Darren McFadden comes in at No. 1 going into Week Six.

Week Five had its ups and downs, just like any other week. Darren McFadden was held in check by the Texans, while Adrian Peterson blew up against the Cardinals. LeSean McCoy was, once again, under used against the Bills and Michael Turner punched in a touchdown against a strong Green Bay rushing defense. And for the first time, we actually had a Chief not named Jamaal Charles put up huge stats after unknown Jackie Battle put up 100+ against the Colts..

Below are my running back rankings going into Week Six.

TOP FIVE WEEK-SIX MATCHUPS (MUST START)

1. Darren McFadden (OAK) vs. CLE: McFadden let his owners down last week against the Texans after he put up a meager 51 rushing yards and 17 receiving yards. But it wasn’t like McFadden was stinking it up because of his play. The Texans Defense made it a point to stop McFadden all game long, but they still wound up losing anyway. DMC should get on track this week against the Brown.

2. Adrian Peterson (MIN) @ CHI: The AD of Week Five is the one we had been hoping for. His 122 rushing yards against the Cardinals was sweet, but his three rushing touchdowns put him among the elite fantasy backs over the weekend. Facing a Bears Defense that just got burned by Lions RB Jahvid Best, AD should put up quality stats in Week Six.

3. Ray Rice (BAL) vs. HOU: Coming off a bye week, Rice should have a big day against the Texans. I know the Texans Defense was able to hold Darren McFadden in check, but the Texans are facing a slightly better passing offense with Joe Flacco and Anquan Boldin. Rice averaged almost 135 total yards a game through the first four weeks of the season. I don’t expect that to stop now.

4. Fred Jackson (BUF) vs. NYG: Jackson doesn’t budge from his No. 4 spot from last week. As expected, he came up big against the Eagles, who literally can’t stop anyone on the ground. The Giants Defense made Marshawn Lynch look like the Lynch of old Sunday. Jackson should be in for another strong outing playing at home.

5. Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG) vs. BUF: Nope this isn’t a typo. Some owners will shy away from Bradshaw because of his poor performance against the Seahawks. Even though Seattle isn’t that great, their rushing defense is only giving up 97.8 rushing yards a game. Compare that to 138.4 that the Bills are giving up and you have the makings of a bounce-back week for Bradshaw.

Arian Foster has a tough matchup this week against the Baltimore Ravens.

BEST OF THE REST:

I wish everyone the best of luck this week. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post below.

After a big Week Four, Arian Foster leads the pack as Week Five's No. 1 fantasy running back against Oakland.

Just when we thought Arian Foster was dead in the fantasy waters, he rose to the occasion and took back his rightful place as fantasy football’s No. 1 running back going into Week Five. I am sure there were some owners, like myself, that thought there was going to be a full-blown timeshare between Foster and Ben Tate against the Steelers. Especially after Tate’s string of strong fantasy games while Foster was nursing a hamstring. But Foster appears set to take up where he left off from last season as he begins his quest for a new contract extension.

Below are my running back rankings going into Week Five.

UPDATE 10/7: It appears that Cedric Benson will be able to play at least one more week against the Jaguars. He is a usable RB2 for Week Five. Owners should continue to hold onto Bernard Scott. As for Rashard Mendenhall, he has yet to practice at all this week and is looking like he will be either doubtful or a game-time decision. If he is still on the waiver wire, Isaac Redman makes an excellent option as a three-down back against the Titans. He is even more valuable in PPR leagues. Brandon Jacobs is reportedly dealing with a sprained MCL and has a good chance to sit, pushing Ahmad Bradshaw up a couple spots against Seattle.

TOP FIVE WEEK-FIVE MATCHUPS (MUST START)

1. Arian Foster (HOU) vs. OAK: So much for a timeshare until Foster got his bearings again. After rushing for 155 yards and a score against the Steelers, Foster should have no problems putting up a second-straight performance against a Raiders Defense that gives up 28.6 fantasy points a game to running backs this year.

