2012 Fantasy Football Rankings v2.1

Just a quick rankings update on this Friday afternoon.  I'm going to keep the same format I created earlier this week, and I'll just add comments where I've moved a few guys around.  That's it.  Nothing fancy for now...

1. Arian Foster

2. Ray Rice

3. LeSean McCoy

4. Aaron Rodgers

5. Tom Brady

6. Drew Brees

7. Calvin Johnson

8. Chris Johnson

9. Darren McFadden

10.Jimmy Graham

11.Rob Gronkowski

12.Maurice Jones-Drew

13.Larry Fitzgerald

14.Greg Jennings

15.Brandon Marshall

16.Matt Forte

17.Steven Jackson

18.Jamaal Charles

19.Green-Ellis

20.Ahmad Bradshaw

21.DeMarco Murray

22.Matthew Stafford

23.Cam Newton

24.Michael Vick: His little preseason injury just reminds me of his fragility. I feel safer with Cam.

25.Adrian Peterson

26.Ryan Mathews

27.Roddie White

28.Andre Johnson

29.Julio Jones

30.Wes Welker

31.Brandon Lloyd

32.Percy Harvin: Been reading a lot hyping up Percy.  Forgot how many rushes he got last year too.

33.AJ Green

34.Hakeem Nicks

35.Trent Richardson

36.Antonio Gates: With Witten's injury concern, Gates seems more valuable to me.

37.Victor Cruz

38.Michael Turner: OK, so I'm getting a little down on him, but Quizz looks good and he doesn't.

39.Frank Gore

40.Marshawn Lynch

41.Reggie Bush

42.Dez Bryant

43.Demaryius Thomas

44.Marques Colston

45.Darren Sproles

46.Fred Jackson

47.Willis McGahee

48.Doug Martin

49.Steve Smith

50.Antonio Brown

51.Jeremy Maclin

52.Jordy Nelson

53.Dwayne Bowe: The holdout continues, so I'll move Bowe down little by little.

54.Philip Rivers: Mathews going down means to me that SD will throw even more.

55.Tony Romo: Witten (spleen), Miles (hamstring), and Bryant (let's just say "brain injury")

56.Stevan Ridley

57.Beanie Wells

58.Donald Brown: I keep moving him up my draft board.  He could finally break out this year.

59.Isaac Redman: Getting MRI on injured groin.  Not a good way to start the season.

60.Torrey Smith

61.Eric Decker

62.Vincent Jackson

63.Stevie Johnson

64.Miles Austin

65.Vernon Davis

66.Jermichael Finley

67.Aaron Hernandez

68.Peyton Hillis: A popular "sleeper". To be featured in my "Fantasy Redeem Team" (coming soon). 69.CJ Spiller

70.Mark Ingram

71.Eli Manning

72.Peyton Manning

73.Mike Wallace

74.DeShaun Jackson

75.Pierre Garcon

76.Reggie Wayne

77.Darrius Heyward-Bey: Another guy I keep moving up.  I guess I want him this year.

78.Jared Cook: The Witten injury has me moving Cook up.  Also it sounds like Locker will start!

79.Fred Davis: Same for Fred.  Might be a little high, but if you still need a TE, he's worth reaching too. 80.Jason Witten: I don't like phrases like "possible surgery", "no timetable", or "out indefinitely".

81.Shonn Greene

82.Michael Bush

83.Toby Gerhart: AP is already looking good in practice, but Toby still great handcuff to have.

84.Kevin Smith

85.Ryan Williams

86.Montario Hardesty: Looking good with the first team in preaseason.  Just sayin...

87.RGIII

88.Matt Ryan: Moving just behind RGIII (belong in same area).  Do you want safe or a rookie risk?

89.Anquan Boldin

90.Lance Moore

91.Robert Meachem

92.Greg Little

93.Mike Williams

94.Denarius Moore

95.Ronnie Brown: Try to disregard how high he is for me because Mathews is my main keeperl.

96.Lagarette Blount

97.Ben Tate

98.Mikel Leshoure: Still not healthy enough for team drills (and there's the 2-game suspension)

99.Roy Helu

100.David Wilson

101.Brandon Pettigrew

102.Jacob Tamme: I think he's on the same tier with Pettigrew, assuming Peyton's healthy.

103.Coby Fleener: Same for Fleener.  Luck looked good in debut.

104.Robert Turbin 105.Daniel Thomas

106.Rashad Jennings 107.Cedric Benson: I don't want to get crazy moving him too high just yet, but in good situation.

108.James Starks: Cedric Benson, welcome to the party.  Starks goes waaaaaay down.

109.Malcom Floyd

110.Titus Young: I like the thought of him being the #2 WR in a pass-heavy offense.

111.Jon Baldwin

112.Sidney Rice

113.Randall Cobb

114.Jacquizz Rodgers

115.Ronnie Hillman

116.Jay Cutler

117.Josh Freeman

118.Andrew Luck

119.Big Ben

120.Carson Palmer

121.Jermaine Gresham: I should only rank 12 TEs, but you never know if someone will draft two.

122.Tony Gonzalez: I'm moving him down to this tier as well.

123.Nate Washington

124.Justin Blackmon

125.Kenny Britt

126.Brandon LaFell: I realize I'd draft him over either 49ers WR.

127.Vincent Brown: Not sure if enough targets to go around in SD, but maybe he overtakes Floyd?

128.Michael Crabtree

129.Mario Manningham

130.Michael Floyd

131.Jonathan Dwyer: If Redman kept out week one, Dwyer could shine and get some of the workload.

