As Detroit improved a great deal both the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears took a step back. Those two teams are going to have to restructure their rosters in order to contend with the Lions and Packers. If not, they are going to be consistently vying for last place in the division.

Green Bay Packers

LB- A.J. Hawk: $6.6 million cap hit

This linebacker is one high draft pick that just hasn’t worked out too well for the Green Bay Packers over the course of the last couple of seasons. Instead, Hawk has saw his game regress a great deal in 2011 as he became nothing more than an marginal starting linebacker in the NFL.

I am not sure what the possible replacements for Hawk would be on Green Bay’s roster. A possibility would be to move Erik Walden inside, which seems to be a fit for the up-and-coming backer. Either way, the Packers are not in the game of paying marginal players nearly $7 million on an annual basis.

S- Nick Collins: $3.5 million cap hit

This has absolutely nothing to do with performance. Rather, it is all about injury and a possibility that Collins might not play again. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that a decision will come down in March whether Collins will ever play again. For his part, Collins has pretty much said it is up to the doctors at this point. Considering that he needed fusion on that injured neck, my money is on Collins retiring.

While it is a sad end to what promised to be a great career, the Packers are going to have to make a strictly business decision. Releasing Collins would save them $3.5 million against the 12′ cap.

WR- Donald Driver: $5.6 million cap hit

The idea of Donald Driver playing anywhere else than Green Bay makes me cringe, but it is a real possibility at this point. While I assumed the descending receiver would just retire than try to hang on with another team, that doesn’t seem to be the case right now.

“If the Packers don’t want me, I’ve got to go somewhere else and play,” Driver said. “I don’t have a choice. I’m not ready to hang the cleats up. My wife feels like I still got it. I feel like I still got it. If my family feels that way, then I’m going to continue to play. It’s up to the organization to make that decision.”

One thing is clear, either Driver agrees to restructure his contract or he will be looking for a new team in March.

Detroit Lions

DT- Corey Williams: $6.1 million cap hit

I am working under the assumption that the Detroit Lions remain high on Nick Fairley, if that is the case Corey Williams is as good as gone. While Detroit did some amazing things in 2011, they still have numerous holes to fill in order to be considered an elite team in the NFC. Among them is retaining the services of Cliff Avril. Short of getting Calvin Johnson to restructure his whopping $17 million cap figure for 2012, Detroit is going to have to get creative.

They also need to get a top tier offensive linemen, another linebacker and some secondary help. That all cannot be done via the NFL Draft. Instead, they are going to have to cut some fat from the 53 and Williams will be the first to go.

C- Dominic Raiola:$3.4 million cap hit

NFL free agency is all about upgrading at positions of weakness or relative mediocrity. This is where taking a look at the pending free agent class comes into play. Accordingly, the center position is going to be absolutely stacked when the league year begins in March.

Raiola is due $3.4 million in 2012 and has regressed a great deal over the course of the last couple seasons. Considering the San Francisco 49ers got an above-average center, Jonathan Goodwin, for pennies on the dollar last off-season, there is no reason to believe that Detroit cannot do the same thing this off-season. If not, the draft class is stacked at that position as well. Peter Konz (Wisconsin) comes to mind first.

Chicago Bears

WR- Earl Bennett: $3.4 million

If Bennett is in the Bears regular wide receiver rotation next season they are in a lot of trouble. This is a unit that needs more upgrades out of any “contending” team not named the San Francisco 49ers.  The free agent class of receivers is absolutely stacked this season and I fully expect Chicago to make a play for one of the top ten players on that list. Additionally, it can already be concluded that they are going receiver in the first round if the board plays out to their liking.

With that said, Chicago seems to like Bennett a lot despite the fact that he has regressed a great deal since a breakout 2009 season. Maybe he was a pet project of Jerry Angelo, who is no longer with the team. If that is the case Bennett could be looking for a new team in a couple weeks.

OL- Frank Omiyale:$2.9 million

Right up there with Charlie Johnson( who you will see later) as well as Marc Columbo as the absolute worst offensive linemen in the entire NFL, Omiyale just cannot get it done. He is one of the primary reasons that Jay Cutler went down and consistently struggles in pass protection. It goes without saying that Chicago must address this unit in the off-season. If so, he is as good as gone.

C- Chris Spencer: $3.8 million

The former Seattle Seahawks center was a late addition last season when the Bears couldn’t work out a contract with Olin Kreutz. He is a marginal starting center at best and struggled to pick up the middle blitz during the 2011 season. As I mentioned before, the center position in free agency is stacked. Look for Chicago to rid themselves of Spencer’s $3.8 million price tag and acquire an upgrade at this position.

RB- Marion Barber: $2.9 million

This has nothing to do with Marion Barber’s struggles against the Denver Broncos in the Hail Tebow comeback during the 2011 season. It has more to do with roster logistics than anything else. Kahlil Bell, who performed great in Matt Forte’s stead, is an exclusive rights free agent. While he will only receive the league minimum next season, Bell needs to be inserted in as the Bears No. 2 back behind Forte. He has more explosiveness and is a better blocker than Barber. Is this happens, which I expect it will, Chicago isn’t paying a third string back nearly $3 million. That slot is usually reserved for late round projects.

