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.

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.

There was some hope from Week 7-13 as the Browns went 4-2 over this stretch, and played both Jacksonville and the Jets tough during the two losses. Obviously this doesn’t constitute a successful overall season – especially when you lose 4 games to close out the year! But with help in the draft, maybe the Browns can stay competitive over the course of the entire season and challenge for a playoff spot.

That being said, the Browns are next up on our list of 32 NFL teams’ Draft needs.

Defensive End: While some might suggest that quarterback is a pressing need for the Browns, it’s likely that Colt McCoy will get a chance to prove himself over an entire season in 2011. Instead, the Browns should concentrate on improving their pass rush because they finished tied for 25th last season with just 29 sacks. North Carolina’s Robert Quinn has a lot of upside at defensive end due to his explosiveness, but he lacks the strength and intangibles of a sure first round pick (he missed the entire 2010 season for accepting gifts). Assuming the Browns decide to go with a safer pick at DE, they could also choose Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn, who is more of a complete defensive end at this stage. He’s was also a fiery motivator and leader on the Iowa defense over the past few seasons.

Defensive Tackle: While the Browns played okay as a defensive unit last year, all rumors point to some major upgrades on the D-line, which means they’ll probably go for a defensive tackle in either the second or third round. If the Browns go for a run stopper here, 6’4″, 337-pound Phil Taylor would be a great pick. He’s surprisingly quick for being 337, and was consistently in the opponent’s backfield when he played at Baylor. Assuming the Browns are looking for more pass rush help, Illinois’ Corey Liuget is a strong pass rusher from the DT position.

Outside Linebacker: Starting outside linebacker Matt Roth is serviceable, but the Browns wouldn’t mind an upgrade here, or at least some extra help. Nevada’s Dontay Moch isn’t the world’s best linebacker when it comes to run support; however, he would be a great addition to the Browns linebacking corp as a pass rusher with his excellent 4.4 speed. Texas’ Sam Acho is another potential pick for Cleveland at OLB due to his solid tackling ability and hard work ethic.

Wide Receiver: The Browns have a decent corp of a receivers with no outstanding playmaker. And while the Browns may not consider this a serious need going into next season, they could reach as high as the third round to take a good receiver. Assuming they do so, Abilene Christian WR Edmund Gates is worth a look here with his amazing straight-line speed (4.37 forty). However, he is a bit raw, and didn’t face a lot of press coverage in college. A more tested option at WR is Nebraska’s Niles Paul, who is a big, strong receiver that’s capable of filling a number 1 role. But with two alcohol-related charges, Paul is definitely going to be questioned by anybody who drafts him.

Right Tackle - Many believe that the Browns are a right tackle away from being an extremely good line. If the Browns see it this way too, they could take the mammoth Orlando Franklin in the third round. The 6’7″, 315-pound Franklin may not be the quickest player in the draft, but his size and long arms help make up for the lack of speed.

Overall, Cleveland isn’t in a desperate situation where they’re sorely lacking in certain areas. However, if they can get the right upgrades through the draft, expect Cleveland to improve to a .500 team next season.

We’re covering all 32 teams 2011 NFL Draft needs, bookmark it as we’re updating it often.

Remember, just getting to the big show—let alone winning it all—is a triumph of epic proportions. But such an accomplishment does not guarantee that the 2011/2012 season will have the same results.

Let’s take a look at five key positions the Packers must address, and why. Some of the players I will mention may be out of reach, but a fan can dream, can’t he?

Left Tackle: The Packers have a vast array of offensive weapons, and a marquee quarterback to compliment such an arsenal. But preserving the helmsman requires a solid tandem of bookends on the offensive line. Chad Clifton’s days are numbered as he faces either retirement or his body finally giving way to years of injury, which ever comes first. Two players come to mind in Colorado’s Nate Solder, and Villanova’s Ben Ijalana. Both players perform at high levels with Solder being one of the top left tackles in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Nate Solder is a traditional all around quality blocker who has faced some of the best defensive ends the Big 12 has to offer, so there’s not a lack of experience here. The guy even played his first couple of years as a blocking tight end. But the consensus is Solder will be gone before the third round ever comes, so unless the Packers find a way to trade up, this may be more of a wish.