132.DeAngelo Williams

133.Jonathan Stewart

134.Mike Goodson

135.Shane Vereen

136.Felix Jones

137.Isaiah Pead

138.Alex Green

139.Kendall Hunter

140.Delone Carter

141.Bernard Scott

142.Dion Lewis

143.Bernard Pierce

144.Javon Ringer

145.Bears DEF

146.Jets DEF

147.Eagles DEF

148.49ers DEF

149.Steelers DEF

150.Ravens DEF

151.Bills DEF

152.Seahawks DEF

153.Patriots DEF

154.Packers DEF

155.Texans DEF

156.Lions DEF

157.Gostkowski (bye:9)

158.Akers (bye:9)

159.Prater (bye:7)

160.Bailey (bye:5)

161.Janikowski (bye:5)

162.Henery (bye:7)

163.Bryant (bye:7)

164.Crosby (bye:10)

165.Gould (bye:6)

166.Rackers (bye:10) 167.Bironas (bye:11) 168.Hanson (bye:5) ...and in no particular order, here are some guys who didn't quite make the cut (but let's keep an eye on them just in case they do in a week or two) Santonio Holmes David Nelson Austin Collie  Kendall Wright Danny Amendola  Jerome Simpson   Reuben Randle Doug Baldwin Mohamed Sanu Brian Quick Leonard Hankerson Jahvid Best Curtis Brinkley Evan Royster Tim Hightower Philip Tanner Pierre Thomas

Ryan Grant (free agent)

7 Reasons to Pay Attention to Preseason

It’s Monday, and the Olympics are FINALLY OVER! 

While that may sound like I hated watching the summer games, that couldn’t be further from the truth.  They were awesome.  But at the same time, they consumed my life for ten days or whatever it was.  I wouldn’t look at websites like ESPN.com or Twitter after noon every weekday, and the tv was on everything from swimming to handball from the time I walked through my front door until my head hit the pillow.  I’m looking forward to getting home from work, making dinner, maybe even watch a little Jeopardy or (gasp) read a book!  Things are a little slow right now in the sports world with baseball in the dog days of summer, but hey, there is preseason football.  (Please hold your collective yawns until the end.)  I realize there’s not a ton to get excited about until September 5^th, but I’m going to take a break from doing another rankings update to give you 7 reasons that I’ll be paying attention during the preseason.

The Holdouts

I’m keeping my eye on guys like Mike Wallace and Maurice Jones Drew, and I’m listening to what coaches and analysts are saying about their replacements.  There’s a lot of love for Antonio Brown (and rightly so after his second half last year), but if Wallace’s situation turns into a Vincent Jackson San Diego thing, then Emmanuel Sanders might be creeping up into the top 100.  I don’t think I have him in my current rankings, but I’ll probably sub him in for Chad Johnson or someone else who gets arrested between now and my next update.  As for MJD, if he’s still holding out when my league drafts on September 1^st, then Rashad Jennings is definitely going to move up a couple of running back tiers.

Bum knees

Adrian Peterson and Beanie Wells are off the PUP list, Trent Richardson got his knee scoped, and Jamaal Charles played in Week One of the preseason.  These are all situations that you should be paying attention to.  I can’t wait to see what AP looks like in his first preseason game, or if he even plays in any of the glorified scrimmages.  Ryan Williams’ knee is just as healthy as Beanie’s, so who’s going to get injured first in the desert?  Is Trent Richardson going to get healthy before the real Week One of the season?  If so, does a guy like Montario Hardesty have a solid preseason and earn 10-15 touches in what could be more of a timeshare than people are expecting?  Keep in mind the Browns used a 2^nd round pick on Hardesty in the 2010 draft, and while he’s had his own injury problems, he’s someone to monitor during the preseason.  As for Jamaal Charles, I’m not sure that I’ll catch the Chiefs/Rams epic preseason matchup on local television, but I’ll try to catch some highlights.  I’d like to see how he looks, and if he appears to be in 2010 form, then I’ll draft him as such.  I’ll pay attention to how the Chiefs are using Hills as well, but I think there will be plenty of touches to go around for both in KC.

The NFC North’s other running backs

There’s not a lot interesting to examine in the Bears backfield.  Forte will get a ton of yards, and Bush will vulture the TDs.  Both will have value in their respective rounds, and I don’t see much changing there.  I’ve already mentioned the situation in Minnesota, but the other two teams also have a little something worth watching.  You might be thinking, “What do I care about the Lions and Packers backfields?  They’re going to throw it 50 times a game, not run!”  And while I agree this is becoming more and more a passing league (and these teams have two gun-slingers), you still have to establish the run (at least a little bit).  These are also two potent offenses, so getting the right running back on either squad could mean several TDs.  The Packers just recently signed Cedric Benson, so it’ll be interesting to see how they use him and Starks.  Keep in mind that Kuhn is still in the mix to get some of those 1 or 2-yard touchdowns too, though I wouldn’t draft him now that Benson is there.  As for Detroit, their backfield is looking pretty thin.  Kevin Smith would probably be the starter if the season started today, but I’m sure that could change a lot between now and then (and I still say they sign Ryan Grant). 

Rookie Running Backs

Everyone has Richardson and Doug Martin on their radar, but what about some of the other guys?  I mentioned Ryan Williams (who is still a rookie due to injury last year), but I’m really interested to see if his fellow Hokie, David Wilson wins the backup job in New York.  DJ Ware sits at #2 on the current depth chart, so I’d be a little concerned about drafting Wilson too high if my draft were today.  But he has some serious skills, and I’d be surprised if he didn’t have a significant role in the Giant offense this season.  A couple more guys to keep an eye on would be Isaiah Pead in St Louis and Robert Turbin in Seattle.  Both appear to be no more than late round handcuffs in fantasy drafts, but it’s worth checking their stat lines early on to see how they’re doing.  I have Turbin a little higher due to Lynch's pending punishment, but that may not happen.  Even if it doesn't, I think he's paid and happy, so I don't see him doing anything close to what he did last year.  If Turbin gets a chance to show what he can do in the regular season, he could have value for the last position player you take in a standard draft.

