Fantasy Sweepstakes

......Hey yo. It's been a slow few weeks, one of the reasons for no postings. Fortunately the NFL training camps have opened and we're a week away from the first preseason game (good thing because I thought I was going to have to talk about the thrilling victory that Canada has over the U.S. in men's slow pitch softball). Needless to say, this means fantasy football is upon us. At the risk of giving away some of my strategy to those I'm in leagues with, here is a quick Fantasy Preview (as well as when some of you hit that x button to close the browser).

I've done a couple mock drafts and it appears as though choosing "can't miss" players at certain positions will be somewhat of a crap shoot this year. You're a lock to get one of the premiere running backs at the 1-6 spots and it starts getting questionable after that with teams that have unproven rookies or fully entrenched in the running back by committee mantra. If you don't get one of the top 6 guys you still will have good value at the 7-12 positions (assuming you're in a maximum of a 12 team league that is not a points per reception league). Of course Andrew Johnson is worth top 10 consideration if you miss the top 7*. Ideally you would like to get two starting RBs but considering how thin it LOOKS, you may find more value mixing in a premiere qb (brees, p. manning, rodgers) in above the 8-"the rest" running backs. Similar to how you could elevate a premier TE (Clark, Gates) to as early as Round 4 if you miss out on your top 5 WR and want a sure bet..or the closest thing to one.

As of right now thru one week of training camp my Top 3 in each category look a little something like this.

Stock Up
Carson Palmer/T.O./Ochocinco - decent running game in place and a viable #2 to take away double teams from Chad. I think this elevates Carson to borderline top 5 qb. If they get decent production out of Antonio Bryant, Palmer could be looking at his best numbers in quite a few years.

Aromashodu/Hester - You would have to believe qb Jay Cutler won't throw around 30 INTs this year now that offensive guru Mike Martz will be calling the plays for the offense. He will figure out a way to utilize the former's size and the latter's speed

Tony Romo - Like Carson he will benefit from the addition of another play maker on the outside in Dez Bryant. The cowboys should arguably have one of the most formidable passing attacks in the league.

Stock Down
Brett Favre - Not so much a knock against him as it is reality. He threw his fewest INT's ever in his career last year and I don't think that will repeat itself. Also at age 40, his recent ankle surgery may play a factor as the season progresses.

Larry Fitzgerald - His bookend WR (Boldin) went to another team and possible Hall of Fame QB retired (Kurt Warner). From what I've seen of incumbent Matt Leinart, I hope i'm not faced with the decision to take Fitz or pass on him.

Steven Jackson* - Reason for the asterisk earlier with top 7 Rbs. He IS the St. Louis Rams but has to tote the rock a little too much. Back surgery in the off season mixed with the fact that he's not on a very good team, has a rookie qb, only score 4 total td's last season despite 1400+ rushing yards sounds like the ingredients to an "I'll pass" sandwich

Coin Flip/Possible Sleeper
Shonn Greene - will be his first year starting at RB. Has a great offensive line but there is a very small sample size to go off of here. IF LT has something left he could lose some touches on 3rd down.

Kevin Kolb - Has only 2 starts under his belt but Philly will continue to be a pass first offense under Andy Reid. Mike Vick may vulture some goal line scoring opportunities from him but won't be considered a threat to taking his spot (save for an injury)

Joe Flacco - I hate to use the term "breakout" year but he is heading into his 3rd year as starter and went from 14 to 21 in td passes while keeping his INTs at 12. They are in a run first offense with the talented RBs they have but the addition of Anquan Boldin will allow them to not be so one-dimensional like the Ravens of old.

That's a quick summary for now. Hit me up as usual if you have any retorts or questions about my lists. Well, that is if you're not related to me or have the screen name of Victorious Secret or Golden Taints....there is money involved!