Ben Ijalana is another prospect that has the versatility that the Packers love in an offensive lineman (such as playing on the end, as well as, in the interior). There have been some snickering over the fact that Ijalana is not doing too much to increase his draft stock, but you can still bet that he’ll be somewhere in the third round, perhaps even early in the fourth. Ben Ijalana is in more striking distance for the Packers, and could make a nice compliment to Brian Bulaga.

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Running Back: The Packers won’t enter the 2011 NFL Draft and immediately target a RB, but don’t be too surprised if they DO go after one earlier than usual. The growing argument is that current running back James Starks will be the future of Green Bay, but that shouldn’t stop the Packers from considering West Virginia’s Noel Divine.

Imagine, if you will, the Packers having a quality pass-catching back ala Brian Westbrook, to compliment either James Starks or Ryan Grant. It makes perfect sense, and gives Aaron Rodgers a whole new skill set to play with. Divine is not a very tasty option to most teams at 5’8”, 176 pounds nor is he considered a RB who will be an every down back in the NFL. But for the Packers; a shifty, incredibly fast pass-catching back would be the perfect complement to their vertical passing game, and could further open the doors for more North/South running.

Fantasy owners could get excited over this guy if he winds up in the right system, otherwise, he wouldn’t hold a ton of value in the early goings.

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Defensive End: The Green Bay Packers are facing two fronts with two of their defensive lineman. Cullen Jenkins is hitting the FA market ( coach Mike McCarthy was noncommittal about re-signing him), and John Jolly’s future in serious question (he’ll have to first show he is “clean” before he can even get reinstated).

But aside from those two major aspects, the Packers also need some quality youth at the position and that’s where Iowa’s Christian Ballard would fit right in. Christina Ballard has a solid frame that occupies a lot of real estate in the trenches, and he is versatile enough to play in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes.

However, teams may look towards other prospects because of Ballard’s apparent “lack of consistent aggressiveness” and “slow feet”—all things that can be trained in an NFL camp. If he does fall by the wayside, and the Packers are smart enough to grab him, he could be one of the biggest gems coming out of the NFL draft and could be a nice late round grab in IDP leagues.

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Wide Reciever: Moving on a wide receiver at some point in the draft would be a significantly wise move by the Green Bay Packers.  Donald Driver’s gas tank is approaching empty, and James Jones will probably not return due to his inconsistency and penchant for dropped balls.

The Packers need a receiver who has a history of being a reliable pass catcher as well as, someone who can fit right in to a possession receiver’s role. That’s where Boise State’s Austin Pettis would fit right in.

With all of the hoopla being made over fellow Boise State teammate Titus Young, it is easy to assume that Pettis will fall to somewhere around the fourth or even fifth round. Pettis is a better pass catcher than Young, has a bigger frame, is willing—and capable might I add—to catch balls in traffic, and just an all around better value pick for the Packers; a pick that would fit into their system perfectly.

While it may be far too early to speculate, Pettis could be the next Wes Welker type receiver in fantasy football.

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Defensive Back: The Packers not only need a replacement for Charles Woodson, but they also need depth at the corner position, making the corner the most needed area for the team. It will be interesting to see what Ted Thompson does in the first round with the corner position and O-Line position being at the forefront, but a sway towards the corner position could land Texas’ Aaron Williams.

The corner position has to be able to do three things extremely well in Green Bay:

1. Be an effective, aggressive blitzer off the corner.
2. Have enough experience and ability to be an accomplished player in zone schemes.
3. Have the athleticism that can handle such demands including the ability to move your hips, excellent speed, and a keen eye for dissecting offenses.

Williams has all of this and more, but the problem will be who pulls what trigger and when. The Green Bay Packers are right behind the Pittsburgh Steelers, who could very well snatch him up with the 31st pick. That would leave other ancillary players for the Packers to consider, such as Ras-I Dowling (Virginia) or Brandon Burton (Utah). But if the Steelers pass, than it’ll be up the Packers to pull the trigger because Williams won’t get past the St. Louis Rams at the 47th pick.