Jackin’ it in San Diego

Welcome to San Diego: Come take a load off!  (Sorry, but I just couldn’t help myself…and if you have no idea what I’m talking about, then you are seriously missing out.)  I have a vested interest in what’s going on in Southern California ever since Ryan Mathews (aka Mr. Glass) decided to go and break his clavicle on his very first carry of the preseason.  Since he’s one of my keepers, I need to keep a close eye on what’s going on in the backfield there because I’ll definitely try to snag the backup.  The question is: Who is that going to be?  The obvious choice would be Ronnie Brown, but I’m not so sure they don’t give Curtis Brinkley a chance while Mathews is out.  I’ll be monitoring this closely, but I’m also very interested in the wide receivers there.  Philip Rivers finished strong last season, and his receiving corps looks a little different in 2012.  It’ll be interesting to see if he forms a quick trust in Meachem, sticks with what he knows in Floyd, or if Brown can continue to make big plays like he did in their first preseason game.  Oh, and I’m definitely interested in Antonio Gates and how healthy his feet are.  Historically, a lot of fantasy points come out of that Charger offense.  This year, it’s going to be important to try to figure out just where those are coming from. 

New QBs

As a Redskins fan, I was interested to see what RGIII looked like in his first action in the maroon and gold, and he didn’t look too bad.  It’ll be interesting to see if they let him scramble a bit more in the weeks to come because people are going to compare him to guys like Vick and Newton (at least when it comes to fantasy football).  I want to see what those wheels look like in live action against the best.  RGIII could be an interesting mid-round pick, especially in a keeper league.  A lot of buzz started when Andrew Luck connected with Donald Brown for a 63-Yard TD on his first pass as a professional.  Outside of Indianapolis, I don’t think that buzz has been too loud until now.  Don’t sleep on the #1 draft pick (that sounds really strange, but appropriate I think), and don’t sleep on a guy like Reggie Wayne.  With Garcon in DC, Wayne could be primed for a nice year with the rookie QB, though I’m sure he’ll miss Peyton.  Speaking of “The Funny Manning”, he’s obviously a guy to watch in the preseason.  I’m personally banking on a healthy Peyton, and that has me ranking Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Jacob Tamme much higher than if they had Tebow throwing at their feet.  If Manning has any type of setback with his health, those guys are definitely dropping.

Those Third Year WRs

Speaking of Demaryius and Decker, let’s talk about some of the other 3^rd year WRs who could make a splash like others have in previous years.  I don’t think there’s any need to discuss guys like Victor Cruz, Antonio Brown, or Dez Bryant.  They've already started to make their mark.  If you see those names on any website as a 3^rd year guy who’s ready to breakout this season, feel free to throw rotting vegetables at your computer screen.  I mean, come on.  With Peyton Manning in Denver, I think his WRs are pretty obvious picks too, but the debate might be over who to rank higher.  That’s where watching the Broncos in the preseason might be worth an hour of your time.  I already mentioned Emmanuel Sanders, and I think his value really depends on what happens with Wallace in Pittsburgh.  As for some other guys to keep in mind: Mike Williams had a bit of a sophomore slump but I think will bounce back in Tampa, and I think David Nelson in Buffalo and Brandon LaFell in Carolina could actually have 800 yards and a handful of TDs each this season.  When you consider where those guys are being drafted, you could be getting a lot of value there.  Finally, I’ll go ahead and mention Darrius Heyward-Bey.  I know he’s a 4^th year guy, but give him a break.  He plays in Oakland and he’s younger than Nelson and LaFell anyway.  I don’t really know why I’m picking him to have a breakout year, but I am.  Maybe there will be something to back it up in the preseason, so that’s what I’ll be looking for personally.  Otherwise, it’s just another gut feeling that could end up looking really bad in the end. 

Cheers,

Bart

2012 Fantasy Football Rankings v2.0

Just before last weekend, Matthew Berry posted on his Facebook page asking people to comment on his early rankings (who he should consider moving up or down).  I suggested that he move Brandon Lloyd up about ten spots (he was at 40th or so), and I thought he had Reuben Randle WAY too high (95th I believe) when he'll probably be getting very few targets behind Nicks and Cruz in that offense.  The next day, he posts his updated Top 200.  Brandon Lloyd is now ranked 29th, and Reuben Randle fell all the way to 163rd!  I don't  know if the TMR reads those posts or if he and I were just thinking along the same lines, but it got me thinking about my own rankings even more and how I need to make some big moves in this update.

We're going to version 2.0, baby!!!

If I'm writing about guys who I'll reach for a round early or absolutely won't consider drafting, then I want to make sure they're ranked appropriately for me.  Even for guys who I haven't mentioned, I need to really make these MY rankings and not worry about what expert rankings look like.  Keep in mind, I think it's very important to look at other rankings out there because you don't want to miss something obvious, and it's great to have different perspectives.  You can never have too much information when it comes to this stuff, as long as you can sort through it all in a quasi-rational way.  For most of us, this isn't our full time job (or even a part time job).  I think it's a great idea to follow both real and fantasy football experts on facebook, twitter, etc.  They're going to be all over that little tidbit of information that might not make the headlines on Sportscenter, and sometimes a little nugget about what a coach is saying about his rookie running back could move him up or down a few spots on the big board.

I've decided to add comments to every player again (except for kickers and defenses), seeing as how this is a major version upgrade.  Also, since my own personal league is a 12-teamer with 14 rounds, I decided to break my rankings up into three groups:
1. Top-120 (rounds 1-10, including keepers...this should be the cream of the crop)
2. 121-168 (rounds 11-14...typically full of RB handcuffs, defenses, and kickers)
3. A few more (these will be guys who fall outside of my personal big board, but I'll keep them here because they could move up depending on injury, free agent signing, etc.)

My very own top-168ish in a new and (hopefully) improved format.  Enjoy! 1. Arian Foster: Unless he tweets a picture of his destroyed hamstring, I'll keep him at #1.

2. Ray Rice: Still very tempted to put Sweet Baby Ray at #1.  I think he'll average a TD/game.

3. LeSean McCoy: If I did have a top pick in my draft, I'd take him over one of the big 3 QBs.

4. Aaron Rodgers: After the big 3 RBs, Rodgers is the clear #1 QB when it comes to fantasy.

5. Tom Brady: More weapons than Brees and no proven RBs to get in the endzone instead of WRs/TEs.

6. Drew Brees: A ssuper safe bet in the first round to anchor your squad.

7. Calvin Johnson: I know it's crazy, but I'm a believer in the Madden Curse.  Down slightly.

8. Chris Johnson: Lots of doubters out there, but I still think he comes back with some big numbers.

9. Darren McFadden: There's obviously injury risk here, but I think he's a first round fantasy RB.

10.Jimmy Graham: I think he'll exceed last year's numbers (well worth a first round pick).

