TOP 150 RANKINGS...........................................................................................................

RANKINGS BY POSITION......................................................................................................

QUARTERBACK SEASON PROFILES..........................................................................................

RUNNING BACK SEASON PROFILES.........................................................................................

WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES........................................................................................

TIGHT END SEASON PROFILES...............................................................................................

KICKER SEASON PROFILES...................................................................................................

TEAM DEFENSE SEASON PROFILES.........................................................................................

INDIVIDUAL DEFENSIVE PLAYER SEASON PROFILES.....................................................................

SLEEPERS & UNDERVALUED PLAYERS.....................................................................................

BUSTS & OVERVALUED PLAYERS...........................................................................................

IMPACT ROOKIES..............................................................................................................

POSITION JOB BATTLES......................................................................................................

TEAM DEPTH CHARTS........................................................................................................

TEAM RUN/PASS TENDENCIES...............................................................................................

TEAM RED-ZONE TENDENCIES...............................................................................................

PLAYER STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES.......................................................................................

PLAYER GRAPEVINE..........................................................................................................

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1. Arian Foster, RB, HOU2. Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN3. Jamaal Charles, RB, KC4. Chris Johnson, RB, TEN5. LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI6. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAX7. Michael Turner, RB, ATL8. Darren McFadden, RB, OAK9. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT10. Andre Johnson, WR, HOU11. Calvin Johnson, WR, DET12. Ray Rice, RB, BAL13. Ryan Mathews, RB, SD14. Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB15. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARZ16. Roddy White, WR, ATL17. Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG18. Frank Gore, RB, SF19. Greg Jennings, WR, GB20. Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC21. Austin Miles, WR, DAL22. Matt Forte, RB, CHI23. LeGarrette Blount, RB, TB24. Michael Vick, QB, PHI25. Mike Williams, WR, TB26. Mike Wallace, WR, PIT27. Peyton Hillis, RB, CLE28. Steven Jackson, RB, STL29. Antonio Gates, TE, SD30. Drew Brees, QB, NO31. Dez Bryant, WR, DAL32. Brandon Marshall, WR, MIA33. DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI34. Peyton Manning, QB, IND35. Philip Rivers, QB, SD36. Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ37. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG38. Daniel Thomas, RB, MIA39. Tony Romo, QB, DAL40. Jeremy Maclin, WR, PHI41. Brandon Lloyd, WR, DEN42. Reggie Wayne, WR, IND43. Tom Brady, QB, NE44. Mark Ingram, RB, NO45. DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR46. Vincent Jackson, WR, SD47. Braylon Edwards, WR, FA48. Steve Johnson, WR, BUF49. Percy Harvin, WR, MIN50. Marques Colston, WR, NO

51. Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR52. Fred Jackson, RB, BUF53. Jahvid Best, RB, DET54. Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN55. Jermichael Finley, TE, GB56. Vernon Davis, TE, SF57. Dallas Clark, TE, IND58. Felix Jones, RB, DAL59. Ryan Grant, RB, GB60. Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET61. Cedric Benson, RB, CIN62. Sidney Rice, WR, FA63. Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL64. Malcolm Floyd, WR, SD65. Santonio Holmes, WR, FA66. Wes Welker, WR, NE67. Michael Crabtree, WR, SF68. Jason Witten, TE, DAL69. Joseph Addai, RB, IND70. Ryan Williams, RB, ARZ71. Kenny Britt, WR, TEN72. Marcedes Lewis, TE, JAX73. Chris Wells, RB, ARZ74. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, NE75. James Starks, RB, GB76. C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF77. Steve Smith, WR, CAR78. Austin Collie, WR, IND79. Pierre Garcon, WR, IND80. Santana Moss, WR, FA81. Zach Miller, TE, OAK82. Jimmy Graham, TE, NO83. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, PIT84. Matt Schaub, QB, TEX85. Johnny Knox, WR, CHI86. Steve Smith, WR, NYG87. Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA88. Roy Helu, RB, WAS89. Ryan Torain, RB, WAS90. Matt Ryan, QB, ATL91. Eli Manning, QB, NYG92. Mario Manningham, WR, NYG93. Julio Jones, WR, ATL94. Joe Flacco, QB, BAL95. Terrell Owns, WR, FA96. Mike Williams, WR, SEA97. Randy Moss, WR, FA98. Deion Branch, WR, NE99. Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG100. Pierre Thomas, RB, NO

101. Michael Bush, RB, OAK102. Shane Vereen, RB, NE103. Kellen Winslow, TE, TB104. A.J. Green, WR, CIN105. Mike Thomas, WR, CAL106. Hines Ward, WR, PIT107. Earl Bennett, WR, CHI108. Jordy Nelson, WR, GB109. DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL110. Delone Carter, RB, IND111. Lance Moore, WR, FA112. Robert Meachem, WR, NO113. David Gettis, WR, CAR114. Anthony Armstrong, WR, WAS115. Mike Sims-Walker, WR, FA116. Louis Murphy, WR, OAK117. Chris Cooley, TE, WAS118. Aaron Hernandez, TE, NE119. Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE120. Ronnie Brown, RB, MIA121. Montario Hardesty, RB, CLE122. Mike Tolbert, RB, SD123. Lee Evans, WR, BUF124. Jerricho Cotchery, WR, NYJ125. James Jones, WR, GB126. Josh Freeman, QB, TB127. Jabar Gaffney, WR, DEN128. Donald Driver, WR, GB129. Jay Cutler, QB, CHI130. Donald Driver, WR, GB131. Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET132. Tony Gonzalez, TE, ATL133. Matt Stafford, QB, DET134. Ben Tate, RB, TEN135. Jason Snelling, RB, ATL136. Justin Forsett, RB, ATL137. Owen Daniels, TE, HOU138. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, BUF139. Brandon Tate, WR, NE140. Roy Williams, WR, FA141. Devin Hester, WR, CHI142. Mark Clayton, WR, STL143. Danny Amendola, WR, STL144. Josh Morgan, WR, SF145. Ben Obomanu, WR, SEA146. Sam Bradford, QB, STL147. David Garrard, QB, JAX148. Tim Tebow, QB, DEN149. Dustin Keller, TE, NYJ150. Jermaine Gresham, TE, CIN

TOP 150 RANKINGSTOP 150 RANKINGS

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QUARTERBACK

1. Aaron Rodgers, GB

2. Michael Vick, PHI

3. Drew Brees, NO

4. Peyton Manning, IND

5. Philip Rivers, SD

6. Tony Romo, DAL

7. Tom Brady, NE

8. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT

9. Matt Schaub, HOU

10. Matt Ryan, ATL

11. Eli Manning, NYG

12. Joe Flacco, BAL

13. Josh Freeman, TB

14. Jay Cutler, CHI

15. Matt Stafford, DET

16. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF

17. Sam Bradford, STL

18. David Garrard, JAX

19. Tim Tebow, DEN

20. Matt Cassel, KC

21. Colt McCoy, CLE

22. Mark Sanchez, NYJ

23. Jason Campbell, OAK

24. Kyle Orton, DEN

25. Kevin Kolb, PHI

26. Andy Dalton, CIN

27. Alex Smith, FA

28. Chad Henne, MIA

29. Vince Young, TEN

30. Donovan McNabb, WAS

31. Jake Locker, TEN

32. Rex Grossman, FA

33. Christian Ponder, MIN

34. Matt Hasselbeck, FA

35. Cam Newton, CAR

RUNNING BACK

1. Arian Foster, HOU

2. Adrian Peterson, MIN

3. Jamaal Charles, KC

4. Chris Johnson, TEN

5. LeSean McCoy, PHI

6. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX

7. Michael Turner, ATL

8. Darren McFadden, OAK

9. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT

10. Ray Rice, BAL

11. Ryan Mathews, SD

12. Frank Gore, SF

13. Matt Forte, CHI

14. LeGarrette Blount, TB

15. Peyton Hillis, CLE

16. Steven Jackson, STL

17. Shonn Greene, NYJ

18. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG

19. Daniel Thomas, MIA

20. Mark Ingram, NO

21. DeAngelo Williams, CAR

22. Jonathan Stewart, CAR

23. Fred Jackson, BUF

24. Jahvid Best, DET

25. Knowshon Moreno, DEN

26. Felix Jones, DAL

27. Ryan Grant, GB

28. Mikel Leshoure, DET

29. Cedric Benson, CIN

30. Joseph Addai, IND

31. Ryan Williams, ARZ

32. Chris Wells, ARZ

33. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE

34. James Starks, GB

35. C.J. Spiller, BUF

36. Marshawn Lynch, SEA

37. Roy Helu, WAS

38. Ryan Torain, WAS

39. Brandon Jacobs, NYG

40. Pierre Thomas, NO

41. Michael Bush, OAK

42. Shane Vereen, NE

43. DeMarco Murray, DAL

44. Delone Carter, IND

45. Ronnie Brown, MIA

46. Montario Hardesty, CLE

47. Mike Tolbert, SD

48. Ben Tate, TEN

49. Jason Snelling, ATL

50. Justin Forsett, ATL

WIDE RECEIVER

1. Andre Johnson, HOU

2. Calvin Johnson, Tigers

3. Larry Fitzgerald, ARZ

4. Roddy White, ATL

5. Hakeem Nicks, NYG

6. Greg Jennings, GB

7. Dwayne Bowe, KC

8. Austin Miles, DAL

9. Mike Williams, TB

10. Mike Wallace, PIT

11. Dez Bryant, DAL

12. Brandon Marshall, MIA

13. DeSean Jackson, PHI

14. Jeremy Maclin, PHI

15. Brandon Lloyd, DEN

16. Reggie Wayne, IND

17. Vincent Jackson, SD

18. Braylon Edwards, FA

19. Steve Johnson, BUF

20. Percy Harvin, MIN

21. Marques Colston, NO

22. Sidney Rice, FA

23. Anquan Boldin, BAL

24. Malcolm Floyd, SD

25. Santonio Holmes, FA

26. Wes Welker, NE

27. Michael Crabtree, SF

28. Kenny Britt, TEN

29. Steve Smith, CAR

30. Austin Collie, IND

31. Pierre Garcon, IND

32. Santana Moss, FA

33. Johnny Knox, CHI

34. Steve Smith, NYG

35. Mario Manningham, NYG

36. Julio Jones, ATL

37. Terrell Owns, FA

38. Mike Williams, SEA

39. Randy Moss, FA

40. Deion Branch, NE

41. A.J. Green, CIN

42. Mike Thomas, CAR

43. Hines Ward, PIT

44. Earl Bennett, CHI

45. Jordy Nelson, GB

46. Lance Moore, FA

47. Robert Meachem, NO

48. David Gettis, CAR

49. Anthony Armstrong, WAS

50. Mike Sims-Walker, FA

51. Louis Murphy, OAK

52. Lee Evans, BUF

53. Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ

54. James Jones, GB

55. Jabar Gaffney, DEN

56. Donald Driver, GB

57. Brandon Tate, Patrios

58. Roy Williams, FA

59. Devin Hester, CHI

60. Mark Clayton, STL

61. Danny Amendola, STL

62. Josh Morgan, SF

63. Ben Obomanu, SEA

64. Steve Breaston, FA

65. Greg Little, CLE

66. Leonard Hankerson, WAS

67. Jonathan Baldwin, KC

68. Chad Ochocinco, CIN

69. Jacoby Ford, OAK

70. Devonne Bess, MIA

71. Jerome Simpson, CIN

72. Jordan Shipley, CIN

73. Emmanuel Sanders, PIT

74. Derrick Mason, BAL

75. Moh. Massaquoi, WR, CLE

TIGHT END

1. Antonio Gates, SD2. Jermichael Finley, GB3. Vernon Davis, SF4. Dallas Clark, IND5. Jason Witten, DAL6. Marcedes Lewis, JAX7. Zach Miller, OAK8. Jimmy Graham, NO9. Kellen Winslow, TB10. Chris Cooley, WAS11. Aaron Hernandez, NE12. Rob Gronkowski, NE13. Brandon Pettigrew, DET14. Tony Gonzalez, ATL15. Owen Daniels, HOU16. Dustin Keller, NYJ17. Jermaine Gresham, CIN18. Jared Cook, TEN19. Heath Miller, PIT20. Todd Heap, BAL21. Ben Watson, CLE22. Greg Olsen, CHI23. Tony Moeaki, KC24. Kevin Boss, NYG25. Brent Celek, PHI

RANKINGS BY POSITIONRANKINGS BY POSITION

4

KICKER

1. Nate Kaeding, SD

2. Garrett Hartley, NO

3. Stephen Gostkowski, NE

4. Sebastian Janikowski, OAK

5. Matt Bryant, ATL

6. Mason Crosby, GB

7. Adam Vinatieri, IND

8. Neil Rackers, HOU

9. David Buehler, DAL

10. Dan Carpenter, MIA

11. Josh Brown, STL

12. Alex Henery, PHI

13. Billy Cundiff, BAL

14. David Akers, FA

15. Lawrence Tynes, NYG

16. Nick Folk, NYJ

17. Shaun Suisham, PIT

18. Connor Barth, TB

19. Robbie Gould, CHI

20. Rob Bironas, TEN

21. Ryan Succop, KC

22. Jason Hanson, DET

23. Olindo Mare, SEA

24. Josh Scobee, JAX

25. Jay Feely, ARZ

26. Matt Prater, DEN

27. Phil Dawson, CLE

28. Ryan Longwell, MIN

29. John Kasay, CAR

30. Graham Gano, WAS

31. Rian Lindell, BUF

32. Mike Nugent, CIN

33. Joe Nedney, SF

TEAM DEFENSE

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

2. New York Giants

3. Green Bay Packers

4. Chicago Bears

5. New York Jets

6. Detroit Lions

7. St. Louis Rams

8. San Diego Chargers

9. Dallas Cowboys

10. New England Patriots

11. Philadelphia Eagles

12. Baltimore Ravens

13. Kansas City Chiefs

14. New Orleans Saints

15. Arizona Cardinals

16. Miami Dolphins

17. Atlanta Falcons

18. Cleveland Browns

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

20. Tennessee Titans

21. Carolina Panthers

22. Minnesota Vikings

23. Houston Texans

24. San Francisco 49ers

25. Oakland Raiders

26. Seattle Seahawks

27. Washington Redskins

28. Indianapols Colts

29. Buffalo Bills

30. Cincinnati Bengals

31. Denver Broncos

32. Jacksonville Jaguars

IDP - LB & DL

1. Patrick Willis, SF, LB

2. Lawrence Timmons, PIT, LB

3. Paul Posluszny, BUF, LB

4. Jon Beason, CAR, LB

5. Jerod Mayo, NE, LB

6. Ray Lewis, BAL, LB

7. Brian Cushing, HOU, LB

8. London Fletcher, WAS, LB

9. James Harrison, PIT, LB

10. D.J. Williams, DEN, LB

11. Derrick Johnson, KC, LB

12. DeMeco Ryans, HOU, LB

13. Chad Greenway, MIN, LB

14. James Anderson, FA, LB

15. Desmond Bishop, GB, LB

16. Sean Weatherspoon, ATL, LB

17. Brian Urlacher, CHI, LB

18. James Laurinaitis, STL, LB

19. Jonathan Vilma, NO, LB

20. David Hawthorne, SEA, LB

21. Karlos Dansby, MIA, LB

22. Barrett Ruud, FA, LB

23. D'Qwell Jackson, CLE, LB

24. Brandon Spikes, NE, LB

25. Kevin Burnett, SD, LB

26. E.J. Henderson, MIN, LB

27. Curtis Lofton, ATL, LB

28. Jamar Chaney, PHI, LB

29. DeMarcus Ware, DAL, LB

30. Rey Maualuga, CIN, LB

31. A.J. Hawk, GB, LB

32. Lance Briggs, CHI, LB

33. David Harris, NYJ, LB

34. Will Witherspoon, TEN, LB

35. James Farrior, PIT, LB

36. Paris Lenon, ARZ, LB

37. DeAndre Levy, DET, LB

38. Stephen Tulloch, FA, LB

39. Von Miller, DEN, LB

40. Daryl Smith, JAX, LB

41. Trent Cole, PHI, DE

42. Thomas Davis, CAR, LB

43. Justin Tuck, NYG, DE

44. Rolando McClain, OAK, LB

45. Clay Matthews, GB, LB

46. Mario Williams, HOU, LB/DE

47. Jared Allen, MIN, DE

48. Stewart Bradley, PHI, LB

49. Clint Session, Colts, LB

50. Daryl Washington, ARZ, LB

IDP - DEF. BACK

1. LaRon Landry, WAS, SS

2. Charles Woodson, GB, CB

3. Tyvon Branch, OAK, SS

4. Patrick Chung, NE, SS

5. Eric Berry, KC, FS

6. T.J. Ward, CLE, FS

7. Terrell Thomas, NYG, CB

8. George Wilson, BUF, SS

9. Michael Griffin, TEN, FS

10. Charles Godfrey, CAR, SS

11. Eric Weddle, FA, FS

12. Oshiomogho Atogwe, WAS, FS

13. Charles Tillman, CHI, CB

14. Cortland Finnegan, TEN, CB

15. Earl Thomas, SEA, FS

16. Craig Dahl, STL, FS

17. Antoine Bethea, IND, FS

18. Quntin Mikell, FA, SS

19. DeAngelo Hall, WAS, CB

20. Alterraun Verner, TEN, CB

21. Joe Haden, CLE, CB

22. Kerry Rhodes, ARZ, FS

23. Adrian Wilson, ARZ, SS

24. Roman Harper, NO, SS

25. Yeremiah Bell, MIA, SS

26. William Moore, ATL, SS

27. Devin McCourty, NE, CB

28. Antoine Winfield, MIN, CB

29. Brent Grimes, ATL, CB

30. Glover Quin, TEN, CB

31. Dawan Landry, FA, SS

32. Antrel Rolle, NYG, FS

33. Steve Gregory, SD, FS

34. Troy Polamalu, PIT, SS

35. Louis Delmas, DET, FS

36. Jairus Byrd, BUF, FS

37. Chris Hope, TEN, SS

38. Terence Newman, DAL, CB

39. Michael Huff, FA, FS

40. Ed Reed, BAL, FS

41. Nate Clements, SF, CB

42. Morgan Burnett, GB, SS

43. Ronde Barber, TB, CB

44. Dashon Goldson, SF, CB

45. Bernard Pollard, FA, SS

46. Sherrod Martin, CAR, FS

47. Nick Collins, GB, FS

48. Bryant McFadden, PIT, CB

49. Donte Whitner, FA, SS

50. Bob Sanders, SD, SS

5

RANKINGS BY POSITION (cont...)RANKINGS BY POSITION (cont...)

1. AARON RODGERS, PACKERS

Rogers is arguably the league’s top quarterback for both fantasyand real-life purposes. He recorded fewer pass attempts than DrewBrees and Peyton Manning in 2010, but made up for it with efficien-cy and, in particular, the running game. After suffering two concus-sions last season, there’s the possibility he’ll cut back on the run-ning aspect of his game. Still he’s good as (green and) gold.

2. MICHAEL VICK, EAGLES

Prorate Vick’s per-game numbers over 16 games and he’d have putup 4,064 yards, 30 touchdowns, 12 interceptions in the air with 848yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. That’s fantasy gold.Unfortunately, he didn’t play 12 games — nor, given his reliance onthe rush, is he likely to play 16 full games in 2011-12.

3. DREW BREES, SAINTS

It’s to Brees’s credit that 4,620 yards and 33 touchdowns consti-tutes a “down” year. It’s also nice that we can point to a couple fac-tors — the lack of a solid running game, for one, and an MCLsprain, for another — that probably contributed directly to Brees’s22 interceptions and uncharacteristically low 7.0 yards per attempt.Look for a bounceback season from Brees.

4. PEYTON MANNING, COLTS

Despite throwing a career-high 679 pass attempts — 108 more thanhe attempted the year before — Manning threw for only 200 moreyards in 2010, and the same number of touchdowns (33). Anemphasis on offensive linemen in the draft, including first-roundtackle Anthony Castonzo and second-round guard Ben Ijalana,should help a unit that started showing some wear in 2010. Also, ahealthy Dallas Clark and Austin Collie, who missed a combined 17games, likely won’t hurt.

5. PHILIP RIVERS, CHARGERS

Here’s some math that doesn’t really make sense: San Diego’s topthree receivers (Malcolm Floyd, Antonio Gates, and VincentJackson) missed a combined 22 games (out of a possible 48), and,yet, Rivers finished with career highs in both completion percentage(66.0) and yardage (4,710), the latter number of which actually ledthe league. Given coach Norv Turner’s penchant for the run, Riversis unable to compile sufficient pass attempts to lead the league inyards again. Still, his efficiency is basically unparalleled at this point.

6. TONY ROMO, COWBOYS

After missing nearly 11 games with a broken collarbone in 2010,Romo could be a decent bargain in fantasy drafts this year, giventhat he (a) is among the CAREER leaders in yards per attempt, (b)plays in what has generally been a pass-heavy offense, and (c) hasthree receivers in Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten whoserve as legit downfield threats. If Romo is likely the sixth-mostvaluable QB, it’s also likely the case that he won’t be taken amongthe first six QBs in most fantasy drafts.

7. TOM BRADY, PATRIOTS

In terms of our ability to project future performance using past per-formance, pass efficiency is generally more reliable than touch-downs or interceptions thrown. That’s why, even though Bradyposted a stupid-good 36:4 TD:INT ratio in 2010 that likely placed

him among the top three or so QBs by most formats last season,it’s the (good, but not best) 7.9 yards per pass attempt that we’llconsider more strongly here.

8. BEN ROETHLISBERGER, STEELERS

The most obvious hurdle for Roethlisberger’s 2010 was the four-game suspension he was forced to serve at the beginning of theseason. The less obvious one was the condition of his O-line: righttackle Willie Colon (Achilles) missed the entire season while MaxStarks, the left tackle, missed nine games with neck and ankleinjuries. Even so, Roethlisberger acquitted himself nicely. Plus,beyond his pasing game, he’s a reliable source of 100-to-200 yardsand two touchdowns on the ground each year.

9. MATT SCHAUB, TEXANS

Schaub has averaged just about 1.6 passing touchdowns per gamein his last three seasons. That’s equates to about 25 per season —a decent total, but not quite at the same level as some of the topfantasy QBs. It’s not necessarily the case that Schaub is UNABLEto throw for TDs — his 8.0 yards per attempt over the last threeyears suggest he’s a very able passer — but rather thatquality/strategy of the Texan offense precludes him from eclipsingthe 30 mark. In any case, the yards are nice and certainly make himrosterable in most formats.

10. MATT RYAN, Falcons Ryan’s stat line is a hodge-podge of good and decent. On the onehand, he’s averaged just 6.5 yards per pass attempt the last twoyears; on the other, he’s improved his touchdown totals each yearin the league — from 16 to 22 to 29. Looking forward, a positivedevelopment is the addition of Alabama standout Julio Jones,who’ll serve not only as a target himself, but should create moreone-on-one opportunities for star receiver Roddy White.

11. ELI MANNING, GIANTS

Changing one’s perception of a player can be difficult. While manyfantasy owners might consider the junior Manning a mere fantasyback-up, Eli has actually posted yards-per-attempt averages of 7.9and 7.4 over the last two years. He’s also averaged 29 touchdownsper season over that time. Is he a superstar? Probably not. But witha stud receiver in Hakeem Nicks and a legitimately new level of tal-ent, Manning will likely be a net-plus as a fantasy starter in 12-teamformats.

12. JOE FLACCO, RAVENS

The arrival of Anquan Boldin didn’t necessarily aid the strong-armedFlacco in the way that one might have expected. Maybe it was dueto the Ravens’ run-first approach. Maybe it was the fact that run-ning back Ray Rice dealt with injuries from Day One. Second-roundpick and wide receiver Torrey Smith represents the first legitimatedeep threat that Flacco will have worked with. Between that and ahealthy Ray Rice, there are at least two reasons for optimism.

13. JOSH FREEMAN, BUCCANEERS

Freeman was, along with his entire team, a pleasant surprise in2010. The 22-year-old lowered his interception rate from 6.2 to 1.3while raising his touchdown percentage from 3.4 to 5.3 between hisrookie and sophomore seasons. The result? A 25:6 TD:INT ratio.The drawbacks, of course, are that the team finished in the bottom

QUARQUAR TERBACK SEASON PROFILESTERBACK SEASON PROFILES

6

Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.

half of pass attempts and, while Mike Williams certainly distin-guished himself, tight end Kellen Winslow and receiver ArreliousBenn both have knee-injury concerns.

14. JAY CUTLER, BEARS

While many supposed that the arrival of Mike Martz in Chicagowould have beneficial effects on Jay Cutler, the latter’s pass effi-ciency improved by only 0.1 yards, from 5.9 to 6.0 yards perattempt. An offensive line that allowed a league-high 56 sacks —including 52 at Cutler’s expense — was little help, but it’s also thecase that quarterbacks are generally somewhat to blame for elevat-ed sack totals, too. In Cutler’s case, he appeared unable to makethe quick decisions necessary for survival at the highest levels ofthe game.

15. MATT STAFFORD, LIONS

Stafford would probably be ranked higher if he weren’t such ahealth risk. He has dealt with injuries to his right knee and bothshoulders in his two-year career, with two throwing-shoulder injurieslimiting him to just three appearances last season. But between hisnatural ability and a receiving corps that includes Calvin Johnson,Stafford’s per-game value is higher than this ranking might other-wise suggest.

16. RYAN FITZPATRICK, BILLS

It’s impossible to watch a single Buffalo game in which one is notreminded that Ryan Fitzpatrick went to (OMG!) Harvard. If the impli-cation here (i.e. that Fitzpatrick is smarter than other QBs) weretrue, however, would Fitzpatrick really play for the Bills??? WhileFitzpatrick’s arm is NFL-worthy, it’s actually his rushing that makeshim interesting from a fantasy perspective: he ran for 269 yards onjust 40 attempts (6.7 yards per carry).

17. SAM BRADFORD, RAMS

Given the huge learning curve for NFL quarterbacks, it’s probablybest not to conclude too much from Bradford’s rookie season. Still,he threw more touchdowns (18) than interceptions (15) and com-pleted 60 percent of his passes. That, in itself, is promising.

18. DAVID GARRARD, JAGUARS

Garrard is coming off one of the best years of his career, totaling 28touchdowns (five rushing) in just 14 appearances. The efficiencywas there, too: Garrard’s 7.5 yards per attempt placed him amongthe lead’s top 10 in that category. The question is whether he repeatthose feats. The chances are below 50%, likely. And with 10th-overall pick Blaine Gabbert now in the fold, Garrard’s long-term roleis in question.

19. TIM TEBOW, BRONCOS

While Kyle Orton did little to lose the starting QB job in Denver, it’stough to see a scenario in which Tim Tebow won’t start 2011 as theBronco starter. His windup, throwing motion and passing abilities ingeneral remain concerns, but his bruising running ability is a con-stant that gives him high upside as a fantasy quarterback — and ispunctuated by the fact that he scored a rushing touchdown in eachof his 2010 starts.

20. MATT CASSEL, CHIEFS

Last year, which saw Cassel average 6.9 yards per attempt andthrow 27 touchdowns to just seven interceptions, was (a) much bet-ter than Cassel’s 2009, (b) more or less on par with his 2008 withthe Patriots and (c) likely the best-case scenario for the Chiefs QB.

That’s not a bad thing; it just means that he’s a back-up in standard12-team leagues.

21. COLT MCCOY, BROWNS

While he was promising as a rookie, the short term doesn’t look tobe especially favorable to McCoy’s fantasy prospects. His own per-sonal physical abilities aside, the Browns will likely field what figuresto be one of the worst wideout lineups in the league. Accordingly,it’s reasonable to expect Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty toreceive the bulk of the work.

22. MARK SANCHEZ, JETS

Probably the main benefit with Sanchez is job security: for better orworse, the Jets are unlikely to look elsewhere at the quarterbackposition. Stiill, among 31 qualified QBs, Sanchez had the fourth-lowest yards per attempt (6.5) and didn’t necessarily distinguishhimself with his accuracy, generally. If there’s a plus side, it’s thatSanchez has scored three TDs in each of his first two seasons.That’s probably due less to his great running abilities and more tothe Jets’ preference for running him in short-yardage situations. Itall counts, though.

23. JASON CAMPBELL, RAIDERS

Campbell’s a fine quarterback, but his touchdown percentage annu-ally ranks near the bottom of the league. That has something to dowith his ability as a quarterback, but it also has something to dowith the fact that he’s quarterbacked for the Redskins and Raiders.Overall futility defined the former; a dominant running game, the lat-ter. (In fact, the Raiders were one of only two teams to score moretouchdowns on the ground than through the air.)

24. KYLE ORTON, BRONCOS

Orton’s neither athletic nor is he known for having a huge arm, yetthat didn’t stop him from finishing in the top half of quarterbacks interms of yards per attempt (incidentally, not that far from Jay Cutler,for whom he was traded). Problem is, teammate Tim Tebow notonly has a sort of mythic reputation already, but actually outper-formed Orton in a three-start trial. Orton’s a starting-caliber quarter-back; he just doesn’t have a team for which he’s guaranteed tostart.

25. KEVIN KOLB, EAGLES

With Michael Vick around, Kolb is unlikely to see much time for theEagles. At the same time, Kolb’s trade value is too high for him towaste away on the bench. Arizona and Seattle seem like the mostlikely landing spots for Kolb at this point. Either situation would beworth monitoring, but Larry Fitzgerald makes Arizona the more idealspot

26. ANDY DALTON, BENGALS

In case you haven’t heard, Carson Palmer might choose to retirerather than take another snap with the Bengals. Should that hap-pen, or should Palmer be traded, Dalton will likely be the starter forGame One. It’s rare that any rookie quarterback becomes a hitimmediately — and it’s unlikely that Dalton will prove an exceptionto that particular rule. Still, Cincinnati features an abundance of tar-gets at the moments, not the least of them being fourth-overall pickA.J. Green.

27. ALEX SMITH, FREE AGENT

While technically a free agent, the expectation seems to be thatSmith will return to the 49ers for 2011. That’s only sort of news for

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fantasy owners, as (a) Smith has never cracked 7.0 yards perattempt in his five years in the league and (b) Frank Gore is the realcenterpiece of the Niner offense. The presence second-round pickColin Kaepernick might also eat into Smith’s playing time.

28. CHAD HENNE, DOLPHINS

Playing time is the first and foremost consideration when looking atany player. In the case of Henne, even if Miami doesn’t look to freeagency or a trade for training camp competition for Henne, there’sno guarantee Tyler Thigpen won’t take the starting spot if formerslips up. A good group of wideouts, led by Brandon Marshall,makes Henne’s situation not-terrible, but consecutive years withmore interceptions than touchdowns isn’t particularly promising.

29. VINCE YOUNG, TITANS

After last year’s drama and the selection of quarterback JakeLocker eighth overall in the most recent draft, Young’s days inTennesse appear numbered. Whether that comes from a trade orstraight-up release remains to be seen. If the former occurs, theEagles (for Kevin Kolb) or Redskins (for Donovan McNabb) repre-sent two possible landing spots. Young actually averaged 8.0 yardsper attempt last season and still possesses the ability to do dam-age with his legs.

30. DONOVAN MCNABB, REDSKINS

The McNabb Experiment didn’t go so well in D.C., ending in a sur-prise benching of the veteran at the end of the regular season infavor of Rex Grossman. McNabb didn’t have a great season interms of TD:INT ratio (14:15), but those numbers are greatly influ-enced by team context, and McNabb’s 7.2 yards per attempt wereright in line with career averages. The Vikings, Cardinals, andDolphins are possible destinations for the verteran. All would likelybe preferable to the Redskins.

31. JAKE LOCKER, TITANS

It’s entirely possible Tennessee will find a veteran to start for mostor all of 2011, but, should Locker find his way into the starting role,his 4.59 speed could be worth a look if he starts against a favorable

defense. A healthy and well-behvaed Kenny Britt would be of somebenefit, as well, although expecting a rookie to produce above-average passing numbers isn’t advised.

32. REX GROSSMAN, FREE AGENT

Though technically a free agent, it’ll be a surprise if Grossmanleaves Washington, with Donovan McNabb likely exiting and havingstarted three games last year. The book on Grossman is pretty wellestablished at this point, and, so far as books go, it’s not whatyou’d call a Classic. He could be worth a spot start against a baddefense, but oughtn’t be used more than that, really.

33. CHRISTIAN PONDER, VIKINGS

Reports out of Minnesota indicate that the Vikings will make a seri-ous effort to bring in a veteran option. SHOULD Ponder start, all theusual caveats about a rookie QB — plus some valid concerns abouthis shoulder — apply. The upside here is that, between PercyHarvin and Adrian Peterson — and maybe Percy Harvin, too,depending on what he does — Ponder would have some pieceswith which to work. Furthermore, he’s got good accuracy andabove average athleticism.

34. MATT HASSELBECK, FREE AGENT

Hasselbeck’s failed to do two things since 2007 — namely (a) throwmore touchdowns than interceptions and (b) play all 16 games ofthe NFL season. Given that he’ll be 36 within the first month of theseason, his chances of improving are limited. Hasselbeck’s isanother veteran name that’s been linked to the Titans. While slightlybetter, that wouldn’t represent a huge upgrade over Seattle.

35. CAM NEWTON, PANTHERS

As both a passer and rusher, Newton’s potential is off the charts. Ifthere’s a caveat here, however, it’s that Cameron’s one starting sea-son in Division I was in Auburn’s one-read option offense, meaningNewton has next to no familiarity with the NFL tasks ahead of him.For that reason, it’s tough to see him winning the starting spot thisyear. On the other hand, his main competition is Jimmy Clausen,who’s not what you’d necessarily call a “world-beater.”

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1. ARIAN FOSTER, TEXANS

He could do 85 percent of what he did last year and still be No. 1.Foster is a strong between-the-tackles runner, and shifty as areceiver out of the backfield. The Texans have a stable offense thatloves to run the ball from in close and one of the league’s best run-blocking offensive lines. While Foster lacks the natural talent of anAdrian Peterson or Jamaal Charles, the running back position ismostly about environment, and Foster’s is among the best in theleague. In PPR formats, he’s even more clearly No. 1.

2. ADRIAN PETERSON, VIKINGS

Every year it’s Peterson or someone else in the debate for the No. 1overall pick, so why speculate? Peterson is a bruising power runnerwho looks to inflict damage on would-be tacklers, assuming he has-n’t already blown by them with his rare breakaway speed. Petersonhas also improved as a pass catcher, a skill that might be on furtherdisplay this season as the Vikings ponder using a rookie quarterbackor a stopgap veteran. Peterson’s physical running style and heavyworkload the past few years could catch up to him, but he’s beendurable to date, and is still very much in the prime of his career.

3. JAMAAL CHARLES, CHIEFS

Only Jim Brown ever averaged more yards per carry in a full seasonthan Jamaal Charles last year, and had Todd Haley not wasted car-ries on Thomas Jones both between the 20s and at the goal line,Charles might have been battling Arian Foster for the top spot on ourlist. In any event, Charles returns as the team’s clear go-to runner, isas fast as any player in the league and is dynamic out of the back-field as a receiver. The only question is whether he’ll see goal-linework, and that’s what keeps him at No. 3 rather than No. 1 overall.

4. CHRIS JOHNSON, TITANS

After a record-setting 2009, Johnson fell back to earth in a big way,as the Titans offense and run blocking regressed. Johnson still haselite ability with game-breaking speed, elusive moves in the openfield and the ability to break tackles for a smaller back. Tennessee’squarterback situation is in flux right now, and the offensive line isstill a work in progress, so don’t expect Johnson to reprise 2009,barring unforeseen improvements in his environment. WhileJohnson has been highly durable, it’s worth noting his workload hasbeen heavy the past three years, especially for a smaller back.

5. LESEAN MCCOY, EAGLES

McCoy saw just 207 carries last year, but he led all running backswith 78 receptions and was on the field for 837 snaps, third amongplayers at his position. In short, he’s a major part of one of theleague’s top offenses, is a weapon on the ground and threw the airand part of the gameplan no matter what the situation and score ofthe game. If McCoy ever sees more goal-line carries, he could be atop-3 back, but with Michael Vick around, the team probably won’tgo to a power running formation all that often from in close.

6. MAURICE JONES-DREW, JAGUARS

Assuming he’s recovered from offseason knee surgery - and by allaccounts he has - Jones-Drew will continue to see heavy work as arunner and a receiver behind one of the league’s more underrated O Lines. Compact and powerful, Jones-Drew is a strong short-yardage runner and also has the long-speed to break away. RashadJennings showed promise as a change-of-pace option, but evenwith him around Jones-Drew still managed 299 carries in 14 games.