Minnesota Vikings

DT- Kevin Williams: $7.0 million

The “Williams Wall” will be no longer heading into the 2012 season. Instead, the Vikings are rebuilding and looking to get some young blood on both sides of the ball.  Kevin Williams, who was suspended for the first two games of 2011, had the worst season of his career. He continually struggled in the run game and looked old, for a lack of a better word. With the direction that Minnesota is going in, I doubt very much they pay this nine year vet the $7 million that he is owed. This money would be better used going after an elite wide receiver for Christian Ponder in free agency or upgrading a poor offensive line.

OT- Charlie Johnson: $4.0 million

Speaking of poor offensive line performances, Charlie Johnson was one of the worst pass protectors in the entire league last season. After coming over from Indianapolis in free agency, Johnson consistently struggled on the outside in protection of Christian Ponder. You just cannot have a tackle struggle the way he did in front of a young quarterback. Just look at what happened to David Carr with the Houston Texans last decade. It has become a necessity to get a franchise offensive tackle when looking to groom a young signal caller. If you don’t do that, all of the indicators of failure are going to be there.

Minnesota, who has the third pick in the draft, is probably going to Matt Kalil. Even if they don’t, expect this team upgrade the left tackle position.

*All Salary Cap Figures Provided by Spotrac

After falling to pick 1.10, Gore was the first pick in our first expert league of the Summer.

Even though the NFL season has been going strong for weeks now, Fantasy Knuckleheads’ official start to the fantasy season began with our first expert draft of the 2011 season; KFFL NFL Experts League. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill draft either. We’re talking about some of the top dogs in not only fantasy football, but guys who cover the NFL on a daily basis. Here is a list of the participants:

RotoExperts.com
FootballGuys.com
FOXSports.com
FFToday.com
RotoWire.com
RTSports.com
KFFL.com
BrunoBoys.net
FantasyGuru.com
CBSSports.com
Gridiron-Guru.com
FantasyKnuckleheads.com

Below is how the draft went down and a quick synopsis on each of Knuckleheads’ picks, round-by-round.
PPR, 4 points per passing TD, 6 points per rushing/receiving TD.
1QB, 2RB, 3WR, 1TE, 1Flex/RB/WR/TE, 1DEF, 1K

Round One
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Arian Foster RB, HOU
#2 RotoWire.com – Adrian Peterson RB, MIN
#3 CBSSports.com – Chris Johnson RB, TEN
#4 FOXSports.com – Jamaal Charles RB, KAN
#5 FootballGuys.com – Ray Rice RB, BAL
#6 RotoExperts.com – LeSean McCoy RB, PHI
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Andre Johnson WR, HOU
#8 RTSports.com – Darren McFadden RB, OAK
#9 FFToday.com – Roddy White WR, ATL
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Frank Gore RB, SFO
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Calvin Johnson WR, DET
#12 KFFL.com – Maurice Jones-Drew RB, JAC

In a PPR league, I was hoping one of the last pass-catching running backs would be left, so I decided to take Gore instead of quarterback or receiver. A healthy Frank Gore will produce big numbers under a new coaching staff.

Round 2
#1 KFFL.com – Larry Fitzgerald WR, ARI
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Peyton Hillis RB, CLE
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Hakeem Nicks WR, NYG
#4 FFToday.com – Rashard Mendenhall RB, PIT
#5 RTSports.com – Greg Jennings WR, GNB
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Matt Forte RB, CHI
#7 RotoExperts.com – Reggie Wayne WR, IND
#8 FootballGuys.com – Aaron Rodgers QB, GNB
#9 FOXSports.com – Michael Turner RB, ATL
#10 CBSSports.com – Brandon Marshall WR, MIA
#11 RotoWire.com – Drew Brees QB, NOR
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Steven Jackson RB, STL

Going with the strategy of taking a top player in each position in the first 4-5 rounds, Hakeem Nicks was the best available receiver left on our board. With Steve Smith’s recovery from microfracture surgery expected to take months, Nicks will easily top last year’s stats in terms of receptions (79) and yardage (1052).

Round 3
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Miles Austin WR, DAL
#2 RotoWire.com – Jahvid Best RB, DET
#3 CBSSports.com – Mike Wallace WR, PIT
#4 FOXSports.com – Vincent Jackson WR, SDG
#5 FootballGuys.com – Ahmad Bradshaw RB, NYG
#6 RotoExperts.com – Felix Jones RB, DAL
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Michael Vick QB, PHI
#8 RTSports.com – Mike Williams WR, TAM
#9 FFToday.com – Antonio Gates TE, SDG
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Wes Welker WR, NWE
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Knowshon Moreno RB, DEN
#12 KFFL.com – Dwayne Bowe WR, KAN

Welker is only a year removed from 123 catches in 2009. Hell, he still had 86 last year when the team was going through Randy Moss withdrawals and added in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. If Chad Ochocinco can squeeze out another strong year, Welker should at least hit 100 receptions again.

Round 4
#1 KFFL.com – Shonn Greene RB, NYJ
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Tom Brady QB, NWE
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Peyton Manning QB, IND
#4 FFToday.com – LeGarrette Blount RB, TAM
#5 RTSports.com – DeAngelo Williams RB, CAR
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Ryan Mathews RB, SDG
#7 RotoExperts.com – Tony Romo QB, DAL
#8 FootballGuys.com – Mark Ingram RB, NOR
#9 FOXSports.com – Jason Witten TE, DAL
#10 CBSSports.com – Dez Bryant WR, DAL
#11 RotoWire.com – Dallas Clark TE, IND
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Jeremy Maclin WR, PHI

Peyton Manning is coming off neck surgery and it’s still unknown if he will be ready by Week One. This is the main reason why he likely slid all the way to the fourth round. Even so, I simply don’t see him missing any of the regular season. While he is getting bumped down by guys like Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers, and Michael Vick, Manning will hold his own and put up disgustingly huge numbers if he’s ready by Week One. If so, 30+ touchdown passes here I come!!!!! He still has plenty of time to prepare.

