Bradshaw is the faster and more explosive back, while Jacobs hasn’t been the same since a knee injury Week 1 of the 2009 season. Jacobs is supposed to be the battering ram of this tandem. He’s been running very gingerly since the injury though. Coaches, commentators and fantasy sports players have all noticed it.

The pair have talked to the New York media and confirmed that Bradshaw is starting. The last thing I want to talk about is yet another running back by committee situation, but Jacobs is still going to get work. Bradshaw doesn’t have the look of a 25-30 carry a game workhorse. He is the more talented back in the tandem and this officially makes him the guy to target first. Expect Jacobs to vulture a few touchdowns. In the current NFL climate though, I have to give you the same caveat about half the starters in the league.

Related posts:

1. The Running Back Stable Draft Strategy With the decline in the number of lone lead running...
2. C.J. Spiller Staking Claim to Bills’ RB Job Running back by committee situations make fantasy football players weep...
3. NFC East Preview The NFC East will be the most competitive division in...

That leaves either Dennis Dixon or Charlie Batch to start the season in Pittsburgh. That situation is frightening for both Steeler fans and owners of Steeler players. Roethlisberger is eligible to return Oct. 17 against Cleveland. Savvy owners have been drafting Big Ben and stashing him on their bench in anticipation of this.

If you haven’t had your draft yet, Big Ben is a backup you can grab that should put up starter numbers. The Steelers know how bad their current QB options are. They will probably be ecstatic if they can go 2-2 in the four games without their star QB. Despite the questionable decisions he makes off the field, Roethlisberger lifts this team to victories through sheer force of will.

The AFC North is a strong division thanks to the improvements in Cincinnati and Baltimore, so Pittsburgh should be playing from behind to start the season. I’ll take the Super Bowl-winning QB with something to prove and a questionable running game as my fantasy backup, thanks. These aren’t the “ground and pound” Steelers we’ve grown to love. They’re throwing more then they ever have, which is what you want from your fantasy QB.

Related posts:

1. NFL Headed for “Enhanced” Season NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is continuing his push for an...

1. San Diego Chargers

Projected Record: 9-7
Fantasy Sleeper: Legedu Naanee – WR
Cliff Notes: The Chargers may have the easiest schedule in the league, which is the main reason I still see this team over .500 in 2010. Other reasons include Ryan Mathews, Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, Legedu Naanee, and Malcom Floyd. Even without Vincent Jackson, this offense is still at least a Top 15 Offense. Don’t expect the same Chargers that rallied off 13 wins last season, but they are still the team to beat in the AFC West.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

Projected Record: 8-8
Fantasy Sleeper: Matt Cassel – QB
Cliff Notes: The Kansas City Chiefs are going to surprise a lot of people when they double their 2009 win total, by winning 8 games in 2010. As long as the offensive line can improve from last season, Matt Cassel should have plenty of options to make this offense click. If Matt Cassel can learn to get rid of the ball, instead of taking so many sacks, he could become an elite Quarterback. The acquisition of Thomas Jones should make for quite the running back duo when paired with Jamaal Charles. Their favorable schedule makes it hard to imagine this team winning anything less than 7 games.

3. Oakland Raiders

Projected Record: 7-9
Fantasy Sleeper: Darrius Heyward-Bey – WR
Cliff Notes: It’s hard to remember the last winning season the Oakland Raiders had. You have to go all the way back to 2002. However, 2010 should be the start of something good for the Raiders. If they can get 7 wins this year, then look out for them in 2011. The Raiders didn’t draft Darrius Heyward-Bey 7th overall just to have him catch 9 passes a year. I expect the Raiders to make him their goto guy this year.

4. Denver Broncos

Projected Record: 6-10
Fantasy Sleeper: Eric Decker -WR
Cliff Notes: After a ridiculous 6-0 start to last season, the Broncos faded into what they really were, a bad team. They will need more of those lucky breaks if they want to surpass .500 in 2010. A more likely scenario is 6-10 or 7-9. Without Brandon Marshall as their #1 target, Kyle Orton loses some fantasy value, if he had any to begin with. Someone will have to step their game up. Will it be Eddie Royal or the First Round Draft pick out of Georgia Tech, Demaryius Thomas?