2. Adrian Peterson (MIN) vs. ARI: Peterson didn’t have a great game last week against the Chiefs, only totaling 80 yards on the ground. But when you are pretty much the best player on your offense, teams are going to do everything to try and stop you. The good news, however, is that the Vikings gave Peterson 23 carries, which they will need to do if they want to keep scores close because their passing game is abysmal. The Cardinals Defense can be run on, making AD a top option for Week Five.

3. Darren McFadden (OAK) @ HOU: McFadden is still rock solid, despite a passing game that is clearly inconsistent. Through four games, he’s averaging 150 total yards from scrimmage, with four total touchdowns. We’d like to see more rushing scores, but the team continues to use Michael Bush closer to the goal line. Still, McFadden should have a big day on the turf at Houston, especially if Bush’s ankle injury keeps him out.

4. Fred Jackson (BUF) vs. PHI: The Eagles Defense is dead last against fantasy running backs, giving up close to 30 fantasy points a game. 49ers RB Frank Gore couldn’t reach three yards a carry in the first three weeks of the season, but put up 8.5 on just 15 attempts against Philly. Bills coach Chan Gailey isn’t dumb. He’ll run Jackson into the ground if he wants to win. I simply can’t see Philly turning the rushing defense around, even in a must-win game.

5. LeSean McCoy (PHI) @ BUF: Watching the Eagles, especially near the goal line, is so frustrating. In Week Three they decided fullback Owen Schmitt was a red-zone option. This week they decided to be cutesy and give the ball to Ronnie Brown, which resulted in a fumble and a turnover. If the Eagles want to win, they have to stop with all these stupid plays and get back to basics. In the first three weeks, McCoy was averaging nineteen carries a game. Sunday he got nine. That’s ridiculous. Unless Andy Reid got a cheesesteak lodged in his brain, I expect double-digit carries from McCoy against Buffalo.

Chris Johnson will look to put up another strong game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week Five.

BEST OF THE REST:

Keep An Eye On:
The Bengals Running Back Situation
If you hadn’t noticed, I left Bengals RB Cedric Benson off the list for the time being. According to head coach Marvin Lewis, the team has yet to be notified by the league regarding Benson’s appeal of a three-game suspension. If it turns out that Benson will be able to play Week Five against the Jaguars, I will add him. In the meantime, Benson owners should have already made other arrangements, including picking up Bernard Scott, if/when Benson has to begin serving his suspension.

I wish everyone the best of luck this week. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post below.

Today I  have just a few players who you are not only sure to find on you waiver wire, but you can guarantee they will have some sort of positive impact on your team.

Let’s take a look at who I have in store, and after my selections, be sure to see who our own Greg Brosh has to talk about.

Nate Washington – WR – TEN: Washington was already a name that only a select few were talking about, but his value is certainly set to skyrocket after the injury news surrounding Kenny Britt.

Before today, Washington was already a viable WR 3 scoop off the wire as quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has been consistently showing interest in him (13 catches for 166 yards, 12.6 AVG) but despite those two games, Washington remained virtually untouched. In his Week 3 performance against the Broncos, Washington continued to shine catching 8 balls for 92 yards (11.5 AVG) and a single TD.

UPDATED – Monday September 26th: Kenny Britt is being reported as missing the remainder of the season, as the team confirmed he did in fact tear both the MCL and ACL according to Jim Wyatt on Twitter.  Washington now becomes the number one receiver in Tennessee, and if the guy is already averaging 7 catches, 86 yards receiving for a 12.3 YPC as a WR 2, just imagine what he is going to do as the primary target.

Victor Cruz – WR – NYG: Wide receivers are hard to come by in deeper leagues, but Victor Cruz could become just the guy you’ve been looking for—assuming you ARE in the market of course.