Fred Jackson should get 250+ touches this year.

Round 5
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Philip Rivers QB, SDG
#2 RotoWire.com – Marques Colston WR, NOR
#3 CBSSports.com – Cedric Benson RB, CIN
#4 FOXSports.com – Steve Johnson WR, BUF
#5 FootballGuys.com – DeSean Jackson WR, PHI
#6 RotoExperts.com – Santonio Holmes WR, NYJ
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Jermichael Finley TE, GNB
#8 RTSports.com – Brandon Lloyd WR, DEN
#9 FFToday.com – Matt Schaub QB, HOU
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Fred Jackson RB, BUF
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Ryan Torain RB, WAS
#12 KFFL.com – Percy Harvin WR, MIN

Jackson had a down year in 2010 after achieving 1000 rushing yards in 2009. But this year will be a different story. He no longer has to compete with Marshawn Lynch. And with CJ Spiller still having fumble issues and pass-protecting problems in practice, Jackson will touch the ball 250+ times this season.

Round 6
#1 KFFL.com – Chris Wells RB, ARI
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Vernon Davis TE, SFO
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Greg Olsen TE, CAR
#4 FFToday.com – Kenny Britt WR, TEN
#5 RTSports.com – Matt Ryan QB, ATL
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Daniel Thomas RB, MIA
#7 RotoExperts.com – Ryan Grant RB, GNB
#8 FootballGuys.com – Austin Collie WR, IND
#9 FOXSports.com – Sidney Rice WR, SEA
#10 CBSSports.com – BenJarvus Green-Ellis RB, NWE
#11 RotoWire.com – Marshawn Lynch RB, SEA
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Jonathan Stewart RB, CAR

Out of all the picks, this is the one I regret……but just a little bit. Playing in OC Mike Martz’s offense killed Olsen’s value in Chicago. And he’ll have some growing pains as he gets adjusted to playing in a new system and a new quarterback. What I am banking on is Carolina OC Rob Chudzinski making Olsen a big part of the offense. Chud was the tight ends coach in San Diego and was a big part of making some dude named Antonio Gates a stud.

Round 7
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Anquan Boldin WR, BAL
#2 RotoWire.com – Chad Ochocinco WR, NWE
#3 CBSSports.com – Ben Roethlisberger QB, PIT
#4 FOXSports.com – Eli Manning QB, NYG
#5 FootballGuys.com – Jimmy Graham TE, NOR
#6 RotoExperts.com – Mike Thomas WR, JAC
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Pierre Garcon WR, IND
#8 RTSports.com – Brandon Jacobs RB, NYG
#9 FFToday.com – Mario Manningham WR, NYG
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Jordy Nelson WR, GNB
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Ryan Williams RB, ARI
#12 KFFL.com – Matthew Stafford QB, DET

After putting up a huge game in the Super Bowl, and also suffering a burst bursa sac in his left knee, Nelson figures to see a lot more time on the field this year. James Jones coming back does hurt some, but we doubt he has fixed his inconsistencies. And Donald Driver is close to being done completely. Nelson has sleeper written all over him. He’s the team’s most talented receiver outside of Greg Jennings.

Round 8
#1 KFFL.com – Owen Daniels TE, HOU
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Roy Williams WR, CHI
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Joseph Addai RB, IND
#4 FFToday.com – Danny Amendola WR, STL
#5 RTSports.com – Mike Tolbert RB, SDG
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Steve Smith WR, CAR
#7 RotoExperts.com – Kellen Winslow TE, TAM
#8 FootballGuys.com – A.J. Green WR, CIN
#9 FOXSports.com – C.J. Spiller RB, BUF
#10 CBSSports.com – Santana Moss WR, WAS
#11 RotoWire.com – Reggie Bush RB, MIA
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Davone Bess WR, MIA

Another guy who slid farther than I had anticipated, Addai re-signed with the Colts and will start Week One. Donald Brown showed me nothing last year that would make me believe he can unseat Addai for the starting job. Rookie Delone Carter could make some noise, but the starting job is clearly Addai’s to lose. And as my No. 3 running back, THAT’S GOLD JERRY GOLD!!!

Robert Meachem could finally have the breakout season the Saints have been waiting for.

Round 9
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Darren Sproles RB, NOR
#2 RotoWire.com – Braylon Edwards WR, SFO
#3 CBSSports.com – Tim Hightower RB, WAS
#4 FOXSports.com – Julio Jones WR, ATL
#5 FootballGuys.com – Jacoby Ford WR, OAK
#6 RotoExperts.com – Greg Little WR, CLE
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Josh Freeman QB, TAM
#8 RTSports.com – Deion Branch WR, NWE
#9 FFToday.com – Rashad Jennings RB, JAC
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Robert Meachem WR, NOR
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Malcom Floyd WR, SDG
#12 KFFL.com – Johnny Knox WR, CHI

I initially ragged on Kurt for making a homer pick, but you can’t disagree that this could be Meachem’s year. Finally over injuries, Meachem is showing why the Saints drafted him in the first round back in 2007. With Marques Colston still sidelined with problematic knees, Meachem could end up being Drew Brees’ go-to guy. His upside is off the charts right now.