Related posts:

1. NFC West Preview: Someone’s Gotta Win it The NFC West combined to win 24 games in 2009,...
2. NFC East Preview The NFC East will be the most competitive division in...
3. NFC South Preview: Tampa Bay Worst to First? If you believe in trends, or miracles, then you have...

This strategy consists of drafting one of the top tier QBs (Rodgers, Brees, Manning, Brady, Romo, Schaub) and only wide receivers for the first 3-5 rounds. Leaving you with your QB and all receiver spots filled and then in the middle rounds draft a stable of RBs, piling up around 5 of the middle tiered running backs knowing that every year that you should have two of those middle tiered guys make the jump to a #1 fantasy back for that year. Some examples of these types of backs would have been guys like Ray Rice, Rashard Mendenhall, Jonathan Stewart, Jamaal Charles, Beanie Wells, and Knowshon Moreno. Guys drafted in rounds 4-9 that could end up being a must start, or close to a must start, every week.

If you have a late 1st round pick and choose to go with this strategy you could end up with a team consisting of something like: Aaron Rodgers, Calvin Johnson, Steve Smith, and Dwayne Bowe as your first 4 picks. It’s hard to be upset with any team that has Dwayne Bowe as the 3rd wide receiver. For the next 5 or so rounds you would fill your roster with running backs giving you 5 picks that could get you: Ronnie Brown, Matt Forte, Arian Foster, Ahmad Bradshaw and CJ Spiller. Giving you 5 solid running backs to pick from, knowing that at least two of them will most likely emerge as every week starters on your team allowing you to play the matchups with your other guys to fill the flex position or fill in on bye weeks. That team looks good on paper and will for sure be competitive in any league.

If you have a late first round pick I highly suggest taking a look at this strategy, as the running backs that will be left after the 5th pick in the first round won’t be as dependable as the running backs of the past. With the emergence of the two-running back systems in the NFL, the days of drafting two running backs the first two rounds are gone and the days of having to draft a running back in the first round looks to be in rear-view mirror as well.

Related posts:

1. The ESPN Auction Draft: A Rookie Strategy ESPN has introduced a new type of fantasy draft called...
2. Sidney Rice May Miss 8 Weeks After Hip Surgery At this rate, Brett Favre may wish he had kept...
3. Rams’ Donnie Avery May Miss 2010 Season Just what the St. Louis Rams needed: more bad news...

1. San Francisco 49ers

Projected Record: 9-7
Fantasy Sleeper: Michael Crabtree -WR
Cliff Notes: The 49ers Defense is a legitimate Top 5 NFL Defense. With that said, they will keep every game close. Alex Smith actually looked like a respectable NFL Quarterback for the last ten weeks of the season last year. With an improved offensive line in 2010, there is no reason he can’t continue that success. Given 16 games to play, Michael Crabtree should put up monster numbers.

2. Arizona Cardinals

Projected Record: 8-8
Fantasy Sleeper: Andre Roberts – WR
Cliff Notes: Losing Warner, Boldin, Dansby, and Rolle will be tough to overcome for the Cardinals. Other than easy schedule, there is no reason to think this team can win more than 8 games. If the Cards win more than eight games, I think it will be a testament to just how bad the rest of the NFC West really is.

3. Seattle Seahakws

Projected Record: 6-10
Fantasy Sleeper: Golden Tate – WR
Cliff Notes: The Seahawks were 2-8 outside of the NFC West last year. Pete Carroll is now running things in Seattle, but that won’t help them in 2010. This is going to be a rebuilding year for Seattle, which should mean plenty of reps for Golden Tate as the #2 receiving target. Target him in your fantasy leagues.

4. St. Louis Rams

Projected Record: 5-11
Fantasy Sleeper: Brandon Gibson – WR
Cliff Notes: The Rams were the only team to go winless at Home in 2009, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The Rams seemed to get pummeled with injuries year after year, at least for the last few years. Although they have already lost #1 Reciever Donnie Avery, you have to think their luck can get a little better in 2010. Sammy Bradford should be exciting to watch, and some recievers have to step up. I expect Brandon Gibson and Mardy Gilyard to do just that.

