2008 Preseason Fantasy Football Team Previews: Green Bay Packers

NFC North (Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings)


Green Bay Packers Fantasy Preview:

Are any other fantasy football owners as sick of Brett Favre as I am? I mean, I loved watching the guys play as much as anyone, but come on! He's been holding this franchise hostage for years now. This has gotten real old real fast. Just release the guy already and let's move on!

(ok. My Favre rant is over. Please, Mr. Goddell, make the Pack trade this guy! Back to the preview)

This team was extremely young last year at many of the skill positions, and somehow it all came together. So much so, that this team was disappointed it missed the Super Bowl game (now that's coming together!). So many things went right for this team last year. Start with a bounce back season from the afore mentioned Brett Favre (who I'd just as soon stop mentioning in relation to this team!), add surprising performances from both WR Greg Jennings (920 yards, 12tds) and RB Ryan Grant (1100+ total yards, 8 tds), and top it off with a stellar defensive showing, and you had the making of a Super Bowl contender.

Then the Brett Favre Show started again. Will he or won't he? Again. Yawn.

Now, (I just can't see any way Favre is under center for this team this year or ever again) Aaron Rodgers is the man. He still has some great offensive weapons in Jennings and WR James Jones, as well as the sure-handed but aging WR Donald Driver. Grant returns to build off his amazing season last year, and this offense is once again primed to be a good one. The major question mark will be how well will Rodgers fill the enormous shoes of Brett Favre? This team will only go as far as Rodgers takes them, and it could be a true boom or bust season for Rodgers in his first chance to lead this team. Expect Rodgers to be hot and cold this season and probably best suited to be a #2 QB as opposed to your #1.

This defensive unit was pretty stout last season, and seems to be coming on as one of the better units in the league, having given up only 18.2 points per game last year. They have a strong secondary with CB Charles Woodson and CB Al Harris returning, and they have DE Aaron Kampman putting pressure on the quarterback up front along with LBs AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett. This defense should again be worthy of a draft pick and starting position in a 12 team or larger league.

Green Bay drafted WR Jordy Nelson and QB Brian Brohm in the second round. Neither should see extended playing time this season. Neither will 3rd round pick TE Jeremichael Finley. Don't look for any standout rookies from the Pack this year.


Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Ryan Grant, RB

I can see this team throwing the ball a little less and running a little more to give Rodgers a chance to get comfortable being the new team leader. That directly benefits Ryan Grant, who should easily top 1000 yards this year and could come close to double digit touchdowns. He's being drafted pretty highly so far this year, but he's one of the few RBs left out there that isn't in a RBBC. If Grant is your #1 RB, you'll probably be in good shape. If he's your #2 (and he stays healthy), you're probably in great shape to make the playoffs.

Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Greg Jennings, WR

Jennings scored 12 tds last season with Brett Favre throwing him the football. He really came on the scene with a bang, but I just can't see him getting the same amount of production with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. I see the ceiling for Jennings this year at around 1000 yards and 7 tds, which would still be a pretty good season for a WR, but not what owners who saw him last year will expect. Temper your expectations when drafting Jennings this year. . . he's bound to have a drop-off.

Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Brett Favre, QB ?

I know. I'm being a hypocrite. I want the saga over and I wish they'd release him already. However, how can you bet against Favre coming back with another team (Minnesota, maybe?) for one last hurrah? Favre will be a draft afterthought, and if you can snag him late in your draft, it might pay huge dividends. That is, if he actually gets his release. Just about everyone else on the team should be drafted just about where they belong, but Favre has the chance to really outshine whatever draft position he is currently getting. If you can snag him late and stash him, it is highly advised.