The interesting aspect to Cruz that I think you need to consider is the fact that he was the forgotten man on the field against a very good Eagles defense, and that was in a fill-in role as the WR 2 for Mario Manningham. Once Manningham returns, Cruz will move to the WR 3 slot, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll lose value.

Cruz made a strong case for himself in an offense that is hungry for other play-makers to step up, and Cruz is definitely worth a look in those deeper formats.

If that’s not enough for ya, Cruz was targeted five times, caught three of them for 110 yards and two touchdowns against those Eagles…so imagine what this guy is going to do against Arizona, Seattle, Buffalo, Miami and New England—five of the worst passing defenses in the league, all of which are his next opponents in order.

Brandon Jacobs – RB – NYG: At first glance, this mention might seem a bit odd, but keep in mind we have to take into account ALL the types of leagues that are out there, and Brandon Jacobs is a guy who is available in nearly every Yahoo! league, and has been consistently averaging just around 9 or 10 points each week.

Jacobs enjoys a time-share with Ahmad Bradshaw, but the goal in New York is to get Bradshaw going and have him get the long gains early, plug in Jacobs for the scores in the red-zone, and in short yardage passing situations.

But Jacobs also brunts slightly m,ore work in the second half, than Bradshaw as well. No matter how you slice this one, if you are dealing with multiple injuries on your roster and need a RB, Jacobs is certainly worth a look, especially if you compete in Yahoo! formats.

Torrey Smith – WR – BAL: Smith has finally done enough to convince the coaching staff he has come around, and after the injury to Lee Evans, Smith got his shot and excelled against the Rams, torching them on five catches for 152 yards and three TDs.

This is more like it! Smith was suppose to start the season, but concerns over his dropsies in camp and preseason made the coaches believe he needed more time. Whether or not they were right  doesn’t matter because if this is any indication of what is to come from Smith, then the initial scouting report on him will show itself to be dead on.

Since it has only been one game, he is more valuable as an add in deeper formats (since he was a slated starter), but if you can, add him to your watch list for another week, and if he goes off again, of even produces half of what he did this week, pull the trigger.

Quick Hits on Previous Waiver Wire Considerations: If you haven’t already added them, Lions receiver Titus Young, Broncos receiver Eric Decker, and Bills receiver David Nelson are all worthy of long-term occupancy on your roster, should you have room, while rising players Dane Sanzenbacher (WR – CHI), Michael Jenkins (WR – MIN) and James Casey (FB/TE – HOU) are all showing huge promise, but haven’t yet done enough to consider them permanent adds.

Sanzenbacher will probably emerge from that list first if you are interested, but Jay Cutler has just looked awful through three games, and unless Cutler improves, his play will limit the ceiling on Sanzenbacher. Michael Jenkins is in the same position, and James Casey is likely to gain some notoriety moving forward, and could be a nice add for those of you hurting at TE.

That’s it from me, kids. Stay tuned for Greg’s add, coming up shortly.

QUARTERBACKS
Vince Young – PHI: Michael Vick wound up breaking bones in his right, non-throwing, hand in the tough loss against division-rival Giants. The good thing is that the injury didn’t happen to his throwing hand. The bad news, however, is that there is a report that Vick could miss up to 3-4 weeks. Mike Kafka looked awful in his second-straight relief effort, throwing two costly picks. So if he is healthy enough from his hamstring injury, Vince Young could get the call for Week Four against the 49ers. Kafka showed he still isn’t ready to be an NFL quarterback.

Update: Vick has a deep bone bruise in his hand. Not a break. He still remains very questionable for Week Four.

Colt McCoy – CLE: McCoy had a strong Week-Four performance against a weak Dolphins secondary, throwing for 210 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. McCoy isn’t an every-week starter because of his weak arm and the talent around him still not there yet. But in two-quarterback leagues, he could be a decent option. He’s averaging 211 passing yards a game.

