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

With a third year receiver, the player in question simply becomes more valuable from a fantasy aspect.

But not all of the third year guys are bound for glory in the 2011 fantasy football season, so today I want to quickly run through the 10 best 3rd year receivers for you guys.

Let’s take a sneak peak, shall we?

The Fab Five

1. Hakeem Nicks – Giants: Arguably the best 3rd year receiver in the National Football League, Nicks is primed for his best fantasy football season yet in 2011.

Nicks is slated to be the number one guy in the Big Apple, and with four year receivers becoming unrestricted free agents (as expected from the CBA talks) that means teammate Steve Smith is bound for the open market, paving the way for a monster offensive focus on Nicks.

UPDATE 8/4: (Paul Dottino on Twitter is reporting that the Giants are in no rush to sign Smith because the impression is he will miss up to a month anyway as he recovers from microfracture surgery on his knee, meaning Nicks’ first four weeks of the fantasy season should definitely be huge).

I have him currently ranked 4th in my Early WR Rankings, but you can expect that rank to potentially rise this summer.

2. Percy Harvin – Vikings: Harvin’s situation is similar to Nicks in the sense that four year man Sidney Rice is scheduled to hit the open market as well, and head coach Leslie Frazier has already come out and said they will focus on Harvin more in the 2011 season.

I am putting him second over Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin, only because I believe Harvin will see slightly more targets than Maclin, with the Eagles flirting with running the ball more in 2011…tentatively.

Update 8/4:  (With Sidney Rice in Seattle, the Vikings were forced to run out and grab Devin Aromashodu (Bears) and Michael Jenkins (Atlanta) as replacements. Clearly, the Vikings haven’t found THAT guy to line up opposite of Harvin yet, but there will be enough weapons on the field for fantasy owners to enjoy a solid year from Harvin).

3. Jeremy Maclin – Eagles: Maclin was last year’s 13th overall fantasy receiver, but again, the Eagles are expected to run more in 2011, and I don’t see Maclin getting 70 receptions for two straight years.

Maclin is still a viable threat in the field, and it isn’t as if the Eagles can exclusively feature DeSean Jackson for 16 games, so expect Maclin to maintain a high WR2 value in most leagues.

4. Mike Wallace – Steelers: Wallace was the bona-certified deep ball threat in Steel-town last year putting up a sick six 100+ yards games and finished in the Top 10 in fantasy points (5th to be exact).

The issue with Wallace last year though was his lack of targets, which should take a dramatic turn for the better in 2011 barring any unforeseen issues.

5. Austin Collie – Colts: Collie had some injury issues in 2010, but when he did play, he was a fantasy monster.

Still, out of the entire third-year WR crop, he is easily in the Top 5, and if he can stay healthy, you can bet he will be a mid-round steal.

Make sure you check back regularly to learn how his health is doing in camp and what not.

UPDATE 8/4: (Colts.com is reporting that Collie has repoted to camp and is fully participating without regression or issue. Collie himself even said : “  “It’s good, it feels good,” said Collie.  “It feels good to be back with the guys and make sure that we’re all on the same page to get going…It was fun, just going through the plays and asking questions.  It feels good to be back with the team and be part of it again.” Be advised that Collie is rumored to possibly take over as the No1 receiver in Indianapolis with Reggie wayne slowing in his years, but his health will be a key factor in that).

Rounding Out the Top 10

Got a specific question? Leave it below. It’s never too early to ask.

San Francisco 49ers

• Head Coach Jim Harbaugh replaces Mike Singletary
• Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman replaces Mike Johnson

The signing of Harbaugh was supposed to breathe new life into Alex Smith, whose career has been lackluster so far, but Smith hasn’t exactly endeared himself to the new staff. The team used a fourth-round pick on Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick, but he is a bit too raw to take the starting job. However, Harbaugh has officially opened up the starting job and it was also revealed that the 49ers were courting, now Titans, Matt Hasselbeck. Not to mention the team had brought in  Daunte Culpepper in for a workout. So while Harbaugh had been able to use his magic on players like Andrew Luck and Buccaneers backup Josh Johnson, there might not be enough to make Smith a competant starter.

Frank Gore’s role doesn’t change with the coaching change. He will continue to be the bell cow in the backfield and should reach another 1000-1100 yard season, but health is always a factor. Harbaugh was able to turn Toby Gerhart into a top player, so he should be able to keep Gore alive as one of the league’s leading rushers. But, again, Gore has to remain healthy to do it.

The passing game was supposed to have improved, but Michael Crabtree has already gotten bit by the injury bug when he suffered a foot injury early in practice. The team, worried about Crabtree’s availability, signed former Jets receiver Braylon Edwards to a one year deal. Once Crabtree comes back, current No. 2 Josh Morgan could kick into the slot in three-receiver sets. Tight end Vernon Davis could easily lead the team in receptions in 2011.