7. MICHAEL TURNER, FALCONS

If you’re in a PPR format, move him down half a dozen spots, but instandard ones, Turner’s power running still pays the bills. The lackof receiving costs him some yards from scrimmage, but unlikeLeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles and Ray Rice, there’s little doubtTurner’s carrying the rock for his team when it gets near pay dirt.Turner led the league in red-zone rushes, inside-the-10 rushes andgoal-line rushes on a team with a stable offense and solid run-blocking line. There’s no reason not to expect more of the same, solong as he stays healthy in 2011.

8. DARREN MCFADDEN, RaidersOn a per-play and per-game basis, McFadden was an absolutemonster last year, with 5.2 yards per carry and 1664 yards fromscrimmage and 10 touchdowns in 13 games. McFadden can runbetween the tackles, and has great burst in the open field, allowinghim to create huge plays once he gets beyond the line. The pres-ence of Michael Bush limits McFadden’s goal-line attempts, andMcFadden himself has struggled to stay healthy since his arrivalinto the league. But if we could guarantee every running back onthis list a full season, McFadden would be a top-three overall pick.

9. RASHARD MENDENHALL, STEELERS

Mendenhall’s numbers don’t jump out - just 3.9 YPC and 23 recep-tions in a full 16-game season. But Mendenhall scored 13 TDs,despite missing star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for a quarter ofthe year and running behind a mediocre offensive line that shouldimprove. Moreover, Mendenhall’s physical skills - good size, powerand long speed, good hands out of the backfield - make it likelyhe’ll catch more passes and be more efficient in 2011.

10. RAY RICE, RAVENS

One of the league’s best pass-catching backs, Rice has also provenhe can carry a heavy workload with 307 carries and 63 catches lastyear. Like Maurice Jones-Drew, Rice is stout, compact, shifty andhard to bring down. The Ravens offensive line took a step back lastyear, and Rice usually is forced to share goal-line carries, but he’sone of the safer bets. In PPR leagues, bump him up 3-4 spots.

11. RYAN MATHEWS, CHARGERS

Mathews burned a lot of owners last year with his chronic ankleinjury and eventual timeshare with Mike Tolbert. But in Week 17,long after most of his drafters had been bounced from the playoffs -he had a 120-yards, three-TD game, showcasing what might havebeen. Heading into his second year, Mathews should be exepctedto see the bulk of the team’s carries, though Tolbert could be in themix near the goal line. Nonetheless, Norv Turner running backs -think Emmitt Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson in their primes - havebeen the best in fantasy football history, and the environment in SanDiego with Philip Rivers helming one of the league’s most efficientoffenses could hardly be more ideal.

12. FRANK GORE, 49ERS

When healthy, Gore is a complete back, capable of gashing teamsfor big yards between the tackles, or taking a play outside for along gain. Gore can catch passes out of the backfield, he can rundefenders over, or simply blow by them. The problem is Gore rarelystays healthy for a full season as he’s missed nine games over thepast three years. At press time, he’s completely healthy, and you’llget a top-10 back for as long as he remains that way.

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Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.

13. MATT FORTE, BEARS

Last year’s incarnation of Forte bore a much closer resemblance tothe rookie star of 2008 rather than the sophomore dud of 2009.Despite running behind a poor offensive line, Forte averaged 4.5yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns. He also caught 51passes (the third straight year he’s eclipsed 50) for a career-high 547yards through the air. With Mike Martz at the helm for a second yearand the Bears improving their offensive line through the draft, Forteis a safe bet for plenty of yards from scrimmage at the very least.

14. LEGARRETTE BLOUNT, BUCCANEERS

The 6-0, 247-pound Blount is a big, powerful back with rare speedand athleticism for his size. For some inexplicable reason he strug-gled near the goal line, but we’ll write that off as a fluke and expecthim to be the team’s go-to back from in close. With Josh Freemanand Mike Williams providing a foundation for a young and improv-ing Tampa offense, Blount should see plenty of red-zone opportuni-ties in 2011. Just don’t expect much from him as a receiver - hecaught just five passes all last year.

15. PEYTON HILLIS, BROWNS

A top-three fantasy back for most of the year, Hillis wore down dur-ing the season’s second half, in large part due to his physical bruis-ing style and heavy workload. Much of Hillis’ value comes from hisability as a receiver - 61 catches for 477 yards - and he runs behindone of the best offensive lines in the league. This year, MontarioHardesty should share some of Hillis’ burden, but that might not bea bad thing if it keeps Hillis fresher for the stretch run. One otherissue for Hillis is ball security - he led all running backs last yearwith eight fumbles, something that could cost him carries if it does-n’t improve.

16. STEVEN JACKSON, RAMS

The old warhorse keeps plugging away with huge workloads,despite racking up a myriad of ailments both nagging and some-what serious over the years. Jackson is a big, physical back withgood long speed and excellent receiving skills. The question is howmuch he still has left in the tank now that it finally seems the Ramsmight be turning the corner offensively with Sam Bradford undercenter and offensive wiz Josh McDaniels coordinating the unit.There’s upside here if Jackson is even half the man he once was.

17. SHONN GREENE, JETS

Greene was a disappointment last year in large part because theaging LaDainian Tomlinson saw such a significant share of the car-ries out of the gate. But this year the job is Greene’s to lose. Giventhe strength of the team’s offensive line, Greene’s own power run-ning ablity, speed and improving skills as a receiver, he’s got top-10upside should he cement himself as the team’s unquestioned topoption for the duration of the year. The Jets did draft Bilal Powell inthe fourth round, who could provide competition for Greene, andTomlinson is likely to retain a role as the team’s third-down back.

18. AHMAD BRADSHAW, GIANTS

Bradshaw won the starting job in training camp from BrandonJacobs and never looked back, averaging 4.5 yards per carry,catching 47 passes and scoring eight touchdowns. Nonetheless,Jacobs also had a good year, and assuming both are back with theGiants - hardly a sure thing - Bradshaw would again share carries.Bradshaw has battled chronic foot and ankle trouble during hiscareer, but after undergoing ankle surgery in February claims he hasregained his considerable speed.

19. DANIEL THOMAS, DOLPHINS

With the Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams era likely over in Miami,Thomas has a good chance to establish himself as the team’s leadback, provided it doesn’t bring in a veteran like DeAngelo Williamsor Ahmad Bradshaw. Thomas is a tough-running power back in themold of a younger Larry Johnson, and the Dolphins have one of thebetter offensive lines in the league. Thomas is also a competentpass catcher and even has some experience running the Wildcat sohe could see a substantial workload as a rookie.

20. MARK INGRAM, SAINTS

While it’s always hard to handicap Sean Payton’s skill-player usage,the Saints traded up to draft Ingram with the 28th pick, a strongsign they intend to use him extensively as they’re in a win-nowmode with Drew Brees under center. Ingram doesn’t have greatsize, speed or athleticism, but he’s got excellent vision, hits the holedecisively and runs hard. He’ll need to outperform Pierre Thomas(seemingly on the outs) and Chris Ivory (usually hurt), but the bulk ofthe work should be Ingram’s to lose, especially near the goal line.

21. DEANGELO WILLIAMS, PANTHERS

The top fantasy back in the league in 2008, Williams has producedwhenever he’s been able to stay healthy. A timeshare with JonathanStewart limits Williams’ upside should he re-sign with Carolina, butWilliams could easy crack the top-10 should he land somewhere hegets to be the unquestioned No. 1 back. Williams’ combination ofspeed, elusiveness and vision make him worth a gamble at thisstage even if his role and/or destination is unclear at draft time.

22. JONATHAN STEWART, PANTHERS

Stewart is a prototypical power runner in the Michael Turner moldwith a nose for the goal line. He scored 10 TDs in 2008 and 2009,despite sharing carries with DeAngelo Williams, and could find him-self in the lead back role should Williams sign elsewhere this sum-mer. Even if Williams is gone, Mike Goodson could cut intoStewart’s carries somewhat, and it’s clear Goodson and notStewart, who simply does not catch passes, will usually be in thegame on third down. But as long as the Panthers improve off lastyear’s abysmal showing - and how could they not? - and Williamssigns elswhere, Stewart should be a workhorse with a good chancefor double-digit scores.

23. FRED JACKSON, BILLS

We have to think last year’s No. 9 overall pick C.J. Spiller will bemore involved, but even so, Jackson enters the year as the team’sstarting back. Jackson was a consistent performer from Week 5 on -after the Bills traded Marshawn Lynch to Seattle. and the Billsoffense as a whole took a step forward with Ryan Fitzpatrick provingto be a serviceable passer. Jackson should see most of the goal-linework for the Bills, and he’s also a capable pass catcher, though we’dexpect Spiller to see work on third downs at the very least.

24. JAHVID BEST, LIONS

Two weeks into the season, it looked like Best, who had four touch-downs and 268 yards from scrimmage, might be the steal of fanta-sy drafts. But turf toe injuries slowed him badly the rest of the way,and he finished with just 3.2 YPC and six total TDs. Still, Best, whohas explosive speed and can make defenders miss in the openfield, managed 58 catches for 487 yards, and at press time is com-pletely healthy. He’ll likely yield a good deal of his workload (includ-ing goal-line carries) to rookie Mikel Leshoure, but Best should be agood source of yards from scrimmage on a rapidly improving team.

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25. KNOWSHON MORENO, BRONCOS

Moreno improved in his second season, upping his YPC to 4.3 andcatching more passes out of the backfield, despite missing threegames. Nonetheless, he’s been disappointing for a No. 12 overallpick, and now that Denver has a new regime in charge, there’s talkMoreno’s role could be reduced. Still, he has little viable competi-tion for the feature back role and could be heavily relied on if theteam hands the reins to second-year man Tim Tebow. Of course,Tebow’s presence could cost Moreno (and any other Denver back)goal-line looks, given the quarterback’s nose for the end zone.

26. FELIX JONES, COWBOYS

Jones was finally given a chance to lead the Cowboys in carries lastseason, but the results were disappointing, as his YPC dropped to4.3, and he recorded just two touchdowns. The speed back did dis-play improvement as a pass-catcher, but he’s an injury risk whorarely sees action at the goal line and is likely to be a part of a time-share again. Marion Barber’s impending exit seems like a plus atfirst glance, but don’t be surprised if Tashard Choice and rookieDeMarco Murray are both also heavily involved in the offense.

27. RYAN GRANT, PACKERS

Grant, who suffered a broken ankle that ended his season in Week1 last year, should enter 2011 fully recovered following surgery thispast September, but he’ll be competing for carries with playoff stal-wart James Starks and third-round pick Alex Green. Grant is oneyear removed from a 1,253-rushing yard, 11-TD campaign and isjust 28, so he can’t be written off, but nothing will be given to him,and Starks just might have more raw talent. A committee is themost likely outcome, but if the Packers turn back to their provenveteran, Grant would be in a favorable situation, playing in one ofthe league’s elite offenses.

28. MIKEL LESHOURE, LIONS

At 6-0, 227, Leshoure represents the thunder to complement JahvidBest’s lightning. The Illinois product didn’t fumble once over 424career college carries, ran for 1,697 yards and 17 touchdowns dur-ing his junior year last season and finished his career with the Illiniwith a 6.0 YPC mark. The Lions coaching staff claims that Leshourewill be the team’s “change-of-pace” back, not Best, but the latterhas durability concerns and isn’t likely to garner more than 15-18carries per game. In short, Leshoure is the heavy favorite for goal-line work in an offense that could quickly become dynamic, andhe’d be a serious fantasy threat if Best were to get injured.

29. CEDRIC BENSON, BENGALS

The Bengals hope to re-sign Benson after he ran for 1,111 yardsand seven touchdowns last season, once again acting as theteam’s workhorse. That said, Benson might be the least explosivestarting back in the NFL, as he averaged an ugly 3.5 YPC andrecorded just two carries for 20-plus yards over 321 rushingattempts. Barring a complete collapse after back-to-back 300-carrycampaigns, Benson does have a nice floor if he returns toCincinnati, however. Just realize there’s not much of a ceiling, as hefinished outside the top-15 fantasy RBs in 2010 despite getting thefifth most touches.

30. JOSEPH ADDAI, COLTS

A shoulder injury derailed Addai’s 2010 season, limiting him to justeight games and making him a part of a committee in others. Hefinished with career-lows in rushing yards (495), receiving yards(124) and touchdowns (four), though his 4.3 YPC mark was actuallythe second best he’s ever recorded. Addai doesn’t possess much

speed, but assuming a return to the Colts, his style fits well withinIndy’s system, and he’s terrific in pass protection, which is mostimportant when it comes to the team’s Peyton-Manning drivenoffense. Donald Brown appears to be a bust, but Indianapolis draft-ed Delone Carter in the fourth round, and at minimum, he’ll takeover short-yardage work, which limits Addai’s scoring potential.

31. RYAN WILLIAMS, CARDINALS

The Cardinals’ selection of Williams early in the second round ofApril’s draft clearly sends a message to incumbent Chris Wells, whohad an injury-marred and disappointing second season. Williamspossesses plus vision with strong instincts and hands, but itremains to be seen if he’s more the back who looked like a futurestar as a freshman at Virginia Tech, or the one who disappointedlast year. Don’t be surprised if the pick motivates Wells, whoshouldn’t be written off yet if he can stay healthy. The coachingstaff likely wants Williams to win the job, so he’s the safer choice,but ultimately this probably ends up as a committee.

32. CHRIS WELLS, CARDINALS

If Wells’ rookie year was considered a let­down, his sophomorecampaign was a down­right disaster, as he suffered a preseasonknee injury that required surgery to repair a torn meniscus andremove loose cartilage, and he later admitted he never felt 100 per-cent the rest of the year. The numbers are ugly, as he averaged just3.4 YPC and broke only four tackles all season, and while the injurycan be blamed, it eases no concerns over his in­ability to stayhealthy. Still, he won’t turn 23 until late summer and he has shownflashes of being a more than capable back. With the Cardinalsinvesting an early second-round pick in Ryan Williams, Wells’ stockhas never been lower, but he still has the potential to make a majorimpact, if he’s able to stay out of the trainer’s room.

33. BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS, PATRIOTS

Though Danny Woodhead was also in the mix, Green-Ellis essential-ly took over New England’s backfield in the second half of the 2010season, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards and scoring 13 touchdownson the ground, second most in the NFL. While “The Law Firm” is acapable runner who’s yet to fumble during his career, he’s hardlyspecial, as he benefited greatly from New England’s strong runblocking. He also struggles in pass protection, which might be a bigreason why the Patriots used a second-round pick on Shane Vereen.Green-Ellis can retain value as the favorite to be New England’sgoal-line back (he was 8-for-15 there last season), but don’t be sur-prised if his rushing attempts take a hit while he’s competing for car-ries with Woodhead, Vereen and third-rounder Stevan Ridley.

34. JAMES STARKS, PACKERS

Starks wasn’t able to take advantage of Ryan Grant’s season-end-ing ankle injury last year because he was battling a hamstring strainthat saw him open the year on the PUP list. Apparently, the Packersknew they had something in the sixth-round pick, and their patiencewas rewarded when Starks became the team’s workhorse in theplayoffs, averaging 20.3 carries per game. While his 3.9 YPC markdoesn’t jump out, he faced stiff competition and passed the “eyetest.” If he can prove durable, Starks can play a big role in GreenBay’s backfield in 2011 — just keep in mind that Grant will be back,and third-round draft pick Alex Green could be in the mix as well.

35. C.J. SPILLER, BILLS

It would be foolish to write off last year’s ninth overall pick com-pletely, but Spiller fumbled five times on just 74 rushing attemptsand struggled mightily in pass protection. Failing to gain much trust

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among Buffalo’s coaching staff, the highly-touted back didn’treceive double-digit carries in a single game. After scoring 21touchdowns from 50-plus yards during his dynamic collegiatecareer, Spiller produced just two plays that went for 20-plus yardsas a rookie. At his season-ending press conference, coach ChanGailey referred to Spiller as a “Reggie Bush type back,” which is notan endorsement of Spiller’s ability to log heavy carries, especiallywith Fred Jackson still around.

36. MARSHAWN LYNCH, SEAHAWKS

After splitting work in Buffalo over four games, Lynch was traded tothe Seahawks last season, where he was employed as the team’slead back. It didn’t result in a lot of fantasy utility, as Lynch aver-aged just 3.5 YPC and didn’t add much as a receiver, while con-verting just five of 15 goal-line carries. He was running behind oneof the worst offensive lines in football, but Lynch struggles to makedefenders miss, his epic touchdown run in the Wild Card roundnotwithstanding. Seattle didn’t address the running back position inthe draft, so by default Lynch still sits atop the team’s depth chart,but even if he again leads the team in carries, modest results arelikely to follow.

37. ROY HELU, REDSKINS

The Redskins traded up to take Helu in the fourth round of thedraft, and coach Mike Shanahan has already stated he’ll be givenevery opportunity to compete for the team’s starting role. Helu ranfor 1,245 yards and 11 touchdowns on just 188 carries during hissenior year at Nebraska last season and impressed at the Combinewith a 4.40 40. Ryan Torain played well last year, but he’s a hugeinjury risk, and Shanahan covets Helu’s breakaway speed, an attrib-ute Torain doesn’t possess. Given how productive a lead back inShanahan’s system can be, Helu is the type of late pick who canwin your league for you.

38. RYAN TORAIN, REDSKINS

Drafted by the Broncos in 2008, Torain entered last season havingappeared in just two NFL games due to his inability to stay healthy.He reunited with Mike Shanahan last year in Washington and finallyproved his on-field worth, totaling 751 yards with five touchdownsover eight starts. While the injuries have taken a toll on Torain’sexplosiveness and he struggles in pass protection, his one-cut-and-go style is idea for Shanahan’s scheme. Still, Torain is still a majorhealth risk, so the Redskins spent two draft picks on running backs,including Roy Helu, who’s a threat to start right away.

39. BRANDON JACOBS, GIANTS

Jacobs ceded lead-back duties to Ahmad Bradshaw last season,and with fresher legs, he was highly productive on a per-play basis,averaging 5.6 YPC. He remains a poor receiver, but the bruisingback added nine touchdowns and still finds himself in a good situa-tion playing in New York. The fact that limiting Jacobs’ carriesresulted in him staying healthy over a full season may be bad newsfor his fantasy value though, as it figures to be a formula that willcontinue. Even if Bradshaw were to get hurt, expect Danny Ware toget in the mix, as Jacobs is unlikely to ever again reach 225-plusrushing attempts, which caps his fantasy value.

40. PIERRE THOMAS, SAINTS

Thomas continued to struggle with injuries last season, which limit-ed him to just six games in which he averaged only 3.2 YPC andscored just two touchdowns. When he’s on the field, Thomas is adynamic back with no glaring weaknesses, but he has neverreached 150 rushing attempts during any of his four seasons in the

league. Even if he somehow manages to stay healthy in 2011, henow has to compete with hotshot rookie Mark Ingram for touches,and frankly, Thomas has never seemed to have coach SeanPayton’s faith to begin with.

41. MICHAEL BUSH, RAIDERS

Bush was the favorite to emerge as Oakland’s lead back last season,but Darren McFadden’s breakout relegated him to second-string. At6-2, 247, Bush is a big body well suited to short-yardage and goal-line work, and last year saw 13 carries from inside the five toMcFadden’s six. Otherwise, McFadden will see the bulk of the work,both on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield. GivenBush’s size, and McFadden’s injury history, Bush is worth stashing,but if McFadden stays healthy, it’s hard to see a ton of upside.

42. SHANE VEREEN, PATRIOTS

Vereen’s role will largely depend on the health of those surroundinghim in the Patriots backfield. Benjarvus Green-Ellis and DannyWoodhead are the projected returnees, with Green-Ellis havingdemonstrated last season that he is capable of grinding out toughyards and Woodhead, a productive change-of-pace option. RookieStevan Ridley adds a power back to the mix, but given that he wasconsidered the most NFL-ready RB in April’s draft for pass protec-tion, perhaps Vereen would be the one the team turns to most ifGreen-Ellis gets off to a slow start or is injured at any point. In anycase, Vereen is among a handful of rookie backs this season whoare but a break or two away from making a major fantasy splash.

43. DEMARCO MURRAY, COWBOYS

Murray, who ran an impressive 4.41 40 at the Combine, isn’t toodifferent from Felix Jones, but his third-round selection is tough tocriticize given how well his skill set fits with the Dallas offense. Hisarrival hurts the value of both Jones and Tashard Choice, andalmost certainly ends Marion Barber’s career as a Cowboy, but it’sgood news for Tony Romo and the offense as a whole. The mostlikely outcome is a shared backfield, and it may even become athree-headed monster, effectively ruining each back’s fantasy value.

44. DELONE CARTER, COLTS

Carter is a powerful back who runs downhill and should provide anelement in short-yardage situations that has been missing from theColts’ backfield for years. Joseph Addai is a free agent, but he’sexpected to return, which could leave Carter as only a situationalrunner. Still, Carter should dominate goal-line work, and plying histrade in the Colts’ offense, that could result in double-digit touch-downs. Moreover, if Addai signs elsewhere or is injured again,Carter would be the favorite for carries rather than perennial disap-pointment Donald Brown.

45. RONNIE BROWN, DOLPHINS

Typically, Brown has been either productive or hurt, but he was nei-ther last season, as he played in 16 games for just the second timein his six-year career and finished with a career-low 3.7 YPC withonly five touchdowns. For backs who played at least 500 snaps,only Jahvid Best had a lower YPC after contact than Brown’s 2.1.Brown is unlikely to return to Miami, but even if he does, he’d likelytake a backseat to rookie Daniel Thomas. Wherever he lands in2011, a clear-cut starting gig seems unlikely for Brown.

46. MONTARIO HARDESTY, BROWNS

Before a healthy senior year at Tennessee, Hardesty had a lengthyinjury history, including a high ankle sprain, a stress fracture in hisfoot, a shoulder subluxation and two separate surgeries on his

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knee, one the microfracture variety. And that was before he suffereda torn ACL during training camp with the Browns last season. Keepan eye on his progress, as the Browns will likely try to managePeyton Hillis’ workload this coming season, with the highly-regard-ed Hardesty presumably being the player they turn to first on thatfront, assuming he can re-prove his health.

47. MIKE TOLBERT, CHARGERS

The physical Tolbert had never received more than 25 carries in aseason before last year, when he got 182 thanks to Ryan Mathews’injury problems. Tolbert took full advantage of the opportunity, rush-ing for 11 touchdowns, as he went 10-for-18 at the goal line. Leadbacks in Norv Turner’s San Diego offense typically possess plentyof fantasy value, but it’s clear that Tolbert is an inferior talent toMathews, the 12th overall pick in 2010, so he’s slated for a back-up/complementary role in 2011.

48. BEN TATE, TITANS

After Houston traded up in the second round to draft Tate, heentered 2010 as the favorite to become the Texans’ top back.Instead, he missed the entire year after fracturing his fibula andtearing ankle ligaments in the preseason. Tate is big and strong andsurprisingly ran a 4.43 40 at the Combine, which was the third

fastest time recorded by a running back. He received full medicalclearance in February and enters camp competing with DerrickWard to back up Arian Foster in a Houston backfield that hasbecome one of the best environments in the NFL in terms of pro-duction.

49. JASON SNELLING, FALCONS

When Michael Turner left the field last season, the Falcons’ offenserarely missed a beat. That’s because Snelling, who also bringsreceiving skills to the table that Turner doesn’t possess, is capableof running between the tackles in the fashion that Atlanta’s offenserequires. Assuming Snelling returns following the NFL lockout, hemight lose some third-down work to rookie Jacquizz Rodgers, butoverall his value would be dependent on Turner’s health.

50. JUSTIN FORSETT, FALCONS

Though Forsett saw roughly the same number of touches in 2010as he did in 2009, his per-play production dropped. His YPC wentfrom 5.4 to 4.4, and his yards per catch fell from 8.5 to 7.6. WhileForsett looks impressive at times, it’s clear that his coaches don’tconsider him big enough to handle a full workload, so even ifinjuries strike Seattle’s backfield, which is currently led byMarshawn Lynch, don’t expect a huge boost in carries for Forsett.

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1. ANDRE JOHNSON, TEXANS

Despite missing three games to an ankle injury, Johnson still fin-ished ninth in fantasy points among wideouts last year. If he had aweakness in 2010, it was a lack of targets within the red zone (eighttimes from inside the 10 tied him for 23rd, 16 times from the redzone, tied for 26th), and failed to hit double-digit touchdowns onceagain. Even so, he led all pass catchers with 93.5 yards per game— the third time in four years that he led the the league in that cate-gory. Because TD totals are more volatile year to year than receivingyards anyway, Johnson emerges as the top pick among widereceivers.

2. CALVIN JOHNSON, LIONS

If Johnson’s statistical record isn’t necessary exemplary, his physi-cal talents certainly are. The one true variable in Johnson’s successwill be who’s throwing him passes. Last year, it was a combinationof three quarterbacks:Shaun Hill, Drew Stanton, and MatthewStafford. Only one of those (Stafford) should probably be a starter inthe NFL. Injury held Stafford to just three starts in 2010. At presstime, though, he appears 100 percent for the start of training camp.

3. LARRY FITZGERALD, CARDINALS

A combination of Derek Anderson, John Skelton, Max Hall, andRichard Bartel tooks snaps for Arizona last season, combining for5.8 yards per attempt, 10 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. ThatFitzgerald was still able to record 90 catches for 1137 yards is atestament to how crazy good he is. The touchdown totals were halfof what they’d been the previous two season, but that’s almostentirely because the Cardinals were — how do you say? — reallyterrible. If, as is rumored, Arizona acquires a decent QB, Fitzgeraldwill be close to a league-leader in everything.

4. RODDY WHITE, FALCONS

While White led the NFL with 179 targets and 115 catches in 2010,the team’s No. 2 wideout was Michael Jenkins with just 73 and 41,respectively. That’ll give you an idea both of his abilities and theFalcons’ reliance on those abilities. The arrival of draftee JulioJones out of Alabama should cut into White’s targets, particularly inthe red zone, but it should also boost his per-play efficiency.

5. HAKEEM NICKS, GIANTS

The difference between Nicks and the wide receivers ranked abovehim has less to do with skill and more to do with opportunity. Overtwo seasons, Nicks has started only 18 of a possible 32 games. Alot of that has to do with his rookie season, when he was usedmore sparingly; the rest, from leg and toe injuries last season. Ineither case, Nicks’ is clearly Eli Manning’s No. 1 target — and that,combined with his red-zone role and overall skill set, makes himvaluable on a per-game basis.

6. GREG JENNINGS, PACKERS

A wide receiver’s skill certainly matters, but so does context. Sowhile Jennings maybe isn’t the fastest, and definitely not biggest,receiver in the NFL, that he has Aaron Rodgers at quarterback andplays in an efficient Green Bay offense — that’s all relevant. Thereturn of tight end Jermichael Finley could cost Jennings looks fromin close, but Jennings’ rapport with Rodgers supplies a higher floorthan just about anyone not named Andre Johnson or Roddy White.

7. DWAYNE BOWE, CHIEFS

During a seven-week span between Weeks 6 and 12, Bowe had 13touchdowns and 733 receiving yards. During the other nine weekshe had 429 yards and two scores. In other words, he was one ofthe best fantasy receivers in NFL history for nearly half the year andvirtually unrosterable otherwise, including an inexplicable zero-tar-get effort in a playoff loss to the Ravens. The most likely explana-tion is uneven distribution. Bowe’s end-of-year totals are the bestpredictors for 2011.

8. AUSTIN MILES, COWBOYS

Austin posted receiving totals of 146, 142, and 166 yards in Games1, 2 and 4, respectively. Then Tony Romo got hurt in Game 6, andAustin never developed the same kind of rapport with backup JonKitna. The results were far from terrible — 69 catches for 1,041yards and seven touchdowns — but not what one would’ve expect-ed given Austin’s 2009. The return of Romo will be welcome forAustin and his owners. The continued emergence of receiver DezBryant, however, might cut into Austin’s red-zone looks.

9. MIKE WILLIAMS, BUCCANEERS

Even though Williams had the physical attributes to be an above-average receiver coming out of the draft, it’s rare that a fourth-round pick joining a mediocre offense ends up as basically a top-10fantasy receiver. Thing is, Williams slipped in the draft due to char-acter issues, and Tampa Bay is certainly less mediocre with quar-terback Josh Freeman around. At a minimum, Williams is the team’sclear No. 1 target heading into 2011 and has a more experiencedFreeman throwing to him.

10. MIKE WALLACE, STEELERS

At 6-0, 200, Wallace has just average size, but he’s arguably thefastest straight-ahead receiver in the league, and he’s extremelydangerous in the open field. It’s for these reasons that he wassomehow able to turn a mere 99 targets into 1257 yards (12.7 yardsper). That sort of efficiency is unlikely to be repeated; however,Wallace enters this third year in the league as an established starter.That should mean an increase in targets, even if the yards-perdecreases.

11. DEZ BRYANT, COWBOYS

Bryant’s 2010 totals don’t really tell the whole story of his abilities.He missed most of training camp with an ankle sprain, didn’t reallybreak out until Week 7 against the Giants, then went down for theseason in Week 13 with a fractured fibula. In the middle, though, herecorded three consecutive 80-plus yard games working with abackup QB. His tools are stunning. The real question will be targets,as WR Miles Austin and TE Jason Witten are worthy, as well.

12. BRANDON MARSHALL, DOLPHINS

Is Kyle Orton that good, or Chad Henne that bad? Hard to say. Inany case, Marshall’s move to Miami from Denver was an unmitigat-ed bust. He averaged just 7.0 yards per target (24th of 31 100-tar-get receivers), and despite 13 inside-the-10 targets, scored onlythree touchdowns. Marshall has the physical tools, but lack of qual-ity passing, run-ins with his coach, and even an offseason stabwound necessarily cast some doubt on his upside in 2011.

WIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILESWIDE RECEIVER SEASON PROFILES

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Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.

13. DESEAN JACKSON, EAGLES

Jackson’s 11 yards per target and eight catches of 40-plus wouldlead the league by a wide margin most seasons, though he finishedsecond in both to Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace in 2010. Like Wallace,Jackson is one of the few receivers who does almost all of his workdownfield. Actually, it’s more fitting to say that Wallace is likeJackson, for it’s the latter who’s made it work for longer (three sea-sons now). It only makes sense to expect another 1000 yard season.

14. JEREMY MACLIN, EAGLES

At 6-1, 200, Maclin isn’t big, but he’s the closest thing to a red-zonetarget the Eagles have out wide, and as a result saw 21 looks frominside the 20 (7th in the league) and 12 targets from inside the 10(tied for 7th). Even playing more of a possession role, he still heused his plus-speed to reel in four catches of 40-plus yards. Maclinheads into Year 3 as a starter in one of the league’s most pass-friendly systems. So long as Michael Vick stays healthy, his environ-ment could hardly be more favorable.

15. BRANDON LLOYD, BRONCOS

Ladies and gentlemen (although, probably mostly gentlemen), your2010 leader in receiving yardage. A year after the departure of oneBrandon (Marshall) from Denver appeared to decimate the Broncoreceiving corps, Mr. Lloyd emerged from virtual obscurity to lead allreceivers with 1448 receiving yards, 59 more than Roddy White whohad 26 more targets. The likely replacement of Kyle Orton withhybrid QB Tim Tebow might be cause for concern, although Lloydmanaged 14 catches for 263 yards and two scores in Tebow’s threestarts, numbers right in line with his season totals.

16. REGGIE WAYNE, COLTS

Cosmetically, Wayne’s 2010 looks normal for him — and above-average for everyone else — but his 12.2 YPC and 7.7 YPT wereactually his worst averages since his rookie season in 2001.Moreover, he saw just 19 red-zone chances (tied for 13th) despitegetting the second-most overall targets (176) in the league. Some ofWayne’s drop-off was probably due to increased attention whenDallas Clark and Austin Collie went down, but, at 32, there’s alsothe possibility of real decline.

17. VINCENT JACKSON, CHARGERS

A combination of a holdout and calf injury conspired to preventJackson from seeing a target until Week 14, but based on his stellarper-play numbers (17.7 YPC, 10.3 YPT), he was his usual self whenhe did return. As a route-runner, Jackson isn’t particularly elusive.Turns out, at 6-4, 241 and with legitimate deep speed, he doesn’tneed to be. Provided he’s healthy, expect Vincent Jackson-likenumbers from him in 2011.

18. BRAYLON EDWARDS, FREE AGENT

Edwards enters 2011 as a free agent, and like so many players, hisvalue will depend largely on where he lands. As a Jet last year, hefinished second only to Greg Jennings among 100-target receiverswith 8.9 yards per target, but also suffer from a Jet passing attackthat saw QB Mark Sanchez spread the ball around — or sometimesthrow to no receive at all. At 6-3, 215, with good long speed andmore shiftiness than most receivers his size, Edwards still has ProBowl-level skills.

19. STEVE JOHNSON, BILLS

Johnson’s not especially fast, but at 6-2, 203, he’s got good sizeand, one egregious drop notwithstanding, decent hands. Moreimportantly, he looks like QB Ryan Fitzpatrick’s first read, especially

from in close, and that makes him a good bet for another 100-plustargets and at least half a dozen scores in 2011. Consider last yearhis rough ceiling, however.

20. PERCY HARVIN, VIKINGS

Harvin battled a combination of mysteriously recurring migraineheadaches and futility at quarterback last year to still manage 868receiving yards and 107 yards on the ground — all in 14 games.With Sidney Rice’s status with the Vikings unclear, Harvin couldpotentially become the team’s No. 1 wideout, although quarterback-ing (some combination of rookie Christian Ponder, Joe Webb and/ora veteran) and the headaches remain concerns entering 2011.

21. MARQUES COLSTON, SAINTS

Colston isn’t particularly fast, but has size, is sure-handed, and findsspace to operate in an offense that features multiple weapons.Whether he’s a product of his offense or talented on his own, that’snot really a concern for right now. For right now, expect Colston tobe something very similar to what he’s been each of the past threeseasons — which is to say, something like the 20th-best fantasy WR.

22. SIDNEY RICE, FREE AGENT

When looking over Rice’s 2010 numbers, remember first of all that(a) he was playing mostly with the likes of Joe Webb and TarvarisJackson at quarterback (likely nice guys, both of them, but not NFLQBs) and (b) he suffered a hip injury in the 2009 NFC Playoffs thatlingered 10 weeks into last season. A potential unrestricted freeagent, Rice will continue to be 6-4, 203-pound deep threat wherev-er he ends up. If that’s Minnesota again, quarterback might contin-ue to be an issue.

23. ANQUAN BOLDIN, RAVENS

After seeing 10 or more targets in four of his first seven games withthe Ravens last year, he never reached double digits again, record-ing only one game of more than 65 yards after Week 7, as well. Isthat a pattern or random variation? Hard to say, is the only answer.This we know:Derrick Mason, his main competitor for targets, is 37years old and coming off shoulder surgery. That boosts Boldin’svalue almost by default.

24. MALCOLM FLOYD, CHARGERS

With WR Vincent Jackson holding out for most of the year, Floydbecame the Chargers’ No. 1 receiver, and he didn’t disappoint,averaging a 19.4 YPC and 9.3 YPT. Hamstring injuries limited him to11 games and the man-beast known as Antonio Gats limited hisred-zone looks. Still, if Jackson holds out again or is traded, Floydprofiles as Philip Rivers’ top target and hence a borderline top-10receiver.

25. SANTONIO HOLMES, FREE AGENT

Last season doesn’t really tell us much about Holmes’ upside. Forone, he missed the first four games of the year due to a suspen-sion. For two, Braylon Edwards was the team’s primary deep threat.Accordingly, he came nowhere near his numbers from 2009, his lastwith Pittsburgh. Holmes refused to sign the Jets’ restricted free-agent tender and will be a free agent unless the league reinstatesits former rules. Where he ends up obviously affects his value.

26. WES WELKER, PATRIOTS

Coming off offseason ACL surgery it was surprising to see Welkernot only (a) make the Week One active roster for the Patriots butalso (b) collect eight receptions and two TDs. Unfortunately, hewasn’t himself going forward, averaging a career-low 9.9 YPC and

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by far a career-low 6.9 YPT (24th among the league’s 31 100-targetreceivers). Was the decline injury-related or due to the absence ofRandy Moss? “A little bit of both” is the safest answer, but the pre-Moss numbers might be above Welker’s 2011 ceiling.

