Fantasy Football Preview 2009

The NFL season is rapidly approaching. Teams are starting Training Camps. Players are beginning rigorous workouts. The NFL season will soon be upon us. To fantasy football fans, this means that their big day is rapidly approaching, the day when they will find out their fate for the season, the day when they determine if they are sitting on top of the world with Adrian Peterson, Peyton Manning, and Larry Fitzgerald or if they will be looking for that breakout guy with lesser players on their roster. Here is a little advice that will help you on your quest to that fantasy title.

First of all, look at your league's scoring system. The first major mistake is assuming that the "experts" out there will recommend the right guy for your league. This is not always the case. If you are in a league where a quarterback gets 6 points for throwing a touchdown, a quarterback in the first round may make sense (even if some of the top RBs are still on the board). In a league where points are given for each reception, a guy like Mike Forte or Maurice Jones-Drew might be more valuable than Adrian Peterson. Take a look at the scoring system in your league before you set up your draft board.

The second major mistake is ordering your draft board based strictly on position. Take for example a 12 team league where you are picking 10^th. If the top 9 RBs are off the board, you may want to consider a top flight quarterback like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. You also may want to try for a top flight receiver like Larry Fitzgerald.

The final major mistake is drafting out of panic. Just because 6 wide receivers go in the third round doesn't mean you should draft the 7^th receiver. What about that good running back still sitting out there (if you are short an RB) or that tight end who scored 20 TDs last year. There is also the possibility that you can snag a good starter and trade later. Grabbing a big name player and then offering a trade just after the draft might be a wise move, especially if you aren't excited about some of the names on the board.

Now that you have your draft strategy, here is a look at the best players at each position:

Quarterback

Drew Brees - The Saints quarterback produced more passing yards last year than anyone in the league. He will have his number one receiver back and the team's defense isn't looking great, meaning they will be playing from behind.

Peyton Manning - This was a tough choice, as the next three are all great options, but other than a slow start to last season, Manning has produced major fantasy numbers for years. Though the Colts have a new coach and offensive coordinator, we all know that Peyton really calls the plays and will continue to do so. An improved running attack will also help to take some pressure off of him this season.

Tom Brady - The reason he is not higher on this list is that he missed a WHOLE SEASON last year. This may not mean much to Patriots fans, but fantasy owners may be able to make a great deal for Brady in week 3 if he starts slow this season. With an increased arsenal, he may hit 40+ touchdowns again.

Kurt Warner - Warner has been up and down in the past. Last year, he went late in most leagues. In fact, some leagues had Matt Leinart going before him. Warner has the best pair of receivers in the game, but buyers beware - father time may catch up with Mr. Warner soon, he did, after all, just turn 38.

Phillip Rivers - Rivers managed to tie Brees for most touchdowns last season. This was with his number one receiver battling injuries. His best target, Antonio Gates was battling injuries as well. His best running back was banged up as well. Even with all of this working against him, he put up a season worth of a pro-bowl berth, but was denied. This season, with his team healthy, might be a much better situation than last year.

Donovan McNabb - After years of complaining, McNabb finally has some offensive weapons. Last year, the Eagles selected DeSean Jackson, who was impressive as a rookie and is always a threat to break one, in the second round. Then they revamped the offensive line in the off season. They added another receiver in the first round of this year's draft. The team is looking at strong as ever and if Rookie Jeremy Maclin can perform to the level of the first round status, McNabb could put up some great numbers.

Others worth mentioning: Aaron Rodgers, Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, Jay Cutler, Matt Cassel, and Matt Schaub.

Potential Sleeper (Guy who probably won't be in the top flight of quarterbacks in the draft, but may end up there by the end of the year): Trent Edwards - If he can stay in charge of TO, he will have a great set of receivers to throw to. Another guy who might be able to put up some big numbers this year is Kyle Orton who will have some great receivers to throw to in Denver.

Deep Sleeper (Guy who may go undrafted but could be a good bargain once free agency opens up): This is a tough one until you see the pre-season. The first option is Alex Smith. He has been miserable for a few seasons, but he played hurt under bad coordinators for most of that time. Plus the addition of Michael Crabtree won't hurt things. The other option could be Josh Freeman should he win a spot in Tampa, they have the offense around him that he could do big things.

Running Backs

Adrian Peterson - In most leagues, Peterson is the hands down favorite. He excelled as a rookie and avoided a sophomore slump. If Brett Favre does return, he may have a few of his goal-line carries taken away for pass attempts, but it might also lead him to be a better receiver out of the backfield.

Michael Turner - Turner had a great season last year and will try to continue. He may lose a few touches as Matt Ryan picks up confidence, but Atlanta will remain a running team.

Maurice Jones-Drew - The departure of Fred Taylor leaves MJD as the solo back in Jacksonville. If he can carry the load all season, he will be invaluable to fantasy owners.

LaDainian Tomlinson - Though he had a down year last season, that was in large part due to injury. LT will benefit greatly from the Chargers new threat, Darren Sproles.

Clinton Portis - The Redskins have ridden him hard in the last few seasons, but he has responded well. With upgrades to their defense, they may be looking at more time grinding out the clock - meaning more carries for Portis.

Chris Johnson - The lightning fast rookie was a threat to score each time he touched the ball. He loses some carries to LeDale White, but will still find the end zone more than most running backs.

Matt Forte - The Bears running back will probably lose some of his receptions with Jay Cutler in town, but at any rate he is worth drafting if you get a chance.

Steve Slaton - Slaton was actually the top producing rookie last year in a class of rookies that made huge impacts on the league. The major question around him is whether he can hold up for a whole season of being the featured back.