Minnesota Vikings

• Interim Head Coach Leslie Frazier named head coach
• Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave replaces Darrell Bevell

After much speculation regarding the quarterback situation, the Vikings finally settled on former Eagles/Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb as the stopgap until rookie Christian Ponder is ready to take over the reigns. McNabb showed last year that he is clearly on the decline, but Musgrave will still use what arm strength he has left to stretch the field and make more down-field throws.

Just weeks after Frazier’s promotion, it wasn’t much of a surprise that he officially announced that the offense would run through Adrian Peterson. As the top back in the backfield, expect AD to flirt with 300 carries and close to 1300 rushing yards. And now that Musgrave is calling the offense, Peterson could start seeing an increase in receptions if he can show he can stay in on third downs, which AD has been lobbying for in training camp.

With Sidney Rice gone, Musgrave will use Percy Harvin a lot this year, moving him around in certain situations and creating mismatches. Unfortunately, outside of Harvin, this receiving unit is going to need to be coached up a lot in order to have any success. Bernard Berrian is pedestrian, Michael Jenkins is a better blocker than receiver and Greg Camarillo is just okay. Because of the lack of talent, Musgrave will use more two-tight end sets with Visanthe Shiancoe and rookie Kyle Rudolph. This will also help McNabb as he has shown in the past that he loves throwing to tight ends.

Carolina Panthers

• Head Coach Ron Rivera replaces John Fox in Carolina
• Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinski replaces Jeff Davidson

Rivera will have some work to do for an offense that had troubles at all the skill positions last year.

Starting with quarterback, it’s still a tossup as to who will start Week One between rookie Cam Newton and Jimmy Clausen. Neither has shown enough in the preseason that made one stick out from other other. As far as fantasy owners are concerned, Newton should only be owned in Dynasty leagues. Don’t expect this team to pass much in Rivera’s year one as the head coach.

Somehow the Panthers managed to bring back running back DeAngelo Williams, who was the hottest free agent on the market after the lockout ended. With Williams locked up, expect Rivera and Chud to use a lot of the ground game in 2011 to easy the passing game slowly into the fold as the season wears on.

Along with Williams, the Panthers also managed to appease receiver Steve Smith to the point where his trade demands disappeared. As the lone wide receiver with any sort of legitimate talent, Smith is going to see a lot of defensive attention this year.

The biggest plus that Rob Chudzinski gives the offense is that the tight ends will be used a lot in the passing game. As a former tight end and a former tight ends coach at San Diego, Chud will make good use out of guys like Greg Olsen, who was mostly used as a blocker in Chicago. We already saw the tight ends make some noise in the first preseason game after Olsen and Gary Barnidge led the team with four targets a piece. And if Newton winds up being thrown to the wolves Week One, he will need the tight end safety net to make it through.

St. Louis Rams

• Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels replaces Pat Shurmur

With Pat Shurmur now in Cleveland as the new head coach, McDaniels brings his pass happy offense to St. Louis. This will be huge for the development of Sam Bradford, who had already grown leads and bounds in his rookie year. Bradford should easily match his passing numbers from 2010 and should see an uptick in passing touchdowns from the eighteen he threw last year.

Steven Jackson is Steven Jackson. A hard runner and one of the better pass-catching running backs in the league. The upside is that McDaniels will continue to use Jackson as the featured back in the running game. The bad news is that Jackson’s receptions might not be there this year. To find a running back who had more than 50 receptions in a year, you have to go all the way back to 2008 when Patriots running back Kevin Faulk had 58. Jackson is also starting to get a bit long in the tooth and is slowly breaking down, but he should squeeze out one more year of production.

St. Louis has a lot of receivers on the roster, but only a few of them possess enough talent to even be considered every-week starter. Newly-signed Mike Sims-Walker figures to end up landing one starting spot, but Brandon Gibson has really looked good in the preseason. The lone guy who I absolutely love is Danny Amendola. After 85 receptions in 2010, he reminds me a lot of a poor-man’s Wes Welker, who McDaniels had coached before going to Denver. If Bradford can continue to play well, Amendola will easily lead the team in receptions. Rookie tight end Lance Kendricks has the most upside of all the tight ends on the roster and will have a big role early.

Dallas Cowboys

• Interim Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett named head coach/offensive coordinator

Talking about Garrett and the Cowboys will be short and sweet. Expect Tony Romo to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2010. Felix Jones, if he can stay healthy, should enjoy his best season yet as a pro. Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten will all be huge assets in the passing game. Since Garrett called the plays near the end of last year, don’t expect his offensive philosophy to change.