Related posts:

1. AFC West Preview: San Diego Watch Your Back The AFC West is probably the second worst division in...
2. NFC East Preview The NFC East will be the most competitive division in...
3. NFC South Preview: Tampa Bay Worst to First? If you believe in trends, or miracles, then you have...

It’s a shame, as Avery and new quarterback Sam Bradford looked to be developing some chemistry. Now unheralded Laurent Robinson steps into the top receiver role for the Rams. As the primary target on an NFL team, there are only 31 other people in the world with his job. Thus, he should get snapped up in drafts that are 12 teams or deeper. Obviously, don’t expect huge numbers from him or any Ram not named Steven Jackson.

Jackson always performs well even though he is St. Louis’ only offensive weapon, so he’s still worthy of a first-round pick.

Related posts:

1. Sidney Rice May Miss 8 Weeks After Hip Surgery At this rate, Brett Favre may wish he had kept...
2. NFC West Preview: Someone’s Gotta Win it The NFC West combined to win 24 games in 2009,...

While no official vote has taken place, Goodell wouldn’t be moving forward if he hadn’t already checked to see how many owners’ votes he has. This thing is probably going to happen, in spite of player objections.

What will this mean for fantasy leagues? Most will immediately extend their seasons as well. For my commissioner money, I would wait at least a year to see what kind of play we get out of the extra weeks. The reason most championship games are in Week 16 in because of how many players get rested or don’t finish Week 17 games.

Extending the season by two games does nothing to help the game’s competitive balance, in my opinion. The Cleveland Browns will still be bad in an 18-game campaign. Once you go 1-10, there is no benefit other than pride to winning any of those last few games. Goodell can add as many games as he likes, but scheduling games is not the same as making teams actually try to win them.

Goodell has voiced displeasure with teams resting players in late-season games but still charging regular prices. I haven’t heard what his plan is to combat it, though. I would need to know that before I start getting excited about two more games.

There are positives for fantasy players. First off, more football. Who other than curmudgeons like me is really going to complain about that? Second, the Players Association is going to need some concessions to sign off on this. That is certain to include bigger rosters. More players means more chances to find that fantasy diamond in the rough.

Related posts:

1. Big Ben’s Suspension Lowered to Four Games As expected, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell lowered Pittsburgh  QB Ben...
2. Rams’ Donnie Avery May Miss 2010 Season Just what the St. Louis Rams needed: more bad news...

1. Atlanta Falcons

Projected Record: 10-6
Fantasy Sleeper: Harry Douglas – WR
Cliff Notes: The Falcons struggled with some injuries last year, but still finished a respectable 9-7. I see no reason the Falcons won’t be winning this division in 2010. Michael Turner staying healthy this year will be a key for the Falcons offense. The Falcons lost three of the six games they played without Turner last year, two of those at home and one in OT.

2. Carolina Panthers

Projected Record: 8-8
Fantasy Sleeper: Jimmy Claussen – QB
Cliff Notes: A strong offensive line should pave way to monster seasons for Jonathan Stewart (not Jon Stewart) and DeAngelo Williams. Remember that Jonathan Stewart is in his third season but is still only 23 years old, older than some rookies. I foresee a monster season from Stewart. Strong Offensive Line + Best 1-2 Running Back duo in the NFL + Top 10 Defense = Who Cares about that Quarterback position. If Mandy Moore faulters, Jimmy Claussen may be thrown directly into the fire.

3. New Orleans Saints

Projected Record: 8-8
Fantasy Sleeper: Pierre Thomas – RB
Cliff Notes: Madden Curse, Superbowl Hangover, and Regression to the Mean. I can’t say I’d be surprised if the Saints made the playoffs, but I am not expected it. Pierre Thomas should continue to improve in his 4th season, especially with Mike Bell out of the picture.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Record: 7-9
Fantasy Sleeper: Josh Freeman – QB
Cliff Notes: The Trend below is certainly in the Bucs favor, but the reality is they still only won three games last year. Josh Freeman is young and extremely talented. If his broken thumb is not serious, he could have a huge year in 2010. With the table below, it’s hard not to like Tampa Bay this year.