11.Rob Gronkowski: Not sure if Gronk exceeds last year, but I'd still try to get one of these TEs early.

12.Maurice Jones-Drew: The holdout will end one way or another, but it puts him behind the 8 ball.

13.Larry Fitzgerald: Playing it safe with the #2 WR on the big board.  Super consistent.

14.Greg Jennings: Hopefully concussion not an issue.  In a contract year.  Should be a good one.

15.Brandon Marshall:  I'll just go all in with Marshall.  BE BOLD!

16.Matt Forte: Bush will get goal line duty, but Forte will still rack up the yards/fantasy points.

17.Steven Jackson: People might've been a year off for the Rams sleeper pick. Let's see some TDs!

18.Jamaal Charles: This guy was a top pick a year ago.  I smell redemption.

19.Green-Ellis: Imagine 300 carries for this guy, which he's never had.  He's 2008 Michael Turner.

20.Ahmad Bradshaw: Interested to see if David Wilson gets in the mix, but Bradshaw still #1.

21.DeMarco Murray: The TDs will come. If healthy, Murray could be top-5 RB.  High risk/reward.

22.Matthew Stafford: Still like him as best option after top 3 QBs, but wouldn't reach as high.

23.Michael Vick: I decided to make this my second group of 3 QBs if I miss out on the first tier.

24.Cam Newton: The sad thing is, all three of these QBs might be kept in my league...

25.Adrian Peterson: Can't believe I rank him this low, but the injury is a big concern, even with him.

26.Michael Turner: I don't want to get too down on Turner.  Getting older, but numbers are so good.

27.Ryan Mathews: Glass Joe broke his clavicle on his first preseason carry (a keeper of mine *sigh*)

28.Roddie White: More Fitzgerald-like consistency. Jones may surpass, but not much risk here.

29.Andre Johnson: I want him to stay healthy so badly (if he's on my team, which he won't be)

30.Julio Jones: Freak athlete with bigger breakout potential than AJ Green, in my opinion.

31.Wes Welker: Dropping a little because I think Lloyd eats in to some of his fantasy value.

32.Brandon Lloyd: My #9 WR.  I gotta put my money where my mouth is!

33.AJ Green: Typically I don't trust a guy who goes by only initials, but I'll make an exception.

34.Hakeem Nicks: He's now my "healthy" keeper?!?  Just give me 16 games, Hakeem. Please!!!

35.Trent Richardson: The knee worries me, but we're in keeper territory now...

36.Victor Cruz: I like what I saw from him and Eli last year, and I think it can continue.

37.Frank Gore: His receiving yards last year worry me, along with all of the good backup RBs in SF.

38.Marshawn Lynch: I moved him down a little too much in haste, but still pending punishment.

39.Reggie Bush: In a contract year, I think he could do it again if he stays healthy.  Big "if" I guess.

40.Dez Bryant: Assuming no suspension or other distractions, Dez in for a big year.

41.Antonio Gates: I think I'd wait for Gates until about here. Big difference in tier 1 vs 2 TEs.

42.Jason Witten: I like him about as much as I like Gates, so he belongs right behind him.

43.Percy Harvin: He and Ponder developed a nice connection, and with AP's injury, I like him more.

44.Demaryius Thomas: I'm taking a chance that Peyton pads his numbers a lot.

45.Marques Colston: Should get a few more looks with Meachem gone.

46.Tony Romo: If I didn't have a QB at this point in my draft, I'd take Romo here.

47.Darren Sproles: I think Ingram busts out this year, but Sproles will still get plenty of points.

48.Isaac Redman: As long as Mendenhall not in the mix, Redman should get 300+ touches.

49.Fred Jackson: I don't want to get too low on Fred, even though I rank Spiller very high.

50.Willis McGahee: He's getting up there in age, but he's still the starter in Denver (for now).

51.Doug Martin: Training camp buzz has him as a feature back, but Blount #1 on depth chart?

52.Dwayne Bowe: As long as Cassell stays healthy, I like Bowe to have a better season than last year.

53.Steve Smith: Had a great year with Cam.  Looking to do it again.

54.Antonio Brown: I'll bump him up here with this tier of WRs.  Wallace holdout boosts his value.

55.Jeremy Maclin: Just had him too low. Especially since I dropped DeSean, makes sense he climbs.

56.Jordy Nelson: I have him lower than most, but I think this is where he belongs realistically.

57.Stevan Ridley: Someone has to be the starter in New England.  I ain't scared of Belichick!!!

58.Beanie Wells: Just came off the PUP list.  Should be the starter, but this low due to injury concern.

59.Philip Rivers: If you still don't have a QB yet, great value here in Rivers. Has great weapons.

60.Torrey Smith: He's becoming Flacco's main target, and chicks dig the long ball.

61.Eric Decker: I might be wrong on ranking Demaryius higher, but I think Decker fits around here.

62.Vincent Jackson: Should be #1 WR in TB, but Williams could rebound too.

63.Stevie Johnson: Still the main man in Buffalo, and they will get behind and have to go to the air.

64.Miles Austin: Hamstring worries me a little, but if he gets healthy, great complement to Dez.

65.Vernon Davis: Moving this third tier of TEs down a bit, but HE is best receiver for the Niners.

66.Jermichael Finley: Rodgers spreads it around a lot, but he'll get his.

67.Aaron Hernandez: Same for Brady.  In other offenses, I think I'd have him much higher.

68.Donald Brown: I like his opportunity to be feature back. If Indy can move the ball, who knows? 69.James Starks: Same with Starks.  No one seems to be challenging him for the gig.