Only difference between Garrett and Wade Phillips? Don’t expect the practices to be like eating a slice of blueberry pie. Garrett will push these guys to the limit unlike Phillips, whose practices were considered “creampuff.”

Seattle Seahawks

• Offensive Coordinator Darrell Bevell replaces Jeremy Bates

Bevell goes from Minnesota to Seattle with the same title and will take his West Coast offense with him. This offense looks good on paper, but head coach Pete Carroll’s affinity for sticking with Tarvaris Jackson as his starting quarterback is going to kill this entire offense. I beg of you Pete, PLEASE GIVE CHARLIE WHITEHURST A CHANCE!!!!!!!

Marshawn Lynch, an early sleeper of mind, will get most of the workload if he can find running room in Tom Cable’s zone blocking offensive line. But with Leon Washington expected to get an expanded role and Justin Forsett still lingering, this backfield could become a committee if Lynch doesn’t get going early in the season. And with the huge question mark at quarterback, defenses will be ready for the run.

In a perfect world, Sidney Rice will benefit the most as Seattle’s version of Percy Harvin. Newly-acquired tight end Zach Miller will see an expanded role in the passing game after John Carlson fell out of favor with the coaching staff in 2010. Unfortunately, I find it hard to believe Big Mike Williams will be able to improve his numbers from 2010.

Arizona Cardinals

• Offensive Coordinator Mike Miller replaces the OC vacancy

With Miller calling the offense, the passing game will be a major factor this year. The signing of Kevin Kolb finally gives the quarterback position some legitimacy is severely lacked last year. Larry Fitzgerald will be the center point, but there really isn’t anyone else who sticks out. Andre Roberts? Stephen Williams? Please.

Outside of Fitzgerald, the second highest passing option, in my opinion, will be Todd Heap, who finally gives this offense a talented option at tight end that it hasn’t seen under head coach Ken Whisenhunt’s tenure.

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.

Let’s take a look.

Michael Crabtree’s foot injury—earlier believed to just be soreness—is a more serious situation than just than originally thought, and it is the same foot injured in 2009 raising a concern reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

The flip side to this is TE Vernon Davis said he expects Crabtree to be ready for the start of the season, so fantasy football fans have nothing to seemingly worry about…for now.

Fox Sports’ Adam Caplan reports that the Eagles intend to show strong interest in Steelers cornerback, Ike Taylor to add another veteran at RCB alongside Asante Samuels.

it isn’t the greatest move in the world, considering Taylor is very burnable, especially in zone packages which is what the Eagles plan to use more of this year, but they—and you—could do far worse in your fantasy IDP league.

The other interesting aspect of this news, means that if the Eagles do opt for Taylor, then Nnamdi Asomugha can safely be removed from any NFC East consideration, and could perhaps wind up in Minnesota…we’ll keep you posted.

What? Somebody called about me?

Here’s some interesting news: The Seattle Seahawks are rumored to have interest in Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback, Tarvaris Jackson.

Really? I suppose this has somehting to do with  Seattle’s offensive coordinator—Darrell Bevell—being Jackson’s former OC in Minny.

Hmmm, a quarterback war between Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst? Sucks to be a Seahawks receiver right now!

We have plenty of other early fantasy football advice as well as fantasy football rankings for all of you to enjoy, so stick around for a while and come check out what we have.

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!

Fantasy Football Rankings Week 16

Week 16 Quarterbacks

1 Michael Vick vs. MIN
2 Tom Brady at BUF
3 Philip Rivers at CIN
4 Peyton Manning at OAK
5  Drew Brees at ATL
6 Matt Schaub at DEN
7 Aaron Rodgers vs. NYG Probable(concussion)
8 Jon Kitna at ARZ
9 Matt Ryan vs. NO
10 Joe Flacco at CLE
11 Ben Roethlisberger vs. CAR
12 Eli Manning at GB
13 David Garrard vs. WAS
14 Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. NE
15 Rex Grossman at JAC
16 Shaun Hill at MIA
17 Josh Freeman vs. SEA
18 Tim Tebow vs. HOU
19 Jay Cutler vs. NYJ
20 Carson Palmer vs. SD
21 Matt Cassel vs. TEN
22 Chad Henne vs. DET
23 Kerry Collins at KC Probable(finger)
24 Jason Campbell vs. IND
25 Joe Webb at PHI
26 Colt McCoy vs. BAL Probable(illness)
27 Sam Bradford vs. SF
28 Mark Sanchez at CHI Probable(arm)
29 John Skelton vs. DAL
30 Matt Hasselbeck at TB
31 Troy Smith at STL
32 Jimmy Clausen at PIT