Year	Last Place	Wins	Next Year	Next Year Wins
2009	Tampa Bay	3	???	???
2008	New Orleans	8	First Place	13
2007	Atlanta	4	Second Place	11
2006	Tampa Bay	4	First Place	9
2005	New Orleans	3	First Place	10
2004	Tampa Bay	5	Tie for First Place (2nd)	11
2003	Atlanta	5	First Place	11
2002	Carolina	7	First Place	11

Related posts:

1. NFC East Preview The NFC East will be the most competitive division in...
2. NFC West Preview: Someone’s Gotta Win it The NFC West combined to win 24 games in 2009,...
3. AFC West Preview: San Diego Watch Your Back The AFC West is probably the second worst division in...

That‘s in addition to the migraine headaches that have kept Percy Harvin, probably the team‘s most talented receiver, off the field. To shore up the wide receiver situation, Minnesota has reunited Favre with former Packer Javon Walker. After the nine-year vet left Green Bay, his career has been in a steady downward spiral.

While playing for the Oakland Raiders, Walker contemplated retirement. In fairness though, playing for the current Raiders has probably made a lot of players contemplate retirement. Other than Adrian Peterson, I am in no hurry to draft any Vikes right now.

Related posts:

1. Harvin’s Health Tips Minnesota’s Fantasy Balance Minnesota’s Percy Harvin shone bright as a rookie in 2009,...
2. Rams’ Donnie Avery May Miss 2010 Season Just what the St. Louis Rams needed: more bad news...
3. NFC North Preview Mr. Wrangler Jeans took the NFC North by storm last...

In 2009, Buffalo frustrated fantasy players with the tantalizing tandem of Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson. Lynch had the track record and the pedigree, but Fred Jackson spent the second half of the season showing he was the better fantasy performer.

Lynch has been the persistent subject of trade rumors but the Bills haven’t gotten rid of him yet. Buffalo made things even more confusing when they made C.J. Spiller the ninth pick in the draft. A week ago I would have suggested you avoid Buffalo’s backfield – and eating fresh eggs. I’ve changed my stance on Buffalo, but you should still mind the plant number on those eggs.

Fred Jackson broke his hand and Lynch sprained his ankle as soon as Buffalo’s preseason began.  A sudden rash of injuries can bring clarity to a running back committee very fast. Spiller got a huge break and made the most of it. In last Thursday’s game against  the Redskins, Spiller had 54 yards on 10 carries. That included a 31-yard run termed “unbelievable” by Bills Coach Chan Gailey. The Bills quickly got their new potential #1 off the field.  The way this preseason has gone injury wise, a Looney Tunes-style anvil might have fallen on Spiller.

Jackson is likely to miss the start of the season. Lynch may be back in the mix, but Spiller is showing the explosiveness that made him such a high pick. The fantasy gods are speaking to the Bills, and those players looking for a potential draft steal. With Buffalo’s injury woes, the team has no choice but to give Spiller carries.

Spiller has already played himself into at least a timeshare with Lynch. As soon as Jackson’s healthy, the team and Lynch will probably continue working on a trade that will be beneficial for both parties. Keep monitoring that situation, because a happy Lynch could produce after a change of scenery.  He could be 2010-11’s Cedric Benson, who looked lost with the Bears but blossomed into a fantasy star in Cincinnati.

Besides his rookie status, the biggest knock against Spiller is that he can’t carry it 30 times a game. So don’t draft him expecting he’ll be the workhorse.  He is worth a mid-round pick if you need help at the running back position. Particularly in dynasty/keeper format, Spiller is a hot prospect. Even in redraft leagues, I like his upside and would take him before aging veterans such as Clinton Portis and LaDainian Tomlinson.

Related posts:

1. Rams’ Donnie Avery May Miss 2010 Season Just what the St. Louis Rams needed: more bad news...
2. The Running Back Stable Draft Strategy With the decline in the number of lone lead running...
3. Bradshaw Named Giants Starting Running Back One of the worst-kept secrets in football was Brandon Jacobs...