70.CJ Spiller: Probably going to have to reach to get him, but great keeper potential.

71.Peyton Hillis: I think he can still get solid numbers.  Good split situation in KC with Charles.

72.Mark Ingram: I like how the Saints used him inside the 20 in first preseason game.

73.Toby Gerhart: If AP doesn't make it back strong this year, Gerhart could be a steal this late.

74.Eli Manning: Probably a little low for Eli.  Someone else will probably get him before the 70s.

75.Peyton Manning: Same for big brother.  I think he'll go in the 4th or 5th round, which is crazy.

76.Mike Wallace: Another guy in territory where he'll get drafted before this by someone else.

77.DeShaun Jackson: There's a theme here in the mid-70s. I think his best days are behind him.

78.Pierre Garcon: I think he and RGIII will connect a few times this season, at least I hope so.

79.Reggie Wayne: Still the best WR in Indy. Don't sleep on Luck with all of the RGIII hype. 80.Shonn Greene: Pretty low for a feature back, but I think Tebow will get goal line carries.

81.Michael Bush: I think we could see 8-10 TDs from Bush this season. Nice middle rounder.

82.Kevin Smith: Possibly the lead RB in Detroit to start, and I might need someone for weeks 1-3...

83.Ryan Williams: If he's healthy and Beanie isn't, he could fall right into the every down role.

84.Jared Cook: People are going to start reaching for tight ends, and I'll reach for him.

85.RGIII: I'd take a chance on him at this point, though someone might sooner. Interesting keeper too.

86.Darrius Heyward-Bey: A lot of Carson Palmer love floating around, making DHB interesting.

87.Anquan Boldin: Still will get a lot of targets from Flacco.  A boring pick that will pay dividends.

88.Lance Moore: Not sure where others will be ranking Moore, but I think he'll have a solid year.

89.Montario Hardesty: Not sure TRich gets entire workload, especially now with the knee injury.

90.Mikel Leshoure: If Best out indefinitely, Leshoure could step in Week 3 in a big way.

91.Fred Davis: Should be in for a big year with the rookie QB.

92.Matt Ryan: One of the last few decent options as a starting QB, and that's not saying much.

93.Robert Meachem: I'm going to hold off on falling in love with him until Rivers does.

94.Greg Little: Maybe a stretch all the way to top 100, but I'm going out on a limb with him.

95.Mike Williams: Remedy for the sophomore slump is another WR to take some pressure off.

96.Denarius Moore: If I'm believing in Palmer/DHB, gotta believe a little in Moore too.

97.Lagarette Blount: I'm not convinced the rookie (Martin) is going to be an every down back.

98.Ben Tate: Houston can run the ball, and I think Tate will still get plenty of touches.

99.Roy Helu: Gun to my head, have to pick a Skins RB, I'll take Helu.  The cream rises to the top.

100.Ronnie Brown: Pretty high for the veteran, but I might need him week 1 if Mathews is out.

101.David Wilson: Might be a little high to take a flier, but could have nice role in Giants offense.

102.Brandon Pettigrew: A really athletic tight end in an offense that will throw a ton.

103.Robert Turbin: Still possible Lynch gets suspension and/or is just lazy all year.

104.Daniel Thomas: Reggie Bush gets injured quite a bit.  Thomas could get another shot at position. 105.Rashad Jennings: Only ranking this high because MJD still holding out.  Will monitor closely.

106.Jacob Tamme: Again banking on Peyton being healthy, but he and Tamme have done it before. 107.Coby Fleener: Luck's safety net should have a solid rookie season, and might be a nice keeper.

108.Jermaine Gresham: Another athletic tight end with a QB who will need to dump it off some.

109.Tony Gonzalez: Probably the last year Gonzo gets ranked.  Not a ton of upside, but solid.

110.Malcom Floyd: Don't see him having a breakout year, but probably solid numbers.

111.Jon Baldwin: Him I could see having a breakout year, which could be 900 yards and 7 or 8 TDs.

112.Sidney Rice: Definitely an injury risk, but this late, not a bad talent who could put up big numbers.

113.Randall Cobb: After Greg and Jordy, Cobb should step into that #3 slot (and plenty to go around).

114.Jacquizz Rodgers: Turner workload could catch up with him, and some will go to Rodgers.

115.Ronnie Hillman: Not sure Willis can handle 300 touches at his age.  Hillman could get a shot.

116.Jay Cutler: Has a "new" toy in Marshall and a new coach who'll run and take off pressure.

117.Josh Freeman: Vincent Jackson and Doug Martin only help his value.  He'll rebound.

118.Andrew Luck: People are sleeping on Luck, but who knows what he'll do this year?

119.Big Ben: Still have to rank him, but I don't have to rank him high (and I don't have to like it).

120.Carson Palmer: I replaced Schaub with him. Who does Schaub throw to in Houston? Exactly.

121.Titus Young: If Stafford has another big year, Young's numbers could improve.

122.Nate Washington: I'm not too excited about any Titan WR, but Nate could put up best numbers.

123.Justin Blackmon: A huge talent with not much sense.  Really a flier who might turn into a keeper.

124.Michael Crabtree: He's like the Justin Blackmon of 3 or 4 years ago.  Still a lot of talent here.

125.Kenny Britt: I guess I can't leave him out of top 168, but I doubt I'll end up with him...

126.Mario Manningham: I don't believe Randy Moss is looking like the best WR on that team.

127.Chad Johnson: Maybe everyone jumped on Chad a year too early.  Garrard can get him the ball.

128.Brandon LaFell: There could finally be a #2 WR in Carolina.  Worth a shot.

129.Michael Floyd: Not sure if the Notre Dame rookie is NFL-ready, but in a decent fantasy situation.

130.DeAngelo Williams: I guess this is low enough that I might actually draft a Carolina back.

131.Jonathan Stewart: So I'll go ahead and put Stewart here too.

132.Mike Goodson: McFadden could get injured, and Goodson has some fresh legs to fill in.

133.Shane Vereen: I might be too high on Ridley, so might be a good idea to scoop up Vereen.