27. MICHAEL CRABTREE, 49ERS

At 6-1, 214, with athleticism, ball skills, good hands and toughness,Crabtree has the tools to be an Anquan Boldin-type, but somethinghasn’t yet clicked. One explanation is that missed his secondstraight preseason (this time due to a strained neck) in 2010.Another is that that he had Alex and Troy Smith throwing him theball. He’s young and inexperienced enough that you can still gam-ble on the talent if he slips in your draft, but the track record isn’tappealing at this point.

28. KENNY BRITT, TITANS

At 6-4, 215 and with above-average deep speed and plus athleti-cism, Britt projects as the Titans’ No. 1 target — and 2010’s 10.6YPT backs that up. The problem is the off-field issues. First, heshowed up out of shape a year ago, then he was charged with“theft by deception” for unpaid bail bonds and in April got arrestedat his home after a car chase with police. The prospect of a possi-ble rookie quarterback in 2011 doesn’t aid his value, either.

29. STEVE SMITH, PANTHERS

At his best, Smith is 5-9, 185-pound receiver as tough and explo-sive as any in the league. Unfortunately, for Smith and his fantasyowners, 2010 was not Smith at his best. An ankle injury and JimmyClausen conspired to limit Smith to just 554 yards receiving andtwo touchdowns. The 32-year-old has made it known that he’d liketo be traded to a more competitive franchise than Carolina, but hehasn’t burned any bridges, which will hopefully help his cause.

30. AUSTIN COLLIE, COLTS

Collie has fantastic hands — catching a crazy 82 percent of his tar-gets, a massive number. Thanks to the elite catch rate, Collie aver-aged an impressive 9.14 yards per target, something almostunheard of for a possession receiver. That’s the good news. Thebad is that Collie suffered two concussions last year, and made justone appearance after Week 10. Collie was cleared to play thisspring and had been working out since February. Just realize onemore concussion could cost him the season.

31. PIERRE GARCON, COLTS

At 6-0, 210 with 4.4. speed, Garcon seems like he should’vebecome the Colts’ big-play threat in 2010 — especially with injurieselsewhere among the receiving corps. Thing is, he didn’t, managingjust 11.7 YPC and 6.6. YPT, despite catching balls from PeytonManning. Heading into 2011, Austin Collie and Dallas Clark areback, and even Anthony Gonzalez could get more involved. And, ofcourse, top target Reggie Wayne isn’t going anywhere. The toolsare still there, but the opportunities — not so much.

32. SANTANA MOSS, FREE AGENT

Moss has typically been known for his shiftiness and speed, butwith the even smaller and speedier Anthony Armstrong playingopposite him last season, Moss became the Redskins’ possessionreceiver. The results were good, actually:Moss quietly finished asthe 18th-best fantasy receiver — and even better than that in PPRformats, thanks to his 93 catches. At 32, though, Moss is currentlyset to be a free agent, and would need a pretty ideal situation tobecome a top-20 receiver once again.

33. JOHNNY KNOX, BEARS

The arrival of offensive coordinator Mike Martz to the Bears perhapsdidn’t live up to its billing, but Knox actually had a pretty good sec-ond year, averaging 18.8 YPC and 9.6 YPT as the Bears’ primarydeep threat. Given that he’s neither very tall nor wide (6-0, 185),he’s not going to see much work from in close (13 targets), but thecombination of 4.26 speed, Martz’s offense, and QB Jay Cutler’sbig arm leave room for upside.

34. STEVE SMITH, GIANTS

Smith followed up a breakout 2009 campaign, in which he caught107 balls, with a less exciting sophomore effort that saw him missseven games to pectoral and knee injuries, the latter of which putshis status for the start of 2011 in question. When he played, Smithwas more or less than same player, once again serving as theteam’s possession and third-down option and leaving the red-zonemostly to Hakeem Nicks and the downfield action to MarioManningham.

35. MARIO MANNINGHAM, GIANTS

Injuries among the Giants receiving corps gave Manningham anopportunity, and he showed his explosive ability with 15.7 yards percatch and 10.3 yards per target (behind only DeSean Jackson andMike Wallace among 90-target wideouts). Like Jackson andWallace, Manningham’s game is about speed, and though he won’tsee much work in the red zone (just 11 targets last season), he canmake much of his living from deep (19 catches of 20-plus).

36. JULIO JONES, FALCONS

Regardless of what how you, personally, feel about Julio Jones, it’spretty clear that the Atlanta Falcons like him, giving up the 27thpick, the 59th pick, the 124th pick and next year’s first and fourthrounders to draft Jones sixth overall. That — and the fact thatAtlanta has little receiving depth after Roddy White — suggest thatJones will get a chance to play immediately. Between his size,speed, and vertical, he has the tools. The question will be if hisinexperience limits him at all.

37. TERRELL OWNS, FREE AGENT

In just 13 games with the Bengals last season, Owens — at 37 andwith his share of doubters — managed 983 yards and nine scores.He’s not the receiver he was in the middle of his prime, but heappears likely to approximate his 2010 season. At press time, it’slikely he won’t be back in Cincinnati — and his value remainsdependent on where he ends up — but unless he retires, there’sreason to roster the future inner-circle Hall of Famer.

38. MIKE WILLIAMS, SEAHAWKS

Williams’ reunion with his former college coach Pete Carroll wentwell. After starring at USC, Williams played three uninspiring NFLseasons before leaving the game entirely after 2008. Last year, hereturned about 60 pounds lighter than we’d last seen him. At 6-5,240, Williams looks and plays as much like a tight end as a receiver.That makes him a potential red-zone threat, although he scored justtwice last season on 17 looks. That could have as much to do withthe quarterbacking as with his own potential flaws.

39. RANDY MOSS, FREE AGENT

Generally speaking, it’s not a great sign when an athlete proves tobe unwanted by three teams in a single season — and yet that’swhat happened to Moss in 2010. Traded by New England, waivedby Minnesota, and then barely used by Tennessee, Moss played 16

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games but had less than a third the receiving yards as in 2009.Remember, though:Moss has been written off before — at the endof 2006 in Oakland, many thought he was done — and he returnedto set the all-time record for touchdown catches in 2007.

40. DEION BRANCH, PATRIOTS

Branch returned to the Patriots in Week 5 and promptly began put-ting up numbers more similar to the ones he’d posted for NewEngland in 2005 and not the one’s he’d posted for the previousfour-plus seasons in Seattle. In fact, the 9.5 YPT he averaged withhit new-old team was the best rate of his career. Nor were his 6.7targets per game that far off from the 7.8 he averaged in 2005. Thedifference, of course, is that Branch was placing Randy Moss,whose 23-TD season in 2007 raised the bar for Patriot wideouts.

41. A.J. GREEN, BENGALS

If we’re giving Green a low-ish ranking, it has less to do with hisown, personal skills and more with the context surrounding him.The No. 4 overall pick out of Georgia, the 6-4. 210-pound Greenprojects as a potential superstar with excellent speed, uncannyquickness for a player his size and superior athleticism. The issue,at the moment, is a big question mark at the QB position for theBengals, and a young, talented receiving corps who will competefor targets.

42. MIKE THOMAS, PANTHERS

At 5-7, 195, Thomas isn’t a prototypical top wideout, but he’s gotexcellent speed, runs good routes, and is dangerous in the openfield. Regardless of whatever skills he possesses, though, he playsfor the Jaguars — i.e. a team that finished 31st out of 32 teams inpass attempts last season. Thomas was efficient (8.1 YPT) in alackluster passing game and should crack 100 targets again in2011, but the overall lack of passing volume drives down his value.

43. HINES WARD, STEELERS

As you’ll know, starting QB Ben Roethlisberger was suspended forthe year’s first four games, which may or may not have had someeffect on Ward’s numbers. Of some concern, however, was the lackof targets Wards received — only 94 after being well above 100 forthe nine previous seasons. For a player who was young than 35,that would seem less significant, but the case might also be thatWard’s losing a step.

44. EARL BENNETT, BEARS

Bennett’s per-play averages (8.0 YPT, 12.2 YPC) for 2010 are nice,but a lack of volume (just 70 targets) left his end-of-season totalslooking pretty pedestriant. Somewhat serendipitously for a receiverwith that exact profile, Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz reit-erated this spring that Bennett will be given even more opportuni-ties in 2011. Given Bennett’s merely average physical profile, theupside might not be huge, but the skill and vote of confidenceprobably have his stock rising.

45. JORDY NELSON, PACKERS

Nelson received just 64 targets (an average of four per game) lastseason, which limited his value; however, entering the 2011 season,there are at least three things to like about Nelson’s stock, including(a) his per-play efficiency (9.1 YPT in 2010), (b) the possible depar-ture of James Jones and the decline of Donald Driver, and (c) thefact that Aaron Rodgers trusted him enough to target him 15 timesin the Super Bowl.

46. LANCE MOORE, FREE AGENT

Serving as the No. 2 target on a team as offensively proficient asthe Saints is a good thing. Then again, serving as the No. 2 targeton a team as offensively deep and diverse as the Saints is lessgood. The real plus here is that Moore was actually the team’s go-to target in the red zone (tied for 3rd) — hence the eight scores.He’s a free agent at press time, but there’s a good chance theSaints will bring him back.

47. ROBERT MEACHEM, SAINTS

At times, Meachem has appeared poised to distinguish himself asthe Saints’ primary target. At 6-3, 217 and plenty of deep speed,Meachem looks the part of a No. 1 receiver, and his per-play num-bers — 9.7 YPT, 14.5 YPC — were excellent as usual. But theSaints spread the ball around to all their receivers and Meachemapparently hasn’t made the case that he deserves more than the 65targets he’s averaged the last two years.

48. DAVID GETTIS, PANTHERS

Considering the circumstances under which he entered the season(behind some combination of Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, andDwayne Jarrett) on the depth chart and during the season (withJimmy Clausen, Matt Moore and even Brian St. Pierre under center)Gettis’ modest per-play averages — 7.6 YPT, 13.7 YPC — standout. While he’s the No. 2 receiver entering the season, the issue ofquarterback — whether it be Jimmy Clausen or rookie Cam Newton— remains.

49. ANTHONY ARMSTRONG, REDSKINS

Given his size and speed, it’s difficult not to compare Armstrong toDeSean Jackson. Like Jackson, Armstrong is most dangerousgoing downfield. Last season, he made seven catches of 40 yardsor more, good for third in the league, behind only Jackson andPittsburgh’s Mike Wallace. On the down side, Armstrong scoredonly three TDs, thanks to a paltry six red-zone targets all season,and at 5-11, 175, he’s probably not going to see a major uptickthere in 2011.

50. MIKE SIMS-WALKER, FREE AGENT

Fantasy owners were understandably high on Sims-Walker, who putup a big first half in 2009. His skid towards the end of the seasoncould easily have been a product of fatigue or randomness, but amere 562 yards receiving in 2010 make it seem more meaningful.The wideout claims a midseason ankle injury derailed him, and thathe’s 100 percent healthy heading into 2011. He’ll very likely be ply-ing his trade elsewhere, as the Jaguars do not appear interested inre-signing him.

51. LOUIS MURPHY, RAIDERS

At 6-2, 203, Murphy has a good size/speed combo and showedpretty good per-play stats in 2010, with a 7.8 YPT and 14.9 YPC.The problem is he had only 41 catches. And the reason that num-ber’s unlikely to increase significantly is because he plays for theRaiders — a team that not only relies on the run, but also one thatfeatures an ensemble cast of receivers in Jacoby Ford, ChazSchilens and even Darrius Heyward-Bey.

52. LEE EVANS, BILLS

Skill is important, but so is chemistry. While previous seasons andhis general pedigree suggest that Evans has the former, he doesn’tappear to possess the latter with starting QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who

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looked Steve Johnson’s way with more frequency in 2010. ThatFitzpatrick appeas set to return as the Bills’ quarterback seems tosuggest that, once again, Evans will be the second option in Buffalo— a place where even being the first option is so hot.

53. JERRICHO COTCHERY, JETS

If you’re wondering what the poor man’s Earl Bennett looks like,look no further. At 6-1, 197 and with just average speed, Cotchery’snot suited to be a No. 1, and his per-play numbers last year (5.0YPT, 10.6 YPC) were pretty awful. Essentially, he’s a guy with goodhands playing in an average-ish offense. It would likely be to theJets’ detriment if he sees more than the 85 targets he had last year.

54. JAMES JONES, PACKERS

At 6-0, 207 and with good speed, Jones has the physical tools tomake plays down the field, and he’s dangerous after the catch. Buthe inconsistent, dropping six of his 87 targets, and averaging just7.8 YPT despite playing with one of the best quarterbacks in theleague. Plus, there’s the question of the receiving depth on thePack:Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley, Donald Driver, and evenJordy Nelson are likely to get more targets than Jones.

55. JABAR GAFFNEY, BRONCOS

Gaffney’s got just average size, and he’s not especially fast. He runsgood routes and has good hands, but his upside is limited. Therewas some speculation, after the departure of Brandon Marshall lastseason, that he’d ascend to the No. 1 role with Denver. He didn’t.Nonetheless, Gaffney hauled in 65 passes for 875 yards, managed7.8 YPT and 13.5 YPC — roughly league average numbers for astarting wideout. If the hyrbrid-ish Tim Tebow starts at QB, thatmight reduce Gaffney’s targets a bit.

56. DONALD DRIVER, PACKERS

At 36, and surrounded by pretty excellent receiving talent, Driver isstrictly a possession receiver now without red-zone size, and hisupside is accordingly limited even in one of the best offensive envi-ronments in the league. His stats least year don’t bode particularlywell for 2011:Driver managed a measly 6.6 YPT and 11.1 YPC. Werehe 26, it might be different, but at his age, that looks like decline.

57. BRANDON TATE, PATRIOS With only Wes Welker and Deion Branch, two small, quick posses-sion types, ahead of him on the depth chart at press time, Tate hasa chance to carve out a more significant role. He showed SOMEimprovement in Year Two — at least on a per-play basis (9.4 YPT,18.0 YPC) — but the track record doesn’t scream No. 1 receive atthe moment. He could easily see most of his work as a kick return-er, a role in which he scored two touchdowns last year.

58. ROY WILLIAMS, FREE AGENT

It seems fitting in some way, at least, that Williams would have hisbest season when basically no one was looking. With the Cowboysflailing and Dez Bryant breaking out, Williams averaged a solid 8.3YPT, 14.3 YPC, catching 11 passes of 20 yards or more. At presstime, Williams looks likely to be one the move. There’s still someupside for a 29-year old 6-2, 210-pound receiver that can get downfield, so watch where Williams ends up.

59. DEVIN HESTER, BEARS

The Mike Martz Effect — whatever there was of one — didn’t helpDez Bryant too much, who dropped off significantly in 2010. Hester

averaged a career-low 6.5 YPT and 11.9 YPC, and caught just fourpasses of 20-yards plus after hauling in 12 from that distance in2009. He’s proven to be one of the greatest kick returners in NFLhistory given his speed, quickness, vision and agility, but thosequalities have failed to translate to a more regular role, and itwouldn’t be surprising if his pass-catching duties were curtailed fur-ther in favor of a keeping him fresh for special teams.

60. MARK CLAYTON, RAMS

In his first season with the Rams, Clayton immediately clicked withrookie quarterback Sam Bradford, becoming the Rams’ No. 1receiver and racking up 22 catches for 300 yards and two scoresover the season’s first four weeks. Problem is, he tore his ACL inWeek 5 and missed the remainder of the season. He’s expected tobe ready for the start of training camp, but he won’t start atop thedepth chart, necessarily.

61. DANNY AMENDOLA, RAMS

After injuries to literally almost the entire Rams receiving corps —including Danario Alexander, Donnie Avery, and Mark Clayton —Amendola, mostly utilized to return kicks, more or less became QBSam Bradford’s No. 1 target. The arrangement was good forAmendola’s fantasy numbers, but pretty bad for the Rams. Still, heat least proved he deserved some kind of place on plays fromscrimmage, and will most likely serve as the Rams’ slot receiver in2011.

62. JOSH MORGAN, 49ERS

Morgan averaged 8.7 YPT and 15.9 YPC in 2010. On their own,those numbers are pretty great. Unfortunately, one must considerconext. In Morgan’s case, the elevated per-play numbers are likely aproduct of being almost an afterthought in the Niner offense. FrankGore, Vernon Davis, and Michael Crabtree are all more likely to getthe attenion of the defense that Morgan. Morgan’s been targeted 81and 80 times over the last two seasons. Betting either the udner orover on 80.5 in 2011 sounds risky.

63. BEN OBOMANU, SEAHAWKS

Obomanu saw a bigger role with the Seahawks in the second halfof 2010 after the departures, respectively, of Deion Branch and T.J.Houshmandzadeh. He made the most of same, with 24 catches for410 yards and two scores over the final eight games. Obomanu’sfull season per-play stats were also strong — 10.1 YPT, 16.5 YPCon 48 looks. He signed a three-year contract extension in Januaru,so he’ll be around, even if it’s not as the No. 1 option.

64. STEVE BREASTON, FREE AGENT

Breaston was part of an offense that saw, at different points, DerekAnderson, John Skelton, Max Hall, and Richard Bartel take snaps atquaterback. Accordingly, Breaston’s end-of-season numbers areunlikely to represent his true skill. In any case, finishing such as aseason with a 8.3 YPT and 15.3 YPC is an accomplishment in itself— under the circumstances, certainly. With 2011’s quarterbackunknown, it’s difficult to project Breaston smartly.

65. GREG LITTLE, BROWNS

The 59th overall player taken in the draft, Little — who, incidentally,stands 6-3, 220 — could figure prominently into the Browns receiv-ing plans right away. Little has decent speed, excellent athleticism,solid hands and is good in the open field. Moreover, the Brownshave very little in the way of wideouts — as in, precisely zero whocaught more than 40 passes.

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66. LEONARD HANKERSON, REDSKINS

Drafted with the 79th overall pick, Hankerson has decent size (6-1,209) and good timed speed (4.43 40), though he doesn’t play quitethat fast in pads. Those are some good things about him. The badthing about him is that he plays behind Santana Moss and AnthonyArmstrong — that is, players with just enough cache to preventHankerson from breaking out entirely (barring injury). Furthermore,Rex Gross might QB this team - plan accordingly.

67. JONATHAN BALDWIN, CHIEFS

No. 1 receiver Dwayne Bowe had a fantastic season in what actual-ly played out to be a pretty good offense in Kansas City.Unfortunatly, Chris Chambers had only 22 receptions and 213 yards— in 13 games no less! It’s therefore no surprise that the Chiefsused the 26th overall pick on Baldwin. At 6-3, 235, Baldwin is big,strong, physical and athletic. He ran a 4.50 40 at the NFL combine— which would be above average for a player his size — and thereare reports he’s been timed faster than that on previous occasions.

68. CHAD OCHOCINCO, BENGALS

Last season was a bit of an awkward one for Ochocinco, as heyielded his role as downfield playmaker to Terrell Owens and evenrookie Jordan Shipley. This was problematic because Ochocincohas never been a major red-zone target and relied on his ball skillsand athleticism. The result was a 6.6. YPT, one of the worst marksof his career. As of press time, he’s been linked with a move tothree of the four AFC East teams. (Sorry, Bills.)

69. JACOBY FORD, RAIDERS

Ford’s an interesting fantasy case, because he doesn’t do all hisdamage just through the air. For example, he caught only twotouchdown passes in 2010, but rushed for 155 yards and two morescores and also returned three kicks for touchdowns. That’s sevenTDs (and three catches for 40-plus) on just 54 targets. It’s also a lotof variable to consider. As a straight-ahead receiver, Ford’s a gam-ble; but all things considered, he’s a sneaky pick, maybe.

70. DEVONNE BESS, DOLPHINS

Even as free-agent addition Brandon Marshall underwhelmed in hisfirst season as a Dolphin, Bess was a bright spot, with 79 catchesand five touchdowns. Unfortunately, his 10.4 YPC and 6.6 YPT(both 29th among the league’s 31 100-target receivers) don’t neces-sarily looks like breakout numbers. Some not-unsubstantial portionof the blame for that can be heaped on Chad Henne, who disap-pointed from the quarterback position.

71. JEROME SIMPSON, BENGALS

When veteran wideouts Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco missedtime last season Simpson emerged as the Bengals’ top target with18 catches for 247 yards and three scores in the season’s final twogames. Unfortunately, entering 2011, the Bengals’ receiving corps isdeep: draftee A.J. Green has entered the fold along with JordanShipley, Andre Caldwell and last year’s first round pick, tight endJermaine Gresham. And Chad Ochocinco might come back yet.

72. JORDAN SHIPLEY, BENGALS

It’s not so much that absolutely none of the Bengal receivers willdistinguish themselves in the months and weeks leading up to theseason, it’s that it’s nigh impossible to tell who’ll do it. Shipley has apromising rookie campaign, yes, catching 52 passes and averaging8.1 yards per target. But Jerome Simpson also broke out towardsseason’s end. And the Bengals pick A.J. Green fourth overall. AndChad Ochocinco might return.

73. EMMANUEL SANDERS, STEELERS

A rookie last season, Sanders emerged as the team’s third receiverbehind Hines Ward and Mike Wallace. At 5-11, 180, Sanders hasplenty of speed, but his lack of size limits his red-zone upside, andWallace is the team’s first option for stretching the field. Sandersbroke his foot in the Super Bowl, but is expected to be healthy forthe start of training camp.

74. DERRICK MASON, RAVENS

Mason has been selected to the Pro Bowl (2000, 2003) and wasjust time named an All Pro (2000) — and even then, just as a kick-returner (2000). That’s why it might come as a surprise to you thatDerrick Mason has caught the 12th-most passes in NFL history andwill soon pass Art Monk and Andre Reed this year. That’s not nec-essarily helpful info for this year, but speaks to his long-term health.Mason’s totals have declined in recent years, but something vague-ly approximating his 2010 season — 50-60 catches for 700-800yards — should be do-able.

75. MOHAMMED MASSAQUOI, BROWNS

What does being the Browns’ No. 1 wide receiver mean in terms offantasy? Well, it means being ranked in the top-75 receivers … butmaybe not the top 74. Massaquoi was pedestrian in his second sea-son (13.4 YPC, 6.5 YPT). Some of that was likely due to the terriblequarterbacking of Jake Delhomme and the encouraging but unspec-tacular debut of Colt McCoy, but Massaquoi did little to stand out.

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1. ANTONIO GATES, CHARGERS

Perennially considered one of the leagues top tight ends, Gates is aplus-blocker who has become a polished route runner with greathands. For the first time last year since 2005 he missed a game (sixtotal) but still finished tied for the lead at the position for touch-downs with 10. He led all tight ends with a 76-percent catch rateand his prorated stats from last year - 80 catches, 1,251 receivingyards and 16 touchdowns - are an indication of what he’s capableof when healthy. Gates is expected to be 100 percent healthy fortraining camp and should be the top tight end in fantasy drafts.

2. JERMICHAEL FINLEY, PACKERS

Until a season-ending knee injury in Week 5, Finley looked like hewas going to earn his high ADP with 21 catches for 301 yardsthrough the first four weeks last season. He’s already been cuttingon his surgically repaired knee, a very good sign, and has statedthe knee feels “brand new.” A lean 6-5, 240, Finley is a difficultmatchups using his size on smaller corners and his speed andquickness on linebackers. If he can stay healthy for a full season (hemissed three games in 2009), he has the upside to compete as thetop fantasy tight end.

3. VERNON DAVIS, 49ERS

An athletic blend of size, strength and speed Davis used thosetraits to rack up a position-high 16.3 yards per catch last season,recording 457 yards after the catch, which was exactly half his totalreceiving yards. His ability to get open downfield was evident byleading all tight ends with 16 catches for 20-plus yards.Consistently a top target in the red-zone, Davis received 13 targetsthere, which led to seven touchdowns. Davis has played in everygame for the last three seasons, and no matter who’s under center,he’s a top option again this season among tight ends.

4. DALLAS CLARK, COLTS

One of the better route runners with reliable hands, Clark’s seasonwas cut short after a Week 6 wrist injury last season. Before theinjury, Clark was on pace to for a 98-catch season, which wouldhave almost replicated his career year in 2009. The wrist should notbe an injury heading into the season, and he will reprise his role asone of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets.

5. JASON WITTEN, COWBOYS

While the Week 7 injury last year to Tony Romo doomed theCowboys season, the switch to Jon Kitna increased Witten’s fanta-sy value. His catches per game, yards per game and red zone tar-gets improved under Kitna over the previous seasons with Romo.The result was a position-best 94 catches and a career-high ninetouchdowns for Witten. While Romo will be back under center, lookfor Witten, one of the most consistent producers at tight end, toturn in another stellar fantasy season.

6. MARCEDES LEWIS, JAGUARS

Lewis exploded for a career year in 2010, finishing with 88 catchesfor 700 yards and 10 touchdowns. One of the bigger tight ends inthe league at 6-6, 261, the increase in touchdowns can partially beattributed to eight targets inside the 10. His pass-blocking abilityhelps open holes for MJD but also makes it easier for him to slipthrough the defense on play-action plays. The team slapped thefranchise tag on him in February, which means he’ll once again be abig part of the offense.

7. ZACH MILLER, RAIDERS

Miller had an up-and-down season for the Raiders last year, battlinga mid-season foot injury. During a five-week stretch his numberstook a hit due to the injury before returning to his usual ways overthe team’s final four games. His 16 targets in the red-zone tied himfor second most among tight ends, indicating the potential scoringhe could amass over a full season. A healthy Miller will be in line fora bounce-back season with regard to yards and receptions.

8. JIMMY GRAHAM, SAINTS

A converted basketball player out of the University of Miami,Graham showed enough upside for the Saints to let veteran JeremyShockey walk in the offseason. He’s a behemoth of a tight end at 6-8, 260, and tallied five touchdowns over the final eight games.Given Shockey’s 59 targets (10 inside the red-zone) and the 43 tar-gets Graham received, a monster season could be on the horizongiven his new status as the starter. If you miss out on the upper-tiertight ends, look to land Graham who has the upside to finish as atop-5 fantasy player for the position.

9. KELLEN WINSLOW, BUCCANEERS

An improved running game coupled with the emergence of MikeWilliams surpressed Winslow’s stats a bit last year, seeing a dropoffof 28 targets, which led to a loss of 11 receptions and 154 yardsfrom the previous season. A troublesome knee could also be toblame as over the second half Winslow was more involved, espe-cially in the red-zone. He scored all five touchdowns in the secondhalf, getting five of his six targets from inside of the 10 during thatspan. With the addition blocking tight-end Luke Stocker and contin-ued improvement from Josh Freeman, Winslow could be in for asolid season if he carries over his second-half production.

10. CHRIS COOLEY, REDSKINS

A bruising tight end known for breaking tackles rather than eludingdefenders, Cooley was targeted a career-high 123 times last season(second among tight ends), which led to him tying his career markfor receiving yards with 849. Despite all of those targets he wasrarely used by Donovan McNabb close to the end zone as four ofhis five targets inside the 10 were over the final three games whenMcNabb was out. With McNabb unlikely to be back, a better sea-son in the touchdown department (three last year) should be in line.Cooley had offseason knee surgery but should be healthy for camp.

11. AARON HERNANDEZ, PATRIOTS

Hernandez had a productive 2010 considering he shared tight-endduties with fellow rookie Rob Gronkowski. Known more for hisreceiving abilities than his blocking skills, Hernandez had arespectable 563 receiving yards and six touchdowns before a hipinjury cost him the final two games. With Gronkowski aroundHernandez is a bit of a risk; he had a mid-season three-gamestretch with only two catches on four targets. Look for him to con-tinue to share targets (especially in the red-zone) with Gronkowski.

12. ROB GRONKOWSKI, PATRIOTS

Gronkowski’s overall stats were impressive last season (546 receiv-ing yards, 10 touchdowns) but a closer look shows he had aninconsistent year. Sharing targets with Aaron Hernandez,Gronskowski had a monster game Week 10 in Pittsburgh (threeTDs, 72 receiving yards) but also had seven games with no morethan 25 yards and no touchdowns. He showed what he could do

TIGHT END SEASON PROFILESTIGHT END SEASON PROFILES

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Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.

without Hernandez by recording three scores and 156 receivingyards over the final two regular season games when Hernandezwas out. While Gronkowski will still be a big target for Tom Brady(especially in the red-zone, 16 targets last season) just keep in mindthat Hernandez will be healthy and limit his production.

13. BRANDON PETTIGREW, LIONS

Pettigrew showed no ill effect from the knee injury suffered in hisrookie season and showed why the Lions made him a first-roundpick in 2009. Even without Matthew Stafford, he was targeted 111times (fourth best among tight ends). However, his eight drops and6.5 YPT are a concern, though poor quarterback play was largely toblame. With defenses watching Calvin Johnson and Stafford backcalling plays, look for Pettigrew to build on a successful season.

14. TONY GONZALEZ, FALCONS

While the future Hall of Famer is still productive, a drop in targetsand paltry 6.0 YPT mark show a player on the inevitable decline.While Gonzalez still managed six scores, his 21 red-zone targets and11 inside the 10 (both highest for the position) suggest he shouldhave found the end zone more often. With All-Pro wide receiverRoddy White and rookie Julio Jones competing for targets in a run-first offense, it’s hard to see Gonzalez reversing his declining trends.

15. OWEN DANIELS, TEXANS

Coming off season-ending knee injury, Daniels’ snaps were limitedto start the season, and then a mid-season hamstring injury side-lined him for five games. Once healthy, he resembled the player ofold, hauling in 22 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns in theTexans’ final four games. Owens might be a slight health risk, butthe four-year, $22-million deal he got from the Texans is evidencethey’re fully confident in his potential future production.

16. DUSTIN KELLER, JETS

Keller has excellent speed that makes for an big downfield target, ashis 11 catches of 20-plus yards last year show. His hands - sevendrops - are still a work in progress. Keller also was targeted less nearthe end-zone as the season went on, collecting all five touchdowns inthe first five weeks (nine of his 12 red-zone targets). With SantonioHolmes and Braylon Edwards’ future in limbo with Jets, Keller couldemerge as a significant contibutor if he continues to develop.

17. JERMAINE GRESHAM, BENGALS

At 6-6, 260, Gresham used his size during his rookie campaign tobreak tackles and gain valuable yards after the catch (76 percent ofhis receiving yards). Considering his size, he was largely unused inthe red-zone, recording only nine targets inside the 20. That willprobably change this season with the two top receiving options leav-ing town. Even if Carson Palmer does not return, expect rookie AndyDalton to lean on Gresham as his safety value this season.

18. JARED COOK, TITANS

Cook showed flashes of his potential over the final three games ofthe season, recording 15 catches for 196 yards and a touchdown.The Titans appear ready to let veteran Bo Scaife walk, handing thestarting job to Cook, which makes him an interesting sleeper. Whilehe needs to polish his route running, he creates separation with hisstrength and speed. He’s a good late-round flyer given his upside.

19. HEATH MILLER, STEELERS

Miller battled through a concussion last year and a depleted offen-sive line called for him to stay in and help block on passing downs.

As a result, Miller finished with 32 fewer targets than the previousseason as well as a career-low two touchdowns (eight red-zone tar-gets). If the offensive line returns to full strength as expected, lookfor Miller to have a bounce-back season as he’s more utilized in thepassing game.

20. TODD HEAP, RAVENS

By now everyone knows the book on Heap; he’s a talented tightend when injuries don’t keep him sidelined or less than 100 percent.That was the case again last season as he missed three contestswith a hamstring injury. When on the field he was extremely effec-tive, posting a career-best 9.4 yards per target and not dropping asingle pass all season. The addition of rookie Ed Dickson will cutinto some of Heap’s targets, but Heap’s still an option when healthy.

21. BEN WATSON, BROWNS

The move for Watson from New England to the Browns was a boonfor his fantasy production as he posted career highs in yards with763 and receptions with 68. Watson ended up with only threetouchdowns as the Browns used a run-first mentality at the goalline. While Cleveland won’t abandon that mentality this season, lookfor Watson to again be one of the top options in the passing attack.

22. GREG OLSEN, BEARS

Olsen was a victim of the Mike Martz system as well as a shottyoffensive line, both of which required the tight end often stay in toblock for Jay Cutler. As a result, Olsen saw 39 fewer targets from theprevious season and ended up with only 404 receiving yards. TheBears should have an improved offensive line after landing GabeCarimi. If Bears’ brass holds true to its statement that Olsen will beused more this season, an uptick in fantasy value could happen.

23. TONY MOEAKI, CHIEFS

Moeaki turned in a solid rookie season, catching 47 balls for 556receiving yards and three touchdowns last year. At times he showedoff his athleticism and body control, making several highlight-reelcatches and bringing back memories of the old No. 88 in KansasCity. However, he was virtually ignored in the red-zone, getting onlyseven targets after scoring two touchdowns in the first three weeks.With Charlie Weiss gone that could change as Moeaki looks to fur-ther develop his game in his second season.

24. KEVIN BOSS, GIANTS

For the second season in a row, Boss put together nearly indenticalstats with five touchdowns and just 36 fewer receiving yards. Bossused his 6-6 frame to get open downfield, recording a lofty 15.2yards per catch. His hands are still a work in progress, though, ashis six drops didn’t help his 50-percent catch rate. After minor hipsurgery in January, Boss is expected to be completely healthy thisseason.

25. BRENT CELEK, EAGLES

After starting last season with Kevin Kolb and on a pace for 100 tar-gets, Celek only received 47 over the 10 games with Michael Vickunder center. The inconsistent production resulted in 460 fewerreceiving yards from the previous season and the drop in red-zonetargets (12 fewer) saw Celek score only four touchdowns after hit-ting paydirt eight times in 2009. With so many other weapons at hisdisposal - DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy - inthe passing game, it wouldn’t be surprising if Vick continued to giveCelek only a moderate amount of looks this season.

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TIGHT END SEASON PROFILES (cont...)TIGHT END SEASON PROFILES (cont...)

1. NATE KAEDING, CHARGERS

Kaeding posted the third-highest per-game scoring average in2010, even though his overall production dipped due to missingthree games with a groin injury. He kicks largely in a warm weatherenvironment and plays for one of the most potent offenses in theNFL. With the highest accuracy percentage in league history(86.5%), Kaeding is a great bet to succeed in 2011.

2. GARRETT HARTLEY, SAINTS

Hartley signed a five-year contract before the lockout, meaning hewon’t have to worry about being replaced by John Carney this sea-son. Hartley nailed his final 13 field goals of the season, and boot-ing for Drew Brees should give him plenty of opportunities. Kickingin a dome doesn’t hurt either.

3. STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI, PATRIOTS

Gostkowski missed the last eight games of the season with aquadriceps injury, but should be 100 percent for 2011. He is acareer 84.3-percent kicker, and Tom Brady remains among the bestsignal-callers in the game. The one downside for Gostkowski couldbe as many as five bad-weather games in December/January.

4. SEBASTIAN JANIKOWSKI, RAIDERS

SeaBass posted career-high numbers in 2010, booting 33 fieldgoals in all. He still has one of the strongest legs in the game, kick-ing a league-high 19 field goals of 50+ yards over the past four sea-sons. Inconsistency at the quarterback position could also meanless touchdowns and more field-goal attempts.

5. MATT BRYANT, FALCONS

Bryant missed just three field goals for the team with the bestrecord in the NFC last season. Though he hit a 62-yard boot in2006, Bryant is not really a long-range threat. However, he plays ina dome and has missed just one field goal inside 30 yards over thelast five seasons. Consistency and accuracy make Bryant one ofthe best choices for 2011.

6. MASON CROSBY, PACKERS

Crosby has a big leg, though has never hit above 80-percent of hiskicks in any season since entering the league. However, he plays forthe Super Bowl champions led by Aaron Rodgers, so he will get abevy of PATs at the very least. He’ll have to contend with the FrozenTundra of Lambeau Field as well, though he was 6-for-7 in cold-weather games last year.

7. ADAM VINATIERI, COLTS

Vinatieri had a monster season in 2010, connecting on 26-of-28field goals while converting a league-high 51 PATs. It might be unfairto expect similar results in 2011 though, as Vinatieri is a career82.7-percent kicker, and he will not kick many long-range three-pointers. Still, with Peyton Manning in the fold and dome gamesgalore, Vinatieri should still be a stellar option.