Round 10
#1 KFFL.com – Jay Cutler QB, CHI
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Sam Bradford QB, STL
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Roy Helu RB, WAS
#4 FFToday.com – Michael Bush RB, OAK
#5 RTSports.com – Mike Sims-Walker WR, STL
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Lance Moore WR, NOR
#7 RotoExperts.com – Matt Cassel QB, KAN
#8 FootballGuys.com – Marcedes Lewis TE, JAC
#9 FOXSports.com – Kevin Kolb QB, ARI
#10 CBSSports.com – Rob Gronkowski TE, NWE
#11 RotoWire.com – Hines Ward WR, PIT
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Brandon Pettigrew TE, DET

Hate the Redskins, but I love me some Roy Helu. Ryan Torain can’t stay healthy and Tim Hightower is going to fumble his way into Mike Shanahan’s doghouse. I’m trying to temper my expectations because he’s a rookie, but I can’t see Helu not landing the starting job in-season.

Round 11
#1 BrunoBoys.net – James Starks RB, GNB
#2 RotoWire.com – Mike Williams WR, SEA
#3 CBSSports.com – Joe Flacco QB, BAL
#4 FOXSports.com – Pierre Thomas RB, NOR
#5 FootballGuys.com – Plaxico Burress WR, NYJ
#6 RotoExperts.com – Danny Woodhead RB, NWE
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Willis McGahee RB, DEN
#8 RTSports.com – Kyle Orton QB, DEN
#9 FFToday.com – James Jones WR, GNB
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Jared Cook TE, TEN
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Green Bay Packers Def/ST, GNB
#12 KFFL.com – Michael Crabtree WR, SFO

Now we start getting into the players that are looking good in camp, but haven’t popped up on anyone else’s radar. With Matt Hasselbeck in town, Cook could be in for a solid season. Reports say that the coaches are lining him out as a wide receiver in practice, so we could see him push for a career year in 2011.

Round 12
#1 KFFL.com – LaDainian Tomlinson RB, NYJ
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Donald Driver WR, GNB
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Philadelphia Eagles Def/ST, PHI
#4 FFToday.com – Ryan Fitzpatrick QB, BUF
#5 RTSports.com – Tony Gonzalez TE, ATL
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Dustin Keller TE, NYJ
#7 RotoExperts.com – New York Jets Def/ST, NYJ
#8 FootballGuys.com – Shane Vereen RB, NWE
#9 FOXSports.com – Zach Miller TE, SEA
#10 CBSSports.com – Pittsburgh Steelers Def/ST, PIT
#11 RotoWire.com – Mark Sanchez QB, NYJ
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Chris Cooley TE, WAS

My homer pick of the draft. The Eagles Defense still has to gel with all the new faces, plus a new defensive coordinator, but they should slowly start raining down some terror against opposing offenses. I still worry about the pass rush and the linebackers, but that secondary is just too sick to pass up. If they end up flopping, I’ll be eating some crow in the winter.

For at least one week, I'm hoping Matt Hasselbeck shines as much as his bald noggin does on a sunny day.

Round 13
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Donovan McNabb QB, MIN
#2 RotoWire.com – Justin Forsett RB, SEA
#3 CBSSports.com – Jerome Simpson WR, CIN
#4 FOXSports.com – Delone Carter RB, IND
#5 FootballGuys.com – New England Patriots Def/ST, NWE
#6 RotoExperts.com – Tony Moeaki TE, KAN
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Jordan Shipley WR, CIN
#8 RTSports.com – Chicago Bears Def/ST, CHI
#9 FFToday.com – Aaron Hernandez TE, NWE
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Matt Hasselbeck QB, TEN
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Danario Alexander WR, STL
#12 KFFL.com – New York Giants Def/ST, NYG

I don’t expect Hasselbeck to find fantasy glory behind a questionable offensive line, but I only need him to pick up the slack during Peyton’s bye week (11). Luckily, he’s playing Atlanta in the dome, so weather won’t be an issue.

Round 14
#1 KFFL.com – Steve Breaston WR, KAN
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Leonard Hankerson WR, WAS
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Torrey Smith WR, BAL
#4 FFToday.com – Baltimore Ravens Def/ST, BAL
#5 RTSports.com – Brent Celek TE, PHI
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Jerome Harrison RB, DET
#7 RotoExperts.com – Ronnie Brown RB, PHI
#8 FootballGuys.com – DeMarco Murray RB, DAL
#9 FOXSports.com – Lee Evans WR, BUF
#10 CBSSports.com – Javon Ringer RB, TEN
#11 RotoWire.com – Early Doucet WR, ARI
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL

Another upside/depth pick, Smith has been looking really good in practice, yeah maybe I put too much stock in training camps, and he looks to be the starter alongside Anquan Boldin. Nice bye-week filler who could make a flex appearance.

Round 15
#1 BrunoBoys.net – Stephen Gostkowski K, NWE
#2 RotoWire.com – Detroit Lions Def/ST, DET
#3 CBSSports.com – Brandon Jackson RB, CLE
#4 FOXSports.com – New Orleans Saints Def/ST, NOR
#5 FootballGuys.com – Nate Kaeding K, SDG
#6 RotoExperts.com – Emmanuel Sanders WR, PIT
#7 FantasyGuru.com – Kansas City Chiefs Def/ST, KAN
#8 RTSports.com – Jabar Gaffney WR, WAS
#9 FFToday.com – Jason Snelling RB, ATL
#10 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Todd Heap TE, ARI
#11 Gridiron-Guru.com – Titus Young WR, DET
#12 KFFL.com – Rob Bironas K, TEN

I never take three tight ends. Sometimes, I don’t even take two. But I was so worried about my Olsen pick, that I picked up Cook and prayed. This league allows a tight end as a flex position, so Heap will help during the bye weeks. And playing with Kevin Kolb, who likes to throw to tight ends, Heap might have a little bit of TE2 value left.