134.Felix Jones: Don't like how he showed up to camp.  This could change to Tanner.

135.Isaiah Pead: An interesting handcuff if SJax pulls a hammy or something else.

136.Alex Green: I guess he's the backup to have in Green Bay.  Kuhn could be better option.

137.Kendall Hunter: Lots of good RBs in San Fran, but Hunter showed good signs last year.

138.Tim Hightower: Everyone's big on Royster, but I still like Hightower after Helu.  Who knows?

139.Delone Carter: Not sure why I'm so high on Donald Brown, but not a bad idea to get Carter here.

140.Bernard Scott: I'm really high on The Law Firm.  Scott only has value as a handcuff.

141.Dion Lewis: McCoy handcuff.  You better have him just in case early on.

142.Bernard Pierce: Same for this guy if you draft the Baltimore RB with your first pick.

143.Javon Ringer: It's the round of handcuffs, and he's the guy to back up CJ.

144.Jonathan Dwyer: I might even move him up, seeing as how Redman isn't too proven.

145.Bears DEF

146.Jets DEF

147.Eagles DEF

148.49ers DEF

149.Steelers DEF

150.Ravens DEF

151.Bills DEF

152.Seahawks DEF

153.Patriots DEF

154.Packers DEF

155.Texans DEF

156.Lions DEF

157.Gostkowski (bye:9)

158.Akers (bye:9)

159.Prater (bye:7)

160.Bailey (bye:5)

161.Janikowski (bye:5)

162.Henery (bye:7)

163.Bryant (bye:7)

164.Crosby (bye:10)

165.Gould (bye:6)

166.Rackers (bye:10) 167.Bironas (bye:11) 168.Hanson (bye:5) ...and in no particular order, here are some guys who didn't quite make the cut (but let's keep an eye on them just in case they do in a week or two) Santonio Holmes David Nelson Kendall Wright Mohamed Sanu Brian Quick  Danny Amendola  Nate Burleson  Austin Collie   Jerome Simpson   Reuben Randle Doug Baldwin Leonard Hankerson Santana Moss Vincent Brown Jahvid Best Mike Tolbert Lamar Miller Curtis Brinkley Evan Royster Pierre Thomas

Taiwan Jones

Cedric Benson Ryan Grant

2012 Fantasy Football Rankings v1.2

It's Friday, and it feels like a good time to do another rankings update.  I guess at some point I might actually go to version 2.0, but for now these are all minor edits.  Some training camp notes and my own personal thoughts have me moving a few guys around, and once again I'm only going to add comments where someone has gone up or down (and a couple of notes here and there for guys who probably will move).  For previous comments, check my original rankings.

1. Arian Foster

2. Ray Rice

3. Calvin Johnson

4. Aaron Rodgers

5. LeSean McCoy

6. Tom Brady

7. Drew Brees

8. Chris Johnson

9. Maurice Jones-Drew: I don't like the holdout, and I also think CJ bounces back this year.

10.Ryan Mathews

11.Matthew Stafford

12.Larry Fitzgerald

13.Greg Jennings

14.Darren McFadden: Michael Bush is in Chicago now, so I switched McFadden and Forte.

15.Matt Forte

16.Jimmy Graham

17.Rob Gronkowski

18.Steven Jackson

19.Jamaal Charles

20.Ahmad Bradshaw: In the 2nd round, I think I'd rather have the proven RB over the rookie.

21.Trent Richardson

22.Brandon Marshall:  Might as well go all in with this guy.

23.DeMarco Murray

24.Roddie White

25.Frank Gore

26.Michael Turner

27.Adrian Peterson: Not sure he'll be ready Week 1.  I had him too high with that risk.

28.Wes Welker

29.Andre Johnson: Sounds crazy, but I almost feel like he fits in the guys I'll let someone else draft.

30.AJ Green

31.Julio Jones

32.Hakeem Nicks

33.Brandon Lloyd

34.Antonio Gates: With Gronk and Graham unavailable to me in my league, I move Gates up.

35.Mike Wallace: I don't like that Antonio Brown got paid and he didn't.

36.Victor Cruz

37.Jason Witten: Moving Witten up for the same reason as Gates.

38.Cam Newton

39.Michael Vick

40.Green-Ellis: Pretty solid feature back in a much better fantasy situation in Cincy.

41.Darren Sproles

42.Beanie Wells

43.Reggie Bush

44.Fred Jackson

45.Marshawn Lynch

46.Isaac Redman

47.Doug Martin

48.Willis McGahee

49.Vernon Davis

50.Jermichael Finley

51.Aaron Hernandez

52.Tony Romo

53.Philip Rivers

54.Marques Colston

55.Demaryius Thomas

56.Percy Harvin

57.Dwayne Bowe

58.Steve Smith

59.Miles Austin

60.Dez Bryant: Maybe I was a little hasty in moving Dez down so far so quickly.

61.Jordy Nelson

62.Jeremy Maclin

63.Stevie Johnson

64.Vincent Jackson

65.James Starks

66.Jahvid Best: Moving down a little for now, but maybe a LOT more pending health.

67.Eli Manning

68.Peyton Manning 69.Antonio Brown

70.Eric Decker

71.Torrey Smith

72.DeShaun Jackson: Getting personal and moving him down because he's a headcase.

73.Shonn Greene

74.Roy Helu

75.Donald Brown

76.CJ Spiller

77.Robert Meachem

78.Pierre Garcon

79.Lance Moore 80.Peyton Hillis

81.Reggie Wayne

82.Anquan Boldin

83.Malcom Floyd

84.Sidney Rice

85.Mark Ingram

86.Stevan Ridley

87.Toby Gerhart

88.Ben Tate

89.Lagarette Blount

90.Michael Bush

91.DeAngelo Williams

92.David Wilson

93.Robert Turbin

94.Santonio Holmes

95.Fred Davis

96.Jared Cook

97.Brandon Pettigrew

98.Jacob Tamme

99.Coby Fleener

100.Jermaine Gresham

101.Tony Gonzalez

102.Darrius Heyward-Bey: Just a feeling this is the year the freak athlete breaks out with Palmer.