8. NEIL RACKERS, TEXANS

Rackers has improved his accuracy over the past few seasons, hit-ting 68-of-75 field goals since 2008. The Matt Schaub-AndreJohnson connection, along with breakout star running back ArianFoster, means that the Texans will be able to move the ball at will

and put Rackers in excellent position to cash in. With three indoorcontests in December and the ability to connect from 50+ yards aswell, Rackers could emerge as a top-notch option this season.

9. DAVID BUEHLER, COWBOYS

Buehler is the frontrunner for the Cowboys’ kicking job, though KrisBrown remains in the fold for America’s Team. Still, Buehler finished10th in scoring in 2010 despite missing eight field goals and twoextra-points. A healthy Tony Romo should help his cause, and thestrong-legged Buehler could end up as an elite kicker if he canimprove his accuracy.

10. DAN CARPENTER, DOLPHINS

Carpenter had a fairly erratic 2010 campaign; though he had 30field goals made, he also missed 11 attempts, which tied him forthe league lead. The Dolphins’ offense was also putrid, and doesnot look to be much better in 2011. As a result, he’s forced to tryseveral long tries, which hurt his field-goal percentage as well.Nevertheless, he hit all 14 of his field goals within 40 yards, and stillfinished in the top-10 in scoring overall.

11. JOSH BROWN, RAMS

The Rams’ offense experienced a dramatic turnaround in 2010, andBrown was one of the chief beneficiaries. He converted a career-high 33 field goals and finished with 125 points in all. Brown con-nected on 3-of-4 attempts from 50+ yards as well. With SamBradford just scratching the surface of his potential, Brown couldreap the rewards of even further offensive improvement.

12. ALEX HENERY, EAGLES

The Eagles picked Henery in the 4th round of the draft this year, like-ly signaling the end of David Akers’ time with Philadelphia. TheEagles offense has generated 37 tries per season over the past cou-ple of years, tops in the NFL. Henery set the NCAA career accuracyrecord at Nebraska, converting 89.5-percent of his field goals.Inexperience is the only factor keeping him out of the top-10.

13. BILLY CUNDIFF, RAVENS

Cundiff connected on 26-of-29 field goals in 2010 and capitalized onBaltimore’s poor red-zone offense. Bear in mind, though, he is a 77-percent career kicker, and he attempted just one field goal over 50yards. He was inked to a five-year contract in January, but will haveto contend with cold-weather games near the end of the year andwill be hard-pressed to continue the accuracy from a season ago.

14. DAVID AKERS, FREE AGENT

Akers led the league with 143 points in 2010. His reward? TheEagles drafted Alex Henery in the 4th round and will likely use therookie as their placekicker this season. Akers should catch on withanother squad, though could obviously be hurt by a move to teamwith a poor offense. Nevertheless, Akers has made more field goalsthan any other kicker in the past three seasons, and is still deadlywithin 40 yards.

15. LAWRENCE TYNES, GIANTS

Tynes was hurt by the Giants’ 42 turnovers in 2010, despite postingan accuracy line of 82.6-percent. He attempted just 23 field goalslast year, good for 30th in the NFL, even though the Giants finished

KICKER SEASON PROFILESKICKER SEASON PROFILES

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Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.

seventh overall in points. With Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks look-ing like healthy targets for Eli Manning, along with the usual rushingfirepower, the G-Men could make Tynes a top-10 kicker if they cantake care of the ball.

16. NICK FOLK, JETS

Folk attempted 39 field goals in 2010, ranking him third in the NFL.However, he missed nine of those tries. Likewise, he has made justeight of his last 18 kicks from beyond 40 yards. Never known for hisaccuracy, Folk could see a dropoff in production should the sheervolume of his kicks decrease. The Jets were 28th last season inred-zone touchdown efficiency.

17. SHAUN SUISHAM, STEELERS

Suisham replaced Jeff Reed in Pittsburgh halfway through last sea-son and connected on 14-of-15 field goals for the Steelers.Inconsistent in the past, Suisham has improved from longer dis-tances, hitting 14 of his last 16 tries from 40-plus yards. He is acareer 80.5-percent kicker though, and Heinz Field is a notoriouslytough stadium to kick.

18. CONNOR BARTH, BUCCANEERS

The Bucs enjoyed an offensive resurgence in 2010, and Barth wasable to ride that newfound success to 23-of-28 field goals and 36PATs. However, it is worth noting that all five of Barth’s misses camefrom beyond 40 yards. Still, should Tampa continue to showprogress on the offensive side of the ball, Barth’s numbers shouldcorrespond to decent production as well.

19. ROBBIE GOULD, BEARS

Gould has been an average kicker over the past three seasons, fin-ishing between 12th and 15th in scoring in each of those cam-paigns. The Bears were rather inefficient in the red-zone, though didnot get there too often. Playing in Chicago certainly doesn’t helpGould’s cause. However, Gould connected on 25-of-30 attemptsand remains a middle-of-the-road option.

20. ROB BIRONAS, TITANS

Bironas could be a victim of rebuilding this season, as Jake Lockeris set to take the reigns at QB for the Titans. Though Bironas is anice long-range kicker, his opportunities could be limited asTennessee attempts to revise its offense. Still, he hit 24-of-26 fieldgoals last season, and with Chris Johnson on the squad, Bironascould still score just enough to be a serviceable fantasy kicker.

21. RYAN SUCCOP, CHIEFS

Despite a reborn offense built around Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charlesand Dwyane Bowe, Succop converted just 75.6-percent of his kicksin 2010, fifth-lowest among full-time kickers. Succop attempted just26 field goals in all, and as a squad Kansas City has attempted lessthan 30 field goals in each of the past four seasons. Add in just 3-of-8 converted field goals from beyond 50 yards, and Succopshould be viewed as an average option at best.

22. JASON HANSON, LIONS

Though he missed the latter half of the season due to an MCLsprain in his right knee, Hanson should be 100 percent when the2011 campaign starts. The Lions’ kicker since 1992, Hanson couldbe a sneaky pick if Matthew Stafford can stay healthy. Likewise,despite his age, Hanson still nailed 3-of-4 field goals from 50-plusyards in 2010.

23. OLINDO MARE, SEAHAWKS

The Seattle quarterback situation remains clouded, which is thebiggest issue facing Mare. He converted 25-of-30 field goals in2010, but had just 31 PATs due to a poor offense. The lack ofopportunities make Mare nothing more than a lower-tier kicker.

24. JOSH SCOBEE, JAGUARS

Scobee hit less than 80 percent of his field goals for the thirdstraight season in 2010 and has not attempted more than 30 fieldgoals in a season since 2006. The Jags have had problems withturnovers, which have also limited Scobee’s opportunities. In sevenyears with Jacksonville, Scobee has had more than 107 points once.

25. JAY FEELY, CARDINALS

Feely hit 24-of-27 attempts last season, but was plagued by poorquarterback play in Arizona which pushed down his chances. TheCards had the third-fewest red-zone trips in 2010, a statistic whichshould improve if they can sign a veteran quarterback. However,with the current roster, including a lackluster running game, Feelymay not get enough opportunities to warrant fantasy consideration.

26. MATT PRATER, BRONCOS

Prater missed time due to a groin injury in 2010, but still was havinga subpar campaign at the time of injury. He had just 18 attempts in12 games, largely due to the Broncos’ ineffective offense. With aquarterback battle brewing between Tim Tebow and Kyle Ortonalong with a new coach and revamped offense, Prater may not seethe attempts necessary to make him a consistent producer.

27. PHIL DAWSON, BROWNS

The Browns’ offense is still a work in progress, which can’t be goodnews for Dawson. Still, Peyton Hillis was perhaps last year’s biggestfantasy surprise, and Cleveland may have finally found their QBsolution in Colt McCoy. Nevertheless, the Browns ranked 31st inscoring and total offensive plays in 2010. Even some strides in theright direction may not make Dawson ownable despite 23-of-28field goals last season.

28. RYAN LONGWELL, VIKINGS

The Vikings offense struggled mightily in 2010, and Longwell’s num-bers took a nosedive as a result. The dependable kicker had just 18attempts, the fewest of any full-time booter last year. His situationmight not get any better in 2011 either, as the Vikings used anextremely high draft-pick on Christian Ponder to possibly man theQB spot. With such uncertainty surrounding the offense, useLongwell at your own risk.

29. JOHN KASAY, PANTHERS

Kasay has scored less than 100 points in four of the past five sea-sons, and the 42-year-old kicker had just 17 PATs as the Panthersput together one of the worst offensive years in recent memory.Unless Cam Newton can pull the same turnaround that he did atAuburn in 2010, a very unlikely scenario, Kasay won’t rack upenough points to maintain relevance.

30. GRAHAM GANO, REDSKINS

Gano was the most inaccurate kicker in the NFL last season, hittingjust 24-of-35 attempts for the Skins. There are no guarantees thathe keeps the job heading into training camp either. Washington alsohas quarterback issues, as John Beck and Rex Grossman appearpoised to battle it out for the signal-caller position.

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KICKER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)KICKER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)

31. MIKE NUGENT, BENGALS

Nugent hit 15-of-19 field goals before suffering a season-endingknee injury. However, all of his misses came from beyond 40 yards.With Carson Palmer threatening retirement and the Bengals offensein flux, Nugent may be a less-than-reliable choice.

32. RIAN LINDELL, BILLS

Lindell posted a league-low 79 points among full-time kickers, ashe was just 16-of-21 on field goal tries. The Bills are still going withRyan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, and have not been ranked in the

top half of the league in scoring since 2004. The Bills are simplylacking the offensive firepower to make Lindell fantasy-worthy, evenif he gains some accuracy in 2011.

33. JOE NEDNEY, 49ERS

Nedney will likely battle Jeff Reed for the kicker job. Nedney hit 11-of-13 field goals last year before a knee injury ended his season.Reed connected on 9-of-10 as his replacement, though the totalproduction from the kicking spot in 2010 tallied just 99 points. With anew coach, continued QB problems and a perpetually banged-upFrank Gore, whoever the kicker is still might not be a fantasy option.

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KICKER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)KICKER SEASON PROFILES (cont...)

1. PITTSBURGH STEELERSSimply put, you cannot run on the Steelers. Pittsburgh led the NFLwith just 62.8 rushing yards allowed, and that stingy run defensesets up a lot of second or third-and-long situations. It’s no coinci-dence that the Steelers also led the NFL in sacks. And that waswith Troy Polamalu fighting injury for much of the year; if he’shealthy, the Steeler D could be even better this season.

2. NEW YORK GIANTSWith one of the league’s top defensive lines, the Giants are able togenerate quarterback pressure without sending extra men, and thatis a huge advantage. They’re also perennially among the leagueleaders in forced fumbles; Osi Umenyiora knocked 10 balls loose byhimself last season. A deep secondary could be improved with theaddition of first-round pick Prince Amukamara.

3. GREEN BAY PACKERSTransitioning from the 4-3 to the 3-4 isn’t supposed to be as easyas the Packers made it look last season. New defensive coordinatorDom Capers managed the transition seamlessly and his Packracked up more sacks than any team but the Steelers. They couldbe even better this season with a year’s experience in the systemand the opportunity to bring in some players better suited to playing3-4 sets.

4. CHICAGO BEARSThe acquisition of Julius Peppers worked out pretty well for theBears, who jumped to sixth overall in the 2010 Fantasy Team Drankings. But there’s still significant room for improvement.Peppers’ 2010 campaign was actually sub-par in terms if individualstatistics; it’s not hard to imagine him back in double digits insacks. The Bears defense was also unlucky in 2010, failing to con-vert many big plays into defensive touchdowns; one or two moregood bounces, and they would have been right in the mix withPittsburgh and Green Bay at the top of the team D scoring totals.

5. NEW YORK JETSA strong overall defense has masked the fact that the Jets defen-sive line hasn’t generated much of a pass rush for years; to get realpressure, the Jets often have to resort to exotic overload blitzesthat leave the team vulnerable to big plays. Gang Green is trying toaddress that this season by adding d-linemen with their first twodraft picks: Muhammad Wilkerson and Kenrick Ellis. New York’ssecondary, anchored by Darrelle Revis, might be the league’s best.

6. DETROIT LIONSThe Lions seem to be taking a page from the New York Giants’Super Bowl playbook and building a defensive line that could betruly special. Detroit jumped from 27th in fantasy defense points in2009 to eighth overall last season, thanks in large part to the arrivalof Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh. This seasonthey’ll add another top-rated defensive lineman, Auburn tackle NickFairley, to the mix; the interior of their defense should be close toimpenetrable.

7. ST. LOUIS RAMSThe Rams were a middle-of-the-pack fantasy defense in 2010, butthat represented a significant improvement over the previous sea-son. And they generated 43 sacks - more than the Jets, Eagles or

Patriots. That sack total - and the pass-rush skills of Chris Long,James Hall and rookie Robert Quinn - should help St. Louis contin-ue to climb the fantasy D rankings.

8. SAN DIEGO CHARGERSThe Chargers missed the playoffs last season, but don’t blame thedefense; the Bolts D was among the league’s best. Shaun Phillips(11 sacks) emerged as a pass-rush threat to replace ShawneMerriman, and anchored a group that racked up 47 sacks. Roomfor improvement: despite all those QB hits, the Chargers forced just10 fumbles. Usually there’s a high correllation between quarter-backs hit and fumbles forced, which could mean more loose balls.

9. DALLAS COWBOYSDeMarcus Ware is good enough to make the Cowboys a fantasy-relevant defense all by himself. And last season, he did. Ware had15.5 sacks, but his teammates contributed practically nothing. Enternew defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who should be able to gener-ate more production from the Cowboys high-priced talent.

10. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTSThe Pats were one of the top units in Team D scoring last season,largely on the strength of a league-best 25 interceptions and fivedefensive touchdowns. But INTs and TDs are hard to predict year-to-year. Belichick’s teams haven’t generated big sack totals inrecent years either, though the expected return of Ty Warren shouldhelp in that department.

11. PHILADELPHIA EAGLESThis could be a transitional year for the Philly D. Last season, it wascoached by Sean McDermott, who took over when legendary coor-dinator Jim Johnson passed away. But after a disappointing sea-son, he was let go and replaced by offensive line coach JuanCastillo - a controversial hire, to be sure. To return to elite status theEagles need someone other than Trent Cole (10 sacks) and AsanteSamuel (seven interceptions) to step up.

12. BALTIMORE RAVENSThe Ravens are a great illustration of the basic disconnect betweenfantasy scoring and on-field defensive performance. The Ravens areso sound, fundamentally, they can keep most teams off the score-board without racking up the big sack and interception totals thatmatter in fantasy scoring. Like the Steelers, the Ravens are excellentat stopping the run. But the Ravens don’t get to the quarterbacknear as often - just 27 sacks in 2010, led by Terrell Suggs’ 11.

13. KANSAS CITY CHIEFSThe KC defense showed major improvement in their second yearrunning a Bill Belichick-inspired 3-4 set, thanks in large part toTamba Hali’s emergence as a big-time pass rush threat (14.5 sacks)and rookie Eric Berry’s stellar debut at safety.

14. NEW ORLEANS SAINTSThe Saints were among the league’s better defenses last season,ranking seventh in points allowed and fourth in yards allowed. Butthey did so without big numbers in Team D scoring categories or areal go-to pass rusher. The additions of first-round draft pickCameron Jordan and veteran DT Shaun Rogers could help improveGregg Williams’ pass rush significantly.

TEAM DEFENSE SEASON PROFILESTEAM DEFENSE SEASON PROFILES

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Team Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.

15. ARIZONA CARDINALSEvery year, at least one team fares much better-than-expected inthe Team D rankings by scoring a lot of defensive touchdowns. TheCardinals were last year’s “fool’s gold” defense with seven TDs; noother team scored more than five. This year’s Cardinals defense willbe led by Ray Horton, an ex-Steeler assistant who will install aPittsburgh-style blitz-heavy 3-4, but it remains to be seen whetheror not the Cardinals have the personnel to make that work.

16. MIAMI DOLPHINSDefensive touchdowns can make a Team D look much better (seethe Arizona Cardinals) or much worse than expected. The Dolphinsfinished 28th in Team D scoring last season, but their poor showingin defensive touchdowns (just one) and forced fumbles (11) reallyhurt their fantasy numbers. This spring’s draft picks went towardthe team’s inept offense, so any major improvement will have tocome from players already on the roster. But even league-averageproduction in TDs and forced fumbles would elevate this squad tomiddle-of-the-pack status.

17. ATLANTA FALCONSThe Falcons have done a masterful job getting top production out ofoft-injured John Abraham. But last season, Abraham was just aboutthe only Falcon to produce fantasy numbers worth noticing. Abrahamhad 13 sacks; no other Falcon had more than four. The top ofAtlanta’s draft went to Cleveland in the deal to acquire Julio Jones,so any improvement in Team D numbers will have to come from play-ers like third-rounder Akeem Dent or DT Jonathan Babineaux.

18. CLEVELAND BROWNSThe Browns made significant progress as a defense under coachEric Mangini and coordinator Rob Ryan. But not enough to save thecoach’s job. Cleveland’s new staff - coach Pat Shurmur and d-coor-dinator Dick Jauron - has a good reputation, and the Browns usedtop draft picks on linemen, but it’s hard to like a team going throughmajor changes after a lockout-shortened summer of preparation.

19. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERSThe Bucs were one of the league’s biggest surprises in 2010, buttheir defense still needs work. Stylez G. White led the team with amere 4.5 sacks, and top d-back Aqib Talib’s status is uncertain dueto pending gun charges. The additions of Adrian Foster, Da’QuanBowers and Mason Foster in the draft should help the pass rushconsiderably.

20. TENNESSEE TITANSTennessee was a surprisingly good fantasy defense last season,thanks in large part to the breakout performance of Jason Babin(12.5 sacks, 44 tackles, two forced fumbles). Babin’s status for nextseason is uncertain, and that’s just one of the question marks forthis franchise, which will be breaking in a new coach for the firsttime in more than a decade. Linebacker Akeem Ayers, a second-rounder out of UCLA, could be a play-maker.

21. CAROLINA PANTHERSRon Rivera - architect of some truly excellent defenses in Chicago,Philly and San Diego - takes over as head coach in Carolina thisyear. He’s a good bet to build the Panthers into a formidabledefense, but for now, he might not have much to work with.Carolina could lose last season’s sack leader, Charles Johnson, tofree agency, and many of the top players who remain - includingDan MoConnor, Jon Beason, Chris Gamble - are coming off injuries.

22. MINNESOTA VIKINGSBrett Favre got most of the press - and blame - but the Vikingsdefense didn’t exactly perform to expectations last season either.Jared Allen got off to a very slow start, only a hot second halfpushed his sack total into double digits, and the team-wide sacktotal dropped from 48 in 2009 to just 31. The Vikings could be mov-ing into rebuilding mode at this point; while they should reboundfrom a dismal 2010, don’t expect a return to elite defense status.

23. HOUSTON TEXANSThe Texans have some talent on the defensive side, but have neverbeen able to mold the individual performances of Mario Williams,DeMeco Ryans, Brian Cushing and the rest into a cohesive D. Thattask falls to new coordinator Wade Phillips this season. Phillips’resume as coordinator is actually quite impressive (as opposed tohis resume as head coach) but this figures to be a transitional yearfor Houston’s D as they switch to a base 3-4.

24. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERSThe Niners have the talent to rebound from a disappointing 2010season, but will need to do so while breaking in a completely newcoaching staff. Another strike against them: most teams that gener-ate big sack (and, by extension, Fantasy Point) numbers out of a 3-4 base - think the Steelers, PACKERS and Cowboys - have at leastone top pass-rushing threat and usually more. Manny Lawson ledthe team with 6.5 sacks last season.

25. OAKLAND RAIDERSOakland’s defense racked up 47 sacks last season; only thePittsburgh Steelers had more. But the Raiders may have troublebuilding on that success with all-world cornerback NnamdiAsomugha expected to sign elsewhere. Oakand used third andfourth-round draft picks to bolster the defensive backfield, butDemarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa won’t be able to replaceAsomugha’s presence any time soon.

26. SEATTLE SEAHAWKSWorst playoff team ever? The Seahawks actually reached the post-season - and won a game - with a defense ranked 25th overall inpoints allowed, 27th in yards allowed and 21st against the run.Chris Clemons and Raheem Brock were effective on the pass rush,but Seattle needs more production out of Aaron Curry andimproved health for Lofa Tatupu before they’ll be a reasonable TeamD option.

27. WASHINGTON REDSKINSThe Packers switched to a 3-4 alignment last season and thrived.The Redskins were less successful in their transition. Considerablyless. The long-running Albert Haynesworth drama aside, the Skinsgave up over 390 yards per game to opposing offenses.Washington hopes to get more of a pass rush this season with first-round pick Ryan Kerrigan and second-rounder Jarvis Jenkins set tojoin Brian Orakpo in the front seven, but Washington’s D is also fartoo reliant on greybeards like London Fletcher (35), Philip Daniels(37) and Vonnie Holliday (35) to be taken seriously as a fantasyoption.

28. INDIANAPOLS COLTSThe Colts defense has one of the most effective sets of bookenddefensive linemen - Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis - in the NFL.And not much else. Freeney and Mathis combined for 21 sacks lastseason, and the entire Indy defense had 30. The Colts’ best

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TEAM DEFENSE SEASON PROFILES (cont...)TEAM DEFENSE SEASON PROFILES (cont...)

defense is Peyton Manning’s offense - playing with a lead as theyoften do, the Colts force opponents to throw the ball and playcatch-up. That strategy, while effective, hasn’t generated numbersthat turn into Team D points in recent years.

29. BUFFALO BILLSLike the Redskins, the Bills’ first year in a base 3-4 defense yieldedsome pretty unimpressive results - like an average 190 rushingyards allowed per game. Help is on the way; the Bills used eight oftheir nine draft picks on defenders, including third-overall pickMarcell Dareus. Dareus is a man-mountain of a DT who shouldshore up Buffalo’s porous run defense, but this group has a longway to go before they’ll be a fantasy D option.

30. CINCINNATI BENGALSLast season, the Bengals were bad at everything that makes a fan-tasy Team D good - they didn’t get to the quarterback or force fum-bles or pick off passes. The problem knocking balls loose seems to

be a trend; Cincinnati had just 11 forced fumbles in 2009 - tied forthe league low - and that number dropped to 9 last season. Don’tlook for major improvement, either - most of the Bengals’ draft wentto offense, but shifting linebacker Rey Maualuga to MLB could pro-vide a boost.

31. DENVER BRONCOSThe Broncos’ pass rush was a one-man operation, and last seasonthat one man - Elvis Dumervil - didn’t play a single down. Dumervil’sreturn, and the addition of second-overall pick Von Miller, shouldhelp Denver’s pass rush significantly, but getting an all-new coachingstaff on line will be a particularly big challenge this season.

32. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARSThe Jags defense has been awful for two years running, with 41sacks and 20 forced fumbles in 2009 and 2010 combined. Seventeams had more sacks and five forced more fumbles in 2010 alone.the Jags a viable fantasy option.

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TEAM DEFENSE SEASON PROFILES (cont...)TEAM DEFENSE SEASON PROFILES (cont...)

LINEBACKER & DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

1. PATRICK WILLIS, 49ERS, LBWillis’ numbers fell a bit in 2010, but even in this “down year,” Willisstill totaled 128 tackles (101 solo) and six sacks in 15 games. Witha rare mixture of defensive back athleticism and elite instincts, Willisis perhaps the league’s best inside linebacker. Not only is his ceilinghigher than most, but his floor is clearly unmatched — 467 stops(156 per season) in his first three years. He’s in the top tier of line-backers all by himself.

2. LAWRENCE TIMMONS, STEELERS, LBTimmons finished last season with 135 tackles (96 solo), threesacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. While he is under-sized for a traditional 3-4 inside linebacker, playing in the 230-pound range allows him to bring dynamic athleticism to the interiorof Pittsburgh’s defense. If Timmons can maintain last year’s tackleproduction while rediscovering his pass rushing production (sevensacks in just 14 games in 2009), he could conceivably join Willis inthe top tier.

3. PAUL POSLUSZNY, BILLS, LBPosluszny is an injury risk, but he’s been as productive on a per-game basis as anyone the last two years. A likely free agent, he isexpected to play in Buffalo again in 2011, and such a scenariowould be ideal for his IDP prospects. The inability of the Buffalodefense to get off the field helps Posluszny put up big numbers.

4. JON BEASON, PANTHERS, LBDespite having another good season, Beason was a rather big IDPdisappointment in 2010, as his tackles fell to 121 (90 solo) after hetotaled nearly 140 in each of his first three seasons. With whatshould be a disastrous Carolina offense leaving Beason on the fieldfor the majority of most games, look for his numbers to improvefrom last year’s total. He represents a potential bargain after slip-ping a bit last season.

5. JEROD MAYO, PATRIOTS, LBMayo was the top IDP linebacker of 2010 with 175 tackles (114solo). It’s probably wise to expect a slight regression this season,though. New England’s defense was on the field for more snaps(1,056) than all but five teams last year. A perfectly reasonable dropof 100 snaps for the defense would mean a relatively steep declinefor Mayo’s numbers. Triple-digit tackles are a near lock, but it’sunlikely he approaches 175 again.

6. RAY LEWIS, RAVENS, LBA threat to make plays both against the run and the pass, Lewisposts big numbers every year despite his opportunities being rela-tively limited by Baltimore’s three-and-out defense and ball-controloffense. The threat of age pushes the 36-year-old further down thelist than his production alone warrants. It has to happen eventually,but Lewis still isn’t showing signs of slowing down.

7. BRIAN CUSHING, TEXANS, LBCushing’s 2010 season was badly compromised by his four-gamesuspension for alleged illegal PED use, but he should be back toposting big numbers in 2011. Switching to a 3-4 defense should

offer more tackling opportunites thanks to a leaky D Line, and hisvalue is further aided by the fact that he’s expected to work occa-sionally as a pass rusher, which should boost his sacks. Cushing isan IDP target with upside.

8. LONDON FLETCHER, REDSKINS, LBFletcher has averaged roughly 135 tackles per season in his fouryears with the Redskins, including a 136-tackle (87 solo), 2.5-sackcampaign last year, his first in Jim Haslett’s 3-4 alignment. There’sno reason to doubt that there’s another good IDP campaign in storefor Fletcher in 2011 – the Redskins’ lackluster offense should keepthe Washington defense on the field, and the team’s unproven three-man front means more tackling opportunities for the linebackers.

9. JAMES HARRISON, STEELERS, LBHarrison is the only 3-4 outside linebacker in the league with theability to produce triple-digit tackles, and he still manages to be anelite pass rusher and turnover machine. There’s no weak spot to befound in his game. In leagues that provide big rewards for sack pro-duction, Harrison might be the top linebacker IDP to target.

10. D.J. WILLIAMS, BRONCOS, LBWilliams’ 5.5 sacks from last year were a career high, and he has475 tackles in his last 59 games. That equates to roughly 129 tack-les in a 16-game stretch. Williams is a rare athlete for a linebacker,making him a three-down, sideline-to-sideline playmaker. He mightnot get the opportunity to rush the passer with Denver switchingback to the 4-3 this year, but he should remain a high-floor, high-ceiling IDP option nonetheless.

11. DERRICK JOHNSON, CHIEFS, LBJohnson easily established a career high with 121 tackles (95 solo)last season and continued to show the rare coverage ability thatmade him such an intriguing player coming out of college. He fin-ished 2010 with one only interception (which he returned for atouchdown), but Johnson’s eye-popping 16 passes defended indi-cate that he’ll get his mitts on more than one pick in 2011.

12. DEMECO RYANS, TEXANS, LBRyans suffered a torn left Achilles’ tendon in October, but he isexpected to return healthy this season. He was off to a fast startbefore the injury, and this season, in Houston’s new 3-4 defense,he’s in a good position to be productive again. Houston’s defensiveline is ill-suited to the scheme at the moment, so Ryan could see alot of ball carriers making it to the second level in 2011.

13. CHAD GREENWAY, VIKINGS, LBGreenway totaled 144 tackles last year (109 solo) in a breakout sea-son. Greenway needs to show more well-rounded numbers to takethe next step as an IDP – he flashes the ability to rush the passer(5.5 sacks in 2008) and make plays in coverage (three interceptionsin 2009), but he’s yet to put it all together in the same season.

14. JAMES ANDERSON, FREE AGENT, LBIt’s possible he’s a one-year wonder, but Anderson was quite con-vincing in his first full season as a starter in 2010, totaling 130 tack-les (101 solo) and 3.5 sacks. The Panthers are expected to do theirbest to keep Anderson in town. If he ends up elsewhere, it’s proba-bly best to move Anderson down a bit in the rankings.

INDIVIDUAL DEFINDIVIDUAL DEF. PLA. PLAYERS SEASON PROFILESYERS SEASON PROFILES

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Player Profiles are based on season outlooks and re-ranked as events warrant during training camp.

15. DESMOND BISHOP, PACKERS, LBBishop posted 103 tackles (75 solo) last season while starting just12 games after Nick Barnett went down for the year with a wristinjury in early October. He also had three sacks, an interceptionreturned for a touchdown and two forced fumbles. Bishop has offi-cially usurped Barnett, so expect him to be Green Bay’s top insidelinebacker in 2011.

16. SEAN WEATHERSPOON, FALCONS, LBAnkle and knee injuries disrupted Weatherspoon’s development asa rookie, limiting him to 11 games. As a Day 1 starter at outsidelinebacker, Weatherspoon opened the season with 24 tackles (22solo) and one sack in his first three starts. Weatherspoon is anaggressive and athletic linebacker who figures to hit the groundrunning in 2011, making him a good risk in fantasy drafts.

17. BRIAN URLACHER, BEARS, LBUrlacher might not be the player he used to be, but he showed agreat turnaround last year from the previous couple years with 125tackles (96 solo), four sacks, one interception and two forced fum-bles. Health permitting, expect Urlacher to continue to be both aproductive tackler and a standout pass rusher at linebacker.

18. JAMES LAURINAITIS, RAMS, LBLaurinaitis is skilled all-around linebacker who has been quiteimpressive in his first two NFL seasons. He needs to create moreturnovers to increase his fantasy value, but in the meantime he’s anextremely reliable run stopper with a floor so high that it’s almostindistinguishable from his ceiling.

19. JONATHAN VILMA, SAINTS, LBVilma was solid in his third season as New Orleans’ starting middlelinebacker, but his solo tackles took a steep drop for the thirdstraight year - from 98 in 2008 to 87 in 2009 to 71 last year. Vilmagenerally does a good job of supplementing his tackle numberswith sack and turnover production, however.

20. DAVID HAWTHORNE, SEAHAWKS, LBThe undrafted Hawthorne has emerged as perhaps the top line-backer for the Seahawks, offering a well-rounded game of tackles,sacks and turnovers. That sort of balanced production is an idealtrait in IDPs. Despite the team’s logjam at linebacker, don’t expectSeattle to implement a rotation at Hawthorne’s expense. He’s toogood to be on the bench.

21. KARLOS DANSBY, DOLPHINS, LBA turf toe injury limited Dansby to 14 games tackles, which prevent-ed him from hitting triple-digit tackles. But Dansby is a rare athletefor a linebacker and offers pass rushing ability too. He should be arelatively cheap and reliable IDP option in most fantasy leagues.

22. BARRETT RUUD, FREE AGENT, LBRuud’s contract negotiations leave his status with the Buccaneersin doubt, but he will be starting at inside or middle linebackersomewhere in 2011. And with 511 tackles the last four years, he fig-ures to flourish in 2011 regardless of where he plays.

23. D’QWELL JACKSON, BROWNS, LBJackson has a lower floor than most because he seems injuryprone, but he earns his ranking because of his production whenhealthy. His last 22 games project to 155 tackles (103 solo) over a

16-game season. Expecting 16 games from Jackson is probablyreckless, but even a partial season with that level of production canmake a difference.

24. BRANDON SPIKES, PATRIOTS, LBSpikes lacks speed (5.0 40), but he’s demonstrated the ability tomake plays (61 tackles in 12 games last season). Gary Guytonmight steal passing-down work from Spikes, but Spikes should doenough damage on first and second down to be a useful IDPnonetheless.

25. KEVIN BURNETT, CHARGERS, LBBurnett stayed healthy for all 16 games last year and totaled 95tackles (80 solo) with six sacks, two interceptions (one returned fortouchdown) and two forced fumbles. He has yet to reach triple-dig-its tackles in his career and remains an injury worry, but Burnett’splaymaking ability makes him worth a look in most IDP leagues.

26. E.J. HENDERSON, VIKINGS, LBHenderson started all 16 games in 2010 after a gruesome femurfracture in 2009 and finished with 105 tackles (71 solo), one sackand three interceptions. Durability is a concern, but Henderson isone of the league’s standout run stoppers. He’s a sure bet to makean impact against the run as long as he is playing.

27. CURTIS LOFTON, FALCONS, LBAfter totaling just one sack and three forced fumbles in his first twoseasons, Lofton posted two sacks, an interception and three forcedfumbles last season. He could turn himself into an elite IDP with abit more productivity as a pass rusher and in coverage.Nevertheless, he makes for a good IDP option as Atlanta’s middleinebacker.

28. JAMAR CHANEY, EAGLES, LBChaney has a history of knee problems, but he has defensive backspeed and demonstrated a great deal of potential last year. He’slikely to start for Philadelphia in 2011, be it in the middle or outside,and he’s worth a selection in most IDP drafts.

29. DEMARCUS WARE, COWBOYS, LBWare’s numbers have been “down” the last two years despite 123tackles (101 solo), 26.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. But therewas a day when Ware totaled 168 tackles (129 solo), 34 sacks and10 forced fumbles over the same time, so it’s easy to see why theexpectations are so high. Perhaps new defensive coordinator RobRyan can get Ware back on the warpath, but his recent productionstill isn’t anything to complain about.

30. REY MAUALUGA, BENGALS, LBIf Maualuga plays at outside linebacker again, he’s probably notworthing drafting as an IPD. If he wins the starting middle line-backer job, though, he should put up big numbers. JourneymanDhani Jones totaled 354 tackles as the team’s starting middle line-backer the last three years. Expect Maualuga to make a similarimpact if he lands the same role.

31. A.J. HAWK, PACKERS, LBHawk finished 2010 with 111 tackles (72 solo) with three intercep-tions, quieting any doubters. Hawk mainly occupies blocks ratherthan blowing up plays, but in the middle of Green Bay’s 3-4 schememeans a steady source of numbers, even if he’s never spectacular.

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32. LANCE BRIGGS, BEARS, LBA persistent ankle injury led to a disappointing year for Briggs as hefailed to hit triple-digit tackles for the first time since his 2003 rookieseason. Still, his six seasons of 100-plus tackles that preceded2010 make him a good bet to bounce back in 2011.

33. DAVID HARRIS, JETS, LBHarris’ fantasy upside is limited by the Jets’ ball-control offense anddefense’s ability to force three-and-outs. Harris should still do betterthan last year’s 99 tackles (69 solo), though. Rank him a bit higherin leagues that focus on sacks - 8.5 sacks the last two years.

34. WILL WITHERSPOON, TITANS, LBWitherspoon isn’t guaranteed to start, but with last year’s leadingtackler (Stephen Tulloch) a long shot to re-sign with the team, thereshould be more opportunities for Witherspoon in 2011. Witherspoonis strong against the run, in coverage and as a blitzer, which giveshim fantasy upside as long as he gets snaps in Tennessee.

35. JAMES FARRIOR, STEELERS, LBFarrior had another decent season in 2010, finishing with 109 tack-les (80 solo) and an impressive six sacks. He has hit triple-digittackles in seven of his last 10 seasons, and his 19 sacks from thelast four years are a nice bonus. Expect more of the same in 2011as Farrior, 36, returns as starter.

36. PARIS LENON, CARDINALS, LBLenon’s fantasy value hinges on whether 2011 sixth-round pickQuan Sturdivant steal his snaps. Lenon was solid last season in themiddle of Arizona’s 3-4, finishing with a career-high 125 tackles (94solo), two sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. He shoulddo similar work this season as long as he can hold off Sturdivant. Ifso, rank him higher.

37. DEANDRE LEVY, LIONS, LBPersistent groin and ankle injuries limited Levy’s production lastyear when he totaled 72 tackles (50 solo) and two interceptions in11 games. Those are good per-game numbers, but durabilityremains a major question. It’s also unclear whether he’ll play insideor out. Levy has a fairly high ceiling but a similarly low floor.

