2008 Preseason Fantasy Football Team Previews: New Orleans Saints

NFC South (Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)


New Orleans Saints Fantasy Preview:

After a magical "return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina" season in 2006, 2007 left fantasy football players who relied on the Saints feeling not so holy. When Deuce McAllister went down, Reggie Bush was exposed as someone who couldn't carry the load. Marques Colston didn't get going until later in the year. Drew Brees still had a banner year, but it didn't translate into wins on the football field. However, this team returns enough fire power to be a good fantasy producer in 2008. If McAllister can return to form, he will take pressure off Reggie Bush and allow Bush to be the effective lightning threat this team needs. They also need to get improved seasons from WR David Patten and TE Eric Johnson. In the weak NFC South, it shouldn't take much for the Saints to get back on track and have another run to the playoffs while putting up a ton of points in coach Sean Payton's offense. From a fantasy perspective, this should be a team that produces some good prospects for your team.

Defense was not a strong point for the Saints last year (or the year before). Even when this offense was scoring tons of points, the defense couldn't consistently stop anyone. There was a heavy emphasis placed on defense in the draft this year, and the team acquired standout linebacker Jonathan Vilma from the NY Jets. However, until this unit actually shows us something consistently, they are better left on the waiver wire.

DT Sedrick Ellis and CB Tracy Porter were this team's 1st and 2nd round draft picks respectively. Neither player will make a significant fantasy impact for your squad this year. However, look for a splash from 2nd year WR Robert Meachem, who missed all of last year with injury and who has looked really good so far this offseason.


Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Robert Meachem, WR

The 2nd year WR out of Tennessee had high promise coming into the season last year, but a knee injury derailed his rookie year completely. He has been getting high praise from both the coaching staff and QB Drew Brees this offseason, and he appears to have learned enough to make a contribution this year. He may not be quite ready for prime time, but could produce enough to become a good complement to Marques Colston and a decent #3 WR for your fantasy team.

Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Reggie Bush, RB

Reggie Bush has a lot of speed and skill, but I'm just not sure he has what it takes to really be a star in the league. He has been largely underwhelming since joining the league, and proved last year that he can't carry the load by himself. If Deuce McAllister can't return to form from injury, Bush will once again be exposed as someone who is a spot player at best. He should still produce good numbers and be a decent higher round draft pick, but temper your expectations and try to take him after round 4 or 5, or you'll probably regret it.

Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Drew Brees, QB

Even with Marques Colston starting off the season slowly, and losing both WR Robert Meachem and RB Deuce McAllister, Brees had a career season last year, and should only get better in 2008. His numbers should land him in or very near the top 5 overall fantasy QBs next year, and his draft value will be much better than that of QBs such as Tony Romo, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. If you can snag Brees in rounds 3-5, you should be in a position to build a championship team with great picks at RB or WR in the earlier rounds.

Up Next: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2008 Preseason Fantasy Football Team Previews: Carolina Panthers

NFC South (Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Carolina Panthers Fantasy Preview:

Last season was a fantasy football season to forget for the Panthers. What started out as such as promising season for WR Steve Smith and QB Jake Delhomme quickly turned to disappointment once Delhomme went down. After that, Steve Smith disappeared, and pretty much took everyone else with him. With David Carr, Vinny Testaverde, and undrafted rookie Matt Moore under center, things didn't go as planned for the Panthers for the rest of the season. Injuries shut down a pretty promising defense, and overall, left the season a huge disappointment. Gone are defensive stalwarts DE Mike Rucker, LB Dan Morgan, & DT Kris Jenkins. Gone are offensive contributors RB DeShaun Foster, QBs David Carr and Vinny Testaverde, and WRs Keary Colbert and Drew Carter. The team invested heavily in RB Jonathan Stewart (1st rd, 13 overall), and brought back WR Mushin Muhammad (who had arguably his most fantasy relevant years in Carolina). They brought in WR DJ Hackett from Seattle and RB LaBrandon Toefield from Jacksonville to add offensive depth. However, none of these things will make much of a difference without a healthy Jake Delhomme. If he remains healthy, this team will make another run for the playoffs and many of these guys will again be fantasy relevant. If not, it will be another long year for the Panthers. Look for the former, and for a bounce back season for all-star WR Steve Smith.

There is no question that injuries and a stagnant offense destroyed this defense last year, which is a shame when you consider what they have been over the last few years. They lost a few big names, but the pieces are still there for this to be a good fantasy defense. Julius Peppers should have a much better year this year, and I expect this defense to at least be fantasy relevant. Should you draft them? That remains to be seen. Just keep them on the radar.

There was only 1 draft pick that fantasy owners will care about this year: RB Jonathan Stewart. At 5'11" and 235 lbs, Stewart is the big bruising back this team has missed since Stephen Davis, and his skills (1700+ yards & 11 TDs his senior season at Oregon) should translate into nice fantasy production on this team next year. 1200 yards and 8TDs are not out of reach for Stewart, even in a time share with DeAngelo Williams, and he should make an good #2 RB as a rookie.

Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Jake Delhomme, QB

Not much of a surprise here. When Jake Delhomme went down last year, this team was done. It was Jake that almost single-handedly won this team a Super Bowl in 2004, and his absence was the reason for this team's dreadful performance on the field last season. If Delhomme returns for a full season, this team will thrive. Delhomme was on the verge of a great season last year before injury, and if he picks up where he left off, he will put up #1 QB numbers. You should be able to grab him in the mid to late rounds of your draft as a #2, or as a low end #1 if you wait too long to grab a starting QB. He shouldn't disappoint in 2008.

Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: DeAngelo Williams, RB

Williams just can't seem to catch a break. There was talk of him getting more carries last season when DeShaun Foster didn't seem very effective, but that never really materialized. Now, going into the off season, he seems as if he'd get a chance to be a feature back, but the team drafts Jonathan Stewart to handle the load. He may have speed to burn, but he won't get the opportunities to make the most of it. He is oozing with potential, but unless Stewart goes down, he'll have to settle once again for being a change of pace guy. If he rushes for more than 5 TDs this year, he should consider himself extremely fortunate.

Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Steve Smith, WR

Steve Smith started the season on fire last year, catching 16 passes for 281 yards and 4 TDs. Unfortunately, once Jake Delhomme left, so did his production. As a result, he probably left a bad taste in the mouths of many fantasy owners, which will push his draft value down. However, with Delhomme back under center, and with DJ Hackett and Mushin Muhammad helping take defensive pressure away from him, Smith should again have top 3 WR numbers, and will be a steal if drafted in the 3rd round or later. There's a reason he was being discussed last year as the best WR in the game. Don't forget that on draft day.

Up Next: New Orleans Saints

What Rookies Should I Consider In My 2008 Fantasy Football Draft?

The NFL Draft has just concluded. Lots of analysts take time out at this time of the year (usually because other than the Arena League, there just isn't any football to talk about!) to give grades to each team based on their drafts. However, for us fantasy enthusiasts, we really don't care about how well each team drafted. We want to know what's important: who can help me win my fantasy football league championship next year?

Therefore, I've gone through all the draft picks, team-by-team, to bring you the draft worthy players for next year. If you're a serious fantasy football player, you probably won't be drafting any defenses too early, nor will you be taking any tight ends too early, so I won't focus on either of those. Below are a list of the noteworthy offensive skill players who were drafted who could have an impact on your quest for a championship next season.

Grades:
A - This is a player that should DEFINITELY be drafted in every fantasy league
B - This is a potential late round gamble or early season free agent pickup
C - This is a player who should make his way onto a fantasy roster before season's end

If I don't list 'em, you shouldn't consider 'em. There's always the chance that we'll see some late round draft choice or free agent player come out of nowhere in training camp or get an opportunity due to injury, but for my money, these are the players who should be relevant next year. (listed in alphabetical order)

Quarterbacks (remember, guys: these are 1st year QBs, so don't expect much):

1. Erik Ainge (NY Jets): 6'6", 225. Coming out of Tennessee, Ainge has great size and skills, and received excellent coaching. He also lands in a city that really doesn't have a true established #1 QB. Ainge could emerge as the best of the Jets' bunch before the end of the season. Grade: C+
2. John David Booty (Minnesota): 6'3", 213. Booty (gotta love the name) was simply a winner, although you might argue that he was surrounded with the best talent in the game over his college career. He heads to Minnesota where the incumbent (Tavarius Jackson) is not only incompetent, but injury prone. Great opportunity here that could shake out early in the season if Booty is a quick learner. Grade: C+
3. Brian Brohm (Green Bay): 6'3", 227. Brohm was rated as the #1 can't miss QB prospect before last season, then it all came crumbling down. He didn't play the best against top competition, but this guy has size and skills. If Aaron Rogers doesn't do his best Brett Favre impersonation, Brohm could be waiting in the wings before season's end to take his place. Grade: C
4. Joe Flacco (Baltimore): 6'7", 236. Tallest QB in the group, and though he went to a small school (Delaware), the guy can flat out play. Not the most athletic QB, but how athletic does he have to be to beat out Kyle Boller? Exactly. This battle may not last past training camp, as the Ravens are going no where this season and have little to lose. Grade: C+
5. Chad Henne (Miami): 6'2", 225. This is a Parcels pick. A smart guy with good skills who can manage a game. Great arm, which is good because he'll need to be getting rid of the ball quickly in Miami. Great chance that he'll be under center before year's end, but who knows how good he can be on this team next year. Might be worth a late season spot start. Grade: C
6. Matt Ryan (Atlanta): 6'5", 224. I watched this guy play at BC, and just wasn't too impressed. Looks like he could be the next David Carr to me. However, he'll get the chance to prove he belongs in the league while exorcising the ghosts of Michael Vick in Atlanta. Too bad he doesn't have much of a line or receiving core to throw to. He may get the most snaps next year under center of all the guys listed here, so if you're looking for quantity, he's your guy. As for quality . . . don't expect much. Should be decent at best. Grade: C+

Running Backs (uh oh . . . more platoons are on the way!):