Next Up: Detroit Lions

2008 Preseason Fantasy Football Team Previews: Atlanta Falcons

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


Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Preview:

Last season the Falcons were a fantasy football nightmare. They were bad on offense. They were bad on defense. Their quarterbacking was suspect at best, thanks to the incarceration of Michael Vick. Their offensive line was offensive. Their coach quit. Just terrible. If there was one bright spot, it was the emergence of Roddy White at receiver. A new GM showed the door to many of the holdover "stars" on the team: RB Warrick Dunn, QB Byron Leftwich, TE Alge Crumpler and CB DeAngelo Hall . . . all gone. Brought in to change the direction of the team were RB Michael Turner (San Diego), K Jason Elam (Denver) and #3 overall draft pick QB Matt Ryan (Boston College). Only time will tell if or when these guys can turn the fortunes of the franchise around. There are a LOT of questions surrounding this team . . . again. Can Matt Ryan or holdover Chris Redman carry this team this season, and take advantage of another potential breakout season by talented WR Roddy White? Can Michael Turner shoulder the load and be effective behind that offensive line? Will they ever get Jerious Norwood the ball more? Can they replace Crumpler's production at TE? Will the defense stop anyone? You might want to temper your expectations from this team with all these questions yet to be answered.

Once again, the defense wasn't very good. Chances are, it won't be very good again this season, and could spend a LOT of time on the field. Stay away.

Matt Ryan was drafted #3 overall to be the new offensive savior of this franchise. It remains to be seen if he can, in fact, make everyone in Atlanta forget about the Mike Vick era. He has some skills, but I wasn't too impressed with him in college, and wouldn't be surprised if Chris Redman takes the majority of the snaps this year. Still, Ryan could turn into a good dynasty choice. Unfortunately, I don't see him as more than a bye week fill-in this year.


Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Michael Turner, RB

I'm sold. Even though he's an obvious choice, he's also the safest choice given the state of the offense and the commitment that was made to him. Turner has the size and speed to be a great #2 RB, and should be the focal point of the offense. There will again be struggles at QB, but hopefully there will be enough decent play to keep defenses from keying on Turner. WR Roddy White should help keep teams honest, and Turner should have a breakout fantasy season in his first opportunity to be a feature back. Grab him in Round 3 or 4, and you'll be happy you did.

Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Matt Ryan, QB

Can anyone be a disappointment on a team that no one expects anything from? Maybe not, but I think some people will over value Ryan because he was a high draft pick. Most rookie QBs struggle coming out of the gate, and Ryan should be no different. Temper your expectations greatly for this guy, who sort of reminds me of David Carr coming out of college.

Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Chris Redman, QB

I know Matt Ryan was a high draft pick. I know a lot of money was invested in him. I also know that throwing QBs to the wolves isn't the best way to get a good return on your investment. In a perfect situation, Chris Redman would play most of the season and give Ryan a chance to learn the ropes before he starts running for his life. Redman did a decent job of getting the ball to Roddy White last year, and with a decent running game to fall back on, could surprise this year. He could be a good backup QB this year, and may even have a few surprisingly good games. He'll be dirt cheap in any draft.

Up Next: Carolina Panthers

2008 Preseason Fantasy Football Team Previews: Arizona Cardinals

NFC West (Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals)

Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Preview:

The biggest fantasy football question hanging over this team in 2008 is: who will be the starting quarter back? Matt Leinart has been good in spots and dreadful in others, and after bowing out last year with another injury, Kurt Warner stepped in and ignited the offense. There are rumblings that even though Leinart is doing and saying all the right things to get ready to begin the season as the starter, the coaching staff may not think he's best suited for the job. That battle will play itself out in training camp, but it was obvious to most that Warner ran the offense better than Leinart did. If Leinart doesn't make a huge leap forward this year, he may be looking for a job elsewhere soon. Stud duo WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin should once again be electric on the field, and if the offensive line can ever come together, it could be a good season for Edgerrin James. However, offensive line issues have been in Arizona for a while now, so banking on a great season from Edge is dicey. Tight end Leonard Pope started showing his promise last year, and should continue to improve.

The defense returns standout linebacker Karlos Dansby, defensive end Bertrand Berry, cornerback Antrel Rolle, but lost linebacker Calvin Pace to the NY Jets. I don't see much that stands out about this defense that was middle-of-the-road last year at best. They may be decent fill-ins or waiver wire material, but I don't see them improving much from last year.