Curtis Painter – IND: There is belief that Kerry Collins may have suffered a concussion against the Steelers Sunday night, but it appears that Indy might make a change at quarterback even if Collins is good enough to play in Week Four. Painter didn’t look all that good in relief, going 5-of-11 passing for 60 yards. I wouldn’t look at Painter no matter how desperate I was. The Colts should have free agent David Garrard’s number on speed dial.

RUNNING BACKS
Dexter McCluster – KC: As expected, Thomas Jones’ 2011 debut as the starter was dreadful. He averaged a meager 2.2 yards on the ground against the Chargers and has only been able to muster up 2.6 through three games. McCluster, however, showed great burst, a willingness to hit holes and take hits. In a standard PPR league, McCluster racked up 10 fantasy points with 45 rushing yards and five catches for 17, which isn’t bad for a desperation flex option. Jones will continue to start, but McCluster is a safe option if you are in absolute dire need of help. Keep in mind, though, that some league sites only count McCluster as a receiver.

Daniel Thomas – MIA: It turns out Thomas is the real deal. After a solid breakout showing in Week Two, Thomas followed that up with 95 rushing yards and added three catches for 27 yards and a touchdown. I just looked at Yahoo leagues and, surprisingly, Thomas is only owned in 67% of the leagues so far. I expect that number to increase by the end of this week. Reggie Bush (36 total yards) is showing he just doesn’t have what it takes to be a starting NFL running back.

Stevan Ridley – NE: Ridley finally showed us what he can do if given the chance after rushing seven times for 44 yards in the loss to the Bills. After BenJarvus Green-Ellis’ disappointing first half, he slowly started giving up touches to Ridley in the second half. Ridley might not be someone who will put up fantasy points every week. But if you can afford to pick him up and stash him away for another week or two, he could be worth the wait. He is clearly more talented than the “law firm.”

Kendall Hunter – SF: Frank Gore said he isn’t sure if he will be available to play the Eagles in Week Four after “tweaking” his ankle in the second quarter against the Bengals. Hunter could be a decent addition and a flex option against an Eagles Defense that is close to last in yards given up on the ground this year. He couldn’t be any worse than Gore, who has failed to top 60 yards rushing in any of the last three games.

Jonathan Stewart – CAR: Stewart put up another flex-quality game in the team’s first win over the Jaguars, putting up 85 total yards and catching three receptions. He split carries evenly with DeAngelo Williams (10), but averaged 5.9 yards a carry compared to Williams’ 1.8. Stewart likely will never have that breakout games because Williams is in the way. But through three weeks of action, Stewart is clearly the better of the two. The re-signing of Williams in the offseason is looking like a huge mistake.

LaDainian Tomlinson – NYJ: Shonn Greene might be the starter and the main ball carrier, but LT is still getting it done through the air, catching a team high 116 yards off five receptions. LT is only worth owning in deeper PPR leagues because he is inconsistent. He only caught one pass for seven yards in Week Two.

Willis McGahee – DEN: Many owners opted to keep McGahee on the waiver wire with the news that Knowshon Moreno was healthy enough to return to action for Sunday’s game against the Titans. There was just one big problem; he wasn’t, but was still active for the game anyway. Moreno didn’t see a single snap Sunday, leading to McGahee’s first receiving touchdown of the season. Moreno could be ready by Week Four, but McGahee still figures to get a decent amount of work, despite chipping in just 52 yards on 22 carries. McGahee is still only a desperation flex option at best. His legs are shot.

Ryan Grant – GB: Grant earned some flex consideration after his big 92 yard rushing day against the Bears. On the flipside, James Starks managed just five yards on eleven carries and didn’t look very confident when given the ball. It didn’t help that he also lost a fumble in the fourth quarter. Grant could be someone to look at against the Broncos in Week Four.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Sidney Rice – SEA: Rice blew up in his 2011 debut, racking up eight catches out of ten targets for 109 yards in the win over the Cardinals. Keep in mind that Tarvaris Jackson is still the starting quarterback and the Cardinals secondary has been awful this year. So while you should pick Rice up, temper expectations.