38. STEPHEN TULLOCH, FREE AGENT, LBTulloch ranked as one of the top IDPs last season with 160 tackles(111 solo) thanks to a Tennessee defense that far and away saw themost defensive snaps of any NFL team. No matter where the unre-stricted free agent plays in 2011 (Tennessee seems unlikely), Tullochshouldn’t be expected to duplicate his 2010 production. Triple-digittackles are close to a given, but he just won’t have the opportunityfor 160 tackles this season.

39. VON MILLER, BRONCOS, LBThe second overall pick in April’s draft, Miller is an intelligent playerand a remarkable athlete, running the 40-yard dash in 4.53 secondsafter weighing in at 247 pounds at the NFL Combine. Miller totaled27 sacks and 39 tackles for loss in his last two years at Texas A&M,though Denver hopes to turn him into an all-around 4-3 linebackerrather than simply a blitzer.

40. DARYL SMITH, JAGUARS, LBSmith could end up at either middle or outside linebacker forJacksonville in 2011, but he likely will be little more than a steady

but unremarkable producer across the board. Smith can providewell-rounded production in every category – just don’t expect himto stand out in any regard.

41. TRENT COLE, EAGLES, DETackles are king in IDP fantasy leagues, which means a defensiveend - even one as good as Cole - will always lag when rankedamong linebackers. Cole, though, is tops among defensive ends.Cole averaged more than four tackles per game last season whileposting double-digit sacks, offering fantasy owners both upside andconsistency. It appears safe to expect 70-plus tackles and double-digit sacks from Cole this season.

42. THOMAS DAVIS, PANTHERS, LBDavis is extremely injury prone but remains a rare athlete in a greatsituation in Carolina where the defense figures to be on the field alot in 2011. He tore his right ACL twice between November 2009and June 2010, but his 174 tackles (140 solo), five sacks, two inter-ceptions and two forced fumbles in his last 23 games are notewor-thy. If he’s on the field, he should be a steal at this ranking.

43. JUSTIN TUCK, GIANTS, DETuck bounced back in a big way last year and emerged as the topIDP lineman in many formats, thanks to 11.5 sacks and careerhighs in tackles (76, 48 solo) and forced fumbles (six). Tuck benefitsfrom 1) a stockpiled Giants defensive line and 2) from playing bothinside and out, which, in both cases, makes it hard for offenses tozero in on him. As a DE IDP, he’s among the best.

44. ROLANDO MCCLAIN, RAIDERS, LBMcClain totaled just 85 tackles (59 solo) in 15 games last season,and it would be a hugh disappointment if he failed to hit triple-digittackles in each of his first two years in the league. Expect theRaiders to make a special effort to get more out of McClain in 2011.

45. CLAY MATTHEWS, PACKERS, LBMatthews is the rare 3-4 outside linebacker who can provide bothtackles and sacks. Matthews finished his 15-game regular seasonin 2010 with 60 tackles (54 solo), 13.5 sacks, an interceptionreturned for a touchdown and two forced fumbles. Increasing histackles significantly would vault him up the rankings.

46. MARIO WILLIAMS, TEXANS, LB/DEWilliams is expected to play outside linebacker this season inHouston’s new 3-4 defense rather than an end. His value hingesentirely on where he qualifies, though. In defensive-line IDP leagues,his value escalates with DE status. As a linebacker, his value is con-siderably lower because he has next to no chance of triple-digittackles like the top IDP linebackers. That said, he should be in posi-tion for more tackles at linebacker than he was at end, while hissack production should stay relatively unaffected, or maybe evenimprove. Double-digit sacks under Wade Phillips’ direction shouldbe expected.

47. JARED ALLEN, VIKINGS, DEAllen’s 2010 was a bit of an off year for him as his 11 sacks werehis fewest since 2006. His 60 tackles (45 solo), though were hismost since arriving in Minnesota, and four straight years of at least11 sacks and 22 career forced fumbles proves Allen should not bedoubted. The explosive and powerful rusher remains one of theleague’s elite defensive linemen.

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48. STEWART BRADLEY, EAGLES, LBBradley’s fantasy value this season likely will depend on where helines up. If Jamar Chaney takes over at middle linebacker, Bradley’sprevious spot, then Bradley would presumably shift to strongsideoutside linebacker, which would mean fewer tackling opportunities.Bradley, who suffered a concussion last season and tore his ACL in2009, needs to stay healthy, as well.

49. CLINT SESSION, COLTS, LBAfter missing 13 games for various reasons the last two years,Session is a big injury risk, but he possesses high upside nonethe-less. For IDP leagues that reward solo tackles, move Session up the

rankings. His last 19 appearances resulted in 115 solo stops, anaverage of six per game. Sessions is an under-the-radar linebackerwho can emerge as a second-tier IDP option at the position if hecan just stay on the field.

50. DARYL WASHINGTON, CARDINALS, LBWashington is worth moving up the list if it could be entirely guar-anteed that he’d start the full season. As it is, he has a good shot ofwinning a startin spot next to Paris Lenon in Arizona’s 3-4 defense.Washington is a rare athlete for a linebacker and has a knack formaking big plays, both as a blitzer and in coverage. He has moreupside than others in this range.

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QUARTERBACK

SAM BRADFORD, RAMS

If accuracy is the most important trait for a passer, then not manyhave brighter futures than Bradford. And considering what offensivecoordinator Josh McDaniels has done with offenses in New Englandand Denver, you have to like Bradford’s situation. With two goodtackles, a steady running game and an underrated group ofreceivers (rookies Austin Pettis and Greg Salas are perfect fits forBradford), there’s no reason why a player as talented as Bradfordcan’t flourish under McDaniels’ watch.

JAY CUTLER, BEARS

It remains to be seen whether the team upgrades its decidedlymediocre receiving corps via free agency, but it already upgradedits substandard offensive line during the draft. Cutler remains anelite physical talent with a cannon for an arm and above-averagescrambling ability (232 rushing yards last year). Even in a downseason, Cutler threw 23 passes and managed a 7.6 YPA in essen-tially 14 games. With Cutler getting more comfortable in MikeMartz’s system this year, don’t be surprised if he’s a top-seven QB,especially if the Bears bring in a playmaker on the outside.

JOSH FREEMAN, BUCCANEERS

This one is almost too trendy, given how Freeman finished last sea-son. But Freeman’s 7.3 YPA in his second season was among thetop-10 in qualified quarterbacks, well ahead of contemporaries MattRyan and Mark Sanchez. He threw only six interceptions in16games, against 25 touchdowns. He also can run more than mostquarterbacks, totaling 364 yards. In many leagues he’ll be a nicetarget if you’re playing the wait-on-the-quarterbacks game.

MATTHEW STAFFORD, LIONS

Stafford figures to enter the season healthy, and if he can stay thatway, big numbers are on tap, given the supporting cast the Lionshave assembled. Talented rookie Titus Young, an electric playerwho can stretch the field, bolsters a wideout corps led by superstarCalvin Johnson and veteran Nate Burleson. Tight ends BrandonPettigrew and Tony Scheffler are no slouches as pass-catchers, anda backfield featuring Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure rounds outwhat looks like a balanced and dynamic offense. As long as theLions offensive line protects him adequately, Stafford – who shouldgo cheaply due to his shoulder problems – is poised for a breakout.

TIM TEBOW, BRONCOS

It remains unclear whether Tebow can make it as an NFL starter,but because of his rushing ability, he can be plenty useful in fantasyleagues. While his completion percentage (49.4%) was ugly and hisYPA (8.0) impressive over his three starts during his rookie cam-paign, his legs are what make Tebow intriguing. If you prorate hisground stats over his three starts for a full season, you’d get 1,061rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, which is essentially equivalent toabout 2,800 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Maybe he can’tkeep that type of pace up without getting hurt, and the loss of JoshMcDaniels hurts, but Tebow is a beast at the goal line and shouldonly improve as a passer. Moreover, 15-20 quarterbacks are likelyto go off the board before him during drafts.

RUNNING BACK

LEGARRETTE BLOUNT, BUCCANEEERS

Blount really became part of the Tampa Bay offense in Week 7, andhad a significant role until season's end. Over those final 11 games,he rushed for 977 yards (88.9 yards per game) and five touch-downs. Prorating those 11 games into a 16-game season gives him1,421 yards and seven touchdowns. Granted, there are variablessuch as the schedule, the workload and the conditions that won’tnecessarily be repeated over 16 games in 2011. But the Tampa Bayoffense should be better as a whole with Josh Freeman and MikeWilliams developing, and Blount should be available at least around after the sure-thing backs are taken with the top-10 picks ofyour draft.

SHONN GREENE, JETS

The logic here is simple: Greene’s a “Last Year’s Bum,” who has allof the previous positives going for him, but with a year more experi-ence. Plus, LaDainian Tomlinson is a year older, and the Jets offen-sive line is still really good. Greene has the upside of a top-10 RB,and he should come at a fraction of last year's price.

ROY HELU, REDSKINS

Ryan Torain actually played extremely well last season, but he’s ahuge injury risk, and considering what Washington gave up in tradeto draft Helu, the rookie likely will be given a legitimate chance towin the starting RB job. Helu’s combine numbers were terrific, andMike Shanahan covets his breakaway speed. Helu is the type oflate pick who can win your league for you.

RYAN MATHEWS, CHARGERS

The buzz on Mathews last season was heavy, as it is this year forMark Ingram, but injuries and the emergence of Mike Tolbert got inthe way of a monster NFL debut for the Fresno State product. Thosewho drafted Mathews early last year might understandably be a bitbitter about his disappointing rookie season. Now healthy, though,and lining up behind an elite quarterback in Philip Rivers, look for theChargers to roll with Mathews as the No. 1 back. Norv Turner’srecord with running backs indicates his top back is very likely to hitdouble-digit touchdowns, and the Chargers didn’t trade up to the12th pick in the 2010 draft to let Mathews split carries with Tolbert.The things we liked about Mathews heading into 2010 (he’s a home-run threat who runs withpower) still apply, only this year he’ll comecheaper, minus the shiny rookie wrapping paper. Mathews stands tobe one of the better running back values this year.

BERNARD SCOTT, BENGALS

At 5-10 and just 197 pounds, Scott doesn't have the frame tobruise the opposition with a physical running style, but he's shiftyand playing behind a fading veteran in Cedric Benson (back-to-back 300-carry seasons, 3.5 YPC in 2010). Remember, it was off-the-field issues that kept Scott away from Division I programs incollege, and that's ultimately how the Bengals were able to landhim in the sixth round of the 2009 draft. The expected transitionfrom Carson Palmer to rookie Andy Dalton at quarterback shouldlead to a very ground-heavy game plan, which will afford Scottmore touches even if Benson remains in the fold as the starter.

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WIDE RECEIVER

MILES AUSTIN, COWBOYS

In the games he’s played with Tony Romo since landing in the start-ing lineup in Week 5 of the 2009 season, Austin has been as pro-ductive as almost any receiver in the league. In those 16 regularseason games he’s totaled 112 catches for 1,763 yards and 12touchdowns. It’s not likely he’ll be able to maintain that rarefiedlevel, but he can afford to lose some of that productivity and stillrank as a top-three fantasy receiver.

KENNY BRITT, TITANS

Britt has plenty of downside, both with off-the-field issues and ashaky quarterback situation in Tennessee, but that’s why you canget such a top-flight talent at a discount. Averaging 18.5 yards-per-catch during his second year in the league last season, Britt rackedup 775 receiving yards and nine touchdowns while playing only 480snaps. A total of 82 wide receivers saw more snaps than that lastyear. Britt’s upside is through the roof.

PERCY HARVIN, VIKINGS

With Brett Favre and quite possibly Sidney Rice gone, Minnesotalikely will revert to a heavy ground attack this year, driving down theprice of anyone in its passing game. But unlike most receivers,Harvin creates his own shot, so-to-speak, catching short passesand gaining yards on his own after the catch (his 459 YAC weresecond in the league, despite just 109 targets), i.e., he’s not all thatdependent on the precise timing and accuracy of his quarterback,so even if rookie Christian Ponder opens the year under center, it’snot going to affect Harvin all that much. Harvin will also get 100-plus yards rushing – maybe more if the team has to resort to moredeception – and quite possibly a rushing touchdown or two. Andhe’s also capable of bringing a kick back to the house. The chronicmigraines are a risk, but Harvin’s not going to cost you an earlypick, so the reward more than justifies it.

JACOBY FORD, RAIDERS

One of these speedy wide receivers has to work out for Oakland atsome point, right? The Raiders finally started using Ford on offenseover the second half, and he immediately paid dividends. Over thefinal eight games, he had 433 receiving yards and two touchdowns,while rushing for 107 yards and two more scores. And, according tocoach Hue Jackson, the Raiders plan on giving him more touchesthis season. Don’t forget Ford ran a 4.28 40 at the NFL Combineand has even more value in leagues that count return yards.

MARIO MANNINGHAM, GIANTS

Manningham took full advantage of his opportunity for a larger rolelast season while Steve Smith was sidelined by injuries and madehis case to remain the starter opposite Hakeem Nicks with threeconsecutive 100-yard performances down the stretch. Manninghamhauled in 65 percent of the targets thrown his way and ranked thirdin fantasy points per target last season – behind only Mike Wallaceand Kenny Britt (min. 50 targets). Quarterback Eli Manning had hissecond straight 4,000-yard season, and the Giants' offense isn'tshowing any signs of changing the balance of its attack. With Smithreturning from microfracture surgery, the window for Manninghamto lock down a starting job remains open.

RANDY MOSS, FREE AGENT

An elite receiver as recently as 2009, Moss fell off the map last year,getting traded by a first-place New England, released by an out-of-contention Minnesota and then signed and not used by a confusedTennessee team. If there were a clear explanation – injury, loss ofspeed, attitude problem, manic depression, whatever – we couldassess the odds of the cause reversing and Moss bouncing back.But as none has been volunteered by any of the organizations forwhich he played, we simply don’t know. That uncertainty can beused to our advantage, however, if the market flees from it by undu-ly downgrading him. Yes, at 34, it’s possible Moss is done, butmany thought that four years ago after a lackluster stint with theRaiders, and he responded by setting the single-season NFL recordfor touchdown receptions. The upside is worth the cost in this case.

HAKEEM NICKS, GIANTS

Only Calvin Johnson has more upside among receivers than Nicks,who enters the magical third season as an NFL wide receiver. IfNicks plays all 16 games, he could approach 20 touchdowns. Hisfloor is lower than one would like for a WR1 given the injury issues,but Nicks is the type of player who can win your fantasy league.

BRANDON TATE, PATRIOTS

The Patriots' receiving corps went through some interestingchanges last season, and entering 2011 it resembles an exhibitfrom Jurassic Park. The return of Deion Branch was a nice story,and while Branch at times looked like the player from the Pats'Super Bowl squads from the 2000s, he turned 32 in July, and hisdays as a No. 1 wideout (even on a team that spreads the ballaround) are over. In Branch, the sure-handed Wes Welker and twovery good young tight ends, the Pats have weapons with veteransavvy to work short and intermediate routes. Tate provides thedownfield threat capable of “taking the top off” of opposing defens-es, and as he showed with two kickoff returns for touchdowns inhis second season, he's elusive. Now in his third season, Tate maybe in position to take away targets from some of his veteran team-mates and emerge as a viable WR3 this season.

TIGHT END

JIMMY GRAHAM, SAINTS

After releasing Jeremy Shockey, the Saints appear sold on Grahamas their starter at tight end. He’s another player who converted tofootball after playing college basketball, which says a lot about howhis athleticism. At 6-8, 260, Graham makes for a huge target in thered zone. Graham was utilized there frequently last season, catch-ing five of his 31 receptions in the end zone. Tennessee tight endJared Cook also deserves consideration, but Graham’s situation ina passing offense with an elite quarterback gives him the nod.

BRANDON PETTIGREW, LIONS

Pettigrew quietly was third in NFL among tight ends in both catches(71) and targets (111) last season, despite the Lions going throughthree quarterbacks. Pettigrew did this while returning from the tornACL that ended his rookie season. He wasn’t targeted in the redzone as often as other tight ends, but those targets vary year-to-year. Presumably the Lions will have some semblance of continuityat quarterback this year, which only bodes well for Pettigrew.

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QUARTERBACK

TOM BRADY, PATRIOTS

He’ll be good in 2011, but Brady’s owners shouldn’t get tooattached to the idea of him throwing 36 touchdowns and four inter-ceptions again. The Patriots had a more conservative offense in2010 than in years past as their 507 pass attempts ranked just 20thin the league. The offenses in Indianapolis (679 attempts), NewOrleans (661 attempts), Dallas (576 attempts) and Philadelphia (561attempts) are much more favorable than what Brady likely will havein New England, and it’s probably too much to expect him to main-tain his 2010 touchdown percentage of 7.3 in 2011.

MATT RYAN, FALCONS

Due to his strong rookie year, and his team’s regular-season suc-cess the last few seasons, Ryan’s often mentioned as one of theup-and-coming young stars of the league. But a look at his pedes-trian YPA the last two years, while playing in a dome, no less,shows he’s closer to Joe Flacco and Mark Sanchez than PhilipRivers and Aaron Rodgers. The addition of star prospect JulioJones should help Ryan learn to look for someone other thanRoddy White on occasion, but Atlanta’s still a run-first offense,especially around the goal line.

MICHAEL VICK, EAGLES

Owning Vick in an eight-team league would be fantastic. Upside iskey there, and serviceable quarterbacks will be available onwaivers. In deeper leagues, though, where decent quarterbackscan't easily be found, drafting Vick is like playing Russian Roulette –you know you're going to get killed, via a Vick injury, at some pointin the season – it's just a matter of when. There's just no way Vick'sgoing to play 16 games in 2011. Considering Vick's likely to be oneof the top 2-3 quarterbacks off the board, I'd rather wait and getPeyton Manning or Ben Roethlisberger.

RUNNING BACK

CEDRIC BENSON, BENGALS

At first glance it might appear Benson would be a good reboundcandidate – the Bengals don’t have an obvious replacement at run-ning back, and surely the team will run more than it did the yearbefore, given the likely transition at quarterback to rookie AndyDalton. But Benson’s possible replacements (Bernard Scott androokie Jay Finley) are better than many give credit, and more impor-tant, the wheels are starting to fall off again for him. Not only did heaverage 3.5 yards per carry last year, but he also fumbled seventimes after fumbling just once in 2009.

FRANK GORE, 49ERS

It's easy to look at Gore's first six years in the NFL and wonder whatmight have been had he stayed healthy for more than one 16-gameseason. Since tearing his ACL at the University of Miami, Gore hasbeen unable to shake the “injury prone” label. To make mattersworse, his 2010 season ended with a fractured hip, and Gore'sworkload has fallen in each of the last four seasons due to variousailments. While new coach Jim Harbaugh might be planning a run-heavy attack, there's nothing to suggest Gore can stay healthyenough to reach the 300 rushes for the first time since 2006.

PEYTON HILLIS, BROWNS

Since the pounding Hillis averages a bruise (either to opponents orhimself) per carry, staying in one piece is will be a challenge after270 carries last season. To that end, look for the Browns to identify aback or two to take some heat off Hillis, ideally Montario Hardesty.Figuring out who “this year’s Hillis” might be and getting him, eitheras a late-round dart or a savvy early-season pickup, is a more prom-ising strategy than over-drafting last year’s fantasy darling.

FELIX JONES, COWBOYS

Marion Barber’s impending exit seems like a plus on the surface,and it was nice to see Jones get more involved as a receiver lastseason. But he remains an injury risk who scored just two touch-downs on 233 touches in 2010, as he’s simply not trusted at thegoal line. Don’t be surprised if rookie teammate DeMarco Murrayends up the superior fantasy option.

MICHAEL TURNER, FALCONS

Fading Turner isn’t as easy as it might sound, because he will getthe vast majority of the red-zone touches on a team that shouldvisit the red zone frequently. But Turner averaged a career-low 4.1yards per carry last year, reaching 4.0 YPC just once in his last sixgames. He also dealt with nagging groin injuries last year and ankleinjuries the year before that. Plus, he still doesn’t catch passes, andthe drafting of Jacquizz Rodgers should continue that trend.

WIDE RECEIVER

DWAYNE BOWE, CHIEFS

Just like Larry Fitzgerald last year, Bowe enters 2011 without a top-tier quarterback throwing him the ball. Yes, there are about 12-14NFL teams who wouldn't mind having Matt Cassel as their startingquarterback. But Cassel's not in that "elite" category, either, andthat makes Bowe's floor lower than the other top wide receivers.Draft Mike Wallace instead.

STEVE JOHNSON, BILLS

Breakouts win fantasy titles, and there were plenty of owners whobenefited from Johnson and the 10 TDs he delivered after becom-ing Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite target last season. Keep in mind thatbust is a relative term here. Now that he's consistently drawing theattention of opponents' top corners, the efficiency is likely to slip.Further, Johnson and the Bills offense will likely face poor weatherconditions down the stretch with five of their final six games on theroad at New York and New England, or at home. Johnson shouldremain a top-25 receiver this season, but he'll be priced 10-15spots higher in most drafts.

BRANDON LLOYD, BRONCOS

Lloyd has always had the body-control and hands to make highlight-reel catches, but given his past statistical mediocrity, no one on theplanet called him leading the league, or even his team, in receivingyards last year. Congrats to those who scooped him up, but forgetabout an encore. In 2011, his dollar’s worth of production is boundto cost his owners a Euro. Coach Josh McDaniels’ replacementJohn Fox less is inclined to wing it, and Tim Tebow is likely to quar-terback the Broncos, so count on less targets for Lloyd, especially ifDemaryius Thomas resurfaces (healthy) as the season progresses.

BUSTS & OVERBUSTS & OVER VVALUED PLAALUED PLAYERSYERS

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SANTANA MOSS, REDSKINS

An impending free agent who’s been around since 2001, Moss is

coming off a career-high 93-catch campaign. But the Redskins

drafted three wideouts (Leonard Hankerson, Niles Paul and Aldrick

Robinson) in April, a sign they may be ready to move on from Moss.

Moss still has his wheels, but wherever he lands and whoever his

quarterback and running mates are, he will be hard pressed to

come close to the 145 targets he had last season.

REGGIE WAYNE, COLTS

Now that the Colts don’t force feed Wayne near the goal line (seven

targets inside the 10, tied for 30th), he’s essentially your garden-

variety possession receiver who happens to be in a good system.

Don’t get us wrong, if he sees another 176 targets from Peyton

Manning, he’ll produce by default. But now that Austin Collie and

Dallas Clark are slated to be back, it’s hard to see that happening

again. Wayne, who arguably had a career seasons in 2010, is a safe

pick as his floor is high, but don’t be surprised if owners are left

disappointed.

WES WELKER, PATRIOTS

Welker’s speedy recovery from a torn ACL was a great story, and hedeserves credit for working hard to come back so quickly.Nonetheless, even a healthy Welker lacks red-zone size and deepspeed, so he’s never a good bet to score many touchdowns. Andhe averages so few yards per target and catch that he needs hugevolume just to approach 1,000 yards. The only thing left is for him isreceptions – which are great in a PPR format. But in a standardleague, he’s typically overdrafted.

RODDY WHITE, FALCONS

White is a good No. 1 wideout, but he is wrongly being treated asthe top WR on the board. While he rebounded from a precipitousdrop in his per-target efficiency in 2009 (from 7.0 to 7.8 last season),White is leaning on target volumes that most top wideouts can onlydream about. A drop from the 165 and 179 targets he's recorded inlast two seasons is imminent following the Falcons' decision to tradeup and select Julio Jones at sixth overall. White is safe – he hasn'tmissed a game in six NFL seasons – but 2011 might be the first sea-son since 2007 where he doesn't finish as a top-10 receiver.

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BUSTS & OVERVBUSTS & OVERVALUED PLAALUED PLAYERS (cont...)YERS (cont...)

Evaluating rookies from a fantasy perspective is always a crap-shoot, this year more than ever, given the NFL’s labor unrest. Tobegin with, until free agency commences we won't have a clearidea of the opportunities available for most rookies. Once that hap-pens, they likely will be hard pressed to get up to speed quickly andgrasp their teams' playbooks. Another factor will be the varyingdegrees of player conditioning – young and old alike – in the wakeof the lockout. A rash of inactivity-related muscle pulls/strains/tearscould create unexpected opportunities for the Class of 2011.

QUARTERBACK

CAM NEWTON, AUBURN (6-5, 248) PANTHERS

The Panthers swung for the fences on the supremely gifted, butunpolished Newton with the top overall pick in the draft. He’s big,strong, mobile and has an excellent throwing arm. How well andhow quickly he transitions from the college game to a pro-styleoffense is the wild card here, as are perceived character issues. Onphysical tools alone, though, he has superstar upside. That’s notsomething that likely will be realized this season, however, andNewton’s only worth heavily targeting in dynasty leagues, or as anin-season pickup if he gets the keys to the Carolina offense and cando some damage with his wheels as a rookie.

BLAINE GABBERT, MISSOURI (6-4, 234) JAGUARS

It’s time for David Garrard to start dusting off his resume, maybenot for immediate use, but by drafting Gabbert 10th overall, theJaguars have clearly identified their quarterback of the future.Gabbert is a “he can make all the NFL throws” player, but like allyoung signal-callers he has big adjustments to make to the progame, perhaps more so because he played in a spread offense atMissouri. Scouts suggest he’s well-equipped to do so, though,given his makeup.

JAKE LOCKER, WASHINGTON (6-2, 231) TITANS

The Titans’ selection of Locker eighth overall all but officially closesthe door on the Vince Young era in Tennessee. Locker is a premiumathlete with mobility and a strong arm, but he’ll need further refine-ments for his passing accuracy to catch up with his athleticism.Steve Young, to whom some compare Locker, was not built in aday, and the Titans’ new franchise quarterback won’t be, either.Don’t be surprised to see the team sign a veteran quarterback (notnamed Rusty Smith or Kerry Collins) to start this year, as opposedto rolling with Locker before he’s ready.

CHRISTIAN PONDER, FLORIDA STATE (6-2, 229) VIKINGS

It's unclear who, if anyone, the Vikings will add as the seasonapproaches, but at press time the uninspiring Joe Webb is Ponder’smain impediment to a Week 1 starting gig. Ponder lacks a rocketarm, but he’s a heady player, whose quick release and mobility areassets, as are his leadership and poise. Whether he starts immedi-ately remains to be seen, but the Vikings clearly have faith in hisability to add some needed stability to the quarterback position.Our guess is he ends up being one of the first rookie quarterbacksto start an NFL game this season.

ANDY DALTON, TCU (6-2, 215) BENGALS

The Bengals view Dalton, whom they drafted in the second round,as a quarterback to groom behind starter Carson Palmer. Of course,

Palmer is unlikely to return, given his trade demands, so Daltoncould actually compete with Jordan Palmer and Dan Le Fevour forimmediate playing time. Critics say Dalton is undersized and lacksupside, while his supporters highlight his leadership and intangibles,traits he’d need to rely on heavily if the Bengals are forced to rollwith him in Week 1. In any case, rookie wideout A.J. Green and2010 first-round tight end Jermaine Gresham are talented youngplayers with whom Dalton can earn his stripes.

COLIN KAEPERNICK, NEVADA (6-5, 233) 49ERS

The athletic Kaepernick gives new 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh aquarterback to develop out of the gate, presumably behind AlexSmith, assuming Smith returns. Kaepernick can already get it donewith his legs, but he needs to be groomed on the intricacies of theteam’s west coast offense, a process that will take time but onethat could produce a draft-day steal.

RYAN MALLETT, ARKANSAS (6-7, 253) PATRIOTS

We’re guessing concerns over Mallett’s character will subside in thecoming months as he gets up to speed on the Patriot Way and qui-etly learns the NFL ropes as an understudy to Tom Brady. Malletthas plenty of detractors, but with no pressure to step in and rescuea franchise, he’ll have time to round out his game, which has holes,at the pro level. Already blessed with great size and a cannon arm,Mallett would do well to mimic Brady’s ability to sidestep pressureand make the correct reads. Easier said than done, but our view isthat New England is a great landing spot for him, where he willeither give the Patriots a talented insurance policy for Brady or per-haps serve as trade bait once the grooming process is complete.

RUNNING BACK

MARK INGRAM, ALABAMA (5-9, 215) SAINTS

The Saints traded up to acquire the 28th pick from New Englandand draft Ingram. Scouts love the patience and vison Ingram dis-plays as a runner, some even daring to compare him to the greatEmmitt Smith. Ingram is not a burner, so his home-run ability mightbe limited, but he can be an effective workhorse back, given hiselusivnees and ability to hit the hole. That said, with Pierre Thomasand Chris Ivory still around, and Reggie Bush still property of theSaints at press time, Ingram enters a crowded backfield. As aresult, while Ingram might be the most talented rookie runningback, his short-term value might be eclipsed by a handful of backswith more immediate and clear-cut opportunities. Keep an eye onoffseason developments, as the Saints likely will shed Bush (unlesshe restructures his deal), and Thomas is hardly the most durableplayer even in the best of times.

MIKEL LESHOURE, ILLINOIS (6-0, 227) LIONS

Detroit continues to assemble young weapons to surround MatthewStafford, welcoming Leshoure to a backfield that added Jahvid Bestlast season. At 57th overall, the Lions may have gotten themselvesa steal, as some viewed Leshoure as the top back in this year’sdraft. As for his potential workload this season, look for a timesharewith Best that combines Leshoure’s between-the-tackles prowesswith Best’s explosiveness on the perimeter. Leshoure is much big-ger and far more physical than Best, and as a result would seem tobe the logical choice around the goal line. Moreover, Best had ahard time staying healthy last season – not a new development for

IMPIMPACT ROOKIESACT ROOKIES

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him – and if he were to go down again at any point, Leshoure’svalue in the Lions’ promising offense would skyrocket.

RYAN WILLIAMS, VIRGINIA TECH (5-9, 212) CARDINALS

While it’s too early to write off Beanie Wells, the Cardinals certainlyput him on notice by making Williams the second running backpicked in the 2011 draft, 38th overall. Williams was slowed byinjuries last season, but when healthy, he boasts a nice blend ofpower, speed and instincts. Unless Wells, who’s had knee prob-lems, regains his power and explosiveness, expect Williams to leadthe Arizona running attack down the road. In the short-term, howev-er, he will have to share work with Wells and possibly TimHightower and/or LaRod Stephens-Howling.

DANIEL THOMAS, KANSAS STATE (6-0, 230) DOLPHINS

While there were four running backs drafted before Thomas, he mayend up with the best Week 1 situation of the lot, as the Dolphinsquite possibly are ready to move on from the duo of Ronnie Brownand Rickey Williams, both impending free agents. If Miami doesn’tadd a player like DeAngelo Williams once the free-agent frenzyensues, then it’s conceivable Thomas will have a clear path to thefeatured role. He’s equipped for it too, as he’s a powerful downhillrunner who is strong between the tackles and effective from in close.As a bonus, Thomas has experience in the “Wildcat” formation.

DELONE CARTER, SYRACUSE (5-9, 225) COLTS

Carter might be a nice fantasy find this year despite being the 11thback picked in April’s draft. Joseph Addai has had trouble stayinghealthy, and Donald Brown has yet to live up to his first-roundbilling. Further, the Colts, who bolstered their blocking by drafting apair of offensive linemen with their top two picks, are looking foranswers around the goal line. They may have found their man inCarter, whom team vice chairman Bill Polian calls a “slam-bangkind of runner.” He’s a break away from making a fantasy splash,and after seeing the Colts tear through running backs in 2010, it’snot hard to envision a scenario in which Carter gets a shot to carrythe load at some point in his rookie campaign.

ROY HELU, NEBRASKA (5-11, 219) REDSKINS

Sleeper alert. Coach Mike Shanahan loves turning random playersinto stud running backs, and Helu, the 105th pick overall, mighthave a chance to be his next if the injury-prone Ryan Torain getshurt again this season. Helu fits the bill because of his ability as a“one-cut” back, an ideal trait in Shanahan’s zone-blocking system,which used to routinely churn out 1,000-yard backs. Helu has goodsize, but is an upright runner, with durability concerns himself. Onthe plus side, he has an element of speed that, Shanahan said,reminds him of a young Clinton Portis.

ALEX GREEN, HAWAII (6-0, 225) PACKERS

The addition of Green makes Brandon Jackson redundant but givesthe team quality depth alongside Ryan Grant, who is returning froman injury, and late-season revelation, James Starks. Like so many ofhis peers, Green needs one or two things to break his way, but he’sa punishing back, who is adept at catching passes, traits that couldhelp him see immediate playing time for the Super Bowl champs.

SHANE VEREEN, CALIFORNIA (5-9, 203) PATRIOTS

Vereen's role will largely depend on the health of those surroundinghim in the Patriots backfield. Benjarvus Green-Ellis (an impendingfree agent) and Danny Woodhead are the projected returnees, withGreen-Ellis having demonstrated last season that he is capable of

grinding out tough yards while Woodhead is a productive change-of-pace option. Rookie Stevan Ridley adds a power back to themix, but if Vereen can shed the perception that he’s strictly a third-down back – and we think he can – he could be the one the teamturns to if Green-Ellis starts slowly. In any case, the latest home-runthreat out of Cal is among a handful of rookie backs this seasonwho are a break or two away from making a fantasy splash.

DEMARCO MURRAY, OKLAHOMA (6-0, 213) COWBOYS

Murray is an explosive speed back in the mold of Cowboys runningback Felix Jones, but his selection gives the team depth and flexi-bility in the event of an injury to Jones or Tashard Choice. Murrayenters the NFL with some durability concerns, and while his initialrole might not be heavy, he figures to parlay his receiving skills intoplaying time. In any case, Marion Barber could be looking foremployment elsewhere when the dust settles.

TAIWAN JONES, EASTERN WASHINGTON (6-0, 194) RAIDERS

Jones’ role in 2011 will hinge on the health of the backs ahead ofhim, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, a restricted free agentwho is expected to return to Oakland this season. Jones possess-es the sort of speed the Raiders love, as he ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at his pro day in early April. We’d be surprised to see himget a ton of work in the offense initially. But both McFadden andBush missed games last season, so Jones could be turned looseearlier than expected, at which point his own durability would beput to the test, given his slight (by NFL standards) frame.

KENDALL HUNTER, OKLAHOMA STATE (5-7, 200) 49ERS

Hunter could leapfrog Anthony Dixon to become Frank Gore’s topbackup, but his size puts his ability to be an every-down back intoquestion. Despite his lack of height, Hunter is solidly built with a lowcenter of gravity and the vision to find and then hit the hole. Goreremains the 49ers’ top back, but he's played 16 games just onceduring his six-year career and is coming off hip surgery. Don’t besurprised if there are weeks this season when Hunter is a viableoption – that is if he overtakes the burlier Dixon.

JAQUIZZ RODGERS, OREGON STATE (5-6, 196) FALCONS

Rodgers gives the Falcons a small, but shifty playmaker to act as acomplement to the team’s power back, Michael Turner. He in effectreplaces injury-prone Jerious Norwood in that role. Depending onwhom you ask, Rodgers brings back memories of former Giantsback Joe Morris and ex-Falcon Warrick Dunn, not the worst playersto be compared to. Note that Jason Snelling remains on hand toback up Turner and likely would be in line for the bulk of the carries– with Rodgers remaining in a change-of-pace role – should Turnerget injured.

JOHNNY WHITE, NORTH CAROLINA (5-10, 209) BILLS

White slots behind Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller, but at 133rd over-all, he was a nice value pick by the Bills. Every season a handful ofteams have to dig deep into their backfield cupboards due toinjuries, and White, a tough runner with good hands out of thebackfield, is a likely beneficiary should Buffalo be forced to do sothis season.

STEVAN RIDLEY, LSU (5-11, 225) PATRIOTS

Having already drafted Shane Vereen in the second round, thePatriots caught most observers off guard by taking the bruisingRidley in the third round. Working against the LSU product is thathe enters a crowded backfield that includes Vereen, as well as

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IMPIMPACT ROOKIES (cont...)ACT ROOKIES (cont...)

Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis, a restricted freeagent, who’s expected back to head the committee. Kevin Faulkcould return as well, but Ridley should help out on special teamsright away, and if anything happens to Green-Ellis, he could be theplayer the Patriots turn to when they need to grind out tough yards.

BILAL POWELL, LOUISVILLE (5-10, 207) JETS

Powell, a hard-nosed runner, seems like a luxury pick for the Jets,with Shonn Greene slated to start the season as the team’s leadback and LaDainian Tomlinson return to the mix, as well. Powellalso will have to compete with second-year man Joe McKnight, sohe’ll need some good fortune to make a fantasy impact this season.