Round 16
#1 KFFL.com – Lonyae Miller RB, DAL
#2 Gridiron-Guru.com – Mason Crosby K, GNB
#3 FantasyKnuckleheads.com – Garrett Hartley K, NOR
#4 FFToday.com – Alex Henery K, PHI
#5 RTSports.com – Matt Bryant K, ATL
#6 FantasyGuru.com – Sebastian Janikowski K, OAK
#7 RotoExperts.com – Josh Brown K, STL
#8 FootballGuys.com – Donnie Avery WR, STL
#9 FOXSports.com – Neil Rackers K, HOU
#10 CBSSports.com – David Buehler K, DAL
#11 RotoWire.com – Adam Vinatieri K, IND
#12 BrunoBoys.net – Jacoby Jones WR, HOU

A kicker is a kicker, but at least I got one that ranked fairly high. And since Kurt is a Saints fan, nothing wrong with appeasing the boss with guys from his own team.

Among this group are a couple of developing young starters, a first year starter and a couple of veterans who aren’t considered good picks normally.

Here’s FantasyKnuckleheads.com’s official QB rankings. And here’s a list of my five sleeper quarterbacks to keep an eye on in your league’s draft.

1. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions – Stafford is an excellent talent and has elite weapons at his disposal. The only concern when drafting him is his health. He’s shown that he’s pretty injury prone in his first couple seasons in the NFL. But, if he can stay healthy for a whole season, he could easily be a top-tier fantasy quarterback.
2. Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins – Henne has a huge target in Brandon Marshall. 2011 will be his sink-or-swim season. If he’s going to make it as an NFL starter, he’ll need to show it this season. I predict he’ll take a step forward this season and become a pretty valuable second-tier fantasy quarterback.
3. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears – Call Cutler a baby, call him sulky, call him whiny. But, the fact of the matter is that he led the Bears all the way to the NFC Championship Game last season. He has one of the best pass-catching running backs at his disposal in Matt Forte. He’ll put up big numbers once again, but he’ll always have the stigma of being a quitter after last year’s NFC Championship Game.
4. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs have the NFL’s best running back duo in Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles. Eventually, that will start to pay dividends for Cassel. He already has Dwayne Bowe at his disposal. A solid No. 2 receiver would really boost Cassel’s value.
5. Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings – Ponder is in the same boat as Cassel. He has Adrian Peterson, the best running back in the NFL. He also has Percy Harvin. If the Vikings re-sign Sidney Rice, Ponder will have a potent receiving tandem and could surprise some people by actually having a decent fantasy value. He could definitely be considered for a backup spot in later rounds.

The Lions are slowly continuing on the path towards improvement since the devastating and embarrassing 2008 season that saw them go 0-16. After winning a couple of games in ’09, they managed to surprise many experts in 2010 by going 6-10 in one of football’s toughest divisions.

So does this mean a playoff run is in store for 2011? It’s not totally out of the question, but the Lions will certainly need some help in a crowded division shared by the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. That being said, here is a look at what positions the Lions need to address in the 2011 NFL Draft to keep moving in the right direction.

Offensive Tackle - Unfortunately, this year isn’t so cut-and-dried in terms of what position the Lions will look to fill with their first round pick. For the first time in a while, they select towards the middle of the first round, so a lot of who they pick depends on who’s available. However, the Lions are serious about upgrading their offensive line to protect Matthew Stafford since he missed so many games last year, and picking a tackle early would certainly aid this goal. Stephen Peterman was probably the Lions worst lineman last year, so it’s possible that Detroit could get either USC OT Tyron Smith or Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo to take his spot. The 6’7″, 310-pound Castonzo is arguably the top tackle prospect going into the draft with his long arms and good quickness out of a stance. Smith is another top prospect since he probably the best overall pass blocker in the draft.

Cornerback - This is another big position that the Lions need filled; in fact, they might even decide to go with a secondary player in the first round (second round at the latest). Assuming they wait until the second round for a cornerback, the Lions will be eying Texas’ Aaron Williams. Williams has the speed/athleticism to stay with receivers every step of the way, and should be a good corner in the NFL. If the Lions went with a corner in the first round, they won’t be getting Patrick Peterson because he’s expected to go in the top 5. However, they have a chance at Prince Amukama from Nebraska, who has the perfect size and speed for a pro cornerback. If Amukama is gone, Colorado’s Jimmy Smith is also available, and his stock is rising fast after some good workouts.

Linebacker - Look for the Lions to nab a linebacker in the third round because they could use help at any of their LB positions. This is especially the case at weakside LB where Zack Follet was a constant liability in coverage, and he may not even be 100% in 2011 after suffering a season-ending injury. Boston College’s Mark Herzlich makes sense here because he has the speed and instincts as a pass defender. North Carolina’s Bruce Carter would be a nice addition at linebacker too due to his excellent pass coverage skills; but he underwent ACL surgery, so it’s unclear what his status will be heading into the draft. You may even see the Lions take both of these players (if available) in rounds 3 and 4 because they need a better corp of linebackers. If one of these players is gone in the fourth, the Lions could pickup tweener Lawrence Wilson out of Connecticut since he’s primarily known for his pass coverage abilities.

