  Has the chance to shine w/ Cassel.

X

93

Matt Ryan, QB, ATL

Wasn’t all that great fantasy-wise, but somebody will buy high.

X

94

Patrick Crayton, WR, DAL

Roy Williams certainly not a guarantee, has a chance to become #1.

X

95

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, OAK

DHB can run really fast.  Russell can throw really hard.  Do the math.

X

96

Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG

Same boat as Crabtree.  Who else are they gonna throw to?

X

97

Felix Jones, RB, DAL

One of my favorite players last year.  If he ends up in a full-on timeshare, will be a beast.

X

98

Kenny Britt, WR, TEN

Once again, who else are they throwing to?

X

99

Davone Bess, WR, MIA

Emerged as Miami’s new Wes Welker in 2008, could be big in ‘09.

X

100

Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ

Third rounder looking to put Thomas Jones out of a job.

X

Expect a new one shortly after the draft.