JORDAN TODMAN, CONNECTICUT (5-9, 203) CHARGERS

Todman is on track to work behind Ryan Mathews and MikeTolbert. He gives the Chargers backfield some needed depth of thethird-down variety with Darren Sproles likely on the way out.

DION LEWIS, PITTSBURGH (5-7, 193) EAGLES

Lewis, an undersized fifth-round pick, won’t challenge fellow Pittproduct LeSean McCoy, but he’s a shifty back who could help outin the event of an injury to either McCoy or Jerome Harrison,assuming Harrison even returns.

JAMIE HARPER, CLEMSON (5-11, 233) TITANS

Harper is clearly behind Chris Johnson, but he could be an intrigu-ing in-season pickup if he can secure the Titans’ No. 2 gig – whichwe think he will – and Johnson suffers an injury.

WIDE RECEIVER

JULIO JONES, ALABAMA (6-3, 220) FALCONS

Given the staggering price the Falcons paid to move up to selectJones (two first-rounders, one second-rounder and two fourth-rounders), it stands to reason they’re going to use him right away.Roddy White is still the team’s top wideout, but Jones, a dynamicrookie with excellent size, hands and explosiveness, is already ahuge upgrade over Atlanta’s other receivers from last year. ExpectWhite to get far more targets, but Jones should make his share ofplays as the season progresses.

A.J. GREEN, GEORGIA (6-4, 211) BENGALS

The talented young wideout is the centerpiece in the Bengals’ latestmakeover, but with Carson Palmer’s future in the air, it’s unclearwho will throw to Green. If the team sends Chad Ochocinco pack-ing – a distinct possibility – Green, who possesses a rare blend ofsize, route-running ability and hands, figures to have an immediateopportunity to make an impact in both real and fantasy terms asperhaps the best receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson.

TORREY SMITH, MARYLAND (6-1, 204) RAVENS

The Ravens look a little long in the tooth at wideout, so drafting ayoung vertical threat like Smith to grow with QB Joe Flacco is asavvy move. To start with, Smith figures to make his biggest impactin the return game, but he’s an injury (to Derrick Mason or AnquanBoldin) away from having a chance to see regular snaps. Ideally,though, he’ll serve as an understudy to the accomplished duoabove, as his route running could use some work.

GREG LITTLE, NORTH CAROLINA (6-2, 231) BROWNS

Although Little missed last season due to an NCAA suspension, hehas good size and ball skills, and it could be just a matter of timebefore he passes both Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie onthe Browns depth chart. If Little develops early chemistry with quar-terback Colt McCoy, he could surprise as a rookie, though first he’llneed to shake off the rust of the long layoff, which the NFL lockoutisn’t exactly facilitating.

TITUS YOUNG, BOISE STATE (5-11, 174) LIONS

Young can contribute as a returner immediately, but he also has theability to develop into a nice complement to star receiver CalvinJohnson, given his aptitude for getting open and making plays. TheBoise State product figures to overtake Nate Burleson at somepoint, but first he will need to demonstrate that his rail-thin framecan take an NFL pounding. Once he sees snaps in the Lionsoffense, however, he stands to benefit from the attention defenses(justifiably) give Johnson.

RANDALL COBB, KENTUCKY (5-10, 191) PACKERS

Cobb provides the Packers with an eventual replacement forDonald Driver and, in the short term, paves the way for the depar-ture of James Jones. Although Cobb is on the small side, he’s anexplosive player, who can do some damage in the return game outof the gate. With Driver still around and Greg Jennings and JordyNelson also in play, the Packers can take their time developingCobb, so don’t count on big fantasy production until his second orthird season.

JONATHAN BALDWIN, PITTSBURGH (6-4, 228) CHIEFS

The 26th overall pick in April’s draft, Baldwin has a Plaxico Burress(in his prime) ceiling, but the Chiefs would probably be happy if hesimply developed into a reliable receiving alternative to DwayneBowe. Baldwin certainly has the size and skills, in particular as adeep threat, but he has much to prove in terms of attitude, routerunning and consistency. Given his raw talent and the Chiefs’ acuteneed for another wideout option, Baldwin does have immediateopportunities at hand (limited somewhat by the team’s run-heavyapproach).

LEONARD HANKERSON, MIAMI (6-1, 209) REDSKINS

If Santana Moss doesn't return to the Redskins, then Hankersonhas a good shot to start Week 1. That makes him a decent sleeper,the sort of player you take with your last-round pick because thepotential payday greatly exceeds that of going with an establishedbut mediocre option. Underscoring their commitment to upgradingthe wideout corps, the Redskins also drafted Niles Paul and AldrickRobinson. Of the three rookies, though, Hankerson – a long-striderwith good size, solid hands and playmaking ability – is the mostready to contribute.

VINCENT BROWN, SAN DIEGO STATE (5-11, 187) CHARGERS

With Philip Rivers behind center, any receiver in the Chargersoffense (just ask Seyi Ajirotutu) can make fantasy waves when giventhe opportunity. Brown gives the team a young possession wideoutto develop, and while he’s blocked by the likes of Vincent Jackson,Malcom Floyd and Patrick Crayton, the “other Vincent” could seeopportunities before too long because Jackson’s long-term futurewith the team is murky.

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IMPIMPACT ROOKIES (cont...)ACT ROOKIES (cont...)

DWAYNE HARRIS, EAST CAROLINA (5-10, 203) COWBOYS

If Roy Williams doesn't return – and it will take a paycut for that notto happen – Harris has a shot to emerge as Dallas' third wideoutbehind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. Considering the Cowboys'productive offense, winning that job would put Harris an injury awayfrom spot-start consideration in fantasy leagues. Either way, Harrisfigures to help on special teams, and his college productivity sug-gests he could carve out a nice role as a slot receiver in the NFL.

CECIL SHORTS, MOUNT UNION (5-11, 205) JAGUARS

Coach Jack Del Rio believes Shorts could emerge as the Jags’ No.3 receiver this season, which would put the small-school prospectan injury away from a big-time opportunity in a Jaguars offenseshort of wideout weapons in the post-Mike Sims-Walker era. Shortsis considered a better prospect than fellow Mount Union productPierre Garcon, but unless Blaine Gabbert becomes the next PeytonManning, that comparison is irrelevant.

JERREL JERNIGAN, TROY (5-9, 185) GIANTS

With Steve Smith’s injured knee in question, the Giants wisely bol-stered their receiving depth with Jernigan, a small, but speedy play-maker, who can contribute immediately as a returner or in the slot.

TIGHT END

KYLE RUDOLPH, NOTRE DAME (6-6, 259) VIKINGS

Rudolph, viewed by many as the draft's most athletic receiving tight end, repre-sents a nice weapon for first-round pick Christian Ponder. He’s coming off ahamstring injury, which is why the Vikings could snag him in the second round,

but if Rudolph stays healthy, he could prove a steal with incumbent tight ends

Visanthe Shiancoe, Jim Kleinsasser and Jeff Dugan entering the final year of

their deals. For now, look for Rudolph to be largely employed in two-tight end

sets, but if anything happens to Shiancoe, he’d be worth scooping up.

LANCE KENDRICKS, WISCONSIN (6-3, 243) RAMS

Kendricks provides budding signal-caller Sam Bradford with an ath-

letic receiving option. A wait-and-see approach is prudent with

Kendricks, though, as his all-around game needs some refinement.

But he has some upside in an offense with Josh McDaniels pulling

the strings.

ROBERT HOUSLER, FLORIDA ATLANTIC (6-5, 248) CARDINALS

The Cardinals add an athletic tight end to the mix in Housler, but

with the team’s quarterback situation fluid, it’s difficult to estimate

his short-term prospects. It’s been a while since a Cardinals tight

end has been fantasy relevant, but Housler could emerge as an in-

season pickup this year under the right circumstances.

KICKER

ALEX HENERY, NEBRASKA (6-2, 177) EAGLES

David Akers led the NFL with 143 points last season, a mark he’s

been at or near the last three seasons, and if Henery assumes the

Eagles’ placekicking job (why would they have taken him in the

fourth round if that’s not the plan?) it’s reasonable to assume he’ll

put up similar numbers behind a strong Philly offense.

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IMPIMPACT ROOKIES (cont...)ACT ROOKIES (cont...)

The lockout and the disruption it poses to trades, free agency andtraining camp makes it more difficult than in past years to foreseepotential positional battles, but despite that uncertainty, we'll takean early look at some position battles around the league.

BENGALS WR

Although the team selected A.J. Green fourth overall in the draft,wide receiver was actually one of Cincinnati's most crowded posi-tions at the time. Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell are both for-mer second-round picks, while Jordan Shipley was a third-roundselection last year. Green has the most talent among the four by far,but both Simpson and Caldwell showed starting potential late lastyear, and Shipley was productive as a slot wideout for the majorityof the year. It seems like Shipley's role in the slot is relatively safe,so most of the competition should occur between Green, Simpsonand Caldwell on the outside.

BRONCOS QB

The Broncos claim to be uncommitted to either Tim Tebow or KyleOrton at quarterback, despite Tebow's strong late-season showingas a starter. Both players were productive fantasy options in Denver,but the loss of Josh McDaniels and arrival of coach John Foxmeans a new, likely more run-heavy offense will be installed. Tebowmight have more fantasy potential between the two thanks to hisrare running ability, but he evidently will need to earn the spot intraining camp.

BRONCOS RB

Knowshon Moreno is generally unchallenged as Denver's top run-ner for the time being, but it seems likely that the Broncos will addat least one more runner before the season starts. Coach John Foxfavored a run-heavy offense in Carolina, where he utilized StephenDavis, Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams over the years.Williams, in fact, could be the perfect target for Denver. It mighttake a trade to get him in the event that he's considered a restrictedfree agent, however. Either way, Moreno hasn't shown enough atthis point in his career to indicate that he'd be a good feature backfor Fox, so some movement is bound to occur here.

BROWNS RB

Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty aren't likely to be in a competi-tion as much as they're likely to be in a predetermined rotation. Theteam didn't take Hardesty in the second round of the 2010 draft tosit on the bench, but Hillis' breakout performance last year obvious-ly dictates that Cleveland makes him the starter heading into thisyear. Hardesty has troubling knee issues, but if he's healthy, heprobably has the talent to steal carries from Hillis' workload.

CARDINALS RB

Chris Wells is definitely a great athletic talent, but injuries andunproductive play compelled the team to select Virginia Tech run-ning back Ryan Williams in the second round of the draft. Althoughhe's smaller, slower and less powerful than Wells, Williams is amuch more fluid runner and can navigate through traffic more

quickly. Unfortunately, Williams is a bit of an injury worry himselfafter dealing with hamstring trouble most of last year. In any case,both runners are talented enough to be productive when healthy.

CHARGERS RB

Mike Tolbert made a fine enough showing last year while RyanMathews struggled with ankle injuries, but the latter is still likely toemerge as the team's top runner sooner than later. Tolbert, howev-er, could retain a role as a goal-line specialist, which would obvi-ously limit Mathews' fantasy potential. Still, San Diego traded up tothe 12th pick in the 2010 draft to select a feature back, not a roleplayer. Mathews should, health permitting, get enough work to putup at least RB2 numbers in 2011.

CHIEFS RB

Thomas Jones just wasn't very effective last year, averaging 3.7yards per carry while Jamaal Charles averaged 6.4 yards per carry.It isn't very fair to Jones to compare him to someone as elite asCharles, but the talent differential still dictates a more Charles-heavy Chiefs offense in 2011. Coach Todd Haley has all but statedthat Charles will get more work than last year, and if that proves tobe true, Charles should definitely be a top-five pick in most leagues.

COLTS RB

Free-agent Joseph Addai is generally expected to re-sign with theteam. Besides Addai, there's former first-round pick Donald Brownand 2011 fourth-round pick Delone Carter. Addai has shown theability to be a fantasy asset when healthy, but injuries have been aproblem. Brown has shown next to nothing at this point, on theother hand, so between Brown's unproductive play and Addai'sinjury concerns, Carter could play a significant role in 2011.

COWBOYS RB

Felix Jones emerged as Dallas' top back last year, but TashardChoice remains a threat to get on the field, and the team addedOklahoma runner DeMarco Murray in the third round of the draft.Murray makes things blurry because, like Jones, he's a fast runnerwho is a skilled receiver. It's tough to tell how work will be split upbetween the three, because they're all fairly well-rounded players.

COWBOYS WR

Health permitting, Dez Bryant is in for a much bigger workload in2011 than last year. Talented as he is, though, it's unlikely thatBryant will usurp Miles Austin as the team's top receiver. RoyWilliams, though he could stay on the roster another year, is boundto fade further into obscurity, and isn't even necessarily safe fromsixth-round pick Dwayne Harris for the third-wideout role.

DOLPHINS RB

Heading out of the draft, the Dolphins have next to no experience atrunning back. Outside of Lex Hilliard and Kory Sheets, the onlynotable player in the organization is Daniel Thomas, the team's sec-ond-round pick in the 2011 draft. Given how obscure Hilliard and

POSITION JOB BAPOSITION JOB BATTLESTTLES

40

Sheets are, the competition for the Miami running back spot wouldpotentially involve a back not currently with the team. It seems likea free-agent addition at the spot is somewhat likely, and it couldeven be in the form of re-signing Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams.The best-case scenario for fantasy owners would probably be ifThomas could emerge as the feature back and avoid a runningback committee.

GIANTS RB

The lockout leaves Ahmad Bradshaw's status in limbo, making thesame true about the Giants' running game. While Jacobs couldearn more carries after averaging 5.6 yards per rush while runningfor 823 yards and nine touchdowns last year, Bradshaw wouldprobably be the top fantasy target between the two after totaling1,549 yards and eight touchdowns from scrimmage. At this point, itmight be a surprise if both aren't back in 2011.

JAGUARS QB

Blaine Gabbert unexpectedly fell to the 10th pick in the 2011 draft,and the Jaguars traded up to get him. For 2011, however, it doesn'tseem likely that Gabbert will be starting in Jacksonville. DavidGarrard is coming off a generally impressive season that saw himaverage two touchdowns per game, and it isn't often that teamsbench a quarterback after he had the team in the race for the play-offs the year prior. Neither player has great targets to throw to inJacksonville, but at least the team has a solid running game thanksto Maurice Jones-Drew.

JETS RB

Shonn Greene was underwhelming last year and consequentlyallowed LaDainian Tomlinson to take a large portion of his work-load, but the team is nonetheless hyping up Greene this offseason.Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said that Greene isready to take a workload of 18-to-20 carries per game. Such a sce-nario would badly limit Tomlinson's value, while giving Greene agood shot to emerge as an RB2.

LIONS RB

It's hard to see how Jahvid Best will be feature back for the Lionsthis season, as the team claims. While a turf toe injury probably hadsomething to do with it, Best averaged an unbearable 3.2 yards percarry last year, and injuries have been a constant problem for himover the years. Second-round pick Mikel Leshoure, on the otherhand, is pushing 230 pounds and dominated with a huge workloadat Illinois last year (299 touches for 1,902 yards and 20 touch-downs). It seems like a rotation is likely to occur between the two,with Best retaining passing-down work while Leshoure serves asthe clock-eater.

PACKERS RB

James Starks is generating a lot of hype, but Ryan Grant should stillbe considered the favorite to lead the Green Bay rushing attack in2011. The picture is blurred a bit by the arrival of third-round pickAlex Green, however, who averaged more than eight yards per carryin his final year at Hawaii. Still, it isn't often that coaches turn fromreliable veterans like Grant to unproven runners like Starks andGreen.

PACKERS WR

Jordy Nelson's Super Bowl performance no doubt earned him abigger role heading into 2011, particularly with James Jones gener-ally expected to leave in free agency. Donald Driver is too respectedto not get snaps, but if Nelson plays like he did against theSteelers, he'll get a big bump in the rankings. The arrival of second-round pick Randall Cobb, however, makes things a bit moreunclear. He's unlikely to break into the top three at the position, butCobb is too good of a player to not show up one way or another.

PANTHERS QB

Jimmy Clausen might be the starter by default after getting throwninto the fire as a rookie. It's no secret that Cam Newton will own thespot eventually, though how soon the transition occurs likely will bedetermined by Carolina's pain tolerance – Clausen was a trainwreckas a rookie and figures to be similarly unproductive in 2011. Itremains a possibility, however, that Carolina could add a veteranquarterback before the start of the year. If that happens, such a vet-eran would likely start.

PATRIOTS RB

There might not be a team in the league with a more crowdedbackfield than New England. BenJarvus Green-Ellis and DannyWoodhead made a good showing last year, but the Patriots stillselected Shane Vereen (second round) and Stevan Ridley (thirdround) in the draft. A rotation seems somewhat definite here, withGreen-Ellis and Ridley having the skill set of clock eaters and short-yardage runners while Woodhead and Vereen fit better as passcatchers.

RAMS WR

Rams receivers aren't highly regarded by most, but there's no dis-puting that the team is extremely deep at the position. While starpower is not especially evident, Mark Clayton (technically a freeagent, but expected to re-sign), Danny Amendola, Donnie Avery,Austin Pettis, Greg Salas, Mardy Gilyard and Brandon Gibson arepromising in their own ways. Due to the crowding, one of thoseplayers likely won't make the team.

REDSKINS RB

While Ryan Torain and Keiland Williams showed fairly well last year,the team still added Roy Helu and Evan Royster in the draft. Torainand Helu almost definitely have the most talent of the four, but bothhave durability issues, particularly Torain. That makes Helu thefavorite heading into fall. The Nebraska product runs a bit high, buthe has rare explosiveness and could be a big, though perhapsshort-term, hit in Mike Shanahan's offense.

SAINTS RB

Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory have generally been productive inNew Orleans, but both are likely to be pushed further and further outof the picture by first-round pick Mark Ingram. The team traded its2012 first-round pick to move up for Ingram, and you don't do thatunless you have big plans for the player in question. Thomas andIvory could hold on a bit longer while Ingram gets broken in, but itseems like it's a matter of time before Ingram starts for the Saints.

41

POSITION JOB BAPOSITION JOB BATTLES (cont...)TTLES (cont...)

TITANS QB

Jake Locker is the future for Tennessee after he was selected eighthoverall in the 2011 draft. The Titans, though, likely will sign a veter-an who will enter camp as the favorite to start this season. KerryCollins would make perfect sense given his tolerable 2010 perform-ance. Unfortunately, whoever ultimately gets added isn't likely to bemuch of a fantasy factor. Thanks to his running ability, Locker likelywould be the most useful fantasy quarterback in Tennessee.

VIKINGS QB

Christian Ponder will have his day as a starter eventually, but the12th overall pick could face veteran competition this fall. Whoeverultimately wins the spot will have a favorable supporting cast, asAdrian Peterson always keeps defenses scared, and Sidney Riceand Percy Harvin could prove as good a one-two punch as any.Ponder would be an interesting player to monitor if he starts. It alsodoesn't hurt that Ponder should be able to run a bit in the NFL.

42

POSITION JOB BAPOSITION JOB BATTLES (cont...)TTLES (cont...)

ARIZONAQB John Skelton Derek Anderson Max Hall

RB Chris Wells Tim Hightower Ryan Williams

WR Larry Fitzgerald Steve Breaston Early Doucet

TE Ben Patrick Stephen Spach Rob Housler

K Jay Feely

ATLANTAQB Matt Ryan Chris Redman John Parker Wilson

RB Michael Turner Jason Snelling Jacquizz Rodgers

WR Roddy White Michael Jenkins Julio Jones

TE Tony Gonzalez Justin Peelle Michael Palmer

BALTIMOREQB Joe Flacco Marc Bulger Hunter Cantwell

RB Ray Rice Willis McGahee Jalen Parmele

WR Anquan Boldin Derrick Mason T.J. Houshmandzadeh

TE Todd Heap Ed Dickson Dennis Pitta

BUFFALOQB Ryan Fitzpatrick Brian Brohm Levi Brown

RB Fred Jackson C.J. Spiller Johnny White

WR Steve Johnson Lee Evans David Nelson

TE Jonathan Stupar David Martin Mike Caussin

K Rian Lindell

CAROLINAQB Jimmy Clausen Cameron Newton Tony Pike

RB Jonathan Stewart DeAngelo Williams Mike Goodson

WR Steve Smith David Gettis Brandon LaFell

TE Jeremy Shockey Jeff King Gary Barnidge

K John Kasay

CHICAGOQB Jay Cutler Todd Collins Caleb Hanie

RB Matt Forte Chester Taylor Kahlil Bell

WR Devin Hester Johnny Knox Earl Bennett

TE Greg Olsen Brandon Manumaleuna Desmond Clark

K Robbie Gould

CINCINNATIQB Carson Palmer Andy Dalton Jordan Palmer

RB Cedric Benson Bernard Scott Cedric Peerman

WR Chad Ochocinco A.J. Green Jerome Simpson

TE Jermaine Gresham Reginald Kelly Chase Coffman

K Clint Stitser

CLEVELANDQB Colt McCoy Jake Delhomme Seneca Wallace

RB Peyton Hillis Montario Hardesty Mike Bell

WR Greg Little Mohamed Massaquoi Brian Robiskie

TE Ben Watson Evan Moore Alex Smith

K Phil Dawson

NFL DEPTH CHARTS

43

TEAM TEAM POSPOS FIRST TEAMFIRST TEAM SECOND TEAMSECOND TEAM THIRD TEAMTHIRD TEAM

DALLAS QB Tony Romo Jon Kitna Stephen McGee

RB Felix Jones Tashard Choice DeMarco Murray

WR Miles Austin Dez Bryant Roy Williams

TE Jason Witten Martellus Bennett Martin Rucker

K David Buehler

DENVER QB Tim Tebow Kyle Orton Brady Quinn

RB Knowshon Moreno Correll Buckhalter Lance Ball

WR Brandon Lloyd Eddie Royal Jabar Gaffney

TE Richard Quinn Daniel Coats Julius Thomas

K Matt Prater

DETROITQB Matthew Stafford Shaun Hill Drew Stanton

RB Jahvid Best Mikel Leshoure Maurice Morris

WR Calvin Johnson Nate Burleson Titus Young

TE Brandon Pettigrew Tony Scheffler

GREEN BAYQB Aaron Rodgers Matt Flynn Graham Harrell

RB Ryan Grant James Starks

WR Greg Jennings Donald Driver James Jones

TE Jermichael Finley Andrew Quarless Tom Crabtree

K Mason Crosby

HOUSTONQB Matt Schaub Dan Orlovsky Matt Leinart

RB Arian Foster Steve Slaton Ben Tate

WR Andre Johnson Jacoby Jones Kevin Walter

TE Owen Daniels Joel Dreessen James Casey

K Neil Rackers

INDIANAPOLISQB Peyton Manning Curtis Painter

RB Joseph Addai Donald Brown Delone Carter

WR Reggie Wayne Pierre Garcon Austin Collie

TE Dallas Clark Jacob Tamme Brody Eldridge

K Adam Vinatieri

JACKSONVILLEQB David Garrard Blaine Gabbert Trent Edwards

RB Maurice Jones-Drew Rashad Jennings Deji Karim

WR Mike Thomas Mike Sims-Walker Jason Hill

TE Marcedes Lewis Zach Miller Zach Potter

K Josh Scobee

KANASA CITYQB Matt Cassel Ricky Stanzi Brodie Croyle

RB Jamaal Charles Thomas Jones Jackie Battle

WR Dwayne Bowe Jon Baldwin Chris Chambers

TE Tony Moeaki Leonard Pope Jake O'Connell

K Ryan Succop

44

TEAM DEPTH CHARTEAM DEPTH CHARTS (cont...)TS (cont...)

TEAM TEAM POSPOS FIRST TEAMFIRST TEAM SECOND TEAMSECOND TEAM THIRD TEAMTHIRD TEAM

MIAMIQB Chad Henne Tyler Thigpen Tom Brandstater

RB Ronnie Brown Ricky Williams Daniel Thomas

WR Brandon Marshall Brian Hartline Davone Bess

TE Anthony Fasano Mickey Shuler Charles Clay

K Dan Carpenter

MINNESOTAQB Joe Webb Christian Ponder Rhett Bomar

RB Adrian Peterson Toby Gerhart Lorenzo Booker

WR Percy Harvin Sidney Rice Bernard Berrian

TE Visanthe Shiancoe Kyle Rudolph Jimmy Kleinsasser

K Ryan Longwell

NEW ENGLANDQB Tom Brady Brian Hoyer Ryan Mallett

RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis Danny Woodhead Shane Vereen

WR Wes Welker Deion Branch Brandon Tate

TE Rob Gronkowski Aaron Hernandez Alge Crumpler

K Stephen Gostkowski

NEW ORLEANSQB Drew Brees Chase Daniel

RB Pierre Thomas Mark Ingram Chris Ivory

WR Marques Colston Robert Meachem Devery Henderson

TE Jimmy Graham David Thomas Tory Humphrey

K Garrett Hartley

NEW YORK GIANTSQB Eli Manning Sage Rosenfels

RB Ahmad Bradshaw Brandon Jacobs Danny Ware

WR Hakeem Nicks Steven Smith Mario Manningham

TE Kevin Boss Travis Beckum Jake Ballard

K Lawrence Tynes

NEW YORK JETS QB Mark Sanchez Mark Brunell Greg McElroy

RB Shonn Greene LaDainian Tomlinson Bilal Powell

WR Jerricho Cotchery Braylon Edwards Santonio Holmes

TE Dustin Keller Matthew Mulligan Jeff Cumberland

K Nick Folk

OAKLANDQB Jason Campbell Kyle Boller J.T. O'Sullivan

RB Darren McFadden Michael Bush Rock Cartwright

WR Louis Murphy Darrius Heyward-Bey Chaz Schilens

TE Zach Miller Brandon Myers Richard Gordon

K Sebastian Janikowski

PHILADELPHIAQB Michael Vick Kevin Kolb Mike Kafka

RB LeSean McCoy Jerome Harrison Eldra Buckley

WR DeSean Jackson Jeremy Maclin Jason Avant

TE Brent Celek Clay Harbor

K David Akers

45

TEAM DEPTH CHARTEAM DEPTH CHARTS (cont...)TS (cont...)

TEAM TEAM POSPOS FIRST TEAMFIRST TEAM SECOND TEAMSECOND TEAM THIRD TEAMTHIRD TEAM

PITTSBURGHQB Ben Roethlisberger Byron Leftwich Charlie Batch

RB Rashard Mendenhall Mewelde Moore Isaac Redman

WR Swayze Waters Hines Ward Mike Wallace

TE Heath Miller Matt Spaeth David Johnson

K Shaun Suisham

SAN DIEGOQB Philip Rivers Billy Volek

RB Ryan Mathews Mike Tolbert Darren Sproles

WR Vincent Jackson Malcom Floyd

TE Antonio Gates Randy McMichael Kris Wilson

K Nate Kaeding

SEATTLEQB Matt Hasselbeck Charlie Whitehurst J.P. Losman

RB Marshawn Lynch Justin Forsett Leon Washington

WR Mike Williams Golden Tate Ben Obomanu

TE John Carlson Cameron Morrah

K Olindo Mare

SAN FRANCISCOQB Alex Smith Colin Kaepernick David Carr

RB Frank Gore Kendall Hunter Anthony Dixon

WR Michael Crabtree Josh Morgan Ted Ginn

TE Vernon Davis Delanie Walker Nate Byham

K Joe Nedney

ST. LOUIS QB Sam Bradford A.J. Feeley Thaddeus Lewis

RB Steven Jackson Kenneth Darby Keith Toston

WR Donnie Avery Mark Clayton Danny Amendola

TE Daniel Fells Lance Kendricks Michael Hoomanawanui

K Josh Brown

TAMPA BAYQB Josh Freeman Josh Johnson Rudy Carpenter

RB LeGarrette Blount Cadillac Williams Kregg Lumpkin

WR Mike Williams Arrelious Benn Sammie Stroughter

TE Kellen Winslow John Gilmore Erik Lorig

K Connor Barth

TENNESSEEQB Jake Locker Rusty Smith Kerry Collins

RB Chris Johnson Javon Ringer Jamie Harper

WR Kenny Britt Nate Washington Randy Moss

TE Bo Scaife Jared Cook Craig Stevens

K Rob Bironas

WASHINGTONQB Rex Grossman Donovan McNabb John Beck

RB Ryan Torain Keiland Williams Roy Helu Jr.

WR Santana Moss Anthony Armstrong Leonard Hankerson

TE Chris Cooley Fred Davis Logan Paulsen

K Graham Gano

46

TEAM DEPTH CHARTEAM DEPTH CHARTS (cont...)TS (cont...)

TEAM TEAM POSPOS FIRST TEAMFIRST TEAM SECOND TEAMSECOND TEAM THIRD TEAMTHIRD TEAM

TEAM RUSHTEAM RUSH YDSYDS 20+20+ 40+40+ AAVGVG TDTD RECREC YDSYDS 20+20+ 40+40+ AAVGVG TDTD TTARAR YPTYPT

ARZARZ 320 1388 11 2 4.3 9 285 3264 43 3 11.5 10 553 5.9

AATLTL 497 1891 12 1 3.8 14 361 3725 31 6 10.3 28 573 6.5

BALBAL 487 1831 7 1 3.8 11 308 3629 40 7 11.8 25 492 7.4

BUFBUF 402 1720 9 0 4.3 6 296 3371 41 8 11.4 24 484 7.0

CARCAR 428 1846 14 4 4.3 7 256 2635 29 2 10.3 9 467 5.6

CHICHI 414 1616 11 2 3.9 10 276 3397 42 6 12.3 23 459 7.4

CINCIN 428 1522 3 1 3.6 8 365 3988 36 8 10.9 26 586 6.8

CLECLE 413 1646 3 0 4.0 13 296 3203 39 4 10.8 13 472 6.8

DALDAL 428 1786 11 1 4.2 10 379 4208 49 5 11.1 29 569 7.4

DENDEN 398 1544 6 1 3.9 13 334 4307 52 10 12.9 25 577 7.5

DETDET 404 1613 5 2 4.0 11 383 4001 32 4 10.4 26 622 6.4

GBGB 421 1606 3 1 3.8 11 352 4355 57 11 12.4 31 530 8.2

HOUHOU 423 2042 12 2 4.8 20 365 4370 58 8 12.0 24 565 7.7

INDIND 393 1483 3 1 3.8 13 450 4700 41 9 10.4 33 678 6.9

JACJAC 512 2395 14 1 4.7 14 291 3356 45 6 11.5 26 464 7.2

KCKC 556 2627 14 4 4.7 13 274 3189 37 4 11.6 27 463 6.9

MIAMIA 445 1643 5 2 3.7 8 335 3755 42 3 11.2 17 549 6.8

MINMIN 441 1942 11 2 4.4 16 305 3336 46 3 10.9 14 505 6.6

NENE 454 1973 8 0 4.3 19 331 4022 50 8 12.2 37 503 8.0

NO NO 380 1519 6 1 4.0 9 450 4636 47 11 10.3 33 645 7.2

NYGNYG 480 2200 23 3 4.6 17 339 4002 57 7 11.8 31 533 7.5

NYJNYJ 534 2374 11 2 4.4 14 288 3420 44 11 11.9 20 518 6.6

OAKOAK 504 2494 27 6 4.9 19 280 3472 45 12 12.4 18 485 7.2

PHIPHI 429 2325 21 6 5.4 18 348 4215 60 15 12.1 28 547 7.7

PITPIT 471 1924 13 1 4.1 15 298 3890 62 11 13.1 22 466 8.3

SD SD 457 1810 9 0 4.0 18 359 4746 64 14 13.2 30 532 8.9

SEASEA 385 1424 12 0 3.7 13 324 3536 30 9 10.9 14 537 6.6

SF SF 401 1657 8 1 4.1 10 282 3613 51 10 12.8 19 486 7.4

STLSTL 429 1578 9 1 3.7 9 354 3512 26 2 9.9 18 583 6.0

TBTB 431 2001 15 4 4.6 9 306 3564 48 10 11.6 26 485 7.3

TENTEN 406 1727 15 5 4.3 13 273 3278 44 8 12.0 24 468 7.0

WWASAS 351 1461 10 1 4.2 9 349 4261 49 12 12.2 21 594 7.2

TEAM PTEAM PASS/RUN DISTRIBUTIONASS/RUN DISTRIBUTION

47

RED ZONE PRED ZONE PASS/RUN DISTRIBUTIONASS/RUN DISTRIBUTION

48

TEAMTEAM RZ TRZ TARAR INSIDE 10INSIDE 10 INSIDE 5INSIDE 5 RZ RUSHRZ RUSH INSIDE 10INSIDE 10 INSIDE 5INSIDE 5

ARIARI 64 31 22 43 27 14

AATLTL 91 34 18 97 54 29

BALBAL 54 22 6 95 46 25

BUFBUF 63 23 15 53 24 15

CARCAR 43 20 14 47 21 14

CHICHI 70 38 16 61 38 24

CINCIN 61 30 20 77 42 25

CLECLE 48 17 10 51 22 15

DALDAL 66 34 22 76 51 35

DENDEN 73 32 16 52 30 22

DETDET 60 28 12 39 22 14

GB GB 88 49 19 63 45 29

HOUHOU 75 35 18 76 43 23

INDIND 82 42 26 40 27 14

JACJAC 68 33 20 73 40 20

KC KC 52 25 13 66 41 23

MIAMIA 67 39 31 67 37 27

MINMIN 57 27 16 62 36 21

NE NE 86 52 23 90 42 24

NONO 101 39 21 72 42 25

NYGNYG 75 42 18 81 46 23

NYJNYJ 76 34 19 66 24 18

OAKOAK 63 33 22 78 42 21

PHIPHI 101 58 29 77 36 17

PITPIT 62 32 9 81 47 36

SDSD 68 27 12 57 37 23

SEASEA 57 26 10 74 41 30

SFSF 51 23 6 59 34 19

STLSTL 67 28 17 59 27 12

TB TB 62 30 18 57 31 19

TENTEN 57 31 15 63 32 23

WWASAS 66 34 18 63 34 20

QUARTERBACK STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES

NAME YEAR ATT PYD YPA TD INT RYD RTD Sam Bradford 3 Yr Avg 590 3512 5.95 18 15 63 1

Sam Bradford 2010 590 3512 5.95 18 15 63 1

Tom Brady 3 Yr Avg 356 2791 7.84 21 5 24 0

Tom Brady 2010 492 3900 7.93 36 4 30 1

Drew Brees 3 Yr Avg 602 4692 7.79 33 16 9 0

Drew Brees 2010 658 4620 7.02 33 22 -3 0

Jason Campbell 3 Yr Avg 447 3083 6.90 15 9 238 1

Jason Campbell 2010 329 2387 7.26 13 8 222 1

Matt Cassel 3 Yr Avg 486 3244 6.67 21 11 194 0

Matt Cassel 2010 450 3116 6.92 27 7 125 0

Jimmy Clausen 3 Yr Avg 299 1558 5.21 3 9 57 0

Jimmy Clausen 2010 299 1558 5.21 3 9 57 0

Jay Cutler 3 Yr Avg 534 3822 7.16 25 20 201 1

Jay Cutler 2010 432 3274 7.58 23 16 232 1

Ryan Fitzpatrick 3 Yr Avg 346 2109 6.10 13 11 238 1

Ryan Fitzpatrick 2010 441 3000 6.80 23 15 269 0

Joe Flacco 3 Yr Avg 472 3402 7.21 20 11 106 1

Joe Flacco 2010 489 3622 7.41 25 10 84 1

Matt Flynn 3 Yr Avg 27 165 6.11 1 1 8 0

Matt Flynn 2010 66 433 6.56 3 2 26 0

Josh Freeman 3 Yr Avg 382 2654 6.95 17 12 262 0

Josh Freeman 2010 474 3451 7.28 25 6 364 0

David Garrard 3 Yr Avg 472 3317 7.03 17 12 308 3

David Garrard 2010 366 2734 7.47 23 15 279 5

Bruce Gradkowski 3 Yr Avg 109 697 6.39 3 4 50 0

Bruce Gradkowski 2010 157 1059 6.75 5 7 41 0

Rex Grossman 3 Yr Avg 68 391 5.75 3 2 6 0

Rex Grossman 2010 133 884 6.65 7 4 6 0

Matt Hasselbeck 3 Yr Avg 380 2415 6.36 11 14 82 1

Matt Hasselbeck 2010 444 3001 6.76 12 17 60 3

Chad Henne 3 Yr Avg 317 2082 6.57 9 11 28 0

Chad Henne 2010 490 3301 6.74 15 19 52 0

Shaun Hill 3 Yr Avg 286 1891 6.61 11 7 102 0

Shaun Hill 2010 416 2686 6.46 16 12 123 0

Tarvaris Jackson 3 Yr Avg 76 532 7.00 4 2 64 0

Tarvaris Jackson 2010 58 341 5.88 3 4 63 0

Kevin Kolb 3 Yr Avg 106 694 6.55 3 4 23 0

Kevin Kolb 2010 189 1197 6.33 7 7 68 0

Eli Manning 3 Yr Avg 509 3753 7.37 26 16 48 0

Eli Manning 2010 539 4002 7.42 31 25 70 0

Peyton Manning 3 Yr Avg 601 4400 7.32 31 15 8 0

Peyton Manning 2010 679 4700 6.92 33 17 18 0

Colt McCoy 3 Yr Avg 222 1576 7.10 6 9 136 1

Colt McCoy 2010 222 1576 7.10 6 9 136 1

Donovan McNabb 3 Yr Avg 495 3615 7.30 19 12 147 1

Donovan McNabb 2010 472 3377 7.15 14 15 151 0

Matt Moore 3 Yr Avg 93 636 6.84 4 4 7 0

Matt Moore 2010 143 857 5.99 5 10 25 0

Kyle Orton 3 Yr Avg 501 3478 6.94 19 11 72 1

Kyle Orton 2010 498 3653 7.34 20 9 98 0

Carson Palmer 3 Yr Avg 393 2598 6.61 16 12 60 1

Carson Palmer 2010 586 3970 6.77 26 20 50 0

Jordan Palmer 3 Yr Avg 5 19 3.80 0 0 1 0

Jordan Palmer 2010 3 18 6.00 0 0 0 0

Philip Rivers 3 Yr Avg 501 4324 8.63 30 11 62 0

Philip Rivers 2010 541 4710 8.71 30 13 52 0

49

QUARUARTERBACK STTERBACK STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

NAME YEAR ATT PYD YPA TD INT RYD RTD Aaron Rodgers 3 Yr Avg 517 4131 7.99 28 10 293 4