He’s a solid corner who will have sleeper written all over him in most IDP leagues.

Who do you think the Packers should go after? Who do you think the Packers will snatch off the board and why? Let me know what your thoughts are below…I’m curious as to what the Packers Nation has to say.

If we break the game down into a nice easy-peasy capsule though, we find that these two teams have some glaring curiosities that could be game changers in the waning, climatic moments of the Grand Finale:

• Now, if you want to get more technical and examine some of the finer details, then perhaps you may like to know that coach Mike Tomlin is 5-1 in post-season with Steelers and trying for his second championship ring, and at 38, he can become youngest coach to win two Super Bowl titles.
• Ben Roethlisberger’s .833 winning percentage (10-2 record) in post-season ranks second behind—ironically enough— Packers Hall of Famer Bart Starr (.900; 9-1 record). In his only previous meeting vs. Packers, Roethlisberger was 29 of 46 for career-best 503 yards with 3 TDs vs. 0 INTs.
• WR Hines Ward needs three catches to surpass Colts’ Reggie Wayne (83) for fourth-most in NFL post-season history and five to pass Buffalo’s Andre Reed for third. He averages 23.7 yards per catch in Super Bowls and has most receptions in Steelers playoff history.
• RB Rashard Mendenhall ran for a sick 121 yards rushing in the AFC title game against—what was supposed to be—a stout Jets running D. Has three rushing TDs in two career playoff games.
• Rookie Pro Bowl C Maurkice Pouncey says that he is now 75% sure he will play, but that is ever changing, and without a pulling center, the Steelers could be in for a long day.
• Pittsburgh defense has not allowed 100-yard rusher in 16 consecutive post-season games, second-longest current streak behind Washington (17).
• The Green Bay Packers are 3-1 in the Super Bowl.
• The Packers are making first Super Bowl appearance since 31-24 loss to Denver in January 1998.
• The Packers have 28-16 (.636) playoff record, best mark in NFL history, and club’s 28 post-season wins are third-most in all-time.
• Green Bay is first No. 6 seed in NFC to advance to Super Bowl and win since the Steelers in 2005.
• The Packers have made the post-season in three of past four seasons under coach Mike McCarthy—and again, ironically enough— McCarthy was born and raised in Pittsburgh.
• QB Aaron Rodgers has completed 94 of 135 passes for 1,213 yards with 10 TDs vs. 3 INTs in 4 post-season starts, and Packers rookie RB James Starks is—believe it or not—the NFL post-season leader with 263 yards rushing.

Official Game Breakdown and Prediction:

This particular Super Bowl first features two defensive coordinators—Dom Capers and Dick LeBeau—who are vastly familiar with each other, and run similar schemes…but that may not even be a factor.

Both the Steelers and Packers can air it out, but it has been the Steelers—through the regular season—that held the advantage on the ground until Packers RB James Starks came along.

But Starks isn’t just the focal point.

The Green Bay Packers have put together a RBBC that features three fully capable backs that, when used in a tandem, become lethal to say the least—eerily similar to the 1997 Super Bowl Champion Packers who featured Edgar Bennett, Willy Henderson, and Travis Jervey (remember that guy, because you should).

Editor’s note: John Kuhn is the only Packer back to have a SB ring with—one final time: Ironically enough—the Steelers.

But the Steelers have become this team that seemingly can’t be put away; based on a stout defense that has basically ruled the postseason, and a never-say-lose offense that methodically wins, even when they appear to be on the outs.

And here we are.

My personal opinion is simply this: The Packers have an edge over the Steelers in the amount of offensive weapons, while the Steelers have a slight edge defensively ( I say slight, because right behind the Steelers are those Packers, and in case you haven’t been watching, the Pack is back on D).

All other ancillary considerations aside, the Packers just seem to have the edge, which is why I predict a final Super Bowl score of:

The Green Bay Packers 27 – The Pittsburgh Steelers 21 so even with the two points I say your still gold, no matter what you do ;)