103.Greg Little

104.Mike Williams(TB) 105.Jonathan Baldwin

106.Nate Washington: Britt news might not be as bad, and Titans signed rookie Kendall Wright. 107.Mario Manningham

108.Michael Crabtree

109.Justin Blackmon

110.Titus Young

111.David Nelson

112.Denarius Moore

113.Michael Floyd

114.Jacquizz Rodgers

115.Ryan Williams: A lot of hype around the VT "2nd year rookie".  I'll bite.

116.Daniel Thomas

117.Kevin Smith: Added to the list (replacing Addai), and up a lot due to Best concussion worry.

118.Mike Goodson

119.Shane Vereen

120.Felix Jones

121.Jonathan Stewart

122.Mike Tolbert

123.Bears DEF

124.Jets DEF

125.Eagles DEF

126.49ers DEF

127.Steelers DEF

128.Ravens DEF

129.Bills DEF

130.Seahawks DEF

131.Patriots DEF

132.Packers DEF

133.Texans DEF

134.Lions DEF

135.RGIII: I'm going to show some Skins love here.  I'd take a shot on RGIII over those other guys.

136.Matt Ryan

137.Jay Cutler

138.Matt Schaub

139.Josh Freeman

140.Andrew Luck

141.Big Ben: News of a torn rotator cuff issue and will get sacked a ton.  No thanks.

142.Ronnie Brown: Note: This could change to Jackie Battle or someone else.

143.Mikel Leshoure: If Best out indefinitely, Leshoure could move up the board considerably.

144.Isaiah Pead: For now, he's just a backup running back.  Had him too high I think.

145.Alex Green

146.Tim Hightower

147.Rashad Jennings: Keep an eye on MJD holdout.  Jennings might have to move up.

148.Ronnie Hillman

149.Delone Carter

150.Bernard Scott

151.Dion Lewis

152.Bernard Pierce

153.Rashard Mendenhall: Could be Jonathan Dwyer if Mendenhall on regular season PUP list.

154.Javon Ringer

155.Montario Hardesty

156.Joe McKnight

157.Kenny Britt: I'm going to leave Britt at the bottom until I hear something positive.

158.Randall Cobb: I said he would finish better than James Jones, adjusting accordingly.

159.Mohamed Sanu

160.Stephen Hill

161.Brian Quick

162.Danny Amendola

163.Leonard Hankerson

164.Nate Burleson

165.Austin Collie

166.Earl Bennett 167.Jerome Simpson 168.Reuben Randle 169.Laurent Robinson 170.Doug Baldwin 171.Santana Moss 172.Kevin Walter: I wish the Texans would sign a free agent WR, so I can remove Walter.

173.Roy Williams: FREE AGENT

174.Mike Sims-Walker: FREE AGENT 175.Thomas Jones: FREE AGENT 176.Jason Snelling: FREE AGENT 177.Cedric Benson: FREE AGENT 178.Ryan Grant: FREE AGENT

179.Gostkowski (bye:9)

180.Akers (bye:9)

181.Prater (bye:7)

182.Bailey (bye:5)

183.Janikowski (bye:5)

184.Henery (bye:7)

185.Bryant (bye:7)

186.Crosby (bye:10)

187.Gould (bye:6)

188.Rackers (bye:10)

189.Bironas (bye:11)

190.Hanson (bye:5)

Guys I Might Reach For a Round Early

Training camps are underway, and the Hall of Fame Game is this Sunday….THIS SUNDAY!  Maybe I’m getting a little too amped for a contest that will feature starters for one series and then guys like Shane Falco and Clifford Franklin for the rest of the game, but football is back and I’m pretty damn excited.  I thought about updating my rankings again, but I’ll wait a little longer before I shuffle some guys around (maybe next week, but possibly as early as tomorrow, who knows?).  For now, I’ll go ahead and give you a few guys I’m really high on this year.  Again, I’m comparing my rankings to expert rankings that are out there, and yes it’s very early.  Also, like my “Guys I'll Let Someone Else Draft”, some of these are just gut feel.  I don’t feel the need to back this stuff up with numbers because no one’s really reading this anyway, and I’m going to back it up with a fantasy championship.  How about that?  I’m going a little heavy on the WRs here, so let’s start with them first this time.

Wide Receivers

Brandon Marshall:  Right now I have him ranked as my #6 WR, but I’m thinking of moving him up a notch or two.  I just have a feeling about him getting back together with JC (that’s Jay Cutler, not any other famous “JC” you might be thinking of).  The more I think about taking someone like Andre3000 or Roddie White ahead of him, the more I think I would reach a round early for Marshall.  AJ has hurt me with injuries in the past, and he already has a groin strain about 30 seconds into practices.  With Julio Jones emerging in Atlanta, I wonder if Roddie will have a down year (at least by his standards).

Demaryius Thomas: A lot of this hinges on Peyton’s health, and I’ve already seen a couple of articles out there about how Eric Decker and Manning have great chemistry going.  But Thomas has as much talent in his little finger as Decker has in, well, let’s say both hands put together.  I don’t want to get crazy with the analogy.  I think Decker will also reap the benefits of the “new” QB in town (new like that ’01 Accord you just bought with 150,000 miles on it), but I think Thomas is worth the risk because the reward could be..........cheesy joke alert……….a MILE HIGH!

Brandon Lloyd: Tom Brady + Josh McDaniels – Redskins Jersey = Fantasy Gold.  I realize he hasn’t been a Redskin in a while, but I thought I’d throw that in there to make myself a little more miserable of that fact.  The first part of the equation is what I’m looking at, and if Lloyd could have that 2010 Pro Bowl season with Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow throwing the ball over his head and at his feet, think of what he could do with Brady zipping it to him on a frozen rope.   I realize the Pats have a lot of weapons, and Brady will spread it around to Welker and the tight ends, but I think Lloyd will be the biggest beneficiery of them all and will have a monster year.  Sadly, I don’t think Lloyd will be available in my keeper league because I’m pretty sure the champ will be keeping him and Gronk.  Not a bad start to a lineup that could potentially 3-peat.  (Dear League, Don’t Trade With Bird!!!)