Aaron Rodgers 2010 475 3922 8.26 28 11 356 4

Ben Roethlisberger 3 Yr Avg 455 3610 7.93 20 10 119 2

Ben Roethlisberger 2010 389 3200 8.23 17 5 176 2

Tony Romo 3 Yr Avg 404 3178 7.87 21 10 61 0

Tony Romo 2010 213 1605 7.54 11 7 38 0

Matt Ryan 3 Yr Avg 485 3353 6.91 22 11 91 0

Matt Ryan 2010 571 3705 6.49 28 9 122 0

Mark Sanchez 3 Yr Avg 435 2867 6.59 14 16 105 3

Mark Sanchez 2010 507 3291 6.49 17 13 105 3

Matt Schaub 3 Yr Avg 512 4061 7.93 22 12 51 0

Matt Schaub 2010 574 4370 7.61 24 12 28 0

Alex Smith 3 Yr Avg 238 1573 6.61 10 7 37 0

Alex Smith 2010 342 2370 6.93 14 10 60 0

Troy Smith 3 Yr Avg 52 427 8.21 2 1 58 0

Troy Smith 2010 145 1176 8.11 5 4 121 1

Matthew Stafford 3 Yr Avg 236 1401 5.94 9 10 59 1

Matthew Stafford 2010 96 535 5.57 6 1 11 1

Drew Stanton 3 Yr Avg 62 386 6.23 1 3 55 0

Drew Stanton 2010 119 780 6.55 4 3 113 1

Tim Tebow 3 Yr Avg 82 654 7.98 5 3 227 6

Tim Tebow 2010 82 654 7.98 5 3 227 6

Michael Vick 3 Yr Avg 192 1552 8.08 11 3 385 5

Michael Vick 2010 372 3018 8.11 21 6 676 9

Seneca Wallace 3 Yr Avg 154 975 6.33 6 2 29 0

Seneca Wallace 2010 101 694 6.87 4 2 9 0

Joe Webb 3 Yr Avg 89 477 5.36 0 3 120 2

Joe Webb 2010 89 477 5.36 0 3 120 2

Charlie Whitehurst 3 Yr Avg 33 169 5.12 0 1 14 0

Charlie Whitehurst 2010 99 507 5.12 2 3 43 1

Vince Young 3 Yr Avg 150 1117 7.45 7 4 144 0

Vince Young 2010 156 1255 8.04 10 3 125 0

50

RUNNING BACK STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGESNAME YEAR ATT RYD RTD AVG REC RCYD AVG RCTD Joseph Addai 3 Yr Avg 163 622 6 3.82 31 222 7.16 1

Joseph Addai 2010 116 495 4 4.27 19 124 6.53 0

Marion Barber 3 Yr Avg 188 730 6 3.88 29 229 7.90 0

Marion Barber 2010 113 374 4 3.31 11 49 4.45 0

Cedric Benson 3 Yr Avg 278 1036 5 3.73 21 158 7.52 0

Cedric Benson 2010 321 1111 7 3.46 28 178 6.36 1

Jahvid Best 3 Yr Avg 171 555 4 3.25 58 487 8.40 2

Jahvid Best 2010 171 555 4 3.25 58 487 8.40 2

LeGarrette Blount 3 Yr Avg 201 1007 6 5.01 5 14 2.80 0

LeGarrette Blount 2010 201 1007 6 5.01 5 14 2.80 0

Ahmad Bradshaw 3 Yr Avg 168 789 5 4.70 24 187 7.79 0

Ahmad Bradshaw 2010 276 1235 8 4.47 47 314 6.68 0

Donald Brown 3 Yr Avg 103 389 2 3.78 15 187 12.47 0

Donald Brown 2010 129 497 2 3.85 20 205 10.25 0

Ronnie Brown 3 Yr Avg 187 766 7 4.10 26 198 7.62 0

Ronnie Brown 2010 200 734 5 3.67 33 242 7.33 0

Correll Buckhalter 3 Yr Avg 85 386 1 4.54 28 268 9.57 1

Correll Buckhalter 2010 59 147 2 2.49 28 240 8.57 2

Michael Bush 3 Yr Avg 125 555 4 4.44 18 153 8.50 0

Michael Bush 2010 158 655 8 4.15 18 194 10.78 0

Reggie Bush 3 Yr Avg 70 314 2 4.49 44 327 7.43 2

Reggie Bush 2010 36 150 0 4.17 34 208 6.12 1

Jamaal Charles 3 Yr Avg 162 981 4 6.06 37 345 9.32 1

Jamaal Charles 2010 230 1467 5 6.38 45 468 10.40 3

Tashard Choice 3 Yr Avg 74 354 2 4.78 17 142 8.35 0

Tashard Choice 2010 66 243 3 3.68 17 109 6.41 0

Anthony Dixon 3 Yr Avg 70 237 2 3.39 5 11 2.20 0

Anthony Dixon 2010 70 237 2 3.39 5 11 2.20 0

Justin Forsett 3 Yr Avg 77 380 2 4.94 24 200 8.33 0

Justin Forsett 2010 118 523 2 4.43 33 252 7.64 0

Matt Forte 3 Yr Avg 270 1076 6 3.99 57 500 8.77 2

Matt Forte 2010 237 1069 6 4.51 51 547 10.73 3

Arian Foster 3 Yr Avg 190 936 9 4.93 37 348 9.41 1

Arian Foster 2010 327 1616 16 4.94 66 604 9.15 2

Toby Gerhart 3 Yr Avg 81 322 1 3.98 21 167 7.95 0

Toby Gerhart 2010 81 322 1 3.98 21 167 7.95 0

Mike Goodson 3 Yr Avg 62 250 1 4.03 21 162 7.71 0

Mike Goodson 2010 103 452 3 4.39 40 310 7.75 0

Frank Gore 3 Yr Avg 224 1003 6 4.48 47 410 8.72 2

Frank Gore 2010 203 853 3 4.20 46 452 9.83 2

Ryan Grant 3 Yr Avg 200 833 5 4.16 14 104 7.43 0

Ryan Grant 2010 8 45 0 5.63 0 0 0.00 0

BenJarvus Green-Ellis 3 Yr Avg 109 465 6 4.27 5 44 8.80 0

BenJarvus Green-Ellis 2010 229 1008 13 4.40 12 85 7.08 0

Shonn Greene 3 Yr Avg 146 653 2 4.47 8 60 7.50 0

Shonn Greene 2010 185 766 2 4.14 16 120 7.50 0

Jerome Harrison 3 Yr Avg 99 479 2 4.84 19 140 7.37 1

Jerome Harrison 2010 31 91 0 2.94 4 42 10.50 0Jerome Harrison 2010 40 239 1 5.98 8 43 5.38 0

Mike Hart 3 Yr Avg 23 88 0 3.83 4 32 8.00 0

Mike Hart 2010 43 185 1 4.30 6 25 4.17 0

Tim Hightower 3 Yr Avg 146 577 7 3.95 39 267 6.85 0

Tim Hightower 2010 153 736 5 4.81 21 136 6.48 0

Peyton Hillis 3 Yr Avg 117 524 5 4.48 26 225 8.65 1

Peyton Hillis 2010 270 1177 11 4.36 61 477 7.82 2

Chris Ivory 3 Yr Avg 137 716 5 5.23 1 17 17.00 0

Chris Ivory 2010 137 716 5 5.23 1 17 17.00 0

51

RUNNING BACK STRUNNING BACK STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

52

NAME YEAR ATT RYD RTD AVG REC RCYD AVG RCTD

Brandon Jackson 3 Yr Avg 90 354 2 3.93 31 238 7.68 0

Brandon Jackson 2010 190 703 3 3.70 43 342 7.95 1

Fred Jackson 3 Yr Avg 196 853 3 4.35 38 301 7.92 1

Fred Jackson 2010 222 927 5 4.18 31 215 6.94 2

Steven Jackson 3 Yr Avg 302 1233 5 4.08 45 361 8.02 0

Steven Jackson 2010 330 1241 6 3.76 46 383 8.33 0

Brandon Jacobs 3 Yr Avg 196 915 9 4.67 10 93 9.30 0

Brandon Jacobs 2010 147 823 9 5.60 7 59 8.43 0

Javarris James 3 Yr Avg 46 112 6 2.43 9 63 7.00 0

Javarris James 2010 46 112 6 2.43 9 63 7.00 0

Rashad Jennings 3 Yr Avg 61 330 2 5.41 21 162 7.71 0

Rashad Jennings 2010 84 459 4 5.46 26 223 8.58 0

Chris Johnson 3 Yr Avg 308 1532 11 4.97 45 336 7.47 1

Chris Johnson 2010 316 1364 11 4.32 44 245 5.57 1

Felix Jones 3 Yr Avg 110 583 2 5.30 23 193 8.39 0

Felix Jones 2010 185 800 1 4.32 48 450 9.38 1

Thomas Jones 3 Yr Avg 288 1203 11 4.18 20 129 6.45 0

Thomas Jones 2010 245 896 6 3.66 14 122 8.71 0

Maurice Jones-Drew 3 Yr Avg 269 1179 10 4.38 49 418 8.53 1

Maurice Jones-Drew 2010 299 1324 5 4.43 34 317 9.32 2

Marshawn Lynch 3 Yr Avg 190 741 5 3.90 32 208 6.50 0

Marshawn Lynch 2010 202 737 0 3.48 22 145 6.59 0

Ryan Mathews 3 Yr Avg 158 678 7 4.29 22 145 6.59 0

Ryan Mathews 2010 158 678 7 4.29 22 145 6.59 0

LeSean McCoy 3 Yr Avg 181 858 5 4.74 59 450 7.63 1

LeSean McCoy 2010 207 1080 7 5.22 78 592 7.59 2

Darren McFadden 3 Yr Avg 146 671 4 4.60 32 345 10.78 1

Darren McFadden 2010 223 1157 7 5.19 47 507 10.79 3

Willis McGahee 3 Yr Avg 126 531 8 4.21 17 104 6.12 1

Willis McGahee 2010 100 380 5 3.80 14 55 3.93 1

Joe McKnight 3 Yr Avg 39 189 0 4.85 3 20 6.67 0

Joe McKnight 2010 39 189 0 4.85 3 20 6.67 0

Rashard Mendenhall 3 Yr Avg 195 813 6 4.17 16 148 9.25 0

Rashard Mendenhall 2010 324 1273 13 3.93 23 167 7.26 0

Mewelde Moore 3 Yr Avg 69 268 1 3.88 29 226 7.79 1

Mewelde Moore 2010 33 99 0 3.00 26 205 7.88 0

Knowshon Moreno 3 Yr Avg 214 863 6 4.03 32 292 9.13 2

Knowshon Moreno 2010 182 779 5 4.28 37 372 10.05 3

Adrian Peterson 3 Yr Avg 320 1480 13 4.63 33 300 9.09 0

Adrian Peterson 2010 283 1298 12 4.59 36 341 9.47 1

Ray Rice 3 Yr Avg 222 1004 4 4.52 58 510 8.79 0

Ray Rice 2010 307 1220 5 3.97 63 556 8.83 1

Javon Ringer 3 Yr Avg 29 143 1 4.93 3 22 7.33 0

Javon Ringer 2010 51 239 2 4.69 7 44 6.29 0

Bernard Scott 3 Yr Avg 67 310 0 4.63 8 63 7.88 0

Bernard Scott 2010 61 299 1 4.90 11 60 5.45 0

Steve Slaton 3 Yr Avg 139 604 4 4.35 32 268 8.38 1

Steve Slaton 2010 19 93 0 4.89 3 11 3.67 0

Jason Snelling 3 Yr Avg 81 333 2 4.11 27 217 8.04 1

Jason Snelling 2010 87 324 2 3.72 44 303 6.89 3

C.J. Spiller 3 Yr Avg 74 283 0 3.82 24 157 6.54 1

C.J. Spiller 2010 74 283 0 3.82 24 157 6.54 1

Darren Sproles 3 Yr Avg 68 313 1 4.60 44 453 10.30 3

Darren Sproles 2010 50 267 0 5.34 59 520 8.81 2

James Starks 3 Yr Avg 29 101 0 3.48 2 15 7.50 0

James Starks 2010 29 101 0 3.48 2 15 7.50 0

RUNNING BACK STRUNNING BACK STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

NAME YEAR ATT RYD RTD AVG REC RCYD AVG RCTD LaRod Stephens-Howling 3 Yr Avg 14 64 0 4.57 13 97 7.46 0

LaRod Stephens-Howling 2010 23 113 1 4.91 16 111 6.94 0

Jonathan Stewart 3 Yr Avg 194 913 7 4.71 11 96 8.73 0

Jonathan Stewart 2010 178 770 2 4.33 8 103 12.88 1

Chester Taylor 3 Yr Avg 102 334 2 3.27 36 309 8.58 1

Chester Taylor 2010 112 267 3 2.38 20 139 6.95 0

Pierre Thomas 3 Yr Avg 119 562 5 4.72 33 262 7.94 1

Pierre Thomas 2010 83 269 2 3.24 29 201 6.93 0

Mike Tolbert 3 Yr Avg 73 306 4 4.19 18 193 10.72 1

Mike Tolbert 2010 182 735 11 4.04 25 216 8.64 0

LaDainian Tomlinson 3 Yr Avg 244 918 9 3.76 41 316 7.71 0

LaDainian Tomlinson 2010 219 914 6 4.17 52 368 7.08 0

Ryan Torain 3 Yr Avg 89 405 2 4.55 9 62 6.89 1

Ryan Torain 2010 164 742 4 4.52 18 125 6.94 2

Michael Turner 3 Yr Avg 296 1313 13 4.44 7 53 7.57 0

Michael Turner 2010 334 1371 12 4.10 12 85 7.08 0

Derrick Ward 3 Yr Avg 115 583 2 5.07 22 198 9.00 0

Derrick Ward 2010 50 315 4 6.30 7 61 8.71 0

Danny Ware 3 Yr Avg 11 53 0 4.82 3 27 9.00 0

Danny Ware 2010 20 73 0 3.65 7 67 9.57 0

Leon Washington 3 Yr Avg 58 293 2 5.05 23 188 8.17 0

Leon Washington 2010 27 100 1 3.70 9 79 8.78 0

Chris Wells 3 Yr Avg 146 595 4 4.08 8 108 13.50 0

Chris Wells 2010 116 397 2 3.42 5 74 14.80 0

Cadillac Williams 3 Yr Avg 132 497 3 3.77 27 205 7.59 1

Cadillac Williams 2010 125 437 2 3.50 46 355 7.72 1

DeAngelo Williams 3 Yr Avg 192 997 8 5.19 20 144 7.20 0

DeAngelo Williams 2010 87 361 1 4.15 11 61 5.55 0

Keiland Williams 3 Yr Avg 65 261 3 4.02 39 309 7.92 2

Keiland Williams 2010 65 261 3 4.02 39 309 7.92 2

Ricky Williams 3 Yr Avg 187 817 5 4.37 27 208 7.70 1

Ricky Williams 2010 159 673 2 4.23 19 141 7.42 1

Danny Woodhead 3 Yr Avg 37 203 1 5.49 14 155 11.07 0

Danny Woodhead 2010 97 547 5 5.64 34 379 11.15 1

53

WIDE RECEIVER STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGESNAME YEAR REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS Seyi Ajirotutu 3 Yr Avg 13 262 20.15 2 23

Seyi Ajirotutu 2010 13 262 20.15 2 23

Danario Alexander 3 Yr Avg 20 306 15.30 1 37

Danario Alexander 2010 20 306 15.30 1 37

Danny Amendola 3 Yr Avg 64 507 7.92 2 61

Danny Amendola 2010 85 689 8.11 3 123

Anthony Armstrong 3 Yr Avg 22 435 19.77 1 43

Anthony Armstrong 2010 44 871 19.80 3 86

Devin Aromashodu 3 Yr Avg 11 149 13.55 1 22

Devin Aromashodu 2010 10 149 14.90 0 24

Miles Austin 3 Yr Avg 54 879 16.28 7 88

Miles Austin 2010 69 1041 15.09 7 119

Jason Avant 3 Yr Avg 41 512 12.49 2 60

Jason Avant 2010 51 573 11.24 1 74

Arrelious Benn 3 Yr Avg 25 395 15.80 2 38

Arrelious Benn 2010 25 395 15.80 2 38

Earl Bennett 3 Yr Avg 33 426 12.91 1 53

Earl Bennett 2010 46 561 12.20 3 70

Bernard Berrian 3 Yr Avg 43 611 14.21 3 80

Bernard Berrian 2010 28 252 9.00 0 54

Davone Bess 3 Yr Avg 69 710 10.29 2 104

Davone Bess 2010 79 820 10.38 5 125

Anquan Boldin 3 Yr Avg 79 966 12.23 7 121

Anquan Boldin 2010 64 837 13.08 7 109

Dwayne Bowe 3 Yr Avg 68 924 13.59 8 126

Dwayne Bowe 2010 72 1162 16.14 15 133

Deion Branch 3 Yr Avg 45 555 12.33 4 77

Deion Branch 2010 61 818 13.40 6 92

Steve Breaston 3 Yr Avg 59 812 13.76 2 97

Steve Breaston 2010 47 718 15.28 1 87

Kenny Britt 3 Yr Avg 42 738 17.57 6 71

Kenny Britt 2010 42 775 18.45 9 73

Antonio Brown 3 Yr Avg 16 167 10.44 0 19

Antonio Brown 2010 16 167 10.44 0 19

Dez Bryant 3 Yr Avg 45 561 12.47 6 72

Dez Bryant 2010 45 561 12.47 6 72

Nate Burleson 3 Yr Avg 41 499 12.17 3 66

Nate Burleson 2010 55 625 11.36 6 86

Plaxico Burress 3 Yr Avg 35 454 12.97 4 73

Deon Butler 3 Yr Avg 21 224 10.67 2 44

Deon Butler 2010 36 385 10.69 4 70

Andre Caldwell 3 Yr Avg 29 285 9.83 1 45

Andre Caldwell 2010 25 345 13.80 0 37

Greg Camarillo 3 Yr Avg 41 468 11.41 1 63

Greg Camarillo 2010 20 240 12.00 1 34

Chris Chambers 3 Yr Avg 30 427 14.23 3 66

Chris Chambers 2010 22 213 9.68 1 43

Mark Clayton 3 Yr Avg 32 493 15.41 2 65

Mark Clayton 2010 23 306 13.30 2 42

Austin Collie 3 Yr Avg 59 662 11.22 7 80

Austin Collie 2010 58 649 11.19 8 71

Marques Colston 3 Yr Avg 67 952 14.21 7 108

Marques Colston 2010 84 1023 12.18 7 132

Riley Cooper 3 Yr Avg 7 116 16.57 1 18

Riley Cooper 2010 7 116 16.57 1 18

54

WIDE RECEIVER STWIDE RECEIVER STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

55

NAME YEAR REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS

Jerricho Cotchery 3 Yr Avg 56 704 12.57 3 97

Jerricho Cotchery 2010 41 433 10.56 2 86

Michael Crabtree 3 Yr Avg 51 683 13.39 4 93

Michael Crabtree 2010 55 741 13.47 6 101

Patrick Crayton 3 Yr Avg 34 562 16.53 3 61

Patrick Crayton 2010 28 514 18.36 1 42

Josh Cribbs 3 Yr Avg 15 148 9.87 1 27

Josh Cribbs 2010 23 292 12.70 1 39

Early Doucet 3 Yr Avg 19 198 10.42 0 33

Early Doucet 2010 26 291 11.19 1 59

Harry Douglas 3 Yr Avg 22 307 13.95 1 46

Harry Douglas 2010 22 294 13.36 1 53

Donald Driver 3 Yr Avg 65 879 13.52 5 104

Donald Driver 2010 51 565 11.08 4 86

Julian Edelman 3 Yr Avg 22 222 10.09 0 36

Julian Edelman 2010 7 86 12.29 0 14

Armanti Edwards 3 Yr Avg 0 0 0.00 0 2

Armanti Edwards 2010 0 0 0.00 0 2

Braylon Edwards 3 Yr Avg 47 774 16.47 4 104

Braylon Edwards 2010 53 904 17.06 7 101

Lee Evans 3 Yr Avg 48 735 15.31 4 94

Lee Evans 2010 37 578 15.62 4 83

Larry Fitzgerald 3 Yr Avg 94 1220 12.98 10 159

Larry Fitzgerald 2010 90 1137 12.63 6 173

Malcom Floyd 3 Yr Avg 36 652 18.11 3 65

Malcom Floyd 2010 37 717 19.38 6 77

Jacoby Ford 3 Yr Avg 25 470 18.80 2 54

Jacoby Ford 2010 25 470 18.80 2 54

Jabar Gaffney 3 Yr Avg 52 691 13.29 2 88

Jabar Gaffney 2010 65 875 13.46 2 112

Justin Gage 3 Yr Avg 27 433 16.04 3 60

Justin Gage 2010 20 266 13.30 1 43

Pierre Garcon 3 Yr Avg 39 524 13.44 3 71

Pierre Garcon 2010 67 784 11.70 6 118

David Gettis 3 Yr Avg 37 508 13.73 3 67

David Gettis 2010 37 508 13.73 3 67

Brandon Gibson 3 Yr Avg 43 484 11.26 1 74

Brandon Gibson 2010 53 620 11.70 2 91

Mardy Gilyard 3 Yr Avg 6 63 10.50 0 16

Mardy Gilyard 2010 6 63 10.50 0 16

Ted Ginn 3 Yr Avg 35 469 13.40 1 68

Ted Ginn 2010 12 163 13.58 1 35

Anthony Gonzalez 3 Yr Avg 20 243 12.15 1 29

Anthony Gonzalez 2010 5 67 13.40 0 9

Brian Hartline 3 Yr Avg 37 560 15.14 2 65

Brian Hartline 2010 43 615 14.30 1 73

Percy Harvin 3 Yr Avg 65 829 12.75 5 100

Percy Harvin 2010 71 868 12.23 5 109

Devery Henderson 3 Yr Avg 39 687 17.62 2 66

Devery Henderson 2010 34 464 13.65 1 59

Devin Hester 3 Yr Avg 49 632 12.90 3 85

Devin Hester 2010 40 475 11.88 4 73

Darrius Heyward-Bey 3 Yr Avg 17 245 14.41 1 52

Darrius Heyward-Bey 2010 26 366 14.08 1 65

Santonio Holmes 3 Yr Avg 62 938 15.13 5 116

Santonio Holmes 2010 52 746 14.35 6 95

WIDE RECEIVER STWIDE RECEIVER STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

NAME YEAR REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS T.J. Houshmandzadeh 3 Yr Avg 67 737 11.00 3 109

T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2010 30 398 13.27 3 57

DeSean Jackson 3 Yr Avg 57 1045 18.33 5 110

DeSean Jackson 2010 47 1056 22.47 6 96

Vincent Jackson 3 Yr Avg 47 837 17.81 6 74

Vincent Jackson 2010 14 248 17.71 3 24

Michael Jenkins 3 Yr Avg 47 639 13.60 2 81

Michael Jenkins 2010 41 505 12.32 2 73

Greg Jennings 3 Yr Avg 74 1223 16.53 8 128

Greg Jennings 2010 76 1265 16.64 12 124

Andre Johnson 3 Yr Avg 100 1453 14.53 8 159

Andre Johnson 2010 86 1216 14.14 8 138

Calvin Johnson 3 Yr Avg 74 1145 15.47 9 141

Calvin Johnson 2010 77 1120 14.55 12 137

Steve Johnson 3 Yr Avg 31 395 12.74 4 51

Steve Johnson 2010 82 1073 13.09 10 142

Jacoby Jones 3 Yr Avg 27 360 13.33 3 46

Jacoby Jones 2010 51 562 11.02 3 78

James Jones 3 Yr Avg 34 464 13.65 3 59

James Jones 2010 50 679 13.58 5 87

Johnny Knox 3 Yr Avg 48 743 15.48 5 90

Johnny Knox 2010 51 960 18.82 5 100

Brandon LaFell 3 Yr Avg 38 468 12.32 1 77

Brandon LaFell 2010 38 468 12.32 1 77

Brandon Lloyd 3 Yr Avg 37 643 17.38 4 67

Brandon Lloyd 2010 77 1448 18.81 11 153

Jeremy Maclin 3 Yr Avg 62 863 13.92 7 105

Jeremy Maclin 2010 70 964 13.77 10 115

Mario Manningham 3 Yr Avg 40 597 14.93 4 65

Mario Manningham 2010 60 944 15.73 9 92

Brandon Marshall 3 Yr Avg 97 1133 11.68 6 160

Brandon Marshall 2010 86 1014 11.79 3 145

Derrick Mason 3 Yr Avg 71 955 13.45 6 118

Derrick Mason 2010 61 802 13.15 7 100

Mohamed Massaquoi 3 Yr Avg 35 553 15.80 2 84

Mohamed Massaquoi 2010 36 483 13.42 2 74

Dexter McCluster 3 Yr Avg 21 209 9.95 1 39

Dexter McCluster 2010 21 209 9.95 1 39

Robert Meachem 3 Yr Avg 33 549 16.64 5 50

Robert Meachem 2010 44 638 14.50 5 66

Lance Moore 3 Yr Avg 53 614 11.58 6 78

Lance Moore 2010 66 763 11.56 8 95

Josh Morgan 3 Yr Avg 38 514 13.53 2 68

Josh Morgan 2010 44 698 15.86 2 80

Randy Moss 3 Yr Avg 60 888 14.80 9 109

Randy Moss 2010 13 174 13.38 2 25

Randy Moss 2010 9 139 15.44 3 22

Randy Moss 2010 6 80 13.33 0 16

Santana Moss 3 Yr Avg 80 1020 12.75 5 133

Santana Moss 2010 93 1115 11.99 6 145

Louis Murphy 3 Yr Avg 37 565 15.27 3 87

Louis Murphy 2010 41 609 14.85 2 78

Legedu Naanee 3 Yr Avg 18 225 12.50 1 29

Legedu Naanee 2010 23 371 16.13 1 46

Jordy Nelson 3 Yr Avg 33 422 12.79 2 49

Jordy Nelson 2010 45 582 12.93 2 64

56

WIDE RECEIVER STWIDE RECEIVER STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

NAME YEAR REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS Hakeem Nicks 3 Yr Avg 63 921 14.62 8 101

Hakeem Nicks 2010 79 1052 13.32 11 128

Ben Obomanu 3 Yr Avg 11 178 16.18 1 18

Ben Obomanu 2010 30 494 16.47 4 49

Chad Ochocinco 3 Yr Avg 64 806 12.59 5 117

Chad Ochocinco 2010 67 831 12.40 4 126

Terrell Owens 3 Yr Avg 65 954 14.68 8 129

Terrell Owens 2010 72 983 13.65 9 139

Taylor Price 3 Yr Avg 3 41 13.67 0 4

Taylor Price 2010 3 41 13.67 0 4

Sidney Rice 3 Yr Avg 38 577 15.18 4 65

Sidney Rice 2010 17 280 16.47 2 42

Laurent Robinson 3 Yr Avg 17 187 11.00 1 39

Laurent Robinson 2010 34 344 10.12 2 75

Brian Robiskie 3 Yr Avg 18 208 11.56 1 35

Brian Robiskie 2010 29 310 10.69 3 49

Eddie Royal 3 Yr Avg 62 650 10.48 2 103

Eddie Royal 2010 59 627 10.63 3 105

Emmanuel Sanders 3 Yr Avg 28 376 13.43 2 50

Emmanuel Sanders 2010 28 376 13.43 2 50

Chaz Schilens 3 Yr Avg 16 210 13.13 1 30

Chaz Schilens 2010 5 40 8.00 1 9

Jordan Shipley 3 Yr Avg 52 600 11.54 3 74

Jordan Shipley 2010 52 600 11.54 3 74

Jerome Simpson 3 Yr Avg 7 93 13.29 1 9

Jerome Simpson 2010 20 277 13.85 3 25

Mike Sims-Walker 3 Yr Avg 40 549 13.73 4 73

Mike Sims-Walker 2010 43 562 13.07 7 80

Steve Smith 3 Yr Avg 63 984 15.62 5 119

Steve Smith 2010 46 554 12.04 2 99

Steven Smith 3 Yr Avg 70 774 11.06 3 104

Steven Smith 2010 48 529 11.02 3 75

Brandon Stokley 3 Yr Avg 33 403 12.21 2 53

Brandon Stokley 2010 31 354 11.42 0 43

Sammie Stroughter 3 Yr Avg 27 286 10.59 0 49

Sammie Stroughter 2010 24 239 9.96 0 40

Chansi Stuckey 3 Yr Avg 30 301 10.03 1 57

Chansi Stuckey 2010 40 346 8.65 0 63

Brandon Tate 3 Yr Avg 12 216 18.00 1 24

Brandon Tate 2010 24 432 18.00 3 46

Golden Tate 3 Yr Avg 21 227 10.81 0 39

Golden Tate 2010 21 227 10.81 0 39

Demaryius Thomas 3 Yr Avg 22 283 12.86 2 39

Demaryius Thomas 2010 22 283 12.86 2 39

Mike Thomas 3 Yr Avg 57 636 11.16 2 70

Mike Thomas 2010 66 820 12.42 4 101

Mike Wallace 3 Yr Avg 49 1006 20.53 8 86

Mike Wallace 2010 60 1257 20.95 10 99

Kevin Walter 3 Yr Avg 54 710 13.15 5 84

Kevin Walter 2010 51 621 12.18 5 80

Hines Ward 3 Yr Avg 78 989 12.68 6 119

Hines Ward 2010 59 755 12.80 5 93

Nate Washington 3 Yr Avg 43 629 14.63 5 87

Nate Washington 2010 42 687 16.36 6 94

Reggie Wayne 3 Yr Avg 97 1254 12.93 7 151

Reggie Wayne 2010 111 1355 12.21 6 176

57

WIDE RECEIVER STWIDE RECEIVER STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

NAME YEAR REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS Wes Welker 3 Yr Avg 107 1120 10.47 4 145

Wes Welker 2010 86 848 9.86 7 123

Blair White 3 Yr Avg 36 355 9.86 5 57

Blair White 2010 36 355 9.86 5 57

Roddy White 3 Yr Avg 96 1308 13.63 9 164

Roddy White 2010 115 1389 12.08 10 179

Mike Williams 3 Yr Avg 65 751 11.55 2 110

Mike Williams 2010 65 751 11.55 2 110

Mike Williams 3 Yr Avg 65 964 14.83 11 129

Mike Williams 2010 65 964 14.83 11 129

Roy Williams 3 Yr Avg 37 518 14.00 4 77

Roy Williams 2010 37 530 14.32 5 64

58

TIGHT END STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES

Travis Beckum 3 Yr Avg 10 85 8.50 1 15

Travis Beckum 2010 13 116 8.92 2 18

Martellus Bennett 3 Yr Avg 22 234 10.64 1 35

Martellus Bennett 2010 33 260 7.88 0 48

Kevin Boss 3 Yr Avg 36 494 13.72 5 64

Kevin Boss 2010 35 531 15.17 5 70

John Carlson 3 Yr Avg 45 506 11.24 4 74

John Carlson 2010 31 318 10.26 1 58

Brent Celek 3 Yr Avg 48 600 12.50 4 76

Brent Celek 2010 42 511 12.17 4 80

Dallas Clark 3 Yr Avg 71 767 10.80 6 97

Dallas Clark 2010 37 347 9.38 3 53

Jared Cook 3 Yr Avg 19 217 11.42 0 30

Jared Cook 2010 29 361 12.45 1 45

Chris Cooley 3 Yr Avg 63 676 10.73 2 93

Chris Cooley 2010 77 849 11.03 3 126

Alge Crumpler 3 Yr Avg 19 177 9.32 1 30

Alge Crumpler 2010 6 52 8.67 2 10

Owen Daniels 3 Yr Avg 49 617 12.59 3 75

Owen Daniels 2010 38 471 12.39 2 68

Fred Davis 3 Yr Avg 24 284 11.83 3 39

Fred Davis 2010 21 316 15.05 3 31

Vernon Davis 3 Yr Avg 55 745 13.55 7 91

Vernon Davis 2010 56 914 16.32 7 93

Ed Dickson 3 Yr Avg 11 152 13.82 1 23

Ed Dickson 2010 11 152 13.82 1 23

Joel Dreessen 3 Yr Avg 24 305 12.71 1 38

Joel Dreessen 2010 36 518 14.39 4 55

Anthony Fasano 3 Yr Avg 34 440 12.94 4 56

Anthony Fasano 2010 39 528 13.54 4 60

Daniel Fells 3 Yr Avg 23 248 10.78 1 37

Daniel Fells 2010 41 391 9.54 2 65

Jermichael Finley 3 Yr Avg 27 350 12.96 2 36

Jermichael Finley 2010 21 301 14.33 1 26

Antonio Gates 3 Yr Avg 63 881 13.98 8 88

Antonio Gates 2010 50 782 15.64 10 65

Tony Gonzalez 3 Yr Avg 83 860 10.36 7 133

Tony Gonzalez 2010 70 656 9.37 6 109

Daniel Graham 3 Yr Avg 26 275 10.58 1 43

Daniel Graham 2010 18 148 8.22 0 37

Jimmy Graham 3 Yr Avg 31 356 11.48 5 44

Jimmy Graham 2010 31 356 11.48 5 44

Jermaine Gresham 3 Yr Avg 52 471 9.06 4 83

Jermaine Gresham 2010 52 471 9.06 4 83

Rob Gronkowski 3 Yr Avg 42 546 13.00 10 59

Rob Gronkowski 2010 42 546 13.00 10 59

Todd Heap 3 Yr Avg 42 531 12.64 4 67

Todd Heap 2010 40 599 14.98 5 64

Aaron Hernandez 3 Yr Avg 45 563 12.51 6 64

Aaron Hernandez 2010 45 563 12.51 6 64

Michael Hoomanawanui 3 Yr Avg 13 146 11.23 3 22

Michael Hoomanawanui 2010 13 146 11.23 3 22

Dustin Keller 3 Yr Avg 49 581 11.86 3 86

Dustin Keller 2010 55 687 12.49 5 101

Jeff King 3 Yr Avg 21 172 8.19 2 34

Jeff King 2010 19 121 6.37 2 32

59

NAME YEAR REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS

TIGHT END STTIGHT END STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

Donald Lee 3 Yr Avg 29 212 7.31 3 38

Donald Lee 2010 11 73 6.64 3 12

Marcedes Lewis 3 Yr Avg 43 569 13.23 4 72

Marcedes Lewis 2010 58 700 12.07 10 88

Randy McMichael 3 Yr Avg 21 230 10.95 1 36

Randy McMichael 2010 20 221 11.05 2 27

Heath Miller 3 Yr Avg 55 605 11.00 3 76

Heath Miller 2010 42 512 12.19 2 67

Zach Miller 3 Yr Avg 60 756 12.60 3 92

Zach Miller 2010 60 685 11.42 5 92

Zach Miller 3 Yr Avg 20 214 10.70 1 26

Zach Miller 2010 20 216 10.80 1 26

Tony Moeaki 3 Yr Avg 47 556 11.83 3 73

Tony Moeaki 2010 47 556 11.83 3 73

Evan Moore 3 Yr Avg 9 160 17.78 0 8

Evan Moore 2010 16 322 20.13 1 26

Greg Olsen 3 Yr Avg 51 530 10.39 6 86

Greg Olsen 2010 41 404 9.85 5 69

Ben Patrick 3 Yr Avg 12 124 10.33 0 18

Ben Patrick 2010 15 123 8.20 0 18

Brandon Pettigrew 3 Yr Avg 50 534 10.68 3 85

Brandon Pettigrew 2010 71 722 10.17 4 111

Andrew Quarless 3 Yr Avg 21 238 11.33 1 33

Andrew Quarless 2010 21 238 11.33 1 33

Dante Rosario 3 Yr Avg 25 262 10.48 1 46

Dante Rosario 2010 32 264 8.25 0 58

Bo Scaife 3 Yr Avg 46 440 9.57 2 68

Bo Scaife 2010 36 318 8.83 4 52

Tony Scheffler 3 Yr Avg 38 479 12.61 2 61

Tony Scheffler 2010 45 378 8.40 1 72

Visanthe Shiancoe 3 Yr Avg 48 564 11.75 6 72

Visanthe Shiancoe 2010 47 530 11.28 2 80

Jeremy Shockey 3 Yr Avg 46 486 10.57 2 66

Jeremy Shockey 2010 41 408 9.95 3 59

Jacob Tamme 3 Yr Avg 24 226 9.42 1 36

Jacob Tamme 2010 67 631 9.42 4 93

David Thomas 3 Yr Avg 24 222 9.25 1 37

David Thomas 2010 30 219 7.30 2 46

Delanie Walker 3 Yr Avg 20 239 11.95 0 33

Delanie Walker 2010 29 331 11.41 0 45

Ben Watson 3 Yr Avg 39 458 11.74 3 63

Ben Watson 2010 68 763 11.22 3 102

Kellen Winslow 3 Yr Avg 62 680 10.97 4 99

Kellen Winslow 2010 66 730 11.06 5 98

Jason Witten 3 Yr Avg 89 994 11.17 5 124

Jason Witten 2010 94 1002 10.66 9 128

60

NAME YEAR REC YDS AVG TD TARGETS

KICKER STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGESNAME YEAR FGM XPM