Steve Smith – PHI: Smith could be thrust into the starting role for Week Four’s game against the 49ers after Jeremy Maclin injured his hamstring against the Giants. Maclin’s backup Riley Cooper also suffered a concussion, which would leave Smith as the possible starter across from DeSean Jackson. Many owners will look at Jason Avant instead, but I believe the team would rather leave him in the slot and use Smith and Jackson on the outside. Just remember that Smith’s value, if he does start, would be capped with Vick out for multiple weeks.

Update: Maclin is currently day-to-day after it was revealed that his hamstring injury is not as bad as previously reported. Still questionable for Week Four.

Donald Jones – BUF: Jones is another guy to look at only in deeper leagues. While he tied with Stevie Johnson with ten targets and led the team with 101 yards on five receptions against the Patriots, his value will be inconsistent every week. He only totaled 27 yards over the first two weeks.

TIGHT ENDS
Randy McMichael – SD: Antonio Gates reportedly tore the scar tissue in his plantar fascia, so he could be facing multiple weeks of inactivity. If so, McMichael could be someone worth looking at. Against the Chiefs, McMichael managed four receptions for 51 yards. Since the Chargers’ play-calling calls for a lot of use out of the tight end position, McMichael could be serviceable if your waiver wire is picked dry at the tight end position.

After a strong Week-One performance against the Saints, Aaron Rodgers is our No. 1 fantasy quarterback this week.

Your usual fantasy guru Ray Tannock is taking a break from the rankings this week, so I am here to give you the lowdown on what’s going to go down in Week Two. We had a lot of surprises at quarterback in Week One. The biggest one, obviously, being Cam Newton’s breakout performance against the Cardinals. Things should settle down this weekend, but we could have a surprise or two that pop up out of nowhere.

Before I start, I would like to congratulate Ray for coming in first place in Fantasy Football Crystal Ball’s Week One Accuracy Score for Quarterbacks last week. Way to go RAY!!!!!!!

Below are my quarterback rankings going into Week Two.

TOP FIVE WEEK-TWO MATCHUPS (MUST START)

1. Aaron Rogers (GB) @ CAR: Is there any reason to not put Rodgers at No. 1 this week? I know Tom Brady had that huge game against Miami, but my money is on Rodgers to lead the charge against a Carolina Defense that gave up 309 yards and two scores against Kevin Kolb.

2. Tom Brady (NE) vs. SD: Putting Brady any lower than No. 2 would be ridiculous. The guy simply doesn’t stop at putting up big games. Hell, he even made Deion Branch look like a stud Monday night. The Chargers Defense will come back down to Earth after facing Donovan McNabb in Week One.

3. Michael Vick (PHI) @ ATL: Vick didn’t throw for very many yards (187) against the Rams, but his two passing touchdowns and 98 rushing yards made up for it. Vick showed he still has plenty left in the legs. He will need that in, what figures to be, a very emotional game against his old team the Falcons in their house.

4. Matthew Stafford (DET) vs. KC: Stafford had a huge Week One, throwing for three touchdowns against the Bucs. Kansas City didn’t have an answer for Ryan Fitzpatrick. And after losing Eric Berry to a torn ACL, Stafford should have his way with the Chiefs’ secondary.

5. Philip Rivers (SD) @ NE: The Chargers’ receivers were held in check by the Vikings, but Rivers still had a huge fantasy day, using both Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews in the passing game. If Chad Henne can look like a Pro Bowler against the Patriots D, Rivers should have a field day in Foxboro.

Kevin Kolb had an excellent regular-season debut.

Despite throwing for two scores in Week One against the Bengals, Colt McCoy is better off on your bench.

BEST OF THE REST:

THE BOTTOM FEEDERS:

I wish everyone the best of luck this week. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post below.

After the Titans backed up the money truck to Johnson's house, he moves right back up to the top 3 behind AD.