Running Back - This is not an immediate need for the Lions, but they could opt for a bruising running back in the later rounds to back up Jahvid Best. Best hit the rookie wall in the worst way, and they could definitely use a big backup to handle the in-between the tackle runs. 6’1″, 230-pound John Clay from Wisconsin is a good candidate here since he could be available in the sixth round. Clay’s stock has dropped because his speed isn’t on par with the top backs (4.87 40-yard), but his on-field speed and tackle-breaking abilities still make him worth a look.

However, the main positions that need to be addressed for the Lions are offensive tackle, linebacker, and corner. If they draft the right pieces, it’s very possible that the Lions could be the surprise NFL breakout team in 2011.

Waiver Wire Week 17

The Waiver Wire pick ups for week 16 were really good with Danny Amendola, Jimmy Graham, Andre Caldwell and Tim Tebow; while had a big dud with Mike Sims-Walker, who lost to Rex Grossman and the Redskins to basically forfeit any chance at making the playoffs. Here comes week 17, it is the most hated week of them all in terms of fantasy football. So, to start out the article I am going to make a list of which teams have clinched and have the chance to sit their players and which teams either need to play for seeding, or are yet to clinch a playoff berth. Anytime you hear about championships played in week 17, people constantly are against it; but for you fantasy owners that do have a big championship in week 17 [I have 3 of them, I understand], here are your waiver wire pick ups for week 17… let’s go out there and win a championship people [a lot more players than usual due to injuries + clinching byes].

Updated Injuries and Resting Players:

Hakeem Nicks- DOUBTFUL with broken toe

David Garrard- DOUBTFUL with surgery on middle finger on right hand

Maurice Jones-Drew- DOUBTFUL; he needs surgery on his knee, report says he has not gone on IR because he is waiting to see if team makes the playoffs; would be “tremendous miracle” if he was not OUT for Sunday

Michael Vick- OUT with rest

Playoff Scenarios-

NFC:

Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles [check status of LeSean McCoy, possible good pick up for Jerome Harrison; Michael Vick has now been ruled OUT for Sunday versus the Cowboys, so Kevin Kolb should get the start there] all have clinched playoff spots, but neither of them has clinched home field advantage; so they all have something to play for.

St. Louis Rams play the Seattle Seahawks [Charlie Whitehurst] for the right to clinch their division and host a playoff game; both teams have something to play for.

Green Bay Packers, New York Giants [Hakeem Nicks now listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday with a broken toe] and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all can clinch playoff berths with different scenarios, but they all have something to play for.

Teams that are eliminated from playoff contention-

Washington Redskins- Rex Grossman and Ryan Torain

Minnesota Vikings- Joe Webb/Brett Favre [Favre seems to be ruled out for Tuesday Night Football] and Adrian Peterson/Toby Gerhart

Detroit Lions- Shaun Hill and Jahvid Best/Maurice Morris

San Francisco 49ers [New Head Coach]- Troy Smith/Alex Smith and Brian Westbrook [I think has distinct advantage over Anthony Dixon]

Arizona Cardinals- John Skelton and Beanie Wells/Tim Hightower [Week 16: Beanie 11 carries, Hightower 6 carries]

Dallas Cowboys- Stephen McGee/Jon Kitna [looks to be leaning on McGee with injury to Kitna] and Felix Jones/Tashard Choice/Marion Barber [Felix getting bulk of carries and starting]

Carolina Panthers- Jimmy Clausen and Jonathan Stewart [will be Clausen last start before the Panthers are on the clock for April’s NFL Draft]

AFC:

New England Patriots have both clinched their division and have been earned home field advantage for the playoffs; they have nothing to play for this week at home versus the Dolphins. Possibly expect Brian Hoyer to replace Tom Brady at some point in this game and possible limited carries and touches for Benjarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Wes Welker and Deion Branch.

Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets have both clinched playoff berths and have nothing to play for because they cannot move up or down in terms of seeding. Keep updated all week on the status of Matt Cassel, Jamal Charles/Thomas Jones and Dwayne Bowe for Kansas City and for the Jets keep an eye on Mark Sanchez, LaDanian Tomlinson and Santonio Holmes.

Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have both clinched playoff berths, but both can also win their respective divisions, which would give one of these teams the number two seed and the other one, the number five seed. Both teams will play all of their starters and expect the same amount of targets and touches for all studs.

Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars have neither clinched playoff berths, but both will play all of their starters with the opportunity to make the playoffs with a few different scenarios. What you are watching for here is the status of Maurice Jones-Drew [reportedly listed as OUT with his knee injury], if he does not go again this week; Rashad Jennings remains a very good option. David Garrard is now listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday due to surgery on his right middle finger, so if this is someone you are relying on, you will have to look in some other places [Shaun Hill, Tim Tebow, Joe Webb or Kevin Kolb most likely].