David Akers 3 Yr Avg 32 45

David Akers 2010 32 47

Connor Barth 3 Yr Avg 15 24

Connor Barth 2010 23 36

Rob Bironas 3 Yr Avg 26 38

Rob Bironas 2010 24 38

Josh Brown 3 Yr Avg 27 20

Josh Brown 2010 33 26

Matt Bryant 3 Yr Avg 22 29

Matt Bryant 2010 28 44

David Buehler 3 Yr Avg 12 21

David Buehler 2010 24 42

Dan Carpenter 3 Yr Avg 25 34

Dan Carpenter 2010 30 25

Mason Crosby 3 Yr Avg 25 46

Mason Crosby 2010 22 46

Billy Cundiff 3 Yr Avg 19 29

Billy Cundiff 2010 26 39

Phil Dawson 3 Yr Avg 23 21

Phil Dawson 2010 23 28

Jay Feely 3 Yr Avg 26 33

Jay Feely 2010 24 29

Nick Folk 3 Yr Avg 22 38

Nick Folk 2010 30 37

Graham Gano 3 Yr Avg 14 17

Graham Gano 2010 24 28

Stephen Gostkowski 3 Yr Avg 24 37

Stephen Gostkowski 2010 10 26

Robbie Gould 3 Yr Avg 25 36

Robbie Gould 2010 25 35

Jason Hanson 3 Yr Avg 18 23

Jason Hanson 2010 12 19

Garrett Hartley 3 Yr Avg 14 26

Garrett Hartley 2010 20 40

Steven Hauschka 3 Yr Avg 5 12

Steven Hauschka 2010 6 10

Sebastian Janikowski 3 Yr Avg 27 28

Sebastian Janikowski 2010 33 43

Nate Kaeding 3 Yr Avg 27 45

Nate Kaeding 2010 23 40

John Kasay 3 Yr Avg 25 31

John Kasay 2010 25 17

Rian Lindell 3 Yr Avg 24 29

Rian Lindell 2010 16 31

Ryan Longwell 3 Yr Avg 24 41

Ryan Longwell 2010 17 30

Olindo Mare 3 Yr Avg 24 29

Olindo Mare 2010 25 31

Joe Nedney 3 Yr Avg 19 28

Joe Nedney 2010 11 17

Nick Novak 3 Yr Avg 6 7

Mike Nugent 3 Yr Avg 5 9

Mike Nugent 2010 15 17

Matt Prater 3 Yr Avg 23 33

Matt Prater 2010 16 28

61

KICKER STKICKER STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

Neil Rackers 3 Yr Avg 22 41

Neil Rackers 2010 27 43

Dave Rayner 3 Yr Avg 7 9

Dave Rayner 2010 13 16

Jeff Reed 3 Yr Avg 26 36

Jeff Reed 2010 15 19

Jeff Reed 2010 9 13

Josh Scobee 3 Yr Avg 19 34

Josh Scobee 2010 22 41

Ryan Succop 3 Yr Avg 22 35

Ryan Succop 2010 20 42

Shaun Suisham 3 Yr Avg 14 16

Shaun Suisham 2010 14 19

Lawrence Tynes 3 Yr Avg 15 30

Lawrence Tynes 2010 19 43

Adam Vinatieri 3 Yr Avg 17 37

Adam Vinatieri 2010 26 51

62

NAME YEAR FGM XPM

IDP STATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGESNAME YEAR POS INT TKL SACK TDJohn Abraham 3 Yr Avg DE 0 36 11.6 0

John Abraham 2010 DE 1 36 13 0

Jared Allen 3 Yr Avg DE 1 49 13.5 0

Jared Allen 2010 DE 2 45 11 1

James Anderson 3 Yr Avg LB 0 52 1.5 0

James Anderson 2010 LB 1 98 3.5 0

Oshiomogho Atogwe 3 Yr Avg S 3 73 1 0

Oshiomogho Atogwe 2010 S 3 64 2 0

Cliff Avril 3 Yr Avg DE 0 28 6.3 0

Cliff Avril 2010 DE 0 23 8.5 0

Jason Babin 3 Yr Avg DE 0 30 5.6 0

Jason Babin 2010 DE 0 44 12.5 0

Ronde Barber 3 Yr Avg CB 2 71 1.6 0

Ronde Barber 2010 CB 3 65 1 0

Jon Beason 3 Yr Avg LB 2 123 1.3 0

Jon Beason 2010 LB 1 90 1 0

Yeremiah Bell 3 Yr Avg S 1 105 1.3 0

Yeremiah Bell 2010 S 1 83 1.5 0

Eric Berry 3 Yr Avg S 4 72 2 1

Eric Berry 2010 S 4 72 2 1

Antoine Bethea 3 Yr Avg S 2 91 0.16 0

Antoine Bethea 2010 S 1 77 0.5 0

Desmond Bishop 3 Yr Avg LB 0 35 1.3 0

Desmond Bishop 2010 LB 1 71 3 1

Quincy Black 3 Yr Avg LB 0 42 1.16 0

Quincy Black 2010 LB 1 50 2 0

Gary Brackett 3 Yr Avg LB 0 83 0.5 0

Gary Brackett 2010 LB 0 53 0.5 0

Stewart Bradley 3 Yr Avg LB 1 78 1 0

Stewart Bradley 2010 LB 1 49 1 0

Tyvon Branch 3 Yr Avg S 0 68 1.6 0

Tyvon Branch 2010 S 1 79 4 1

Lance Briggs 3 Yr Avg LB 2 101 1.6 0

Lance Briggs 2010 LB 2 76 2 0

Kevin Burnett 3 Yr Avg LB 0 55 3.5 0

Kevin Burnett 2010 LB 2 80 6 1

Morgan Burnett 3 Yr Avg S 1 12 0 0

Morgan Burnett 2010 S 1 12 0 0

Jairus Byrd 3 Yr Avg S 4 47 0.5 0

Jairus Byrd 2010 S 1 61 1 1

Calais Campbell 3 Yr Avg DE 0 37 4.3 0

Calais Campbell 2010 DE 0 46 6 0

Jamar Chaney 3 Yr Avg LB 0 27 0 0

Jamar Chaney 2010 LB 0 27 0 0

Patrick Chung 3 Yr Avg S 2 45 1 0

Patrick Chung 2010 S 3 67 0 1

Nate Clements 3 Yr Avg CB 2 56 0.33 0

Nate Clements 2010 CB 3 72 1 0

Chris Clemons 3 Yr Avg DE 0 15 6 0

Chris Clemons 2010 DE 0 33 11 0

Trent Cole 3 Yr Avg DE 0 61 10.5 0

Trent Cole 2010 DE 0 50 10 0

Nick Collins 3 Yr Avg S 5 57 0.33 1

Nick Collins 2010 S 4 53 0 1

Aaron Curry 3 Yr Avg LB 0 59 2.75 0

Aaron Curry 2010 LB 0 58 3.5 0

63

IDP STIDP STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

Brian Cushing 3 Yr Avg LB 2 93 3.25 0

Brian Cushing 2010 LB 0 53 1.5 0

Craig Dahl 3 Yr Avg S 2 77 1 0

Craig Dahl 2010 S 2 77 1 0

Karlos Dansby 3 Yr Avg LB 1 101 2.6 0

Karlos Dansby 2010 LB 0 78 3 0

Andra Davis 3 Yr Avg LB 0 66 1.16 0

Andra Davis 2010 LB 1 18 0 0

Thomas Davis 3 Yr Avg LB 1 86 2.5 0

Louis Delmas 3 Yr Avg S 1 76 1.5 1

Louis Delmas 2010 S 0 62 2 0

Darnell Dockett 3 Yr Avg DE 0 48 5.3 0

Darnell Dockett 2010 DE 0 45 5 1

Glenn Dorsey 3 Yr Avg DE 0 50 1.3 0

Glenn Dorsey 2010 DE 0 51 2 0

Elvis Dumervil 3 Yr Avg LB 0 36 11 0

Carlos Dunlap 3 Yr Avg DE 0 19 9.5 0

Carlos Dunlap 2010 DE 0 19 9.5 0

Dwan Edwards 3 Yr Avg DE 0 26 0.66 0

Dwan Edwards 2010 DE 1 31 1 0

Ray Edwards 3 Yr Avg DE 0 44 7.16 0

Ray Edwards 2010 DE 0 28 8 0

James Farrior 3 Yr Avg LB 0 105 4.16 0

James Farrior 2010 LB 0 80 6 0

Cortland Finnegan 3 Yr Avg CB 4 71 0.66 1

Cortland Finnegan 2010 CB 2 82 1 1

London Fletcher 3 Yr Avg LB 0 120 1.6 0

London Fletcher 2010 LB 1 87 2.5 0

Dwight Freeney 3 Yr Avg DE 0 24 11.33333 0

Dwight Freeney 2010 DE 0 21 10 0

Antonio Garay 3 Yr Avg DT 0 21 3 0

Antonio Garay 2010 DT 0 38 6 0

Chris Gocong 3 Yr Avg LB 0 45 1.6 0

Chris Gocong 2010 LB 0 49 2 0

Charles Godfrey 3 Yr Avg S 2 57 0.33 0

Charles Godfrey 2010 S 5 69 0 0

Dashon Goldson 3 Yr Avg S 1 57 1 0

Dashon Goldson 2010 S 1 60 1 1

Chad Greenway 3 Yr Avg LB 1 106 2 0

Chad Greenway 2010 LB 0 108 1 0

Steve Gregory 3 Yr Avg CB 1 44 0.66 0

Steve Gregory 2010 CB 2 32 0 0

Michael Griffin 3 Yr Avg S 4 73 0.66 0

Michael Griffin 2010 S 4 86 0 0

Brent Grimes 3 Yr Avg CB 4 53 0 0

Brent Grimes 2010 CB 5 70 0 0

Joe Haden 3 Yr Avg CB 6 50 1 0

Joe Haden 2010 CB 6 50 1 0

Tamba Hali 3 Yr Avg LB 0 51 8.6 0

Tamba Hali 2010 LB 0 37 14.5 0

DeAngelo Hall 3 Yr Avg CB 5 65 0.16 0

DeAngelo Hall 2010 CB 6 65 0 2

James Hall 3 Yr Avg DE 0 45 7.16 0

James Hall 2010 DE 0 49 10.5 0

Roman Harper 3 Yr Avg S 0 83 1.5 0

Roman Harper 2010 S 1 72 3 0

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NAME YEAR POS INT TKL SACK TD

IDP STIDP STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

NAME YEAR POS INT TKL SACK TDDavid Harris 3 Yr Avg LB 0 90 3.16 0

David Harris 2010 LB 0 69 3 0

James Harrison 3 Yr Avg LB 1 80 12.16667 0

James Harrison 2010 LB 2 70 10.5 0

A.J. Hawk 3 Yr Avg LB 1 80 1.5 0

A.J. Hawk 2010 LB 3 71 0.5 0

David Hawthorne 3 Yr Avg LB 1 63 1.3 0

David Hawthorne 2010 LB 1 73 0 0

Kelvin Hayden 3 Yr Avg CB 2 45 0 1

Kelvin Hayden 2010 CB 2 43 0 2

Geno Hayes 3 Yr Avg LB 1 59 2.3 0

Geno Hayes 2010 LB 1 72 4 1

E.J. Henderson 3 Yr Avg LB 1 60 1.3 0

E.J. Henderson 2010 LB 3 71 1 0

Chris Hope 3 Yr Avg S 2 81 1.3 0

Chris Hope 2010 S 1 87 1 0

Michael Huff 3 Yr Avg S 2 49 1.5 0

Michael Huff 2010 S 3 68 4 0

Israel Idonije 3 Yr Avg DE 0 23 4.6 0

Israel Idonije 2010 DE 0 32 8 0

D’Qwell Jackson 3 Yr Avg LB 1 106 1 0

Lawrence Jackson 3 Yr Avg DE 0 27 4.16 0

Lawrence Jackson 2010 DE 0 21 6 0

Bradie James 3 Yr Avg LB 0 103 3.3 0

Bradie James 2010 LB 1 81 0 0

Cullen Jenkins 3 Yr Avg DE 0 19 4.6 0

Cullen Jenkins 2010 DE 0 13 7 0

Charles Johnson 3 Yr Avg DE 0 33 7.16 0

Charles Johnson 2010 DE 0 51 11.5 0

Derrick Johnson 3 Yr Avg LB 1 70 1.16 1

Derrick Johnson 2010 LB 1 96 1 1

Jason Jones 3 Yr Avg DE 0 26 4.16 0

Jason Jones 2010 DE 0 33 3.5 0

Aaron Kampman 3 Yr Avg DE 0 40 5.6 0

Aaron Kampman 2010 DE 0 16 4 0

Tommy Kelly 3 Yr Avg DT 0 49 4.5 0

Tommy Kelly 2010 DT 0 38 7 0

Dawan Landry 3 Yr Avg S 1 59 0.33 0

Dawan Landry 2010 S 0 83 1 1

LaRon Landry 3 Yr Avg S 1 73 0.83 0

LaRon Landry 2010 S 1 66 1 0

James Laurinaitis 3 Yr Avg LB 1 109 2.5 0

James Laurinaitis 2010 LB 1 98 3 0

Paris Lenon 3 Yr Avg LB 0 85 1.16 0

Paris Lenon 2010 LB 2 94 2 0

Jim Leonhard 3 Yr Avg S 1 65 1.16 0

Jim Leonhard 2010 S 1 52 0 0

DeAndre Levy 3 Yr Avg LB 1 64 0 0

DeAndre Levy 2010 LB 2 50 0 1

Ray Lewis 3 Yr Avg LB 1 117 2.833333 0

Ray Lewis 2010 LB 2 102 2 1

Curtis Lofton 3 Yr Avg MLB 0 103 1 0

Curtis Lofton 2010 MLB 1 93 2 0

Chris Long 3 Yr Avg DE 0 36 5.833333 0

Chris Long 2010 DE 0 27 8.5 0

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IDP STIDP STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

NAME YEAR POS INT TKL SACK TDRichard Marshall 3 Yr Avg CB 2 70 1 0

Richard Marshall 2010 CB 3 74 1 0

Sherrod Martin 3 Yr Avg S 2 35 0 0

Sherrod Martin 2010 S 1 55 0 0

Robert Mathis 3 Yr Avg DE 0 43 10.5 0

Robert Mathis 2010 DE 0 44 11 0

Clay Matthews 3 Yr Avg LB 0 51 11.75 1

Clay Matthews 2010 LB 1 54 13.5 1

Rey Maualuga 3 Yr Avg LB 1 51 1 0

Rey Maualuga 2010 LB 2 44 1 0

Jerod Mayo 3 Yr Avg LB 0 114 1.16 0

Jerod Mayo 2010 LB 0 113 2 0

Rolando McClain 3 Yr Avg LB 1 59 0.5 0

Rolando McClain 2010 LB 1 59 0.5 0

Devin McCourty 3 Yr Avg CB 7 60 1 0

Devin McCourty 2010 CB 7 60 1 0

Bryant McFadden 3 Yr Avg CB 1 61 1 0

Bryant McFadden 2010 CB 2 75 2 0

Quintin Mikell 3 Yr Avg S 2 83 1 0

Quintin Mikell 2010 S 3 77 1 1

William Moore 3 Yr Avg S 2 29 0 0

William Moore 2010 S 5 58 0 0

Kirk Morrison 3 Yr Avg LB 0 110 1 0

Kirk Morrison 2010 LB 0 64 0 0

Terence Newman 3 Yr Avg CB 4 57 0 0

Terence Newman 2010 CB 5 77 0 0

Haloti Ngata 3 Yr Avg DT 0 45 2.6 0

Haloti Ngata 2010 DT 0 47 5.5 0

Brian Orakpo 3 Yr Avg LB 0 43 9.75 0

Brian Orakpo 2010 LB 0 36 8.5 0

Julius Peppers 3 Yr Avg DE 1 45 11 0

Julius Peppers 2010 DE 2 43 8 0

Shaun Phillips 3 Yr Avg LB 0 60 8.5 0

Shaun Phillips 2010 LB 1 47 11 1

Troy Polamalu 3 Yr Avg S 5 47 0.33 0

Troy Polamalu 2010 S 7 49 1 1

Bernard Pollard 3 Yr Avg S 1 94 1.3 0

Bernard Pollard 2010 S 0 82 2.5 0

Paul Posluszny 3 Yr Avg LB 1 107 1 0

Paul Posluszny 2010 LB 0 103 2 0

Sione Pouha 3 Yr Avg DT 0 36 0.83 0

Sione Pouha 2010 DT 0 41 2 0

Jerraud Powers 3 Yr Avg CB 1 53 0 0

Jerraud Powers 2010 CB 2 42 0 0

Glover Quin 3 Yr Avg DB 1 67 0 0

Glover Quin 2010 DB 3 71 0 0

B.J. Raji 3 Yr Avg DT 0 27 3.75 0

B.J. Raji 2010 DT 0 29 6.5 0

Ed Reed 3 Yr Avg S 6 40 0.33 1

Ed Reed 2010 S 8 30 0 0

Kerry Rhodes 3 Yr Avg S 3 75 0.66 0

Kerry Rhodes 2010 S 4 78 1 2

Antrel Rolle 3 Yr Avg S 2 78 0.66 0

Antrel Rolle 2010 S 1 76 0.5 0

Barrett Ruud 3 Yr Avg LB 1 122 1.6 0

Barrett Ruud 2010 LB 1 87 2 0

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IDP STIDP STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

NAME YEAR POS INT TKL SACK TDDeMeco Ryans 3 Yr Avg LB 0 89 1 0

DeMeco Ryans 2010 LB 0 32 1 0

Bob Sanders 3 Yr Avg S 0 14 0 0

Bob Sanders 2010 S 0 0 0 0

Clint Session 3 Yr Avg LB 0 74 0.5 0

Clint Session 2010 LB 0 31 1 0

Richard Seymour 3 Yr Avg DL 0 45 5.833333 0

Richard Seymour 2010 DL 0 36 5.5 0

Matt Shaughnessy 3 Yr Avg DE 0 36 5.5 0

Matt Shaughnessy 2010 DE 0 43 7 0

Daryl Smith 3 Yr Avg LB 0 83 2.5 0

Daryl Smith 2010 LB 1 75 3.5 0

Justin Smith 3 Yr Avg DE 0 60 7.16 0

Justin Smith 2010 DE 0 57 8.5 0

Brandon Spikes 3 Yr Avg LB 1 36 0 0

Brandon Spikes 2010 LB 1 36 0 0

Terrell Suggs 3 Yr Avg LB 0 60 7.833333 1

Terrell Suggs 2010 LB 0 53 11 0

Ndamukong Suh 3 Yr Avg DT 1 49 10 1

Ndamukong Suh 2010 DT 1 49 10 1

Earl Thomas 3 Yr Avg S 5 60 0 0

Earl Thomas 2010 S 5 60 0 0

Terrell Thomas 3 Yr Avg CB 3 65 0.66 0

Terrell Thomas 2010 CB 5 81 1 0

Charles Tillman 3 Yr Avg CB 3 80 0 0

Charles Tillman 2010 CB 5 71 0 0

Lawrence Timmons 3 Yr Avg LB 1 75 5 0

Lawrence Timmons 2010 LB 2 95 3 0

Justin Tuck 3 Yr Avg DE 0 57 10.16667 0

Justin Tuck 2010 DE 0 48 11.5 0

Stephen Tulloch 3 Yr Avg LB 0 103 1.3 0

Stephen Tulloch 2010 LB 1 111 1 0

Osi Umenyiora 3 Yr Avg DE 0 20 6.16 0

Osi Umenyiora 2010 DE 0 33 11.5 0

Brian Urlacher 3 Yr Avg LB 1 64 1.3 0

Brian Urlacher 2010 LB 1 97 4 0

Kyle Vanden Bosch 3 Yr Avg DE 0 34 3.833333 0

Kyle Vanden Bosch 2010 DE 0 34 4 0

Alterraun Verner 3 Yr Avg CB 3 78 0 0

Alterraun Verner 2010 CB 3 78 0 0

Jonathan Vilma 3 Yr Avg LB 1 104 2.3 0

Jonathan Vilma 2010 LB 1 70 4 0

Cameron Wake 3 Yr Avg LB 0 29 9.75 0

Cameron Wake 2010 LB 0 48 14 0

T.J. Ward 3 Yr Avg S 2 80 0 0

T.J. Ward 2010 S 2 80 0 0

DeMarcus Ware 3 Yr Avg LB 0 65 15.5 0

DeMarcus Ware 2010 LB 0 56 15.5 1

Daryl Washington 3 Yr Avg LB 1 64 1 0

Daryl Washington 2010 LB 1 64 1 0

Sean Weatherspoon 3 Yr Avg OLB 0 34 1 0

Sean Weatherspoon 2010 OLB 0 34 1 0

Eric Weddle 3 Yr Avg S 1 95 1 1

Eric Weddle 2010 S 2 79 0.5 1

Donte Whitner 3 Yr Avg S 1 71 0.5 0

Donte Whitner 2010 S 1 95 0.5 0

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IDP STIDP STAATS & 3-YEAR ATS & 3-YEAR AVERAGES (cont...)VERAGES (cont...)

NAME YEAR POS INT TKL SACK TDVince Wilfork 3 Yr Avg DL 0 51 1 0

Vince Wilfork 2010 DL 0 46 2 0

D.J. Williams 3 Yr Avg LB 0 103 3.833333 0

D.J. Williams 2010 LB 0 94 5.5 0

Mario Williams 3 Yr Avg OLB 0 39 9.833333 0

Mario Williams 2010 OLB 0 22 8.5 0

Patrick Willis 3 Yr Avg LB 1 131 3.6 0

Patrick Willis 2010 LB 0 101 6 0

Adrian Wilson 3 Yr Avg S 3 75 2.16 0

Adrian Wilson 2010 S 2 76 2 0

George Wilson 3 Yr Avg FS 2 38 1.16 0

George Wilson 2010 FS 2 13 0 0

Kamerion Wimbley 3 Yr Avg LB 0 59 6.5 0

Kamerion Wimbley 2010 LB 0 46 9 0

Antoine Winfield 3 Yr Avg CB 1 71 1.6 0

Antoine Winfield 2010 CB 2 73 2 1

Will Witherspoon 3 Yr Avg LB 1 64 1.6 0

Will Witherspoon 2010 LB 2 62 3 0

LaMarr Woodley 3 Yr Avg LB 1 52 11.5 0

LaMarr Woodley 2010 LB 2 34 9.5 1

Charles Woodson 3 Yr Avg CB 6 70 2.3 2

Charles Woodson 2010 CB 2 76 2 1

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Atlanta Falcons

HARRY DOUGLAS

Douglas is fully recovered after battling back from knee surgery lastseason, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Earlier this season,head coach Mike Smith said that it could take an extra year to fullyrecover from the major knee surgery Douglas underwent in 2009,but it sounds as if Douglas will be ready to go when the 2011 sea-son gets underway. Douglas’ return only further bolsters theFalcons at wide receiver.

JULIO JONES

Jones has been meeting with Matt Ryan at his house to discusshow the rookie will fit into the Falcons’ offense, Yahoo Sportsreports. Jones and Ryan have been meeting over the past twomonths to get in sync while the lockout continues to keep teamsaway from organized practices. Jones comes into his rookie cam-paign looking to bolster the Falcons’ offense, which only had 44plays of 20 yards or further last season, which put them in a tie forfewest in the league.

JASON SNELLING

Although he said he plans on exploring his options during freeagency, Snelling said the Falcons are “on the top” of his list, theAtlanta Journal Constitution reports. “I’m going to talk to theFalcons,” Snelling said. “They are the team that drafted me. I lovethe organization. I love my teammates and my staff. But I have toexplore my options. But they’ll definitely be on the top of the list.”Snelling has only made three starts in his four years with theFalcons, but he’s played in 51 games. He’s rushed for 1,042 yardson 257 carries and has 11 career touchdowns.

Baltimore Ravens

T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH

Houshmandzadeh is among the Ravens’ pending unrestricted freeagents not expected to return to the team, the Carroll CountyTimes reports. Houshmandzadeh is a long and recognizable name,but his stock is on the decline after last season’s 30-catch effort.We suppose he still has enough left in the tank to contribute as apossession receiver somewhere, but Houshmandzadeh will need toland in a good situation to merit consideration in fantasy drafts.

WILLIS MCGAHEE

Once the NFL lockout is settled, the Ravens could cut McGahee,who’s due a $6 million base salary and reportedly isn’t inclined totake a paycut, the Carroll County Times reports. McGahee hastaken a back seat to Ray Rice in the Ravens’ backfield and $6 mil-lion is a pretty hefty price for what he does. Something needs to givehere or else McGahee will be playing elsewhere this coming season.

Carolina Panthers

JIMMY CLAUSEN

Mike Shula, Carolina’s quarterbacks’ coach, believes there are still“so many unknowns” with Clausen, but because he was a 10-game

starter in 2011, he could be in play for the starting job, the Panthers’official site reports. It’s tough to know for sure who has the lead inthe race to start Week 1 for Carolina. There’s little doubt that CamNewton is easily the most talented player involved, but as a mereone-year starter at the Division I level, in a one-read option spreadoffense at that, it’d be remarkable if Newton could master the intri-cacies of a pro-style offense by Week 1, even if a CBA agreement isimminent (and assuming such an event is imminent would be jump-ing the gun a bit). If coaches decide Newton is still too raw, Clausenor a veteran addition could get the starting spot for basically no rea-son other than to keep Newton out of harm’s way.

DEANGELO WILLIAMS

The Charlotte Observer suggests re-signing Williams is a top prior-ity for the Panthers. The Panthers have the money to bring Williamsback and though it’s hardly an ideal situation from a fantasy per-spective, a backfield which includes both him and JonathanStewart is a good building block for an offense that will be turningto a young QB (Cam Newton) sooner rather than later. That said,the Panthers may have some competition for Williams, withESPN.com suggesting Denver (now coached by former Carolinacoach John Fox) could be one possibility on that front.

Chicago Bears

GARRETT WOLFE

Florida authorities opted not to file felony charges against Wolfestemming from his May arrest, ESPNChicago.com reports. MiamiBeach police originally charged Wolfe with disorderly conduct, retailtheft, assault of a police officer and resisting an officer with violenceduring the May 22 incident. However, Wolfe, a free agent to be, stillfaces a level-one misdemeanor of resisting an officer without vio-lence. Despite the good legal news, Wolfe’s playing future with theBears is still in doubt.

Cincinnati Bengals

TERRELL OWENS

Agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN on Tuesday that Owens’ ACLsurgery occurred in early April. Rosenhaus notes that the wideout’sACL surgery (performed by Dr. James Andrews) was unrelated tothe meniscus procedure he previously underwent, though it was onthe same knee. Rosenhaus also noted that Owens is well on hisway to recovery and calls any talk of T.O. retiring “nonsense.” Theever-enthusiastic Rosenhaus is also confident that Owens will havean opportunity to sign (and eventually) start for an NFL team oncethe NFL lockout is lifted.

Cleveland Browns

MONTARIO HARDESTY

According to coach Pat Shurmur, Hardesty (knee) should be readyfor full participation in training camp, the Cleveland Plain Dealerreports. Hardesty is bouncing back from surgery to repair a tornACL that he suffered early last September. If he can re-prove hishealth, then the Browns would love to get him into their runningback mix in order to ease Peyton Hillis’ workload.

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PEYTON HILLIS

Hillis has been doing resistance training, yoga and mixed martialarts training at his home in Arkansas, the Cleveland Plain Dealerreports. He is also working on fixing his fumbling problem from lastyear. “I’ll carry a ball around with me all day and ask people to tryto knock it out of my hand when I least expect it,” he said. The bot-tom line is all of this training will mean nothing if he can’t continueto stay healthy. His production slowed at the end of 2010 and hewill now have to compete for carries with a presumably healthyMontario Hardesty. The Madden 2012 cover man is still a viableoption, but there are reasons for concern heading into this season.

Denver Broncos

KYLE ORTON

Orton remains unlikely to be traded, according to Jason La Canforaof the NFL Network. Of course, it’s not as if Denver has any incen-tive to be honest about their intentions if they’re actually looking tomove Orton. Stating publicly or setting loose leaks that implythey’re shopping Orton wouldn’t allow them to make tradedemands as high as they would in the event of Orton being apotential starter. If Orton does indeed stay in Denver, he will need tocompete for the starting job against Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn.New head coach John Fox has made it clear that he’s going to giveall three a chance to start, though Quinn’s chances of winning basi-cally don’t exist.

Miami Dolphins

RONNIE BROWN

Brown acknowledges it’s possible he won’t return to Miami oncethe NFL lockout ends and he hits free agency, the South FloridaSun-Sentinel reports. “It’s hard, but I am,” Brown said when askedSunday if he is prepared to play elsewhere in 2011. “I came to therealization that’s a possibility. My biggest thing is being prepared.”The Dolphins drafted Daniel Thomas in the second round of April’sdraft, signaling a changing of the guard at running back. While it’sstill within the realm of possibility that either Brown or RickyWilliams could be brought back by the team, seeing neither returnto Miami would not surprise us.

BRANDON MARSHALL

Marshall has been working on his speed since his recovery frombeing stabbed, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.Marshall wants to regain the 4.4 speed he once had and has beenworking with the same training program he had before the 2006draft. His trainer has stated that Marshall has been running a sub4.5 40 time of late. Whether this means anything as far as his routerunning remains to be seen, but one thing it does mean is thatMarshall seems to be fully recovered from his stabbing.

Oakland Raiders

DARREN MCFADDEN

Head coach Hue Jackson is expecting McFadden to build upon hisbreakout 2010 season in 2011, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.McFadden’s first two professional seasons were fairly disappoint-ing, but he took off last season thanks to a run of good health andJackson’s influence as the offensive coordinator. Jackson calledplays geared toward McFadden’s strengths, and the third-year run-

ning back finished with over 1,600 total yards and 10 touchdowns.With Jackson still calling the shots on offense, albeit in the headcoach role, McFadden should again be the focal point of theRaiders’ offensive attack in 2011 as long as he can stay healthy.

Philadelphia Eagles

KEVIN KOLB

NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora calls the market for Kolb a “two-horse race between Arizona and Seattle.”The report adds that the Eagles might be inclined to keep Kolb asMichael Vick insurance if their price (believed to be a first-rounder)is not met, but at the same time he notes that he thinks that thePhilly’s asking price will ultimately be met.

Pittsburgh Steelers

BEN ROETHLISBERGER

Roethlisberger’s agent, Ryan Tollner, said there is nothing new con-cerning the foot injury that his client dealt with last season,Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Roethlisberger was quoted lastweek as saying that the foot might require surgery down the road,but Tollner downplayed that. “There’s nothing new there,” Tollnersaid. “The doctors elected not to do surgery and to let it heal. If itever got worse, they might have to do something. Ben is kind ofsurprised that it’s getting the attention. He hopes and expects neverto have surgery on it. The foot was feeling better after the season,with the extra time this offseason, it’s feeling great.” In other words,Roethlisberger’s foot issue is something to be aware of, but itsounds like it would take a setback or additional injury for the sur-gery wheels to really start turning.

EMMANUEL SANDERS

Sanders, who had screws inserted into the fifth metatarsal bone ineach foot this spring, is expected to be running at full speed in twoweeks, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Moreover, Sanders isexpected to be ready for the start of training camp, whenever that is.“It ended up working out perfect,” said Sanders, who was able towas to run for the first time Monday. “We gave it a little bit more timebecause there were no OTAs this year. Honestly, I think I can run fullspeed right now. They just want to make sure it’s 100 percent.”

San Francisco 49ers

MICHAEL CRABTREE

Crabtree noted Wednesday before an informal classroom session,that everything is fine with his feet, Matt Barrows of the SacramentoBee reports. We’ll take his word for it for now, but Crabtree’s partici-pation — and how he looks on the field — once the 49ers officiallygo all-out in practices is something to be monitored.

FRANK GORE

Gore is not among the 49ers who gathered for Tuesday’s informalworkout, Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports. “He wants tomake sure his hip is right,” according to one of his teammates. Thereport points out that Gore already has a strong grasp of the 49ers’playbook, so there’s not a ton of upside for him to push things atthis point. The important thing is that Gore is expected to be at ornear 100 percent once the 49ers take the field for real.

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COLIN KAEPERNICK

Kaepernick (leg) was a full participant at Tuesday’s informal prac-tice, the Sacramento Bee reports. Kaepernick, who is nearly recov-ered from a surgical procedure he had in early May, displayed somenice arm strength Tuesday, particularly on a throw to receiver LanceLong. Though he is considered raw, Kaepernick is a hard workerwho could earn some starts this coming season if Alex Smith (orwhoever else starts for the 49ers) struggles or suffers an injury atany point.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

ARRELIOUS BENN

Benn (knee) participated in most of Tuesday’s workout at the Bucs’current informal minicamp, the Tampa Tribune reports. “I’m able tocut a little bit and do some things, but I still want to take it easy,”

Benn said. “Right now it’s still early and I feel good but you know,portions of my knee still need to heal so I don’t want to be stupid.”Benn’s comments are a little more restrained than recent onesmade by his agent Drew Rosenhaus, but he’s apparently progress-ing well from his ACL injury and reportedly could be full-go byAugust.

Tennessee Titans

KENNY BRITT

Britt, who surrendered himself to Nashville police Wednesday, hasbeen charged with a false application for a license, Jim Wyatt of theNashville Tennessean reports. He has a court date scheduled forJuly 18 and is now free on $2,000 bond. Britt will likely avoid jailtime for his off-field missteps this offseason, but he could face dis-ciplinary action from the league following the lockout.

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PLAPLAYER GRAPEVINE (cont...)YER GRAPEVINE (cont...)