Thursday Night Superbowl Rematch, Tom Brady Sightings and Backfield Competitions

Posted by Kurt on Aug 13, 2009 in Fantasy Football

Last weekend we got a taste of the NFL preseason and today we get the second course. Are you ready for some football?

Of course, there is plenty for us fantasy-obsessed to pay attention to so we can get the most out of our fantasy drafts in a few weeks. The average fantasy owner will form his opinions based on what other fantasy experts say but the true fantasy nut will form his own opinions from watching the games himself. After all, your own gut feeling is your best tool when playing fantasy sports!

Also, it’s important to watch the players you intend to draft. You wouldn’t buy a car before you test drove it right? Why draft a player without seeing him play a bit in the preseason?

Anyways, let’s dive in!

Armed with his new tattoo "Gifted", Ray Rice is ready to give to your fantasy team second round value for an eigth round pick.

Baltimore Backfield Battle: Ray Rice vs. LeRon McClain vs. Willis McGahee might be the most intriguing preseason competition this season. McGahee is the wise veteran with a history of success but also injury. LeRon McClain proved he could get things done last year while Ray Rice is kid with crazy upside. Who will come out as the starter? Well it’s no secret that my money is on Ray Rice because he is getting most of the first-team snaps. Check out how they perform in this game to get a better idea on who will be the starter for the regular season!

Tom Brady Sighting: Tom Brady is asking the Patriots to play him for more than one possession so he can find his rhythm early. Watch how his knee responds to the surgery. I have a feeling he will be just fine.

Eagles Rookies Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy: Check out how these players perform in the preseason. These two could be fantasy studs given the chance to play.

Lone Star in Texas: Dallas gave up a lot of draft picks to get Roy Williams, so check out how Tony Romo and Williams work together in this game. Check to see who Romo looks to first on each passing play. Chances are that will be the guy with the most receptions this year.

Roy Williams will either be a fantasy asset or a big bust this year. If Romo looks to him early and often it could be a sign of success for this guy.

Superbowl Rematch: Don’t expect a lot of starters to play in this game, but that’s ok! We already know Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes are all great players. What we want to see is how Rashard Mendenhall comes back from injury last year. Remember, last year he was supposed to be the next big thing in Pittsburgh. Mendenhall might be one of the biggest “under-the-radar” players out there this year. Check him out!

Will Oakland provide any fantasy relevance? The only good things coming out of Oakland lately concerning fantasy are running backs. Even then, Oakland has a surplus of running backs this year. Check out who performs the best out of Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. One of these guys will be important to own this year.