Ronnie Brown - Thanks to the Wildcat formation, Brown had a great season last year. Unfortunately he tailed off late when teams started to key in on him.

Others worth noting: Steven Jackson, DeAngelo Williams, Brian Westbrook, Frank Gore, Marion Barber, and Brandon Jacobs

Potential Sleeper: Knowshon Moreno - It's hard to pick a sleeper at the running back position because they are so heavily watched.

Deep Sleeper: Brandon Jackson - In back up duty last year averaged 5.5 yards per carry. If Grant has another rough start, he might start to sneak in and steal some carries.

Wide Receiver

Larry Fitzgerald - Clearly the top receiver in the league, put up great numbers last year and then exploded in the playoffs.

Randy Moss - Struggled a little last year without Brady throwing his way. He should be able to produce again this year.

Andre Johnson - Quietly has become one of the best receivers in football and the Go-To -Guy for Houston's powerful offense.

Reggie Wayne - Peyton's number one guy will continue to put up big numbers.

Marques Colston - If this guy is healthy, look for Drew Brees to surpass Marino's passing record.

Steve Smith - Smith has been dominant in Carolina for years and will continue to put up some big numbers. However, he may lose a few looks to a successful running game.

Calvin Johnson - If Stafford is half the quarterback the Lions hope he is Johnson moves to number 4 on this list.

Terrell Owens - TO will have a new quarterback to bully. He might be rated too high here, but I think Edwards is going to have a good season.

Roddy White - Matt Ryan's favorite target may lose some looks to Tony Gonzalez, but he should still catch plenty of passes.

Dwayne Bowe - Last year with the Chiefs playing quarterback carousel, he still managed to produce great numbers.

Anquan Boldin - Barring a holdout, he will continue to put up great numbers opposite Fitzgerald.

Others worth noting: Brandon Marshall, TJ Housmandzadeh, Greg Jennings, Wes Welker, Roy Williams, and Santonio Holmes

Potential Sleeper: Anthony Gonzalez - not much of a sleeper as he is probably a top 20 receiver with Manning throwing to him.

Deep Sleeper: Mark Bradley - with Matt Cassel in town and defenses keying on Dwayne Bowe, this guy could rack up some decent numbers.

Tight End

Antonio Gates - The Chargers love to use him as an extra receiver and he sees a lot of goal line looks.

Jason Witten - His relationship with Tony Romo led to TO leaving town (or something like that). He will probably have more TDs than any tight end this season.

Tony Gonzalez - He spent the last few years bailing out bad quarterbacks in Kansas City. In Atlanta, Matt Ryan may find that Tony is a great dump off man.

Dallas Clark - Peyton has thrown to him enough that he is worth picking up. Even after a rough start last year (mostly due to injury) he put up really good numbers down the stretch.

Greg Olsen - With Kyle Orton as quarterback, managed to put up good numbers. With a pro-bowl caliber quarterback like Jay Cutler, he may be putting up even better ones this year.

Others worth mentioning: Chris Cooley, Owen Daniels, Kellen Winslow, Jr.

Potential Sleeper: Dustin Keller - Favre loved him last year. The one young gun who takes over the reins for the Jets may find him very appealing.

Deep Sleeper: Shawn Nelson - Buffalo has some good receivers, but having a check down man is always good when you have a subpar line. Watch for him to get some looks when Edwards is under pressure.

Kickers

Rob Bironas - Bironas has been a solid option for a couple of years now and next year things shouldn't change.

David Akers - The Eagles offense should be very good this year, but McNabb isn't known for his great decision making in the red zone and so Akers could get a lot of clean up duty.

Nate Kaeding - The Chargers have all of their pieces back on offense. Two years ago this made Kaeding one of the leading kickers in the league. This year he could be the best.

Stephen Gostkowski - The Patriots are known for putting up points and even when Brady was hurt last year, Gostkowski was a decent fantasy option.

Mason Crosby - The departure of Brett Favre left a lot of doubt about the offense Crosby would be following. Aaron Rodgers inaugural season shows that he is a top flight threat.

Others worth watching: Ryan Longwell, Nick Folk, Jason Elam, and Robbie Gould

Potential Sleeper: Kris Brown - The Texans offense will be hot this year.

Deep Sleeper: Jeff Reed - As long as he isn't duking it out with Towel Dispensers, he is one of the more accurate kickers and Pittsburg will spend plenty of time in scoring range.

Defense/Special Teams

Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles have a strong defense and a good return game which allows them to edge out the Steelers.

Pittsburg Steelers - The Steelers have the best defense in the league, but their return game could use a little work.

Tennessee Titans - The Titans had a knack for scoring defensive touchdowns last year.

Minnesota Vikings - The Vikings had a good defense and a decent return game.

New York Giants - The Giants have the best defensive line in the league. They generate lots of sacks when healthy.

Chicago Bears - Chicago's defense is down a little bit, as are their special teams, but together they make a solid unit.

Others worth mentioning: Baltimore, San Diego, Miami, New England, and Buffalo

Potential Sleeper: Dallas Cowboys - A solid defense with Felix Jones on the returns equals a bargain.

Deep Sleeper: Houston Texans - The offseason additions solidify their front seven and they have had a decent return game the past couple of seasons as is.

Good luck in your draft and remember, with a little bit of preparation and some smart draft day decisions, you could end up with the best team in your league. Though the draft is one of the biggest days of the season, you will have to keep up with your team and make sure that when all of the guys who are supposed to be great are failing, you find that guy who is supposed to be failing but will do great.