Teams that are eliminated from playoff contention-

San Diego Chargers- Phillip Rivers and Ryan Matthews/Darren Sproles [Matthews has advantage here with recent injury to Mike Tolbert]

Miami Dolphins- Chad Henne and Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams

Oakland Raiders- Jason Campbell and Michael Bush/Darren McFadden [early reports have McFadden questionable, and Oakland could rest him with nothing to play for]

Tennessee Titans- Kerry Collins and Chris Johnson

Houston Texans- Matt Schaub and Arian Foster

Cleveland Browns- Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis

Denver Broncos- Tim Tebow and Knowshon Moreno/Correll Buckhalter [Moreno was banged up last week, check on status against San Diego this week]

Buffalo Bills- Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson/C.J. Spiller [Fred Jackson should get a bulk of the carries, but check status later in the week]

Cincinnati Bengals- Carson Palmer and Cedric Benson/Bernard Scott [could definitely share carries this week, check on injury status to both backs by Sunday]

Here is a list of some back ups that could come in handy:

Jay Cutler- Todd Collins

Mark Sanchez- Mark Brunell

Matt Ryan- Chris Redman

Joe Webb- Brett Favre [if Favre cannot go, Patrick Ramsey]

Drew Brees- Chase Daniel

Matt Cassel- Brodie Croyle

David Garrard- Trent Edwards then Todd Bouman

Michael Vick- Kevin Kolb

Michael Turner- Jason Snelling

Matt Forte- Chester Taylor

Andre Johnson- Jacoby Jones

Waiver Wire: Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets- With LaDanian Tomlinson possibly resting up for the playoffs, I think this is my top waiver wire pick up based on the match up with Buffalo and the style of football the Jets will play in a game that does not mean anything to them.

Waiver Wire: Joe Webb, QB, Minnesota Vikings- Depending on what happens on Tuesday Night Football, Joe Webb is a great option for people that have him as a “WR/QB” in some leagues it’s a good option in fantasy standards. If he does not start and Brett Favre goes in week 16 or 17, make sure you have a replacement for him.

Waiver Wire: Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars- All season long I have been picking the wide receivers that play against Houston, I will not change that just because it is week 17. Mike Thomas has been good in the second half of the season and I think he will see a good amount of targets against this poor secondary. UDPATE: David Garrard now listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday, which really hurts the status of Mike Thomas, Mike Sims-Walker and Mercedes Lewis.

Waiver Wire: Atlanta Falcons, Defense- Cannot deny the good match up against Carolina and they just lost at home in week 16 versus the Saints. This is a must win in terms of seeding and home field advantage for them and I see their defense stepping up big time in this one.

Waiver Wire: Jerome Harrison, RB, Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles might decide to rest LeSean McCoy due to injury and a multitude of options in terms of seeding, Jerome Harrison was a fantasy savior in the playoffs last year and I think he has the ability to show that potential again this year in week 17.

Waiver Wire: Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants- I am sure this guy is owned in a good percentage of leagues, but Eli Manning has been looking for him every week and they are playing the week Washington Redskins secondary and the Giants will be out for blood after two very poor performances in the past few weeks. UPDATE: great pick up now due to injury to Hakeem Nicks with a broke toe [listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday].

Waiver Wire: Blair White, WR, Indianapolis Colts- With Austin Collie on IR for the rest of the season, Blair White steps in as Peyton Manning’s new slot target and that receiver, whoever it is, always produces for the Colts and this week will be no different against the Tennessee Titans. White caught a TD last week and I see that trend continuing in a must win game for the Colts.

Waiver Wire: Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders- Like I said earlier, with Darren McFadden hurt at the moment wait and see if Oakland decides to sit him or limit his carries against a Chiefs team that has nothing to play for and have already clinched. Bush had 2 TD in week 15 versus the Broncos, so there is a good chance he can extend that success.

Waiver Wire: Emmanual Sanders, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers- He has caught 11 passes for 132 yards in his past two games and it really seems Roethlisberger is looking for him on a more constant basis than in the past. He seems to have slid right into the number 3 receiver for the Steelers and is being targeted multiple times per drive.

Like I said, a lot more information than usual this week, but since it is the last week before the playoffs I thought I would give you as much information as possible to help win you your championship this week. If your league already ended in week 16, hope I helped this season and very much look forward to week 1 next season.

Waiver Wire Week 15

The Waiver Wire pick ups from week 14 were good when you start to take a look on the amount of targets a few of those recommendations were getting [Bennett, Jennings and Lynch]. When I look forward to week 15, many fantasy players are either in the middle of their playoff run or for some leagues; week 15 starts their playoffs [leagues that count week 17]. With the waiver wire pick ups from week 15, I am going to try and include a few players that may help you in week 16 and 17 with some starters out and the potential to be last years “Jerome Harrison.”

Waiver Wire: Kenny Britt, WR, Tennessee Titans: He caught 4 passes for 39 yards versus the Colts on Thursday Night Football, but what I really liked out of what I saw in Britt and his connection to Collins was the fact he had 8 targets in this game. Coming off of his hamstring injury, and watching the game, it was very nice to see the Titans looking for Britt in a lot of different ways. With the Texans coming up on the schedule this upcoming week, look for Britt to have a good game.

Waiver Wire: Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers: It looks as if Jonathan Stewart has won the running back job for the rest of the season based on his performance in the last two weeks since coming back from injury: 33 carries, 190 yards, 1 TD. On the schedule for the upcoming week, the Panthers play the Cardinals, which is a great match up for Stewart and should give fantasy players willing to give him a chance a good amount of points in a flex position most likely.

Waiver Wire: Ryan Torain, RB, Washington Redskins: Not much to say here except if he had stayed healthy, this is exactly what he would have done week in and week out. I have been extremely high on Torain all season long, but his problem has become injuries, when he avoids these “stingy” type injuries, Torain really does a good job. He had 24 carries, 172 yards and he also had 2 catches for 10 yards in this loss to the Buccaneers. With Dallas and Jacksonville coming up on the schedule, I really like Torain for the home stretch… as long as Shanahan decides to stick with him.