Week 16 Running Backs

1 Maurice JonesDrew vs. WAS ** MJD is reportedly OUT this week – Rashad Jennings is a great pickup and a lock for 100+ yards and a TD
2 Chris Johnson at KC
3 Darren McFadden vs. IND
4 Arian Foster at DEN Probable(ankle)
5 Ray Rice at CLE
6 Jamaal Charles vs. TEN
7 Michael Turner vs. NO
8 Rashard Mendenhall vs. CAR
9 Adrian Peterson at PHI
10 LeSean McCoy vs. MIN
11 Peyton Hillis vs. BAL Probable(knee)
12 Steven Jackson vs. SF
13 Felix Jones at ARZ
14 Ryan Torain at JAC
15 LeGarrette Blount vs. SEA
16 Fred Jackson vs. NE
17 Ahmad Bradshaw at GB
18 BenJarvus GreenEllis at BUF
19 Tashard Choice at ARZ
20 Mike Tolbert at CIN
21 Jonathan Stewart at PIT
22 Matt Forte vs. NYJ
23 Cedric Benson vs. SD
24 Ronnie Brown vs. DET
25 Brandon Jacobs at GB
26 Knowshon Moreno vs. HOU Questionable(ribs)
27 Brian Westbrook at STL
28 Pierre Thomas at ATL
29 Marshawn Lynch at TB
30 Donald Brown at OAK
31 Ryan Mathews at CIN Probable(illness)
32 Michael Bush vs. IND
33 Jahvid Best at MIA Probable(toe)
34 LaDainian Tomlinson at CHI
35 Danny Woodhead at BUF

Week 16 Wide Receivers

1 Andre Johnson at DEN Questionable(ankle)
2 Calvin Johnson at MIA Probable(ankle)
3 Roddy White vs. NO
4 Vincent Jackson at CIN
5 Hakeem Nicks at GB
6 DeSean Jackson vs. MIN
7 Greg Jennings vs. NYG
8 Kenny Britt at KC
9 Marques Colston at ATL
10 Jeremy Maclin vs. MIN
11 Reggie Wayne at OAK
12 Mike Williams vs. SEA
13 Larry Fitzgerald vs. DAL
14 Brandon Lloyd vs. HOU
15 Brandon Marshall vs. DET
16 Wes Welker at BUF
17 Steve Johnson vs. NE
18 Miles Austin at ARZ
19 Dwayne Bowe vs. TEN
20 Mike Wallace vs. CAR
21 Santana Moss at JAC
22 Deion Branch at BUF
23 Pierre Garcon at OAK
24 Mike Williams at TB
25 Malcom Floyd at CIN
26 Mario Manningham at GB Probable(heel)
27 Anquan Boldin at CLE
28 Percy Harvin at PHI
29 Chad Ochocinco vs. SD
30 Sidney Rice at PHI
31 Mike SimsWalker vs. WAS Questional(ankle)
32 Johnny Knox vs. NYJ
33 Santonio Holmes at CHI
34 Michael Crabtree at STL
35 Davone Bess vs. DET

Week 16 Tight Ends

1 Jason Witten at ARZ
2 Marcedes Lewis vs. WAS
3 Chris Cooley at JAC
4 Vernon Davis at STL
5 Jacob Tamme at OAK
6 Zach Miller vs. IND
7 Tony Gonzalez vs. NO
8 Owen Daniels at DEN
9 Kevin Boss at GB
10 Rob Gronkowski at BUF – Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez (hip) was downgraded to out for Week 16 at Buffalo.
11 Kellen Winslow vs. SEA
12 Jimmy Graham at ATL
13 Ben Watson vs. BAL
14 Dustin Keller at CHI
15 Heath Miller vs. CAR

Week 16 Kickers

1 Nate Kaeding at CIN
2 Josh Scobee vs. WAS
3 Neil Rackers at DEN
4 Garrett Hartley at ATL
5 Matt Bryant vs. NO
6 Shaun Suisham vs. CAR
7 Sebastian Janikowski vs. IND
8 David Buehler at ARZ
9 Adam Vinatieri at OAK
10 Shayne Graham at BUF
11 Jay Feely vs. DAL
12 Rob Bironas at KC
13 Dan Carpenter vs. DET
14 Ryan Succop vs. TEN
15 Josh Brown vs. SF

Week 16 Team Defense

1 Eagles Def vs. MIN
2 Chargers Def at CIN
3 Steelers Def vs. CAR
4 Patriots Def at BUF
5 Jets Def at CHI
6 Bears Def vs. NYJ
7 Cowboys Def at ARZ
8 Dolphins Def vs. DET
9 Ravens Def at CLE
10 Packers Def vs. NYG
11 Colts Def at OAK
12 Giants Def at GB
13 Buccaneers Def vs. SEA
14 Rams Def vs. SF
15 Chiefs Def vs. TEN
16 Titans Def at KC