The Cardinals picked up corner back Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the first round this year, and he has the skills to help this defense sooner than later, as does DE Calais Campbell (2nd rd). WR Early Doucet (3rd rd) is an intriguing prospect, but this year will be no better than Bryant Johnson's replacement as a #3 receiver. Leave him on the waiver wire.


Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Leonard Pope, TE

At 6'8", Pope is a huge red zone target, and he really came in his sophomore season last year. If this team finds itself throwing the ball as much as usual, or if injuries again creep into the wide receiving corps, Pope could find himself with another strong year. Remember, its much easier to find your tight end (esp. when he's 6'8") for dump offs when you're running for your life behind a sieve of an offensive line. Pope won't cost you much at all in drafts, and if you don't draft a TE until the later rounds, he's a good choice.

Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Edgerrin James, RB

It would be easy to pick Matt Leinart, but don't forget about a declining Edgerrin James. The offensive line (and more times than not, it was truly offensive!) and age are catching up with James, and he doesn't hit the hole like he did in Indy. His draft value won't be what it was last year, but neither will his production. Buyer beware!

Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Kurt Warner, QB

Warner has shown he knows how to move this offense, and how to utilize both Fitzgerald and Boldin well. If Leinart doesn't get his act together quickly, his short leash will be pulled and Warner should once again excel under center. He is a great late round gamble.

Next Up: Atlanta Falcons

2008 Preseason Fantasy Football Team Previews: St. Louis Rams

NFC West (Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals)

St. Louis Rams Fantasy Preview:

Remember when these guys were the "Greatest Show On Turf"? I know. Think harder. This team used to be such a boon for fantasy football talent, but that isn't necessarily the case anymore. Age started catching up to this team, and free agency, coaching turn over (where is Mike Martz when you need him?) and injuries have taken its toll on this team. Still, there is some hope. Stephen Jackson is still a top 5 running back in any format, and as long as he's around, there is hope. Let's just hope he stays healthy. If he does, he will be worthy of a high first round draft pick. Gone are Jeff Wilkins (retired) and Issac Bruce (released, now with the San Francisco 49ers). Marc Bulger SHOULD be ready to go after injuries forced him to miss time last year, and he will still have stud (though aging) wide receiver Torry Holt to throw to, as well as Randy McMichael at tight end, who should get more offensive attention this year. Drew Bennett has been promoted to #2 WR, so it remains to be seen if he is capable of filling Bruce's shoes. Newly acquired kicker Josh Brown should at least come close to his numbers from last year.

This defense spent much too much time on the field last year, but still has a few impact players in ILB Will Witherspoon, DE Leonard Little, and S Corey Chavous. The drafting of #2 overall pick Chris Long can only help, but this is a defense to leave on the waiver wire.

As mentioned above, DE Chris Long should have an immediate impact on the defense, but that may take a while to translate into strong IDP numbers or team defensive numbers. WR Donny Avery (2nd rd) is a small speedy receiver and seems destined for the slot. Neither is a good draft candidate this year.


Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Drew Bennett, WR

Its time for Bennett to put up or shut up. He has all the tools to make an impact on this team, and he has the confidence of the coaching staff (which is why they let Issac Bruce walk). Torry Holt is on the decline, and this offense desperately needs another receiver to return to the balance it once had and spread the field more for Stephen Jackson. I say this is the year he puts it all together and has a fantasy worthy performance.


Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Brian Leonard, RB

A lot of people were high on Leonard coming out of college, and with good reason: he's a versatile runner who can do a lot of things with the ball in his hands. He was a good handcuff to Jackson last year, and made the most of his opportunities to start. Unfortunately, that role now belongs to Antonio Pittman, and Leonard will be relegated to mostly blocking duties. If you're looking to draft a handcuff for Jackson, don't make the mistake of taking Leonard.

Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Marc Bulger, QB

Marc Bulger was having a great season before he was derailed by injuries last year. If Drew Bennett & Randy McMichael can pick up some offensive slack (and if Stephen Jackson stays healthy), Bulger should once again be a top producer. He should slide down draft boards based on his production last year, and is a good later round gamble to take with lots of upside.


Next Up: Arizona Cardinals