Lance Moore: I’ve always liked watching this guy play, but I don’t think I’ve ever had him on a fantasy team.  His last two seasons have been solid but nothing to write home about.  [Side Note: I don’t know why you’d be writing a letter home to someone about Lance Moore’s play from 2010-2011 anyway.  That’s just weird.]  What I like about this year is that Meachem is gone, and that makes Lance Moore the #2 wideout on the depth chart.  Yeah, Devery Henderson is still around, but he hasn’t exactly been a touchdown machine.  I think Lance Moore will have a season more like 2008 when he had close to 1000 yards and pulled in 10 TDs.

Greg Little: This guy is a beast, but he’s still a bit raw.  He had a solid rookie campaign as far as receptions and yards, but only two touchdowns to his name.  For what it’s worth, those 2 TDs did come in the last five games he played.  I have to think that he and Colt McCoy developed a connection as the season progressed, and if Colt is the guy the Browns go with, then I like Little to improve on his rookie numbers.  If Colt isn’t the guy (and he probably won’t be), I still like Little to have a better year.  I think Brandon Weeden could have a season similar to Andy Dalton's in 2011.  I realize that could be a stretch because it is the Browns, but I think if Weeden is at the helm, it could only improve Little’s value.  It’s a bit of a shot in the dark, but we’re talking about later rounds so you should be able to get him with a huge discount.

Running Backs

James Starks:  Maybe no one noticed, but Ryan Grant is no longer a Packer.  I realize that Kuhn will vulture some TDs, and it’ll sound like all of Green Bay is booing the guy, but Starks is in line to be THE guy in Green Bay.  OK.  Maybe not THE guy (Aaron Rodgers), but THE running back.  The ESPN ADP right now is 95, and I currently have him ranked 66th. This guy’s getting drafted well after guys like Ben Tate, Michael Bush, and CJ Spiller…all of whom are currently in secondary roles.  More on CJ Spiller right about…now.

CJ Spiller: Fred Jackson turned 31 earlier this year, so he’s well over the hill when it comes to running backs.  Oh and he’s also coming off a broken leg.  While Jackson was performing well before his Week 11 injury, Spiller also did quite well in his absence.  When I see Spiller, all I can think about is his senior season at Clemson.  That dude was a monster.  I think the Bills realize that Spiller is the future, and I also think he becomes the lead guy by their Week 8 Bye.  In a keeper league, there is a lot of potential value with Spiller.

Mark Ingram:  I’ve already hinted at my disdain for Pierre Thomas, and I think Ingram steps into his shoes this year.  I also have a feeling that Sproles will get fewer carries (not touches, carries).  Sproles will still be in the backfield often and get lots of receiving yards, but I think inside the 20 will be Ingram territory this season.  Call it a hunch (because that’s what it is), but I think this is the year to grab Ingram and stash him away for a couple more in a keeper league like ours.

Future Detroit RB Cedric Benson or Ryant Grant:  I’m going off the grid here with a prediction.  Currently these guys are trying to workout for whoever they can, and I don’t think the Lions are one of those teams…yet.  Jahvid Best still isn’t cleared to participate in training camp due to his concussion symptoms, and there seems to be a lot of worry in Motown about when or if he’ll return.  Yeah, that doesn’t sound good.  Mikel Leshoure is already dealing with a hamstring injury in camp, and he’s suspended for the first couple of games anyway due to the wacky tobaccky (which he also got in trouble for in college).  Well that doesn't sound too good either!  I’m pretty sure that leaves Kevin Smith, who has played a total of 13 games combined in the last two seasons.  If Smith can stay healthy, he probably would be in line to benefit the most from this situation, but I think the Lions will smarten up and sign either Benson or Grant.  Stay tuned because if that happens, I think one of them could find themselves in a tasty fantasy situation.

Tight Ends

Antonio Gates:  I think he stays healthy this year, and VJax is gone.  Hell, Tolbert is gone.  If Mathews can’t get it done on the goal line, who are they going to turn to?  Rivers is going to toss the rock up to Gates, and he’ll come down with it with someone 8 inches shorter trying to outjump him.  Gronk and Graham are going to be keepers in our league, so I think Gates is the best option available.  He’s a prime candidate for a guy who I might reach a round early to get.  Then again, someone else could very easily do the same thing.

Jason Witten:  If someone grabs Gates early in our draft, I might reach for Witten.  No one has been more consistant over the last 5-7 seasons, and the guy hasn’t missed a game since his rookie year.  With Dez Bryant acting a fool, I think Romo’s trust stays with his tight end and the two connect for 1000 yards and 8 TDs.  If I have to grab him a round early to get those numbers, I might do it.

Jared Cook:  So if my plan fails and I don’t get Witten or Gates, Cook is my guy.  I think Locker will win the starting quarterback job in Tennesee, possibly even for Week 1.  I’m not sure if you saw Cook’s numbers the last three games of the season, but they were pretty good (and Locker was the QB).  Everything I hear about this guy makes him sound more athletic than Graham and Gronk combined, and while that may be a bit of an exaggeration, I’m going to try to snatch him up if I miss out on my first two targets.  I think Cook has the best chance to round out the top 5 fantasy TEs when it’s all said and done this year.

If someone takes Gates, Witten, and Cook way earlier than they should, then I guess I won't be doing a fantasy football blog next year.  Nah, I probably will.  I'm not including QBs, DEF, or (*chuckle*) K in this list because I just don't think I have any that I'll reach for.  If you consider taking either Rodgers, Brady, or Brees in the first round as a reach, then Go-Go-Gadget Arms.  I'm going to try to get one of those guys.  Defense and kickers are going to be reserved for the last two rounds (at least for me), so I don't have much to say about them.  No reaching here.

Keep a lookout for updated rankings in the days to come.

Cheers,

Bart