1. Matt Forte (Chicago): 6'2", 222. Thanks, Mr. Benson. We hardly knew you. Matt Forte was built to play in Chicago, and Benson will have a tough time keeping him off the field next year. Smart money is on Forte at least forcing a platoon before mid-season, and possibly taking Benson's job for good before the end of the year. Grade: B+
2. Chris Johnson (Tennessee): 5'11", 197. Johnson will now form the ultimate "thunder and lightning" backfield with LenDale White in Tennessee. Johnson has speed to burn, and should get a chance to be a legit home-run threat in the Titans backfield. Grade: C
3. Felix Jones (Dallas): 6'0", 200. Jones is the perfect compliment to Marion Barber in the Cowboys backfield. He had a tremendous yards per carry average in college, and is lightning quick in the open field. He'll spell Barber for at least 10-12 carries a game, and should have some exciting fantasy games this year. Grade: B+
4. Darren McFadden (Oakland): 6'2", 210. Is there any doubt that this guy won't produce this year? He has only Justin Fargas to beat out (sorry Lamont Jordon, but your time in Oaktown is done), and he's a high 1st round pick. He is being compared to Adrian Peterson in terms of skill level, and should not disappoint next year. Grade: A+
5. Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh): 5'11", 210. Move over, Fast Willie! Here comes another running back split! With Parker nursing injuries over the offseason, he may find himself looking at the supporting role instead of the lead when he returns. Many rated Mendenhall as the best of the draft, and he has the talent and the opportunity to make an impact next year in Pittsburgh. Grade: A
6. Ray Rice (Baltimore): 5'8", 199. If you saw any Scarlet Knight games, you'd know that this guy can flat out play. Willis McGahee is always just an injury away from giving this kid a huge opportunity, and he, too, may turn this backfield into yet another committee. Should see at least 10-12 carries a game as a change of pace, and could become fantasy worthy later in the year. Grade: C+
7. Steve Slaton (Houston): 5'9", 197. Who knows how much better that OL will be in Houston, but someone has to emerge in that backfield, so Slaton will get his chance. He's too small to be an every down back, but should get his chances before the season is over. Grade: C-
8. Kevin Smith (Detroit): 6'1", 217. Perfect situation for Kevin Smith, where the offensive will become more traditional with the absence of Mike Martz, and no real competition, since Tatum Bell has proven he's more of a change of pace guy. Not sure about that sieve of an OL, but Smith could surprise next year. Grade: B+
9. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina): 5'11", 235. This guy is a load, and is perfect for what Carolina wants to do: pound the football. Just when you thought (again) that DeAngelo Williams would be fantasy relevant, you get yet another running back committee. Expect Stewart to get the bulk of the carries and be a serviceable #2 back next year in this offense that has to be better with a healthy Delhomme back. Grade: A
10. These guys are only fantasy worthy next year as handcuffs to your studs: Jamal Charles (Kansas City - Larry Johnson), Tashard Choice (Dallas - Marion Barber), Marcus Thomas (San Diego - LaDainian Tomlinson), & Mike Hart (Indianapolis - Joseph Addai) Grades: C

Wide Receivers (like with 1st year QBs, temper your expectations with this class . . . greatly!):

1. Earl Bennett (Chicago): 6'0", 209. The sure-handed former Commadore landed in a great position in Chi-town, where they are desperate for guys who can catch the ball. Great opportunity for fantasy production here (for a 1st year receiver, that is). Grade: C+
2. Early Doucet (Arizona): 6'0", 212. Doucet flashed big-time skills at LSU, and should get at least limited opportunities to make Leinert or Warner look good. Grade: C-
3. DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia): 6'0", 178. Mind you, Jackson HIMSELF said he is UP TO 178 pounds! Everyone knows that for some reason, receivers go to Philadelphia to die, but Jackson is a burner, and if he can just avoid getting hit, he might be able to excel in the slot. He doesn't have much competition ahead of him, so he might produce next year. Grade: C-
4. Malcolm Kelly (Washington): 6'4", 218. Big, talented guy with issues, which is why he fell to the 2nd round. He has a great opportunity in Washington to stand out where they desperately need a receiver, and has the size to be a great red-zone threat. Toss up between he and Devin Thomas as to who the best receiver with the best opportunity might be next year. Grade: B+
5. Mario Manningham (NY Giants): 6'0", 181. Another skilled guy with issues, which also caused his stock to drop on draft day. If he gets his head on right, he could excel opposite Plaxico Burress in NY. Grade: C
6. Limas Sweed (Pittsburgh): 6'4, 212. Love this guy (Hook 'em Horns!). He has size, speed, and great hands. Doesn't always have the best concentration, and time will tell what sort of chemistry he develops with Roethlisberger, but he could end up being the best out of this class. Just not next year. Grade: B-
7. Devin Thomas (Washington): 6'2", 215. Another big, productive guy out of Michigan. #1 rated receiver in the draft, and he has a great opportunity to produce in Washington (with Kelly). One of these guys may break out next year in a big way for a 1st year receiver (just not sure which). Grade: B

Man, is it time for training camps yet? Make sure you watch how these guys perform in training camp, as some of them will either win or lose positions outright and make your draft decisions a lot easier.

See you in the winner's circle.

EJ