Waiver Wire: Jahvid Best, RB, Detroit Lions: He had 13 carries for 38 in the win versus the Packers on Sunday. Best has been coming off of a turf toe injury and every week he seems to look more healthy than the last one, I really think Best could be a great candidate for a blow up type week in the final three weeks of the year. The Lions schedule for the upcoming weeks is Tampa Bay, Miami and Minnesota, If I were short on running backs in any of my leagues, I think Jahvid Best has a good chance to get more carries as the season winds down.

Waiver Wire: Matt Flynn, QB, Green Bay Packers: This is the definition of a handcuff for Aaron Rodgers owners. Whether you are in the playoff race, you have a bye or even if you are out of the playoffs all together; pick up Matt Flynn and make sure just in case something goes terribly awry, that you have the back up to one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in the league.

Waiver Wire: Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos: Just like the waiver wire pick above this, this would be a pick up for Kyle Orton starters. With Denver getting throttled by the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Broncos fans are pleading for more Tebow and any type of success from the ex-Florida quarterback may lead to him simply getting the job for the remainder of the season; if you have Orton, I would simply pick up Tebow just in case.

Waiver Wire: Players To Make Sure You Pick Up If Still Around-

Rashad Jennings

Earl Bennett

Marshawn Lynch

Tim Hightower

Fantasy Football RB Rankings Week 13, Matt Forte Getting It Done

1. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) @ Detroit – Last time Forte matched up here he busted the Lions off something proper, and to think that the Bears O-Line seems to have improved in a marjor way is very comforting for Forte this week.

2. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) @ Tampa Bay – Turner seems to start the season slow then turn it up and get hotter and hotter as the season progresses. I’d assume this will be a blow out with Turner rumbling for an easy 100+ and a score.

3. Arian Foster (Houston Texans) @ Philadelphia — Houston continues to try and run Foster into the ground but hey I’m not complaining, Foster is Australian for fantasy points galore.

4. Peyton Hillis (Cleveland Browns) @ Miami – Run White Boy Run! he won’t run a 40 yard dash in 4.4 seconds but he will move the pill and scamper 20 yards better than many of the running backs in the league.

5. Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Denver – Coming off his highest workload in any game this year Charles now faced the broncos who just love to give up all kinds of points to fantasy running backs.

6. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) @ Arizona – Lost a TD to his backup when he came out of the game for one play due to a finger stinger.. Look for a score this week, Arizona sucks so bad it isn’t even funny.

7. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) @ Tennessee – MOJO has his mojo back! After starting the season slow he is starting to rock and roll. I love watching this guy run.

8. LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Houston

9. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) vs. Jacksonville – Drop CJ down to rank # 15 IF Collins doesn’t start at QB. The last time the Jags faced CJ they held his but to about 60 yards and no score UNTIL the final play of the game, in garbage time, CJ finally broke a long play. I’m woefully worried about this game… yes I have CJ.

10. Knowshon Moreno (Denver Broncos) @ Kansas City – Moreno is hot and lit them up last time…

11. Mike Tolbert (San Diego Chargers) vs. Oakland – Even when “whats his name” comes back it’s still the Tolbert show.

12. Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants) vs. Washington – Bradshaw looked great backing up Jacobs, I like the rotation so don’t be afraid to plug him in versus Washington.

13. LaDainian Tomlinson (New York Jets) @ New England – PPR league can bump him up the ranks +5

14. Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh Steelers) @ Baltimore – You could do worse, you could do better. I expect a brutal defensive outing by both teams.. expect a low score.

15. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Pittsburgh – You could do worse, you could do better. I expect a brutal defensive outing by both teams.. expect a low score.

16. Toby Gerhart (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Buffalo – Toby did well and if AP sits you gotta start Gerhart

17. Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys) @ Indianapolis – Hell ya, if you’re PPR.

18. Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills) @ Minnesota – Bump him up in PPR leagues +3

Don’t forget to check out our start sit columns.

19. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (New England Patriots) vs. New York Jets – Can you bench him for someone else?

20. Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants) vs. Washington -

21. Brian Westbrook (San Francisco 49ers) @ Green Bay – This is the test for Westbroook, I think he’ll pass however, Dixon will be a factor too.

22. Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders) @ San Diego – I’d only start him in PPR league (bump him up +5) if you dont have a better option.. Raiders got to get back on track.

23. Shonn Greene (New York Jets) @ New England – I think this will be LT’s week to shine..

24. Thomas Jones (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Denver – Charles is in charge now…

25. Mike Goodson (Carolina Panthers) @ Seattle -

26. Chris Ivory (New Orleans Saints) @ Cincinnati – the return of Bush and PT hurt him but he is hot in the red zone

27. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers) @ Seattle -

28. LeGarrette Blount (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Atlanta

29. Cedric Benson (Cincinnati Bengals) vs. New Orleans -

30. Donald Brown (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Dallas

31. Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins) vs. Cleveland

32. Darren Sproles (San Diego Chargers) vs. Oakland

33. Maurice Morris (Detroit Lions) vs. Chicago

34. Beanie Wells (Arizona Cardinals) vs. St. Louis

35. James Davis & Keiland Williams (Washington Redskins) @ New York Giants

36. Ricky Williams (Miami Dolphins) vs. Cleveland

37. Brandon Jackson (Green Bay Packers) vs. San Francisco

38. Danny Woodhead (New England Patriots) vs. New York Jets