The top 40 list for running backs is now fully updated as of 9/3. This will be the last ranking of the preseason, unless there is major news regarding someone who is injured during the next. As of now, we still don’t have any official word on Arian Foster’s condition (day-to-day), so make sure to check back with the site to see if there have been any changes. These rankings are based on standard PPR leagues where all scoring touchdowns are six points.

Players in red italics have been updated with new outcomes since last week.

If you have any questions, concerns or see something that sticks out like a sore thumb, make sure you leave a comment below or email me at Greg@FantasyKnuckleheads.com.

Running Backs 1-10

Monterio Hardesty's knee woes have helped Peyton Hillis gain some of his fantasy value back.

Running Backs 11-20

With injuries aplenty in Dallas' backfield, Jones could be in store for a career season.

Best of the Rest 21-30

Mike Tolbert cracks the top-40 for the first time in the preseason. He could be a solid flex options.

Best of the Rest 31-40

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.

Where will this Eagle land?

Originally I’d planned to call this article “Long Kolb Winter.” It had a nice ring to it; great play on words. However, Kevin Kolb’s name, like the man himself, is an enigma. He pronounces it Kobb, as if the L were silent. Just when we get Favre and his jacked up name off the field, we get this kid. Of course by now, most people have figured out the riddle of his name. What we don’t know is where he will play in 2011, or if we’ll get the 2009 or the 2010 version of King Kolb.

After Kolb’s 2009 performance, fantasy “experts,” this Knucklehead included, had him pegged for a Top 10 season in 2010. Then a slow start, combined with an injury and the reemergence of Michael Vick, derailed his whole season.

Now as we watch the playoffs, fantasy GMs begin estimating Kolb’s value and likely landing spot for 2011. Where he ends up will play a big role in how he performs. Last year the Philadelphia Eagles swore they weren’t going to move any of their QB’s then stunned the league when they traded McNabb to the rival Washington Redskins. This year they claim to have no intention of trading away either Vick or Kolb, but I’d be highly surprised if they don’t. And Kolb is the likely candidate. Vick owners should beware if the team does, as Vick plays best when he’s fighting for a job, not when he has it locked up.

–Potential New Teams—

Kolb's head may burst with the possibilities

San Francisco 49ers – These guys are not sold on either Alex or Troy Smith at QB and they have too much young talent to waste another season hoping one will excel. New coach, Jim Harbaugh is going to want someone he has a chance with now, and Kolb knows the West coast offense. This is probably the best fit for Kolb in 2011. It’s the team he has the best chance of fantasy success with of the teams looking for a QB in 2011. Imagine Kolb with Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis downfield…

Arizona Cardinals – The Cards have a huge need at the position and clearly Derek Anderson nor Max Hall are the answer. Hall or John Skelton may prove to be a long term solution, but like everything else in the desert, this team will wither again in 2011 without someone to QB this team now.  This may be a more likely landing spot for Kolb, but perhaps less fruitful…Still the Kolb to Larry Fitzgerald connection is enticing.

Seattle Seahawks – Matt Hasselbeck cannot stay healthy, and can at times be frustrating. While a QB is not a burning need, Charlie Whitehurst is not the answer if Matt leaves or goes down again. Having Kolb in Seahawks blue offers promise for a dynamic group of young receivers, still, they’d need to continue and improve the offensive line before he’d have much fantasy value. Then again, in that weak division…

Tennessee Titans – With Vince Young gone the team needs another young QB to guide them. A deal for draft picks is certainly not out of the realm of possibility for a team who has only Kerry Collins in the wings. Still Collins is serviceable enough that they may wait and see who they might be able to grab in the draft.

While other teams like the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns or Carolina Panthers might be looking at potential QB possibilities, none seems like an optimal or realistic fit for Kolb as a landing spot.

If you have Kolb on your roster in keeper leagues, he might be worth hanging on to. If he lands the starting gig in the NFC West he could be a valuable fantasy asset in 2011.

What are your thoughts? Sound off below!